Disney Wonder Sept 3-7, 2006

[Blackunicorn]

Tae Ja--be careful, I like being the know-it-all too much. I might get a swelled head!

Patsy--Yay! I was too impatient to wait for the new edition, even though it's going to be only a couple of weeks. Maybe we can compare them.

Dawn G.

 

[taeja71]

Tae Ja--be careful, I like being the know-it-all too much. I might get a swelled head!

Patsy--Yay! I was too impatient to wait for the new edition, even though it's going to be only a couple of weeks. Maybe we can compare them.

Dawn G.

be sure to post your comparisons here so we know what's going on too...I know I'm being a snoop.

 

[purplern]

Good Morning!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Boy is it windy here!

 

[taeja71]

Good Morning!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Boy is it windy here!

just wait. We had a tornado warning last night as well as a good thunder and rain storm. ((I wish DIS had weather realted smilies))

 

[Piecey]

So do any of you own DVC?
I got my shareholder information in the mail with a little card about a complimentary vacation.. so I called. And now the idea is stuck in my head.
I'm going to try to convince my father that he wants to join. Or at least that he wants to help ME join
If my brother keep this tradition christmas thing going, I will definitely benefit from owning DVC.. *sigh* I'm a little girl with big dreams!!!

 

[Blackunicorn]

Patsy, we're DVC members at SSR. We've been members for three years, but this will be the first year we're using our points at DVC. Which is a terribly inefficient way to use your points, but we figure, they're our points and we like using them at Disneyland. Now, if DVC would open a resort at DL, we'd be in heaven. LOL!

Tae Ja, I'm more than happy to share any info I gather.

 

[Ker-Bear]

I have had a horrible week so I plan to try and relax and have a good time. I wish I could fast forward and be driving down to FL to get on the Wonder!

Be good!

 

[taeja71]

I have had a horrible week so I plan to try and relax and have a good time. I wish I could fast forward and be driving down to FL to get on the Wonder!

Be good!

 

[Piecey]

Patsy, we're DVC members at SSR. We've been members for three years, but this will be the first year we're using our points at DVC. Which is a terribly inefficient way to use your points, but we figure, they're our points and we like using them at Disneyland. Now, if DVC would open a resort at DL, we'd be in heaven. LOL!

Tae Ja, I'm more than happy to share any info I gather.

So, overall .. do you like it?? I know I will be doing this later in life if I don't convince my parent's to go in on it with me now..

 

[Blackunicorn]

Well, we may not be the best example to hear about the practical side of DVC. We bought in with illogical reasons--it's Disney, what other reason do we need?--and we continue to use our points on things that we might be better off paying cash for--such as trips to DL. Most DVC members will tell you that we shouldn't have purchased at all.

For us, it was important that we make sure that we would be able to do Disney vacations every year. We aren't the best at saving money, and we had real difficulty saving up the cash to pay for our first Disney trip. (Which was only slightly more than our 4 day cruise. ) We felt that the timeshare was the best way to do that. And, frankly, we love knowing that our hotel is paid for and we only have to worry about details like getting there, tickets, and eating. Last year, we casually decided that we wanted a longer vacation because we already had season passes, picked up the phone and reserved extra nights. That was all the hassle there was. We didn't pay extra because we've already paid for the points, do you see what I mean? This year, we decided that we'd rather stay at our home resort than pay for a hotel at the port, so we picked up the phone and made the call. Now, this is *not* a decision based on logic--if you figure that points are $10 to rent, we just spent $200 for a room at WDW rather than the $100 at the port. But we love not having to stress over that decision. For the rest of our stay, we'll be in a 1 bedroom suite, giving us a kitchen, a washer and dryer in the room so we don't have to hang around while laundry gets done, and *privacy* on vacation for the first time since our kids were born. I also love that I have the option of reserving a Grand Villa for up to 12 people, enabling us to bring friends if we so choose. (We almost did this year.) I love that if my friends are in Florida--my children's godparents regularly work at the Florida Renaissance Festival--I can call and reserve them a room at a DVC resort at the drop of a hat no matter how my finances are going at that time. I love the convenience and the flexibility.

Do you normally stay in luxury accomodations, or would you be happy at a moderate resort? If you think that you would be perfectly happy at a moderate resort, then DVC is not a wise financial move for you. You'll be saving money on a room that would normally cost quite a bit, but it's still technically more expensive than you would pay for rooms at the moderate resort, especially if you're someone who also is able to find the discounts that I keep hearing about. DVC rooms also only get maid service once every 3 days, unlike traditional rooms, unless you pay extra for it. This is a big deal for some people, but I'm looking forward to it. The maids in regular hotels think I'm a nut because I don't want them in my room every day.

The thing is, if you're absolutely sure that you want to do this, sooner is better than later. I think the points have already gone up this year, so you don't have to buy in tomorrow. Price increases are announced in advance, so everyone has a chance to buy at the old price. But the cost does regularly go up, and one of the most common laments I hear on the DVC board is that people didn't buy sooner and paid a higher price when they did buy. I bought my points in 2003 for something like $85 a point, and now they go for I think $98 a point. You can get a better price on a resale, but the thing is, DVC has the right to buy the points back if they feel that the price is too low. That's the Right of First Refusal that you'll hear about.

I'm sorry I've gone on and on, did I actually answer your question? I haven't stayed at a DVC resort yet, but I hear very good things about them. If you do decide to buy in, do me a favor and pick a DVC member who "referred" you. DVC can hand out some neat goodies as thank you gifts. Unfortunately for me, my state law prevents me from getting any kickbacks.

 

[purplern]

So do any of you own DVC?
I got my shareholder information in the mail with a little card about a complimentary vacation.. so I called. And now the idea is stuck in my head.
I'm going to try to convince my father that he wants to join. Or at least that he wants to help ME join
If my brother keep this tradition christmas thing going, I will definitely benefit from owning DVC.. *sigh* I'm a little girl with big dreams!!!

We are thinking about join DVC. When we are down there before the cruise we are going to stop at Saratoga Spring and have a look around. DH says he thinks we will join.

 

[purplern]

I have had a horrible week so I plan to try and relax and have a good time. I wish I could fast forward and be driving down to FL to get on the Wonder!

Be good!

I hear ya! Yesterday at work was terrible. I need a vacation!!!!!
The powerball (lottery) drawing is tonight(estimate 365 MILLION!!) Hopefully I'll hit and pay cash for DVC!! and quit working, buy an RV for our Yellowstone trip!!

 

[purplern]

Well, we may not be the best example to hear about the practical side of DVC. We bought in with illogical reasons--it's Disney, what other reason do we need?--and we continue to use our points on things that we might be better off paying cash for--such as trips to DL. Most DVC members will tell you that we shouldn't have purchased at all.

For us, it was important that we make sure that we would be able to do Disney vacations every year. We aren't the best at saving money, and we had real difficulty saving up the cash to pay for our first Disney trip. (Which was only slightly more than our 4 day cruise. ) We felt that the timeshare was the best way to do that. And, frankly, we love knowing that our hotel is paid for and we only have to worry about details like getting there, tickets, and eating. Last year, we casually decided that we wanted a longer vacation because we already had season passes, picked up the phone and reserved extra nights. That was all the hassle there was. We didn't pay extra because we've already paid for the points, do you see what I mean? This year, we decided that we'd rather stay at our home resort than pay for a hotel at the port, so we picked up the phone and made the call. Now, this is *not* a decision based on logic--if you figure that points are $10 to rent, we just spent $200 for a room at WDW rather than the $100 at the port. But we love not having to stress over that decision. For the rest of our stay, we'll be in a 1 bedroom suite, giving us a kitchen, a washer and dryer in the room so we don't have to hang around while laundry gets done, and *privacy* on vacation for the first time since our kids were born. I also love that I have the option of reserving a Grand Villa for up to 12 people, enabling us to bring friends if we so choose. (We almost did this year.) I love that if my friends are in Florida--my children's godparents regularly work at the Florida Renaissance Festival--I can call and reserve them a room at a DVC resort at the drop of a hat no matter how my finances are going at that time. I love the convenience and the flexibility.

Do you normally stay in luxury accomodations, or would you be happy at a moderate resort? If you think that you would be perfectly happy at a moderate resort, then DVC is not a wise financial move for you. You'll be saving money on a room that would normally cost quite a bit, but it's still technically more expensive than you would pay for rooms at the moderate resort, especially if you're someone who also is able to find the discounts that I keep hearing about. DVC rooms also only get maid service once every 3 days, unlike traditional rooms, unless you pay extra for it. This is a big deal for some people, but I'm looking forward to it. The maids in regular hotels think I'm a nut because I don't want them in my room every day.

The thing is, if you're absolutely sure that you want to do this, sooner is better than later. I think the points have already gone up this year, so you don't have to buy in tomorrow. Price increases are announced in advance, so everyone has a chance to buy at the old price. But the cost does regularly go up, and one of the most common laments I hear on the DVC board is that people didn't buy sooner and paid a higher price when they did buy. I bought my points in 2003 for something like $85 a point, and now they go for I think $98 a point. You can get a better price on a resale, but the thing is, DVC has the right to buy the points back if they feel that the price is too low. That's the Right of First Refusal that you'll hear about.

I'm sorry I've gone on and on, did I actually answer your question? I haven't stayed at a DVC resort yet, but I hear very good things about them. If you do decide to buy in, do me a favor and pick a DVC member who "referred" you. DVC can hand out some neat goodies as thank you gifts. Unfortunately for me, my state law prevents me from getting any kickbacks.

I for one and glad you went on and on!! THanks for the info!!!!

 

[Piecey]

Yes, thank you

 

[taeja71]

We got the new to us printer today. It is awesome! Its a hp color Laserjet 4600 printer. I can not wait to print out our door signs! The printer is meant to print many docs at a time vs. a couple. All the more reason I need print out things for the cruise and for the upcoming Steelers 2006-2007 season!

I hope you are all having a great weekend!

Saw this thread and thought of our group. See post #10. Then, scroll to the very last post. What cracks me up the the rear view of the lady on the left. I do not want to be in any one's pictures facing THAT direction to the camera. I can't wait for pirate night esp. if we're all eating together! http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1029455

IMPORTANT: I'm going to try and not post for a while or as frequently. I'm slowly getting my E-bay items ready to sell (still). I took lots of pictures today of the girls clothes (0-3t) and have a little more ironing to do before taking the last photos. I'll be sucked into Ebaying for a while. So, if you need to get a hold of me, PM me. Let me know esp., if there are new cruisers or other important info that I need to know. I'll try and stay in the loop the best I can.

 

[Blackunicorn]

I'm glad my going on and on actually helped. I tend to talk a bit much. Vicki, we're actually going to be staying at SSR the night before the cruise. We've never been on the tour, and I'm debating whether it's worth a try. I've been feeling deprived, but then again, what's the point after we've already bought?

Tae Ja, too funny, I was getting ready to post that link, too. But instead I've also got this one: dclwonderphotos.com/
It's got photos of pirate night, among other things.

And last but not least, someone posted a thread worrying about jellyfish stings, so I did a little research and came up with SafeSea, which is a sunblock and also prevents jellyfish stings. You can read more about it at ebodyboarding.com if you're interested.

I hope everyone's having a great weekend!

 

[purplern]

TaeJa dont stop posting!!!
Blackunicorn maybe we'll bump into you. We are also going to do Cirque Du Soleil La Nouba that night. I have the dvd and it was really great never saw it in person so we are kicking around doing that.
I have to work tonight and tomorrow . Thursday I have Jury duty and I am not happy about it. I just went.
Thursday is also Disney on Ice Princesses!!!!! DD is sooooooo excited but she doesnt know we are 2 row from the ice.
Friday is vet day 2 cats and the dog. Boy is that going to be fun!!!!!! Then Sunday is DD birthday! She'll be 8.
Have a nice weekend!!!!

 

[Blackunicorn]

Vicki, we've seen Allegria and liked it, but I don't think we're going to see La Nouba this time. Cirque du Soleil is great, much better in person!

I've been trying to avoid going to Princesses on Ice, but my DD found out about it. I've already passed up the cheap tickets offered by her Girl Scout troop because I didn't think we would go.

Dawn G.

 

[taeja71]

I saved us from the bottom of page 1. Gd morning every one!

 

[taeja71]

TaeJa dont stop posting!!!
Blackunicorn maybe we'll bump into you. We are also going to do Cirque Du Soleil La Nouba that night. I have the dvd and it was really great never saw it in person so we are kicking around doing that.
I have to work tonight and tomorrow . Thursday I have Jury duty and I am not happy about it. I just went.
Thursday is also Disney on Ice Princesses!!!!! DD is sooooooo excited but she doesnt know we are 2 row from the ice.
Friday is vet day 2 cats and the dog. Boy is that going to be fun!!!!!! Then Sunday is DD birthday! She'll be 8.
Have a nice weekend!!!!

I hope Amanda had a great birthday celebration!