January 2009. . . Calling all Snowbirds ~ Part V

[crzyred]

Awww...I wanna go back to Disney!

Not this year. My friend and I "finalized" our itinerary for our Road Trip. May 17-31...2 girls and a crap load of baseball games..... Basically every night we will be at a baseball game. It's not Disney, but a close second for obsession level!

 

[snykymom]

I got a pin code in my email today!!!! I can't believe it. I didn't know that they actually existed. I never thought in my wildest dreams I would ever get one. I think I may be able to convince my DH that we need to go again!!! AH!!!!!

P.S. Shawna- Buffalo is about a 6 hour drive from NYC

I did, too!!!!

Can't use it though...it's a package for four...for August and September - too hot for me...oh well...

I got it too, and the dates I'm already booked are included. But I'm getting a better deal with the bounceback ($45/night off the room v. $30/day for dining) since I'm going alone. Now if I could convince someone to go with me . . .

debbieandroo, the family of 4 thing is just an example. You can use the code for fewer people, too. The heat I can't help you with, though . . .

 

[drakes]

I got the postcard that offers a $500 gift card. It's for March, too soon to use.

we got this too ! you'd think they'd know we were just there! LOL. I am thinking it over. Cheap trip+ big crowds ???

 

[drakes]

Yep, things sure are slowing down in here. Everyone is busy with their TR's and DR's and so on I guess.

Anyone going next January? We are torn between the end of next Jan/beginning of Feb or going back to May. . .

which time of year did you find the best for your family?

 

[drakes]

Okay, I did it...I booked a standard room at POP for April....I can't believe it! I'm, by nature, not that impulsive but I've surprised myself a little bit!!!!

Woo hoo!!! Solo trip for me!!!! [the CM I spoke to said she was jealous of my solo trip - that, every time she mentions going to WDW, folks just show up at her door, bags all packed.]

The clincher will be the AP discount - as it stands, the room all by myself is a little pricey....

I can't believe I'm doing this!!!! I promise - this is sooooo unlike me....

Congrats! I for one am envious. I asked DH today in passing if I could do a solo trip and he said sure- you deserve it. I don't think I could leave DD.

 

[Momof2Disneyboys]

which time of year did you find the best for your family?

Well that's a tough question. . .

May was definitely less crowded. But we preferred the January weather. DH is leaning towards Jan/Feb, he said he just enjoyed himself much more not being out in the 90+ temps all day. And I did get much more cooperation out of him and the kids this time! But I enjoy May, and I am worried that if we go with Jan/Feb we might not luck out on the weather like we did this time. . . It was only 50 the first few days of our trip but we lucked out and it got into the upper 70's and low 80's a few days later.

 

[drakes]

Well that's a tough question. . .

May was definitely less crowded. But we preferred the January weather. DH is leaning towards Jan/Feb, he said he just enjoyed himself much more not being out in the 90+ temps all day. And I did get much more cooperation out of him and the kids this time! But I enjoy May, and I am worried that if we go with Jan/Feb we might not luck out on the weather like we did this time. . . It was only 50 the first few days of our trip but we lucked out and it got into the upper 70's and low 80's a few days later.

I know the confusion!
I only know January as an adult. In 2007 the weather was better than this year. Crowds were also better. Sounds like the week after we left was better (which we avoided because of SuperBowl).
Dh has a coworker that goes at April each time and loves it. She says it is not crowded and not too hot.
I think everyone's idea of not crowded depends on them.
I also think maybe as this next trip will be trip #3 we won't be as gang busters about doing everything.
In 2007 we did not do everything and were disappointed. For example we never even set foot in Asia at Ak in 2007. So this trip we went for 10 days to do everything we wanted. There is still things we did not do (due to DD's traumatization after Mission Space as well as her need to swim).
I also know my next idea ia a Mother Daughter trip which rules out us just doing what she likes ride wise.
I didn't mind the cold weather- I just wasn't as prepared for it. And seeing the crowds for fireworks appear 1 hour out in jan was odd for me. Mind you in 2007 our glimpse of Wishes was from the train station. Stand , watch, let's go we have a ADR at Chef Mickeys!
Good news is another trip is not out of the question.

 

[Disney Mommy 3]

I started a wedding planning journal super early so if any ladies are bored you can watch me blindly try to figure out a wedding. I'm uber clueless!

I've been getting my Disney fix through scrapbooking. I'm a first-timer so it's an adventure. I have to admit, I don't think I would ever do this again if it wasn't for Disney... WAY too expensive considering I love stickers.

OOHhhh!!! Let us help you! I loooooved planning my wedding!!!! How fun!!!

Mid-May isn't bad at the Falls. All of the schools are still in session but I'm not sure how the weekends are. I would imagine they're not too bad. May is usually pretty nice weather wise too. I have no idea about NYC airports. We flew into JFK this trip, but it was just for a connecting flight. The Buffalo airport only has about 20 gates, so it's not overwhelming. Where would you go first? NYC or the Falls?

I have no idea where we would go first!! We are just tossing around ideas!!!!Thanks for all ya'lls input!!! I am a travel addict!!!! I just love doing fun things with the family!!!!So I am always on the lookout for some fun!!

 

[Momof2Disneyboys]

I know the confusion!
I only know January as an adult. In 2007 the weather was better than this year. Crowds were also better. Sounds like the week after we left was better (which we avoided because of SuperBowl).
Dh has a coworker that goes at April each time and loves it. She says it is not crowded and not too hot.
I think everyone's idea of not crowded depends on them.
I also think maybe as this next trip will be trip #3 we won't be as gang busters about doing everything.
In 2007 we did not do everything and were disappointed. For example we never even set foot in Asia at Ak in 2007. So this trip we went for 10 days to do everything we wanted. There is still things we did not do (due to DD's traumatization after Mission Space as well as her need to swim).
I also know my next idea ia a Mother Daughter trip which rules out us just doing what she likes ride wise.
I didn't mind the cold weather- I just wasn't as prepared for it. And seeing the crowds for fireworks appear 1 hour out in jan was odd for me. Mind you in 2007 our glimpse of Wishes was from the train station. Stand , watch, let's go we have a ADR at Chef Mickeys!
Good news is another trip is not out of the question.

Yes, it is a hard decision!

We also want to take this next vacation at a slower pace and want to spend a lot of down time at the resort and pool. We are even thinking of booking the Poly of the BC. So it is important that it is swimming weather!

I didn't mind the cold weather too much either, but also wasn't prepared for it. We only had about 2 long sleeved shirts each with us. I sure was glad when it warmed up!

Oh gosh, should I ask - what happened on Mission Space with your DD? I had a little bit of an episode on that thing myself. I really thought I was going to pass out when they closed the doors. Too tight and enclosed for me I guess.

 

[Disney Mommy 3]

Shelly~ I really think you should go with the BC!!! I am going to get to work on those pictures soon! I promise!! I have a birthday party for my grandfather tomorrow---he will be 80 on Monday! So I have a busy few days(family coming in), but I will try to get those pictures out soon. I just think it's more relaxing at the BC and we've already talked about the colors...and Beaches & Cream is right there!!!!!! We stayed there in May of 07 and it was fabulous!!!

 

[Momof2Disneyboys]

Shelly~ I really think you should go with the BC!!! I am going to get to work on those pictures soon! I promise!! I have a birthday party for my grandfather tomorrow---he will be 80 on Monday! So I have a busy few days(family coming in), but I will try to get those pictures out soon. I just think it's more relaxing at the BC and we've already talked about the colors...and Beaches & Cream is right there!!!!!! We stayed there in May of 07 and it was fabulous!!!

Thanks! I can't wait to see your pictures.

I think I might start a thread and ask for opinions on both the Poly & BC.

 

[Dancegrl624]

I still don't know what I'd do without this thread. I don't care if we rename it or anything, I just enjoy coming on here each day and catching up with everyone. I'd be soo sad without all of you!

 

[Kazooie01]

I still don't know what I'd do without this thread. I don't care if we rename it or anything, I just enjoy coming on here each day and catching up with everyone. I'd be soo sad without all of you!

I agree 100%!!!!!

We'll heck; we're going next January again! There's probably a bunch more Snowbirds going as well. Time to rename it "January 2010... Calling all Snowbirds"! Lets keep it going!

 

[Pluto_fan]

Ooh, I'm jealous of all of you who are planning your next trip!

While we were there, we passed a DVC info booth and DH actually said, "I don't understand how people can come here every year." He enjoys WDW when we go, but his view is, there are so many other fun places to visit. Of course, HE wants to go to his family reunion in far northern NY every summer, AND to ND for a football game every fall...and I love doing both of those things too, but I wouldn't mind skipping a year! I tried to tell him that people who go to WDW every year don't do it the way we do it--they don't HAVE to be at rope drop every day, rushing around to hit all the big rides. They can relax and really enjoy all that WDW has to offer! I don't think he got it.

 

[pamouselover]

which time of year did you find the best for your family?

We also like the Jan. weather! But in 2000 we found the middle of Oct. great.
But now with MNSSHP, I think it would be busy. We want in 2005 the second week of Sept. First year free dinning came out, and it was nice weather and not one bit busy. End of August used to be not busy but with free diining evey year, I thik it is just to darn hot and to packed for my liking.

I still don't know what I'd do without this thread. I don't care if we rename it or anything, I just enjoy coming on here each day and catching up with everyone. I'd be soo sad without all of you!

I also agree. I already sad we could be Jan. depressed snowbirds, and in spring birds, fall birds, etc.
Jen can just tell us all how great the weather in Fla. is to keep us in the depression club.
Shelly are you close to cedar point? We have not been there, but my older sisters and their children use to make that drive up there and loved it.

 

[Momof2Disneyboys]

Shelly are you close to cedar point? We have not been there, but my older sisters and their children use to make that drive up there and loved it.

Yep, maybe 2-3 hours. It's been awhile since we've been there.

 

[pamouselover]

Kate and dancintherain,
PHOTOPASS CD CAME IN THE MAIL TODAY!
Hopefully DH will get busy making the CD's for everyone and I will get them in the mail ASAP!

 

[debbieandroo]

Ooh, I'm jealous of all of you who are planning your next trip!

While we were there, we passed a DVC info booth and DH actually said, "I don't understand how people can come here every year." He enjoys WDW when we go, but his view is, there are so many other fun places to visit. Of course, HE wants to go to his family reunion in far northern NY every summer, AND to ND for a football game every fall...and I love doing both of those things too, but I wouldn't mind skipping a year! I tried to tell him that people who go to WDW every year don't do it the way we do it--they don't HAVE to be at rope drop every day, rushing around to hit all the big rides. They can relax and really enjoy all that WDW has to offer! I don't think he got it.

We had that conversation while at WDW, too - someone asked me if I could be one of those who only goes to WDW for vacation. I thought and thought about it - he said that, since I was taking so long, the answer must be yes!

I've traveled a reasonable amount - a good friend would get sent on business trips to big cities, ie Chicago, Philadelphia and San Diego and would let me tag along with her. She would be in meetings and I would go exploring all day, using the public transportation [our hotels were mostly downtown]. I've also gone to England, Central America, other states. And I'd love to do more traveling in the future.

But there was something about WDW - I really enjoyed being there with friends and being by myself. I loved the exploring on my own, the imaginativeness of the attractions, the spirit of the other guests, and kindness of the CMs. It really does take the best of all sorts of traveling experiences and condenses them into one location. And there was a sense of it feeling very home-like to me - strange, really, because I had never been but it was familiar because of the iconic Disney trademark. It was a good fit for me so, while I would never say that I would never go anywhere else except WDW, I could definitely make many trips before that 'homey-ness' got out of my system.

Boy, that's more than anyone wanted to know!

We are thinking about a quick trip to Hershey this summer! We've been there at Christmas time and it is so wonderful and beautiful, but very crowded too!

Yep, we do have a lot of great amusement parks around here. Especially over here being so close to Ohio too, they have some awesome parks!

I know someone who, with a friend, just packed up and toured the themeparks in Ohio for a week. That would be a fun road trip. Those theme parks are always mentioned on the Travel Channel.

Awww...I wanna go back to Disney!

Not this year. My friend and I "finalized" our itinerary for our Road Trip. May 17-31...2 girls and a crap load of baseball games..... Basically every night we will be at a baseball game. It's not Disney, but a close second for obsession level!

I have a friend who does that - cool! She's made it her mission to visit all of the major league [and lots of minor league] ballparks in North America. She also goes to FL for spring training [not to WDW, can you believe it!].

Where are y'all going? Sounds like a blast, too.

And I love the pic on your signature.

I got it too, and the dates I'm already booked are included. But I'm getting a better deal with the bounceback ($45/night off the room v. $30/day for dining) since I'm going alone. Now if I could convince someone to go with me . . .

debbieandroo, the family of 4 thing is just an example. You can use the code for fewer people, too. The heat I can't help you with, though . . .

I didn't know that about the codes! Thanks for the heads-up! But that heat is a deal-breaker for me....as we were pushing through the crowds at MK, I keep thinking of how much worse it would be if we were dealing with heat and humidity, too. No thanks!

[not that I want to discourage you but we have enough heat in Memphis - I'm never excited about going somewhere else that is hot - I hate heat like y'all hate the cold, enough is enough!]

Congrats! I for one am envious. I asked DH today in passing if I could do a solo trip and he said sure- you deserve it. I don't think I could leave DD.

Thanks! What a sweet DH you have...and what a sweet DD you have not to want to be away from her.

 

[Dancegrl624]

Cedar Point is AMAZING!!! I went in 2000 after graduation with 3 of my friends. Then, I went in 2003 with my DH, DD, parents, little sis and her friend. We had an awesome time! My parents watched our DD for most of the day (she was only 9 months old) so we could go on all the coasters.

 

[mana_liz]

Got a great pin e-mailed to me today....FREE DINING

August 16 - Oct. 1