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

[Softballgirl27]

Boo! That just stinks.

ya but it is finally starting to feel like summer!! minus the wind

 

[CreightonsMomma]

Again, I have fallen behind....

I love lazy rivers. I could just float by all day long. Well, at any lazy rivers other than at Disney World. You won't catch me in one then...unless the parks are closed. lol.

Love the family picture.

The sound of all the seatbelts unfastening is hilarious! I never really thought about it before, but now that you mention it.

Poor Henry. I think he was just trying to trick you into going to MK so he could ride Peter Pan though.

I'm sure you already have the answer about the dining credits. But just in case you might need MY approval, then it looks good to me. lol

Just keep track of everything and check your receipts.

 

[brookelizabeth]

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!

I LOVE having all those tickers-but it completely freaks me out too! We have August, then Feb, then the cruise in June. Joe dared to mention that maybe we should skip Feb (due to finances) and I looked at him like he had 2 heads. "We will figure it out!" I'm not skipping Disney! LOL

The DVC multiple dining plan thing had me doing something similar during our last family trip! We spaced it out enough, so it was easy...but I know I have read accounts of others switching plans daily!

Yes, Henry is getting so big! I cannot believe it...sometimes I swear he grows up right before my eyes. 4 is coming very rapidly!

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.

Yes-Cynthia is the master of the multiple reservations/multiple resorts/dining plans! I think I have it figured out, I did see one error I had in there, but not a big deal.

Hope you don't mind me chiming in on this question.
When we went in May last year, there was the four of us all adult size and the two bottles weren't enough for six days, (spray kind-coppertone sport) I ended up buying another two bottles and I think we used the third and part of the fourth, but we were also there in the parks a total of 8 days. We were all pretty good to use it every couple of hours like your suppose to.
All this to say....I think if your careful you can totally get away with using the two bottles, but bring a third and fourth just incase. Pretty much what Brook said, but I wanted to give you a point of reference. Oh. Also...we didn't do a lot of pool time during the day, hope this also gives you an idea of what will be needed. I think we had some over use with the 10 and 17 year old using it, but that's okay, better used than not. Right?!?

Ahh, I was thinking the lotion kind too - not spray. I think we would go through the spray faster than the lotion.

Good tips, thank you! I never mind anyone chiming in!

So Cynthia has OK'd the math portion of this pop quiz. Excellent.
And you'll let us know if you get a CM to crack on the rule that you can't be on Res2 w/o DP. Even if you can't, it's pretty well established that you can be added after Joe checks in, and then you can skip DP.
Just wanted to note that on Res4, you can use your card for meals after Joe uses up his three carryovers. Then you will be at 12 all around, if I remember it right.

We've had multiple ressies with DDP on our last trips, and I remember constantly having to remind DH whether and how to use our credits. I even had everything noted on our schedule with each day's ADRs. Jiko - DDP dinner x 2, 50's Prime Time - OOP, breakfast cheesecake (hey, it's vacation!) - DDP snack, etc., but he didn't look, and always checked with me anyway. I like your simple daily credit schedule. Not to worry, he'll get the hang of it. It ain't rocket science.

When I was talking over all this with Joe, I would literally see him glass over. It's one of my concerns-him keeping track of it all! I haven't added it yet...but I think I will and I will just text him on the days when he needs to use up his snacks and such. I might talk to him about it one more time too.

And yes - I see that too about Reservation 4...that will make it easier since we almost always end up using my card for everything!

 

[thegreggersmom]

Hi Brook. Hopping on to say THANK YOU for Gregory's card from Mickey. He is still in a bit of disbelief that Mickey sent him mail. He has to check it out everyday and pretty much has the message memorized. That was so sweet of you!

Sarah

 

[brookelizabeth]

My two cents on the sunscreen... If it's lotion, you are probably OK. If it's spray, you probably need more. I still have the same bottle of lotion I brought on our last trip but we definitely went through at least two or three sprays (we were in Florida for a total of 11 days). I always used the lotion when we were in our room & could wash hands after. I saved the sprays (since they run out so much quicker) for reapplications in the parks or at the pool. So I'd go with one bottle of lotion and 2 spray bottles.

That's a great idea! I love the spray type (even though we always buy lotion!) because it's easy...it would be perfect for the parks and pool.

Yep, that was us. Yours is more complicated in terms of numbers of ressies, ours just had more people. We had 6 on the DDP for 3 days on ressie #1. 5 on DDP for 5 days on ressie #2, 2 on the DDP for 5 days on ressie #3 and then one not on any ressie that was added to ressie 3 after they checked in. Poor Evan with no SAB key. It worked out fine!

Since it's just you and Joe you are managing, you'll be fine. I won't try to manage other people's credits again, that had a few stressful moments as they just didn't get it.

I love the DVC partial day option and want to do that on our next trip, if we are DVC by then (hope hope hope).

Yeah, they keep saying they are going to break those child CS credits but never have. Once they do, if they ever do, it will be a pain to track and make sure it's entered correctly. We are past those days, which makes it easier but I hate paying adult prices for the kids. Though, lately, they sure eat like adults so....

I cannot even imagine managing that many people's credits! I see why you have become a total pro!

Oooh, a possibility of being DVC owners, eh? Fingers crossed for you! And yes, the multiple dining plan options are VERY nice perk. We saved a ton during our last trip eating at some of the more expensive places. It worked out great!

I cannot imagine keeping track of the kids versus adult credits. That would be a nightmare. I'm glad Disney doesn't care! They are already making a killing on their food, this would just irk people I'm sure!

Brooke I wish I could help you but all I saw was math, math, math....can't help you with that. I hope you and the CM's can keep it all straight.

Thanks everyone on the sunscreen issue, didn't mean to hijack your trip report Brooke! I'm gonna go with the the two sprays and big bottle of lotion for the room. I have a couple of mini bottles of lotions that were freebies with the sprays I've bought recently too. Again, thanks

No problem about the hijack! That's what these TRs are good for!! I really like the idea of a spray bottle too-it makes it so easy for a quick-reapply.

WOW and this is why I come to you when I'm in a tizzie!! What organization!!!!!! Of course I'm going to be of no help, but I'm glad Cynthia can help out...she's a master LOL!!!!

All I know is I'm so very excited for you!!! Any chance you want to come down real quick in Oct...or maybe another June trip next year ?!?!?!? OR maybe I just need to convince Anita we need to come up to NYC and visit you LOL!

I would LOOOOOOOOOVE to come down in October, but the changes are very, very slim. I'm not going to say no though, because look how this year has turned out so far. October is so wonderful - gosh, I would love it!! Next June we will be in WDW for one day, June 5, 2012, while on our cruise!

I love your idea of heading up to NYC.

 

[brookelizabeth]

Yes Brook, I think an October trip is in order! I'm pretty sure I can convince Don to let me go if I can find a roomie to help with the costs. I actually need to just run with it, when Anita asked him he said he didn't care..........

I love that Anita asked him!

Yes, what she said!!!

I cannot tell you guys how much I would enjoy an October trip! Joe and I did throw it around-as it will be our 5 year anniversary this year-and our first trip was our honeymoon! But, those chances are so slim...again, not going to rule it out completely, both the May and August trips were surprises, so ya never know!

Wow, that all looks super complicated! I'm no WDW newbie, but all those credits and ressies made my head spin! I'm glad you got it all sorted out.

Why aren't Joe and Henry staying with you at the Yacht Club? Are you sharing a room with other TAs? I'm reading this thinking, wow, it would all be a lot less complicated if they all stayed together, but I'm sure there has got to be some reason why you can't.

It can make your head spin, can't it?! It took me a while to get it figured out, but I think I've got it down now - and once I got it, it all seemed easier. Thankfully!

Yep, exactly - Disney said they couldn't allow friends or family to room with the TAs on this trip, you room with another TA instead. It would be SO much easier if they could stay with me though (and they would love it!), but I'm also excited to room with Jen (jenseib)!

I would definately keep all receipts and use a worksheet to check off when credits are used. I've been on the plan a couple of times, and CM's tend to take to many credits off, or not take the correct credits off.

Are you doing the free dining?

I am anxious to hear what you have to say abou the Yacht Club. I never did a trip report, (when I went with my sisters). It's still too painful to think how they hated SAB.

Oh wow! Thankfully on the times we have done the dining plan we've never had a CM take off too many, or not the right amount. Yikes. That could be a serious mess!

No, the dates we are on there isn't free dining. I wish there was! Thankfully there is a decent room discount for AP holders though.

They hated SAB?! Why???? Gosh we LOVED it! Joe is really hoping I can get them in...I still have to find that out, since they will be my "guests". Joe could literally sit there all day and Henry could dig all day.

I can't really help you with the Dining Plan, we'll be using it for the first time this trip and it's not the deluxe.

It's easy enough to use - but when you have multiple reservations and different numbers of people, it just gets confusing. I think it will all go fine though!

 

[brookelizabeth]

Brook -- First of all, sorry that I am absolutely no help! Although I did calculate the meal totals for you & got the same number as you & everyone else!

Now, just so I understand in case a client would have this issue -- whenever you have to break up your stay into various reservations, each individual person's Dining Credits are on THEIR own card, correct? And if you have a 2 night stay on the 1st reservation, then you have to use the credits for those 2 nights before you begin the 2nd reservation???

No - everyone's credits on any reservation are available on all the cards. So, if Joe didn't eat for 2 days, I could still use "his" credits using my own card. There is just a generic bucket of credits. When you have Table Credits, it divides them out Table and Quick, and it also will show the Kid's Credits, even though it doesn't matter on a Quick Service meal! It does matter during a Table meal though, kids have to use kids credits.

Does that make sense?

I wonder why they don't make it like park tickets -- how they're good for 14 days after the first use. I suppose that might be more confusing! LOL

I had to re-read your post a few times before I even realized what you meant -- lol -- because we've always had the same exact number of credits for all of us. The CM's told me that "all" of our credits are on "all" of our cards. So, for instance, my DH's, Luke's and my own credits are all on my card as well as on my DH's card. So if we use 3 credits, both of our cards would go from 44 credits (total) to 41 credits. We never kept track on individual cards -- I'm glad we don't have to do that because I think I'd just pay OOP to avoid all the confusion!

Whoever happened to get the food just paid with their card. We never planned ahead who was going to pay or with which card.

Is any of this making sense? Its so late that I can't think straight! Plus I just re-read your post 4 times and I was so confused! (not because of you, just because of so many numbers! )

I guess what I'm trying to say is that the CM's told me that all of the dining credits were linked to all of our cards. So we just used either card & would keep track by the number at the bottom of our receipts (which I always remembered from the day before/meal before).

Please let us know what you find out!!!

One more thing -- if you figure this out & make it work on your trip -- you are seriously the ULTIMATE planner!!!

LOL I just read all the rest of your post...and yes! that's exactly how it works-one big bucket of points basically. But because of our split reservations and me only being there part of the time, I won't be on the QSDP the entire time-so our credits will be a bit screwy, and they don't expire until midnight of your "check-out" date, which we have four of due to the split reservations. Are you even more confused now?

This is what I understood to be the case too, they just combine them all since everyone in the room has to be on the same plan.

Yep, that's how it works. Sorry, I didn't mean to confuse anyone with all our split reservations and the credits!

That's what we were told in February, as well.

You are a smart one, Brook. That's a lot of cipherin' for a hillbilly girl like me, but you seem to have it all worked out.

you are too funny. I think it looks complicated, but I wrapped my head around it and I think I've got it more now. It sure had me cross-eyed for a while though!

I got a question for you. When you change resorts, how have you done it in the past? I am debating on having my luggage transferred or just taking a taxi. I just want to be sure my luggage gets there before 3. My plan is to check in at Yacht club very early to get my tickets so I can head out till it's time to meet up, but I don't know if I should just taxi over there with my stuff or do a luggage transfer. Also, I don't know how much a taxi ride would be, but I'm guessing not over $20.

I keep looking for blogs of other agents who have been on AEP's and I found 1 from 2008, and though it didn't give much info (all the ones I find keep talking about what they do on their down time), it did say that the training is constant....even when on the buses, you are getting training!

They had also stopped at the Poly and got leis and had a little dance session. LOL!

She's sharing a room with me. We aren't allowed to have family in the rooms to stay with us. They will assign you a roomate unless you request one.

We have always just sent our bags through to our new resort, and then used Disney transportation to get to our new resort....the worst thing is, that using Disney transportation can take a while, so if you are trying to get to a park, it can be annoying! Our first switch (Pop to WL in 2008) was like that. I just wanted to be in Epcot, not dealing with the bus! I should have just sent our luggage through and then gone to the park right away, keeping check-in until later...but I think, like you, we had to get our park tickets (and dining plan) at the WL. So, I would say to cab it if you want to get to the park ASAP.

When we did the BWV to BLT, we just made it a pool day at BLT. No rushing - that went great. We didn't care how long we took or when our room would be ready. We just enjoyed the pool.

I'm really surprised more DISers haven't done a TR on an AEP! I plan to! I know, before I was a TA, I would have loved to read about one! The fun and unique things they have planned for us - dinner in the Norway Loft? Hello! Fireworks desert party? Yes! The Poly dance sounds like fun, I wouldn't mind doing that either! Oh, we are going to have a blast!!!!

And, I'm kinda glad they will be training us on the bus ride-espeically the one back from Port Canaveral. Me + moving vehicle = sleep. (unless I'm driving of course!) I cannot help it! Something about the quiet hum and the motion sends me straight into la la land. So, them talking will help keep me awake. Or, I might need you to nudge me a few times!

Ooh! I love this family pic!!

You are seriously making me want to stay at Beach Club Villas some day soon....



Kathy

Thank you!!!

I saw Wigd's 1 bedroom in May - they are spacious and nice! They are in need of an update, but are still pretty great. And that pool...! You can't beat it.

Brook! I just caught up!

I'm loving the laid-back style you guys are taking on this trip. I might have to use it for a blueprint for the trip Franklin and I are taking in March. We're going with his sister and her son Tanner for his 1st birthday! How old was Henry on his first trip?

Can't wait to read about the rest of the trip.

Henry had just turned 1 as well! It's such a fun age! They are wide-eyed at everything. Henry had a great fascination with the ducks and water features at that age....and still kinda does! Small World and the gentle dark rides will all be hits with little Tanner! It will truly be a magical trip, there is nothing like seeing the magic of Disney through a little one.

We're going the non dining plan route this time, too...we'll see how it works.

We did the DDP back in 2006 when it included everything. And we did it in 2008 when we got horribly sick and we ended up wasting a TON of food. We did the QSDP in 2009, and in 2011 (this trip) we did a mix of the plans. Soooooooo...we have experience. And it's beginning to pay for itself (at least this year still, 2012 maybe not so much! ) with Henry eating his own meal always and our "need" to bring snacks home. Ha!

I was following along and catching up great...until I got to the Dining Questions...now MY head hurts ad I am hungry! How exciting we get to enjoy more of your fun at Disney...what about an October trip...say, mid-month....(she says, quickly ducking...).

Love it all, Disney Magic is amazing! Must have breakfast...wish it was something at Disney...

your head hurts AND you are hungry! Two in one post!

Ah, another person who is rooting for October! I would LOVE it! It would be a fantastic anniversary trip. But, the chances are soooooo slim. We threw it around once, and now you are all putting the bug in my ear again. Problem is, Joe has zero more time off. We could possibly pull off a long weekend, but the cost for just a few days and our APs would be out by then...yikes. But, maybe a 3 day cruise and we could just stop in WDW for a meal...hmmmm....I can dream, right? Or maybe I can dream to Dream?

 

[brookelizabeth]

Hi Brook - am catching up as have fallen behind! Am glad you had a nice birthday.

Love the butterfly pic.

Lol at tricking Henry into Beverly! That may scar him for life!

Aaw that is sweet that Henry remembered his fish friend

Love the French bakery goodies - they all look soo good. Also can't wait to try a Strawberry Shortcake from SS!

The geek shot of Soarin looks cool!

Aaw poor Henry on TT - am glad he got to ride PP and love the castle shots!

Wow at your plans for your next trip! Just reading all that had my head spinning!!

Looking forward to reading more

I know all about falling behind! I have been trying to catch up on the DIS since February. No joke!

The bakery in France is SO good. Yum, yum. I look forward to choosing a delight in there again. I might try the Napoleon. I had one at a local bakery and fell in love. I have to compare it to Disney's! Our bakery is amazing here - everything is good.

ya but it is finally starting to feel like summer!! minus the wind

Glad it's feeling like summer! The past few days here in NYC have been BEAUTIFUL! Last night was amazing. It was warm enough for shorts and a light top, but cool enough that we didn't need the AC. Perfect.

Again, I have fallen behind....

I love lazy rivers. I could just float by all day long. Well, at any lazy rivers other than at Disney World. You won't catch me in one then...unless the parks are closed. lol.

Love the family picture.

The sound of all the seatbelts unfastening is hilarious! I never really thought about it before, but now that you mention it.

Poor Henry. I think he was just trying to trick you into going to MK so he could ride Peter Pan though.

I'm sure you already have the answer about the dining credits. But just in case you might need MY approval, then it looks good to me. lol

Just keep track of everything and check your receipts.

I look forward to trying the lazy rivers at the water parks sometime! I hope they are bigger than the one at SAB-which I assume they are. The SAB one is nice, but small.

about Henry tricking us! You are probably right! He's getting to be a smarty. (but, I'm an easy push over when it comes to Disney, not much tricking is needed!)

I think I will find a little card to keep track of while I am with the boys - those will be the most confusing times, when I leave and come back. I think about maybe just putting us on the QSDP when I am with, and skipping it for the times when it's just Joe and Henry. I sense more number crunching in my future.

 

[pooh'smate]

I would LOOOOOOOOOVE to come down in October, but the changes are very, very slim. I'm not going to say no though, because look how this year has turned out so far. October is so wonderful - gosh, I would love it!! Next June we will be in WDW for one day, June 5, 2012, while on our cruise!

Brook, I am very open to sharing a room with you so it will be cheaper on both of our ends. I originally wanted to share a room but couldn't find anybody that I know (in person ) that wanted to go.

 

[brookelizabeth]

Hi Brook. Hopping on to say THANK YOU for Gregory's card from Mickey. He is still in a bit of disbelief that Mickey sent him mail. He has to check it out everyday and pretty much has the message memorized. That was so sweet of you!

Sarah

Awwwwwwwwww! I'm so glad he enjoyed it!!!!

 

[Connie96]

Hi Brook.
I wanted to let you know that, yes, I have been lurking here since the beginning and I wanted to show off my bright shiny new ticker! Talk to you soon.

 

[SoonerGirl]

I love that Anita asked him!

I know, right? I really wanted to laugh when she did that, but I kept my composure.

If you change your mind about October I'm in need of a roommate.........

 

[PirateKate]

Your five-year anniversary is in October, but you'll be at Disney in August. Our five-year anniversary is in August, but we'll be at Disney in October. Something's not quite right about this...

 

[All7OfUs]

Just trying to catch up after being gone all week! Lots of reading to do, but I'll get through it.

 

[Softballgirl27]

I know all about falling behind! I have been trying to catch up on the DIS since February. No joke!

The bakery in France is SO good. Yum, yum. I look forward to choosing a delight in there again. I might try the Napoleon. I had one at a local bakery and fell in love. I have to compare it to Disney's! Our bakery is amazing here - everything is good.



Glad it's feeling like summer! The past few days here in NYC have been BEAUTIFUL! Last night was amazing. It was warm enough for shorts and a light top, but cool enough that we didn't need the AC. Perfect.



I look forward to trying the lazy rivers at the water parks sometime! I hope they are bigger than the one at SAB-which I assume they are. The SAB one is nice, but small.

about Henry tricking us! You are probably right! He's getting to be a smarty. (but, I'm an easy push over when it comes to Disney, not much tricking is needed!)

I think I will find a little card to keep track of while I am with the boys - those will be the most confusing times, when I leave and come back. I think about maybe just putting us on the QSDP when I am with, and skipping it for the times when it's just Joe and Henry. I sense more number crunching in my future.

ya i just LOVE nights like that. it seems so relaxing.

 

[LookinUp]

OK, y'all need to stop talking about October. Because I have to stop thinking about it. Really. I keep thinking ... Hm, if we share rooms and -- fingers crossed -- get free dining, how could I not go? I mean, it would be practically free, right?
D'oh! See what I mean?! Honestly, this DISease does not let me rest. I'm soooo not going. Yet I obsess over resort choices. Wilderness Lodge, anyone? Or POFQ. Or Pop. Or Poly ...

 

[brookelizabeth]

Brook, I am very open to sharing a room with you so it will be cheaper on both of our ends. I originally wanted to share a room but couldn't find anybody that I know (in person ) that wanted to go.

I know, right? I really wanted to laugh when she did that, but I kept my composure.

If you change your mind about October I'm in need of a roommate.........

You both need a roommate. Do you know each other?

I am keeping October on the back-burner. Not ruling out something for October, not sure Disney would be it due to the cost (no APs), BUT, perhaps something....

Hi Brook.
I wanted to let you know that, yes, I have been lurking here since the beginning and I wanted to show off my bright shiny new ticker! Talk to you soon.

LOVE IT! It looks so very pretty!!! How good does that feel? It's real, it's real!!!

Your five-year anniversary is in October, but you'll be at Disney in August. Our five-year anniversary is in August, but we'll be at Disney in October. Something's not quite right about this...

Are you guys going in celebration of your anniversary?

Just trying to catch up after being gone all week! Lots of reading to do, but I'll get through it.

Oh I hear ya. I'm on page 116 of your report! (as you might have seen by my place-marker comment! LOL)

ya i just LOVE nights like that. it seems so relaxing.

I agree! I'm hoping for a couple of those while we are camping this week.

OK, y'all need to stop talking about October. Because I have to stop thinking about it. Really. I keep thinking ... Hm, if we share rooms and -- fingers crossed -- get free dining, how could I not go? I mean, it would be practically free, right?
D'oh! See what I mean?! Honestly, this DISease does not let me rest. I'm soooo not going. Yet I obsess over resort choices. Wilderness Lodge, anyone? Or POFQ. Or Pop. Or Poly ...

Fuzzy Disney Math. I love it.

Actually though, sharing a room PLUS free dining is an incredible deal. I'm sometimes surprised at how cheap packages come out when I quote them for people!!

 

[brookelizabeth]

We are wrapping up some last minute things here at home, throwing all the toiletries in the suitcases and will bey flying out to Minnesota later this morning.

I REALLY wanted to get an update here, but I don't know if it will happen. We still have 2 hours before we need to leave the house, so maybe just maybe! However, if I don't get back on, I wanted to just check-in quickly!

I'll be on here and there during our trip, so I might sneak in an update then too!

Also, in case you aren't in the loop on Facebook - my Dad has been in the hospital for the past few days for heart problems. He leads an incredibly unhealthy lifestyle, so it wasn't too much of a surprise, but still a bit difficult to deal with. So many of you posted a response of support, thoughts and prayers -- this means so much to me. Thank you.

He is doing much better and isn't in the critical care anymore. His blood pressure and breathing have returned to normal. I'll get to see him on this trip, and hopefully our visit won't be at the hospital!

Thank you again everyone, your kind words meant so much to me during those moments of fear.

I'll be posting on Facebook from Minnesota and all our adventures there!

 

[chloe770]

Glad to hear your Dad is doing better. Have a safe trip and see ya on FB.

Oh, and thanks you for the postcard. It was a nice surprise!

 

[Charleston Princess]

So glad your dad is doing better!

Have a great trip to Minnesota!