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

[Momof2Disneyboys]

Make sure that the AirTran fare is not "one-way based on round-trip ticket purchase." Sometimes you can't get the "come on" fare if you're only booking a one-way ticket.

Oh I didn't even think about that. . . I'll have to make sure they are $85 one-way, not based on a round trip! Thanks!

 

[Momof2Disneyboys]

Just got back from AAA (I have used this agent for many years and for me, it just works better having her do all the legwork). Gave her our dates (1/22 - 1/26), our choice of resort (CSR), and she'll do the rest. I knew the package rates weren't out yet, but she was told either early next week or around the 15th. We prefer to fly Southwest, so those aren't available yet either. Now, it's time to start getting excited seeing I finally made a decision - LOL! Thanks for all of your suggestions - we really wanted to try a new resort, so hopefully the knee will be OK by then. I did request either Casitas 1 or Cabanas 9 as our choice of locations. I guess I'll be a regular visitor here now, so I will have to figure out how to add all of those cute features like the smileys and the other icons everyone has on their posts!

Glad you made a decision and were able to get the resort you want. Hopefully your knee will be feeling great for the trip!

It's so funny all the dates out there for the 2009 rates to be released. I've heard Aug 1, Aug 3, Aug 8, Aug 15, and I was told by a CM not to expect them until October!

 

[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
My3guysinne ~ Jan 2-9 ???
Nala87 ~ Jan 3-9 ???
Bellasoleil ~ Jan 3-9 AKL/WL
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
Momof2disneyboys ~ Jan 20-27 CBR
Heimlichfan ~ Jan 21-25 OKW
Trixiequilts ~ Jan 21-28 AKL
Doryandnemo ~ Jan 21-27 ???
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

 

[Momof2Disneyboys]

Let's see where everybody is eating!

Backinoz
Dec 23 - Ohana Breakfast 10:10am / 1900 Park Fair 4:30pm
Dec 31 - Akershus Princess Breakfast 10:25am / Nine Dragons 5.45pm / Coral Reef 8.10pm
Jan 1 - 1900 Park Fair 11:10am
Jan 2 - Whispering Canyon 6.00pm
Jan 3 - Hollywood Brown Derby 11.35am
Jan 4 - Jiko 5.30pm
Jan 6 - Crystal Palace 8.05am / San Angel 7.00pm
Jan 7 - Boma 6.05pm
Jan 8 - CRT Dinner (15th Anniversary) 5.45pm
Jan 12 - Sci-Fi 11.30am / Mama Melroses (Fantasmic Package) 4.15pm
Jan 13 - CRT Lunch 12.25pm


Towers5
Dec 28 - 1835 Spoodles
Dec 29 - 0835 Spoodles / 1610 La Cellier (CLP)
Dec 30 - 0900 Donald's Tusker House
Dec 31 - 1545 Mama Melroses (Fantasmic)
Jan 1 -1840 1900 Parkfare
Jan 2 - 1830 Kona
Jan 3 - 0830 PSD / 1830 Coral Reef
Jan 4 - 1850 Wave (may change this one not sure)
Jan 5 - 0830 Chef Mickey's
Jan 6 - 1830 Marrakesh
Jan 7 - 0830 Ohana
Jan 8 - 1725 50's PTC


Laumau
Jan 1: Chef Mickey's 5:45 p.m.
Jan 2: Boma 4:00 p.m.
Jan 3: Akershus Royal Banquet Hall 4:55 p.m.
Jan 4: Liberty Tree Tavern 4:20 p.m.
Jan 5: Mama Melrose 3:55 p.m. Fantasmic
Jan 6: Artist Point 6:30 p.m.
Jan 7: Crystal Palace 9:30 a.m.

Bellasoleil
Jan 3- We are taking the last flight in, so we will just be going straight to sleep.
Jan 4 - Breakfast @ Boma, MK, Dinner @ O'Hana
Jan 5 - AK, Lunch @ Yak and Yeti, Dinner @ LeCellier
Jan 6 - Breakfast @ Chef Mickey's, DTD, Dinner @ HoopDeeDoo
Jan 7 - Breakfast @ Akershush, Epcot, MK
Jan 8 - MGM, Lunch @ 50's Prime Time, Dinner @ Teppan Edo
Jan 9 - MK


Amreli/Miabellarose
Jan 4 - Chef Mickey's, 8:10am / 50's Prime Time, 5:40pm
Jan 5 - Brown Derby, 3:45pm (Fantasmic Pkg)
Jan 6 - San Angel, 11:50am / Le Cellier, 6:50pm
Jan 7 - Kona Cafe, 8:05am / Boma, 8:05pm
Jan 8 - Crystal Palace, 5:25pm
Jan 9 - 1900 Park Fare, 9:25am / Whispering Canyon, 5:05pm
Jan 10 -1900 Park Fare, 7:25pm


Missmagnolia
Jan 5: Crystal Palace 11:30 a.m.
Jan 6: Princess Storybook Breakfast 10:15 a.m.
Jan 7: Donald's Safari Breakfast 8:10 a.m./Boma 6:20 p.m.
Jan 8: 50s PTC 11:20 a.m.
Jan 9: Chef Mickey's 7:20 a.m./Kona Cafe 5:20 p.m.
Jan 10: Tutto Italia 6:45 p.m.


Mari360
Jan 6 - 1900 Parkfare at 6:15pm


Koas928
Jan 6 Trail's End Buffeteria 7pm
Jan 8 Sci-Fi 12pm / Coral Reef 7:30pm
Jan 9 Tusker House 12pm


peach3es
Jan 8: O'Hana 5:00pm
Jan 9: Crystal Palace 5:10pm
Jan 10: 1900 Park Fare 4:45pm
Jan 11: Boma 5:40pm
Jan 12: 50's Prime Time 4:40pm
Jan. 13: Princess Storybook Dinner, Norway, 4:35pm
Jan. 14: Liberty Tree Tavern 4:45pm


Mindyluvsdisney
Jan 12~Ohana
Jan 13~Crystal Palace
Jan 14~LeCellier
Jan 15~Sci-Fi
Jan 16~Chef Mickey
Jan 17~counter-service only
Jan 18~San Angel Inn
Jan 19~Kona


Susieq76
Jan 17- 6:45 pm O'Hana
Jan 18- 8:30 am Chef Mickey's / 5:55 pm- California Grill
Jan 19- 8:20 am O'Hana / 6:00pm- Coral Reef
Jan 20- 8:00am Donald's Safari / Hoop Dee Doo (not booked yet)
Jan 21- CRT (not booked yet) / 6:00pm- Narcossees
Jan 22- 8:40am Cape May Cafe / 4:45pm- Sci Fi
Jan 23 8:10am 1900 Park Fare / 6:00pm- Yachtsman
Jan 24 8:05 am Crystal Palace / 5:55 pm- Le Cellier


SplashMtncrew
Jan 18- 1900 Park Fare 7:05pm
Jan 19- Tony's 5:45pm
Jan 20- Chef Mickey's 8:30am / Le Cellier 6pm
Jan 21- HDDR 7:15pm
Jan 22- Sci Fi 5pm
Jan 23- Whispering Canyon Cafe 8:30am


Sixisenough
Jan 18 B-Bomas
Jan 19 D-Mama Melroses Dinner Package
Jan 20 B-1900 Park Faire
Jan 21 D-Coral Reef
Jan 22 D-Sci Fi
Jan 23 D-Cape May Buffet
Jan 24 B-Norway Princess Breakfast


Spokanemom
Jan 18 Planet Hollywood
Jan 19 No Clue
Jan 20 Crystal Palace 10:25 am
Jan 21 Donald's Breakfast 10:30 am
Jan 22 Sci-Fi 5:20 pm
Jan 23 Goofy's Breakfast 8 am / Teppan Edo 6 pm
Jan 24 Water Park &/or DTD day. Would like to try T-Rex.
Jan 25 50's PTC 5:35 pm
Jan 26 WCC Breakfast (Told to call & book on Oct 15) / Chef Mickey's 5 pm
Jan 27 Can't decide on Coral Reef or Le Cellier (Oct 15?)
Jan 28 CRT Breakfast (can call on Aug 1) / Hoop Dee Doo Review (Oct 15?)
Jan 29 Safari Celebration Dinner (can call on Aug 2)
Jan 30 Favorite Park Day, totally winging it here. All CS.


Jenkh
Jan 19 - 50's Prime Time 1:05pm
Jan 20 - Le Cellier 7:30pm
Jan 21 - Cap N Jacks 8:10pm
Jan 23 - Narcossee's 8:00pm
Jan 24 - Jiko 7:20pm
Jan 25 - Sci Fi 5:55pm


Momof2disneyboys
Jan 21 - 1900 Park Fare
Jan 22 - Mama Melrose Fantasmic
Jan 23 - Tusker House
Jan 24 - Plaza Restaurant
Jan 25 - Kona Cafe 5:40pm
Jan 26 - will try for LeCellier!
Jan 27 - Early flight home


Trixiequilts
Jan 21: 1900 Park Fare
Jan 22: Mama Melrose Fantasmic Package
Jan 23: Tusker House / 'Ohana
Jan 24: Le Cellier
Jan 25: Boma / Chefs de France
Jan 26: Will try for Teppan Edo
Jan 27: Chef Mickey's


Kazooie01
Jan 21 - Boma 6:25pm
Jan 22 - Crystal Palace 8:05am
Jan 23 - Akershus 4:55pm
Jan 24 - Play & Dine 8:00am
Jan 25 - Sci-Fi 5:00pm
Jan 26 - 1900 Park Fare ? / Chef Mickeys 5:15pm
Jan 27 - ?
Jan 28 - ?


Kaitebugsmom
Jan 22 - Yachtsman Steakhouse 7pm
Jan 24 - Brown Derby Lunch 12pm
Jan 26 - Want Boma for Dinner
Jan 27 - Want Askerhaus for Lunch
Jan 28 - Want Nine Dragons for Dinner


Debbieandroo
Jan 23 - Le Cellier 6:55
Jan 24 - Whispering Canyon 8:45
Jan 25 - Boma 5:45


Holleetigerlilly
1/23 - Hollywood and Vine lunch
1/24 - Ashkerus breakfast
1/25 - Tusker house breakfast
1/26 - Crystal Palace
1/27 - CRT

 

[peach3es]

So, now that there is a rumor that there is a change to the Dining Plan coming and they might possibly offer 2 CS meals, 2 snacks, and the refillable mug for around $26, will any of you change or cancel your ADRs? I'm looking at money and thinking if they make this kind of dining plan offer, I might have to switch. I'm just wondering if we can use a combination of CS meals for a TS meal. I guess not...too big a price difference.

My kids would be heartbroken to lose their character meals...but wow, that would mean huge savings for my family.

Just wondering if anyone other snowbird would consider making that switch.

 

[Momof2Disneyboys]

I would consider switching if the standard DDP goes up much. We really want to do the DDP one more time though before DS turns 10 (and will be charged as an adult). We only actually have one character meal scheduled this time. Weird, we usually have like 4! Guess we've done them all!

So, I guess I am just waiting on the price to make my final decision. We were going to ditch the DDP all together after this past May trip. We just felt too tied to all the ADR's. Felt like we were always rushed to get everywhere because of all the ADR's. Plus it was SO HOT that we weren't always even hungry when it was time to eat again! But then we decided to do it one more time since it won't be so hot in January and since DS9 is still considered a child!

 

[coffeehousemom]

I heard that too I am really considering the change. I would still pay outta pocket for the Ohana & Tusker House character breakfasts. Only because I want them. The kids think they are cool but afraid that they will take up too much park time. hmm maybe I've brainwashed too well.

We will also be doing the "other parks" while we are there so the original plan would be too much food. Will have to sit down w/ my schedule & the menus from the restaurants we would go to & do the math.


Hey also before I forget LTD Commodities catalogs for summer & winter have TONS of Disney stuff for real good prices. Got stuff for me & kids both. Including a really neat Sherpa Lined Jean Jacket w/ mickey embroidered on the back for $20!!!

Would be up for a meet w/ any snowbirds there at our days looks to be quite a few.

 

[Momof2Disneyboys]

Looks like I will miss you by a few days for a meet up Coffeehousemom. Bummer

Maybe we should try for one beginning of the month Snowbird meet and one end of the month Snowbird meet. . . Or maybe one each week of the month. . . What do you all think???

Looks like we have over 80 Snowbirds, but how many of us post all the time and would be interested in a meet, maybe 15-20???

Give me your thoughts everybody. . . I would be glad to get a Snowbird Meet schedule going!

 

[sharadoc]

Maybe we should try for one beginning of the month Snowbird meet and one end of the month Snowbird meet. . . Or maybe one each week of the month. . . What do you all think???

Give me your thoughts everybody. . . I would be glad to get a Snowbird Meet schedule going!

Sounds like a great plan! I'm in for sure.

 

[SplashMtnCrew]

Looks like we have over 80 Snowbirds, but how many of us post all the time and would be interested in a meet, maybe 15-20???

Give me your thoughts everybody. . . I would be glad to get a Snowbird Meet schedule going!

Count us in
Snowbirds!

 

[Momof2Disneyboys]

Anyone going to Fantasmic on Jan 22nd??? Trixie and I are planning to meet up to sit together! So anyone that is doing the Fantasmic package that night is welcome to join us!

 

[Momof2Disneyboys]

I will also be at DTD on the 23rd in the afternoon/evening, if anyone wants to get together for a quick hello!

 

[spokanemom]

Good Morning Everyone! *yup, still morning here...*

I have some dining changes:

Jan 28 CRT Breakfast now booked for 10:10 / Hoop Dee Doo Review (Oct 15?)


And more changes... or decisions to make.
The other family that is going at the same time with us had discussed moving to CBR if they were able to get a discount and lower the price to make it more affordable to them. Since we are going in Jan, we figured that it there was a pretty good chance that it would happen. Last night, I got an IM from her (we do it frequently, so it is no biggie to hear this way) and she and her DH have decided that no matter if a discount comes up, they will be staying at Pop. They have never been to WDW and so I understand that no matter where they stay, it will be new.

My dilemma: Do I stay at Pop with them? Do I move to CBR and enjoy the slide in Jan, could be cold. The extra room would be nice. We would have 2 rooms either way. Although to get 2 rooms at CBR, I may show my DH the price & then move to Deluxe! Oh, the choices! I know that it would be easier if we all stayed at the same resort. The kids & DHs could come & go a lot easier if we were all at the same place. The boys (all the kids are boys) would love being able to swim together. If we are in different resorts, we ALL know that there is NO POOL HOPPING. The Dis-Police will come & get us. j/k.

I need some rational advice. Stay at Pop with the group, or move CBR? Please note that I am the wife of the Icee Fanatic. You may recall in my prior posts that my DH did not want to move to CBR initally due to the LACK of Icee machines! My family is NO help. I KNOW that you all understand that. Remember "the look"?

Now, on to other news. I think that we may spend the first few nights at *gasp* Hard Rock Hotel. We are doing Universal for the first 2 days and think that since we will be there over MLK Weekend, it really may benefit us to have Front of the Line Access.

Lastly, Heimlichfam: I tried to use your link, but it says that the page cannot be found. I would love to do your survey, as I have had a child in a tutoring program. PM me with the full link if you would like.

Thanks to everyone who is willing to talk me down. Planning is hard (like I have to tell you all).

 

[Momof2Disneyboys]

Oh that's a hard one Spokanemom. . . . I'm sure it would be most convenient for all of you to stay at the same resort. . . But the extra space, plus a new pool, and the little extras a moderate has to offer would sure be nice for you too. . . .

I guess you just really need to decide what is best for you and your family and go from there.

Sorry I'm not more help!

 

[petuniamilz]

Those who are looking for little gifts........if you have girls....Michael's has a ton of princess stuff in their $1 section.

 

[petuniamilz]

Coffehousemom.......what part of WI do you live in?

 

[coffeehousemom]

Hey petuniamilz we live by the Iowa/Illinois/Wisconsin border 20 minutes any direction and you can be in a different state. How about you? When will you be at the house of mouse?

 

[debbieandroo]

So, now that there is a rumor that there is a change to the Dining Plan coming and they might possibly offer 2 CS meals, 2 snacks, and the refillable mug for around $26, will any of you change or cancel your ADRs? I'm looking at money and thinking if they make this kind of dining plan offer, I might have to switch. I'm just wondering if we can use a combination of CS meals for a TS meal. I guess not...too big a price difference.

My kids would be heartbroken to lose their character meals...but wow, that would mean huge savings for my family.

Just wondering if anyone other snowbird would consider making that switch.

I, too, am thinking about going this route. Most of the folks going [I think there will be 5, maybe 4 of us] have never been to WDW. To navigate through the unknown parks, rushing to make an ADR, having no idea long how the buses will take - suddenly that sounds a little too complicated.

So, good-bye Le Cellier, Boma, Whispering Canyon -- sniff, sniff....

Until I get the official word from the rest of the travelers, I'll keep my ADRs.

All is not lost, though -- on my SECOND trip to the world, when I will be more acclimated, I will be a table-service queen!

 

[MissMagnolia]

petuniamliz & coffeehousemom:
We are also from WI (La Crosse).

 

[petuniamilz]

We live in Beloit. We'll be at WDW January 23-30.
Coffeehouse.....I'm heading your direction next Wed. for the Lands End sale in Dodgeville.