First trip....Feb 2012....Polynesian....Yay!

[solana131]

I'm going insane!

I am seriously considering calling Disney up tonight and changing our plans to a split stay with POFQ. I am very nervous about not having a pool all week. But I don't want to give up the Poly. This is what I am thinking:

Sat - Wed at POFQ. Mom and Dad are planning to arrive Sun morning, but they could come Sat and stay in their own room at POFQ. Hopefully we could get adjoining rooms (one with 2 queens and one with king). This would solve the everybody in one room and Bill and I squishing into a small bed together. Then on Wednesday we will go to DTD like we planned and then change to Poly afterwards. Mom and Dad can stay one night at the Poly with us then leave as planned on Thurs after we hit up LegoLand.

Pros:
We get 2 rooms
Mom & Dad can stay longer
We get 2 hotels
We get a pool no matter if they are clear coating or not
It is $100 cheaper

Cons:
Have to pack up and move in the middle of the week
Have buses instead of monorail first of the week
Already have Magical Express tags for Poly

Am I crazy? Should I just keep it the way it is?

 

[Lidian]

I thought it was just the slide that was closed?

And I can't help you make your decision ... but I can put myself in your shoes and tell you what I'd do.

If I was in your shoes ... I wouldn't bank on a hotel for a pool. It could be 40 and rain all week -- so no pool anyway.

Honestly, if you can handle resort hopping ... then perhaps go for it. But I dunno if I could. It sounds awesome to try multiple hotels in one trip, but stressful at the same time. I know some people who do splits every visit and love it. I know others who do it only when they have to and despise it.

Personally, I get to my hotel and I "move in". I make myself at home and sprawl out. I hate packing up. Even if it was to move to another (better) hotel, I'd still hate it.

IMO, I think you should pick one and stick with it. If you're worried about the pool, go for one that will be open -- or plan a WP day (be lenient for the weather). I just know if I booked the Poly for the pool, Murphy's Law would make it rainy and COLD every day of my vacation. (Of course, it would be in the 80s and sunny the day before we arrive and the day after we leave.) Murphy hates me ... but if you have luck, then take your chances!

Perhaps others can invest their experiences to help you decide! Anxiously waiting to hear what you do!

 

[solana131]

Oh who am I kidding? I'm not gonna change anything. My whole week is planned around the Poly. I just don't have the energy to re-do everything. And you're right Liddy, I would hate to pack everything up and move. I'm like you, I make myself at home and really settle in. So, ok.....just ignore that last post

Yay! Polynesian here we come

 

[solana131]

And just so I can up my post count to 200....

How do I get my ticker to say "25 days" instead of "3 weeks and 4 days"?

 

[DMGeurts]

Glad you got it all figured out with out my help... Liddy can be super helpful...

As for your ticker - I haven't a clue... Try different websites, I think it just depends on how the "ticker people" set it up... Try the ones above for the Dis - I've been thinking about doing that.

D~

 

[Lidian]

Oh who am I kidding? I'm not gonna change anything. My whole week is planned around the Poly. I just don't have the energy to re-do everything. And you're right Liddy, I would hate to pack everything up and move. I'm like you, I make myself at home and really settle in. So, ok.....just ignore that last post

Yay! Polynesian here we come

So glad you made a decision! I'd prefer the Poly myself!

And just so I can up my post count to 200....

How do I get my ticker to say "25 days" instead of "3 weeks and 4 days"?

It's all about the ticker. Most tickers count down years/months/weeks/days. There's a few tickers that count the days, but the one you're using isn't.

You can search for WDW tickers, but some are banned because the websites are notorious for viruses. Personally ... I'd leave it alone, since yours is DIS approved. However, if you see a ticker on the DIS that you like, clicking it should take you to the ticker's website where you can get your own! (And it should be very safe.)

Glad you got it all figured out with out my help... Liddy can be super helpful...

As for your ticker - I haven't a clue... Try different websites, I think it just depends on how the "ticker people" set it up... Try the ones above for the Dis - I've been thinking about doing that.

D~

Thank you D!

 

[DMGeurts]

Thank you D!

You're welcome... If it comes up in court - I'll flat out deny it though.

D~

 

[Lidian]

You're welcome... If it comes up in court - I'll flat out deny it though.

D~

I figured as much.

 

[Chicago Mo]

BREATH!!!!!
your trip is going to be wonderful!!!! But you do have to stop and smell the roses so to speak do your planning and enjoy the planning!!! Planning is half the fun.
I don't know about the experts here. But I for one OVER PLAN. only becuase i enjoy it and it get us all pumped up for the trip. Once we get there the only thing we stick to is which park we go to and the ADR's. everything else is out the window it sucks you up there!!!

 

[solana131]

Thanks Mo. You're right, I need to just breathe and let it happen. I know it will be an awesome trip no matter what. Thanks.

Here are a couple pics of the hoodie sweatshirt I did. Sorry, the lighting in my dining room is horrid, but you'll get the idea.

If the color isn't coming out too well, it is a pretty pink/coral Plumeria flower on a light brown background. I decided not to do the jean skirt because I'm not sure the Stitch Witchery would bond to denim. I think I have enough to wear and I'm sure I will be buying stuff down there too.

 

[Lidian]

BREATH!!!!!
your trip is going to be wonderful!!!! But you do have to stop and smell the roses so to speak do your planning and enjoy the planning!!! Planning is half the fun.
I don't know about the experts here. But I for one OVER PLAN. only becuase i enjoy it and it get us all pumped up for the trip. Once we get there the only thing we stick to is which park we go to and the ADR's. everything else is out the window it sucks you up there!!!

VERY awesome advice! I, too, over plan ... and we follow a rough schedule once we arrive (we stick to parks and ADRs - but just flow with the day on what gets done in what order).

Thanks Mo. You're right, I need to just breathe and let it happen. I know it will be an awesome trip no matter what. Thanks.

Here are a couple pics of the hoodie sweatshirt I did. Sorry, the lighting in my dining room is horrid, but you'll get the idea.

If the color isn't coming out too well, it is a pretty pink/coral Plumeria flower on a light brown background. I decided not to do the jean skirt because I'm not sure the Stitch Witchery would bond to denim. I think I have enough to wear and I'm sure I will be buying stuff down there too.

OMG, that is absolutely adorable! I love the print! You are going to be STYLIN'!

 

[Chicago Mo]

LOVE LOVE LOVE your prints!!!

I hope you don't mind but i am stealing your ideas!!!

 

[DMGeurts]

Thanks Mo. You're right, I need to just breathe and let it happen. I know it will be an awesome trip no matter what. Thanks.

Here are a couple pics of the hoodie sweatshirt I did. Sorry, the lighting in my dining room is horrid, but you'll get the idea.

If the color isn't coming out too well, it is a pretty pink/coral Plumeria flower on a light brown background. I decided not to do the jean skirt because I'm not sure the Stitch Witchery would bond to denim. I think I have enough to wear and I'm sure I will be buying stuff down there too.

I missed your post last night...

That turned out PERFECT and AWESOME!!! I just love the fabric you chose - it is so perfect for the Poly... and I love how you put a little Mickey head on the front - so adorable! Great job!

D~

 

[FosterA]

Just wanted to pipe up and say I love the sweatshirt!
Secondly...I know it was just a fleeting thought, but definately don't do a split stay, unpack and settle in and stay put. I'm sure it would take half a day to move to another resort, ick!

anyway....Getting excited for you, your trip is right around the corner!!

 

[KatMark]

That is a really cute sweathsirt; good job.

I got a new Winnie-the-Pooh sweatshirt for my birthday that I'm using for the trip.

 

[solana131]

OMG, that is absolutely adorable! I love the print! You are going to be STYLIN'!

Thanks! I wish I was more talented and could've enbroidered them on, but oh well. Maybe by the next trip. You and D~ are inspiring

LOVE LOVE LOVE your prints!!!

I hope you don't mind but i am stealing your ideas!!!

Steal away....I found that print at Joann Fabrics. The animal print was from Walmart and the stripe was an old shirt of my moms that we cut up.

I missed your post last night...

That turned out PERFECT and AWESOME!!! I just love the fabric you chose - it is so perfect for the Poly... and I love how you put a little Mickey head on the front - so adorable! Great job!

D~

Thanks. I wanted to cut out the letter P-O-L-Y to put on the front, but my letter punches were too small and since I didn't stitch it, I had to use pinking shears and there was no way I was going to cut out letters with those things

Just wanted to pipe up and say I love the sweatshirt!
Secondly...I know it was just a fleeting thought, but definately don't do a split stay, unpack and settle in and stay put. I'm sure it would take half a day to move to another resort, ick!

anyway....Getting excited for you, your trip is right around the corner!!

Yep, thats me...full of fleeting thoughts I have been dreaming of staying Poly ever since 1992. Even though POFQ looks amazing, I will have to try that next time.

That is a really cute sweathsirt; good job.

I got a new Winnie-the-Pooh sweatshirt for my birthday that I'm using for the trip.

Can't wait to see it in your TR



So just a little update. I lost alot of weight last year and this summer I struggled to fit into the clothes I had. I didn't want to wear baggy shorts or capris in all my PP pics, so yesterday I left work early and went summer clothes shopping. Let me tell you, that is not easy in Maine in Jan. So I ended up at Goodwill. I figured that I am not done losing the weight, so I don't want to spend alot on stuff I will wear this one trip. Well, I scored big! I got 4 capris and 3 shorts all for $22! I love them. I got mostly jean capris since this is what I live in. But I found some really nice Talbots shorts that I love. Can't believe they were only $2.50! I've never been a big Goodwill girl, I just hate sifting through all the isles. I like a store to be orderly and easy to spot stuff. I hate Marshalls and TJMaxx too because of that. But I must say...pretty happy with my stuff. Can't wait to pack them

 

[Lidian]

Thanks! I wish I was more talented and could've enbroidered them on, but oh well. Maybe by the next trip. You and D~ are inspiring

Not me. It's all D! She's just amazing!!!!

So just a little update. I lost alot of weight last year and this summer I struggled to fit into the clothes I had. I didn't want to wear baggy shorts or capris in all my PP pics, so yesterday I left work early and went summer clothes shopping. Let me tell you, that is not easy in Maine in Jan. So I ended up at Goodwill. I figured that I am not done losing the weight, so I don't want to spend alot on stuff I will wear this one trip. Well, I scored big! I got 4 capris and 3 shorts all for $22! I love them. I got mostly jean capris since this is what I live in. But I found some really nice Talbots shorts that I love. Can't believe they were only $2.50! I've never been a big Goodwill girl, I just hate sifting through all the isles. I like a store to be orderly and easy to spot stuff. I hate Marshalls and TJMaxx too because of that. But I must say...pretty happy with my stuff. Can't wait to pack them

Grats on finding great deals! I was shocked to go into Target at the beginning of the month and see all the swimsuits out.

I only go to our Goodwill when I HAVE to. Ours is so dirty ... and people just throw things anywhere, including the floor. When I went in to look for sewing machines, I couldn't even get to an area because there was a pile (about 2 feet high) of junk in the way. (Yes, I could have stepped over it, but I'm a clutz and I probably would have broken a body part.) For the life of me, I couldn't figure out why it was on the floor. It was a mix of clothes, toys, and who knows what else. Our stores are just disgusting! (Not to mention, all the local habitat-esque stores charge department store pricing. So it's not feasible to go there for a deal. Just out of season/print/discontinued/etc items.)

So major grats on the scores!!!! (And on the weight loss!!)

And I agree -- there needs to be some sort of organization for people to shop in a store. (But TJ Maxx usually does it pretty well, by sorting types and sizes. I at least know which racks to look at if I'm interested in a dress, or slacks, or a knit top, or shoes, or a handbag.... Goodwill just throws things around, in no orderly manner.)

 

[solana131]

So what is this Mickey Mail I have been hearing so much about on the Feb thread? Is that only if you booked a package? I got my ME stuff, but nothing else.

And according to TikimanPages.com they are starting the Poly pool work soon, but only the slide will be closed and even that not all the time. So I'm very glad I stuck with my dream resort. I'll get to the other ones soon enough Already trying to talk DH into a 2013 trip since we won't be able to do much for our 10th anniversary in Sept this year due to our splurging on the Poly. Maybe POFQ or AoA next year?? It will be harder since DS will be in school next year, but really, how much can you miss in Kindergarten?

 

[Lidian]

So what is this Mickey Mail I have been hearing so much about on the Feb thread? Is that only if you booked a package? I got my ME stuff, but nothing else.

And according to TikimanPages.com they are starting the Poly pool work soon, but only the slide will be closed and even that not all the time. So I'm very glad I stuck with my dream resort. I'll get to the other ones soon enough Already trying to talk DH into a 2013 trip since we won't be able to do much for our 10th anniversary in Sept this year due to our splurging on the Poly. Maybe POFQ or AoA next year?? It will be harder since DS will be in school next year, but really, how much can you miss in Kindergarten?

Mickey Mail!

I love Mickey Mail!

Here's examples of my MM from our May trip that I posted on my PTR. This usually arrives about 2 weeks before arrival. It's different than ME mail. It also includes the luggage tags!

And I'm a mom who pulls her kids out of school for vacation.... I know there are some who frown at it, and others who call me a horrible mom because of it ... but while they're young enough that I can educate them myself, I don't see the issue. When they get to the age where I'll struggle to help them with their assignments and couldn't "teach them" myself .. then I wouldn't dare allow them to miss (much) - or if they weren't good students. But if they're good students, good kids, and good attendance, I wouldn't hesitate to let them miss "some" time for a vacation.

My DS is in K this year, and he's missing .. but it's just 2.5 days. (My DD missed a week in 1st and will miss 2.5 days in 3rd for trips.) I have asked both teachers for education activities that will go along with what they'll be learning in school -- things that maybe they can do while standing in line.

Like DS will help read signs, we'll do a Flat "school mascot" around Epcot (for both kids), they'll be learning about flowers and growing (etc) so we'll focus on the F&G stuff with him, etc. I didn't ask the teachers for written work, per-say, but things they can do while standing in line, things they can look for, etc. Both kids take Culture at school, so I'm going ot focus on the Flat Fox (since our mascot is a fox) and do a PowerPoint presentation for the kids that they can present in their culture class at school. Plus DS will get a F&G presentation. And any suggestions the teachers have, I'll run with them. ANything to pass the time standing in line.

Oh... wow, I wrote a novel. Sorry for the threadjacking. Welcome to the club!

 

[Lidian]

Oh, I also wanted to note that since I booked through AAA, it did have their logo all over it, but it's the same thing if you book through WDW, AAA, or another TA. For those who book through other TAs, I'm not sure how it works ... but when I book through AAA, the local AAA office gets the Mickey Mail and they call me and I swing by and pick it up. When I booked direct through WDW a couple of years ago, it arrived via postal service.

The only differences are vouchers -- AAA has some exclusive vouchers, so it gets the full vacation vouchers + the exclusives. (Same would apply if other TA places gave exclusives.)

Did this answer your question about the MM? If not, let us know and we'll sort you all straight.