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

[kaoden39]

It is across the street from the Honda Center on Katella. It's less than three miles from the parks. It is a great place to stay.

 

[rentayenta]

I don't think it will fill up although I could be wrong. I do know it's still available for the 4th of July and that's definitely a lot sooner. I'd be really reluctant to give up those THV dates until you know for sur and a very busy time, plus now that the points have been reallocated it's a better deal to do it this year than waiting. If you know for sure you don't want it, then no biggie but you won't get them back (I don't think) if you give them up.


You aren't targeting any of the Epcot resorts, I bet you will be fine, even past the 7 month mark with what you are looking at (with the exception of Concierge level).

I think you're right, I'm going to hang on to them for a little longer. It is a better deal to stay at the THV this year as opposed to next due to the allocation. Hmmm...... I'm tearing myself up over such a silly thing.


When do you guys get to change?

It is across the street from the Honda Center on Katella. It's less than three miles from the parks. It is a great place to stay.

It's really pretty and it's great that you can take ART too. I think I keep my non-Disney blinders on for the most part until I get out of the Anaheim/north Garden Grove area though I do love the Buddist Temple on Katella. It's quite
Pretty.

 

[kaoden39]

I think you're right, I'm going to hang on to them for a little longer. It is a better deal to stay at the THV this year as opposed to next due to the allocation. Hmmm...... I'm tearing myself up over such a silly thing.


When do you guys get to change?





It's really pretty and it's great that you can take ART too. I think I keep my non-Disney blinders on for the most part until I get out of the Anaheim/north Garden Grove area though I do love the Buddist Temple on Katella. It's quite
Pretty.

I am usually that way but it was so nice to be out of the mess and crowds for a while everyday.

 

[eandesmom]

I think you're right, I'm going to hang on to them for a little longer. It is a better deal to stay at the THV this year as opposed to next due to the allocation. Hmmm...... I'm tearing myself up over such a silly thing.


When do you guys get to change?

17th I think. Maybe the 18th but I think it's the 17th. LOL!


I hear you. I'm tearing myself up over the 4th of July, in 2013 and yet one person can't commit until semi close to then, another wants to rent a house and the herding cats aspect of this trip makes me a bit unwilling to borrow points and potentially end up in a jam. Of course, I wouldn't even be doing this until August so to be obsessed with it now is clearly completely nuts! It is nice at least to be able to look at what is (and isn't) available for the 4th and it does give me comfort that even if we are booking a lot closer than the 11 months, we would be able to have something.

Of course the reality is I'm tearing myself up over it now as we might upgrade a couple of our August nights this year and that of course impacts how many points I have for the ultimate cat herd fest!

 

[Native NYer]

I think that's the way we'll go if we can't score any club level at AKV. I'd love to do our big grill night with Jenna et al when we're at the THV as the grill is right at the villa.


You lucky lady- never had to wait list. I've had good luck with the GCV wait list but haven't waited anything at WDW as this is our first trip back since buying. I can't believe it will be over 3 years since we've been.

Any new trip info?

That's a great plan! Grilling at your THV will be amazing!

No new trip info right. I've been on the DCL website and am looking at a couple of cruises for next February. But I'm torn. I don't know if I'd rather do DLR, WDW, or a cruise.

 

[rentayenta]

17th I think. Maybe the 18th but I think it's the 17th. LOL!

I take it you're not making the change? I know you'd have it down to the second like me.

I hear you. I'm tearing myself up over the 4th of July, in 2013 and yet one person can't commit until semi close to then, another wants to rent a house and the herding cats aspect of this trip makes me a bit unwilling to borrow points and potentially end up in a jam. Of course, I wouldn't even be doing this until August so to be obsessed with it now is clearly completely nuts! It is nice at least to be able to look at what is (and isn't) available for the 4th and it does give me comfort that even if we are booking a lot closer than the 11 months, we would be able to have something.

See having to borrow to accommodate everyone would make me feel the same way. I'd be nuts too. Points are valuable, we plan out far in advance, and need to adjust accordingly. I feel ya sister!

Of course the reality is I'm tearing myself up over it now as we might upgrade a couple of our August nights this year and that of course impacts how many points I have for the ultimate cat herd fest!

Who is all going for the herd fest? And upgrade the cruise/WDW/beach trip this August? Do tell.......

 

[rentayenta]

That's a great plan! Grilling at your THV will be amazing!

No new trip info right. I've been on the DCL website and am looking at a couple of cruises for next February. But I'm torn. I don't know if I'd rather do DLR, WDW, or a cruise.

I know! The grill is right there. I'm picturing sunkissed kids after a day at the water park, coming back to our treehouse and and a fat marinated tri tip, and pigging out! Some wine on the deck, good friends, happy kids......


What about a mix of a DC and Disneyland? That seems to be pretty popular or what about a WDW and DC mix?

 

[Native NYer]

I know! The grill is right there. I'm picturing sunkissed kids after a day at the water park, coming back to our treehouse and and a fat marinated tri tip, and pigging out! Some wine on the deck, good friends, happy kids......


What about a mix of a DC and Disneyland? That seems to be pretty popular or what about a WDW and DC mix?

Ok, now I want to try a THV. But I need hire someone to cook.

I was thinking WDW and DC. But I really want to go to DL. What time of year do you think would be best for DL: February, April, August, or Christmas week?

 

[rentayenta]

I am usually that way but it was so nice to be out of the mess and crowds for a while everyday.

I bet! Your room seemed very peaceful, pleasing to the eye.

Ok, now I want to try a THV. But I need hire someone to cook.

I was thinking WDW and DC. But I really want to go to DL. What time of year do you think would be best for DL: February, April, August, or Christmas week?

The week before or after Christmas? If its the week before, I say December. If not, I'd go with April but you'll contend with Spring Breakers. Feb risks closures and August is hot and crowded. Honestly I'd go anytime but my favorites are early June and right after Thanksgiving, up and until Christmas. October is nice too.


I'm excited now for THV. I need a Valium!

 

[eandesmom]

I take it you're not making the change? I know you'd have it down to the second like me.

Nope, ressie is under Mary Ellen. Plan is BWV, BCV and if niether, keep WL but waitlist both of those for the entire stay. I'm sure she has it down to the second though!

See having to borrow to accommodate everyone would make me feel the same way. I'd be nuts too. Points are valuable, we plan out far in advance, and need to adjust accordingly. I feel ya sister!

Yep! I thought we had a plan but there are a couple of wildcards in there that are unavoidable (one sister in grad school and another who will be trying to get pg at some point) and I've come to the conclusion that for the larger trip, 11 month booking may not be worth even attempting given the risk.

Who is all going for the herd fest? And upgrade the cruise/WDW/beach trip this August? Do tell.......

potential upgrade for part of this summers trip, yes.

herd fest will be....

4 of us (maybe 5 but that's a long shot)
My sister and her 2 kids
possibly her ex BIL
My brother and his 2 kids
Possibly his ex (hope so, we love her!)
my parents
my sister and her husband who may or may not be pg at the time
long shot on sister in Ohio, her DH and DD
very long shot on my brother from Germany + his kids, and MIL and one of the kids dad's
plus a few assorted unofficial aunts and uncles that tend to come along

A minimum of 14, upwards of 25 depending. I definitely won't be getting villas for all, no matter what . In the past, we rented 2 houses next to each other but Jeff and I are pretty set on staying onsite. Question boils down to, how best to pull that off? 2 grand villas sound lovely but...even with renting points I think people will balk at the prices. OKW is the really only valid option for that, the rest are crazy expensive. Given all the wild cards, even if we could rent 2 of them, I just don't see folks being willing to pony up that much cash, that far ahead of time for something that could be an issue. I think the only way we could do it and feel in control would be to do a point transfer on the balance needed but again, it's cash up front.

2 treehouses could work depending on headcount but if they aren't near to each other kind of negate the concept of keeping the cousins close together. BUT my kids are obsessed with staying in a treehouse, with their cousins so....

Right now my inclination is to use points for just us and try to book some cash rooms with the dvc discount if available as linked ressies. Won't know if that will work until I try though as the cash availability definitely varies. Nice thing about that option is that if it did work, it's only one night down and no risk if we had to cancel that part. Still don't know where though. I am hoping we have a better idea by end of June.

So...do I save points now for maybe use later or just say the heck with it and splurge a little this summer?

I know! The grill is right there. I'm picturing sunkissed kids after a day at the water park, coming back to our treehouse and and a fat marinated tri tip, and pigging out! Some wine on the deck, good friends, happy kids......

That sounds lovely! And in October, pretty heavenly to me. I'm less thrilled with the concept of the treehouse in summer as I'm not sure we'd enjoy the deck as much as during other times of the year but who knows. I'd thought summer would be the only time that would work for the herd but now that is proving problematic. I am still very enthralled with the idea of a 4th of july bbq at the treehouse...ribs and the works!

 

[kaoden39]

I bet! Your room seemed very peaceful, pleasing to the eye.






The week before or after Christmas? If its the week before, I say December. If not, I'd go with April but you'll contend with Spring Breakers. Feb risks closures and August is hot and crowded. Honestly I'd go anytime but my favorites are early June and right after Thanksgiving, up and until Christmas. October is nice too.


I'm excited now for THV. I need a Valium!

And there were no kids running up and down the hallway.

 

[Native NYer]

The week before or after Christmas? If its the week before, I say December. If not, I'd go with April but you'll contend with Spring Breakers. Feb risks closures and August is hot and crowded. Honestly I'd go anytime but my favorites are early June and right after Thanksgiving, up and until Christmas. October is nice too.


I'm excited now for THV. I need a Valium!

I can't take off the week before Christmas. Or after Thanksgiving. As much as I want to see all of the Christmas decor, I don't know if I can handle the crowds. Looks like April might be the best time.

Oh I need a Valium as well. I'm planning 2013 vacations and have yet to go on the 2012 one.

 

[rentayenta]

Nope, ressie is under Mary Ellen. Plan is BWV, BCV and if niether, keep WL but waitlist both of those for the entire stay. I'm sure she has it down to the second though!

It would be nice to have someone else in charge if I wasnt such a control freak.

Yep! I thought we had a plan but there are a couple of wildcards in there that are unavoidable (one sister in grad school and another who will be trying to get pg at some point) and I've come to the conclusion that for the larger trip, 11 month booking may not be worth even attempting given the risk.

I agree with that. When you've got many variables and it's going to take borrowing, it's not worth the risk. Tell everyone to get their crap together.

potential upgrade for part of this summers trip, yes.

herd fest will be....

4 of us (maybe 5 but that's a long shot)
My sister and her 2 kids
possibly her ex BIL
My brother and his 2 kids
Possibly his ex (hope so, we love her!)
my parents
my sister and her husband who may or may not be pg at the time
long shot on sister in Ohio, her DH and DD
very long shot on my brother from Germany + his kids, and MIL and one of the kids dad's
plus a few assorted unofficial aunts and uncles that tend to come along

Holy herdfest is right! I hope you're not getting villas for all of these people?

A minimum of 14, upwards of 25 depending. I definitely won't be getting villas for all, no matter what .

Whew! Great minds and all.

In the past, we rented 2 houses next to each other but Jeff and I are pretty set on staying onsite. Question boils down to, how best to pull that off? 2 grand villas sound lovely but...even with renting points I think people will balk at the prices. OKW is the really only valid option for that, the rest are crazy expensive. Given all the wild cards, even if we could rent 2 of them, I just don't see folks being willing to pony up that much cash, that far ahead of time for something that could be an issue. I think the only way we could do it and feel in control would be to do a point transfer on the balance needed but again, it's cash up front.

At $10 on avergare per point, I dont see it being that much person really? Especially for what they're getting.

2 treehouses could work depending on headcount but if they aren't near to each other kind of negate the concept of keeping the cousins close together. BUT my kids are obsessed with staying in a treehouse, with their cousins so....

I'd go that way over the GVs. Tell them you're one big party.

Right now my inclination is to use points for just us and try to book some cash rooms with the dvc discount if available as linked ressies. Won't know if that will work until I try though as the cash availability definitely varies. Nice thing about that option is that if it did work, it's only one night down and no risk if we had to cancel that part. Still don't know where though. I am hoping we have a better idea by end of June.

That's smart. You don't risk losing your points or having them put into holding. Would having everyone book their own hotel on site work and then just meet during the days and have cousins trade places doing sleepovers be an option?

So...do I save points now for maybe use later or just say the heck with it and splurge a little this summer?

Splurge this summer silly! Everyone may end up finding their own reservations or paying cash like you said so you won't need all of your points.

That sounds lovely! And in October, pretty heavenly to me. I'm less thrilled with the concept of the treehouse in summer as I'm not sure we'd enjoy the deck as much as during other times of the year but who knows. I'd thought summer would be the only time that would work for the herd but now that is proving problematic. I am still very enthralled with the idea of a 4th of july bbq at the treehouse...ribs and the works!

I think the idea of a July 4th BBQ sounds wonderful! I vote for the THV if you can get them.

And there were no kids running up and down the hallway.

That sounds like a nice break after a day at the parks. And romantic.

I can't take off the week before Christmas. Or after Thanksgiving. As much as I want to see all of the Christmas decor, I don't know if I can handle the crowds. Looks like April might be the best time.

April is great, just be smart with FPs like you would at WDW. Rope drop which will be easy coming from the east coast. In between Christmas and NY is truly painful.

Oh I need a Valium as well. I'm planning 2013 vacations and have yet to go on the 2012 one.

Where is the pill popping smiley when you need one?

19 days until 7 month booking!!! ​

54 days until ADRs!!! ​

234 days until WDW!!! ​

 

[rentayenta]

18 days until 7 month booking!!! ​

53 days until ADRs!!! ​

233 days until WDW!!! ​

 

[Native NYer]

Only 18 days!!! I can't wait to see what resorts you finally end up with.

I just saw the SSR point reallocation. I guess it was just a matter of time before DVC realized a THV shouldn't be the same points per night as a 2 bedroom.

Time off from work has been a bit dangerous. I keep pricing DLR and DCL vacations.

 

[rentayenta]

Only 18 days!!! I can't wait to see what resorts you finally end up with.

I just saw the SSR point reallocation. I guess it was just a matter of time before DVC realized a THV shouldn't be the same points per night as a 2 bedroom.

Time off from work has been a bit dangerous. I keep pricing DLR and DCL vacations.

I know this year would be the year to stay THV. I just can't simply decide. AKV's CL availability will determine a lot.


Did you book anything or find anything you're fairly set on?

 

[eandesmom]

I agree with that. When you've got many variables and it's going to take borrowing, it's not worth the risk. Tell everyone to get their crap together.

Exactly! Unfortunately some of those things can't really be gotten together. One sister is a single mom back in school getting her teaching certificate. IF she stays on track, she will be done by June 2013. If however she can't manage the schedule of school, work and kids, she'll need to be in school that summer. No way to predict that this far out. The other one is going to start trying for a baby. Wants to plan it around the trip, as in start trying on it. However anything can happen between now and then, that's far enough away for her to have had a baby if they decide to pull the trigger early and that could impact things depending on timing. I'm not sure I even want to book for us with those kinds of variables at play at 11 months. At 7 months we will probably be in much better shape but at 7, no treehouse on the 4th. Possibly on other dates but...ugh.

At $10 on avergare per point, I dont see it being that much person really? Especially for what they're getting.

I'd go that way over the GVs. Tell them you're one big party.

That's smart. You don't risk losing your points or having them put into holding. Would having everyone book their own hotel on site work and then just meet during the days and have cousins trade places doing sleepovers be an option?

They are used to renting a house so in comparison, it's a bit more $$. However, it's not so much the amount, it's the having to do it 11 months ahead of time that will be a huge problem given that the dates could change. Potential disaster in a rental situation. In theory yet, everyone just booking wherever is WAY easier but there's a lot of concerns about that. We all want to be together and many of the resorts are so huge, even if we were all at the same one, we could end up at opposite ends. Only way I see it working with the control we'd need, should dates change is a point transfer so at least we could control moving the ressies if we needed to.

Splurge this summer silly! Everyone may end up finding their own reservations or paying cash like you said so you won't need all of your points.

I probably will.

I think the idea of a July 4th BBQ sounds wonderful! I vote for the THV if you can get them.

I love the idea, we will see what happens!

 

[rentayenta]

Exactly! Unfortunately some of those things can't really be gotten together. One sister is a single mom back in school getting her teaching certificate. IF she stays on track, she will be done by June 2013. If however she can't manage the schedule of school, work and kids, she'll need to be in school that summer. No way to predict that this far out. The other one is going to start trying for a baby. Wants to plan it around the trip, as in start trying on it. However anything can happen between now and then, that's far enough away for her to have had a baby if they decide to pull the trigger early and that could impact things depending on timing. I'm not sure I even want to book for us with those kinds of variables at play at 11 months. At 7 months we will probably be in much better shape but at 7, no treehouse on the 4th. Possibly on other dates but...ugh.

Wow, there are a ton of factors playing in to this. Will your family go regardless? I'd wait too even if it means no THV. You'd have to wait until the 7 month anyway for the OKW GV and maybe the THV will be open up until the 7 month? Even that few weeks before would be an advantage for those who own at SSR. The THV stayed open after the 11 month and I don't remember exactly when they filled up but I'm thinking it was at about the 9th month. You own at SSR right?

They are used to renting a house so in comparison, it's a bit more $$. However, it's not so much the amount, it's the having to do it 11 months ahead of time that will be a huge problem given that the dates could change. Potential disaster in a rental situation. In theory yet, everyone just booking wherever is WAY easier but there's a lot of concerns about that. We all want to be together and many of the resorts are so huge, even if we were all at the same one, we could end up at opposite ends. Only way I see it working with the control we'd need, should dates change is a point transfer so at least we could control moving the ressies if we needed to.

Yeah, I guess renting a big house would be less expensive. Do you rent at Bonnet Creek? It seems like a popular place. There and Windsor Hills.

True about being far apart even at the same resort which would negate everyone being together. How does a points transfer work?

 

[eandesmom]

Wow, there are a ton of factors playing in to this. Will your family go regardless? I'd wait too even if it means no THV. You'd have to wait until the 7 month anyway for the OKW GV and maybe the THV will be open up until the 7 month? Even that few weeks before would be an advantage for those who own at SSR. The THV stayed open after the 11 month and I don't remember exactly when they filled up but I'm thinking it was at about the 9th month. You own at SSR right?

Yep, a ton. On the going regardless? I don't know. Probably not. We've been waiting to tie it into the larger family trip, which EVERYONE wants..it's just complicated due to...life. It's not a matter of convincing anyone to go, it's a giant group of Disney freaks, it's just a lot of cats to herd. Jeff doesn't want to go twice close together, that's his big fear and part of why no WDW this summer. But on the other hand the boys are dying to go. If my one sister is still in school (and as a single mom with alimony ending she needs to get this done asap) then I'm thinking it will push back to NYE 2013 much as no one wants to wait that long...my dad isn't getting any younger and the boys are ready to go this summer as it is.

Good thing we have a SMALL surprise in store for them.

Yeah, I guess renting a big house would be less expensive. Do you rent at Bonnet Creek? It seems like a popular place. There and Windsor Hills.

True about being far apart even at the same resort which would negate everyone being together. How does a points transfer work?

I honestly don't recall the neighborhood! It's seriously 5 min from the main gate though, through All Star. Great houses, we had 2 next door to each other for 20 of us. Jeff and I had a master suite, the boy in a super cute Disney themed bunkbed room next door, with a common bath for the kids. But the pools were all covered, kind of like on a sunporch. Makes them bug free but not the same. And with the car aspect, we would just get to the parks late and never leave, pretty much putting in 12+ hour days so we didn't have that down pool/resort time. Fine in Nov, but if this is a July trip? Not so much (as far as I'm concerned). Fun a for big group dinner though, which we only did on our Universal night. Pretty sure that's the only night we used the pool too! We've become a bit addicted to evenign EMH and aren't really willing to give that up.

You can transfer points in or out, one time per use year. Kind of the same as renting really or if you are traveling with another DVC member, your way of "Paying" half your share of the points. The rent/trade board is also a transfer board so conceptually you could "rent" transfer points and instead of the other member making the ressie, they transfer them to your membership. Banking, use year and home resort rules stay with the transferred points so whatever you have transferred in, retains its original properties if that makes sense.

 

[ajf1007]

Wow - I missed a lot of organizational decisions while I was out over the last few days! I can't believe how close your getting to your 7 month mark, I'm on pins and needles waiting to see what you get! I'm excited!

Just to give a bit of an update, the emails and discussions have finally started amongst our group. I don't know what happened, but it's like a switch flipped. Uh oh, maybe they're on the Dis and didn't tell me? Maybe they read my rant? So it's a bit exciting for me now and I finally have some interaction with the group!

I just checked and yes - it's the Hampton Inn in Layton. I'm not looking forward to the trip though, just because it's a lot of travel (7 1/2 hours there - with lay overs) and 5 1/2 hours back with layovers - for a 2 hour meeting! I'm just so tired of the traveling. Luckily, I knew that it was going to be this way in February so I planned nothing for March! This will be my last trip for February so I'm ready for "travel hell" to be over.

Anyway - here's what I'll be trying to book. Fantasmic (dinner package) - Mickeys Backyard BBQ - Boma (for a few breakfasts, just for Jay and me and my mom) - BBB - lunch at the Castle and 'Ohana. I think that's just enough for our party of 10 and we do plan on cooking some in our the villa too. I still think I'll plan on a few "plan B's" if these don't work out.

Any suggestions for Plan B's?