How Early is Too Early to Plan??? - TR Link Added - 12/29

[GoofyIsAsGoofyDoes]

Your previous solutions? You mean just going anyway, and worry about paying for it later?

OK… we can go with that one.
It will dig at you more while you’re waiting to get back down there in… how many more moths did you say that “might” be?

 

[afwdwfan]

OK… we can go with that one.
It will dig at you more while you’re waiting to get back down there in… how many more moths did you say that “might” be?

16 months... more than 1 year, less than 2. And I think it is closer to "will" than "might." Just have to figure out our plan of attack.

 

[afwdwfan]

Early Stage Plans

I just wanted to post to say that I would like to get started on my TR from our beach vacation a couple of weeks ago. However, due to some circumstances (partially) beyond my control, I don't have any pictures. I took some, but I just don't have them anymore. I did upload a few one afternoon to taunt some of the guys of the DisDads Club, but that was it. I know DW has some and as soon as I get them from her and get them uploaded, I'll begin working on it.


As for plans for our trip around which this PTR is based... well certain things have been considered and priced out. I've been looking at several different resorts this time around, and although I've never done it, I'm strongly considering a split stay.

This is still clearly just up in the air, but I do have some ideas that we're working through. I think we're going to try to leave the night of Thanksgiving, just like we did in 2011, and drive all night long. That would put us in Orlando mid afternoon on Friday, and I'd like to check into one of the resorts at "that other park." I really would be ok skipping a visit to the dark side, but with the recent addition of the Transformers ride and the upgrades to the Simpsons area, I really want to get back there and check it out. I figured it might be worth it to stay onsite to take advantage of the Express Pass (especially since we'd be going the Saturday of Thanksgiving weekend). However, the fact that DS still will probably be too short to do much there and we'd have to pay for a ticket for him might be enough to keep us from going through with this idea.

What I'm considering is one day at US/IoA, then head to possibly Yacht Club or Beach Club (Yacht is the only one currently showing standard view still available). for a 2 night stay. We'd use Sunday, the last day of "Thanksgiving weekend" to just hang out at Stormalong Bay, enjoy the Boardwalk/DTD/whatever and maybe even finally get to eat at Beaches and Cream since it always eludes us.

I would like to not switch resorts, but we're park people. I just can't justify spending that much money for a resort if we're not going to spend much time there. We would probably look at moving to AoA to check in on Monday. We would definitely consider WL or AKL if we should happen to get a pin or if they come out with a discounted rate for that week like they have in the past. Now just watch us get a pin and decide to stay at the Poly or something even more expensive than BC/YC.

One thing that might play into our decision is DD. She tends to fight sleep and wakes easily. If this is still the case by the time our trip rolls around, I think we'd likely scrap any plans to try a deluxe or a moderate and just end up going for one of the suites at AoA for the whole week, just so that we can close a door and allow her to sleep in a dark, quiet room. A pin code or a 40% discount at a Deluxe could potentially make that a very difficult decision.

 

[KatMark]

Have you considered or looked into renting points for a DVC resort and getting a one bedroom villa? It might turn out cheaper for you.

Also, I hate to be the bearer of bad news, but did you see that this year (2013) might be the last year of the Osborne Lights? They haven't said if it would be definite, or if they'd move them to another park, or what. But with the new expansion at the Studios with the Carsland area and the new Star Wars stuff, the lights will more than likely disappear.

 

[GoofyIsAsGoofyDoes]

I took some, but I just don't have them anymore. I did upload a few one afternoon to taunt some of the guys of the DisDads Club, but that was it.

Serves you right…
Oh wait, I was at the beach too…
and didn’t get any really good pictures either…

Never mind…

I know DW has some and as soon as I get them from her and get them uploaded, I'll begin working on it.

Problem solved.

I'd like to check into one of the resorts at "that other park." I really would be ok skipping a visit to the dark side, but with the recent addition of the Transformers ride and the upgrades to the Simpsons area, I really want to get back there and check it out.

That would be good if you have the time and resources.
Or you could also just stay at WDW and take one day (or maybe one evening) to go back over to the Dark Side.

What I'm considering is one day at US/IoA, then head to possibly Yacht Club or Beach Club

Nice resorts to be sure.
Very nice.

One thing that might play into our decision is DD. She tends to fight sleep and wakes easily.

In a year and a half, she should be over most of that, but it’s still hard to predict this far out.
I foresee some more short trips in your future to test the waters on that front.

A pin code or a 40% discount at a Deluxe could potentially make that a very difficult decision.

Well if it would make your life more difficult, then I’m all for you receiving the PIN number you’re hoping for.

I hate to be the bearer of bad news, but did you see that this year (2013) might be the last year of the Osborne Lights? They haven't said if it would be definite, or if they'd move them to another park, or what. But with the new expansion at the Studios with the Carsland area and the new Star Wars stuff, the lights will more than likely disappear.

At least I have seen them...

 

[jecskc]

I'm here !! Hope you get a concrete plan soon. The only thing more fun than planning a Disney trip is going on one.

Susan

 

[MEK]

What - no more Osbourne lights? That makes me so sad.

I think Kathy does have a point about exploring the DVC options. I know my BIL/SIL did a DVC rental for 5 nights in a treehouse and it saved them about $1800 over rack rate.

AoA suite is a great option too. The resort is just so cool.

Love that you are starting the trip at the Dark side. Sounds like a great kick-off.

 

[afwdwfan]

Have you considered or looked into renting points for a DVC resort and getting a one bedroom villa? It might turn out cheaper for you.

I have thought about it, and likely will look into it. I doubt that we'll go that way though, just because DS LOVES Cars and we really would like to stay at AoA, whether we do the Little Mermaid section or one of the family suites.

Also, I hate to be the bearer of bad news, but did you see that this year (2013) might be the last year of the Osborne Lights? They haven't said if it would be definite, or if they'd move them to another park, or what. But with the new expansion at the Studios with the Carsland area and the new Star Wars stuff, the lights will more than likely disappear.

Yeah, I've heard that. I'm not going to worry too much about it. I've seen them, and as spectacular as they are, I can live with this. I'm more excited about what might be coming than I am disappointed about what we might lose.

Serves you right…
Oh wait, I was at the beach too…
and didn’t get any really good pictures either…

Never mind…

That's what I thought...

Problem solved.

Eh... kind of. She didn't get some pictures I thought she did.

That would be good if you have the time and resources.
Or you could also just stay at WDW and take one day (or maybe one evening) to go back over to the Dark Side.

Well, it will definitely be a day. If I'm going to pay for park tickets, I'm going to use them!

I'm not too inclined to go over for a day while we're staying on Disney property, because we did that last time and it really kind of felt like a chore to go there for the day. We've also done US/IoA at the end of our week and it just doesn't do it for us that way either. I think using it as a day to kick things off is the best way to enjoy it, and staying on property for a night will be a good way to get to enjoy CityWalk in the evening when we arrive and then use the Express pass for our park day.

Nice resorts to be sure.
Very nice.

In a year and a half, she should be over most of that, but it’s still hard to predict this far out.
I foresee some more short trips in your future to test the waters on that front.

Exactly... we just don't know what we're going to run into with her, yet.

Well if it would make your life more difficult, then I’m all for you receiving the PIN number you’re hoping for.

I'm sure we'll manage either way.

At least I have seen them...

Maybe they could put them on that stupid hat?

I'm here !! Hope you get a concrete plan soon. The only thing more fun than planning a Disney trip is going on one.

Susan

You've certainly got that right. Just since I've started this PTR, I have been motivated to run through all kinds of scenarios. I've got some ideas, now we just have to see how it all shakes out.

What - no more Osbourne lights? That makes me so sad.

Maybe they'll find somewhere to move them again. They're a big draw and people love them. That said, it isn't like that's ever stopped Disney from doing away with other things in the past.

I think Kathy does have a point about exploring the DVC options. I know my BIL/SIL did a DVC rental for 5 nights in a treehouse and it saved them about $1800 over rack rate.

I'll definitely look into it but...

AoA suite is a great option too. The resort is just so cool.

We certainly would love to stay here. I think the one thing that will keep this from happening would be a good pin/discount for a standard room at a deluxe. I really have a hard time saying no to a good deal on a room that I'd never pay rack rate for. Especially if I can stay in my favorite (WL) or check out something new.

Love that you are starting the trip at the Dark side. Sounds like a great kick-off.

I really think it is the best scenario for us to start. I love US/IoA, but it just isn't quite as much fun in the middle or at the end of a visit to Disney World.

 

[GoofyIsAsGoofyDoes]

Maybe they could put them on that stupid hat?

I can see it now. Umpteen-million lights all wrapped around just the hat…
The concentrated light source would either blind the onlookers or the total heat generated would incinerate the structure.

Either way, it would be a great trick…
once.

 

[afwdwfan]

I can see it now. Umpteen-million lights all wrapped around just the hat…
The concentrated light source would either blind the onlookers or the total heat generated would incinerate the structure.

Either way, it would be a great trick…
once.

They've upgraded it to LED's. They don't put off enough heat to incinerate it.


Unfortunately.

 

[Disney9.9.10]

Looks like you have some big decisions to make! It is so hard to make decisions in these early stages when there are so many unknowns. In the end I'm sure it will work out for you though.

And what is this about the Osborne Lights?! I must have missed that. I am afraid to look into it - I might cry! I love the Osborne Lights and I was so excited to show them to DH and the baby

 

[shan23877]

Great tentative plans! AoA looks fantastic. I'm sure the Cars section would be a little boys dream!

I'm always so tempted by the discounts for the deluxes. Maybe one of these days we'll go for it, or maybe I'll just live vicariously through all of you folks!

 

[DaveinFallsChurch]

We really enjoyed our stay at AoA Nemo and appreciated the family suite structure during our last trip when there was 5 of us including DFIL. The two full bathrooms were a BIG plus. And the kids LOVED the bed that pulls out of the wall that the called dibs on it as soon as we entered the room. Worked out for all of us!

As far as the rates goes, I was surprised how small the difference was between a family suite at AoA and a standard view at AKL. In fact, when room only discounts are available the rates pretty much even out between the two resorts because the percentage of the discount is tiered between a deluxe and a value so under a promotion you get 20% off for deluxes/AKL and only 10% for values/AoA. I really struggled between the two resorts last time because the total cost of our vacation was going to be about the same. DD was the tie breaker as she really wanted to stay at AoA.

 

[jecskc]

Have you considered or looked into renting points for a DVC resort and getting a one bedroom villa? It might turn out cheaper for you.

Also, I hate to be the bearer of bad news, but did you see that this year (2013) might be the last year of the Osborne Lights? They haven't said if it would be definite, or if they'd move them to another park, or what. But with the new expansion at the Studios with the Carsland area and the new Star Wars stuff, the lights will more than likely disappear.

Noooooooooooooooooooooooo !!!!!

Well then, I must see them this year for sure !!

I am looking forward to Star Wars and Carsland though.

Susan

 

[jecskc]

Also, I would follow Kathy and Mary Ellen's advice and seriously look into renting DVC points. We did this and once we did, we were hooked. Joined DVC that same week !!

Check out David's at http://www.dvcrequest.com

You have access to charts so you can price things out. We saved at least a $1000. Maybe more.

Susan

 

[Leshaface]

I was telling DH a while back, that if were weren't DVC members, i'd love to stay at AoA one day. We really liked Pop for our first trip in 2008 and know we would enjoy AoA.

I actually like split stays. I think it's fun to experience different resorts all within one trip.

I think in 2014, we're making a stop at IOA to check out the new Simpsons Land. DH is more of a Simpsons fan than me, so this is something I know he'll really like

 

[afwdwfan]

Looks like you have some big decisions to make! It is so hard to make decisions in these early stages when there are so many unknowns. In the end I'm sure it will work out for you though.

I know. I just need to get DW to give me some firm feedback for what she really wants to do. Once she does, we'll probably try to look into booking something... even if it might be subject to change.

And what is this about the Osborne Lights?! I must have missed that. I am afraid to look into it - I might cry! I love the Osborne Lights and I was so excited to show them to DH and the baby

I hadn't seen any exact time for them to go away until Kathy posted it earlier. My understanding is that it is still one of those "probably going to happen, but not confirmed" Disney rumors. I haven't even seen any "official" announcement about Carsland and an expanded Star Wars area, but the general consensus seems to be that Backlot Tour, LMA, Streets of America, Muppet area will all be used for those areas to be added.

My hope is that they'll find a way to use the Osborne Lights in some way, but who knows?

Great tentative plans! AoA looks fantastic. I'm sure the Cars section would be a little boys dream!

I can't say that I wouldn't be kind of excited about it myself.

I'm always so tempted by the discounts for the deluxes. Maybe one of these days we'll go for it, or maybe I'll just live vicariously through all of you folks!

I have a hard time not using them when available. I'm always pricing out my trips at rack rate, and then waiting until the discounts come out. Usually, once you apply the discount, one of the lower level deluxes (AKL or WL) is pretty much what we had budgeted if we would go with rack rate on a moderate.

In the end though, I just don't see us really ever staying at a deluxe without a discount, so I just want to take the opportunity to experience it when we can.

We really enjoyed our stay at AoA Nemo and appreciated the family suite structure during our last trip when there was 5 of us including DFIL. The two full bathrooms were a BIG plus. And the kids LOVED the bed that pulls out of the wall that the called dibs on it as soon as we entered the room. Worked out for all of us!

I'm sure we'd love it. DW wanted to stay there last winter, but my sisters had no interest in it. I think we'd be happy with any of the sections.

As far as the rates goes, I was surprised how small the difference was between a family suite at AoA and a standard view at AKL. In fact, when room only discounts are available the rates pretty much even out between the two resorts because the percentage of the discount is tiered between a deluxe and a value so under a promotion you get 20% off for deluxes/AKL and only 10% for values/AoA. I really struggled between the two resorts last time because the total cost of our vacation was going to be about the same. DD was the tie breaker as she really wanted to stay at AoA.

Exactly. And that is what will make it hard to resist upgrading to a deluxe. I mean, WL is my favorite resort and I've never stayed at AKL. Really, if a good discount came out that would put those resorts at about the same price as AoA, the hardest choice would be new resort (AKL) or old favorite (WL).

Noooooooooooooooooooooooo !!!!!

Well then, I must see them this year for sure !!

I am looking forward to Star Wars and Carsland though.

Susan

As I mentioned above, I still think it is in the rumor phase. I'm hoping to maybe get some official word from Disney as one of their big D23 convention announcements this summer.

Also, I would follow Kathy and Mary Ellen's advice and seriously look into renting DVC points. We did this and once we did, we were hooked. Joined DVC that same week !!

Check out David's at http://www.dvcrequest.com

You have access to charts so you can price things out. We saved at least a $1000. Maybe more.

Susan

I will definitely look into it.

I was telling DH a while back, that if were weren't DVC members, i'd love to stay at AoA one day. We really liked Pop for our first trip in 2008 and know we would enjoy AoA.

That's a very good point. We stayed at Pop and loved it there. I think that kind of adds to our desire to want to stay at AoA.

I actually like split stays. I think it's fun to experience different resorts all within one trip.

I'm not crazy about the idea of packing up and moving, but I do want to get to experience more resorts. I think it will be a good trade off, especially if it means we can work in a day at Stormalong Bay (even if in December) and have that resort change after a rest day.

I think in 2014, we're making a stop at IOA to check out the new Simpsons Land. DH is more of a Simpsons fan than me, so this is something I know he'll really like

I think it looks really cool, from the pictures I've seen. It's clear that they do immersive scenery really well from Harry Potter, so I'm interested to see how they bring Springfield to life.

 

[Captain_Oblivious]

I just wanted to post to say that I would like to get started on my TR from our beach vacation a couple of weeks ago. However, due to some circumstances (partially) beyond my control, I don't have any pictures.

I hear electronics and water don't always mix well.

I would like to not switch resorts, but we're park people. I just can't justify spending that much money for a resort if we're not going to spend much time there. We would probably look at moving to AoA to check in on Monday. We would definitely consider WL or AKL if we should happen to get a pin or if they come out with a discounted rate for that week like they have in the past. Now just watch us get a pin and decide to stay at the Poly or something even more expensive than BC/YC.

Split stay. YC and Poly. That was easy!

Have you considered or looked into renting points for a DVC resort and getting a one bedroom villa? It might turn out cheaper for you.

Renting points from friends has worked out well for us in the past.

Also, I hate to be the bearer of bad news, but did you see that this year (2013) might be the last year of the Osborne Lights? They haven't said if it would be definite, or if they'd move them to another park, or what. But with the new expansion at the Studios with the Carsland area and the new Star Wars stuff, the lights will more than likely disappear.

I hadn't heard that! That stinks, I've never seen them in person. We had thought about taking an adults-only trip to WDW during December next year for our 40th birthday celebrations, but then baby Cletus may have scuttled those plans.

Maybe they could put them on that stupid hat?

Lipstick on a pig....

 

[afwdwfan]

I hear electronics and water don't always mix well.

Hmmm... I guess that explains a few things.

Split stay. YC and Poly. That was easy!

Are you going to help fund it?

Renting points from friends has worked out well for us in the past.

I think I've heard a thing or 2 about it.

I hadn't heard that! That stinks, I've never seen them in person. We had thought about taking an adults-only trip to WDW during December next year for our 40th birthday celebrations, but then baby Cletus may have scuttled those plans.

Wait a minute.... you mean the December that this PTR is for??? Come on Cletus let them go!!!

Lipstick on a pig....

That is almost too kind of a comparison.

 

[afwdwfan]

Beach Trip - Tennessee Aquarium

Our plan B to our possible Disney World trip was going to be going to Panama City Beach for a week sometime this summer. DW came to me with a list of 3 different weeks that would work for her and when nobody else that she works with would be gone. At first glance, all the weeks looked ok to me, but I’m a big baseball fan and I always look for a chance to catch a game at an MLB park. I’m not much of a beach person anyway (a couple of days and I’m over it) so I figured if I was willing to go to the beach for a week, she could handle driving a couple of hours out of the way on our way down to see a game in Atlanta. I checked the schedule and as it turned out, the Cincinnati Reds would be playing in Atlanta the weekend before one of our potential weeks. As a life-long Reds fan, it took no time at all to decide when we were going and get tickets bought.

The plan was to leave early in the morning on July 13 and make it to Chattanooga around noon. Well, as it typically goes, we got a little bit later start than planned and didn’t make it there as soon as we would have liked.

We did have some entertainment along the way in the form of “unorthodox ways to load things onto a vehicle.” I was really hoping this would set the tone of things we’d see over the course of the trip, but sadly, once we got through Kentucky and Tennessee, we didn’t see any more redneck ingenuity.

We discussed several ideas of things we might like to do in Chattanooga, but DW’s cousin was a zoology major and told her all about the Tennessee Aquarium and suggested we go there. We made it into town just a few hours before the aquarium would close, but we figured we had enough time to get through it.

We managed to find Nemo

And Bruce… and another Bruce?

And Crush!

We were feeling the Disney effect by this point and thought we were in the Seas, but it was disappointing to find that their version of Turtle Talk sucks. He just ignores you and does his own thing. What’s up with that???

DW borrowed her sister’s smaller stroller to take so that we didn’t have to pack our City Mini Double. We love it for Disney World, but we only planned to use a stroller at the aquarium and thought this might save a lot of space. DS never wants to sit anyway, so it only made sense that he’d walk and DD would ride in the stroller. About halfway through, DS wanted to ride and DD wanted to walk. As it turns out, you can actually move quicker with the 1 year old walking and the 3 year old strapped in the stroller.

The Aquarium was nice. We’ve been to Ripley’s Aquarium in Gatlinburg before and part of what sold us on going here was that we like that aquarium and we were told how much better this one was. Well, it did have a few more types of displays and some fresh water fish, but I’m not sure it really lived up to the hype to me. Worth seeing if you’re in the area and looking for something to do, but if I had it to do over I think I would have fought harder to do Lookout Mountain or the train museum there.

It had been a long day on the road and we’d just spent a few hours at the aquarium, so we decided on a low key evening. We headed to our hotel to check in and went swimming and ordered pizza. We got to bed early so that we’d be ready to head to Atlanta in the morning to watch a ball game.