Book it. Buy it. BELIEVE it! - TR is started! link posted 8/11

[eandesmom]

sweet...

I just knew you picked Dec as your use yr! That was sort of what we did when we bought, we purchased in April but got to choose Feb as our use year and had 1 full yr of banked before the trip

love the Treehouse choice...so fun!

Nothing actually banked as the use year just started (Dec 2011). It would have been nice to have 2010 points banked and possibly could have gotten that if I'd have bought in Nov but who knows. It still allows for the use of all 3 years though, so it worked for us.

I can't wait to stay in a treehouse!

I think I only deserve two credits because the SSR I definitely knew and the THV I deduced from your prior desires for a THV stay. The use year - totally a guess. Went right through the collander.

My use year is actually March. It works!

Ok, apparently my brain is a sieve as well!

It's officially a 4 way tie then.

My use year is March too MEK I didn't submit any answers because I didn't know what the questions were or what is going on Did you even get to the part where you booked a resort yet? Or is this for a cruise? Yes that's right it's for Kendall's 16th. I think MEK and I are suffering from the same problem. Must be something on the East coast

I have not gotten to the part where I booked a resort yet, although that is the next update! Not using points for the cruise.

Would love to stay in a Treehouse someday....as you said life is too short not too! I LOVE the bathroom....stones or something in the shower? I think it would be great fun with a group of people. One of my non DVC friends from here stayed in one I think last year and loved it!

Tracy

I love the entire design of the Treehouse, I can't wait to stay there! I'm a bit obsessed at the moment with the concept a 4th of July trip in 2013, and having a big family bbq there...ribs and the whole 9 yards for dinner!

But...in the July heat I don't think I want more than 5 nights there and then would move to somewhere more resorty for the rest. All very theoretical at the moment and since that conceptual trip involves herding 14-25 or so cats with agendas and conflicts of their own...who knows how it will really play out!

 

[eandesmom]

It will definitely be interesting to see it all unfold. I emailed my guide today to ask about GF. He said no word yet, but it will probably be awhile. And he sent me the current pricing/incentives for Aulani add-ons. I'm on the fence about that. I'd actually prefer to add on at GCV, but they're sold out.

Hawaii seems pretty tough for the east coast market. It is something I am considering but the reality is every time I've checked for dates that might work for us, no issues at 7 or less months. As we are (relatively) close, with a ton of flight options, we would have a lot of flexibility. I'd never go during Easter or Xmas anyway so I'm not sure I'd need the home resort advantage at all. So, we'll see. If there was a great incentive...maybe.

 

[KatMark]

I REALLY hate when real life gets in the way of my DIS time. First work, then the excitement around our house with the news from our son.

CONGRATULATIONS on your DVC purchase. That is so awesome and will be perfect for you guys.

 

[eandesmom]

I REALLY hate when real life gets in the way of my DIS time. First work, then the excitement around our house with the news from our son.

The first one is a bummer, second one,, not so much!!!!!!!!!!!

CONGRATULATIONS on your DVC purchase. That is so awesome and will be perfect for you guys.

Thanks Kathy! We are pretty excited about it.

 

[MEK]

My use year is March too MEK I didn't submit any answers because I didn't know what the questions were or what is going on Did you even get to the part where you booked a resort yet? Or is this for a cruise? Yes that's right it's for Kendall's 16th. I think MEK and I are suffering from the same problem. Must be something on the East coast

Tracy, you crack me UP!

I don't think she got to the resort picking yet! Hopefully she will tell us soon and there wont be pie charts involved!

 

[MAGICFOR2]

Welcome Home! I am a little biased with SSR, because we own there. I think it will grow on you! Congrats on your negotiation skills with Jeff - although it seems you laid the groundwork well in advance! When we bought, I remember thinking we would just buy because that's what they were selling, and then would probably stay at the other resorts. Well, I always book SSR at the 11 mo window, and when 7 mos. comes around and it's time to switch to another resort, the points just don't work out the same, so I stick with SSR.

I first thought Aulani because you recently visited Hawaii, then BLT because it is on the monorail and hip and retro, but then I remembered the Treehouse. It is interesting that you think alot like I do. I just don't know how to do a pie chart!

I actually booked a vacation for our boys at the ages of yours at Out-N-About Treehouses here in Oregon - Amazing time - very interesting to say the least, but what better vacation to take two boys to than a treehouse vacation!

We have 150 points, and are planning to get another 150 in the next few years so we can leave one to each boy. My thinking on the use year was Aug, because you have the points until the end of the following July so that encompasses the school Summer vacation, but December makes sense too.

We may actually be neighbors in 2013! We are going with our kids either toward the end of June, or over the 4th! We are banking and borrowing 3 yrs worth of points. My oldest DS would like to stay in the treehouse, but of course it used to be 3 bdrms for the points of two, but they've changed that for 2013. I'm a little worried that the THV will be a little small for all 10 of us - 6 adults and 4 kiddos. With bunks in the 3rd bedroom, I can see that adults will be sleeping in the LR and sometimes too much closeness can cause drama - so I think we are going to use that 3rd year of points and get a 2 bdrm and a studio in the main resort, probably the refurbished Paddock area.

Why SSR grew quickly on me - 1. Close to DTD - it is nice to be able to stroll over for shopping and restaurants, as well as catching busses to anywhere there!

2. The play areas - we have been requesting Grandstand - the smaller, quieter pool with the Pool Bar has been so nice - the hobby horse giant squirt guns were so fun for my Niece and Nephew!!! We are looking forward to the new pool area and slide and SNACK BAR AND POOL BAR at Paddock!

3. The Quiet - understated elegance. I like being able to get away from the craziness of the parks at the end of the day and just breathe, without being overwhelmed in the Disney themes. It is still there, just subtle.

I will keep you posted on what we actually decide to do!

 

[MEK]

Why SSR grew quickly on me - 1. Close to DTD - it is nice to be able to stroll over for shopping and restaurants, as well as catching busses to anywhere there!

2. The play areas - we have been requesting Grandstand - the smaller, quieter pool with the Pool Bar has been so nice - the hobby horse giant squirt guns were so fun for my Niece and Nephew!!! We are looking forward to the new pool area and slide and SNACK BAR AND POOL BAR at Paddock!

3. The Quiet - understated elegance. I like being able to get away from the craziness of the parks at the end of the day and just breathe, without being overwhelmed in the Disney themes. It is still there, just subtle.

I will keep you posted on what we actually decide to do!

I completely agree with this. SSR was my first DVC stay (rented points from a friend) and I knew it was a great place for us. We usually have a car, so the outside entrances and close parking made sense. I love running in the morning, so the expanse of the resort and the lovely paths made sense.
I love the pool area the sits across from DTD. It's such a pretty view. The whole resort just screams relaxation.

The other thing that struck me about SSR is that it would be a great home base for any Orlando trip. For example, if you wanted to tour other areas of central Florida, its perfect.

Staying in a treehouse for 5 nights this summer! Can't wait!

 

[rentayenta]

I missed a quiz and I'm slushie icon less. I need to get my act together.

 

[eandesmom]

Tracy, you crack me UP!

I don't think she got to the resort picking yet! Hopefully she will tell us soon and there wont be pie charts involved!

No pie charts, I promise! First DVC reservation coming up next!

Welcome Home! I am a little biased with SSR, because we own there. I think it will grow on you! Congrats on your negotiation skills with Jeff - although it seems you laid the groundwork well in advance! When we bought, I remember thinking we would just buy because that's what they were selling, and then would probably stay at the other resorts. Well, I always book SSR at the 11 mo window, and when 7 mos. comes around and it's time to switch to another resort, the points just don't work out the same, so I stick with SSR.

Interesting! SSR doesn't seem to really fill up, outside of the treehouses, does it? I wouldn't think you'd need to do the 11 month unless it was maybe on a holiday? Yeah, there wasn't much negotiation involved.

I first thought Aulani because you recently visited Hawaii, then BLT because it is on the monorail and hip and retro, but then I remembered the Treehouse. It is interesting that you think alot like I do. I just don't know how to do a pie chart!

I actually booked a vacation for our boys at the ages of yours at Out-N-About Treehouses here in Oregon - Amazing time - very interesting to say the least, but what better vacation to take two boys to than a treehouse vacation!

Are those still around? I've never heard of them!

We have 150 points, and are planning to get another 150 in the next few years so we can leave one to each boy. My thinking on the use year was Aug, because you have the points until the end of the following July so that encompasses the school Summer vacation, but December makes sense too.

Ideally we will move to other times of year for our trips but it was the banking date that drove it. With August, it's a March date I think and there is no way I will typically know by then how things will plan out with sports, camps etc to plan for summer.

We may actually be neighbors in 2013! We are going with our kids either toward the end of June, or over the 4th! We are banking and borrowing 3 yrs worth of points. My oldest DS would like to stay in the treehouse, but of course it used to be 3 bdrms for the points of two, but they've changed that for 2013. I'm a little worried that the THV will be a little small for all 10 of us - 6 adults and 4 kiddos. With bunks in the 3rd bedroom, I can see that adults will be sleeping in the LR and sometimes too much closeness can cause drama - so I think we are going to use that 3rd year of points and get a 2 bdrm and a studio in the main resort, probably the refurbished Paddock area.

Why SSR grew quickly on me - 1. Close to DTD - it is nice to be able to stroll over for shopping and restaurants, as well as catching busses to anywhere there!

2. The play areas - we have been requesting Grandstand - the smaller, quieter pool with the Pool Bar has been so nice - the hobby horse giant squirt guns were so fun for my Niece and Nephew!!! We are looking forward to the new pool area and slide and SNACK BAR AND POOL BAR at Paddock!

3. The Quiet - understated elegance. I like being able to get away from the craziness of the parks at the end of the day and just breathe, without being overwhelmed in the Disney themes. It is still there, just subtle.

I will keep you posted on what we actually decide to do!

Definitely keep me posted! The treehouses only sleep 9 so someone would be on the floor. We have a similar issue so we'll just have to see how it plays out.

Jeff would like point #3, I do worry about the location being farther away as we aren't big on DTD. We go there, but not often or for long. We prefer not to rent a car and with the location, I think we'd need one so that's another concern as is the size of it, it just seems HUGE! But...I've never been so need to keep an open mind, especially since we own there now.

I completely agree with this. SSR was my first DVC stay (rented points from a friend) and I knew it was a great place for us. We usually have a car, so the outside entrances and close parking made sense. I love running in the morning, so the expanse of the resort and the lovely paths made sense.
I love the pool area the sits across from DTD. It's such a pretty view. The whole resort just screams relaxation.

The other thing that struck me about SSR is that it would be a great home base for any Orlando trip. For example, if you wanted to tour other areas of central Florida, its perfect.

Staying in a treehouse for 5 nights this summer! Can't wait!

I like the scream relaxation part, feeling "away" is not a bad thing at all...as long as it doesn't take us too long to get there lol. I am SO excited to hear what you think of it. Good point on home base, I hadn't thought of that and I can definitely see location advantages for taht.

 

[eandesmom]

I missed a quiz and I'm slushie icon less. I need to get my act together.

Slacker!

 

[Moira222]

Yay for SSR though i totally forgot about the treehouse. How could i forget....they look amazing! I love your pie charts..very pretty and a fun way to show all of the guesses!

 

[Charleston Princess]

Staying in a treehouse will be an amazing experience! The boys will be so excited about it in a year and a half.

I hope you will keep us posted on the building of the sea plane in your garage.

 

[wigdoutdismom]

Goodness gracious girl!
I have fallen behind!
This discussion looks like it's right up my alley so no skimming.....

I must go back and read the whole thing!!!

 

[wigdoutdismom]

Congratulations on your DVC purchase!
We don't own any at SSR so will probably never get to sleep in a tree house...
We do however own at AK so will be staying 3 nights Club Level after our cruise in June then move over to the Beach Club for the remainder of our stay.

I love your logic on deciding on your UY and reason for purchasing. We love our DVC and it has been a great choice for us!

I'm with Jackie, please keep us posted on the seaplane!

 

[Poolrat]

Congratulations on your DVC purchase!
We don't own any at SSR so will probably never get to sleep in a tree house...
We do however own at AK so will be staying 3 nights Club Level after our cruise in June then move over to the Beach Club for the remainder of our stay.

I love your logic on deciding on your UY and reason for purchasing. We love our DVC and it has been a great choice for us!

I'm with Jackie, please keep us posted on the seaplane!

You don't own at SSR

 

[Mndisneygirl]

You don't own at SSR

OH give her time, she'll probably end up with some sooner or later...

I just love how your mind works Cynthia! Charts and logic, spreadsheets...I wish I was that analytical in my real life. Only at work am I analytical, only because I have to be. I try to be logical, and practical, but it doesn't always work out. I have a DH who is more spontaneous and emotional, so I try to balance him out, but...you know how that goes.

Seaplane in the garage for DVC? Fair enough I say!

 

[eandesmom]

Yay for SSR though i totally forgot about the treehouse. How could i forget....they look amazing! I love your pie charts..very pretty and a fun way to show all of the guesses!

I am very excited about the treehouses, even if it is a ways away. It could be 2-3 trips before it happens but happy to have it as an option! I had fun with the pie charts.

Staying in a treehouse will be an amazing experience! The boys will be so excited about it in a year and a half.

We are all excited about the treehouses! Well, actually Jeff and I are. The kids don't know we actually bought DVC. Eric would be planning trips for the next 10 years if he knew so we figure he can find out once we get there, he'll be bad enough then, no reason to drive us nuts between now and then!

I hope it happens in a year and a half but realistically, it may be too many cats to herd for that trip for it to make sense to commit at 11 months and may have to be a different trip, very up in the air and likely will stay there for quite a while. I really hope it works though, a giant family BBQ on the 4th, in a treehouse, just sounds perfect to me!

I hope you will keep us posted on the building of the sea plane in your garage.

I should post some pictures, I know I did on FB when the giant crate arrived but none since then.

Goodness gracious girl!
I have fallen behind!
This discussion looks like it's right up my alley so no skimming.....

I must go back and read the whole thing!!!

It is right up your alley!

Congratulations on your DVC purchase!
We don't own any at SSR so will probably never get to sleep in a tree house...
We do however own at AK so will be staying 3 nights Club Level after our cruise in June then move over to the Beach Club for the remainder of our stay.

Excited to hear about Club level, are you going to do the Safari? I wish they allowed you to book at it as Savanna though, that's the one drawback to me about it. It is very likely AK will be next...in fact I might be interested in that AKV contract you plan to divest yourself of as it's a Dec UY, right? Not sure if the timing is right but let me know. Congrats on the new BC points, that's exciting!

I love your logic on deciding on your UY and reason for purchasing. We love our DVC and it has been a great choice for us!

I'm with Jackie, please keep us posted on the seaplane!

You are definitely getting your use out of your points! I can't see us getting to your level but we will definitely be adding on. I feel very good about the UY and are extremely excited for our first stay. I will try to get some seaplane pics up soon, maybe as part of my mini Pres Weekend TR which included a lot of aviation items! I better reveal some resort choices first or a few people might start to throw tomatoes at me!

 

[MAGICFOR2]

I completely agree with this. SSR was my first DVC stay (rented points from a friend) and I knew it was a great place for us. We usually have a car, so the outside entrances and close parking made sense. I love running in the morning, so the expanse of the resort and the lovely paths made sense.
I love the pool area the sits across from DTD. It's such a pretty view. The whole resort just screams relaxation.

The other thing that struck me about SSR is that it would be a great home base for any Orlando trip. For example, if you wanted to tour other areas of central Florida, its perfect.

Staying in a treehouse for 5 nights this summer! Can't wait!

I will love hearing what you think of it! Home base is a good thought. We noticed it was convenient to go out to other areas, too - we went to Celebration on our last visit!

No pie charts, I promise! First DVC reservation coming up next!



Interesting! SSR doesn't seem to really fill up, outside of the treehouses, does it? I wouldn't think you'd need to do the 11 month unless it was maybe on a holiday? Yeah, there wasn't much negotiation involved.

It probably doesn't fill up - I just like to get our ressie in since we can, and I think before they finished the last phase, it was harder to get rooms, so it is a DIS habit to be sure to call and at least get your dates.




Are those still around? I've never heard of them!

Yes! It has actually grown alot since we were there - I first saw it on GMA. The county came after them for codes on a B&B So they sell T-shirts for a Treeservation and then you are their friend. They can let their friends stay in the treehouse "free." So there you have it. Very laid back - VERRRRRRY casual and almost bohemian, but such a fun experience for the boys. They now have zip lines too. I went trail riding on horseback with the boys and Jim went ona bike ride with a hippie girl
http://www.treehouses.com/ The treehouses and the family home are beautiful handmade craftmanship!




Ideally we will move to other times of year for our trips but it was the banking date that drove it. With August, it's a March date I think and there is no way I will typically know by then how things will plan out with sports, camps etc to plan for summer.

That totally makes sense. I always seem to be planning way in advance!




Definitely keep me posted! The treehouses only sleep 9 so someone would be on the floor. We have a similar issue so we'll just have to see how it plays out.

I know, we were thinking the kids are small so they could double up in the bunks or something, but I'm a little worried about the close quarters for the DDILs mostly, and Papa might need to get away for some peace and quiet so we don't have to name him Grumpy Gramps

Jeff would like point #3, I do worry about the location being farther away as we aren't big on DTD. We go there, but not often or for long. We prefer not to rent a car and with the location, I think we'd need one so that's another concern as is the size of it, it just seems HUGE! But...I've never been so need to keep an open mind, especially since we own there now.

Yes, we were very unhappy with the bus service in the Summer, so we rented a car for the next trip. There are several stops within the resort, and depending on ECV traffic, you have to plan for an hour to get to any ADRs - we waited for 10 hours for buses over the space of a week - that's a whole day of vacation wasted! It is just worth the money for us to have a car and be less stressed. Of course when there are 10 of us, we might have to just do the buses, but we won't do ADRs - too much planning around how to get to restaurants and too much stress.


I like the scream relaxation part, feeling "away" is not a bad thing at all...as long as it doesn't take us too long to get there lol. I am SO excited to hear what you think of it. Good point on home base, I hadn't thought of that and I can definitely see location advantages for taht.

I think Jeff will be very happy with the peacefulness there!

 

[eandesmom]

You don't own at SSR

OH give her time, she'll probably end up with some sooner or later...

I predict GF over SSR

I just love how your mind works Cynthia! Charts and logic, spreadsheets...I wish I was that analytical in my real life. Only at work am I analytical, only because I have to be. I try to be logical, and practical, but it doesn't always work out. I have a DH who is more spontaneous and emotional, so I try to balance him out, but...you know how that goes.

Seaplane in the garage for DVC? Fair enough I say!

Don't fool yourself, I just use the logic and spreadsheets to justify the spontaneous and emotional!

I think it's pretty fair myself.

 

[brookelizabeth]

Finally here and caught up! I missed the first quiz, but hope to be present for any future ones!

Congratulations on buying DVC! Those Treehouses look AMAZING!