I could get used to a view like this. Guys, I want a castle.–Oct TR ( I'm BACK!!!)

[oboedm]

Although Poly is not the GF, I think you will still have fun! CL sounds like tons of fun as well. I really want to see what type of room discounts they have for October as well. I am not going this October, but next October, and I would like to see what we can "get" with a discount and what we can pay at rack rates.

I hope there is a significant room discount for you though! Saving a few pecent on a CL would be equal to a huge chunk of change!

 

[jenneth79]

Ok, but, WHAT IS UP WITH THE EMOTICONS ALL MOVING EACH TIME I LOG IN!

We stayed at the Poly last trip. We liked it, but had some issues. Being next to the monorail is awesome, and the rooms are HUGE HUGE HUGE. Love being able to get a drink at the pool bar and watch Wishes from the beach, and we really liked Capn Cooks. We just found it way too busy all the time: people coming and going for ADRs and the Luau, people coming to watch the fireworks and EWP on the beach etc.

Thanks for the notes! I'm excited to get a few drinks at that pool bar, Mike and I were already checking out the different choices....I can totally see it being a bit crowded.... I hope being in the back in Hawaii will help, but then the pool and the beach being there...well... I can see that being a bit of an issue. In the end, it's only 3 nights out of 9 total, so it's a safe way to give it a try.

I've only stayed at BC Club Level, but I've heard the Poly CL is pretty awesome!

I'm kind of annoyed about the lack of discounts too, but at least they finally released free dining today! I changed my reservation to free dining for now, but I'm waiting for a GP room discount OR an AP discount for November. I'm assuming the GP discounts will be in August, when the current ones expire, but who knows when the AP discounts for October/November will be released...I wish it would be in August or at least the beginning of September so I can decide if I want to renew my AP! Don't lose hope though, there probably will be something, it's just a question of when! I got really discouraged today, but whatever, as long as I have this all sorted out before my 45 day mark, I don't really care!

I'm glad you got to use Free Dining!!!!

I agree, as long as it is within my 45 day mark, I'll be happy. We didn't get FD this time around since our week was blocked off, not sure it really would have helped us all that much anyway. I have until August 29th...and will keep my fingers crossed.

If it makes you feel better, my mom's company stopped doing bonuses a couple of years ago, which is why we haven't been since then. This year, we're budgeting so extreme that she's canceled the Netflix subscription (which I don't mind, we only had instant streaming and there was never anything good). She also canceled the home phone, which again, isn't a huge deal since we all have cell phones. But she's also trying to cut back on utilities, which means our thermostat is set on 79. In 110 degree weather. And two of our ceiling fans at home don't work. Thankfully I'm interning in Hilton Head. But apparently I have inherited this budgeting gene, as we don't have cable. The one summer I pick to give up cable, and it's a very dramatic Tour de France, and the Olympics are coming on. Sigh.

Doesn't make me feel better, you poor thing!

I can cut back on everything save my A/C. Then again, since our Condo is on the top floor, our place doesn't usually get below 75 anyway in the summer, so I guess I'm used to it.

I've tried to turn it into a bit of a game, actually, budgeting a certain amount to spend per day, so I still keep enough in the bank for bills and this trip! Too much food goes to waste in this house anyway.

Taught myself to make my own hummus yesterday, that was fun. Takes forever, but it makes a TON, and SO much cheaper than buying it in the store. Wow.

I hope you can find somewhere to check out the games this summer!

Ugh, sorry about the commission/bonus money being taken away. Where's the dislike button for that?!

And bummer you won't get to stay at GF but it sounds like you're making the best of the situation!

BTW, did you ever get the ADR for 'Ohana?

Yes! Dislike button, NOW! I do like my job, and yes, I get to work from home a few days a week, etc....but man, that was 25% of my overall salary... POOF!

Hopefully things will get better by the end of the year at least. And, of course, I'm still employed for now, so, that's a bonus.

Stupid 'Ohana....I think that place is my own personal albatross. Nope, no ADR yet, but I'll keep trying until something hopefully opens up.

Funny, doesn't this feel like dejavu?

Hi Jen,
How are you??
soo...I am just catching up now (sorry!)....I see free dining is out...so did you change back to the GF??
I think you will LOVE the Poly! The location of the CL building is perfect (we didn't stay CL that time), but I have heard great things...I did hear they have a Dole Whip machine!! and the fact that you can walk to the TTC is great!

Don't apologize, I'm really only just catching up myself!

We weren't eligible for FD... boo. I had to go and pick the ONE WEEK that's subject to blackout. Ha. Figures.

Thanks so much for the thoughts on Poly. I'm starting to feel a little more confident about making the change. I had looked at our plans before the switch and things were a bit hectic in the "downtime" portion of our vacation, I think this has helped me get things back under control. Mostly.

Dole Whip Machine? Shut. UP!

We will be there the same time as you. I am taking DD7 and having a mother daughter trip. Our dates are also 13-22. We are also doing CRT on the 14th but our time is 10 since DD is going to BBB first. Here is our schedule unless I change it again.

14- MK
15- Epcot
16 AK
17 MK
18 HS
19 hop around to see what we have missed

Maybe we will see you there.

That sounds like a great trip! If you see a redhead running screaming from the castle.... that's probably me.

Although Poly is not the GF, I think you will still have fun! CL sounds like tons of fun as well. I really want to see what type of room discounts they have for October as well. I am not going this October, but next October, and I would like to see what we can "get" with a discount and what we can pay at rack rates.

I hope there is a significant room discount for you though! Saving a few pecent on a CL would be equal to a huge chunk of change!

Thanks!!!!

Historically speaking, October isn't a great month for discounts. No idea why though I'm obviously hoping for better luck this year!

I'm starting to think next year we'll just go later in September to get to experience a bit of F&W AND be eligible for discounts. We'll see.

 

[jenneth79]

So, perhaps it was a good thing that I took forever getting around to updating this, since I went and changed all our plans over the last two weeks anyway. Thankfully, the changes start with day 4, so, 1-3 are still good to go!

Now, on to our plans for this day:

Today we're going to grab a super quick breakfast from the lounge, because we've got a date with a boat! That's right, we're going to try to make it to Hollywood Studios before RD!

(this will not actually happen, mind you, it just makes me feel good SAYING we'll make RD.)

So, of course, first order of business will be a (lively) walk to TSM! If there isn't a huge line, we'll wait, otherwise, it will be a FP stop for us....other than that, we don't have huge plans, just to ride the "usual" (RnRC, ToT, ST) as well as a few we didn't get a chance to see on our last few trips (Indiana Jones, Great Movie Ride, and Beauty and the Beast, namely.) before heading over to Fairfax Fare for lunch. On our last trip, Mike discovered that they carried "Gourmet" hot dogs... and he's been itching to try one ever since.

Anyone tried one of these? The truffle mac n cheese dog looks interesting, to say the least.

Perhaps we'll get another shot like this one:

.....except this time around I won't look quite like an Excedrin commercial.

Maybe one more like this:

Once we've had our fill of DHS, we'll swing by Starring Rolls and grab dessert to go, taking the boat back to the Yacht Club for a nice break and hopefully a few hours at SAB!



Now, this is where the changes 'start'. Originally, I had booked an Illuminations cruise this evening. This meant a rather early dinner at Yachtsman Steakhouse. We're still going to stick to this, just not quite as early, our plan is still to finish dinner in time to at least walk back over to Epcot and try to catch a showing of Illuminations.

Ladies and gentlemen... my confession time. I still, after two trips back, HAVE NOT SEEN A FULL PRESENTATION OF ILLUMINATIONS!

Where is that little shamefaced icon in this new setup of emoticons.....



I know, right? I have been so busy eating, I never got to see the darn things. Well, that one night at Rose and Crown, but even that was only the lower FWs. So we shall see.....

After this, we'll wander back and decide if we want to do something else we keep putting off, and that's head to Raglan Road for a late night drink and entertainment!!!

As this is our last night at the YC, I'll probably take a bit of time to pack up and straighten up our stuff for the next day.

Oh wait. Yeah. Who am I kidding?

I'll be watching Irish Step Dancing! <<<-----Not an Irish Step Dancer. Phsaw.

Friday the 13th, what can I say?

 

[smile4stamps]

I can understand getting used to CL and having the convenience of the lounge. I guess I just see us spending so much on food and wine at Epcot that we wouldn't be able to truly appreciate the lounge anyways!! Having some items to grab for breakfast would be awesome though. I have 9 days with nothing planned for breakfast so we will see how that plays out!!

I also plan to get to Raglan Road some night for the entertainment!! I'm thinking we will stop there after we see La Nouba later in the trip!

I haven't seen Illuminations in probably 12 years or more!! Definitely planning it this trip... maybe even a couple of times!

 

[Chelley00]

Ladies and gentlemen... my confession time. I still, after two trips back, HAVE NOT SEEN A FULL PRESENTATION OF ILLUMINATIONS!

It took me until my third trip to watch Illuminations, and then last trip we skipped it again. Maybe this trip?

 

[emmysmommy]

What an adorable photo of you two smooching at DHS in front of the marquee.

Yours is the second note I've seen tonight that talks about the Illuminations cruise... now I am curious how you book that?? Do you have to call WDW?

And BTW I'm still looking for the cheerleader emoticon since mine shuffle around or go into hiding often!

 

[natebenma]

Blech on the bonus news!

About your switch to the Poly- I think that will be very nice for you two. When Ben forced me to pick my second favorite resort at Disney (I said YC), I told him that Poly would be third on the list.

Your day 4 plans look great!

I'll definitely be interested in hearing about the gourmet hot dogs. I'll take a Frankfurter with truffle mac and cheese, hold the dog!

 

[jenneth79]

I can understand getting used to CL and having the convenience of the lounge. I guess I just see us spending so much on food and wine at Epcot that we wouldn't be able to truly appreciate the lounge anyways!! Having some items to grab for breakfast would be awesome though. I have 9 days with nothing planned for breakfast so we will see how that plays out!!

I also plan to get to Raglan Road some night for the entertainment!! I'm thinking we will stop there after we see La Nouba later in the trip!

I haven't seen Illuminations in probably 12 years or more!! Definitely planning it this trip... maybe even a couple of times!

I'm really hoping we're feeling up to the trip out to Raglan Road, we were able to check it out mid afternoon last year, but I just know at night the atmosphere should be really fun!

I've been on "FW Scheduling" mode today, seeing which days would work for both Wishes and Illuminations. I'm determined to get at least one in!

The bit we did see last year was pretty amazing, though.

It took me until my third trip to watch Illuminations, and then last trip we skipped it again. Maybe this trip?

I think since this trip we don't have a ton of meals planned, our days (and nights) should be a bit more flexible. I say that now...but I have three more months to mess with everything again.

What an adorable photo of you two smooching at DHS in front of the marquee.

Yours is the second note I've seen tonight that talks about the Illuminations cruise... now I am curious how you book that?? Do you have to call WDW?

And BTW I'm still looking for the cheerleader emoticon since mine shuffle around or go into hiding often!

Thanks! I simply love that picture. I asked the PP Photographer if they would take a pic with that in the background. She said she wasn't sure "the powers that be" would allow it, but she snapped a few and it came through anyway! (Though I do make fun of Mike's Transformers shirt. He, in turn, points out I'm wearing Mickey Ears. Never. Grow. Up. )

Blech on the bonus news!

About your switch to the Poly- I think that will be very nice for you two. When Ben forced me to pick my second favorite resort at Disney (I said YC), I told him that Poly would be third on the list.

Your day 4 plans look great!

I'll definitely be interested in hearing about the gourmet hot dogs. I'll take a Frankfurter with truffle mac and cheese, hold the dog!

We are taking this as a trial in how we're going to do if we move to an area where one or both of us would have to take a pay cut. (Basically everywhere we want to move outside of Northern Virginia...) So, it's a learning experience.

I will be sure to report back on the hot dogs. Mike also added the Waffle and Chicken sammy in MK to the list of things we have to try. I wasn't too excited until I saw the nutella waffle with fruit. So I think I'll let him try the chicken sandwich and I'll get the nutella.

 

[smile4stamps]

I'm really hoping we're feeling up to the trip out to Raglan Road, we were able to check it out mid afternoon last year, but I just know at night the atmosphere should be really fun!

I've been on "FW Scheduling" mode today, seeing which days would work for both Wishes and Illuminations. I'm determined to get at least one in!

The bit we did see last year was pretty amazing, though.


I will be sure to report back on the hot dogs. Mike also added the Waffle and Chicken sammy in MK to the list of things we have to try. I wasn't too excited until I saw the nutella waffle with fruit. So I think I'll let him try the chicken sandwich and I'll get the nutella.

I actually have Raglan Road planned 3 times in our trip. Twice for lunch and then once for after La Nouba for the entertainment. Thinking of adding it also on Saturday Oct 14 since I think we will choose to only do the Swolphin F&W Classic the 13th. We have a love of a particular salad at Raglan Road that is actually not on the current menu and I went... :scared But I emailed them and they said they would put it back on for our trip! Talk about Customer Service and

AS soon as I read your Waffle Sammy post I added it to my snack list! I kept having a list in my head of things I want to try and finally started a word document so I WOULD remember them! No list means I probably would have only had a quarter of the snacks I wanted!

 

[PixieMama]

I have not tried any of the Gourmet Hot Dogs. I mentioned the mac & cheese one to my girls... my oldest wants to try it! It does sound, ahem, "interesting"...

I think I may be in the minority, but... I don't really care for IllumiNations {ducks and covers head}

I'm so glad we changed our ADR for Raglan Road to a later time... looking forward to watching the entertainment!

 

[ash-n-brensmom]

Hi there, just joining in from the Oct group on FB! Read all the way through and I am a little dizzy! You've been through the ringer the past 6 months haven't you? Between your gall bladder, work and trip planning...like I said, I'm a little dizzy!

But, even though you have had to cut back a bit and made some changes, you have a fabulous vacation planned! We would love to stay at any of those resorts...some day, maybe. And to be able to kick it up a notch and stay CL and fly first class is wonderful! Gonna be living vicariously through you!

Can't wait to hear more of your plans!

 

[silverhaze269]

I'm also joining in from the FB group! I haven't read through the entire thread yet, but what I've read based on your handy index looks awesome!!! Can't wait to read through things a bit more

 

[emmysmommy]

What a convenience to be able to grab and go with breakfast when staying CL. That could be your secret weapon in getting to RD!! We did CL a couple years ago at BC and I'm tempted to do a night or two CL this trip since the 30% room only discounts would more than pay for any difference in cost compared to the villa.

Also on my list of food to try - the nutella waffle at MK.

 

[smile4stamps]

Hi... I just wanted to let you know that it's posted on the restaurant board that Bistro de Paris will be closed through November Apparently someone had a reservation for 11/2 and it was being changed to Chefs de France. This is sad news as I was hoping they would be opening a week early! I guess that is now not an option.

 

[Nemo32]

I'm in! I wana get to F&W and MNSSHP next year, so looking forward to hearing all about it...and on my trip in August I obviously have to stop at La Cava - delicious!

 

[SoccerDogWithEars]

I love Love LOVE that pic of you and DH kissing. Especially with the added touch of the marquee. I keep trying to get a decent kissy picture of DBF and I, but unfortunately, they all turn out horrible. We have lots of good standing next to each other photos, but none that I feel really show that we have feelings more than friendship. And I like being mushy. (which is also why I just for the very first time actually bought a piece of jewelry for a guy)

I am insanely jealous of your CL awesomeness. We have yet to try it, simply because of budgeting issues. But we normally pack cereal and pop-tarts and have breakfast in the room anyway, since we're not huge breakfast people to begin with. As you probably guessed when I defined breakfast as pop-tarts.

Personally, I skip Illuminations by choice. It's just never done much for me. I would love to go for the 4th of July and see the special patriotic ending, but overall I'm just not wowed. Wishes I refuse to skip, and I'm ESPECIALLY psyched that I get to see Hallowishes this year. If only our trips overlapped...

 

[nene0182]

Hey there! Just subbing. I followed you over from the FB group, but I need to go back and get caught up on your trip plans!

 

[jenneth79]

I actually have Raglan Road planned 3 times in our trip. Twice for lunch and then once for after La Nouba for the entertainment. Thinking of adding it also on Saturday Oct 14 since I think we will choose to only do the Swolphin F&W Classic the 13th. We have a love of a particular salad at Raglan Road that is actually not on the current menu and I went... :scared But I emailed them and they said they would put it back on for our trip! Talk about Customer Service and

AS soon as I read your Waffle Sammy post I added it to my snack list! I kept having a list in my head of things I want to try and finally started a word document so I WOULD remember them! No list means I probably would have only had a quarter of the snacks I wanted!

We did that on our February trip and it helped a lot! However, we didn't get ALL the snacks on our list, but got to try a few yummy ones. The sweet almond pretzel from Norway was a big hit!

Sounds like you really like Raglan Road! Makes me feel better about our plans now.

I have not tried any of the Gourmet Hot Dogs. I mentioned the mac & cheese one to my girls... my oldest wants to try it! It does sound, ahem, "interesting"...

I think I may be in the minority, but... I don't really care for IllumiNations {ducks and covers head}

I'm so glad we changed our ADR for Raglan Road to a later time... looking forward to watching the entertainment!

I can't say I'm 100% in for the hot dog, but Mike was so excited, how can I say no when I pretty much determine where we will be and plan down to the 30 minute window!!!

Hi there, just joining in from the Oct group on FB! Read all the way through and I am a little dizzy! You've been through the ringer the past 6 months haven't you? Between your gall bladder, work and trip planning...like I said, I'm a little dizzy!

But, even though you have had to cut back a bit and made some changes, you have a fabulous vacation planned! We would love to stay at any of those resorts...some day, maybe. And to be able to kick it up a notch and stay CL and fly first class is wonderful! Gonna be living vicariously through you!

Can't wait to hear more of your plans!

My life has been something of a ringer, so the past 6 months hasn't phased me all that much.

We do have a fabulous vacation planned, and I know in the back of my mind it might be the last trip we get to go deluxe, so we're going to make the most of it!

I'm also joining in from the FB group! I haven't read through the entire thread yet, but what I've read based on your handy index looks awesome!!! Can't wait to read through things a bit more

Hey, welcome over here!!!

You just reminded me my handy index needs a little updates

What a convenience to be able to grab and go with breakfast when staying CL. That could be your secret weapon in getting to RD!! We did CL a couple years ago at BC and I'm tempted to do a night or two CL this trip since the 30% room only discounts would more than pay for any difference in cost compared to the villa.

Also on my list of food to try - the nutella waffle at MK.

I'm so hoping we get some kind of RO discount for our trip.... still waiting and hoping I won't be stuck paying rack rate for 8 days! (At least two of our days are free, right? )

That Nutella waffle looks better and better each time I see it. Jumped up to the top of my must try list!

Hi... I just wanted to let you know that it's posted on the restaurant board that Bistro de Paris will be closed through November Apparently someone had a reservation for 11/2 and it was being changed to Chefs de France. This is sad news as I was hoping they would be opening a week early! I guess that is now not an option.

Thanks, dear! I'm super upset....not so much that BdP will be closed, but because I was NEVER notified. Just looked at my ADR list online and poof, it had changed. A little heads up would have been nice!

We're tentatively deciding on giving La Hacienda a chance this trip... we'll see!

I'm in! I wana get to F&W and MNSSHP next year, so looking forward to hearing all about it...and on my trip in August I obviously have to stop at La Cava - delicious!

Yay, thanks for joining in!

Do stop at Cava. Go on a Monday, get the avocado or cucumber or jalapeno margarita. You cannot go wrong with any of them!

I love Love LOVE that pic of you and DH kissing. Especially with the added touch of the marquee. I keep trying to get a decent kissy picture of DBF and I, but unfortunately, they all turn out horrible. We have lots of good standing next to each other photos, but none that I feel really show that we have feelings more than friendship. And I like being mushy. (which is also why I just for the very first time actually bought a piece of jewelry for a guy)

I am insanely jealous of your CL awesomeness. We have yet to try it, simply because of budgeting issues. But we normally pack cereal and pop-tarts and have breakfast in the room anyway, since we're not huge breakfast people to begin with. As you probably guessed when I defined breakfast as pop-tarts.

Personally, I skip Illuminations by choice. It's just never done much for me. I would love to go for the 4th of July and see the special patriotic ending, but overall I'm just not wowed. Wishes I refuse to skip, and I'm ESPECIALLY psyched that I get to see Hallowishes this year. If only our trips overlapped...

Hallowishes should be awesome, and will mark the first time I've seen Wishes from INSIDE the park in years

Also, mushy cute moments with loved ones are a MUST. They keep us sane.

Hey there! Just subbing. I followed you over from the FB group, but I need to go back and get caught up on your trip plans!

Welcome! Glad you could join us over here! Working on an update for some MNSSHP right now!

 

[kdka421]

Thanks for posting your link on the facebook thread! I've just started to skim your PTR, have a lot left to read though.

Your triple split stay sounds totally awesome!! All 3 of those are resorts I'd love to stay at some day!

Did you end up getting a V&A reservation?? Hubby and I were able to try it last year (regular dining room, though, not chef's table) and it was AMAZING!
Also, not sure if you've mentioned it yet, but do you plan on doing any of the special F&W events?

 

[RachVH]

Thanks, dear! I'm super upset....not so much that BdP will be closed, but because I was NEVER notified. Just looked at my ADR list online and poof, it had changed. A little heads up would have been nice!

We're tentatively deciding on giving La Hacienda a chance this trip... we'll see!

That's really strange that you weren't notified. We had an ADR during the reno time and we got an email notifying us of the issue and offering us the CdF ADR. Ironically, we decided to make an ADR at La Hacieda instead!