Like...They are Going with STRANGERS?!?! Sayonara Part 1- Join Us on the new thread!

[Sandy321]

The transportation board is helpful with codes for cars - swan and dolphin - Car care center, and some DTD locations for alamo etc for renting a car - but know renting one day can be almost as much as a week!!

Hope water stays connected longer than a few hours!!

the busses for rope drop - the trick is to get to the bus stop bright and early!

Maroo I did enjoy the tweets and twitpics - but such a short description of an amazing story - details... details - the TR is for details!!

 

[maroo]

I am going to get this out there now...while I still remember it.

I know each resort is different...But here are my observations re: bus service.

I had no problems making it to rope drop each morning. There was one day I waited over 20 minutes for a bus. 7 buses came, just none for Epcot, which is where I was headed.

I was at OKW - which I understand was not full. But I never had to stand on a bus. Ever. Going or coming from OKW.

The only "issues" I had with the buses were when I was coming from AKL to MK after dinner one evening - for EMH and it was crazy busy at the MK (very full bus and waited over 40 minutes for it). Also, from Boardwalk Inn to MK - the bus was also very full. I didn't wait real long, but lots of people were already there when I got there...

So...I think my observations are this: If you go in the morning, you are more likely to have good, empty buses...much like the parks. But, if you try to get back to the park in the evening, it is more difficult. I would imagine they don't have as many buses running.

I had no trouble getting home from any of the parks.

I know that this is all during a VERY slow time at Disney - but we are going the same time next year...so I think these observations will transfer nicely.

We took a car to DHS one morning and had no issues getting to and from DHS either. And the car was helpful in getting to Beaches-n-Cream one day, as that would have been a little difficult from OKW.

 

[jenb1023]

The moment has finally come to reveal the winners of our little game!! Stop bouncing on your sofas! I know this is exciting, but seriously, calm down!

Let me first list out the guesses I've received over the course of the day/night. You will be entertained at the very least.

Jenb1023- Jen casts her vote for the POR, but she was in a hurry to get to work, so didn't PM me. Should I DQ her for not following the rules??

Okay........................ drum roll please..........The winners are...........



JPFamilyMom and Jenb1023!!!



The TC3 has chosen PORT ORLEANS RIVERSIDE FOR SEPT. 4-13, 2010!!!!

Tim, I know you're watching for this, STOP! I'm continuing in the next post!!

Hey now! No DQing me because I was a co-winner! Woo-hoo! POR will be great (but I still think you may end up elsewhere)!

Way back in Dec. when this hair brained idea (oh, wait, I forgot, I have no brain left) was birthed, our 3rd soldier was not maroo. She was a good friend of mine named Julie who has since backed out, but before she had to do that had made it through the process of choosing where to go. I, being the only one at that time who had been to WDW presented each of the exact same resorts I showed you, in the same order mind you, to LeeAnn and Julie. Each of us gave our opinions as to why we liked each one and why not. After MUCH debate and deliberation we collectively decided on POR. By the time maroo signed on this resort had really grown on us.

I didn't realize Maroo wasn't part of the original group either.

This Suthin' chick has the swine flu!

Seriously.

I feel like...... words that can't be used on the DIS.

I am actually ok with POR. And part of me wants to upgrade...but other part of me thinks...

We won't really be in the room that much anyway.

And there are several things I would like to do on this trip....most we have not really talked about. But it would be cool to add some extra stuff, since the park hours are so short during September...

So, I am totally cool with POR!

But...it has occurred to me that I may have reserved the wrong dates??? I gotta go check on that.

These.....aren't the right dates?

Right? Is it the cold medicine???

NO!! It's me who just got them el-wrongo!! Going to change now. I'm blaming it on my brain sucking arm flab.

Feel better Maroo! Wrong dates and brain sucking arm flab, oh my! Liesa I thought childbirth is what sucked your brains out!

JPFamilyMom, Jenb, you two need to play a joke on Mom and actually go get the dolewhip! (she did say if you are there that she would buy!)

I would love to!

Yeah...FREE DINING people! That is important to note!!

Oh yeah! If you order a Dole Whip and you guys want a picture, I can send one lickity split! Although, it does change trip reporting, some....if that makes sense. It feels like you already reported when you tell the world about your trip as you go...I like it...but am trying to decide how it will affect my TR that I write on the DIS......(you guys don't need to know all of that, now, do you?)

Flying - YES! I am excited about that!

But I am not ruling out renting a car. In fact...I would imagine at some point that I am going to need to go to Give Kids the World to meet a wish family or something (I just have to go there at some point on my trip, right!) and that trip is definitely easier with a car.

But I would not rent a car every day...probably just on the days that we have stuff to do that would be much easier with a car. Going from Resort to Resort is not as easy on the bus system.

As someone who followed you one twitter and talked to you, I don't think tweeting ruined your TR. I am actually looking forward to both TRs to learn more details and to see more photos. I loved the tweets - I felt like I was in WDW! You will have to teach me how to do that.

It might be cheaper to just rent a car for the whole trip rather than a few days.

 

[All7OfUs]

Feel better Maroo! Wrong dates and brain sucking arm flab, oh my! Liesa I thought childbirth is what sucked your brains out!



I would love to!

Well, how do you think I got my arm flab?? See, indirectly it all works together.

REALLY!!??

 

[kimmylaj]

i am so sad i missed the deadline for the resort is right. being a teacher and going back to work is not fun at all. no time to dis . ugh. any way i would have lost. so excited to hear all about your resort.

 

[Sandy321]

Maroo ITA with you on the bus situation - I tried to make clear that our experience at POR was the FIRST year of Free Dining - and since then the Bus system has had upgrades.... (they are supposed to have some fancy schmancy computer system!)

Going to B&C is doable - coming back to a resort from there - you just have to cross over to DHS (by the boat) and get on your resort bus!

You know that the ADR's are going back to 180 days right? (Its completely befuddling me - my adr day is Oct 9 - BUT a cm says there is a rumor it could begin SEPT 27! - - the other befuddler is online adr - we're renting points - - is it even possible?!)

Maroo how are you feeling?

 

[All7OfUs]

i am so sad i missed the deadline for the resort is right. being a teacher and going back to work is not fun at all. no time to dis . ugh. any way i would have lost. so excited to hear all about your resort.

Hey Kim! Me too!! There were a bunch of regulars that were MIA!! But, since maroo had already booked on Monday, the pressure was on to shed some light finally! Glad you're back though to share in the fun!

Maroo ITA with you on the bus situation - I tried to make clear that our experience at POR was the FIRST year of Free Dining - and since then the Bus system has had upgrades.... (they are supposed to have some fancy schmancy computer system!)
You know that the ADR's are going back to 180 days right? (Its completely befuddling me - my adr day is Oct 9 - BUT a cm says there is a rumor it could begin SEPT 27! - - the other befuddler is online adr - we're renting points - - is it even possible?!)

Maroo how are you feeling?

I"m so glad to hear that maroo didn't seem to have any bus problems. That really gives me some hope that this won't be an issue. I told her to do some thorough recon for us, and I'm certain she did a great job. In fact, I'm hoping she'll post a couple of times here about the things she thought would be helpful for our trip next year. (maroo are you listening?? )

Yes, we had definitely had heard about ADRs and Park Hours going back out to 180 days, of which we are very stoked. More on this issue later...

 

[maroo]

Hey now! No DQing me because I was a co-winner! Woo-hoo! POR will be great (but I still think you may end up elsewhere)!

Well.... YOU did say something about DVC. Now I am on websites trying to see about buying into DVC. Dangerous stuff!

I didn't realize Maroo wasn't part of the original group either.

She actually posted in another TR that she lost her roommate and I believe I said something like, "Are you taking applications?" And she sent me a message that was titled, "As a matter of fact, I am!" And the fun ensued from there!


Feel better Maroo! Wrong dates and brain sucking arm flab, oh my! Liesa I thought childbirth is what sucked your brains out!



As someone who followed you one twitter and talked to you, I don't think tweeting ruined your TR. I am actually looking forward to both TRs to learn more details and to see more photos. I loved the tweets - I felt like I was in WDW! You will have to teach me how to do that.

It is really easy....but I think you need a phone that takes pictures, has the ability to email them, and has internet access. I would be glad to show you how!

It might be cheaper to just rent a car for the whole trip rather than a few days.

We definitely need to check into that car situation.

Well, how do you think I got my arm flab?? See, indirectly it all works together.

REALLY!!??

i am so sad i missed the deadline for the resort is right. being a teacher and going back to work is not fun at all. no time to dis . ugh. any way i would have lost. so excited to hear all about your resort.

Awww!!! I am too! But you have a wonderful job affecting young minds!

Maroo ITA with you on the bus situation - I tried to make clear that our experience at POR was the FIRST year of Free Dining - and since then the Bus system has had upgrades.... (they are supposed to have some fancy schmancy computer system!)

Going to B&C is doable - coming back to a resort from there - you just have to cross over to DHS (by the boat) and get on your resort bus!

You know that the ADR's are going back to 180 days right? (Its completely befuddling me - my adr day is Oct 9 - BUT a cm says there is a rumor it could begin SEPT 27! - - the other befuddler is online adr - we're renting points - - is it even possible?!)

Maroo how are you feeling?

You are renting points.......?????

Ok...you have to tell me how that works. You may save me from thinking I should BUY DVC! Help!

Hey Kim! Me too!! There were a bunch of regulars that were MIA!! But, since maroo had already booked on Monday, the pressure was on to shed some light finally! Glad you're back though to share in the fun!


I"m so glad to hear that maroo didn't seem to have any bus problems. That really gives me some hope that this won't be an issue. I told her to do some thorough recon for us, and I'm certain she did a great job. In fact, I'm hoping she'll post a couple of times here about the things she thought would be helpful for our trip next year. (maroo are you listening?? )

Yes, we had definitely had heard about ADRs and Park Hours going back out to 180 days, of which we are very stoked. More on this issue later...

What else would you like to know, my friend? I can't remember what all I was checking on??

I should probably do some official updates on the things I have noted, I suppose....

 

[Sandy321]

yes I'm renting points!! (and I like to keep it a secret!! I think its cheaper than owning since I dont have to pay the annual maintenance fees!!) You do have to go out on a limb to trust that the owner you are renting from is legit! (check out the rent/trade DVC forum!)

I talk way too much - I know I should start a pre trip - but I dont do so well with those!!

 

[All7OfUs]

What else would you like to know, my friend? I can't remember what all I was checking on??

I should probably do some official updates on the things I have noted, I suppose....

Anything that would be relevant for touring in Sept. Dining observations, transport, attractions, hours, oh, just everything!

P.S. Like my new ticker? I"ve been wanting and waiting to put this baby on for a VERY long time!

 

[Sandy321]

Anything that would be relevant for touring in Sept. Dining observations, transport, attractions, hours, oh, just everything!

P.S. Like my new ticker? I"ve been wanting and waiting to put this baby on for a VERY long time!

oh I am so jealous!! Week of Freedom!! AWESOME!!

hmmm wonder if I can talk some internet strangers to do a trip in 11 months!

(and if anyone wants to know more about me - I am now doing a pre trip report - link is next to the '10 in my signature! TIA)

PSA for any and all resorts - watch out for snakes!! There is a thread on theme board about someone getting bit but not at POR... its Florida. there are snakes. and crocs. and birds that dive bomb food at MK.

We had an experience of a snake scare the second time we visited WDW with our 2 small children.There was a huge and I mean huge rattle snake sunning himself on the bridge that crosses over to POR from the Magnolia section.I must say that staff were very quick to act but still the thought of my child comming across a snake and not seeing it really drove the point home there are many places for them to hide. Our experience created the rule do not go off the sidewalk for anything unless an adult is there with you and if you see a snake you let someone know right then

http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2280359

 

[jenb1023]

Well, how do you think I got my arm flab?? See, indirectly it all works together.

REALLY!!??

You know I would love to come - I think we all would - but actually being able to do it is a whole other ball of wax.

You are renting points.......?????

Ok...you have to tell me how that works. You may save me from thinking I should BUY DVC! Help!

When I said DVC I meant upgrading to a DVC resort like you did this trip - now look what I started Maroo is looking into buying DVC!!! Actually we looked into it and would love to do it if we had lots of extra money however using dvc means no free dining or other deals so for right now waiting for the deal they are offering is better.

I love how you became involved in this trip.

I have an iphone so I should be able to do whatever you do to tweet.

Anything that would be relevant for touring in Sept. Dining observations, transport, attractions, hours, oh, just everything!

P.S. Like my new ticker? I"ve been wanting and waiting to put this baby on for a VERY long time!

I did notice the new ticker and forgot to say something! I love it!!!

 

[maroo]

yes I'm renting points!! (and I like to keep it a secret!! I think its cheaper than owning since I dont have to pay the annual maintenance fees!!) You do have to go out on a limb to trust that the owner you are renting from is legit! (check out the rent/trade DVC forum!)

I talk way too much - I know I should start a pre trip - but I dont do so well with those!!

aha!

Renting points.....

Anything that would be relevant for touring in Sept. Dining observations, transport, attractions, hours, oh, just everything!

P.S. Like my new ticker? I"ve been wanting and waiting to put this baby on for a VERY long time!

LOVE IT!!!

oh I am so jealous!! Week of Freedom!! AWESOME!!

hmmm wonder if I can talk some internet strangers to do a trip in 11 months!

(and if anyone wants to know more about me - I am now doing a pre trip report - link is next to the '10 in my signature! TIA)

PSA for any and all resorts - watch out for snakes!! There is a thread on theme board about someone getting bit but not at POR... its Florida. there are snakes. and crocs. and birds that dive bomb food at MK.


http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2280359

Oh yeah!

I forgot to tell you guys our snake story!!!!

On Saturday, Sept 6th, Sharon was just getting to OKW and we were carrying a cooler (one on each side of it) and ran into a ....

SNAKE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Right there on the sidewalk. I saw it and Sharon didn't. I could not even talk...I just started walking backwards and she was not sure what I was doing!

I called the front desk in a panic and they laughed at me! Said they were a protected species in FL and that they would call the "pet" department to come get it.

I watched my feet the rest of the trip!

You know I would love to come - I think we all would - but actually being able to do it is a whole other ball of wax.

When I said DVC I meant upgrading to a DVC resort like you did this trip - now look what I started Maroo is looking into buying DVC!!! Actually we looked into it and would love to do it if we had lots of extra money however using dvc means no free dining or other deals so for right now waiting for the deal they are offering is better.

I love how you became involved in this trip.

I have an iphone so I should be able to do whatever you do to tweet.



I did notice the new ticker and forgot to say something! I love it!!!

Yeah...I am thinking renting is the way to go.....and then you can still get FD when you want...

Ok...Twitter...

1. Log on to www.twitter.com and register for an account. It is easy and free.

2. Download Twitterrific from iTunes. I think this is free...or may cost $0.99.

3. You can then use the Twitterrific to post and read tweets. It is easier for me to do that on the iPhone than the internet for some reason. I think it is the way they highlight the posts.

4. To send a picture...take the picture with you camera. And then you will email it to your twitter account. (But I can't remember how I did this the first time??) Your subject line on your email will be what is "tweeted"...

Once you are set up, it is really easy to do!

 

[TarzansKat]

WOO HOO!!!!

Houston, we have a resort.

I liked the big reveal, and I think that's a great resort for you guys. Also, the boat to Downtown will be nice, plus you have the benefits of POFQ as well. The next time I stay at a mod, I'm seriously considering POR or POFQ.

 

[tinkgurl]

There are no losers here, tinkgurl!!! Not, ever! If you make it next year, you'll be enjoying a Dole Whip right alongside of me!! That's a promise!

Aw thanks! It was fun guessing though.

 

[All7OfUs]

oh I am so jealous!! Week of Freedom!! AWESOME!!
(and if anyone wants to know more about me - I am now doing a pre trip report - link is next to the '10 in my signature! TIA)

It is very, very awesome!!

Heading over this morning! I'll catch up in a sec!

You know I would love to come - I think we all would - but actually being able to do it is a whole other ball of wax.

When I said DVC I meant upgrading to a DVC resort like you did this trip - now look what I started Maroo is looking into buying DVC!!! Actually we looked into it and would love to do it if we had lots of extra money however using dvc means no free dining or other deals so for right now waiting for the deal they are offering is better.

I love how you became involved in this trip.

I did notice the new ticker and forgot to say something! I love it!!!

1. I know, it will be a long shot that we actually get more ladies (or families) to join us. I think it would be fun to have more, but you are right... like it worked out for us to get to go together, a lot needs to fall into place, AND I think the Hand of Providence would need to intervene for it all to work out.

2. And TK calls me the Enabler and maroo the Temptress???!! I'm not sure there's even a word for you and your DVC bait!

3. I should really try to re-create the e-mail I sent to her back in, was it Jan? It was a top 10 list of the reasons she should go with us! Something to the effect of She's like-minded, has an AP, tours like us, blah, blah, blah... It was very funny; but what was even funnier is that she SAID YES!!!

4. THANKS!! We'll see how long it lasts... You know, it took me, I'm so NOT joking!, over and hour to make my ticker work!! I couldn't figure out which code to paste in, and when I did use the right one, there was half of it missing. I almost called maroo in the middle of the night to help me, I was so desperate!

SNAKE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Yeah...I am thinking renting is the way to go.....and then you can still get FD when you want...

Snakes are very cool! I love to watch them!! Even holding them is not bad. We had one in our biology class in HS, and we'd all take turns holding it. (Duh, it wasn't a poisonous one- silly goose!) Anyway, they don't scare me.

See, I told you she already had something up her sleeve!! I wonder how long my stress-inducing, nightmarish one hour of work, but oh-so-very pretty ticker will last?

Aw thanks! It was fun guessing though.

I will try to think of more games as we go along. I think one we will play will be I'll cook a signature dish, and you can all try to figure out by that where we'll be eating. It will be loads of fun! But that won't be for a while yet.

 

[maroo]

It is very, very awesome!!

Heading over this morning! I'll catch up in a sec!


1. I know, it will be a long shot that we actually get more ladies (or families) to join us. I think it would be fun to have more, but you are right... like it worked out for us to get to go together, a lot needs to fall into place, AND I think the Hand of Providence would need to intervene for it all to work out.

2. And TK calls me the Enabler and maroo the Temptress???!! I'm not sure there's even a word for you and your DVC bait!

3. I should really try to re-create the e-mail I sent to her back in, was it Jan? It was a top 10 list of the reasons she should go with us! Something to the effect of She's like-minded, has an AP, tours like us, blah, blah, blah... It was very funny; but what was even funnier is that she SAID YES!!!

4. THANKS!! We'll see how long it lasts... You know, it took me, I'm so NOT joking!, over and hour to make my ticker work!! I couldn't figure out which code to paste in, and when I did use the right one, there was half of it missing. I almost called maroo in the middle of the night to help me, I was so desperate!



Snakes are very cool! I love to watch them!! Even holding them is not bad. We had one in our biology class in HS, and we'd all take turns holding it. (Duh, it wasn't a poisonous one- silly goose!) Anyway, they don't scare me.

See, I told you she already had something up her sleeve!! I wonder how long my stress-inducing, nightmarish one hour of work, but oh-so-very pretty ticker will last?



I will try to think of more games as we go along. I think one we will play will be I'll cook a signature dish, and you can all try to figure out by that where we'll be eating. It will be loads of fun! But that won't be for a while yet.

I made a decision....

No DVC for me!

I am getting too many great deals "the other way"... so I figure... why jinx it!

In fact...I am really, really thinking we need to stay with POR. You love that resort, really want to try it, and I don't really care as long as I have a bed (or roll away or trundle or pile of blankets) to sleep on!


I would rather use any "extra" money for cool additions to our trip. Ya know. So...now that we have Free Dining...we should have a little "extra" in the pot, right?

I was probably UP in the middle of the night! I can't go to work until at least Tuesday...and that is if my fever breaks tonight or early tomorrow...so feel free to call me anytime! I am just sitting her on the DIS anyway!

 

[StefaniLyn]

aha!

I forgot to tell you guys our snake story!!!!

On Saturday, Sept 6th, Sharon was just getting to OKW and we were carrying a cooler (one on each side of it) and ran into a ....

SNAKE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Right there on the sidewalk. I saw it and Sharon didn't. I could not even talk...I just started walking backwards and she was not sure what I was doing!

I called the front desk in a panic and they laughed at me! Said they were a protected species in FL and that they would call the "pet" department to come get it.

I watched my feet the rest of the trip!

Protected species or not, Disney should ban and remove all snakes from their property. Do they not realize that SNAKES EAT MICE? "Pet Department?" Is that a nice way of saying they'll ship it off to Timbuktu? I hope so! Maroo, I'm with you - snakes would have me frantically calling the font desk!

 

[All7OfUs]

When we stayed at the Fort in 2000, back in the days when they still had that really cool "Swamp Trail", I was very, very disappointed we didn't see ANY snakes on our trek. I was so hoping to see something exciting like an alligator or coral snake (from a safe distance, of course!) All we saw were stupid rabbits and a bunch of lizards. How boring!

 

[Sarilas]

I'm all caught up and cannot wait to follow along!