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

[Nicole786]

Love the countdown calendar guys! We put ours on a sliding door and have so much fun peeling the mickey heads off every morning!!

 

[Charleston Princess]

Cute!!! We made ours over spring break but aren't starting it until 30 days out -- we are so antsy to start putting stickers on each Mickey head!

 

[2xcited2sleep]

Your countdown calendar looks awesome! That may be my weekend activity!

 

[timandlesley]

Your countdown calendar looks awesome! That may be my weekend activity!

Thanks, hope you do it, tons of fun! : )

Cute!!! We made ours over spring break but aren't starting it until 30 days out -- we are so antsy to start putting stickers on each Mickey head!

Cool, we can never wait until 30 days, soooo anxious!

Love the countdown calendar guys! We put ours on a sliding door and have so much fun peeling the mickey heads off every morning!!

Fun! I am soooooooooooo jealous of your parents being on the podcast cruise!!!!!

Great countdown calendar! I have a stack of Mickey Heads and have done nothing with them yet.....

I hope you are feeling much better today! Stomach viruses are major yuck...

Oh, I hope you put the mickey heads to use soon : ) Thanks so much, yes, I am feeling MUCH better, thank goodness!!!

The calendar looks AWESOME! I love it! It's so colorful.

Thank you, glad you enjoyed it! Spruces up the house a bit I think ; )

I am so sorry you got sick! That is the pits. I know it is hard to go back to class after break as it is...at least for me it is. I hope you are feeling better.

Yay for T-Rex! That place looks like a blast!

How nice of Tim for freeing some Mickey Heads from a boring life at the Home Depot. Now they serve a purpose!

Yes, it was the pits, made going back to work even harder. I can't wait to try T Rex. So funny about freeing the heads : )

Great chart! I love counting down with the kids. So fun!

I couldn't agree more!!!

Thanks for sharing your Kiawah trip with us. Looks very nice there. I'm sure the kids had a great time. Lauren is just too cute! Glad you are feeling better . Looking forward to your countdown calendar. I have a question for you. I think I'm going to make tip envelopes for all the restaurants instead of charging it back to the room. Reading your trip reports it seems like such a great idea. How did you figure out tax?

You are quite welcome. What I did was go into allearsnet.com and figure out what our bills would be, basically I did 10 dollars for buffets, 20 dollars for sit down dinners and 15 for sit down lunches, seemed to always be right, I had extra ones (about 5 dollars with ) in my purse at all times in case service was extra good and 5 dollars of the tip was always in ones so I could take away if service was super super bad (which luckily I never had to do). I hope this makes sense and helps!
Lesley

That same stomach virus is going around here as well. I hope we are all healthy in 31 days!! Cannot wait to see your count down calendar.

I'm over it, it was quick lived THANK GOODNESS!!!! I agree, let's get it out of our systems before Disney!

Feel better! Stomach viruses are the WORST! I can't wait to see your family countdown calendar!

I do actually, thanks so much! Hope you enjoy the calendar pics

Wow, that trip looks like a blast! Thanks so much for sharing pics. I can't believe how big the kids are getting!

You're welcome, it was a blast. I know, my babies are getting sooooo big!

You have shared so much stuff I didn't know! For one, I didn't realize SW gives a credit for a decrease in flight prices. I checked ours and now have a $70 credit. DH wants to plan a mini-Jan trip with it...we'll see!

Second..I didn't know about TRex taking res. I have to call them today b/c we are going on our last day. You called them directly?

Thanks

I am SO glad I could help you! Actually I went back on Southwest AGAIN today and prices went down AGAIN!!! We got ANOTHER 80 dollar credit, so exiting!
Yes, I called Trex directly, just googled their number.

Lesley, Tim was a blast in chat tonight! When you are feeling better come and join us too! We have some fun conversations!

Anita

I was surprised when I looked over and he was on there, he said it was going super fast. Typically I am online teaching University of Phoenix at night but I'll bop in on occasion : )

Hope you feel better! Stomach viruses are the worst!

T-Rex doesn't take the dining plan, does it? I really want to go there -- wonder if I could convince Charles to go down a day early to fit it in...

Can't wait to see the countdown calendar!

Thanks, I do feel better. No, T Rex doesn't take the dining plan but we get 20% off with DVC so that's another reason why we wanted to try it. Hope you enjoyed the countdown calendar pics : )

Ooh, I know...those were so cute! My DD4 was literally up dancing in the aisle!

Sorry you weren't feeling well! That's no fun!

Thank, feeling better now : )

Hey Tim and Lesley! Ok...long time lurker here. Not because I'm shy, just cause I've had nothing witty or important to say.
First...Tim's raps are AWESOME!!! Can you DJ my next event?!
Second...I am from SC and go to Kiawah at least once every year. My old roommate's family has a house there on Shoveler Ct. Your rental house looks like their house but flipped (with the carport on the right of the stairs). I LOVE Kiawah...it's so peaceful and the stores at Freshfields are awesome (and the restaurants actually). Anyway, I loved your mini TR. It made me want to go back now!
I also have loved all of your TRs and am SUPER jealous about your LOOOOONNNGGG trip!

So glad to see you come out of "lurkdom" and decide to post. I always see how many people view but it always far exceeds the posters so I'm always thrilled to see new people getting comfortable enough to post. So funny about Tim, he had so much fun doing it. You know, he is a professional DJ here in Cincinnati, don't remember if I've ever mentioned that. Your NORMAL DJ though for weddings, etc. no "thug wear" for those : ) Freshfields is awesome, I didn't get pics of that this year and should have.

 

[Trentmom]

Sorry you caught the stomach bug. They are the worst. Glad you are feeling better

Thanks for the tip on T Rex.....had no idea you could call that far in ahead

 

[Trentmom]

Countdown calendar came out great

 

[CRSNDSNY]

Cute countdown calendar! That always makes it so real!

 

[dddisrunner]

Great countdown calendar! Looks very similar to ours! When you guys did your add on, did you get the same use year? Also, were you given 2008 UY points? Thanks...just trying to gather some info!

Diane

 

[MickeyMarcie]

Okay, I am finally getting back and reading up on what you guys are up to and . . .oh my goodness . . . you wear me out! I admire all of the great things you guys do as a family so much!

I feel like I am finally caught up with your pre-trip report. The last time I read you were driving, but I think you are now flying. We are in the middle of this debate in our household. My husband wants to fly because he does it so much for work and it is second nature to him. He is actually in Orlando right now! I do not like to fly and have not flown since 2000. I don't mind the driving, but being there in two hours as opposed to 14-15 is so nice.

Anyway, glad to see things are going well. I love the countdown calender. I made one similar last year and still have it to break out just in case we decide to go! I can't wait to read more.

 

[stacikristine]

Great countdown calendar! Very, very cute!! I'm sure you all had a BLAST making it!!! You're so close!

 

[dlpcarden]

Hey Lesley and Tim -

I have a quick question??

I bought my one way ticket to Florida for my September girls only trip last night. The rate was $92 plus tax. I am waiting to see if that rate decreases (so I can use the credit) before I buy my returning flight. If my flight to Florida does decrease what do I need to do to get that new rate and get a credit??

Thanks

 

[LISAMWDW]

Wow, that is some great count down calendar! So cool!

 

[timandlesley]

Wow, that is some great count down calendar! So cool!

Thanks, glad you liked it ; )

Hey Lesley and Tim -

I have a quick question??

I bought my one way ticket to Florida for my September girls only trip last night. The rate was $92 plus tax. I am waiting to see if that rate decreases (so I can use the credit) before I buy my returning flight. If my flight to Florida does decrease what do I need to do to get that new rate and get a credit??

Thanks

Hi! It is actually pretty easy. There is a section in there to make changes to your travel, you have to type in your flight confirmation number, then it will ask you if you want to make changes, you bubble in the bubble next to your flight and it will then take you to available flights to your destination on that day, you simply click the rate that is cheaper and then the credit will be in your account. I believe you have 1 year to use the credit. I called them the first time and they walked me through it SUPER quickly and easily. Hope it works out for you, our flights just went down for a THIRD time!!!

Great countdown calendar! Very, very cute!! I'm sure you all had a BLAST making it!!! You're so close!

Thanks, yes it was fun. We're in the 50's today!!!!!!!!!!!!

Okay, I am finally getting back and reading up on what you guys are up to and . . .oh my goodness . . . you wear me out! I admire all of the great things you guys do as a family so much!

I feel like I am finally caught up with your pre-trip report. The last time I read you were driving, but I think you are now flying. We are in the middle of this debate in our household. My husband wants to fly because he does it so much for work and it is second nature to him. He is actually in Orlando right now! I do not like to fly and have not flown since 2000. I don't mind the driving, but being there in two hours as opposed to 14-15 is so nice.

Anyway, glad to see things are going well. I love the countdown calender. I made one similar last year and still have it to break out just in case we decide to go! I can't wait to read more.

Thanks, we wear ourselves out ; ) I'm with your husband, I LOVE flying over driving, I'm always the one begging the family to fly. I'd look into Southwest, they are super cheap right now!!!! Glad you enjoyed the countdown calendar.
Lesley

Great countdown calendar! Looks very similar to ours! When you guys did your add on, did you get the same use year? Also, were you given 2008 UY points? Thanks...just trying to gather some info!

Diane

Hi Diane, TRUE CONFESSIONS, I posted this to someone in here but you probably didn't see it. They are doing lay offs in our district and major budget cuts so I had a moment of panic before we signed the papers, backed out and put it into savings.
Although Yes Derek gave us a December use year and we would have had the 50 points from 2008 AND the 50 points from 2009, you get them all upfront, VERY tempting.
Lesley

Cute countdown calendar! That always makes it so real!

Glad you enjoyed it, yes, we're in the 50's as of today!!!!

Countdown calendar came out great

Thanks : )

Sorry you caught the stomach bug. They are the worst. Glad you are feeling better

Thanks for the tip on T Rex.....had no idea you could call that far in ahead

Glad I'm over it, they are the WORST you're right.
Glad I could help with T Rex

 

[timandlesley]

Hi everyone,
Today we marked a day off in our calendar and are OFFICIALLY IN THE 50's!!!!!
Sooooooooooooooooooo exciting.
So, did you see all of the pictures and reviews for Kadani village that were released yeterday.
http://land.allears.net/blogs/jackspence/2009/04/animal_kingdom_lodge_kidani_vi_2.html

http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=31456332&postcount=32

http://land.allears.net/blogs/jackspence/2009/04/animal_kingdom_lodge_kidani_vi.html

http://www.attractionsmagazine.com/...e-new-kidani-village-at-animal-kingdom-lodge/

http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2126352&page=3
SO proud to be an owner there. We are booked at Jambo house though and now I am SERIOUSLY considering switching but am worried that they have no counterservice option there, we are big breakfast eaters. The kids pool play are is AMAZING!!! What would you do? They make it seem easy to hop on any theme park bus and ride over to Jambo, but I'm so conflicted on this.
Also, did you hear about the new pirate experience similar to Bippety Boppety Botique for BOYS!!!! It's about time, I'm so excited, check it out:
http://www.wdwmagic.com/Attractions...ience-to-open-at-Pirates-of-the-Caribbean.htm

I so hope they open ressies soon for this and it will be when we are there. I always feel SO guilty letting Lauren do BBB when there is NOTHING for Luke.

We went and saw Earth yesterday, what an amazing movie. I wrote a mini review at the request of others on another thread, I'll post it here.

"Our EARTH Review
Our family of four saw it yesterday at 5pm show, for a weekday I was surprised how packed it was. My kids are 5 and 8 and I worried if they would sit through a "documentary", they both LOVED it. I was relieved within minutes as my 5 year old was dying laughing over the polar bear cubs. I was surprised it doesn't just cover the 3 families (elephant, whale, polar bears) as the previews indicated, they cover MUCH more. Basicaly every corner of our planet, climate, seasons, species are discussed and looked at closely and described. There is a scene with exotic birds in the rain forest that had us all in stitches laughing, . There were some very intense hunting scenes but I was happy to see they just highlighted the captures, not the kills (except for a shark but it isn't graphic at all). My 5 year old, and even my 8 year old in one scene covered their eyes. I was worried about night mares last night as a result but none occured Overall, it was just an amazing film, such breathtaking cinematography, I highly recommend it.
If you go be sure to stay for the outtake real during the credits. It is a very cool surprise where they show you how they filmed it, some funny scenes involving a hot air balloon that I won't spoil for you, and a close encounter with polar bears in the arctic that made us laugh.
ENJOY!!!!!
Lesley "

I really do recommend you guys go see it.

Well, looking forward to your comments on everything above
Lesley
__________________

 

[aldisneygrl]

Yeah, I saw those pics yesterday. They look amazing.

Me personally, I would stick with where you have breakfast options. A big breakfast is essential for Disney in the summer, or anytime for that matter. Plus taking a bus to Jambo house seems like it would be inconvenient, and eat up precious Disney time. I would wait and see what people report about actually staying there. Since it is new, they might have some "kinks" to work out. Although, that pool looks AWESOME!!!

Wow!! Time sure does fly!!! Doing the 50's Dance with ya'!!!

 

[tinkgurl]

Lesley, your commentary on the movie makes me want to go see it! You should be a critic.

 

[stacikristine]

Oh My Goodness Gracious!! Kidani Village is absolutely gorgeous!! Thanks for sharing all of these pictures. We're staying at a Studio Room in Jambo House in September and now I'm almost regretting not trying to stay in Kidani Village... We might try to get an ADR at Sanaa though... I know from your last TRs that your family really, really does take advantage of the CS restaurants. I could see this really being an issue... It says that everyone staying at either part of AKL can experience the things at the other half--so this includes the pool, right? If so, you could make it a special swimming time and go over and use the Kidani Village kids area Wow--so gorgeous! I'm sure whatever you decide will be GREAT and there's always forever--You have DVC!!!

 

[daisy_77]

Lesley--Those pictures are amazing!

I am not sure what you should do. I think whatever your family would enjoy the most. If a big breakfast is important than I would just stay at Jambo House.

That is so cool about the new BBB experience for boys.

I am planning on seeing that new Earth movie. I am glad you all liked it!

 

[troobabiee7]

I just got caught up and I'm glad you all had a great time at the beach! It looks like a gorgeous area I love the countdown calendar too!

 

[dddisrunner]

Hi Lesley! Too funny, I don't know if you saw it, but I posted an update this morning about the boys new pirate thing! Thanks for the info about the add on...in today's world of uncertainty I think you made a good decision The opportunity to add on will ALWAYS be there! As far as switching to Kidani, if you were on the regular dining during that portion of your trip, then I might say go for it but being that you will be on the deluxe dining, I would stick with Jambo. Going right downstairs to the Mara will be better then worrying about catching a bus. Also, if you did stay at Kidani and decided just to grab snacks instead of counter service then you will have alot of credits to try and use up and then the value of the plan would go down! I hope that made sense! YAY for the 50's

Diane