June, July, August PLANNING thread

[EEyorelover22]

We do not live on a farm, but they are all around us. The subdivisions where we live were all once farms. Great soil if they had left it they took all with them. Oh well. We are within minutes of miles and miles of farms. Very slow pace and no traffic. Between Cedar Rapids and Iowa City (University of Iowa) on I-80 there is morning and evening traffic due to the daily trek for work, but nothing like the big cities. You don't want to be on that road though when there's a Saturday Hawkeye game. GOOD GRIEF!!

Okay...MKY you seem like a car rental expert. After our last near diaster at WDW, when we go at Christmas we will rent a car to drive down from Sanford. I have Alamo reserved. It's 371.40 for the week for a full sized SUV. It was the same price as a mini SUV (whatever they are called). They are right in Sanford too. So, I know it's more due to Christmas and all, but what do you think? I did get a discount with my annual pass. I thought it was suppose to be 20%, but it only gave me 10%.

 

[tripplanner2]

EE22: OH MY GOODNESS!!!! What I would have done to be in your classroom as a kid. It must take you forever to set up and take everything down. That is really amazing. What grade do you teach? I know you teach math but I am unsure of the kids ages. I was hoping to see your big glass thing that you got this year. I didn't notice it in any of the pictures.


MKY: I know nothing about car rentals. When I worked we never paid for employee car rentals. We always rented buses to move people to different functions or if the group was small we would just cab it. As for traveling, it is such a hassle to travel with car seats and all, for us it was easier to use the buses, plus it gave us more freedom to come and go as we please without the entire party being on board.

 

[EEyorelover22]

I haven't downloaded the pic of the glass wedge yet. I had those classroom pics on my hard drive. The cord isn't hooked to my computer so it's a pain to download the pics at the moment. I will this weekend in Chi Town We are still in laptop mode. I'd plug it into mine here, but I don't know where it goes

I teach high school. My students love my room. Most of the others are sterile and dull.

I found BIG pink letters for my bulletin board today too. Now I just need to work on my pics. I did the last set 19 years ago and I can't remember how I did them.

 

[tripplanner2]

EE22: Don't go crazy for pictures of the wedge. I thought you had mentioned that they were in a set somewhere. Enjoy your last few weeks, you still have 4 or 5, most people don't get that much time all year. I am VERY aware of the end of summer though. My DH didn't want to go to WDW in August because it was right before he goes back to work. In the mean time we will still be home for an entire week before he goes back. It is just a different perspective.

 

[EEyorelover22]

I have the pics, just need to download them.

I always feel like when the 4th is over, so is summer. I looked at the calendar today and just about fell over. I don't think I have a day with nothing going on left. DD and DS both have camps coming up and I'll be driving them around all day!

I just try to cram too much in each day. I have to get back to the math book too! I'm thinking about my gradebook, lesson plans, etc now that I went and bought my letters and birthday cake cut outs for my student's birthdays. I've got to do my pics too so I can take them for laminating.

I had such fun putting down new contact paper in the bathroom and under the kitchen sink. I think I'll pack for our December trip instead

MKY: I asked my former DS CM friend and she also goes the 88 Route and it's all 4 lane so that's what we are going to do!

My sister in law said I wasn't allowed to wear Disney clothes this weekend. I told her it was illegal to go naked in public. My pjs are even Disney...Eeyore in fact.

 

[tripplanner2]

EE22: You are too funny with all of your Disney stuff. My DH thinks I am a little crazy for all the planning. I have been trying to figure out when my obsession started and had no idea. I assumed it was as an adult. Well, a couple of months ago we decided to finish cleaning out my parents house (yes I still have stuff there after 10 years of marriage and 3 kids ) Well, I have Disney stuff that goes all the way back. When I went through my things from being really little, every record was Disney, book, toy, etc. I could not believe it. My family was laughing and my DH said that at least I can control it because he had never known!

 

[EEyorelover22]

My love of Disney started young too. I remember jumping up and down on my bed listening to my 45 record (that dates me!!) and singing to "The Wonderful Thing about Tiggers."

I met a friend for lunch today and had a horrible reaction to what ever was on my burger. I had hives on my stomach. I should know better and should have read the menu better Bewteen waking up at 4:30 and the benadryl I took I'm dead on my feet!

How's the packing going?

 

[mkymouse4ever]

EE22 Your suv price is what i am paying for the 18days. So in that perspective it seems high. BUT: your taking it out of sandford which I am guessing way more limited. And the season, will affect it too. If your there in Dec. before xmas it is too high. But the big week of xmas/ny, will be very high. I have joined many of the "clubs" for the car companies, and get a few pluses with that. Picking up in garage etc.. . no lines etc, or shorter lines.... . That is always a good idea. Not sure which companies are out at sandford? We have not been up there. I always play with the "codes" on mousesavers. That is usually a big help. If you have the entertainment book that helps too. With codes & coupons. If you don't have a book, I do and have a bunch of coupons, let me know.
We have the same farm / subdivisions here. They always take the dirt.

TP2, Your right about vacation time. I get 4 weeks, cause have worked for so long. But otherwise it is 2 weeks for yr 1>5, 3 weeks 5yr>11yr. then 4 yr. there after. They tie in our sick days too. So if you call in you are using your vacation time. Also when they cancel me, if I want to get paid, comes out of vacation time. So I am Never sick.

The AP code till Sept. 30th came out today. Just very little bit more than the regular code out already. So my other trip should be in the next section.

 

[EEyorelover22]

We are there the week of Christmas so I'm sure renting is much higher then just like air fares and rooms. I have one reserved and perhaps I'll keep watching. I know nothing about car rentals. I think even the compacts were that much or pretty close. I don't have an entertainment book since they don't apply for my area here in Iowa. There were 4 companies out of Sanford. My friend rented one last Dec (early though) and I think she said it was $180. I get emails all the time in my gmail account. I'll have to pay more attention.

I saw Sept ap rates were out. I've got my note here for when I have to check.

ps...
I just went back and checked Alamo. A compact is 326 for the week. All the SUV and mini Suvs are now gone for our dates! So, I guess I'll keep what I have at this point. We could never fit in a compact anyway!

 

[mkymouse4ever]

EE22 Are you going through Alamo? There are coupons in my book, if you want them. If you won't use the car alot, I have done just a "few" days rental. IE= Rent at airport > to wdw. then next day return to Car Care center, or where ever depends on company. Then if you want a car for just a day to leave or a couple of days > rent it again before you leave. We have done this. Works well. I usually let it come down to how many days are in our budget. Sometimes a "weekend" cost the same as 1 day. You might get a better deal on wdw property. At National at C.C.Center or Dolphin resort. If it cost the same in the long run, we just keep the car. Our suv for august, I snagged that suv, and price in feb / march last year. Wish I had as sweet a deal in October. Same amount of days is about 200.00 more & in an intermediate car only.

Entertainment book has coupons for national, alamo, hertz, budget, and avis.

mky

 

[EEyorelover22]

We are using Alamo.

We may use it more than I would think rather than just to and from Sanford. I was thinking I could get the boys to and from DTD which always takes such a long time. We are having breakfast at the Grand on Christmas day which would help and I want to try to get a sleigh ride too and parking at the B&Y Club for Illuminations would work wonders too. That was slick when we took a cab from there. Much better than fighting the crowds.

We went to Pirates again tonight. DH came with us. I didn't notice the first time, but the voodoo lady had a locket to match Davy's. Also, DS noticed her dress looked a lot like E Swan's. It was a crazy day here!

 

[tripplanner2]

EE22: Thanks for the picture of the glass wedge. That is really an honor.

I just ordered my Entertainment Book. I know the book expires in November, so that won't help but I think that the car rentals are extended to the end of the year. I will definately mail you my car rental coupons if they will work for your trip. I won't use them.

I got my luggage tags yesterday in the mail. Very exciting. I finally took down my luggage last night. Now it is sitting on the floor in the middle of my living room.

I am jealous that you got to see Pirates again. I am dying to go but I would have to go alone. The girls are too young and would be scared. I have been trying to locate the first pirates movie that we own and I can't find it. I think DH threw it out or something.

I have to say that I am a little jealous that you guys are planning another trip already. I know I will be lucky to go back in 2 years. We promised to let DH pick the summer vacation next year. Anywhere HE wants to go. He wants to go the Ireland (which I know will be out of the price range), but I will let him dream. He can pick the places, I will price them out and if we get lucky he will cave in and say lets just go back to WDW instead. Who knows, I may get lucky!

 

[mkymouse4ever]

EE22, The car always works great at DTD. But just be persistant, parking can be a problem. We just take our time roaming around till someone leaves. Your glass wedge is huge! Congratulations!! What a great honor. I think we will see Pirates 2 again, but am holding off for the Pleasure Island AMC. I will have to look for that. I am watching Pirates 1 on USA network (with commercials) right now. of course, we have the DVD too, but too lazy to put it in.

TP2, This is probably our last year that we get 2 trips, of this length. With aged parents, it is difficult to leave for so long. Will probably change and start doing small quick trips. Not sure if I will like that.

Been working alot this week, (we picked up and lots of sick kids ) So haven't been online, much. I can't believe our trip is soooooooo close. I have bags, and stuff all over. Looks like I am planning a garage sale. I need to get organized. (and stop shopping ). Have a great weekend, we are cooking here, was 85 and humid before 9:30am today.

mky

 

[tripplanner2]

MKY: Sorry to hear you have lots of sick kids at the hospital. I hope nothing is life threatening. That must really determine your mood for the day, or week.

Good luck with your packing. I finally took down the luggage last night but have not even opened it. I only put one luggage tag on, the kind with the castle. I had to try it out.

 

[EEyorelover22]

Hi All...
I get caught up from the weekend gone. I saw the cooking part...we baked at 6 Flags. My goodness it was HOT!! The water park was INSANE And filled to capacity with 500+ waiting to get in

Pack, pack and pack some more

 

[tripplanner2]

EE22: I totally understand the cooking part. Last year at WDW we baked going in July. There was one day at AK that I thought I lost a contact. Ends up that the heat did something to them. I had to take them out when we got back to the room and no matter what kind of solution I put on them they were just done. Kind of scary when you think of it. Thank goodness I brought plenty extra.

Not sure if anyone knows but we are going to be on the DDP in August. All of my credits are used each day but I planned a day at CRT which requires 2 TS credits. I am hoping to use credits for one adult and one child and pay OOP for the other adult and child. I posted on the restaurant board but things are a bit hot and heavy over there. Never got the question answered. I don't see why it would be a problem. I am not looking to cheat, just pay for the extra TS credits cash instead of the plan because other credits are already used.

Well, I would love to hear if anyone knows. Otherwise, enjoy your summers and planning.

 

[EEyorelover22]

Morning. I read what I missed. I'll take any coupons I can get for our December trip. Here is what Sanford has for car rentals.
Rental Car Companies
On airport property:
Alamo-National
Avis
Dollar
Enterprise
Hertz
Thrifty

I am also sorry that there are so many sick children MKY.

TPP2: I don't know the answer to your question, but send a PM to Mouseaddicts. She used the dining plan and may know. She seemed to know the ins and outs of the it pretty well.

I don't know why everyone has to get so bent out of shape about stuff on the boards. Our code watch thread did that too. Annoying. I know everyone said that ap rates weren't offered for June due to great increases in people at WDW, but from more than one source, I have been told it's been a very slow summer this year. Many of the hotels were booked due to conferences and large groups of students. They don't spend the $$ like families do.

 

[EEyorelover22]

I just checked car rentals again for that week.
464 for the same week now and that's out of Sanford and Orlando.
I'm glad I reserved what I have!! WOW!

 

[mouseaddicts]

sorry I haven't been around lately. I was thinking about all y'all this morning on my drive to work ....... I HAVE to get in here & catch up!!!

Our DD12 is back @ WDW right now with her mom. We gave her back Saturday night. We met them in Atlanta on their drive to WDW. They got there Sunday AM (not sure what time) and are staying 4 nights @ Pop. Then I think they're going to the beach .....

TPP2 - YES, you can use the credits as you described. Just tell your server what you're doing & they'll be happy to ring it up that way. Personally, we found the wait staff to be more attentive to us on DDP than not. Our waiter at Tony's shared that he actually prefers guests on the plan b/c he knows he'll actually get a tip that way! Evidently, some folks at Disney stiff the waiters!

I have to do the to see what the total is, but I know for sure we saved money with the plan .... just don't know how much yet. We tried keeping track of it ...... tried being the key word. I know we were getting "snacks" at the Boardwalk Bakery our last night & when she rang it up, the total was like $54!!! Thank goodness for those snack credits!!!

A note on the DDP - Almost everywhere we went, the snack credits could be used on any food item up to $4. For instance, we got a whole bag of chips (tostitos maybe) and queso dip at the food market at SSR for 2 credits! That was a snack for the whole family! We used them at Boardwalk Bakery and Seashore Sweets for gormet goodies as well ...

Okay- gotta get back to work now ..... I'll be catching up soon.......

 

[tripplanner2]

EE22: I will send you all my coupons when I get them.

Yeah, I am not sure why some people get so up tight over certain things. Don't know why that is. I always try to come here to escape.

I kept saying that I thought a lot of conventions were in Orlando because of Katrina shutting down New Orleans. I guess I was right. It also means that the parks were not that crowded which is always nice. My inlaws said that it was not bad at all in the parks (crowd wise) and they never waited more than 15 minutes to ride anything. In the mean time the hotels were all sold out so the convention theory does make sense.


Mouseaddicts: Thanks for the info on the DDP. I wound up sending an e-mail to guest services and they answered already. They said it was no problem. I just need to tell the server when we order. Can't wait to hear more about your trip.