Can I Survive another 11 days in WDW w/ Disney-Resistant Husband? *11/25 SURPRISE!!**

[Charleston Princess]

Hurray for DVC!!! You have some great vacation plans lined up for the next few years! I would love to go to Hawaii and stay at their new resort. It looks like so much fun!

 

[Disneygrl36]

Glad you are back at it. Sorry that life has slowed you down. Hope all goes well with the DVC purchase. I think you will be really happy with it!
Ready for the Destination D update since I was too lazy to do a trip report about it myself.

 

[DisneyDoc5]

I'm so happy for you getting DVC!!! Like many of us Dis fans, I have worked the numbers over and over, and I know it's a good time to buy. Seeing that I am 1 year away from my big 4-0, I think I could work something out with my present!!! We are booked on the Fantansy for a week in the Eastern Caribbean in November of 2013 as another part of the 40th celebration - yes, I am indulging myself for my birthday!!! (did I mention the botox and jewelry shopping in St. Thomas that I also want!)

Anyway, I think SSR seems also like the most logical place for the reasons you mentioned. And, I too have figured in the Hawaii trip, so I think it is worth it. You don't have to share, but I'm curious how you came to a decision of how many points to buy. Having a family of 5, I think we would need about 300 for a 7 night, 8 day stay in a 2 bedroom. I know people move out on the weekends, but I am not a split stay type of girl, I unpack, settle in, and keep it picked up and clean. Also, again if you don't mind my asking, did you use the Time Share store for resale? I wondered how you felt about the broker you used? I would like to deal direct with DVC, but the deals on resale are so much better!

I'm sorry to hear about the difficulties at home in the recent past. We certainly can benefit from having a perspective like that from time to time. A fellow mom at our school just lost her battle with cancer, it really reminded us all of how precious every moment is.

I love the movie birthday party - good for you taking a break. I am also a party planner and LOVE it, but sometime we need to prioritize our energies! I had a huge Club Penguin party this year for DS9, so much fun! And, as a warning to a fellow mom, the golden years for super themed birthday parties comes to an end faster than one would think - DS12 didn't want too much of a theme for his party -.

Thanks for all you do with the updates, I really enjoy them! Congrats again on your purchase, that is so exciting!!!
Cheers,
Erin

 

[jenbear123]

Your Disney resistant husband lured me in.... because I totally relate!!! Well, I may not be married yet but my DBF of 6 years is a MAJOR Disney hater or at least what the Disney company has become. He likes the earlier Disney when Walt was still around. His favourite and possibly only Disney movie he likes is Fantasia. That probably gives you a hint as to how much he likes Disney movies BUT good news is that I've FINALLY convinced him to come to WDW with me this November. I think he's only coming because he doesn't want to be without me for another week I'm always trying to convert him but it's an endless battle.

I'm also a big fan of horses Did you actually ever ride horses or just like the animal? I hope to own a horse one day (wishful thinking I know) but who knows what the future holds!

Congrats on becoming a DVC member! Looks like you got the next few years all planned out

 

[Wicket's Mom]

Wow Tish, you are so lucky getting DVC! No way would my DH go for that. He says it's cheaper just to stay in a hotel. I would like an RV, but he hates that also. Anything that has costs beyond the purchase price is a big no no for him.

 

[MeMom]

Congratulations on DVC! That's something Jill and John want to be able to do in the future. I do, too, but their dream is more likely to come true than mine ever will.

We will love seeing your pictures of Hawaii when that rolls around.

Sorry to hear you have sadness within your inner circle.

 

[cdotla]

Congratulations on your DVC decision Trish, that's awesome!

I'm in love the photos that I've seen for Aluani! There is a new online training class for it in the Disney Learning Connection that I'm planning on doing tomorrow - can't wait to learn all the ins and outs of that resort. We're taking the boys out in the next couple of years and I've already warned Don that that is where I want to stay for our O'ahu part of the trip

Thanks Michelle!

I would love to hear anything new and exciting that you learn about Aulani. I have a feeling this resort is going to be a *huge* success! Hopefully you might be able to get a great TA rate there, which would make a trip out there a little less expensive!

I'm late, but subscribing nonetheless

Thanks so much, and Welcome!!!

great decision Trish. If I didn't live so far away from Disney, I would have signed up for DVC years ago!

I am kinda wondering (and kicking myself) that I didn't sign up years ago myself!

Congrats on DVC, Trish!! It does seem to really make sense for your family-- SSR is a gorgeous resort! Good decision!

Thank you!

VERY exciting!!!! And makes complete sense for you

Congratulations!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Thanks Cynthia!

Congrats on buying into DVC!!!

Love all your holiday plans for the next few years - can I tag along too?!

Hopefully all our plans will end up panning out. They are all tentative now, but I just wanted to map something out in my head to see if DVC actually made sense...and it did!

 

[cdotla]

Hi! Just joining in now! I have a lot to comment on, so I probably will miss something lol First of all, you have a beautiful family I love the pictures you posted right at the start of your PTR.

I would also like to say hello from a fellow Canadian, who has no Disney stores near her lol Over the last few years, all of the ones within an hour or so of me have been closed

I also am a huge fan of the GF, and when I heard they were putting in villas, I said "Well now I HAVE to buy into DVC" haha There really is no other option for me.

Finally, I would like to say that I understand what it is like to live with a Disney resistant husband. He tells me that he doesn't hate it there, he enjoyed himself, but he is not a Disney freak like me and there are other places he would like to travel to. I told him we could go to Disney's new resort in Hawaii, or DL in California instead of always WDW haha

Anyways, I'm enjoying your PTR and I look forward to reading more!

Thanks so much for posting, and Welcome! It sounds like we have a bunch in common, doesn't it?

It seems DVC may be the perfect answer to the dilemma of not necessarily wanting to do a Park vacation every year. I am already looking forward to one year spending an entire week at the beach at Vero and Aulani!

CONGRATS on your DVC!!! We've been going back and forth for years. I definitely think we're good candidates, although we may wait until we can buy GF. Tom keeps commenting on the great discounts that we always get. Which is true but even with the discounts there is still inflation. Hmmm...
I think we are living somewhat parallel lives. We're thinking about a Southern Cal trip in February, 2012. And we're going on Podcast Cruise 3.0 in one year....

Amanda

Hey Amanda....if you want to convince Tom, I can show you the math. It really does make financial sense. I wouldn't have done it otherwise!

Plus, I hate not being able to cancel a reservation if something comes up, which is the case when renting points. You are not so restricted when using your own DVC points. And there is no cash discount Disney will ever offer on the 1 Bedroom units which are as cheap as DVC points. So, any ammunition you want for a purchase - I've got it!

Too funny about our parallel California and cruise vacation plans the next few years!

Congrats on your DVC decision!

Thank You!

 

[cdotla]

Hurray for DVC!!! You have some great vacation plans lined up for the next few years! I would love to go to Hawaii and stay at their new resort. It looks like so much fun!

Doesn't Aulani look great? Hawaii has been on my radar for quite awhile...well before Disney announced plans for Aulani. Having DVC points though will make it more more realistic as Hawaii can be so expensive!!

Hopefully one day we can get there...

Glad you are back at it. Sorry that life has slowed you down. Hope all goes well with the DVC purchase. I think you will be really happy with it!
Ready for the Destination D update since I was too lazy to do a trip report about it myself.

Thanks Melanie! And thanks so much for letting me use your photos for my Destination D update. I am preparing it now!

I'm so happy for you getting DVC!!! Like many of us Dis fans, I have worked the numbers over and over, and I know it's a good time to buy. Seeing that I am 1 year away from my big 4-0, I think I could work something out with my present!!! We are booked on the Fantansy for a week in the Eastern Caribbean in November of 2013 as another part of the 40th celebration - yes, I am indulging myself for my birthday!!! (did I mention the botox and jewelry shopping in St. Thomas that I also want!)

Anyway, I think SSR seems also like the most logical place for the reasons you mentioned. And, I too have figured in the Hawaii trip, so I think it is worth it. You don't have to share, but I'm curious how you came to a decision of how many points to buy. Having a family of 5, I think we would need about 300 for a 7 night, 8 day stay in a 2 bedroom. I know people move out on the weekends, but I am not a split stay type of girl, I unpack, settle in, and keep it picked up and clean. Also, again if you don't mind my asking, did you use the Time Share store for resale? I wondered how you felt about the broker you used? I would like to deal direct with DVC, but the deals on resale are so much better!

I'm sorry to hear about the difficulties at home in the recent past. We certainly can benefit from having a perspective like that from time to time. A fellow mom at our school just lost her battle with cancer, it really reminded us all of how precious every moment is.

I love the movie birthday party - good for you taking a break. I am also a party planner and LOVE it, but sometime we need to prioritize our energies! I had a huge Club Penguin party this year for DS9, so much fun! And, as a warning to a fellow mom, the golden years for super themed birthday parties comes to an end faster than one would think - DS12 didn't want too much of a theme for his party -.

Thanks for all you do with the updates, I really enjoy them! Congrats again on your purchase, that is so exciting!!!
Cheers,
Erin

Thanks Erin! Sounds like you and I will both be doing cruises in 2013 to celebrate the big 4-0. I didn't even know the 2013 cruise itineraries were released yet...However, I am still not ready to book. I want to wait to see if a podcast, Lou Mongello or All Ears cruise will be announced for 2013. We are fairly flexible with our dates, so hopefully something will come up.

As for DVC, I went with a fairly modest 150pt contract since I wld much rather have too few points, as opposed to having more than I need. Unlike your family, we wouldn't be booking 2 bedrooms as we are only 4. Plus, I actually don't mind split stays, and in many cases, can see myself wanting to do a cash reservation add on at Poly, my favourite resort.

Ultimately I went thru Fidelity, and so far have been more than pleased with their service. Initially I contacted the Timeshare Store, and 2 other agencies, but in all 3 instances was led to believe that the price I wanted to pay was unrealistically low, even though I knew from the disboards that it was certainly not. Then I contacted Fidelity, and within 2 days I had a signed contract for less than I expected to pay.

There have been some complaints voiced against Fidelity, most of which center on the fact that they deal with a lot of "distressed" contracts which can take longer to close due to probate issues, or the need to deal with sellers in the midst of divorces, ect. However, from my perspective as a buyer, this is not a negative thing. I want to pay the lowest price I can. A point from Fidelity is worth the same as a point from anywhere else. If complications arise in the closing, I will simply move on to contract 2. I am in no hurry to close, and there is a lot of inventory out there.

And I surely, surely wouldn't buy from Disney under any circumstances. So not worth it!!! It's like buying retail when you are able to get the same thing at wholesale. The only thing you lose in not buying thru Disney is the ability to use your points to stay at non-DVC properties, take cruises, or travel with ABD. But I personally wouldn't be using points to do this anyway as it isn't a great use of points. You are much better off renting your points out and paying cash.

Your Disney resistant husband lured me in.... because I totally relate!!! Well, I may not be married yet but my DBF of 6 years is a MAJOR Disney hater or at least what the Disney company has become. He likes the earlier Disney when Walt was still around. His favourite and possibly only Disney movie he likes is Fantasia. That probably gives you a hint as to how much he likes Disney movies BUT good news is that I've FINALLY convinced him to come to WDW with me this November. I think he's only coming because he doesn't want to be without me for another week I'm always trying to convert him but it's an endless battle.

I'm also a big fan of horses Did you actually ever ride horses or just like the animal? I hope to own a horse one day (wishful thinking I know) but who knows what the future holds!

Congrats on becoming a DVC member! Looks like you got the next few years all planned out

Thanks so much for your post, and Welcome!

Yay for your upcoming trip in Nov with your DBF. Hopefully you can catch Food & Wine while you are there - that can be a great selling point for a resister. I am looking forward to introducing Chris to this in October.

As for our horse interest, Katie and I actually both ride, but she is the one with the near-obsession. Right now her plan is to end up doing something so that she can spend her life around horses. Mike Smith and Chantal Sutherland (professional jockeys who were featured on Animal Planet's Jockeys Show) are her heros. And just last nite we watched Seabiscuit (for the umpteenth time) and I was reminded of all the Saratoga references. So Saratoga is certainly the DVC resort for us....Horses *and* Disney??? How can we go wrong with that???

Wow Tish, you are so lucky getting DVC! No way would my DH go for that. He says it's cheaper just to stay in a hotel. I would like an RV, but he hates that also. Anything that has costs beyond the purchase price is a big no no for him.

Well...if you need some ammunition - I have the math! Within 7-9 years I figure we would have spent the equivalent on hotels at Disney of what our contract will cost, even factoring in all the fees and costs. After that, I will vacation at Disney til age 84 for the cost of only my annual fees...currently around $650.

And that doesn't even factor in the other benefits of DVC, such as AP discounts, ect.

Congratulations on DVC! That's something Jill and John want to be able to do in the future. I do, too, but their dream is more likely to come true than mine ever will.

We will love seeing your pictures of Hawaii when that rolls around.

Sorry to hear you have sadness within your inner circle.

Thanks MeMom! DVC certainly isn't for everyone, but it is incredible how low the resale contracts are selling for right now! You can even pick up 50 pt contracts at WDW properties in the $2500 range, and still receive all the benefits of DVC. (I seem to have really convinced myself of the value of DVC, haven't I?)

 

[jenbear123]

Yay for your upcoming trip in Nov with your DBF. Hopefully you can catch Food & Wine while you are there - that can be a great selling point for a resister. I am looking forward to introducing Chris to this in October.

This only just occurred to me the other day. Now I'm hoping to book some tasting seminars. Or at least lure him in with all the different kinds of beer he can try

As for our horse interest, Katie and I actually both ride, but she is the one with the near-obsession. Right now her plan is to end up doing something so that she can spend her life around horses. Mike Smith and Chantal Sutherland (professional jockeys who were featured on Animal Planet's Jockeys Show) are her heros. And just last nite we watched Seabiscuit (for the umpteenth time) and I was reminded of all the Saratoga references. So Saratoga is certainly the DVC resort for us....Horses *and* Disney??? How can we go wrong with that???

That's awesome both of you ride. Do you own a horse? I hope Katie ends up doing something with horses. It was my childhood dream to work with horses but sadly I never persued it. Maybe I'll get back into it one day when finances get better. It's an expensive hobby! I loved seabiscuit! Secretariat kinda disappointed me though. If Katie hasn't seen it (which I doubt) she should see Black Beauty - the one made in the 90s not the 70s. It's a beautiful movie. I must stay at SSR one day. How have I avoided it all this time?! Should've been my first pick with all the horse paraphernalia.

 

[cdotla]

That's awesome both of you ride. Do you own a horse? I hope Katie ends up doing something with horses. It was my childhood dream to work with horses but sadly I never persued it. Maybe I'll get back into it one day when finances get better. It's an expensive hobby! I loved seabiscuit! Secretariat kinda disappointed me though. If Katie hasn't seen it (which I doubt) she should see Black Beauty - the one made in the 90s not the 70s. It's a beautiful movie. I must stay at SSR one day. How have I avoided it all this time?! Should've been my first pick with all the horse paraphernalia.

We definitely don't own a horse....but it isn't for lack of interest or lack of trying on Katie's part. I have assured her that it will be a high priority for us...just as soon as we win the lotto. Until then, horseback riding is expensive enough on its own. Our friends who have a teenage daugher heavily into riding assure us that it only gets more expensive as we move along...can't wait.

Thanks for the advice on Black Beauty. We actually have that one too. In fact, I think it was one of the 1st horse movies we bought back when Katie was 4 or 5. We love it. Everytime we watch it, Chris breaks out in a goofy English accent saying "Ginger, Ginger!" and we all die of laughter.

Our horse movie collection rivals our Disney movie collection, and just keeps growing.

 

[cdotla]

Day 1: Destination D - Part One

Before we knew it, the sun had come up on the Magic Kingdom, and Carrie and I were waking up to this beautiful view outside our patio doors, with the peaceful hum of the ferryboat whistles in the background as the Magic Kingdom started to come to life.

(Photo: CR Fan 4 Life)

But enough of that...we had to get a move on. Destination D was about to start and we wanted to ensure that we had some great seats. Or make that Carrie was determined that we were going to get great seats.

As long as there were going to be large screen projectors (which I assumed would be the case given the size of the crowd), I wasn't all that concerned about where I would be sitting. Or at least I didn't think I would be all that concerned...more on that later.

After we both efficiently got ready for the day in pretty good speed Carrie took off for the Convention Center. Hot on her heels I took off for the Contempo Cafe. My original plan had been to make it over to Kona for 7:30am when they opened, have a quick breakfast, and make it back to the Convention Center by 8-8:15am. Given that I didn't even get out the door until after 8, Kona wouldn't be possible, but I still wanted a hot breakfast. Ever the trooper, and prepared with breakfast bars, Carrie just went straight to the Convention Center to line up for seats.

Breakfast at the Contempo Cafe was surprisingly not that bad. I placed my order with no wait at all through the touchscreen menu. No sooner did I pay for my meal and finish gathering my utensils and condiments, and my buzzer was going off alerting me that my food was ready.

(Photo: wdwinfo.com)

(Photo: wdwinfo.com)

(Photo: wdwinfo.com)

I took a seat to eat my meal, with monorails whizzing by from above, and the hustle and bustle of Chef Mickey's in the background. As I ate, I watched fellow food court diners eat their breakfasts before heading out to a day in the Parks. I love watching families get ready first thing in the morning for a day at Disney. I always imagine which of those families might be visiting the Parks for their very first time, and what sort of fun and exciting things they would be experiencing that day.

After finishing up my breakfast, I made over to Convention Center by about 8:30am. By this point the line up of people waiting to get into the conference hall was huge. Fortunately Carrie had secured a great place near the front of the line. Soon our group of 8 was all gathered together near the front of the line, waiting with excitement like everyone else for the doors to open and the show to begin.

With a D23 Expo and Destination D event already under her belt, Carrie was clearly prepared and knew what to expect. Me? Well, I was a complete novice, and somewhat taken aback by the chaos which errupted the moment the doors opened, with people bolting ahead of the crowds to grab the best available seats. In short, it was a complete free-for-all. After losing our places during the 1st door opening, we quickly learned that being first in line did not guarantee you a seat.

Being a quick study, with a history of holding my own in any Dumbo Dash with the rest of 'em, I was quickly recruited into the challenge of securing the best possible seats for our crew. Because seats weren't assigned, we had to do this 5 more times before Destination D would come to an end. Despite wearing heels on day 1, and a dress with sandals on day 2, I am proud to say that I was still able to keep up with the boys!

All in all, our group of 8 took turns holding places in line during the various lunch and dinner breaks, with all of us rushing to grab the best possible seats as soon as the doors opened at the start of each new session. Thanks to teamwork, we always ended up in the 1st or 2nd row, in many cases having some of the absolute best seats in the house. (More specific details on that later!)

After we were safely settled in our 2nd row seats, with a great view of the stage, the excitement just continued to build. It was awesome being in an environment with that many like-minded Disney fans. No apologies or explanations were required. Everyone just "got it".

Due to the rising excitement levels, it seemed like I had only moments to enjoy chatting with those around me before Steven Clark, D23's Head Hauncho, was walking on stage to start the day.

(All photos unless, otherwise indicated, courtesy of Melanie -Disneygrl36)


Steven was joined on stage by D23's Armchair Archivist Josh Turchetta, who brought a little comedic relief, poking some fun at Steven's expense by providing sneak peaks into Steven's early family visits to Walt Disney World.

Surprisingly, shortly after introducing the event, and kicking off Destination D, Steven Clark apparently flew back to California, missing the rest of the conference. We were advised that he had some "work" to take care of, and I really had to scratch my head at that. I have no idea what would have possibly required his attention back in California, when the biggest event D23 had ever hosted in WDW was just starting.

Admittedly, D23 was likely heavily involved in planning the upcoming Expo in California, but it was still three months away! Overall, it made very little sense, and quite frankly, it was more than a little baffling to me why Steven Clark would not be personally overseeing the entire event at WDW.

Also somewhat surprising, there was also no appearance by Steven's sidekick, D23's "Disney Geek" Jeffrey Epstein anytime throughout Destination D. Presumably whatever critical D23 business was being conducted back in California required both of their attention.

Anyway, once Steven Clark took his exit from the stage and bolted for the airport, Debbie Dane Brown was introduced, who was a surprise appearance on the agenda.

This was my first time hearing Debbie speak, and her story was just wonderful to hear. She talked about how when she was just a college student, her father saw advertisements asking students to apply to work in the Disney Preview Center, which would open about a year before the Park was finished. It was designed as a drop-in promotional center where visitors could learn all about the soon-to-be opened Walt Disney World. Of course, Debbie wisely followed her father's advice, and applied to work in the Preview Center. Ultimately she and several of her college roommates were hired to work in the Preview Center to promote the opening of the Magic Kingdom and the Disney Resorts.

But Debbie's story didn't end there. Just before the Magic Kingdom opened, Debbie was asked to be the Park's first official Walt Disney World Ambassator. She told numerous interesting stories about her time as an Ambassator, and her love and fondness for the Park shined right through.

Photo: Attractions Magazine

Interestingly, Debbie also apparently had to sign an agreement with Disney, promising that she would remain single during her term as Ambassator, which elicited quite a few chuckles. My, how times have changed!

After that, it was time for the 1st official session on the agenda for the day - "Wierd Walt Disney World" with Disney Archives Director, Becky Cline and Disney Historian Paul Anderson.

I have to admit, based on the description of this session, I wasn't overly interested, but it ended up being hysterically funny.

Admittedly, the title was a little misleading as a good chunk of the presentation was focused on Disneyland as opposed to WDW. However, I was having such a great time laughing at all the weird and crazy things which transpired over the last half century or so in the Parks that this didn't bother me at all. Predictably, much of the weirdness from WDW took place in the 1970's, with all of our poor wardrobe choices from those days taking center stage. It really was funny, and a great way to kick off the day's events.

Next on the agenda was Dave Smith. Did I mention how much I love Dave Smith? I got to meet him back in October 2011 when I attended his retirement dinner with Christine (2xcited2sleep). He is such a nice and humble man.

Dave presented a facinating photo tour of the construction of the Magic Kingdom starting from literally ground zero. Ditto for Epcot. I live for this stuff, and no matter how many times I see the same photos over and over again of the construction, I never cease to be amazed and fascinated. However, the great thing about Dave's presentation was that most of the photos presented had never been seen before outside Disney. By this point, I was a very happy camper. This was exactly why I had signed up for this event, and D23 had definitely delivered.

After Dave, it was time for Lunch, which seems like as good a time as any to take a break.

 

[Queila]

Sounds FANTASTiC! More please!!!!

 

[hstrickland]

Hey there! I read your TR last summer, and just stumbled upon this one....now I've got to go back to the beginning and read Hope all is well with your family! Glad you're getting another Disney trip

Heather

 

[SoonerGirl]

The event sounds great! The jockeying for seats - yeah, not so much

Thanks for providing the pictures Mel!!

 

[chrisw127]

Loving hearing about your trip to D23. I was supposed to go but changed to the next weekend so I could do SWW. Now I'm wishing I hadn't!

I totally enjoyed your last TR and I took my inspiration from you when I booked a split stay for December. Can't wait to try it.

 

[TanzUnited99]

Great event update!

Yay on getting a hot breakfast. Wow at the seat fiasco - am glad you all were able to secure good seats.

 

[DrMomof3]

I really wanted to attend D23 but had a work conference that weekend. It sounds awesome!!!

Amanda

PS after we close on our house, I'll have you convince Tom about DVC!

 

[DisneyDoc5]

Thank you so much for taking the time to respond to my DVC questions - what a great tip on Fidelity!!! I really need to spend some more time on the DVC boards and continue to 'gather ammunition' for the 'resister' - my DH is very involved in realestate investments and I know if I could find the right angles, he could be convinced, we will see! I'm so happy for you with your DVC purchase!

LOVE the D23 report - it's great to hear your perspective after listening to the many podcasts regarding the event. You're a great writer! Looking forward to further updates!

Erin

 

[cdotla]

Sounds FANTASTiC! More please!!!!

I really thought I would have had the whole weekend update up this weekend, but I severely underestimated how long it was going to take to prepare it! Surely by next weekend I will finish it up, and if I can do it beforehand I will.

Hey there! I read your TR last summer, and just stumbled upon this one....now I've got to go back to the beginning and read Hope all is well with your family! Glad you're getting another Disney trip

Heather

Hey Heather! So nice to "see" you again! I see you have another TR up and running yourself. I will have to stop by and check it out!

The event sounds great! The jockeying for seats - yeah, not so much

Thanks for providing the pictures Mel!!

It was a bit crazy with the constant racing for seats, but in a strange way, it also added to the excitement.

And yes, thanks are in order to Melanie, who let me use all her photos for these updates. As mentioned, I didn't take a solitary photo myself.

Loving hearing about your trip to D23. I was supposed to go but changed to the next weekend so I could do SWW. Now I'm wishing I hadn't!

I totally enjoyed your last TR and I took my inspiration from you when I booked a split stay for December. Can't wait to try it.

I heard the inaugural SWW was really fun this year. Hopefully you had a great time!

I hope you like the split stay. Carrie and I did a split stay even with just 4 nights (3 nites at CR, 1 nite at GF), and it worked out great. I was really glad we did it. I have done a number of split stays and have yet to regret a single one....love sampling a bit of the many WDW resorts I so love each trip.

Great event update!

Yay on getting a hot breakfast. Wow at the seat fiasco - am glad you all were able to secure good seats.

Our seats throughout the weekend were incredible. And I have even more specifics to share about that coming up!

I really wanted to attend D23 but had a work conference that weekend. It sounds awesome!!!

Amanda

PS after we close on our house, I'll have you convince Tom about DVC!

Hey Amanda! So sorry you weren't able to attend Destination D. It really was fantastic. If you have the chance to do something like it again, maybe the Expo in CA, DO IT!!! So much fun!

I figure they will likely do something again like this for WDW's 50th, but by then many of the great Imagineers who were part of our event may not be here. I think we really witnessed a piece of history. This was the first time that many of these legends had all gathered together at WDW since the Park first opened...and it may not ever happen again.

Thank you so much for taking the time to respond to my DVC questions - what a great tip on Fidelity!!! I really need to spend some more time on the DVC boards and continue to 'gather ammunition' for the 'resister' - my DH is very involved in realestate investments and I know if I could find the right angles, he could be convinced, we will see! I'm so happy for you with your DVC purchase!

LOVE the D23 report - it's great to hear your perspective after listening to the many podcasts regarding the event. You're a great writer! Looking forward to further updates!

Erin

Thanks so much Erin. Glad you enjoyed reading my Destination D report. It can be quite time-consuming writing these things, so it is great to hear that it is interesting to someone.

Good luck in convincing your DH about DVC.