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

[englishrose47]

Do you have pix of the Treehouses ??

 

[eandesmom]

Congratulations to all your kids on their school success!

I cannot start to begin how impressed I am at how organized you are! You even have it down to menus for Vero!

Ah well, it's a moving target but it does streamline things once I get to the store and more importantly...I don't overspend and buy whatever looks really yummy once there and then we don't eat it all! LOL!

Of course we are exploring another possible change so this could change a bit still.

Well done on the kid’s results. I think new tops for you are definitely in order, and probably some new shoes as well.

I am cut off from buying shoes! LOL!. I did get a couple new pairs already (for work and the trip) and then Jeff got me a surprise pair plus...I bought some on my vegas work trip so I am far over my allotment already!

Tops on the other hand...

Congrats to the kids on their report cards. I really love how detailed your PTR updates are. I can't believe you're starting to "pack" already. But, given your July schedule, I totally get it. I'm trying to put it off as long as possible, as I love doing it only a few days before, as it distracts me from gettting too excited about the trip. Plus, I have a lot of cleaning and organizing I want to get to before then. Oh, and planning for next school year, so I suppose in my own way, most of July will be pretty busy, too.

Well, pack is definitely overstating it. I have 2 tote bags, one with FE and cruise gift stuff like the pillowcases for the kids and one with trip only toiletries and sundries like the laundry supply bag, otc meds, new swimshirts I won't let them use until then, stuff like that. Real packing won't be until the weekend or days before. Right now we are tying to figure out which rental car to go with and if our luggage will all really fit if we go with a cheaper option.

And I'm so glad that your dad is doing better.

Thanks!


me too

Do you have pix of the Treehouses ??

Mary Ellen (MEK) just posted some neat exterior ones on her TR and I'm sure will have lots more coming (right?)

 

[DisMomAmy]

Read you last update on my phone & couldn't reply... but wanted to come back and congratulate Eric on learning to ride his bike!!! That's a huge accomplishment!!

Alex just started to get the hang of it last fall... until he fell and got scared again. He hasn't been out this summer at all. We'll have to fix that.

 

[eandesmom]

Read you last update on my phone & couldn't reply... but wanted to come back and congratulate Eric on learning to ride his bike!!! That's a huge accomplishment!!

Alex just started to get the hang of it last fall... until he fell and got scared again. He hasn't been out this summer at all. We'll have to fix that.

Eric almost had it last summer, but had some similar issues. So happy we've moved past it! Really frees him up a bit for summer play and is huge for scouts. He has to do it when he was ready, I imagine Alex is a bit the same.

 

[eandesmom]

Ch Ch Changes!!!!!!
It would not be an eandesmom TR without major last minute changes, would it?

Granted, on last summer’s Alaskan Cruise I think the only thing we changed was changing excursions and then changing times.

The trip before that? A very different story. Multiple booking changes for resorts and dining plans and even park tickets at 2 parks. All the way up to about this same time period. 3 weeks before.

Fine tuning. I like to think of it as fine tuning.

And…financial tuning!

I, like most good DISers am always in search of the best possible deal. And sometimes, that means making changes. Sometimes it just means a new idea occurs that facilitates a better deal. Sometimes, both happen.
25 days out and at this time (heck all the time but I get a bit more intense about it the closer we get) I always start to look hard at our budget and see where we can trim if needed. Between college tuition, unexpected car repairs, orthodontics and a whole host of other real life issues & expenses…trimming seemed like a really good idea. For me though, if I’m going to make changes, sacrifice even, it needs to be worth my while.

What’s worth it?

$50? Probably not

$100? Not really though if it was easy to do, I’d be all over it, why not, right?

$200? Probably, especially if it’s a minor change

$500?

$500 is worth our while.

Big time.

Even if it’s a big change.

More than that? Even more worthwhile.

And so we did. Make a big change. Several of them actually!

I had some influencing factors, beyond the obvious financials.

Factor 1. Tropical Storm Debby. While I certainly do not expect anything like that to happen while we are at Vero, it could. It could rain. Heck, it WILL rain. We had 2 weeks of often thwarted pool time on our last summer trip. I knew this going into it. It is NOT our preferred time of year to travel weather wise. But we take what we can get. As a result, my original, pre-booking plan for the overall trip was 3-4 nights at Vero and then the 4 night cruise. That was it. Flights dictated longer on both ends in the interest of saving $$. I love that. But the 3-4 nights at Vero also timed with what I thought would be the break even point before kids got bored with basically just beach and pool. Add in rain and I started to think that maybe 3 was better than 4. Add in tropical storm, stuck in room, nothing to do and I really started to think maybe 3 was better than 4. I know we won’t get hit with a storm like that (and very very sorry Anita and Glenn both did!) but the idea of going on vacation and possibly being stuck like that (which is the EXACT summer we are having here so far) is well, not all that appealing.

Factor 2. Old Key West. Karin (dizneat) has some wonderful OWK villa pictures on one of her TR’s. They really used the kitchen and balcony and it got me a bit wistful that with under 24 hours there, we won’t experience it like that at all. We were already a little stressed how to fit in pool time, DTD and then fireworks at the Poly and I could smell something slipping and not happening.

Factor 3. Tropical Storm Debby. Fact of the matter is, when it does rain, there is a lot more to do at WDW even without park tickets, then if we are stuck in a downpour at Vero.

Do you see where this is going?

Can you guess?

If you guessed we are going to do 2 nights at OKW instead of 1, and 3 at Vero instead of 4…you’d be right! Jeff and I are both very happy with this change for multiple reasons.

We will definitely be able to make the time change without feeling rushed at all. We won’t feel like we have to rush DTD or resort time at all. We can pool hop, something we both love the idea of (though conceptually we love it, in practice we might be too lazy to deal with transportation, lol!). We can enjoy the villa as a villa and not just a hotel room. And we save $$. And, we aren't moving any more than we already were.

We saved $$ in a variety of ways. Let me count them.

1. Car.

We’ve changed from a 4 day rental to 3. We are considering a car that is a bit smaller that will save us quite a bit on top of the total day change. Question is, whether we will really fit? Still working that one out. It’s a small SUV, we are relatively small and we won’t have a ton of luggage. I don’t think. Right now I actually have 3 reservations lol! I’m going to keep checking codes and maybe something will drop though it looks like my options are limited to Avis and Budget unless something really opens up at Alamo as right now, no returns at the Cape are available. I did a test pack for myself tonight as Jeff needs to take a bigger suitcase due to his airshow trip at the front, if he can take some items with him…then I think the rest of us can get away with just a carryon sized roller bag plus the one “personal” item each. Minor vent about the transportation board on this. I posed the question and 90% of the responses all talk about a van being more comfortable and well appointed. Well, DUH. A) I could care less about how well appointed it is and B) I know it’s bigger. The question is whether we will fit in the smaller car in stead and save a huge chunk of change, not which is “nicer”. Vent over. Luckily a mom on one of my Disney FB groups actually owns the smaller car and is going to take a picture of the back of it for me! How cool is that?

2. Food.
We made some dining changes.

3. Room.
The 1st night at Vero was a cash ressie, due to the points being rather high and the cash a better deal, for that night. Cancelling it means cash back. However we needed points for the OKW room and were out. Sooo….

4. We took points from our AKV reservation.

Sigh.

Yep, we decided to be “responsible” and downgrade ourselves at AKV. Major sniff. But the savings were too great to walk away from.

And check it out. I did this yesterday morning. I booked a 1B standard view at Kidani (we had a 2 bedroom savanna view) and waitlisted for the same at Jambo. We’ve only a 35% or chance of a pool or partial savannah view with that room category at Kidani, and 100% of a pool view at Jambo so despite the lack of 2nd bathroom, Jambo is now our preference. Both nights weren’t available; one was which I am hoping meant it increases the chances. I almost didn’t pull the trigger on the change when I found out that Jambo wasn’t available (despite the fact that big picture we really prefer the idea of Kidani..we are hung up on the view). But…being a grown up means making tough choices sometimes. Praying the no parking lot pixie dust fairy visits. For 2 reasons. The obvious and then the less so. AKA supersonic hearing Jeff. If we are over the bus stop….despite the reports that you can’t hear…if anyone can and will make my night(s) a wreck, it’s Jeff. He’s promised to suck it up.

And…he doesn’t have to! I checked this morning, just now and the waitlist already came through!!!!!!! We are in Jambo so we will have a lovely pool view and maybe a partial savanna. Apparently there are a number of reclassified rooms that are kind of crummy savanna views that were moved to standard. Hopefully we don't get a view of a mud pit, fence and pen but it's still better than a parking lot or the bus for Jeff. I have to go refigure out my room request now. I am SO relieved! I actually love pool views. I’m sad about the loss of all that space and huge balconies and the view but with 2 days and one being a commando park, the other 2 being half days…not entirely sure we’d get bang for the buck there. Someday.

It’s funny, I’ve never waitlisted before obviously and know that you are supposed to get an email but have heard many times that folks don’t and just find out when they check. It will be interesting to see if I do get an email but I am SO SO SO happy it came through, and so quickly!

And, luckily, we were able to get near Hospitality House for our 2nd night at OKW, I've requested high floor and marina view.

We made some dining changes. We both liked the idea of the QSDP for one night. For 2? Not so much. In general, we aren’t counter service people; we are sit down, especially for dinner and paying that much for the plan, for 4 counter service meals just seemed silly. We can live without the mugs, we have fridges in our villas! Nice to have but certainly not a need. Instead we will have one sit down dinner out and make dinner once in the villa and do breakfasts and lunches at the villa as well. Honestly, other than being a little bummed about no EOS, everyone is actually happier with the plan. And I have a plan for EOS. LOL!

We’ve decided to forgo the 2 brunches. Jeff is right, they were definitely for me. All the kids really want is the sugar cereal snack pack and to fight over who gets the froot loops! And since I get Palo, alone with him, I’m ok with it! Sure they love a buffet. Do they love it (or appreciate it) $24pp worth?

No.

What does it all mean?

In a nutshell, between the car savings, the room savings, the dining savings…it all adds up to around $800+! Which then pays for the dining plan at the end…the part of the trip where I really don’t want to cook and we do have park time! It gives us a lot more buffer as well. Like get my annual pass and rebook a cruise kind of buffer. Hey! I have my priorities straight! Right now, no plans to add park time, DQ or waterpark but you never know, it could change as a spur of the moment thing. Not likely but stranger things have happened and now we at least have the opportunity to do it if we want. We will either use Garden Grocer (again) for a delivery but I did email a new service to see how she works. Pro’s and cons to both as best as I can see.

Is it really weird that I’m excited to make dinner in our villa at OKW? I am not sure it’s something I’ll do much of as time goes on with actual park tickets but so excited that we CAN!

Revised plan.

Day 0. Thursday July 26. Drive to airport around 10:30pm, maybe a little later. Flight is at 12:50am

Day 1. Friday July 27, OKW. Lunch in villa if ready, Pool time, DTD, Dinner at Olivia’s. Fireworks at the Poly. We thought about Raglan Road but really like the menu at Olivia’s and like the idea of somewhere totally new with a very different vibe.

Day 2. Saturday July 28, OKW. Breakfast in villa, Pool/Pool Hop/Community Hall, Lunch in villa, DTD, Dinner in villa, and go see Yeehaw Bob! Hop wise I think for sure we plan to check out the Paddock Pool and wander over to the treehouses, beyond that, who knows. Nice to know we have the option. Mini golf is an option and who knows what else!

Day 3. Sunday July 29, Check out, lunch at Margaritaville, check into Vero, grocery shop, pool/beach, dinner in villa. Campfire or Movies on beach? Won’t know until we see the activity schedule.

Day 4. Monday July 30, Vero. Breakfast & Lunch in villa, beach & pool all day (weather gods willing) hope to fit in archery over our visit and SnorkelEars for Eric. Dinner in Villa. Turtle walk.

Day 5. Tuesday July 31, Vero. Breakfast & Lunch in villa, beach & pool all day (weather gods willing). Dinner at squidlips. We may end up doing dinner out on Monday instead but will play that by ear.

Day 6. Wednesday August 1, Breakfast in villa, check out and drive to Cape Canaveral! Check in, board, lunch on ship. Happy Birthday Kendall! Considering getting us both manicures but it appears you can only book the higher end ones online which is just as well, I can’t book hers at the teen spa until we get on board. So maybe she and I will head up and see what we can get.

Day 7. Thursday August 2, Nassau. Right now the plan is breakfast on the ship, I’d prefer sit down, the kids buffet, we will see who wins. Current plan is to just head over to the Sheraton but that is subject to whim, weather, mood and whatever else inspires us at the moment. I’m not going to be in a rush to get off the ship but we do all want to leave for at least part of the day and if it is the Sheraton, will probably be the bulk of the day since we will be paying for the privilege of visiting it.

Day 8. Friday August 3, At Sea. Palo Brunch! Enjoy the ship. Pirate night and fireworks 

Day 9. Saturday August 4, Castaway Cay. This will be a buffet or room service breakfast so we can hit CC early. Enjoy CC! So excited for this. Palo Dinner!!!

Day 10. Sunday August 5. Disembark and head to WDW. Check in at AKV, hopefully our villa is ready. Lunch at The Mara. Pool time (either or both Jambo/Kidani), check out animals, community hall. Return car, DTD & Planet Hollywood for dinner. We may hit the grocery store for some breakfast/snack items although if we’ve leftover cereal, probably just grab milk at AKV.

Day 11. Monday August 6. AK day! Breakfast in villa, Hopefully make it to AM EMH. Lunch somewhere in the park, my vote is for Flame Tree. Dinner at Saana. We do want to hit the Kidani pool as well so we may try to fit that in after dinner? Not sure.

Day 12. Tuesday August 7. Breakfast in villa, pack up, leave stuff with Bell services. Possible pool time or lunch at EOS at DTD. Will definitely play this day by ear.

When and how do we tell the kids about AK/AKV?

Well we have 2 options.

August 1st. Kendall’s birthday. Her big gift is the backstage Safari tour. So we may tell her then (otherwise she might think all she gets is the in room decoration and cake on the Dream lol). If we have a different/additional gift, like perhaps something at the teen spa that we go book together once on board, then we can keep the surprise for longer, which we’d both kind of like.
OR say a big fat nothing until we pull in to AKV. We can say we are stopping for lunch.

In another rather sneaky cost saving move I am really milking our new Disney Visa Premiere Card. I didn’t really mean to mind you but when we made the change, I figured I’d pick up gift cards to use towards the dinner at Olivias and snack budget for the OWK part. I planned to get them at Safeway to help rack up gas rewards points and then of course the extra % towards Disney reward dollars doesn’t hurt either.

Turns out that gift card purchases at Safeway get you 4x gas rewards points! Which meant $0.50 off per gallon at the tank today! And the first time in….I dunno…that my bill was close to $50 for filling up the car. For the first time in…I dunno…I paid close to $3.00 for a gallon ($3.12) Our gas prices are very high here. WHOO HOO! Needless to say when I saw that, I only picked up part of the cards, probably should have gotten just one. I’ll get the rest on a couple of different trips. LOL! Double prizes! Happy car. Happy wallet!

 

[dizneeat]

Lots of changes, but I think they are all GOOD changes. And to spend some of the money you save you can even waitlist for a Cabana on CC.

I love the fact that I inspired you to stay a little longer at OKW. It is a beautiful resort and so relaxed ..... and remember the boat goes to DTD and EoS.

I cannot wait to read about your reveal to the kids - they will be so excited.

All your plans look really awesome.

And can't you just google the make of car you intend to rent? That is what Tom usually does, so we can see what we are in for.

I am pretty sure I missed something I wanted to comment on.

 

[englishrose47]

Cynthia your plans for today for the trip spund awesome !!!What will change tomorrow , comeon ya'll know she's gopnna change something !!!

 

[eandesmom]

Lots of changes, but I think they are all GOOD changes. And to spend some of the money you save you can even waitlist for a Cabana on CC.

Much as I love the concept, I'm really not ok with the price tag for it. Jeff is, but I'm not. that said, I don't think we plan to try at this point.

I love the fact that I inspired you to stay a little longer at OKW. It is a beautiful resort and so relaxed ..... and remember the boat goes to DTD and EoS.

Yes it does, and if our villa isn't ready and the kids are starving, it could happen. I'd prefer not and to save EoS for maybe the last day, or the first back to Disney Day as we could easily swap Mara and EoS for those 2 lunches. However, since we will be getting groceries, I'd just as soon use them on day 1 so hopefully the villa is good to go!

I cannot wait to read about your reveal to the kids - they will be so excited.

All your plans look really awesome.

Once I start emailing people about grocery orders it does feel very real that's for sure!

And can't you just google the make of car you intend to rent? That is what Tom usually does, so we can see what we are in for.

I am pretty sure I missed something I wanted to comment on.

I can, and have. Still, actually seeing it live with luggage would really really help me. The reality is that even if it does appear it would work, we could end up getting soemthing different when we go to pick up. I'm inclined to risk it, they are young, they can suck up stuff on their lap if they have to. LOL! In the meantime though, I do have 3 reservations.

Cynthia your plans for today for the trip spund awesome !!!What will change tomorrow , comeon ya'll know she's gopnna change something !!!

Oh the car probably, that's the ongoing question right now. Supposedly rates go down 7-10 days out but the site they do that the most (Alamo) is sold out at the port as a drop off so it may not help me at all. I'll probably be checking cars till the day we leave! If we decide to splurge on something else, we could end up skipping the dining plan for the end of the trip...which means more cooking for me but it is an option.

 

[tinacaplan]

Well, changes are fun! And who among us doesn't make last minute changes?

You made some excellent points about changing from four nights at Vero to three. And this way, you'll have lots more to tell me about OKW! But you're right...I am a veteran of annual beach vacations and when the weather's bad, its just terrible.

Car rentals I know nothing about.

Yay for your luck at AKL!

Olivia's is definitely in contention for the last night of our October trip, so I'll love to hear your take on it.

Your plans look great. I'm looking forward to hearing about how you feel being at Disney without going into the parks themselves. That could happen if we're able to go back in February.

Very exciting...the end of July is coming up quickly!

 

[Mndisneygirl]

I agree with the changes! It all makes sense to me! Hope the car rental works out for you.

I think you should try the spa with Kendall and then save the AKL surprise for after!

Question: I am sure you have fully researched this so I am not going to go get lectured on the "other" threads. If you are staying at AKV Jambo or Kidani, can you go to either pool? Do you have to be on DVC points?

I now feel the need to go make some lists and charts for my October trip. I'm really excited about OKW too! I don't think I'll be doing much cooking (only 2 nights), but breakfasts would be easy and pretty painless. Guess I'll add breakfast food to the list...

 

[2xcited2sleep]

Congrats to the kids on their report card accomplishments and woo hoo to changes that = savings! Your trip is coming up quick... this summer is just flying by!

 

[MEK]

I like your changes. One of the things I noticed when I was staying at the treehouses this summer is how great it would have been to be there without a park ticket so I could take advantage of all the resort has to offer.

Saving money like that is huge. I'm sure you'll be fine with the dowgrade to the 1BR and I am one of those weird people who actually doesn't mind a standard view because the general viewing areas are so awesome. We spent a lot of time at AKL on our last full Disney day. I can't get enough of that place.

I did not visit the Paddock pool, although I admit that the slide looked cool from a distance. I am a big fan of the Congress Park Pool because I loved having DTD as a back drop.

 

[eandesmom]

Well, changes are fun! And who among us doesn't make last minute changes?

You made some excellent points about changing from four nights at Vero to three. And this way, you'll have lots more to tell me about OKW! But you're right...I am a veteran of annual beach vacations and when the weather's bad, its just terrible.

I truly hope and pray the weather is amazing but...our summer luck and what I've seen so far down there makes me want to hedge our bets. I could handle 5 days there no problem but...the kids may well get stir crazy. I could be wrong and end up regretting giving up those days once we are there but at least this way we have variety if nothing else! Living out of my suitcase more than I'd like but oh well.

Car rentals I know nothing about.

Yay for your luck at AKL!

Olivia's is definitely in contention for the last night of our October trip, so I'll love to hear your take on it.

Your plans look great. I'm looking forward to hearing about how you feel being at Disney without going into the parks themselves. That could happen if we're able to go back in February.

Very exciting...the end of July is coming up quickly!

I'm excited for Olivia's. We'd looked at it once before trying to find something that was non buffet and different but ultimately decided it was too difficult to get to from wherever we were at the time.

I agree with the changes! It all makes sense to me! Hope the car rental works out for you.

I think you should try the spa with Kendall and then save the AKL surprise for after!

That is my preference! Jeff and I need to figure it out

Question: I am sure you have fully researched this so I am not going to go get lectured on the "other" threads. If you are staying at AKV Jambo or Kidani, can you go to either pool? Do you have to be on DVC points?

You can use facilities at both, that much I know, including the pools, I've heard that multiple times specific to staying DVC at AKV either Jambo or Kidani. You can't use them if you are staying DVC elsewhere though, they aren't allowed for hopping. That said, who knows if they check membership cards or if it's just key cards to get into the pool? That would imply that regular AKL resort guest could use the Kidani pool as well and I've no idea if that's really true. I will definitely report back as I certainly hope to check them both out!

I now feel the need to go make some lists and charts for my October trip. I'm really excited about OKW too! I don't think I'll be doing much cooking (only 2 nights), but breakfasts would be easy and pretty painless. Guess I'll add breakfast food to the list...

We won't be cooking on the girls trip at all but may do a small food order for mornings, not sure yet. It will be very helpful though for the family since we won't be on the dining plan. Even when we did the regular plan we'd get yogurt and fruit for the room in the mornings. And then force feed the kids before leaving. no joke.

Congrats to the kids on their report card accomplishments and woo hoo to changes that = savings! Your trip is coming up quick... this summer is just flying by!

Savings are good, very good! I try to remind myself of that report card when I'm ready to strangle Evan. Like tonight.

I like your changes. One of the things I noticed when I was staying at the treehouses this summer is how great it would have been to be there without a park ticket so I could take advantage of all the resort has to offer.

The no park ticket thing will be VERY interesting. We've never done it. Eric has asked about it more than once. Both boys have asked about DQ. Kendall...not at all. The kids are very cool with the change (seem to think it's better too) and seem cool with the no park ticket thing, wistful, but cool.

Saving money like that is huge. I'm sure you'll be fine with the dowgrade to the 1BR and I am one of those weird people who actually doesn't mind a standard view because the general viewing areas are so awesome. We spent a lot of time at AKL on our last full Disney day. I can't get enough of that place.

Yeah, once I realized just how much it was it was like...we really should do this. And besides, in a weird way almost better for us not to even see a 2b and be tempted. LOL! I need everyone to be ok with 1B's on a "most of the time" basis.

People seem to be one way or the other, really care or really don't. Nothing wrong either way. I'm just SO grateful to know it won't be a parking lot, Jeff was like NO WAY (noise) and then was like..."I can do it" and then we realized Jambo would eliminate that issue and then it wasn't available! I almost didn't pull the trigger when I saw we couldn't get Jambo and am SO relieved it came through so quickly. I think it will be fabulous, I am very excited for it!

I did not visit the Paddock pool, although I admit that the slide looked cool from a distance. I am a big fan of the Congress Park Pool because I loved having DTD as a back drop.

I think the kids would like it but who knows how inspired we will be to move.

 

[Chilly]

In general I always go for the smallest car possible, as most of the time driving is such a small part of trip.

Only just clocked that you trip starts on mh DHs birthday.

Cooking on holiday will never get me excited but in future i'll probably have to do it.

 

[eandesmom]

In general I always go for the smallest car possible, as most of the time driving is such a small part of trip.

We do too, although that gets harder with 5 people and luggage.

Only just clocked that you trip starts on mh DHs birthday.

Cooking on holiday will never get me excited but in future i'll probably have to do it.

I really like it for breakfast and lunch as it's lazy, easy and I get what I want. Jeff and I will do that if it's just the two of us and we get a condo, we love it. For dinner....not my favorite but for a beach vacation or non park, perfectly fine and a lot easier on the wallet for the large group that's for sure.

Really don't plan to do it for the last 6 nights though so it's only the first half, so really...not so bad. It's only a total of 3 dinners I'll be cooking and they are all easy peasy.

 

[Flossbolna]

Wow, I missed commenting on one update and now there are a million things to say!!!

First: I am glad to hear that your father is doing well! I hope they managed to fix his problem! I am glad to hear that the German doctors were not as bad as you first thought. I always find it very difficult to really assess who is a good doctor and who isn't. Also when I lived in the UK I was amazed how different "medical cultures" can be in different countries. Everything there worked differently and they had a different approach to my issues (and those were just simple things). That confused me quite a bit. I can only imagine how frightening it must be to have to deal with something possibly life threatening in a foreign country!

I had to laugh about your decision to stay longer at OKW - but I can understand your reasoning very well! Katharina and I had breakfast at Olivias on the last trip and it was one of my favourite meals. I am not so keen on how spread out the resort is, but it feels very relaxed and I think you will have a wonderful time there!

I also think that you will love AKL pool view at Jambo house. That was for a long time my favourite normal hotel room in all of WDW. And I am thinking about staying there for my next WDW trip again. The view is beautiful, you can still go to the overlooks to see the animals, the rooms are all central to the pool and therefore the Mara and even the entrance can't be that far away. I just love it there!!!

 

[eandesmom]

Wow, I missed commenting on one update and now there are a million things to say!!!

First: I am glad to hear that your father is doing well! I hope they managed to fix his problem! I am glad to hear that the German doctors were not as bad as you first thought. I always find it very difficult to really assess who is a good doctor and who isn't. Also when I lived in the UK I was amazed how different "medical cultures" can be in different countries. Everything there worked differently and they had a different approach to my issues (and those were just simple things). That confused me quite a bit. I can only imagine how frightening it must be to have to deal with something possibly life threatening in a foreign country!

Truthfully I think it was more a matter of my folks not being very clear on what had been done, versus not and why the wait. But it was REALLY nice to hear that his doctor here was pleased with what they did and thought it absolutely appropriate, that made me feel a lot better. As did Mary Ellen's insight, she was able to share some general info that made what happened seem far more normal than it did at the time. He seemed absolutely 100% back to normal yesterday at a family event, helped Jeff build a grill for my sister which involved lifting, and lots of trips back and forth, then helped her fix an outlet. Was in fine fine form! I just hope it continues, it was great to see.

I had to laugh about your decision to stay longer at OKW - but I can understand your reasoning very well! Katharina and I had breakfast at Olivias on the last trip and it was one of my favourite meals. I am not so keen on how spread out the resort is, but it feels very relaxed and I think you will have a wonderful time there!

I was a bit surprised the kids were as pleased with it as they were. I'm a bit worried they are hoping for a surprise park day but they were just happy for more resort time, and DTD which we always rush in a big way.

also think that you will love AKL pool view at Jambo house. That was for a long time my favourite normal hotel room in all of WDW. And I am thinking about staying there for my next WDW trip again. The view is beautiful, you can still go to the overlooks to see the animals, the rooms are all central to the pool and therefore the Mara and even the entrance can't be that far away. I just love it there!!!

I really love pool views, as does Jeff and honestly, some of the savanna (more of the reclassified ones I think) can be a little ugly with the fences so I think we will be good. We actually, view for view, preferred teh WL pool view to any of the others on the last trip (YC quiet pool and HRH) and I think a lot of it was the foliage, which we will have at AKL/V as well, plus a high floor which should minimize any pool noise since we know it will be the 5th floor. The kids have no idea about it anyways so they aren't missing anything. I'm not sure if I should make any kind of room request or not or just let the chips fall where they may as it is possible we will get a view if we end up with a reclassified one. Part of me wonders if pool would be better than those anyway lol! We do plan to eat at The Mara right after we get there so that works out really really well.

 

[natebenma]

Wow! Never a dull moment at your place!

Congrats to the kids on their accomplishments- excellent report cards, bike riding.

I can see why you need a vacation from your summer vacation. Heck, you need a a vaction from your summer vacation PLANNING!

Kudos on your new itinerary and the $$$ savings. Well played!

What are your port times in Nassau?

 

[eandesmom]

Wow! Never a dull moment at your place!

Congrats to the kids on their accomplishments- excellent report cards, bike riding.

I can see why you need a vacation from your summer vacation. Heck, you need a a vaction from your summer vacation PLANNING!

Honestly at this point, all I really need is SUN! LOL Hopefully I get some of that and not grey, clouds, humid and rain. Really hoping we have decent weather.

Kudos on your new itinerary and the $$$ savings. Well played!

thanks! I'm happy about the $$. Still trying to work the car....

What are your port times in Nassau?

9:30-5:30

 

[Native NYer]

Great changes!
So great that your waitlist came through.