Don't answer the phone, it's her AGAIN!!

[wannago2disney]

I don't mean to pick on DH so much but... you'll never believe what he just asked me?!? He told me that he needs a new pair of crocs for this trip! That cracks me up on SO many levels. First of all the man refused to wear the shoes when I first bought them a couple of years ago. He said they weren't manly enough. Whatever

I can sooooo relate to this...I got fed up with DH's ugly sandles...tossed them (stinky) and bought him a pair of crocks. All the complaining and dirty looks ...you would think that I tossed away his fav shirt or something. (ya he has one of those too but at least I can wash it) Funny thing is, now as soon as he gets home from work the first thing he does is grab his crocs...like Ward Cleaver and his slippers!

Lovin' your PTP and you have beautiful daughters

 

[nonsmom]

So this afternoon the girls and I had lunch at the Chinese Restaurant here in town. We had a great lunch and we were opening our fortune cookies. Mine said that an unexpected financial gift would surprise and delight me. Well ok...

We get home and I have $125 check in the mail from the Power Co!! It wasn't totally unexpected but we received it rather quickly. Our hot water heater went out a couple of weeks or so ago. And I don't know if they do this in your area but we stayed w/ an electric heater instead of gas and they reimbursed us $125 of the cost of the new heater.

So the question of could this be THE sign? Last night DH and I were talking and he says, "I know you had really wanted to stay at the Polynesian and to tell the truth I wouldn't mind staying there or at the Beach Club. You've been saving more money than what we had planned so you can decide what you want to do." He says that he is fine w/ AKL but he wants to make all of his girls happy. Yeah right, I've educated him just a tad too much and he wants a better pool. So I call him out. He just grins and says, "The girls would like the bay pool." I'm assuming this is SAB. I say well maybe we need a sign, like getting some really good air fare or some extra money. TADA Power Co. check.

We recorded AKL on Great Hotels and yall I just don't know if I should upgrade because of the pool or monorail or if I should stay put. Keep in mind this was NOT my idea. For now I'm staying put!

Oh Ktink, that is a tough decision. I have to say I would definitely switch to BC because of the pool there. From what I have seen and what my friends tell me that have the DVC there, the pool is like a water park. The hotel is really nice as well, and they have that great character breakfast at Cape May. I don't know, you can also walk to Epcot and MGM I think. That means two parks that are close.

Don't get me wrong, I love that we are staying back at WL, and in that price range, that is my first choice. But given the fact that DH said you could upgrade, I would go for it. Hey, you only live once.

 

[ktink]

[QUOTEIf it helps I think many many many posts back I predicted you would change at least twice more, and that was before you came back to AKL for the current time. (granted I may have lost track, but thats how I remember it) Maybe you could use that as a bit of foreshadowing to the fact that you are going to upgrade.

][/QUOTE]

space ranger, I think you've figured me out. But in MY defense, I don't want to shatter DH's wish.

I can sooooo relate to this...I got fed up with DH's ugly sandles...tossed them (stinky) and bought him a pair of crocks. All the complaining and dirty looks ...you would think that I tossed away his fav shirt or something. (ya he has one of those too but at least I can wash it) Funny thing is, now as soon as he gets home from work the first thing he does is grab his crocs...like Ward Cleaver and his slippers!

Lovin' your PTP and you have beautiful daughters

First of all, Welcome and thank you! That is too funny. Do you know DH came in last night and his feet have been bothering him. So he requested a pair of Crocs all terrains to wear to work everyday. I went ahead and ordered them for him but it was all I could do not to laugh. I'm going to have to start calling DH Ward Cleaver.

Oh Ktink, that is a tough decision. I have to say I would definitely switch to BC because of the pool there. From what I have seen and what my friends tell me that have the DVC there, the pool is like a water park. The hotel is really nice as well, and they have that great character breakfast at Cape May. I don't know, you can also walk to Epcot and MGM I think. That means two parks that are close.

Don't get me wrong, I love that we are staying back at WL, and in that price range, that is my first choice. But given the fact that DH said you could upgrade, I would go for it. Hey, you only live once.

nonsmom, you're supposed to be the voice of reason. Don't encourage me.


Well while I was sitting here and watching the Tivo of AKL. I'm telling you I love this resort already and really know we will enjoy it. DD 10 heard DH and I talking about it and she said she would love to stay at Poly since we couldn't stay at GF. DD 6 loves Lilo & Stich's house and I've always wanted to stay at Poly but the price the bejeepers out of me.

So what do us seasoned resort changers do but to go to the WDW website and start toying w/ packages. The reality of the situation is that we have free dining this year and it would allow us to book a more expensive resort w/ the savings of the food. However, we could fly down and stay at AKL cheaper than just staying at Poly for the entire stay. Doesn't make much sense when I look at it that way. AKL and WL probably have the most breathtaking lobbies of all IMHO. So I've set a limit on my spending and I'm not willing to pay that much of a difference.

And I can't see paying over $300 per night for the first 2 nights as we will be attending MK's EMH and the Party on the following night. So that lead me to my next thought. Why would I want to pay $$ for a room when we won't even be in the rooms much at all the first 2 nights. So that's when it hit me. IF I book a split stay w/ free dining and stay at a value for the first 3 nights (3 night minimum) and purchase a 6 day ticket it comes to a little over $1100. Then I could book the remainder w/ 1 day base for free dining at Poly for less than $1400. It ends up being cheaper than our current package.

 

[ktink]

I failed to mention that I would be killing 2 birds w/ 1 stone. I would be staying at my ultimate resort and then I would be doing research. You see I've only stayed at Pop and have been leary of the All Stars so this would be strictly for investigative purposes and in essence I would be taking one for the team.

Have any of you done a split stay before?

 

[nonsmom]

I failed to mention that I would be killing 2 birds w/ 1 stone. I would be staying at my ultimate resort and then I would be doing research. You see I've only stayed at Pop and have been leary of the All Stars so this would be strictly for investigative purposes and in essence I would be taking one for the team.

Have any of you done a split stay before?

No, I haven't. DH said it would be too much of a pain for us to move rooms with all of our stuff. Plus, I actually clean the room when I get there (I bring clorox wipes) , because I have little ones that like to put their hands in their mouths, enough said I didn't mean to encourage you with the change, I guess I probably wouldn't spend it right now either. A deluxe is a deluxe, basically.

I stayed at ASMU, and I think that if I was going to do a value again, I would pick that one. The size of POP is just massive. I don't like too much of a walk after we get home late at night. Plus, I have heard that it is not well insulated and you hear every noise. All Stars actually got the highest rating for being the quietest rooms, (someone actually tested this) Even quieter than WL and GF. Something about outside doors needing to be able to handle the elements. I think it is in the "Unofficial Guide to WDW 2007".

Which leads me to the WL, the more I read on the different resorts, it is the best layed out hotel, IMO. None of the rooms are that far off. I looked at AKL and it looks at least twice the size of WL. For me with 2 DS's, I need the convenience. We loved it last time.

 

[stepdisney]

Aha!!! I predicted Polynesian from the beginning...remember??? I place my wager on the Poly but the only reason I say you may not is because of the wonderful original deal you passed up when you had the 40%. I don't know if you could bring yourself to pay more than you would have paid a one point. It's sort of like that game show "Deal or no Deal" . (They would be soooo mad at me on that show because I would just grab the first amount of money they offered because I'd be too afraid of ending up with $1.
Ktink, you, on the other hand, are going to end up with a great deal. I predict Poly and I predict an upsell with free dining!!! It's your destiny .

 

[ktink]

Aha!!! I predicted Polynesian from the beginning...remember??? I place my wager on the Poly but the only reason I say you may not is because of the wonderful original deal you passed up when you had the 40%. I don't know if you could bring yourself to pay more than you would have paid a one point. It's sort of like that game show "Deal or no Deal" . (They would be soooo mad at me on that show because I would just grab the first amount of money they offered because I'd be too afraid of ending up with $1.
Ktink, you, on the other hand, are going to end up with a great deal. I predict Poly and I predict an upsell with free dining!!! It's your destiny .

I know you said it from the beginning. And it makes me so sick that I lost the 40% code. But on the upside of that since I can't go back. We would have only saved around $200 by the time we bought DDP w/ the code. I could still just kick myself. I knew when I did that it was a mistake! But I'm still excited!

DH said he would NEVER do a split because for one he doesn't like change and then he thinks it will be a hassle. I welcome changes, I guess that's a given, huh? But I still say this is for investigative purposes to check out other values. And I think if we go from ASMu to Poly DH will get bitten by the deluxe bug while it is still VERY fresh on his mind.

nonsmom, That's good to know about the All Stars. And I must say I really think that we will be staying at WL or AKL next trip. We may even decide to do a split stay after this. WL at first didn't appeal to me but I tell you the more I read I find that it holds such a special place for so many. We will be dining at WCC just to tour WL and soak up the atmosphere. We've visited AKL before and we know what kind of beauty and spirit the place holds. It's really a remarkable beautiful resort in itself.

Why oh why does WDW have to be so wonderful?

 

[rentayenta]

So what do us seasoned resort changers do but to go to the WDW website and start toying w/ packages. The reality of the situation is that we have free dining this year and it would allow us to book a more expensive resort w/ the savings of the food. However, we could fly down and stay at AKL cheaper than just staying at Poly for the entire stay. Doesn't make much sense when I look at it that way. AKL and WL probably have the most breathtaking lobbies of all IMHO. So I've set a limit on my spending and I'm not willing to pay that much of a difference.

And I can't see paying over $300 per night for the first 2 nights as we will be attending MK's EMH and the Party on the following night. So that lead me to my next thought. Why would I want to pay $$ for a room when we won't even be in the rooms much at all the first 2 nights. So that's when it hit me. IF I book a split stay w/ free dining and stay at a value for the first 3 nights (3 night minimum) and purchase a 6 day ticket it comes to a little over $1100. Then I could book the remainder w/ 1 day base for free dining at Poly for less than $1400. It ends up being cheaper than our current package.

Wow! How do you figure all of this out? I feel like I am missing so much. I keep reading about split stays and saving money but I am one lost DISer.

 

[ktink]

Wow! How do you figure all of this out? I feel like I am missing so much. I keep reading about split stays and saving money but I am one lost DISer.

Sent you a pm. I had always assumed that it was more expensive to do a split stay but the trick is ordering your tickets on the first package and then having only a 1 day base ticket (if you want free dining) to the second package.

 

[DisneyBride'03]

ok...split stays for everyone!! lol
Makes sense, as I posted on the "other" thread..Confessions of the R.C's....
I did predict Poly at one point too! It does make sense, why pay all that money when you wil barely even be in your room, let alone enjoying the resort!!

We are with ya, and support ya!!

 

[luvfigment]

So I am confused....call me slow but did you actually change your ressies for a split stay or are you still at AKL??? I keep wanting to change resorts also but I am too tight with my money. If it was up to DFi we would have upgraded by now to GF! I even offered him the spilt stay thing and he has NO interest in changing resorts. Keep us posted on all the plans and changes!!

 

[ktink]

I called this morning and CRO was able to book the two seperate packages. The first 3 nights we will be staying at ASMu then we will move to the Polynesian for the final 3 nights. The reason we're doing 3 at Music is to keep the free dining. We are actually saving money by doing the split! And we had thought about doing the entire stay at Poly but like I said we're saving money by doing it this way rather than adding $$$ to the total.

I guess nothing would have been good enough since I started out wanting the Polynesian. But I'm finally going to get my wish to stay there and I can feel good about the total price of the vacation all at the same time. Mission accomplished!

I'm a little sad that we've put AKL off for another time but I know that we can afford to stay there in the future. I just can't say how excited DH and I are! He feels like he's given me what I want and I feel that I've saved money while still getting what I want.

 

[wilma-bride]

Just found this pre-trippy and the title drew me in - for a minute, I thought it was one of my DIS friends posting their own pre-trippy and the 'her' you were referring to was ME (I am terrible for phoning them and going on and on about our trip ).

Anyway, great pre-trippy - can't advise on the possible resort change as I've never stayed at AKL so don't know what you would be missing out on but I am all for trying something new.

We are there the week before you - we leave on 8/30 - and we are thinking of doing P&P on 8/28 - I'm off now to read what people have said about it and see if it decides me

I'm sure you will update us on your resort decision

 

[ktink]

[Just found this pre-trippy and the title drew me in - for a minute, I thought it was one of my DIS friends posting their own pre-trippy and the 'her' you were referring to was ME (I am terrible for phoning them and going on and on about our trip ).

/QUOTE]

That's hilarious. You know my best friend has NEVER been to WDW. But due to being my friend and discussing all of the options out there she can spit off almost all of the resorts, tell you the categories they're in.

 

[carol/houston]

ktink, you do know that you will now become a resort snob....only deluxes will do, especially when you get use to the evening turn-down service (be sure to call housekeeping as soon as you get to your room to request it).

The Polly is a great resort, it has been years since I last stayed there but from the recent pictures it still looks the same. Good choice!

 

[rentayenta]

Sent you a pm. I had always assumed that it was more expensive to do a split stay but the trick is ordering your tickets on the first package and then having only a 1 day base ticket (if you want free dining) to the second package.

PMd back. It's really brilliant to split the stay, save money, and get to stay where you really want. Want to be my travel agent?

 

[ktink]

ktink, you do know that you will now become a resort snob....only deluxes will do, especially when you get use to the evening turn-down service (be sure to call housekeeping as soon as you get to your room to request it).

The Polly is a great resort, it has been years since I last stayed there but from the recent pictures it still looks the same. Good choice!

I think DH is afraid of me becoming a resort snob too! The funny thing is I'm hoping that he does too. I will definately be taking advantage of turn-down service.

[PMd back. It's really brilliant to split the stay, save money, and get to stay where you really want. Want to be my travel agent? /QUOTE]

You'd fire me on the first day! I really hope this works out to be as effortless as what I've read it to be. I just can't wait!

91 Days left!!!

 

[ktink]

Just curious if yall have an item that you're purchasing for the trip that you just can't do without...

I was watching Oprah on Tivo last night it was an episode from last week. Her favorite summer things. Well she had a great beach bag from Landsend that was only $28, this thing had compartments for everything. While I won't really need that I liked it.

But the item that sparked my attention the most was Havianna flip flops. They're made it Brazil and Oprah said they felt like you were walking on marshmallows. Well if Oprah said it then I believe it. So I went on a quest for these Haviannas and wouldn't you know it, old faithful a.k.a. ebay has them. I think I shall purchase some. Where is stepdisney? She must know of these flip flops as flip flops are a passion of hers!

 

[eyeheartgoofy]

I am finding your resort indecision hilarious! Why? Because that sounds like me!!! Sometimes, I wish we had no choice!

 

[disneyjunebug]

oooohh, I love the Poly! I've stayed at all but GF, WL and POP (a perk of being a castmember for 3 years -- I stayed at the Poly for $100 a night!!). I know you will love it! And the Allstars aren't that bad, especially when you have the Poly to look forward to!