Just the 2 of us - A Mommy and Me trip 9/25 - 10/1 - Update 7/2

[gtpoohbear]

Not too much as changed since I last posted. My Mom came to visit this weekend so we have been having fun around Portland. Yesterday we went to the Portland Flower Show and had a great time. It didn't come close to the Boston show but it was nice to get a touch of Spring when we are so desperate for Winter to be over.

I feel like there are so many decisions to make. I have been looking at the different resorts but it so hard to try and pick one. Then I go back and forth about whether or not I should stay offsite and try to save some money. Though traveling with just Gabrian that makes me nervous and I am definitely leaning towards staying onsite.

I think my main concern is that the value resorts seem so large and it may get overwhelming with the walking...especially after a long day at the park. I look at the mods but they seem quite large as well and I am pretty sure can't afford them anyway. I guess I am hopeful some great discount will come out and I can afford something better.

Then I am trying to decide if getting a dining plan would work. I think what I need to do is figure out which restaurant I want to go to and then price out what I would order to see which would make more financial sense. It will help when the park hours come out and I can try to get a rough outline of my plans.

I tried my hand at priceline for airline tickets. I got no takers on my $125 bid per ticket. I will keep trying periodically because it would be great to save some money on the tickets.

I am thinking about doing some type of pirate experience for Gabrian. I am interested in maybe the pirate boat ride or the pirate thing at Magic Kingdom.

There are so many decisions to make. It is almost harder when you don't have anyone to veto you or have their own opinions. Oh well...whatever happens it will be a fantastic vacation!

Hope everyone had a great weekend!!!

You know, even though we are staying Deluxe this time, I've actually found myself missing ASMo, and really wishing we could try AoA. The value resorts really are a lot of fun! And for just 2 people it's plenty of room. Going to have to find a way to slip down there without DH sometime soon since he refuses to try one.

I think you may end up with a bit of walking no matter what level of resort - we were pretty far away from everything at both Poly and CBR. It mostly depends on what building you get - we were the closest to the pool and food court at ASMo actually.

I know what you mean about all the decisions- it's overwhelming, but that's actually part of the fun for me. I feel a little sad when everything is all settled, like part of the vacation is already over!

 

[wiigirl]

Can't wait to read more!

 

[Riles_and_Gabe]

Can't wait to read more!

Thank you so much for joining in!

 

[Riles_and_Gabe]

You know, even though we are staying Deluxe this time, I've actually found myself missing ASMo, and really wishing we could try AoA. The value resorts really are a lot of fun! And for just 2 people it's plenty of room. Going to have to find a way to slip down there without DH sometime soon since he refuses to try one.

I think you may end up with a bit of walking no matter what level of resort - we were pretty far away from everything at both Poly and CBR. It mostly depends on what building you get - we were the closest to the pool and food court at ASMo actually.

I know what you mean about all the decisions- it's overwhelming, but that's actually part of the fun for me. I feel a little sad when everything is all settled, like part of the vacation is already over!

That is good to know about the walking. I will take that out of the equation when looking at the resorts. I do like the decisions...at the beginning it seems like anything is a possibility. I guess this is the first time where I was the sole decision maker for a trip. It is very different but exciting at the same time

 

[Riles_and_Gabe]

I am starting to get really antsy to book something. I have been checking the airline tickets several times a day...I tend to get obsessive in my planning. I am determined to come under $200 a ticket. Southwest is killing me that they have their dates out until the 1st of November. It is just missing the dates I want to go. I am somewhat flexible with the dates but I don't want to be there for Halloween. We were in Disney last year and went to an awesome festival. We had a great time but I want Gabrian to do regular trick-or-treating this year.

I want to book the hotel but I really want to have the airline tickets set first so I have definite dates. Southwest says there new dates won't come out until May 6th. I am not sure if I can wait that long. It will be getting awfully close to the 180 day mark for reservations and I am not sure I want to cut it that close. I have to do tons of research to find out which reservations I want to have and wouldn't want to have make definite decisions in such a short span of time.

I had almost talked myself into driving again so that way I could go down whenever but then I talked myself off of that ledge. With just Gabrian and myself going it actually should be cheaper to fly. If Riley was coming it would be a whole different ball field. After I added in the extra meals, tolls, gas, and hotels each way it just ends up being too much money.

Oh well...eventually things will fall into place.

 

[Riles_and_Gabe]

We Have airline Tickets!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I am so beyond excited. I have been stalking all the sites and found some great tickets on Southwest. We are leaving from Providence on Saturday October 19th at 8:15 and will arrive at 12:55. We will be there until Thursday October 24th and leave at 7:10 and arrive at 9:40 back in Providence.

My plan is to drive to RI on Friday night and stay at a cheap hotel near the airport. Then we will get up early and head over to the airport. When we get home it will be early enough for me to drive home

I am so happy to have definite dates. Now I will start researching the hotels to decide where we want to stay. Does anyone know if I book now and a discount comes out afterward, if I am able to get the discount? I would hate to miss out on a discount.

I just updated my ticker to show the new dates Now the real planning comes in!!
219 Days until Vacation!!!!!!

 

[Riles_and_Gabe]

Oh I forgot to tell you the other good news. Gabrian went to the Doctor's today and he measured at 40.5". That means he is cleared to go on the rides...at least the ones he can handle!!!

 

[indimom]

Oh I forgot to tell you the other good news. Gabrian went to the Doctor's today and he measured at 40.5". That means he is cleared to go on the rides...at least the ones he can handle!!!

Woo Hoo! Always great when they finally hit those landmark heights. My kids are short (got that honest), and I always hated when they couldn't make a ride while their (much) younger cousins could. We had a few silent over the years. So glad that's over.

 

[tink519]

Subscribing! Looks like you arrive just after we leave. Congrats on booking your flights and on your son hitting the 40 inch mark. My DS is about 39 inches right now, keeping fingers crossed he grows that last inch. He has 6 months, he better!

 

[Riles_and_Gabe]

Woo Hoo! Always great when they finally hit those landmark heights. My kids are short (got that honest), and I always hated when they couldn't make a ride while their (much) younger cousins could. We had a few silent over the years. So glad that's over.

I was so relieved because he is definitely my daredevil of the 2. I know that he will want to go on some of the more thrilling rides and I am glad I don't have to miss out on the rides...so basically it is all about me

Subscribing! Looks like you arrive just after we leave. Congrats on booking your flights and on your son hitting the 40 inch mark. My DS is about 39 inches right now, keeping fingers crossed he grows that last inch. He has 6 months, he better!

Fingers crossed he gets that extra inch!! Otherwise you will need to invest in shoes with a reall thick sole

 

[Tinker326]

I just happened to see your ticker from Karen's Trip Report & noticed it looked like you were going in November- just like me. So I had to jump over and read your report!!! (I have one too going for November below). I do see you now changed to October- but close enough! Right?

Family is adorable! Esp. that little one.... what a fun trip just the two of you!

And I'm totally jealous of your other big travel plans. I LOVE (LOVE, LOVE) to travel. It's my passion! My mom worked for the airline growing up and I was a total airline brat & that carried over (only now I can't fly free!!) Hahahahah!

I've been thinking about food too for our Nov trip... I have so many ideas. .just not sure what I want to commit to! I'm staying at AKV so I have to go to Boma but I don't think my family will like it. Maybe I'll do it by myself..........

Looking forward to following-
Nicole

 

[Riles_and_Gabe]

I just happened to see your ticker from Karen's Trip Report & noticed it looked like you were going in November- just like me. So I had to jump over and read your report!!! (I have one too going for November below). I do see you now changed to October- but close enough! Right?

Family is adorable! Esp. that little one.... what a fun trip just the two of you!

And I'm totally jealous of your other big travel plans. I LOVE (LOVE, LOVE) to travel. It's my passion! My mom worked for the airline growing up and I was a total airline brat & that carried over (only now I can't fly free!!) Hahahahah!

I've been thinking about food too for our Nov trip... I have so many ideas. .just not sure what I want to commit to! I'm staying at AKV so I have to go to Boma but I don't think my family will like it. Maybe I'll do it by myself..........

Looking forward to following-
Nicole

It will be so fun sharing plans with each other (I am about to jump over to your PTR!!). I am totally jealous that you are staying at AKV...I think I have just about talked myself into a Mod hotel though. I keep wavering between staying on budget and staying at a slightly quieter place.

You have to go to Boma!! We went last November and it was incredible. I will definitely be going there again this year. There are so many great choices so I am having such a hard time deciding which restaurants I want to go to. Oh well...I have about 38 days until I can make reservations (not that I am counting or anything), so a little more time to decide. I wonder if there is any chance free dining will come out. That would be huge for me. I am pretty much decided that I want to do the deluxe dining but any savings on that would be most welcome.

 

[Tinker326]

My secret is I rented points for a rather good value (except if free dining comes out, I won't get it... that's the only trade-off). I decided however, I will console myself by eating a pop-tart from home looking at a giraffe on my balcony!

If you lean towards mods- I have stayed at Coronado. It's very big. If that's a negative for you (nice pool & playground area). Maybe go with the French Quarter? That's supposed to be pretty small & beautiful.

I see on your resturants you have Kona for breakfast- YES!!! Go there, it's SOOO good. That tonga toast. Oh my! YUM. YUM. YUM.

I am doing Beaches and Cream in November as well & was thinking Big River. I've never eaten at Big River. Have had Beaches and Cream like 11 years ago.

I'm debating Prime Time and Sci-Fi for HS. Still havn't decided on that....

I guess that is a lot of the fun- planning this ALL out! Right?

 

[gtpoohbear]

So exciting that you have official dates - can't wait to hear what resort you pick!

I know the feeling about the kids hitting those "magical" heights. My Christmas present to the kids last year was a trip to Legoland, and pretty much everything there requires 36in height. DS was stuck at 35in for MONTHS leading up to Chrismtas! I was so nervous that my present was going to be a bust for him, but he finally got that last inch right at the last minute, and I was so relieved

 

[Riles_and_Gabe]

My secret is I rented points for a rather good value (except if free dining comes out, I won't get it... that's the only trade-off). I decided however, I will console myself by eating a pop-tart from home looking at a giraffe on my balcony!

If you lean towards mods- I have stayed at Coronado. It's very big. If that's a negative for you (nice pool & playground area). Maybe go with the French Quarter? That's supposed to be pretty small & beautiful.

I see on your resturants you have Kona for breakfast- YES!!! Go there, it's SOOO good. That tonga toast. Oh my! YUM. YUM. YUM.

I am doing Beaches and Cream in November as well & was thinking Big River. I've never eaten at Big River. Have had Beaches and Cream like 11 years ago.

I'm debating Prime Time and Sci-Fi for HS. Still havn't decided on that....

I guess that is a lot of the fun- planning this ALL out! Right?

I am so excited about the Tonga Toast. Every reading countless reports I just know they are for me. I debating getting the pressed coffee pot. I probably will because hey I am on vacation! Kona Café and Boma are my two definites and everything else is up for debate.

If I had had to choose between 50's Prime Time and Sci-Fi, I would definitely go with Sci-Fi. I really disliked the food at 50's Prime Time and it is the luck of the draw with the server you get.

So exciting that you have official dates - can't wait to hear what resort you pick!

I know the feeling about the kids hitting those "magical" heights. My Christmas present to the kids last year was a trip to Legoland, and pretty much everything there requires 36in height. DS was stuck at 35in for MONTHS leading up to Chrismtas! I was so nervous that my present was going to be a bust for him, but he finally got that last inch right at the last minute, and I was so relieved

That must of been nerve-wracking while you were waiting for him to grow that extra inch! It would really stink if he couldn't enjoy the rides.

I think I have talked myself up to a Mod. When I am looking at pictures of the Values, they are really looking like Motel rooms. I am thinking I would like to try and come up with the extra money and stay at a nicer place. I am really interested in the French Quarter. It seems smaller and more manageable. Though I tend to change my mind every 5 minutes. I am pretty confident that I am going to book this weekend so I am nervous and excited about committing.

 

[golf4miami]

Alright I'm subbing in to this one!

I can't believe I didn't come over here and check it out yet. How is your list of dining plans coming along? Got it narrowed down any?

 

[Riles_and_Gabe]

Alright I'm subbing in to this one!

I can't believe I didn't come over here and check it out yet. How is your list of dining plans coming along? Got it narrowed down any?

It is getting there. My only definites so far are Boma and Kona Cafe. I find my biggest problem is I keep getting drawn to lots of buffets and I am not a fan of buffets so I am not sure if it would be too much. I feel like usually the quality of food is way better if you have a regular menu.

My other problem is I am reading other people's PTR and start thinking that their restaurants so awesome. It is slowly getting whittled down.

 

[leshunlenese]

my DS will be turning 4 two days before our trip and know you got me wanting to go measure him. I really am planning on him being tall enough this time. That was one of the main reasons why we did not go last year.

 

[Riles_and_Gabe]

So I believe I am going to pull the trigger this weekend and book a resort. Hopefully I won't drive myself too crazy before making a decision

I have been obsessively stalking the Resort Forum and googling and pricing out stays at the different resorts. The other thing I am going crazy over is looking for discounts. I keep hoping I will magically get a PIN code or Free Dining would be announced (I realize that one won't happen any time soon).

I have narrowed it down to the following resorts...when I say narrowed, I pretty much mean any Resort that I can remotely afford. I have the following on my list:

All Stars Movies:

Pros: I like this one because of the price. That is pretty much the only plus I have for it.

Cons:I think it looks super big, I am not in love with the way the rooms look, and there are very few characters that Gabrian would get. Most of the movies they are featuring are ones that he has not seen.

POP:

Pros: I really want to eat some of that tie dye cheesecake. The price is still really decent. It is in walking distance to AoA which I really want to explore. A lot of people seem to really like it.

Cons: I am not a fan of the theming of the resort and again I don't think Gabrian would get it. It sounds like it is very crowded and noisy. The bus is the last stop at the different parks. It sounds really large and difficult to get to places.

AoA:

Pros: Gabrian would love the theming of the Resort. The price of the LM rooms are still reasonable. I love the picture of the pools.

Cons: It sounds like it is a really far walk from the LM rooms and I wouldn't be able to afford a Cars Suite (which is what Gabrian would love to have). It sounds like I would have no shot of getting a discount at this resort. The resort sounds really big.

POR:

Pros: The Resort grounds look beautiful. They have a great sounding restaurant onsite. The rooms look really nice in the pictures. It has a boat to DTD. It has a real resort feel. It is more likely to get a discount.

Cons: It sounds like the busses can get really busy. It is a really large resort. There are over 2000 rooms.

POFQ:

Pros: I love the look of the lobby. It is a very compact resort and it seems like it would be easy to get around. It is the first bus stop so you are more likely to be able to get a seat. It has an awesome pool that Gabrian loved the look of. It has the boat to DTD.

Cons: Some of the pictures of the outside of buildings look like cheap motel. The reviews are not as good as POR. It seems like you would be less likely to get a discount offered on the room. There is no TS restaurant onsite.

I am also considering CBR and CSR but that seems like it would be a very slim chance. I am not feeling quite the same pull to them.

I am open to every and all suggestions. Please let me know if I am missing something that I should be considering.

My other food for thought is how many park ticket days should I get. I am leaning towards 4 but would consider 5. We are arriving on Saturday at 12:55 PM (though by the time we get to the resort I am thinking it wouldn't be until closer to 3). We are leaving on Thursday at 7:10 PM. I am thinking we will need to leave the resort by 4.

My thought on Saturday is that we can take advantage of the free miniature golf that is included in the package and maybe go to Planet Hollywood for an appetizer with the $15 voucher. On Thursday I thought we could go to Disney Quest that is included in the package and then have a nice lunch and get in last minute shopping. It seems like a shame to pass up on those free items with the package (I realize with the money I am paying...that I am totally paying for those things but I like to think of them as free!).

What do you guys think? Will I regret not getting a 5th ticket?

 

[indimom]

We've only stayed at Pop Century, so I can't compare it to the others. But, we really liked it. I'm sure the theming isn't quite as young kid friendly as the All Stars, and I don't think anything can compare to the kid-centric theming at the AoA (we are totally going to explore that one on our trip also, if I can convince dad. ).

But, we stayed at the far reaches of the resort both times and didn't find the walk too difficult (we prefer the outskirts of the resort for the quiet). We were in the 90s section the first time and could easily trot across a parking lot to the buses. Very quick. But it was much warmer crossing all that blacktop.
Our last trip we were in the 60s (I think), on the back side facing the lake and AoA. A slightly longer walk, but still not bad.

We found the buses great. We never waited long. The longest drive is to MK, so that's not ideal, but still not awful when you had a seat.
Just do NOT get on a bus back to the resort at the end of a long day if you will end up standing with your little guy. Just my opinion, but it would be easier to wait for the next bus (which come quickly when the crowds are exiting the park) than to try to stand with a young one for the entire ride back. (We actually try to follow the advice of staying seated while the crowd exits, then heading out as things quiet down.)

Good Luck making the resort decision. That's a tough one!

As for tickets. I think you should get the 4-day pass. You can always add a day to your tickets if you decide you want to add another park day.
We're going to be at Ft. Wilderness for 5 days, but we're only going to have four park days. We'll just enjoy our resort, DD, or maybe some putt putt on our check-in day.