January 2009. . . Calling all Snowbirds ~ Part V

[Momof2Disneyboys]

Shelly & Soliel~ how goes it on the buy/sale?

Well, it's going. Just a very drawn out frustrating process. I really need to start to pack. We are having a community garage sale in our development tomorrow. Maybe after that I will get on the ball with the packing. For now it's mostly just phone calls, banks, attorney's, appraisals, inspections, etc. . .

 

[BellaSoleil]

Our inspection went great, I'm just waiting on the appraisal. Our agent has been out of town and everytime I talk to her she says she is going to call on the appraisal as soon as she gets off the phone with me. I don't know what's going on. We close in 10 days!

 

[crzyred]

Hello there everyone! How are you all doing? I'm doing great. I've been on a complete whirl-wind since returning from my trip. It actually got cut short by 2 days because my neighbor died. So instead of spending time in Chicago, we came straight home last Sunday so that I could help out with the family.

My trip however was amazing! 13 different cities in 15 days with 19 baseball games ! Yes...I have issues!

So how are things going around here? I'm assuming most if not all the kids should be done for summer now. And are some of you buying/selling houses? Good luck to you if you are (or if I'm crazy and have no idea what is going on, then just ignore me )

Hope everyone has a fantastic weekend!

 

[Monny2AE]

Well, it's going. Just a very drawn out frustrating process. I really need to start to pack. We are having a community garage sale in our development tomorrow. Maybe after that I will get on the ball with the packing. For now it's mostly just phone calls, banks, attorney's, appraisals, inspections, etc. . .

Our inspection went great, I'm just waiting on the appraisal. Our agent has been out of town and everytime I talk to her she says she is going to call on the appraisal as soon as she gets off the phone with me. I don't know what's going on. We close in 10 days!

Sending you both Pixie Dust!!! Hope the stress is over soon!

​

Pixar released a trailer for Toy Story 3!!!!!

http://www.apple.com/trailers/disney/toystory3/

 

[Mndisneygirl]

Hello there everyone! How are you all doing? I'm doing great. I've been on a complete whirl-wind since returning from my trip. It actually got cut short by 2 days because my neighbor died. So instead of spending time in Chicago, we came straight home last Sunday so that I could help out with the family.

My trip however was amazing! 13 different cities in 15 days with 19 baseball games ! Yes...I have issues!

So how are things going around here? I'm assuming most if not all the kids should be done for summer now. And are some of you buying/selling houses? Good luck to you if you are (or if I'm crazy and have no idea what is going on, then just ignore me )

Hope everyone has a fantastic weekend!

So sorry about your neighbor! It sounds like you had a great trip otherwise! What ball games/parks/teams did you see? I've always wanted to go to more parks around the country. Been to Milwaukee, Washington, Wrigley, Philly (might have been the old stadium), of course MN (ugh). Lots more to get to! Do you have a favorite park?

My kids have two more days of school left. They are a little nuts!! We just decided on a road trip to Virginia in August to visit MIL and SIL. We will be able to sit down with them and do some Disney planning since they will be with us on our next trip!

 

[Momof2Disneyboys]

Sending you both Pixie Dust!!! Hope the stress is over soon!

​

Thanks! I could use a little pixie dust!

 

[snykymom]

OK, my Snowbird friends - I have a decision to make! And it's a toughie.

I'm currently booked at CSR with free dining ($145/night). I'm booked for 6 nights, d is joining me for 3. So we'll either have 12 TS, 12 CS and 12 snacks or 9 TS, 9 CS and 9 snacks if they won't add her credits until she arrives. I love CSR. And of course, even though I have an AP, we had to buy 2 one day base tickets.

Anyway, I just got the 40% PIN, good for my dates. Now, assuming availability, using it at CSR and buying the DP saves me money since we don't have to buy the tickets. No brainer there.

But here's the dilemma. Last time, we ate at Jiko's at AKL, and D just fell in love with the place. Liked it even more than her dream, GF. And Jiko was one of the places at which she really wanted to eat again. 40% off a standard view room (no animals, no pool, no nothing) is $144/night, but that's without food. I could add the QSDP and pay OOP for Jiko & Brown Derby, saving 20% with the TIW card, add the DDP, or just go without a plan like I did in January.

Thoughts? We've never stayed deluxe (January was our first trip staying Moderate!). Is AKL worth the extra money? And I've read bad things about the buses since they opened the villas. Anyone got any advice? WWYD?

Thanks!

 

[Mndisneygirl]

I have been trying to decide if we will stay at AKL for one night at the start of our next trip. Partly because we won't be going to AK. I think we will. I hope I can get a deal, but I doubt it since it will be just one night - our package is attached to the rest of our stay at BLT.

If it isn't going to cost much more, (I'll leave the actual math to you!) I would not be turned off about buses. I have read a lot of posts where people are awfully concerned about buses. But really, what's 15 min on a crowded bus? You still get there relatively quickly. Only AK is "close" by, so every other park will take some time. If you plan for either crowded buses, or longer waits/rides, maybe you will be okay with it. Only you can decide that. Plus you never know - when you're there, it might or might not be an issue.

If you know you will enjoy the resort, including Jiko, I say go for it. The deluxe room will be bigger, queen beds (I'm pretty sure all have them). I admit, I haven't heard much since the DVC opened, so I'm at your mercy there. It doesn't look at a glance that the overall costs would be that much more, since you have AP and can still get the 20% with TIW.
Do what is affordable to you and what you and your D will love - you are making memories!! If it were me - I go deluxe whenever I can get a discount. Someday, they might not have them, and I won't be able to afford it. So I'm doing it when I can!
I hope I didn't make your decision harder! Good luck and of course, let us know what you decide!

 

[Disney Mommy 3]

Okay boys and girls....I finally got Mike to sit down and look over my saved offers for our next trip. We are deciding between the Tower Theme Park View CR, the Tower Bay Lake View CR, or just standard at the BC. Well, I like all 3of them, so we are just gonna have to take the plunge and just decide!!! I want to hurry up and do something!! I gotta make a ticker!!!!! We are thinking the 28th (Nov) thru the 6th. Why can he not decide!!! YIKES!!! This is driving me batty!!!!! Well, hopefully something will be decided this weekend---I really like to have that room security!!!!

 

[letthewookiewin]

OK, my Snowbird friends - I have a decision to make! And it's a toughie.

I'm currently booked at CSR with free dining ($145/night). I'm booked for 6 nights, d is joining me for 3. So we'll either have 12 TS, 12 CS and 12 snacks or 9 TS, 9 CS and 9 snacks if they won't add her credits until she arrives. I love CSR. And of course, even though I have an AP, we had to buy 2 one day base tickets.

Anyway, I just got the 40% PIN, good for my dates. Now, assuming availability, using it at CSR and buying the DP saves me money since we don't have to buy the tickets. No brainer there.

But here's the dilemma. Last time, we ate at Jiko's at AKL, and D just fell in love with the place. Liked it even more than her dream, GF. And Jiko was one of the places at which she really wanted to eat again. 40% off a standard view room (no animals, no pool, no nothing) is $144/night, but that's without food. I could add the QSDP and pay OOP for Jiko & Brown Derby, saving 20% with the TIW card, add the DDP, or just go without a plan like I did in January.

Thoughts? We've never stayed deluxe (January was our first trip staying Moderate!). Is AKL worth the extra money? And I've read bad things about the buses since they opened the villas. Anyone got any advice? WWYD?

Thanks!

Since your DD fell in love with it, I say surprise her with the AKL.

Okay boys and girls....I finally got Mike to sit down and look over my saved offers for our next trip. We are deciding between the Tower Theme Park View CR, the Tower Bay Lake View CR, or just standard at the BC. Well, I like all 3of them, so we are just gonna have to take the plunge and just decide!!! I want to hurry up and do something!! I gotta make a ticker!!!!! We are thinking the 28th (Nov) thru the 6th. Why can he not decide!!! YIKES!!! This is driving me batty!!!!! Well, hopefully something will be decided this weekend---I really like to have that room security!!!!

I would pick the Theme Park View at the CR if it's available. Sitting on the balcony looking at the MK just seems like heaven to me.

 

[Disney Mommy 3]

It does to me too!!!! Also, if we just do the standard room at BC we may get stuck looking at an ugly rooftop!!! We had that happen before. Mike said he doesn't care what we are looking at, but I do!! I don't want to pay that kinda money to look at an asphalt roof with pipes coming out. The CR Tower is pretty much a good view no matter what you get!

 

[pamouselover]

Hi Snowfriends! Hope everyone has been enjoying warm weather.
Miss all of you!

 

[Mndisneygirl]

Hi Snowfriends! Hope everyone has been enjoying warm weather.
Miss all of you!

Hey! What cruise are you taking? Are you worried about hurricanes?

 

[Monny2AE]

Hi Snowbirds I hope everyone has had a wonderful weekend! I'm missing Disney so I just ordered some Disney for my home.

http://www.walmart.com/search/searc...sney+rocking+sofa&Find.x=0&Find.y=0&Find=Find

I ordered 3 of them- 1 Princess, 1 Cars and 1 Toy Story!!!!!

I have a home day care and we converted the downstairs into Day Care Land as my DH calls it... poor fella... but hey it helps pay the mortgage and our trips to Disney! I sold our huge sofa and loveseat and replaced them with these. I can't wait until they arrive next week. My kids are going to love them!

 

[danceintherain]

OK, my Snowbird friends - I have a decision to make! And it's a toughie.

I'm currently booked at CSR with free dining ($145/night). I'm booked for 6 nights, d is joining me for 3. So we'll either have 12 TS, 12 CS and 12 snacks or 9 TS, 9 CS and 9 snacks if they won't add her credits until she arrives. I love CSR. And of course, even though I have an AP, we had to buy 2 one day base tickets.

Anyway, I just got the 40% PIN, good for my dates. Now, assuming availability, using it at CSR and buying the DP saves me money since we don't have to buy the tickets. No brainer there.

But here's the dilemma. Last time, we ate at Jiko's at AKL, and D just fell in love with the place. Liked it even more than her dream, GF. And Jiko was one of the places at which she really wanted to eat again. 40% off a standard view room (no animals, no pool, no nothing) is $144/night, but that's without food. I could add the QSDP and pay OOP for Jiko & Brown Derby, saving 20% with the TIW card, add the DDP, or just go without a plan like I did in January.

Thoughts? We've never stayed deluxe (January was our first trip staying Moderate!). Is AKL worth the extra money? And I've read bad things about the buses since they opened the villas. Anyone got any advice? WWYD?

Thanks!

Cost wise I would go with Free Dining. It's only $150 for 2 one day base tickets, and they're not a total cost loss, because you can use them later on.
Other than that the only other reason I would stay with CSR would be to experience a ton of different restaurants.

However, as cost is not the only factor in a Disney vacation I would go with AKL. We absolutely loved our time their in January. If your DD fell in love with it, then I'm sure she'll completely appreciate the gesture.
In that case I would get the QSDP or no Dining, unless you're planning on eating a lot of Table Service meals.

Overall it seems that this code is a good opportunity for you to try a Deluxe resort, as long as the little additional cost doesn't bother you.

 

[snykymom]

Thanks for the advice, everyone! I called with the code, and found out two things: 1) Coronado Springs standard isn't available for our dates on the code, and water view adds another $15/night. 2) Even with the dining plan, AKL is only $300 more than CSR free dining! So I went with the standard room. (I tried to book a pool view, but they only had bunk bed rooms, and that's not for d). I know that I'll be able to afford going back to CSR in the future but I might not get another opportunity for a deluxe.

D is just so excited. She didn't want to influence me because she didn't want to make me feel guilty if the budget couldn't handle it, but she really did want it. Heck, I'm excited, too!

 

[Lil'Mermaid75]

My trip however was amazing! 13 different cities in 15 days with 19 baseball games ! Yes...I have issues!

So sorry about your neighbor! It sounds like you had a great trip otherwise! What ball games/parks/teams did you see? I've always wanted to go to more parks around the country. Been to Milwaukee, Washington, Wrigley, Philly (might have been the old stadium), of course MN (ugh). Lots more to get to! Do you have a favorite park?/QUOTE]

That sounds like so much fun! We went to the Reds/Cubs game Saturday night in Cincinnati. My poor Cubbies got beat (go figure), but our DS enjoyed his first Major League ball game (we have a AAA affiliate here and have been to a ton of games!). We had awesome seats that I got for a steal through a silent auction!

 

[danceintherain]

D is just so excited. She didn't want to influence me because she didn't want to make me feel guilty if the budget couldn't handle it, but she really did want it. Heck, I'm excited, too!

I'm so excited for you! You're going to have a wonderful time at AKL.


I just realized a flaw in my tentative plan for our trip next month. Originally I had figured that as long as I made everybody realize that we'd get to spend time in every park that they would be ok with going along with my plans. However, I just looked at the plan and realized that I don't have the Magic Kingdom planned in the morning until our last day there. I figured that we'd go in the evenings (maybe even our first day there) but I forgot to consider that my Mother is crazy. Is it sad that I'm worried about her arguing with me about my plans more than even my 12 year old brother?
You see she's not going to understand not going to the Magic Kingdom earlier in the trip, because she wants to take my nephew to the Magic Kingdom. My sister's family will only be there for the first couple of days, so I wasn't even planning on them being there on our Magic Kingdom day.
I'm banking on my sister not wanting to go to the parks early in the morning anyways, so hopefully she saves me a little bit of argument with my mother. Well not my sister so much as my brother in law... it's his vacation time and I have a feeling he's not going to be very keen on getting up very early.

We'll see what happens.

 

[letthewookiewin]

Thanks for the advice, everyone! I called with the code, and found out two things: 1) Coronado Springs standard isn't available for our dates on the code, and water view adds another $15/night. 2) Even with the dining plan, AKL is only $300 more than CSR free dining! So I went with the standard room. (I tried to book a pool view, but they only had bunk bed rooms, and that's not for d). I know that I'll be able to afford going back to CSR in the future but I might not get another opportunity for a deluxe.

D is just so excited. She didn't want to influence me because she didn't want to make me feel guilty if the budget couldn't handle it, but she really did want it. Heck, I'm excited, too!

Congrats!! I'm sure it will make your trip even more magical. When we started researching our first trip, we fell in love with the WL, but it just wasn't in the budget. When we got to stay at it on our 2nd trip, I was as excited about the fact we were staying at the WL, as I was about going to WDW.

 

[crzyred]

Hi Snowfriends! Hope everyone has been enjoying warm weather.
Miss all of you!

What's that?!?!?! It's 50 and cloudy/rainy. I WANT SUMMER!!!!!!!

I'm sort of happy with the rain at the moment though. I've been reading the Twilight series. I started last week and read through the first 3 books in about 3 days. Now the 4th book, for some reason, I'm struggling with and I have no idea why. So I keep telling myself that since it's rainy and yucky out, I might as well read.

Also, my sister is starting to change her mind about our big trip next summer. She keeps looking at prices and *thinks* it will be more expensive than she is planning on. So now she's starting to look at areas here in the US that we can go to. She's mentioned a cruise around the Hawaiian Islands then spending time in Southern California. I of course am of no help with this planning because I want to see basically everything the world has to offer, so I can't nail down one specific and say ok let's do it!

Oh well. Hope the rest of you are having better weather than I am...