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

[Native NYer]

Hi girl. Lots is going on. The kids are still changing their minds on where to stay. They are back on the OKW wagon as of today. They loved the pool and the pool party. It really is a great resort. The vibe is so laid back. Also DH said he'd be willing to give up his beloved 2 bedroom at SSR so we could stay at the THV and another resort However the kids and I decided we would not do that to him. He rarely gets any say in vacation decisions and when we bought DVC he said: too bad I'll never get to stay there. So we are keeping the 2 bedroom much to his shock. Now for the next 5 nights, we'll see. They've got 58 days to decide.

Wow, I missed a lot! Resort decisions are always the hardest. I've heard nothing but great things about OKW. Plus, aren't the rooms larger than the other DVC resorts?

Is your ADR list done? I need to work on mine. And I'm thinking about starting a PTR today. Let's see if it happens.

 

[rentayenta]

Wow, I missed a lot! Resort decisions are always the hardest. I've heard nothing but great things about OKW. Plus, aren't the rooms larger than the other DVC resorts?

Is your ADR list done? I need to work on mine. And I'm thinking about starting a PTR today. Let's see if it happens.

Their rooms are huge. With only 6 of us even the smallest 2 bedroom will be plenty I think. The extra bathroom in Kidani's two bedroom and the extra in the THV are big pluses.

As far as ADRs, our must dos are Saana, the Turf Club, and Rose and Crown. With the F&W Festival I'm not sure how many ADRs we'll need. We are total grazers so the festival sounds perfect for us. I'm also thinking about 50's Prime Time.


Did you start it?????

58 days until 7 month booking!!! ​

92 until ADRs!!! ​

272 days until WDW!!! ​

Ah but all that lovely space! You will love that!


It couldn't have worked out better. The anti cruisers koolaid! Yeah, I hear about rates like that too and it's like ok...inside stateroom in the bowels of the ship for a short cruise with crappy dates. No thanks.
DCL is pricey but it was worth it. DH still isn't majorly into cruises but is now on the "only on a DCL ship" bandwagon and is open to most itineraries go figure. Then again, the look on Kendall's face when we told her about it pretty much sold him for life I think.



It is a lot like GCV! One of my favorite pool bars too and it's a great pool. When we stayed at the cabins the pool was being redone so we had use of the WL pool and had a lot of fun there. The only drawback to me for WL is that it did seem far away from things, compared to staying at an Epcot resort and it is a lot like "home" so didn't necessarily feel as "away" as at other resorts. Staying at the YC and BCV really really spoiled me for life.

You wouldn't be crashing, I think it will be a pretty open PTR for anyone who is going as well as our smaller group.

I'm thinking I should follow your lead and begin with Alaska. I'm totally serious. I choose the cruise line, Disney, and he might choose Alaska. He's a beach person like me so he'd be all for the Bahamas if I could get him to agree in the first place. We've been to Mexico a bunch, specifically Cabo, so although the Mexican Rivera would be less expensive, we've done Cabo. I'm also not overly impressed with its port. Just go into town 2 blocks for much better food and fun.


Oh fun, let me know when you start it and I'll join in.

The YC looks so cool. Love the theme. I have yet to read anything negative on the YC.

 

[eandesmom]

I'm thinking I should follow your lead and begin with Alaska. I'm totally serious. I choose the cruise line, Disney, and he might choose Alaska. He's a beach person like me so he'd be all for the Bahamas if I could get him to agree in the first place. We've been to Mexico a bunch, specifically Cabo, so although the Mexican Rivera would be less expensive, we've done Cabo. I'm also not overly impressed with its port. Just go into town 2 blocks for much better food and fun.

Oh fun, let me know when you start it and I'll join in.

The YC looks so cool. Love the theme. I have yet to read anything negative on the YC.

I don't think they will be doing the MR anymore, or at least not until things calm down. I'm not thrilled with those ports either myself and Jeff is not at all interested in MR. They cancelled all of the Dec 2012 sailings, supposedly 2013 itineraries come out tomorrow for the Wonder and the Magic. I would really really like to do the Med on the Magic in 2013 assuming they are going (seems very likely based on all the valid sounding rumors lol) but there's a good chance of a giant family WDW trip at that same time so I can't justify making a booking when it comes out. But if rates are remotely affordable when we go on the Dream in August, I'll book a wishful thinking ressie as a placeholder! The on board booking deals are just to good not to book a dummy ressie!

Alaska is a great way to start! I'd check the rates when it comes out. If you can be flexible on your dates it can work out ok.


The YC is heaven with the only small drawback of no laundry (ok that's medium to large) and no kitchen (medium).

 

[rentayenta]

I don't think they will be doing the MR anymore, or at least not until things calm down. I'm not thrilled with those ports either myself and Jeff is not at all interested in MR. They cancelled all of the Dec 2012 sailings, supposedly 2013 itineraries come out tomorrow for the Wonder and the Magic. I would really really like to do the Med on the Magic in 2013 assuming they are going (seems very likely based on all the valid sounding rumors lol) but there's a good chance of a giant family WDW trip at that same time so I can't justify making a booking when it comes out. But if rates are remotely affordable when we go on the Dream in August, I'll book a wishful thinking ressie as a placeholder! The on board booking deals are just to good not to book a dummy ressie!

Please explain to me this dummy booking thing...how does it work? I'd love to book something for Dec 2013 and saw dates on Dreams Unlimited. Can you only book a dummy date through Disney and what's the point of booking a dummy date? Think I can say dummy one more time?


Did they cancel Mexico due to the violence?

Alaska is a great way to start! I'd check the rates when it comes out. If you can be flexible on your dates it can work out ok.


The YC is heaven with the only small drawback of no laundry (ok that's medium to large) and no kitchen (medium).

The issue with Alaska for me is that I have zeromdesiremtomgo anywhere cold. Truly. It's beautiful but wouldn't choose it. But if it would get M on a Disney Cruise ship I'd go in a heartbeat.

Yeah, I need my washer and kitchen. But I'd love just a trip for me and M at the YC.

 

[Native NYer]

Haven't started yet. I have been a zombie all day, recovering from my friend's 40th birthday on Saturday night/Sunday morning. It was a massive train wreck. So glad it's over.

The YC is truly amazing. You should definitely try to stay there once.

 

[eandesmom]

Please explain to me this dummy booking thing...how does it work? I'd love to book something for Dec 2013 and saw dates on Dreams Unlimited. Can you only book a dummy date through Disney and what's the point of booking a dummy date? Think I can say dummy one more time?

A dummy date is typically a booking you make onboard, to get the on board re-booking deal (10% off, 10% down and then an on board credit that varies by cruise length and your castaway club level). Once you get that promo deal in the system, you can move the booking to whatever else you want and still keep the deal, it just gets applied to the new booking and you pay any difference. So many people may not know when they want to go next, this just locks in a deal they can apply to whatever so they might book the cheapest cabin for only 1-2 people versus what they really plan on doing eventually. It's a much better deal than booking direct. If you book direct it's typically 20% down and maybe $25 on board credit for booking online + $50 if you pay the entire cruise on your disney visa. If you book though a travel agent they will usually give you an on board credit similar to, or greater than the one disney offers on board. A lot of people will rebook on board and then transfer it to a TA, getting both discounts! That is what we are doing, although I haven't transferred it yet. I've been waiting to make sure we aren't moving our dates and as of yesterday, we are not! So I'll probably transfer next month. I will also book 2-3 dummies on our cruise so we've got flexibility for the future (2 rooms instead of the family verandah or maybe another family going with us, that kind of thing). You can keep moving them out so you really aren't locked into a thing. I wish I'd have booked 2 on the Alaska cruise.

For Alaska, it was our first one so we booked via at TA and got the $25 online, $50 for the visa and then another $200 (I think?) from our TA. It will be smaller this time as it's a shorter cruise but the 10% off makes a huge difference. Once onboard, I booked an April 4 night on the Magic that I (still) really wanted to do as it included Key West and was over the E's spring break and is a much better deal since our dates are different then most (kids get a full week for President's so our spring break is later) but K has a different break schedule so it didn't work. The one I moved it to works with soccer so...it's the one we can do and after seeing her face light up it makes the price difference a heck of a lot easier to swallow.

We had her at "Bahamas"



I should have booked that date in the first place, I'm sure it was less than what we ended up paying but given that the cruise is sold out for our room class now, I guess I can't complain.

If you are thinking Dec 2013 I'd book as early as you can. Rates are based on availability and they go up, sometimes quite fast. You can always move your booking, cancel or change as long as it's before the paid in full date.

Did they cancel Mexico due to the violence?

Well it's only 12/2012 that's cancelled. It's probably a combination of things, violence, bad PR causing low numbers on the MR cruises (not Disney bad PR, port/mexico bad PR) and the popularity of the Hawaii cruise which means they might be adding another 1-2 in that time frame or repositioning it elsewhere. We should know this week, the rumor mill has been going nuts with the Wonder maybe going out of Miami or Port Everglades for the winter and all kinds of other scenarios.

The issue with Alaska for me is that I have zeromdesiremtomgo anywhere cold. Truly. It's beautiful but wouldn't choose it. But if it would get M on a Disney Cruise ship I'd go in a heartbeat.

Yeah, I need my washer and kitchen. But I'd love just a trip for me and M at the YC.

YC would be perfect for a couples trip, you've got a fridge, coffee maker and balcony, what more could anyone need!

Cold is relative. I think May and even June might be a bit on the chilly side but July and August are 50-70 which is pretty manageable to me! I think we were upper 50's most of the trip or something like that. Not a beach vacation but certainly not freezing either. That said, apparently the week before our cruise it was pretty miserable out so you never know.

 

[rentayenta]

56 days until 7 month booking!!! ​

90 until ADRs!!! ​

270 days until WDW!!! ​

A dummy date is typically a booking you make onboard, to get the on board re-booking deal (10% off, 10% down and then an on board credit that varies by cruise length and your castaway club level). Once you get that promo deal in the system, you can move the booking to whatever else you want and still keep the deal, it just gets applied to the new booking and you pay any difference. So many people may not know when they want to go next, this just locks in a deal they can apply to whatever so they might book the cheapest cabin for only 1-2 people versus what they really plan on doing eventually. It's a much better deal than booking direct. If you book direct it's typically 20% down and maybe $25 on board credit for booking online + $50 if you pay the entire cruise on your disney visa. If you book though a travel agent they will usually give you an on board credit similar to, or greater than the one disney offers on board. A lot of people will rebook on board and then transfer it to a TA, getting both discounts! That is what we are doing, although I haven't transferred it yet. I've been waiting to make sure we aren't moving our dates and as of yesterday, we are not! So I'll probably transfer next month. I will also book 2-3 dummies on our cruise so we've got flexibility for the future (2 rooms instead of the family verandah or maybe another family going with us, that kind of thing). You can keep moving them out so you really aren't locked into a thing. I wish I'd have booked 2 on the Alaska cruise.

So it's done after your first cruise. Gotcha. I feel like I'm learning a new language. I've got a few quotes for Dec 2013. It's insane.

For Alaska, it was our first one so we booked via at TA and got the $25 online, $50 for the visa and then another $200 (I think?) from our TA. It will be smaller this time as it's a shorter cruise but the 10% off makes a huge difference. Once onboard, I booked an April 4 night on the Magic that I (still) really wanted to do as it included Key West and was over the E's spring break and is a much better deal since our dates are different then most (kids get a full week for President's so our spring break is later) but K has a different break schedule so it didn't work. The one I moved it to works with soccer so...it's the one we can do and after seeing her face light up it makes the price difference a heck of a lot easier to swallow.

We had her at "Bahamas"



I should have booked that date in the first place, I'm sure it was less than what we ended up paying but given that the cruise is sold out for our room class now, I guess I can't complain.

So you've got 2 booked now? Will you adopt me? I like the idea of booking ASAP. Everything I've read indicates that the price will increase.

If you are thinking Dec 2013 I'd book as early as you can. Rates are based on availability and they go up, sometimes quite fast. You can always move your booking, cancel or change as long as it's before the paid in full date.

The down payment is sizable on this cruise I'm looking at. The price ranges from about $5,800 to $6,300. I decided that we'll get 2 cabins if we decide to go. One inside for the kids and then ours will be across the hall with a verandah. Those cabins are soooo small.

Well it's only 12/2012 that's cancelled. It's probably a combination of things, violence, bad PR causing low numbers on the MR cruises (not Disney bad PR, port/mexico bad PR) and the popularity of the Hawaii cruise which means they might be adding another 1-2 in that time frame or repositioning it elsewhere. We should know this week, the rumor mill has been going nuts with the Wonder maybe going out of Miami or Port Everglades for the winter and all kinds of other scenarios.

Hawaii would be amazing. I've never been to Hawaii. Have you?

I've read of vilolence in Mazatlan and Cancun but none in Cabo.

YC would be perfect for a couples trip, you've got a fridge, coffee maker and balcony, what more could anyone need!

Cold is relative. I think May and even June might be a bit on the chilly side but July and August are 50-70 which is pretty manageable to me! I think we were upper 50's most of the trip or something like that. Not a beach vacation but certainly not freezing either. That said, apparently the week before our cruise it was pretty miserable out so you never know.

I'm cold in anything under 70* M says there's something wrong with me. Gee, ya think?




I've been doing mad research on the cruise forum. Everyone is very helpful over there.

 

[rentayenta]

Haven't started yet. I have been a zombie all day, recovering from my friend's 40th birthday on Saturday night/Sunday morning. It was a massive train wreck. So glad it's over.

The YC is truly amazing. You should definitely try to stay there once.

Sorry I missed this. Hungover!

55 days until 7 month booking!!! ​

89 until ADRs!!! ​

269 days until WDW!!! ​

685 days until our possible maybe in my mind Eastern Carribean Disney Cruise!!! ​

 

[eandesmom]

So it's done after your first cruise. Gotcha. I feel like I'm learning a new language. I've got a few quotes for Dec 2013. It's insane.

it is insane!

So you've got 2 booked now? Will you adopt me? I like the idea of booking ASAP. Everything I've read indicates that the price will increase.

No, only 1. I wish I'd have booked 2 so I had a real dummy to move but, oh well. At the time I figured my chances were 50/50 at best as to the dummy really happening...I should trust my ability to get my way in this area and hedge my bets.

The down payment is sizable on this cruise I'm looking at. The price ranges from about $5,800 to $6,300. I decided that we'll get 2 cabins if we decide to go. One inside for the kids and then ours will be across the hall with a verandah. Those cabins are soooo small.

yeah, when you look at 10% off and only 10% down then it becomes far more palatable...the 20% down is a deal killer for me to book another one right now, I'll just have to see what rates are in August. That would be a nice combo of rooms. I'm not comfortable with that for this trip as I think K would feel like she is babysitting and no way would I let the E's be alone. If we had her 100% of the time though, it would be an entirely different story. I did feel like we had plenty of space wiht 4 of us in the standard verandah. The family one is 50sf bigger so hopefully it won't be too painful, plus on the Dream there is under the bed storage which will make a HUGE difference. The split bathroom is key.

Hawaii would be amazing. I've never been to Hawaii. Have you?

I've read of vilolence in Mazatlan and Cancun but none in Cabo.

Both Jeff and I have been to Hawaii several times, the kids have not though. K got to go a few years back for State Cup, for the Western Regionals but the flights were so crazy we didn't go, it was just she and her mom, plus Taylor. It's kind of pathetic since I do have family in Honolulu! We plan on doing it but it might be a few years. Since it's my side of the family and K has already been, we figure that's a better trip once she's in college.

Eastern Mexico seems ok, it's all on the MR side I think (though to be honest, I'm not tracking it closely at all).

I'm cold in anything under 70* M says there's something wrong with me. Gee, ya think?

I've been doing mad research on the cruise forum. Everyone is very helpful over there.

Well since you don't live where it is 70 year round, you must be cold a lot? I think you are normal (aka female). I'm cold a lot. Jeff calls me nanook of the north based on how I dress on a fairly regular basis.

10/18 is a tentative big DISmeet date during food and wine...pencil it in! Currently under discussion is the Ditch, Rose and Crown or a private function of some sort (in the WS).

 

[rentayenta]

it is insane!

I've learned a ton here on the Cruise forums. Seriously knowledge over there.

No, only 1. I wish I'd have booked 2 so I had a real dummy to move but, oh well. At the time I figured my chances were 50/50 at best as to the dummy really happening...I should trust my ability to get my way in this area and hedge my bets.

As the planners, it's only takes a spark to make a vacation happen.

yeah, when you look at 10% off and only 10% down then it becomes far more palatable...the 20% down is a deal killer for me to book another one right now, I'll just have to see what rates are in August. That would be a nice combo of rooms. I'm not comfortable with that for this trip as I think K would feel like she is babysitting and no way would I let the E's be alone. If we had her 100% of the time though, it would be an entirely different story. I did feel like we had plenty of space wiht 4 of us in the standard verandah. The family one is 50sf bigger so hopefully it won't be too painful, plus on the Dream there is under the bed storage which will make a HUGE difference. The split bathroom is key.

Yes, I've been looking at room configurations. The spilt bathroom seems like a must.

G would be fine. I think my kids would prefer it. The rooms are literally across from the each other so I'm not worried. By nature my kids like each other especially on vacation however a lot can happen between now and then.

The 20% is killer right now. I just registered the kids for Jewish summer camp, have 2 in braces, blah blah blah......

Both Jeff and I have been to Hawaii several times, the kids have not though. K got to go a few years back for State Cup, for the Western Regionals but the flights were so crazy we didn't go, it was just she and her mom, plus Taylor. It's kind of pathetic since I do have family in Honolulu! We plan on doing it but it might be a few years. Since it's my side of the family and K has already been, we figure that's a better trip once she's in college.

Are the sunsets as gorgeous as in the pics? M says yes. He lives there for a summer and said the sunsets are by far the most beautiful he's seen. You have family in Honolulu? Are they family you'd stay with?

Well since you don't live where it is 70 year round, you must be cold a lot? I think you are normal (aka female). I'm cold a lot. Jeff calls me nanook of the north based on how I dress on a fairly regular basis.

Smartwool socks are a staple of my wardrobe. And Uggs.

10/18 is a tentative big DISmeet date during food and wine...pencil it in! Currently under discussion is the Ditch, Rose and Crown or a private function of some sort (in the WS).

Sounds fun! Count me in and keep me posted.

 

[rentayenta]

54 days until 7 month booking!!! ​

88 until ADRs!!! ​

268 days until WDW!!! ​

684 days until our possible maybe in my mind Eastern Carribean Disney Cruise!!! ​

The 2012 WDW planning DVD arrived last night. After much chatter, we are 3-2 Blizzard Beach. I like Typhoon Lagoon SO much better but the hellions are voting for Blizzard Beach.

 

[kaoden39]

Hmmm do I see another countdown???

 

[rentayenta]

Hmmm do I see another countdown???

You do! It's in it's infancy stages but I'm highly debating a DC for next year's Hanuukah gift for the kids. I'm liking the Eastern Carribean. Its 20% down right now and doesn't have to be paid until 9/2013 which is a HUGE seeking point. I've got a few quotes and two come with a $300 OBC (on board credit). I've been posting like a freak on the cruise section and they've been super helpful. Nothing is in stone. They are expensive though. I would not be using DVC points for sure.


How's the VDay planning coming? Less than a month.

 

[kaoden39]

You do! It's in it's infancy stages but I'm highly debating a DC for next year's Hanuukah gift for the kids. I'm liking the Eastern Carribean. Its 20% down right now and doesn't have to be paid until 9/2013 which is a HUGE seeking point. I've got a few quotes and two come with a $300 OBC (on board credit). I've been posting like a freak on the cruise section and they've been super helpful. Nothing is in stone. They are expensive though. I would not be using DVC points for sure.


How's the VDay planning coming? Less than a month.

You know that makes it really attractive. They are pricey though. But I think that I would prefer a DC to any other. I would to take the one that leaves San Francisco of course. I would love to go under the Golden Gate Bridge on a cruise ship.

 

[rentayenta]

You know that makes it really attractive. They are pricey though. But I think that I would prefer a DC to any other. I would to take the one that leaves San Francisco of course. I would love to go under the Golden Gate Bridge on a cruise ship.

Does the DCL sail out of SF? That would be quite the site!

 

[kaoden39]

Does the DCL sail out of SF? That would be quite the site!

I guess it is a rare thing I know they were doing it in 2011 but now they aren't.

 

[eandesmom]

As the planners, it's only takes a spark to make a vacation happen.

Isn't that the truth!

Are the sunsets as gorgeous as in the pics? M says yes. He lives there for a summer and said the sunsets are by far the most beautiful he's seen. You have family in Honolulu? Are they family you'd stay with?

They are pretty amazing. These are from last April, on the Big Island (date trip, no kids).

They are family I'd stay with but with so many of us, not sure anyone really would have room. Some of my favorite cousins! But they too, have loads of kids. Typically we bypass Oahu and go to Maui. This was our first trip to the Big Island. Whenever we take the kids it will likely be a split trip, some in Honolulu and some in either Maui or the Big Island. We both fell in love with the Big Island which really surprised us. Haven't made it to Kauai yet though and that's definitely on the list!

 

[rentayenta]

I guess it is a rare thing I know they were doing it in 2011 but now they aren't.

I've only seen them from LA. Either way, you're close. We've got to fly. I hate being landlocked.

Isn't that the truth!



They are pretty amazing. These are from last April, on the Big Island (date trip, no kids).

They are family I'd stay with but with so many of us, not sure anyone really would have room. Some of my favorite cousins! But they too, have loads of kids. Typically we bypass Oahu and go to Maui. This was our first trip to the Big Island. Whenever we take the kids it will likely be a split trip, some in Honolulu and some in either Maui or the Big Island. We both fell in love with the Big Island which really surprised us. Haven't made it to Kauai yet though and that's definitely on the list!

Oh my gosh, those are breathtaking. Seriously. Thank you for brightening up this rainy Friday.

 

[kaoden39]

Okay I was right. They depart in LA but they stop in San Francisco, so that is what it was.

 

[eandesmom]

Oh my gosh, those are breathtaking. Seriously. Thank you for brightening up this rainy Friday.

It was an amazing trip, we are definitely taking in the kids and staying in the same condo one of these days. And yes, those were taken from our lanai! Which we lived on.