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

[Dancegrl624]

to the Snowbirds! It's good to have you here!

 

[Monny2AE]

I've never used any codes either, but this is what I understand.
When the code is released, you just call and ask to apply it to your reservation. However, the codes are not universal in that there is not availability in all room categories and resorts. If there is availability for the room you already have booked, then it's simple. If there isn't, and you want to apply the code then you must be flexible: willing to change resorts or room categories. It doesn't matter if you already have a package or room-only booked. However, they might have to cancel your current reservation and book a new one in order to make it work, which means they refund your deposit and bill you a new one.
For example, I am currently booked room-only at AKL Pool View for my trip. If a Free Upgrade is offered I'm not sure if I would take it, because that would require a change to a package and payment in full 45 days in advance. If I decide I would like to use that code, I would see if it could be applied to my reservation. If there is no availability in AKL, I would switch to WL or possibly one of the Moderates depending on availability.

If you've already reserved a package, then it's less complicated in my opinion. You're allowed to change your reservation at no charge up to 45 days before your trip, so if you call as soon as they release the code you should be able to make the change without any problems. Usually they release codes of this kind about 2 months before the first possible date it can be used for, which means they would release the January through February codes the beginning of November.

Thanks for all the info- you've done your homework! I'm going as part of a grand gathering so I think I will talk with my mom and sister about the possibility of switching resorts if we have to. I wouldn't mind upgrading from ASMo to CBR if it means we save money!

Good evening everyone!

I was at work all day (supposed to be home at 3 didn't get home til about 10 minutes ago....5:30).

The Brewers lost cool1: ). Yes, I'm from WI, but HATE the Brewers!

Planning trips is fun for me. Since we will be staying someplace new, my sister and I have been looking at sites every day and talking about different things that are at this resort.

We have our ADR's made, only 3 (I'll post the times when I find my sheet....I'm not organized!! ). The rest of the time we just eat in the parks or back at the resort. We hate "wasting" time sitting in restaurants when we could be on rides or seeing shows.

We also have a basic plan for what we are doing each day. Not hard core like first this ride, then this one, then this one. We just say we will be at this park this day, and that's it. It's hard to plan ride by ride because you can't predict how the crowds are going to be for each day.

We basically have everything we will need for this trip. All that's left is the park tickets. Which I will be purchasing at some point because I can use my Chase Credit Card and get triple points on it!

Alright, time to find some dinner and have a mug of hot chocolate!

Mmm hot chocolate sounds yummy- it's chilly here tonight. I need to get planning which parks we'll go to each day. That's about as planned as I get too. I want to look at the parades and shows and my ADR's and get a game plan going too.

And.... HELLO.... I'm in the 2 month range!






And look who else showed up.....



He heard I was having a bad day!

I guess since you had such a rough day we'll let him out of his cell for just a minute- but it's only a day pass.

 

[jenjolt]

And.... HELLO.... I'm in the 2 month range!






And look who else showed up.....



He heard I was having a bad day!

I am offically a real snow bird!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
We are booked December 31st-Jan. 7th

CONGRATULATIONS ALL AROUND!!! YAY!!!

 

[Dancegrl624]

I should really be getting off to bed right about now. I have a very busy week ahead of me. I have the usual dance classes that I take, the dance classes that I teach, DH's grad school, and oh yeah! My sister is getting married on Saturday!!!!! I have to help assemble the programs, get the favors together and of course, go to the salon for a manicure and pedicure! I will still be checking the DIS regularly though. I need to get away from the craziness sometimes! I'm actually going to be having a very busy October, but I don't mind. That will make the month go by faster and that means Disney isn't far away! Good night!

 

[sarbah77]

Couldn't get tickets.

He couldn't or you couldn't? I can't, either, and I live here in town. We did get hockey season tickets, though, which is a whole 'nother

I'm not sure how much I will be on in the next few days. DH is having surgery tommorow and my poor little dog is at the emergency vet clinic. Anyhow- have a great week and I'll talk to you all soon.

Hope things went as best they could!!

++

My DH ran a half marathon today and blew away his "wishful thinking" time. He's pretty excited by it. Of course, some random complicated formula says that by running the half at that pace, he can complete a full in 3:16. He thinks that's highly unlikely, but it's nice to dream. I think that it would be Boston qualifying, if he can run the Disney at that pace!

And I think it was as cold as it's likely to be in January, yoo! We left the house at 5:45am, pitch black, and about 37. Brrrrrr.

I think I'm on the mend for now. I'm definitely counting the days until surgery... and learning something new every day. Like maybe I shoul dbe more careful when I eat out?! <--dumb!

Happy Sunday night/Monday morning!!!

 

[mana_liz]

102 days...almost to double digits. Yah for me.

 

[Remmy]

Hello fellow Snowbirds,

I have just caught up to all of you after reading over 70 pages. I didn't wish to skip anything and miss out. I love seeing all your pictures and reading all of your posts.

It looks like some of you have celebrated birthdays and new snowbirds have joined. Congratulations to all.

I remember reading about the near miss of the armed robbery. I too believe that God will look after us and I am happy you are safe.

I loved seeing the pictures of the sugar cookies in Mickey head shape. I will add that to my shopping list. Last time we were down, we went to the World of Disney store and were overwhelmed. At home, we found a Mickey waffle iron in a liquidation store. It makes larger waffles but not as dense as what the pictures from the food sites look like. Still the kids and us love them. We have stopped making normal pancakes and now just Mickey waffles.

I too wish to do the pick a pearl with my DD. I think we may try to do not only for ourselves to have the memory but also do more for my DMom and DGrandmother. I have also heard that you can do this at a Downtown Disney location.

I was very lucky to find the ultimate in scrap booking products. We were on vacation in the Toronto area in June and stayed over in Markham, Ontario, Canada. Just down the road was the Sandylion Sticker manufacturing plant but they also have an outlet in the back. I spent over $400.00 there and am sorry to say I haven't started. I have heard how great it is and have all the supplies but just don't know where to start. I found so many Disney sheets, stickers, etc, it just blew our minds. We picked up scrapbooks for our family, and for each of the kids. They also had at that time Tinkerbell scrapbook, including a keepsake box, and so many stickers and sheets and protector sheets on for $10.00 each. We picked up 3 for we had at the time our 3 nieces planning on going too. Anyway, I also found on their website a book about Disney scrap booking. It is called "The essential Disney idea book". I have looked through it and it looks wonderful and full of ideas I think I can create (this coming from a non-crafty type person). I am looking forward to more items to purchase at Disney to add to our collection. I think I will start after our Jan. trip and then go back and do our 2006 trip.

I am upset at the closure of the Philharmagic ride. My whole family loved it and it looks like we will miss it by one day. I hope it opens up earlier than that. If not my DH's family is planning to still go down, now maybe in September or October. Either way, we will ask about a possible bounce back deal if offered to be able to visit again in a different season. This time for only one week.

Thank you for all the information on the Nintendo DS. We recently bought one for our DD for Christmas. Me being technology challenged let her try it out for a few days to make certain it worked. I would have hated to had it not work on Christmas and not able to return it since I bought it in October. Anyway, I am glad to hear about the wi-fi and that should mean internet connection correct? We will have to figure out how to do it and if it is available at the Pop. It would be good to contact family while away, and it would be cheaper than calling.

We too have Yak and Yeti for one of our ADRs. I have not seen it yet on the 2009 Dining Plan but am waiting to see if it will be on it. If not, we will have to change just that one. We have not been to it but have read great things and can't wait to try it.

Sorry for being a bit chatty. I wish everyone much happiness and health.
Remmy

 

[Remmy]

I forgot to mention I work retail too. I have told DH there will be one day; I will be sitting on a bench with a Mickey ice cream bar or Dole Whip or something truly yummy and smiling uncontrollably. I am saving up all my worst retail moments and will be thinking of those just for those few brief moments and remembering that is one of the reasons on why I work so I can enjoy those moments with my family here at the happiest place on earth. Sometimes now when some of those customers are at their nastiest (I have even had customers admit they are nasty but just don't care) I put on my biggest smile. They look at me with a weird expression but I start thinking about Disney and they can't make my day bad.

That may be a bad thought but that is what gets me through some of my darkest retail hours. Some customers can be outright rude and obnoxious. Luckily I only have a few, less than 10, so when I see them I can brace myself.

 

[trixiequilts]

He couldn't or you couldn't? I can't, either, and I live here in town. We did get hockey season tickets, though.

I couldn't. I figure he can probably get there any time he wants for the rest of his life!

My DBIL sharpens the hockey teams' skates. I tried to come up with something interesting about that, but I couldn't. So you're practically neighbors AND he sharpens your hockey teams' skates. Very interesting, Trixie! zzzzz zzzzzzzzzz zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz

 

[jensen]

Hello everyone! I'm wondering who is renting a car and if you found any good deals for January? I've got a mid-sized reserved for about $200 for the week, but that seems really high to me.

 

[trixiequilts]

Hello everyone! I'm wondering who is renting a car and if you found any good deals for January? I've got a mid-sized reserved for about $200 for the week, but that seems really high to me.

We haven't decided about a car yet. I don't want to spend the money, but the buses sound very questionable lately. Have you looked on the transportation board? People often post discount codes there. Mousesavers dot com also has some ideas for saving money on rentals. Good luck!

 

[trixiequilts]

Alrighty everyone, I'm off to the dentist this morning for a root canal. The dentist's office is my least favorite place in the world. Seriously. I'll be thinking about all the food I can chew without pain on my trip as he's working on me!

 

[AussieAngel]

Oh no! Poor Trixie!!

I hope it goes quickly for you! Think lots of nice Disney thoughts!!

 

[Remmy]

To Trixiequilts,

Good luck on the dentist. I believe you are right. Only thoughts of Disney and the wonderful food that can be found there will keep your mind off of what is really happening.

 

[MindyLuvsMickey]

Alrighty everyone, I'm off to the dentist this morning for a root canal. The dentist's office is my least favorite place in the world. Seriously. I'll be thinking about all the food I can chew without pain on my trip as he's working on me!

Oh, no! That's awful! I'm a dental nightmare, too. I've spent so much time in the dentist's chair it's really sad. Fortunately, no root canals, though. Just crowns.

I hope your procedure goes smoothly for you!



So . . . everyone put on your dancin' shoes because IT'S PARTY TIME. I won't wake Disco Dale because, well . . . he freaks me out.

Any way, today is our 3 Month Mark and my birthday!!



Who knew that turning 33 could be so much fun?!?!

Have a great day everyone!

 

[trixiequilts]

Happy Birthday Mindy! ​

 

[Northern Disney Girl]

Good Morning Snowbirds! Happy Monday! Hope everyone had a great weekend! HAve to go and get my girlies ready for school so I will check in later!

 

[Northern Disney Girl]

Alrighty everyone, I'm off to the dentist this morning for a root canal. The dentist's office is my least favorite place in the world. Seriously. I'll be thinking about all the food I can chew without pain on my trip as he's working on me!

Oh poor Trixie! I hope all goes well and it is not too painful! Think good thoughts - Disney thoughts - and know that you are being prayed for by many!

So . . . everyone put on your dancin' shoes because IT'S PARTY TIME. I won't wake Disco Dale because, well . . . he freaks me out.

Any way, today is our 3 Month Mark and my birthday!!



Who knew that turning 33 could be so much fun?!?!

Have a great day everyone!

Happy Birthday Mindy! Have a super day!

 

[sarbah77]

My DBIL sharpens the hockey teams' skates. I tried to come up with something interesting about that, but I couldn't. So you're practically neighbors AND he sharpens your hockey teams' skates. Very interesting, Trixie! zzzzz zzzzzzzzzz zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz

Hey, if he's ever out on the ice (or whatever), I will probably be able to say that I saw him!! Michigan hockey is a whole kind of crazy but it's a blast. It'll be great... except for the games we're missing while in Disney!

Alrighty everyone, I'm off to the dentist this morning for a root canal. The dentist's office is my least favorite place in the world. Seriously. I'll be thinking about all the food I can chew without pain on my trip as he's working on me!

Feel better soon!!

So . . . everyone put on your dancin' shoes because IT'S PARTY TIME. I won't wake Disco Dale because, well . . . he freaks me out.

Any way, today is our 3 Month Mark and my birthday!!



Who knew that turning 33 could be so much fun?!?!

Have a great day everyone!

Woohoo! Happy birthday!!

I have... 3 months and 4 days. But I have just under 3 months until my birthday!

Happy Monday, everyone!!

 

[Disney Mommy 3]

Mindy~ Happy Birthday!!


Trixie~I'm praying for you girl!! My husband had one not too far back~it'll be okay. Just don't forget to take Tylenol (or whatever) BEFORE it starts hurting!! Really, his wasn't bad,--he only needed Tylenol once, but it was after he was kinda sore. I myself would have taken it before, after, after, after!!! If he would have taken it right away, I don't think he would have even been a little sore. After that first dose, he didn't take anymore and said he didn't hurt at all!!!


Bella~ Yay!!2 months!!