January 2009. . . Calling all Snowbirds ~ Part V

[Momof2Disneyboys]

Getting psyched - two weeks from tomorrow we will be arriving in Orlando at 10:00 AM, checking in at POR, and then going to DHS where we have reservations later in the day for the Fantasmic Dinner Package at Hollywood and Vine. (that's the 3 of us dancing!!). I'm really enjoying reading all of my fellow snowbirds reports of their planning, and those that are checking in from the World.

Will this be your first time at POR? We are considering it or the Swan for the next trip. As much as we love CBR, we like to try new things. Can you let me know how you liked it after your trip?

 

[MAGGIED]

Shelly... we have often thought about the Swan or Dolphin because they offer such great military rates... but we like using Magical express...and having the option of the dining plan.... when we don't want those things we usually stay at the Shades of Green.... it has the biggest rooms on WDW and the grounds are lovely.... we really like it there... and you can't beat the rate... pool side for $121... no taxes or fees

 

[Momof2Disneyboys]

Shelly... we have often thought about the Swan or Dolphin because they offer such great military rates... but we like using Magical express...and having the option of the dining plan.... when we don't want those things we usually stay at the Shades of Green.... it has the biggest rooms on WDW and the grounds are lovely.... we really like it there... and you can't beat the rate... pool side for $121... no taxes or fees

Yeah we would only stay at the Swan if we got a great deal and were not planning on getting the DDP. Which we may not be getting anymore once DS9 turns 10 and would be charged as an adult. We would miss Magical Express, so we'll see. . . We plan to go check it out one evening on this trip!

 

[Dancegrl624]

Watch for sales at places like Michaels, Joann's, or Hobby Lobby!! Last week Hobby Lobby had all their scrapbooking stuff 50% off and I got a huge album for only $15.00 now I'm thinking I need to already purchase more pages. But I have to find my HObby Lobby coupon first!!

Sunday's paper also has ads with coupons from Michael's and Joann's and just so you know Michael's will honor any competitors coupons so you can use quite a few within a week.

Yes I'm well versed on how to save money while scrapbooking LOL!!

Thanks for the info! We don't have a Hobby Lobby here though. But we do have AC Moore, Joann's and Michael's!

 

[dklam]

Will this be your first time at POR? We are considering it or the Swan for the next trip. As much as we love CBR, we like to try new things. Can you let me know how you liked it after your trip?

Shelly: We actually stayed at POR when it was called Dixie Landings "way back when" - LOL! We stayed in the Mansions that trip and I remember that it was really nice. We also have stayed at POFQ and I originally had that resort as our 2nd choice (with CSR being our first choice) and POR third. But, our TA never could manage to get us into either resort, so about 2 months ago I told her to stop trying and we were fine with POR. Have also stayed at CBR as well, as we "enjoy" the price savings of the moderates (some day I WILL stay at GF!!)

After I booked our trip, I found out that the Dolphin and Swan offer significant discounts to teachers, so that may be in our future as well. The only request that we have put in for POR is that we be in a building close to a bus stop and the main buildings, due to my foot problem. I will be bringing a doctor's note with me in case I need to show some proof that I really do need to be close to the action! I will most certainly fill you in after we get back as to how we like POR - I'm kind of excited to see if we will be in AB or the Mansions - I decided to leave it to our CM at check-in (hope that this isn't a big mistake - LOL!)

 

[BrerRabbit_fan]

So, I decided today I need a Disney fix. I'm going Jan 25-30 and need to decide between CSR and POFQ. I would never have dreamed to attemp it but even with all the discounts, availability is wide open. Bad for Disney, good for me.

 

[Dancegrl624]

So, I decided today I need a Disney fix. I'm going Jan 25-30 and need to decide between CSR and POFQ. I would never have dreamed to attemp it but even with all the discounts, availability is wide open. Bad for Disney, good for me.

Yea for your last minute trip! That's so exciting! to our fun-filled thread. I can't help you pick a resort since I haven't been to either one.

 

[Mndisneygirl]

Will this be your first time at POR? We are considering it or the Swan for the next trip. As much as we love CBR, we like to try new things. Can you let me know how you liked it after your trip?

We stayed at POR last Jan - only for 2 nights, but we really liked it. We stayed in the mansions. It was beautiful, even tho it was rainy. Not too long a walk to the main area. The food court was great, lots of options. We didn't try the sit down restaurant. There's an arcade, you can rent bikes, a nice walking path, and a cool looking pool. We didn't get to use it, but went and looked at it. You can also use POFQ's pool, which has a big alligator thing/slide. We liked taking the boat down to DTD and back. It's a nice ride, and you go by Saratoga Springs and the old treehouse villas. The room was pretty decent, long bathroom counter, separate from the toilet/tub. There may have been a curtain to close that area off, but I don't remember. We would stay there again.

 

[MAGGIED]

Jen... did you hear about this.... there were less expensive packages but I picked out the one with the most stuff..... sounds like its right up your alley.....


Haunted Mansion 40th Anniversary Merchandise Event
Date: 09-09-09
Location: Disneyland® Resort

The Plot Thickens… After five husbands and five untimely deaths, the Black Widow Bride of the Haunted Mansion will wed once more. Has she found her soul mate? Or will another groom meet his doom? Join us, Foolish Mortals, and we'll dig up the answers at our ghostly celebration that everyone's dying to attend.

Grinning Ghosts – $475
ONE (1) Night Accommodation at Disney's Grand Californian Hotel® & Spa (night of 09/09/09)*
Admission into Disney’s California Adventure® park (after 6:30 PM only)
Admission into Disneyland® park (after 9 PM only)
“Spirited Séance” - Haunted Mansion seminar
Wedding Feast or Famine Dinner
Spine-tingling Toast & Cake Slicing at the Haunted Mansion attraction
Ride through the Haunted Mansion Attraction
Haunting Photo Opportunity
Opportunity to purchase 40th Anniversary Haunted Mansion themed merchandise via Random Selection Process.
Commemorative Gifts
- Crypt-ic Amenity
- Wedding Favor
- TWO (2) “Depart”ing Gifts
Early Demise Offer:
Guests that register through February 28th only, will receive an “early demise” pin.

Reservations for the Grinning Ghosts package for the Haunted Mansion 40th Anniversary Event will be accepted only via www.DisneyGallery.com beginning Tuesday, January 20, 2009 at 11:00 a.m. (Pacific Time). Please note: We are now required to have only one (1) Guest per reservation. It will be necessary for each Guest to register individually. Thank you!

 

[peach3es]

Well, my Peeps...now it's time to say goodbye!

We are at my sister's house, just outside of Allentown, the kids are in their Mickey t-shirts and in bed. We leave at 4am from the house for our 6am bus. The kids are psychotically excited...and so am I!

I'm taking my computer, but I don't know if I'll get online at all...just know that I'm sending a shout out!

Catch you on the other side of this magical vacation!

 

[DisneyLifer87]

Safe trips to all those leaving this weekend for the marathon! If you're a runner then good luck!!

Tomorrow I begin my massive house cleaning

 

[Kazooie01]

Well, my Peeps...now it's time to say goodbye!

We are at my sister's house, just outside of Allentown, the kids are in their Mickey t-shirts and in bed. We leave at 4am from the house for our 6am bus. The kids are psychotically excited...and so am I!

I'm taking my computer, but I don't know if I'll get online at all...just know that I'm sending a shout out!

Catch you on the other side of this magical vacation!

Have a magical time at the happiest place on earth!

 

[Mndisneygirl]

Well, my Peeps...now it's time to say goodbye!

We are at my sister's house, just outside of Allentown, the kids are in their Mickey t-shirts and in bed. We leave at 4am from the house for our 6am bus. The kids are psychotically excited...and so am I!

I'm taking my computer, but I don't know if I'll get online at all...just know that I'm sending a shout out!

Catch you on the other side of this magical vacation!

HAVE A WONDERFUL TRIP!!!

 

[BrerRabbit_fan]

So after reading all 429 pages on the Coronado Springs faq, I went ahead and booked it. I'm getting psyched. I never booked a trip only 18 days out. Availability was plentiful, I had a hard time deciding where to stay.

Is anyone a cheapo like me? I want to stay in all the resorts one day and the price is right at the moment to sample a deluxe but I just couldn't do it. I'm such a park commando, I don't spend much time at the resort.

 

[Dancegrl624]

Well, my Peeps...now it's time to say goodbye!

We are at my sister's house, just outside of Allentown, the kids are in their Mickey t-shirts and in bed. We leave at 4am from the house for our 6am bus. The kids are psychotically excited...and so am I!

I'm taking my computer, but I don't know if I'll get online at all...just know that I'm sending a shout out!

Catch you on the other side of this magical vacation!

I'm so excited for you and your family! Have a fantastic time at the most magical place on earth! I can't wait to hear all about it!

To everyone else leaving tomorrow, have fun! We'll miss you!

 

[PEANUT1]

Hi all!! So continuing with my trip.

Today was MGM day....actually Hollywood studios day

We arrived at rope drop headed straight to Toy Story Mania (along with the rest of the crowd). Geez...the fast pass line was longer than the actual line. So, hubby got in line for fast pass while girls and I got in regular line. The wait time said 30 minutes already. We actually waited about 20 and then rode the ride later with the fast pass. Did you guys know that you don't have to actually come back to the ride during your fast pass time? You can come later if you want. We had a time of 11-12 but didn't use it til after 2pm. This has to be my new favorite ride. A must do

The weather was a bit strange today. Very overcast and windy. It rained for a short period but wasn't too bad. We were prepared of course with ponchos and umbrella.

We did all of the stuff for the kids today..alas no roller coaster or TOT...we did an adult trip in October so I did all of that then. I am really excited to see all of the American Idol stuff but it doesn't open til Feb 14th..oh well. I guess next time.

We saw the HSM parade, Little Mermaid, Playhouse Disney, Star Tours, Muppets, TSM x2 and took pictures with Buzz and Woody (Abby's favorites). Ate lunch at Pizza Planet ( something we always do) and I think we were out of there by 5pm

We had dinner at Boma. The food was good but I don't think we'll return any time soon. It was so loud and chaotic in there. Every table was filled, the buffet lines were a little long and it just wasn't as nice as the last time we went. Oh well.

Tomorrow we are headed to Animal Kingdom (my hubby's favorite). We are also checking out of our hotel and tomorrow night we are headed to Hilton head for 2 days before returning home in just enough time to watch the Eagles/Giants game.I can't believe I am leaving Disney tomorrow..it just doesn't seem real.

Well...that's it for now guys. The crowds do seem less each day so I think you will all be in great shape.

I am off to do some packing....the worst part of the trip. Sweet dreams of Mickey everyone.

 

[Northern Disney Girl]

Great news about the Jedi Training, but I just want to apologize in advance for my Husband. He'll be the “big” kid trying to push your boys out of the way to become a Jedi.

My DH was so disappointed when I told him it was just for kids! He is also wanting to make a light sabre! He is a HUGE Star Wars junkie! He totally has our DD7 hooked on it now too! She wants to battle Vader in the Jedi training!

Thanks so much for the help with the shoe thing! I think I have decided on crocs AND sandals, no flips!

 

[Momto2PrncChrmgs]

Love the day by day report!! Keep it coming!

Gosh, everyday at work is just PAINFUL!! I just keep telling everyone at work, "you know I'm leaving for Florida in 16 days?" They keep calling me bad names, I just don't understand it! Only 10 1/2 work days left. (We're off for MLK so that will be my major packing day)...Like I won't already be completely packed and have the car loaded up four days early...

 

[Love Pooh Bear]

Just found this thread and am getting more and more excited about our trip! We will be staying at POP for the first time 1-21 to 1-28. I've stayed at other resorts with DH but this is DD's first trip. And we are celebrating DH's Birthday while we are there! Can't wait!!!!
Have to go to Home Depot to get my Mickey head and will display it proudly.
Hopefully will run into some of you!
Safe trips to all!

 

[Momto2PrncChrmgs]

Just found this thread and am getting more and more excited about our trip! We will be staying at POP for the first time 1-21 to 1-28. I've stayed at other resorts with DH but this is DD's first trip. And we are celebrating DH's Birthday while we are there! Can't wait!!!!
Have to go to Home Depot to get my Mickey head and will display it proudly.
Hopefully will run into some of you!
Safe trips to all!

Welcome !! You'll have lots of company from here at Pop!