Can't Plan for Baby? Better Plan for Disney! -- PTR

[tofubeast]

Just looking at your schedules (prelim). Lots of park days in a row. Hoping you are maybe talking 1/2 days or so because otherwise your feet are going to be TIRED. Parkhopping and taking breaks are your friends!

 

[BDL]

Time for some Disney Math...

You'd save $675 = [ (9 x 75) + (0 x 1 free miles ) ] and use a travel day if you use lay-overs.

MVMCP for the group (I'll be using all adults) would be $590 = 10 x 59.

675 - 590 = $85

That is admission for everyone at MNSSHP/MVMCP + $85 for commemorative pins, t-shirts, pop corn buckets, etc... (you don't have to do MNSSHP/MVMCP if you don't want to).

I am a firm believer in the travel day, already, to maximize my Disney time. I'm giving them all this money, I'll be "gosh darned" if I'm gonna miss out on any time.

 

[teekathepony]

I just want to say... your flight options make me want to cry. I have no choice but to have at least one, usually two layovers and my flights are usually $800-$1000 per person when you get them cheap. Ahhh what I wouldn't give for more flight options around here!

Ok, green eyed monster aside, I would have to go with the layover and saving all that money. I would hope for approximately an hour layover, enough time to get your bearings, use the washroom, clean up a little and if necessary, get a bite to eat.

 

[francis6306]

I need to look into the point thing with Southwest! Care to share with me how it works? We keep moving further and further away… We plan to drive, but I'd like to be able to fly at some point…

 

[silverhaze269]

I just want to say... your flight options make me want to cry. I have no choice but to have at least one, usually two layovers and my flights are usually $800-$1000 per person when you get them cheap. Ahhh what I wouldn't give for more flight options around here!

I hear ya! I can't even imagine if our flights only cost even $300 each...I'd be

Anyway, that aside...

If it were me, I'd have to see how much time I'd be saving by taking a direct flight, and then figuring in if the extra cost is worth the extra time you'd have. That's actually how I usually end up picking the flights I get...seeing what gets in the earliest and how much more it is compared to the rest of my options.

We rarely see direct flights to MCO, so to even have that as an option would be awesome.

If you choose to have a layover, I would suggest one that has maybe an hour and a half to two hours time between flights. That way, if for some reason your flight got delayed, you'd more than likely still be able to make the connecting flight. I always get nervous when I've only got about an hour on a layover, for that very reason.

 

[pinkxray]

Good job early so many SW points. I have been trying to earn points by picking restaurants involved in the Rapid Rewards dining. DH couldn't understand why after living near an SBC for years all the sudden I decided that restaurant would be where we ate at next. I didn't feel the need to mention that SBC would earn me more points than our normal TGIFriday. Although the food was great, so I am happy we tried it.

I didn't know SW had surveys. I did get an e-mail recently about going something to do surveys I think, but never signed up. I will have to look into it again.


I hope you are able to get the SW 50,000 points. We were able to get one card and it was great I signed up for my card a few years ago before they had that promotion so I missed out, but I still love having the card. It does seem pretty easy to earn points and getting a free flight once in awhile is great.



I usually try to pick the nonstop option but I am sure if the price is right I would do a layover. But our flights are only a little under 3 hours so I don't think I know what I am talking about when it comes to that


I hope you get to buy into DVC soon. I am really thinking after this year trips of taking a break for 2 years to save for DVC. I wish I had the money now, because the resale market really seems to be a buyers market right now.

 

[oboedm]

I would be saving where I could...so a layover would be my choice. I also would choose the longer layover. Eat..get wiggles out and a potty break. Also... if there is a wee one... changing could a lot easier (and time consuming) on a layover.

Thanks for the help as always, Ann! I think you are right about the savings. And a potty break would be nice, I am sure. A food break would also be nice! The longer layover seems like the way to go! My sister agrees!

Just looking at your schedules (prelim). Lots of park days in a row. Hoping you are maybe talking 1/2 days or so because otherwise your feet are going to be TIRED. Parkhopping and taking breaks are your friends!

Yes! I know we have a lot of park days in a row. We plan to do the mid-afternoon nap. Leave the park around 1or 2, go back around 5-6. If I don't get my Disney nap each day I have a breakdown in Epcot! More on that to come when I resume my TR, LOL!

Time for some Disney Math...

You'd save $675 = [ (9 x 75) + (0 x 1 free miles ) ] and use a travel day if you use lay-overs.

MVMCP for the group (I'll be using all adults) would be $590 = 10 x 59.

675 - 590 = $85

That is admission for everyone at MNSSHP/MVMCP + $85 for commemorative pins, t-shirts, pop corn buckets, etc... (you don't have to do MNSSHP/MVMCP if you don't want to).

I am a firm believer in the travel day, already, to maximize my Disney time. I'm giving them all this money, I'll be "gosh darned" if I'm gonna miss out on any time.

You are so right! I need to put that $675 savings in perspective-- and see what it will buy me @ WDW! I told my DH that the savings would equal admission to the party, and he is all about the layover. He really wants to do the party!

I just want to say... your flight options make me want to cry. I have no choice but to have at least one, usually two layovers and my flights are usually $800-$1000 per person when you get them cheap. Ahhh what I wouldn't give for more flight options around here!

Ok, green eyed monster aside, I would have to go with the layover and saving all that money. I would hope for approximately an hour layover, enough time to get your bearings, use the washroom, clean up a little and if necessary, get a bite to eat.

Ha! I suppose I should be grateful that I live in AZ! I always whine about having to fly, how much it costs, that a day is eaten with just travel, etc. I will be thankful I am not living in CA! Thanks for the advice! and hour sounds great! We can always grab some food quickly and eat it on the plane, too.

I need to look into the point thing with Southwest! Care to share with me how it works? We keep moving further and further away… We plan to drive, but I'd like to be able to fly at some point…

Yes! It is great! I signed up for an account and they have this tab where you can see how you can earn points. For example, I signed up for emails from SW, using my two emails and I got 250 points each. You can also earn points by shopping online. I just bought my MIL flowers online for mother's day last month, and they were running a promo where I earned 1500 points for the flowers.

I also get emails about specials they are running. Sears had a sale on a freezer we wanted, and SW was running 6 points per dollar instead of 3. I bought it and earned a few thousand points.

They have also sent me emails that allow me to sign up for surveys. Each survey I take earns "money" at e-rewards.com. Every time I earn $25 I can "purchase" rewards points.

As far as the dining, I have an app on my phone and whenever we eat out, I look to see if there is any SW places in the area. For every dollar we spend, we earn 3 points. The best part is our favorite pizza place is on there, so we earn 100 points at least once a month, LOL!

I like the SW because it seems so straightforward. You can view how much things "cost" by searching for flights and clicking in the right place to show you the point values as opposed to the monetary ones.

I hear ya! I can't even imagine if our flights only cost even $300 each...I'd be

Anyway, that aside...

If it were me, I'd have to see how much time I'd be saving by taking a direct flight, and then figuring in if the extra cost is worth the extra time you'd have. That's actually how I usually end up picking the flights I get...seeing what gets in the earliest and how much more it is compared to the rest of my options.

We rarely see direct flights to MCO, so to even have that as an option would be awesome.

If you choose to have a layover, I would suggest one that has maybe an hour and a half to two hours time between flights. That way, if for some reason your flight got delayed, you'd more than likely still be able to make the connecting flight. I always get nervous when I've only got about an hour on a layover, for that very reason.

Interesting point. If we get in a lot earlier with direct, the extra money could not only be worth less hassle (changing planes, etc) but the extra Disney time as well. Great point about delays! Something I will definitely have to look at when/if I consider a layover!

Good job early so many SW points. I have been trying to earn points by picking restaurants involved in the Rapid Rewards dining. DH couldn't understand why after living near an SBC for years all the sudden I decided that restaurant would be where we ate at next. I didn't feel the need to mention that SBC would earn me more points than our normal TGIFriday. Although the food was great, so I am happy we tried it.

I didn't know SW had surveys. I did get an e-mail recently about going something to do surveys I think, but never signed up. I will have to look into it again.

I hope you are able to get the SW 50,000 points. We were able to get one card and it was great I signed up for my card a few years ago before they had that promotion so I missed out, but I still love having the card. It does seem pretty easy to earn points and getting a free flight once in awhile is great.

I usually try to pick the nonstop option but I am sure if the price is right I would do a layover. But our flights are only a little under 3 hours so I don't think I know what I am talking about when it comes to that

I hope you get to buy into DVC soon. I am really thinking after this year trips of taking a break for 2 years to save for DVC. I wish I had the money now, because the resale market really seems to be a buyers market right now.

I love your restaurant story! I never try new places, but I am always willing to now that I can earn points! =)

Taking a break from WDW to earn for DVC sounds like a great idea! The resale market is really great. About a week ago we were thisclose to signing a contract, but we decided that we needed to figure out how much this trip would cost before we took the plunge. I could see this trip being our last non-DVC trip, though. =)

 

[oboedm]

Resort—Room/Size Configurations

Thanks for all the advice regarding plane tickets! It is appreciate and I have tons of “food for thought” when SW comes out with October 2013 fares!

Today we will be discussing possible resort categories.

When talking with BIL and DSis, they are open to value resorts. I am only open to AoA as a value resort. Why? Space! I loved our first WDW trip at Pop Century. However, I could not imagine 1 adult + 3 kids in each room, plus luggage and enough room to move around. Kids come with a LOT of stuff!

We could get four value rooms and have 2-3 kids per room, but what kind of family vacation is that? All four adults would be separated!

BIL and DSis are open to separate rooms for their family, so here is what we would need in each category:

3 Moderate Rooms
2 AoA suites
2-3 Deluxe Rooms
1, 2 bedroom villa + studio
1, 2 bedroom villa (sleeps 9, BLT or AKL)

Bedroom Square Footage

**************.net states, “bedroom square feet make much more of a difference in the livability of a room than the remaining components of square feet.” Agreed. No one sits and watches TV from the bathroom. Here is the comparison of bedroom size:

http://**************.net/wp-content/uploads/2008/02/Relative-Size-of-Disney-World-Hotel-Rooms.jpg

Based on the calculations, moderate rooms actually have more square footage in the bedrooms than a standard room at AKL, WL, YC or BC. The CR, POLY, and GF have good room sizes, but even then they only offer 35-50 more square feet of bedroom space per room.

If we got three moderate rooms, we would have 720 feet of living space, with two deluxe we would have anywhere from 552 to592 square feet. We would get more bedroom space in three moderate rooms for less money than two deluxe rooms. Additionally, we would gain a bathroom.

If we got three deluxe rooms we would have 828-888 square feet of living space. However, that extra 100-150 square feet would probably come at double the price of the three moderates.

AoA suites are 565 square feet, including the bathrooms. Two of those suites would give us 1130 square feet and four bathrooms. Additionally, they would give us additional living space because some beds could be “put away” as needed, giving the kids more room to run around when we are at the resort.

By comparison, a 2 bedroom at AKL—Kidani would give us 1173 square feet of living space and three bathrooms and all the other extras that come along with staying in a deluxe villa accommodation. Once again, we could fold in sleeping areas when not in use, giving us more room during the day. We could fit in a 2 bedroom @ BLT or AKV, or we could get two separate villas (studio for DH, me (and baby?) and a two bedroom for BIL and DSis at other DVC resorts.

Based on this information, I am going to narrow down our search and number crunching to these options.

Moderate, 3 bedrooms
AoA, 2 suites
Villas—2 bedroom AKV or BLT
Villas—2 bedroom + studio

Thoughts on the narrow down? Should we consider the standard value rooms even though they are small?

 

[annmarieda]

I think the fact you would have to split each adult up in a value kinda makes that not a fun option.

Personally, I would put what ever choice was the least expensive but also put more adults in one room higher on the list.

 

[Leger13]

I agree with Ann! I think I'd go with AoA. And it's brand new so that makes it even more fun! we are staying there this december in a LM room

 

[jenny105]

At the risk of adding even more options to the mix, have you looked into renting DVC points if you decide to opt for the villas? It could end up saving you a lot of $$ over AoA or the mods.

 

[JennisSilly]

What about a Grand Villa?

We stayed at Old Key West in a Grand Villa, and it was 2200 sq ft! It had 3 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, plus a fold out couch.

I think it can sleep 12?

 

[Queila]

Hi Paula,
The title of your PTR drew me in. Sorry about your losses. I myself suffered 2 miscarriages in the past year (last one at 14 weeks last March).

I am going to WDW to "help me heal" for the second year in a row now. Planing certainly helps to keep my mind busy. Hope things work out for you guys.

I am signing up and looking forward to reading more.

Q

 

[Enchanted88]

I just wanted to let you know I'm still here, and reading along!!!
I'm probably no help with the room suggestions, though! hahaha
But, I hope you have a wonderful 4th tomorrow!!

 

[silverhaze269]

Have you looked at the tree house villas? They sound/look kind of fun, but I haven't really looked into them much because it's usually 4 people traveling at most whenever I go. Given your current options though, I'd go with AoA or AKL villas. I think you'd find that being able to "put away" a bed when it's not being used will help out a lot in terms of space, and you'd only need 2 rooms rather than 3. The extra bathrooms will also really help.

 

[Imagineer5]

I would go with the 2BR out of your choices at BLT or AKV. BLT would be my first choice, for having kids.

However, a treehouse villa or grand villa would be awesome.

When the next SW 50,000 point CC offer comes out, can we make a promise to tell each other about it if we see it?!?!?!? I'm dying to get another card for my DH to get those points, but missed it in May I think.

 

[OregonGirl]

Paula!

I just read through your entire PTR so far and it was an emotional roller-coaster, sheesh! I am so sorry about your baby loss, and I hope it is able to happen for you someday soon! My DH and I are also trying for a baby, and my friends all tell me to relax and just let it happen and not stress about it... and it's hard! Argh!

I love how you throw a picture in with each option you are considering. I would also good with a 2BR at either Boardwalk or Animal Kingdom. With kids going, AK might be more interesting for them.

Anyway, just mostly wanted to say HI!

- Carey

_____________


FOLLOW MY 'DISNEYLAND HALF MARATHON' & 'DISNEYWORLD MAYBE-BABY CHRISTMAS' PRE-TRIP REPORTS!

 

[francis6306]

Good luck figuring out what you want! Personally, I like to have my own space even while traveling with a group of people. I need to have a break from people!! We traveled with several friends in 2010 and we had adjoining rooms at Pop and it was great. We could hang out in one room, but I could get my privacy as needed.

 

[oboedm]

I think the fact you would have to split each adult up in a value kinda makes that not a fun option.

Personally, I would put what ever choice was the least expensive but also put more adults in one room higher on the list.

I agree! I am going to price out all the options and see what is the cheapest. I may have to factor in possible Oct 2013 discounts based on Oct 2012 discounts, though. That could change our decision, for sure!

I agree with Ann! I think I'd go with AoA. And it's brand new so that makes it even more fun! we are staying there this december in a LM room

I know! I would LOVE AoA. I really, really want to stay in a LK room! However, my sister mentioned the other day that she would be worried about coming back to such a bright room! Might be a bit too much!

At the risk of adding even more options to the mix, have you looked into renting DVC points if you decide to opt for the villas? It could end up saving you a lot of $$ over AoA or the mods.

Yes! That is definitely what we will do if we go with a Villa. It is way cheaper than paying the normal (or even discounted rates) for the villas. Not sure how it will stack up to the mods/AoA, though. We will see!

What about a Grand Villa?

We stayed at Old Key West in a Grand Villa, and it was 2200 sq ft! It had 3 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, plus a fold out couch.

I think it can sleep 12?

Oh! I would love a Grand Villa. So much room... the OKW GV is the same size as my house! That sounds like perfection!

Hi Paula,
The title of your PTR drew me in. Sorry about your losses. I myself suffered 2 miscarriages in the past year (last one at 14 weeks last March).

I am going to WDW to "help me heal" for the second year in a row now. Planing certainly helps to keep my mind busy. Hope things work out for you guys.

I am signing up and looking forward to reading more.

Q

Welcome! I am sorry to hear about your miscarriages as well. =) It is such a difficult thing to go through! I just want a take home baby.

WDW is our happy place as well. We keep taking family members with us because we want to go with kids, LOL! I am planning baby making around this trip. We will have no trips in 2012 so I definitely need something to look forward to!

I just wanted to let you know I'm still here, and reading along!!!
I'm probably no help with the room suggestions, though! hahaha
But, I hope you have a wonderful 4th tomorrow!!

Thanks! We had a great 4th of July. Hope you had a good one as well!

Have you looked at the tree house villas? They sound/look kind of fun, but I haven't really looked into them much because it's usually 4 people traveling at most whenever I go. Given your current options though, I'd go with AoA or AKL villas. I think you'd find that being able to "put away" a bed when it's not being used will help out a lot in terms of space, and you'd only need 2 rooms rather than 3. The extra bathrooms will also really help.

THV look like such fun! I am scared at how far away from the main building they are. However, the outdoor space would be nice. The kids could play outside on breaks.

I agree. I am really leaning towards those two options. I don't want BIL and DSis to miss out on each other during this vacation!

I would go with the 2BR out of your choices at BLT or AKV. BLT would be my first choice, for having kids.

However, a treehouse villa or grand villa would be awesome.

When the next SW 50,000 point CC offer comes out, can we make a promise to tell each other about it if we see it?!?!?!? I'm dying to get another card for my DH to get those points, but missed it in May I think.

I really, really like BLT, especially the decor. Being on the monorail would be nice, as we will have at least one stroller.

Yes! We will have to tell each other when that comes out! I am waiting patiently!

Paula!

I just read through your entire PTR so far and it was an emotional roller-coaster, sheesh! I am so sorry about your baby loss, and I hope it is able to happen for you someday soon! My DH and I are also trying for a baby, and my friends all tell me to relax and just let it happen and not stress about it... and it's hard! Argh!

I love how you throw a picture in with each option you are considering. I would also good with a 2BR at either Boardwalk or Animal Kingdom. With kids going, AK might be more interesting for them.

Anyway, just mostly wanted to say HI!

- Carey

Welcome! I hope it happens someday soon as well! The relax advice is the worst. The last time we got pregnant we were at our least relaxed, so... yeah. I don't think that really helps! How can you relax when it is something on your mind all the time!

The kids would definitely love AK! We would have to get a Savannah view, of course!

Good luck figuring out what you want! Personally, I like to have my own space even while traveling with a group of people. I need to have a break from people!! We traveled with several friends in 2010 and we had adjoining rooms at Pop and it was great. We could hang out in one room, but I could get my privacy as needed.

That is a great point. I do think we need our own room. I wouldn't mind if we had a two bed, because then we could at least shut the door and not have to share with two kiddos. That is also an option with the mods.

 

[oboedm]

2013 Packages are Here!

I am super happy that the 2013 WDW information has come out! I can now price different resort options! Can't wait to celebrate with these guys!

In other news, I was able to view the kids' school calendar for 2013-2014! We will definitely be there from October 7th-11th. Whether we take the week before or week after depends on school, I think. If I am remembering right, the kids usually have a day or so off the week before or after October break (as teacher grading days or parent/teacher conference days). Once we know those we can plan further.

Possible dates:
September 30- October 11
October 7- October 18

I may have mentioned this before, but I think we will try to stay from a Monday to the following Friday. That way we only have to pay weekend rates once. We will also have the weekend before to prepare/pack and the weekend after to recover.

BTW, Evan now has 7593 in Southwest points and I have 5425. Woohoo! We are well on our way to earning a free round trip flight! Flights to Orlando are around 11,000 points right now.

I am going to price each resort option a few times based on different discounts. To keep things consistent, I am going to use the Deluxe Dining Plan as our food budget for now, since it is the most expensive option. We will decide which is the better option--(DxDP or OOP)-- later in the PTR.

Here is what is included in each calculation:

Packages (no discount and free dining): room + 10 day base tickets + DxDP + airfare

AP Rate: discounted room+ eight 10 day base tickets from UC Tourist + one AP + DxDP + airfare

DVC Points Rental: room(s) + nine 10 day base tickets from UC Tourist + DxDP + airfare

See you later! I need to go crunch some numbers!