Dole Whip is a Dish Best Served Cold. A Sept PTR- 10/2 - TR POSTED!

[khaleesi]

Oh dear. The timeshare-esque situation with your parents will just give you something to look forward to next trip... that's a pretty nice thing to have in your back pocket!

BUT... why oh why did your MIL even mention the prize behind door #1???

Will it make you feel better if I comment on how exquisite that condo looks? REALLY pretty!

 

[MEK]

It's a beautiful resort and you are right to focus on all the positives. Just like you like to try different resorts its important to try different experiences. I think the idea of family barbecues at night is wonderful. And it did get great ratings on Trip Advisor.

But I have to admit that the deal at Pop with flights sound AMAZING! How does one get such a great deal. It sounds almost too good to be true.

 

[LuvEeyore]

I totally understand about the staying offsite. I am trying very hard to convince myself to stay off site and so far I can't and no oneesle going with me next January can find a really good reason to stay off site not even the $$ saved!

 

[momabaarjo]

I know staying offsite is hard when you want to be totally immersed in the magic...but saving a few $$$ here means more trips in the future and it looks like MIL has lots of deals coming your way! The condo looks so nice and love the soaking tub...although we had a soaking tub at BWV and I never got in it! UGH

 

[DaveinFallsChurch]

Ok, I'm going to be a good DIS friend and not make you agonize any more about staying off-site by keeping my thought to myself and....WHOA!! $250 for the whole stay at AKL!!! Are you serious?!?....oops, sorry. I couldn't help that one.

But seriously, that is a **unbelievable** deal!

I think you'll be happy with staying off-site especially if you're spending a good chunk of time at other places and parks. But I understand what you're saying. It's very hard staying away from the Disney cocoon when you're in Orlando.

 

[teekathepony]

Awww, I don't see it as spoiled. I see it as a great value that you are having to pass up by staying offsite. Does that help? O.k., well I tried!!

I would have a very hard time staying off site too but hey it's free!! I can't wait to hear about your ADRs!

Aww hahaha thanks, that does help!
It's free and it's something different to try.

Oh dear. The timeshare-esque situation with your parents will just give you something to look forward to next trip... that's a pretty nice thing to have in your back pocket!

BUT... why oh why did your MIL even mention the prize behind door #1???

Will it make you feel better if I comment on how exquisite that condo looks? REALLY pretty!

We definitely are looking forward to having future trips with the "timeshare" thing, it's just hard when I'm not a patient person!
Door #1, perfect description!!
Yes actually that does help, knowing that others think it looks good makes me think I'm not deluding myself just to make it easier.

It's a beautiful resort and you are right to focus on all the positives. Just like you like to try different resorts its important to try different experiences. I think the idea of family barbecues at night is wonderful. And it did get great ratings on Trip Advisor.

But I have to admit that the deal at Pop with flights sound AMAZING! How does one get such a great deal. It sounds almost too good to be true.

We had a meeting tonight and we are back to feeling really good about it. The condos do look really good!
Oh if it weren't for Germany this year, we'd be on our way for a May trip!!

I totally understand about the staying offsite. I am trying very hard to convince myself to stay off site and so far I can't and no oneesle going with me next January can find a really good reason to stay off site not even the $$ saved!

I am a cheap person so money usually motivates me, but I also value my vacation time so that takes a higher precedence over budget -- end result is I like to stay on site!

I know staying offsite is hard when you want to be totally immersed in the magic...but saving a few $$$ here means more trips in the future and it looks like MIL has lots of deals coming your way! The condo looks so nice and love the soaking tub...although we had a soaking tub at BWV and I never got in it! UGH

Good way of looking at it, investing in future trips!
Omg, when we built our house, my tub was my #1 priority so I do love a good soaking tub! I hope to get to use it!

Ok, I'm going to be a good DIS friend and not make you agonize any more about staying off-site by keeping my thought to myself and....WHOA!! $250 for the whole stay at AKL!!! Are you serious?!?....oops, sorry. I couldn't help that one.

But seriously, that is a **unbelievable** deal!

I think you'll be happy with staying off-site especially if you're spending a good chunk of time at other places and parks. But I understand what you're saying. It's very hard staying away from the Disney cocoon when you're in Orlando.

I know, I know. It's going to be impossible for us to be perfectly happy knowing where we could be... but we're just going to keep thinking about the future!
We love the bubble, and Johnny and I are slowly getting more and more Disney days out of this trip, which doesn't help!

 

[emmysmommy]

Those condos do look gorgeous. Perhaps you can think of it as a Central Florida vacation with a bonus of a few Disney days thrown in.

It's hard to see the positive with that killer deal with your parent's condo mocking you! You're not spoiled, you just have certain expectations.

 

[eeyore04]

1. MIL casually told us about an amazing Disney deal with one of the companies she deals with. Around $650 per person for flights and a week at Pop Century (which I adore, btw) with free dining. Great deal! But can we take advantage? No. We're already locked in to this condo thing.

Ok. WAIT A MINUTE!

WHAT?!?!?!?!?!?!

Where was my text? Phone call? FACEBOOK MESSAGE?

You have some explaining to do, missy.

 

[Riles_and_Gabe]

Hi Joining in! I know it is difficult to transition to off-property, but it really isn't that bad. A couple of years ago we stayed at a condo and it was wonderful.

I think it takes changing your thought process on what type of vacation you are going on. Don't think of it as a Disney Vacation but more of a relaxing Florida Vacation.

I am not sure if you will have a rental car but there is so much exploring to do in the area. You could take a day to go to Cocoa Beach or go to the big Flea Market. Definitely check out Groupons and Living Social Deals for the areas. You can get some amazing deals for restaurants and activities in the area.

I look forward to hearing about your planning for your trip. I hope you add details about your trip to Germany. We are planning a trip to Europe for hopefully the summer of 2015 and would love to hear about your planning.

 

[amazingact21]

I looked at the pictures of the condo. It looks like there's plenty of room with a nice sized kitchen. As far as offsite places go, there's a lot worse out there.


I guess the only reason I can see why staying offsite wouldn't be horrible would be because you're going to other theme parks in addition to Disney. It's not just strictly Disney.

Okay, actually, two reasons. You'll be around your family yet still have your own room with your own space.


While Bay Lake Towers sounds perfect, that deal's not going anywhere.

 

[teekathepony]

Those condos do look gorgeous. Perhaps you can think of it as a Central Florida vacation with a bonus of a few Disney days thrown in.

It's hard to see the positive with that killer deal with your parent's condo mocking you! You're not spoiled, you just have certain expectations.

I've been trying to call it a Florida vacation instead of a Disney vacation... but then I just don't want to go! We keep adding more Disney days and subtracting other parks!
When it comes to Florida, I definitely have certain expectations!

Ok. WAIT A MINUTE!

WHAT?!?!?!?!?!?!

Where was my text? Phone call? FACEBOOK MESSAGE?

You have some explaining to do, missy.

Oh I do, do I? And how was I to know you wanted to know about deals? Don't get mad at me, communication goes two ways!

Hi Joining in! I know it is difficult to transition to off-property, but it really isn't that bad. A couple of years ago we stayed at a condo and it was wonderful.

Thanks for joining in! I was excited for trying a condo at first, the only things really making me hesitate are the good deal at a DVC resort and the fact that I want to meet all the Dis'ers going then too!

I think it takes changing your thought process on what type of vacation you are going on. Don't think of it as a Disney Vacation but more of a relaxing Florida Vacation.

Yeah, that's what I'm trying to do, change my mind about it. It's proving difficult though! I'm hoping once I'm there having fun it will be easier!

I am not sure if you will have a rental car but there is so much exploring to do in the area. You could take a day to go to Cocoa Beach or go to the big Flea Market. Definitely check out Groupons and Living Social Deals for the areas. You can get some amazing deals for restaurants and activities in the area.

Yes, we will have two rental cars and will be doing some exploring. Cocoa beach, I never thought of that! And thanks for the tips on the Groupons too!

I look forward to hearing about your planning for your trip. I hope you add details about your trip to Germany. We are planning a trip to Europe for hopefully the summer of 2015 and would love to hear about your planning.

I plan to do a mini TR about my Germany trip actually! Just a few little things.

I looked at the pictures of the condo. It looks like there's plenty of room with a nice sized kitchen. As far as offsite places go, there's a lot worse out there.


I guess the only reason I can see why staying offsite wouldn't be horrible would be because you're going to other theme parks in addition to Disney. It's not just strictly Disney.

Okay, actually, two reasons. You'll be around your family yet still have your own room with your own space.


While Bay Lake Towers sounds perfect, that deal's not going anywhere.

Absolutely, we could do worse! It's a beautiful place... but it sure doesn't have a monorail! We keep eliminating other parks and adding more Disney days!

 

[teekathepony]

Hi everyone!

It's Wednesday and I'm off. Usually I'm off on Thursdays, but our forcast is calling for the worst storm in at least 10 years.

Hurricane winds and 30-40cm of snow. It's going to hit us around noon, so a lot of businesses are not sure whether to open for a few hours or just stay closed -- including my store! I switched my day off to today so I wouldn't have to worry either way. When I finish writing this, I'm off to fill every vessel I have with water (especially for the horses!)

We got our income tax refunds yesterday so we will be booking our flights to Germany today. We will be booking them on our airmiles credit card, so we will then have enough airmiles to book our Orlando flights!

Guess what!

On Sunday we had a family meeting to talk about the trip! MIL, Shellie, D, Johnny and I were all there. Previous to this meeting, MIL was very specific about what she wanted. 2 day Disney park hopper, 2 day Universal park to park ticket, a few days of doing nothing but relaxing or exploring Florida.

That's just not enough Disney for us.

Johnny and I sat down with those numbers, the Disney park hours, and our own vast knowledge and decided that wasn't enough Disney time. For two kids who have never been to Disney before, we needed more time! We figured that we could make a three day park hopper work to see all four parks. At the meeting we brought it up and Shellie was very interested in the idea. In fact, Shellie was perfectly on board with everything we had in mind.

So it looks like we're on board for three Disney days.

Now, MIL, S-FIL, Billy, Shellie and the two kids already have their Universal tickets -- a two day park to park. I want to see the two Harry Potter sections, but other than that, I'm not really much of a Universal fan and neither is Johnny. We may stick with one day.

We discussed meals. This was a whole different meal conversation for us though, since we do not have the dining plan for the first time in 7 years! We decided on two Disney meals.

Sunday September 21: T-Rex (Dinner. No park ticket required, but still some Disney magic!)

and

Wednesday September 24: Crystal Palace (pre-park opening breakfast, make the best use of the little Disney time we have!)

And since yesterday was 180 days from the 21st:

All other meals at Disney will be quick service, we will just eat when we're hungry and drink when you're dry, you might say, but Be Our Guest is the one must. Shellie is so excited for this one!

We spent the rest of the time watching roller coaster on ride videos. D is more excited for the coasters (and Harry Potter!) than anything else. We also found out that C will be tall enough for almost everything!

That's my news for now, hope you all have a good day and if this raging storm is going your way -- stay safe!

 

[eandesmom]

Plans look good and fun dining for the kids!

Stay dry and safe

 

[jedijill]

Love your plans!

Stay safe during the blizzard! Spring just doesn't want to spring this year for you guys!

Jill in CO

 

[Riles_and_Gabe]

How did you guys do in the storm? We didn't end up getting a flake of snow but we definitely got the wind. In my area they were reporting 54 MPH and it definitely felt it. A lot of places were much stronger and I can't even imagine what that felt like. When I was in my car at a redlight I could just feel the whole car swaying.

We are also doing T-Rex on our trip but we are doing it the last day we are there for lunch. We have a 6:45 PM flight out so it will be our last bit of Disney fun. We have the Dining Plan but we will not have enough credits to cover it. I am bound and determined to pay for this meal with Gift Cards that I earn and not spend any of my own money. I figure I need $125 to cover the 5 of us as long as I don't get one of those really fun grown up drinks with the cotton candy in it (try explaining to a 4-year old why he can't have a sip of my cotton candy drink and it is just for adults ). I have been earning points through Mypoints and so far have redeemed my points for a $25 gift card. Only $100 more to go.

Have you been to the Harry Potter section before? We have been once and it was amazing. My advice for that is to show up at their rope drop and head over immediately. They will close off the section and only let people in as other people leave if it gets too full.

 

[amazingact21]

It's hard for me to fathom a winter storm in March. Here in FL, we've already put away our jeans and have our A.C.s on. I'm so sorry you have to deal with yet more cold weather. Try and stay warm!



3 Disney days sounds much better than 2! That should give you plenty more time to hit the highlights and let the kids enjoy the park. And a CP breakfast is a must! That's the perfect way to maximize your park time.

 

[teekathepony]

Plans look good and fun dining for the kids!

Stay dry and safe

We like the plans, I think the kids will have a blast, especially at T-Rex.
Thanks! We did... but there's another major storm on the way tomorrow!

Love your plans!

Stay safe during the blizzard! Spring just doesn't want to spring this year for you guys!

Jill in CO

Thanks! Oh man, you're telling me. We have another Nor'Easter blowing in tomorrow. I am moving to Florida!!

How did you guys do in the storm? We didn't end up getting a flake of snow but we definitely got the wind. In my area they were reporting 54 MPH and it definitely felt it. A lot of places were much stronger and I can't even imagine what that felt like. When I was in my car at a redlight I could just feel the whole car swaying.
Oh we got snow alright, about another foot of it, then rain, then freezing temps so it's a foot high solid block of ice. Lots and lots of wind, our gusts were hitting about 190km/hr (118 MPH). We made out ok, but the snow is so depressing. We were just starting to get rid of it. Another storm coming tomorrow too!

We are also doing T-Rex on our trip but we are doing it the last day we are there for lunch. We have a 6:45 PM flight out so it will be our last bit of Disney fun. We have the Dining Plan but we will not have enough credits to cover it. I am bound and determined to pay for this meal with Gift Cards that I earn and not spend any of my own money. I figure I need $125 to cover the 5 of us as long as I don't get one of those really fun grown up drinks with the cotton candy in it (try explaining to a 4-year old why he can't have a sip of my cotton candy drink and it is just for adults ). I have been earning points through Mypoints and so far have redeemed my points for a $25 gift card. Only $100 more to go.
That's a nice way to say goodbye to Disney! I wish we could get late flights, but to get home on the same day we have to leave by no later than 1. Awesome about the gift card!

Have you been to the Harry Potter section before? We have been once and it was amazing. My advice for that is to show up at their rope drop and head over immediately. They will close off the section and only let people in as other people leave if it gets too full.
Yes we have! I think three times? I can't wait to see the new section though, I'm a huge Harry Potter nerd!

It's hard for me to fathom a winter storm in March. Here in FL, we've already put away our jeans and have our A.C.s on. I'm so sorry you have to deal with yet more cold weather. Try and stay warm!
We're getting another one tomorrow. We sometimes get snow storms in March, but the snow never really sticks! This is our worst winter in 100+ years. Any houses for sale in your area?


3 Disney days sounds much better than 2! That should give you plenty more time to hit the highlights and let the kids enjoy the park. And a CP breakfast is a must! That's the perfect way to maximize your park time.
We're trying to wiggle in a 4th! Shhh!

 

[khaleesi]

I am very clearly the only person enjoying winter this year! Okay, me and Elsa! Haha.

Some of the pictures you choose to use in your report literally make me LOL!

I'm glad you're able to add more Disney time!!

"a few days of doing nothing but relaxing or exploring Florida. "

I don't understand what this means Can you 'splain?? Hahahhaha.

 

[teekathepony]

I am very clearly the only person enjoying winter this year! Okay, me and Elsa! Haha.

Some of the pictures you choose to use in your report literally make me LOL!

I'm glad you're able to add more Disney time!!

"a few days of doing nothing but relaxing or exploring Florida. "

I don't understand what this means Can you 'splain?? Hahahhaha.

As I sit at home because work is closed due to another snow storm, I will go out on a limb and say that you are definitely the only person enjoying the winter this year. Enough already!!

I know, right, relaxing? Does not compute. Please alter parameters and re-submit request.

 

[momabaarjo]

Loving the Harry Potter time. You should really be okay with crowd levels for Harry Potter and not really have to worry about long waits at all. When we went in October everything was basically walk on in WWoHP...which was awesome considering this time I was not staying on property and had early access to the park.