It's Going To Be A Jolly Olly Holiday In Disney PTR I've got one foot out the door!!

[Chelley00]

We were supposed to go the first week of Dec, and now if I look, there's hardly anything available for 2! I'm so glad we changed (for other reasons, but it's working in our favor!)

We don't do credit cards anymore either. Credit cards = bad.

 

[LOVEMY3KIDDOS]

We were supposed to go the first week of Dec, and now if I look, there's hardly anything available for 2! I'm so glad we changed (for other reasons, but it's working in our favor!)

We don't do credit cards anymore either. Credit cards = bad.

Yeah...it's looking a bit grim! I am going to make the best of it though! We have been to WDW over July 4th and President's week and Christmas week. So, I am sure we can handle it! I was just hoping to avoid it this trip. Oh well!

We learned the evill credit card lesson the hard way! But, at least we were able to come out on top. Now, we just have to say if we want it...we have to be able to afford it NOW...otherwise, we don't buy it!

 

[nic100308]

Yea.....the only thing is...I looked last night because of this concern...there is still nothing. We are at that 45 day mark. Mine was Sunday. Of course, they do give you an extra 2 weeks to pay also. But, if you cancel inside of the 45 days, you lose money. I actually still have a little to pay on my package...had to pay the mortgage first! But, I will be PIF by the end of the weekend. We are paying for ALL of this and Christmas cash. No credit cards anymore! They are poison for me!!! LOL So, we are also depending on other people to pay their bills to us from Justin's business on time. When they are late, we are late. So, that kind of stinks. It is great money when it comes in...sucks when it doesn't!! I know we will have it, it is just stressful until it does! It's kind of been keeping me up at night a bit! But, I am being good and not getting those credit cards out! Anyway, waa waa waa! I'm done pouting! Let's keep our fingers crossed that the parks won't be too busy!

Good for you!! I know what you mean, we paid cash just because after I lost my job our feeling was if we can't pay for for the vacation in cash then we should not be going. LOL why do you think we saved every single penny we have. And I mean that quite literally! We were so into saving mode that is the grocery bill was $3 under budget, $3 went into savings and we'd say "Here's half a beer in Epcot!"

 

[creativeamanda]

I am glad I could point that out to you.

And I am so totally with everyone with credit cards--we do not have any anymore. We consolidated them all into a personal loan with Bank of America (who lowered our interest to 0%) and we will be debt free except for our mortgage in 2 years. Disney trips are paid for in cash. In fact, if we can't afford to pay it in cash, we don't get it.

 

[Trentmom]

With free dining and pop warner, that is probably why values and mods are so booked.

They should be at competitions during the day...so might just be a tad busier in the evening

Hopefully

 

[LOVEMY3KIDDOS]

Good for you!! I know what you mean, we paid cash just because after I lost my job our feeling was if we can't pay for for the vacation in cash then we should not be going. LOL why do you think we saved every single penny we have. And I mean that quite literally! We were so into saving mode that is the grocery bill was $3 under budget, $3 went into savings and we'd say "Here's half a beer in Epcot!"

Yeah...we are pinching, but trying to still live normally. And, normal is sometimes expensive for us...with the kids and their activities! So, we are saving where we can. Plus, the holidays are another large expense right now. The fact that we have a business is great as I said, but people are sometimes SOOOOO slow to pay their bills! That is tough. At this point, I know we will have enough to pay for our resorts, tips and oop meals. If we don't have a ton of spending money, we will just not bring as much Disney home with us. Oh well!

I am glad I could point that out to you.

And I am so totally with everyone with credit cards--we do not have any anymore. We consolidated them all into a personal loan with Bank of America (who lowered our interest to 0%) and we will be debt free except for our mortgage in 2 years. Disney trips are paid for in cash. In fact, if we can't afford to pay it in cash, we don't get it.

Down with the credit cards!!!! I am glad we are all in the same boat!

With free dining and pop warner, that is probably why values and mods are so booked.

They should be at competitions during the day...so might just be a tad busier in the evening

Hopefully

I am hoping so!! Let's cross our fingers and toes! LOL

 

[creativeamanda]

Back to expenses and the credit cards. Last week one of the students I have been dealing with lost his father to a heart attack. When his every day teacher went to visit the family, she told me that she brought her daughter. The mom is a single mom now of four. The youngest child is 2 weeks old. She was a stay at home mom and they had no life insurance. They do not have a refrigerator in their home. The teacher's friend did not understand. Her question to her mom was, "Mama, are they poor?" The friend just broke down in tears, because for the first time, her daughter understood that comparatively, they were indeed, very rich and very blessed.

FTR--a refrigerator was anonymously donated to the family. Well, the school took up a collection and got her a great used refrigerator, but it was left on her doorstep with a note that it was hers and that the donators were praying for her.

We really are blessed that we can even take a Disney trip when there are families without the true necessities of life.

 

[LOVEMY3KIDDOS]

Back to expenses and the credit cards. Last week one of the students I have been dealing with lost his father to a heart attack. When his every day teacher went to visit the family, she told me that she brought her daughter. The mom is a single mom now of four. The youngest child is 2 weeks old. She was a stay at home mom and they had no life insurance. They do not have a refrigerator in their home. The teacher's friend did not understand. Her question to her mom was, "Mama, are they poor?" The friend just broke down in tears, because for the first time, her daughter understood that comparatively, they were indeed, very rich and very blessed.

FTR--a refrigerator was anonymously donated to the family. Well, the school took up a collection and got her a great used refrigerator, but it was left on her doorstep with a note that it was hers and that the donators were praying for her.

We really are blessed that we can even take a Disney trip when there are families without the true necessities of life.

Oh my goodness! That just made me cry! First of all, that poor woman...has a baby, loses her husband two weeks later, has four kids total, no money, nothing to fall back on and then no refrigerator? That is a shame. Second, it is a bit of a blessing that we are fortunate enough to be able to do these things or even that we have clothes on our backs. What is even more upsetting to me though, is that there are people that are THAT unfortunate that we notice the difference. I wish everyone were able to experience the happiness and joy of life equally. I truely hope that life takes a turn for the better for that family.

You are right. I have been losing sleep every night thinking I would not be happy until I have enough spending money saved to get all I want to buy. I think I will sleep a little easier tonight with the thought that I at least get to go. Thank you again. I don't think the story was meant to help me, but to point out how fortunate we all are. But, it actually made the point and helped me at the same time. It's is nice to be hit with reality every now and then.

 

[MadilynnsMomma]

I think Amanda's story will impact us all. Thank our lucky stars that we have all managed to scrounge up the funds to take our families (or ourselves - Ty ) on a trip of a lifetime. For some this is a repeat trip, for some a first trip, for some a trip they never thought possible, for some a "sad" realization that this is a last trip - but it is our/your trip. We are going, come hell or high water we pulled it off (Erin will have it pulled off by the weekend) and are going. I too will relax a little bit about how much is in the Disney Savings, and worry more about my surroundings, the people I love and the people I don't even know.

Thank you for sharing Amanda! (Also, I think I need to look into some life insurance for DF & I... really makes ya think and hits home!)

P.S. - another one with the anti credit card feelings!

 

[nic100308]

Hearing that story definitely made me feel a little selfish. Through this whole experience I have tried to keep things in prospective. This time of year always makes me want to give back to others that don't have as much. Maybe it's the holiday season that just makes me feel grateful for what I have and want to help those that don't have as much. Anyway, thank you for sharing that story and I think it is really wonderful what the school did for that mother. Just more proof that one person along make a little difference, but a lot of people doing a little makes a huge difference.

 

[nic100308]

Yeah...we are pinching, but trying to still live normally. And, normal is sometimes expensive for us...with the kids and their activities! So, we are saving where we can. Plus, the holidays are another large expense right now. The fact that we have a business is great as I said, but people are sometimes SOOOOO slow to pay their bills! That is tough. At this point, I know we will have enough to pay for our resorts, tips and oop meals. If we don't have a ton of spending money, we will just not bring as much Disney home with us. Oh well!

I can only imagine, it's easy for me and DH to say "Okay this week we can go without this extra little thing." but I am sure when it comes to your kids you just want them to have everything. I think that you are a good mommy, being able to get the family to Disney and still give your kids their fun activities.

I know what you mean with the business, DH family owns a business and it's the same thing. Someone not paying their bill means you can't pay yours!!

 

[LOVEMY3KIDDOS]

I think Amanda's story will impact us all. Thank our lucky stars that we have all managed to scrounge up the funds to take our families (or ourselves - Ty ) on a trip of a lifetime. For some this is a repeat trip, for some a first trip, for some a trip they never thought possible, for some a "sad" realization that this is a last trip - but it is our/your trip. We are going, come hell or high water we pulled it off (Erin will have it pulled off by the weekend) and are going. I too will relax a little bit about how much is in the Disney Savings, and worry more about my surroundings, the people I love and the people I don't even know.

Thank you for sharing Amanda! (Also, I think I need to look into some life insurance for DF & I... really makes ya think and hits home!)

P.S. - another one with the anti credit card feelings!

I agree! We have all done this for one reason or another. But, it is an extra. We are so lucky we can have extra. I thought more about this and have decided to come up with some fund raising ideas to help others this holiday season. I always make the kids pick a name from the tree in our mall to give a gift to a needy child. I think it is good for them to see that they are fortunate and have to give back. It is not something extra we buy...the cost of the gift actually comes out of what we would spend on them. That may sound harsh for the kids, but I feel it is a lesson to them and teaches them kindness. Plus, they have so much and get so much it doesn't hurt. The other thing I was thinking about doing was to hold a little get together with some friends at our house the weekend after we get back from WDW. I was thinking maybe just cocktails and finger foods. Anyway, I would ask each person to bring a toy or gift card or monetary donation for Toys for Tots. If we invite 10 couples, that will be a nice donation.

And, the check will be in this afternoon's mail! I will be PIF!!!!

I think we may be putting the credit card companies out of business!!

Hearing that story definitely made me feel a little selfish. Through this whole experience I have tried to keep things in prospective. This time of year always makes me want to give back to others that don't have as much. Maybe it's the holiday season that just makes me feel grateful for what I have and want to help those that don't have as much. Anyway, thank you for sharing that story and I think it is really wonderful what the school did for that mother. Just more proof that one person along make a little difference, but a lot of people doing a little makes a huge difference.

It does make you think. Like I said, I was so worried that I wouldn't be able to bring home enough Disney merchandise if I didn't have all the money I had hoped. Well, I will have some money for sure. If I have to decide to not buy as much, so be it! I get this feeling this time of year also. The only thing is, I have been consumed with Disney and not really putting any thought into the holidays and everything else. I have to remember all of the other things going on. I know I won't have time before the trip to do much else. So, when I get back, I am going to make the time...no matter what.

 

[MadilynnsMomma]

My friends parents run the Cape Cod chapter of Toys for Tots. I have helped out with organization the last two years. If you have ever wanted to see Santa's Workshop, find your local Toys for Tots "warehouse." FLOOR to CEILING craziness!!! Such a great organization, I like the way you think

 

[Leger13]

I got mine back!!! It did move a bit while it was away!! LOL

THanks for the tip! I was thinking we may send one of us to run for a FP and then try to ride standby quick if it's not too bad. Then, we may be able to get two rides in?? That is a ll dependant on whether we actually make RD also!! Hopefully it all works out and we get on it! Poot wants to ride it really bad! I am getting him the Wii game for Christmas... I mean SANTA is getting him the Wii game for Christmas!




On another note everyone...has anyone noticed that there are nearly ZERO rooms available in Disney for the first two weeks?? I sometimes just go on to play around and see what there is out there. You never know if something would need to be changed or added or whatever. Well, for a party of 5, there is a cabin for a few of the days. I tried party of 4 just to see...a few others for a few days, but not much. And, what was available for party of 4 was not value or moderate! That scares me!!! Are we going to be shoulder to shoulder in the parks??

Good idea. That's how we usually do it too. And woohoo on getting the TSM game for xmas. I got it already. Very fun! But it is very glitchy I have found.

Yeah I keep hearing that everywhere but I really think it is just Pop Warner like Kelly said. They won't be at the parks during the day. Just the evenings. I don't think it will be too bad. Plus, with free dining in Sept this happens too. Everything seems to get booked up so quickly. Here's hoping it's still the quiet parks it has been known to be for that time of year.

 

[creativeamanda]

I think the TSM game is awesome--it's going to be ds's "disney-type" present from Santa this year.

I haven't looked at the availability lately. I hope it's not getting bad for my week yet.

 

[Elevationist]

I'm on the Cash Bandwagon too! I set us up a spreadsheet and put us both on a payment schedule based on our paydays. So DBF and I paid off our trip a little each week, until it was paid in full right at 46 days. Now that is done, we have agreed to each put away a minimum $100 into savings every paycheck, more if we can afford it that week. If we stick to that plan every payday, then by December 1st we will have well over $1000 to take with us.

I've noticed that all the Value and Mods are booked solid, as well. I wanted to add a night on at our resort (CSR) at the end of our trip as a surprise for DBF, but it was a no go. I am still considering giving us one more night, but we would have to move WL for that one night, and I'm just not sure about dropping $300 for it. Everybody is all saying that's it's just because of Pop Warner and Free Dining, but I am still worried about crowding. I've always read that the first week of Dec. is one of the two slowest weeks of the year, but now I'm starting to get worried too!

 

[momof2TNboys]

I am worried about the crowds also. It is my first trip in many years, so I really do not have anything to compare with from previous trips. I have been reading in other threads that many are speculating that it will be full at disneyworld due to free dining but there will not be the usual off-site people. So, it should not be as crowded as summer. Let's hope!

 

[LOVEMY3KIDDOS]

OK...on to the Day 5 plans...

(I will respond to everyone later on today!)

Day 5 (4th park day) December 6th

This is an early breakfast day. We are eating at the Beach Club at Cape May Cafe at 8:00. We will take a cab over to the resort. That way, we will save a bit of time and get a few more minutes of sleep. We did this breakfast on our last trip and really liked it. The characters are dressed in beach wear which is cute. Last time we were there the characters were Minnie, Goofy, Chip and Dale. I think they have changed since then. I want to say that Daisy may be there now?? Anyone know for sure?

After breakfast, we will head over to HS again. I know we are doing HS two days in a row, but we are taking advantage of the PM EMH this day and the AM EMH the previous day. So, after this day, we will not be back to DHS. Anyway, I would like to get in as many shows as possible before lunchtime. I think most of them don't start until late morning though. If this is the case that day, we will finish up any rides we won't be able to do during EMH.

We then have a lunch reservation for 1:30 at 50's Prime Time Cafe. I love this place. The food is not the best we've ever had on property, but the atmosphere is awesome. So, we try to go every trip if we can fit it in. I think we will really just eat very light for this meal since we will have had breakfast and will have dinner at 7.

After lunch, we will head back to POR for a short break. I think we will only have about an hour or so. But, if we feel up to it, we may just try to go straight through this day so we have a better chance of getting through the shows we want to see. I am hoping to find the time to stop at DTD either way and do a bit of shopping. If that does not fit it our plans, I will work it in a few days later.

After the possible break and possible shopping or just staying at the park, we will go back for a 7:00 reservation at Mama Melrose's. We all love this restaurant. I have seen some negative comments lately, but we are fans. We have never had a bad experience or meal here.

After dinner, we will finish up HS with the evening EMH's. They are open until 11:00 that night. I think this is the night we will also try to see the Osborne lights.

When we get back to the resort, I will pack up to move to AKV!!! If we go back in the afternoon, I will get most done then. If we don't I will just do it that night. I always keep the room pretty neat anyway and put dirty clothes back in a suitcase as they are worn on a daily basis. So, most of the repacking should be done. The toiletries will have to wait until the morning after we get ready. I am not 100% sure how this works with switching resorts. I know they move our stuff for us. I just don't know how check out works. Do we set everything up the night before? Do we just do it in the morning?

Anyway, that is Day 5. The two HS days are actually the days that I feel like it is hardest to fit everything in. I know a lot of people think there is not much to do in HS or much worth doing. However, we want to hit most of the shows and the big rides a couple of times. The shows take up a long time and they are set schedules. So, the afternoon break throws a wrench in the plans. But, I am hoping we can just work around everything. I am playing with Ridemax to try to get it all in. So, we'll see how that goes.

 

[Leger13]

Great update! We'll be at DHS for EMH's that day too for the Osbourne lights as well. Can't wait!! And you are right, it is so hard to take a break on your day at DHS and also be able to see all the shows since they are all at set times and all at least 30 min long. Hope you can get them all in.

 

[nic100308]

Every time I find myself getting crazy about crowds I kind of force myself to take a step back. We were there in Oct which was considered moderate crowds and it was pretty empty by our standards. I notice some people comment on the same week and one says it was nuts while the other says it was empty, so I think it all comes down to your expectations and what you think crowded is. I am a reasonable person so I think we are going to have a great time no matter what. We have plenty of time to see and do everything so I just try to keep in mind the spirit of the trip rather than making myself nuts about something I really can't control. And I am a control freak, self admitted, so I will do everything I can to control whatever I can and the rest I have kind of learned to let go of. It will all work out, and just remember we're all GOING TO BE IN DISNEY!!!!!!!!!