Oh Yeah, V's At It Again! A May 2007 Pre-Trip Report

[snowbell]

I just finished your December report which was great!! I am so excited I have made it into this pre-trippie... I cannot wait to hear more

 

[PrincessV]

OH! Gory details AND a cliff hanger!?!?!?!?! I'm on the edge!

I'm wishing I could adopt Gramma's go with the flow attitude.

Heh, heh, heh - I've been learning from s'late...
NO, you definitely do not want Gramma's attitude! She's not really all that glow-with-the-flow. She likes me to think she is, then gets mad when we don't do waht she wanted to do.

I for one are glad you changed to CSR as you can give me the low down for my trip

Can't wait to hear about your ever changing ADR's. Am I the only one who will not be changing her ADR's or am I just kidding myself!

You know I'll give you everything you wanted to know and more about CSR! And if you make it to August with NO ADR changes, you shall receive the best award I can afford!

I'm looking forward to hearing about CSR, as it's been added to our "Plan B" resort list.

Hmmm... I don't remember seeing that one on your TR... are there more changes we've yet to learn about??!!

Ok, I just checked the Croc file....I thought I still had her for CBR. Whew, thought I had missed an update there!

Ok, V, carry on....

No worries s'late - you've been getting my updates almost as soon as I've made them!

I'm sure she has dealt with worse...she is dealing with a lot of us planner, replanner, over-planner types... ya, I'm talkin about me too!

Yeah, I kind of figured as much, given that they advertise on the DIS. Poor DU agents - it takes a special person to put up with all of us! (And some Lapu Lapus.)

Oh no a cliffhanger, please dont leave me hangin to long..

I promise!

Welcome to my world, Sista!! By the way, January 18th thru the 26th would be a good week....hint, hint...

You don't say? Hmmm.......

Please don't leave us in suspense too long! Are you staying at the Poly?

Hi there! Nope, I can say we are not booked at the Poly. Now, if The Mouse sees fit to move us over there for the same price as our booked resort, well, I won't complain!

 

[PrincessV]

I just finished your December report which was great!! I am so excited I have made it into this pre-trippie... I cannot wait to hear more

Thanks snowbell, and welcome to the fun!

 

[twob4him]

Well V this is so strange...I know I posted to this after you announced getting the DVC and I cant find my post anywhere
So here goes again:
CONGRATULATIONS!!!!!

That is so exciting! I love the look of Saratoga Springs! Did you tour it before you bought it? I bet its just gorgeous!

So your fussy math was so funny....if thats the case, you have one month to finish this pre-trippie! We are all dying for more......

 

[Castillo Mom]

With introductions made, it’s now time for everyone’s favorite party game: How Many Resort Changes Will V Make Before May 1st???

The answer is… 2! Not bad, eh? Here’s how it all played out….

As soon as our dates were set, Gramma and I had a little chat. Which translates into I babbled on to Gramma while she tuned me out, but made sure to insert an occasional “Oh?” and “Yeah…”. I explained how much I really, really want to stay at the Poly, but May is not Value season and I just can’t swing the rack rate. And my chances of scoring an Annual Passholder discount were slim and none.

I went on to say that I’ve always been able to get a good AP rate at the Wilderness Lodge, and hey – we’ve never had a chance to use their fancy-schmancy pool. Lo and behold, Gramma responded with “We liked the WL, didn’t we? Why don’t we stay there again?”

Look how easy that was! We had our resort chosen in about 10 minutes flat.

Next, I had to decide what to do about reserving it. Pre-DIS, I waited for the AP discount codes to show up on Mousesavers, called WDW and took whatever hotel had a discount and sounded desirable. But that methodology was completely messed up by my DISing. I couldn’t possibly wait another few months to make a reservation… How would I plan our transportation to the parks? How would I choose meal locations? How would I research every nook and cranny of the resort before arrival? HOW would I start a pre-trip-report??

And. I was worried that I’d miss out on the AP discount, since I wasn’t on the computer until 10am the day codes came out for my last trip. By that time, all my resort picks were gone. I was hit with a brilliant idea…. make my ressie through Dreams Unlimited!

That’s exactly what I did, and the fantabulous Rhonda assured me that she’d be on the horn first thing in the morning when codes came out, trying to get my room rate adjusted. It was perfect! I had my ressie and a safe bet that I’d get a discount without babysitting the computer for days on end.






Know what? “Perfect” never happens, even in the Land of Mouse. It was a great plan. It was beautiful plan. It was a plan ripe for changing.

I happened to be home with the flu when the AP discount codes for early May came out. And I fidgeted around my house, sending all the pixie dust I could muster to Rhonda in the hopes that she was scoring me a terrific deal on my beloved WL reservation. I emailed her to check in and see if she got it…..




Nope. Nein. Nada. Not for lack of trying, I tell you – Rhonda was on the phone at 6:58am working her magic! But. The Mouse had other plans for me, I guess. And they did not include a discount at the WL.

I pondered the situation for a day. (Possibly two – remember? I had the flu. I take no responsibility for anything I may have said or done during that week.) There was just no way I could rationalize paying rack rate for the WL. I really, really love the place, but Disney’s idea of “deluxe” and my idea of “deluxe”, relative to price, bear little or no resemblance. For the record, I wouldn’t consider myself a hotel snob; I’ve enjoyed stays at Red Roof, La Quinta and Motel 6. But. I’ve also stayed at the Park Plaza and Four Seasons in Toronto, and THOSE are some “deluxe” hotels, baby! Worth every cent in amenities and luxurious room décor. (Of course, it wasn't MY cents paying for them, but still...) Disney deluxe? Not so worth every cent, IMHO.

What I’m trying to say is, there was no way in heck I was about to pay rack rate at the WL. So I got online to see where I could stay with an AP discount. And as I sat there, I realized this may have been a blessing in disguise. Thanks to being ill, I really needed to cut my trip down a day, and saving some money at a moderate would really help the bank account. Discounts were available at every Mod, but it was a pretty easy choice for me: POR in winter was lovely – I had no desire to see what the imitation bayou felt like in the heat of May; we’d just done POFQ and I wasn’t ready for a return yet; CBR wasn’t getting the best reviews and I’d heard bad things about their noisy AC units… I was all over Coronado Springs! I stayed there for one night last Food & Wine Festival and it was terrific – quiet, relaxed, beautiful, and with central AC.

So I booked online and sent an email to Rhonda apologizing profusely for having to cancel my WL ressie and asking how this would affect the ADR’s she’d already made for me. (Never fear – I’ll be covering the ADR circus in gory detail later in the TR…) Well, no problem canceling WL, but I’d lose all my carefully-planned ADR’s. But I could transfer the CSR reservation I made to Dreams and Rhonda could still be my agent, AND I’d get to keep all my ADR’s! Honestly, I was more worried about Rhonda losing out on a commission than losing my ADR’s, so I’m so glad we were able to work this out. I’m not so sure how Rhonda feels, though. Let’s just say my ADR changes far outnumber my resort changes. And they’re still in motion.

Anyway, if you’re keeping count that’s one resort change made. And here’s something really interesting… I wasn’t feeling badly about my downgrade at all. In fact, I felt rather relieved. Which was strange. For me. I wasn’t sure what to make of it. A few days later, I did.

To be continued...

Ah, the old ADR switcheroo - I know it well! In fact I'm off to make another change myself so don't feel bad V.

 

[Lovemy3babes]

Alright!!! Another trip report from V. Hopping on board!

 

[lexmelinda]

DUH!? How did I miss this??? You're already 5 pages into this trip!

Count me in! Can't wait to hear more about your planning. You've been changing your ADRs??? Hard to believe!

And.....look at you!

DVC, Baby!!! Yeah!!!

 

[PrincessV]

Well V this is so strange...I know I posted to this after you announced getting the DVC and I cant find my post anywhere
So here goes again:
CONGRATULATIONS!!!!!

That is so exciting! I love the look of Saratoga Springs! Did you tour it before you bought it? I bet its just gorgeous!

So your fussy math was so funny....if thats the case, you have one month to finish this pre-trippie! We are all dying for more......

I KNOW I saw you post! i swear, the boards do strange things sometimes...
But thank you again! Nope, my only visit to SSR has been virtual - courtesy of Lauralee's pics and descriptions! It looks terrific, and has lower annual dues than most other resorts, so i was sold

Ah, the old ADR switcheroo - I know it well! In fact I'm off to make another change myself so don't feel bad V.

I'm glad I'm in good company! You won't believe what I've got going on now...

Alright!!! Another trip report from V. Hopping on board!

Hi there! Thanks for joining in

DUH!? How did I miss this??? You're already 5 pages into this trip!

Count me in! Can't wait to hear more about your planning. You've been changing your ADRs??? Hard to believe!

And.....look at you!

DVC, Baby!!! Yeah!!!

Hey there Melinda! Welcome back for another crazy trip with V! Do I detect a note of sarcasm re: my dining plans? Totally warranted, too

I'm so excited about DVC that I'm having a hard time staying focused on this May trip. Really. The pre-trippie can't be written till I get in gear and get READY already! No more planning for DVC until I get plans ironed out for May.


Maybe just one more look...

 

[DISNEYDUET]

We (I) interrupt this trip report with a breaking news report...

I just got word - Disney waived their right of first refusal on my DVC bid... IT'S ALL MINE!!!

I'm goin' HOME, baby!

We (I) now return you to the regularly scheduled trip report...

WELCOME HOME!!!! Now you can join the rest of us crazy DVC people! And I just have to say that May babies make the best babies! Being a May baby myself (May 12) I know these things. I can't wait to hear about your trip! Ready and waiting

 

[LisaDKG]

V?! DVC?! You're going to the SHOW baby!
Congratulations and now I know someone that I could PM with really stoopid DVC questions (not that such a purchase is imminent but a gal can dream!) cause it seems really confusing on this side of the fence!

 

[PrincessV]

WELCOME HOME!!!! Now you can join the rest of us crazy DVC people! And I just have to say that May babies make the best babies! Being a May baby myself (May 12) I know these things. I can't wait to hear about your trip! Ready and waiting

Thank you! I'll agree that Leo was a fantastic baby - now that I've seen other friends have babies I realize how EASY I had it! - but trust me, he's making up for it now!

V?! DVC?! You're going to the SHOW baby!
Congratulations and now I know someone that I could PM with really stoopid DVC questions (not that such a purchase is imminent but a gal can dream!) cause it seems really confusing on this side of the fence!

Listen, I've spent years explaining why I would never buy into DVC - anything can happen!

 

[PrincessV]

I know, you’ve been patiently waiting to hear why I was so unnaturally okay with downgrading from the WL to CSR. And I promise to get there. But first, the ADR’s…

Rhonda at Dreams Unlimited had offered to make my ADR’s when I initially booked through them and I took her up on it. I did my research and came up with a good smattering of table service (TS) locations. I’d been wanting to try Biergarten, despite my distaste for sausage-type products, and we’d never been to Ohana. I haven’t been back to Artist Point or the Hollywood Brown Derby in ages. Gramma’s never been to the Rose & Crown. We took Leo to Chef Mickey’s for his 2nd birthday and enjoyed the buffet, so that sounded good for a return, too. Rhonda got me all set up!

All was well in my Disney world. I had some nice ADR’s, and I was strangely happy with our new hotel choice. What was up with that, anyway? Any other trip, I’d have been devastated.




If you’ve gotten to know me at all on the DIS, you’ll know that I’m a mostly upbeat person. I like to laugh, I enjoy amusing others, and I tend to keep the drama to a minimum. (Here, on the DISboards, I mean. In real life, I’m a total diva. FYI.) But. This trip, about which I’m writing, took a big change about a month ago. And that change results from a less-than-upbeat event.

This January, my dear friend lost her husband to cancer. They were both in their young 30’s. He was diagnosed last April, two weeks before she gave birth to their first child. His passing came out of left field – he’d been battling the cancer with chemo and all seemed to be going fairly well – and it didn’t come quietly or easily.

Back in December, I had talked with them about my idea to take a WDW trip in early May. I knew they were planning to get AP’s and bring their new boy for his first visit to The Mouse around his first birthday, which happens to be early May, just 3 days apart from Leo’s. When they heard about my trip plans, we all decided it would be fun to go at the same time and explore The World together.

With her DH gone and her grieving only beginning, I wasn’t sure if she’d even want to go with us still. So I put off asking and did what I could to help her get through those first few weeks.

When the AP discounts came out, I expressed my dilemma to Gramma: if I don’t ask my friend and she really wanted to go, she might miss out on the hotel discount; if I do ask, I risk causing her further pain. Gramma advised that I should ask my friend and let her know, particularly, how much Gramma would love for them to join us.

So I did. As kindly and gently as I could. And I passed along Gramma’s personal message.

Guess what? My friend said “I can’t think of a time I could more use a trip to Disney! Would it be okay if we tagged along with you guys? Whatever you want to do, we’ll come along – don’t worry about us at all.”

For the record, my first reaction was joy – joy that she sees how much fun is still out there for her; joy that I’ll get to be there for her sweet little boy’s first encounters with our pal (not Pal) Mickey; joy that I then knew for certain she was going to make it through this.

And. Yes - joy that I was given full reign to create our trip of dreams. Oh yeah, she gave me that awesome power, and I promised to wield it wisely. She received my assurances that I would take care of everything and she could have as much or as little say as she wanted. I insisted that she do what she needs to do on our vacation and not worry about messing us up if baby needs to call it a day or skip out on a TS meal. I promised not to bother her with 101 questions and comments about my trip planning. And, so far, I’ve mostly been true to my word. Mostly. You’ll see.

I provided her with all she needed to get the discount and room request and she booked her room at CSR. We both had them make a note to place our rooms close to each other. Past that, she was off the hook. V. was making a plan!

But. Now, our little trio had become a quintuple. Which meant…. ADR Change #1! Not only did I need to change everything to a party of five, I wanted to cancel Chef Mickey’s and add Garden Grill, (a fave from Dec.), and a new one for us – Coral Reef. Rhonda was able to change all but Ohana. Darn, I really wanted that one.

Back to the drawing board, I suggested switching around a couple days, canceling Artist Point and adding Concourse Steakhouse. It worked! And that, for those keeping track, is ADR change #2.

I was, and am, looking forward to this trip more than ever. My friend and I used to work together, and she was there for me every single day when my ex walked out on me. I can only hope that I’m providing the same support for her now, in her time of need. I know better than to expect perfection, but I do want to make this the best possible trip for them – they deserve at least that much. And I’d like to think her DH might find a way to join us in spirit and take great joy in watching his son experience WDW.


I know that we’ll be carrying him in our hearts the entire time.

Dec. 2006

 

[DisneyJo]

despite my distaste for sausage-type products,

Tracy you know what I'm going to say about your mind and gutters

Here, on the DISboards, I mean. In real life, I’m a total diva. FYI.

No never, surely not our V!

Guess what? My friend said “I can’t think of a time I could more use a trip to Disney! Would it be okay if we tagged along with you guys? Whatever you want to do, we’ll come along – don’t worry about us at all.”

You are so great it will be just what she needs and just what her DH would have wanted!

I was, and am, looking forward to this trip more than ever. My friend and I used to work together, and she was there for me every single day when my ex walked out on me. I can only hope that I’m providing the same support for her now, in her time of need. I know better than to expect perfection, but I do want to make this the best possible trip for them – they deserve at least that much. And I’d like to think her DH might find a way to join us in spirit and take great joy in watching his son experience WDW.

I know that we’ll be carrying him in our hearts the entire time.

You are being the best friend she could ever want

 

[Disneyland_Mama]

I’d been wanting to try Biergarten, despite my distaste for sausage-type products, and we’d never been to Ohana.

Nope, not going there.

(Here, on the DISboards, I mean. In real life, I’m a total diva. FYI.) But.

I truely find that hard to believe. TFI.

This January, my dear friend lost her husband to cancer. They were both in their young 30’s. He was diagnosed last April, two weeks before she gave birth to their first child. His passing came out of left field – he’d been battling the cancer with chemo and all seemed to be going fairly well – and it didn’t come quietly or easily.

I know you warned me but I didn't think I'd actually do it. I think because he's our age, this really hits close to home.

When the AP discounts came out, I expressed my dilemma to Gramma: if I don’t ask my friend and she really wanted to go, she might miss out on the hotel discount; if I do ask, I risk causing her further pain. Gramma advised that I should ask my friend and let her know, particularly, how much Gramma would love for them to join us.

So I did. As kindly and gently as I could. And I passed along Gramma’s personal message.

You're good people, V! You and Gramma! You're friend is so lucky to have someone like you in her life!

Guess what? My friend said “I can’t think of a time I could more use a trip to Disney! Would it be okay if we tagged along with you guys? Whatever you want to do, we’ll come along – don’t worry about us at all.”

I think that's great! How wonderful that in her grieving process she still knows tomorrow is a new day.

For the record, my first reaction was joy – joy that she sees how much fun is still out there for her; joy that I’ll get to be there for her sweet little boy’s first encounters with our pal (not Pal) Mickey; joy that I then knew for certain she was going to make it through this.
And. Yes - joy that I was given full reign to create our trip of dreams. Oh yeah, she gave me that awesome power, and I promised to wield it wisely. She received my assurances that I would take care of everything and she could have as much or as little say as she wanted. I insisted that she do what she needs to do on our vacation and not worry about messing us up if baby needs to call it a day or skip out on a TS meal. I promised not to bother her with 101 questions and comments about my trip planning. And, so far, I’ve mostly been true to my word. Mostly. You’ll see.


I was, and am, looking forward to this trip more than ever. My friend and I used to work together, and she was there for me every single day when my ex walked out on me. I can only hope that I’m providing the same support for her now, in her time of need. I know better than to expect perfection, but I do want to make this the best possible trip for them – they deserve at least that much. And I’d like to think her DH might find a way to join us in spirit and take great joy in watching his son experience WDW.


I know that we’ll be carrying him in our hearts the entire time.

Dec. 2006

Absolutely, beautiful.

I'm all verklempt, V! And I just put on my new makeup!

Tracy you know what I'm going to say about your mind and gutters

Who? Moi???

 

[MomofCKJ]

Just found this V! First off, congrats on the DVC! How awesome is that? My Grumpy would never go for it, never but if I hit the lottery I'm buying!

And I have a little guy turning 5 this year too! What a great place for yours to celebrate! No place better!

And I think you are being a wonderful friend. An escape to such a happy place will be good medicine for your friend and her son I am sure.

Can't wait for more!

Allyson

 

[boysmom5150]

I know, you’ve been patiently waiting to hear why I was so unnaturally okay with downgrading from the WL to CSR. And I promise to get there. But first, the ADR’s…

Rhonda at Dreams Unlimited had offered to make my ADR’s when I initially booked through them and I took her up on it. I did my research and came up with a good smattering of table service (TS) locations. I’d been wanting to try Biergarten, despite my distaste for sausage-type products, and we’d never been to Ohana. I haven’t been back to Artist Point or the Hollywood Brown Derby in ages. Gramma’s never been to the Rose & Crown. We took Leo to Chef Mickey’s for his 2nd birthday and enjoyed the buffet, so that sounded good for a return, too. Rhonda got me all set up!

All was well in my Disney world. I had some nice ADR’s, and I was strangely happy with our new hotel choice. What was up with that, anyway? Any other trip, I’d have been devastated.




If you’ve gotten to know me at all on the DIS, you’ll know that I’m a mostly upbeat person. I like to laugh, I enjoy amusing others, and I tend to keep the drama to a minimum. (Here, on the DISboards, I mean. In real life, I’m a total diva. FYI.) But. This trip, about which I’m writing, took a big change about a month ago. And that change results from a less-than-upbeat event.

This January, my dear friend lost her husband to cancer. They were both in their young 30’s. He was diagnosed last April, two weeks before she gave birth to their first child. His passing came out of left field – he’d been battling the cancer with chemo and all seemed to be going fairly well – and it didn’t come quietly or easily.

Back in December, I had talked with them about my idea to take a WDW trip in early May. I knew they were planning to get AP’s and bring their new boy for his first visit to The Mouse around his first birthday, which happens to be early May, just 3 days apart from Leo’s. When they heard about my trip plans, we all decided it would be fun to go at the same time and explore The World together.

With her DH gone and her grieving only beginning, I wasn’t sure if she’d even want to go with us still. So I put off asking and did what I could to help her get through those first few weeks.

When the AP discounts came out, I expressed my dilemma to Gramma: if I don’t ask my friend and she really wanted to go, she might miss out on the hotel discount; if I do ask, I risk causing her further pain. Gramma advised that I should ask my friend and let her know, particularly, how much Gramma would love for them to join us.

So I did. As kindly and gently as I could. And I passed along Gramma’s personal message.

Guess what? My friend said “I can’t think of a time I could more use a trip to Disney! Would it be okay if we tagged along with you guys? Whatever you want to do, we’ll come along – don’t worry about us at all.”

For the record, my first reaction was joy – joy that she sees how much fun is still out there for her; joy that I’ll get to be there for her sweet little boy’s first encounters with our pal (not Pal) Mickey; joy that I then knew for certain she was going to make it through this.

And. Yes - joy that I was given full reign to create our trip of dreams. Oh yeah, she gave me that awesome power, and I promised to wield it wisely. She received my assurances that I would take care of everything and she could have as much or as little say as she wanted. I insisted that she do what she needs to do on our vacation and not worry about messing us up if baby needs to call it a day or skip out on a TS meal. I promised not to bother her with 101 questions and comments about my trip planning. And, so far, I’ve mostly been true to my word. Mostly. You’ll see.

I provided her with all she needed to get the discount and room request and she booked her room at CSR. We both had them make a note to place our rooms close to each other. Past that, she was off the hook. V. was making a plan!

But. Now, our little trio had become a quintuple. Which meant…. ADR Change #1! Not only did I need to change everything to a party of five, I wanted to cancel Chef Mickey’s and add Garden Grill, (a fave from Dec.), and a new one for us – Coral Reef. Rhonda was able to change all but Ohana. Darn, I really wanted that one.

Back to the drawing board, I suggested switching around a couple days, canceling Artist Point and adding Concourse Steakhouse. It worked! And that, for those keeping track, is ADR change #2.

I was, and am, looking forward to this trip more than ever. My friend and I used to work together, and she was there for me every single day when my ex walked out on me. I can only hope that I’m providing the same support for her now, in her time of need. I know better than to expect perfection, but I do want to make this the best possible trip for them – they deserve at least that much. And I’d like to think her DH might find a way to join us in spirit and take great joy in watching his son experience WDW.


I know that we’ll be carrying him in our hearts the entire time.

Dec. 2006

I have so many tears streaming down my face that I can barely see to type this. My heart,thoughts,and prayers go out to your friend and her son. This is such and incredibly hard time in her life, and you are a great person supporting her and being there for them in everyday life and as well as on their 1st trip to the mouse without their DH/DD.So many friends are there for just the good stuff and if/when the bad stuff comes, everyone seems to hide.Your true friends stick with you no matter what, and you are a true friend and she is very lucky to have you.Know that her DH will be there with them in spirit every step of the way . Everything you have planned so far sound great and I'm sure they will love everything you are doing(heck I would like it and Ive been there many times before).. The pic of them is so sweet. thanks for sharing this story with us. A big for you.
Ok no more mushy for me tonite, my kids are asking me why the computer is making me cry.They think mommy is crazy already and I think this just sealed the deal.

 

[puggymom]

Hi V, just getting caught up, what a wonderful friend you are, I am looking forward to reading about all your adventures. Keeping fingers crossed for May2nd.

And congrats on DVC!!!!!

 

[Lovemy3babes]

You're such a great friend!! I've never cried reading a trip report until today. I hope this trip is fabulous for both of you!

 

[sorul82?]

V, your are such a sweety Petey!

 

[aldisneygrl]

V -

I know you were there for her when her husband passed on, and now you are going to be there for a celebration in her life. That is what friends are for. To be there for you in the good and the bad times. Y'all are going to have so much fun celebrating TWO birthdays! I bet Disney makes an even bigger deal about your friends sons FIRST birthday! Here's a hug for all of you. Now on with the planning...