Celebrating my Un-Birthday Disney Style-April 2010-New 5/3 - The TR has started!

[Lovemy3babes]

I really like the Vera bag! I used my old faithful baggallini last trip. It's okay but is probably time to retire it. LOL!

 

[eandesmom]

I have a Kavu Keeper! In "ugly"

I bought it for the trip last Feb but it didn't work out. Not because of bag issues but because I needed to carry more (like jackets!) than it held.

Since then I have used it a few times. It is definitely a shoulder bag, it does not work cross body. It holds a glasses case and a camera, plus cards and lip gloss but that's about it without getting too bulky. All depends on how big the camera and glasses case are though. There are a lot of things I love about it, most notably the exterior pockets (which are fabulous!) but the thing I didn't love is the shoulder strap.

There is a very good chance it is going to DCA. I did get my Vera Back Sack. (not the backpack, the back sack). I like it but it's not a true cinch sack which I thought it was. It only "cinches" at the top. It will probably go too but I'd wanted to wear it on my shoulder, not on my back and because the bottom doesn't cinch I don't think it will work very well unless it's full.

If you want I can load up my keeper and take a pic for you

Of course what I'd like to do is go look at their site for DCA bag options but am going to try really hard NOT to!

 

[KathyRN137]

Way to go, Tim!!

Amy, I absolutely loved my Ellington Tote... it was roomy and well-organized and was very comfortable on my shoulder! I highly recommend it!

Kathy

 

[DisMomAmy]

Not a hater, I actually use them when we visit WDW, it is just so handy! I just wish they were more stylish...

I agree - I was recently searching around a bit online to see if there was anything more "stylish" and I came across some really ugly bags! Beaded, bejeweled, glittery fanny packs! But nothing stylish...

Park bags!!

I'm in the process of trying to find a new park bag for our April trip as well...so many decisions!!! I've used a backpack (too bulky), and yes, I have used a fanny pack. It's so great to be hands free but I wish they would make them much more stylish...is that even possible??

Love your VB Hipster....but it looks a little small for what I would need.

Oh..I really like the Kavu bag! I'll have to check out the website!!

The hipster was a bit small - especially with my giant glasses case in there.

love the pictures of your bags!! It really helps me out with choosing which one I should bring. I really like the Vera Bradley one out of the two that you posted! Let us know what you choose!!

Still trying to figure it out... But don't worry, I'll definitely let you know what I pick.

I really like the Vera bag! I used my old faithful baggallini last trip. It's okay but is probably time to retire it. LOL!

Don't you find yourself getting all tangled up in the baggallini? I had the hardest time getting that thing on right! Maybe it was just me...

I have a Kavu Keeper! In "ugly"

I bought it for the trip last Feb but it didn't work out. Not because of bag issues but because I needed to carry more (like jackets!) than it held.

Since then I have used it a few times. It is definitely a shoulder bag, it does not work cross body. It holds a glasses case and a camera, plus cards and lip gloss but that's about it without getting too bulky. All depends on how big the camera and glasses case are though. There are a lot of things I love about it, most notably the exterior pockets (which are fabulous!) but the thing I didn't love is the shoulder strap.

There is a very good chance it is going to DCA. I did get my Vera Back Sack. (not the backpack, the back sack). I like it but it's not a true cinch sack which I thought it was. It only "cinches" at the top. It will probably go too but I'd wanted to wear it on my shoulder, not on my back and because the bottom doesn't cinch I don't think it will work very well unless it's full.

If you want I can load up my keeper and take a pic for you

Of course what I'd like to do is go look at their site for DCA bag options but am going to try really hard NOT to!

Uggg!! I was really hoping the Kavu Keeper would be "the" bag. I need to be able to wear it across my body... for the same reason I like the fanny pack, a cross body bag feel much more secure and hands-free. Sounds like it holds about the same as the VB Hipster... but I guess it depends on how stiff it is? My Nike bag probably holds the same amount as the Hipster, but it's a lot easier to move stuff around inside? Does that make sense? I'd love to see a picture of it loaded up though... The largest thing I carry is my glasses case. Do you have one of those you can stick in there?

I'll have to check out the VB back sack - does it have those skinny little strap? I don't think those would work for me...

Way to go, Tim!!

Amy, I absolutely loved my Ellington Tote... it was roomy and well-organized and was very comfortable on my shoulder! I highly recommend it!

Kathy

Kathy - I love that you found a great park bag, but it just looks so big! Remind me... What did you carry in there?

I guess I need to decide how much stuff we need to carry in the parks... will we have a stroller, do we need to bring a change of clothes for each of the kids?

We will probably rent a stroller again this year since Zach rode in it so much last year. But I'm guessing we won't bring a full change of clothes for each of the kids - maybe one pair of underwear & shorts that either of them could use. We'll have our car in the parking lot so in a worst case scenario we could go back to the car for clothes. The weather should be warm enough that we won't need sweatshirts, at least not during the day... It was nice to keep a backpack on/in the stroller, but it as kind of a pain because every time Zach got in/out of the stroller we would have to move it. We could keep it on top when Zach rode in the stroller, but when he got out we had to move it so the stroller didn't tip backwards...

Either way, I really don't want to have to carry much... but I suppose if I have to carry much weight, it'll have to go on my back otherwise my neck, shoulders & back end up hurting. But always feel like I'm going to get pickpocketed when I wear things on my back! Uggghhh!! How about the fanny pack/backpack combo??

I guess I'll go make a list of what we need to carry in the parks.

 

[DisneyCrafter]

I just had to share my excitement with someone else who did the Give a Day, Get a Day! I found an organization called Knitters for Critters that allows you to make handmade blankets (any kind) for pets in homeless shelters for comfort both while they are there and they leave with them when they are adopted! It brought tears to my eyes just reading the description (we adopted our kitten)! We get to make the blankets on our own time and then we deliver them when they are completed (we may even be able to ship them). I love to make blankets and I love animals: The perfect volunteer opportunity! If there is anyone in IL subscribing to this post and looking for a good volunteer opportunity, this is definitely a good choice! Sorry, I had to share my excitement!

 

[DisMomAmy]

I just had to share my excitement with someone else who did the Give a Day, Get a Day! I found an organization called Knitters for Critters that allows you to make handmade blankets (any kind) for pets in homeless shelters for comfort both while they are there and they leave with them when they are adopted! It brought tears to my eyes just reading the description (we adopted our kitten)! We get to make the blankets on our own time and then we deliver them when they are completed (we may even be able to ship them). I love to make blankets and I love animals: The perfect volunteer opportunity! If there is anyone in IL subscribing to this post and looking for a good volunteer opportunity, this is definitely a good choice! Sorry, I had to share my excitement!

Congratulations! That sounds like a perfect opportunity!! Funny you should bring this up today... I was finally able to sign my MIL up to volunteer! She's going to send 6-8 books (from a list they give you) to the USO in Southwest Asia. They will distribute books to service men & women to read and be recorded on DVD. They will then send the book along with the DVD home to their child. The child will then have the DVD of their parent reading them the book, along with the actual book they read. Isn't that so cool!!

 

[SwansLoveDisney]

Hi Amy!

I've been subbed to your report for a while, but I finally have more time to DIS because I've cut my hours at work a little bit!

It's so great that Tim took the plunge. I would love to do something like that someday, especially for such a great cause, but I don't know if I could get myself in that water! Kudos to Tim!

As for the park bags, I have no advice to offer. I am NEVER satisfied with mine!

 

[DisMomAmy]

Hi Amy!

I've been subbed to your report for a while, but I finally have more time to DIS because I've cut my hours at work a little bit!

It's so great that Tim took the plunge. I would love to do something like that someday, especially for such a great cause, but I don't know if I could get myself in that water! Kudos to Tim!

As for the park bags, I have no advice to offer. I am NEVER satisfied with mine!

Hi Julie!! How've you been!?!? You should really start a thread over on one of the chit chat boards... I'd love to see some more baby bump pictures - though I'm sure she's causing more than a bump these days. And then you could post baby pictures after your little princess arrives. How are you feeling? Not too much more time to go! I'm glad you found some time to say hello. Please drop in when you have time & post some baby pictures too.

 

[mousescrapper]

I'll have to consult with you & Matt after Lost every week! Lots of good things that I missed on my own! Too bad Tim doesn't like to watch it... I think he'd like it, but it's too late now.

There are lots of AP benefits beyond the tickets! Plus you can buy yours at a DVC discount - I'll have to pay full price.

Good idea to wear my new shoes around with socks - I figured I'd want to get used to wearing them barefoot, for blisters, etc., but I suppose it will help to wear them with socks for a while to get a head start.

anytime...

yes the DVC discount is a nice perk in itself...

good luck breaking in the shoes...

nice pictures of Tim and his plunge Way to go again...didn't he have a plastic butt on last yr or was that someone else

to the bags....

I have used the VB backsack for two trips...and its' ok...but the little straps did start to hurt as the days kept going depending on how much you were toting...I am not sure you would get much more in there than the hipster...that is my everyday bag right now and what I am planning to bring as my park bag too in Nov...but whoever said it is a bit small...uh oh?

I luckily have not experienced the shoulder pain w/ the hipster yet...

the backsack is a bit tedious if you want someone to get something out of it while you are wearing it since you have to loosen the straps that rest on your shoulders plus I do not think it would help your glasses situation...

I used the little zip pocket on the back for our KTTW w/out flipping it on and off...but other than that anything else had to be taken out by taking it off...hence why I hope the hipster will slove that problem...

plus I have 1 bag for park essentials (autograph books, quarters/pennies, penny book, misc itinerary stuff, misc park things, ponchos) and then had a diaper bag and each of the twins had their own bags last yr...

this yr I think we can eliminate the diaper bag to a point since Margaret is potty trained, but may still need that emergency underware and a cup and her snacks..since she can't really eat in the parks...

we'll use a stroller too...but what happens when we have no stroller...I guess matt will need a bag again too....

Geez what stress

J~

 

[SwansLoveDisney]

Hi Julie!! How've you been!?!? You should really start a thread over on one of the chit chat boards... I'd love to see some more baby bump pictures - though I'm sure she's causing more than a bump these days. And then you could post baby pictures after your little princess arrives. How are you feeling? Not too much more time to go! I'm glad you found some time to say hello. Please drop in when you have time & post some baby pictures too.

I'm doing really well. Starting to get into the uncomfortable part of the pregnancy with weird aches and pains, but I know that's just part of the territory. With each day, I get a little more excited! I can not wait to meet our precious little baby girl. We had our baby shower this weekend and it was great. We now have everything we need and more!

I will DEFINITELY be posting pics of the baby! As for the bump, it is HUGE!!! I don't know how it's going to keep getting bigger over the next 6 weeks!

 

[DisMomAmy]

Back later with replies...

As you know, we’ll be staying off-property this year. We have only stayed on-property once as a family (CBR) & I stayed on-property (POP) with my mom. We decided that we could really use the extra space, especially with Jeff & family joining us. And since we pay for it every year, whether we use it or not, it makes sense to use it. If someday we decide to buy DVC, we’ll sell this one, even though it isn’t worth much.

We own a timeshare in Maine, but it isn’t rated high enough for us to exchange into the higher quality timeshares in Orlando until 60 days prior to our arrival date – February 25th! I can view what is available now, but would have to pay for the stay (called a Getaway which is significantly discounted, but not free). At the 60 day mark those “Getaways” become available as “Exchanges”.

In 2007 we stayed at the Marriott Grande Vista. It was beautiful! It was fairly close the parks, about 20 minutes door to door – which really isn’t bad if you consider how long the buses can take to get from resort to park. Here are some pictures:

Here are the top choices currently available only as Getaways:

Sheraton Vistana Resort (closest to WDW):

A sample two-bedroom Villa (they have several different layouts) has:

• Master bedroom with king bed
• Whirlpool tub in master bathroom
• Guest bedroom with two full beds
• LCD flatpanel TV in each bedroom
• Living area with sofa bed
• Entertainment center in living area with LCD flatpanel TV and Bose® 3•2•1® audio system
• Dining area with seating for six
• Breakfast bar with seating for two
• Fully equipped kitchen includes granite countertops, range/oven, microwave/hood combination, refrigerator with icemaker, dishwasher, coffee maker, toaster, blender and dinnerware
• Washer and dryer
• Private patio or balcony
• In-room safe
• Square footage ranged from 1000-1300 square feet (the smaller units are the closest to the action, the larger are further, but there are other pools spread throughout the resort).
• Closest to WDW (10-15 minutes door to door)
• Most of the resort has undergone a recent renovation, there is still one area that isn’t finished, but we wouldn’t be staying there because those rooms are all Saturday check-ins. Hopefully all of the renovations to the other sections will be finished on schedule.

Here are some tiny pictures from their website:

Here are a few larger pictures that I found on photobucket that someone else took:

Sheraton Vistana Villages, which is about 1100 sq. ft.:
The two-bedroom villa has:

• Private Balcony or Patio
• Breakfast Bar with Seating for Two
• Dining Area with Seating for Six
• Guest Bedroom with Two Double Beds
• Full-Size Refrigerator with Icemaker
• In-room Safe
• Three Televisions with Remote Controls
• Living Area with Queen Sofa Bed
• 1100 Square Feet (smallest of the three but in the middle as far as quality)
• 15 – 20 minutes door to door
• There is word that they are putting a new childrens pool/play area with slides & a pirate ship, but it may not be finished by the time we are there.

Marriott Cypress Harbour:

• 2-bedroom/2-bath Lake Buena Vista villas with screened balconies/porches
• Master bedroom has king bed, oversized tub, shower
• Guest bedroom has queen bed, full-sized pull out sofa (Sheratons have 2 full size beds)
• Separate living (with queen sofa bed) and dining area, breakfast bar
• Villas in Lake Buena Vista feature full kitchens with cookware and tableware
• In-room safe, plus utility room with washer/dryer
• 1345 Square Feet (largest of the three choices)
• Furthest from WDW (20 minutes door to door) but the largest & probably the nicest? And we know what to expect staying at a Marriott resort.

Then once we choose our resort, I have to research which section to request. I’m not sure if we have the option of making requests at Marriott Cypress Harbour, but I know we can at the Sheratons. Sometimes when you make a timeshare exchange you exchange for a specific unit that cannot be changed, other times you are not.

Do what do you think??

 

[mommytothreeboys]

I think I like the 3rd choice the best. Beautiful setting! Can't wait to see what you decide!

 

[eandesmom]

I'd have to agree that the last one looks the best, based on pictures alone but they are all lovely.

Sunsetcliffs was just at the Vistana (not sure which one) and they really liked it.

 

[Charleston Princess]

All three of them look like lovely places to stay for your trip! I would always choose the one that is closest to the parks.

 

[Angies1274]

The last choice looks really beautiful!! Plus it's only 20 minutes door to door? That's not bad.....As you said in 2007 when you stayed at the Marriott Grande Vista it was about the same distance, and you know what to expect from a Marriott resort so you know you wouldn't be disappointed in your choice.

Can't wait to hear what you've picked!!

 

[DisMomAmy]

anytime...

yes the DVC discount is a nice perk in itself...

good luck breaking in the shoes...

nice pictures of Tim and his plunge Way to go again...didn't he have a plastic butt on last yr or was that someone else

to the bags....

I have used the VB backsack for two trips...and its' ok...but the little straps did start to hurt as the days kept going depending on how much you were toting...I am not sure you would get much more in there than the hipster...that is my everyday bag right now and what I am planning to bring as my park bag too in Nov...but whoever said it is a bit small...uh oh?

I luckily have not experienced the shoulder pain w/ the hipster yet...

the backsack is a bit tedious if you want someone to get something out of it while you are wearing it since you have to loosen the straps that rest on your shoulders plus I do not think it would help your glasses situation...

I used the little zip pocket on the back for our KTTW w/out flipping it on and off...but other than that anything else had to be taken out by taking it off...hence why I hope the hipster will slove that problem...

plus I have 1 bag for park essentials (autograph books, quarters/pennies, penny book, misc itinerary stuff, misc park things, ponchos) and then had a diaper bag and each of the twins had their own bags last yr...

this yr I think we can eliminate the diaper bag to a point since Margaret is potty trained, but may still need that emergency underware and a cup and her snacks..since she can't really eat in the parks...

we'll use a stroller too...but what happens when we have no stroller...I guess matt will need a bag again too....

Geez what stress

J~

Tim is such a good sport to jump in the ocean every year! Yes - Tim was wearing a the plastic butt last year! I don't know why he took it off before plunging this year. He had on his clown-ish costume with the butt before the plunge. He usually leaves the butt on, but must have forgotten this year??

I think rotating bags works best for me... the Hipster may come along to be part of the line up!

I'm doing really well. Starting to get into the uncomfortable part of the pregnancy with weird aches and pains, but I know that's just part of the territory. With each day, I get a little more excited! I can not wait to meet our precious little baby girl. We had our baby shower this weekend and it was great. We now have everything we need and more!

I will DEFINITELY be posting pics of the baby! As for the bump, it is HUGE!!! I don't know how it's going to keep getting bigger over the next 6 weeks!

Hi Julie! Glad you are feeling good. The end is the hardest part... all the waiting along with the new aches & pains. Hang in there!!

 

[Cory's Gal]

I too really like the Mariott Cypress Harbour Amy. It looks beautiful and 20 minutes door to door isn't that bad!! It looks so new and fresh! I love all the blue colors there too! But they all seem to be nice and big with lots of room, I don't think you can go wrong on the choices!!

 

[DisMomAmy]

I think I like the 3rd choice the best. Beautiful setting! Can't wait to see what you decide!

I think it is the nicest, but the second bed in the guest room is a pull-out couch...

I'd have to agree that the last one looks the best, based on pictures alone but they are all lovely.

Sunsetcliffs was just at the Vistana (not sure which one) and they really liked it.

Thanks for letting me know about Sunsetcliffs stay at Vistana - I peeked at her TR and saw the pictures of the two rooms. I'm guessing they were in an room that hadn't been refurbished before they were moved to a refurbished room - what a difference!

All three of them look like lovely places to stay for your trip! I would always choose the one that is closest to the parks.

Sheraton Vistana Resort is definitely the closest!

The last choice looks really beautiful!! Plus it's only 20 minutes door to door? That's not bad.....As you said in 2007 when you stayed at the Marriott Grande Vista it was about the same distance, and you know what to expect from a Marriott resort so you know you wouldn't be disappointed in your choice.

Can't wait to hear what you've picked!!

We'll all have to wait two more weeks. These are my top three choices now, but there could be some last minute changes to the list!

I too really like the Mariott Cypress Harbour Amy. It looks beautiful and 20 minutes door to door isn't that bad!! It looks so new and fresh! I love all the blue colors there too! But they all seem to be nice and big with lots of room, I don't think you can go wrong on the choices!!

Even though Cypress Harbour only has a pull-out couch for the second bed in the guest room, it is the biggest square footage, which is important with 9 people.

 

[DisMomAmy]

This weekend I’m going to get back on track with my looks back… Hollywood Studios is up next!!

But first, a few odds & ends… I’ve learned a few exciting things this week:

I’ve learned that we can get reimbursed for parking on our first day if I get an AP! Since we won’t have any park tickets upon arrival at our first park, DHS, we’ll have to pay parking to enter the lot. I’ve been doing a little research here on the DIS and learned how to go about redeeming our GAD vouchers. First, we’ll need to exchange our vouchers for our free one day tickets at Will Call at DHS. Then we’ll enter the park and, at some point, upgrade our one day tickets to multi-day tickets or an AP. At that point we can get reimbursed for the parking we paid to enter DHS that day.

I’ve also learned, from sources on the Tour Guide Mike forums, that I should be able to get the PhotoPass CD at the discounted rate for my PhotoPass group. A couple of the members of our share are staying on-property and apparently they can send me the link for the discounted CD. We’ll see…

My good friend, next door neighbor & PTO Co-President, Laura, gave me some very cool gifts recently:

Today I got Mickey Mail!! This is a really big deal since we’re staying off-property. We got our personalized maps!!

You may or may not have noticed that all of the resorts I listed state that they sleep 8… You may have also noticed that if you add up all of the travelers in our party, including DMIL, we now have 9. Hmmm… Well I was starting to feel a little guilty about this. I was picturing us sneaking around the resort, entering the room in two separate groups or even worse, getting caught and getting kicked out! It was really getting to me... I even considered exchanging two weeks to get two neighboring units. But then I decided to call the resorts. To my surprise all three of them said there is no actual limit on how many you can sleep in the villas! They were all so nice and all stated that each villa sleeps 8 but if we want to have a child sleep on an air mattress that’s up to us! I’m so happy!!

Alex made a funny comment today… Tim was home early so we decided to take the kids out to dinner, a rarity for us… Once we decided to go out, we had to decide where to go. We asked the kids and Alex yelled, “Chef Mickey’s!” Then he says, very seriously, “No, that’s too far to go tonight.”

And the most exciting event of the week: Tim got his bonus this week… a nice big fat bonus!! Aside from paying our taxes and paying off some credit card debt we had talked about some other stuff we needed. We were talking about that & I was trying to figure out how much $ Tim would need for his new golf clubs & some work clothes. He needs about $2000. Then he asks if that still works for me… I replied, “Absolutely, but I’m getting myself an Annual Pass and we’re going back to Disney next year!” He gives me a big silly smile… Then I said, “It keeps me happy to be planning a Disney trip year round.” And his responds with, “I know… that’s why it’s fine with me!” So we’re going back to Disney in about 54 weeks!!

 

[jordanyosh]

I like all three choices!

It was nice of you to call about the extra person...and see...it all worked out anyway