DIS Dads DDC XXVIII: Stormin’ The Castle Since 2007!

[IbeAbitGOOFY]

working on some shirts for dw and i to wear in august when we celebrate 13 years of marriage by riding tot 13 times.
What do you think? Ideas/suggestions/changes?*

*it really doesn't matter what you think. As long as dw likes it, that's all that counts.

awesome!

 

[declansdad]

This pic made me think of this.

Would that be like watching the old 20 Minute Workout Show?

 

[GoofyIsAsGoofyDoes]

Working on some shirts for DW and I to wear in August when we celebrate 13 years of marriage by riding ToT 13 times.
What do you think? Ideas/suggestions/changes?*

Aproved

Aproved



Whoa… wait a minute…
She cooks?

 

[IbeAbitGOOFY]

AKL has Jambo & Kidani. Kidani is the newer one built. All of the value AKL rooms and Club level rooms are in the Jambo House. Currently, Jambo House is still available as a booking option when you stay at AKV. Once you move into the 1 BR and above, Kidani features a 2nd bathroom. I would stay over there just for that. Conversely, the Boardwalk has an Inn side and a Villas side, and you can no longer book in the Inn side with DVC points. Maybe you could when it originally opened, but I don't go back that far. Vero Beach Resort has the booking categories of Inn Room or studio.

However, for resorts like the Contemporary, you cannot book there with DVC points. You can exchange your points for a fee, and then there is a conversion formula for using points at non DVC resorts. (Unless you buy a new resale contract, and then you can't do this.). You could use the points at Bay Lake Tower, the DVC building that connects to CR. Disney seems to be attaching DVC villas to the deluxe resorts as that is where the demand is. However, like the new GF, the DVC points are for the new construction building. There is a chance they are converting some of their existing inventory to DVC to meet florida time share laws; however, you probably aren't going to have access to rooms all over that resort unless you do the trade in, which is not a great conversion rate.

Thanks for the input Norm!

Still in heated discussions over whether we will buy into DVC. Would most likely be a resale. Have been looking around. At this point, it looks like we may wait until the kids are through (or mostly through) college. Then we'll decide where to buy. Still may make the jump earlier, but financially college seems to be where all the $$ is going. Have 5 years before DS starts and 8 for DD.

DW and I are having similar discussions about buying. Since DS has about 18 years before college, that's not so much the concern now. Not sure if we should make our first venture into DVC direct or resale. The perks of direct appeal to the DW, the value of resale appeals to me.

 

[AirGoofy]

Working on some shirts for DW and I to wear in August when we celebrate 13 years of marriage by riding ToT 13 times.
What do you think? Ideas/suggestions/changes?*

*It really doesn't matter what you think. As long as DW likes it, that's all that counts.

Well, what I would do...... Great idea. Are you all going to do a picture after each time you ride it, holding up fingers for a countdown? Or, do you have a more elaborate system planned?

Still in heated discussions over whether we will buy into DVC. Would most likely be a resale. Have been looking around. At this point, it looks like we may wait until the kids are through (or mostly through) college. Then we'll decide where to buy. Still may make the jump earlier, but financially college seems to be where all the $$ is going. Have 5 years before DS starts and 8 for DD.

We bought in 2008, when oldest was in first grade, so I guess it was a little easier for us to make that jump. Our house will be paid off around the same time as oldest enters college, and my parents deposited the amount for 2 school years for each dd in our state pre-paid tuition program. I probably wouldn't have invested that money there, but it wasn't my decision or money. I'm still hoping to get us all to Florida during their college years so that maybe they will live in Florida, which will help convince DW not to continue to live here in KY with her parents.

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[AirGoofy]

Thanks for the input Norm!

DW and I are having similar discussions about buying. Since DS has about 18 years before college, that's not so much the concern now. Not sure if we should make our first venture into DVC direct or resale. The perks of direct appeal to the DW, the value of resale appeals to me.

Why not split it? Start with the resale contract you can afford at the resort you want to stay. Then, once a member, you have the option to buy direct at any DVC resort of your choice for whatever amount in 25 point increments. Thus, instead of purchasing a 150 point contract direct from Disney, you start with a resale contract, and then could add three 50 point contracts direct over the years, and even sell the original resale contract to buy more direct ones.

It was an easy decision for us. After three consecutive years of going to Disney and staying in Value resorts, we stayed at CBR the 4th consecutive year. So, not only did we realize that we were just going to go every year, but we also loved the upgrade of the moderate over the value resort. Staying at the Boardwalk and BLT just put our vacations in a whole new level of magic. We are the ones, like many, who keep asking why we didn't join DVC sooner.

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[IbeAbitGOOFY]

Why not split it? Start with the resale contract you can afford at the resort you want to stay. Then, once a member, you have the option to buy direct at any DVC resort of your choice for whatever amount in 25 point increments. Thus, instead of purchasing a 150 point contract direct from Disney, you start with a resale contract, and then could add three 50 point contracts direct over the years, and even sell the original resale contract to buy more direct ones.

It was an easy decision for us. After three consecutive years of going to Disney and staying in Value resorts, we stayed at CBR the 4th consecutive year. So, not only did we realize that we were just going to go every year, but we also loved the upgrade of the moderate over the value resort. Staying at the Boardwalk and BLT just put our vacations in a whole new level of magic. We are the ones, like many, who keep asking why we didn't join DVC sooner.

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Ah, good point and one I had not considered yet. I'll bring that plan up and see what the Mrs. says. We got about every third year but would really like to ramp that up to every other or even every year. If we move it up to every other (at least) we get our value out of it and can start with one of the smaller resales.

 

[FreezinRafiki]

After 13 times you might have to change Twilight Zone to Porcelain Goddess

Looks great!

One edit: "Plummeting"--2 M's.

See? This is why I didn't ask for anyone's opinion.

(Thanks for the proofreading, though.)

Well, what I would do...... Great idea. Are you all going to do a picture after each time you ride it, holding up fingers for a countdown? Or, do you have a more elaborate system planned?

Slightly more elaborate. DW purchased a small dry erase board that we'll write the ride number on. Haven't decided if we'll get the picture in the same location every time or spread them out around the queue.

 

[afwdwfan]

Slightly more elaborate. DW purchased a small dry erase board that we'll write the ride number on. Haven't decided if we'll get the picture in the same location every time or spread them out around the queue.

Ok, this is the trip where you need to spend the extra money and get photopass+. Hold the board on each ride, so you'll have a series of pictures showing all 13 rides.


And if you're too cheap to spring for PP+, there's always the ever popular redneck ride photo.

 

[AirGoofy]

Slightly more elaborate. DW purchased a small dry erase board that we'll write the ride number on. Haven't decided if we'll get the picture in the same location every time or spread them out around the queue.

I'd try to get in the same location, but unless it is indoors, the lighting will change. Having the background stay the same and just seeing the picture changes in the dry erase board and how green you look would be cool. Porcelain princess indeed....

 

[mm1971]

‘Morning all…
Is it time to go home yet?

I like this notion so much that I just asked for Friday off to lengthen the long weekend a bit.
We’ll see if it gets approved…

(Or if I have to become mysteriously ill that morning.)

Yes, you have my permission to go home.

Good luck on getting the vacation approved.

All this vacation talk made me go in and see what I have available. I have 6 weeks and 1 day available and get another 5 weeks on July 1. Too bad I'll never be able to use it all. Do have a week in the World an a week in CT planned. A 5 day weekend in NH as well. So at least I'll use some of it. I'm going to ask for the Norm policy where I get to actually take all my vacation time. Wish me luck. We don't track sick time so that does not count towards my time off.

Thanks for the input Norm!



DW and I are having similar discussions about buying. Since DS has about 18 years before college, that's not so much the concern now. Not sure if we should make our first venture into DVC direct or resale. The perks of direct appeal to the DW, the value of resale appeals to me.

I would have a hard time with cost of the direct points as well. We were looking at AKL and there were points available at $65/point. That was a pretty good price point. I'm pretty sure we would be OK with just using them for DVC properties and not need the other locations. Good luck.

We bought in 2008, when oldest was in first grade, so I guess it was a little easier for us to make that jump. Our house will be paid off around the same time as oldest enters college, and my parents deposited the amount for 2 school years for each dd in our state pre-paid tuition program. I probably wouldn't have invested that money there, but it wasn't my decision or money. I'm still hoping to get us all to Florida during their college years so that maybe they will live in Florida, which will help convince DW not to continue to live here in KY with her parents.

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Sounds like a good plan. If you live in Florida and go to a state school, I hear the tuition is pretty affordable. That may be the final argument to convince her to move (in addition to CJ's hospitality, of course). From my estimation, we'll have a total of 6 years of college tuition saved. That means only 1 year of loans or scholarships to get through the 4 years for each of them. Hopefully we'll see some financial aid since they are both strong students. My parents give them some money each year as well and they have savings bonds so we'll see.

 

[Cinderella's Fella]

Working on some shirts for DW and I to wear in August when we celebrate 13 years of marriage by riding ToT 13 times.
What do you think? Ideas/suggestions/changes?*

*It really doesn't matter what you think. As long as DW likes it, that's all that counts.

I'll go with whatever Bambi says.

 

[DisneyFed]

I'll be in HS that night, maybe I'll join you for a drop

After 13 times you might have to change Twilight Zone to Porcelain Goddess

For some reason the boards won't let me multi-quote, but I wonder if Brianna has any idea what she's in for?

I pretty sure Stewart didn't....

 

[AirGoofy]

All this vacation talk made me go in and see what I have available. I have 6 weeks and 1 day available and get another 5 weeks on July 1. Too bad I'll never be able to use it all. Do have a week in the World an a week in CT planned. A 5 day weekend in NH as well. So at least I'll use some of it. I'm going to ask for the Norm policy where I get to actually take all my vacation time. Wish me luck. We don't track sick time so that does not count towards my time off.

I would have a hard time with cost of the direct points as well. We were looking at AKL and there were points available at $65/point. That was a pretty good price point. I'm pretty sure we would be OK with just using them for DVC properties and not need the other locations. Good luck.

Sounds like a good plan. If you live in Florida and go to a state school, I hear the tuition is pretty affordable. That may be the final argument to convince her to move (in addition to CJ's hospitality, of course). From my estimation, we'll have a total of 6 years of college tuition saved. That means only 1 year of loans or scholarships to get through the 4 years for each of them. Hopefully we'll see some financial aid since they are both strong students. My parents give them some money each year as well and they have savings bonds so we'll see.

Sadly enough, I have another 8 weeks of vacation/sick leave saved up that doesn't expire. I keep it as my short term disability policy. And, I'm not counting on those scholarships. Mine don't seem to be motivated at school. Maybe they will find something as they get older.

Here's is my DVC analysis. As for AKV, 100 points gets you a week in a studio room, standard view for most of the year except for Christmas/Easter weeks, and 6 nights during the summer months. Here is the math from my BWV contract. We paid $67 per point for 100 points, and with closing costs, let's go with $7500 at the end. We purchased outright and now have $570 a year annual dues. AKV is cheaper currently in dues I believe.

I know that we will be going to WDW each year for the next 10 years (until I retire) less I win the lottery, then I'll live there. So, in 10 years, BWV cost 7500 + 10 X 570 = $13,200. For the same week at the All-Star Sports during the same time of year, the cost (room only) is $1305 a year. So, in 10 years at All Stars, 1305 X 10 = $13,020.

Annual dues will go up, but will Disney prices. Discounts will be offered as well as Disney incentives. So, the final answer is - for $180, would I prefer to stay at the All-Star Sports resort or the Boardwalk villas? I think everyone on here knows the answer from my perspective. Then, after those 10 years are up, I get another 20 years of vacations at the Boardwalk as the contract expires in 2042. And, with BWV just like AKV, depending on the time of year or if you stayed in the value or standard view for stays, you have leftover points for additional stays.

My conclusion is that DVC is NOT a good investment and it does NOT save me any money. I just make more trips there and spend more $. DVC allows me to stay in nicer resorts that I otherwise wouldn't have, and it let me take more vacations there. And, i can get a 1 BR with those points every other year, which is even more awesome. Still, the final cost determination included that we vacation there every year and that there were no financing charges. With a smaller contract, larger room size or going every other year, those time frames may be different.

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[mm1971]

Sadly enough, I have another 8 weeks of vacation/sick leave saved up that doesn't expire. I keep it as my short term disability policy. And, I'm not counting on those scholarships. Mine don't seem to be motivated at school. Maybe they will find something as they get older.

Here's is my DVC analysis. As for AKV, 100 points gets you a week in a studio room, standard view for most of the year except for Christmas/Easter weeks, and 6 nights during the summer months. Here is the math from my BWV contract. We paid $67 per point for 100 points, and with closing costs, let's go with $7500 at the end. We purchased outright and now have $570 a year annual dues. AKV is cheaper currently in dues I believe.

I know that we will be going to WDW each year for the next 10 years (until I retire) less I win the lottery, then I'll live there. So, in 10 years, BWV cost 7500 + 10 X 570 = $13,200. For the same week at the All-Star Sports during the same time of year, the cost (room only) is $1305 a year. So, in 10 years at All Stars, 1305 X 10 = $13,020.

Annual dues will go up, but will Disney prices. Discounts will be offered as well as Disney incentives. So, the final answer is - for $180, would I prefer to stay at the All-Star Sports resort or the Boardwalk villas? I think everyone on here knows the answer from my perspective. Then, after those 10 years are up, I get another 20 years of vacations at the Boardwalk as the contract expires in 2042. And, with BWV just like AKV, depending on the time of year or if you stayed in the value or standard view for stays, you have leftover points for additional stays.

My conclusion is that DVC is NOT a good investment and it does NOT save me any money. I just make more trips there and spend more $. DVC allows me to stay in nicer resorts that I otherwise wouldn't have, and it let me take more vacations there. And, i can get a 1 BR with those points every other year, which is even more awesome. Still, the final cost determination included that we vacation there every year and that there were no financing charges. With a smaller contract, larger room size or going every other year, those time frames may be different.

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I agree with you about the investment part. The biggest point in favor is having it would provide more motivation to taking that annual family vacation and spending time some place we all enjoy. I can't count how many times we go through the year and then think back and wish we had gone here or there. With a destination already in the picture, we would always take at least that one.

I know it all comes down to money in the end. I guess I'll start playing the lottery with you. My financial/conservative/type A personality makes it hard to hand over that dollar with the chance of winning being almost zero. My wife plays, we just don't talk about it.

 

[FreezinRafiki]

I'll go with whatever Bambi says.

How do you think we've stayed married for almost 13 years?

 

[AJRitz]

Ok, this is the trip where you need to spend the extra money and get photopass+. Hold the board on each ride, so you'll have a series of pictures showing all 13 rides.


And if you're too cheap to spring for PP+, there's always the ever popular redneck ride photo.

There's also the new Attractions+ PhotoPass option. $44.95 and it gets you all of your digital ride photos. At $14.95 per ride photo at retail, Attraction+ would save about $150 over buying just the 13 Tower of Terror ride photos separately.

 

[FreezinRafiki]

There's also the new Attractions+ PhotoPass option. $44.95 and it gets you all of your digital ride photos. At $14.95 per ride photo at retail, Attraction+ would save about $150 over buying just the 13 Tower of Terror ride photos separately.

I assume that $45 is in addition to the regular PhotoPass+ CD cost?

How's DS doing? Still tossing his cookies?

 

[AirGoofy]

I agree with you about the investment part. The biggest point in favor is having it would provide more motivation to taking that annual family vacation and spending time some place we all enjoy. I can't count how many times we go through the year and then think back and wish we had gone here or there. With a destination already in the picture, we would always take at least that one.

I know it all comes down to money in the end. I guess I'll start playing the lottery with you. My financial/conservative/type A personality makes it hard to hand over that dollar with the chance of winning being almost zero. My wife plays, we just don't talk about it.

I play my 6 numbers on the mega million for $1. I definitely do not play twice a week, and sometimes play only once a month. I know the probability and agree that it is a waste of money. So, $20 a year is not a and vice. I spend more than that at the liquor store on one trip.

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[AirGoofy]

Aaron, the dds liked the podcast. They made it thru the first 20 minutes and then saw a squirrel so it was all over. They kept asking me why I didn't talk about certain things. Still, I had a great time and they enjoyed it as well. I'll email DW the link and give you her feedback as well.

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