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

[BellaSoleil]

Hi Guys - 2 1/2 weeks left and I'm having resort anxiety!!!

So, I keep trying on the website to see if there's any availability at All Star Music Family Suite for the 4/3 deal and there never is. So, for a goof, I checked REGULAR reservations to see what came up. You know what came up - NOTHING!!!! There is not a single room (suite or regular) to be had at All Star Music during the two weeks we are there. That has me really worried that it's going to be way too busy and crowded.

We originally were going to stay in Fort Wilderness in a cabin. They DO have availability for the 4/3 deal and it would be slightly more than the ASMu total. Believe it or not, I'm thinking of switching. Ft. Wilderness WOULD be quieter, and have a full kitchen.

So, what do you guys think? I know you don't know our specific situation and all, but suffice to say DS (with Autism Spectrum Disorder) does not take kindly to lots of noise and crowds all the time. I'm worried he won't like it.

DH and I are going to have to talk about this tonight for sure. I'll let you know if we changed our minds tomorrow!!!

I'm heading home and will check in later tonight. Have a good one.

I would consider switching. I have a sweet cousin with ASD. I think that the cabins at Fort Wilderness would be a nice retreat for your son. I think there is a good bit of peace and quiet there.

 

[Lil'Mermaid75]

We received our Magical Mail today!! It's Party Time! DH was so excited! So was I! In just a few short weeks....

 

[Momof2Disneyboys]

Hello Snowbirds!

It's been crazy around here! I have actually tried to post the BIG CHRISTMAS REVEAL twice and both times after I got almost finished I pushed the ESC button getting comfy and erased the whole post. It's enough to make you not post for a few days!

But I just felt who better to share some Disney Magic than my fellow Snowbirds!

So Christmas morning the presents had all been opened when DD notices another present under the tree in the living room...We have 3 trees...Living room, Game room, Entry. This year we didn't put any presents under the tree in the living room so when DD saw one there she got a little curious!

The present was a large red shirt box with snow flakes on it topped with a large red bow and it said "OPEN ME LAST!"

We made DD and DS sit on the loveseat and told them " You will have to share this present. I hope it fits you both because there is no way to return it" DD and DS were looking at me like "What???"

Well they lifted the top of the box off and there was a letter. The letter said:

It all started back in July
A secret we’ve been planning…Just your Dad and I.

So we hatched a little plan, a surprise for you two.
Keeping the secret was tough…like holding your breath ‘til you turn blue.

We leave in two weeks for 10 days of cool!
Sorry to tell you… You’ll miss a little school!

I wonder if you can guess just where we will go.

Here is one tiny hint…It’s

In…






Orlando!


DD and DS were both so happy! I think DD was in shock because she just smiled and said "OH! DISNEY WORLD!?!" And she was smiling this big silly smile.
We told DS that we were going to see Mickey Mouse at his house and he became very very excited!

and...

then...

DD then asked me "Why can't we leave tomorrow?" Huh? What? UMMMM EXCUSE ME!!!! She said "I wish you told me the day before we were going to leave!"

Well now! So! Sorry! Your Highness!


All in all it was great and I'm very glad we did the surprise! Looking back I think it was just too much to take in after all those presents. A little too overwhelming. DD said next time she just wants to be surprised the day before we go! Ha!

DD and DS are both super excited now and it has been all Disney, All day !

We have had on every Disney movie ever made and DD has been watching her bud Samatha Brown over and over.

I hope all you sniffling birdies get better soon and hugs to all who need them!

You are all a great group of Disney Nuts and I consider myself lucky to be in your group and to have found this thread many months ago!


I hope the new year brings you all loads of Pixie Dust, Laughter and Love and most of all many, many, Magical Moments!

Great surprise! Thanks for sharing! My kids were a little overwhelmed at first too and looked at us like we were crazy and they didn't even believe it. But it's been a non-stop Disney party ever since!

 

[Momof2Disneyboys]

Hi Snownbirds, just wanted to say bye before I forget to.
I have been running around doing things. I am off to see the mouse!
I will give him a big hug from all the snowbirds!

Talk when I get back on the 7th!

Have a magical trip!

 

[Momof2Disneyboys]

I started packing today!!! I got a lot done too!

 

[overthemoon4mickey]

Hi Guys - 2 1/2 weeks left and I'm having resort anxiety!!!

So, I keep trying on the website to see if there's any availability at All Star Music Family Suite for the 4/3 deal and there never is. So, for a goof, I checked REGULAR reservations to see what came up. You know what came up - NOTHING!!!! There is not a single room (suite or regular) to be had at All Star Music during the two weeks we are there. That has me really worried that it's going to be way too busy and crowded.

We originally were going to stay in Fort Wilderness in a cabin. They DO have availability for the 4/3 deal and it would be slightly more than the ASMu total. Believe it or not, I'm thinking of switching. Ft. Wilderness WOULD be quieter, and have a full kitchen.

So, what do you guys think? I know you don't know our specific situation and all, but suffice to say DS (with Autism Spectrum Disorder) does not take kindly to lots of noise and crowds all the time. I'm worried he won't like it.

DH and I are going to have to talk about this tonight for sure. I'll let you know if we changed our minds tomorrow!!!

I'm heading home and will check in later tonight. Have a good one.

I'd switch if you can. The nice quite boat ride on your way home from Magic Kingdom at night would be worth it! It would really help to soothe kids who had been on the go all day. Plus you can watch the Electric Water Parade from the shore and do S'Mores! You might even save money if you look at the savings of having a kitchen vs. having to eat out all meals because of being in a value. Go for it girl!

 

[MAGGIED]

YAY ~ Welcome back Wendy!! We missed you!

I tried to get a CBR meet going, but it doesn't look as if it is going to work out. . . Just can't seem to get everyone together at once. . . PM me if you want to try to meet up!

I sure will....I am putting the final touches our our schedule... will let you know!!!

 

[MAGGIED]

hope all of you not feeling well are up and going soon....

I haven't started packing at all yet... maybe next week.....

Went shopping for awhile this evening.... was so excited to fit into some things but didn't end up buying anything. I am going to take DD with me tomorrow.... 19 year olds have much better fashion sense than us close to 50 peeps....

thanks to all those who sent along PM's checking on me.... Chemistrygal... your such a wonderful person!!!!!

 

[Momto2PrncChrmgs]

Good evening all! QOTD: We got a small Disney GC that we used to buy matching Mickey tshirts with the sales and 20% off was less than $25 for all four!! Lovin' it!! We also got a Mickey Christmas welcome mat and a really cool Disney picture frame my parents got at a craft store. If I could find my camera I'd post a picture. It spells out DISNEY and each letter you can put a pic! It's awesome!!! We also all got $100 cash from my grandparents! YIPPEE!! That should take care of more than enough spending money with the $200 GC and the birthday merchandise card hubby will get!

Now I guess I should go ahead and order a new digital camera...that still just p's me off!! I have NO idea where it might be. I even called the car dealer that we traded my car in thinking maybe it could possibly be there, but they said no...UGH!!!

 

[dundeehunter]

Pam, Hope the weather and crowd level is magical for you!

I started packing my girls and I today. My DH will throw his stuff in the day before we leave.

QOTD: My niece got me a Hallmark lit up Mickey house the plays music and plugs into my xmas tree lights. So beautiful!

I ordered some pins for my DD's last night from ebay.

Oh, I checked for La Nouba tickets for the week we will be in the world, 20-27....they are NOT performing that entire week! what a bummer. I would have loved to see that show! But we will be saving $300 on tickets. So I might convince my DH to eat at Fulton's at DTD...

I have to order my Disney Visa Rewards also, but I have to pay my bill first ! So many bills to pay including property taxes by tomorrow!
Well I better go put my bedsheets on the bed...I love freshly laundred sheets!

 

[MAGGIED]

QOTD... did I receive anything Disney... well kind of sort of.....lol

DD received a new monogrammed disney beach towel, Tinkerbell movie, Beauty and the Beast movie, Fox and the Hound movie ( she loves Disney movies)

DS received a new disney monogrammed beach towel, a monogrammed fleece pull over with a Mickey golfing

D-in-laws gave me in addition to some wonderful gifts $100 to buy some new clothes for Disney

my mom and dad both gave me $$$ to buy new clothes for Disney

DH gave me diamonds to wear at Disney.....

 

[trixiequilts]

DH gave me diamonds to wear at Disney.....

I'm coming to your house next Christmas!

 

[Dishop]

Anyone ever attempt to reserve more than a week at OKW in January at a 7 mo. window? We'd like to use 19 days for a studio with what we've got planned with family in Jan '10.

 

[snykymom]

I hope those meds help you feel better QUICK! You don't have much time to spare!

Drinking is what's important when on medication.

I hope this doesn't affect your plane trip if you're flying. I had a sinus infection when flying once and it was awful. Bring lots of advil and water for the plane!

Thanks, guys! And thanks for the reminder of the advil and water! JetBlue is pretty good about giving water (they don't charge for it yet, I don't think!) but I might buy an extra bottle after security to take with me.

And I only have 1 more day of work before I leave!!

 

[trixiequilts]

Hi Guys - 2 1/2 weeks left and I'm having resort anxiety!!!

So, I keep trying on the website to see if there's any availability at All Star Music Family Suite for the 4/3 deal and there never is. So, for a goof, I checked REGULAR reservations to see what came up. You know what came up - NOTHING!!!! There is not a single room (suite or regular) to be had at All Star Music during the two weeks we are there. That has me really worried that it's going to be way too busy and crowded.

We originally were going to stay in Fort Wilderness in a cabin. They DO have availability for the 4/3 deal and it would be slightly more than the ASMu total. Believe it or not, I'm thinking of switching. Ft. Wilderness WOULD be quieter, and have a full kitchen.

So, what do you guys think? I know you don't know our specific situation and all, but suffice to say DS (with Autism Spectrum Disorder) does not take kindly to lots of noise and crowds all the time. I'm worried he won't like it.

DH and I are going to have to talk about this tonight for sure. I'll let you know if we changed our minds tomorrow!!!

I'm heading home and will check in later tonight. Have a good one.

Will you be penalized for changing this late?

I would absolutely change if I were you. DS is going to need somewhere calm and quiet after busy days. If making him more comfortable is as simple as changing resorts, I would do it in a heartbeat!

Good luck with your decision.

 

[sarbah77]

I'd consider switching, too, if your kid doesn't do well with noise. Even when it's not full, the value resorts tend to be very noisy.

Well, I went to the doctor today; I have a blocked eustachean tube, and I may be getting a sinus infection. Luckily, he gave me some meds that I hope will clear things up before I go. And I can drink while on them! So, it's off to Disney for me, no matter what!

SUDAFED. OMG SUDAFED. I have chronic sinusitis (and currently dealing with antibiotics which I can also drink on - lol, it IS almost NYE! and almost my birfday -these things are important) and I find Sudafed a TOTAL lifesaver from day to day but ESPECIALLY if I even THINK I'm congested at an airport. And not the Sudafed PE garbage, too!!

Drinking is what's important when on medication.

I hope this doesn't affect your plane trip if you're flying. I had a sinus infection when flying once and it was awful. Bring lots of advil and water for the plane!

Yes, and this!!

QOTD... golfing

D-in-laws gave me in addition to some wonderful gifts $100 to buy some new clothes for Disney

my mom and dad both gave me $$$ to buy new clothes for Disney

DH gave me diamonds to wear at Disney.....

Wow, you know, all of those are pretty awesome gifts - and 25 pounds already? WAY TO GO! I bet your diamonds will make you look that much more gorgeous.

Tomorrow I can do my single digit dance. Maybe I should wait 2.5 hours more (since this is about half an hour behind?) and just dance then!! I've been dancing all night.

I also found this awesome tour I think we're going to sign up for (we're waiting to see if my bro can do it, too, before he catches his flight home!): http://disneyworld.disney.go.com/wdw/parks/tourDetail?id=TheUnDISCOVERedFutureWorldTourPage It looks like it would be pretty cool! We did the Keys to the Kingdom tour at the Magic Kingdom last time and DH loved that (so did I). I'd like to do the Segway Tour but he's not as interested as I am... and I don't think i can get him to shell out for the Backstage Magic tour, either. Though the gift card would cover one person's...

 

[sharadoc]

Will you be penalized for changing this late?

I would absolutely change if I were you. DS is going to need somewhere calm and quiet after busy days. If making him more comfortable is as simple as changing resorts, I would do it in a heartbeat!

Good luck with your decision.

Well, DH thinks I am absolutely over-reacting. He thinks they must have some rooms blocked out for people booking packages, and sure enough, when I go in and try to book a package, I get plenty of availability at ASMu. He also thinks that just being in the room will be fine for DS to unwind.

I think I need to request a parking lot view on the first floor. That should eliminate extra traffic having to walk past our door. I've heard faxing a request is a good idea, and I've also heard that it doesn't matter. I'm going to call and have it added to our reservation and hope for the best.

Thanks for the opinions. I hope it's just me being a panicky pete! We are planning to drive everywhere and eat out or in our room, so the buses and food court won't be an issue for us.

 

[DisneyLifer87]

QOTD: I got a Disney Gift Card from my sister and brother-in-law and cold hard cash from both of my parents and the future in-laws.

Oh and a giftcard to Kohl's so I can get me a new swimsuit and maybe some shorts!

 

[Mndisneygirl]

Hi Snownbirds, just wanted to say bye before I forget to.
I have been running around doing things. I am off to see the mouse!
I will give him a big hug from all the snowbirds!

Talk when I get back on the 7th!

Have a GREAT Trip!! I can't wait to hear how it goes. And
HAPPY NEW YEAR!

 

[Mndisneygirl]

SUDAFED. OMG SUDAFED. I have chronic sinusitis (and currently dealing with antibiotics which I can also drink on - lol, it IS almost NYE! and almost my birfday -these things are important) and I find Sudafed a TOTAL lifesaver from day to day but ESPECIALLY if I even THINK I'm congested at an airport. And not the Sudafed PE garbage, too!!

I am on board with that!! I am always fighting with my sinuses and need the real Sudafed too. I keep a supply on hand! It's MAGIC!

Your gifts sound fabulous Sarah! I'm sure you will look beautiful with those diamonds. I wear them all the time - you know they go with everything!


Trixie - I think we'll be at CP at the same time! We'll have to try to find each other and say hi!

Okay - I'm actually going to bed early tonight! See you all tomorrow!