It's a Jolly Holiday with LL. *FINISHED* Final Update on pg. 58.

[Lady Lallie]

:::shhh::: It'll be our little secret.

It's always nice to have a bargaining chip.

 

[Tinkerbellarella]

Needless to say he was excited about costumes before I told him NO ZOMBIES. It's Disney.

You could do something Haunted Mansion-esque. I'm thinking of the dining room with the dancing ghosts. The costumes might end up being a little elaborate, but they would be neat!

By the way, your dining plans look great! I've heard good things about the pancakes at Kona.

 

[Lady Lallie]

You could do something Haunted Mansion-esque. I'm thinking of the dining room with the dancing ghosts. The costumes might end up being a little elaborate, but they would be neat!

By the way, your dining plans look great! I've heard good things about the pancakes at Kona.

I read somwhere on the Dis about a woman who dressed up as Tigger in orange capris and an orange tshirt, then she used felt for his stripes and belly then wore a tigger ear headband. I thought that was cute and easy to pack. DF said he would dress in blue for eeyore but then I told him he would need a tail.

 

[TarzansKat]

I read somwhere on the Dis about a woman who dressed up as Tigger in orange capris and an orange tshirt, then she used felt for his stripes and belly then wore a tigger ear headband. I thought that was cute and easy to pack. DF said he would dress in blue for eeyore but then I told him he would need a tail.

Now that's cute! And excellent payback for the hoop-la wedding!

I am big fan of costumes that are made or put together. We always tried to do that as I was a kid growing up, and I'm hoping to pass that creativity on to my son. No store bought for us, thank you very much! We like to stretch ourselves beyond reasonable limitations!

 

[Lady Lallie]

Now that's cute! And excellent payback for the hoop-la wedding!

I am big fan of costumes that are made or put together. We always tried to do that as I was a kid growing up, and I'm hoping to pass that creativity on to my son. No store bought for us, thank you very much! We like to stretch ourselves beyond reasonable limitations!

We always made our costumes too. We never had store bought. My mom has always made the best costumes. She made a mermaid a few years back for a 3 year old, she was so cute. She had the tail but she was able to walk and not see her feet very much. Very cute! She has the costumes saved if me or my brother ever have little girls

 

[Lady Lallie]

Yesterday and today, I have been going through our trip in my mind and wondering if I have made the right decisions. The biggest thing I am grappling with right now is the time of year.....
I have been wanting to do WDW in early December for YEARS but somehow when it comes time to plan a trip, I sway in my desire and book a different time. I know this time around the hope of free dining pushed me into September as well as taking a full week. BUT if I think fast and change my mind, I could always push my vacation back to December. :::SIGH::: I just don't know. It's like I have planner's remorse or something.
I know if I bring my doubts up to DF he will point out that I have already purchased MNSSHP tickets and they will go to waste if we change dates, which is a very valid point but minor to me in the GRAND SCHEME of Disney. Christmas is my favorite holiday, I love the atmosphere of the Holidays and would love to experience WDW at that time. I go nuts every time I look at Christmas WDW Pictures and the castle all lit up!
I am worried about DF being miserable in the heat, I know I can handle it but he hates being hot and sweaty and I don't want him to be miserable, at least it would be a bit cooler in December. Also, I am worried that we will be sore constantly in September because we haven't been serious about getting in better shape. *Note to self...exercise!
I would have to redo all my ADR's, which I have been doubting since the beginning but now after typing them all up, I am worried our whole trip will consist of rushing from ADR to ADR.
I am just feeling bleck about the whole thing, not going but the details.
Also we were thinking of going to Disneyland in Feb. We found a really good deal on a Good Neighbor Hotel and we booked it with the ability to cancel it without losing anything 48 hours in advance, so I have to think about that too. It's hard for me to commit to going to Disneyland when I know I love WDW so much, but I know I want too someday.
Ack. I am diagnosing myself with a full blown case of planner's remorse-itis.

 

[TarzansKat]

Oh, hon. I don't really have any wisdom here.

My whole plan this year was to actually go in December to celebrate DH's as yet unamed birthday. That being said, free dining came out. I succumbed.

Also, where I work, every single week in December is taken for vacation time by one of my co-workers. The ladies who have been there longer have more PTO as they've climbed the ladder, and they're required to use it before the end of the year. I think the carry-over is a week, max. So usually, December is the mad dash to use up the leftover PTO. That being said, if I had begged, would my supervisor let me go? Probably.

But did I mention the free dining?

And, where I work, no one goes away in September. This year, one of my co-workers is gone a week, but she works on the platform side, so it won't affect us as tellers. So, September it is.

Just remember that whatever you decide, you need to be happy with it.

If you're worried about the heat, just take it slow. Don't worry about doing everything. You will go back. A lot. And bring your future kiddos there. I see lots of Disney trips in your future, hon. So pick whatever time of year makes you happy and run with it!

 

[Lady Lallie]

Oh, hon. I don't really have any wisdom here.

My whole plan this year was to actually go in December to celebrate DH's as yet unamed birthday. That being said, free dining came out. I succumbed.

Also, where I work, every single week in December is taken for vacation time by one of my co-workers. The ladies who have been there longer have more PTO as they've climbed the ladder, and they're required to use it before the end of the year. I think the carry-over is a week, max. So usually, December is the mad dash to use up the leftover PTO. That being said, if I had begged, would my supervisor let me go? Probably.

But did I mention the free dining?

And, where I work, no one goes away in September. This year, one of my co-workers is gone a week, but she works on the platform side, so it won't affect us as tellers. So, September it is.

Just remember that whatever you decide, you need to be happy with it.

If you're worried about the heat, just take it slow. Don't worry about doing everything. You will go back. A lot. And bring your future kiddos there. I see lots of Disney trips in your future, hon. So pick whatever time of year makes you happy and run with it!

You always have such wise words of wisdom. I am feeling lots of pressure with this trip since the last one was such a letdown. I hardly did any of my favorites and still feel like I missed out on a lot. Plus it's DF and I's first trip together and I want it to be special, not that it will be hard to make it special. I think December isn't going to work this year, I looked at the vacation schedule and it will be too tight with everyone else. Maybe next year. I think I am going to call and see if anything is available at WL or Poly or even maybe one of the mod's. Maybe I can use your bag of tricks to convince DF.

 

[Tinkerbellarella]

I have been wanting to do WDW in early December for YEARS but somehow when it comes time to plan a trip, I sway in my desire and book a different time. I know this time around the hope of free dining pushed me into September as well as taking a full week. BUT if I think fast and change my mind, I could always push my vacation back to December. :::SIGH::: I just don't know. It's like I have planner's remorse or something. I know if I bring my doubts up to DF he will point out that I have already purchased MNSSHP tickets and they will go to waste if we change dates, which is a very valid point but minor to me in the GRAND SCHEME of Disney. Christmas is my favorite holiday, I love the atmosphere of the Holidays and would love to experience WDW at that time. I go nuts every time I look at Christmas WDW Pictures and the castle all lit up!

Look at it this way - Disney's not going anywhere. This is what I tell myself when I have the same doubts, or even when, after the vacation, I'm regretting all of the things I didn't get to do.

You'll definitely have the opportunity to visit again in the future. You're a Disney lover - you'll MAKE the opportunity.

BUT, if you really do the pros and cons and the time of year is worth more to you than free dining, then do it! It's all about what YOU and DF want to do. In terms of the MNSSHP tickets, you could always sell them for face value on the DIS or even craigslist.

I am worried about DF being miserable in the heat, I know I can handle it but he hates being hot and sweaty and I don't want him to be miserable, at least it would be a bit cooler in December.

It can still be pretty hot. Just keept that in mind.

Also, I am worried that we will be sore constantly in September because we haven't been serious about getting in better shape. *Note to self...exercise!

Regardless of when you go, September or December, exercising is a must. You can always take it slow, but no matter what, Disney = a lot of walking. Maybe you can turn it into something fun or romantic - after dinner strolls with DF now that it's light out and the weather's nicer.

I am worried our whole trip will consist of rushing from ADR to ADR.

Have you thought about downgrading to the regular dining package? Premium might be too much. I agree.

Also we were thinking of going to Disneyland in Feb. We found a really good deal on a Good Neighbor Hotel and we booked it with the ability to cancel it without losing anything 48 hours in advance, so I have to think about that too. It's hard for me to commit to going to Disneyland when I know I love WDW so much, but I know I want too someday.

Do Disneyland if you can! I went and though it wasn't memorable, that's not because it wasn't fun or because it didn't hold a candle to Walt Disney World. It was for other, non-Disney-related reasons. Disneyland is the original. I think everyone should experience it.

Just remember that this is all supposed to be fun! Including the planning. Don't stress about it. You'll make the right decisions and I'm sure you'll have fun, no matter what.

 

[MRYPPNS]

Do you think you would feel better about Sept. if you dropped the Deluxe dinning? Try it on for size. That's what I did for MNSSHP...I didn't know if we should really go and when I thought thru it all with no Halloween Party I felt no stress....so there was my answer....no MNSSHP for us.
As for the weather...well you can't control that....I went the last week of Jan/first week of Feb 2007 and it was mild....wore a sweatshirt for most of the vaca....but Jordan went in Feb 2008 and it was hotter then you know what. You can save going at Christmas for when you have more money and really do it up right.

 

[Lady Lallie]

I'm on the phone....with....WDW Reservations.......right now.

 

[TarzansKat]

Oh no!

She has succumbed!

Quick, call her DF!

Seriously, good luck. I hope whatever you get makes you happy!

 

[Lady Lallie]

Oh no!

She has succumbed!

Quick, call her DF!

Seriously, good luck. I hope whatever you get makes you happy!

I had to read that outloud to DF. I told him you were the bad influence.

 

[TarzansKat]

Oh sure.

Blame it all on TK. Poor little TK.

:::whispers:::who just cost her own family their tax stimulus check

 

[Lady Lallie]

First of all...I would like to thank TK, if not for her fearless and brave upgrade this morning to the Lodge that is Wilderness, I would not be so happy right now.
That's right folks! I upgraded, partially. Partially, you ask!?! Let's journey back in time two hours...

Lady Lallie could not convince her DF to upgrade the entire stay to WL, in fact she didn't even try. She first mentioned that she would really love to stay at WL when she got home from work and that it couldn't be that much more money. DF said, "I want to stay there but it is so expensive, I don't see it happening." She mentioned the Poly, dang it, DF remembered that it was more expensive than WL. Thinking quick on her feet, she said, how about just free dining, not deluxe, DF looked puzzled. What about staying at WL for 1/2 the stay with free dining all around. DF looked even more puzzled. DF didn't want to give up deluxe dining so suggested Lady Lallie call for a quote and call she did! Yet, she was upset, the price would go up $880 to stay at WL for 4 nights, Pop for 3 with deluxe dining. She hung up dismayed, seeing her deluxe hope and dreams sail away into the sunset. But then ! She quickly ran through her dining credits, did math in her head, no small task my friends and thought....what if....we did Pop for 4 nights with deluxe dining and WL for three nights with free dining. Zut Alors! It just may work!

And it did! Yayayayaya!!! Let me rejoice in my happy Wilderness Lodge dance with TK


Let's do more Disney math, shall we?
Previous Package:
Pop Century Preferred Room, 7 nights. Magic Your Way 8 Day Park Hoppers with Deluxe Dining.
Total : $1,760.42
Current Packages: We had to book two packages with two deposits for the two different resorts.
Pop Century Preferred Room 8/30 - 9/3, 4 nights, Magic Your Way 7 Day Park Hoppers with Deluxe Dining.
Pop Total : $1,245.50
* I did try to get out of the preferred room to save extra cash but no standard rooms were open, I will try back to change it to save a teeny bit more moolah.
Wilderness Lodge Standard Room, 9/3 - 9/6, 3 nights, 1 day Park Ticket (had to get with package) with Free Dining.
WL Total : $912.90
Grand Total : $2,158.40
For a mere difference $397.98, I am staying at two resorts that I want to stay at and I get to glory in all the deluxe-iness.
I do realize that I won't get an appetizer with free dining, no big loss to me and with the way our credits will work, I may have to pay OOP for minor meals, for example, Casey's Hot Dog but that is not set in stone. I went with the Deluxe Dining while at Pop because we have more expensive meals planned during those days. Artist Point, Brown Derby and Cinderella's Royal Table. The woman thought my 1 day ticket would be good for entry on my next trip as long as I didn't use it, is this true? Won't it expire 14 days from when I check in or am I confused? We will be switching resorts on the day of my Birthday but that's okay with me! Plus I am hoping to relax more on the later part of our trip so hopefully WL will make us want too. I am assuming there will be no problem using the disney transportation in between the resorts with our luggage on switching day. Has anyone ever had any problems?
I don't think I will have to change much around as far as ADR's go, just maybe take off a few for the last part of the week to make more sense of the credits we will have to use.
Most importantly, DF is happy because I am happy and that just makes me warm and fuzzy that he is willing to put up with my Disney Craziness to make me happy.
Thanks again TK, if it wasn't for you, I wouldn't have spent my workday looking at WL pictures and thinking that we should just go for it. I am so excited and I didn't even have to use my feminine wiles. I know this power of persuasion I have with DF will go out the window when we get married so I am taking advantage of it and saving my bag of tricks.

 

[Lady Lallie]

Oh sure.

Blame it all on TK. Poor little TK.

:::whispers:::who just cost her own family their tax stimulus check

Well spent stimulus check! We are just doing what "they" want us too. We are doing our part.

 

[TarzansKat]

First of all...I would like to thank TK, if not for her fearless and brave upgrade this morning to the Lodge that is Wilderness, I would not be so happy right now.

Good lord, the trend we've started. And by we, I mean me and Tink. I cannot claim full responsiblity for this madness. Someone must shoulder the burden with me! Pirate!

Zut Alors! It just may work![/I]

And it did! Yayayayaya!!! Let me rejoice in my happy Wilderness Lodge dance with TK

I just wanted to quote you so we could see the happy dance again.

For a mere difference $397.98, I am staying at two resorts that I want to stay at and I get to glory in all the deluxe-iness.

Now that is something to be proud of!

Thanks again TK, if it wasn't for you, I wouldn't have spent my workday looking at WL pictures and thinking that we should just go for it.

You're welcome. Even if I am turning into the bane of husbands/fiances everywhere.

I am so excited and I didn't even have to use my feminine wiles.

Oh sure, rub it in.

I know this power of persuasion I have with DF will go out the window when we get married so I am taking advantage of it and saving my bag of tricks.

Yup.

 

[Lady Lallie]

Good lord, the trend we've started. And by we, I mean me and Tink. I cannot claim full responsiblity for this madness. Someone must shoulder the burden with me! Pirate!

I think it's just not a PTR if you don't change your resort at least once, everyone is doing it!

You're welcome. Even if I am turning into the bane of husbands/fiances everywhere.

I think DF is secretly happy but he's at the stage where he has to act like I am the only happy one and it doesn't really matter to him. He was looking at the pics in my planning book when he thought I wasn't looking!

Oh sure, rub it in.
Yup.

I have no illusions that it will happen, I just wish the New Kids on the Block concert was BEFORE the wedding.

 

[TarzansKat]

I think DF is secretly happy but he's at the stage where he has to act like I am the only happy one and it doesn't really matter to him. He was looking at the pics in my planning book when he thought I wasn't looking!

Alright, that's just plain adorable. I know my man is like that too, so to make it easier on him, I showed him the pics on allears.net again tonight...renovated rooms...flat screen tv...queen beds...double sinks...oh, wouldn't it be loverly?

 

[Lady Lallie]

Alright, that's just plain adorable. I know my man is like that too, so to make it easier on him, I showed him the pics on allears.net again tonight...renovated rooms...flat screen tv...queen beds...double sinks...oh, wouldn't it be loverly?

He is adorable most of the time, note that I said most of the time. I wanted to show him the pics on the WL thread that I found on here today but he had to go to work early for a meeting, there's always tomorrow.
It will be loverly and I can't wait. I get to try slushie coke and WL. Ahhh, the best of both worlds. I really do want to stay at Pop since I have heard such great things and of course you have extolled the virtues of slushie cokes! I am so excited!
And the boat! I get to eat in Cinderella's Castle then take the boat to WL...ahhh true Birthday Bliss!