January 2009. . . Calling all Snowbirds ~ Part V

[BellaSoleil]

Mindy-congrats on the baby moving! That's so exciting!

Still no news on the appraisal of our house. I'm starting to get annoyed. Is that normal - 2 weeks until closing and no appraisal? We are ready to start moving out, but don't want to start until all of the paperwork is done. I'm still in my funk. I'm sure it will be over when we close on the house in 14 days.

We bought Belle a swimming pool this weekend and she had the best time. To make the start of summer day even sweeter, I bought her first snow cone. I spent my summers swimming and eating snow cones from 'Nona's Snow Stand' (I drove 15 miles just to buy her first snow cone from Nona), so it was such a great day.

 

[Momof2Disneyboys]

Still no news on the appraisal of our house. I'm starting to get annoyed. Is that normal - 2 weeks until closing and no appraisal? We are ready to start moving out, but don't want to start until all of the paperwork is done. I'm still in my funk. I'm sure it will be over when we close on the house in 14 days.

We are going through the same thing on our house too. Unfortunately the banks are backed up with appraisals because of so many refinances right now because of the low interest rates. We are supposed to close on the sale of our house and on the purchase of our new house on June 30th. But we are having a heck of a time finding a bank to commit to that closing date because of the appraisal. It's very frustrating!

 

[danceintherain]

Ok, so my Mom is in GA visiting my sister right now, and last week they had my sister's in-laws over for Memorial Day.
For the past year there's been all this friction between us...well my Mom really, and my sister's in-laws...well indirect friction over attention. Basically, my sister and BIL have had to deal with a lot of controversy.

Anyways, when I first started planning my Graduation trip with the whole family (originally it was only supposed to be my Mom, my 2 sisters, my nephew and I)
We determined that the most financially sound option for accommodations would be to stay at my sister's in-law's house in the Orlando area. It's a vacation house, so they wouldn't have to be there when we were there.
Well... when the friction started arising, my Mom decided that she didn't want to stay in their house.
After some persuasion on my part... (for a while the trip was canceled altogether because my Mom was being unreasonable) I convinced my parents to book a room at the Doubletree and plan the trip for July (it was originally supposed to be the end of May)

Well... last week my Mom talked to my sister's in-laws and found out that they would love to have us stay in their house. This did not surprise me at all, because they'd offered it before, and they're some of the most generous people I've ever met.
So, now my Mom wants to stay at their house, which I have torn feelings about.
It would save money, but we would be tied down to a single rental car transportation, which wouldn't be a big deal, except I knew from the get-go that my family would not take kindly to my touring plans, so I was looking forward to being able to take the bus to and from the hotel when I wanted to, instead of dealing with everybody being ready.
It's never been an issue before, but that was before I had stayed on the property and realized the convenience of the buses

Anyways... I really just wanted to rant a little. I don't really get that much of a say in the decision, because I'm not paying, and my Mom has already agreed that taking an afternoon break is the best way to go. I'm just worried about how well that will work in practice.

Maybe I should find out where the best A/Ced resting places are in each of the parks...

 

[Disney Mommy 3]

We are going through the same thing on our house too. Unfortunately the banks are backed up with appraisals because of so many refinances right now because of the low interest rates. We are supposed to close on the sale of our house and on the purchase of our new house on June 30th. But we are having a heck of a time finding a bank to commit to that closing date because of the appraisal. It's very frustrating!

Shelly (& Soliel)--hope things get lined out soon. I know that waiting makes you antsy!!

Becca~ Family things can get so sticky!! I know with my family it would NOT be wise to plan a vacation!!!! Hopefully ya'll will figure something out that works for all of you soon!!!

 

[Mndisneygirl]

Aw, Becca, that stinks! it's too bad since it is a trip for YOUR graduation!! Is there any chance with so many of you there could be two cars? Maybe you can stay at the parks and they can come back and meet you after dinner? Or have them check out the shows - most of the indoor things are a/c - like the movies in Epcot, or Little Mermaid at DHS. It's a Small World?
Maybe a long late lunch at a TS restaurant will be all they need. I'm sure it will work out - just remember it's Disney and you don't need to stress, just make sure you have fun! Good luck!
I got lucky with my in-laws (so far) they don't seem to care what we do, just requested a couple restaurants. Every time we call and say, how about this?, they just say sure! I know, I'm lucky. They're entrusting me to do all the booking/planning for the Christmas events. Lucky for me, they've been to WDW many times, and know what to expect. They've just never done DDP or the holiday stuff (I haven't done that either). It will be interesting!

 

[danceintherain]

I know it will probably be fine, and I've been looking into getting 2 rental cars. Part of the problem is neither I nor my DH are 25, so we'd have to pay the underage driver fee if we wanted to drive the rental car. Otherwise, we could either get a second car, or just relay with the car.

My sister and her husband will be there for at least the first part of the trip, and they're driving down, so we could possibly drive their car some, but they're not planning on going to the parks hardly at all because of the baby. It might be possible that we could just commandeer their car for our use.

That's also another hitch in the plan anyways, because my Mom had our dates all wrong when she was talking to my BIL's Dad about our trip. They have their family trip planned for the week before our trip, and the dates overlap, so it's possible that we won't end up staying there at all, or at least not for the whole time. It just depends on how much space is left.
Supposedly it's a huge house.
Right now I'm waiting for my sister to get the address for me, so I can find out how convenient it will be to the parks.

 

[Disney Mommy 3]

Sheree~ Are you taking the girls to MVMCP? I can't remember if I have already asked you that!! Unless you just cannot fit it in, you may want to try and do it. We really love it--it's one of our families favorite memories of the holidays. We didn't do the Osborne lights yet---would love to do the Candlelight thing at Epcot tho'. I can't wait to see who is on the list for this year!!!! Or have they released it yet? Seemed like it was later in summer last year. The christmas party was the first thing out of their mouths when I said we were going at Holiday time. We just have so much fun!!!!

 

[Mndisneygirl]

Sheree~ Are you taking the girls to MVMCP? I can't remember if I have already asked you that!! Unless you just cannot fit it in, you may want to try and do it. We really love it--it's one of our families favorite memories of the holidays. We didn't do the Osborne lights yet---would love to do the Candlelight thing at Epcot tho'. I can't wait to see who is on the list for this year!!!! Or have they released it yet? Seemed like it was later in summer last year. The christmas party was the first thing out of their mouths when I said we were going at Holiday time. We just have so much fun!!!!

Yup! We got our tickets for 12/6 (Sunday). We're planning to arrive the day before and book one night at AKL now. Then we might have time on Sunday a.m. to explore the decorations at GF and WL first. My in-laws will arrive sometime that day, then we have to go get the military tickets. We're hoping to do the candelight processional one night and then hit DHS for Osborne lights another night. Then I think we will have one night with no special event planned. Oh, how I wish the hours etc were out already so I could plan more specifically!! How can I wait all summer!?! I looked at last year's hours and I don't think we will have any big issues if it's the same. We're not planning to go to evening EMH parks, just if there's am EMH for us. Hoping that it's not at MK the day after the party! We'll be too tired!

 

[Momto2PrncChrmgs]

Hey ladies, just checking in!

I am kind of freaking out. I just took a new job two weeks ago and they have sent us to our state's capital for training for the whole week! Andy's at home with the boys and I'm in a strange hotel room all alone. Sounds great in theory (I AM almost done reading Angels and Demons and now that I figured out the wi-fi am spending some uninterrupted Dis-ing time). It's just weird!! The hotel is very nice, I just don't sleep well away from home!! Guess I better take a benedryl so I can sleep!!

Shelly-I didn't know you were selling/buying! Congrats! I hope everything goes smoothly for your family and the Shopaholic family!! Buying a new home is so exciting and stressful! I tell all my clients it will be "all-consuming." Kind of like planning a Disney trip!

 

[Disney Mommy 3]

Jenny, enjoy that time alone--but be careful!!! I think I too would spend my time reading!!!

 

[Northern Disney Girl]

GUESS WHAT?????

My dear sweet wonderful husband gave me "Official" permission to plan for a January 2010 trip!



I am still hesitant to make a ticker just yet or add my name to the list but ......

I'm Going to Disney!!!!

Our dates will likely be January 23-30 but we will have to wait and see what airfare out of MSP will look like - right now it's sitting at about $120 CD pp one way! Not bad but I know I can get better!

 

[Disney Mommy 3]

YEAH KIMBERLY!!! I know you are soooo super excited!!!

Dang, now that makes me want to go in Jan again, cause I missed you last time!! ha!! Sure you don't want to come for Christmas?!?!?
I am so happy for you!!! Definitely wait on that airfare!!! Where are you gonna stay this time? OOOHHHHH, lots of plans!!!!


I checked prices last night for the first week of Dec. The Bay Lake Tower is the only villa type room that has space for 5 and not 8 or 9. But That's probably more than we want to do for that many nights!!! Maybe since we skipped NYC we can swing it!!! I just feel crazy for spending that much per night---thats when we are in the room---just to bath and sleep and watch a little tv! Well, I will put all the quotes to Mike this week and see what he says.

 

[Mndisneygirl]

GUESS WHAT?????

My dear sweet wonderful husband gave me "Official" permission to plan for a January 2010 trip!



I am still hesitant to make a ticker just yet or add my name to the list but ......

I'm Going to Disney!!!!

Our dates will likely be January 23-30 but we will have to wait and see what airfare out of MSP will look like - right now it's sitting at about $120 CD pp one way! Not bad but I know I can get better!

YAY!! I've been checking airfare too now that we don't have a van - DH said we could fly! Hooray! I've been reading your TR - it's so fun!

YEAH KIMBERLY!!! I know you are soooo super excited!!!

Dang, now that makes me want to go in Jan again, cause I missed you last time!! ha!! Sure you don't want to come for Christmas?!?!?
I am so happy for you!!! Definitely wait on that airfare!!! Where are you gonna stay this time? OOOHHHHH, lots of plans!!!!


I checked prices last night for the first week of Dec. The Bay Lake Tower is the only villa type room that has space for 5 and not 8 or 9. But That's probably more than we want to do for that many nights!!! Maybe since we skipped NYC we can swing it!!! I just feel crazy for spending that much per night---thats when we are in the room---just to bath and sleep and watch a little tv! Well, I will put all the quotes to Mike this week and see what he says.

Oooh - come to BLT with us!! It's going to be so great and convenient to MK! I'm just thinking it will be so nice not to have far to go after the late night at MVMCP!

 

[Disney Mommy 3]

Sheree~ That would be soooo fun!!!

 

[BellaSoleil]

GUESS WHAT?????

My dear sweet wonderful husband gave me "Official" permission to plan for a January 2010 trip!



I am still hesitant to make a ticker just yet or add my name to the list but ......

I'm Going to Disney!!!!

Our dates will likely be January 23-30 but we will have to wait and see what airfare out of MSP will look like - right now it's sitting at about $120 CD pp one way! Not bad but I know I can get better!

Oh, how I wish there was a cartwheeling smiley man.

That is so exciting, Kim!!! Are you sure you don't want to go the first week of January?

 

[Dancegrl624]

GUESS WHAT?????

My dear sweet wonderful husband gave me "Official" permission to plan for a January 2010 trip!



I am still hesitant to make a ticker just yet or add my name to the list but ......

I'm Going to Disney!!!!

Our dates will likely be January 23-30 but we will have to wait and see what airfare out of MSP will look like - right now it's sitting at about $120 CD pp one way! Not bad but I know I can get better!

That's awesome Kim!!! I really wish we could go back in Jan, but with 2 trips this year, there is no way my DH will agree to it. I'm kind of hoping there will be a great bounceback offer in our room when we get there. He hasn't been able to turn down great deals lately! I would also love to go see the parks all decorated for Christmas. Sheree- You're really making me want to go!!!

 

[Mndisneygirl]

Yeah, the Christmas thing is huge for me this year. I think we will not be back to WDW in 2010, perhaps not in 2011. DH wants to try to get to Hawaii for spring break 2010 if we can swing it. In 2011 he thinks we should go on a Mediterranean cruise. I think the kids are too young for that, and he doesn't want to go without them. We may have to duke it out! So many plans!!! We might actually try DisneyLAND one of these years. I went there last in high school - in the 80s!! Needless to say, it is not the same!

 

[danceintherain]

That's awesome Kim!!! I really wish we could go back in Jan, but with 2 trips this year, there is no way my DH will agree to it. I'm kind of hoping there will be a great bounceback offer in our room when we get there. He hasn't been able to turn down great deals lately! I would also love to go see the parks all decorated for Christmas. Sheree- You're really making me want to go!!!

I totally should have booked bounceback in January, but oh well. Even if we don't do another trip for either mine or DH's birthday this year, we probably won't be back for a while. It really depends on how everything works out with the military.
We got told last week that the office that was supposed to be determining all that stuff never received the paperwork that was mailed in 2-3 months ago, so they had to resubmit it, and now everyone in the office here are going to be gone by the end of this week, and are telling us we probably won't know anything until September.

 

[Kazooie01]

Hello everyone, it's Rick (Kazooie01's hubby). Joni just started her second round of Chemo today and has treatments through Saturday. She is doing very well, and last week even went into work (All week long, I think she was bored at home). It's seems that the first and second weeks are the toughest on her of course. She says "Hi" and wanted to let you all know she has been trying to keep up with the thread and how everyone was doing.

We'll be back on soon (Hopefully, back soon just to talk about Disney Planning!!!), take care everyone.

 

[Dancegrl624]

Yeah, the Christmas thing is huge for me this year. I think we will not be back to WDW in 2010, perhaps not in 2011. DH wants to try to get to Hawaii for spring break 2010 if we can swing it. In 2011 he thinks we should go on a Mediterranean cruise. I think the kids are too young for that, and he doesn't want to go without them. We may have to duke it out! So many plans!!! We might actually try DisneyLAND one of these years. I went there last in high school - in the 80s!! Needless to say, it is not the same!

We want to go to Hawaii in 2012 for our 10 year anniversary, so we will need to start saving for that sometime after this trip. I don't think we'll get back to Disney for awhile. I want to dance on my dance team again this upcoming season (Oct 09-May 2010) and then we've been thinking about having one more little one. I don't like the idea of bringing diapers and such with us to WDW, so we'll most likely wait to go again until our yet to be determined child is potty trained. So, that probably puts us going to WDW again in 2013 or 2014!!!!! I don't even want to think about that.