Finally getting to see the lights! Nov '11 Anniversary/Holiday/F&W PTR-New 11/4 p50

[DisneyCrafter]

What a soccer stud!! I bet Zach is quite proud of himself and I'm sure his parents are too!

Congrats on finally getting rid of that Kia! I remember reading about your troubles last year! Happy that it's finally getting fixed! Greg and I are purchasing a new car this weekend! My 2000 Nissan Maxima was handed down to me from my husband in 2007 and he had it since 2004. It has over 150K miles on it and being that Greg's Infiniti has about 110K we thought it time to get a new one with less miles. It will be so weird for me to drive a car with less than 100K miles on it. My first 2 cars as a teenager were junkers and although the Maxima's been fairly good to me, we poured a lot of money into it last fall and we aren't in the mood for anymore surprises in the near future when it comes to our vehicles. They are such budget busters!!!

 

[mousescrapper]

I've enjoyed reading everyone thoughts about WS and such wonderful news about the van issue and Happy Birthday to Zach!



hope his day is great and that is really cool about how great he is w/ Soccer good for him

 

[MRYPPNS]

Sounds good! Nobody's ever accused Tim of being a lightweight.

I knew I liked Tim!

 

[KathyRN137]

It's official - Kia has offered to repurchase our minivan and a we'll have $10,000 to put into a new van.

Wow!

In the first game, his team won 3-0 and Zach got all three goals. In the second game, they won 5-1 and Zach got four goals!

Super-Wow!!

Happy Birthday, Zach!


Kathy

 

[MeMom]

I've enjoyed reading everyone thoughts about WS and such wonderful news about the van issue and Happy Birthday to Zach!



hope his day is great and that is really cool about how great he is w/ Soccer good for him

I believe Zach's mom has a birthday, too, so we're gonna need more cake.

..........

Tell me when to stop, Amy.

Have a great birthday weekend!

And big to the soccer star!
I loved watching my boys play soccer. Very exciting and fun times.

 

[MEK]

Sounds like someone is heading for a travel team - go Zach!!!!!

Happy Birthday!!!!!!

 

[Charleston Princess]

Happy Birthday to Zach!!!

Hurray for a new car! What are you thinking of getting?

 

[DisMomAmy]

Happy 8th Birthday Zach! Are you doing something special to celebrate today Amy? Sorry I've been MIA.

Thanks Kelly!

What a soccer stud!! I bet Zach is quite proud of himself and I'm sure his parents are too!

Congrats on finally getting rid of that Kia! I remember reading about your troubles last year! Happy that it's finally getting fixed! Greg and I are purchasing a new car this weekend! My 2000 Nissan Maxima was handed down to me from my husband in 2007 and he had it since 2004. It has over 150K miles on it and being that Greg's Infiniti has about 110K we thought it time to get a new one with less miles. It will be so weird for me to drive a car with less than 100K miles on it. My first 2 cars as a teenager were junkers and although the Maxima's been fairly good to me, we poured a lot of money into it last fall and we aren't in the mood for anymore surprises in the near future when it comes to our vehicles. They are such budget busters!!!

Thanks Rachael! Now we're just waiting to find out WHEN we get to turn in the car & get the check! Cars are budget busters... good luck with your car search!! Do you know what you are getting?

I've enjoyed reading everyone thoughts about WS and such wonderful news about the van issue and Happy Birthday to Zach!



hope his day is great and that is really cool about how great he is w/ Soccer good for him

Thanks Julie! The soccer season has been a big confidence builder for Zach. He has yet to lose so we'll see what happens when he does - he has a very hard time with that!

I knew I liked Tim!

 

[DisMomAmy]

Wow!

Super-Wow!!

Happy Birthday, Zach!

Kathy

Thanks Kathy!!

I believe Zach's mom has a birthday, too, so we're gonna need more cake.

..........

Tell me when to stop, Amy.

Have a great birthday weekend!

And big to the soccer star!
I loved watching my boys play soccer. Very exciting and fun times.

Yes - It's true... my birthday was yesterday! It was a pretty normal day with running around & watching soccer games, etc. Today we'll have a family get together for both birthdays.

Sounds like someone is heading for a travel team - go Zach!!!!!

Happy Birthday!!!!!!

Thanks Mary Ellen!

Happy Birthday to Zach!!!

Hurray for a new car! What are you thinking of getting?

Thanks Jackie - more on which van to buy in the next post...

 

[DisMomAmy]

Calling all minivan drivers... what do you drive?

I need help with my search for a new van. We definitely want another van as it works well for our family road trips & day to day carting around.

So far I've visited the Honda & Chrysler dealerships. We drove through the Toyota lot last night but they were closed so we didn't get to see the insides (other than looking in the windows).

I think those three (Honda Odyssey, Toyota Sienna & Chrysler Town & Country) are at the top of our list. The Chrysler is significantly cheaper than the other two but I worry about why... We do not want to buy another car with problems!!! But the Chrysler dealership near us has a great service department so that's a plus.

The Honda's & Toyota's get the best ratings but are both quite a bit more expensive!

So, what do you drive? Share with me the pros & cons of your minivan!

 

[Charleston Princess]

We have a 2008 Dodge Grand Caravan and love it (it's the same car as the Chrysler Town and Country). It has stood us in good stead so far. However, I do like the looks of the new Honda Odyssey, and over the course of our life together, Charles and I have owned about five Hondas (two Civics, two CRVs and the Passport) and really by and large, we have had the best luck with them. Hondas really are wonderful cars.

 

[DisMomAmy]

We have a 2008 Dodge Grand Caravan and love it (it's the same car as the Chrysler Town and Country). It has stood us in good stead so far. However, I do like the looks of the new Honda Odyssey, and over the course of our life together, Charles and I have owned about five Hondas (two Civics, two CRVs and the Passport) and really by and large, we have had the best luck with them. Hondas really are wonderful cars.

Thanks Jackie!! I'm not sure we can make a wrong decision... I guess the hardest part is that the Chrysler is a totally new model (engine too) in 2011 so there isn't a lot of info out there about long term reliability.

 

[irish dancer]

Belated Happy Birthday to you and Zach! Also congrats to the Soccer Star!!

Great news on the van! I have a 2006 Toyota Sienna and LOVE, LOVE, LOVE it. I've had both Ford and Chrysler vans in the past. In the 5yrs I've had the van I've had no problems other than regular maintenance (oil changes, breaks, tires). My sister has an Odyssey and loves hers. Personally I like my Sienna better than her Odyssey, it feels more comfortable/luxurious to me. The higher price is hard to swallow but both Honda and Toyota have impecable track records. My kids want me to trade in my Sienna for the new one with the foot rests and other new bells and whistles, I told them no go since mine is paid for and still feels new. Have been without a car payment for too long now to go back to that. Best of luck on the decision, take your time and give them all a nice long test drive.

 

[MEK]

I don't drive a minivan, but I have been a faithful Honda owner for years and I know you can't go wrong with a Honda. My son is driving my old Honda which almost has 190K miles on it. I certainly got my moneys worth out of that car.

My brother has the Siena van and they have had absolutely no problems with it. The chose it over the Honda, but I am not exactly sure why. It could have been an amazing end of the season deal.

So - good luck with your decision!

 

[mommytothreeboys]

Craziness here has caused me to fall behind on your PTR, but I'm caught up now! Congratulations on resolving the van situation. We have had 3 Dodge Caravans and have been completely satisfied with them. I have also heard great things about the Honda Odyssey and have 2 friends who have one and love it. Car shopping is exciting...good luck!

So for your World Showcase game.....

Mexico:the glass blower, churros, and Day of the Dead figurines
Norway: Giant troll and bakery goodies
China: noodle bowls, acrobats, marionette puppets
Germany: giant pretzels, bratwurst and sauerkraut
Italy: beautiful masks
American Adventure: drum and fife performance
Japan: drums, crazy candy, tin toys
Morocco: Tangierine cafe, belly dancer
France: beautiful fountains
UK: phone booths, giant tea cups with flowers, fish and chips
Canada: carved totem poles

 

[jeremysdisneymom]

Happy Belated Birthday to Zach! It looks like he is quite the soccer star.

Good luck van shopping! I don't have a van so I can't be of much help. My dad managed a car dealership for years so we always go with a Chevy product.

 

[mousescrapper]

I missed your birthday sorry...what an awful friend i am didn't even go on FB yesterday either to post on the Birthday wall....

so HAPPY BELATED BIRTHDAY!

did you choose the van already? did I miss that? anyways i have had two vans over the yrs a Chevy Venture and our current van a Dodge Caravan. Our current van I was driving (not exact car) as a rental while our old one was in the shop till we deemed not worth fixing and had already plunked $ into it you know how that goes... and i fell in love w/ it...

I have never had much excessive work done on it, excpet minor AC work and maintance...it is a good car and we love our "Han Solo" compartments

when it's time to go Van shopping again...I'd probably look at Hondas but most likely stick w/ the Dodge...I have found that if you have a good car fix-it place (not neccessarily the dealer) it helps...I actually bought our current car by myself, what a grown up moment through a rental place...

good luck if you are still looking and if not CONGRATS on new van

 

[Lovemy3babes]

We have a 2008 Chrysler Town and Country. I adore it!!!! We upgraded from an old Ford Windstar this summer. This thing is luxury. I LOVE it. So my recommendation is for the Chrysler!

 

[eandesmom]

first of all, happy belated birthday Zach!

Second, on the minivan. I had a Sienna for 8 years. I bought it used and and just traded it in last year. I 'd that van. If I was going to get another minivan, hands down, that would have been it again. Honestly I still could be driving it now, I just really wanted to get an all wheel vehicle as the van was so old, and rear wheel drive, that in snow or ice, I was stuck at home. We were supposed to have a bad winter last year and that threat, plus 0% financing, sped up the end of the van for me.

I have a Highlander now which just works better for our needs now but that van was a rock star. In 8 years I only had one thing outside of normal wear and tear (brakes, tires). 1 year into my Highlander I'm as pleased with Toyota as ever.

For me it was between the Sienna and the Odyssey and I just liked the look and design of the Sienna better both interior/dash and exterior. You can't go wrong with either though!

 

[DisMomAmy]

Thanks for all the input about your minivans! Now I'm more confused than ever!

Belated Happy Birthday to you and Zach! Also congrats to the Soccer Star!!

Great news on the van! I have a 2006 Toyota Sienna and LOVE, LOVE, LOVE it. I've had both Ford and Chrysler vans in the past. In the 5yrs I've had the van I've had no problems other than regular maintenance (oil changes, breaks, tires). My sister has an Odyssey and loves hers. Personally I like my Sienna better than her Odyssey, it feels more comfortable/luxurious to me. The higher price is hard to swallow but both Honda and Toyota have impecable track records. My kids want me to trade in my Sienna for the new one with the foot rests and other new bells and whistles, I told them no go since mine is paid for and still feels new. Have been without a car payment for too long now to go back to that. Best of luck on the decision, take your time and give them all a nice long test drive.

I saw those footrests on a van I test drove yesterday... very cool!!

I don't drive a minivan, but I have been a faithful Honda owner for years and I know you can't go wrong with a Honda. My son is driving my old Honda which almost has 190K miles on it. I certainly got my moneys worth out of that car.

My brother has the Siena van and they have had absolutely no problems with it. The chose it over the Honda, but I am not exactly sure why. It could have been an amazing end of the season deal.

So - good luck with your decision!

I suspect it's all going to come down to an amazing deal for us too!

Craziness here has caused me to fall behind on your PTR, but I'm caught up now! Congratulations on resolving the van situation. We have had 3 Dodge Caravans and have been completely satisfied with them. I have also heard great things about the Honda Odyssey and have 2 friends who have one and love it. Car shopping is exciting...good luck!

So for your World Showcase game.....

Mexico:the glass blower, churros, and Day of the Dead figurines
Norway: Giant troll and bakery goodies
China: noodle bowls, acrobats, marionette puppets
Germany: giant pretzels, bratwurst and sauerkraut
Italy: beautiful masks
American Adventure: drum and fife performance
Japan: drums, crazy candy, tin toys
Morocco: Tangierine cafe, belly dancer
France: beautiful fountains
UK: phone booths, giant tea cups with flowers, fish and chips
Canada: carved totem poles

Thanks Missy!! I need to find that glass blower... sounds very cool!

Happy Belated Birthday to Zach! It looks like he is quite the soccer star.

Good luck van shopping! I don't have a van so I can't be of much help. My dad managed a car dealership for years so we always go with a Chevy product.

We had a fun birthday weekend!! And another great soccer weekend too!

I missed your birthday sorry...what an awful friend i am didn't even go on FB yesterday either to post on the Birthday wall....

so HAPPY BELATED BIRTHDAY!

did you choose the van already? did I miss that? anyways i have had two vans over the yrs a Chevy Venture and our current van a Dodge Caravan. Our current van I was driving (not exact car) as a rental while our old one was in the shop till we deemed not worth fixing and had already plunked $ into it you know how that goes... and i fell in love w/ it...

I have never had much excessive work done on it, excpet minor AC work and maintance...it is a good car and we love our "Han Solo" compartments

when it's time to go Van shopping again...I'd probably look at Hondas but most likely stick w/ the Dodge...I have found that if you have a good car fix-it place (not neccessarily the dealer) it helps...I actually bought our current car by myself, what a grown up moment through a rental place...

good luck if you are still looking and if not CONGRATS on new van

No worries about the birthday... I'll take birthday wishes whenever I can get them! Still no decision on the van. It could be six weeks until we turn ours in so I've visited the three dealerships now I just have to wait. I have only driven the Honda so I'll probably go back and drive the Chrysler & Honda sometime in the next few weeks. The timing stinks because we'll be at Disney in six weeks!

We have a 2008 Chrysler Town and Country. I adore it!!!! We upgraded from an old Ford Windstar this summer. This thing is luxury. I LOVE it. So my recommendation is for the Chrysler!

Thanks Kelli! The Chryslers definitely have the most bang for your buck!

first of all, happy belated birthday Zach!

Second, on the minivan. I had a Sienna for 8 years. I bought it used and and just traded it in last year. I 'd that van. If I was going to get another minivan, hands down, that would have been it again. Honestly I still could be driving it now, I just really wanted to get an all wheel vehicle as the van was so old, and rear wheel drive, that in snow or ice, I was stuck at home. We were supposed to have a bad winter last year and that threat, plus 0% financing, sped up the end of the van for me.

I have a Highlander now which just works better for our needs now but that van was a rock star. In 8 years I only had one thing outside of normal wear and tear (brakes, tires). 1 year into my Highlander I'm as pleased with Toyota as ever.

For me it was between the Sienna and the Odyssey and I just liked the look and design of the Sienna better both interior/dash and exterior. You can't go wrong with either though!

Thanks Cynthia! The Hondas & Toyotas seem more luxurious...