No Shoes, No Shirt, No Problems: A Tremendously Tropical PTR

[Lovemy3babes]

Yay! I am so glad you are here Kelli! I hope you will do a PTR or TR for your next trip too. Have you decided yet when you are going back?

Hey Rinky! I'm aiming for May 2012, for Morghan's 13th Birthday. That should hopefully be financially doable if you know what I mean!

 

[Mndisneygirl]

Ah now I see! I know someone on our FE exchange that had a verandah but was looking to see if she could see someone's virtual porthole room because they are so cool! I never did see one! I think Wigd is right the illusion should help you feel less claustrophobic.

Kudos to you for your reasoning. Very practical. I KNOW you will not be in the room much. There is too much to see and do!

Hope the patio roof project goes well. It sounds like it will be delightful!

 

[RinkyTinkyTinky]

Hey Rinky! Just call me Dory! I looked back at our cruise pics and you could see through our veranda wall! Duh!
We had an inside stateroom on our first cruise too! I think the virtual port hole is an excellent way to go if you can deal with being closed in. I really think the illusion it will create will make you feel like you aren't in a box! You will have the time of your lives on that big boat and I predict many Disney cruises in your future! Psssst we have one booked for next June.....

I have Dory moments on a daily basis, so don't feel bad.

I hope you are right on the VP. I am really hoping that it doesn't bother me not to have an opening to the outside.

I hope you are right on many Disney cruises in my future too! And yay for you having another one booked for June! I'd love to go during that month!

Rinky - I think your plan makes perfect sense. I had no idea there was such a thing as a virtual porthole. I think the illusion of being able to look out would work well as far as means of not feeling closterphobic. The staterooms size looks good. I am trying to remember what our friends complaint was about their bathroom, had something to do with the shower but I can not recall(was not a Disney cruise)

I never thought about stateroom being below the water level before and now all I can think of is how the water came into the below deck rooms first on the Titanic. DH has laughed at me because my worry has always been a wave turning the ship upside down like in the Posiden adventure.

Waiting patiently to hear all about your Birthday surprise

I hope the porthole is enough for me too. We'll see. One thing is for sure, once that boats sails off, there's no turning back!

Good Lord woman! Why did you have to remind me about the Titanic! That scene in the movie where Jack is tied to that pole and the water is rising, eventually covering his head................ have mercy on my soul! When I first saw that movie I honestly felt like I was going to have a panic attack watching that part! It even makes me feel like I can't breath just thinking about it! There is no hope for me.... I am totally nuts!

Hey Rinky! I'm aiming for May 2012, for Morghan's 13th Birthday. That should hopefully be financially doable if you know what I mean!

I think May would be a nice month to go. The crowds shouldn't be too bad since school is still in and the weather is probably pretty good then. I hope it works out for you. I know how it feels to really, really want to get back and not be able to as quickly as I want.

Ah now I see! I know someone on our FE exchange that had a verandah but was looking to see if she could see someone's virtual porthole room because they are so cool! I never did see one! I think Wigd is right the illusion should help you feel less claustrophobic.

Kudos to you for your reasoning. Very practical. I KNOW you will not be in the room much. There is too much to see and do!

Hope the patio roof project goes well. It sounds like it will be delightful!

I am a very practical person.... most of the time. Sometimes that equals boring though.

I'm very excited about the patio. We have been saving a little each month for over a year now. It's hard to believe we are finally able to get it done.

 

[Lady Lallie]

I want a virtual porthole!! That is the coolest thing ever. I've only been on one cruise and we had an obscured window and it was okay but it not something that would make or break a cruise for me. I think the virtual porthole is too cool.

I'll have you know I am sitting here trying to figure out an OOP food budget. I think we are going to skip the dining plan AND park hoppers. I'm cutting money all over the place.

 

[RinkyTinkyTinky]

I want a virtual porthole!! That is the coolest thing ever. I've only been on one cruise and we had an obscured window and it was okay but it not something that would make or break a cruise for me. I think the virtual porthole is too cool.

I'll have you know I am sitting here trying to figure out an OOP food budget. I think we are going to skip the dining plan AND park hoppers. I'm cutting money all over the place.

Woo Hoo! You go girl! You'll feel so proud of yourself for coming in under budget and I am certain that you will still have a fantastic time. Even if it isn't perfect and exactly what you want, it's still an awesome trip no matter how you slice it. You are staying at AKL........ how bad could it be!

Seriously though, we have been to Disney twice and both times we were on a shoestring budget and I mean those were some really thin shoestrings! That NEVER took away one ounce of magic for us. And because we were conservative and stayed on budget back then, we now have a little more breathing room and can do more of the extra things without any guilt. You are making a good choice! And who knows, if you keep this up, you might be in such a great place financially by the time you go on your trip that you CAN afford to splurge a little bit on some of those other things!

 

[MeMom]

My “theme” for the patio is going to be Castaway Cay! There’s going to be a hammock, some palm trees in pots, ceiling fans, and cushioned lounge chairs. All I’ll need are some lapping waves and a CM to bring me a drink!


We decided on the inside stateroom with the virtual porthole.

I’m sure I will feel the same way this time as well. But there is one thing that keeps nagging at me………………..….. I am claustrophobic! That does have me pretty nervous about this “inside” stateroom, but I’m trying very hard not to dwell on it. I think I will be ok as long as our cabin is not underwater. Someone please tell me that none of the rooms are “below sea level!” DH nor I can stand the thought of sleeping with the fish!

Can't wait to see your Castaway Cay at home!

As for the stateroom, that porthole is cool, but it doesn't fool me. I must be way more claustrophobic than you, because I really, seriously know I couldn't do it. I would have to sleep on the deck in a lounge chair in the wide open air. I don't even much like the long interior corridors in Disney deluxe resorts. I like to open my door to the big outdoors. I try to reason with myself and listen to people give good advice, but I just have a mental block, I guess. I actually get a sick feeling just thinking about going into interior hallways of a ship, so I guess I'll never know the joy of being on the Dream. Isn't it strange how different things affect different people. I am not a bit afraid of heights or the free falling of Tower of Terror or any ride that shakes, rattles, and rolls, but keep me far away from the caves at Tom Sawyer's Island. Do you remember the old submarines? Oh my gosh - DEATH TRAPS in my eyes!

The portholes are cute with all the Disney characters going by, though.

 

[Lady Lallie]

Woo Hoo! You go girl! You'll feel so proud of yourself for coming in under budget and I am certain that you will still have a fantastic time. Even if it isn't perfect and exactly what you want, it's still an awesome trip no matter how you slice it. You are staying at AKL........ how bad could it be!

Seriously though, we have been to Disney twice and both times we were on a shoestring budget and I mean those were some really thin shoestrings! That NEVER took away one ounce of magic for us. And because we were conservative and stayed on budget back then, we now have a little more breathing room and can do more of the extra things without any guilt. You are making a good choice! And who knows, if you keep this up, you might be in such a great place financially by the time you go on your trip that you CAN afford to splurge a little bit on some of those other things!

Thanks for the encouragement, it means a lot and it really does help me stay on track with this trip. I was feeling guilty about this trip and when we figured it out this trip will cost us about 3 months of extra debt payments that we currently pay each month and we decided that 3 more months to be debt free is worth a vacation after all of our hardwork. Of course we will still be paying the payments every month but socking away the money away from other things to pay for the trip.

My dream is that when we are debt free we can buy DVC or if that doesn't happen because I too dream of being a stay at home mom then a trip staying at Boardwalk or Bay Lake Tower, hopefully with a good deal on renting points again.

 

[sjs314]

Good Lord woman! Why did you have to remind me about the Titanic! That scene in the movie where Jack is tied to that pole and the water is rising, eventually covering his head................ have mercy on my soul! When I first saw that movie I honestly felt like I was going to have a panic attack watching that part! It even makes me feel like I can't breath just thinking about it! There is no hope for me.... I am totally nuts!

Sorry but I always worry about the worse that can happen. Not too long ago I was watching a show about a cruise ship that sank off the coast of Africa and I told DH that I did not think I could go on a cruise. LOL

I know what you mean though when watching certain things , I find myself holding my breath I get so scared.

Your gonna have a fantastic trip and you have me thinking very seriously about taking a cruise. I won't dare check into them until after our October trip or else I will be wanting to book one and that just would not be possible before the beginning of the year.

 

[jenseib]

[I really hope I don’t end up regretting my decision on this, but we have a vacation budget and I am determined to stick to it. In the end, I am always just so glad to be there that these little details don’t matter much to me anyway. I’m sure I will feel the same way this time as well. But there is one thing that keeps nagging at me………………..….. I am claustrophobic! That does have me pretty nervous about this “inside” stateroom, but I’m trying very hard not to dwell on it. I think I will be ok as long as our cabin is not underwater. Someone please tell me that none of the rooms are “below sea level!” DH nor I can stand the thought of sleeping with the fish!

No, there are very few porthole rooms and none are underwater.

 

[Momof2Disneyboys]

I think you made a great decision! You will have much more time at WDW, so it only makes sense to upgrade there.


You're going to have an awesome trip!!

 

[RinkyTinkyTinky]

Can't wait to see your Castaway Cay at home!

As for the stateroom, that porthole is cool, but it doesn't fool me. I must be way more claustrophobic than you, because I really, seriously know I couldn't do it. I would have to sleep on the deck in a lounge chair in the wide open air. I don't even much like the long interior corridors in Disney deluxe resorts. I like to open my door to the big outdoors. I try to reason with myself and listen to people give good advice, but I just have a mental block, I guess. I actually get a sick feeling just thinking about going into interior hallways of a ship, so I guess I'll never know the joy of being on the Dream. Isn't it strange how different things affect different people. I am not a bit afraid of heights or the free falling of Tower of Terror or any ride that shakes, rattles, and rolls, but keep me far away from the caves at Tom Sawyer's Island. Do you remember the old submarines? Oh my gosh - DEATH TRAPS in my eyes!

The portholes are cute with all the Disney characters going by, though.

I think it is just different for different people. For me, it's more that I don't like being confined. I can't stand to be strapped into anything. I don't like wearing bracelets or rings because they are constricting. I would absolutely die in a turtle neck. I hate roller coasters that have those bars that come down over your head and chest. I can't stand for covers to be tucked in at the bottom of the bed where my feet are trapped underneath. I don't like elevators b/c once the door closes, I can't get out. I will completely freak out if a zipper gets hung on my coat, and I will turn into the Hulk and rip it open, even if I have to break it. In short, I'm a little nutty. But I think I will be ok on the ship since it is so big and I know that I can easily walk up to an open deck. And like you said, I may end up sleeping up there!

Now as for those submarines, no I don't remember them but NO WAY would I get on them. Just the thought of being trapped underwater is enough to flip me out. I couldn't do the caves on TSI either. DD wanted to do them so I sent DH in to see how long they were. If I could see the light at the end, I could go through. Well, he came back and told me that it wasn't long at all, so I walked in about 10 feet.......... still no light so I hightailed it back out! I really have no idea how you do ToT or Star Tours though. When they close those doors in that small room and you are strapped in....

Thanks for the encouragement, it means a lot and it really does help me stay on track with this trip. I was feeling guilty about this trip and when we figured it out this trip will cost us about 3 months of extra debt payments that we currently pay each month and we decided that 3 more months to be debt free is worth a vacation after all of our hardwork. Of course we will still be paying the payments every month but socking away the money away from other things to pay for the trip.

My dream is that when we are debt free we can buy DVC or if that doesn't happen because I too dream of being a stay at home mom then a trip staying at Boardwalk or Bay Lake Tower, hopefully with a good deal on renting points again.

You are very welcome. I know how hard it is to keep your eye on the prize, but you'll be so glad you did.

Being a SAHM is the most wonderful thing I have ever done with my life. If I die today, I know my life made a difference and was worth something. I know that sounds corny, but honestly, it has been the most amazing blessing, even on my very worst day! And if that is your goal, then I say that's all the more reason to stay on budget! Just keep thinking about that sweet baby you'll be holding one day and that should be enough to keep you on track.

I think renting points is a great way to go. Granted I haven't done enough research on it to give you an informed opinion, but I can tell you that we had a "timeshare" type membership at a lake resort several years ago, and we got really tired of having to pay those maintenance dues each year. That is probably the only reason I haven't looked into DVC. And DVC may not even have that annual fee, but most things like that do. But you seriously have me contemplating renting points next time. I think you got a great deal on AKL! Right now I am waiting for free dining to come out for October, but I'm starting to wonder if it is going to happen. That would be the best deal for me, but if no discount comes out, I may jump on the DVC renting bandwagon too!

Sorry but I always worry about the worse that can happen. Not too long ago I was watching a show about a cruise ship that sank off the coast of Africa and I told DH that I did not think I could go on a cruise. LOL

I know what you mean though when watching certain things , I find myself holding my breath I get so scared.

Your gonna have a fantastic trip and you have me thinking very seriously about taking a cruise. I won't dare check into them until after our October trip or else I will be wanting to book one and that just would not be possible before the beginning of the year.

I am a major worrier too. I swear they created the character of Marlin (Nemo's Dad) based on my personality! Seriously, I am just like him! I'm trying to think happy thoughts though about my cruise and remind myself that most likely, everything will run smoothly and we will love it!

I know it is hard to do, but if you want to cruise on DCL, you better book it as soon as you possibly can. If you want to go next year, then you should book as soon as your dates are released. The price goes up BIG TIME the longer you wait to book. For example, the same cruise I booked back in April is now twice the price of what I paid!

No, there are very few porthole rooms and none are underwater.

Jen, you are my hero! That is such a relief to hear!

I think you made a great decision! You will have much more time at WDW, so it only makes sense to upgrade there.


You're going to have an awesome trip!!

Hmmm, you wouldn't be just a little bit biased in saying that would you since you just happen to be quite fond of where we are staying at WDW! I think you're right though. I think we are going to love **Resort, and I think it will be worth doing without the veranda to be able to stay there!

 

[Lady Lallie]

You are very welcome. I know how hard it is to keep your eye on the prize, but you'll be so glad you did.

Being a SAHM is the most wonderful thing I have ever done with my life. If I die today, I know my life made a difference and was worth something. I know that sounds corny, but honestly, it has been the most amazing blessing, even on my very worst day! And if that is your goal, then I say that's all the more reason to stay on budget! Just keep thinking about that sweet baby you'll be holding one day and that should be enough to keep you on track.

I think renting points is a great way to go. Granted I haven't done enough research on it to give you an informed opinion, but I can tell you that we had a "timeshare" type membership at a lake resort several years ago, and we got really tired of having to pay those maintenance dues each year. That is probably the only reason I haven't looked into DVC. And DVC may not even have that annual fee, but most things like that do. But you seriously have me contemplating renting points next time. I think you got a great deal on AKL! Right now I am waiting for free dining to come out for October, but I'm starting to wonder if it is going to happen. That would be the best deal for me, but if no discount comes out, I may jump on the DVC renting bandwagon too!

Thanks! It's nice to know that others have been in the same boat, I want to be in.

I highly doubt they will offer free dining in October, it seems the last few years Disney is limiting the days of free dining because they are not hurting money wise as much as they were a few years ago. I've rented points from other DISers before but this is the first time I'm renting from someone I don't talk to on here but another DISer has and gave them a great review so I feel confident. If you need anymore advice or leads or anything let me know. I know the Dave's timeshare store was advertising a deal for September in the Mousesavers newsletter where points where $9 per point for a certain resort compared to the normal $13 per point they charge. For a first timer it might be something that would be more comfortable for you but $13 can be a bit high-ish. If you went on the DIS DVC board you can mostly find anything form $8 to $13.

 

[MEK]

Subbing! Although I have a lot of catching up to do! Your daughter is a cutie!

 

[sjs314]

:


I am a major worrier too. I swear they created the character of Marlin (Nemo's Dad) based on my personality! Seriously, I am just like him! I'm trying to think happy thoughts though about my cruise and remind myself that most likely, everything will run smoothly and we will love it!

I know it is hard to do, but if you want to cruise on DCL, you better book it as soon as you possibly can. If you want to go next year, then you should book as soon as your dates are released. The price goes up BIG TIME the longer you wait to book. For example, the same cruise I booked back in April is now twice the price of what I paid!

Wow that is not good to hear about them going up in price. DH and I actually looked online today at the cruises leaving out of NY, the weekend getaway sound nice and it's only a lil over $500pp

DH like the NY to Canada I think it was 5 days for around $3000.

Those would be for like next Jul/Aug but like I said no money right now to make a deposit, so we will have to see.

 

[RinkyTinkyTinky]

Thanks! It's nice to know that others have been in the same boat, I want to be in.

I highly doubt they will offer free dining in October, it seems the last few years Disney is limiting the days of free dining because they are not hurting money wise as much as they were a few years ago. I've rented points from other DISers before but this is the first time I'm renting from someone I don't talk to on here but another DISer has and gave them a great review so I feel confident. If you need anymore advice or leads or anything let me know. I know the Dave's timeshare store was advertising a deal for September in the Mousesavers newsletter where points where $9 per point for a certain resort compared to the normal $13 per point they charge. For a first timer it might be something that would be more comfortable for you but $13 can be a bit high-ish. If you went on the DIS DVC board you can mostly find anything form $8 to $13.

I will definitely take you up on that offer if we end up needing to rent points for this trip or a future one! Thanks! I think it is a great deal to be able to rent and not have to fully commit to DVC!

Subbing! Although I have a lot of catching up to do! Your daughter is a cutie!

WELCOME!!! I've seen you all over the DIS! So glad you could join in the fun!

Wow that is not good to hear about them going up in price. DH and I actually looked online today at the cruises leaving out of NY, the weekend getaway sound nice and it's only a lil over $500pp

DH like the NY to Canada I think it was 5 days for around $3000.

Those would be for like next Jul/Aug but like I said no money right now to make a deposit, so we will have to see.

It is very hard to plan that far in advance. I really want to put a deposit on a 7 night Eastern Car. but I hate to tie up that much money right now when I am trying to pay for THIS years vacation! I can't handle more than one trip at a time!

 

[RinkyTinkyTinky]

(Let's just assume for the moment that my ticker is correct... )

Today is my 100 day mark!!! Can I get a !!!!!!






Now I have a quick question for anyone in the know. I haven't mentioned this yet, but for me to stay within the budget I have planned I am totally dependent on free dining being released for Oct-Dec. It has been for the last several years so I was fully expecting it this year too. However, as of today there is still no offer out there. Does anyone know anything about what's going on? Any of you TAs caught wind of anything coming down the pipes? I'm starting to get nervous. I absolutely HAVE to have either free dining or some other major discount (40% off room) to pull this trip off! I'm starting to panic here!

 

[Lady Lallie]

Woo Hoo for 100 days!!

Okay, so I went to look on Mousavers and found this handy little link that gives a chart for historical discounts and when they were released.

It is looking like most of the big discounts for October 2010 and beyond were released mostly in August but in July there was the free dining released but then in August 16, 2010 it looked like most of the discounts until the end of the year were released. There was also the room only rate discount released on August 16, as well. I'm guessing you probably have another month left to wait. I hope the link helps!

 

[sjs314]

(Let's just assume for the moment that my ticker is correct... )

Today is my 100 day mark!!! Can I get a !!!!!!






Now I have a quick question for anyone in the know. I haven't mentioned this yet, but for me to stay within the budget I have planned I am totally dependent on free dining being released for Oct-Dec. It has been for the last several years so I was fully expecting it this year too. However, as of today there is still no offer out there. Does anyone know anything about what's going on? Any of you TAs caught wind of anything coming down the pipes? I'm starting to get nervous. I absolutely HAVE to have either free dining or some other major discount (40% off room) to pull this trip off! I'm starting to panic here!

Big ShoutOut for 100 Days!!!!!!!!!!!!!! ​

I wish I knew about a discount for the Fall. I am booked with a 20% pin which DH was lucky enough to recieve. Funny thing about that pin is I was booked for September I think, this was back in February and decided to take a chance and try setting up an account for DH on the Disney Site to see if it might generate a pin. Then I ordered a DVD in his name and when it asked about when he would be visiting for some crazy reason I put December, I guess cause I still want to go to WDW for Christmas.

Well DH rec'd a pin via snail mail good for 20% from 12/1 to 12/22. I about wanted to kick myself in the "you know what" for not putting down October since that was when I really wanted to go this year.

Anyway I called and played dumb, told the CM about the pin we rec'd but that I was confused about when it was good for. The CM said he did not see any pin listed but asked me to give him the numbers, and when I did he told me it was good from 10/18 to 12/22

So I changed our trip to October, lost 2 days to keep it within our budget since the discount was better for our Sept dates.

I was pretty sure something better than 20% would be released for the Fall
but as I wait, it seems the room availability is really decreasing.............but on the other hand the restaurants are not full at all , other than the ones that normally are booked CRT, 'Ohana etc. Sooooooooooo I do think FD will be offered for Oct-Dec. Just not confident about room discounts

I will have my fingers crossed for a discount for you Rinky.

 

[Momof2Disneyboys]

Congrats on 100 DAYS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!




I hope you get FD or an awesome discount very soon!!

 

[Mndisneygirl]

for 100 days!!!

And tomorrow we can do a double digit dance if you like!!

I know nothing about the free dining, so I'm no help there, but I will keep my fingers crossed for you!