DIS Meet Dec 8 07

[brack]

I agree with having a Dis Meet for the inaugural cruise!!!!

 

[TheTXTaylors5]

Doing the hotels booked "happy dance"!

I booked our hotels for San Diego and Las Vegas yesterday. In San Diego (technically Coronado), we are staying at the Hotel del Coronado. In Vegas, we are staying at the Paris hotel and casino.

Yea!!!! Everything is all booked. Can we go now?!?!?!?!? These next few months are going to be torture. Then again, planning is always half the fun for me.

Jennifer

 

[TheTXTaylors5]

Believe it or not, I just bought our Disneyland souvenir t-shirts yesterday. There is a temporary store that set-up shop near us (Disney items up to 80% off). They will be there for the next 30 days. DH saw the banner driving home from work on Friday. I was out and about in the area and stopped by. Walking into the building, I was like a kid in a candy store. The merchadise was "authentic" park merchandise. Yes, authentic real Disneyland-logo merchandise. I was shocked. I thought it was going to be crappy rip-offs. It was like the shopping gods put this store there just for me. Most of the merchandise was from Disneyland, there were a few items from WDW. They had t-shirts, sweatshirts, pin-trading pins, 2008 Disney park scrapbooks, authentic park autograph books, cups, mugs, authentic stuffed animals (with the special tags you know they are from the parks), etc... They plan to get more merchandise this week. I plan to go back. I got everyone a Disneyland t-shirt (or two ), Mickey doll with a Disneyland flag and a Disneyland pin-trading pin.

Here are some photos, so you can see exactly what I got:

If this comes to your town, check it out! You won't be disappointed. Happy Shopping!

Jennifer

 

[Pooh_Girl]

That is awesome Jennifer!!!!!!! I doubt they will come our way though. Robby probably wouldn't let me go anyway. We would go bankrupt!!! What kind of scrapbook stuff did they have??

 

[TheTXTaylors5]

That is awesome Jennifer!!!!!!! I doubt they will come our way though. Robby probably wouldn't let me go anyway. We would go bankrupt!!! What kind of scrapbook stuff did they have??

They had the 2008 authentic Disney parks scrapbooks. I already bought one in December. So, I didn't need another one. Also, they had some stickers. They are getting new merchandise each day. It looks like the parks handed over all their extra merchandise to this company to sell. Because everything still had the Disneyland tags on them. Seems that even Disney is having a "garage sale" during these tough economic times. Since I spent more than $100, I got a card valid for one year to receive 10% off anything I buy at a regular Disney store. So, that let me to believe Disney approved the sale.

I was shocked at all the merchandise. They did have some 2008 specific items (t-shirt, sweatshirts, bags, pins, scrapbooks, etc...). But, there was more general items.

Here's a link to the company that offers these sales.

Jennifer

 

[brack]

They had the 2008 authentic Disney parks scrapbooks. I already bought one in December. So, I didn't need another one. Also, they had some stickers. They are getting new merchandise each day. It looks like the parks handed over all their extra merchandise to this company to sell. Because everything still had the Disneyland tags on them. Seems that even Disney is having a "garage sale" during these tough economic times. Since I spent more than $100, I got a card valid for one year to receive 10% off anything I buy at a regular Disney store. So, that let me to believe Disney approved the sale.

I was shocked at all the merchandise. They did have some 2008 specific items (t-shirt, sweatshirts, bags, pins, scrapbooks, etc...). But, there was more general items.

Here's a link to the company that offers these sales.

Jennifer

Where is the store so I can tell my DS about it?

 

[TheTXTaylors5]

Where is the store so I can tell my DS about it?

It is right off of I-35E in Lewisville in the same shopping plaza as Garden Ridge and Toys R Us. You can't miss it! They are there for the next 30 days (2/21/2009 - 3/29/2009). I'm going back on Friday ($$$ Bill's Pay Day $$$)!

Here's a link to the company that offers these sales. It has the address on their site.

Jennifer

 

[TheTXTaylors5]

It is just killing me that we aren't taking advantage of the 4/3 WDW deal. Is anyone on here heading to WDW with the discount? I caught Bill pricing a WDW trip for Spring Break in a few weeks. I think he needs a Disney "fix". Little does he know, he will soon have his Disney "fix" . . .

Jennifer

 

[BethC1952]

It is just killing me that we aren't taking advantage of the 4/3 WDW deal.

Jennifer

Yes! I'm going to arrive on May 21, right after the four-night cruise. We were able to get the 4/3 deal at Pop Century, plus my friend and I both celebrate birthdays that week--hers is 5/22 and mine is 5/23, so we're going to have a wonderful week! It's just too bad that Jim won't be joining us, although a girls' cruise and week at WDW will be an awesome vacation. I'm so excited I can't wait! We're each going to take the gift card alternative to the free park admission since we have a package. It doesn't get much better than this!

Beth

 

[TheTXTaylors5]

Yes! I'm going to arrive on May 21, right after the four-night cruise. We were able to get the 4/3 deal
Beth

I want to come too. June just seems so far off. It sounds like you're going to have a great "Girls Only" trip. Being at WDW for your birthday is going to be magical. I can't wait to hear all about your trip. Make sure to come back with lots of photos.

Jennifer

 

[TheTXTaylors5]

Bill is still persisting the WDW trip for Emily's Spring Break in a few weeks. However, ALL the onsite resorts are booked. I didn't think that was a good sign crowd-wise. It will be a madhouse. I guess a lot of people took advantage of the 4/3 deal and will be there for Spring Break too. We may be able to go, but stay off-site. Does anyone recommend any hotels near WDW? In the past, we have always stayed on-site. Oh wait! I take it back, they DID have rooms at the Swan and Dolphin. Has anyone stayed at either of those resorts (I thought Beth mentioned staying there once)? I know they are not owned by Disney, but enjoy the same on-property perks as other Disney guests. Also, any off-property hotel recommendations are appreciated.

Thank you in advance for any help. Who knows, we may be in Orlando in three weeks.

Jennifer

 

[TheTXTaylors5]

I have to give my Bill some praise. Somehow, he got us into the All Star Movies resort the week of March 16th. So, we are off to WDW in three weeks!

Bill reallly wanted to stay on-property. Somehow, he made it work. We've only stayed in a Value (ASMU) one other time for just one night (we got to WDW a day early). So, we know what to expect. It's a glorified motel with a Disney price. I honestly didn't care where we stayed. We'll be at the "Happiest Place on Earth!"

Jennifer

 

[brack]

I have to give my Bill some praise. Somehow, he got us into the All Star Movies resort the week of March 16th. So, we are off to WDW in three weeks!

Bill reallly wanted to stay on-property. Somehow, he made it work. We've only stayed in a Value (ASMU) one other time for just one night (we got to WDW a day early). So, we know what to expect. It's a glorified motel with a Disney price. I honestly didn't care where we stayed. We'll be at the "Happiest Place on Earth!"

Jennifer

 

[JsMom2]

I have to give my Bill some praise. Somehow, he got us into the All Star Movies resort the week of March 16th. So, we are off to WDW in three weeks!

Bill reallly wanted to stay on-property. Somehow, he made it work. We've only stayed in a Value (ASMU) one other time for just one night (we got to WDW a day early). So, we know what to expect. It's a glorified motel with a Disney price. I honestly didn't care where we stayed. We'll be at the "Happiest Place on Earth!"

Jennifer

That's great Jennifer! As for the crowds, if you use Tour Guide Mike you can get his list of which parks will be most crowded on which days (he does morning and evening breakdowns).

 

[BethC1952]

Bill is still persisting the WDW trip for Emily's Spring Break in a few weeks. However, ALL the onsite resorts are booked. I didn't think that was a good sign crowd-wise. It will be a madhouse. I guess a lot of people took advantage of the 4/3 deal and will be there for Spring Break too. We may be able to go, but stay off-site. Does anyone recommend any hotels near WDW? In the past, we have always stayed on-site. Oh wait! I take it back, they DID have rooms at the Swan and Dolphin. Has anyone stayed at either of those resorts (I thought Beth mentioned staying there once)? I know they are not owned by Disney, but enjoy the same on-property perks as other Disney guests. Also, any off-property hotel recommendations are appreciated.

Thank you in advance for any help. Who knows, we may be in Orlando in three weeks.

Jennifer

I'm glad you can all get your Disney fix!

Jim and I enjoy staying at value resorts when we're at WDW to do the parks. Our favorite is Pop Century, but we sometimes choose All Star Music, and would gladly stay at the other All Stars if it meant we could get some Disney magic.

Jim and I have stayed at the Dolphin twice--once we got a free upgrade from Port Orleans Riverside when they overbooked a huge convention, and the other time because I can get a government rate there. It's a nice resort, but it's like nice resorts anywhere else, and really doesn't have a Disney feel to it. It reminds me of staying in the Tropicana in Atlantic City--it's really nice, it's a lot of fun, but it isn't Disney!

Beth

 

[TheTXTaylors5]

That's great Jennifer! As for the crowds, if you use Tour Guide Mike you can get his list of which parks will be most crowded on which days (he does morning and evening breakdowns).

I almost clicked on the button to order his Automated Vacation Planner. I just couldn't do it. Is it really worth it compared to your own knowledge of the parks and where to be at what time? Have you gone to WDW using his recommendations and not and what was the difference? Just curious. I may go to B&N and check-out the Touring Plan in the Unofficial Guide. I bought the Disneyland version and it has a Touring Plan in back (which makes a lot of sense). We're going to try it in June.

For Spring Break, we plan to get to the parks at rope drop and any EMH (AM) & (PM). Then, head to another park after lunch. I haven't made any ADRs. Since, Bill just booked it last night. I guess I need to "try" and book some today. I don't anticipate getting any, but I'll try. Wish me luck!

Jennifer

 

[TheTXTaylors5]

Jim and I have stayed at the Dolphin twice--once we got a free upgrade from Port Orleans Riverside when they overbooked a huge convention, and the other time because I can get a government rate there. It's a nice resort, but it's like nice resorts anywhere else, and really doesn't have a Disney feel to it. It reminds me of staying in the Tropicana in Atlantic City--it's really nice, it's a lot of fun, but it isn't Disney!

Beth

After reading that, ASMovies seems like a better fit for "the kids". Thank you for the info.

Jennifer

 

[TheTXTaylors5]

It is chilly here today(40's). I have to brave the cold and sit outside to watching a bunch of 5 and 6 years olds run in a heard. Emily has her first soccer game today. I gave Bill a pass. He and the boys can stay home in the warmth of the house.

Jennifer

 

[JsMom2]

I almost clicked on the button to order his Automated Vacation Planner. I just couldn't do it. Is it really worth it compared to your own knowledge of the parks and where to be at what time? Have you gone to WDW using his recommendations and not and what was the difference? Just curious. I may go to B&N and check-out the Touring Plan in the Unofficial Guide. I bought the Disneyland version and it has a Touring Plan in back (which makes a lot of sense). We're going to try it in June.

For Spring Break, we plan to get to the parks at rope drop and any EMH (AM) & (PM). Then, head to another park after lunch. I haven't made any ADRs. Since, Bill just booked it last night. I guess I need to "try" and book some today. I don't anticipate getting any, but I'll try. Wish me luck!

Jennifer

I was skeptical too, but TGM offers a money back guarantee! And I definitely found it to be worthwhile. And for the price, even if you only get one really good tip it can make all the difference in the world! For instance if all the resorts are booked then the EMH parks might not be the place to be that day....

 

[TheTXTaylors5]

Okay our plans have changed once again.

We are heading to DISNEYLAND in three weeks! Bill was poking around on the internet again and found the adults pay the kids price for tickets at DLR. Then, he logged onto the AAA website to see if he could find a 4/3 WDW deal for his birthday in June. So here's our current and LAST change (I promise! ):

Disneyland Hotel (March 15 - 19)
Port Orleans French Quarter (June 24 - July 1)

I had to cancel the Hotel del Coronado and Las Vegas portions of the trip to make both these trips possible. I am sure we'll be back.

I called today and made our PS for DLR. We are having lunch at the Blue Bayou and breakfast at Goofy's Kitchen.

So much for trying to plan a surprise trip for Bill's birthday. But, I got two Disney trips out of it. So, I can't complain too much. Two for the price of one.

Bill is in the other room watching a Disneyland special we DVRd last year. He's my BIG kid. I think he's a little excited about the trip.

Jennifer