January 2009. . . Calling all Snowbirds ~ Part V

[Mermaid02]

I'm thinking the 6th thru the 14th... my daughter is in college so she would be on break then. I need a Disney Fix so badly!! We haven't been since 2005! My dh hates sweltering heat and waiting in line so I figured January might be good for us... Plus it's the month I hate the MOST and I'd love to get out of Maine for a while in January!

I'm thinking we'll probably stay at CBR again- although we would love to try WL... Just not sure if I can swing that.

 

[Momof2Disneyboys]

I'm thinking the 6th thru the 14th... my daughter is in college so she would be on break then. I need a Disney Fix so badly!! We haven't been since 2005! My dh hates sweltering heat and waiting in line so I figured January might be good for us... Plus it's the month I hate the MOST and I'd love to get out of Maine for a while in January!

I'm thinking we'll probably stay at CBR again- although we would love to try WL... Just not sure if I can swing that.

My DH hates the sweltering heat too! That's why we tried January this year. The weather was nice for the most part. We started out in the low 50's when we got there and ended up in the low 80's! And no rain!

We stayed at CBR this year and in 2005, it's our favorite! But we are thinking about trying the BC next year if we can swing it!

 

[BellaSoleil]

I sure wish we could swing The Beach Club, Shelly! You are a very lucky girl!

 

[Momof2Disneyboys]

I sure wish we could swing The Beach Club, Shelly! You are a very lucky girl!

Well nothings set in stone yet. We are still debating on whether we should try to rent points from a DVC owner and stay at BCV or wait out Disney and hope for another great deal like they offered this year and stay at BC or YC. . .

So hopefully we will able to stay in that area one way or another!

 

[BellaSoleil]

Well nothings set in stone yet. We are still debating on whether we should try to rent points from a DVC owner and stay at BCV or wait out Disney and hope for another great deal like they offered this year and stay at BC or YC. . .

So hopefully we will able to stay in that area one way or another!

I was just hoping for that myself. Even with that (and even without the issue of money) G would not be okay spending that much on a trip 2 years in a row.

Oh, that my husband would love and appreciate Disney World the way I do.

 

[Disney Mommy 3]

Shelly, I really think your hubby would like to stay at the BC! Especially at night when you can just walk back from Epcot. that is soooo relaxing after a night/dinner in a different country!!! Storm Along Bay is awesome. If it's warm enough for your kids, that is the best pool around! We really enjoyed it.

BellaS~ I know---Mike likes it enough for once a year----trying to spur him into more than that, but I am thankful for that!!!

 

[Momof2Disneyboys]

Shelly, I really think your hubby would like to stay at the BC! Especially at night when you can just walk back from Epcot. that is soooo relaxing after a night/dinner in a different country!!! Storm Along Bay is awesome. If it's warm enough for your kids, that is the best pool around! We really enjoyed it.
!!!

I think DH will love the BC! The convenience of having the Boardwalk, Epcot, and DHS so close will be great! Plus all those restaurants within walking distance!

And I know the kids will absolutely love the SAB pool, now let's just hope it is warm enough for swimming!

 

[Dancegrl624]

Meghan, are you still going in January or is that trip off now that you are going in June?

We won't be going in Jan 2010, unfortunately. Don't get me wrong....I'm very excited for this trip, but I really enjoyed January. Just cause I'm not going to be a Snowbird again doesn't mean I'm leaving this thread! You can't get rid of me that easily!

 

[BellaSoleil]

We won't be going in Jan 2010, unfortunately. Don't get me wrong....I'm very excited for this trip, but I really enjoyed January. Just cause I'm not going to be a Snowbird again doesn't mean I'm leaving this thread! You can't get rid of me that easily!

Once a Snowbird, always a Snowbird!

 

[Mndisneygirl]

We won't be going in Jan 2010, unfortunately. Don't get me wrong....I'm very excited for this trip, but I really enjoyed January. Just cause I'm not going to be a Snowbird again doesn't mean I'm leaving this thread! You can't get rid of me that easily!

Me neither!!!

Now DH says, "I had an idea" - which usually means we're going to be spending money! It's hard trying to be the frugal thrifty one!! But it's about Disney, so I usually go along with it! This time he says that we could arrive (by driving) on Saturday instead of Sunday which is what our reservations are for. So, why not get a room at AKL for one night! We could see the animals with a savannah view, since we're not going to AK that trip (not enough days). We could explore the resort, hang by the pool (hopefully) and relax the first day. Then we'd meet up with the rest of our group on Sunday.
A savannah room that night is $343 without any discounts.
Seems like a lot for one night is what I said, but he said we'd spend half that to stay somewhere in town off site, and we'll have Disney visa rewards to use. Hmmm....

Meghan - have you looked into the rentals that they have right at WDW? I can't remember what companies are there, but we used that service once. There was a shuttle from the resort hotel that takes you to the car rental. This was in 2004, but DH says we used Alamo. Good luck with that and your ADRs!! Keep trying!

 

[Disney Mommy 3]

Meghan~ I know you want it planned out before you get there, but if there is one you want that you just can't get, sometimes the CM at check-in counters at your resort can squeeze you in! We have had that happen more that once.

 

[Disney Mommy 3]

Okay, you all know that I have been all over the board, vacation wise. I really like Disney in off-peak time. Dec/Jan. Once summer hits (especially down here) we are so miserable we don't really plan anything. I am looking to do something end of May, first of June when the boys get out of baseball. we toyed with WDW,but we would rather wait till it's cooler. ANYWAY..... I have been checking places out, and getting some airfare prices. I really think we may go to........Philadelphia!!!!! Ticket prices (today anyway) are really great!!! also, we are studying all that in History and it would really make it come alive for the kids. We have also wanted to go to Amish country-so that would be nice. And of course, the Hershey factory! Maybe even Dutch Wonderland. Who wants to give it to me straight!!??? What do ya'll think, whats a got-to-see, and what can be skipped right over.

Whats a great family place to stay? I dont want to go later than mid-June if possible. We are thinking of leaving on the 30th of May doing that whole week. I am really excited. Of course----your opinions are really gonna help decide whats what. also, what' the weather like this time of year?

 

[Dancegrl624]

Meghan - have you looked into the rentals that they have right at WDW? I can't remember what companies are there, but we used that service once. There was a shuttle from the resort hotel that takes you to the car rental. This was in 2004, but DH says we used Alamo. Good luck with that and your ADRs!! Keep trying!

I wasn't aware of this! See how new to this whole "staying on property" thing I am! I'll look into it.

Meghan~ I know you want it planned out before you get there, but if there is one you want that you just can't get, sometimes the CM at check-in counters at your resort can squeeze you in! We have had that happen more that once.

I might just make some ADR's at our 3rd or 4th choices. Then, I'll keep checking back for the places we really want. If all else fails, I'll ask the CM's when I'm down there. I'm hoping that around the 45 day mark, people will be cancelling their trips/ADR's. I know that sounds so wrong!

 

[Dancegrl624]

Okay, you all know that I have been all over the board, vacation wise. I really like Disney in off-peak time. Dec/Jan. Once summer hits (especially down here) we are so miserable we don't really plan anything. I am looking to do something end of May, first of June when the boys get out of baseball. we toyed with WDW,but we would rather wait till it's cooler. ANYWAY..... I have been checking places out, and getting some airfare prices. I really think we may go to........Philadelphia!!!!! Ticket prices (today anyway) are really great!!! also, we are studying all that in History and it would really make it come alive for the kids. We have also wanted to go to Amish country-so that would be nice. And of course, the Hershey factory! Maybe even Dutch Wonderland. Who wants to give it to me straight!!??? What do ya'll think, whats a got-to-see, and what can be skipped right over.

Whats a great family place to stay? I dont want to go later than mid-June if possible. We are thinking of leaving on the 30th of May doing that whole week. I am really excited. Of course----your opinions are really gonna help decide whats what. also, what' the weather like this time of year?

Philly is awesome to visit. I was there quite a few years ago around Thanksgiving (my little sis had regionals for Irish dance). We stayed at a Marriott and it was within walking distance to everything. There's this great place called Reading Terminal. Here's the link:

http://www.readingterminalmarket.org/

The Amish have a great set-up in one of the corners. They make the most delicious breakfast and have a fabulous bakery!

 

[Mndisneygirl]

PHilly is a lot of fun! The liberty bell, Independence Hall, the US Mint is there and you can tour it (You cannot bring a camera in the building though). Hershey is fun too! There is Chocolate World and then HersheyPark where all the rides are. It is pretty humid there in the summer though, probably still better than Texas!

Great idea!!

 

[Mermaid02]

We have been in September and December- what kind of packages do they usually offer in January?
I know the parks close earlier- but my son has asperger's and evenings are his difficult time anyway. We almost ruined our last trip by expecting too much of him in the evening when he just can't do it.

 

[EPCOT is a verb]

Okay, you all know that I have been all over the board, vacation wise. I really like Disney in off-peak time. Dec/Jan. Once summer hits (especially down here) we are so miserable we don't really plan anything. I am looking to do something end of May, first of June when the boys get out of baseball. we toyed with WDW,but we would rather wait till it's cooler. ANYWAY..... I have been checking places out, and getting some airfare prices. I really think we may go to........Philadelphia!!!!! Ticket prices (today anyway) are really great!!! also, we are studying all that in History and it would really make it come alive for the kids. We have also wanted to go to Amish country-so that would be nice. And of course, the Hershey factory! Maybe even Dutch Wonderland. Who wants to give it to me straight!!??? What do ya'll think, whats a got-to-see, and what can be skipped right over.

Whats a great family place to stay? I dont want to go later than mid-June if possible. We are thinking of leaving on the 30th of May doing that whole week. I am really excited. Of course----your opinions are really gonna help decide whats what. also, what' the weather like this time of year?

We live about an hour from Philly, so we have done all of the historical stuff over the years with school field trips. Independence Hall, the Constitution Center, Betsy Ross house, there's alot to see.

Hershey is maybe two hours from Phillly.The Hershey factory isn't a whole lot to see, but there is a nice museum and a great gift shop/chocolate store. The kids love Hershey Park.

Lancaster County is also west of Philly, maybe 1 1/2 hrs, depending where you go. Dutch Wonderland is an amusement park for smaller kids. We went when the kids were younger, maybe under 10 or 12. Lancaster County or Hershey would be a whole lot cheaper for lodging than Philadelphia would be.

Sounds like a nice family vacation. Let me know if you have more questions.

 

[Disney Mommy 3]

Thanks girls!!! Okay, so I am thinking spend some time on the historical stuff!!! I want this to be a relaxed, not kill ourselves trip. Definitely do the Lancaster County area one day! skip dutch wonderland--my boys wouldn't like that!

Okay, EPCOT is a Verb----where should we look at staying, and how much of a price difference is it between the 2 areas? If it's not too much we won't mind the $$$ because it'll be closer to what we want to see...right? Are most things close or would we just get taxis? I know we'll have to rent to go to amish country, but curious about the whole week. Anything ya'll think of, pass it on!!!

 

[Monny2AE]

January 2010 Snowbirds


Bellasoleil Jan 2-8 POP
Mermaid02 Jan 6-14 CBR
Hmbbears Jan 8-13 WL
Peanut1 Jan 9-15 THV
Kazooie01 Jan 20-27 CSR
Lizziejane Jan ??? BWV
Momto2prncchrmgs Jan 23-30 POP
Momof2disneyboys Jan 23-31 ???
Disneymommy3 Jan 23-31 ???
Hoosiermom Jan 25-30 WL

I'm so sad my name isn't on that list this time.

Okay, you all know that I have been all over the board, vacation wise. I really like Disney in off-peak time. Dec/Jan. Once summer hits (especially down here) we are so miserable we don't really plan anything. I am looking to do something end of May, first of June when the boys get out of baseball. we toyed with WDW,but we would rather wait till it's cooler. ANYWAY..... I have been checking places out, and getting some airfare prices. I really think we may go to........Philadelphia!!!!! Ticket prices (today anyway) are really great!!! also, we are studying all that in History and it would really make it come alive for the kids. We have also wanted to go to Amish country-so that would be nice. And of course, the Hershey factory! Maybe even Dutch Wonderland. Who wants to give it to me straight!!??? What do ya'll think, whats a got-to-see, and what can be skipped right over.

Whats a great family place to stay? I dont want to go later than mid-June if possible. We are thinking of leaving on the 30th of May doing that whole week. I am really excited. Of course----your opinions are really gonna help decide whats what. also, what' the weather like this time of year?

I live in northeastern MD about 20 minutes below PA. The weather can be quite toasty that time of year.
We love Dutch Wonderland and go every year... it's certainly not as big as Hershey but my little one's think it's great. Although mine are 2 and 5 so it's perfect for them. Yours might be a bit old for it though.
We're going to Hershey for Mother's Day and go there every year too. Chocolate World smells so yummy. I could give or take Zoo America. Last year it wasn't as good as year's past. So I think we'll skip it this year and enjoy more time in Hershey Park.
I haven't gone to Philly in a long time except for a drive to the Ikea to pick up a bed for my son last year...guess that doesn't count as educational.

It's so strange to me that things we do as day trips are vacations to some because of where they live. Never thought of that before. Now if I could only live closer to WDW and make that the place we visit for day trips.

 

[Momof2Disneyboys]

We have been in September and December- what kind of packages do they usually offer in January?
I know the parks close earlier- but my son has asperger's and evenings are his difficult time anyway. We almost ruined our last trip by expecting too much of him in the evening when he just can't do it.

This year they offered the buy 4 get 3 free deal plus we got a $200 Disney gift card! That is probably one of the best deals they have ever offered! Not sure what was offered for January discounts in previous years, but I'm sure it was something - maybe 20% off or something like that. We all have our fingers crossed for another 4/3 deal for next year!! But it will be a long time until we find out, last year the offer didn't come out until November.

We didn't mind that the parks closed earlier. We aren't ones to stay at the parks from open to close anyway. The week we were there DHS closed at 7:00, MK at 8:00 (I think 9 on the weekend), AK at 5:00, and Epcot was still open until 9:00.