June, July, August PLANNING thread

[TOMAR@SSR]

Boy...I missed a lot.


We are getting another storm

.

EE22- Hope the storm passes over the Field of Dreams !!

Thanks for all the pixie dust everyone. I want some right before the trip to guarantee good health.

Now I just need August park hours to post. I guess I have to wait a bit longer.

TP2- I`ll be with ya on needing some of that PD for health too !!! I`m sure all will be fine though !!!
I love your new countdown !!!!!!!!!!!!!!! YIPEE !!!!!!

 

[TOMAR@SSR]

Okay all you fashion pros out there. The fashion challenged need your help. If I buy new furniture for the living room next year (wanted it now but DH's truck had a smashed windshield the other day and the water pump went) do I have to buy new carpet at the same time?

I drive the kids crazy with all of this sort of thing. I am partially colour blind and can't tell blue from black and such. If a colour is a mix (blue/green) I can't what it goes with. They want to decorate for me but 12 & 9 - everything would be the colour of Sponge Bob

Do you get time to design for your own house, or it is complete chaos like mine is?

Candi- I think if you stick with the "Earth Tones" you`ll be fine....They are all in the Neutral color family...and will blend with any color you put up against them for assessories !!

On the house- Our boys are adults now....so things are usually in order all the time these days ! but... I know it`s very difficult to juggle a job and home responsibilites ...when they are young though...
Good luck with the re-decorating !

 

[mkymouse4ever]

We got your storm today too EE22. It is cold, raining and snowing and really blowing today. I slid through a stop sign on my way home. But luckily everyone saw me and just waited to see where I would land.

TP2, nice counter!

Max is coming over this tommorrow nite and this weekend. We want to let him help pick out adr's. Ok, (tomar and everyone) Sis is now having issues with her diabetes. Yes, she has ignored it long enough and based on her latest lab work That ain't an option. I need some adr advise for the diabetic (who is extrememly picky > likes american food). Is this possible at wdw?

Candi, I like to decorate everything in white, black, red, yellow. Mickey colors. My parts of this house are mostly done in early disney, and heavy on the socery mickey

Tommorrow is TGIF!

mky

 

[candizfan]

MKY and Tomar - Thanks for the tips. I have to admit that I found a very warm cream, beige, whatever colour and it is in every room in my house...except the kids rooms. My kids hate the fact the whole house is one colour. I find it comforting, and easy since I only have to store one can of paint. It has a hit of pink in it so it has a warm quality to it, not like off white.

I finally let them paint their rooms this past March. We did DD12's room with Tinker Bell green and DD9 with Fairy Godmother blue. They sell Disney paint at Home Depot.

I like colour in the carpets and the curtains. I have a lot of art on my walls, am starting to run out of room I am afraid. But I do tend to stick to easy colours like earth colours. I like the colour of water, sky and grass in the mix as well since they exist in nature. I am a tree hugger you see.

It is tough to keep anything neat with my schedule but I cheat. I have a house keeper and I hire help to paint or keep up the yard when needed. DH is a great guy but man can he fill an empty space or flat surface in a hurry.

TP2 - we will have to send pages of pixie dust before your next trip. I call things like travel insurance, Murphy's insurance. Murphy's law says you won't need it if you have it so buying it will more than likely mean you won't need it. It is like diahreha medicine to Mexico. If you don't your going to need wish you had. If you do, you won't.

 

[mouseaddicts]

Well, guess what ......... no guesses? Okay, I'll tell you .... We got SNOW yesterday AM!!! And, we're supposed to get MORE tonight/tomorrow AM!!! Look - it doesn't happen around here much, so we get excited when it does. We aren't burned out on it down here like y'all are up there ....... yet

MKY - Great news on the foot! I hope it all goes well for you with the doc!

TP2 - One decision down ....... 500 to go!!! Just keep crunching those numbers! I know the drill ..... all too well. The 2 rooms sounds great to me. I'd go for that - even at a Value! That's one of the things we love about DVC - the 1BR gives "mom & dad" privacy & extra space for all those darn kids!!!

Keep us informed as you start thinking about ADRs.

We too priced the DDP vs. OOP for meals .... for us, we came up with pretty much the same price for the Deluxe DDP vs. OOP - just b/c we want more TS meals this year. The kids are getting older now and we all enjoy the time out to sit down & rest after park touring. We don't NEED an appetizer and/or dessert for every meal, so we're probably better off OOP - especially considering the tip is no longer included .....

We have our ADRs in line ..... now we are waiting for codes! Hey .... isn't that how we all met? Every morning, waiting, watching, hoping, praying ...... What year was that??? I know it's been a while now.

 

[mouseaddicts]

Oh yeah ......... I have to add ticker(s) to my siggy ... I guess

We only have Spring Break on there for now .... and y'all know we'll be at the World in July (as always) ....... and, yesterday, DH & a buddy at work planned a Memorial Day Wknd trip! Yep - we're booked @ Pop for Fri-Sun Mem Day Wknd.

We've never stayed @ Pop, but I've been wanting to try it. Any of you been there?

For us, it will be another resort on the list!

Oh - Grand Gathering Events ..... anyone tried any??? Evidently, going with the other folks, we will have enough ppl to qualify as a Grand Gathering, so DH & work buddy are thinking we should try some of the special stuff they offer. I'm just not that familiar with selection & price! Anyone???

 

[TOMAR@SSR]

Max is coming over this tommorrow nite and this weekend. We want to let him help pick out adr's. Ok, (tomar and everyone) Sis is now having issues with her diabetes. Yes, she has ignored it long enough and based on her latest lab work That ain't an option. I need some adr advise for the diabetic (who is extrememly picky > likes american food). Is this possible at wdw?



mky

Mky-Sorry about Sis`s Glucose numbers.....but....Don`t worry about her haveing a variety of wonderful meals at Disney ! ...This is what I do for Mr. Tomar for every trip...and you can do it as well. ...when you, Sis and Max decide on where you want to eat...and the time comes to call for your ADR`S....tell the CM that you speak with...that someone in yur party is a diabetic...and that yu want the Restaurant`s Phone #s to ask for a sugar free desert ! He/she may make a notation on your ressies...but through experience...we`ve always had to tell the Cm that took our order at the restaurant anyway. ..If Sis knows the score..she`ll just stay away from as many carbs as she can...Mr. Tomar eats alot of chicken Ceasar Salads and steaks...most meats are 0 carbs as well as most salad dressings ..and she can have fruit (except bananas) ...Pasta and Bread are the biggest NoNo`s for a Diabetic...but Im sure you know that ...Also watch the way they marinate the meat dishes she orders...she should ask for her meats plain ...and with those yummy looking sugar free deserts at the world. ..I think she`ll be good to go !!!!
The Main street Ice Cream Parlor has a "No Sugar added ice cream"...and the
boardwalk bakery has a "No sugar added mini Cheese cake"
I hope I helped you feel alittle more comfortable....I did the "trial and error myself with Mr. Tomar for a while...but we`re at a good place now....and things are under control with his condition ! I`m sure this will be the case with Sis soon !!
I bet Max is a very excited boy these days !!

 

[candizfan]

We travelled with my friend in July of 2005 and he also is a Diabetic. He is extremely well controled, which means he sticks to his diet and had meal times that are not very flexible.

I found it hard to deal with the time more than where what what was being eaten. The bigges tip is to plan the ADR so that you don't end up waiting for a long time for a table. It was touch and go the one night we tried to wait for a table...

He loved the dessert options he had available most places and he said there were lots of menu choices for him....but I don't think I will ever rush to travel with him again....I can't deal with the fact he is ....wait for it......NOT A DISNEY FAN!!!!!



He said he never want to hear "Have a magical day!" ever again...how can anyone say that?

 

[EEyorelover22]

Wow, I guess you priced out with the deluxe plan. We are doing the regular plan which is enough for us because the kids can't sit through 2 sit down meals a day. I am actually looking for some double credit meals so that we have a couple of days with no sit downs. I guess the extra expense of the kids being counted as adults kills it. When I ran the numbers for us, the savings on the adult plan was small, almost break even. For us, it was the kids that put us over the top. They are only $9.99 and most kids meals are $7.99 so it is like getting a snack and counter service for free. Plus some of the character meals are more than $9.99 for the kids and we will be hitting them.

Thanks for all the pixie dust everyone. I want some right before the trip to guarantee good health. I am now going to investigate trip insurance. I was pricing it out yesterday. Looks like a $120 investment but we will probably stay healthy if I spring for it. Last summer, the deductible on her medicine was more than that because we used Turner Drugs. If anyone ever has a problem, take a cab to CVS. Don't let Turner deliver to the hotel. Big mistake. You live and you learn.

MKY: Sorry we are going to miss you. It would have been fun to meet in person and not only on the phone.

Now I just need August park hours to post. I guess I have to wait a bit longer.

I priced the regular meal plan, but what I really meant and didn't say it well was that we do eat two sit downs a day. DH and DS have to have their food we still do many of the character meals for breakfast. DD is still very much into character hunting as you all know very well from our pics. And, breakfasts are some of our favorite meals at WDW.

Since the dining plan only really allows 1 TS per day, I don't want to change the way we eat to save money...if that makes sense. And, our two TS a day since they are buffets do not cost as much as the dining plan for the entire trip because we are paying adult prices for both kids. Don't know if that makes sense or not.

I did look at the deluxe plan...way too much $$ and two much food and many of the counter service meals would go unused. So, for us, the DDE card is the best deal.

When the dining plan first came out I saw an analysis of the greatest savings and it's NOT using buffets and that's really where we eat the most. Boma is a big spot for us. With my allergies, buffets work best and then now two teenagers that are rather picky added and DH who is also particular...we'll still with buffets.

 

[EEyorelover22]

Well, it's -14 this morning.
That is just way too cold.

 

[Donald Lover11]

With my allergies, buffets work best and then now two teenagers that are rather picky added and DH who is also particular...we'll still with buffets.

I'm not picky! I'll eat almost anywhere.

 

[tripplanner2]

Okay...I think I am caught up.

Tomar: I agree about the earth tones to paint the house. When we bought our house it was PINK Pretty much the whole thing. We are in the middle of redoing the bathroom, it was also pink. Now is has white fixtures and my paint will have some color. Everything else neutral. I only decorate with color, the cheap stuff, some towels or an accessory.

No storm for us but EE22, I am sorry you got another one. I am not much of a winter person either.

EE22: Funny because we plan our meals totally opposite. We like sit down dinners and we avoid the buffets. I am a little bit of a germaphobe so that is the main reason I avoid the buffets. Plus with 3 kids that need help at the buffet, it is just easier to be served. I guess that is why it worked out for us on the DDP. The kids are only $10 per day, it is like getting a CS and snack for free with them. For me, I can each cheaply so I get the benefit of better food and locations and DH likes a steak every night on vacation so they are running $25 and up.

Mouseaddicts: I am a little jealous that you can escape so easily.

We stayed at Pop last summer. I have stayed at POR, YC, CSR, POFQ, and Pop. All are totally different. The room is clean and the resort is not that big. It was no problem to go from our room to the food court. My family loved it, the only down side was the size of the room. It was tight with 5 people. DH did not like the lack of shade and I have to agree. Really nothing terrible to complain about though and if DD9 did not get sick there last summer we would probably be going back. There was a lot of action, which we like, although I have read some complaints about it. A lot of people hanging out by the pool playing games and just enjoying their family and vacation. We liked that relaxed feel. Great arcade that gives out tickets for prizes. For the price, there is nothing to complain about. I compare it to other places that cost the same and it would cost a lot more to stay there if it were not Disney. Did that make sense?

MKY: So sad we are going to miss you this summer. We are planning to arrive on Monday so it makes sense that we miss by 2 days if you leave on Friday. Maybe you can extend through the weekend, the flights will be cheaper.

Candi: Thanks for the pixie dust. I will take all of the pages full for the next trip. I think every single one of us can use it. I know that I am bringing and using Airborne on this trip. Between that and trip insurance, I am hoping we are okay.

Gotta go check out those menus.

 

[candizfan]

We have never tried the Dinning plan either. We don't usually sit for a meal every day. There is just too much to do that wait around for food!!!

 

[mouseaddicts]

Dining Plan:
Okay - our family is much like TP2 - the opposite of EE22
We too like to "sit down" and "be served" for at least 1 meal each day on vacation. For us, it's a nice break from the heat & walking and it gives us "family time" to talk about how our trip is going so far - What has everyone enjoyed? What has everyone liked the least? What do you really want to do while we're still here? ... that sort of thing.

When MY DD & DS (remember, DH has a DD too - she's always been adult price) were both "kids", the old DDP worked well for us for the reasons TP2 stated: kids' TS meals pretty much cost the full price of their DP per day so we came out "ahead" with the extra CS & snack for them. Also, DH would go for the best "steak", etc. on the menu that we probably wouldn't pay for if on cash, so again, we came out "ahead". BUT, we frequently couldn't eat the apps/dessert, so that part was a wash.

Now that my DD10 qualifies as an "adult" by Disney standards and the tip is no longer included, it changes the math for our family. There are some days DD can eat adult portions, but there are other days when a kids meal is too much food for her. Why in the world would I want to pay adult price for her to sit down & decide she just wants the chicken nuggets?

We'd be paying for 4 adults & 1 child this year, so with the tip OOP, it just doesn't really work well for us. I've priced both versions of the DDP - basic & deluxe. I cruised the menus and ran a basic pricing scheme for each of our planned TS meals - I generalized the cost based on each person's eating habits & what they were "likely" to order. When I priced it out, I added the tip and priced OOP vs. DDP - either way, we're just as well off to pay cash. Once I made our ADRs, we definitely came out ahead with cash - because we can only do the DDP the days we're staying DVC & I couldn't squeeze that many ADRs into those days!

Unlike EE22, we're not big breakfast eaters - most days in the past, we used a snack credit for a danish, muffin, etc. and hopped on the 1st available ride. We have enjoyed Kona Cafe in the past, so we plan to go back there this year - but it will be more of a "brunch" that day for us with a nice dinner that night (Boma!). We're also trying Boma for "brunch" this year on the day we leave AKV. Those are the only 2 AM ADRs that we have out of our 15 for the 9 days.

I guess, when it all boils down to it, you just really have to do the math and think about your family's "normal" habits and what you want your individual vacation experience to be! Disney just gives soooo many options, that you have to figure out which one is best for you!

So sorry - didn't mean to ramble on - just sharing the past couple weeks of "planning" in our house!

(The whole DDP or OOP has been a very big focus for us lately!)

 

[tripplanner2]

Yes, Mouseaddicts. We are pretty much right on the mark with the pricing. I will figure it out better when we firm up our ADR's. I am waiting for that August schedule to be posted to make plans. If we had to pay adult price for one more child, it would not work out. And we are the same that she would order a kids meal anyway, even if paying for the adult meal so it would not work out. I don't think we will really be ahead so much as in the past with the dining plan. It is going to be more for convenience and knowing that our total bill is paid before we go on vacation.

 

[mkymouse4ever]

Hiya everyone!

Just got caught up on my reading. Max left this afternoon. So we went into power planning mode. We have 2 weeks till adr day.
Ok, do I have this right: they added an 18% gratuity to the dining experience to get "in line" with other dining packages & took it OFF the dining plan???? Not sure I follow this. Still haven't made a final notion on the dining experience this year. With only 1 trip, I might not pay for it. I tip good, but I like it to be my idea. Yes, put us in the "sit down meal" group. Bug (sis) is a big germapobe too. Since she once saw, someone put finger in dressing at germany's buffet we haven't been to too many buffets.
Well once again yay: ) my b-day will be at WDW So I think I will spring for the Castle > dinner. If I can get it. Not sure if it is any easier to get for dinner than breakfast was a few years ago. Alternate plan: Fulton's crab market? Other adr's wanted: coral reef, teppan edo, tokyo dining, marakesh(sp?) whispering canyon (for max), captin's grille, old favorities: primetime 50's sci fi, garden view tea, liberty tree, tony's, garden grille, mama melrose, gf cafe, and concourse steakhouse if still open. I like to cover each day, but last time I cancelled probably 3/4 of them due to plan changes. This year we won't be there for free dining, so hopefully dining will be less packed or at least easier to move around a little. We will have the CR's room service for more than 1/2 our time which will be a nice backup plan. But Poly we are not as crazy about. Only like kona for breakfast. (just me, i didn't like the food in hawaii either). Max will be 11, but a very picky eater and really don't see him happy with most of the adult menu's anywhere.

Thanks so much Tomar, for the advice with bug. We crawled over menu's today looking for a plan. I will keep a strict eye on her at tony's and mama's for choices.

Mouseaddict's, You are sooooooooo lucky to get to go so often. I would love anywhere around here for a nice weekend. Glad you got some snow! We have enough up here to spread around. Right now it is mostly ice. I saw my suv today and it looked like I spent the weekend 4 wheeling, it is covered with salt and dirt.

EE22, we haven't seen 14 in a while I would be happy to see 5. Is Donald lover 11 your DD or DH? Your counter is almost identical? Have I missed this somewhere?

TP2, Sounds like a good plan for summer. Good luck on your adr's when do you call? We call 2 weeks from today. And no hours for aug are out yet. I figured out the last 3 months for EE & LE > and picked our dates on that. Will be interesting to see how it works out, if we are right or not.

Hope everyone had a great weekend, happy planning Mky

 

[tripplanner2]

MKY: We make our ADR's on 2/20. I am hoping that the August schedule will come out on February 1 and I will have a couple of weeks to sort things through.

I saw a news report a couple of years back about food born viruses: "What you need to know on vacation". They mentioned Disney World and pretty much said to stay away from buffets. Problems with keeping the food at the correct temperature and then of course you have the samplers. It always freaks me out to see people tasting the food while they go through the buffet. I do understand the appeal of a buffet but I have seen to much to be able to enjoy. I am thinking of doing Chef Mickeys and 1900 Park Fare but I am not sure yet. Other than that I am thinking Sci Fi, Tonys, Le Cellier, Ohana, maybe Mama Melrose for the Fantasmic package, Liberty Tree Tavern, and Kona Cafe for dinner. I still need to figure out the schedule though, seems I have a lot centered around Magic Kingdom.

 

[mkymouse4ever]

Hey TP2!

Those sound like good choices. I liked Tony's for lunch better than dinner. Only because of the server. Lunch was take your time, cool off, have some more pop, very friendly. Relaxing. Dinner: "what do you want?" 2 seconds within sitting down. We told her we wanted to take our time, and read the menu> She was back in 2 minutes, we just order the pasta and she brought it to the table on her way out of the kitchen. We had food, 2 minutes of sitting down. Then she tried to pull the plate away from sis 5 minutes after we got it. She almost got forked. The food was good both times, just seemed like they where very into table turnaround. Funny thing is we had ressies for dinner and not lunch. We are going to skip Canada this year cause we want to take max somewhere different. Thought we might get him to blush with the belly dancer. Sis refused O'hana's too. She said last year was enough. Plus max would not eat enough to pay the adult prices for. I will bite that bullet for the castle on my b-day, but that is it.
Hope the kids for fine. Get ready for some really cold weather.
We are very centered about Mk too. Right now, we have 5 full mk days, 2 each of ak, mgm, and E. Then 2 1/2 days with mk.
Mky

 

[TOMAR@SSR]

Okay...I think I am caught up.

Tomar: I agree about the earth tones to paint the house. When we bought our house it was PINK Pretty much the whole thing. We are in the middle of redoing the bathroom, it was also pink. Now is has white fixtures and my paint will have some color. Everything else neutral. I only decorate with color, the cheap stuff, some towels or an accessory.

:

Well.... I love the color Pink...However ...the whole entire house is a bit much I agree !! Happy renovating TP... I just adore redoing the house !!

Hiya everyone!

Thanks so much Tomar, for the advice with bug. We crawled over menu's today looking for a plan. I will keep a strict eye on her at tony's and mama's for choices.

:

MKY- If I may call Sis ....Bug too ....Im sure Bug will do fine in the world as long as she watches her carb intake !! Cute nick name btw


Happy Planning everyone !!

 

[tripplanner2]

MKY: Forgot to say that the 2008 DDP took out the appetizers and the gratuity. I just ran some numbers and it seems that we still stand to save about $400. It is still worth it, not the same bargain as last year but still worth it. I don't know if we will do CRT though. If we do, I may do the breakfast and pay oop. It is not worth 2 ts credits. I guess thats how they get you is if you skip a meal. Paying OOP, you only pay for what you actually use while with the plan we pay weather we make the meal or not. A little scary after last year. But, like I said, I will get trip insurance this time. I am thinking of hitting Tonys on our arrival night. Figure we can see parade and fireworks after dinner. It is in the front of the park so not to hard to get too.

Tomar: Yes, PINK! Actually more mauve than pink but still...very 80's I guess.

I think I am going to try to hit the new Italian Restaurant in Epcot. Any good TS (not buffets) that I am missing for the kids? Just checked b'fast prices at CRT, may skip that too. Way to expensive and they rush you just like dinner at Tony's.