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

[overthemoon4mickey]

Another snowbird from far away checking in!

Cast: DH, DD12, DD10 and I

Trip: Two weeks in Florida, coming from very dark and chilly northern Europe (Finland), so you can guess that we're really looking forward to some

Stay at WDW: 4-7 Jan 2009, POR

Welcome, you check out the day before we check into POR.

 

[Mndisneygirl]

Yeah I just had to go a figure out a comparison. Even with free dinning I'll be coming out ahead unless I switched to POP, but I decided I wanted to treat myself to a deluxe resort and I'm going to stick to my guns!

And you should!! Enjoy!

 

[Mndisneygirl]

I love the castle, but this year I'm going to try to get one without 10,000 other people in it. I wish I'd thought to book a CP breakfast! I have to try to get some pictures of the whole family, not just the kids. Since I take most of them, I'm not in too many. I know back in part I or II this was discussed. I want my kids to remember that I was there too!!
I am anxious to hear about some special spots that I haven't thought of. Last time we were at SOG there was a big statue of Mickey in the lobby, all painted patriotic. It was cool. We got some cute pictures there.

 

[snykymom]

OK, now I have a dilemma. The AP rate doesn't help me with CSR, where I'm booked now, or with CBR. But it would at POR. I haven't really considered it before - can someone tell me about POR? It's for my adult D and myself (H doesn't like Disney so he's staying home).

I've always wanted to stay at either CBR or CSR; the theming at POR didn't really turn me on. And since July, I've been reading only about these other two! Any info anyone can give me (or a link to the POR thread) would really help!

TIA

I want to thank everyone for their help, and we have a decision (drum roll please - where's the icon for drum roll??) - we're staying put with CSR. D loves the idea of the spa and prefers the theming.

So we're back to waiting for a general code. But I'm losing what little patience I have!!!

 

[Pinkdiamond816]

For anyone who's a Disney Movie Club member, there are some great Christmas deals that came today! 60% off all movies when you buy 1 at full price!!!

For anyone who's not a member, you should be! Its one of those clubs where you get a movie a month, which you can turn down (I usually do) but there are tons of movies in the store, most of which are discounted and then you always get really great discounts on top of that. Something to consider if you buy a lot of disney DVD's. It also includes movies from Disney's sub-companies (so lots of adult choices!) and collectables and music! They also have things exclusive to the club, like my favorite the Zorro TV series DVD's!

 

[snykymom]

Oh, one other thing - while I was researching POR, I went onto Disney's website. There used to be these virtual tours of the resorts, which really helped in trying to figure out the theming, and they're gone!! I found it really frustrating, and moved to other sites just to get a feel (well, as much of a feel as one can get on the computer) for the resort.

What's up with that?? (Or am I being an idiot and the tours were moved somewhere else on the site? )

 

[danceintherain]

Hello and Good Morning Snowbirds,

I was talking to DH last night before he left for work. I told him how so many people were getting emails with PINS or codes in them. I stated how important it was and we had to look for the email from "Disney Destinations", as this is what others have said. Now we both have our own email addresses, and we both are subscribers to Backstage Pass, their newsletter.

DH then said, I don't always read those and just delete them. I had one a few weeks ago, although it didn't read in the message part the same as usual but I just deleted them.

My jaw just dropped. He then asked what the big deal was and what was a PIN or code. I explained it to him very calmly. I then demanded no more automatically deleting Disney messages.

Now Snowbirds, my husband didn't just fall off the dog sled here, he has been on these boards, listened to all of the DIS podcasts, and I have stressed in the past how important these PINs or codes are.

I will only hope it was something insignificant or for codes for this year. I don't want to think about any other possibilities. And to think, I have been searching my emails and spam all this time and they might have sent a code to him?!?

Remmy

Men! *shakes head*

Is anyone else looking at the thread for Jan 2009 code watch? There's lots of chatter going on and someone said something might be out tomorrow that's more than just AP rates. Apparently the 2009 AP rates are out and someone called about adding dining. The CM told them wait til tomorrow. So maybe...

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

EEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKK

OMG I just got off the phone with the most wonderful CM ever (Bogart was his name). I was trying to apply my AAA discount and I mentioned that as soon as I got to Disney I would be upgrading to the Florida Seasonal Pass (I have already bought my 4-day pass, but I need 7 days and it just makes sense at that point to get the Annual pass so I can go back free later in the year)...anyways I'm totally rambling...

He was like well let's try to apply the AP code to your reservation instead. I then told him I was under the impression that since my dates weren't included I couldn't get the AP rate. Well he did something magical and a balance of $587.25 became a balance of $364.50 (not including the deposit I put down) I just saved 220.00 on my resort!! YAY YAY YAY YAY!!

Okay I promise to calm down now..I apologize for the franticness of my posts earlier!! I can tend to be on the dramatic side...so I'm sorry to any of you that I bothered!

HUGE thanks to all of you who took the time to answer my many questions!!

AAAAH! I never should have decided to rest this morning. I wasn't feeling well, so I decided to skip my first two classes, and stay in bed. Which means I didn't see the discounts first thing this morning, because I don't have i-net in my apartment. (I go to the Church building next door) I e-mailed my TA, but I probably should have called her the minute I saw the discounts, because now I'm just going to have to call her in the morning. A whole night of anticipation! We've already been planning on getting APs... at some point during our trip, because we have a second trip already planned. It has just been a matter of when (before or upgrade there) Now I'm pretty sure we're going to do the APs before... I suppose it might be better that I have to wait until tomorrow, because I kind of want to find out if they offer an AP with Dining Deal, because that might be the best offer for us... but I have no idea until they offer it.

 

[overthemoon4mickey]

QOTD: We always do a pic at the beginning of Main Street with the castle in the background, and one with the EPCOT ball in the background. But I have to say that the photos of DD (then only child) and then 2 years later DD& DS trying to pull the sword out of the rock near the carousel are really cute!


weeeeewoooo! I'm so excited I was just telling DH all the chitter chat about discounts and giggling CM's and I actually physically started to dance. ....I know I'm a DIS DORK! I don't know how I'll sleep tonight. I keep thinking about that Disney commercial from a few years ago when the kids kept saying "I too excited, I can't sleep" and then it cut to the dad laying in bed saying "I'm too excited, I can't sleep" I just know I'll be repeating that over and over tonight.

only 13.5 hours until the codes are up on the east coast. I'm Central do I have to wait until 7:00 my time???

 

[Pinkdiamond816]

weeeeewoooo! I'm so excited I was just telling DH all the chitter chat about discounts and giggling CM's and I actually physically started to dance. ....I know I'm a DIS DORK! I don't know how I'll sleep tonight. I keep thinking about that Disney commercial from a few years ago when the kids kept saying "I too excited, I can't sleep" and then it cut to the dad laying in bed saying "I'm too excited, I can't sleep" I just know I'll be repeating that over and over tonight.

I LOVED that commercial! It was so cute! And the ones where the kids were waiting to go to the parks and they were sitting nicely on the beds all dressed and ready! I seem to remember only seeing that one on the resort TV's though?

Hey, we're all DIS dorks! And pretty darn proud of it! At least I am anyway, I'm sure there are plenty of people who think I need a support group, but who doesn't these days!

 

[overthemoon4mickey]

Oh, one other thing - while I was researching POR, I went onto Disney's website. There used to be these virtual tours of the resorts, which really helped in trying to figure out the theming, and they're gone!! I found it really frustrating, and moved to other sites just to get a feel (well, as much of a feel as one can get on the computer) for the resort.

What's up with that?? (Or am I being an idiot and the tours were moved somewhere else on the site? )

If you haven't seen this website you should....really good POR information.
www.PortOrleans.org

 

[Mndisneygirl]

I LOVED that commercial! It was so cute! And the ones where the kids were waiting to go to the parks and they were sitting nicely on the beds all dressed and ready! I seem to remember only seeing that one on the resort TV's though?

Hey, we're all DIS dorks! And pretty darn proud of it! At least I am anyway, I'm sure there are plenty of people who think I need a support group, but who doesn't these days!

weeeeewoooo! I'm so excited I was just telling DH all the chitter chat about discounts and giggling CM's and I actually physically started to dance. ....I know I'm a DIS DORK! I don't know how I'll sleep tonight. I keep thinking about that Disney commercial from a few years ago when the kids kept saying "I too excited, I can't sleep" and then it cut to the dad laying in bed saying "I'm too excited, I can't sleep" I just know I'll be repeating that over and over tonight.

only 13.5 hours until the codes are up on the east coast. I'm Central do I have to wait until 7:00 my time???

I LOVE that commercial!!! I have decided we are all DIS dorks with OCD, but we are our own support group!! Of course, we increase our OCD the more we chat on these boards, but I like to think of it as "enhancing" our WDW love and experiences!!
You think you're excited now, what about the day before your trip?? I'm definitely not sleeping that night! Which is 90 days away!

 

[Pinkdiamond816]

Attention Jetbluers!!!!

As annoyed with them as I am on their changing schedules, their fares are on sale NOW. I just saved myself $20!

 

[Dancegrl624]

QOTD- There isn't really a set spot we take a picture on every trip. We always get one with the castle in the backround, but it always seems to be from a different location. I can't wait to take my DD to Epcot and take her picture in front of Spaceship Earth! I love Epcot pictures! To all you Disney Visa card holders...do you know about the free 5x7 you can get at Epcot by showing your Visa? I think it's at Innoventions and it's from like 1:30-3:30 (or maybe 4:30) every day! I know it's not much, but it's something! It's with the characters and that's all I care about!

It's still bitterly cold here and I have to go out and teach ballet in an hour. I'm all stuffed up still and a bit achy and have no desire to go put on dance clothes.

I've been reading all about the codes everyone is waiting for and all these other discounts. My FIL is a Florida resident but he lives up here (for now anyways). He moves around whenever he wants but anyways.....would he be able to use his Florida resident discount for us? Just thought I'd ask!

 

[Pinkdiamond816]

QOTD- There isn't really a set spot we take a picture on every trip. We always get one with the castle in the backround, but it always seems to be from a different location. I can't wait to take my DD to Epcot and take her picture in front of Spaceship Earth! I love Epcot pictures! To all you Disney Visa card holders...do you know about the free 5x7 you can get at Epcot by showing your Visa? I think it's at Innoventions and it's from like 1:30-3:30 (or maybe 4:30) every day! I know it's not much, but it's something! It's with the characters and that's all I care about!

It's still bitterly cold here and I have to go out and teach ballet in an hour. I'm all stuffed up still and a bit achy and have no desire to go put on dance clothes.

I've been reading all about the codes everyone is waiting for and all these other discounts. My FIL is a Florida resident but he lives up here (for now anyways). He moves around whenever he wants but anyways.....would he be able to use his Florida resident discount for us? Just thought I'd ask!

I know how you feel, I think Im cutting out of choir tonight . A. its really cold and I have no desire to change out of my sweats today, and B. I'm still studying for tomorrows midterm. Infinately less fun, but more important.

From what I understand now, you need to have photo id for proof of residency, and even if you bought the AP voucher at the discount, when you trade it in for the ticket you need proof of id. So no.

 

[MindyLuvsMickey]

I HAVE A CODE QUESTION!!! Are you sick of these yet? LOL

I posted this on the code board but thought I would ask here too.

I have the Disney Visa, but I didn't pay my deposit on it. I have every intention of putting the remainder of the trip on it, though. Do you think I would still be eligible for any codes? Do you think if I am able to make a payment on it BEFORE I try to have any code applied? I know i'm putting the cart before the horse, as there aren't even any codes available yet. I just want to be prepared.

 

[dundeehunter]

The last time that I posted, it was page 24...wow, you (ladies) and a few men, maybe, are a chatty bunch. I have been too busy with work and 4-H and my girls to post! However, I am off tomorrow!!! SO, I will be up early looking for an email from my TA from another website and hope for a discount. My girls really love Pop Century so we will stay there, however, if I could get $49 a night, that would be awesome. More $$ to spend else where.'

I always buy my DDs Disney gift cards through our school's Script program. I also tell other family members that Disney gift cards for x-mas. That way when we get to WDW, the girls get 2 to 3 days first to LOOK and see what the want to purchase, and then I say nothing. It's their money that they get to spend on anything they want. I also take my own gift cards rather than a lot of cash. I make my housekeeping envelopes ahead of time along with any other tip envelopes, my Disney Credit Card and possibly $100 cash...that's it.

 

[snykymom]

Attention Jetbluers!!!!

As annoyed with them as I am on their changing schedules, their fares are on sale NOW. I just saved myself $20!

Pinkdiamond, is this on a flight you already had? If so, how did you get the refund? I'm on JetBlue and would love to get some money back!!

 

[crzyred]

Good evening everyone.

Well today was a little better at work. I had a meeting with the manager about what I would be getting out of taking over some of the managerial jobs. He was firm that I would get nothing. Well the District Manager called then and told me that I could have 1 week paid vacation. Hmmm...I could get paid to be in Disney....hmmmm. Ok so the dm added a few more things to it, so one other girl and I will be doing some extra work until they hire someone for the job!

I'm off to find me some dinner before the rest of the baseball game tonight.

I'll be back...

 

[sarbah77]

Hey I don't think we have a QOTD so I'll post one!

QOTD: What's your favorite photo op spot at WDW? If this will be your first trip, where are you most looking forward to taking a picture?

I love the snow white wishing well on one of the castle side paths. It's pretty out of the way so usually quite, but the shot is beautiful with the well and garden and the castle in the back.

I always take a picture of the castle and a picture of Spaceship Earth. Always. I try to get someone to take a picture of the DH and I in front of Spaceship Earth, but that's not always terribly easy. Oh well.

Oh, and I always take lots of pictures of the Haunted Mansion. I cannot tell you why that is!

 

[Pinkdiamond816]

Pinkdiamond, is this on a flight you already had? If so, how did you get the refund? I'm on JetBlue and would love to get some money back!!

Yup its for a pre-booked flight. I called them and asked for the refund. This happend once already, so now my savings are up to $24 from when I originally booked! It's not an actual refund, but a jetblue credit. I don't mind since I'm planning a dec trip, and I will use that credit!