January 2009. . . Calling all Snowbirds ~ Part V

[Mndisneygirl]

OK, guys, I need advice, and I know I can count on you!

1) I've booked bounceback at 30% for September (solo trip). I only booked September because that's the end of the bounceback period.

My birthday's in December (as some of you may remember ) and I'd really like to go then (also a solo trip). I might be able to get my 20% AAA discount. So the difference is 10%.

WWYD?

2) I've been thinking about driving from New England to WDW. I drive a Prius, so mileage isn't that much of an issue. I want to get some books on DVD and listen to them; I just got a Garmin. It's about 20 hours, according to AAA.

Has anyone done that? Am I nuts? OK, let me rephrase - am I nuts for wanting to do this (we all know that I'm nuts on other grounds!

Thanks, all!

Of course you're not nuts. (Says a fellow Disney nut!) Do you have an AP? Driving can be good or bad. I personally could not do it solo. Heck, I barely handled it coming home with my family over three days! LOL! Are you thinking two days with a one night stop? That can get to be pretty long. Did AAA include rest breaks? You'll need them if you're alone. You'd get in free on your actual b-day, but if you have AP you probably get the gift card right? Where would you stay? They may be offering more deals later in the year (Like I'm hoping for!!). Hey, I say - if you can afford it and you're willing to do it, Go For It!

 

[Mndisneygirl]

That just made me think of a question. Can you use AAA to get a discount at all the resorts? Including deluxe? Does it vary or is it 20% for all?
TIA.

 

[Momto2PrncChrmgs]

September-hotter weather but beautiful scenery while driving, it's sooner -December's a long time to wait for another vacation, maybe free dining would be offered (if that's a better deal for you??)

December-Maybe driving in snow or ice, being treated like a princess by "the whole world" on your birthday, not to mention the free merch card may make up for the extra 10%?, seeing Disney decked out with Christmas decor

So I guess whichever of these most appeal to you! I would love to go and see the Christmas decor, but I've never been able to justify going at Christmas. Maybe when the kids get a little older and understand that Santa doesn't bring much if there's a Disney vacation near Christmas time! I'm so jealous of you planning another vaca! DH wanted to book bouneback to a deluxe just for us for a long weekend, but I just couldn't do it! If we do a grownups only trip, I think we're going to try Vegas in the fall (10th anniversary)!

 

[crzyred]

Good evening everyone. Hope you had a good day. I had to work all day and I came home with slivers in all but 2 fingers....UGH. So my fingers are sore from poking around in them, so I'm typing with the "hunt and peck" method... .

I did however during the middle of my day decide that I need to go back because there are things that I didn't buy while down there that I'm now regretting. I really, REALLY want a new refillable mug. They still had the Year of a Million Dreams one and we already have those, so I didn't get one. Do they have new ones for this year or did they go back to just resort ones?

 

[dundeehunter]

I have been lurking and reading everyday, howevever I've been really quiet. Just don't know why? I feel very sad that my DH said our last trip in January was the ABSOLUTE last trip to Disney...now he meant for the entire family, but I think it's just the last trip for him. I'm a bit sad that my girls weren't totally "into" Disney this time. I have been entering some Disney contests and would love to have a do-over...all by myself or with some friends.
QOTD..a couple days back: I bought 3 new large mickey head xmas ornaments. I love them...but wishes that I could have found a cute zip-up sweatshirt like my daughter bought...however, being a larger gal, not many options for a 2XL... Maybe Disney is trying to tell me something?

I have now stayed at Pop twice and CBR twice. The beds at both resorts are the same size. I have dreamed of a Deluxe resort some day. One night when my DH was sick in the room, my DD's and I hopped on a Monorail and ventured over to the Poly. We tried one CS meal. Boy was that a little space downstairs and I did NOT like the process of ordering a meal from the touch screen. We then took our yucky flatbread pizza to the beach to watch Wishes. The view was nice, but it was farther than I thought it would be. The music needed to be louder. And I couldn't believe how rude the people were on the beach. They were talking so loud . Totally took the experience away from my girls. But the pool looked amazing. I don't think I would really want to stay there though.

I like the price of Pop, but I was so sick of walking to the LAST bus stop at every park...Next time, if there is ever a next time, I need a queen sized bed! I might like to try POR or the Cabins at WL. WL is just to similar to the Wilderness at Wisconsin Dells, so that does not appeal to me.

Sorry, I got long winded. I'm so excited to get my photopass CD soon. I have planned a date with some friends to scrapbook next weekend...

 

[star2500]

Hi Everyone...Just stopping in to say Hi

It's been a long two weeks. The day we left from Disney ohhh on Feb 1st...my son woke up sick that morning ...he was sick the whole week after we got back. The day he got better...my daughter got sick. That was all last week...she missed another week of school She missed a 4 days when we were away. Thank god her school is good...and I never had an issue with days out and she's a good student...but still. I've yet to return and not one, if not all my kids got sick. The doctor thought it was the flu...she was really bad couldn't even get her in the car to go to the dr....but they did the nose swab test and it came back negative. Dam...if we were going to be sick might as well get it over with...now she still has a chance to get the actually flu.

Anyway...hope everyone is getting back to reality after their trips. I STILL have one piece of luggage to unpack Was funny last night got my first PIN code for $500 gift certificate...never got one before...funniest part is that it said "XXX FAMILY....We're so excited to hear you're thinking about taking another Walt Disney World® Resort vacation" LMAO....guess they have ESP now...because I'm always thinking of it....but I just got back lol.

Meghan...glad you are safe....been watching the news with the plane crash. Living in the NE....anytime these things happen up (especially since 9/11) it feels like it happens in our backyard also. Prayers go out to all of you up there.

On a brighter note...anyone start their planning for their next trip? Really contemplating on whether taking them out of school next year or not...since one of them end up sick...but HEAT...gosh not sure.

Have some pics...can someone explain how to post them here...I searched the boards and can't seem to find the directions.

Have a great day everyone

 

[drakes]

I have been lurking and reading everyday, howevever I've been really quiet. Just don't know why? I feel very sad that my DH said our last trip in January was the ABSOLUTE last trip to Disney...now he meant for the entire family, but I think it's just the last trip for him. I'm a bit sad that my girls weren't totally "into" Disney this time. I have been entering some Disney contests and would love to have a do-over...all by myself or with some friends.
QOTD..a couple days back: I bought 3 new large mickey head xmas ornaments. I love them...but wishes that I could have found a cute zip-up sweatshirt like my daughter bought...however, being a larger gal, not many options for a 2XL... Maybe Disney is trying to tell me something?

I have now stayed at Pop twice and CBR twice. The beds at both resorts are the same size. I have dreamed of a Deluxe resort some day. One night when my DH was sick in the room, my DD's and I hopped on a Monorail and ventured over to the Poly. We tried one CS meal. Boy was that a little space downstairs and I did NOT like the process of ordering a meal from the touch screen. We then took our yucky flatbread pizza to the beach to watch Wishes. The view was nice, but it was farther than I thought it would be. The music needed to be louder. And I couldn't believe how rude the people were on the beach. They were talking so loud . Totally took the experience away from my girls. But the pool looked amazing. I don't think I would really want to stay there though.

I like the price of Pop, but I was so sick of walking to the LAST bus stop at every park...Next time, if there is ever a next time, I need a queen sized bed! I might like to try POR or the Cabins at WL. WL is just to similar to the Wilderness at Wisconsin Dells, so that does not appeal to me.

Sorry, I got long winded. I'm so excited to get my photopass CD soon. I have planned a date with some friends to scrapbook next weekend...

I understand how you're feeling. How old are your DDs? My DD (9) wants a mommy and me trip- she was getting bummed on this trip wanting to be with just me, then got conflicted and wanted to eb with my mom or DH. I think being away from home is difficult.

We went to the Poly as well - I wanted to see the castle view from there, and I too thaough it was far away.

We stayed at WL- and it was my "dream" resort, as I like that wilderness feel ( hey I'm from Canada). However as we have resorts like that here, and by that i mean they are "real wilderness lodges set in the mountains, I think I took for granted the WL. My only previous stay on property was at ASMo and I liked that as well. Sure WL room was bigger- but we just ended up spreading our clothes around that much more. I did like the double sink, I did like the fact the resort was hotel style (i.e. indoors with hallways) versus motel style.
The nice thing we learnt was that each resort - no mattert the price range has it's pros and cons. I am glad I did not become a deluxe resort snob.

Gee - hope I didn't ramble too much!

 

[Mndisneygirl]

We stayed at WL- and it was my "dream" resort, as I like that wilderness feel ( hey I'm from Canada). However as we have resorts like that here, and by that i mean they are "real wilderness lodges set in the mountains, I think I took for granted the WL. My only previous stay on property was at ASMo and I liked that as well. Sure WL room was bigger- but we just ended up spreading our clothes around that much more. I did like the double sink, I did like the fact the resort was hotel style (i.e. indoors with hallways) versus motel style.
The nice thing we learnt was that each resort - no mattert the price range has it's pros and cons. I am glad I did not become a deluxe resort snob.

I've been contemplating WL for our next trip, and studying pictures etc. I have a question - do you know what view you have with a standard room? I was planning to go with the least expensive room, but didn't know what I'd get.

 

[drakes]

I've been contemplating WL for our next trip, and studying pictures etc. I have a question - do you know what view you have with a standard room? I was planning to go with the least expensive room, but didn't know what I'd get.

I got all my room information from this FAQ
http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1710310

It took me a few times reading over the room info for it to sink in.
Standard Rooms do not indicate the view.
We had a standard room but it was Courtyard View. As per the FAQ:

Please note that a Standard Room either Regular or Club Level is not necessarily Standard View Room. ie All Standard View Rooms, Woods View Rooms & Courtyard View Rooms are also a Standard Rooms.
There are basically three rooms categories at Wilderness Lodge.
1.) Standard Room (sleeps 4 adults + one infant under the age of 3)
2.) Deluxe room (Sleeps 6 adults + one infant under the age of 3)
3.) Suites (occupancy depends on which Suite you have book please very with IPO)
Standard View would be the "least expensive"

STANDARD VIEW: Rooms have with 2 Queen Beds, and are located on Floors 4, 5 & 6. On the North (MK) side, they face the service area. There are also 4th floor rooms that overlook the lobby and lookout to roof peaks.

I hope this helps- I strongly suggest reading the first few posts of the FAQ! It truly made our trip more enjoyable knowing that inforation before hand.

 

[Mndisneygirl]

That does help! Thanks! I will definitely get on that thread and read before we decide.

 

[sharadoc]

That just made me think of a question. Can you use AAA to get a discount at all the resorts? Including deluxe? Does it vary or is it 20% for all?
TIA.

Hi Sheree,

We used AAA discount for our January trip. During value season, you get 15% on values and deluxes, 20% on moderates. Most of the rest of the team it's 10%, even during high season. Basically ALMOST covers your tax! Better than nothing, and worth the membership.

Hope that helps!

Sharon

 

[snykymom]

Of course you're not nuts. (Says a fellow Disney nut!) Do you have an AP? Driving can be good or bad. I personally could not do it solo. Heck, I barely handled it coming home with my family over three days! LOL! Are you thinking two days with a one night stop? That can get to be pretty long. Did AAA include rest breaks? You'll need them if you're alone. You'd get in free on your actual b-day, but if you have AP you probably get the gift card right? Where would you stay? They may be offering more deals later in the year (Like I'm hoping for!!). Hey, I say - if you can afford it and you're willing to do it, Go For It!

Thanks! To answer your questions: 1) Yes, I have an AP - that's the only reason I'd consider it! 2) I was thinking leaving late Friday, driving to southern NJ or so, driving about 11 hours Sat (not including stops) and arriving at WDW on Sunday. Not sure, though. 3) I'd get the gift card. 4) Hoping to stay at CSR.

I can afford either September or December but not both!

September-hotter weather but beautiful scenery while driving, it's sooner -December's a long time to wait for another vacation, maybe free dining would be offered (if that's a better deal for you??)

December-Maybe driving in snow or ice, being treated like a princess by "the whole world" on your birthday, not to mention the free merch card may make up for the extra 10%?, seeing Disney decked out with Christmas decor

So I guess whichever of these most appeal to you! I would love to go and see the Christmas decor, but I've never been able to justify going at Christmas. Maybe when the kids get a little older and understand that Santa doesn't bring much if there's a Disney vacation near Christmas time! I'm so jealous of you planning another vaca! DH wanted to book bouneback to a deluxe just for us for a long weekend, but I just couldn't do it! If we do a grownups only trip, I think we're going to try Vegas in the fall (10th anniversary)!

Thanks for your help too! I'm not sure Free Dining's a better deal for me, since I have the TiW card - I think going solo and staying at a moderate, it would be a wash on the amount of money I'd save.

Christmas isn't an issue for me - I'm Jewish, but I certainly love the decorations! I think it'll feel like I can take part in a Christmas celebration without being "part of it", if you know what I mean? I haven't decided if I'd do the MVMCP though - depends on the price & the AP discount. (And my d is older and away at college that week anyway!)

Still deciding what to do. I suppose I should call and see if I can get the AAA discount anyway!

Congrats on your anniversary! And Vegas can be a lot of fun!

II have now stayed at Pop twice and CBR twice. The beds at both resorts are the same size.
. . .

I like the price of Pop, but I was so sick of walking to the LAST bus stop at every park...Next time, if there is ever a next time, I need a queen sized bed!

Not to start one of the wars about resorts like on some other threads, but CSR is a moderate with queen beds, and its bus stops are right near the front at every park (at MK, it's first!).

 

[MAGGIED]

Not to start one of the wars about resorts like on some other threads, but CSR is a moderate with queen beds, and its bus stops are right near the front at every park (at MK, it's first!).

and they are redoing all the rooms.... CSR is our fav moderate... we are trying POR in May only because I didn't want to pay for a deluxe and we needed a room to accommodate 5 people.....

 

[crzyred]

Good evening everyone. It's so quiet on here lately..

I got the photopass cd today. As some of you may recall I wasn't too thrilled with them, and yeah, some are way worse on the cd then they were with the little picture on the computer screen. There are a couple that turned out decent, but nothing that I'm overly excited about. We've had great luck in the past with the cd - having very unique poses and shots. This time the photographers used the flash at wrong times so we all look like ghosts and have the same pose in EVERY picture...rather dull. Oh well. Over and done with now.

Hopefully everyone is having a good day.

 

[BrerRabbit_fan]

We were at CSR and loved it.

I wasn't either enamoured with the photopass. A lot of them just follow a formula and don't adjust as needed.

 

[dundeehunter]

It's been a long two weeks. The day we left from Disney ohhh on Feb 1st...my son woke up sick that morning ...he was sick the whole week after we got back. The day he got better...my daughter got sick.

Boy, do I know how this felt...my DH and I were sick at WDW and for 2 weeks after. The Doctor said that if you are traveling by plane and going to a place like WDW, ALWAYS get a flu shot. I really think we got the Norwalk virus but that is just my opinion.

How old are your DDs?
We went to the Poly as well - I wanted to see the castle view from there, and I too thaough it was far away.

Yes, I also agree that the castle was far away from Poly and the resort seemed too old..from the 60's possibly. It needs rehabing.
My DD's are 9(almost 10) and 13. This was there 4th trip in 3 years and they got all the autographs that they cared to last trips, didn't have ANY desire for pictures with characters expect when I pressured, and would have rather spent EVERY day in the resort pool.

Not to start one of the wars about resorts like on some other threads, but CSR is a moderate with queen beds, and its bus stops are right near the front at every park (at MK, it's first!).

Where in the heck were you when I was planning this past trip??? Man, I would have LOVED a queen bed. I will remember this for next time...if there is a next time.

I really would love to be a Deluxe snob...but I don't have the money to be one.

 

[Monny2AE]

Quick question for all of you that are familiar with air travel! My parents flew SouthWest when we went and their flight prices dropped before we left. Now they have $98 worth of credits good through September. Problem is they don't plan on flying between now and then. Is it illegal to sell them and if not how do you go about doing it? They know they won't get all their money back but they would like to recoup some if possible. I'd appreciate any help since I'll be the one having to sell the credits for them!

Good evening everyone. It's so quiet on here lately..

I got the photopass cd today. As some of you may recall I wasn't too thrilled with them, and yeah, some are way worse on the cd then they were with the little picture on the computer screen. There are a couple that turned out decent, but nothing that I'm overly excited about. We've had great luck in the past with the cd - having very unique poses and shots. This time the photographers used the flash at wrong times so we all look like ghosts and have the same pose in EVERY picture...rather dull. Oh well. Over and done with now.

Hopefully everyone is having a good day.

Sorry your pics didn't turn out. We had a few ghostly shots in ours too. All the ones taken by a photographer at Camp Minnie Mickey were like that. You'll jsut have to go again to get better pics!

 

[MAGGIED]

I have seen others sell them on E-bay... you might want to look on the transportation thread and see if there is info there... I am pretty sure I saw other people posting information about SW certificates....

 

[pamouselover]

OK, guys, I need advice, and I know I can count on you!

1) I've booked bounceback at 30% for September (solo trip). I only booked September because that's the end of the bounceback period.

My birthday's in December (as some of you may remember ) and I'd really like to go then (also a solo trip). I might be able to get my 20% AAA discount. So the difference is 10%.

WWYD?

2) I've been thinking about driving from New England to WDW. I drive a Prius, so mileage isn't that much of an issue. I want to get some books on DVD and listen to them; I just got a Garmin. It's about 20 hours, according to AAA.

Has anyone done that? Am I nuts? OK, let me rephrase - am I nuts for wanting to do this (we all know that I'm nuts on other grounds!

Thanks, all!

We drove from Pa. in Aug. 07. We drove straight through to Lake Mary Fla. spent the night there and woke up the next day and drove to CBR.
Nothing beats getting there inless then two hours, but it was not bad, I would drive again.

Good evening everyone. Hope you had a good day. I had to work all day and I came home with slivers in all but 2 fingers....UGH. So my fingers are sore from poking around in them, so I'm typing with the "hunt and peck" method... .

I did however during the middle of my day decide that I need to go back because there are things that I didn't buy while down there that I'm now regretting. I really, REALLY want a new refillable mug. They still had the Year of a Million Dreams one and we already have those, so I didn't get one. Do they have new ones for this year or did they go back to just resort ones?

Good evening everyone. It's so quiet on here lately..

I got the photopass cd today. As some of you may recall I wasn't too thrilled with them, and yeah, some are way worse on the cd then they were with the little picture on the computer screen. There are a couple that turned out decent, but nothing that I'm overly excited about. We've had great luck in the past with the cd - having very unique poses and shots. This time the photographers used the flash at wrong times so we all look like ghosts and have the same pose in EVERY picture...rather dull. Oh well. Over and done with now.

Hopefully everyone is having a good day.

We had some ghostly shots too!

 

[coffeehousemom]

Dundee here I thought I was the only one who likened the WL to the one in the Dells. I think ALL the resorts are neat & cool but I would not pay more to stay at any of them for the sheer fact all I do is sleep there. We honestly don't spend enough time at the resort to justify paying alot for it. As long as there are decent beds, & clean room & some kind of food available I'm cool.

I have been toying with the idea of doing a M/D trip this Sept. I would love to take my Mother back again. She took me there when I was in jr high but we only had 2 days. She went with us the first two years we went but she pretty much stayed w the baby & didn't get to do a whole lot. She will be 73 this year. Oh well if it doesn't work out she says she is definately going with us when we cruise in 2 years.