Oh me, oh my! Are we really going to WDW in.....JULY!?! UPDATES TODAY 07/19 pg 30!!

[2xcited2sleep]

I'm here and super excited to hear about your plans! I am so glad you have another trip in the works.

 

[lmillercrew]

I'll miss you by two weeks. I know it's not close, but that's when we can go. I'm taking my 11 yr old DD for a suprise visit. I thought, hmm.. she will be bored out of her gourd if she is with just me for a week. SO I had the brilliant idea to ask her bff's mom if they would want to tag along and we could share the cost of the room. YES!
So anyway, where are you looking to stay? Can't wait to hear what you decide. And isn't planning the trip half of the fun??? And now you have someone else to help you plan!

 

[MegansMom]

I am so glad you were able to find a week that would work for everyone even if it is in July! Hurray for getting to celebrate your anniversary as well -- make sure to get the anniversary buttons to wear!

It is hot down there in July, but just make sure you do rope drop every day like MeMom said, get as many Fast Passes as you can for the evening, and head back for an afternoon rest every day. It worked like a charm for us!

Me too! It will be so fun for Megan to get to experience the trip with another kid again! I can't wait to hear those two giggle like crazy again!

I'm here and super excited to hear about your plans! I am so glad you have another trip in the works.

YEAH!!! Thanks for joining in on the fun....but then again, it wouldn't be quite the same without you! Did youo bring some champagne?!?!?!

I'll miss you by two weeks. I know it's not close, but that's when we can go. I'm taking my 11 yr old DD for a suprise visit. I thought, hmm.. she will be bored out of her gourd if she is with just me for a week. SO I had the brilliant idea to ask her bff's mom if they would want to tag along and we could share the cost of the room. YES!
So anyway, where are you looking to stay? Can't wait to hear what you decide. And isn't planning the trip half of the fun??? And now you have someone else to help you plan!

That sounds like SOOOOOOO much fun! What a wonderful idea! I think if Megan and I ever have time like that, I would LOVE to go with her by myself too! Although...we would miss our FP MASTER!!!

I love the planning part....I just get so excited!

The resort update is coming soon.....stay tuned!!!

 

[MegansMom]

Working on a new update!!! Just that kind of relaxing Saturday morning!!! Stay tuned!

 

[MegansMom]

Okay, so before we get to the update, a few words on the PTR......I changed my update font! I know, big time stuff, eh?!?!?! I just think this is "happier!" And also....I think I need to shorten, condense, or somehow change my title.....it is too long to put in notes when I update, etc. I am feeling all in the "changey" mood today, but alas, not yet in the creative mood....so can you help me out?!?!?! Any suggestions are GREATLY appreciated!!! TIA!!!

Little life update---I am supposed to be a good wife right now....I should be taking down the last of the winter decorations while my accountant hubby is hard at work this Saturday morning, but alas, I am sitting in my PJs on the couch with a VERY stiff neck and sore shoulders (why, I have NO idea) updating and DISing! Yes, motivation is NOT my middle name right now! As I mentioned in the intro, we have had quite the changes this year in our household---Megan started first grade, which means full-day school, I went back to work, and we have all had to adjust to changes that have resulted from all of this. I would love to say that we are adjusting---JUST FINE---but I am afraid we really are not! It has been very fatiguing and challenging for Megan to deal with the anxiety and overwhelming sensations her Sensory Integration Dysfunction causes her for the longer, extended school day. When I pick her up by the end of the day, she is so worn out from trying to stay so composed all day that she is usually a pile of emotional "goo!" Trying to juggle the demands of working at a very high-performing high school---the grading, the lesson planning, the unending meetings, the parents, the students, etc., etc.---as well as be a full-time Mommy and full-time wife, has very much crushed my normal positive attitude about life. I run constantly from the moment the alarm goes off at 5:45, until the second my head hits the pillow many, many hours later, and yet I still feel like I never accomplish everything that I need to do in any one day. I am so physically and emotionally drained that I dream of sleeping for weeks at a time now. I have always admired how the working moms I know juggled everything, and now that I am one, I have no idea how in the world they survive---I certainly am not! So I know that I should be doing so much more right now, but I am still going to just sit here and talk Disney.....it helps elevate my mood!


Okay...so enough of the complaining...on with the update!

So when we first started to discuss the actualities of this trip, Tom and I started dreaming big....or shall I say DELUXE even!!! We felt that if we were going to go in July with all the crowds, we wanted to stay somewhere with EASY access to our favorite (and probably) most crowded place----MAGIC KINGDOM!!!! With my income now, we felt we could actually swing something on the monorail loop---indulge ourselves for a week for all our hard work throughout the year.

So I started dreaming of staying at places like the CONTEMPORARY, the POLYNESIAN, the GRAND FLORIDIAN, or at least the WILDERNESS LODGE!!! Oh how excited the thought of staying at any one of those places excited me!!! We decided that since we would have to pay rack rates at most of them, the most economical choice would be to try to rent points to stay either at WL or BLT. So, I started researching away, and wasn't that daunted by the numbers....neither was TOM!!!!

SO, then we decided we should share with Allen and Nicole......but they beat us to the punch. They had already done some planning of their own, and were wanting to use their Hilton Honors points to stay OFF-SITE at one of the DoubleTree Suites in Orlando. They thought they might be able to book us a 2-bedroom suite at the one on the Walt Disney Resort fully on their points. The accountant in Tom was partially excited---it would mean a VERY cheap trip to WDW---but the Disney fanatic in Tom was also a little concerned. Now---please don't flame me---but I didn't realize it, but I think we have become on-site snobs....maybe just a little. We have been pleasantly spoiled rotten in the past several years with wonderful stays at many of the Disney Resorts---we love the ease (for the most part) of the transportation system and have gotten to a point where I don't think we ever want to go to Disney WITHOUT the Dining Plan again! So our deluxe dreams were very much being clouded by the multitudes of pros and cons lists that we each were making about where to stay. All of this was going on too in the midst of the Christmas festivities, so it was also challenging to find the time when we could call and discuss all our options with Allen and Nicole. The Double Tree looks like a very nice place, and the savings in cost could potentially be amazing, but it just wasn't getting us excited...and we were really missing the idea of the DDP. So Tom thought that we should do a cost analysis to really weigh the advantages and disadvantages of staying at both---with all costs involved considering the on-site benefits. To make it more affordable though, we decided to look at the lower end of the DVC scale to make it more reasonable---so alas, out went our monorail dreams. So, we shared info with them about AKL, OKW, and BWV. I put together a document that had descriptions of each, the cost of each, and the benefits of each. I even did this for the Double Tree to see it all on paper--together--to help us make an informed decisions. It had all the pros and cons of each, and so we sent it off to Allen and Nicole.

Well from that document......things were thought about.......plans were discussed......and to make a long story short.......a resort was picked!!!! Accommodations were DECIDED................





We would be staying for the duration of our trip.........................................










in a 2-bedroom villa.............................












at................................









oh I know you must be excited by now.................





















do you just want me to tell you?????























ANIMAL KINGDOM LODGE!!!!!!!!!!!

Yes........I AM SO EXCITED!!!!!!

 

[kschafer]

Ooh, what an exciting update!!

I knew about the location dilemma so of course I was anxious to hear the outcome!! I'm surprised for some reason but what a fun turn of events!!!

As for shortening your title...I think you could just cut out the "to Mickey's house" and it would leave you enough room for update annoucements but the theme is still the same

I totally am with you on the whole working Mom thing! I really do miss working only part-time. I hate that my weekends are now spent catching up on household chores instead of doing fun things with the family! The one HUGE advantage to my new job is I get all the benefits of working on a school schedule but don't have the burden of lesson plans and grading. Yes, I have to deal with more difficult kids but the pressure doesn't follow me home which is nice!

 

[Trentmom]

Am here. Thanks for letting me know

Now back to read

 

[Trentmom]

Glad you all were able to figure out good dates

How exciting to spend your anniversary there

AKL looks awesome. How cool to be able to see animals outside your window


Can't wait for more

 

[jenjolt]

YAYAYAYAYAYAYAYAYAYAY!!! What a great update!! WOOT WOOT!!!

I'm so excited for you!! To be staying at AKL!! What fun that will be!!!!!

I am so an on-site snob also!! I wouldn't stay anywhere else but on Disney property!! Too many perks for me to enjoy...so no flaming from me!!

 

[2xcited2sleep]

I think you will love AKL! What a fun thing to look forward to!!

I'm sure you guys are having a rough year. I have enough trouble getting myself through the day so I can only imagine what it is like with a family. Hang in there.

 

[IluvXU]

Love it! We were booked at a two bedroom there before our switch, so I cannot wait to hear your thoughts. I really really loved our two stops by Jambo house the past two trips, so I am extremely eager to stay there! Beautiful pool area, Mara was yummy and just stunning resort!

I admire you and the plunge back to full time, it is daunting I am sure. First grade is enough of an adjustment for any family! I am sure next year will be so much smoother for everyone!

 

[wigdoutdismom]

Oh my gosh!
I had no idea that you had gone back to work full time. I remember you were thinking about it though....
It is quite an adjustment!

What a great choice, Animal Kingdom 2br! So exotic! I hope you have a lovely view from your balconies!

Total Disney Property snob here too!

 

[cherbear]

thanks for directing me here!

AKL will be wonderful...I'm very excited for yall! Sounds like you really need and deserve a lovely stay there after all your hard work!! Megs too!!!

 

[ampc3]

Hey Jenn, I'm here! So fun to be reading a PTR from you again I may not get on here to post often, but know that I am following along with you .... I was getting alittle worried reading about going in July AND staying off site yikes... So excited to read about AKL!!!

We are in the midsts of planning a trip in 2013 (either June or Sept) for the boys first trip, they will be 4 then.. I hope I can make it till then lol! I may have to consult with you to figure out about the whole renting points thing, since we will need that or 2 rooms somewhere now that we are a family of 7 Can't wait to hear more about the planning.

 

[Charleston Princess]

Jen, I totally understand how you are feeling right now! I know just how exhausting being a mom and a teacher can be. Hang in there, sweetie! Also, you should never feel guilty sitting around and just relaxing on Saturday morning -- I do that every weekend for the most part, and I truly think that is how I stay sane!

Hurray! Hurray! You know I love AKL, and I can't wait to read about your stay there!

As far as being an on-site snob, you are in good company -- I am one, too! Every time we take a trip, my dad always says, "You could go so much cheaper if you would just stay outside the gates," but really, for us, the experience would be lessened if we had to return to the Holiday Inn every night.

 

[MegansMom]

Ooh, what an exciting update!!

I knew about the location dilemma so of course I was anxious to hear the outcome!! I'm surprised for some reason but what a fun turn of events!!!

As for shortening your title...I think you could just cut out the "to Mickey's house" and it would leave you enough room for update annoucements but the theme is still the same

I totally am with you on the whole working Mom thing! I really do miss working only part-time. I hate that my weekends are now spent catching up on household chores instead of doing fun things with the family! The one HUGE advantage to my new job is I get all the benefits of working on a school schedule but don't have the burden of lesson plans and grading. Yes, I have to deal with more difficult kids but the pressure doesn't follow me home which is nice!

We are excited about the lodging outcome too! I have heard such wonderful things about that resort, so I am excited to experience it for myself---more than just for dinner!

I like your suggestion for the title....I also cut out the MegansMom PTR, but if I need to take out more....that will be it! Thanks Katie!

I know that SOMETHING is going to change next year---we are all so unhappy with the current situation that it HAS to, but not exactly sure what yet. Tom and I were just talking about the options last night---it is so nice to know though that I have such a supportive husband. One of the many reasons I feel like I fall in love with him a little more with each passing day!

Am here. Thanks for letting me know

Now back to read

SO glad you found it! Glad to have you here!

Glad you all were able to figure out good dates

How exciting to spend your anniversary there

AKL looks awesome. How cool to be able to see animals outside your window


Can't wait for more

I know---we ARE both excited about being down there for our big day----12 years already! WOW!

I am looking forward to AKL....I think I will have one of those movie moments when I first walk in there---you know when the people are so amazed by the scenery that they start walking around with their mouths wide open in awe!!!!

YAYAYAYAYAYAYAYAYAYAY!!! What a great update!! WOOT WOOT!!!

I'm so excited for you!! To be staying at AKL!! What fun that will be!!!!!

I am so an on-site snob also!! I wouldn't stay anywhere else but on Disney property!! Too many perks for me to enjoy...so no flaming from me!!

Thanks Jen! I was so worried about this decision---upsetting anyone or getting the trip off to a bad start----and now I have NO WORRIES!

I think you will love AKL! What a fun thing to look forward to!!

I'm sure you guys are having a rough year. I have enough trouble getting myself through the day so I can only imagine what it is like with a family. Hang in there.

Megan can't wait to go see the animals.....whenever she wants!

It has been challenging, but right now I just keep thinking to myself that I only need to get through one more semester. I will make SOME kind of changes next year---not sure what, but I know it will be someway for the better!

 

[MegansMom]

Love it! We were booked at a two bedroom there before our switch, so I cannot wait to hear your thoughts. I really really loved our two stops by Jambo house the past two trips, so I am extremely eager to stay there! Beautiful pool area, Mara was yummy and just stunning resort!

I admire you and the plunge back to full time, it is daunting I am sure. First grade is enough of an adjustment for any family! I am sure next year will be so much smoother for everyone!

We are so excited to be staying there this year....something different, but I don't think we will be disappointed at all! I loved Jambo House too when we at at Boma in 2008 with my family....can't wait to explore the entire resort. I can't wait to tell you all about it!

I don't know what I was thinking about jumping in head first back to full time....it has been insane! I do know that I will be making some type of changes before next year....not sure what yet, but hoping to make life easier somehow.

Oh my gosh!
I had no idea that you had gone back to work full time. I remember you were thinking about it though....
It is quite an adjustment!

What a great choice, Animal Kingdom 2br! So exotic! I hope you have a lovely view from your balconies!

Total Disney Property snob here too!

I know what you mean about the adjustment---phew! I am crazy just a little, aren't I!?!?!?! I didn't get called about the job until the end of July/beginning of August too, so I was thrown in head first with all gears moving---and I don't feel like I have caught my breath yet.

I am so excited about the resort---enjoying a new experience at WDW is going to be great! SO EXCITED!

thanks for directing me here!

AKL will be wonderful...I'm very excited for yall! Sounds like you really need and deserve a lovely stay there after all your hard work!! Megs too!!!

I know we are all going to be SO looking forward to vacation already! Hoping that can get me through this last semester! So glad to have you here dearie!!!

Hey Jenn, I'm here! So fun to be reading a PTR from you again I may not get on here to post often, but know that I am following along with you .... I was getting alittle worried reading about going in July AND staying off site yikes... So excited to read about AKL!!!

We are in the midsts of planning a trip in 2013 (either June or Sept) for the boys first trip, they will be 4 then.. I hope I can make it till then lol! I may have to consult with you to figure out about the whole renting points thing, since we will need that or 2 rooms somewhere now that we are a family of 7 Can't wait to hear more about the planning.

I am so glad you are here---no worries about the postings though---I KNOW you have your hands full!

I heard about your future trip too....oh what fun that should be for everyone! I will definitely help you with the renting points thing--I think that would be the best way to go for your family! SO glad you are here hon!

Jen, I totally understand how you are feeling right now! I know just how exhausting being a mom and a teacher can be. Hang in there, sweetie! Also, you should never feel guilty sitting around and just relaxing on Saturday morning -- I do that every weekend for the most part, and I truly think that is how I stay sane!

Hurray! Hurray! You know I love AKL, and I can't wait to read about your stay there!

As far as being an on-site snob, you are in good company -- I am one, too! Every time we take a trip, my dad always says, "You could go so much cheaper if you would just stay outside the gates," but really, for us, the experience would be lessened if we had to return to the Holiday Inn every night.

Thanks for the support Jackie....you really don't know how many times I think of you through the difficult days! I really do! You have been one of my inspirations these past few months because I have always admired how well you juggle it all! I will try to feel less guilty about my relaxing moments....I just had so many of my "To-Do's" staring back at me that I was starting to feel completely lazy!

You know I want details and advice from you my dear about AKL....so spill all the beans you can about that place!!! SO excited that I can barely stand the wait!

Your Dad is sweet....but SO silly, eh!??!!?! I know that my snobbery is rubbing off on Megan because it was one of the first things she asked when we started discussing this trip with her---"Mommy, which Mickey house (meaning resort) are we going to stay at?!?!" Gotta LOVE that girl! I just think it has become part of the entire experience for us, and I am willing to bet that we really wouldn't feel like we were at WDW if we didn't stay on-site. I am sure we would deal with it, but wouldn't be as fun, right?!!??!

 

[Charleston Princess]

Thanks for the support Jackie....you really don't know how many times I think of you through the difficult days! I really do! You have been one of my inspirations these past few months because I have always admired how well you juggle it all! I will try to feel less guilty about my relaxing moments....I just had so many of my "To-Do's" staring back at me that I was starting to feel completely lazy!

Those To-Dos will always wait. I have had to content myself with being less on top of things as far as house cleaning and such. It's hard for me being as OCD as I am. Oh, and never forget that the crock pot is the greatest invention for working moms. LOL!

You know I want details and advice from you my dear about AKL....so spill all the beans you can about that place!!! SO excited that I can barely stand the wait!

You know I will be more than happy to fill your ears about things to do at AKL. That is actually the perfect resort for mid-afternoon breaks, in my opinion. Don't forget about the pottery and the storytelling and the night-vision watching of animals. There is also cookie decorating at Boma that we never made it to, and there are always pool games in the afternoon. It's practically a vacation in and of itself.

Your Dad is sweet....but SO silly, eh!??!!?! I know that my snobbery is rubbing off on Megan because it was one of the first things she asked when we started discussing this trip with her---"Mommy, which Mickey house (meaning resort) are we going to stay at?!?!" Gotta LOVE that girl! I just think it has become part of the entire experience for us, and I am willing to bet that we really wouldn't feel like we were at WDW if we didn't stay on-site. I am sure we would deal with it, but wouldn't be as fun, right?!!??!

My kids wouldn't be able to cope if we had to stay off-site. LOL!

 

[KristEn87]

AKL!!! That's so exciting!! We just sent in our request for our trip and have VWL two bedroom for our first choice and AKL two bedroom for our second! Picking the resort is half the excitement I think. Can't wait to here more!

 

[cherbear]

oh I meant to say this yesterday but I'm totally an on-site snob! Even if it means staying in value...I just love being right within the magic!!

And July, oh heck yes it's the hottest in July but that's when you use the water features and water rides like they're goin out of style!!