DDA Chapter 27

[mommykds]

Good morning! We had a nice & busy weekend. We went to see the American tour of Les Miserables. Dana & I went to see the original NY cast in 1990 (which of course no one can compare to) & we wanted to take the kids. They watched the 25th anniversary London tour on TV with Nick Jonus as Marius & loved it. This was their Christmas present. The cast was wonderful!!! The show of course was alittle different from the original but just wonderful!!!!

Sunday we painted our living room which was long overdue. There was a funky border in there which made the ceiling feel very low. Now its a pale yellow & it makes the room feel more spacious & happy.

And for weather related news..We got less than an inch of snow (& there is none on the roads) there are 25 accidents on our major highway. They do not salt here or prepare for this.on the news they showed people rushing to the supermarkets & clearing out all the bread. Really????

 

[PNO4TE]

Good morning, DDA!

Welcome to the south, Anne Marie! There is every possibility that your city has almost no snow removal equipment and a very small amount of salt in their barns. When we first moved to Virginia back in the early 70s they didn't plow the roads... they pushed them. Which meant that they took dump trucks and ran over the snow until it was pushed down! We now have snow removal equipment and most areas have salt and de-icing chemicals on hand, but if the weather is really bad there is never enough. I would think that as much further south as you are they do not predict to have enough bad weather to warrant money spent on such trivial things.

Remember the running to the store for bread, milk and toilet paper. They do it all the time. And, woe be you if you have to go to the store for any valid reason because they will push you out of the way to get at those three commodities!

 

[mommykds]

Good morning, DDA!

Welcome to the south, Anne Marie! There is every possibility that your city has almost no snow removal equipment and a very small amount of salt in their barns. When we first moved to Virginia back in the early 70s they didn't plow the roads... they pushed them. Which meant that they took dump trucks and ran over the snow until it was pushed down! We now have snow removal equipment and most areas have salt and de-icing chemicals on hand, but if the weather is really bad there is never enough. I would think that as much further south as you are they do not predict to have enough bad weather to warrant money spent on such trivial things.

Remember the running to the store for bread, milk and toilet paper. They do it all the time. And, woe be you if you have to go to the store for any valid reason because they will push you out of the way to get at those three commodities!

 

[Glynis]

Happy Monday!!! The ice show was fabulous!!! We had a wonderful time with some neighbors of ours! We went for pizza first at a place called Settebello. They make real Napolitan pizza. So yummy! My favorite was covered with prosciutto, basil, and tons of Italian cream. Oh, my goodness! So incredible!

Anne Marie and Elin - you are killing me with the talk of snow removal where you live! We received about half a foot Sunday morning, early, and it was beautiful! I just have a hard time fathoming places where you don't get a lot of snow every winter. We are so used to it, that we don't even call it a storm unless you get a couple of feet! Schools don't EVER close down for snow. In the last 21 years, I can remember the schools closing for snow exactly twice! It's kind of fun to hear about how different places deal with things. Of course, I don't know what we'd do with the humidity that y'all have to deal with!

Anne Marie - I'm jealous of your painting your living room! Ours needs it so very badly! Maybe I can talk Alan into making it a summer project, when he's not in school. We'll see!

 

[mommykds]

Glynis,
Thats how it was in NY. They never closed the schools no matter how much snow we got. When I grow up I want to live somewhere with palm trees (maybe Orlando???) where it never snows.

 

[Blueeyes101817]

Hi everyone!
No snow here, luckily! So far, I am enjoying the weather this winter.
Everything is going okay here in Jersey. I have parent/teacher conferences all week. I am looking forward to seeing the parents, but it makes for a very long week.
Hopefully I have time to get back to posting here more frequently! i miss teh chatting!

 

[PNO4TE]

DDA!

Glynis - My favorite story of snow in the south took place in Athens, GA. When we moved there we still had Pennsylvania plates on our car. On January 12, 1982, the Atlanta area got its worst snowstorm on record ("Snow Jam '82") and people actually stopped Bob at our local grocery store to ask him if they could pay him to drive them home!

 

[my3princes]

Today is not a good day. Got a new job at 8:30 AM that was taken back at 11:50 because somewhere along the line there was an administration error that wasn't caught. I interviewed, got hired, got a start date, and was then told that I made a mistake in the online application I applied on Jan 30 and no one notices any problems until after they hire me.

There has been more unrelated frustrations throughout the day. Just a super crappy day.

 

[Disney Yooper]

Deb, that really sucks. Thinking of you as you are dealing with the disappointment.

 

[Glynis]

Elin - That cracks me up! Bob could have made a fortune driving people home, that day!

Deb - I'm so sorry about the job! That really sucks! The same thing happened to my SIL. She started working for a government run health organization, she worked for them for about 6 weeks, and then came in to work on a Monday morning to be told that the company never ran a check on her, so she was fired. I'll cross my fingers that things get better.

In the meantime, how are the boys? Chris? You? Is your health any better? I've been worried about you all!

 

[lovesdumbo]

Deb-So sorry! Isn't the good news that they realize how good you are and wanted to give you the job?

Glynis-the ice show sounds wonderful!

they showed people rushing to the supermarkets & clearing out all the bread. Really????

My FIL used to say everyone is rushing out to buy a head of lettuce and anchovies-things they don't really need but have to run out and buy something before the snow.



I signed all 5 of us up to do the 5K at DisneyLand. The kids really wanted to do it. Should be fun! Now I'll have them encouraging all of us to train! I've only done 2 walks since the WDW half. The first was 40 seconds/mile faster than before WDW half and the one this weekend was 10 seconds faster than that. If I could knock 10 seconds off my pace every week from now til the DL half I'll be all set.

I still haven't booked air or hotel for CA. I just got the Unofficial Guide in the mail today. Off to go read that for some insight.

 

[PNO4TE]

Good morning, DDA!

Deb - That is horrible. How can a company do that?!?!?

Beth - good for you for getting set for the DL race!

I booked our airfare for the October trip yesterday. Fares have gone through the roof. On Sunday while I was looking around Airtran had round trip fare from the DC/Baltimore/Richmond area at almost $500 a person! Yesterday it had dropped, but was still almost $300 per person. (Last October we paid $375 total for both of us round trip. ) Anyway, Jetblue popped up out of National airport with RT fare for under $185 each, so I jumped on it. I figure it is going to continue to go up as long as gas prices are climbing; and if it doesn't it probably won't drop much lower than I just got it. So, our October trip is a go now.

 

[mommykds]

Deb,
I can't believe they can do that after they hired you. Well I guess I can believe it but that really stinks...I am sorry that happened.

 

[mommykds]

Elin,
Yay for airfare! That's why we drive. Airfare for the 5 of us would be crazy. Even driving down this year will be expensive with the higher gas prices.

Bernadette,
Yay for DL!!! Hope to get there someday & see the original. Good luck with training! So are you skipping WDW this summer?

 

[PNO4TE]

Elin,
Yay for airfare! That's why we drive. Airfare for the 5 of us would be crazy. Even driving down this year will be expensive with the higher gas prices.

Driving could be an option for us if gas weren't so high and I didn't have to be at work the day before and the day after vacation. We are also not sure how Bob would do on a two day drive. He has gained enough weight that he has padding on his backside these days, but "eating" with his PEG tube is difficult in the car. Glad we got one trip taken care of. If prices are too high for December we just won't go again.

 

[lovesdumbo]

Thanks!

Yay for airfare! I used to find great deals on airfare-paid under $150 many times RT and rarely paid over $200. Now I'm lucky to find it under $300. I paid $329 each RT for Emma & I for May. I see that our outbound flight has dropped $10 so I should call Jet Blue to get the credit. They sent me a special offer for today only 20% off for flights 5/1 to 6/13 but not good on prior purchases. That would have been about $270. I need to figure out flights for California for the 5 of us.

Hope you get a great deal for December!

Bernadette,
Yay for DL!!! Hope to get there someday & see the original. Good luck with training! So are you skipping WDW this summer?

Thanks!

Yes. No WDW this summer for us. Going to California instead. I guess I need to call and cancel my BWI CL reservation that I booked on bounceback in January. At first DH said he was "looking forward to going back to WDW" when asked about CA. Then when Joe found out I was going to DL he was so sad to think he couldn't go that DH caved. Now I've really got to figure it all out. Where to fly into, when to rent a car, how much to try to see, how long to go for -I get 6 weeks of vacation and carried over a week for my January trip so I've got pleanty of time-more a question of how long I can reasonably gone from work and how much it will cost. The hotels for a family of 5 are a bit of a challenge. Many will allow 5 in the room but don't have beds for 5. At the Grand Californian some have a day bed and some have 1 queen with bunks that have a trundle but they will also put you in a room with 2 queens and bring up some sort of sleeping bag thing. I don't think my kids would be too happy about that.

I read the Unofficial Guide last night and still don't feel like I know enough to make a good decision. I might be leaning toward Paradise Pier as most (all?) of those rooms have 2 queens and a daybed. It got good reviews in Unofficial and is the cheapest of the DL hotels. I need to find out more about the offsite hotels as some of them are closer and most cheaper.

I've got lots more research to do!

 

[Glynis]

Yes. No WDW this summer for us. Going to California instead. I guess I need to call and cancel my BWI CL reservation that I booked on bounceback in January. At first DH said he was "looking forward to going back to WDW" when asked about CA. Then when Joe found out I was going to DL he was so sad to think he couldn't go that DH caved. Now I've really got to figure it all out. Where to fly into, when to rent a car, how much to try to see, how long to go for -I get 6 weeks of vacation and carried over a week for my January trip so I've got pleanty of time-more a question of how long I can reasonably gone from work and how much it will cost. The hotels for a family of 5 are a bit of a challenge. Many will allow 5 in the room but don't have beds for 5. At the Grand Californian some have a day bed and some have 1 queen with bunks that have a trundle but they will also put you in a room with 2 queens and bring up some sort of sleeping bag thing. I don't think my kids would be too happy about that.

I read the Unofficial Guide last night and still don't feel like I know enough to make a good decision. I might be leaning toward Paradise Pier as most (all?) of those rooms have 2 queens and a daybed. It got good reviews in Unofficial and is the cheapest of the DL hotels. I need to find out more about the offsite hotels as some of them are closer and most cheaper.

I've got lots more research to do!

Bernadette - Fly into John Wayne airport! It's smaller than LAX, and way less confusing! I think it's also slightly closer to DL.

As for hotels, I've never stayed onsite, so I really can't give you any help there. However, unless you are set on staying onsite, give some of the "good neighbor" hotels a chance. With the exception of the Grand Californian, most of them are actually closer to the entrance than the DL hotel or Paradise Pier.

The Best Western Park Place Inn has some family suites that are quite nice. We usually put 5 people in one room at the Park Vue Inn with 1 person on a roll away bed.

Definitely do some looking around. My guess is you'll save a lot of money that way, too.

Please feel free to ask me any questions you have!

 

[lovesdumbo]

Bernadette - Fly into John Wayne airport! It's smaller than LAX, and way less confusing! I think it's also slightly closer to DL.

As for hotels, I've never stayed onsite, so I really can't give you any help there. However, unless you are set on staying onsite, give some of the "good neighbor" hotels a chance. With the exception of the Grand Californian, most of them are actually closer to the entrance than the DL hotel or Paradise Pier.

The Best Western Park Place Inn has some family suites that are quite nice. We usually put 5 people in one room at the Park Vue Inn with 1 person on a roll away bed.

Definitely do some looking around. My guess is you'll save a lot of money that way, too.

Please feel free to ask me any questions you have!

Thanks! Thinking of going for 2 to 3 weeks. Fly into San Francisco-spend a couple of nights there, spend 1 to 2 nights along the coast between SF & LA, spend 1 to 2 nights in San Diego then go to DL. Will likely use LAX for non stop flights to Boston on Jet Blue.

I'll look at Best Western. Not stuck on staying onsite.

How do magic hours work? I read you qualify if you have a multi day pass-that isn't a one time per pass thing is it?

How long will we need to see just about everything? It must get busy for Labor Day Weekend and the marathon. I was thinking of arriving say Wednesday-not sure when. Full day Thursday. At some point Friday pick up the race packets but lots of park time yet too much so they kids aren't exhausted to do the 5K. Saturday the 5K and moderate amount of park time so I'm not exhausted for the half. Sunday half-hope to be in better shape but I didn't go the park race day in FL. Monday park day but I would think crowds being Labor Day. Tuesday fly home (likely early). Wednesday first day of school. Hmm....maybe arrive Tuesday??? Mary K & I hope to see the Red Socks one night-hear neighbor in MA has a place in Anaheim and season tickets out there.

 

[my3princes]

Good morning, DDA!

Deb - That is horrible. How can a company do that?!?!?

Beth - good for you for getting set for the DL race!

I booked our airfare for the October trip yesterday. Fares have gone through the roof. On Sunday while I was looking around Airtran had round trip fare from the DC/Baltimore/Richmond area at almost $500 a person! Yesterday it had dropped, but was still almost $300 per person. (Last October we paid $375 total for both of us round trip. ) Anyway, Jetblue popped up out of National airport with RT fare for under $185 each, so I jumped on it. I figure it is going to continue to go up as long as gas prices are climbing; and if it doesn't it probably won't drop much lower than I just got it. So, our October trip is a go now.

Woo Hoo for the airfare. It always feels good to get that taken care of

You asked how a company could do that? It's the government they don't seem to follow logic or rules sometimes. The good news is that the job is going to be reposted soon so I can apply if I choose too.

Thanks!

Yay for airfare! I used to find great deals on airfare-paid under $150 many times RT and rarely paid over $200. Now I'm lucky to find it under $300. I paid $329 each RT for Emma & I for May. I see that our outbound flight has dropped $10 so I should call Jet Blue to get the credit. They sent me a special offer for today only 20% off for flights 5/1 to 6/13 but not good on prior purchases. That would have been about $270. I need to figure out flights for California for the 5 of us.

Hope you get a great deal for December!



Thanks!

Yes. No WDW this summer for us. Going to California instead. I guess I need to call and cancel my BWI CL reservation that I booked on bounceback in January. At first DH said he was "looking forward to going back to WDW" when asked about CA. Then when Joe found out I was going to DL he was so sad to think he couldn't go that DH caved. Now I've really got to figure it all out. Where to fly into, when to rent a car, how much to try to see, how long to go for -I get 6 weeks of vacation and carried over a week for my January trip so I've got pleanty of time-more a question of how long I can reasonably gone from work and how much it will cost. The hotels for a family of 5 are a bit of a challenge. Many will allow 5 in the room but don't have beds for 5. At the Grand Californian some have a day bed and some have 1 queen with bunks that have a trundle but they will also put you in a room with 2 queens and bring up some sort of sleeping bag thing. I don't think my kids would be too happy about that.

I read the Unofficial Guide last night and still don't feel like I know enough to make a good decision. I might be leaning toward Paradise Pier as most (all?) of those rooms have 2 queens and a daybed. It got good reviews in Unofficial and is the cheapest of the DL hotels. I need to find out more about the offsite hotels as some of them are closer and most cheaper.

I've got lots more research to do!

Bernadette. Chris found an airport shuttle bus from LAX to DL, round trip $99 for a family (of 5) which is significantly cheaper than a rental car. Have you considered renting DVC points. We have a one bedroom at the Grand Californian booked and it accommodates 5. When are you going to be there? We will be there from August 13 - 18.

I've been meaning to ask you about parking at or near Logan. We'll be gone for over 3 weeks so we need to find economical parking. Any suggestions?

Deb

 

[Glynis]

Thanks! Thinking of going for 2 to 3 weeks. Fly into San Francisco-spend a couple of nights there, spend 1 to 2 nights along the coast between SF & LA, spend 1 to 2 nights in San Diego then go to DL. Will likely use LAX for non stop flights to Boston on Jet Blue.

I'll look at Best Western. Not stuck on staying onsite.

How do magic hours work? I read you qualify if you have a multi day pass-that isn't a one time per pass thing is it?

How long will we need to see just about everything? It must get busy for Labor Day Weekend and the marathon. I was thinking of arriving say Wednesday-not sure when. Full day Thursday. At some point Friday pick up the race packets but lots of park time yet too much so they kids aren't exhausted to do the 5K. Saturday the 5K and moderate amount of park time so I'm not exhausted for the half. Sunday half-hope to be in better shape but I didn't go the park race day in FL. Monday park day but I would think crowds being Labor Day. Tuesday fly home (likely early). Wednesday first day of school. Hmm....maybe arrive Tuesday??? Mary K & I hope to see the Red Socks one night-hear neighbor in MA has a place in Anaheim and season tickets out there.

On the early morning entry, you need to check with your hotel, and see if they qualify as a "good neighbor." If you stay onsite, you definitely get the early morning hours. I think they are on Tuesday, Thursday and one other day. The last time we went, our hotel, the Park Vue Inn, didn't qualify for the early morning hours. So, if you go with an offsite hotel, that would be a question to ask, before you do anything.

Sounds like you have a pretty good plan going.