Can we? Should we? A Spring 2009 PTR - New 5/6 - The TR has begun!

[MRYPPNS]

Our oil company is offering $4.55 (I think) for pre-buy this year...and we too do about 800 gallons a year. DH is working on installing thermal-geo heating for our house. If oil prices stay the same, it will pay for itself in 6 years. Yes our electric bill will go up but as soon as we can afford it, we'll put up solar panels and will be almost off the grid for energy.

Good Luck with saving for the vacation. I found myself putting my birthday gift money in or even an extra $20 bucks in and it really grew. Plus I took on a couple new things at my pt job for more hours so that really helped.

 

[DisMomAmy]

I hope you're able to take the trip. And I hope airfare somehow goes down.

Your home heating costs are ridiculous. But I think they're ridiculous everywhere. My energy bill (electric and gas) was $410 just for June. And that's for an apartment

What resorts are you considering?

Thanks - I hope we have some economic relief soon for everyone! We are off-site people - more on that to come later.

Our oil company is offering $4.55 (I think) for pre-buy this year...and we too do about 800 gallons a year. DH is working on installing thermal-geo heating for our house. If oil prices stay the same, it will pay for itself in 6 years. Yes our electric bill will go up but as soon as we can afford it, we'll put up solar panels and will be almost off the grid for energy.

Good Luck with saving for the vacation. I found myself putting my birthday gift money in or even an extra $20 bucks in and it really grew. Plus I took on a couple new things at my pt job for more hours so that really helped.

Sounds like you guys have some good plans to battle the energy crisis! Good Luck - it sounds like a lot of work.

I'm thinking of opening a separate savings account just for trip money - that way it stays totally separate from the other stuff.

Hope you are keeping dry today. I actually ventured out to go grocery shopping with the two little ones I babysit (Alex is at school, Zach is at camp). It is POURING buckets - we lucked out going in and out of the store and there were temporary breaks in the rain - but it's raining so hard we were driving under the speed limit on the highway with wipers going on warp speed.

So far the basement is dry (except where it leaks in a little by an old window that needs replacing ) but I'm sure the sump pump will be kicking on soon if the rain keeps up like this.

 

[MRYPPNS]

The rain has stopped for now here....we're going to the supermarket after Liam's nap.

 

[Hedy]

I'm in!

 

[DisMomAmy]

The rain has stopped for now here....we're going to the supermarket after Liam's nap.

Glad all is OK there with you. As I said on your PTR - we're drying out from a little flooding that DH came home to clean up. All is well now.

I'm in!

Glad you found me!

 

[mousescrapper]

Amy,

I hear you on the can we, should we's....I had such major Disney Blues after getting back from this trip...I think more so because I was so sick w/in days of our return...I didn't have time to properly "let-go" and "mourn"

I have worked over the numbers a gazillion times...but I see its a losing battle in the $$ department not to mention the DH department...yes he loves Disney and wants to go agian, but not like me.

I'd LOVE to bounce back next March during our school's SB, Margaret would still be under 3=free, the twins still under 10=child price still, and we'd still be considered a family of 5=1 deluxe room 1 more time....

But at $399 a night, plus everything else...DH just can't see forking out the big-bucks when we could use that kinda $ for home improvements. Yes I know we could stay at the cabin for like 220-250 a night, or at the AS or POP in 2 rooms for less...but man once your toe is dipped in Disney luxe it's hard to turn around.

I see his reasoning, but it's hard....after a run to IKEA and some furniture/kitchen research I could see that Disney vacation $ really being used for something longer lasting than the great memories...but I still want to go.

And then I think I have it out of my system, and yesterday we're at the zoo and as I'm looking at the Giraffes all I can think of is...AK, oh I'm bad.

Right now we are on the 3-year plan. taking us to November of 2011 the week of Margaret and Mae's b-days our Thanksgiving break....but it is hard to think that the kids will be 12, 12, turning 9 and 5 the next time we go....it didn't seem that hard when we last went in 2005, they were so little then and they didn't seem like "big kids" this trip...but they will be next time...

so thanks for letting me ramble along and share my disney woes on your PTR...

J-

 

[DisMomAmy]

Amy,

I hear you on the can we, should we's....I had such major Disney Blues after getting back from this trip...I think more so because I was so sick w/in days of our return...I didn't have time to properly "let-go" and "mourn"

I have worked over the numbers a gazillion times...but I see its a losing battle in the $$ department not to mention the DH department...yes he loves Disney and wants to go agian, but not like me.

I'd LOVE to bounce back next March during our school's SB, Margaret would still be under 3=free, the twins still under 10=child price still, and we'd still be considered a family of 5=1 deluxe room 1 more time....

But at $399 a night, plus everything else...DH just can't see forking out the big-bucks when we could use that kinda $ for home improvements. Yes I know we could stay at the cabin for like 220-250 a night, or at the AS or POP in 2 rooms for less...but man once your toe is dipped in Disney luxe it's hard to turn around.

I see his reasoning, but it's hard....after a run to IKEA and some furniture/kitchen research I could see that Disney vacation $ really being used for something longer lasting than the great memories...but I still want to go.

And then I think I have it out of my system, and yesterday we're at the zoo and as I'm looking at the Giraffes all I can think of is...AK, oh I'm bad.

Right now we are on the 3-year plan. taking us to November of 2011 the week of Margaret and Mae's b-days our Thanksgiving break....but it is hard to think that the kids will be 12, 12, turning 9 and 5 the next time we go....it didn't seem that hard when we last went in 2005, they were so little then and they didn't seem like "big kids" this trip...but they will be next time...

so thanks for letting me ramble along and share my disney woes on your PTR...

J-

The "Disney Blues" totally stink! I hope you get back before 2011 -but I totally understand the need to spend money on other "longer lasting" things - especially having to do with your home. I can't even imagine staying at a Deluxe resort - I'm sure it would be hard to go elsewhere after that experience. However, that said, I completely understand your rationale behind going back next year while the kids are still in those age catagories. You can't beat free! Maybe a value family suite would be the way to do that??? I guess it just depends on your priorities... I mean how easily you can convince your DH to get his priorities aligned with yours!

 

[Hedy]

You ok after the tornado, Amy?

 

[DisMomAmy]

You ok after the tornado, Amy?

Thanks for the concern Hedy! I'm totally fine - we got a bunch of rain - really heavy POURING rain, but no tornado here. I'm in the southeastern coastal area - the serious storms were farther north toward the central portion of the state near the lakes. Looked pretty bad, huh? Our little NH news channel covered it all day.

 

[DisMomAmy]

Here are my pros and cons for when we should go:

April -

• We would have more time to save - including our tax refund.
• It isn't quite as busy.*
• The F&G Festival will be going on.
• Better chance of a PPP going on.**

February -

• The parks closer earlier - which is a good thing for us - we could enjoy evening entertainment without keeping the kids up so late.
• It is sooner.
• The weather is cooler.
• However... we both have to get new cars by February.

* TGM had both weeks listed as a 3 (our of 5) - moderate crowd levels for 2008. UG gives the February week an average of 6.4 and the April week an average of 5.2. April is listed as one of WDW's wonderful weeks to visit. Other factors to consider are that during February we will overlap with Mardi Gras and ESPN weekend. The first weekend of our April trip hosts Grad Nights at DHS. Not sure if/how any of those events would effect us.

**It appears as though there won't be any P&P Parties in January - WDW has released the hours and MK isn't closing early (7pm) any night in January. Will it be back for February? Will it even be back for April? The UG has estimated dates listed, starting with May 1st (the tail end of our April trip week.) The WDW site still has PPP listed as a special event and says to check back later for 2009 dates. So I assume it's coming - I just don't have any idea when.

***The final factor I am considering is that on the January schedule, WDW has reduced the number of night time shows - MK only has Spectromagic on certain nights of the week and DHS only has Fantasmic on a couple nights per week. How long will this continue? Does it really matter to us?

So when should we go? We are leaning toward April primarily due to the money issue - but if that weren't a factor, when would you go?

 

[stagemomx3]

Did you enjoy April when you went before?

Looking at your pros and cons April I think April slightly edges out February, but it's hard to give up going earlier!

 

[Goofyluver]

Here are my pros and cons for when we should go:

April -

• We would have more time to save - including our tax refund.
• It isn't quite as busy.*
• The F&G Festival will be going on.
• Better chance of a PPP going on.**

February -

• The parks closer earlier - which is a good thing for us - we could enjoy evening entertainment without keeping the kids up so late.
• It is sooner.
• The weather is cooler.
• However... we both have to get new cars by February.

* TGM had both weeks listed as a 3 (our of 5) - moderate crowd levels for 2008. UG gives the February week an average of 6.4 and the April week an average of 5.2. April is listed as one of WDW's wonderful weeks to visit. Other factors to consider are that during February we will overlap with Mardi Gras and ESPN weekend. The first weekend of our April trip hosts Grad Nights at DHS. Not sure if/how any of those events would effect us.

**It appears as though there won't be any P&P Parties in January - WDW has released the hours and MK isn't closing early (7pm) any night in January. Will it be back for February? Will it even be back for April? The UG has estimated dates listed, starting with May 1st (the tail end of our April trip week.) The WDW site still has PPP listed as a special event and says to check back later for 2009 dates. So I assume it's coming - I just don't have any idea when.

***The final factor I am considering is that on the January schedule, WDW has reduced the number of night time shows - MK only has Spectromagic on certain nights of the week and DHS only has Fantasmic on a couple nights per week. How long will this continue? Does it really matter to us?

So when should we go? We are leaning toward April primarily due to the money issue - but if that weren't a factor, when would you go?

Hmmmmm...I think they do usually do P&PP in April. And I would recommend going then, and catching it if you can. It was wonderful. It's relaxed...not a lot of people...walking on all of the rides. Great stuff.

And the F&G festival is soooo beautiful.

Plus, more money is important.

 

[Hedy]

I'd go with April-purely because there's less of a chance of Mother Nature and Old Man Winter messing with your plans in getting to/from FL.

 

[DisMomAmy]

Did you enjoy April when you went before?

Looking at your pros and cons April I think April slightly edges out February, but it's hard to give up going earlier!

Unfortunately it rained (POURED) two of the three days we were there in April, but I know that's unusual. The third day was great.

Hmmmmm...I think they do usually do P&PP in April. And I would recommend going then, and catching it if you can. It was wonderful. It's relaxed...not a lot of people...walking on all of the rides. Great stuff.

And the F&G festival is soooo beautiful.

Plus, more money is important.

Yes, more money is important. We will definitely go to the P&PP if it is scheduled when we are there. I'm keeping my fingers crossed. Hopefully the February calendar will be out soon and we'll know for sure. I'd love to see the F&G festival again - it definitely is soooo beautiful.

I'd go with April-purely because there's less of a chance of Mother Nature and Old Man Winter messing with your plans in getting to/from FL.

Thanks Hedy - I completely forgot to write that in my pros and cons list - but that is a big factor. Air travel can be a nightmare in February.

 

[MRYPPNS]

Amy---sorry I haven't had time to respond to Feb vs. April. I have company coming over this morning so I hope to be able to this afternoon.

Enjoy the sunshine today!

 

[mousescrapper]

The "Disney Blues" totally stink! I hope you get back before 2011 -but I totally understand the need to spend money on other "longer lasting" things - especially having to do with your home. I can't even imagine staying at a Deluxe resort - I'm sure it would be hard to go elsewhere after that experience. However, that said, I completely understand your rationale behind going back next year while the kids are still in those age catagories. You can't beat free! Maybe a value family suite would be the way to do that??? I guess it just depends on your priorities... I mean how easily you can convince your DH to get his priorities aligned with yours!

Yes, that is the trick to link his priorities w/ mine, huh! It's hard to say that I consider WDW a top-priority in life...but it is a must do every few years....We have talked about the ASM fam suite...but have to take in consideration the bus travel to and from everything and how much of this Michael can deal w/ and would Margaret be a better bus traveler 9 months older than this trip. Plus of course as you are worrying about airfare, that is a HUGE factor w/ 6 seats and luggage, if we did go over SB we'd have to fly no way we could pull of driving too...at least I think. I may re-run those fuzzy Diz #'s again...

Here are my pros and cons for when we should go:

April -

• We would have more time to save - including our tax refund.smarty smart..to actually have $$ before spending...
• It isn't quite as busy.*
• The F&G Festival will be going on. always a bonus, the kids would love the topieries!
• Better chance of a PPP going on.** a good factor if you want to do this...I would!

February -

• The parks closer earlier - which is a good thing for us - we could enjoy evening entertainment without keeping the kids up so late. that would help w/ getting to parks early next day too!
• It is sooner. yes, but do you have enough time to get everything in order...
• The weather is cooler. true, but do you want warmer?
• However... we both have to get new cars by February.

So when should we go? We are leaning toward April primarily due to the money issue - but if that weren't a factor, when would you go?

I'd lean toward April too....but I only traveled once around that time over 10 yrs back...I think a big determining factor would be airfare....is it, can it be cheaper one month over the other. And I don't know but how much will SW be effected by all the other airlines cutbacks coming probably after Labor Day??

I have a friend who traveled late Jan/early Feb but their not huge Dis freaks like us but they said the crowds were so minimal and they too stayed off-site, they said the waether was cool sweatshirts needed throughout the day and such.

Good Luck, I'll be curoius what you pick! But if I squeeze DH's arm into going the last week of March...you'd have to be there at least 1 day I am

 

[DisMomAmy]

Amy---sorry I haven't had time to respond to Feb vs. April. I have company coming over this morning so I hope to be able to this afternoon.

Enjoy the sunshine today!

Thanks Heidi - Hope your weekend bbq went well. I definitely am enjoying the sunshine today.

 

[DisMomAmy]

Yes, that is the trick to link his priorities w/ mine, huh! It's hard to say that I consider WDW a top-priority in life...but it is a must do every few years....We have talked about the ASM fam suite...but have to take in consideration the bus travel to and from everything and how much of this Michael can deal w/ and would Margaret be a better bus traveler 9 months older than this trip. Plus of course as you are worrying about airfare, that is a HUGE factor w/ 6 seats and luggage, if we did go over SB we'd have to fly no way we could pull of driving too...at least I think. I may re-run those fuzzy Diz #'s again...





I'd lean toward April too....but I only traveled once around that time over 10 yrs back...I think a big determining factor would be airfare....is it, can it be cheaper one month over the other. And I don't know but how much will SW be effected by all the other airlines cutbacks coming probably after Labor Day??

I have a friend who traveled late Jan/early Feb but their not huge Dis freaks like us but they said the crowds were so minimal and they too stayed off-site, they said the waether was cool sweatshirts needed throughout the day and such.

Good Luck, I'll be curoius what you pick! But if I squeeze DH's arm into going the last week of March...you'd have to be there at least 1 day I am

I think we are leaning toward April with a "we'll see what happens" approach to the airfare. We'll plan for April and if we see a really good deal for February we might jump on it. There are pluses to both, but I think there are more for April and the money will be better by then.

Your SB is at the end of March? We have the last week of February (23-27) and then again the last week of April (27-May1). I would love to Dis-meet you, but it doesn't sound like we would have the possibility of being there at the same time... but if it ever works out, I'll be there.

 

[mousescrapper]

I think we are leaning toward April with a "we'll see what happens" approach to the airfare. We'll plan for April and if we see a really good deal for February we might jump on it. There are pluses to both, but I think there are more for April and the money will be better by then.

Your SB is at the end of March? We have the last week of February (23-27) and then again the last week of April (27-May1). I would love to Dis-meet you, but it doesn't sound like we would have the possibility of being there at the same time... but if it ever works out, I'll be there.

I think that is a good aproach....

Isn't it crazy how everyone's breaks are all over the place....Yes, our SB is Mar 30-April 3 next year (this year is was Mar24-28th) remember the days when SB coincided w/ Easter??? We have 1 week off w/ Thanksgiving and 2 weeks off w/ Christmas and NY's too, beyond the few 3-4 day weekends w/ minor holidays and TI's.

But even the school districts in the suburbs don't all match up, my Sis lives southside sub and her son is on the Chicago school schedule he starts in Sept. where mine start in 3 weeks.

I actually did run those #'s and to my suprise we actually could stay in POR even cheaper than ASM! but even w/ base tickets under a $1000, a room under $1000, you add airfare which I found possibly the cheapest on AirTran for under $1800 it still adds up...I'm torn big-time.

But yes one of these times we MUST have a DisMeet!!!! and hey probably in like 4-5 yrs we'll be doing the big DC trip, NH can't be that far away huh?

J-

 

[DisMomAmy]

I think that is a good aproach....

Isn't it crazy how everyone's breaks are all over the place....Yes, our SB is Mar 30-April 3 next year (this year is was Mar24-28th) remember the days when SB coincided w/ Easter??? We have 1 week off w/ Thanksgiving and 2 weeks off w/ Christmas and NY's too, beyond the few 3-4 day weekends w/ minor holidays and TI's.

But even the school districts in the suburbs don't all match up, my Sis lives southside sub and her son is on the Chicago school schedule he starts in Sept. where mine start in 3 weeks.

I actually did run those #'s and to my suprise we actually could stay in POR even cheaper than ASM! but even w/ base tickets under a $1000, a room under $1000, you add airfare which I found possibly the cheapest on AirTran for under $1800 it still adds up...I'm torn big-time.

But yes one of these times we MUST have a DisMeet!!!! and hey probably in like 4-5 yrs we'll be doing the big DC trip, NH can't be that far away huh?

J-

We go back to school August 27th for 2 days, then have a 4 day weekend for Labor Day. We get 3 days off at Thanksgiving, a week and 1/2 at Christmas, a week in Feb. and a week in April. Then school gets out mid to late June, depending on snow days.

And yes - with airfare - it adds up quick. Wouldn't it be nice to live within driving distance of WDW?

Yes - NH's right next to DC - just head northeast a bit - it'll only take you about 10 hours!