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

[Momof2Disneyboys]

Hey Momof2...What time of year did you visit POR? This has been a concern of mine and one of the factors that could cause me to change resorts. Now to be fair we did have this happen to us one day at CSR...It was the bus to AK and 4...yes 4 buses went by completely full and would not even stop to add more people. We were the last bus stop loading so I can see how it happens but we ended up waiting 45 minutes and missed our breakfast ressie. I had programmed the front desk # into my cell phone and called to let them know. They in turn called and secured us a later ressie for Tusker House.

Oh and we had it happen on about Dec 3 or 4th. Other than that one day all the buses were half empty. The park was very busy that day and we "hopped" over to EPCOT with a full belly .

OOPs I meant POFQ....Silly me I guess I need more Diet Coke to function!

We stayed at POFQ in mid-May 2007. Not particularly a busy time. To give you an idea of how busy it was/wasn't - we never waited over 20 minutes to ride anything in the parks. We saw the POR bus issue more than once that week.

Another DISer I know stayed at POR this May (2008) on her honeymoon and had several issues. I believe they even got reimbursed for cab fare because of a bus situation. (I could get more info on her situation if you want)

 

[overthemoon4mickey]

I will say that I have stayed in POR in the middle of the summer JUne at the busiest time and in sept , this was before we were DVC members and i absoutly loved it. we never had issues with service or buses.

Thanks.....Oh, That makes me feel better! Everyone says it is so big...We stayed at both CBR and CSR and thought those were HUGE!

 

[Dancegrl624]

Since we're not staying on property, these codes don't really apply to me. I hope that everyone gets what they want with these codes though!! Good luck!

 

[Momof2Disneyboys]

Thanks.....Oh, That makes me feel better! Everyone says it is so big...We stayed at both CBR and CSR and thought those were HUGE!

I wouldn't let size keep you from POR, or any resort. I love the bigger resorts, they are so pretty!

We probably will give POR a try someday. I looks beautiful. We are just a little scared of the bus situation.

 

[jenjolt]

All the information on codes is driving me nuts LOL!!! Everyone please tell me to take a deep breath LOL!!!

Shelly...about the Disney Visa...how long does it take to get approved if you choose to apply??? I'm thinking I just might go the AP route and stop worry about everything else LOL

Stupid Disney OCD...I need professional help LOL

 

[MAGGIED]

Peanut I love the snow Picture!!! Your daughter looks so happy!

On the Jan 09 Code Watch thread there is talk of a dining plan being added as of tomorrow but I think it's just for AP holders? Is this a discounted package plan with dining just for AP or is free dining for AP? I feel so lost. It didn't seem worth it to buy an AP for $500 to save $300 on the hotel but if they are offering free dining then maybe- although it's probably too late? Ugh this is all so confusing!

The AP with dining is just a room discount... you can also book a AP room only rate... if I understand it correctly the difference is that the room only rate doesn't have to be paid in full as soon as the AP with Dining...the AP with dining is considered a package so you need to pay 45 days prior to arrival. In the past the never let AP holders book dining without buying at least a one day pass... they have eliminated that rule... YEAH.... the code for AP with dining is WNQ....

so hear is what I have...

7 nights at CBR, preferred room, 6 day base tickets for 4 of us, with dining and insurance.... AAA rate $3312

7 nights at CBR, preferred room, 6 day base tickets for 3 and renewal of AP, with dining and insurace... AAA rate $3300 w/ AP discount

7 nights at CBR, standard room, 6 days base tickets for 3 and renewal of AP, with dining and insurance, AAA rate $3101.... w/ AP discount

so the second option is only a savings of $12.... BUT I will have my AP which means I can go again this year if I want to...YEAH....

the third option gives us a standard room.... which I guess is fine.... and my AP for another year.... and still saves us $200......... so I think that is the route I am going to take.... now if they could only do free dining that would be great.....

 

[Monny2AE]

Meghan You got you Mickey pumpkin to show!!!! Hooray!

All the information on codes is driving me nuts LOL!!! Everyone please tell me to take a deep breath LOL!!!

Shelly...about the Disney Visa...how long does it take to get approved if you choose to apply??? I'm thinking I just might go the AP route and stop worry about everything else LOL

Stupid Disney OCD...I need professional help LOL

I know what you mean I have been glued to this computer all morning and am so confused about all of it! I have Disney Visa and it didn't take long to get approved. I can't remember the exact number of days but it was pretty quick. I'm really hoping for some Visa codes tomorrow!

 

[Momof2Disneyboys]

All the information on codes is driving me nuts LOL!!! Everyone please tell me to take a deep breath LOL!!!

Shelly...about the Disney Visa...how long does it take to get approved if you choose to apply??? I'm thinking I just might go the AP route and stop worry about everything else LOL

Stupid Disney OCD...I need professional help LOL

I'm not sure. I got mine in 2005. Don't remember how long it took. Not too long though. I think once you apply though you can use the code that comes out.

Are the AP rates limited to certain dates?

 

[overthemoon4mickey]

We stayed at POFQ in mid-May 2007. Not particularly a busy time. To give you an idea of how busy it was/wasn't - we never waited over 20 minutes to ride anything in the parks. We saw the POR bus issue more than once that week.

Another DISer I know stayed at POR this May (2008) on her honeymoon and had several issues. I believe they even got reimbursed for cab fare because of a bus situation. (I could get more info on her situation if you want)

I wonder if her situation was like the one I posted about at CSR? Buses too full and wouldn't stop to add more?

When we stayed at CBR it seemed like it took awhile for the buses to hit all the stops but once you left the resort area it was only minutes to EPCOT, DHS, or MK. I would stay there again if I could be assured that we would not be in the furthest building from the Food Court. I think we were in Trinidad. On the plus side we could see fireworks from our porch. and our room was steps from the bus stop.

Oh I always do this...worry if we could have gotten a better resort/view/bus stop location....in reality any room at Disney is better than NO room at Disney!


I'm still thinking about switching but will wait to see what deals there are to work with first....

 

[Dancegrl624]

Meghan You got you Mickey pumpkin to show!!!! Hooray!

Yeah, I figured it out. It took me awhile, but my head isn't exactly clear right now!

 

[jenjolt]

I'm not sure. I got mine in 2005. Don't remember how long it took. Not too long though. I think once you apply though you can use the code that comes out.

Are the AP rates limited to certain dates?

According to people on the January 2009 Code Watch the dates are as followed:

The dates are 1/2-1/15 and 1/19-2/12. HTH

Which would take out 3 days of my trip..and I'm not sure what to do about that??? I think from what I have heard you have to be able to apply the discount to your entire dates not just the dates that apply. Can anyone confirm this for me?????? I think I know how I will be spending my lunch hour today LOL. I already feel bad for the poor CM who has to answer my questions LOL

 

[MAGGIED]

Jen.... I just sent you a PM....

 

[snykymom]

I wouldn't let size keep you from POR, or any resort. I love the bigger resorts, they are so pretty!

We probably will give POR a try someday. I looks beautiful. We are just a little scared of the bus situation.

That's one of the biggest things I'm concerned about - it doesn't make sense to save $200 and then have to rent a car because the busses drive you mad!

Not about POR, but I'm also worried that if the AP rates aren't available for my dates for CBR & CSR, that any general code also won't be available!

Oh, well, back to watching & waiting!

 

[Momof2Disneyboys]

I wonder if her situation was like the one I posted about at CSR? Buses too full and wouldn't stop to add more?

When we stayed at CBR it seemed like it took awhile for the buses to hit all the stops but once you left the resort area it was only minutes to EPCOT, DHS, or MK. I would stay there again if I could be assured that we would not be in the furthest building from the Food Court. I think we were in Trinidad. On the plus side we could see fireworks from our porch. and our room was steps from the bus stop.

Oh I always do this...worry if we could have gotten a better resort/view/bus stop location....in reality any room at Disney is better than NO room at Disney!


I'm still thinking about switching but will wait to see what deals there are to work with first....

Yeah, she definitely had something bad happen. I can't remember all of the details. . . I'm sure things like that can happen at any resort. You just hear about it more often at certain ones.

As of January 2009 all of the Trinidad South (farthest building) rooms at CBR are being converted to Pirate Rooms, so you won't get stuck out there unless you book and pay extra for it! Yes, I also remember it being a very short ride to MK, DHS, and Epcot from CBR. It was quite a bit longer to AK.

We could see IllumiNations from our Jamaica room too!

 

[MAGGIED]

Here is what is on the passholders website...

Select Disney Value Resorts - Standard Room
$49 per night, plus tax*
Valid for stays most nights 1/2 - 1/15 and 1/19 - 2/12/09

Select Disney Moderate Resorts - Standard Room
$89 per night, plus tax*
Valid for stays most nights 1/4 - 1/17 and 1/21 - 2/12/09

Disney's Wilderness Lodge and Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge - Standard Room
$144 per night, plus tax*
Valid for stays most nights Sunday - Thursday 1/2 - 1/15 and 1/19 - 2/12/09

Disney's Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa - Studio
$179 per night, plus tax*
Valid for stays most nights 1/1 - 2/12/09"

some resorts do not have the AP rates left... it looks like CSR is unavailable at this point... CBR still has them though

 

[trixiequilts]

I know nobody's really thinking about ADRs today (other than the hopes of free dining), but has anyone been able to book Tutto Italia in January? First they were going to close mid 2008 and reopen as a different restaurant, which didn't happen, and then I heard someone couldn't make ADRs there for January.

MickeyNicki was there a couple of weeks ago and I asked if she could try to find out what the deal is. Being the wonderfully helpful and kind
person that she is (Hi Nicki ), she took pics of the new menu, and gave me permission to share this info with all of you. This is what she had to say:

"I asked the host/asst manager if the menu was changing soon. He said they just changed it and it will stay the way it is until after New Year's. I asked if they were closing for a remodel and his reply was No, not anytime soon as the feedback from diners has been superb, they like things the way they are."

Anyway, just wondering if anybody had tried to book there lately?

 

[mari360]

Morning all..... WOW have the snowbirds been a busy bunch. Last time I was on was when it was still on list I...... My family is getting more excited about the trip now. I'm buying my airfare this friday along with the other 20 people that are going. Does anybody know if the airline give some sort of discount to a large group... i doubt it....

 

[Momof2Disneyboys]

Morning all..... WOW have the snowbirds been a busy bunch. Last time I was on was when it was still on list I...... My family is getting more excited about the trip now. I'm buying my airfare this friday along with the other 20 people that are going. Does anybody know if the airline give some sort of discount to a large group... i doubt it....

Hey Mari! We have missed you over here. (of course I still get to talk to you on the MAYer thread! )

I doubt the airlines give any discounts. It wouldn't hurt to ask though!

 

[sharadoc]

Disney VISA:

"about the Disney Visa...how long does it take to get approved if you choose to apply??? I'm thinking I just might go the AP route and stop worry about everything else LOL"

You can go on the Disney Shopping website and apply online. You get a result in minutes. I don't know if things are different because of the current market and credit conditions, but that's how it used to be.

We decided years ago to have NO credit cards (which is a great thing for us with the market and economy the way it is - no debt ), but it is tempting with the discounts. I'm hoping the general public discount will be available for our room and we'll be good to go.

Or you can decide to get an AP, and be all set when you book bounceback for next year!!!!

 

[overthemoon4mickey]

Whew....I don't think I've ever posted this much in one day. My fingers are tired.

My DD's school has a tradition called Character Parade. This is where all the kiddos, teachers, and staff dress like their favorite book character. This is super cute! This year Hurricane Ike happened when the Character Parade was scheduled. The school decided to reschedule it to Halloween! Our school doesn't allow dressing up on Halloween so this is a big treat! My DD's reading a series of books called The Tail of Emily Windsnap. It's about a young girl who finds out during swim class that she is a mermaid. So I'm off to the store to find suitable material for a mermaid tail and other goodies to make this costume. Wish me luck!


I'll check in later....