Heigh Ho! Heigh Ho! It's Off to Celebrate We Go!--LAST UPDATE!!! PG 62 ENJOY!!!!!!!!!

[Roxychica7]

Lots of Celebrations!! Birthdays and Anniversary's! How exciting!

I agree with others, I've heard a lot of good things about CSR, BUT also many better things about renting points. Check out of the boards, even people have found points at $8 a point! Check that out first before your resort decisions change again!

 

[cherbear]

silly me needs to ask...where do you go to see about renting points?

 

[kschafer]

Renting points is great if you are just wanting a good deal on a nice room but they wouldn't be able to get free dining with points. I believe free food is a much better deal in this case!

cherbear, there is board in the DVC section (on the Dis mainpage) for point rentals/transfers. It's really quite easy and I have heard of very few people encountering any problems with it (we had no problems at all) Sometimes you can pick up some really cheap points if you want a last minute trip. The further ahead you want to book, the more you will pay per point

 

[Trentmom]

Joining in

My good friend Cherbear sent me over

I am really enjoying your Pre-Trip.

You have a beautiful little girl and what a miracle she is.

Your posts are so upbeat and full of fun, laughter and ton of emotions...am loving it


We stayed at All Star Movies, Toy Story Section, for my son first Trip in 06 and he loved it , as did myself and husband.

But I can understand if you are used to having more space at a DVC resort, how you might be a bit uneasy.

Whatever you decide, I am sure you and your family will be happy, as hey, you will be in Disney

 

[cherbear]

Renting points is great if you are just wanting a good deal on a nice room but they wouldn't be able to get free dining with points. I believe free food is a much better deal in this case!

cherbear, there is board in the DVC section (on the Dis mainpage) for point rentals/transfers. It's really quite easy and I have heard of very few people encountering any problems with it (we had no problems at all) Sometimes you can pick up some really cheap points if you want a last minute trip. The further ahead you want to book, the more you will pay per point

thanks! We were actually thinking about doing free dining in September ( I know, late in the game -- DH sprung this idea on me on my bday last weekend!) and then I got an email offer for 42% off Wilderness Lodge and I got the idea that we could use that and just pay for the dining plan, but now reading about renting points I was thinking...
I knew about renting points but had forgotten about that!

 

[cherbear]

Joining in

My good friend Cherbear sent me over

I am really enjoying your Pre-Trip.

You have a beautiful little girl and what a miracle she is.

Your posts are so upbeat and full of fun, laughter and ton of emotions...am loving it


We stayed at All Star Movies, Toy Story Section, for my son first Trip in 06 and he loved it , as did myself and husband.

But I can understand if you are used to having more space at a DVC resort, how you might be a bit uneasy.

Whatever you decide, I am sure you and your family will be happy, as hey, you will be in Disney

Hey Kelly! Glad to see you here

 

[ILuvCrush]

Ok Loved the updates

here's my take.....

1. The 3 AS resorts DO share busses (except from MK) and ASMovies is the LAST stop

2. renting DVC points is a great idea... but like Katie said...it'll get you the room, but no free dining If you go that route... make sure to rent off of someone with a pretty good sized post count and ask questions/get references!... I've read about scams (VERY few and far between) on those boards but they are pretty much ALWAYS posters that are in single digits/teens post counts... they swoop in and fleece someone... disappear... then do it again under another 'new' screen-name. At least until they get caught. I haven't heard about any recently... but it's better safe than sorry!!

3. I'd love to rent you points... but I'm using them all maybe i should just buy more

4. I'd upgrade to CSR

5. I vote the DANCE RECITAL!! I have 2 little dancers myself


Paula

 

[micandminforever]

I vote for the recital video first then the mini TR.

My dh and I started out at CSR, but ended up at Pop, to save money for our 25th anniversary trip in 2010. I can take a value this year to get hopefully a deluxe next year.

Keep trying for Pop, there is always a chance. We stayed at Pop Sept 2007 and it did not seem crowded at all

 

[lmillercrew]

I vote for recital update too!!! We stayed at ASSP and really liked it. We were the first to get dropped off. From what I remember, we didn't share a bus. The Movies and Music shared, but we had our own bus to the parks. (if I remember correctly)
I congratulate you and your hubby on your 10 years! You are right, so many couples don't make it these days. And, the fact that you are HAPPY and married is another great thing too!
SO glad to follow along on another PTR of yours!

 

[MegansMom]

I vote KC mini trip although the recitial sounds cute to. Who can resist a little hamming it up on stage? But I love mini trippies in trippies. In fact, I just did one in mine too about when we wnet to see thomas the Tank

Thanks for the vote!!! I think the recital won out....but don't worry, the KC report will be quickly behind!!!

I think you should upgrade to CSR! I think your little family have a more enjoyable resort experience is well worth it.

I would REALLY like to see the recital pictures.

I DO TOO!!!! I really do love it there---the buses were EMPTY even during THANKSGIVING WEEK!!! It really is pretty, and I just feel it calling to me.....Tom on the otherhand is apparently gone deaf because I don't think he has heard the call yet!

Recital pictures coming right up!

okay, I made it!! Such a great PTR!!

I had no idea you went through SO much on booking this trip. Glad you finally booked though!!!

Megs is SO SO sweet and I can't wait to see more pics of her on her trip this year! She SO deserves it! YOU and Tom SO deserve it!!!

Here's my input on the Pop thing:

Firstly, when they do promotions like the Free Dining, they reserve so many rooms at EACH resort for that particular promotion. Once that # of rooms has been booked FOR that promotion, that's it. So when they say Pop is "booked" what they mean is that the number of allotted rooms for the Free Dining plan has been booked. So don't fret!

When is the last time you called Pop? DH and I are thinking about doing Free Dining again this year () and when I checked out a couple different weeks yesterday it was still available. So maybe try again! Good luck!

I AM SO GLAD YOU MADE IT!!!! I seriously was worried about you!!! I hadn't seen or heard from you in so long.....made me nervous!!!

I checked online for Pop just the other day...I do need to call again though, but they were all booked. Will keep trying though!

Recital pictures are on their way!

Have you considered renting points, you can get them for like 11 dollars a point, when my parents came down and stayed at WL Villa's it equalled out to 130 per night!!! Just a though (don't mean to put tha tin your head and confuse you further)
Lesley

The first thing we thought of was renting points----that is how we have stayed DVC for the past three trips.....we have had no complaints about doing that so far at all!!! BUT, Free Dining actually came out cheaper and lured my accountant, budget-crunching hubby away to book at the value. We are in the process of getting ready to sell our house and build a new one, so he wanted to try to save more money to put towards all of that. BUT.........maybe I should crunch the numbers one more time!!!

I was just thinking about this while I read your update. Whay can't you upgade to a mod.? I too want to see the recital pics but I want to read the KC trip too. Did you go to the zoo while you were there?

We could upgrade to a mod---CSR to be precise---but Tom is trying to save every penny possible towards our new home. But I think the bus thing is starting to make him question how important that $400 really is in the grand scheme of things!!!!

Recital pics coming up......and we DID go to the zoo (Shh...don't tell the others because that will be part of the mini-TR!!! )

I do think you can get the buttons at the resort check-in, and I do think you can have the room decorated.

I am going to vote for CSR -- it is a lovely resort -- and the bus situation is what throws me off of the values.

I vote for recital, then Kansas City!

Good to know about the buttons and the decorations!!!

I knew you would be enabling me to want CSR even MORE!!!! What to do, what to do?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?

Recital it is!!!!

1. I think you should upgrade to CSR. We stayed there in 2006 and loved it, I want to go back now that rooms were renovated.

2. While I loved our stay at Pop, the buses were the worst we have encountered at any resort we have stayed at.

3. I want to see pics of that little punkin at her recital.

1. I do too! We loved our time there in 2007---it was a split-stay with SSR, and we actual wished we could have stayed at CSR the entire time!

2. THIS is my biggest concern.........

3. Your wish is my command---recital pics coming right up!

If you post another update like your first one please let me know in advance...I used my last kleenex in my office tearing up with all your celebrations!

I can't give much advice about the resorts as I have only stayed at OKW but I think CSR is gorgeous!!! It would be my choice but I can also see the arguement for saving a few bucks for the celebrations (although if there is a risk of having to switch because of the buses, I would save the hassle and just do it now)

I vote for recital first!

I am going to have to remember to put out the red flag for the tissue alerts next time!!!

I love your philosophy on switching it now......I think I need to share this with Tom tonight!

Recital first of course!

OK, I have a list....
1. I vote for recital to go first.
2. I think Lesley is right, look at renting points, one of my DISchat friends got them for $10 per point last night. If that doesn't work out......
3. Upgrade to CSR

Okay, I have a list too!
1. OKAY...No problem!
2. That is what we have done in the past...we went with the cheaper Free Dining route, but I might just need to go back and recrunch some numbers!
3. I LOVE the way you think!!!

Lots of Celebrations!! Birthdays and Anniversary's! How exciting!

I agree with others, I've heard a lot of good things about CSR, BUT also many better things about renting points. Check out of the boards, even people have found points at $8 a point! Check that out first before your resort decisions change again!

CSR is great...I know from first-hand experience, and renting is great as well....also from first-hand experience. I am thinking I need to go back and recrunch some numbers and let you all know how that might impact my decision.

silly me needs to ask...where do you go to see about renting points?

The DVC Rent/Trade board

Renting points is great if you are just wanting a good deal on a nice room but they wouldn't be able to get free dining with points. I believe free food is a much better deal in this case!

cherbear, there is board in the DVC section (on the Dis mainpage) for point rentals/transfers. It's really quite easy and I have heard of very few people encountering any problems with it (we had no problems at all) Sometimes you can pick up some really cheap points if you want a last minute trip. The further ahead you want to book, the more you will pay per point

I agree with everything you said....thanks for giving Cherbear the scoop!

Joining in

My good friend Cherbear sent me over

I am really enjoying your Pre-Trip.

You have a beautiful little girl and what a miracle she is.

Your posts are so upbeat and full of fun, laughter and ton of emotions...am loving it


We stayed at All Star Movies, Toy Story Section, for my son first Trip in 06 and he loved it , as did myself and husband.

But I can understand if you are used to having more space at a DVC resort, how you might be a bit uneasy.

Whatever you decide, I am sure you and your family will be happy, as hey, you will be in Disney

I am so glad you came over!!! Thanks for coming along for the ride---it promises to be fun, upbeat, and emotional FOR SURE!!! Please give me all the scoop on ASMO---especially what you remember about the bus situation....this is our biggest concern!

thanks! We were actually thinking about doing free dining in September ( I know, late in the game -- DH sprung this idea on me on my bday last weekend!) and then I got an email offer for 42% off Wilderness Lodge and I got the idea that we could use that and just pay for the dining plan, but now reading about renting points I was thinking...
I knew about renting points but had forgotten about that!

Don't you love how we can enable each other from one trip to the next!!!

Hey Kelly! Glad to see you here

I'm glad to see you here too Kelly!!!

Ok Loved the updates

here's my take.....

1. The 3 AS resorts DO share busses (except from MK) and ASMovies is the LAST stop

2. renting DVC points is a great idea... but like Katie said...it'll get you the room, but no free dining If you go that route... make sure to rent off of someone with a pretty good sized post count and ask questions/get references!... I've read about scams (VERY few and far between) on those boards but they are pretty much ALWAYS posters that are in single digits/teens post counts... they swoop in and fleece someone... disappear... then do it again under another 'new' screen-name. At least until they get caught. I haven't heard about any recently... but it's better safe than sorry!!

3. I'd love to rent you points... but I'm using them all maybe i should just buy more

4. I'd upgrade to CSR

5. I vote the DANCE RECITAL!! I have 2 little dancers myself


Paula

1. So on the way back from MK they each have their own bus??? Is that what that means???? I am assuming that since ASMO is the last spot, that the majority of the bus is FULL by the time it gets to us???? Is that correct???? This could be a big problem!

2. I've rented for each trip in the past, and although we have loved doing that, the Free Dining has been the big key fiscally on this trip....it would be hard having to go back and pay for it now.

3. We would be happy to rent points from you.....that is if you EVER have any you won't need!!!

4. I want to SO badly......how can I convince Tom for good?!?!?!?!??!

5. Recital pics are on their way!

I vote for the recital video first then the mini TR.

My dh and I started out at CSR, but ended up at Pop, to save money for our 25th anniversary trip in 2010. I can take a value this year to get hopefully a deluxe next year.

Keep trying for Pop, there is always a chance. We stayed at Pop Sept 2007 and it did not seem crowded at all

Recital pics are on their way!!! Thanks for the info on Pop.....so many decisions, and SO little time!

I vote for recital update too!!! We stayed at ASSP and really liked it. We were the first to get dropped off. From what I remember, we didn't share a bus. The Movies and Music shared, but we had our own bus to the parks. (if I remember correctly)
I congratulate you and your hubby on your 10 years! You are right, so many couples don't make it these days. And, the fact that you are HAPPY and married is another great thing too!
SO glad to follow along on another PTR of yours!

The recital update is on its' way!!! I wonder why Sports had its' own bus, but the others had to share????? Hmmmmmm............

We are so excited to celebrate our anniversary.....so much more in love with each other than even on that day!!!

So glad to have you here!

 

[MegansMom]

Okay....three updates in ONE DAY!!!!! PHEW!!!!! But it needs to be done, because I have so much else to share with you!!!!

HERE IS MY RED FLAG WARNING/TISSUE ALERT: I promised that even if the update was slightly emotional and needing a Kleenex I would send this out....so here it is!!!!

As I have mentioned before, Megan was born very prematurely and subsequently, suffered many setbacks in her development early on and along the way that made me think that I would never get to enjoy my daughter's dance recital. I grew up as a ballerina, and enjoyed every minute of the 14 years that I studied dance. I longed for the day that my own daughter would be up on the stage, tapping or dancing away in a brightly colored tutu. Once we found out about all of the complications caused by Megan's delivery, those dreams quickly vanished. Her premature delivery set off a domino-effect of complications that affected her muscular development, motor skill development, and her sensitivity to sensory inputs. She started physical and occupational therapy when she was 12 months old, and we were quickly told that Megan may never walk on her own without some type of support. At 22 months she made her first steps, and continued to defy the odds on the rest of her development for the next three years. When Megan was about to turn five, we decided to opt out of her physical therapy and try to continue working on her muscular development through dance classes. We knew that there would definitely be things she could not do or do as well as the other girls, but we just wanted her to have her chance. The year started out quite rough---she complained of pain and discomfort every day after class---but she continued wanting to go back week after week. She quickly grew to love it, and began dancing all over the house, all around the store, everywhere she could. The wonderful thing about her progress in class is that she was never made to believe or made aware that she might not hop or twirl as well as the other girls...she has no idea that she is any different than the rest of the class. It definitely requires much more work from her, but she continually, and joyfully, goes through every step, every motion with as much effort and grace as she can muster. I have been such a proud Mommy so many times throughout this year as I have witnessed her progress in class. The recital, though, was going to be taking this to a whole new level. We really weren't sure if she would get out on an unknown stage and perform the same two dances she has practiced for so long all year. Her sensory issues could have easily caused her to be afraid of the loud volume, bright lights, and overabundance of unfamiliar faces in the crowd. We were very nervous, very afraid that even at the last moment she would become too overwhelmed to go on.........................................................................................................................................but our fears and concerns were obliterated in one quick moment as I saw my lovely angel march out on to that stage, look right up at me (because I showed her where we would be sitting), and smiled the most dazzling, amazing, bright smile I have ever seen. She showed no fear, never once stopped in any hesitation, and danced her little heart out! She was AMAZING!!!! No, not every step looked like it was being performed by Ginger Rogers, but she did such a great job for a small wonder that was once told she would never walk alone. Tom held my hand so tightly that I knew he was just as proud and amazed as I was. I was so glad it was dark in that large auditorium, because I knew there were tears streaming down my face, and probably tucked in the corners of my husband's eyes as well. After each of her two amazing dances, and after the finale number as well, I clapped as loudly as I could and gave a loud WOOHOO for my baby that did what no one thought she could do. She is SO amazing!!!! We are so blessed!!!!


Unfortunately, we were not allowed to videotape or take photography during the show because they make a class video. But here are some pictures of her before and after the big event!!!

These are pictures at our home before the recital....here she is dressed in her outfit for her tap number---"The Ants Go Marching In." Love the antennae!!!

Here she is after the recital in her outfit for her ballet number, "Hippopotamus Rock." She loved the feather "foofoo" in her hair!

I apologize for the clarity and quality of those pictures---Tom took them, and he had the camera on the wrong setting....he usually doesn't take the pictures so still doesn't really know how it works.....but hopefully you can tell how cute she was!!!!

In the works for the next two updates---the KC trip, and some scoop on itineraries and ADRs!!!!

 

[Trentmom]

Trying to think back to our trip

We took the bus 2 -3 times a day, for 7 days....so between 14-21 times



Of those time, we only had to stand twice.

I really do not remember having any major issues with it

My son's favorite movie at the time was Toy Story 2 so he really loved it here

Not to hijack your TR, but here are two pics from the resort

My mom, Me and my son

My son

 

[kschafer]

Thanks for the warning Jen! Good thing I am at home and not at my kleenex devoid office!

Megan looks so beautiful and happy! congrats to her, and you and Tom too for never giving up on her and always believing she would do it!

 

[disneylovinfamily]

what a sweetheart! She is an amazing little girl! I had tears in my eyes reading this update, you can hear your pride bursting off the page. She is lucky to have a mommy and daddy like you and your DH.

 

[Trentmom]

Sorry my one picture was so big..I Just resized it

 

[Trentmom]

Thanks for the kleenex warning

That beaming smile on her is awesome.

What an amazing girl she is

 

[Charleston Princess]

Oh, Jen! What an amazing little girl you have!!! Of course, I just boohooed through this last update! You have been blessed with a very determined fighter! She looks too cute in her costumes, and I bet she was just precious up there on stage!!!

 

[wigdoutdismom]

What a beautiful little girl you have! LOVED the pics in her recital costumes, any chance you could just record her doing her own performance for your DIS friends?

 

[ILuvCrush]

awwww I love the recital update and Megs is so adorable in her costumes!! She looks as proud as you are!!

 

[ILuvCrush]

1. So on the way back from MK they each have their own bus??? Is that what that means???? I am assuming that since ASMO is the last spot, that the majority of the bus is FULL by the time it gets to us???? Is that correct???? This could be a big problem!

2. I've rented for each trip in the past, and although we have loved doing that, the Free Dining has been the big key fiscally on this trip....it would be hard having to go back and pay for it now.

3. We would be happy to rent points from you.....that is if you EVER have any you won't need!!!

4. I want to SO badly......how can I convince Tom for good?!?!?!?!??!

5. Recital pics are on their way!

I've stayed at Sports and Music. But not movies. In the mornings til 1030-11 there were tons of busses. Sometimes they'd go directly to Movies or Music, I assume this b/c they were empty Sports (when i was there) did not have their own busses per se, but were often full so they skipped they other 2 resorts and went straight to the parks. Unlike POR where the busses continue the full loop of the resort (and you just felt bad cause the people waiting couldn't get on) when the busses got full... they headed out. It seemed like the bus depot did a pretty decent job getting lots of fresh busses directly into the other 2 resorts, bypassing sports if it kept filling up. Does that make any sense????

At the parks, only MK has seperate queues for each of the all star resorts. The other 3 parks (If I remember correctly) had just 1 shared queue for the return route.

On the plus side, since the ASresorts are very popular, there was often 2-3 busses showed up at a time at park close! So the wait for a bus was not any worse than POR or POP.



Does that help clarify things???