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

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Makes me wonder if it will be much more crowded with this deal? :confused3 It can't be as bad as when we went in summer and fall though...Can it????:eek:
Boy, I hope not! I have to assume that the deal is just drawing in those who otherwise would have been staying off-site. After all, kids are still in school, people have still taken their vacations during Christmas and many may not have any vacation days to take in January yet, etc.

Well, I'm locked into those dates anyway, so we shall see!
 
I hope it doesn't get too terribly crowded! That's why we're trying January instead of our usualy first week in May. That time of the year just seems to get more and more crowded and HOT each year! I'm looking forward to doing Disney in capri pants and a T or sweatshirt!

As I was planning my packing (I know I still have 2 1/2 months...I'm a planner!) ANYWAY-I was writing on my "need to buy" list a sprayer fan because ours broke last year. Then I smacked myself on the head. I don't think I'll be needing it this year! YIPPEE!!
 
Oh, I am hoping it isn't crowded too! I guess teh one thing to consider is that kids still have school and work. Many just can't take off. Here's hoping!:thumbsup2
 
Hey there everyone! Hope everyone is doing well. I'm enjoying a cozy day at home - it's our 12th anniversary today, so I'm getting spoiled.

From what I have heard from a couple of people, the $200 'gift card' is actually a credit that is added to your KTTW card, so you'd charge the tip to your account or buy gifts with your card as usual (assuming that's what you usually do and you don't carry cash), and then the tip, etc is just deducted from that $200. Any overages would just go against the credit card on your account.

Of course, that's no guarantee that that's what will happen when we actually show up! :rotfl:

Happy Anniversary!! Enjoy your day. :)

I have no doubt that I will blow through that $200 in no time!:rotfl: We are not doing dining plan so the couple of TS meals we have planned will eat that up quick (pun intended!)
I'm putting the flannel sheets on our beds today too! It's cold and snow flurries here now.
But I'm excited because DH and I have a date tonight - we're going into Minneapolis to see Wicked!! Yippee!:yay:

Hope everyone has a nice day, basking in the glow of the many great deals we got to go to WDW!!! I'm still on my "Deal High" from booking yesterday. Now DH says we may get there even sooner and could add the 7th night!!:banana:
 

Sheree, I hear Wicked is amazing!! I'm not big into productions, but that's one I REALLY want to see!! Not sure I could get hubby to go, though! We're planning a date, too (I think it was early summer the last time we actually did something just us). Going to get the two grandma's to swap kids off (one does over night, the other keeps for the day), and we're going to do a 4 hour drive to Branson to Christmas shop at the outlet malls. Yes there are some closer but Branson has the only Disney store in Missouri. Seems like the logical place to go in my opinion!! :confused3
 
Sounds like a good plan! We got season tickets for 6 Broadway shows coming to Mpls so we have some guaranteed dates! we will miss one while we're at WDW but don't care.
I'm so excited to see Wicked, I couldn't get tix last year. I'm actually going twice - once with friends too. I'll give everyone a full report tomorrow!

Tuesday is Veterans' Day. We both have off work (gov't workers) and the kids have to go to school, so we are planning a day of shopping and lunch out on the other side of the Twin Cities we never go to! Should be fun! Then next weekend DH has to work the whole weekend - days and nights! :(
 
Happy Disney morning to me!
Well, I'm out of my Disney Drearies and happy again! Good day, Sunshine!

Oh...and to add to that...just 36 more days until we travel! I can't wait to hit US soil!!!!:banana:

YAY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
:cool1: :banana: :cool1: :banana:


Crowd levels vary so much. Especially at that time. In Jan '06 it was horrible crowds.

However last year, we went a week later than '06 and we had waits of about 20 minutes or less.
 
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Sounds like a good plan! We got season tickets for 6 Broadway shows coming to Mpls so we have some guaranteed dates! we will miss one while we're at WDW but don't care.
I'm so excited to see Wicked, I couldn't get tix last year. I'm actually going twice - once with friends too. I'll give everyone a full report tomorrow!

Tuesday is Veterans' Day. We both have off work (gov't workers) and the kids have to go to school, so we are planning a day of shopping and lunch out on the other side of the Twin Cities we never go to! Should be fun! Then next weekend DH has to work the whole weekend - days and nights! :(

YEAH! I'm a state employee, too so I'll be off Tuesday, too. Unfortunately I have a Dr appt that I've been putting off since my last son was born almost 2 1/2 years ago. OOPS! I planned it for first thing in the morning, so hopefully it will be quick (even though it's 40 minutes away) and I'll be home by lunch time to enjoy a few quiet hours alone (with you all on the Dis of course)! :rotfl2:
 
OK-I need some Snowbird help!

Does anyone know the restrictions/rules on the $75 gift card that they give you on your Birthday (in lieu of a free one day ticket). I'd heard its only accepted in certain stores, I've heard it has to be used that day...who knows what's true?? Anyone??
 
Hi Snowbirds, taking a break from the leaves! Yes again...:rotfl:

Yes I posted a few pages ago that I had asked a DISigns person to put together a Snowbird DISign for us. One of them did one with Flit from Pocahontas. I don't know if anyone else will suggest anything once the week starts again and kids are in school, so the creative people can get something done!! I asked on Friday afternoon.

Anyway, here's the link:

http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2003520

Hopefully we'll decide on one on there currently, or use the one we currently have, and use it to identify ourselves. Check it out - we're thinking window clings, cards on bags, even t-shirts.
THANKS! I knew I missed something! Are we planning any meets?

OK-I need some Snowbird help!

Does anyone know the restrictions/rules on the $75 gift card that they give you on your Birthday (in lieu of a free one day ticket). I'd heard its only accepted in certain stores, I've heard it has to be used that day...who knows what's true?? Anyone??
I have read it a million times and I think it can only be used for merchandise, and only can be used the day of your birthday. I hate you have to bring a real birth cert.
 
OK-I need some Snowbird help!

Does anyone know the restrictions/rules on the $75 gift card that they give you on your Birthday (in lieu of a free one day ticket). I'd heard its only accepted in certain stores, I've heard it has to be used that day...who knows what's true?? Anyone??
I don't know restrictions but I know I was led to believ in my readings that it was good that day only.
 
Well, WE DID IT!!
I talked to DH one more time, and we did some math (UGH) and decided we could swing it. Here's our new plan:

Arriving 1/26 - All driving together, canceled flights for DD and me. This might change to 1/25, but not sure.
Booked two standard rooms - one for us, one for MIL and SIL
at...


CARRIBEAN BEACH RESORT!!!
(the red is for you Shelly)

yup, we got the deal. We decided to book 6 nights and get the 7 day base tickets. We end up paying only a little over $1500 for the four of us!

Even cheaper than SOG! Now I have to rethink our plans, what to pack, all that jazz. I'm so excited!:cool1: :banana:
We also get the $200 GC! I was really concerned that they wouldn't have rooms available, but we could have gotten preferred or water view too. DH is happy that we can relax more and not be commando for three days. We can just hang, go to other resorts, shop...
:banana: :yay: :cheer2: party: :cheer2: :cool1: :yay: :banana:
As for what to pack, we usually do whatever we can layer. We wear sweatshirts on the way down and I like to buy one at WDW. Jeans, shorts, capris, and t-shirts. We'll have jackets from the road trip too. Then because we have the cruise right after, we have to pack for that too. YIKES! Plus I have to be efficient and pack light so it all fits in the van. We are driving my SIL down and might pick up MIL on the way, so it could get crowded!!

Plus I read all the chat after I left for last night - oh boy.:surfweb:
I'm just so excited!
Love the pictures of the baptism Carrie!! So cool. I think you and the family will have fun at AS SPorts.
Love the snowbirds logo thing too!! I think the hummingbird's name from Pocahontas is Flit.

Okay, now I have to try to get my heart rate back down. I spent about 30 min on the phone with CRO and I'm all worked up! I had the nicest CM - she chuckled when I talked about DIS boards and all the excitement. She said she's got tomorrow off and is going to call all her friends and family so they can get in on it!:laughing: I would have thought she would have done that by now!

My DH wanted to know if you could walk from CBR to Epcot. He says it looks close, but I think at WDW, lots of things look closer than they really are.

Have to go adjust my tickers now!

:goodvibes Congratulations on CBR!!! :goodvibes

You can walk from CBR to Epcot, but it would be very dangerous. I have seen threads on this subject, I guess there aren't sidewalks the whole way and you'd have to cross at a very busy intersection. I'd take the bus, it's less than a 5 minute ride!
 
Hello Snowbirds! :goodvibes

I'm trying to get all caught up here. :surfweb:

DH and I have been at Seven Springs this weekend. http://www.7springs.com/

Very nice resort. And SO CLEAN! The housekeeping sure beats the pants off of WDW housekeeping. :rotfl: Not a speck of dust in the place. But there was a lot of noise from the neighboring rooms most of the night, so we are very tired.
 
Later on, I will be gathering up all the little notes I write on different scrap pieces of paper and transfer them to our Disney binder. So many things to do at Disney, but so little time.

Little scraps of paper...that sounds just like me! :rotfl:
I have a two-pocket folder instead of a binder, because I know I'd never get around to punching holes in everything to put into the binder. The two pockets are getting pretty full, though...

Well, WE DID IT!!
I talked to DH one more time, and we did some math (UGH) and decided we could swing it. Here's our new plan:

Arriving 1/26 - All driving together, canceled flights for DD and me. This might change to 1/25, but not sure.
Booked two standard rooms - one for us, one for MIL and SIL
at...


CARRIBEAN BEACH RESORT!!!
(the red is for you Shelly)

yup, we got the deal. We decided to book 6 nights and get the 7 day base tickets. We end up paying only a little over $1500 for the four of us!

Even cheaper than SOG!

Congratulations, Sheree! But...now I'm going to be the ONLY Snowbird at SOG! (is there a pouty icon?) I figure we could save about $200 if we switch to a moderate, but I can't decide if it's the right thing to do. :scratchin

Hey there everyone! Hope everyone is doing well. I'm enjoying a cozy day at home - it's our 12th anniversary today, so I'm getting spoiled.

Happy Anniversary! :bride: :groom: Ours is next Sunday...number 17! Time flies! We're actually going on our anniversary date tonight. :yay:

OK-I need some Snowbird help!

Does anyone know the restrictions/rules on the $75 gift card that they give you on your Birthday (in lieu of a free one day ticket). I'd heard its only accepted in certain stores, I've heard it has to be used that day...who knows what's true?? Anyone??

Here's what the Disney website says...

http://disneyparks.disney.go.com/di...ouCelebrate/index?name=WDWCelebrationFAQsPage

Q: What if I don't spend my entire birthday fun card on my birthday?

A: The birthday fun card is valid only on your birthday. Any residual value cannot be recovered by the Guest after that day.


And a bunch more details on this page, including where the card is NOT accepted--I've copied the first few items below also:

http://disneyparks.disney.go.com/disneyparks/en_US/birthdayFunCard/index

"Birthday Fun Card" Terms and Conditions:
Use of birthday fun card is acceptance of its terms and conditions.

1. Card valid only on day issued.

2. You may use the Birthday Fun Card only towards the purchase of merchandise items at participating merchandise locations owned and operated by the owners of the Walt Disney World® and Disneyland® Resorts. The Birthday Fun Card may not be used towards the payment of Walt Disney World® or Disneyland® Resort Hotel room night folio charges, or a Disney Cruise Line® reservation aboard Disney Cruise Line®, or towards the purchase of any food and beverage items, alcohol, cigarettes, spa services and products, or personal services such as face painting, caricature drawings, hair braiding, and hair wrapping.

3. The Birthday Fun Card is also not accepted at Walt Disney World® Resort Operating Participant locations, including but not limited to, China, Japan, and Morocco pavilions at World Showcase in Epcot®, Arribas Brothers, Basin, Basin White, Cirque du Soleil, Curl by Sammy Duval, Ghiradelli, House of Blues, Hoypoloi, LEGO Imagination Center, Magic Masters, Magnetron, Niki Bryan Spas, Orlando Harley Davidson Store, Planet Hollywood, Rainforest Cafe, Richard Petty Driving Experience, Rubio Balloon Arts, SD Watersports, Sosa Cigar, Starabillias, Sunglass Icon, Surrey Bike Rental, Virgin Megastore, Wyland Galleries and any other locations or kiosks that are not owned and operated by the owners of the Walt Disney World® Resort.
 
Glad everyone has been enjoying their weekend..romantic getaways and date nights:love:

Thanks for posting the Fun Card rules. It's my husband's birthday while we are down there and I had no idea it was only good for that day. As long as it's accepted at the main stores for souvenirs were okay!

As I was planning my packing (I know I still have 2 1/2 months...I'm a planner!) ANYWAY-I was writing on my "need to buy" list a sprayer fan because ours broke last year. Then I smacked myself on the head. I don't think I'll be needing it this year! YIPPEE!!
:rotfl2: :rotfl: :lmao:
I certainly don't think you are the only one on here that's packing already...I've been packing for about two months now! My husband has a bet that I'll have the suitcases out by the end of the November. I'm using every bit of self control to prove him wrong. :rolleyes1
 
But I'm excited because DH and I have a date tonight - we're going into Minneapolis to see Wicked!! Yippee!:yay:

Sheree, I hear Wicked is amazing!! I'm not big into productions, but that's one I REALLY want to see!! Not sure I could get hubby to go, though!

I have to say that Wicked is AMAZING!! DH and I grew up outside NY, so we went to Broadway quite frequently as kids. So every so often we now go down for the day, see a matinee and come back. For my birthday, he took me to see Wicked. Half-way through the first act, we turned to each other & said, "DD needs to see this!" We brought her down a few months later, and were lucky enough to see the Original Cast: Idina Menzel, Kristin Chenowith & Joel Grey!! :cool1: This one stands at the top of the list fo rour favorites.

I didn't see a road company, so I can't comment on the effects, which were breathtaking, but I'm sure you will enjoy it!


Hello Sbowbirds! :goodvibes

I'm trying to get all caught up here. :surfweb:

DH and I have been at Seven Springs this weekend. http://www.7springs.com/

Very nice resort. And SO CLEAN! The housekeeping sure beats the pants off of WDW housekeeping. :rotfl: Not a speck of dust in the place. But there was a lot of noise from the neighboring rooms most of the night, so we are very tired.

Welcome back! Now get some rest!!
 
Congratulations, Sheree! But...now I'm going to be the ONLY Snowbird at SOG! (is there a pouty icon?) I figure we could save about $200 if we switch to a moderate, but I can't decide if it's the right thing to do. :scratchin

Oh, I'm so sorry to desert you! What were your dates? I didn't think anyone was going when we're going. We ended up adding days and it turned out to be so much cheaper. Of course, being there longer, we'll have to spend more on food! The packing and organizing thing is really starting to freak me out! I have to cram us and SIL in the van with stuff for a week at WDW and the 4 day cruise. I will definitely be doing :laundy: at the resort this trip!!
So much to think about!:headache:
 
I am trying to do some research on this resort, now that eveyrone is going there - has my interest !

I read in someones post that the pool was redone, is that the theme pool /piratesque pool or is it now totally redone.

I will head over the the resort boards but you guys here do a good sell job. If you were to book a room at this resort where would you want it to be?

All feedback is appreciated, and hey it may spark some excitement for you all to chat about it :)
 
I am trying to do some research on this resort, now that eveyrone is going there - has my interest !

I read in someones post that the pool was redone, is that the theme pool /piratesque pool or is it now totally redone.

I will head over the the resort boards but you guys here do a good sell job. If you were to book a room at this resort where would you want it to be?

All feedback is appreciated, and hey it may spark some excitement for you all to chat about it :)

One of the reasons we picked it was the great reviews from others. The Pirate pool is all redone, I saw pictures of it on the DIS resorts webpage. I was too cheap to book a preferred room (Martinique, Trinidad North I believe) so we don't know where we'll be. I didn't request anyplace (yet). I just asked a friend last night if you're in Aruba or Jamaica if you could cross the pool area to get to Old Port Royale, and she said not that she knew, you'd have to walk around. Maybe our CBR expert Shelly knows for sure. It all looks so beautiful, I'd probably love to walk around! I don't plan on hurrying for much on this trip, so I won't mind taking a stroll! :)
Good luck with your decision-making!! I was a basket case for days trying to figure out what to do!
 
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