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

[Camno's Mama]

Good morning Snowbirds! I'm so happy that the codewatching is over...I have to say. It's too stressful, and now I can get down to the business of planning! Yay!

I got Pop for the 10-17, which was our original ressie, and we got the 4/3 deal with the gift card. I'm so excited because that means we will for sure be able to stay onsite. We weren't positive that we wanted to spend the money, but with the gift card we can put some of the $$$ towards our food bill!

We aren't really doing a lot of the table service at this point because it adds up, but we are doing Chef Mickey's on the Wednesday we are there. We weren't planning on going to a park the day of the marathon, but I think I might talk my hubby into goint to HS that night to just see Fantasmic...we weren't going to go there at all, but with the seven day passes, going just that night would be pretty cool. What do you recommend for dinner at HS...maybe we'll celebrate!

 

[Philharmagiclover]

Good Morning Snow Birds

Sounds like everyone has gotten some great deals! We had to stick with the AP rate....it actually ended up saving us $390.00 over the new "deal". It's all because hubby asked me to "figure out" how to get a few more days in the trip so we are checking in on Dec. 30. I made two seperate ressies anticipating the code, etc. but having to buy one AP and then tickets with the package, etc. just didn't work.

Sooooo, I'll be wishing for more great AP rates this year so we can make good use of the AP! That might be a great deal for me!!!!

I'm off to paint all the rooms I've peeled the wallpaper in. I've got bedroom furniture in my great room and I really need to finish this project up! Hope everyone has a great day!

 

[overthemoon4mickey]

Hang on to your hat shelly cause I think we may be joining you as well! DH says it would be great to save so much money so we are almost 100% moving over to CBR - I just have to wait until "nap time" to call! I did not sleep well last night either except my lack of sleep was due to the fact that I was having severe anxiety over having to let go of my dream resort! All my planning over the last YEAR is tied to the POFQ! I'm a little bit stressed! I know CBR is beautiful but it is so hard for me to let go of ny dream! I know we will be going again in a couple of years and could stay at POFQ then.....aarrgghhh

Couldn't you just stay at POR? it is within walking distance to POFQ. We are there and got the 4/3 deal.

 

[sharadoc]

Hi Everyone,

Congrats on getting the deal! I got through right away at 5:00 - I was so excited. Only waited around 7 minutes, then found out a few sad things:

1. Not available on Family Suites
2. Only available for 10 nights, so I would have either had to cut my trip short or made a separate 1 night reservation.

So - nothing for me. I said can't I just get the gift card even if I can't get the room discount???? Of course, no, but I think EVERYONE should get the gift card. After all, we're paying MORE for our vacation, not less.

Anyway, I got over it, but I was pretty bummed last night.[/QUOT

Couldn't you just book a 7 day (4paid/3free) and then book another 4/3 and only stay for the 4 days but take the 2nd card?

Yes, it's because of my dates. When I booked with AAA in July, there were already only preferred rooms at CBR!



I was pretty bummed last night too.
BUT - don't necessarily give up hope!!!
This morning, I went on line to see if anything opened up and. . .
I could get GF at a great price, but still about $1000 more than I had at CSR.

So I thought and kept looking. Still nothing for CBR. But . . .
Waterview at CSR opened up!!!


Of course, I previously had a standard view, but I priced it out - with the upgrade (that I don't care about), 1 day base tickets (since I already have tickets through UT), no dining, I'm paying

$6 more than AAA!!!

With the gift card, I'm now (drumroll please) . . .
$194 ahead!!!

OK, it's not the big bucks some of you are saving, but I'll take it! And if I deduct the cost of the 2 one-day base tickets, which we'll save for some other time, I'm doing even better.

Ten minutes later, nothing at CSR again!

So for those of you who didn't find anything before:
keep trying!!!

Have you considered changing resorts? Or maybe booking 2 regular rooms at ASMu (or any Value for that matter) to get the discount & gift card, rather than the ASMu suite?

Thanks for the suggestions. Yep, they offered the 2 rooms idea, but the suite is much more than space for us. DS, with his Autism Spectrum Disorder, needs a more "homey" setting than just a hotel room. The last time we tried a regular room in Ocean City NJ, he refused to sleep and we ended up leaving and going home at 1:00 AM, so I definitely need the living room area, plus the kitchenette. We're not big restaurant eaters so we'll be eating in the room a lot for breakfast, and probably even some dinners.

I was surprised that she didn't offer me a 1 BR at a DVC resort. I would have listened if she would have priced it out for me! Or is there none in this offer? I may go online and try it out and see.

Anyway, we planned this trip for so long and we're so excited about it, this isn't going to kill the fun for us. We budgeted for it and we're happy at least we got a AAA discount on the suite.

On to more FUN. My ticker looks awesome right now, and that's our focus.

Oh, and Shelly, you can actually add one ADR to the list for us. Chef Mickey's January 25 at 7:00 PM. That's it so far.

Thanks,

 

[Monny2AE]

That sounds great.... but only "a" yummy drink.....

Well perhaps we should start with just one...but we'll see where it goes from there!

AHHH!!

My ticker says, "2 Months til back Home"!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

That's right!!! I can't seem to keep things straight! As we get closer to Jan, I need to make a list of potential meets.

We all need some sort of Snowbird marker so we know who everyone is!

Good morning Snowbirds!

I haven't gone back and read the last 5-6 pages yet, but from the looks of this page I am going to have a lot of Snowbird company at CBR!!!

I was so excited I could hardly sleep last night. I got maybe 4 hours. I am so tired!

Not me I slept so soundly knowing all this code stuff was done! It's smooth sailing from here on out....

I think I smell a CBR Snowbird Meet!!

Yes, it's because of my dates. When I booked with AAA in July, there were already only preferred rooms at CBR!



I was pretty bummed last night too.
BUT - don't necessarily give up hope!!!
This morning, I went on line to see if anything opened up and. . .
I could get GF at a great price, but still about $1000 more than I had at CSR.

So I thought and kept looking. Still nothing for CBR. But . . .
Waterview at CSR opened up!!!


Of course, I previously had a standard view, but I priced it out - with the upgrade (that I don't care about), 1 day base tickets (since I already have tickets through UT), no dining, I'm paying

$6 more than AAA!!!

With the gift card, I'm now (drumroll please) . . .
$194 ahead!!!

OK, it's not the big bucks some of you are saving, but I'll take it! And if I deduct the cost of the 2 one-day base tickets, which we'll save for some other time, I'm doing even better.

Ten minutes later, nothing at CSR again!

So for those of you who didn't find anything before:
keep trying!!!

Hooray for you!!!!

 

[Disney Mommy 3]

Good Morning Snowbirds!

I hope you all got through and got something worth waiting for. My CM didn't mention the $200 gift card did she just forget it? Is it going to come in the mail with your paperwork, or upon check-in? I could call back, but mercy I hate to get on that phone again!!!

Mindy, how did it go? Have you called him yet this morning? I never let my kids go anywhere except my parents for ever!! My dd is 5 and I still haven't let her stay--except with nana!!! I think you have to be soooo careful-especially with little girls. It's sad that it is this way, but better safe than sorry!! My oldest started staying with my mom and dad in their camper at 4--of course we had our camper right in the next slot-if our windows were both open, I could hear him talking..and talking... and talking.... trying to avoid bedtime!!!

I saved $1200 with the code!!! I think I already told you that, I forgot, yesterday was a blur!!! But if I get the blessing of the gift card--that's $1400!!! We were pretty excited about it!! I gotta get on Continental today and check it out-if it's under $250 again today, I gotta book. Mike thinks we are at 3 free right now, so even if we have to pay for 2---which we think we won't that will only be $500, so anything is better than $368 RT which would be $1850 with tax!!! So, I gotta get busy!!!

Hope you all have a blessed day!!

 

[Disney Mommy 3]

Where are you all getting these Thanksgiving Mickey avatars? I love him in that little Pilgrim suit!!

 

[jenjolt]

Now I want to stay at CBR too LOL!!!! We could have a snowbird meet at the resort LOL!!! I wonder if my husband would kill me if I upgraded hmmmmmm.....guess I know what I'll be doing at lunch hopefully the CM's won't kill me for yet another call LOL!!!

Then again I really like POP!!! Oh boy...let the indecisiveness start all over again...if its not codes its my ADRs if its not those its my resort LOL!! You'd think I'd just let sleeping dogs lie LOL

 

[danceintherain]

Ugh! I'm still having a difficult time deciding.
My TA got back to me with a New Package Total of $2827.93 - all of which would have to be paid on November 18th. We HAVE the money, BUT we're registered for our Honeymoon. If we pay everything in advance and people still contribute, then we'll have a ton of money on a Disney Gift Card that we may not be able to use, which means the extra $200 Gift Card might be less than appealing.
I'm sure we'll be able to use them at some point. However, I would much rather have a few hundred dollars in cash at the beginning of my marriage than a few hundred dollars that can only be spent at Disney.
We could change our payment method after the 45 days (technically) but we would incur the package change fees which lowers the savings some.

Logan really likes the idea of getting the package, because then everything will be paid in advance. He specifically likes the idea of being on the Dining Plan, because then we won't have to worry about what we order. He's a big meat and potatoes guy, and I'm pretty sure he would love to order a Steak at every meal.

Here are the numbers for those who are interested:
AP Room-Only Discount (my TA says she doesn't have information on adding Dining - I'll check with her again though)
Room: $1508.67
Food (acc. to my calculations): around $950
Tickets: 2 APs $998

For a Total of: $3457.65

New Package Buy 4 get 3 Free:
Room: $1622.47
Dining Plan: $719.82
Tickets: (at 45 days) $485.64
Upgrade to APs: $513.34
Total at 45 Days: $2827.93
Extra Costs for APs over $200 Gift Card: $313.34

For a Total of: $3141.27

Which is a difference of $316.38 (the package winning)

I guess I'll e-mail my TA about the Dining Plan, because that's where the real savings are at the moment.

 

[jenjolt]

Ugh! I'm still having a difficult time deciding.
My TA got back to me with a New Package Total of $2827.93 - all of which would have to be paid on November 18th. We HAVE the money, BUT we're registered for our Honeymoon. If we pay everything in advance and people still contribute, then we'll have a ton of money on a Disney Gift Card that we may not be able to use, which means the extra $200 Gift Card might be less than appealing.
I'm sure we'll be able to use them at some point. However, I would much rather have a few hundred dollars in cash at the beginning of my marriage than a few hundred dollars that can only be spent at Disney.
We could change our payment method after the 45 days (technically) but we would incur the package change fees which lowers the savings some.

Logan really likes the idea of getting the package, because then everything will be paid in advance. He specifically likes the idea of being on the Dining Plan, because then we won't have to worry about what we order. He's a big meat and potatoes guy, and I'm pretty sure he would love to order a Steak at every meal.

Here are the numbers for those who are interested:
AP Room-Only Discount (my TA says she doesn't have information on adding Dining - I'll check with her again though)
Room: $1508.67
Food (acc. to my calculations): around $950
Tickets: 2 APs $998

For a Total of: $3457.65

New Package Buy 4 get 3 Free:
Room: $1622.47
Dining Plan: $719.82
Tickets: (at 45 days) $485.64
Upgrade to APs: $513.34
Total at 45 Days: $2827.93
Extra Costs for APs over $200 Gift Card: $313.34

For a Total of: $3141.27

Which is a difference of $316.38 (the package winning)

I guess I'll e-mail my TA about the Dining Plan, because that's where the real savings are at the moment.

Good Luck Becca in whatever you decide!!! Either way just make sure you are happy with your decision????

 

[crzyred]

Is there a QOTD? If not, I've got one, if there is one, then save this one for tomorrow!

What is a "snack" item that is a must?

Mine is, the mickey ice cream bar! I've gotten at least one on every trip!

 

[Momof2Disneyboys]

Now I want to stay at CBR too LOL!!!! We could have a snowbird meet at the resort LOL!!! I wonder if my husband would kill me if I upgraded hmmmmmm.....guess I know what I'll be doing at lunch hopefully the CM's won't kill me for yet another call LOL!!!

Then again I really like POP!!! Oh boy...let the indecisiveness start all over again...if its not codes its my ADRs if its not those its my resort LOL!! You'd think I'd just let sleeping dogs lie LOL

You could price it out online if you don't want to wait until lunch to find out! At least you'd have some kind of idea. . .

 

[Momof2Disneyboys]

Is there a QOTD? If not, I've got one, if there is one, then save this one for tomorrow!

What is a "snack" item that is a must?

Mine is, the mickey ice cream bar! I've gotten at least one on every trip!

3 pretzel rods dipped in chocolate and rolled in candy is one snack credit at Goofy's Candy store in DTD. Always a must for me!!

 

[danceintherain]

Oh... I forgot to add... we lose our Pool View Room at AKL if we switch to the Package. We'd be in a regular standard room with a potential view of the parking lot. Logan doesn't care, but I do a little, especially if the amount of the savings is really small.

 

[Momof2Disneyboys]

Couldn't you just stay at POR? it is within walking distance to POFQ. We are there and got the 4/3 deal.

That's a good idea! Did they offer you POR Kimberley? Then you could walk to POFQ and use their pool too. That might be a great option since you had your heart set on POFQ.

If not though, I will be happy if you stay at CBR too!

 

[Mndisneygirl]

WOW, it sure seems like this offer worked for a lot of you and a lot of you will be enjoying CBR!!

We went back and forth a lot and as of this moment, we're not changing anything. One possibility remains - if I can cancel my flights altogether and just drive down with DH we would consider taking the package and just doing it for 6 nights. We have to get upgraded tickets anyway (we're getting more days, no expiration hoppers to include our Dec 09 trip). The thing is, we are able to buy them from SOG with no tax, so right there we save money. I am almost sure that the AP is more and if something happens where we don't make the Dec. 09 trip, the no exp tickets will still be good. I think - knowing what I know now - I'm going to stay put for this one, plan my next trip in Dec 09 (looking for deals again!) and we will have our tickets paid for on that trip.
Okay - so I think I'm sticking with what I have. After all that...Ugh.
Did anyone hear/see Robert Iger on CNBC yesterday? Of course not, you were all code-watching. The Disney stock went way down and he said parks are down in attendance, blah blah...Hopefully even with the deal that means crowds won't be too bad!!
Have a great day everyone!!

 

[distherapy]

Is there a QOTD? If not, I've got one, if there is one, then save this one for tomorrow!

What is a "snack" item that is a must?

Mine is, the mickey ice cream bar! I've gotten at least one on every trip!

I'm eager to try the ice cream cookie sandwich from Main Street bakery...

 

[BellaSoleil]

Good Morning Snowbirds!

I saved $1200 with the code!!! I think I already told you that, I forgot, yesterday was a blur!!! But if I get the blessing of the gift card--that's $1400!!! We were pretty excited about it!! I gotta get on Continental today and check it out-if it's under $250 again today, I gotta book. Mike thinks we are at 3 free right now, so even if we have to pay for 2---which we think we won't that will only be $500, so anything is better than $368 RT which would be $1850 with tax!!! So, I gotta get busy!!!

Hope you all have a blessed day!!

That's so awesome Shawna!!!!

Becca- Isn't this your Honeymoon? Personally, I wouldn't change to view for that little of savings. That's just me though - I would want everything to be perfect for my HM. Either way, you will be at AKL and it will be amazing!

Congrats to everyone who saved!!!!

QOTD:
I really love a frozen cappucino and ham and cheese crossoint from Boullengerie Patissrie. (I probably killed the spelling of that. Oh well. )

 

[Momof2Disneyboys]

I know I said that I want to stop talking about the code thing , but wanted to make one more observation. . .

As I have said I am saving the $542 plus getting the $200 gift card. So actually saving $742. I know we were all hoping for either 40% off the room or free dining. But for me (and probably anyone else staying at a moderate for 7 nights) my savings of $742 is roughly 43% off the room rate for the week. And another way to look at it is that $742 is slightly more than the DDP for the 4 of us for the week. So really I either got over 40% off the room OR Free dining!!

Okay, I'm not talking codes anymore!!!

 

[danceintherain]

Good Luck Becca in whatever you decide!!! Either way just make sure you are happy with your decision????

Yeah... I have an e-mail in to my TA about the DP. I know you added it with the AP rate. If we can keep our Pool View Room, and still add the DP then that's probably what we'll do. The Savings for a Standard Room on the Package with the Gift Card is $832.71

The Savings with our AP on a Pool View Room Only is $836.51

We would actually save more (I'm comparing Pool View Rack Rate to Pool View AP rate and Standard Rack Rate to Standard Package Rate) by $3.80 if we could keep our AP Rate and add the Dining Plan, then we would if we downgraded to a Standard and got the Gift Card, so it would be kind of ridiculous to spend an extra $3.80 to stay in a lower level room.