November 2012 Code Watch!!

[julie4423]

Its Disney's version of Russian Roullett! this fan gets a PIN, this one does not, lets do FD this week, eh but skip next 2 weeks and watch them squirm lol

That is so true! There has to be a better way. Normally I don't mind so much, but I really wanted to plan way in advance this time. Last trip I got a FD pin in March and booked for May. At this point I'm thinking renting points, getting YES tickets, and paying for food OOP might be my only safe option to know that I'll get SOME savings. I can't stand the waiting.

 

[axpo23]

Hi! My name is Stephanie and I am trying to plan my family's first Disney World trip. Augh! We'd like to go the Sunday after Thanksgiving 2012 and stay that next week.

Currently, we have the Starwood Amex card and are accumulating points in hopes for a free (or at least discounted stay) at the Dolphin. But, now all this talk about Free Dining makes me think twice. Just when I think I've got a plan figured out..

We homeschool and my husband works for himself so we can be somewhat flexible. I'd love to get in on the YES program, so that might mean adjusting our travel dates. That would save us a TON of money on tickets.

Any suggestions for a newbie?

 

[Smileybug]

Hi! My name is Stephanie and I am trying to plan my family's first Disney World trip. Augh! We'd like to go the Sunday after Thanksgiving 2012 and stay that next week.

Currently, we have the Starwood Amex card and are accumulating points in hopes for a free (or at least discounted stay) at the Dolphin. But, now all this talk about Free Dining makes me think twice. Just when I think I've got a plan figured out..

We homeschool and my husband works for himself so we can be somewhat flexible. I'd love to get in on the YES program, so that might mean adjusting our travel dates. That would save us a TON of money on tickets.

Any suggestions for a newbie?

to all of the craziness!! Since this is your first trip.....In my opinion it would be worth the money to keep those dates. Christmas in Disney is so magical. If you can, do the Christmas party. I know everyone here will do their best to help you along the way.

 

[axpo23]

Thank you! I've been debating about the Christmas party, too. And the thing is, we were going to go RCI (DH's Gma's acct) and I guess that's still in our back pocket, but it just seems like such a gamble.

I just want to get something booked bc the wait is driving me crazy!

 

[mommyof3princess27]

Thank you! I've been debating about the Christmas party, too. And the thing is, we were going to go RCI (DH's Gma's acct) and I guess that's still in our back pocket, but it just seems like such a gamble.

I just want to get something booked bc the wait is driving me crazy!

dont worry about the planning! thats the fun part-well before you get there of course! We will offer our advice when ever you need it...just ask!!! And I cant wait to see Disney at Christmas I hear its magical


On a side note, DH got his vacation approved! I was worried that he would have to work on the 2nd and Id have to fly by myself and he would come in at 11 that night....no worries though-we will be traveling together!

 

[julie4423]

Hi! My name is Stephanie and I am trying to plan my family's first Disney World trip. Augh! We'd like to go the Sunday after Thanksgiving 2012 and stay that next week.

Currently, we have the Starwood Amex card and are accumulating points in hopes for a free (or at least discounted stay) at the Dolphin. But, now all this talk about Free Dining makes me think twice. Just when I think I've got a plan figured out..

We homeschool and my husband works for himself so we can be somewhat flexible. I'd love to get in on the YES program, so that might mean adjusting our travel dates. That would save us a TON of money on tickets.

Any suggestions for a newbie?

You might already know this, but I just wanted to point out that you can't combine free dining and YES tickets. IMO the biggest planning stress is just deciding what discount to work. I've been researching and weighing out the options for the past couple weeks. The only discount that I can't guarantee myself is the FD which stinks because that is always the best discount for our family of 5. So...you aren't the only one that is confused! We're all trying to figure out the best deal.

 

[Smileybug]

dont worry about the planning! thats the fun part-well before you get there of course! We will offer our advice when ever you need it...just ask!!! And I cant wait to see Disney at Christmas I hear its magical


On a side note, DH got his vacation approved! I was worried that he would have to work on the 2nd and Id have to fly by myself and he would come in at 11 that night....no worries though-we will be traveling together!

I just booked a short trip for this Nov. I think I'm still in shock.

 

[Smileybug]

You might already know this, but I just wanted to point out that you can't combine free dining and YES tickets. IMO the biggest planning stress is just deciding what discount to work. I've been researching and weighing out the options for the past couple weeks. The only discount that I can't guarantee myself is the FD which stinks because that is always the best discount for our family of 5. So...you aren't the only one that is confused! We're all trying to figure out the best deal.

That is so true.

 

[Smileybug]

dont worry about the planning! thats the fun part-well before you get there of course! We will offer our advice when ever you need it...just ask!!! And I cant wait to see Disney at Christmas I hear its magical


On a side note, DH got his vacation approved! I was worried that he would have to work on the 2nd and Id have to fly by myself and he would come in at 11 that night....no worries though-we will be traveling together!

That is great news.

 

[mommyof3princess27]

I just booked a short trip for this Nov. I think I'm still in shock.

YAYAY!!!!! Congrats!!!!!! What are the dates? Ur gonna be there 5 days before me

 

[mommyof3princess27]

That is so true.

I am right there with you! I have 5 techniqually BUT my DM and Ddad are taking one of my DD in their room since the Royal rooms cant have 5 and they are helping me pay....BUT if we upgrade to Deluxe, (if we get a PIN) then I will be paying so I wanna figure out the best deal for everyone!

 

[Smileybug]

YAYAY!!!!! Congrats!!!!!! What are the dates? Ur gonna be there 5 days before me

Arriving on Nov. 27th and leaving on Nov. 30th. I wish do wish it were longer. But I'm thankful for what I am getting! Oh and we got FD!!

I am right there with you! I have 5 techniqually BUT my DM and Ddad are taking one of my DD in their room since the Royal rooms cant have 5 and they are helping me pay....BUT if we upgrade to Deluxe, (if we get a PIN) then I will be paying so I wanna figure out the best deal for everyone!

That is the kind of stuff that will make your eyes cross.

 

[axpo23]

You might already know this, but I just wanted to point out that you can't combine free dining and YES tickets.

I did NOT know that. Thank you!! We are also a family of 5-- I don't think I mentioned that before... ?? I think that makes it slightly harder accomodations-wise.

Thank you all for the kind words.

And Congrats on getting vacations in! Wooooo-hooooo!

 

[julie4423]

I did NOT know that. Thank you!! We are also a family of 5-- I don't think I mentioned that before... ?? I think that makes it slightly harder accomodations-wise.

Thank you all for the kind words.

And Congrats on getting vacations in! Wooooo-hooooo!

Being a family of 5+ at WDW is a pain. How old are the kids? Little ones are easier I think because even the smaller "big family" rooms work. I have 2 disney adults, so it's a little harder. Have you looked at on-site resorts to see what you might like? I'm no WDW expert, but I can definitely share what I've found through all of my calculations at the different resorts.

 

[mommyof3princess27]

Being a family of 5+ at WDW is a pain. How old are the kids? Little ones are easier I think because even the smaller "big family" rooms work. I have 2 disney adults, so it's a little harder. Have you looked at on-site resorts to see what you might like? I'm no WDW expert, but I can definitely share what I've found through all of my calculations at the different resorts.

Last year was our last 'cheap' year .... we have 3 DD BUT when we went last year, our youngest was 2 so she was free, our oldest was 9 (well 1 but she passed for 9 Anyway when we go next year, oldest will be a junir and youngest will count so ill be pricey!

 

[Smileybug]

mommyof3.....How are you planning this years short trip? I've already run into problems. Just not enough time.

 

[mommyof3princess27]

mommyof3.....How are you planning this years short trip? I've already run into problems. Just not enough time.

Ok this is what I have so far(lol):
Friday morning: i put older DD on bus, middle DD on Elem bus, mom comes to get small DD. We drive to the bank, deposit my check, drive to airport. wait to board plane and go to our happy place We will land at about 3:10 and then go to ME and ride to POP. Check in, get situated and go grab the bus to MVMCP(yes I booked it on our arrival night-should have made it our last night but didnt) grab a QS meal for dinner at MK

Saturday-grab something for breakfast, head to DHS, we have a 1:20 Sci-Fi ressie for lunch and then a QS meal for dinner so we can see the Osbourne lights. Then to DTD for a few minutes so I can get the girls a present and find my D&B!

Sunday-(our last day already) Our plan is Epcot BUT if we get no rides done on Friday we may do MK again. We have dinner ressies at GF Cafe @ 7 then to tour some deluxe resorts to look at decorations and backk to POP

Monday-check out and do DTD then onto Chef Mickeys for a late ressie(1120) then more shopping! Back to airport on ME to head for Baltimore! As much as I love WDW, I think I may miss my babies!!!

I cant wait to go! If you think I have missed any 'must do's ' please tell me since I have never been for Christmas!

 

[Smileybug]

Ok this is what I have so far(lol):
Friday morning: i put older DD on bus, middle DD on Elem bus, mom comes to get small DD. We drive to the bank, deposit my check, drive to airport. wait to board plane and go to our happy place We will land at about 3:10 and then go to ME and ride to POP. Check in, get situated and go grab the bus to MVMCP(yes I booked it on our arrival night-should have made it our last night but didnt) grab a QS meal for dinner at MK

Saturday-grab something for breakfast, head to DHS, we have a 1:20 Sci-Fi ressie for lunch and then a QS meal for dinner so we can see the Osbourne lights. Then to DTD for a few minutes so I can get the girls a present and find my D&B!

Sunday-(our last day already) Our plan is Epcot BUT if we get no rides done on Friday we may do MK again. We have dinner ressies at GF Cafe @ 7 then to tour some deluxe resorts to look at decorations and backk to POP

Monday-check out and do DTD then onto Chef Mickeys for a late ressie(1120) then more shopping! Back to airport on ME to head for Baltimore! As much as I love WDW, I think I may miss my babies!!!

I cant wait to go! If you think I have missed any 'must do's ' please tell me since I have never been for Christmas!

Sounds like you have it all about covered.

I'm sure you will miss your babies. But spending that time with your hubby will be wonderful.

 

[axpo23]

Being a family of 5+ at WDW is a pain. How old are the kids? Little ones are easier I think because even the smaller "big family" rooms work. I have 2 disney adults, so it's a little harder. Have you looked at on-site resorts to see what you might like? I'm no WDW expert, but I can definitely share what I've found through all of my calculations at the different resorts.

They will be DD 8--two weeks shy of 9 (we're just squeezing her in there before she's an "adult" ), DS1, 5 (2 months til 5) and DS2 3 (1 month til 4). DD is tiny for her age, but the boys kind of make up for it. I liked the Dolphin bc I'm thinking we'll let the boys sleep on that bed that folds out get her an air mattress or blow up bed of some sort. I like the proximity of the hotel to DHS and Epcot and if can actually book the rooms, I'll like that we'll be able to basically get it free--did the math yesterday-- (minus the hotel fee, and parking fee--I don't think I can use the Starwood points for those things.) Still? $150 for a week at a deluxe hotel? That ain't bad. I just have to get the first 28,000 points so I can book it first. Augh.

 

[mommyof3princess27]

They will be DD 8--two weeks shy of 9 (we're just squeezing her in there before she's an "adult" ), DS1, 5 (2 months til 5) and DS2 3 (1 month til 4). DD is tiny for her age, but the boys kind of make up for it. I liked the Dolphin bc I'm thinking we'll let the boys sleep on that bed that folds out get her an air mattress or blow up bed of some sort. I like the proximity of the hotel to DHS and Epcot and if can actually book the rooms, I'll like that we'll be able to basically get it free--did the math yesterday-- (minus the hotel fee, and parking fee--I don't think I can use the Starwood points for those things.) Still? $150 for a week at a deluxe hotel? That ain't bad. I just have to get the first 28,000 points so I can book it first. Augh.

if shes small, would she squeeze by as under 3? LOL I know Im not the only one that would try this! Ive done it before!!!