djm99
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- Joined
- May 28, 2003
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- 4,707
My Pre-Trip info. August 5 16 (Yeah!!!!)
We are DOIN DISNEY AREA
The Cast:
My Family
Joy me, (30), Obsessive planner, loves feeling like a kid
David/Dav (31) husband quiet observant man nothing excites him!!
Jamilah DD (4) can only be described in two words spoiled brat but I love her truly.
The In-Laws
Kevin (DHs brother) (27) quiet like his big brother David
Tonya (Kevins wife almost 5 months pregnant (26) - shopaholic
Tre - 10 (nephew )
Brandon 6 (nephew) a true whiner. Im sure this tall long legged boy will need a stroller.
Friends of Ours The Morgans Best family in the world to travel with!!!!
Chris (friend of family) 33 loves Disney but scary cat will not ride anything!!!!
Melissa (wife of Chris) 31- Real Disney vacation people they are up and out from dust to dawn. They have no problem doing their own thing.
Cameron (9) son
Kelly (10) tallest 10-year-old girl youll ever meet
The 4th Family / Friends of Our The Moores
James (Big kid at heart 26)
Tammy (7 ½ months pregnant) 25
Lily (4)
Jasmine (23 months)
I am so excited and I just can't hide it, I'm about loose control and I think I like it!!! It seems like I've been planning this trip forever (well, since September of last year), but 11 months is a long time to wait on a trip!! Having my brother in law (BIL) and his family with us at the World will be very special. My DH families are standoffish people. I personally dont think I have had all but a few conversations with my BIL since we first met in 1996. This man made a toast at our wedding about how marriage is not about control (talking about me). He (BIL) thinks Im a control freak. So does my husband, but my DH said thats not always a negative because this control freak - GETS THINGS DONE!!!!!! So lets just say I have never rushed to spend time with him (BIL). When Kevin (BIL) met and married (in 1998) a woman with a personality (because he was suffering of lack of) we were all pleased. Tonya (BIL wife) and I get along pretty well and we talked often prior to this vacation. We both share a love of shopping and a great bargain. We dont see each other that often because they live in Fairview Heights, Illinois (about 25 from my home is St. Louis County), but its hard not to spend time with a woman who makes babies that look JUST LIKE YOURS!!!
Planning for this vacation began in November 2003. Several people told me that if I return to Disney to let them know - and they would like to go with us. So I did just that. It was a total of 15 different families (some relatives and some friends). I sent a proposal for those who voice interest in vacationing in Aug 04. I called Disney and was given EXCELLENT prices on their on-site rooms. The value rooms were $64 a night, Moderates $99, and the Animal Kingdom Lodge for $129. Sounds like great pricing right. These rates are good for anyone when you book 10+ rooms on at least one same date. (Hint: we should form a magical gathering for some of us on this board)!!! Great way to save!!!!
Well, I sent out a proposal (the weekend BEFORE Thanksgiving) asking those that were interested to send a 1-night deposit (plus 14% tax) by December 15. Did one person respond? NO, NOT ONE!!! I began to make phones calls and was told by most of them that they couldnt go or they wanted to stay off site, they needed more room, wanted a kitchen, Disney cost too much blah, blah, blah and blah. So, this is where the drama begins
Dave (DH) made it perfectly clear to me that if we were staying more than 4 nights we need to stay off site. He also said that he refuses to do a timeshare promotion, so find a suite/condo that he could be comfortable in for a whole week. He was getting on my nerves already. But hes the one paying so I listened. Only four of the families wanted to stay 7 nights and we all decided to rent a house together.
I found a 6-bedroom house in Windsor Palms. I rented directly from the owner (http://www.windsor-palms-florida.com). The price was $1630 for 8 days 7 nights. The 4 families confirmed that wanted to share this house with us, but thought it would be only fair to price rental based off the room (size and bath) instead of an even 4 split. My husband and I quickly agreed. I sent out another proposal with room prices and pictures. I agreed to make the second choice of rooms if someone sends a deposit (of $150) by January 16, 2004. Of course no one put a deposit down so I choice this room.
This room was $450 for the week: It was an en-suite room.
This room was $415. Also an en-suite w/o private bathroom:
This ground floor bedroom has a wonderful queen size bed with luxury bedding, 19" TV with cable, VCR, ceiling fan and its own en-suite bathroom
This room was $390 w/o private bath:
It has a large walk-in closet, a ceiling fan in the bedroom and a 27" TV with cable, & VCR
This room was $375 w/o private bath:
There were 2 additional twin bed rooms that the children shared (boys in one, girls in another). I already placed a deposit down when I reserved the house ($150) via paypal. Eventually everyone would come with monies and I cashed checks and stashed their monies for the final payment due June 1, 2004. In February we would all find out that Tammy was Pregnant and would be almost 7-½ months during our vacation. I asked her a thousand times would she be up to this trip and she made it clear that she would be. With two other children we shall see. Sounds dangerous to me!!!!! Tonya (SIL) would find out at the end of May she was 6 weeks pregnant. Two pregnant women on this vacation IT MUST STOP HERE!!!
About early April Chris and Melissa calls and ask if we could extend our vacation a few days more. Well, I spoke to DH and he agreed. I made some phone calls to the other families that were staying in the house. The In-Laws make it clear that they are flying in/ or driving on the 8th (straight thru) and departing the 15th. The rest of us in the house planned to drive earlier anyway so changing plans wouldnt hurt.
I made it very clear that those traveling and hanging with us that we plan on DOING Disney/Orlando so - be prepared!!! I literally mailed to them all the outlets of buying the hoppers and I did personal sample budgets for families. The least amount of all the budgets was $2500. I wanted everyone who planned to go to be aware of the cost of this vacation. I encouraged 3 or 4-day hoppers plus tickets, Walmart gift cards (for groceries, misc,), pre-paid area restaurant gift cards, travelers cheques, Disney dollars, and researching as much as possible about Disney. I bought 3 official Disney guidebooks and 1 unofficial Disney guide. I ordered every household the free Disney planner DVD personally. Every time the travel or food channel featured info/shows about Disney, I taped it and shared it with the families. I entertained EVERY DISNEY conversation via phone or email. If I heard of a Disney deal I shared it. I encouraged everyone to read the trip reports, especially Delswife, and I booked all the hotels in ATL and Orlando. I sent out monthly newsletters with every piece of what I thought was valuable information. I made a really big deal out of being prepared financially. Last summer we traveled with a family that was out of funds after day 2, so this was stressed heavily. As a planner I did my part. Lets see if it pays off!!!!
This was the original plan. Three of the families (everyone but the in-laws) would drive from St. Louis, MO (STL) to Atlanta (ATL) (Aug 5), spend the night at a Comfort Inn ($36 a night in what was describes as a new hotel) and leave out the next day and arrive in Orlando by 3pm (check in at the Days Inn near Downtown Disney). Stay at the Days Inn DTD Lake Buena Vista Aug 6-8, check in to the house Aug 8 15 drive back to ATL spend 1 night in the same Comfort Inn and drive home the next day. Ya got it!!!
Lastly, lets look at this formula. Four traveling families, 9 children, 8 adults, and 4 cars/SUVs, it sounds like a nightmare just waiting to happen!!!!! Hopefully with words of encouragement I will finish this 12 day Disney/Orlando/Beach Trip Report once I return Aug 16th.
Edited to add: Yesterday, Melissa calls and ask if we could stay onsite at the Pop Century on Aug 6-8 instead of the Days Inn near DTD. Well, not in the budget but who cares. A difference of what $84. So it looks like we are staying onsite. The Problem: James/Tammy are unsure about the onsite and wants to stay at Days Inn. They said it was only for a few days and we would be spending a whole week together in a house so we should go for it. Oh we are!!!! So hopefully she will change her mind but if not I plan to enjoy every minute of Pop Century!!!!!
Day 1
We are DOIN DISNEY AREA
The Cast:
My Family
Joy me, (30), Obsessive planner, loves feeling like a kid
David/Dav (31) husband quiet observant man nothing excites him!!
Jamilah DD (4) can only be described in two words spoiled brat but I love her truly.
The In-Laws
Kevin (DHs brother) (27) quiet like his big brother David
Tonya (Kevins wife almost 5 months pregnant (26) - shopaholic
Tre - 10 (nephew )
Brandon 6 (nephew) a true whiner. Im sure this tall long legged boy will need a stroller.
Friends of Ours The Morgans Best family in the world to travel with!!!!
Chris (friend of family) 33 loves Disney but scary cat will not ride anything!!!!
Melissa (wife of Chris) 31- Real Disney vacation people they are up and out from dust to dawn. They have no problem doing their own thing.
Cameron (9) son
Kelly (10) tallest 10-year-old girl youll ever meet
The 4th Family / Friends of Our The Moores
James (Big kid at heart 26)
Tammy (7 ½ months pregnant) 25
Lily (4)
Jasmine (23 months)
I am so excited and I just can't hide it, I'm about loose control and I think I like it!!! It seems like I've been planning this trip forever (well, since September of last year), but 11 months is a long time to wait on a trip!! Having my brother in law (BIL) and his family with us at the World will be very special. My DH families are standoffish people. I personally dont think I have had all but a few conversations with my BIL since we first met in 1996. This man made a toast at our wedding about how marriage is not about control (talking about me). He (BIL) thinks Im a control freak. So does my husband, but my DH said thats not always a negative because this control freak - GETS THINGS DONE!!!!!! So lets just say I have never rushed to spend time with him (BIL). When Kevin (BIL) met and married (in 1998) a woman with a personality (because he was suffering of lack of) we were all pleased. Tonya (BIL wife) and I get along pretty well and we talked often prior to this vacation. We both share a love of shopping and a great bargain. We dont see each other that often because they live in Fairview Heights, Illinois (about 25 from my home is St. Louis County), but its hard not to spend time with a woman who makes babies that look JUST LIKE YOURS!!!
Planning for this vacation began in November 2003. Several people told me that if I return to Disney to let them know - and they would like to go with us. So I did just that. It was a total of 15 different families (some relatives and some friends). I sent a proposal for those who voice interest in vacationing in Aug 04. I called Disney and was given EXCELLENT prices on their on-site rooms. The value rooms were $64 a night, Moderates $99, and the Animal Kingdom Lodge for $129. Sounds like great pricing right. These rates are good for anyone when you book 10+ rooms on at least one same date. (Hint: we should form a magical gathering for some of us on this board)!!! Great way to save!!!!
Well, I sent out a proposal (the weekend BEFORE Thanksgiving) asking those that were interested to send a 1-night deposit (plus 14% tax) by December 15. Did one person respond? NO, NOT ONE!!! I began to make phones calls and was told by most of them that they couldnt go or they wanted to stay off site, they needed more room, wanted a kitchen, Disney cost too much blah, blah, blah and blah. So, this is where the drama begins
Dave (DH) made it perfectly clear to me that if we were staying more than 4 nights we need to stay off site. He also said that he refuses to do a timeshare promotion, so find a suite/condo that he could be comfortable in for a whole week. He was getting on my nerves already. But hes the one paying so I listened. Only four of the families wanted to stay 7 nights and we all decided to rent a house together.
I found a 6-bedroom house in Windsor Palms. I rented directly from the owner (http://www.windsor-palms-florida.com). The price was $1630 for 8 days 7 nights. The 4 families confirmed that wanted to share this house with us, but thought it would be only fair to price rental based off the room (size and bath) instead of an even 4 split. My husband and I quickly agreed. I sent out another proposal with room prices and pictures. I agreed to make the second choice of rooms if someone sends a deposit (of $150) by January 16, 2004. Of course no one put a deposit down so I choice this room.
This room was $450 for the week: It was an en-suite room.
This room was $415. Also an en-suite w/o private bathroom:
This ground floor bedroom has a wonderful queen size bed with luxury bedding, 19" TV with cable, VCR, ceiling fan and its own en-suite bathroom
This room was $390 w/o private bath:
It has a large walk-in closet, a ceiling fan in the bedroom and a 27" TV with cable, & VCR
This room was $375 w/o private bath:
There were 2 additional twin bed rooms that the children shared (boys in one, girls in another). I already placed a deposit down when I reserved the house ($150) via paypal. Eventually everyone would come with monies and I cashed checks and stashed their monies for the final payment due June 1, 2004. In February we would all find out that Tammy was Pregnant and would be almost 7-½ months during our vacation. I asked her a thousand times would she be up to this trip and she made it clear that she would be. With two other children we shall see. Sounds dangerous to me!!!!! Tonya (SIL) would find out at the end of May she was 6 weeks pregnant. Two pregnant women on this vacation IT MUST STOP HERE!!!
About early April Chris and Melissa calls and ask if we could extend our vacation a few days more. Well, I spoke to DH and he agreed. I made some phone calls to the other families that were staying in the house. The In-Laws make it clear that they are flying in/ or driving on the 8th (straight thru) and departing the 15th. The rest of us in the house planned to drive earlier anyway so changing plans wouldnt hurt.
I made it very clear that those traveling and hanging with us that we plan on DOING Disney/Orlando so - be prepared!!! I literally mailed to them all the outlets of buying the hoppers and I did personal sample budgets for families. The least amount of all the budgets was $2500. I wanted everyone who planned to go to be aware of the cost of this vacation. I encouraged 3 or 4-day hoppers plus tickets, Walmart gift cards (for groceries, misc,), pre-paid area restaurant gift cards, travelers cheques, Disney dollars, and researching as much as possible about Disney. I bought 3 official Disney guidebooks and 1 unofficial Disney guide. I ordered every household the free Disney planner DVD personally. Every time the travel or food channel featured info/shows about Disney, I taped it and shared it with the families. I entertained EVERY DISNEY conversation via phone or email. If I heard of a Disney deal I shared it. I encouraged everyone to read the trip reports, especially Delswife, and I booked all the hotels in ATL and Orlando. I sent out monthly newsletters with every piece of what I thought was valuable information. I made a really big deal out of being prepared financially. Last summer we traveled with a family that was out of funds after day 2, so this was stressed heavily. As a planner I did my part. Lets see if it pays off!!!!
This was the original plan. Three of the families (everyone but the in-laws) would drive from St. Louis, MO (STL) to Atlanta (ATL) (Aug 5), spend the night at a Comfort Inn ($36 a night in what was describes as a new hotel) and leave out the next day and arrive in Orlando by 3pm (check in at the Days Inn near Downtown Disney). Stay at the Days Inn DTD Lake Buena Vista Aug 6-8, check in to the house Aug 8 15 drive back to ATL spend 1 night in the same Comfort Inn and drive home the next day. Ya got it!!!
Lastly, lets look at this formula. Four traveling families, 9 children, 8 adults, and 4 cars/SUVs, it sounds like a nightmare just waiting to happen!!!!! Hopefully with words of encouragement I will finish this 12 day Disney/Orlando/Beach Trip Report once I return Aug 16th.
Edited to add: Yesterday, Melissa calls and ask if we could stay onsite at the Pop Century on Aug 6-8 instead of the Days Inn near DTD. Well, not in the budget but who cares. A difference of what $84. So it looks like we are staying onsite. The Problem: James/Tammy are unsure about the onsite and wants to stay at Days Inn. They said it was only for a few days and we would be spending a whole week together in a house so we should go for it. Oh we are!!!! So hopefully she will change her mind but if not I plan to enjoy every minute of Pop Century!!!!!
Day 1
Great planning, by the way! But, will the others "get it"? I'll be sure to stay tuned!
