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

[Remmy]

Thank you for all the stroller talk. Last trip to Disney we rented the strollers there. We did love it as it was so easy to buy for set # of days and go and show the tickets and pick up a stroller. We also liked the ease of hopping to other parks and picking up another one.

Now with the Canadian $ not doing so great and the cost of renting very costly, we started looking around here for one for our DS who is 4. We had given away our other strollers due to the beating they took with both children. Earlier in summer we went to our local Wal-Mart and Zellers (like a Target) but didn't have much luck. The ones at Wal-Mart left purple stains on our hands from the handles.

Now with all this new stroller talk it came back to me to check the websites at Wal-Mart and Target to see what they had and prices down there. I fell in love with this Tigger one:
http://www.walmart.com/catalog/product.do?product_id=5854449
This is a picture of a Pooh one.

Anyway we saw in our Zellers flyer that they had one on sale this week for $19.99 Canadian! We went and not only did they have the Tigger one he wanted but a sales associate gave me a 10% off my purchases coupon.

I am so excited we now have a stroller and found it at an excellent price. Yes, it is one more item to bring down but then we will have it for Downtown Disney and for resort hopping and looking!

We are also considering if we aren't going down for another few years of scoping out a family at the resort on our last day and asking them if they want the stroller for free. For us it will have 13 days of use, but I don't see the bother of bringing it back when we won't use it again at home.


I do hope everyone had a great day today. I hope everyone is feeling better that isn't feeling well or have other issues.

Remmy

 

[Momto2PrncChrmgs]

Hey everybody! Remember me? I'm Trixie, the one who hadn't done ANY Christmas shopping yet? Well, good news! I bought ONE gift the other day!

Don't feel bad, I've only bought one, also. I found a Wii for the kids (I should say the husband!) That's all though. I really have no idea what else I'm going to get for everyone! Hubby and I don't exchange, but I am planning on getting a dual DVD player for the car since we're driving to Disney this year. I'm sure we'll do lots of gift cards for everyone else, and I'm planning on making some truffles I saw in the Kraft Foods mag for my aunts/cousins.

 

[Fire14]

We have rented from Alamo and had good experiences and rates. We often find discounts either on line or through work or Happenings book coupons. We got upgraded from a mid-size to minivan one time for free! You have to shuttle from the airport to the lot I think at MCO.
I can't remember any others that we have used.

Alamo is now onsite at airport. They are on level one and parking garge is across service road or whatever you call it.

 

[MelXThree]

This was on Touring Plans...

Online Check-in to debut in January?
This interesting blurb ran across the news/rumor desk today..

Disney’s Online Check-In service enables Guests to simplify their arrival by allowing them to go online and provide information related to their upcoming stay. On a Guest’s scheduled arrival date, since check-in information will have been provided previously online by the Guest, they may experience a streamlined check-in at select Walt Disney World® Resort hotels or Disney Vacation Club resorts. A welcome folder with their Key to the World Card will be waiting at a designated Disney’s Online Check-In area in the resort hotel lobby. Guests will need to present valid photo ID to pick up the folder and complete check-in. Guests may check-in online beginning 10 days prior to their arrival date. Web site addresses for Disney’s Online Check-In service will vary based on the original method of booking. As Guests are completing Disney’s Online Check-In service, select Guests will have an opportunity to apply for the Disney Rewards® Visa Card® that could be used during their stay. This service launches in January, 2009.

More details posted when we have them.

Sounds intresting...I wounder if it works if you have requested a specific room??

 

[MindyLuvsMickey]

This was on Touring Plans...

Online Check-in to debut in January?
This interesting blurb ran across the news/rumor desk today..

Disney’s Online Check-In service enables Guests to simplify their arrival by allowing them to go online and provide information related to their upcoming stay. On a Guest’s scheduled arrival date, since check-in information will have been provided previously online by the Guest, they may experience a streamlined check-in at select Walt Disney World® Resort hotels or Disney Vacation Club resorts. A welcome folder with their Key to the World Card will be waiting at a designated Disney’s Online Check-In area in the resort hotel lobby. Guests will need to present valid photo ID to pick up the folder and complete check-in. Guests may check-in online beginning 10 days prior to their arrival date. Web site addresses for Disney’s Online Check-In service will vary based on the original method of booking. As Guests are completing Disney’s Online Check-In service, select Guests will have an opportunity to apply for the Disney Rewards® Visa Card® that could be used during their stay. This service launches in January, 2009.

More details posted when we have them.

Sounds intresting...I wounder if it works if you have requested a specific room??

Very interesting! I would definitely be interested in doing something like this. Hopefully we'll hear more about it! I want to get checked in early so that I can get the room that I want. We won't be getting to the resort until after dinner, I think.

 

[MelXThree]

Very interesting! I would definitely be interested in doing something like this. Hopefully we'll hear more about it! I want to get checked in early so that I can get the room that I want. We won't be getting to the resort until after dinner, I think.

I know the feeling...we land at 7:06pm so we won't be at CBR until 8pm (or later) and I REALLY want a ground room...three boys, a double stroller - I do not want stairs So maybe this pre-check in will help

 

[sarbah77]

Hey everybody! Remember me? I'm Trixie, the one who hadn't done ANY Christmas shopping yet? Well, good news! I bought ONE gift the other day!

You're one ahead of us!! We're seeing DH's family for Thanksgiving and it would have been nice to be able to give them all wrapped Christmas gifts. But unless I wake up a WHOLE RECOVERED PERSON tomorrow, it ain't gonna happen.

(*whine* I'm tired of feeling run down all the time. I'm tired of not being able to eat dairy, yet, and apparently having issues with spicy food)

Did any of you see Bolt this weekend? We loved it! We saw the 3D version, and it was great. So cute! The theater was filled with children laughing and enjoying it. I hope the Bolt character is in WDW in January when we are down.

My DH realllllly wants to see it, but last night, there were 7:30 showings and 9:45pm showings. We missed the 7:30 due to dinner and the 9:45? Heehee zzzzzzzz. Maybe we'll see it over Thanksgiving!

OH it turns out that his Minnesota Vikings are the Sunday night game next week and we always put up the Christmas tree early Sunday afternoon after Thanksgiving. I think we'll be able to listen to Christmas music when doing so!! Woohoo!!

 

[Mndisneygirl]

(*whine* I'm tired of feeling run down all the time. I'm tired of not being able to eat dairy, yet, and apparently having issues with spicy food)

OH it turns out that his Minnesota Vikings are the Sunday night game next week and we always put up the Christmas tree early Sunday afternoon after Thanksgiving. I think we'll be able to listen to Christmas music when doing so!! Woohoo!!

I hope things are improving for you! I imagine it's so frustrating.

I guess I know what we're doing next Sunday night! Are you ready for some football? Hopefully our tree will be up and we can have it decorated too!
I think the Vikes even won today! Wow- all week, the local media has been saying they should fire the head coach, and speculating if he's any better than Mike Tice was. Whatever. I'm sure the rest of the snowbirds don't care. Sorry guys!

 

[snykymom]

This was on Touring Plans...

Online Check-in to debut in January?
This service launches in January, 2009.

Sounds intresting...I wounder if it works if you have requested a specific room??

I hope it's available on Jan 1 - we arrive on the 3d at POP and then the 4th at CSR, and I'd love to be able to do this!

I guess I'm lucky - Chanukah doesn't require any outdoor lights; we just use the menorah inside. And the gifts tend to be much fewer/less expenseive or extravagant. So the season is a lot less stressful. But we do need to stock up on potatoes for the latkes (crisp, fried potato & onion pancakes) - love them with lots of apple sauce, although there are those who prefer sour cream. Which is better is often a big battle among families! Of course, if one keeps kosher and serves a meat meal, sour cream is not an option - one cannot mix meat and milk products at the same meal or within several hours of eating the other.

Four days until my D comes home! Can't wait to see her again!

Hope all are having a wonderful Sunday!

 

[sarbah77]

I hope things are improving for you! I imagine it's so frustrating.

I guess I know what we're doing next Sunday night! Are you ready for some football? Hopefully our tree will be up and we can have it decorated too!
I think the Vikes even won today! Wow- all week, the local media has been saying they should fire the head coach, and speculating if he's any better than Mike Tice was. Whatever. I'm sure the rest of the snowbirds don't care. Sorry guys!

We don't get the games on TV out here, so the DH will be very happy to be able to see it! And yeah, they won pretty decisively today, which was a nice change. Less husband cussing!

 

[Mndisneygirl]

I hope it's available on Jan 1 - we arrive on the 3d at POP and then the 4th at CSR, and I'd love to be able to do this!

I guess I'm lucky - Chanukah doesn't require any outdoor lights; we just use the menorah inside. And the gifts tend to be much fewer/less expenseive or extravagant. So the season is a lot less stressful. But we do need to stock up on potatoes for the latkes (crisp, fried potato & onion pancakes) - love them with lots of apple sauce, although there are those who prefer sour cream. Which is better is often a big battle among families! Of course, if one keeps kosher and serves a meat meal, sour cream is not an option - one cannot mix meat and milk products at the same meal or within several hours of eating the other.

Four days until my D comes home! Can't wait to see her again!

Hope all are having a wonderful Sunday!

See, that's what so great about these boards. I just learned something about Chanukah! I knew about latkes, but not about the kosher- meat/milk restrictions. Very interesting. Thanks!

Is your D away at college coming for Thanksgiving? I hope you have a great visit!!

 

[Mndisneygirl]

We don't get the games on TV out here, so the DH will be very happy to be able to see it! And yeah, they won pretty decisively today, which was a nice change. Less husband cussing!

I hope he's not a Gopher fan too. The U of M lost 55 - 0 yesterday. It was embarassing! That could have brought on some serious cussing!

 

[pamouselover]

Did any of you see Bolt this weekend? We loved it! We saw the 3D version, and it was great. So cute! The theater was filled with children laughing and enjoying it. I hope the Bolt character is in WDW in January when we are down.

We are going to go see Bolt in 3D on Thanksgiving after dinner. Forget watching the Eagles play!
Bolt is at The Magic of Disney Animation for a meet and greet.

To me this new check in seems no different. Check in does not take that long. I think they already do a great job of checking you into the resort.When I paid my balance, they asked me certain things they would ask at check in. I think it is just going to be getting your credit card info., if you want charging privileges. You will still have to sign in, show ID,and get your key card. I guess will have to wait and see.

 

[mana_liz]

Hello Everyone,

I finally caught up...I've been sick since Friday...feeling better now.

No snow here this weekend...we always decorate after Thanksgiving...Mom doesn't like to mix the holiday decor.

We have an O'Charley's...and love it...my favorite is the chicken tenders, bistro chicken, their rolls and the potatoe soup...we even buy the honey mustard dressing at the grocery store.

We also love Max and Erma's...I love their ice cream sundae bar.

I will have to try the potatoe soup soup recipe...sounds yummy.

We are almost finished Christmas shopping...just a few things to get. I am almost wrapping...Mom lets me wrap everything...it's my favorite part of getting ready for Christmas.

 

[Momto2PrncChrmgs]

(insert whiney voice here): I'm still not used to this time change thing! We left a bday party at 3:30 and it was already kinda dreary and dark-ish...Now that its 745, I feel it should be about 10. I'm ready for bed!! Too bad I still have a ton of laundry to do so we'll have clothes this week!

 

[Monny2AE]

Evening Everyone!

Just checkin' in with my Snowbird peeps! Hope you all are doing well! We are fine and going to make that final payment today!

Today we spent the afternoon making Shrinky Dinks! We did some earrings for me and some ornament gifts for the grandparents and a Christmas tree necklace for each of the kids. It was FUN! And I've got some funky, fun, and mildly obnoxious holiday earrings!

I think I'm still in shock that it's just 46 days until Disney! And just 22 days until we get to the USA! WOW!

So, trying to skim and keep up with you all!

Carrie You know we want to see that first pic of your happy little face when your feet hit US soil!

I know this info is on other boards, but you all are so much nicer and knowledgable. I'm looking for shoes other than my tennis shoes to tour in. I like my Nike Celso flip flops, and I've heard others rave about Crocs Athens and Teva Mush. Have you guys had any experience with these? Last year my Adidas that were VERY broken in gave me blisters so I was walking thru Epcot in my socks!

I had these all summer and loved them. I don't like the anything between my toes- weird I know.
http://shop.crocs.com/pc-1185-4-adara.aspx?navcategories=3,121
I'm looking at the ones with the fur now- comfy and toasty for winter!

Hey everybody! Remember me? I'm Trixie, the one who hadn't done ANY Christmas shopping yet? Well, good news! I bought ONE gift the other day!

I'm so proud! [says the lady who's done! ]

I feel like I have asked this before, but in terms of requesting a specific building at the resort (CBR), when can/should I do this? Should I have mentioned it at the time I booked? Can I call now and do it or wait until paid in full? I did mention we would like ground floor since MIL and SIL have trouble with stairs and the reservationist noted that.

Perhaps my CBR experts (Shelly!) could advise about what buildings are good. I am not paying preferred. Considering Aruba and Jamaica. I understand they may be rehabbed next, hope they'd be done by the time we go. Would they tell us that certain buildings are not available because of rehab?

TIA!

I have requested Jamaica or Aruba. Those are the best non-preferred locations in my opinion. . . Martinique & T.North are preferred villages, but not all buildings in those sections are preferred, so you can request them too. I made my requests when I booked. I will send a fax the week prior too!

They are currently working on Aruba. I would think they would do Jamaica next. . . Sure hope they are done by January!

I requested Barbados but it's mainly for sentimental reasons. We stayed there on our honeymoon and our last trip so it's comfy for us Good tip for sending a fax. I really want ground floor since we'll have strollers.

Any suggestions for doing all the parks with an almost 2 yo and a 3 1/2 year old? I'm sure you have great tips!

Thanks!!

Lots of patience!!!!! My rules are to remember to always have snacks on hand and to relax and go with the flow. If someone needs a nap- we stop and take one. If someone's hungry we stop and eat. I try not to plan the details of the day as far as where to be at what times (except for ADR's) like the tour plans in UG. It just doesn't work for us.

Now with all this new stroller talk it came back to me to check the websites at Wal-Mart and Target to see what they had and prices down there. I fell in love with this Tigger one:
http://www.walmart.com/catalog/product.do?product_id=5854449
This is a picture of a Pooh one.

Anyway we saw in our Zellers flyer that they had one on sale this week for $19.99 Canadian! We went and not only did they have the Tigger one he wanted but a sales associate gave me a 10% off my purchases coupon.

I am so excited we now have a stroller and found it at an excellent price. Yes, it is one more item to bring down but then we will have it for Downtown Disney and for resort hopping and looking!

We are also considering if we aren't going down for another few years of scoping out a family at the resort on our last day and asking them if they want the stroller for free. For us it will have 13 days of use, but I don't see the bother of bringing it back when we won't use it again at home.


I do hope everyone had a great day today. I hope everyone is feeling better that isn't feeling well or have other issues.

Remmy

Hooray for you! I'm lugging two strollers down but we are driving so it shouldn't be too bad. My FIL is renting us a car (and is trying to make it a minivan if he can) which would be awesome!
Perhaps you could post on DIS family board the date you will be done with it and find a family in need of one ahead of time- set up a time to make the kind-hearted exchange.

This was on Touring Plans...

Online Check-in to debut in January?
This interesting blurb ran across the news/rumor desk today..

Disney’s Online Check-In service enables Guests to simplify their arrival by allowing them to go online and provide information related to their upcoming stay. On a Guest’s scheduled arrival date, since check-in information will have been provided previously online by the Guest, they may experience a streamlined check-in at select Walt Disney World® Resort hotels or Disney Vacation Club resorts. A welcome folder with their Key to the World Card will be waiting at a designated Disney’s Online Check-In area in the resort hotel lobby. Guests will need to present valid photo ID to pick up the folder and complete check-in. Guests may check-in online beginning 10 days prior to their arrival date. Web site addresses for Disney’s Online Check-In service will vary based on the original method of booking. As Guests are completing Disney’s Online Check-In service, select Guests will have an opportunity to apply for the Disney Rewards® Visa Card® that could be used during their stay. This service launches in January, 2009.

More details posted when we have them.

Sounds intresting...I wounder if it works if you have requested a specific room??

hmmm this sounds interesting. CBR check in can take a LONG time !!!!! It would be nice to shave a few minutes off check in and hit the parks that much sooner.

See, that's what so great about these boards. I just learned something about Chanukah! I knew about latkes, but not about the kosher- meat/milk restrictions. Very interesting. Thanks!

Is your D away at college coming for Thanksgiving? I hope you have a great visit!!

Sadly, I learned this while teaching day care way back when and I accidentally gave a little boy milk with his bologna sandwich! Yikes! I felt terrible!

 

[Monny2AE]

Alright who mentioned comfy shoes? Now I'm looking at the mammoth crocs and I sooo want these!!!! Man I wish I had money to burn!

http://shop.crocs.com/pc-1921-4-disney-mickey-mammoth.aspx?navcategories=3,120&color=Chocolate/Cotto

 

[Dancegrl624]

Hello everyone! I hope that you've all had a great weekend. My girls night last night was fun. We didn't watch our movie, but that was ok. We played Catch Phrase for hours and hours. I haven't laughed that much in a long time! Then, it was off to Syracuse today to celebrate my great aunt's 85th birthday. It was nice to see my relatives. Everyone pitched in and bought my great aunt a Wii! She loves to play Wii bowling! Isn't that awesome? Anyways...I'm just catching up with everyone right now and lounging. I have one crazy week ahead of me!!!!

 

[Momto2PrncChrmgs]

I had these all summer and loved them. I don't like the anything between my toes- weird I know.
http://shop.crocs.com/pc-1185-4-adara.aspx?navcategories=3,121
I'm looking at the ones with the fur now- comfy and toasty for winter!

Alright who mentioned comfy shoes? Now I'm looking at the mammoth crocs and I sooo want these!!!! Man I wish I had money to burn!

http://shop.crocs.com/pc-1921-4-disney-mickey-mammoth.aspx?navcategories=3,120&color=Chocolate/Cotto

Thanks for the info...I looked at the Adara ones but I actually prefer the between the toes, so I went ahead and ordered the Athens, and I ordered a pr of Teva Mush. Dicks Sporting Goods had them at $20 each and free shipping, so I'll give them a try! It's free return shipping, too if I hate them!

I'd do the Mammoth if I knew I'd be in jeans all week, but if I'm in capris, I can't do clogs, I need flips! In fact I'd do flip flops with anything, as long as its not freezing!!

 

[Mndisneygirl]

Alright who mentioned comfy shoes? Now I'm looking at the mammoth crocs and I sooo want these!!!! Man I wish I had money to burn!

http://shop.crocs.com/pc-1921-4-disney-mickey-mammoth.aspx?navcategories=3,120&color=Chocolate/Cotto

I was eyeing those up too!! TOO CUTE! I have a crocs outlet near me and I think a trip up there is in order!