It's Back-January Trip-A-Day Contest!

[Disney Mama of 2]

Thank you both very much. I bestow on both of you Pixie Dust.

Don't forget she also has a Facebook page and under her picture post the word of the day is usually listed in the comments.

Good luck! There isn't a night in the castle, but the prize packages each week are pretty nice.

The first winner for last week should be notified on Monday the 16th.

 

[littlenellbell]

They do list out the cash value of the prize in the rules, but not an itemized list - I've wondered that myself, lol! If you take what they say the cash value is and assume 25%-33% then I'd say is a good estimate of what the tax might be next year. Those who have won in the past have shared their knowledge on the tax subject. I won't know till I get the 1099-C what it is exactly, but I absolutely want to be prepared! I'm not sure about the parties... I know you can watch fireworks from inside but no clue what that would be like, lol! I assumed we'd get a tour of the suite/a mini history and - I know there is a 24 hour concierge - but certainly not expecting any fancy FP!

I won a trip that ended up being handled by the Visit Orlando people. While you will get a 1099, you do not have to claim the full amount as long as you can show that if you planned and booked the trip yourself OR you have proof of what the entity paying actually paid, you can report less. I received the amount of our flights (what they paid) right on the tickets, how much they paid for the car rental, and did my own printout of the current rate/discounts of the hotel we stayed at. I used UCT prices for the tickets. I know there is a value for the night in the Cinderella Castle Suite. You could probably ask for a document for that. So definitely keep track of whether there are room discounts for where you are staying at the time since that could be applied.


Also, AquaDame, I don't think you need to keep defending yourself for asking for advice and listing your concerns. No matter what, you will still be paying money out of your pocket and trying to figure out what to do about your other trips is totally valid. You seem to have a balanced, rational approach to your win. Congrats![/QUOTE]

I won a trip in 2013. This is good advice to keep track of what you paid etc. We stayed at the Yacht Club and during our dates they had a room only rate with 30% off. I plugged in our dates and printed off a copy to show as poof in case I wanted to claim a smaller amount. I was pleasantly surprised when I received the 1099. It wasn't as high as I thought. To give you an idea.........Our original prize included - a 3 night stay (2 night Yacht Club and 1 night Castle Suite), 4 day park hoppers for 2 adults/2 children, and breakfast at Cinderella's Table (no gift card or other meals included). We asked to add a night at our own expense, which they added plus another day of hoppers at no expense. They also gave us Halloween Party Tickets because we stayed in the castle on a party night. And we had VIP tour guides to take us around MK. I'm not sure if the extra night, day of hoppers, and party tickets, tour guides were included but in the end my 1099 from Disney was only $2,500. Airfare was also included but we received a separate 1099 from Delta for the value of our flights. They did not break down how they came up with that amount. From my research, I read they give the Suite a very low value for tax purposes. It's not a room someone can pay to rent, so they can assign it whatever value they choose. The value of that suite is Priceless!

Anyway, a big CONGRATS to the winners!!!! You will have a wonderful time!!!

 

[ariane37]

Here you go - Wendy's word of the day is......Animal

 

[Disney Mama of 2]

Here you go - Wendy's word of the day is......Animal

Thank you!!

 

[wendow]

My aunt's 1099 from the 2014 contest was $5500. She chose GF and we went in early/mid Dec. If Disney uses rack rate, for that time period, it was about $750 per night.

Also, get this...my aunt is on the FB group of winners from last year. She said a lady, who won last year, posted yesterday that her dh had won for this year!! If that is true, that is crazy...!

 

[abl5710]

Also, get this...my aunt is on the FB group of winners from last year. She said a lady, who won last year, posted yesterday that her dh had won for this year!! If that is true, that is crazy...!

Wow! That's some luck! I think I would feel bad. lol I'm not sure I'd have DH or myself enter if we won the previous year so someone else could experience it that hasn't. I wonder if they've finished contacting all winners for the Flipside contest.

 

[wendow]

Wow! That's some luck! I think I would feel bad. lol I'm not sure I'd have DH or myself enter if we won the previous year so someone else could experience it that hasn't. I wonder if they've finished contacting all winners for the Flipside contest.

I'm not sure I'd feel bad since the 2014 contest did not include the night in Cinderella Castle (nor the glass slipper) and that is really what is so special about this year's contest. I'm just shocked at their luck LOL!

 

[AquaDame]

I won a trip that ended up being handled by the Visit Orlando people. While you will get a 1099, you do not have to claim the full amount as long as you can show that if you planned and booked the trip yourself OR you have proof of what the entity paying actually paid, you can report less. I received the amount of our flights (what they paid) right on the tickets, how much they paid for the car rental, and did my own printout of the current rate/discounts of the hotel we stayed at. I used UCT prices for the tickets. I know there is a value for the night in the Cinderella Castle Suite. You could probably ask for a document for that. So definitely keep track of whether there are room discounts for where you are staying at the time since that could be applied.

Also, AquaDame, I don't think you need to keep defending yourself for asking for advice and listing your concerns. No matter what, you will still be paying money out of your pocket and trying to figure out what to do about your other trips is totally valid. You seem to have a balanced, rational approach to your win. Congrats!

This is so good to know! I think someone else mentioned this as well, so I will certainly keep reshopping right up until we leave! Do you know to whom you would show the info...? Do you just hang onto it all in case its audited?

Thank you so much for saying you understand where I am coming from! I was getting a little worried yesterday that I was indeed saying too much, so that is a comfort to hear!

Congrats to all the newest winners! I am thrilled for each of you!

Thank you!! I keep hoping more people post that they have heard from them this week! I need something to keep me from biting my nails down too far waiting to hear from Disney!

I won a trip in 2013. This is good advice to keep track of what you paid etc. We stayed at the Yacht Club and during our dates they had a room only rate with 30% off. I plugged in our dates and printed off a copy to show as poof in case I wanted to claim a smaller amount. I was pleasantly surprised when I received the 1099. It wasn't as high as I thought. To give you an idea.........Our original prize included - a 3 night stay (2 night Yacht Club and 1 night Castle Suite), 4 day park hoppers for 2 adults/2 children, and breakfast at Cinderella's Table (no gift card or other meals included). We asked to add a night at our own expense, which they added plus another day of hoppers at no expense. They also gave us Halloween Party Tickets because we stayed in the castle on a party night. And we had VIP tour guides to take us around MK. I'm not sure if the extra night, day of hoppers, and party tickets, tour guides were included but in the end my 1099 from Disney was only $2,500. Airfare was also included but we received a separate 1099 from Delta for the value of our flights. They did not break down how they came up with that amount. From my research, I read they give the Suite a very low value for tax purposes. It's not a room someone can pay to rent, so they can assign it whatever value they choose. The value of that suite is Priceless!

Anyway, a big CONGRATS to the winners!!!! You will have a wonderful time!!!

Ah thats great to know! Very smart of them "pricing" that suite so low, I had visions of the nightly rate of a Polynesian over the water bungalow, lol! <3 Maybe I will get so lucky and they will have us in the suite on a party night in October, though its my favourite fireworks show so I might not get my full suite experience if I'm out late!

My aunt's 1099 from the 2014 contest was $5500. She chose GF and we went in early/mid Dec. If Disney uses rack rate, for that time period, it was about $750 per night.

Also, get this...my aunt is on the FB group of winners from last year. She said a lady, who won last year, posted yesterday that her dh had won for this year!! If that is true, that is crazy...!

Wow that is nuts! I wonder if they will make it past auditing since you have to list your household on the form? Some pixie is certainly focused on them so I am sure they need it!

I'm not sure I'd feel bad since the 2014 contest did not include the night in Cinderella Castle (nor the glass slipper) and that is really what is so special about this year's contest. I'm just shocked at their luck LOL!

I wonder what the odds on that one are?

Warning: more first world drama ahead!

We had finally nailed down our three options for this trip, but then I was told yesterday that my brother has decided to come visit from the Netherlands sometime in October right during two of the weeks we'd picked! I wrote him a nice letter today telling him how happy I am they're coming and would it be too much trouble to still submit dates to Disney and have them work around us since they can't nail theirs down for a few months? We'll see what he says... the weekends all the stars are aligning are getting fewer and fewer! I might have to get more creative with mid-week times and/or a shorter trip if this continues!

 

[Serial]

I'm not sure I'd feel bad since the 2014 contest did not include the night in Cinderella Castle (nor the glass slipper) and that is really what is so special about this year's contest. I'm just shocked at their luck LOL!

I have to say, after the night in Cinderella's Suite, my wife and I are next most excited about the glass slipper! We love Disneyana, and are excited to have the glass slipper as a memento of our stay in the Castle. When they say inspired by the new Cinderella movie, I really hope it replicates the look and details -- especially the butterfly.

 

[Serial]

For our forth person we decided to ask my son's girlfriend. They have been "dating" for four years but have never met in person. They talk everyday, Skype date, send each other romantic little gifts etc. I know how odd their relationship sounds but it is a new world and a new way for people to meet. My man-child (21) is an awesome young man so she must be an awesome young woman. I am almost as excited for them meeting as I am about winning this amazing trip!!!

Wow! This sounds epically romantic!

 

[pwdebbie]

If folks don't play nicely here, a moderator is going to close the thread. I don't want to see that happen, so let's be nice, ok?

That said -- there is another contest at flash.org .

 

[Disneyglobegirl]

Can't wait to hear about the winners trips!!! Hoping one of us DIS'ers has a very lucky Friday the 13th If they are still contacting people...fingers crossed. Thanks to everyone posting the other contests too

 

[nicunurse]

call me crazy but I want to win just to be invited to the facebook group and hear all the past winners amazing stories!!!

I have been entering every single Disney contest I can find (that looks somewhat legit) since this contest ended...Im having withdrawls..

 

[amyb1120]

We have narrowed down our top three hotel choices:

1- Poly (my boyfriend and I discussed on our very first date how we both dreamed of staying at Poly!)
2- Wilderness Lodge
3- Beach Club

Or
2- Grand Floridan
3- Contemporary

Or
2- Contempory
3- Wilderness Lodge

Or.... lol, we just can't pick! I think I'm going to make my kids decide for #2&3. I'll give them a list of choices, let them research, and pick!

Two more days until I'm telling them!

 

[Disney Mama of 2]

We have narrowed down our top three hotel choices:

1- Poly (my boyfriend and I discussed on our very first date how we both dreamed of staying at Poly!)
2- Wilderness Lodge
3- Beach Club

Or
2- Grand Floridan
3- Contemporary

Or
2- Contempory
3- Wilderness Lodge

Or.... lol, we just can't pick! I think I'm going to make my kids decide for #2&3. I'll give them a list of choices, let them research, and pick!

Two more days until I'm telling them!

Beach club is part DVC. If you want to stay in that area try Yacht Club. You may have more luck. They are right next to each other. You can still use the pool (my favorite part of those resorts).

Depending on how much you want to see and do, I would aim towards an Epcot resort. You can walk into the back entrance of Epcot and HS is a short boat ride or a 10 minute walk away (it's a very nice peaceful walk).

With the night in the castle, you would be able to get your MK time.

Hope this helps.

 

[Huskerkelsey]

I'm loving hearing everyone's plans. I'm so excited for everybody! Is anyone going to write a PTR and/or a TR?

 

[Sleepy425]

All I said was I would not complain if I won. That is all. If you want me to go into detail with your posts I will. What bothers me is that you are complaining about finances, yet talking about eating at Yachtsman Steakhouse. Simple solution. It's called budgeting. Use the $500 gift card wisely. Don't blow half of it on 1 single meal. It's like spending $500 on a purse but not having any money to keep inside of it.

Also, you are talking about taking your parents on both trips and needing a separate room. Simple solution. Go as planned with your parents in May. Then, go with your husband for this trip later as you would like for Food and Wine. Your parents are not kids and do not need to go with you on both trips.

Anytime anyone has given you advice, you seem to shoot it down. Put on your big girl panties and be an adult. I'm not trying to intimidate you. I'm just being truthful.

Money isn't easy going for me. I just see an easy solution for you. I don't see the hardship that you are making it into.

I have enjoyed hearing from other winners. When they ask for advice, I have given advice based on my stays at WDW.

I just see BS in some of your issues. They are easily solvable.

As to you asking if I never ask for advice, I do. But seriously you are online with basically strangers who don't know your problems. YOU should be speaking with your husband about what's best for the two of you.

I can't believe the jealousy in this post.
As far as finances and being concerned. You say it is just the taxes and fact that you don't like she is eating at ONE nice restaurant. But she mentioned needing to get clearance to take unpaid days. That costs money. I have all of my vacation days scheduled for the entire year by January. If I take extra time off I risk losing $10k in benefits because I won't be considered full time. So please look beyond your nose (the one that you think is more worthy of winning because you have kids - ps I have twice as many kids as you. Does that make me twice as worthy?) and admit you are jealous. She is just voicing her concerns. She has expressed NUMEROUS times that she is excited. Should she apologize that she stopped jumping up and down long enough to post her experiences with winning?

 

[RubySue]

Here's a look at the winners of the Halloween "Haunt Your Disney Side" contest. I found out too late about the Haunt contest and didn't have time to enter. It involved sending in pictures of costumes or Halloween decorations or carved pumpkins, so took some time and effort.
A stay in the castle AND a party in the Haunted Mansion. I hope they do this again in 2015.

http://disneyparks.disney.go.com/bl...-a-lifetime-experience-at-magic-kingdom-park/

 

[RejoyceoverDisney]

I looked it up, we may do that, just depends on her flight time and how she feels about taking the bus alone Fairly sure the boy will want to pick her up.

Oh the bus is not "alone". It's a really nice bus, they play a DVD about Disney resort stays, the driver is really nice, and there are lots of families doing this too. When you get in the area of the airport that has the magic express it's full of smiles and fun. I have taken with people and solo, it's one of my favorite parts of going to Disney.

It's Disney's bus service from MCO to the resorts. It's free but only available to guests staying on property.

Again this is why I stay on property. No car rental/driving. I just relax.

My aunt's 1099 from the 2014 contest was $5500. She chose GF and we went in early/mid Dec. If Disney uses rack rate, for that time period, it was about $750 per night.

Also, get this...my aunt is on the FB group of winners from last year. She said a lady, who won last year, posted yesterday that her dh had won for this year!! If that is true, that is crazy...!

Wow that is luck for sure.

I'm not sure I'd feel bad since the 2014 contest did not include the night in Cinderella Castle (nor the glass slipper) and that is really what is so special about this year's contest. I'm just shocked at their luck LOL!

Agree. Luck is luck or Fate is Fate. However you want to look at it. Good for them. Wish it was me but good for them.
2015 Disney vacation is looking even slimmer. We have ice dams causing water to leak into our house. I'm so frustrated. Just got a quote and it's not pretty. It's about half of what we spend to go on vacation without Disney Reward points. pout.
More snow today.....bigger storm Sunday and then I heard rain/snow mixture on Tuesday. I'm really sick of winter.

I have to say, after the night in Cinderella's Suite, my wife and I are next most excited about the glass slipper! We love Disneyana, and are excited to have the glass slipper as a memento of our stay in the Castle. When they say inspired by the new Cinderella movie, I really hope it replicates the look and details -- especially the butterfly.

Giggles. I"m really digging that slipper too. And I was hoping with the butterfly if I won or I'd find a way to clip one on. LOL AND my other secret hope is that the slipper is big people size so it might fit my foot. I wouldn't stand on it but I sure would take pictures of my foot in it. LOL

Beach club is part DVC. If you want to stay in that area try Yacht Club. You may have more luck. They are right next to each other. You can still use the pool (my favorite part of those resorts).

Depending on how much you want to see and do, I would aim towards an Epcot resort. You can walk into the back entrance of Epcot and HS is a short boat ride or a 10 minute walk away (it's a very nice peaceful walk).

With the night in the castle, you would be able to get your MK time.

Hope this helps.

Really? Why did I get a quote from the Disney website for Beach Club if it is DVC? I could not get a quote for Yacht club as it said no rooms for the dates I plugged in. But yet Beach Club would give me rates for the dates???? I'm confused.

 

[ariane37]

I'm loving hearing everyone's plans. I'm so excited for everybody! Is anyone going to write a PTR and/or a TR?

I was wondering the same thing! If any winners plan to do TR's or PTR's, please let us know!