June, July, August PLANNING thread

[TOMAR@SSR]

I will say that before kids, I never thought I would be here. I planned on working forever right up until my first daughter was born. I fought with my boss to bring my laptop home on my pathetic 12 week maternity leave. BUT...once she was born, my life changed. No one else could change her diaper let alone take care of her. We saved money so I could stay home with baby number 2 and then I was home already when baby 3 came around. My only regret was putting my oldest in daycare for 2 years. I wish I could have been home to love her all the time. I am not going to say it is easy...you just need to bite your tongue a lot!!!

TP2- I went to School in Manhattan (High School of Art and Design & Fashion Institute of Technology)...I was going to be the Bestest Fashion designer in the world ....Worked with the Buyer of New York and Co. for a couple of years after school ...and then the Kiddies came...and I opted to to the bestest SAHM EVER !!!! I`ve neer ever regreted it either !!!!! I wish that the Perfectly Princess was nearer to Grandma ....and I would do the same for her !!

Tomar, we could of walked into yak and yeti in nov. but really wasn't that impressed. I like pizzafari and sitting in the back room with my sandwich. But maybe I can talk sis into the buffet at tusker.



Mky

MKY- We did Pizzafari last summer....very nice....Mr. Tomar really enjoyed the Chicken Parm. Sandwiches ...and I had a Pizza for one !!
Not the pizza Im used to ...but it was good !!

 

[candizfan]

Does Animal Kingdom still sell the food vouchers for the day that give you a pizza, drink and a snack for a little discount?

 

[tripplanner2]

Tomar: I also went to FIT!!! I went for Interior Design. I then went to Stony Brook University for my BA but I got my Associates from FIT. I was 3/4 of the way through my MBA when our first DD was born, never finished. I will never regret the decision. When I worked I felt like I was not good at anything. My house was a mess, I wasn't there for my daughter, and I was a bad wife. I was also not the best employee because DD got sick ALL the time and I would have to take a day to care for her. Now I put my heart and soul into the family.

Candi: You can no longer buy the vouchers. They last had them in 2005. Now they only have the dining plan.

 

[TOMAR@SSR]

Tomar: I also went to FIT!!! I went for Interior Design. I then went to Stony Brook University for my BA but I got my Associates from FIT. I was 3/4 of the way through my MBA when our first DD was born, never finished. I will never regret the decision. When I worked I felt like I was not good at anything. My house was a mess, I wasn't there for my daughter, and I was a bad wife. I was also not the best employee because DD got sick ALL the time and I would have to take a day to care for her. Now I put my heart and soul into the family.

.

TP2- What a coinsidence !!!! We went to the same College !!!
Im sure you went to the new FIT on 33rd st. ...I went to the OLD one on W. 28th st.....The first semester I went days...the second I went nights after working at NY & Co. Main Buying building ...which was then on 26th and Park Ave. South !...when I became PG to my first DS.......I knew he was going to be my passion for the rest of my life !! And so another DS later ...and many many years later...lol....Im still not regreting a moment of it !!
I do know of a couple of people that I graduated with though... that went on to Designing Macy`s window displays ...and working for a Large Bridal House in the design area .....
OT - Looks like we dodged the bullet with the Nor-Easter that we were supposed to be getting this morning TP...thank goodness !!

 

[tripplanner2]

No, I went to the one on W 28th. I graduated in 1989 from FIT. I did not even realize that they opened a new campus. So th new campus is really close to the train. I lived there but would commute home from Penn Station on weekends.

As for the snow...I was dissappointed this morning because I thought I would get everyone home for an extra day but now I realize that we won't have to shovel or deal with the mess so we are lucky.

Gotta get DD7 ready for school. Have a great day.

 

[TOMAR@SSR]

No, I went to the one on W 28th. I graduated in 1989 from FIT. I did not even realize that they opened a new campus. So th new campus is really close to the train. I lived there but would commute home from Penn Station on weekends.

As for the snow...I was dissappointed this morning because I thought I would get everyone home for an extra day but now I realize that we won't have to shovel or deal with the mess so we are lucky.

Gotta get DD7 ready for school. Have a great day.

TP- LOL... I must have been up toooo early this morning !! NO ! FIT is still on 28th St.....the main offices of NY & Co. Moved to 33rd !! They were on 26th originally.... Sorry !
I went home every night by train !...We lived in one of the Boroughs then
And that was longggggggggg before you went toooooo
Weather- It`s just cloudy here in NJ- Hope TP and the girls have a great day as well !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Is the pixiedust starting to work on DH ?...Here`s alittle more !!

 

[tripplanner2]

TP- LOL... I must have been up toooo early this morning !! NO ! FIT is still on 28th St.....the main offices of NY & Co. Moved to 33rd !! They were on 26th originally.... Sorry !
I went home every night by train !...We lived in one of the Boroughs then
And that was longggggggggg before you went toooooo
Weather- It`s just cloudy here in NJ- Hope TP and the girls have a great day as well !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Is the pixiedust starting to work on DH ?...Here`s alittle more !!

The pixie dust is working.

He is actually trying to figure out the best value. Should we stay FW, or 2 value rooms. Then he is thinking POR. He wants the dining plan but you have to figure it will be $125 after tipping. That is a lot of money. He thinks the price at FW seems high but I said you need to figure the food cost savings. We can easily eat 2 meals in the room and only one in the park. I would skip any sitdown meals to have the convenience of being close to MK. I am just happy he is discussing it.

 

[TOMAR@SSR]

The pixie dust is working.

He is actually trying to figure out the best value. Should we stay FW, or 2 value rooms. Then he is thinking POR. He wants the dining plan but you have to figure it will be $125 after tipping. That is a lot of money. He thinks the price at FW seems high but I said you need to figure the food cost savings. We can easily eat 2 meals in the room and only one in the park. I would skip any sitdown meals to have the convenience of being close to MK. I am just happy he is discussing it.

YAHOOOOOOOOOO !!!! The PD is working !!

Anywhere you and DH decide will be cost effective TP..Im sure....with the 40 % off don`t you think ?
I really don`t know too much about the DP as we always get the DDE card having AP`s most of the time.....I do know that this year the mandatory 18% gratuity is being implimented with the card also...but... frankly Im ok with that too... since we usually tip the 20 % savings,...sooo...this year we`ll be on the plus side for 2 %
Each one of the Resorts that you have mentioned have thier own great qualities ..You just have to decide which one will be in the best interest of your family...which might make the decision making alittle daunting ....but I used love THAT kind of stress ...Don`t you !!!
Nowadays, DH and I really feel like we`re just going to our home away from home each year ....and what a place to call HOME !!!

 

[tripplanner2]

Tomar: The problem is, for our 2006 trip, we had the free dining plan for 2 whole weeks. We ate in every single primo restuarant and had a wonderful trip, minus our hotel choice. Last year we had free dining for the second half of the trip but the first half we paid oop. We spent a lot and only went to one sitdown. He said that he would never go again unless we had the dining plan. Of course this year it is more expensive because the gratuity is not included so we are looking at $125 per day for food or $1250 over the 10 days. We can stay at POR with the small room at $89 per night and get the dining plan or stay at value with 2 rooms and dining plan. Value would be $98 per night for 2 rooms, not too bad. Or we can stay FW for $150 per night but we would need to eat some meals in our room to recoup the extra room expense. Of course we would have so much more space and the location is great. He has a bad memory of staying at FW with his family as a kid. There were 5 kids and his mom had them sleep on the floor. He was like 16 at the time too so it was a bad time in his life to go. They also had their cousins come with their mom and they also staying in the same cabin. So now you see the dilema. Of course every choice is wonderful, we just need to agree on the best plan of action.

 

[TOMAR@SSR]

Tomar: The problem is, for our 2006 trip, we had the free dining plan for 2 whole weeks. We ate in every single primo restuarant and had a wonderful trip, minus our hotel choice. Last year we had free dining for the second half of the trip but the first half we paid oop. We spent a lot and only went to one sitdown. He said that he would never go again unless we had the dining plan. Of course this year it is more expensive because the gratuity is not included so we are looking at $125 per day for food or $1250 over the 10 days. We can stay at POR with the small room at $89 per night and get the dining plan or stay at value with 2 rooms and dining plan. Value would be $98 per night for 2 rooms, not too bad. Or we can stay FW for $150 per night but we would need to eat some meals in our room to recoup the extra room expense. Of course we would have so much more space and the location is great. He has a bad memory of staying at FW with his family as a kid. There were 5 kids and his mom had them sleep on the floor. He was like 16 at the time too so it was a bad time in his life to go. They also had their cousins come with their mom and they also staying in the same cabin. So now you see the dilema. Of course every choice is wonderful, we just need to agree on the best plan of action.

Sounds like you would want to stay at FW for the "At Home" quality...and the proximity to MK...and you would eat in more....but would you get the dining plan also in this case ?...Plus... DH`s unpleasant experience is making FW less of an option....I understand !!
I remember your frustration with CSR 2 years ago...but that you really enjoyed the free dining...(our neighbor did also and they have 3 little ones too )
I know also that your fav. mod is POR (it`s mine too )...but...that would be 1 room right?.......(the value of 89.00 is great though)
OK...so.that leaves the value.....2 rooms....Dining Plan....a little more money than POR ...not much ...but... more room and the dining plan as well....
HMMMM....that sounds like a good one !!!
I know TP....it`s a tough call !!
More PD for the decision !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[tripplanner2]

Tomar: Yes, if we stay at FW we would NOT get the food plan. We would probably just use counter service. The other ways, we would get the dining plan and have a more planned out vacation. I am also thinking that if may be nice to have the flexible schedule. I am thinking we could wander into Epcot at night for dinner and eat CS and then just head to MK for parade and fireworks at night. With the 10 day passes we would not be commando each day. We would just wander in and out at will. I am just happy he is interested in helping to make the decision.

 

[TOMAR@SSR]

Tomar: Yes, if we stay at FW we would NOT get the food plan. We would probably just use counter service. The other ways, we would get the dining plan and have a more planned out vacation. I am also thinking that if may be nice to have the flexible schedule. I am thinking we could wander into Epcot at night for dinner and eat CS and then just head to MK for parade and fireworks at night. With the 10 day passes we would not be commando each day. We would just wander in and out at will. I am just happy he is interested in helping to make the decision.

I totally agree with Flexablity !!!!
Mr. Tomar and I "Wander" around the world all the time now !! LOL
We have long since stopped going commando ...but I also love to WANDER into the Restaurant that we have an ADR for as well !!!
I adore the classic Disney attractions ...so other than "Soarin" which is my all time new favorite ....we have been lucky to almost do a walk on all the time without getting FP`s ...you know that from reading my TR`s
I just know your gunna come up with the BEST senario.. and it makes all the difference that DH is with ya on this now...YIPEE !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[tripplanner2]

Tomar: He is definately chewing on it. He wants the meal plan though. I have to figure out what it is really going to cost. I know it will be $106 per day for us but the tip is extra. I am just assuming at least $20 per day in tip. I guess if he wants the dining plan we will stay at POR. At least there we have the pool with water slide. If we did a value I would either pick ASMo or ASM. I won't go back to Pop after our experience last year. There is nothing bad about the hotel we just have bad memories.

 

[TOMAR@SSR]

Tomar: He is definately chewing on it. He wants the meal plan though. I have to figure out what it is really going to cost. I know it will be $106 per day for us but the tip is extra. I am just assuming at least $20 per day in tip. I guess if he wants the dining plan we will stay at POR. At least there we have the pool with water slide. If we did a value I would either pick ASMo or ASM. I won't go back to Pop after our experience last year. There is nothing bad about the hotel we just have bad memories.

Can you use the 2 pools at POR...the one at the FQ and the "Ole Man River one at Riverside ?...If so ..that`s great.!..and you can take the boat to DTD as well !! With the values..I don`t know too much about ASM and ASMO...but I can understand why you`d rather not go back to POP ...
Can`t wait to hear what the final verdict will be TP !!!!!!

 

[candizfan]

Hey Tomar and TP2 - it is really interesting you both went to the same school. It is a small world isn't it.

It is wonderful to hear that you are both so happy with your choices. It is always nice to hear how happy people are.

TP2 - here is a bit more pixie dust for you This stuff really seems to be helping everyone out these days.

I know how much I really enjoy being able to eat breakfast in the room. It is quicker to get out in the morning. It is healthier for everyone and it is a TON cheaper.

Good luck deciding but I am happy to hear DH is planning with you. That is always more fun.

 

[EEyorelover22]

The cornfields have turned into the frozen tundra again.
I am so done with winter and it's only January!!

TP2...I have always wanted to stay at POFQ since we were suppose to that year...with the POOL for the kids
My friend ALWAYS stays at POR...it is their favorite and they can stay anywhere they want. She and her hubby just love it there.

No matter what you do...I would book your "best bet" to ensure you don't lose out on the code. They can sell out after a bit as you know.

Go with what you think would be best...of course, if it's okay with DH

GOOD LUCK!!!

 

[mkymouse4ever]

Hiya everyone,

Its snowing here. So look out, it is on its way.

That is so strange that you both went to the same school. What does FIT stand for? I am guessing something like bravo station: Parson school of design with tim gunn? That sounds like a great career. When I was in high school, I wanted to be a professional dancer (had a gym teacher, thought i had some talent) in ny. a rockette' Only problem is i am 5'1". Pretty sure I was too short for that. Then I was joining the airforce when I got out of nursing school and still didn't make the height requirement. I have to face I am a runt.

I noticed we have hit 199 today! We are on our way.

TP2, PORS is our fav. moderate. We have been several times. It is a very fun resort, we really like the pool's and the boat to DTD is great. The grounds are beauitful. The dining plan is probably a good idea cause of your large family size.

Happy Planning, mky

 

[tripplanner2]

Thanks everyone for the Pixie Dust. FIT stands for Fashion Institute of Technology. It is really a weird coincidence that we both went there. Tomar followed her dreams though, I got burnt out. When I tried getting a job in my field the pay was $7 per hour. I was still going to school for a BA and needed more money than that. Wound up waitressing to pay for school and never went back to design. Got a job after college planned business meetings and conventions, then DD's came along. The rest is history.

I am thinking maybe the first part of the stay on the meal plan so we can hit some TS and not be booked up the entire trip. That would also help with the cost. We are still nervous that is going to be too much with all our expenses this year. I figure we can book it and cancel at a later date, just won't tell the kids.

 

[tripplanner2]

EE22: Not sure if you thought about this, the dining plan price stays the same even during the holiday period. I know you are paying for 4 adults but you may still come out ahead.

 

[mouseaddicts]

HOLY COW Batman!!! I'm "out" for a few days and this board exploded! What did I miss??? Sheesh ....

Okay - I'll have to back up & catch up .........

I'm recovered & back in full swing! DH did okay, but he is definately NOT a caregiver!

The good news ..... We called this past weekend & booked all our ADRs for July!!! We made 15 reservations in one call - and we got everything we wanted!

I'm going back to read what I missed ...... I'll post again later!