Kidnap the Sandy Claws, lock him up real tight- Oct PTR pg. 234 8/25 up to date itin

[rentayenta]

mnn, I think maybe 8 weeks out? My TA found it for us, we prefer condo's and she found this with a AAA rate that was unreal. Then at check in we ended up in a 2 bedroom (had booked a 1, oceanview). It was perfect! Flights weren't cheap but everything else was pretty reasonable all things considered. That picnic spot belongs to one of the houses...I wish it was public. It even had it's own sprinkler.

That's last minute to me. Lucky girl!

Well I use miles and share room so it's not that expensive He gets a little cranky only b/c I've had a few girls/solo trips, it seems like 2 a year but it was 4 in 2011 so I think he was a little green. Hey, I'm not stopping him from planning something. Not my fault he is spending it all on that plane he's building in the garage! With WDW though he's ok, as it keeps him from "having" to go more than he wants.

It must be genetic as I do all of the planning too. M sent me a text about maybe going to Boston for St Paddy's Day. I almost died.

Yeah, point poor from the minute you get in! Vancouver is beautiful. Hawaii is great but I don't think I'd ever do it on a cruise. Too many at sea days for me and not enough time in port. My parent's just did it and loved it but they've been to Hawaii enough not to feel robbed of shorter port times.

I'd do Hawaii on land for the first time for sure. M says there is just too much to see!

Oh no, the another day snowball effect. I know it well.

I am going to check it out if we decide to go on a cruise. Scotty is really iffy on it. He gets sea sick.

They make kinds of sea sick patches but that might not be the best travel option knowing he gets sick.

I visited the site and the DCL site briefly yesterday. I have to visit again today.

The planning DVDs are great to build excitement. I wish they'd put a little bit more about resorts in the DVDs.

I thought SSR was a MUST. And I didn't realize the rooms didn't have flat screens. BLT is amazing. The location cannot be beat. If you do THV/OKW/AKV and then BLT, I would do BLT second. You will LOVE walking to the MK and the monorail access. Epcot is so easy. Just take the monorail one stop to the TTC and transfer to the Epcot monorail.

M said he'd give it p if no one else wants SSR. He's a trooper. I don't have the heart though A this point to take it from him. Plus I've done loads of research and really want to stay in the Paddock section.

 

[kaoden39]

It's all good!! I can live vicariously through my cruising friends.

 

[rentayenta]

Had this loooong post typed out.....lost it. I'll try una mas.....


So this is a rough itinerary based on many factors such as last year's hours, potential MNSSHP dates, staying away from F&W on the weekend nights, our current resort choices, our must dos, and many others.....tell me what you think. Anything stand out as ridiculous?



Sunday 10/14:

• arrive
• check in to SSR
• unpack blah blah
• dinner at The Turf Club
• swim, relax

Monday 10/15:

• MK
• break
• MK EMH

Tuesday 10/16:

• sleep in
• DHS
• Epcot
• Rose and Crown
• Illuminations
• WS EMH

Wednesday 10/17:

• sleep in
• AK until close
• DTD

Thursday 10/18:

• golf/spa
• ???
• DIS meet- time?
• MK for MNSSHP

Friday 10/19:

• check out of SSR
• water park day
• check into AKV
• Saana
• fire/folklore stories

Saturday 10/20:

• ?????

Sunday 10/21:

• AK
• break
• DHS
• 50's PT
• F!/EMH

Monday 10/22:

• sleep in
• AKV pool day
• MK EMH

Tuesday 10/23:

• sleep in
• ???
• Epcot EMH/F&W

Wednesday 10/24:

• pack
• eat
• leave

 

[Native NYer]

Your plans look great!
I love how you scheduled the days you're sleeping in.
What time are you planning on arriving on 10/14? Do you usually arrive in the morning? If so, that could be some additional park or DTD time.

 

[rentayenta]

Your plans look great!
I love how you scheduled the days you're sleeping in.
What time are you planning on arriving on 10/14? Do you usually arrive in the morning? If so, that could be some additional park or DTD time.

Thanks girl. Notice not one rope drop? I've lived and I've learned. If it happens it's gravy but I don't plan on it when considering park time.

Flying from SLC usually has a stop so the earliest we've arrived to the resort is about 5. With check in, unpacking, dinner at the Turf Club and poo, time, I think we'll have plenty to fill the night. I love to get settled the first night.

 

[Native NYer]

Thanks girl. Notice not one rope drop? I've lived and I've learned. If it happens it's gravy but I don't plan on it when considering park time.

Flying from SLC usually has a stop so the earliest we've arrived to the resort is about 5. With check in, unpacking, dinner at the Turf Club and poo, time, I think we'll have plenty to fill the night. I love to get settled the first night.

I'm not a huge rope drop fan either. I hate standing in the August heat waiting to get into the park. Not my idea of fun. The few times we did it in 2009, we were exhausted within a couple of hours of being in the park. Standing in the heat killed us.

No nonstops from SLC? I'm not a fan of stops, but sometimes they are unavoidable. Has airfare come down for you at all? We're looking at $700-$1000 ONE WAY for 5 tickets. Ridiculous! I've been tossing around the idea of flying in the night before our week at AKV starts. I must be insane!

Are you doing a Garden Grocer order? I noticed that you can place a grocery order with DVC, but not sure how much variety they have.

 

[eandesmom]

love the agenda, my kind of pace! Love that the DISmeet is scheduled in there too!

8 weeks is a bit last minute for us too although with couple trips it's really a 2-4 month window that we seem to make the call on. Since it's just the 2 of us, there's a lot more flexibility. Last year the weather got to us and we needed to get out of dodge. I'm a native and that's the first time that's ever happened to me! We do try to do a couple trip ever year. I don't think it's going to happen this year which really bites. We did have a one night get away back in Dec which was lovely but the no long weekend bums me out. It just isn't in the budget this year....darn college tuition!

The fact that Jeff was a little bitter I had 3 girls trips scheduled and had just returned from one MAY have influenced making it happen sooner rather than later. The funny thing is that for months we'd planned on going to NOLA. And then it was so wet for so long we really wanted sun and were surprised to find that we could make Hawaii work on relatively short notice.

 

[rentayenta]

I'm not a huge rope drop fan either. I hate standing in the August heat waiting to get into the park. Not my idea of fun. The few times we did it in 2009, we were exhausted within a couple of hours of being in the park. Standing in the heat killed us.

No nonstops from SLC? I'm not a fan of stops, but sometimes they are unavoidable. Has airfare come down for you at all? We're looking at $700-$1000 ONE WAY for 5 tickets. Ridiculous! I've been tossing around the idea of flying in the night before our week at AKV starts. I must be insane!

Are you doing a Garden Grocer order? I noticed that you can place a grocery order with DVC, but not sure how much variety they have.

Nothing under $500 per person for straight or a flight with stops.

Last time we did GG and it was okay. I think we may try WeGoShop this time. I was not impressed with the produce at GG though the price was right. A friend here is doing WeGoShop in May and will let me know how it is.

My kids told me this morning that they want to rope drop. They're also wanting me to add a day. They said its impossible to have only 9 full days.

love the agenda, my kind of pace! Love that the DISmeet is scheduled in there too!

8 weeks is a bit last minute for us too although with couple trips it's really a 2-4 month window that we seem to make the call on. Since it's just the 2 of us, there's a lot more flexibility. Last year the weather got to us and we needed to get out of dodge. I'm a native and that's the first time that's ever happened to me! We do try to do a couple trip ever year. I don't think it's going to happen this year which really bites. We did have a one night get away back in Dec which was lovely but the no long weekend bums me out. It just isn't in the budget this year....darn college tuition!

The fact that Jeff was a little bitter I had 3 girls trips scheduled and had just returned from one MAY have influenced making it happen sooner rather than later. The funny thing is that for months we'd planned on going to NOLA. And then it was so wet for so long we really wanted sun and were surprised to find that we could make Hawaii work on relatively short notice.

With only two of you it's so much easier. I'm so envious of the fun you've got planned. 2012 will be awesome.


Of course I put the DIS meet in. Michael almost peed when he saw it. He's so behind the times.

I feel ya in needing to get out of the weather.

50 days until 7 month booking!!! ​

84 days until ADRs!!! ​

263 days until WDW!!! ​

Notice no cruise countdown. I got the kibosh from everyone but Chloe. The rest want to do Mexico for Christmad/Hanukkah next year. I'm good with that and in the infamous words of Justin Beiber, never say never. Yeah, I just quoted JB. The world is coming to an end.

 

[rentayenta]

I added a day.

 

[jenny105]

I'm gonna pretend like I didn't see that Justin Bieber quote.

Extra day!

 

[rentayenta]

I'm gonna pretend like I didn't see that Justin Bieber quote.

Extra day!

Forgive me.


I have to admit I'm super stoked about the extra day so now we'll have 10 full days and 2 half days on the days of travel.

Now what to do with that extra day?

 

[eandesmom]

Nothing under $500 per person for straight or a flight with stops.

Last time we did GG and it was okay. I think we may try WeGoShop this time. I was not impressed with the produce at GG though the price was right. A friend here is doing WeGoShop in May and will let me know how it is.

My kids told me this morning that they want to rope drop. They're also wanting me to add a day. They said its impossible to have only 9 full days.

I had great apples from gg 3x now, but didn't try much else produce wise. We will have a car next trip which may or may not have any wdw days anyway. I may tru out the towncar service that includes a stop at publix one of these days. I hear them on 9. We are looking at Star Wars/Mem day weekend for 2013 but what do you do?

More days with horrible heat in August? Smaller room with heat but less lightening in July or less days, great weather and miss some school in May? ugh. No great options!

With only two of you it's so much easier. I'm so envious of the fun you've got planned. 2012 will be awesome.

Of course I put the DIS meet in. Michael almost peed when he saw it. He's so behind the times.

I feel ya in needing to get out of the weather.

Well no couples trip in 2012....just isn't in the budget thanks to college. Girls trip is cheap but only 1 this year, not 3 lol! 1 big family trip. Of course K is asking to bring a friend, not going to happen!

Notice no cruise countdown. I got the kibosh from everyone but Chloe. The rest want to do Mexico for Christmad/Hanukkah next year. I'm good with that and in the infamous words of Justin Beiber, never say never. Yeah, I just quoted JB. The world is coming to an end.

there will be other years for cruises

 

[rentayenta]

I had great apples from gg 3x now, but didn't try much else produce wise. We will have a car next trip which may or may not have any wdw days anyway. I may tru out the towncar service that includes a stop at publix one of these days. I hear them on 9. We are looking at Star Wars/Mem day weekend for 2013 but what do you do?

M suggested renting a small, cheap car. I need to do the math. Joshua would love SW Weekend! I need to figure menus with M as he does the cooking.

More days with horrible heat in August? Smaller room with heat but less lightening in July or less days, great weather and miss some school in May? ugh. No great options!

I'd miss school for sure. May was fantastic. Mine are missing 2 weeks for our October trip but I'm a horrible mother.

Well no couples trip in 2012....just isn't in the budget thanks to college. Girls trip is cheap but only 1 this year, not 3 lol! 1 big family trip. Of course K is asking to bring a friend, not going to happen!

No but you've got the beach/cruise and a mom's trip.

We've got a couple of boating trips planned and WDW.

there will be other years for cruises

I'm not totally giving up and you're right, eventually. DH really wants a foreign tropical trip or Hawaii. I may shoot for Aulani.




We discussed what M wants to cook during the trip and basically he said anything easy. In this little bit of time we've decided what we want to cook but I need to find out if AKV and SSR have grills.

 

[eandesmom]

M suggested renting a small, cheap car. I need to do the math. Joshua would love SW Weekend! I need to figure menus with M as he does the cooking.

I'd miss school for sure. May was fantastic. Mine are missing 2 weeks for our October trip but I'm a horrible mother.

Yeah, we are getting a car no matter what. I have no idea yet what our actual dates are based on flight prices but even if we leave the same day as the cruise ends (I really hope not, shoots my whole AK for a day strategy) it's cheaper to rent a car for one day than the crazy DCL/MCO transfers!

The towncar thing is a pretty good deal. I forget the price but it's RT plus a grocery stop on the way in from MCO. Would make a ton of sense for a longer on site trip if you don't want the car for the whole time.

Everyone loves the idea of SWW...just some logistics to figure out as my sister is in grad school and it's a wee bit complicated with her internship. Or potentially complicated. Good news is she has a meeting this week. With 12+ people it's like herding cats but we all want to get it figured out so people can have plenty of time to save up. And besides, it will keep me from trying to book a cruise. Jeff rolled his eyes when I sent him the 2013 info today.

No but you've got the beach/cruise and a mom's trip.

We've got a couple of boating trips planned and WDW.

there is that

I'm not totally giving up and you're right, eventually. DH really wants a foreign tropical trip or Hawaii. I may shoot for Aulani.

We discussed what M wants to cook during the trip and basically he said anything easy. In this little bit of time we've decided what we want to cook but I need to find out if AKV and SSR have grills.

I figure if SWW doesn't happen, I may try for Aulani for that spring break as we are off peak break cycles.

Let me know about the grill! I'm actually thinking of staring an OW for Vero as we'd use it for the SWW trip and between those 2 alone, probably be worth it big time.

 

[rentayenta]

49 days until 7 month booking!!! ​

83 days until ADRs!!! ​

262 days until WDW!!! ​

Yeah, we are getting a car no matter what. I have no idea yet what our actual dates are based on flight prices but even if we leave the same day as the cruise ends (I really hope not, shoots my whole AK for a day strategy) it's cheaper to rent a car for one day than the crazy DCL/MCO transfers!

Those cruise transfers are insane at $70 pp! Like seriously?

We won't rent a car during our trip, we'd just have to get groceries for the day. DH loves not driving. Everyone's fine with bus/boat service. Saves us a bundle.

Everyone loves the idea of SWW...just some logistics to figure out as my sister is in grad school and it's a wee bit complicated with her internship. Or potentially complicated. Good news is she has a meeting this week. With 12+ people it's like herding cats but we all want to get it figured out so people can have plenty of time to save up. And besides, it will keep me from trying to book a cruise. Jeff rolled his eyes when I sent him the 2013 info today.

I figure if SWW doesn't happen, I may try for Aulani for that spring break as we are off peak break cycles.

Let me know about the grill! I'm actually thinking of staring an OW for Vero as we'd use it for the SWW trip and between those 2 alone, probably be worth it big time.

SWW is on our list of times to visit. Only Gab isn't a decent SW fan. She's a hater.

I'm so shooting for Aulani next December since I got out voted on the cruise. There or Zihua Mexico which is insane.


I will let you know about the grill. I started a thread on the DVC section.

I called MS this morning to link my THV reservations. Derek was so nice. We got disconnected and he called back my cell phone. That's Disney customer service. A far cry from the *******s at AT&T.

 

[kaoden39]

I think that come of the best phone experiences I have had are with Disney. When I called to reserve Cafe Orleans for our anniversary dinner next month she was typing all sorts of notes about the fact that we are celebrating our 20th. She also made sure that we visit City Hall to get a pin so that they can celebrate with us. Then she told me that she loves Cafe Orleans and that she was craving the the pomme frites. It was like talking to an old friend. Where else can you get that?

 

[rentayenta]

I think that come of the best phone experiences I have had are with Disney. When I called to reserve Cafe Orleans for our anniversary dinner next month she was typing all sorts of notes about the fact that we are celebrating our 20th. She also made sure that we visit City Hall to get a pin so that they can celebrate with us. Then she told me that she loves Cafe Orleans and that she was craving the the pomme frites. It was like talking to an old friend. Where else can you get that?

Totally agree.


That is so amazing! I love Disney CMs. I have read a lot about a decline in customer service and I haven't seen with regard to Disney.

So is the brewery out now?

 

[kaoden39]

Totally agree.


That is so amazing! I love Disney CMs. I have read a lot about a decline in customer service and I haven't seen with regard to Disney.

So is the brewery out now?

No the brewery is still on. We are eating at the Brewery on Valentines day, the anniversary is on the 16th. Actually it is 6 months from our actual anniversary but that is when we are celebrating.

 

[rentayenta]

No the brewery is still on. We are eating at the Brewery on Valentines day, the anniversary is on the 16th. Actually it is 6 months from our actual anniversary but that is when we are celebrating.

Sounds perfect. We never celebrate anniversaries on the right day This year I got us tickets to Social Distortion. They play in May. Our anniversary is in August. Last year we bought the boat in July for our anniversary. Two years before that we bought DVC in May for our anniversary. It really let's DH off the hook as far as having to remember.

 

[eandesmom]

Those cruise transfers are insane at $70 pp! Like seriously?

We won't rent a car during our trip, we'd just have to get groceries for the day. DH loves not driving. Everyone's fine with bus/boat service. Saves us a bundle.

SWW is on our list of times to visit. Only Gab isn't a decent SW fan. She's a hater.

I'm so shooting for Aulani next December since I got out voted on the cruise. There or Zihua Mexico which is insane.


I will let you know about the grill. I started a thread on the DVC section.

Very jealous about the treehouse. The boys are DYING to stay in one but after this trip, we aren't going to have enough for more than a couple of nights at best depending on what time of year we go and if we do that, the rest of the stay would be in a studio! I'm torn between SWW and July. I can't stand the point challenge of July but with school I have a hard time justifying more than 6 for SWW nights esp if Evan has end of course testing right when we get back. July may have to be it, like it or not.

If that's the case, unless I buy more points, no treehouse for us!