"Mom, this is like a whole new Disney!" New 7/30 - pg 43 - Final Thoughts & PTR Link

[DisneyCrafter]

I can't be of much help as far as moderates go but I can offer my opinion of POFQ. We stayed there for our honeymoon. It was quiet. It wasn't nearly as large as the values. You can catch a boat to DTD, which was really nice. It was in a word...relaxing. We are trying CSR this trip. The refurbished rooms appear to give it a spa like feel. It is a very large resort, though. Maybe just pick 3 resorts and check out the FAQ's for them and look at pictures and make your decision? Sorry I can't be of more help.

 

[MaryAz]

Glad you had a nice Mom's Day. Sorry about the mouse dramaI am no help on the resorts-we have only goneonce and stayed at CBR

 

[Hedy]

My favorite moderate is POFQ, Followed by POR.

 

[KathyRN137]

Mice may be the best small pets for little kids to handle, but what about moms?? I can't say that I would want that thing running up my arm!

I've never stayed at CSR, but between CBR and POFQ I liked POFQ the best. We've stayed there twice. First of all, it's beautiful. It has a compact layout so you are never far from the one bus stop or the food court, and all the buses stop at POFQ first... then they go on to the several stops at Riverside.

And don't forget the beignets!!

Oh, and the lovely boat ride to Downtown Disney!


Kathy

 

[Charleston Princess]

What a shame about the mice. Zach looks like he really likes Umu (I have to admit I have a bit of a phobia about rodents so I scrolled quickly through those pictures ).

My favorite value is Pop Century, and my favorite moderate is POFQ.

 

[Momof2Disneyboys]

There was one bit of drama yesterday... Umu actually isn't our first mouse... Last Tuesday we got two mice, Mosh & Boy. Well Boy was a bit aggressive. He never really liked being handled (we chose mice because the guy at the pet store said mice were probably the best small animals for little kids to handle). After a couple days he started getting too aggressive, attacking the Mosh. Yesterday it was really bad so we took Boy back to the pet store and got Umu. As the day went on, Mosh started to look worse & worse... apparently Boy really beat him up. Unfortunately, later in the day, Mosh died. Zachary was very sad... We burried Mosh in the backyard. I'm glad we had Umu already. Zach decided he would rather just have one mouse for now.

I also want your input for my girls weekend... what are your favorite value & moderate resorts? I think I'd rather skip CBR since we stayed there last year. Laura has stayed at one of the PO resorts, I just can't remember which one... I'm not sure if she would want to stay at the same place again or try something new. I'm open to staying at POP again if we go value. What are you favorites? And why?

I hope to get my next update (day 3) posted tonight.

Wow, sorry about all the mouse drama! Poor Mosh. I hope Zach isn't too sad.

As far as values and moderates -- we have not stayed at a value yet. If we did ASMo would be my first choice I guess. We have stayed at all the moderates. . . This is my order starting with the favorite -- CBR, POR, POFQ, CSR. . . I totally understand wanting to try something new!! I would recommend POR for your trip. It is very beautiful and relaxing!

 

[DisMomAmy]

I can't be of much help as far as moderates go but I can offer my opinion of POFQ. We stayed there for our honeymoon. It was quiet. It wasn't nearly as large as the values. You can catch a boat to DTD, which was really nice. It was in a word...relaxing. We are trying CSR this trip. The refurbished rooms appear to give it a spa like feel. It is a very large resort, though. Maybe just pick 3 resorts and check out the FAQ's for them and look at pictures and make your decision? Sorry I can't be of more help.

The PO resorts seem very attractive to me, especially with the boat to DTD.

Glad you had a nice Mom's Day. Sorry about the mouse dramaI am no help on the resorts-we have only goneonce and stayed at CBR

I loved CBR but we don't stay onsite very often so I'd like to try something different.

My favorite moderate is POFQ, Followed by POR.

Thanks Hedy!

Mice may be the best small pets for little kids to handle, but what about moms?? I can't say that I would want that thing running up my arm!

I've never stayed at CSR, but between CBR and POFQ I liked POFQ the best. We've stayed there twice. First of all, it's beautiful. It has a compact layout so you are never far from the one bus stop or the food court, and all the buses stop at POFQ first... then they go on to the several stops at Riverside.

And don't forget the beignets!!

Oh, and the lovely boat ride to Downtown Disney!


Kathy

for the boat ride to DTD!

as I picture a mouse running up your arms! He actually ran up Zachary's sleeve yesterday!

What a shame about the mice. Zach looks like he really likes Umu (I have to admit I have a bit of a phobia about rodents so I scrolled quickly through those pictures ).

My favorite value is Pop Century, and my favorite moderate is POFQ.

I think it's so funny that so many people are freaked out by mice! Tim is the same way... he wasn't thrilled to discover we had opted for mice.

Another vote for POFQ... hmmm...

Wow, sorry about all the mouse drama! Poor Mosh. I hope Zach isn't too sad.

As far as values and moderates -- we have not stayed at a value yet. If we did ASMo would be my first choice I guess. We have stayed at all the moderates. . . This is my order starting with the favorite -- CBR, POR, POFQ, CSR. . . I totally understand wanting to try something new!! I would recommend POR for your trip. It is very beautiful and relaxing!

Zach was very sad on Sunday, but he's been OK this week. No sleepless nights, which is what I was worried about.

So you recommend POR over POFQ... why? Just curious since I don't know much about either resort...

Turns out Laura stayed at POR a couple years ago and enjoyed it very much. Not sure if she'd want to go to the same resort or try something new...

She's waffling a bit about the girls weekend... luckily the AP rates aren't out for that weekend yet. I called WDW reservations yesterday & the CM told me the rates should be out any time now. The website only shows AP rates through early June, but the CM had them available through mid-August. Glad I called...

 

[MRYPPNS]

I'd pick POFQ for a mod. Very compact resort, decent food court (I liked it better ASMusic), boat to DTD is cool. Value resort......I've stayed at POP adn ASMusic and they're about the same in my mind. If you are going during free dining POP will probably be sold out so it will be crowded.

Final vote: POFQ!

 

[DisMomAmy]

Day Three (Saturday, April 24th):

Today I woke up with sharp pains in my lower back! Every time I twisted, the pain would shoot through my left lower side. I took some Advil & tried to take it easy. Jeff & Karen were both off from work today so we made plans to head to the aquarium in their area. On the way, we got rear-ended! I think the girl just let her foot off the gas so luckily there was no damage – at least that we could tell with our already scratched up bumper. It was funny, she jumped out of her car apologizing and said, “I wasn’t even on the phone, I swear!” We didn’t even exchange information and continued on our way to the aquarium. Right after we got hit, Alex says, "Mom, are we dead?" I guess it isn't funny to him, but it's not the first time he has asked that... he has asked a couple other times after getting hurt.

Finally some pictures:

Nemo & Dory!

Check out the giant squid in the case next to Zach:

We spent a lot of time at the stingray tank. It took a litle while, but Zach finally touched one:

Alex wasn't interested... he took my phone and found a bench:

Then it was time for a slushie:

We visited some giant turtles:

Then the boys climbed in the turtle safe fishing nets (Zach was being a turtle):

Then it was off to the dolphin pool:

Sorry, I missed them every time they jumped!
By now Alex was getting very antsy to get out of there and play some basketball. Even if J wasn’t going to play with him, Uncle Jeff promised him a trip over to the courts.

Up Next: Did we make it to the courts? Did J ever show up? Would my back pain go away?

 

[DisMomAmy]

I'd pick POFQ for a mod. Very compact resort, decent food court (I liked it better ASMusic), boat to DTD is cool. Value resort......I've stayed at POP adn ASMusic and they're about the same in my mind. If you are going during free dining POP will probably be sold out so it will be crowded.

Final vote: POFQ!

Thanks Heidi!! I think that's where I'm leaning...

 

[Charleston Princess]

Oh No!!! I hope the backpain goes away!

Looks like you had a lovely morning at the aquarium! Was it pretty quiet? Judging by the pictures you had the place to yourselves. I love how close you are able to get to all the sea creatures there.

Hope Alex gets to play some basketball.

 

[KathyRN137]

We visited some giant turtles:

Then the boys climbed in the turtle safe fishing nets (Zach was being a turtle):

Aww, they look like they're having so much fun! I love the pic of Zach and Mr. Sea Turtle... they're having a "moment" together!

Glad the fender-bump was only that and you guys weren't hurt!

But, speaking of hurt, nothing spoils a day like a nagging back ache. I hope yours got better quickly!


Kathy

 

[eandesmom]

Oh my goodness! Taylor would be dead if he tried to pull that while Jeff's ex was out.

This is why T has to stay with us if his mom is gone for the night so we know exactly what is going on!

I really hope the basketball happens, poor Alex!

I am SO impressed you had shirts on the last trip in the even they lost a tooth, talk about planning!

The aquarium looks fun.

I can't imagine making sandwiches...while the car was moving. Even without jam!

 

[Angies1274]

Hi Amy!

Sorry about the mice problem...but it looks like Zach is really enjoying Umu so that's good!

As far as resorts go, you know how much we love Pop! We are leaning toward trying CBR next trip but since you've already stayed there...I would say POR (I've heard really great things!)

The Aquarium looked like so much fun! UGH..but sorry about the back pain! I hope it went away.

Oh I almost forgot to tell you what a great idea it was to make shirts after Alex lost a couple of teeth at Disney!! Nick lost a tooth last April while we were sitting watching SpectroMagic...I'm sure he would have loved a shirt...hmm..I'll have to keep that in mind for future trips.

 

[Lovemy3babes]

I would be scared to death of those teeny little mice. I'm such a scaredy cat! LOL! The aquarium looks like fun.

 

[mousescrapper]

I also want your input for my girls weekend... what are your favorite value & moderate resorts? I think I'd rather skip CBR since we stayed there last year. Laura has stayed at one of the PO resorts, I just can't remember which one... I'm not sure if she would want to stay at the same place again or try something new. I'm open to staying at POP again if we go value. What are you favorites? And why?

I'd pick POFQ for a mod. Very compact resort, decent food court (I liked it better ASMusic), boat to DTD is cool. Value resort......I've stayed at POP adn ASMusic and they're about the same in my mind. If you are going during free dining POP will probably be sold out so it will be crowded.

Final vote: POFQ!

I'd follow Heidi's advice she's so good....

I've stayed AsSp...hate the bus system felt like cattle, Ok rooms for two people

POR really enjoyed, like the food court and bus, but didn't take advantage of the resort at all.

CBR have done twice (90's)...wouldn't pick for just two adults...

CSR...we really enjoyed but it is HUGE good bus system though

I am looking forward to POP but once again that is really just to show the kids all the crazy things and the tie-dye cheesecake....


and I have to admit as I'm reading the Aquaruim post and your back issues...I was so confused, thinking this was now as in current not part of the FL/WDW trip...duh?

really hope the back pain goes away!

J~

 

[DisMomAmy]

Oh No!!! I hope the backpain goes away!

Looks like you had a lovely morning at the aquarium! Was it pretty quiet? Judging by the pictures you had the place to yourselves. I love how close you are able to get to all the sea creatures there.

Hope Alex gets to play some basketball.

It was really quiet - it was a nice aquarium too - I was surprised!

Aww, they look like they're having so much fun! I love the pic of Zach and Mr. Sea Turtle... they're having a "moment" together!

Glad the fender-bump was only that and you guys weren't hurt!

But, speaking of hurt, nothing spoils a day like a nagging back ache. I hope yours got better quickly!


Kathy

Zach really enjoyed the giant turtles - one of them was an albino turtle.

Oh my goodness! Taylor would be dead if he tried to pull that while Jeff's ex was out.

This is why T has to stay with us if his mom is gone for the night so we know exactly what is going on!

I really hope the basketball happens, poor Alex!

I am SO impressed you had shirts on the last trip in the even they lost a tooth, talk about planning!

The aquarium looks fun.

I can't imagine making sandwiches...while the car was moving. Even without jam!

The whole party thing still seems crazy to me! We all thought Jeff was going to come home steaming mad... I don't know what went down, but he was surprisingly calm. I don't know if it has to do with J graduating this year - maybe the party wasn't really a big party? But he did skip school and that's a big no-no!

Hi Amy!

Sorry about the mice problem...but it looks like Zach is really enjoying Umu so that's good!

As far as resorts go, you know how much we love Pop! We are leaning toward trying CBR next trip but since you've already stayed there...I would say POR (I've heard really great things!)

The Aquarium looked like so much fun! UGH..but sorry about the back pain! I hope it went away.

Oh I almost forgot to tell you what a great idea it was to make shirts after Alex lost a couple of teeth at Disney!! Nick lost a tooth last April while we were sitting watching SpectroMagic...I'm sure he would have loved a shirt...hmm..I'll have to keep that in mind for future trips.

Alex's loose tooth a few years ago gave me a little more advanced warning than Zach's tooth that decided to loosen up the night before we left. And it got loose fast - I think one of his new teeth that was coming in next to it pushed it out. In 2007 I did the whole matchy iron-on t-shirt thing so just adding another design wasn't a big deal - I haven't done it since because all the iron-ons got ruined in the first wash.

I would be scared to death of those teeny little mice. I'm such a scaredy cat! LOL! The aquarium looks like fun.

I think our little mouse is adorable! Zach & I hold him once a day when we feed him and we usually fight over who gets to hold him more.

I'd follow Heidi's advice she's so good....

I've stayed AsSp...hate the bus system felt like cattle, Ok rooms for two people

POR really enjoyed, like the food court and bus, but didn't take advantage of the resort at all.

CBR have done twice (90's)...wouldn't pick for just two adults...

CSR...we really enjoyed but it is HUGE good bus system though

I am looking forward to POP but once again that is really just to show the kids all the crazy things and the tie-dye cheesecake....


and I have to admit as I'm reading the Aquaruim post and your back issues...I was so confused, thinking this was now as in current not part of the FL/WDW trip...duh?

really hope the back pain goes away!

J~

your're funny!!

Yes - Heidi does know her stuff! Thanks for your input too!

 

[DisMomAmy]

Day 3 continued...

Finally some basketball with J!! After the aquarium we all headed to the basketball courts at a local park. J met us there after he got out of work. Karen & I watched while Tim, Jeff, J, Alex & sometimes Zach played basketball. Zach spent a little time on the play structure & a little time on the court. I took about 100 pictures of Zach trying to make a basket. He never got the ball in, but I didn’t want to risk missing it… Here are a few of those 100, plus some of Alex:

After basketball we went back to Jeff & Karen’s and swam again. J joined us.

A little monkey in the middle:

Jeff & Karen stayed back at their condo. Karen had a headache so she layed down for a little while & Jeff started dinner. We had a great dinner!! Jeff grilled steak and made baked potatoes, garlic bread & green beans. It was so good!

After dinner I ran some laundry and started packing up. J headed back "home" to his mom's house. We got the kids to bed and hung out with Jeff & Karen for a little while before turning in ourselves. (Jeff did go out later to swing by his ex’s house to check up on J.)

Daily recap: Lots of fun at the aquarium, basketball court & pool. Ended with a great dinner. Highs: lots of good family time Lows: Back ache

Up next: Day four - A visit with Great-Gramma & check-in time at Sheraton Vistana!!

 

[MRYPPNS]

Yes - Heidi does know her stuff! Thanks for your input too!

Thanks Ladies!

A good friend of mine that I planned her park touring days for is back from vacation and is coming over tomorrow. I can't wait to find out all the details...
Julie-- I might have some info on the Japan & China CS places from her, I'll let you know.

 

[disneyfan61]

Hi Amy!! I just got caught up on your TR. We got back on Friday so I have been trying to get caught up on all my subscriptions, back to work, downloading pics, photo pass, etc.

So sorry we could not get together on the 1st at AK Hopefully we can get together some time maybe at a Disney store.

Love your TR so far. Yay for landing early. We did too on 4/30 also about 20 min. Looks like you got some great family time in & lots of swimming

I am going to start my first TR this weekend!! I hope you follow along! Seven trips later & I am finally going to do a TR

Looking forward to your next update!