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

[PEANUT1]

I don't think I ever recall snow in October...this is what my hubby did yesterday.

 

[MAGGIED]

How much was a regular room with the AP rate?

I wonder if I would be better off getting an AP. . . .

Standard.... $89
Preferred..... $114

 

[Mndisneygirl]

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

We stayed at POR for two nights last year around MLK weekend. It's a beautiful resort, quiet. The food court is phenomenal!! Lots of choices. We did not eat at the sit down restaurant. We stayed in one of the mansions. Walked by the pool, it was cool and rainy. But the pool was nice. You can take a boat ride to DTD and that's pretty cool too. We only bused to MK, pretty crowded on the bus, but it was the Friday of MLK weekend and everything was pretty crowded. You can rent bikes and boats there too. Very nice. I've not stayed at CSR or CBR so I can't really compare. I thought I read that POR had queen size beds somewhere, but not sure and don't remember it. Good luck with your choice!!

 

[Monny2AE]

Yep, been lurking over there too. . . I expect the Visa code tomorrow. I got it on the 30th last year!

I hope you're right Shelly I can't take much more of this waiting!!!!

I didn't think to rent Tinkerbell in the mean time!!!! Duh! I jumped on my library's site and put it on hold!!!! We should have it in a few days when it is returned by the person who was smarter than me and got there first.

 

[Momof2Disneyboys]

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

Sorry, POR is the only moderate we haven't tried. It was on our list for the next trip, that way we would have covered them all, but we couldn't resist going back to CBR with the new pool and rehab plus it is our favorite of the 3 we've been to!

I have heard that the food court is very good at POR. And that it is very pretty and lush. But I have also heard that bus service can be bad. And we saw that first hand when we stayed at POFQ. the bus would often fill up at POFQ or at the first stop at POR and then head straight to the park leaving all the rest of the POR people waiting. . .

That stinks that the AP rate isn't good for the 2 you want to try.

 

[MAGGIED]

Okay I have a question!! When I booked my resort I also ordered my tickets at the Florida Resident rate. I was told by the CM that I would have to pick up my tickets at the Will Call desk. Now here's my question...if I call them back do you think they could just upgrade my pass now to the Florida resident Annual Pass and then just bill me the difference on my credit card?? If that is the case then I would use the AP rate and see if I can get a moderate room during my stay instead of the Value resort???

Hey Wendy!! What can you tell us about the AP code, did it include dates???? If so could you post those dates, I would like to see if I could even apply it.

Some of the things you learn...$239.00 the price of a Florida Resident Seasonal Annual Pass. I don't go during the busy times and this pass would have been perfect and cost me a whole whopping 39.00 more LOL!! I'm so calling the CMs today and seeing if can upgrade now or if I will just have to wait. I was planning on upgrading my ticket anyways to a 7day..at this point I'm thinking I'm just going to upgrade to the AP.

Here is what I know so far... for CBR... a standard rate was $89 and $114 I have seen $49 for value resorts, $144 for WL...I didn't check on the other dates I was just concerned about getting my dates.... sorry... how selfish of me.... I have been checking around for annual passes prices... to renew my pass it is $457 thru Disney it is.... I just called the military base over in Niagara Falls and their ticket prices are great.... since I have an AP I don't need to buy the others in my party from Disney or AAA... for an example... the Disney 6 day pass is $239, AAA was $230, and the military base was $204.... mousesavers link was $226.... the girl at the base is checking on the AP rate for me.... I am also going to call me nephew in NC and have him check his ITT office... different military bases charge different amounts.... no all this is only going to happen (buying tickets elsewhere) if there isn't a code for tickets or dining.... boy am I rambling.... sorry

 

[Momof2Disneyboys]

I don't think I ever recall snow in October...

I can't recall snow in October for quite sometime either, although I know it has happened here before.

This is just ridiculous! Our ground is completely covered and it's still snowing. I can't even see grass anymore. And to think, we were in shorts and tank tops at the kids soccer game just 2 Sunday's ago. What happened??? Real nice that we got 1 1/2 weeks of fall.

 

[BellaSoleil]

Andrea-

I have always wanted to build a snowman! We get snow every few years, but it rarely sticks (and we defintely don't get enough to build Frosty).

Tell Belle that her princess boots are fabulous! You have the prettiest little girls!

 

[overthemoon4mickey]

I have heard that the food court is very good at POR. And that it is very pretty and lush. But I have also heard that bus service can be bad. And we saw that first hand when we stayed at POFQ. the bus would often fill up at POFQ or at the first stop at POR and then head straight to the park leaving all the rest of the POR people waiting. . .

That stinks that the AP rate isn't good for the 2 you want to try.

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 .

 

[jenjolt]

These codes make me all crazy!! My biggest concern is the fact that I'm going over what Disney considers a Holiday weekend (MLK) so a lot of their dated codes won't count. However I'm thinking of doing AAA or something like that. We will see...that is why I'm worried about the dates.

Although I have emailed my hubby and he said it was cool to go ahead and upgrade to the AP for me!! I'm just hoping they will let me do it now instead of having to wait for when I'm at Disney since they are holding onto my tickets anyways!!

Thanks Wendy for the information!!

Now I'm even contemplating applying for the Disney Visa..I really should just hold on to my hat and see what comes out for Florida Residents first LOL!!!

 

[MAGGIED]

Yep, been lurking over there too. . . I expect the Visa code tomorrow. I got it on the 30th last year!

I have to be in a training class all day tomorow... well I guess once I sign in I could sneak out the back and call my TA and have her apply the VISA code if it comes out.....

 

[Dancegrl624]

Pixie Hollow opened at MK:

http://land.allears.net/blogs/guestblog/2008/10/pixie_hollow_opens_in_the_magi.html

I can't wait!! Tink is my absolute favorite and my DD loves her too. We're going to MK twice on this upcoming trip, so I won't mind waiting in line on one of those days!

Meghan - stay home and feel better!! I get sinus problems/infections often - Sudafed (the real stuff) and advil work great for me! Good luck.

I do need to run out and get REAL Sudafed. The PE stuff doesn't work on me!

 

[Monny2AE]

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!

 

[BellaSoleil]

A Snowy Halloween! Sounds strange!

 

[overthemoon4mickey]

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

 

[trixiequilts]

Could someone please post a link to the January Code Watch thread? Pretty please?

 

[figmentfan0724]

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.

 

[overthemoon4mickey]

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!

From what I understand IF you do opt to go the AP route you just have to tell the CM that you have a AP and you show it upon check in. You don't have to rush out to get one before. I don't think you can access the AP website for deals without one but this was your AP will not go into effect until you arrive. I have a friend who will purchase an AP and activate it on arrival and then try and plan another vacation within 11 months so she can use it again.

GOOD LUCK !!!

 

[Monny2AE]

Could someone please post a link to the January Code Watch thread? Pretty please?

Since you said pretty please!

http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1881408

From what I understand IF you do opt to go the AP route you just have to tell the CM that you have a AP and you show it upon check in. You don't have to rush out to get one before. I don't think you can access the AP website for deals without one but this was your AP will not go into effect until you arrive. I have a friend who will purchase an AP and activate it on arrival and then try and plan another vacation within 11 months so she can use it again.

GOOD LUCK !!!

We won't be going within the next year. This year is enough of a stretch!

 

[jenjolt]

Could someone please post a link to the January Code Watch thread? Pretty please?

Code Thread for January 2009