Life’s too short...to never sleep in a treehouse! 8/27 TR is up! Link in siggie

[eandesmom]

Yeah, I knew the YC was locked in, but somehow I thought we were talking about not only 2 nights. Then I'd def. say the THV! You really have your heart set on it, I think when all's said and done. I think you should do it, just to check it out, for future trips at least.

I may be back up to 3 nights! with a totally new idea!

see below

I would really like to try Sanaa on my next trip, too. It's either Sanaa or Jiko. I think next trip will be the regular dining plan, so Sanaa is the best option in terms of TS entitlements, but I've heard great stuff about Jiko. What to do?

I'd like to try Jiko but I think I'd do it OOP so it's Sanaa for us this time for exactly that reason!

IOh, the Yacht club sounds sooooooo great! Can't you just book room only before the rest of your party comes? But, wait, aren't you going to Universal Studios first????? Have you considered staying in one of their hotels to get the front of the line access to the rides? You've probably thought this all out already and I am just too far behind with your PTR! So ignore my comment if I'm just too lazy to read everything!

Um. No! You are brilliant. How did I not look at that and not realize it was an option? Esp with HP that would be a HUGE advantage.

DOH! Boy do I feel dumb. And more than slightly annoyed with my TA for not suggesting it. Although as a friend, she does know I usually already know what I want so might be reluctant to give me ideas! You rock!





I seriously think I'm going to scrap all the other ideas and go for this, but go back to the 3 nights so we get maximium park time over there. We could skip a car entirely for the trip which would be SO wonderful as cars that seat 6-8 are either pricey minivans or 2 cars so it would be a wash.

I'm running it by Jeff but there are 2 that would work, one cheaper than the other but one that Taylor would probably like better and we just let K&T pick between those 2 for the 3 nights.

We could do room only at the YC for those 2 nights but since we are 6, it'd be 2 rooms and it would be like $700 a night! Without the "free" food. So it really isn't an option. I was flexible on the Universal before, or mixed in with the rest of the trip, kind of depended on whether or not Paul, Sandie and Doug wanted to hit those parks or not. Realistically I could see Doug making his stay different dates than Paul and Sandie's so that he was there for Universal and about 1/2 of the Disney part. While I think Paul would enjoy some of Universal, Sandie isn't intested in it. We will see.

Either way I think this makes a TON of sense, esp with HP craziness.

The surgeon I work with stayed there recently (in July). I will have to ask him his opinion of the rooms. He and his family endured it for his 9 year old son who has been asking to go there for about 5 years. Talk about good marketing. The outside of that place just looks so ugly to me. But your boys would probably love it!

I agree (about the ugly) but boy do they market the heck out of it! I'd love to know his impression.

 

[Happydog]

Well I am no help with the resort stress, but you know I can't say enough about Sanaa!!! WE LOVED IT!!!! Great food!

 

[eandesmom]

Well I am no help with the resort stress, but you know I can't say enough about Sanaa!!! WE LOVED IT!!!! Great food!

You know, the trip is SO far away none of this has been stressful. A bit surprising mind you with rooms being gone and then realizing we actually are locked into a fairly narrow window but..stressful? No.

Fun in a twisted over planning kind of way. Sad huh.

I can't wait to try Sanaa!

 

[eandesmom]

I’m officially NOT sleeping in a treehouse.

This trip.

The BFP_YC_v0.6

Now of course I don’t know exactly WHERE it is I am sleeping for every single night but I know this much.

We are back to a full 10 nights in Orlando!

3 of those nights will be at a Loews Universal Resort; with 7 day unlimited 2 park tickets and express line benefits.

7 of those nights will be at the Yacht Club; with Free Dining (pixie dust willing or we have a major problem) and 8 day park hoppers. Jury is still WAY out on the water park piece of this and may be for some time. Like until we get there. If they beg. And we aren’t feeling beyond broke.

We will be skipping a car entirely, which helps pay for the resort upgrade, which is still way less than if we tried to do 2 rooms at the YC for those 3 nights. My other fuzzy math says that we aren’t really that far over budget since I’ll now cut out the cool extra’s we did last time (pedi’s at the GF, SeaRaycers, OOP meals and wasted CS credits). We don’t need no stinkin’ extra’s if we are staying deluxe for 10 nights! And in fact, when I add it up, it’s only $1500 more than our last trip. This trip was budgeted to be more with the extra days and Universal already so really...it's only an $800 upgrade, about identical to what it would have cost if we were doing THV or AKL for the 3 nights with a car.

Except this time we are going for 10 nights/12 days and staying deluxe! Versus 7 nights 6 days last time in a mod. Yeah I know that doesn't sound right, 7 nights and 6 days but factor in west coast crummy flight times and that's what happens. Sick and wrong in my book.

Not too shabby if I do say so myself. It can only get better if some kind of Universal deal comes out in ’10.

See, once you add in those line benefits and the day lost by traveling from out west, I decided that we just couldn't possibly pack in everything in 2 full days before we moved to the YC and if we weren't going to get a car, we needed to do all the Universal stuff before we moved.

Besides, now if we get conned into adding a water park day once we are there...I won't feel like I've lost as much as I would have without that extra night back.

Equally as important it locks up the killer park ticket prices without having to buy all 6 outright right now, which I really didn't want to do. Supposedly a ticket price increase is coming in 2010 to time with HP opening.

Of course, as with 99% of the WDW options, we can't fit in one room but, oh well. I have to figure out how to get from MCO to the Universal Resort and from the resort to the YC but that’s doable.

I would like to thank Mary Ellen (MEK) from the bottom of my heart. With Harry Potter, those express line benefits will be priceless. My TA was mortified, she thought we’d already discussed it but that was with a different friend!

Ahhh, the DIS!



For all these fabulous ideas. LL solved my Teppan dilemma so perfectly and Mary Ellen directed me to a great solution for my “before FD” dilemma and reminded me to schedule a date night while we are there!

I'd be lost without you guys!

So we are down to 3 options, any of which I’ll be very happy with. Nick is officially off the table. Executive parental decision. Not even going to bring it up to K&T, express line trumps everything. Cost wise it’d be equal to if we did 3 nights at AKL or THV with a car. So it isn’t cheap. But Hard Rock in particular is pretty darn teen oriented. We’ve stayed at the Hard Rock before, not in Orlando but Miami and it was a great hotel experience. Seems like we stayed in one somewhere else but I can’t for the life of me think where.

So it’s either

1. Loews Portofino Bay Hotel
2. Hard Rock Hotel
3. Loews Royal Pacific Hotel

I’ll be surprised if T picks anything but Hard Rock. K is harder to call, I could see her really liking the Royal Pacific. Not sure how we will settle it but I’m leaning towards Hard Rock for T as K will be like a cat in cream at the Yacht Club. I hope they don’t both settle on Portofino only as it’s a lot more $$. But WOW am I in love with that one. Jeff too. LOL! We may pull it out as an option but we will see.

So I don’t have to change my ticker. Except I might as there is no longer any slime involved.

Then again, they might get slimed somewhere in the parks…right? I could pack slime....except TSA might think it wasn't slime. Ok, bad idea.



In other travel news I’ve been busy planning a date 2 night getaway thanksgiving weekend to celebrate our anniversary. Sadly, though the deals are great, Banff just wasn’t in the cards. All this Le Cellier talk on other PTR's and TR's, between not getting ADR's, Biscuit burning ADR's, happydog lucky ADR's and a little too much talk about Martin Short Banff and Lake Louise have been on my mind. Oh well, someday!

But we are going to at least get out of the country, to Vancouver BC. It is still IN Canada, last time I checked.

We’ve not been (to stay) since before we married so we are both very excited about it! We have driven through it several times and had lunch there but that's about it.

Next....and the winner is.....

 

[All7OfUs]

I thought I was confused before. Now it may be hopeless! I will keep trying though, really I will give 110% to my West Coast morning hang out pal.

Here's what I got out of that. You want to stay at a Universal hotel so you can get FoL privs. Good move!!! Very good move!

Nick is out. The kids might be disappointed, but oh well, you're the mom- with the dough.

There will be no car, which presents some transport issues. I wouldn't even think about that yet. We're on BFP 6 now, it'll likely change in the next week.

Saving money - what'd you say? $800 more? But the same as THV and the car? Who doesn't like to spend more money, but still feel like they're getting a great deal? Only a vacation at Disney could do that!

 

[elphie101]

Yay for 10 days!!!!! Hard Rock sounds like a fun time! It's so weird, I'm so used to the DIS that someone says Boardwalk or Pop Century or Poly that I know exactly what to expect - but Universal's hotels are completely different! I have no idea what to expect!!

I'm also looking into buying my Universal ticket before the end of the year; once HP opens the ticket price is going to go crazy no doubt, because they know people will pay for it.

I've also got fingers, toes and eyes crossed that free dining DOES actually happen like we think it will - for my roomie and I to pay for dining it's almost another 200 bucks each for us for our vacation, and where I'm working two jobs at minimum wage, and she doesn't work at all......college kids can't afford the dining plan!!

We finally picked dates, so I officially have my first ticker! It's so exciting!!! (Even when it's still got so far to travel, hahaha)

Edit: Almost forgot: Mears Transportation is very highly recommended both in transportation from MCO and between Disney and Universal/Sea World. I know when I was looking into the DCP (Disney College Program) most people recommended it for those not bringing their own cars because Disney doesn't provide any transportation to the housing complex. I know that's what I'm planning on using for my Universal day!!

Here's the website: http://www.mearstransportation.com/ I found it not too be too easy to navigate, but I read someone you can always call them for a quote - it's fairly inexpensive.

 

[jordanyosh]

Okay....your accommodation saga is definitely been a treat to see unfold..It looks like you're in the homestretch at least as far as where you're staying....

Date weekend..... Nice.

 

[eandesmom]

I thought I was confused before. Now it may be hopeless! I will keep trying though, really I will give 110% to my West Coast morning hang out pal.

Here's what I got out of that. You want to stay at a Universal hotel so you can get FoL privs. Good move!!! Very good move!

Nick is out. The kids might be disappointed, but oh well, you're the mom- with the dough.

There will be no car, which presents some transport issues. I wouldn't even think about that yet. We're on BFP 6 now, it'll likely change in the next week.

Saving money - what'd you say? $800 more? But the same as THV and the car? Who doesn't like to spend more money, but still feel like they're getting a great deal? Only a vacation at Disney could do that!

Aw, you do give 100% just by being here!



Gotta love fuzzy disney math. No worries, Jeff can't keep up most of the time. The kids won't be disappointed since....

1. they don't even know about the trip at all
2. they didn't know Nick was on the table to begin with.



K&T will find out this weekend when they help pick which Universal property. I'm thinking we will keep that part as a surprise for the E's until we actually go, and then if Sandie does come out in the next month, she can '"tell" the E's about the Disney part of the trip, and who is going, so she gets the hero thanks for it!

Speaking of which she said tonight in an email that Laura and Doug are sharing a household. I am entirely if that is the case why she thinks Doug wouldn't want Laura to go or Laura wouldn't want to go. I have a sneaking suspicion she is playing ostrich. If you know what I mean. But the good news is Doug's BP looks good, his doctor gave him a whole month of "samples" of one of his meds that he has to pay 100% out of pocket for, he's working on changing his diet and Laura got a new, great, job. She's been unemployed for a while.

Oy vey. I'm really glad our room set up at the YC can handle 10...

Ten foot pole. I may need one!

Yay for 10 days!!!!! Hard Rock sounds like a fun time! It's so weird, I'm so used to the DIS that someone says Boardwalk or Pop Century or Poly that I know exactly what to expect - but Universal's hotels are completely different! I have no idea what to expect!!

I'm also looking into buying my Universal ticket before the end of the year; once HP opens the ticket price is going to go crazy no doubt, because they know people will pay for it.

I've also got fingers, toes and eyes crossed that free dining DOES actually happen like we think it will - for my roomie and I to pay for dining it's almost another 200 bucks each for us for our vacation, and where I'm working two jobs at minimum wage, and she doesn't work at all......college kids can't afford the dining plan!!

We finally picked dates, so I officially have my first ticker! It's so exciting!!! (Even when it's still got so far to travel, hahaha)

Edit: Almost forgot: Mears Transportation is very highly recommended both in transportation from MCO and between Disney and Universal/Sea World. I know when I was looking into the DCP (Disney College Program) most people recommended it for those not bringing their own cars because Disney doesn't provide any transportation to the housing complex. I know that's what I'm planning on using for my Universal day!!

Here's the website: http://www.mearstransportation.com/ I found it not too be too easy to navigate, but I read someone you can always call them for a quote - it's fairly inexpensive.

YAY on the ticker! I have looked at Mears before, we considered doing Universal last year and using them to go back and forth from the Fort but it would have been $80 or so per person to go to IOA for one day, plus the transportation and it would have been about $750 for the whole thing which just seemed NUTS for one day.

We should get 2 half days and 2 full days out of the tickets this way, plus the front of the line benefits. I've seen chatter/rumors that prices will go up. $99 is a darn good deal for a 7 day unlimited hopper 2 park ticket.

I've stayed in Loews hotels several times elsewhere and have always been very happy with them. But, like you, I don't "really" know what to expect. which is kind of fun. It won't be the same but it will be neat having 2 almost totally separate vacations!

Okay....your accommodation saga is definitely been a treat to see unfold..It looks like you're in the homestretch at least as far as where you're staying....

Date weekend..... Nice.

Not boring around here Method to the madness. Really! I'm actually thrilled with how its unfolded. I'll be happy to book these last 3 nights and move on but feel really good about where its at.

Will require a bit of ADR wish list tweaking though.

Besides I have to get all this done before the first of the year. Then it will be time to start playing....airfare roulette!

 

[All7OfUs]

Quotes in red!

Aw, you do give 100% just by being here!



I try.

Gotta love fuzzy disney math. No worries, Jeff can't keep up most of the time. The kids won't be disappointed since....

1. they don't even know about the trip at all
2. they didn't know Nick was on the table to begin with.

Maybe it's a good thing Jeff can't keep up most of the time?

I had forgotten that this was all hush-hush, at least for a while.

K&T will find out this weekend when they help pick which Universal property. I'm thinking we will keep that part as a surprise for the E's until we actually go, and then if Sandie does come out in the next month, she can '"tell" the E's about the Disney part of the trip, and who is going, so she gets the hero thanks for it!

Now, that's a cool plan to let Sandie be the hero of the party! How fun for her!

Speaking of which she said tonight in an email that Laura and Doug are sharing a household. I am entirely if that is the case why she thinks Doug wouldn't want Laura to go or Laura wouldn't want to go. I have a sneaking suspicion she is playing ostrich. If you know what I mean. But the good news is Doug's BP looks good, his doctor gave him a whole month of "samples" of one of his meds that he has to pay 100% out of pocket for, he's working on changing his diet and Laura got a new, great, job. She's been unemployed for a while.



Great she gets a job, though! And even better Doug is making better choices with his diet and that his doc. was so kind. A whole month of meds is no small deal.



Oy vey. I'm really glad our room set up at the YC can handle 10...

Ten foot pole. I may need one!

You may indeed!


YAY on the ticker! I have looked at Mears before, we considered doing Universal last year and using them to go back and forth from the Fort but it would have been $80 or so per person to go to IOA for one day, plus the transportation and it would have been about $750 for the whole thing which just seemed NUTS for one day.

Indeed! NOT WORTH IT!

We should get 2 half days and 2 full days out of the tickets this way, plus the front of the line benefits. I've seen chatter/rumors that prices will go up. $99 is a darn good deal for a 7 day unlimited hopper 2 park ticket.

I'd say it's a double good deal! Who could pass that up?

Not boring around here Method to the madness. Really! I'm actually thrilled with how its unfolded. I'll be happy to book these last 3 nights and move on but feel really good about where its at.

For for all of to watch and be amazed!

Will require a bit of ADR wish list tweaking though.

This, I can't wait for!!!

Besides I have to get all this done before the first of the year. Then it will be time to start playing....airfare roulette!

NOOOOOO! Not airfare roulette!!

 

[MAGICFOR2]

My head is spinning with all of your options and possibilities. Wherever you stay, you'll be in Disney - it has to be good! I hope the airfare roulette goes good for you - stinks for me right now.

We wanted to book THV for our kids and grandkids - should be 10 of us by then. It seems like it will be a little close quarters, and I don't want any issues. I think we'll go with a 2 bdrm and a studio, and let all the young ones have the 2 bdrm - that way papa can go to bed early and the kids can have fun being siblings and cousins!

 

[Lady Lallie]

Yay! You sound really happy with the new version of plans!! I knew you would find something that would work for you.

What about renting a town car of some sort? I know I've read about some DISers who really like doing that option to get to Disney. My mom was going to do it in May but then I was able to get her on Magical Express. I think it was going to cost $50-70 for her to get to All Star Music. I'm trying to remember what company I used but I can't. I also know you can reserve it and not have to pay anything until you receive your ride. Mom was able to cancel it within just a few days of her arrival.

 

[eandesmom]

Maybe it's a good thing Jeff can't keep up most of the time?

I had forgotten that this was all hush-hush, at least for a while.

K&T will find out this weekend when they help pick which Universal property. I'm thinking we will keep that part as a surprise for the E's until we actually go, and then if Sandie does come out in the next month, she can '"tell" the E's about the Disney part of the trip, and who is going, so she gets the hero thanks for it!

Now, that's a cool plan to let Sandie be the hero of the party! How fun for her!

LOL on Jeff. Probably.

I hope it works out for her to get the credit, we will see if she makes it out before thanksgiving. Although it would be pretty funny to watch her get peppered with questions from the E's. If I can keep some element of surprise for the boys, I'd really like to. They have no idea about HP opening so...

My head is spinning with all of your options and possibilities. Wherever you stay, you'll be in Disney - it has to be good! I hope the airfare roulette goes good for you - stinks for me right now.

We wanted to book THV for our kids and grandkids - should be 10 of us by then. It seems like it will be a little close quarters, and I don't want any issues. I think we'll go with a 2 bdrm and a studio, and let all the young ones have the 2 bdrm - that way papa can go to bed early and the kids can have fun being siblings and cousins!

THV looks perfect for 6 or 7. Once you get into the 9/10 category it is a bit tight, as are most options when you are that large unless you rent a house offsite. Which, while practical just isn't the same! Of course the THS is a lot more affordable if you squish 9 in there but if you've got 10 and would fit, that is wee ones and yeah...tight quarters! That is similar to what my parents ended up doing when we did our huge trip of 20 back in '04 although we ended up with 2 houses.

You will definitely have more privacy and better sleeping with the 2b and studio. When are you trying to book for? deals out of Seattle are quite good flight wise but we won't be looking at these flights till after the 1st of the year at the earliest and not booking them till probably April or so I think.

Airfare roulette is scary!

Yay! You sound really happy with the new version of plans!! I knew you would find something that would work for you.

What about renting a town car of some sort? I know I've read about some DISers who really like doing that option to get to Disney. My mom was going to do it in May but then I was able to get her on Magical Express. I think it was going to cost $50-70 for her to get to All Star Music. I'm trying to remember what company I used but I can't. I also know you can reserve it and not have to pay anything until you receive your ride. Mom was able to cancel it within just a few days of her arrival.

I am happy!

You know, we ended up using a town car to get to MCO on the way back on the last trip given the horrendous flight time it gave us an extra hour of sleep. I know there is one that some DISers use one that will stop at Publix on the way...that might be great in this scenario as we will want breakfast stuff for the trip. Unfortunately I'm pretty sure those rooms don't have a fridge though (and one of the promo's that might come out for our time frame is a free bfast or kids eat free thing) so I'm guessing I'll be packing my cooler! Or renting a fridge depending on the cost.

I actually priced out club level for their cheapest option but ouch. Although in a way, I'm glad I did as I realized that while there is quite the price spread over the 3 options, the highest priced one is also the biggest room and does some with a view so it's actually pretty comparable if you did a view room at the other 2 and those would still be smaller!

I was going to use GG for the YC but, we will see! I'll just need to price out all my options and compare. As a family of 6, just hopping in a cab won't work! I was thinking that we'd take a cheap shuttle to the airport on the 15th though, meet Sandie's flight and all take ME together to the YC but that might waste too much of the day. It really is a bit surprising they don't offer some kind of service though.

 

[mickeysmyboy]

UGHGHGH!! I got behind! I hate when that happens!!!

Your new plan looks FANTASTIC!!! Your going to have such a great trip!!!That express line, especially with Harry Potter, will be wonderful!!!

 

[elphie101]

I can see how, with your party size, Mears might not be the best option. But options are certainly out there!

We are only doing a one day pass for IOA, no hopping. We only want to spend one day there anyway, and when we looked at Universal there wasn't anything that looked that appealing to us (not after they took out the Back to the Future ride and the Earthquake. Two of my favorites! )

And yes, I believe I'm one of the only people on the planet who HATES the E.T. ride. It's the smell for me........I cannot stand the smell of fog juice. It ruins the whole ride for me, ever since I was a kid. Blegh.

I don't know if I missed it or not, but have you looked at flight options yet? Just curious

 

[eandesmom]

UGHGHGH!! I got behind! I hate when that happens!!!

Your new plan looks FANTASTIC!!! Your going to have such a great trip!!!That express line, especially with Harry Potter, will be wonderful!!!

Oh I know that feeling (behind!) no worries! And, thanks! I'm happy with the plan and excited to show K tomorrow night and T on Friday. My money is on Hard Rock but we will see!

There is no guarantee that they will have express line for the HP attractions as it will be new but I am HOPING that it opens in spring as stated and has been open long enough that they've added the express lines for it. I'll just have to wait and see.

I can see how, with your party size, Mears might not be the best option. But options are certainly out there!

We are only doing a one day pass for IOA, no hopping. We only want to spend one day there anyway, and when we looked at Universal there wasn't anything that looked that appealing to us (not after they took out the Back to the Future ride and the Earthquake. Two of my favorites! )

And yes, I believe I'm one of the only people on the planet who HATES the E.T. ride. It's the smell for me........I cannot stand the smell of fog juice. It ruins the whole ride for me, ever since I was a kid. Blegh.

I don't know if I missed it or not, but have you looked at flight options yet? Just curious

I'm guessing we will have one day at each and then maybe a half day or 2 at IoA depending on what people like. OR we will just have a lot of "down" pool time, those pools all look amazing and I like the idea of some quiet family resort time before the group grows (and dynamics change). We skipped both the last trip and Universal FL entirely in 04. So the only ET ride I've been on is the one in CA back in '01!

I loved it though I must admit.

Sad about BTTF, I liked that one at US CA. There looked to be enough of interest that it is worth a one day (or half day) visit...especially since we can just walk there now!

Yes and no on the flights. I've checked the flight calendar to know my options and know what I want (red eye on the 11th, 6:25 pm flight back on the 22nd, both non stop!). Price wise though it's way too early. Best rates today are $459 ($499 for the ones I want) but I'm sure with 10 months to shop them we will get them where they need to be (knock on wood!). Rates if I was booking today are about where they were for our Feb trip (low 200's) so that's what I'm hoping for.

I did just reactivate my BING alert (farecast) and that took VERY good care of us last year so I'm counting on it to deliver again! It won't start predicting fares until the end of Feb which is about when we could pay for them at the earliest anyway so it's all good.

 

[MEK]

Well, well, welll..... all I can say is I am so happy that my suggestion to stay on site was a good one! That front of the line access is so great. You will love that. And remember, it starts from the morning of your check-in date to the end of your check-out date. It is so fun to just show that room key and go. I think you would like any of the Loews hotels much better than the Nick. I didn't want to say this before, but everytime we pass the Nick on our way to/from WDW I cringe and think, "Who would want to stay there?". Maybe its really cool inside, but it was once a regular strip hotel that they turned into a kid magnet. It's not even close to anything, but it is right outside of DTD.

I stayed at the Royal Pacific. But you know me. I explored all the hotels and my favorite was the Hard Rock. I loved all that guitar theming. I picked RP because it was the cheapest. I wasn't that impressed by the Portofino (sp?). I guess what I mean is.....it didn't seem worth the extra $$$ to stay there. I really did like the RP. I think I booked the room directly through the Loews website so I could get an AAA rate and I booked my tickets separately. Back when I went there it was actually cheaper to do that as opposed to a package. I also registered on the Loew's site for whatever their guest program is and I got a free upgrade to a pool view room. I was just looking at those pics not too long ago and it really was a pretty view.


One thing to remember is you are NOT allowed to run through the City Walk in the morning. The security people are out and they WILL stop you and make you walk. How strange is that. So that put a damper on my morning runs, but the rest of the trip was fun.

Glad things are taking shape. 10 days - awesome!

 

[eandesmom]

Well, well, welll..... all I can say is I am so happy that my suggestion to stay on site was a good one! That front of the line access is so great. You will love that. And remember, it starts from the morning of your check-in date to the end of your check-out date. It is so fun to just show that room key and go. I think you would like any of the Loews hotels much better than the Nick. I didn't want to say this before, but everytime we pass the Nick on our way to/from WDW I cringe and think, "Who would want to stay there?". Maybe its really cool inside, but it was once a regular strip hotel that they turned into a kid magnet. It's not even close to anything, but it is right outside of DTD.

I stayed at the Royal Pacific. But you know me. I explored all the hotels and my favorite was the Hard Rock. I loved all that guitar theming. I picked RP because it was the cheapest. I wasn't that impressed by the Portofino (sp?). I guess what I mean is.....it didn't seem worth the extra $$$ to stay there. I really did like the RP. I think I booked the room directly through the Loews website so I could get an AAA rate and I booked my tickets separately. Back when I went there it was actually cheaper to do that as opposed to a package. I also registered on the Loew's site for whatever their guest program is and I got a free upgrade to a pool view room. I was just looking at those pics not too long ago and it really was a pretty view.


One thing to remember is you are NOT allowed to run through the City Walk in the morning. The security people are out and they WILL stop you and make you walk. How strange is that. So that put a damper on my morning runs, but the rest of the trip was fun.

Glad things are taking shape. 10 days - awesome!

It's funny. On paper PBH is a lot more expensive but their standard room is quite a bit bigger (450) and includes a garden view. Which neither RP or HRH do. So if you paid to upgrade at the others to the same view, the prices aren't all that different but with smaller rooms (RP 335/ HRH 375). A pool view at HRH would be more than the standard at PBH.

I did sign up for the Loews program and if we choose HRH will probably get their All Access card.

They are all really really pretty! Loews is a quality operation. I wish I had my old Loews frequent guest info but it was far far too long ago and with a different last name so not even worth it.

Good to know about the running. Except I don't run. Will be good for Kendall and Jeff though. I'll be using the fitness center wherever we are though.

Right now my TA got the same rates as AAA came up with except for PBH and it wasn't a huge difference on that one. So we will see what they pick but we will probably go for the standard rooms and hope for an upgrade

I agree about Nick...they've just brainwashed the E's. I feel mildly bad about it. Not really.

Especially since they don't know!

I'm predicting HRH but...I've been wrong before! I mean when we quiz all the kids about which WDW resort they'd like to try (and of course they can only evaluate the one's they've seen) the Poly NEVER makes the list. So given that, I'll be surprised if it's RP

I just like the idea of the underwater music at the HRH pool. Doesn't matter though because apparently you can POOL HOP!

Especially since they don't know!

We loved IoA in '04. We must have ridden dueling dragons 10 times that day. I can't wait to see it as part of WWoHP! No guarantees that the express lines will exist for those but I hope so since that one is a refurb.

 

[All7OfUs]

I just like the idea of the underwater music at the HRH pool. Doesn't matter though because apparently you can POOL HOP!

Now that's something to write home about!

 

[topdog]

I am only up to page 12...sorry I am such a slow reader.

Glad you got the YC booking unless it changes again on later page. What a wild ride!! I definitely didn't see that coming.

Saw the posting about Jeff's father. I hope he's okay.

I have a friend who build his own plane at his basement. It's an ultra-light. He actually flew that thing from NJ to FL and back. Yikes!! One time, while he was flying the ultra-light, he had to make an emergency landing in the middle of the golf course because of the fog. Once the fog clears up, he took off again. The golfers were looking at him and his plane like what the heck.

 

[Angies1274]

Wow!! I'm so behind.....again.

Okay, I have to admit...my head is spinning a little. Let me try and get this straight. The Treehouses are out? Well, there's always next time right?--and as you said too much togetherness may not be such a good thing. Besides the Yacht Club. sounds wonderful.--and now Nick is out? Well, the boys didn't really know it was an option anyway, right? I know my boys would love staying at Nick, but....honestly, I'm not too impressed. I don't know why? It sounds like you are very happy with your current plans and Yay!! for 10 days!!!! We are working on 8 for our next trip, which is the longest we have ever stayed. I'm very excited....but now I'm hoping for a discount or code to make it a reality, otherwise it may just be 5 or 6 again.