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

[rentayenta]

Sooo……not that I could match Cynthia’s planning BFP (big fat plan) I did research all of the point options in addition to what I have done. Want to see? I thought so. On a side note, isn’t planning the best? I mean really? It extends the trip by like 400 days in my case. I think I am onto something.

The dates for the first 5 nights are 12/12- 12/17 and the next 5 nights are 12/17- 12/22. It’s amazing how much the points increase beginning on 12/23. You go from Choice Season, second least expensive to Premiere Season which is the most expensive in just one day. Unreal! All of the perks are the same, the parks are all dressed up, and you SAVE a butt load of points. It’s a no brainer for me.

Ready? It’s lengthy…grab a drink and perhaps something to keep you sane….

• SSR 2 br/THV = 355

• SSR 1 br/THV = 312

• SSR 2 br/ BWV 2 br standard view = 341

• SSR 1br/ BWV 2 br standard view = 295

• SSR 2 br/ AKV 2 br value view = 326

• SSR 1 br/ AKV 2 br value view = 283

• SSR 2 br/ OKW 2 br = 340

• SSR 1 br/ OKW 2 br = 297

• SSR 2 br/ WLV 2 br = 372

• SSR 1 br/ WLV 2 br = 329

• SSR 2 br/ BCV 2 br = 372

• SSR 2 br/ BCV 2 br if Keith joins us = 296

• SSR 1 br/ BCV 2 br = 329

• SSR 2 br/ BLT 2 br MK view = 444 I would never pay this based on the fact that you have to train your eye to look over the parking lot to focus on MK. NEVER! And it would also cost me over 2 years worth of points. I just cannot fathom.

• SSR 1 br/ BLT MK view = 401

• SSR 2 br/ BLT 2 br standard view = 373

• SSR 1 br/ BLT 2 br standard view = 330

 

[ajf1007]

WOW! You laid that out splendidly! It really is amazing the spread of points among the resorts and the 2 vs 1 bdrms. Even after seeing it all laid out again, I'm still rooting for 2 bdrm SSR/THV. Though I have to say the other resorts you have listed are on my "to do list". BWV, BCV and WLV are the places I'd really like to try.

I was also thinking, if your going to uproot, unpack/repack, why not do it in a whole different venue? Make all that work, work for you!

 

[rentayenta]

WOW! You laid that out splendidly! It really is amazing the spread of points among the resorts and the 2 vs 1 bdrms. Even after seeing it all laid out again, I'm still rooting for 2 bdrm SSR/THV. Though I have to say the other resorts you have listed are on my "to do list". BWV, BCV and WLV are the places I'd really like to try.

I was also thinking, if your going to uproot, unpack/repack, why not do it in a whole different venue? Make all that work, work for you!

I am totally leaning towards the THV. I am dying to stay at our home resort as is Michael and it's the best of both worlds.

I agree about the different venue thing too. It's so hard to decide. I realize in the scheme of life my concerns are silly but you are a planner, it's paramount. To me though, SSR and THV although the same resort technically will provide a totally different experience. Agree?

We are also going to do the DDP for half of the trip and originally I was thinking the second half due to it being Chloe's birthday and the first night of Hanukkah and wanting more $$$ and celebratory experiences but now that the THV and their fabulous private grill is on the table, I know we'll take advantage of that as far as meals go. The thought of DH's marinated ribeyes while in WDW is just nirvana to me.

 

[eandesmom]

Sooo……not that I could match Cynthia’s planning BFP (big fat plan)

you should see all the spreadsheets as I contemplated the options as we went along.

I think you are doing a fine job of matching it!

 

[rentayenta]

you should see all the spreadsheets as I contemplated the options as we went along.

I think you are doing a fine job of matching it!

At least you use spreadsheets. I am all old school using notebooks and *gasp* pencils. I cannot make the commitment using a pen requires.

 

[ajf1007]

I am totally leaning towards the THV. I am dying to stay at our home resort as is Michael and it's the best of both worlds.

I agree about the different venue thing too. It's so hard to decide. I realize in the scheme of life my concerns are silly but you are a planner, it's paramount. To me though, SSR and THV although the same resort technically will provide a totally different experience. Agree?

We are also going to do the DDP for half of the trip and originally I was thinking the second half due to it being Chloe's birthday and the first night of Hanukkah and wanting more $$$ and celebratory experiences but now that the THV and their fabulous private grill is on the table, I know we'll take advantage of that as far as meals go. The thought of DH's marinated ribeyes while in WDW is just nirvana to me.

I completely agree, the THV is a very different experience than the SSR so it's just like a different venue. Though they are technically different, the whole vibe of the THV's makes them look and feel so different. It's not like BLT and the Contemporary or AKL and AKV. Same resort, different location (kinda) but all the same themeing. Plus, with all of that space, you could have some great times on the deck and your own personal grill, really makes it different too. You could decorate the deck or do something like that . I think the THV would also help provide the relaxation your DH is looking for - for you! It seems so peaceful there.

you should see all the spreadsheets as I contemplated the options as we went along.

I think you are doing a fine job of matching it!

I am also a fan of the spreadsheet method! I am excited to see your TR as I'm starting to plan our 2012 trip with 3 families and looking at all the different options. I'm a bit overwhelmed, but I did put them all on a spreadsheet to weigh the pro's and con's, look at points, etc. I know it's a bit far away, but I love to do it so, it's fun for me. Of course, I'm using 2011 points charts, but I don't think that will make much of a difference.

 

[rentayenta]

I completely agree, the THV is a very different experience than the SSR so it's just like a different venue. Though they are technically different, the whole vibe of the THV's makes them look and feel so different. It's not like BLT and the Contemporary or AKL and AKV. Same resort, different location (kinda) but all the same themeing. Plus, with all of that space, you could have some great times on the deck and your own personal grill, really makes it different too. You could decorate the deck or do something like that . I think the THV would also help provide the relaxation your DH is looking for - for you! It seems so peaceful there.

I like deck decorating idea especially for the holidays. I could run some outdoor lights on the railing making it very festive. I might even though we are Jewish bring a small artificial tree for the second half of our trip. The first night of Hanukkah and a Christmas Tree, think my kids will need therapy?

DH says he has no interest in the THV but he also says that DHS is the best park at WDW. Clearly he is egging me on.

I am also a fan of the spreadsheet method! I am excited to see your TR as I'm starting to plan our 2012 trip with 3 families and looking at all the different options. I'm a bit overwhelmed, but I did put them all on a spreadsheet to weigh the pro's and con's, look at points, etc. I know it's a bit far away, but I love to do it so, it's fun for me. Of course, I'm using 2011 points charts, but I don't think that will make much of a difference.

The allocation of points have to stay the same, I think they can only change weekday/weekend costs so you will get a pretty solid guesstimate. How fun- 3 families? Are you thinking Grand Villa? The OKW GV was huge. Are they DVC members too? Have a spreadsheet you care to share? I am good at filling in the columns but not creating the document.

 

[ajf1007]

I like deck decorating idea especially for the holidays. I could run some outdoor lights on the railing making it very festive. I might even though we are Jewish bring a small artificial tree for the second half of our trip. The first night of Hanukkah and a Christmas Tree, think my kids will need therapy?

DH says he has no interest in the THV but he also says that DHS is the best park at WDW. Clearly he is egging me on.

That sounds like a great idea! I love festive! There's alot you can do with all that space. Therapy smerapy, they'll be well rounded! Oh sista, he is totally egging you on! That's awesome!

The allocation of points have to stay the same, I think they can only change weekday/weekend costs so you will get a pretty solid guesstimate. How fun- 3 families? Are you thinking Grand Villa? The OKW GV was huge. Are they DVC members too? Have a spreadsheet you care to share? I am good at filling in the columns but not creating the document.

Yep, 3 families - this could end up being the best idea I ever had or the death of me! I don't have enough point for a GV (which is why I need an add-on darnit!) (even with borrowing - only have 160 pt contract) so I was thinking about doing 3 studios. It will be me and my DH, my BFF and her hubby and daughter and then my DB and his family. Now, there is a chance that my BFF won't go, in which case I would do a 2bdrm or THV. I won't make my BFF committ until next summer so we'll see what happens. I do have a spreadsheet, pm me your email address and I can send it over when I get home. It's nothing special though, just like your list of options with points. Until I firm it up, there isn't much to it. Once I firm it up, then it gets all kinds of crazy with ADR's, times, locations, etc. I've also used the Trip It website, which has worked out great except my DH and nephew won't open it when I send it to them. THey just tell me to tell them when and where to be!

 

[rentayenta]

That sounds like a great idea! I love festive! There's alot you can do with all that space. Therapy smerapy, they'll be well rounded! Oh sista, he is totally egging you on! That's awesome!

I figure they all need tx one way or another so if I mess them up via the holidays, it coulda been worse.

Yep, 3 families - this could end up being the best idea I ever had or the death of me! I don't have enough point for a GV (which is why I need an add-on darnit!) (even with borrowing - only have 160 pt contract) so I was thinking about doing 3 studios. It will be me and my DH, my BFF and her hubby and daughter and then my DB and his family. Now, there is a chance that my BFF won't go, in which case I would do a 2bdrm or THV. I won't make my BFF committ until next summer so we'll see what happens. I do have a spreadsheet, pm me your email address and I can send it over when I get home. It's nothing special though, just like your list of options with points. Until I firm it up, there isn't much to it. Once I firm it up, then it gets all kinds of crazy with ADR's, times, locations, etc. I've also used the Trip It website, which has worked out great except my DH and nephew won't open it when I send it to them. THey just tell me to tell them when and where to be!

Have you thought about renting some additional points and having the rest pitch in? Just a thought as I have no clue about any one's financial situation. I know it's early but where are you thinking about for Studios? Most of the Value view Studios at AKV end up with a SV and the Value points are the best deal in town. Points range between 9-19 points depending on the time of the year for Studios. What time of the year are you thinking?


Email addy on the way.

 

[eandesmom]

At least you use spreadsheets. I am all old school using notebooks and *gasp* pencils. I cannot make the commitment using a pen requires.

see that's the beauty of the spreadhseet. You just re-enter. It's like a magic eraser! Or if you are insane, like me, you have multiple tabs with different iterations of the same thing.....

kind of pathetic really

 

[eandesmom]

I like deck decorating idea especially for the holidays. I could run some outdoor lights on the railing making it very festive. I might even though we are Jewish bring a small artificial tree for the second half of our trip. The first night of Hanukkah and a Christmas Tree, think my kids will need therapy?

DH says he has no interest in the THV but he also says that DHS is the best park at WDW. Clearly he is egging me on.

Well it's not the same but I can say one of my favorite parts of the FW Cabins (and to me THV is like a deluxe version of those) was that deck. Teens could sleep and I didn't feel held hostage. Younger kids could eat outside and chat without worrying about waking said teens....coffee on the deck in the woods. Add in holiday decorations, be it a menorah, a tree, or twinkly lights and and that sounds SO fun! Even better with some eggnog or a mimosa....

 

[rentayenta]

see that's the beauty of the spreadhseet. You just re-enter. It's like a magic eraser! Or if you are insane, like me, you have multiple tabs with different iterations of the same thing.....

kind of pathetic really

Sounds kinda heavenly! Different tabs? Sounds like post-its for the computer. I am a sucker for office supplies. Each person in our family has a different color highlighter on the calendar.

Well it's not the same but I can say one of my favorite parts of the FW Cabins (and to me THV is like a deluxe version of those) was that deck. Teens could sleep and I didn't feel held hostage. Younger kids could eat outside and chat without worrying about waking said teens....coffee on the deck in the woods. Add in holiday decorations, be it a menorah, a tree, or twinkly lights and and that sounds SO fun! Even better with some eggnog or a mimosa....

The thought of drinking spiked egg-nog on the decorated deck of our THV while DH grills some ribeyes sounds amazing! One of the reasons we bought SSR was for the THV so it seems silly not to stay there. Have you stayed in the FW cabins before? They were on my maybe list for our first stay but we went with POR. I am sure the cabins would have been larger. Those standard rooms are teensy weensy.

Did you update?

 

[loritemp]

Have you mentioned how many points you have? I know you said your DH doesn't want to borrow.

Definitely get on the TSS email list! And once an agent contacts you, give them an idea of what you are looking for and they will keep their eyes open for you.

OMG, sitting on a deck, sipping adult beverages, grilling...how perfect!!

 

[rentayenta]

Have you mentioned how many points you have? I know you said your DH doesn't want to borrow.

Definitely get on the TSS email list! And once an agent contacts you, give them an idea of what you are looking for and they will keep their eyes open for you.

OMG, sitting on a deck, sipping adult beverages, grilling...how perfect!!

We have 170 and will have to borrow no matter what but borrowing into the next next year is not feeling good to him.


I emailed the TSS guy.


I know, can you imagine, twinkling lights and a nice cocktal.

 

[rentayenta]

468 days!!! ​

Man, I love these chubby totally un-PC bears!

 

[eandesmom]

Sounds kinda heavenly! Different tabs? Sounds like post-its for the computer. I am a sucker for office supplies. Each person in our family has a different color highlighter on the calendar.

LOL! Windows 7 comes with a a virutal post it for your desktop, I love them.

The thought of drinking spiked egg-nog on the decorated deck of our THV while DH grills some ribeyes sounds amazing! One of the reasons we bought SSR was for the THV so it seems silly not to stay there. Have you stayed in the FW cabins before? They were on my maybe list for our first stay but we went with POR. I am sure the cabins would have been larger. Those standard rooms are teensy weensy.

Did you update?

Happydog has the BEST recipe for spiked eggnog, they made it last year at BCV on their xmas trip. I made it at home lol! SOOOO good!

Yes, we were at the cabins for a week in feb of 08. With 6 we can't do one standard room so it was that, 2 rooms at a value or a 2B villa and financially we couldn't swing that (the villa). For me, the cabins are better than 2 rooms at a value. It was tight for 6 esp given that 2 of them are really adult sized but we really liked them. For 5 not so bad if your kids still fit in bunk beds. Double beds though. I loved the separate bedroom, kitchen and especially the deck! We'd all stay there again, it would just be better with less people.

 

[rentayenta]

Happydog has the BEST recipe for spiked eggnog, they made it last year at BCV on their xmas trip. I made it at home lol! SOOOO good!

Yes, we were at the cabins for a week in feb of 08. With 6 we can't do one standard room so it was that, 2 rooms at a value or a 2B villa and financially we couldn't swing that (the villa). For me, the cabins are better than 2 rooms at a value. It was tight for 6 esp given that 2 of them are really adult sized but we really liked them. For 5 not so bad if your kids still fit in bunk beds. Double beds though. I loved the separate bedroom, kitchen and especially the deck! We'd all stay there again, it would just be better with less people.

Recipe please I generally am not a thick creamy drink girl (read calories) but cannot say no to eggnog.


I think we value the same things when traveling. I too love having a deck and litchen etc. Standard hotel rooms just don't have those little touches that I have grown to enjoy. As I get older *cough cough* where I lay my head is equally important as how I spend my day.

 

[ajf1007]

Have you thought about renting some additional points and having the rest pitch in? Just a thought as I have no clue about any one's financial situation. I know it's early but where are you thinking about for Studios? Most of the Value view Studios at AKV end up with a SV and the Value points are the best deal in town. Points range between 9-19 points depending on the time of the year for Studios. What time of the year are you thinking?


Email addy on the way.

I did think of renting but I really was trying to give them something that they didn't have to pitch in for and use the points I have rather than spending more. Kinda just a gift to the two families that mean the most to me. I was thinking with 3 families their own space gives them their own room to do what they want when they want to. My brother is a bit of a stickler when it comes to his kids and schedules, etc and my BFF is completely the opposite. If it's just my brother's fam and me and my DH, then a 2 bdrm would be fine, but throwing in the third family could be a bit crazy. Since no one else is DVC, they haven't been spoiled yet and are used to hotel rooms - studios would still be "living large" if you know what I mean.

I'm looking at the mid/late September time frame. I was leaning toward the AKV since my niece's are such huge animal lovers, I think they would love it! But I was also considering BCV and BWV.

 

[rentayenta]

I did think of renting but I really was trying to give them something that they didn't have to pitch in for and use the points I have rather than spending more. Kinda just a gift to the two families that mean the most to me. I was thinking with 3 families their own space gives them their own room to do what they want when they want to. My brother is a bit of a stickler when it comes to his kids and schedules, etc and my BFF is completely the opposite. If it's just my brother's fam and me and my DH, then a 2 bdrm would be fine, but throwing in the third family could be a bit crazy. Since no one else is DVC, they haven't been spoiled yet and are used to hotel rooms - studios would still be "living large" if you know what I mean.

I'm looking at the mid/late September time frame. I was leaning toward the AKV since my niece's are such huge animal lovers, I think they would love it! But I was also considering BCV and BWV.

That is very nice of you! I do know what you mean about livin' large and DVC. It really is such a transition. I think more people would rent DVC when they found out they could pay the same if not less. Say AKV for instance, you could rent points for $90 a night. That's cheaper than a mod and a Studio is sooo much nicer and has more room.


Our first trip was mid September 2007 and it was great. It was humid but the daily rainstorms came in, cooled everything down, and even better, cleared out the park!

 

[ajf1007]

That is very nice of you! I do know what you mean about livin' large and DVC. It really is such a transition. I think more people would rent DVC when they found out they could pay the same if not less. Say AKV for instance, you could rent points for $90 a night. That's cheaper than a mod and a Studio is sooo much nicer and has more room.


Our first trip was mid September 2007 and it was great. It was humid but the daily rainstorms came in, cooled everything down, and even better, cleared out the park!

Our first trip was also mid September, but 2008! Our Use Year is October so we always go in mid/late Sept when all of the kiddo's go back to school. I find parents are a bit more leery in taking their kids out of school for a vacation, right when they just started. Know what I mean? Though I will say with the free dining last year, it was a bit more crowded they said. Last year we didn't have rain once except for our last night which started about 10pm and we were already back in the room packing to leave the next morning.

30 days and 7 hours til DL! Gosh I can't wait!