Discovering DVC timandlesley style-A PTR, 19 days TRIP REPORT LINK PG.119!!!!!

[timandlesley]

good idea! it would be really nice to have dinner there and then enjoy the boardwalk and watch the parts of illuminations you can see from there. that just sounds like heaven to me! the boardwalk is really pretty at night. and flying fish is definitely one place i wanna try on my next trip.

and i think the plaza on your last day sounds good. i hear they have good ice cream!

Yes, that would be awesome. So glad we own DVC, knowing that will be a reality someday. Yes, I've heard good things about the Plaza's ice cream, YUM!!!
Lesley

I think that sounds great. We haven't eaten at any of those, but I read everything I could on every Disney restaurant before our trip and I only read great things about those places. I would love to do CG as a date night. Sounds wonderful! But if you are like me, you will make plenty of changes still I actually think it is a good thing that they changed the booking time to 90 days out. I don't think I would have called Disney Dining as much if I had booked at 90 days rather than 180. Have fun planning! I really miss that part a lot!

Thanks. I think I'm part of the reason they made the changes to 90 days, all of us Disers obsessed with trip planning constantly calling to change ADR's
Lesley

This is totally but I have wanted to ask you guys this for a while. Are you still doing Expo TV? I found out about it from your old trip report and gave it a try. I thought it was a great way to make some extra money. But when I joined up, it said there was a limit of 20 videos per month. Has that changed since you guys started it? Sorry for getting off topic, but I know you rounded up a lot of trip money that way and I'd like to do the same. Just wondering if the policies have changed or am I missing something? Thanks!!

You know, we got on board with Expo right when it started and they were paying 20 dollars for EVERY review and you could do 100 reviews, so Tim and I both earned 1,000 in a month, SERIOUSLY!!!! It was INCREDIBLE. Unfortunately they did change the rules and they are pickier on the content, have very specific content rules and what you can review and they limited the number of videos. If you are diligent at it it could be lucrative, we just gave it up.
Lesley

I found your pre trip report Yeah!!! I love your reports. I hope Tim is doing well since his surgery. I will also have to say Hoop De Doo is a much better choice than the Luau. Another suggestions I am gonna throw out there is Narcoosee's we had a fantastic time there for my 40th birthday this year. All your plans sound fantastic. I cant wait to see what unfolds. Congrats again on your DVC purchase!! Those Disney shirts rock. Where did your BIL order them from?

Yeah, glad you found us. Thanks forthe Hoop De Doo comment. Also, with the Luau it would be at 5:30 OUTSIDE, in July, NO THANK YOU . Narcoosee's does look awesome, but I think I'll save that for just a Tim and me meal someday. My Brother got the shirts from Disneyshopping.com in the design your own t-shirt area.
Lesley

I think you are doing well with adding restaurants...Spoodles and The Plaza sound great. I want to eat at The Plaza on our next trip (whenever that may be.) I think Cali Grill is an excellent choice for your date night! We ate there a few years ago and timed it perfectly to watch Wishes. We had finished our meal and went out on the Observation deck to watch Wishes - such a great perspective! I know that you can watch from inside the resturant, too as they pipe in the music. I'm glad that you guys decided to do the HDD, you will have a great time.

The plaza has always been on our list but I overlooked it until Donaldsgal mentioned it, gotta love planning with your Disfriends .
Lesley

Just wanted to say that it sounds like your plans are coming along great. I am going to be using your trick about the note cards with your adr info and the tip amount in an envelope on my trip.

Thanks, glad you can use the notecard information, it really is a good trick. My parents are going in February and I planned their trip, made their ADR's, and they have their notecards ready to go . My mom said she is excited about this vacation because it's already planned out for her and she won't have to think .
Lesley

 

[timandlesley]

Well, today is my official last day of winter break before I have to go back to school tomorrow.
I spent yesterday with Tim taking the Christmas stuff down outside, cleaning house and getting caught up on laundry and then we took some time to enjoy the evening and we all went out to BW3's (love that place).
I took time on my blog to put together a 2008 year in review, I like the way it turned out and helped me to reflect on everything that went down last year and makes me wonder what will unfold for us in 2009. (if you want the link PM me).
I also spent a LOT of time looking at dining points, filling in my calendar, etc. and I THINK I have our reservations in order. I need to neaten it up a bit but I will post it here in the next few days for final review. I am excited about the way it worked out. The points were SO tricky to figure out this year that I think this will be set in stone and I won't be making any changes, too exhausting to figure it all out .
Well, gotta go jump in the shower and get ready for church, hope you each have a great day!
Lesley

 

[purplepeg]

Just to weigh in with my opinion, Tutto Italia has fabulous food. I have posted pictures on my trip report. The portions are huge and their tomato sauce is heaven on earth! Chefs de France we didn't enjoy very much, food was so so and service not the greatest. We'll have to see what your parents think. My sister has been there in the past and was very happy but this time it just seemed to be off. I have pictures of the food there too. Too bad break is over but nowthe time will fly and your trip will be here before you know it

 

[RinkyTinkyTinky]

"Well, today is my official last day of winter break before I have to go back to school tomorrow ."


Boy can I relate! Before my daughter was born, I was a third grade teacher (I am now a VERY BLESSED SAHM.......on a super tight budget ). I remember that same feling of at the end of every holiday break. Hmmm, actually I felt that way every Sunday night and the end of every August too I always wondered why our work week wasn't reversed.........off 5 days and working 2 The math just never added up I suppose! But as soon as I would return from Christmas break, I would start my countdown calendar to Easter I really do sympathize with you on that one!!

 

[timandlesley]

Just to weigh in with my opinion, Tutto Italia has fabulous food. I have posted pictures on my trip report. The portions are huge and their tomato sauce is heaven on earth! Chefs de France we didn't enjoy very much, food was so so and service not the greatest. We'll have to see what your parents think. My sister has been there in the past and was very happy but this time it just seemed to be off. I have pictures of the food there too. Too bad break is over but nowthe time will fly and your trip will be here before you know it

I agree, we went there before it turned to Tutto Italia, but we will definitely be going there this trip. Shoot, I wish I could get my parents into LeCellier, it is booked their entire trip, I sure hope they like Chefs De France, it's their Valentines day meal.
Lesley

"Well, today is my official last day of winter break before I have to go back to school tomorrow ."


Boy can I relate! Before my daughter was born, I was a third grade teacher (I am now a VERY BLESSED SAHM.......on a super tight budget ). I remember that same feling of at the end of every holiday break. Hmmm, actually I felt that way every Sunday night and the end of every August too I always wondered why our work week wasn't reversed.........off 5 days and working 2 The math just never added up I suppose! But as soon as I would return from Christmas break, I would start my countdown calendar to Easter I really do sympathize with you on that one!!

Yes, that feeling stinks. I am starting my countdown to Easter, that's for sure. We go for a week in Kiawah in April so I can't wait for that.
Lesley

 

[timandlesley]

Well....... two big bummers for me tonight........

I just found out that Star Wars Weekends will not fall on our trip dates this year. Tim and Luke ALWAYS look forward to that event so much and are majorly bummed we will miss it. Figures, the first year we won't be there for my b-day is when Disney decides to do the big celebrate theme (we aren't going because we are buying annual passes this year and want to use them for many trips. Next year I don't get out of school until June 10th, so we are buying the passes late June this year so we can use them through our June trip next year, hope that makes sense) and we miss Star Wars Weekends.
Oh well, guess I should look on the bright side... FOOD AND WINE FESTIVAL FOR THE FIRST TIME IN NOVEMBER!!!!!!!!!

The other thing we found out is that the parks did away with Pal Mickey. I know, not a HUGE deal, but it stinks. We had invested in TWO Pal Mickey's for the kids and they always have such fun with them and enjoy the comments, etc. I guess they weren't doing well so they did away with them. I heard this from a friend of ours who works for Disney and lives in Orlando. What are your thoughts on this one guys??

Well, I will be posting my final dining plans soon, still working out a few of the credit issues (I forgot with regular dining you can't use kids sit downs for adults and so that doesn't work for our date night so I'm switching it to earlier when we are on deluxe).

I need to figure out when we are going to buy annual passes, I'm leaning towards ahead of time.

I also am dying for Southwest to release dates past June so we can decide on airfare. Airtran has AWESOME deals right now (under 700 round trip for all 4 of us nonstop) but their fees are outrageous. What to do what to do Anyone know when Southwest is releasing July dates?

Well, gotta go, WORK TOMORROW

Lesley

 

[KatInHat]

Hey Lesley,
I just saw your post wondering when Southwest will open flight schedule past June so I looked on their website and they said that they are currently taking reservations thru June 26 and on January 29 they will open booking thru Aug 14..
Heres the link.. hope it helps.
http://southwest.com/hotfares/?ref=spcofrs_gn

 

[Charleston Princess]

That is too bad about SW weekends! Where did you find the dates posted?

 

[Plantlady]

I have read that, while Pal Mickey is no longer sold, he will still work, if you have one.

That's my hopes anyway!

 

[lmillercrew]

Sorry about the SWW thing. There was another poster who was counting on that too. Too bad about the My Pal Mickey. Dang, that's a big investment to lose out on. Let's just hope you can get some cheap airfare. Do you fly out of Cinci or Dayton? We've found cheap airfare out of Dayton and Columbus. Ohio has lots of airports to choose from, thankfully. We live in NW OH and fly out of Detroit, but I have other options. I even look from Chicago.
Good luck.

 

[hlrababy]

I was sad too when I learned they were getting rid of the Pal Mickey. But, I wonder if this means we can't use the ones we bought . Hollie loves hers!! Did your friend tell you if we could still use ours?

 

[luvfigment]

That stinks that you won't be able to see SWW this year but you are right be focused on the fact you will be able to do F&W. Y'all will have a great time doing that. Good luck with the plane tickets...it is so frustrating with all of the fees that you get with them. You have in your mind it will be one price and then all of a sudden they tack on all the fees and it is more than you thought.

Hope you first day back at school went well and can't wait to see how your dining plans ended up.

 

[scottny]

I have been hearing stories of Airtran canceling peoples flights and not informing them of the changes

I am so upset about Star Wars weekend. I was really looking forward to it but now we get there the week after it ends. oh well another time.

 

[Supermom3]

Hi! I just found your TR and was so glad to. I really enjoyed your last TR and look forward to this one. Wow you really had a busy end of the year. I hope that 2009 settles down for you and brings you all good health.
All of those dining credits would make my head spin, but it sounds fabulous not to mention delicious. I think that Pal Mickey will still work , but I don't know if they will continue to update the information for new attractions, etc.

 

[kaysmommie]

Looking forward to seeing your final plans, Well maybe final plans. The Plaza is really good and has a nice atmosphere, I;m going to book it for our trip.

I have a question for you. How did you do your check in with Southwest for your return flight while at Disney last year? I'm thinking we need to check in with the I phone and then print the boarding passes later at the resort.

 

[PittypatBR]

I have a question for you. How did you do your check in with Southwest for your return flight while at Disney last year? I'm thinking we need to check in with the I phone and then print the boarding passes later at the resort.

You could use the IPhone, but you can also have the CM's at the front desk of your resort check in and print the boarding passes for you. I understand they can do it in the parks as well.

 

[DreaGirl]

I think you can call SW to check in also, not positive though.

 

[MegansMom]

Here's to hoping you get some good news soon in terms of your airfare---it is always so frustrating trying to find a good deal around here!!!! Due to Megan's age and persistance on wanting to fly next trip, I am going to try to pin down some good prices on flights either out of Cincy or Dayton, but I may need your expertise and knowledge on how to get the best deal!!! My fingers are crossed for you guys right now!! Good Luck! And btw, I am so sad for you guys that you are just going to miss the SW events!!! That is a bummer!

 

[timandlesley]

Hey Lesley,
I just saw your post wondering when Southwest will open flight schedule past June so I looked on their website and they said that they are currently taking reservations thru June 26 and on January 29 they will open booking thru Aug 14..
Heres the link.. hope it helps.
http://southwest.com/hotfares/?ref=spcofrs_gn

Thanks for posting!
Lesley

That is too bad about SW weekends! Where did you find the dates posted?

That does stink. I found them online, I did a "Star Wars Weekend 2009" search. It's the last two weekends in May and first two weekends in June this year, bummer. Good news is they DIDN'T change food and wine dates this year so Tim and I will still be there the final weekend of that in Nov.!
Lesley

I have read that, while Pal Mickey is no longer sold, he will still work, if you have one.

That's my hopes anyway!

I hope so but our friend who works there said they wouldn't, don't know if she's tried though.
Lesley

Sorry about the SWW thing. There was another poster who was counting on that too. Too bad about the My Pal Mickey. Dang, that's a big investment to lose out on. Let's just hope you can get some cheap airfare. Do you fly out of Cinci or Dayton? We've found cheap airfare out of Dayton and Columbus. Ohio has lots of airports to choose from, thankfully. We live in NW OH and fly out of Detroit, but I have other options. I even look from Chicago.
Good luck.

Good thing we got our Pal Mickey's discounted, but yes, big investment none the less. Typically we have flown out of Dayton if doing Airtran and Columbus if doing Southwest.
Lesley

I was sad too when I learned they were getting rid of the Pal Mickey. But, I wonder if this means we can't use the ones we bought . Hollie loves hers!! Did your friend tell you if we could still use ours?

I don't think we can use them, at least that is what my friend said, but again, haven't heard this directly from Disney.
Lesley

That stinks that you won't be able to see SWW this year but you are right be focused on the fact you will be able to do F&W. Y'all will have a great time doing that. Good luck with the plane tickets...it is so frustrating with all of the fees that you get with them. You have in your mind it will be one price and then all of a sudden they tack on all the fees and it is more than you thought.

Hope you first day back at school went well and can't wait to see how your dining plans ended up.

Yes, Food and Wine festival dates did not change so I'm happy about that. School is going o.k., sure hard to get up in the morning.
Lesley

I have been hearing stories of Airtran canceling peoples flights and not informing them of the changes

I am so upset about Star Wars weekend. I was really looking forward to it but now we get there the week after it ends. oh well another time.

YIKES! We loved Southwest last time so I recommend them always. I know, doesn't that stink about Star Wars WEekends, wonder why they changed the dates so drastically.
Lesley

Hi! I just found your TR and was so glad to. I really enjoyed your last TR and look forward to this one. Wow you really had a busy end of the year. I hope that 2009 settles down for you and brings you all good health.
All of those dining credits would make my head spin, but it sounds fabulous not to mention delicious. I think that Pal Mickey will still work , but I don't know if they will continue to update the information for new attractions, etc.

So glad you found us again, yes 2008 was crazy, looking forward to a fabulous 2009!!!! Yes, my head is spinning but I'm excited about all those fun and yummy meals.
Lesley

Looking forward to seeing your final plans, Well maybe final plans. The Plaza is really good and has a nice atmosphere, I;m going to book it for our trip.

I have a question for you. How did you do your check in with Southwest for your return flight while at Disney last year? I'm thinking we need to check in with the I phone and then print the boarding passes later at the resort.

I will be posting my final dining plans this week, PROMISE!!!! Can't wait to try the Plaza. For Southwest, we went to the front desk at the WL and they printed out our confirmations for us, we used our lap top to check in 24 hours before. Since I teach online unfortunately we are always traveling with laptop in hand

You could use the IPhone, but you can also have the CM's at the front desk of your resort check in and print the boarding passes for you. I understand they can do it in the parks as well.

IPhone is a good idea, we actually have one of those now

I think you can call SW to check in also, not positive though.

I think it's online only, 24 hours in advance. We hit that button at the exact 24 hour mark and got the last 4 spots in the "A" category last year, those babies go fast!!!!

Here's to hoping you get some good news soon in terms of your airfare---it is always so frustrating trying to find a good deal around here!!!! Due to Megan's age and persistance on wanting to fly next trip, I am going to try to pin down some good prices on flights either out of Cincy or Dayton, but I may need your expertise and knowledge on how to get the best deal!!! My fingers are crossed for you guys right now!! Good Luck! And btw, I am so sad for you guys that you are just going to miss the SW events!!! That is a bummer!

Thanks! If you are in this area, i suggest Dayton or Indianapolis, Cincy is always outrageous. But the best deal we've found BY FAR is Southwest out of Columbus. Last year we found a great hotel that had free shuttle, free breakfast and we were able to leave our car for the entire trip, only 119 for the night!!!! GREAT DEAL! Plus Southwest airlines doesn't charge for your first two bags, still serves snacks on the plane, etc. GREAT airline!
Lesley

 

[kaysmommie]

You could use the IPhone, but you can also have the CM's at the front desk of your resort check in and print the boarding passes for you. I understand they can do it in the parks as well.

Thanks . Just worried about the 24 hour check in so we make sure we each at least sit with a kid. Sorry about pal Mickey , I almost bought my kids one in October. Glad I decided not too.