Marriage: The Trip Report - Update 2/28 - Final Thoughts & Link to Disneyland TR!

[brookelizabeth]

ya that is what has happened all spring for me.

Boo! That just stinks.

 

[hcmommy]

I've got a funny question for you Brook. How much sunscreen are you bringing for your August trip for the three of you? I can't wrap my brain around how much to bring for some reason. We usually go when it's not so hot! There will be four of us (two adults and two little kids). I bought a two pack of that Wet Skin Neutrogena at Sam's today to throw in the vacation box and wondering if I should get some more? Staying for six nights and planning on doing lots of swimming. TIA for any advice you can give on that.

Look forward to reading more of your report

 

[brookelizabeth]

Before I begin - to everyone who requested a post card from my last trip, I FINALLY got them in the mail! I'm so very, very sorry it took so long. The trip, as you know, was short and I wasn't able to get them all made out during my stay. At home the postcards got a stack of paperwork set on them, so I kept forgetting to mail them! However, they are en-route to your littles and should be arriving any day! I think at least one person has a "See ya real soon!" postcard and your trip might have just ended-so you'll need to adjust the wording when you read what Mickey wrote... I feel just terrible about not getting those out sooner, but you all know how quickly Disney time goes----WAY too fast! And, if they are able to read and see a Queens, NY postmark instead of Orlando, you can tell them Mickey was on vacation! Ha!



Now, onto my planning dilemma. Smoke is about to pour from my ears trying to figure this out and I figures SOMEONE has to have experience with this!

August trip.

Friday, August 12 - Sunday, August 21

Get this - I have four reservation numbers for this trip, not including the one from the Yacht Club for the TA Training:

#1 Pop Century - Friday August 12 - Sunday, August 14
#2 Pop Century - Sunday, August 14 - Wednesday, August 17
(Brook moves to Yacht Club on Monday, August 15 - Friday, August 19)
#3 Old Key West - Wednesday, August 17 - Friday, August 19
(Brook joins at OKW on Friday afternoon)
#4 Old Key West - Friday, August 19 - Sunday, August 21



The Pop is split due to me being a cheapskate. I wanted to take advantage of the offers available and the one starting on the 14th was MUCH better, than the one for August 12 & 13. So, the 12th and 13th are booked with one code, and the 14-17 with the better one.

OKW is split due to availability. I had to wait list, it all came through-no problem.

Both the Pop and OKW reservations are linked, I'm confident they won't make me switch rooms.

Okay, I've had a trip before with multiple reservation numbers-matter of a fact I think the only one I ever took that DIDN'T have multiple reservation numbers was our very first trip! That is not the part that is making my head hurt.

I like to complicate things.

I want to add the QSDP to all the nights.

Sounds easy?

Reservation #1 has 3 people x 2 meal credits, per night = 12 credits
Reservation #2 has 2 people x 3 nights (except the first night-I need to see if Disney is okay with me not being on the QSDP for this segment) = 12 credits
Reservation #3 has 2 people x 2 nights = 8 credits
Reservation #4 has 3 people x 2 nights = 12 credits

We get in LATE on the 12th. Therefore we won't use any dining credits.

Does this look correct to you??? Do you see any math errors in it? I have re-done this a few times, juggling things...my eyes and brain are tired, I need to step away! And I need that second set of eyes on this to ensure I didn't miscalculate somewhere with the credits.

Friday, August 12: We get in late.
no credits used
12 credits remain

Saturday, August 13: All 3 of us
breakfast - 3 credits
lunch is an ADR @ Rainforest Cafe, AK
dinner - 3 credits
6 credits remain

August 14: Joe & Henry get more credits, but I don't. We use up the credits on my card first.
breakfast in room
lunch - 3 credits
dinner 3 credits
my card is empty, the boys have 12 remaining
--be sure to use up snack credits on Brook's card!--

August 15: I go to TA Training after lunch
breakfast in room
lunch - 3 credits, using Joe's card
dinner - I'm at training, Joe and Henry use 2 credits
7 remaining

August 16: boys only
breakfast in room
lunch - 2 credits
dinner - 2 credits
3 remain
--be sure to use up snack credits, they are good through tomorrow, but to avoid math on vacation, use them tonight!--

August 17: 8 more credits loaded to their cards, 11 total.
breakfast in room
lunch - 3 credits
dinner - 3 credits
5 remain

August 18:
breakfast in room
lunch - 2 credits
dinner ADR @ San Angel Inn, Epcot
3 credits remain
--be sure to use up snack credits, they are good through tomorrow, but to avoid math on vacation, use them tonight!--

August 19:
12 credits added to our cards, 15 show on Joe & Henry's, but only 12 on mine. We will just use Joe's card here on out.
breakfast for boys in the room, I'm at training until just before lunch
lunch - 3 credits
dinner - 3 credits
9 remain

August 20: all 3 of us
breakfast in room
lunch - 3 credits
dinner - 3 credits
3 remain

August 21: departure day
breakfast ADR @ Olivia's, OKW
lunch - 3 credits
dinner at airport
--be sure to use up snack credits!--

I am fully confident after figuring all this out, I can help any sort of complicated group master the art of the Disney Dining Plans. I guess it's good training for work, right?!?!

 

[brookelizabeth]

I've got a funny question for you Brook. How much sunscreen are you bringing for your August trip for the three of you? I can't wrap my brain around how much to bring for some reason. We usually go when it's not so hot! There will be four of us (two adults and two little kids). I bought a two pack of that Wet Skin Neutrogena at Sam's today to throw in the vacation box and wondering if I should get some more? Staying for six nights and planning on doing lots of swimming. TIA for any advice you can give on that.

Look forward to reading more of your report

That is a GREAT question. Hmmm... It's always best to over-prepare. If you don't bring enough you'll end up paying $283 for a teeny bottle of it in the gift shop. So, if you aren't confident with 2 bottles, I'd say go buy a couple more.

I honestly haven't even gotten that far in my thinking yet for our trip; however, just stopping now and thinking about it, I'm probably going to bring 4 bottles too. There are 3 of us, and I'll be indoors for part of the trip for the conference; however, the other days will be spent in the sun. 9 nights, 3 people...August....we will likely only need 3-since we did okay with 2 in 7 nights in early September, but I'd rather be safe than $283 lighter!

 

[MRYPPNS]

#1 Pop Century - Friday August 12 - Sunday, August 14
#2 Pop Century - Sunday, August 14 - Wednesday, August 17
(Brook moves to Yacht Club on Monday, August 15 - Friday, August 19)
#3 Old Key West - Wednesday, August 17 - Friday, August 19
(Brook joins at OKW on Friday afternoon)
#4 Old Key West - Friday, August 19 - Sunday, August 21

Reservation #1 has 3 people x 2 meal credits, per night = 12 credits
Reservation #2 has 2 people x 3 nights (except the first night-I need to see if Disney is okay with me not being on the QSDP for this segment) = 12 credits
Reservation #3 has 2 people x 2 nights = 8 credits
Reservation #4 has 3 people x 2 nights = 12 credits

#1 3p x 2m x 2 nights = 12
#2 2 x 2 x 3 = 12
#3 2 x 2 x 2 = 8
#4 3 x 2 x 2 = 12

That part looks good

And I came up with 44 cs meals in your plans. You can look on the design thread for punch cards to keep track of your credits.

 

[SoonerGirl]

That made my head hurt, and all I did was read it!

 

[eandesmom]

The Pop is split due to me being a cheapskate. I wanted to take advantage of the offers available and the one starting on the 14th was MUCH better, than the one for August 12 & 13. So, the 12th and 13th are booked with one code, and the 14-17 with the better one.

OKW is split due to availability. I had to wait list, it all came through-no problem.

Both the Pop and OKW reservations are linked, I'm confident they won't make me switch rooms.

Okay, I've had a trip before with multiple reservation numbers-matter of a fact I think the only one I ever took that DIDN'T have multiple reservation numbers was our very first trip! That is not the part that is making my head hurt.

I like to complicate things.

I want to add the QSDP to all the nights.

Sounds easy?

Reservation #1 has 3 people x 2 meal credits, per night = 12 credits
Reservation #2 has 2 people x 3 nights (except the first night-I need to see if Disney is okay with me not being on the QSDP for this segment) = 12 credits
Reservation #3 has 2 people x 2 nights = 8 credits
Reservation #4 has 3 people x 2 nights = 12 credits

Hmmn. Okay here is what I see as potential issues.

Reservation #2. You'll basically need to not be on the reservation and stay in that room unofficially to get away with it, or to avoid making yet another ressie, 1st night with all 3 of you, next 2 with just the boys. Disney won't "let" you not be on the dining plan if your name is on the ressie, they'll make you split up the reservation first (at least in my experience).

I'm not sure if they are earmarking child CS credits versus adult these days but you might want to count them out separately to make sure that your meals really are covered in the event they actually start to enforce that little distinction.

That said, having just done a split stay with part of our days on the DxDP thanks to that DVC option, I can say we did have credit issues. First none on my card and then second after that got resolved, they kept not getting counted so we ended up showing a ton that weren't really real (didn't use them of course) but it was more than a little confusing.

 

[brookelizabeth]

#1 3p x 2m x 2 nights = 12
#2 2 x 2 x 3 = 12
#3 2 x 2 x 2 = 8
#4 3 x 2 x 2 = 12

That part looks good

And I came up with 44 cs meals in your plans. You can look on the design thread for punch cards to keep track of your credits.

I came up with 44 as well. I forgot they had those cards. I just might do that, it might help Joe on the days I'm gone.

That made my head hurt, and all I did was read it!

I know, right?!

Hmmn. Okay here is what I see as potential issues.

Reservation #2. You'll basically need to not be on the reservation and stay in that room unofficially to get away with it, or to avoid making yet another ressie, 1st night with all 3 of you, next 2 with just the boys. Disney won't "let" you not be on the dining plan if your name is on the ressie, they'll make you split up the reservation first (at least in my experience).

I'm not sure if they are earmarking child CS credits versus adult these days but you might want to count them out separately to make sure that your meals really are covered in the event they actually start to enforce that little distinction.

That said, having just done a split stay with part of our days on the DxDP thanks to that DVC option, I can say we did have credit issues. First none on my card and then second after that got resolved, they kept not getting counted so we ended up showing a ton that weren't really real (didn't use them of course) but it was more than a little confusing.

We didn't have any major trouble with the DVC option on the multiple plans when we did that in Feb/March - I had to juggle the cards a bit, but not too bad. What a hassle you guys went through! It really seems to vary resort to resort on how they handle it too. Hopefully they smooth that out the longer the DVC optional dining plan is around.

The problem here is just when I leave and come back, and the boys get more credits, and some expire...it gets confusing!

My concern is Reservation #2 as well. I will put Joe as the lead guest, since I won't be there for most of it - but I'm thinking they will force the DDP on all of us even though I'm not sleeping there. I guess I will be eating a few of those meals outside of the TA conference, they are giving us Disney Dollars, so perhaps I can use the QSDP instead and just use the Disney Dollars some other way. Hmmmm... However, what happens if say a family is staying in a room, and their mother, who happens to live in Florida, joins them for half the trip? How do they work the DDP with that? I'll have to give Disney a call tomorrow and discuss further. It's a great learning situation, that's for sure!

 

[NikkiLovesWDW!]

I love it!

 

[eandesmom]

The problem here is just when I leave and come back, and the boys get more credits, and some expire...it gets confusing!

My concern is Reservation #2 as well. I will put Joe as the lead guest, since I won't be there for most of it - but I'm thinking they will force the DDP on all of us even though I'm not sleeping there. I guess I will be eating a few of those meals outside of the TA conference, they are giving us Disney Dollars, so perhaps I can use the QSDP instead and just use the Disney Dollars some other way. Hmmmm... However, what happens if say a family is staying in a room, and their mother, who happens to live in Florida, joins them for half the trip? How do they work the DDP with that? I'll have to give Disney a call tomorrow and discuss further. It's a great learning situation, that's for sure!

I've looked into it before and was always told that if you want someone in your room, they have to be on the reservation the entire time.

NOW....that said....what you CAN do (and Disney suggested this) was wait until Joe re-checks in, with just he and Henry on the ressie, and then get yourself added to the room. If you recall, what's what we did with Evan to avoid this exact issue. But Joe has to check in first and your name can't be on the booking at all. If you are on the booking, they will make you do the DDP. Ultimately I think their system isn't good enough to divide it up like that, otherwise everyone would try to just pay for a couple of people and not for others on every ressie (or I would LOL).

We did not have any issues adding Evan to the room, once Sandie and Paul checked in. But you might want to confirm that.

Sounds like you aren't worried about the child meal credits versus adult.

 

[MRYPPNS]

Brook I would just keep your name off ressie #2. Can't you just use Henry's card as a door key if you need to?

 

[DisMomAmy]

My head is spinning... but I think I'm following you.

I've only used the dining plan once so I can't offer any suggestions beyond what's already been offered by Heidi & Cynthia.

 

[MRYPPNS]

My head is spinning... but I think I'm following you.

I've only used the dining plan once so I can't offer any suggestions beyond what's already been offered by Heidi & Cynthia.

I just checked her math....Cynthia is the Queen of the split stay/multiple rooms/dining plan!!

 

[brookelizabeth]

I love it!

It's a great learning experience, isn't it? All in the name of saving a few bucks! But really, now I'm DETERMINED to do this and test the results!

I've looked into it before and was always told that if you want someone in your room, they have to be on the reservation the entire time.

NOW....that said....what you CAN do (and Disney suggested this) was wait until Joe re-checks in, with just he and Henry on the ressie, and then get yourself added to the room. If you recall, what's what we did with Evan to avoid this exact issue. But Joe has to check in first and your name can't be on the booking at all. If you are on the booking, they will make you do the DDP. Ultimately I think their system isn't good enough to divide it up like that, otherwise everyone would try to just pay for a couple of people and not for others on every ressie (or I would LOL).

We did not have any issues adding Evan to the room, once Sandie and Paul checked in. But you might want to confirm that.

Sounds like you aren't worried about the child meal credits versus adult.

I like your honesty! And you are right - if this loophole was well known, people would be eating that up!

That makes sense....and I do recall it now. When thinking about all this I was thinking of you guys and how one person didn't have their key yet for SAB, and that whole working - I was thinking it was related! I knew someone must have gone through this!

When I call tomorrow, I will talk to the CM about this and probably end up doing just what you suggest. On Reservation #2 I'll just put Joe and Henry, and upon check-in, I'll have him tell them I am with them, but just staying the 1st night.

I'm not too worried about the child versus adult meals because Henry almost always will eat a meal with us - so we should be fine there. Plus, as far as I know, they don't differentiate between them still, so if they don't care, I don't care....know what I mean? I won't purposely work the system to get more adult meals, this is already complicated enough!

Brook I would just keep your name off ressie #2. Can't you just use Henry's card as a door key if you need to?

I think this is the best solution. I don't want to "cheat the system" in any sort of way, but Disney doesn't make this easy, do they?!

When I call tomorrow, I will put Joe as the lead guest, with Henry, and then ask about me staying in the room / just adding me for 1 night and see what they say.

Of course, 1 CM says one thing...another CM says another!

Thank you for your feedback here! I will post the results of my discussion with Disney tomorrow on all this too!

 

[brookelizabeth]

My head is spinning... but I think I'm following you.

I've only used the dining plan once so I can't offer any suggestions beyond what's already been offered by Heidi & Cynthia.

I've used the DDP a few times, but never quite to this craziness!

I just checked her math....Cynthia is the Queen of the split stay/multiple rooms/dining plan!!

Yes, she is!!! I'm recalling more and more from her TR now about her DDP credit juggling.

 

[blessedby3]

WOW!!!! That is quite a plan! I know I would get that messed up
My DH didnt have much to do with the QSDP on our trip.....I told him what type of credit to use (snack or meal) and he just followed. We had 8 people and I kept it all straight. He had to do some ordering by himself on our last day and he said..."I dont know how you kept it straight all 9 nights!"
I wouldnt want to have to keep track of all your ressies and dining credits This will definately be a great learning lesson for you And two words......GOOD LUCK

 

[glennbo123]

I've never used the dining plan, but it looks like you've captured it as well as anybody could!

I'm sitting here going

,

,

, and finally

And on a different note, I'm sorry that other thing we were looking into didn't work out.

I hope it didn't set your planning and reservation-making back.

 

[brookelizabeth]

WOW!!!! That is quite a plan! I know I would get that messed up
My DH didnt have much to do with the QSDP on our trip.....I told him what type of credit to use (snack or meal) and he just followed. We had 8 people and I kept it all straight. He had to do some ordering by himself on our last day and he said..."I dont know how you kept it straight all 9 nights!"
I wouldnt want to have to keep track of all your ressies and dining credits This will definately be a great learning lesson for you And two words......GOOD LUCK

LOL, thanks! I feel way more confident about it all after stepping away and then coming back to it a few hours later. It makes more sense to me. And I WILL have it in my notes, so I can always look there. Plus, I think I will print off a little credit tracker card like Heidi suggested!

Keeping track of all the credits for 8 people for 9 nights is a LOT! How did you do that?!?

I've never used the dining plan, but it looks like you've captured it as well as anybody could!

I'm sitting here going

,

,

, and finally

And on a different note, I'm sorry that other thing we were looking into didn't work out.

I hope it didn't set your planning and reservation-making back.

I am currently trying to respond with something that will make you breakout Quasimodo.

The DDP can be confusing - and overwhelming. I love the flexibility the QSDP still provides, and with how we eat, it benefits us now that Henry gets his own meal each time. We like the expensive CS places the best!

I've been meaning to PM you back about it all. No worries! It's too bad those 7 points will have to go to waste...I hate that. Thank you SO much for the offer on it all though! The points we are using aren't from the current use year either, otherwise your suggestion #2 would have worked.

 

[cdotla]

Hey Brook,

Don't you just love having that next trip all lined up just as soon as you get back from your last one? And here I remember oh not that very long ago your post-trip depression from lack of a ticker. My...it didn't take long to remedy that with 2 more trips, did it?

How great that Joe & Henry can come along with you for your August trip. That is too funny about your multiple reservations and resulting dining plan dilemmas... And here I thought I was having a hard time....by bringing in optional per day dining choices on DVC reservations, as opposed to length-of-stay, Disney has opened up a whole new world of number crunching and agonizing for me. But your headache seems a little worse than mine.

Just got caught up on your last few updates. My gosh your little man is adorable...that photo of him sitting on the ground at Turtle Talk is precious. Getting to be a big boy, isn't he?

Loving all the updates and your photos!

 

[MEK]

It is far too late for me to start figuring out meal credits, but I see if Cynthia is on it then you are in good hands.

You are so lucky to be going back in August!!!! Even if it is 4 different reservations.