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

[MAGGIED]

I agree Soleil... Disney has been known to change things... and with the uncertainty in the economy now I am sure they are exploring their options carefully....I have faith that something will be out soon....

 

[BellaSoleil]

Congrats Sarah!

I just got my little sister a plaque that says

Aunt: Like mom, only cooler!​

Hangs her head in shame Shelly now that I went ahead and booked my package with dining...YES I did it LOL!! I'm starting to think I shouldn't be allowed to take days off allows me way too much time to spend on the phone with CMs (although I must say I had three very delightful and extremely helpful CMs today)

I have to add an ADR....(I know I promised I'm so sorry)!

January 15th - Princess Storybook Dinner in Norway!

Okay I seriously promise no more...now I have to go find out some research on the Dining plan and try to figure out what I'm allowed to get now with my meals...this might change things for me.....HELP!!!

I am so excited for you, Jen!!!! Are you going to doodle yourself up for the princess dinner, too? Do we have some fashion planning to do?

 

[jenjolt]

Congrats Sarah!

I just got my little sister a plaque that says

Aunt: Like mom, only cooler!​

I am so excited for you, Jen!!!! Are you going to doodle yourself up for the princess dinner, too? Do we have some fashion planning to do?

I'm thinking so...Soleil what are you doing this weekend?? Want to meet in Foley I'll pay for your gas and you can help me shop?????? And a free lunch at Lamberts...how can you pass that up LOL!!!

 

[Disney Mommy 3]

Congrats Sarah!! I have one little nephew and I thought I would never get to be Auntie!! He's a sweetie--he thinks my little girl is his very best friend! They were so cute trick or treating!!! Spoil him rotten!! Bring good toys home from Disney World!!

 

[Momof2Disneyboys]

The Code Watch is getting ugly AGAIN. Someone is accusing someone else of giving false info. . .

 

[sarbah77]

Congratulations AUNT Sarah!!!!

Oooohh...being an Auntie is soooooooo much better than hot cocoa! Congratulations!

Congrats!!!

Congratulations! Little girls are so wonderful!

Congratulations!!

Yeah.... a precious new baby.... Congrats.... being an Auntie is the best!!

Congratulations, Aunt Sarah!
I hope all are doing well.

Congrats Sarah on being an Aunt!!

Thanks, everyone! <---this is me! I think at lunchtime, I'm going to have to run out and stop by a store that carries Michigan gear and buy some baby stuff (mom is a grad). I'm still debating knitting a baby Vikings hat (I found one with the horns and braids!).

I finally pried details out of my husband, which was like pulling teeth. "What do you want to know?" he asked. Oh, her full name, time of birth, weight, and how mom is doing. And dad, too. I got all that, so I'm good - apparently mom is doing well. Dad sounded elated but not tired ("why would he be tired? baby was born hours ago!" <---ahaha husbands!)

This is also me, too:

+++

Code would be nice, but we planned our vacation without one so anything we get is gravy. DH wants POR for it's proximity to the start line, so we're unfortunately not interested in any sorts of upgrades (hmm... maybe pay for a king bed?!). I'm not going to say no to anything that lands in my lap!

Anyway, my new timeline!
Tomorrow: Fly home!
Sunday: Fly back
Next Friday: surgery
11/17 or 18: back to work!
11/21: Twilight movie party!
11/27: Thanksgiving and meet my niece!! (BIL also said we could stay with them in their townhouse over Thanksgiving. I'm not sure they're really going to want guests, then, unless we're there to help with baby!)
12/1: Grant deadline at department
12/8: classes end!
12/10: department party
12/16: staff party
12/24: holiday break starts!
12/25: Christmas
12/31: New Years
1/4: My birthday!
1/9: HELLLLLLLLLLLLLLOOOO FLORIDA! (65 days!)

 

[danceintherain]

I too hate politics. I don't like talking about it with people because I don't like people questioning what I believe in. I'm all about ignoring it!



There's always time to run out and get some caffeine!

I hate talking politics with people, because they get really defensive. I have had a few conversations that weren't painful though... where I can discuss things with people without them taking their claws out... but usually I avoid the topic...

Okay I'm going to ask my snowbirds first....I got off the phone with a CM recently who tried to sell me the Passholder Dining package and she almost had me sold...I would be saving money but I'm a bit concerned. Do you find that your value of service is diminished when they find out you are on the Dining plan vs paying OOP??? I remember reading things along those lines, but I wanted to check with you guys first????

Would getting a package for me at $38/day (and yes I'm doing a table service every meal) be worth it for me???

I'm sorry for always asking questions...I just value your guys' opinions!

PS I'm never going to get my cleaning done at this rate

Did you get to keep your AP discount after you added dining?

Yes, same here. We have our room booked anyway, plus non-refundable flight tickets, so we're coming, whether there is a code or not. But with the euro-dollar exchange rate getting worse every day, a code certainly would be appreciated. Personally, I would rather take a heavy discount to the room price than a 4-day ticket for the price of a 7-day ticket, as we will have only two days at WDW. Free dining, hmmm... As we have such a limited time to spend at the parks, we did not plan on spending any of that time on TS meals, thus I have no ressies So if there would be free dining for Jan, I would be really excited, but also without ressies... Sigh!

I don't mean to be the Debbie Downer and I love you all dearly (so I hope not to hurt any feelings)- but I'll believe the codes when I see them. It seems as if so many false promises and "conversations with castmembers" have been popping up on the codes board. I'm excited like everyone else, but I've gotten very leary of this leaked information.

Sorry... just wanted to say that.

But I still love you all and wish the best codes for all of us!

I agree! We've heard so many things from people, until I see it listed at an official source I'm not going to get too excited. Of course... it would have to be a pretty amazing deal for me to switch from my AP discount, though I would rather not have to run immediately to Guest Relations to activate my AP when I got to the World...

That is certainly reassuring to hear! I'm still just a tiny bit tempted to try to get a breakfast ADR, but I know DH would freak out when he sees what they cost! The main problem is that although our girls are only 10 and 12, they qualify as adults by WDW terms, so we are paying full adults tickets and would thus pay also for four adult meals. Umpff! And I certainly would not mind a really early breakfast ADR, as we plan on being at the parks at rope drop anyway. We're going 4-7 Jan (although leaving already morning 7th Jan, so actual park days only 5th & 6th Jan).

There are some places that are not so ridiculously priced. The Whispering Canyon cafe at the Wilderness Lodge has the Canyon Skillet (all-you-care to enjoy) Scrambled Eggs, Red Bliss Potatoes with Sauteed Onions, Bacon and Sausage, Buttermilk Biscuits, Sausage Gravy, and Waffles - $10.99 per person.
Also the rest of the resort meals, even character meals are less expensive than those in the parks. The Ohana Best Friends Breakfast at the Polynesian is $18.99 and the Boma breakfast buffet is only $16.99 at the Animal Kingdom Lodge.
Another trick for getting the most bang for your buck is to get the last breakfast ADR available at the restaurant. You'll still pay breakfast price and eat breakfast food, but you can get a time around 11 so it could technically count for lunch. That way you could grab something easy when you left for the parks in the morning (granola bars, pop tarts) then enjoy a hearty meal around lunch, then grab counter service for dinner.

Definitely discuss it with your DH, because Disney restaurants are so much fun. I think your kids would really enjoy it.

 

[danceintherain]

The Code Watch is getting ugly AGAIN. Someone is accusing someone else of giving false info. . .

Goodness... I feel bad for them...

 

[danceintherain]

Ooooh oooh.... I'm under 2 months today!!!!


I must turn my computer off now. I don't have my power cord, and it needs to last through one of my classes this afternoon. My other teachers have banned laptops from their classes, but I still have one that I can type my notes in, which really helps my hand not fall off by the end of the day. I don't blame the other teachers though.... because it's not like I don't sneak online if I have my computer while in class.

 

[jenjolt]

I hate talking politics with people, because they get really defensive. I have had a few conversations that weren't painful though... where I can discuss things with people without them taking their claws out... but usually I avoid the topic...



Did you get to keep your AP discount after you added dining?





I agree! We've heard so many things from people, until I see it listed at an official source I'm not going to get too excited. Of course... it would have to be a pretty amazing deal for me to switch from my AP discount, though I would rather not have to run immediately to Guest Relations to activate my AP when I got to the World...



There are some places that are not so ridiculously priced. The Whispering Canyon cafe at the Wilderness Lodge has the Canyon Skillet (all-you-care to enjoy) Scrambled Eggs, Red Bliss Potatoes with Sauteed Onions, Bacon and Sausage, Buttermilk Biscuits, Sausage Gravy, and Waffles - $10.99 per person.
Also the rest of the resort meals, even character meals are less expensive than those in the parks. The Ohana Best Friends Breakfast at the Polynesian is $18.99 and the Boma breakfast buffet is only $16.99 at the Animal Kingdom Lodge.
Another trick for getting the most bang for your buck is to get the last breakfast ADR available at the restaurant. You'll still pay breakfast price and eat breakfast food, but you can get a time around 11 so it could technically count for lunch. That way you could grab something easy when you left for the parks in the morning (granola bars, pop tarts) then enjoy a hearty meal around lunch, then grab counter service for dinner.

Definitely discuss it with your DH, because Disney restaurants are so much fun. I think your kids would really enjoy it.

Yes I did...they just added Passholder Dining discount to my reservation. My total package for dining, insurance, and reservations for 7 nights came out to less than $800.

 

[peach3es]

Hi, Snowbirds! Can someone fill me in on all that I've missed? I just can't keep up anymore! I've had 2 sick kids this week. Took Thomas to the doctor to find out he has a sinus infection. He's on the mend, but Maggie hasn't gotten back to normal since Friday when she had a sore throat and fever. The fever broke, but little sores were developing around her mouth and she still said her throat hurt. Last time it was viral and we just had to wait it out, but the mouth sores worried me, so we took her in. Found out she's got Strep throat! I feel so badly that she's been suffering with strep for days and I didn't take her in!

When they don't have a fever it's hard to gauge the pain level and sickness. She missed Saturday at school but didn't want to stay home. No fever, and she was eating and drinking normally. I just had no idea. In any event, they are both on antibiotics.

And I took a NAP TODAY! I never take naps. I was so wiped out and have myself convinced I'm getting sick. Could be that I haven't had a full night's sleep in a while. Sick kids make sleeping impossible!

In any event, all that to say, I haven't abandoned you! I just haven't been able to keep up with you all!

And I just read on the code thread that the person who said they talked with a CM is a known trouble maker. Why do people do that?

Still waiting for that Disney magic!

 

[Northern Disney Girl]

PS I'm never going to get my cleaning done at this rate

CLEANING??? You're supposed to be resting, aren't you? Ithought this was your "sick" day? Glad you're feeling better!

I AM AN AUNT!!!

WOOHOO!!!

My BIL's wife gave birth to their first child, a daughter, at 12:40am this morning. Nice and healthy sounding, from the reports from the DH, and a good size.

I'm so excited! I can't wait to meet her at Thanksgiving!


P.S. I never did make it out for hot cocoa. Hmmm.

CONGRATULATIONS! AUNTIE Sarah! I am an auntie 7x over and let me tell you - IT'S AWESOME! You get to love on them and spoil them rotten, and then give them back when they poop or cry! So glad the mom and baby are doing well!

The Code Watch is getting ugly AGAIN. Someone is accusing someone else of giving false info. . .

I was just about to go quietly sneak over there and check things out but I guess I'll just stay here for now!

 

[Dancegrl624]

The Code Watch is getting ugly AGAIN. Someone is accusing someone else of giving false info. . .

Even though I'm not waiting on codes, I did peek over there just to see what's going on. Wow is all I have to say. They should take a lesson from us Snowbirds. We're nice to one another.

 

[trixiequilts]

Yes I did...they just added Passholder Dining discount to my reservation. My total package for dining, insurance, and reservations for 7 nights came out to less than $800.

Could you explain the Passholder Dining discount?

 

[Lil'Mermaid75]

Just trying to catch up - I'm off the board for 3 hours and there's almost 10 pages to read!!!!

Are any of you Snowbirds regular Survivor watchers.... I thought it was on Wednesday nights but it is on Thursday.... a friend told me its a good show

LOVE survivor!! My baby sister (who lives 2 hours away) and I call each other during every commercial - it's our long distance viewing party!!

I AM AN AUNT!!!

Congrats!! Being an aunt is so much fun!!!

I don't mean to be the Debbie Downer and I love you all dearly (so I hope not to hurt any feelings)- but I'll believe the codes when I see them. It seems as if so many false promises and "conversations with castmembers" have been popping up on the codes board. I'm excited like everyone else, but I've gotten very leary of this leaked information.

Sorry... just wanted to say that.

But I still love you all and wish the best codes for all of us!

I'm with you. I just can't put too much confidence in what a CM supposedly says is coming out. It seems every other day there's something new. We're going to Disney, with or without a code (although a code sure would be nice!).

Congrats Sarah!

I just got my little sister a plaque that says

Aunt: Like mom, only cooler!​

Love that! When my little sister had her first, I got my niece a bib that said "if you think I'm cute, you should see my aunt!". Now I have PLENTY of nieces and nephews (when you're one of 8, it's inevetible -- some are even older than me, as my sister and I were "late-in-life" babies!), but there's a special bond between my younger sister and I, and since our kids are close in age, it just made it more special!

 

[Maria_O]

There are some places that are not so ridiculously priced. The Whispering Canyon cafe at the Wilderness Lodge has the Canyon Skillet (all-you-care to enjoy) Scrambled Eggs, Red Bliss Potatoes with Sauteed Onions, Bacon and Sausage, Buttermilk Biscuits, Sausage Gravy, and Waffles - $10.99 per person.
Also the rest of the resort meals, even character meals are less expensive than those in the parks. The Ohana Best Friends Breakfast at the Polynesian is $18.99 and the Boma breakfast buffet is only $16.99 at the Animal Kingdom Lodge.
Another trick for getting the most bang for your buck is to get the last breakfast ADR available at the restaurant. You'll still pay breakfast price and eat breakfast food, but you can get a time around 11 so it could technically count for lunch. That way you could grab something easy when you left for the parks in the morning (granola bars, pop tarts) then enjoy a hearty meal around lunch, then grab counter service for dinner.

Definitely discuss it with your DH, because Disney restaurants are so much fun. I think your kids would really enjoy it.

Aaargh, you are seriously tempting me! I know they would be tons of fun! The Ohana breakfast might work, if we could get a ressie prior to going to MK. The girls are not that much interested in princesses anymore, plus they do not speak much English, so a character meal with non-speaking characters would work best for us. On the other hand, if there was an HSM or Hannah Montana breakfast available, I'm sure they would miraculously speak fluent English

 

[MindyLuvsMickey]

Boy! I can't even go over to the Code thread. Such nastiness! LOL

I'm so glad I have you Snowbirds!

Congrats, Sarah, on becoming an Aunt!!

I'm off to work for an hour. I will check back in after I pick DS up from school. If something happens today with codes, let me know! LOL

 

[jenjolt]

CLEANING??? You're supposed to be resting, aren't you? Ithought this was your "sick" day? Glad you're feeling better!

Even not feeling well (although DayQuil works wonders) I can't justify sitting here all day when I could get a lot of things done..even though I haven't yet LOL!!!

 

[Mndisneygirl]

Hi, Snowbirds! Can someone fill me in on all that I've missed? I just can't keep up anymore! I've had 2 sick kids this week. Took Thomas to the doctor to find out he has a sinus infection. He's on the mend, but Maggie hasn't gotten back to normal since Friday when she had a sore throat and fever. The fever broke, but little sores were developing around her mouth and she still said her throat hurt. Last time it was viral and we just had to wait it out, but the mouth sores worried me, so we took her in. Found out she's got Strep throat! I feel so badly that she's been suffering with strep for days and I didn't take her in!

When they don't have a fever it's hard to gauge the pain level and sickness. She missed Saturday at school but didn't want to stay home. No fever, and she was eating and drinking normally. I just had no idea. In any event, they are both on antibiotics.

And I took a NAP TODAY! I never take naps. I was so wiped out and have myself convinced I'm getting sick. Could be that I haven't had a full night's sleep in a while. Sick kids make sleeping impossible!

In any event, all that to say, I haven't abandoned you! I just haven't been able to keep up with you all!

And I just read on the code thread that the person who said they talked with a CM is a known trouble maker. Why do people do that?

Still waiting for that Disney magic!

Oh, too bad for the kids being sick!! Hope they are on the mend soon. You better take care of yourself too! The mom is always the one who neglects herself and then when she gets sick, who takes care of her (and everything else)?
End of lecture.

We're still waiting and speculating on codes, (they're still nasty on the code watch thread), we got a few new snowbirds, we're relieved the election is over (regardless of candidate preference) and we're planning to watch Survivor tomorrow night. Sarah is a new aunt (neice), and JenJolt is "sick". I think that about covers it! Do you get Survivor over there? Oh, and there's a new Facebook group of Snowbirds. Check with Meghan on that.
There - you're all caught up.

 

[jenjolt]

Could you explain the Passholder Dining discount?

I'm not sure LOL Umm I just called the nice CM and she mentioned that I could get Dining added to my AP discounted resort reservation. I told her I was under the impression that I couldn't do that. I had thought the AP rate was just for room-only. However she more than happy to add the Dining Plan to my already existing AP resort one. It is the same Dining plan as the Disney one so I get the same items, I'm now researching all that.