January 2009. . . Calling all Snowbirds ~ Part I !!!

[Momof2Disneyboys]

Good morning Snowbirds!

Just a quick hello before I'm off to take the kids to swimming lessons!

Will check in later!

 

[peach3es]

Hey, my snowbird peeps! It's not morning for me anymore...but I wish the day was over!

Our car just broke down for about the 5th time in the last 3 weeks. One more thing to keep worrying about. I wish I had one of these to fix our ailing car!

 

[AussieAngel]

Oh dear, I hope your car is okay, Peach3es!

I'm on edge tonight because guess what! DH saw a little mouse running across our living room floor! Ooooooh, no!!!

Hopefully our cat will snap into action and catch him. And hopefully he doesn't have any big brothers and sisters. Yuck.

 

[mari360]

Morning all.....

Backinoz... i agree with Shelly i LOVE chef mickeys but if your DD's are into the princess then you might want to leave that one.

 

[mari360]

Oh dear, I hope your car is okay, Peach3es!

I'm on edge tonight because guess what! DH saw a little mouse running across our living room floor! Ooooooh, no!!!

Hopefully our cat will snap into action and catch him. And hopefully he doesn't have any big brothers and sisters. Yuck.

OH NO..... i know we all love the mouse but not that kind of mouse.... eek.... good luck....

Hey, my snowbird peeps! It's not morning for me anymore...but I wish the day was over!

Our car just broke down for about the 5th time in the last 3 weeks. One more thing to keep worrying about. I wish I had one of these to fix our ailing car!

Sorry about your car troubles. THANK god my car hasn't done that and my car is prone to it... it's old. Good luck.

 

[backinoz]

I'm on edge tonight because guess what! DH saw a little mouse running across our living room floor! Ooooooh, no!!! ... And hopefully he doesn't have any big brothers and sisters. Yuck.

Where abouts in Oz are you?? We're central Qld and had the same problem last week when the nights became unusually cold - Normally we don't go much below 15C, but we've had a few down around the 5C . I think the mice might be after warmth 'cause our aircon has been on heat (just for the nights though). As for big brothers and sisters, well if it was a little mouse, then I'd be more worried about finding Mum & Dad!!

 

[AussieAngel]

Where abouts in Oz are you?? We're central Qld and had the same problem last week when the nights became unusually cold - Normally we don't go much below 15C, but we've had a few down around the 5C . I think the mice might be after warmth 'cause our aircon has been on heat (just for the nights though). As for big brothers and sisters, well if it was a little mouse, then I'd be more worried about finding Mum & Dad!!

Auuuhhhh! I didn't even want to mention the possibility of finding Mum and Dad. Ew, ew, ew!!

I'm in Melbourne - the nights are very cold lately! So I suspect our little visitor might be enjoying the warmth of our heater, like you suggested.

As I write, DH is in the garage trying to squash the mouse. Hehee. It's all quite ridiculous really!

In other news, I really wish the Passporter 2009 would come out!! Apparently it's due for an earlier release this year - October, I think. I love my old Passporter!

 

[peach3es]

Ewww...we've had mice before. Thankfully, we also have 2 cats!

So, what's so great about the Passporter? Fill me in on why you love it! I'm looking to get the 2009 Unofficial Guide as a Christmas gift, but I'm seeing to many positive reviews about the Passporter, I figure I better learn why!

Thanks for the kind words about the car. This car has been nothing but a money pit since we bought it May of 2007. I'd love to just set it on fire and be done with it. Ugh.

~~Carrie

 

[trixiequilts]

I hear you about the car frustrations, right now for us it's boat frustrations! We bought a used boat this spring, DH was so happy and put a lot of time into little repairs, cleaning, etc. The third time we had it out, his DB was driving and went in toward a sand dune and wham! Crash! Everyone was okay, but my DDs are a little leary about boats now. After the crash the boat took on water...a lot of water! Just got the repair bill, and of course, it's just a little under our insurance deductible, so not worth submitting, and we get to pay it all. Granted it could have been worse, but still an expense we wish we didn't have the first summer of having a boat!

And at this very moment DH is trying to figure out what's wrong with our dishwasher! This is our 4th dishwasher in this house (10 years), only one was brand new, though. Looks like we're on to number 5.

At least I don't have mice (that I know of...)!

 

[trixiequilts]

So, what's so great about the Passporter? Fill me in on why you love it! I'm looking to get the 2009 Unofficial Guide as a Christmas gift, but I'm seeing to many positive reviews about the Passporter, I figure I better learn why!

I have read both, and personally prefer the Unofficial Guide and love their website. Very worth the small cost!

 

[SplashMtnCrew]

In other news, I really wish the Passporter 2009 would come out!! Apparently it's due for an earlier release this year - October, I think. I love my old Passporter!

Me too
I had the 2007 edition that I used for 2008. I bought it before the 2008 edition was released. I did register my Passporter on their website and got a 35 percent off coupon for the 2009 edition I've only used Passporter the one time, but I want another one for our next trip!

Peach3es, sorry to hear about your car, hope it isn't too bad

 

[backinoz]

Auuuhhhh! I didn't even want to mention the possibility of finding Mum and Dad. Ew, ew, ew!!

I'm in Melbourne - the nights are very cold lately! So I suspect our little visitor might be enjoying the warmth of our heater, like you suggested.

Well you'd be a good deal colder than we are, it's just I'm so used to having warmer weather that I'm a big softee when it gets cold now. (I did grow up in Tassie so I do know what 'actual cold weather' is like). Hopefully DH comes back from the garage satisfied that your little pest is gone, and you can sleep soundly.

So, what's so great about the Passporter? Fill me in on why you love it! I'm looking to get the 2009 Unofficial Guide as a Christmas gift, but I'm seeing to many positive reviews about the Passporter, I figure I better learn why!

We have both! The UOG is for me, the Passporter for DD10. If I had to choose between them I'd stick with my UOG - lots more info (and more importantly explanations of reviews/reasons/opinions). BUT the Passporter is a much easier read, has more photos, and has all the places to plan (and store/record stuff while you're in WDW) as well. To be honest, I'm doing all the planning on my Mac, but DD is recording all the important info as we go along, ready to take with us. I think they compliment each other perfectly.

 

[AussieAngel]

Ewww...we've had mice before. Thankfully, we also have 2 cats!

So, what's so great about the Passporter? Fill me in on why you love it! I'm looking to get the 2009 Unofficial Guide as a Christmas gift, but I'm seeing to many positive reviews about the Passporter, I figure I better learn why!

Thanks for the kind words about the car. This car has been nothing but a money pit since we bought it May of 2007. I'd love to just set it on fire and be done with it. Ugh.

~~Carrie

Well... you could set your car on fire and have a big bonfire!! That would be fun! (And a bit dangerous.... So maybe not.)

The Passporter is just fun! The Unofficial Guide has a lot more info, but the Passporter is colourful and has pull-out maps of the parks, and pockets for you to store receipts and tickets, and pages for you to write on about your days. It's also really easy to follow and in case you quickly need to look up a restaurant or ride, it's all very simple with coloured tabs and labels.

But really, it's just fun.

We had both the Unofficial Guide and the Passporter during our 2006 trip, and they were both useful in their own ways. Treat yourself and get both! Hehee!

 

[nala87]

Hey Fellow snowbirds!
My DH and I are going on a very delayed Honeymoon 1/3 thru 1/9. We have our airfare booked, so no backing out now!
We are flying NW and the ticket prices are nuts but my mom told me we got a good deal and she's the expert. I just hope they don't cancel our route, direct IND to MCO, it's not a common route, so there is a chance.
We are still waiting for the packages to be announced to see where we will stay, but I am waiting to book when I find out if any discout rates will be offered.
We purchased tickets from UCT, but I won't be opening them in case we need to return them and book a package.

I can't wait for our trip though. I haven't been to the world in the winter since I was 13! YAY Value Season!!!!!!!!

 

[emh1129]

Good morning, snowbirds! It's been a few days since I've checked in with you guys and I can't believe we're already up to 69 pages! Wow!

In regards to the QOTD from yesterday- Yes, I'm trying to lose some weight before our trip. I'd be happy with 25 pounds.

We're still up in the air about driving vs. flying. DH would love to drive, but we live in CT, so that's quite a haul.
I would rather fly, but the prices are insane. We already booked our one-ways through SW, but I could cancel and sell our ticketless travel funds. What to do, what to do...

 

[dklam]

Hi Everyone! Very new here, but D has been a member much longer! She has been trying to get us to DW one last time as a "family" since our last trip in April of 2000. Lots has happened in the ensuing years, mostly with my health, but glad to say, everything now is great and we are looking to go in January. She is now in her 2nd year of college, and as a teacher, we don't have the same vacations anymore except summer and over winter break. I have never been a big fan of FL in the summer, so January seems to be our best option. I plan to visit AAA tomorrow to get the ball rolling. It will just be me, H, and D, and we are all looking forward to it (OK - H is not too excited, but we will work on him in the next few months - LOL!) When D was little, we visited several times and have stayed at the old Dixie Landings, PO, and CB. My favorite all these was PO, but we want to try something new this time. Staying in the moderate range, I am thinking of CSR. Done lots of reading the past few days on this, and it seems like it should be just the type of place. I am worried a little about the size factor - I have a ongoing knee "issue" that sometimes flares up, so want to minimize the walking wherever possible. The other option in the Value category was the Broadway section of ASM (she is a big Broadway fan). So, any hints/suggestions/tips would be most helpful. Probably will be a frequent visitor here over the next few months, so thanks in advance for any help!

 

[Momof2Disneyboys]

Sorry about your car Peach3es.

Did your DH get the mouse Aussie?

Morning Mari, Trixie, & Splash!

Emh1129 - I vote for flying! I don't know about you, but driving from PA would be too much together time for DH and I!

Nala87!! Congrats on your delayed honeymoon! Let us know where you decide to stay!

 

[peach3es]

Wecome dklam! I can't offer suggestions, since we're embarking on our first trip in more than 17 years! A lot has changed in the last 17 years, I imagine!

I'm sure you'll have a wonderful time with your family! And from the sound of things, January sounds like a great time to go. What are your travel dates?

Car update: it's dead! I never had a car that just up and died! We're trying to buy a new car, but now we can't even trade this thing in. The dealer doesn't want it! At this point, I have no idea what to do with it...but I know God will work it all out.

For now, it's public transportation for this family!

 

[Momof2Disneyboys]

WELCOME DKlam!

Sounds like January is a good time for your family to go!

We'll be here if you need any help or advice.

For a moderate I would definitely recommend CBR, my favorite! But, if you have knee issues it might not be the place for you. It is huge. As is CSR. With CSR the pool is completely separate from the dining/gift shop section. So it seems that no matter where you are put you are going to have quite a walk to get to one or the other (or both). Unless you would happen to get Cabana 9, but I think everybody and their brother requests that section! At CBR the pool/dining/gift shop is all in one section. Most sections are within 5-10 minutes of that. There are a few sections that are way out there though. But there is an internal shuttle. If you are looking for small POFQ would be your best bet. Everything is close to everything! Very small resort.

We've never stayed at a Value, but we visited and really liked ASMo. I think any of the All Stars would be easy to get around, they aren't too big.

Okay, there's my advice for the day. Although it probably wasn't too helpful!

 

[Momof2Disneyboys]

January Snowbirds!

Backinoz ~ Dec 23-Jan 14 ASMo/Offsite/POP
Towers5 ~ Dec 28-Jan 9 POP
Ccfmioa ~ Dec 30-Jan 8 ASMo
Disneysuncat ~ Dec 31-Jan 11 WL
Maplemouse ~ Jan 1-5 ???
Tink1978 ~ Jan 1-7 POFQ
Laumau ~ Jan 1-7 WL
4girls2sets ~ Jan 2-9 SOG
Nala87 ~ Jan 3-9 ???
Mari360 ~ Jan 3-10 Offsite Orange Lake
Miabellarose ~ Jan 3-11 ASMu
Amreli ~ Jan 3-11 ASMu
Wuzefelix ~ Jan 3-15 POP
Peanut1 ~ Jan 4-10 AKL
Simzac ~ Jan 4-10 OKW
Snykymom ~ Jan 4-11 CSR
Missmagnolia ~ Jan 4-12 ???
Tigerlovinggrandma ~ Jan 4-20 POFQ
Ehm1129 ~ Jan 5-16 ASMo
Kaos928 ~ Jan 6-12 POP/POR
Rhonda7011 ~ Jan 7-14 BWV/BC
Peach3es ~ Jan 8-16 POP
Nvrenoughdisney ~ Jan 8-16 SSR
Rockonthemoon ~ Jan 8-18 ???
Aussieangel ~ Jan 8-20 WL
2Disneygirls ~ Jan 9-17 ASMo
Coffehousemom ~ Jan 10-17 ASMo
Ginaluvsdisney ~ Jan 10-18 POFQ
Gillettes ~ Jan 10-19 POFQ
Ethansmommy ~ Jan 11-16 WL
Lovemy2boys ~ Jan 11-21 AKL
Eve700 ~ Jan 12-???
Mindyluvsmickey ~ Jan 12-19 Poly
Adais ~ Jan 13-21 AKL
Tropigal ~ Jan 16-23 Offsite Orange Lake
Kiteri ~ Jan 16-24 FW
Mommy2emmamaddie ~ Jan 16-25 ???
Drakes ~ Jan 16-26 ASMo
Sixisenough ~ Jan 17-24 AKL
Hrsmom ~ Jan 17-24 BWV
Disneyspaz ~ Jan 17-24 SSR
Jenkh ~ Jan 17-31 BWV/AKV
Spokanemom ~ Jan 17-31 POP
Splashmtncrew ~ Jan 18-24 WL
Susieq76 ~ Jan 18-26 POR
GPA1015 ~ Jan 18-30 POP
Tinkbyday ~ Jan 19-24 YC
Northerndisneygirl ~ Jan 19-29 POFQ
Sharadoc ~ Jan 19-30 ASMu
Laurainsem ~ Jan 20-??? ???
Katiebugsmom ~ Jan 20-29 BCV
Heimlichfan ~ Jan 21-25 OKW
Doryandnemo ~ Jan 21-27 ???
Momof2disneyboys ~ Jan 21-27 CBR
Trixiequilts ~ Jan 21-28 AKL
Minniemom09 ~ Jan 21-28 POFQ
Kazooie01 ~ Jan 21-28 ???
Disneygroders ~ Jan 22-25 POFQ
MickeyNicki ~ Jan 22-26 Poly
Dklam ~ Jan 22-26 CSR
Cinderellamom123 ~ Jan 22-Feb 1 Cabins
Holleetigerlilly ~ Jan 23-27 POP
Debbieandroo ~ Jan 23-28 ASMu
Petuniamilz ~ Jan 23-30 Offsite
Chime ~ Jan 23-30 CBR
Carrousel35 ~ Jan 23-30 POFQ
Ppan77 ~ Jan 24-29 Poly
Jnykly ~ Jan 24-30 ???
Billysmommy ~ Jan 24-31 BWV
Gourmetgirl ~ Jan 24-31 WL
Remmy ~ Jan 24-Feb 7 POP
Natalie89 ~ Jan 25-Feb ? AKL
Meggybear17 ~ Jan 27-Feb 3 POP
Tammythetwinsmom ~ Jan 29-30 SSR
Echo29 ~ Jan ??? CSR
Tinkerbelluk ~ Jan ???
Lukenick1 ~ Jan ???
Trissy ~ Jan ???
Kimis ~ Jan ???
Pandapooh ~ Jan ???
Jaksil ~ Feb ??? WL/AKL