****Official August 2014 Thread****

[dbramer]

Getting excited to go. ADR's are coming up, I customized my MB's, last payment scheduled for the middle of next month, vacation request in and approved, od'ing on the DIS boards and sick of the cold weather. I want to be in Florida.....can't wait....

 

[Pinkgirl]

Hello,

Cant believe I have missed this thread.

We will be at Yatch Club 19 - 31 August (after spending 9 nights on I Drive)

Our Magic Bands are customised and I am well into my planning, just waiting to hit that magic 180 days to book some dining.

 

[KSL]

Hi Gina-Gina,

Oh no!! This is terrible and unexpected. I am sad and indignant on your/his behalf!!

We had a similar (though admittedly not as bad) situation a couple of years ago. We booked a trip for late August to try to avoid crowds as much as possible. Then the school calendar came out and they had scheduled faculty in-service days earlier than ever before in district history. We were coming home on the first day DH was supposed to report for meetings - yikes! He immediately (this was probably February-ish) spoke to his department chair, explained that we had already booked and paid for flights and accommodations based on the dates of in-service historically going back forever & that we actually thought he would be back with about 3 days' leeway, he never takes his sick days or personal days, etc. The DC understood and it was approved. In your situation, I wonder if a similar appeal to your DH's direct supervisor to intervene with HR on his behalf would help? Supervisor could vouch for DH's responsibilities being covered while he's away (probably their primary concern), the amount of vacation time he has forfeited over the years, his tremendous dependability, his willingness to cover for others and come in during crisis situations for the good of the company, etc.

Or, I had these thoughts that are definitely not as good but might still make things workable:
(1) Could he agree to check in with the office on some periodic basis (a couple of times per week?) at scheduled times (so you could plan around, and so his colleagues would be available) to discuss any problems or current projects, etc.?
(2) Is there any work he could do from remote while you are away? Take 4 half-days for work so that everything back home keeps chugging along while he's gone? You & your son can shop (I recall he loves shopping!) or swim while DH works? Nothing TOO exciting so he doesn't feel like he's missing out as much! Small benefit here is that he could actually take 2 less vacation days that way.
(3) This seems crazy, but could he fly home for a couple of days in the middle of your trip to put in at work? It might cost as much for one RT flight in the middle as it would be to change 4 airfares, and if it keeps the rest of the trip intact, maybe it would be worth it?

Sending hugs and optimism your way. There's just GOT to be a way to make this work. There seems to be plenty of time to plan for his time away in terms of doing anything possible ahead, ensuring coverage while he is away, etc. What would they do if (heaven forbid) he had some sort of medical issue and needed to be on-leave for a couple of weeks!?

Let us know how things progress. Fingers crossed!!

 

[Pirate princess 2]

Hi all. I am finally checking back in after the holidays. I have missed the dis so much. I am very ready to get planning our trip. I have not customized magicbands yet. Still waiting for Southwest.

Gina-Gina-Bo-Bina, I wish you and your family luck figuring everything out. That is a terrible situation.

Oh, and I too am here from the Aug 2013 thread.

 

[Mrs. M. Mouse]

So frustrated today that I hope you don't mind me venting . We are booked for our first two week trip in August (the 17th to the 31st). We purchased our airfare in November when Jetblue released their flights, as we know from past experience that flights with JB tend to only get higher with time (and FWIW, flight prices have gone up by over $100 pp, round trip, when we booked). DH works as a supervisor for an auto parts manufacturer in our city. He has been employed there 20 years this May. He has the highest seniority in his department, and is entitled to 5 weeks of vacation under company policy. This is a non-unionized organization. Official vacation requests are opened on January 1st of each year. So, as soon as the new year hit, he placed his vacation request for our two weeks.....and was told yesterday by his supervisor that it was denied, as they don't want him away for two weeks at one time . This is the first time in 20 years he's ever had vacation time declined. Particularly when its requested this far in advance. This is not a small company.....there are at least 700 permanent employees plus a fluctuating number of temporary and contract workers. DH is the kind of employee who very rarely even takes his whole vacation entitlement in a year (he forfeited some again in 2013....but that's another story). He works tons of overtime to cover for various others who need time off for whatever reason (vacation, illness, or even when things are just backed up and they need an extra pair of hands). He is frequently called in for "two hours" and ends up spending 8. He was even called in at dinnertime on New Years day for a couple of hours .... and ended up staying until 1:30 am. To change our airfare is going to be $150 pp (x 4, as we will have to pay for changes to our three tickets plus DS's GF who is coming with us for her first trip to Florida) plus any difference in airfare. He is taking our dilemma to HR to see what can be done, but I am heartsick at the thought that we may be out another $1000 US and have to cut our vacation short. This was supposed to be DS's celebration trip for his high school graduation. I just want to SCREAM!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! And cry . Though I did that last night and it quite honestly didn't help.

Oh Gina I'm so sorry to read this! I can't imagine them not letting your dh take two consecutive weeks! That's just rediculous! I hope it gets worked out!

 

[Lynne G]

Wow. Gina.
I hope all works out for DH. That stinks. As I was reminded by a nasty former boss, everyone is replaceable. Thus, I hope your ever helpful DH says I expect everyone to cover for me as I have done for all of you.

I am still waiting for SW to open up its schedule to the end of August. Not sure what the fares will be. Still scoping out the rental car too. Sometimes, with cars, it is better to be closer to time of rental. I was glad I booked my car very early for this holiday trip, as it never went below or even close to the price I got at a few months out. However, the best price for my last August trip was about two months out.

With the temps single digits and wind chills in the negative numbers, I am so ready for a nice warm summer.

 

[Gina-Gina-Bo-Bina]

I hope everything works out!!

Hi Gina-Gina,

Oh no!! This is terrible and unexpected. I am sad and indignant on your/his behalf!!

Gina-Gina-Bo-Bina, I wish you and your family luck figuring everything out. That is a terrible situation.

Oh Gina I'm so sorry to read this! I can't imagine them not letting your dh take two consecutive weeks! That's just rediculous! I hope it gets worked out!

Wow. Gina.
I hope all works out for DH. That stinks. As I was reminded by a nasty former boss, everyone is replaceable. Thus, I hope your ever helpful DH says I expect everyone to cover for me as I have done for all of you.

Thanks all. Dh is putting in every effort to get the two weeks approved.....will keep you posted when we know for 100% sure either way. He will exhaust every potential avenue before resigning to the fact that its one week or bust.

In the meantime.....it sure sucks to be in limbo. Not being able to plan anything more for the original dates, but not yet wanting to throw in the towel and make the pricey adjustment down to just one week. Ugh!!! Frustrating!

 

[Gina-Gina-Bo-Bina]

We had a similar (though admittedly not as bad) situation a couple of years ago. We booked a trip for late August to try to avoid crowds as much as possible. Then the school calendar came out and they had scheduled faculty in-service days earlier than ever before in district history. We were coming home on the first day DH was supposed to report for meetings - yikes! He immediately (this was probably February-ish) spoke to his department chair, explained that we had already booked and paid for flights and accommodations based on the dates of in-service historically going back forever & that we actually thought he would be back with about 3 days' leeway, he never takes his sick days or personal days, etc. The DC understood and it was approved. In your situation, I wonder if a similar appeal to your DH's direct supervisor to intervene with HR on his behalf would help? Supervisor could vouch for DH's responsibilities being covered while he's away (probably their primary concern), the amount of vacation time he has forfeited over the years, his tremendous dependability, his willingness to cover for others and come in during crisis situations for the good of the company, etc.

Or, I had these thoughts that are definitely not as good but might still make things workable:
(1) Could he agree to check in with the office on some periodic basis (a couple of times per week?) at scheduled times (so you could plan around, and so his colleagues would be available) to discuss any problems or current projects, etc.?
(2) Is there any work he could do from remote while you are away? Take 4 half-days for work so that everything back home keeps chugging along while he's gone? You & your son can shop (I recall he loves shopping!) or swim while DH works? Nothing TOO exciting so he doesn't feel like he's missing out as much! Small benefit here is that he could actually take 2 less vacation days that way.
(3) This seems crazy, but could he fly home for a couple of days in the middle of your trip to put in at work? It might cost as much for one RT flight in the middle as it would be to change 4 airfares, and if it keeps the rest of the trip intact, maybe it would be worth it?

Sending hugs and optimism your way. There's just GOT to be a way to make this work. There seems to be plenty of time to plan for his time away in terms of doing anything possible ahead, ensuring coverage while he is away, etc. What would they do if (heaven forbid) he had some sort of medical issue and needed to be on-leave for a couple of weeks!?

Its actually DHs immediate supervisor who is being a jerk about it. There is no company policy that he is citing for his decision. He is a power hungry idiot. He simply doesn't want to have to be the one to arrange shift coverage for a two week stint.

DH does have a work Blackberry that he can keep in contact with the plant. But when a good deal of his responsibilities involve dealing with people or machinery, its limiting at best. I would hate to see him have to fly home mid trip . He works harder than any of us and deserves this vacation so much.

Ironically, my brother is actually the general manager of this company. I don't think he even knows whats going on. DH has forbidden me to say anything to him....he doesn't want him involved. I hate to call in family favours (and Im not even sure my bro would help anyway ) but oh....I so want to send him a text to see what he can do....

 

[huggiebear23]

Woo hoo!! It's been 2 years since we've been to Disney. And I'm 75 percent sure we are going to go the first week of August. How are the crowds? Weather?? I missed my dis boards..

 

[Mrs. M. Mouse]

Its actually DHs immediate supervisor who is being a jerk about it. There is no company policy that he is citing for his decision. He is a power hungry idiot. He simply doesn't want to have to be the one to arrange shift coverage for a two week stint. DH does have a work Blackberry that he can keep in contact with the plant. But when a good deal of his responsibilities involve dealing with people or machinery, its limiting at best. I would hate to see him have to fly home mid trip . He works harder than any of us and deserves this vacation so much. Ironically, my brother is actually the general manager of this company. I don't think he even knows whats going on. DH has forbidden me to say anything to him....he doesn't want him involved. I hate to call in family favours (and Im not even sure my bro would help anyway ) but oh....I so want to send him a text to see what he can do....

I wouldn't necessarily say anything to your brother directly about your hubby but maybe ask about the policy the supervisor quoted in passing saying you never heard about that lol....

 

[mrstomrice]

We have 5 nights booked at BCV then a 3 night cruise on the Dream. We have APs and I want to make them worth having. We're considering adding a few days after the cruise at an off property resort. Any suggestions? A nice pool with a clean resort would be great...similar cost to a value. Thanks!

 

[Mrs. M. Mouse]

We have 5 nights booked at BCV then a 3 night cruise on the Dream. We have APs and I want to make them worth having. We're considering adding a few days after the cruise at an off property resort. Any suggestions? A nice pool with a clean resort would be great...similar cost to a value. Thanks!

Ooh what's the date of your cruise??? We're 3 nights on the 28th!!! Ignore me lol

Duh we already discussed the cruise dates lol. I'm having brainless days lately! Too much going on lately!

I know nothing to help you with the DTD stay.

 

[Gina-Gina-Bo-Bina]

We have 5 nights booked at BCV then a 3 night cruise on the Dream. We have APs and I want to make them worth having. We're considering adding a few days after the cruise at an off property resort. Any suggestions? A nice pool with a clean resort would be great...similar cost to a value. Thanks!

Sheraton Vistana Resort .

The resort itself is gorgeous and has great amenities (7 pools, 6 outdoor hot tubs, sand volleyball courts, basketball, mini golf, poolside movies, daily scheduled activities. etc.), the rooms are fantastic (one or two bedroom totally renovated villas with full kitchens, flat screen TVs, screened in balconies, washer and dryer, free internet, free parking and no resort fees), and the location is prime (right around the corner from DTD).

We got our stay last August in a 2 bedroom villa for the same price as POP.

 

[aloha517]

Does anyone know when easywdw will update the crowd calandar for August ? I can't wait to plan " for real" lol

 

[disneygrl704]

I'm joining in! We are going August 10th - 16th and staying at AOA in a LM room! We are so excited. This will be our first time staying at AOA. We will be celebrating our 10 year anniversary! I called to make our changes today, from September to August! Can't wait!!

 

[Mousemommy1]

Here is the first draft!!! Of course they will be updated closer to August.

https://s3-us-west-2.amazonaws.com/parkhours/August2014v1.pdf

HAPPY PLANNING!!!

 

[tlenzendorf]

The good news: The August hours are out.

Here is the link to the calendar I like:
http://media.disneywebcontent.com/S.../pdf/ParkHours/WDW_Operating_Calendar_aug.pdf

The bad news: Thanks to my crappy garage door opener and the ice storm here-when I got home tonight my car slid down the driveway and right into the garage door, breaking the bottom panels because the door didn't go up. Couldn't stop because we have a steep hill down. No more Cirque de Soleil now

 

[Mousemommy1]

The good news: The August hours are out.

Here is the link to the calendar I like:
http://media.disneywebcontent.com/S.../pdf/ParkHours/WDW_Operating_Calendar_aug.pdf

The bad news: Thanks to my crappy garage door opener and the ice storm here-when I got home tonight my car slid down the driveway and right into the garage door, breaking the bottom panels because the door didn't go up. Couldn't stop because we have a steep hill down. No more Cirque de Soleil now

That stinks,

FYI, the link I provided is the same exact thing, but with the added benefit of recommended parks.

 

[tlenzendorf]

That stinks,

FYI, the link I provided is the same exact thing, but with the added benefit of recommended parks.

I didn't even notice your link So irritated with myself right now. The hours being posted didn't even help my mood.

 

[Mousemommy1]

I didn't even notice your link So irritated with myself right now. The hours being posted didn't even help my mood.

When I was 15 I accidentally drove my moms car through our garage door.

Accidents happen....maybe between now and August you can save a little more to put Cirque back in the rotation?