Now Bring Me That Horizon ~ It Begins P115

[TarzansKat]

Hey, everyone!

I hope you're all ready to read and comment. I'm toying with the idea of adding 2 more nights to our vacation.

Here's the kicker.

It would just be for the three of us. It would enable us to have some alone family time, and a longer vacation is always better in my book.

I have a HUGE credit with Southwest, and changing our flights won't even put a dent in it. I already had my FIL's changed to a separate confirmation number, so I can change just the three of us, and his will remain in tact.

I've called, and there isn't any availability at Pop for free dining for the whole time. So I'm thinking of tacking on 2 nights of a room only ressie, even if we don't have tickets for that time. I could think of so many things that we could do as a family to relax and just enjoy being there, and what a great way to start the trip. There are so many things we never have time do, like go to DisneyQuest (which is like heaven for my DH), or do a water park. DS is definitely old enough for a water park, and I would totally be down for buying those tickets separately.

I think this could be a really good thing, and I'm really excited.

My room only options right now are this. I can book us in a standard room at Pop for the two nights for $185. Or, for $32 more, I can book us at Coronado Springs for $216 with that special 35% off rate they have right now. I believe that's the only moderate available for those dates, but I'll check. To my mind, staying at a mod, and having those pools for $32 more is probably a good thing. We could can the water park idea and just have a total resort day, enjoying the pool, and then do Downtown Disney and DisneyQuest the following day. I participate in an online site that gives me points for shopping through them, so I could probably have more than enough to cover at least part of a dinner at Rainforest or the new T Rex restaurant.

Just one question for those of you who have done it. How hard is it to transport bags from one resort to another?

OMG, the more I talk about this, the more exciting it is.

Someone stop me, seriously.

Hold me back...

and weigh in.

 

[Charleston Princess]

7 pictures of Jack really made your 7,000 post delectable.

The shirts are coming along great!

So, if you added on two more nights, what would your dates be then?

 

[2xcited2sleep]

Oh, SO exciting! I totally agree, a longer vacation is always better and I think it will be nice for you three to have some "alone time" before the craziness (fabulous craziness) of the larger group sets in.

I switched resorts in Dec - from Pop to AKL. SUPER easy. You have to bring your bags to the bell station. They put a tag on it for the resort you're going to and you're done. Mine made it there with no problem. Think I dropped them off ~9am and they were at the resort by 1pm. I did have to call down to the bell station at the new resort to find out if they were there. They were not delivered to the room ala Magical Express.

I agree with your thinking on Coronado. It seems like a fun resort. Do you read any of Alan Renfroes' TRs? He loves it there and has some great pics.

Isn't Disney planning fun!

 

[TarzansKat]

7 pictures of Jack really made your 7,000 post delectable.

Delectable is exactly the right word.

The shirts are coming along great!

Thanks!

So, if you added on two more nights, what would your dates be then?

Sunday, September 27 - Sunday, October 4

You know what it is, too? I have no idea when we'll be able to go again. With my wanting to go to school and DS starting kindergarten in 2010, it's going to be hard if not impossible to plan a trip to the World.

I want to pack the most into this one that I can!

Oh, SO exciting! I totally agree, a longer vacation is always better and I think it will be nice for you three to have some "alone time" before the craziness (fabulous craziness) of the larger group sets in.

I think it would be awesome.

I've complained for so long about not being able to go and have no plans.

This would be the perfect opportunity.

I switched resorts in Dec - from Pop to AKL. SUPER easy. You have to bring your bags to the bell station. They put a tag on it for the resort you're going to and you're done. Mine made it there with no problem. Think I dropped them off ~9am and they were at the resort by 1pm. I did have to call down to the bell station at the new resort to find out if they were there. They were not delivered to the room ala Magical Express.

Oh, thank you so much! That's very good to know.

I agree with your thinking on Coronado. It seems like a fun resort. Do you read any of Alan Renfroes' TRs? He loves it there and has some great pics.

Isn't Disney planning fun!

Are you referring to Buzz2001? Is that his DIS name, or something like that? I think of him as the guy who loves Coronado.

I just looked at pics on Allears of the Dig Site and the pool and OMG, I know DS would love it.

Now I'm pricing deluxes for ha has.

 

[All7OfUs]

Love your idea of CSR! I had considered that one for our trip. Oopsie, did I just drop a little hint? Seriously, for that small of a price difference, go for the mod!! Trust me, this choice is an easy one!!

Like someone else said, I don't think its an issue at all to change resorts. THey deal with the bags, you deal with having fun in your new shirts.

Will you make new ones for a diff. resort to help you feel more at home?

 

[TarzansKat]

Love your idea of CSR! I had considered that one for our trip. Oopsie, did I just drop a little hint? Seriously, for that small of a price difference, go for the mod!! Trust me, this choice is an easy one!!

A little tidbit for you all. I've never stayed there.

And it's my unspoken mission to stay at all the resorts at least once. I'm really, really close, but I've definitely wanted to try this one. And doing it for two days, if it feels large and sprawling, it probably won't bother us, because we'll be switching to Pop, you know?

Like someone else said, I don't think its an issue at all to change resorts. THey deal with the bags, you deal with having fun in your new shirts.

Well, it's good to know it's so easy. I'm really not for unpacking and re-packing, but I could make it simple and just do the outfits for two days and leave the rest in the suitcases.

Will you make new ones for a diff. resort to help you feel more at home?

ENABLER! I hadn't even thought of it until you mentioned it. Would those be earth tones?

 

[jenjolt]

OOH...everyone loves to get on and admire Jack!! So THANK YOU!!!

And YAY to contemplating adding 2 days (although me thinks you are more sold on it and its going to happen...)

I think some family time would be great and you would be able to have some memories just of you and your DH and DS!!!!!

I'm sure you'll let us know soon what you decide!

 

[TarzansKat]

OOH...everyone loves to get on and admire Jack!! So THANK YOU!!!

A hearty "you're welcome."

And YAY to contemplating adding 2 days (although me thinks you are more sold on it and its going to happen...)

I think some family time would be great and you would be able to have some memories just of you and your DH and DS!!!!!

I'm sure you'll let us know soon what you decide!

I'm in the process of figuring it all out as we speak. I will definitely keep you all posted.

 

[MRYPPNS]

Book the mod....CSR or CBR...don't buy park tickets. That would be my advice. Have you ever rented a boat for Seven Sea Lagoon? It is soooo much fun and relaxing. And I think Typhoon Lagoon would be awesome for DS.

 

[TarzansKat]

Book the mod....CSR or CBR...don't buy park tickets. That would be my advice. Have you ever rented a boat for Seven Sea Lagoon? It is soooo much fun and relaxing. And I think Typhoon Lagoon would be awesome for DS.

I have never rented a boat actually, that could be a lot of fun. I would totally think of ZZUB.

I know my DH has been dying to DisneyQuest...we haven't been in years, and I'm sure my DS would be in heaven with all the video games. Plus it would be easy to sneak out and do some shopping while they're in there.

And I haven't been to Typhoon Lagoon since I was ten! I think I was ten. Oh my god.

I just realized that means I haven't been in almost twenty years. Is Typhoon Lagoon that old? Am I confusing myself?

Scary.

Very scary.

 

[TarzansKat]

Pirate.

So my trip binder needs a major overhaul.

Now that I have completely thrown everything out of whack. My flights. My dates. My hotels. Oh, yes, because there are two now.

For those of you who weren't witness to my little plea for help this morning, here are the basics.

I got to thinking. We all know how bad that is. Especially when you suffer from Disney trip itch. Or itches, as the case may be. There are a lot of factors that went into this decision, and it really started with my copious Southwest credits.

There were a lot. Because our flights went down so much, I had enough for a round trip ticket for one person. That's a lot of money to have sitting in Southwest credits. And while it is very, very tempting to think of booking a solo trip to Disney or using those credits for another vacation, in the coming year, it's probably not going to be financially possible, or very responsible. Given that I'd like to go back to school, and given that my DS will head to kindergarten in 2010, I'm just not sure when we'll get back to the World. We may go in the summer, we may not. It really depends on how our money stands and what's going on at the time.

So I got to thinking. Why not use those credits on this trip? Why not take some of that money and fly down earlier? (Earlier flights are more expensive than what we had.) Due to DH's change in management at his work, he now gets two weeks of PTO. One is the week from Christmas to New Year's, and the other is a week of his choosing. I specifically booked our trip from Tues - Sun, not knowing when I booked bounceback that he'd have a new boss, and also trying to plan a trip that was affordable for us and everyone who's coming.

So basically, we were leaving on a Tuesday, but we'd be home all weekend. I work at the bank on Saturdays, but it's only a half day, so there's still plenty of time to get last minute things done before a trip.

Sunday and Monday at home, or Sunday and Monday in Disney?



Tough choice, huh?

Never mind that this would give us some much needed family alone time, which I am really, really jonesin' for. In addition to all of this, I was able to find a 35% off code for Coronado Springs (a resort I've never stayed at, but have wanted to try), and I was able to use a portion of my Southwest credits on our flights.

All told, not including food or any extra adventures we may choose to add, this add on to the vacation is costing us $306.

Now ask me if I care.

Honestly, DH and I have been doing unbelievably well saving money. I'm at the point now where we've got a very, very healthy emergency fund. And realizing how healthy it is today, and that we're so close to paying off his student loan and will still have money left over, well, that just put me over the edge.

6 days in Disney or 8. Pretty much a no brainer.

So I did it. This morning I got on the phone, got on the internet, and after a LONG (there was some Southwest trouble I don't want to get into, too complicated) time, it was done.

We're now booked to fly out on Sunday, September 27th on an 810am flight. We'll get in at 1110am. We're also booked on a room only ressie at the Coronado Springs resort for two nights. I'm excited to stay at this resort, and I really intend to make one of those days a resort day. Most likely arrival day, but who knows.

This is my dream, folks.

Having two days with absolutely no plans. I don't think we'll even decide until we get there. We'll eat where we want, and go where we want. Sure, we have some ideas of what we'd like to do with that time, given that we won't have the whole big crew.

Then on the 29th, we'll check out of Coronado and head over to Pop to check in. Once that's all set, because we'll be there so early, it'll be easy for us to head to a park before the family even gets in. This is so nice because there's some things at DHS that I know DH and DS would like to do that my mom has no interest in, and since we're park hopping, it'll be so easy to head there, or to any of the other parks that morning before the folks arrive.

Now to the hard part. And I'm not just talking about rearranging the whole dang trip binder. Reprinting all my spreadsheets.

Telling my mom.

I'll admit it. I was worried. I was afraid that she would take offense to us wanting to leave earlier and have some family time.

And you know what? That blessed woman surprised me. Once I explained it to her, and the things we'd like to do, and some family time for us, she was all for it.

Thank you, Disney Travel Gods.

And yes.

I did add to the debt to be repaid.

Although, I get the feeling that DH is not really upset about that.

 

[eandesmom]

Pirate.


So I got to thinking. Why not use those credits on this trip? Why not take some of that money and fly down earlier? (Earlier flights are more expensive than what we had.) Due to DH's change in management at his work, he now gets two weeks of PTO. One is the week from Christmas to New Year's, and the other is a week of his choosing. I specifically booked our trip from Tues - Sun, not knowing when I booked bounceback that he'd have a new boss, and also trying to plan a trip that was affordable for us and everyone who's coming.

So basically, we were leaving on a Tuesday, but we'd be home all weekend. I work at the bank on Saturdays, but it's only a half day, so there's still plenty of time to get last minute things done before a trip.


Never mind that this would give us some much needed family alone time, which I am really, really jonesin' for. In addition to all of this, I was able to find a 35% off code for Coronado Springs (a resort I've never stayed at, but have wanted to try), and I was able to use a portion of my Southwest credits on our flights.

All told, not including food or any extra adventures we may choose to add, this add on to the vacation is costing us $306.

Now ask me if I care.

6 days in Disney or 8. Pretty much a no brainer.

So I did it. This morning I got on the phone, got on the internet, and after a LONG (there was some Southwest trouble I don't want to get into, too complicated) time, it was done.

Telling my mom.

I'll admit it. I was worried. I was afraid that she would take offense to us wanting to leave earlier and have some family time.

And you know what? That blessed woman surprised me. Once I explained it to her, and the things we'd like to do, and some family time for us, she was all for it.

Thank you, Disney Travel Gods.

Although, I get the feeling that DH is not really upset about that.

:whoo hoo!

And how BRILLIANT that you are doing it before the big group. You will be rested, relaxed and ready for whatever that throws at you. I heartily approve (and am mightily jealous!).

 

[TarzansKat]

And how BRILLIANT that you are doing it before the big group.

I feel more sneaky than brilliant right now, but thank you for the nice compliment!

You will be rested, relaxed and ready for whatever that throws at you.

YES! I am so excited to have a vacation that's actually a vacation.

You know, where people go and they relax?

I heartily approve (and am mightily jealous!).

Aw!

 

[2xcited2sleep]

Congratulations! Sounds like heaven!!

 

[Charleston Princess]

Hurray for two extra days at Disney! You will love CSR! The Dig Site pool alone makes the place a blast!

 

[jenjolt]

Congrats on 2 extra day!! You and your boys are going to have a terrific time!!!

 

[TarzansKat]

Congratulations! Sounds like heaven!!

Hurray for two extra days at Disney! You will love CSR! The Dig Site pool alone makes the place a blast!

Thanks! I'm excited about that pool area. The deal was sealed for me when I showed DS the pictures, and he got so excited about it! I'll have to remember to bring some sandbox toys with us so he can really get dirty if he wants to.

Congrats on 2 extra day!! You and your boys are going to have a terrific time!!!

We are, I'm so excited, and so glad the family's reaction was so calm.

 

[creativeamanda]

Two more days? Of course, a no-brainer! We took a short detour to CSR on our way to Blizzard Beach last week. It was a bit interesting, to say the least. Anyway, CSR looks absolutely beautiful!

 

[TarzansKat]

Two more days? Of course, a no-brainer! We took a short detour to CSR on our way to Blizzard Beach last week. It was a bit interesting, to say the least. Anyway, CSR looks absolutely beautiful!

I'm really excited to be staying there, even if it's just for two days. It will be nice to stay at a resort and enjoy the resort, much like Tink and I did in May. We really enjoyed staying at CBR, and now I'm looking forward to CSR! Plus, I've heard great things about the food at Pepper Market.

 

[Normangirls]

I can't remember, and I'm too lazy to go back and check: what kind of park tickets do you have? If you have, say, 7-day tickets, it's only a few more dollars to add on more days. And the thing is, it's kind of nice to have "extra" days to burn and not feel guilty about it. Maybe you decide to spend a few hours the day you get there at the MK? No big deal.

Just a thought.

Keep on, tie-dye princess.