Confessions of the Resort Changers

[ktink]

Well I wanted to let you all know that the flip flops didn't work. I woke up this morning w/ a stomach virus. But I felt that I should let you all know that we've made a choice. I was really hoping that I could convince DH to go w/ BWI but he stood strong. We went over the pros and cons once again. We will be dining mostly in the MK area w/ only 2 other ADRs being at Epcot. AKL had a few cons in the fact that we would have long bus rides to MK, which we will visit almost daily, dining options, larger resort, and then the construction thing.

WL had many pros over AKL when we listed out what we would actually take advantage of. Boat ride to MK, dining options, EWP, FW activities, chance of being flag family, the lobby. DDs prefer the Park Ranger CMs while DH prefers the flat screen t.v. The only con we could come up w/ was the busses sharing at times.

I called CRO and we changed over to WL woods view and unlike the last time after weighing everything out it seems to be the best choice. It painted a completely different picture seeing it on paper, it just made sense to go w/ WL.

 

[DisneyBride'03]

I hope you are "ok" with this choice...I didnt sense any excitement..maybe its your virus As for me...I am excited
For those resort changers on this thread......part of the reason I began this thread was cause of ktink, stepdisney and I kept bumping into each other on resort threads...lol....and now we will all be at WL during the same time...them longer than I, lucky ducks
ktink.....read the WL thread...the love for WL from the vets will amaze you!!

deide71.....thanks for that pic Looks wonderful!! What kind of "villa" did you have if you dont mind me asking?
Oh...and for all you ADR changers....they DO have record of ALL the reservations/changes you make like someone earlier posted!!! lol....I have changed maybe a few times...lol...but...lots of posters made a big deal abt how hard is to get ADR's for free DDP etc...I have changed and never once had a prob w/any ADR! So....here are mine....lol..after yesterdays change....

Arrival day 8/31 Coral Reef 8 20 p.m. (Epcot EMH)
9/1.....no T/S.. MK
9/2 Ohana 8 p.m. MK..Magical Beginings & EMH
9/3 California Grill 7 30 pm AK
9/4 Departure Day Relax by pool all day

And hopefully, the DH's of ktink, stepdisney and me will not be planning any type of intervention for us LOL

 

[momtoPrincessA]

And hopefully, the DH's of ktink, stepdisney and me will not be planning any type of intervention for us LOL[/QUOTE]


I think I see the problem.....you 3 actually TELL your DH's what you are up to! I don't. Ever since I called a travel agent to discuss booking the trip for us and she told me I didn't need her because it seemed like I knew as much as she did, my DH has left me alone in regards to planning! Of course, he still thinks we are spending the 1st half of the trip at Pop, not AKL but whatever! If he actually knew how often I read these boards or called CRO, he would have me committed for sure!

When is everyone at WL?? We will be there from 8/26 - 8/30. I have woodsview but would like to try to get the bunkbeds for the kids. I guess that means it's time to call CRO!

 

[ktink]

And hopefully, the DH's of ktink, stepdisney and me will not be planning any type of intervention for us LOL

I think I see the problem.....you 3 actually TELL your DH's what you are up to! I don't. Ever since I called a travel agent to discuss booking the trip for us and she told me I didn't need her because it seemed like I knew as much as she did, my DH has left me alone in regards to planning! Of course, he still thinks we are spending the 1st half of the trip at Pop, not AKL but whatever! If he actually knew how often I read these boards or called CRO, he would have me committed for sure!

When is everyone at WL?? We will be there from 8/26 - 8/30. I have woodsview but would like to try to get the bunkbeds for the kids. I guess that means it's time to call CRO![/QUOTE]


I'm guilty as charged. I tell DH. I used to try and hide it but w/ all the confirmations I get from Disney. I don't want the added stress of having to beat him to the mailbox. I tried to shave off a few hundred $$ yesterday in my desperate BWI attempt but I just told him the true cost.

disneybride, I am truly excited. I've just been on the couch most of the day so I guess it didn't show through. When we started going over everything I found that I REALLY want to be closer to MK and while WL doesn't have a tropical feel it offers it's own beauty. The last time that I changed to WL I was NOT happy at all and it didn't feel right. This time I couldn't wait to call.

BTW, your ADRs look great.

 

[stepdisney]

Ktink, can it be true? All of us back together at the lodge again ! I think we all know that if I haven't convinced DH or DS to change by now, we'll be at WL this trip. I think because AKL is the most photographed resort, it is easy to get excited by the pictures. I did read about banging and hole-digging and would be very upset to have my first stay there ruined by construction. So...WL And thats my final answer.

Ktink, I'm sorry to hear that you're suffering. Drink plenty of fluids.

Disneybride please take lots and lots of pictures. Did they make those rooms over also or was that just the main Lodge? I'm getting excited . I have resolved to experience ALL that the WL has to offer in hopes of getting my WL Vet wings when I come back.

MomtoPrincess, I like the way you think! However, my DH is very in touch when it comes to the accounts. He runs the budget ledger every evening and would notice the lump sum on the vacation line (he created software just for our home budget. )

 

[DisneyBride'03]

stepdisney...not sure abt any refurb at the villas...but will take lots of photos!
I am loving the fact that WL is so close to MK! And that ktink is back
ktink
Hope you feel better soon! I, like you, actually thought at one point I would never stay at WL...didnt appeal to me cause I love the beachy thing so much , as you stated. But we still have a beach!!! Just not the motif!
Its a great spot..especially with easy transportation to CR, POLY, GF for resort restaurants...
Ok, we are trading in Palm trees for Pine! But I bet when we come back...ALL of us will be happy with our WL stays!!!
Watch, both of YOU will get upgraded to Concierge!! lol

momtoprincessa...........will be just missing ya!!!!! Leave a log on the fire for us!! lol..I think stepdisney gets in a day earlier than me now!!
Is anyone of you guys having a pool day? Or thinking of going over to the campground for the marshmellow roast?

 

[luv2plan]

I admit, I did not read the entire thread.

But, has the topic of split stays been discussed? We have done this before and it worked out great. We stayed at POFQ & Polynesian. We are doing the same thing in October, but I admit, I am considering changing ressies also! Changing Poly to either GF or WL? But, I find it so difficult to leave the Poly!

Happy planning!!

 

[DisneyBride'03]

LOST...season finale on tonight....and my state of mind...lol...our thread was moved......??? I guess we got off topic of changing resorts????? However....I just read the line under this thread abt sharing excitement abt upcoming trip, etc......thats us too

Ok....luv2plan......yep this thread took off...however, thats the only way you can find out hoiw many times some of us have changed!! lol

I think it would be tough to leave the POLY...I d love to do a split stay one day!! I love your DH$...thats so funny!!!!! I bet your boys would love WL...you would save a few bucks, and you would be able to explore FOrt Wilderness!!!

 

[luv2plan]

Thanks, disneybride

The $ is where the magic starts!

 

[ktink]

luv2plan, I'd stick w/ the Poly too!

Well I think I've gotten my second wind. DH laughed and said that even a stomach virus couldn't keep me away from DIS.

Ok, can anyone tell me about Artist Pointe? And what about the babysitting service at WL?

DH and I are going to enjoy a nice signature dinner one night. I'm a little nervous as we've never used one of the resort sitter clubs.

disneybride, please take lots of pics for us.

stepdisney, how's your ADRs?

 

[luv2plan]

ktink, how old are your princesses?

My boys are both finally old enough to go to Peter Pan Club together (4 & 7). From the Poly we will have a 10min monorail trip to MK and 4 hours to ourselves during emh. We haven't been to the parks w/o the kids. I am so looking forward to it!

I'm sure the babysitting service will be great. Disney does everything great!

Sorry, we haven't eaten anywhere nice either. We can do that at home. Our only night together, I want to go on Splash Mtn & Haunted Mansion & Pirates!

Happy planning!

 

[ktink]

luv2plan, Our DDs are 11 & 6. The oldest wil be turning 11 next month.

I actually like your plan better than mine! I went ahead and booked Yachtsman Steakhouse and we're going to take the girls with us. I am considering doing a plan similiar to yours. I've been trying to talk DH into going to WDW for an adults only trip but he feels guilty going to WDW w/out the kids. We always take a trip once a year and go away for a little weekend rendezvous. It would just be nice to ride the good rides w/ DH every once in awhile. So your plan is perfect!

I hope you and your DH have a wonderful time!

 

[stepdisney]

Okay, last year my husband and I spent our anniversary in Orlando. We stayed off site and did a lot of different things. Since our anniv. is in March, the baseball teams were having spring training at the Disney stadium. We got tickets to see a game (we are big fans.) We spent the day of our anniv. at Disney with a hopper pass. We did all of our favorite rides at all of the parks. (It was amazing). We ended up at MK with the parade and wishes. What a day. We also went to Univ. and IA. It was a wonderful trip. Ktink, I think you would enjoy a trip to WDW without the DD's. Though it was only 4 days, it was a perfect getaway.

The only ADR I'm worried about is Boma. While we LOVE the food, we are eating there on the night AK park is open late. We have a late ADR and I am worried that we will have to get back to WL via DTD (don't want to do that). Beckie on WL web said that we can take a bus to MK as late as 9:30 from AKL. Our ADR is for 7:45. I'm thinking about changing (don't go changin' ) (sorry... I keep singing that song) our ADR to WCC on that day and Boma for the day we have WCC.

Momtoprincessa, you'll be checking out, I'll be checking in. I'd love to have that bunk bed room when you're done (ask if you can stay another day )

 

[momtoPrincessA]

Okay, last year my husband and I spent our anniversary in Orlando. We stayed off site and did a lot of different things. Since our anniv. is in March, the baseball teams were having spring training at the Disney stadium. We got tickets to see a game (we are big fans.) We spent the day of our anniv. at Disney with a hopper pass. We did all of our favorite rides at all of the parks. (It was amazing). We ended up at MK with the parade and wishes. What a day. We also went to Univ. and IA. It was a wonderful trip. Ktink, I think you would enjoy a trip to WDW without the DD's. Though it was only 4 days, it was a perfect getaway.

The only ADR I'm worried about is Boma. While we LOVE the food, we are eating there on the night AK park is open late. We have a late ADR and I am worried that we will have to get back to WL via DTD (don't want to do that). Beckie on WL web said that we can take a bus to MK as late as 9:30 from AKL. Our ADR is for 7:45. I'm thinking about changing (don't go changin' ) (sorry... I keep singing that song) our ADR to WCC on that day and Boma for the day we have WCC.

Momtoprincessa, you'll be checking out, I'll be checking in. I'd love to have that bunk bed room when you're done (ask if you can stay another day )

Oh our tales of woe!! I too am worried about some ADR's. We are at AKL and have a ressie for Backyard BBQ on DS's birthday. He wants to be in AK during the day, we have breakfast at Restaurantasourus, then we are surprising him with the BBQ. I fear the transportation from AK to FW, then back to AKL. Yikes! We check in to WL 3 days later for 4 nights.

Sorry, I have been unsuccessful in my attempts to upgrade ANY of my rooms! No bunk beds yet at WL, just a plain old woodsview! But as an addict of calling CRO, I will keep trying. I'm also trying for Savanna at AKL or at least poolview bunk beds. I'd love to add more nights but 10 nights is our limit! How am I ever going to pack?????

 

[stepdisney]

Oh our tales of woe!! I too am worried about some ADR's. We are at AKL and have a ressie for Backyard BBQ on DS's birthday. He wants to be in AK during the day, we have breakfast at Restaurantasourus, then we are surprising him with the BBQ. I fear the transportation from AK to FW, then back to AKL. Yikes! We check in to WL 3 days later for 4 nights.

When we stayed at pop, we took the boat from MK to FW, it was the quickest. You can take the bus from AK to Contemporary OR WL and then take the boat to FW then, after the BBQ, you can take to boat from FW to MK and the bus back to AKL. When the BBQ is over, quickly get on board the boat to MK and AKL busses will be right there.

 

[ktink]

stepdisney, I actually took some advice from the WL FAQ thread. I got to thinking about our arrival day. We really won't eat both a lunch and big dinner so why would I want to waste a credit when we could do a signature. So I cancelled Crystal Palace for our arrival night and we'll just do Pecos Bills. I rescheduled CP for lunch on 9/5 so that after we have lunch we could head over to AK and stay until EMH's are over.

I also scheduled YS for a late dinner that way we could stroll over to the Boardwalk and DH could take it all in. Hoping to set the scene for our next trip.

I hope our families appreciate all of the thoughts that go into ADRs and resort choices.

So here's something to all of my fellow over achiever planners.

 

[momtoPrincessA]

When we stayed at pop, we took the boat from MK to FW, it was the quickest. You can take the bus from AK to Contemporary OR WL and then take the boat to FW then, after the BBQ, you can take to boat from FW to MK and the bus back to AKL. When the BBQ is over, quickly get on board the boat to MK and AKL busses will be right there.

Thanks Stepdisney!!

 

[stepdisney]

Yes, I had asked a question a couple of days ago about ADR's on the first day since we had 4:30 at Planet Hollywood and our flight came in at 2:50. On our last trip, we did DTD and ate at Wolfgang Pucks. I thought this time we could hang around the resort and eat close by like CM or Concourse but DS want to check out Disney Quest which would mean eating at DTD. I cancelled PH and now have 1 TS. Since our flight doesn't leave until evening on the 8th, we could do a nice lunch at LTT or something.

 

[deide71]

Disney Bride:

We stayed in a 2br villa in October. It was huge! I have a few pics of the villa itself if anyone is interested:

This will give you an idea of the decor of the villas vs. the main lodge. Also, the building the villas are located within is very peaceful and relaxing. The lobby area has lots of little nooks with rockers to relax in . The villa pool is less busy than the main pool, and has bubbling "springs" in it for a fun change.

Truly, I don't think you can go wrong at the villas vs the main lodge. We never felt apart from the action, just housed in a lovely, peaceful setting.

Enjoy!

 

[stepdisney]

deide71, I know you posted for disneybride's benefit but let me be the first to say thank you. From what I can see, the view looks beautiful, like a mountain lodge. Did the other room have a king bed? What a blissful vacation that must have been.

Why couldn't I have been born rich instead of beautiful?