June, July, August PLANNING thread

[EEyorelover22]

Candi, I hope you have a great trip. Sounds awesome.

DC: We planned it all out ourselves, but we did the bus tours to get the memorials, etc and that's the way to do that. We did a night tour too which was awesome. The bus had air and in the summer in DC...that's a must.

TP2: you will have a GREAT time!! It will be fun to plan too...different place so it won't be 'old hat' like the world.

MKY: So glad you like the MBTs. They are very expensive, but worth it. I love my Danskos too, but it really depends on the pair as well. A couple styles work better than the others.

Tomar...so glad you're doing well

Have fun in the world Mouseaddicts over Memorial Day...I be going to graduation.

 

[EEyorelover22]

Hiya everyone,
EE22, I am taking your advise and last nite ordered a pair of the mdt's white athletic shoes (for work). If they work out > might get another to rotate > so they last longer and can take them to disney. Which sandles did you get, some are really cute. I tried the dansko's here they make a nurse shoe > but they are very narrow and that is not me. Happy national teachers day tommorrow! (we overlap it is national nurses week too).

If you found a good site to order, please share I have the white sandals. Love them. They have black too. I wish I had hunted around because I would have bought the PINK tennis shoes.

 

[mouseaddicts]

Anyone looking for summer AP codes this year?
I just read on another thread that codes are out from 5/26 - 8/3. I don't know many details. I'm on the phone (hold) with CRO now. Someone posted they got quoted a Mod for $144/night.

Wish me luck! I'll let you know the results ........ I'm not holding my breath for our (holiday) dates!

 

[EEyorelover22]

I called and BC was not available and AKV was not either for a discount for our one non point night that we didn't get a DVC discount.

YC was available, but only 10 less than the pin code.

I'm happy

AKL was included this year! I guess they aren't full now because all the great AKL fans bought DVC

 

[mouseaddicts]

Well ........ I didn't get the chance to report back yesterday, but ............. we got an AP discount this year!!! We got GF Garden View for $339/night for 7/3/08 - 7/6/08 ........ so, the July 4th weekend IS included! The past 2 yrs, the AP discounts have started AFTER July 4th & were limited to the Epcot & DVC resorts. When we stayed at CR last year, we used AAA as there was no AP rate. The monorail resorts haven't been included for a couple of years now.

A friend of DH's booked AK pool view for $212/night including tax. EE22, I don't know why you couldn't get it, unless they were "sold out" of the AP rate for your dates. There were a number of folks on the July code board posting yesterday. At least you got a PIN!!!

I just wanted to share the code info ......... since that's what brought us all together!!!

I was doing a serious happy dance yesterday! We were THRILLED to get the code this year. I went ahead and booked 3 nights since we got a good rate. If we booked AAA, we were thinking we would only do 2 nights at the GF & the 1st night offsite this year (like we have in the past). It's a bit expensive, but ......... the rest of our trip is ALL DVC points, so the 1st 3 nights are all we have to pay cash! Time to start saving $$$

 

[EEyorelover22]

Mouseaddicts: AKL was included not the Villas which is what I was looking for.

With these ap rates, I would say WDW is feeling the economy now.

 

[tripplanner2]

EE22: The AP discounts don't seem so deep. Maybe I am used to traveling during value season. $144 for a moderate seems high. I got POR for $89 with that code. I so wish I could have used it. Hoping for next year.

Mouseaddicts: So jealous of your GF stay. I turn 40 next October. I am hoping that for our next trip we can celebrate my 40th and upgrade to a better resort.

I agree with EE22 that they are feeling the economy. They have not even released AP rates in the last couple of years for that time period. This year they are released and at all resorts. Definately a slower year than in the past. Airlines have raised their prices too, no more quick cheap flights. I am hoping there will be some better promotions next year, or at least they will add the gratuity back into the dining plan.

Tomar: So happy you are feeling better. You need to be 100% before your trip.

MKY: How is your foot? You had another shot last week. Hopefully it is getting better, you have had your fair share of shots now.
Candi: That European cruise sounds amazing. I am sure you will have a wonderful time.

DH is getting a DC itinerary from a school trip. I am assuming that the tours will be part of it. Thanks for the heads up though. Funny because my idea of visiting DC was to drive through and see the buildings through the car windows but it seems that we are going to actually park the car. I am sad we are not going to Disney this year but THANK GOD he is letting me plan for next summer. DD3 is breaking my heart because she is still asking every day and drawing pictures for Mickey for WHEN she goes to Disney World.

 

[EEyorelover22]

I asked the kids TP2 and they said it's the Old Post Office near the Mall where you can go up and see over the city in DC. It's FREE!!!
It was very cool. Ford Museum was their favorite. Hard Rock near by for lunch or dinner was fun too. Most things are FREE in DC
Korean Memorial is fantastic. I think you can still go up in the Washington Mon. but I'm not sure. Arlington is very neat too, but in the summer it's very HOT. Tomb of the Unknown Soldier is worth seeing. There is so much to see and do there. I am not a history person either and I really enjoyed it as did the kids and DH. Lincoln Memorial...it's just massive. They all are really. I had only seen pictures before. It was a wonderful trip. You will have a great time and that's just one piece

 

[mkymouse4ever]

Hiya everyone,

Well, the discount doesn't really work for us. It is not letting me pull it longer into august. The way it used too. Only listing the discounts for july 31, aug 1, 2 and then goes to regular price. It is not at CR at all. I can get GF theme park view for same price as my AAA CR MKV, but really do not want to move twice. We have our hearts set on CR again. It is probably last year without a DVC attached (making it more crowded etc...), and Max is all excited about CR.

Thanks EE2, for the email. I bought the white shoes too. We have to wear white at work. They will have to live with the grey stripe. I ordered the white sandles too but have not recieved them yet.

TP2, foot is still a bad subject. Hoping EE22's shoes help. Held out for the shot, but was using crutches by evening just to rest it. Hopefully this will make a difference. The expensive inserts made for me, actually made it worse. Your vacation is very exciting. You must be having fun, planning.

Mouseaddict's thanks for the heads up. Glad it worked out for you. Strange they did GF and not CR. I knew it was getting too popular.

Tommor is TGIF! mky

 

[tripplanner2]

EE22: I LOVE free!!! Thanks so much for the info, thank the kiddos too! The rooms are pretty expensive so I guess it will balance out. DH is thinking 3 days. Does that seem like too much? I don't think there are any amusement parks in DC. I asked about doing a dinner in Colonial Williamsburg with George Washington. DH said, "No Way! This is not a trip to DW." You know I am buying Colonial costumes for the kids to wear. Just because we are not going to Disney does not mean I cannot have my fun.

MKY: So sorry about that foot. I had no idea you were on crutches. I hope you make it around the parks. I guess lots of down time and breaks.
I bet they have no rates at CR because of the construction. Last year there were no discounts at AKL. I bet another wave of discounts will come out that fit your trip better. I don't like the idea of moving, especially with kids in tow. I like to plant myself and be settled. I think that as the summer comes they will release more. Airlines are charging more and with everything more expensive I am sure the more expensive hotels will have deeper discounts.

 

[candizfan]

TP2 - I was in Washington on a school trip in 1984 I think? Wow! I am getting old.

I think the must sees are the Lincoln memorial, the Washington memorial and the Viatnam memorial and statues are incredible. They have a Smithsonian (I am sure I spelt that wrong) museum that is wonderful and a must see for the kids. Arlington cemetary and the tomb of the unknown soldier are a must as well.

I could have passed on the white house tour (maybe because I am not American ) and the congress building was a bore as a kid.

Three days will keep you hoping. I would have liked more time at the museum.

The really interesting thing about Washington is the city layout. Everything is organized in a giant cross and you can see a world of history in one "large"but general area.

They say Washington is very dangerous at night and we stayed outside the city and drove in each day.

You will have a great trip I am sure.

Well, 10 days till Europe for me, and my work calendar is getting crazy busy. DD9 is playing baseball 4 days this week and has a birthday party on Saturday as well. So life is pretty busy right now.

I still have to figure out what to take with me for clothes since I don't own 12 days worth of anything and no self laundry on the ship will be a problem. Oh well, it will all come together.

Later.

 

[mkymouse4ever]

TP2, No not really on crutches, just using them to stay off it at night for a while. Trying to rest it to heal.
We have never made it to DC, but: I set up a trip several years ago: and a friend told me to write my congressman & senators > that you would be visiting on these dates, etc... . and would be interested in tour tickets. I recieved special tickets to vip tours at white house and fbi? and I think somewhere else, senate? It helps if your a registered voter. They also invited us to visit there offices, since they are working for us. You might try it and see if they still do it.

Candi, good luck packing and 10 days!!!! Wow, and you on vacation!

EE22, good luck to the kids, fingers crossed.

mky

 

[EEyorelover22]

I forgot about the FBI Building!! I am not sure you can go in there anymore maybe something was going on then. Kids have better memories than I do and they are still alseep. Pentagon is shut down tight too due to 9/11 but some things have changed. White House is tough unless you write ahead.

CHEAP COOL T-Shirts across the street from the Ford Museum.
The kids both bought FBI shirts

We were there for 3 days. As much walking as Disney.
The "Smith" museums. I won't even attempt to spell it. They liked the Natural History Museum best of all of them. American History we thought would be their fave and wasn't. Air and Space was cool too. The really good Air and Space is out by Dulles airport.

I tried the old chamber link I had and it doesn't work. Try to get some free info on DC. We stayed right downtown at a Hilton Garden Inn and then walked everywhere. We had a fantastic rate. DD found it. It was $100 per night which was amazing.

 

[TOMAR@SSR]

Hi Guys !!
TP2-Looks like You have alot of info going into this summers Adventure !! I know you and the family are going to have a wonderful time...Mr.Tomar spent a few days in DC in the month of April each year..on business... years ago..Reading all these posts ...Im sorry I never opted to go with him on those trips......sounds very educational and historical !

MKY - Im soooo sorry about your continuing foot issues
Im praying for a good report with the specialist today too

Candi- Have a Great time in Europe !

EE22- GOOD LUCK TO THE KIDDOS TODAY !!!!

Happy weekend everyone !!!

 

[mouseaddicts]

Hi guys (um, gals)! Happy Friday!!!

MKY - Best wishes with the docs today! I sincerely hope they can help. I don't have the problems with feet that you do, but I got bum knees. When walking is difficult, LIFE is difficults!!! Sending warmest wishes & prayers your way for a positive outcome!

TP2 - What day in October is your b-day??? Mine is Oct. 6th .... and I was born in 1971 ...... The MK opened the week I was born! We celebrate together!

On the subject of Washington DC ..... we went when my DD turned 1 (10 yrs ago ) and it was GREAT! There are a number of Smithsonian Museums. We particulary enjoyed Air & Space, Natural History and American History. I think these are pretty much the top vote getters!

Now one thing to remember, you will WALK a LOT in DC!!! Everything is close together, but you have to WALK a LOT. They have GREAT public transportation that will get you everywhere, but you'll walk to & from the actual "attraction". Did I mention you'll be doing a lot of walking???

Your kids will love seeing everything. They aren't too young. The museums are very interesting for folks of all ages. No - 3 days isn't too much. If anything, it's probably not enough. It's hard to get an appreciation for how much is there until you go ....... kinda like the Grand Canyon. You see photos and know it's big, but you don't realize how BIG until you're standing on the edge!!!

I know y'all mentioned the White House, but I didn't see any mention of the Capitol Bldg itself. THAT was worth the trip --- IMO. You need to do the guided tour thing - if nothing else, just so you can get the 4-1-1 on the acoustical phenomenon (sp?) in the rotunda! It's wayyyyy cool!

We have a guide book at home about DC. I'm at the office now, but when I go home, I'll get the name of it for you. It's got FANTASTIC info about what to do based on family size, time schedule, weather, etc.! I think I ordered it from Amazon. We're planning a trip sometime in the next couple of years (when we're NOT at WDW! )

Best Wishes & Happy Planning!

 

[mouseaddicts]

Okay - I realized the post was too long, so I just stopped where I was!

Candi ..... I'm excited for your cruise. It's is so very close now! Please share photos!!! We've never been on a cruise of any kind and would love to go one day. Maybe .... one day ...

Hey Tomar & EE22 --- Did we compare dates this year? Do we all overlap? I'd love to see you again EE22 & meet you in person Tomar! I think we have finalized our dates & ADRs now ..... we should compare schedules, etc.!

Two weeks ...... in two weeks I get to see Mickey again!!! I'm all "Disney-ed" out today too. WDW t-shirt, Mickey crocs and Disney bracelet! We are crossing our fingers that the new Toy Story Mania ride will be open at DHS when we're there!!! I will give y'all a "review" if so!!!

 

[candizfan]

Wow, what a horrible day at work. I needed to get my fix of the DIS boards before I even had dinner tonight since that is how I destress after work. (this little guy looks more nuts than scared I think)

The funny thing is I thought maybe I was on the wrong board...all this talk of Washington

I want to take my kids there some day as well but not for the next few years. DD9 won't enjoy it just yet.

 

[tripplanner2]

What wonderful ladies you all are. I cannot believe how much information you have all provided for me on Washington. You are all being so supportive.

Mouseaddicts: I am on the 12th and born in 1969. Maybe we should plan a girls only trip for October. I turn 40 next year, perfect excuse.

MKY: What wonderful information. What exactly do you say? I am traveling to DC in July with 3 children and would like free stuff? Would I sent to local politicians in my county? Of course I want to get on this right away. Just not really sure how.

EE22: How is your weekend going? Any track meets?

Candi: Sorry you had a rough day at work. At least you have that cruise to look forward to. All your troubles will melt away and even when it is over you have another trip to look forward to.

I hope everyone has a wonderful Mothers Day tomorrow.

 

[TOMAR@SSR]

"HAPPY MOTHER`S DAY" LADIES

I hope everyone has a wonderful day !!

 

[mkymouse4ever]

Hiya everyone,

TP2, You need to write to your senators, and congressman. It helps if your a registered voter. I will admit, the senator, from an opposing party did not even answer my letter. Guess, he knew I didn't vote for him. The year I did it, there was a president from another party > so I did not send him a letter. But, anyone you elected > gets the same letter. Now a days, you probably can email? Something like:

Dear Senator XXXXXXXX, As part of your consitutuancy (I know that spelled wrong) [Could explain here that you have grown up and lived in NY your whole life etc..] I would like to inform you of our upcoming visit to washington DC. I would be very interested in visiting the Senate, White House, Capital, and of course the museums and momuments, among any other historical sites. All with my family of 5. We are loyal members of the XXXXX party. I would love to have the oppratunity to introduce my 3 daughters to the history of our great country. Any assistance, with information, special tour tickets, you could give my family, would be so thoughtful and helpful. We are so excited to see government at work. Please keep up your great work, for our wonderful country. Mrs. XXXX of Long island NY. If you send it by post, a picture of the 5 of you might be a nice touch. I had vip tickets to white house, with special info not to get in the tour line. This was suppose to be a special tour. I really wanted to go. I found out they all get so many tickets to these things, and they can give them to anyone. So you want to at least try.

Candi, You are sooooooooooooooooo close to that ship Hope you have recovered from work.

EE22, Hope the kids did great [I know they did]. It was nice here today, so hopefully you got the meets in. MBT's are doing great.

Tomar, thank you, You are too sweet.

Mouseaddict's, I was at the magic kingdom in 71' and I was 12

HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY!

mky