OMG! I am OBSESSED with DisBoards! Ahh - Support Group needed...

[pillow]

Help! I'm confused!!

You want to book a vacation and pay upfront. Then push it back a year while making payments along the way? Is that right?

If thats the case, why not put the money into a savings account and earn interest for a year and THEN book the trip?? I'm sure I'm not understanding this correctly. Its late and I should be asleep!

Jodie

 

[Grendalynn]

Help! I'm confused!!

You want to book a vacation and pay upfront. Then push it back a year while making payments along the way? Is that right?

If thats the case, why not put the money into a savings account and earn interest for a year and THEN book the trip?? I'm sure I'm not understanding this correctly. Its late and I should be asleep!

Jodie

You ARE right.... I am kind of weird... But i am not a good saver. And Yes, I understand the interest thing and all that jazz, but I think the anticipation and excitment of planning a Disney trip is enough of a kick in the *ace* that I can better manage the weekly deposits/payments to that account, so to speak. If there was a savings accunt that I was NOT able to get into for any reason, I would sign up for it in a minute.... I am totally weird, I know...

 

[pillow]

You ARE right.... I am kind of weird... But i am not a good saver. And Yes, I understand the interest thing and all that jazz, but I think the anticipation and excitment of planning a Disney trip is enough of a kick in the *ace* that I can better manage the weekly deposits/payments to that account, so to speak. If there was a savings accunt that I was NOT able to get into for any reason, I would sign up for it in a minute.... I am totally weird, I know...

Yes, I'm laughing. No wonder Disney makes so much money!!! But when you book a room, don't you just put down a deposit?

Also, my credit union does have a vacation account that you can only tap into during a certain time of the year. The interest rate is pitiful, but it does keep you from pulling the money out.

The other thing you might want to check out is the Disney Visa card by Chase. You get 1% back toward Disney. Sometimes they have promos where you can get up to 5%. We usually use it for dining or drinks. If you charge everything on it (groceries and all), and pay it off every month, you could end up with quite the credit in a couple years.

Good luck!!

Jodie

 

[pillow]

Oh, and one other thing - you know you can rent/trade someone's DVC points, right? If you want one of the DVC resorts, its WAY cheaper this way!! You have to pay the DVC owner up front though, and the earliest you can do this is 11 months out.

I have an off the wall question - I think my brother will be relocating to Montrose, Colorado (about an hour south of Grand Junction). Anyone know someone in that area?

Jodie

 

[*KeepMovingForward*]

You ARE right.... I am kind of weird... But i am not a good saver. And Yes, I understand the interest thing and all that jazz, but I think the anticipation and excitment of planning a Disney trip is enough of a kick in the *ace* that I can better manage the weekly deposits/payments to that account, so to speak. If there was a savings accunt that I was NOT able to get into for any reason, I would sign up for it in a minute.... I am totally weird, I know...

Grendalynn...I totally understand where your coming from on this. As long as Disney allows you to do it, I'd go for it. Heck...I have a savings account that is through my old employer's credit union and they only have branches waaaaay up in Northern NJ. My only access is through an ATM card they issued me. I wound up giving the card to DH this way I KNOW I won't dip into the funds at all. So I can totally relate to wanting to stash money away towards your trip without that temptation being there to borrow from it.

 

[Grendalynn]

What a great way to start my day!! Coffee in hand, Checking out DisBoards, my boys beside me eating cereal while we listen to DisRadio!!!! The only way it could any better would be if we were AT WDW! But since thats not going to happen until 2010, here we sit!! Except that they just had a Michael Jackson song on DisRadio (Just a Part of Me from Captain EO), DS9 was not impressed by it...

Anyway, its raining AGAIN here today.... looks like it will be a day of Luandry, house work, and of course, (mostly) The Dis!! We have had SO MUCH rain the past few weeks its unbearable!! The kids start school is less than a month and I feel like we have had NO beach time the past 3 weeks! I will goback to school whiter than when we got out!! We will have amazing weather once I have to go back to work (in 2 weeks) and again when the kids go back to school!!

How is everyone else's summer, or lack there of, going?? Any great Disney info to share?? I see that they changed up the DDP a bit - anoption of 2 counter Services and 2 snakc per day?? Thats an interesting option for sure!! I wonder if you can trade in 2 CS for the day for 1 TS?? I will have to look into that...

 

[Grendalynn]

Oh, and one other thing - you know you can rent/trade someone's DVC points, right? If you want one of the DVC resorts, its WAY cheaper this way!! You have to pay the DVC owner up front though, and the earliest you can do this is 11 months out.

I have an off the wall question - I think my brother will be relocating to Montrose, Colorado (about an hour south of Grand Junction). Anyone know someone in that area?

Jodie

Good to know! I am interested in the DVC, but I think buying one might haveto wait until we no longer have kids in day care - 3 years or so. Not sure that we could swing both rigt now... AND I want to wait til the *supposed* DVCs comeout at the Contemporary!!??

Sorry! Cant help you out with the Colorado thing..

 

[princess&her4princes]

What a great way to start my day!! Coffee in hand, Checking out DisBoards, my boys beside me eating cereal while we listen to DisRadio!!!! The only way it could any better would be if we were AT WDW! But since thats not going to happen until 2010, here we sit!! Except that they just had a Michael Jackson song on DisRadio (Just a Part of Me from Captain EO), DS9 was not impressed by it...

Anyway, its raining AGAIN here today.... looks like it will be a day of Luandry, house work, and of course, (mostly) The Dis!! We have had SO MUCH rain the past few weeks its unbearable!! The kids start school is less than a month and I feel like we have had NO beach time the past 3 weeks! I will goback to school whiter than when we got out!! We will have amazing weather once I have to go back to work (in 2 weeks) and again when the kids go back to school!!

How is everyone else's summer, or lack there of, going?? Any great Disney info to share?? I see that they changed up the DDP a bit - anoption of 2 counter Services and 2 snakc per day?? Thats an interesting option for sure!! I wonder if you can trade in 2 CS for the day for 1 TS?? I will have to look into that...

Good Morning! I'm right there with you..another rainy day in New England! sigh......like you said, it will be bright and sunny in just a few weeks when the kids go back to school.

We're going in less than 4 months now for our first Christmastime vacation and I can't wait! I swear, I'm on Dis at least 4 times a day just checking in....my DH doesn't understand. He thinks I'm going to be depressed when we return and after the holidays because of all the time I"ve put into this vacay...he may be right! Although, little does he know, that just means I need to start planning the NEXT DW trip!!! LOL!!

I hope you have a magical day!! I see that you're a Mom of three BOYS too.....I'm right there with you...rainy days in the house with three boys is never a good thing...they will be bouncing off the walls by noontime!!

 

[Grendalynn]

Good Morning! I'm right there with you..another rainy day in New England! sigh......like you said, it will be bright and sunny in just a few weeks when the kids go back to school.

We're going in less than 4 months now for our first Christmastime vacation and I can't wait! I swear, I'm on Dis at least 4 times a day just checking in....my DH doesn't understand. He thinks I'm going to be depressed when we return and after the holidays because of all the time I"ve put into this vacay...he may be right! Although, little does he know, that just means I need to start planning the NEXT DW trip!!! LOL!!

I hope you have a magical day!! I see that you're a Mom of three BOYS too.....I'm right there with you...rainy days in the house with three boys is never a good thing...they will be bouncing off the walls by noontime!!

You are so right in soo many ways! 1) Yes,another crappy day and it will be like this thru Thursday! 2)About the vacation thing.... I like to call it "Dis-drawls" the low and anxiety you feel after you return from a WDW vacay and feel lost and diconnected... nothing to look forward to, plan or decide on. But ikeyou said, its just things to tweek and critique for the next trip. Thats what I amdoing now! We went in April 08 and prob wont go again til April 2010... and lastly, 3) 3 boys inside for what feels like days on end --> I have considered dressing thm all up in garbage bags and sending them into the back yard just to run, run, run! Otherwise, they are fighting and bickering all day! Not enjoyable! I am still avoiding .... oh well, it will be there later! Time for cup of coffee #2 My get up and go has got up and went!!

 

[princess&her4princes]

[ I have considered dressing thm all up in garbage bags and sending them into the back yard just to run, run, run! Otherwise, they are fighting and bickering all day! Not enjoyable! I am still avoiding .... oh well, it will be there later! Time for cup of coffee #2 My get up and go has got up and went!![/QUOTE]

LOL!!!!!!!!! That is a good one!!! My guys are playing with Playdoh right now, but it's only a matter of time before it ends up being thrown at each other or all over my house!!! DH can never figure out how the house gets so messy when we're home all day...... I know, isn't it horrible how much boys fight (Maybe all kids do but I just know boys!) and wrestle...my older ones have been like a giant tumbleweed the last couple of weeks through my house, wrestling...guess I won't complain, they are dusting the floors while they do it, right? Stay dry!!

 

[AUDramaQueen]

Hey everyone! My kids went back to school today It was kind of nice with just one of them at home though!

I'm still trying to work out a trip for Fall 2009. I had given up on it (again) and e-mailed my family that we just couldn't afford it. I told them I would love to still plan everything for them (because I am obsessed and would really love to). My grandmother called and said there was no way they were going without us and she would help pay. Dh isn't really the type to take money like that, but she said she was old and could spend her money however she wanted to.

I suggested we do something cheaper, but then I felt bad becuase my sweet niece has only been once back in 2005. She has been bugging her mom so much that I have had to tell my kids they can't talk about Disney in front of her!

So I don't know what to do. I mean we really can't afford it. We could probably get ourselves down there (we drive) and pay for food, but other than that, I just don't know. Plus, they want to stay at the Poly I hate to be like, well we cant go unless you pay for tickets and hotel room. I know she offerred to help, but that's too much! On the other hand we don't want to offend her either or keep my sister's family from going.

I know this is a good problem to have. I mean who wouldn't want an almost paid for trip. But it just seems too much. Ugh. Anyway, thanks for letting me get that all out!

 

[roxmic]

Like me, the root of your addiction is Disney, not Dis!

I like to think my addiction is not as bad as some I could have!

 

[princess&her4princes]

Like me, the root of your addiction is Disney, not Dis!

I like to think my addiction is not as bad as some I could have!

Yes, I agree....I love DISNEY!!! And I keep telling my DH that my addiction could be A LOT WORSE!!! heheehee!!

 

[pillow]

Hey everyone! My kids went back to school today It was kind of nice with just one of them at home though!

I'm still trying to work out a trip for Fall 2009. I had given up on it (again) and e-mailed my family that we just couldn't afford it. I told them I would love to still plan everything for them (because I am obsessed and would really love to). My grandmother called and said there was no way they were going without us and she would help pay. Dh isn't really the type to take money like that, but she said she was old and could spend her money however she wanted to.

I suggested we do something cheaper, but then I felt bad becuase my sweet niece has only been once back in 2005. She has been bugging her mom so much that I have had to tell my kids they can't talk about Disney in front of her!

So I don't know what to do. I mean we really can't afford it. We could probably get ourselves down there (we drive) and pay for food, but other than that, I just don't know. Plus, they want to stay at the Poly I hate to be like, well we cant go unless you pay for tickets and hotel room. I know she offerred to help, but that's too much! On the other hand we don't want to offend her either or keep my sister's family from going.

I know this is a good problem to have. I mean who wouldn't want an almost paid for trip. But it just seems too much. Ugh. Anyway, thanks for letting me get that all out!

I know I keep posting about this - sorry if I sound like a broken record . . .
Check the "rent/trade" thread. You can rent someone's DVC points and get a great deal on one of the DVC resorts. The 2 bedroom holds 8 people, so maybe you could double up. Plus you have a kitchen and could cook some of your meals at the resort. Beach Club is my favorite. The pool is FABULOUS! If you rent someone's points, you end up paying about half of the price WDW charges. For example, next October, you would end up paying about $1,600 for a 5 night stay in a 2 bedroom at Beach Club. A studio (holds 4 people - with kitchenette) would only cost about $600.

If you do book the Contemporary, ask for the AAA discount. Disney won't offer it; you specifically have to ask. That saves you about 10% or so.

Also, check out www.mapleleaftickets.com for discounted ticket prices. You could always forgo the hopper option to save a little bit of money too. Like you, I love to plan these trips!!

Good luck!

Jodie

 

[bless7ings]

I know I keep posting about this - sorry if I sound like a broken record . . .
Check the "rent/trade" thread. You can rent someone's DVC points and get a great deal on one of the DVC resorts. The 2 bedroom holds 8 people, so maybe you could double up. Plus you have a kitchen and could cook some of your meals at the resort. Beach Club is my favorite. The pool is FABULOUS! If you rent someone's points, you end up paying about half of the price WDW charges. For example, next October, you would end up paying about $1,600 for a 5 night stay in a 2 bedroom at Beach Club. A studio (holds 4 people - with kitchenette) would only cost about $600.

If you do book the Contemporary, ask for the AAA discount. Disney won't offer it; you specifically have to ask. That saves you about 10% or so.

Also, check out www.mapleleaftickets.com for discounted ticket prices. You could always forgo the hopper option to save a little bit of money too. Like you, I love to plan these trips!!

Good luck!

Jodie

I think the renting of DVC is a great idea and a good way to go. So I thought I would add this: I happened to get on a thread w/ a DVC owner and whatever I had said she decided to privately email me. She, like me was too curious of a person and had to know which was cheaper her DVC or us going for free dining w/our big family. So I told her all my details(we are staying at the BC) and she priced everything apple for apple(so w/BC DVC, which is more then the others) It came out that it was $300 less for us then her. But as we know there are pro's & cons for both.(I can't seem to remember the cons when I am thinking about that private suite!!!!(for the DVC) that would be worth the $300 more!!!

I did think it was interesting though! I think Grendalyn and I have talked about trying to find the least exp. way to go to Disney on this board.(my husband REALLY doesn't care to do camping!)

 

[pillow]

I think the renting of DVC is a great idea and a good way to go. So I thought I would add this: I happened to get on a thread w/ a DVC owner and whatever I had said she decided to privately email me. She, like me was too curious of a person and had to know which was cheaper her DVC or us going for free dining w/our big family. So I told her all my details(we are staying at the BC) and she priced everything apple for apple(so w/BC DVC, which is more then the others) It came out that it was $300 less for us then her. But as we know there are pro's & cons for both.(I can't seem to remember the cons when I am thinking about that private suite!!!!(for the DVC) that would be worth the $300 more!!!

I did think it was interesting though! I think Grendalyn and I have talked about trying to find the least exp. way to go to Disney on this board.(my husband REALLY doesn't care to do camping!)

I'm laughing cause the person you're referring to is ME!! I was the one who was analyzing the free dining vs DVC. Didn't I tell you I sound like a broken record??!! I can't keep these threads straight!!

I think the dates she wanted was Fall of 09. Does Disney always offer free dining in the Fall? I think the very cheapest way of doing this would be to rent DVC and then eat meals in your own kitchen, thus eliminating the eating out expense all together. We really struggle with this. I LOVE to splurge at some of Disney's better restaurants, but I hate paying the prices for my 11 year old. Since hes over 9, he has to pay the adult fare when what he really wants is pb&j or mac and cheese. It really feels like a rip off sometimes. We were discussing what to do when we go next spring break, and I think we're just gonna have to eat in more often or eat counter service. I need to lose some weight anyway!!

Jodie

 

[bless7ings]

I have been so busy on the disboards and this board has relatively quiet I don't think I mentioned. We are going to Disney and we leave in 11 days!!!!!!!!!

I had posted quite a long time ago about not being sure, well everything worked out and we are going. I can't believe it! Our whole family(plus my parents) and celebrating my 2nd daughers 13th birthday! She was estatic!!! I am so glad they opened it up the last week of August that was the deal breaker! Our 2nd son has to be at college Sept 6th so it wouldn't have worked when the original free dining dates were predicted. And my 1st daughter has celebrated a b-day there and didn't care to again. But my other daughter was saying, "Why can't we celebrate over my birthday?" I said, "Because they don't have free dining on your birthday." We did celebrate her b-day also last time(their birthdays 3 weeks apart) but it's not the same when it's not your real birthday, least for us.

We are staying at the Beach Club!!! My mother only wants to stay in a deluxe. I told her we couldn't afford it. She said maybe to POR, but no way budget!! I kept saying no, but then I realized it wasn't that much of an increase from 2 rooms at budget to paying for only one room BC!(my parents are paying for one room with half our kids in there!! Good deal huh?!) I asked my husband and he said it was definately worth it!!! He said he would gladly pay the extra to upgrade to BC from budget! We figured we would splurge. We also knew that we would never be able to afford to bring the kids to BC(not until they were gone!) so let's go for it!

I hope its as good as they say! We are most looking forward to the location and the least use of buses!!!!

 

[bless7ings]

I'm laughing cause the person you're referring to is ME!! I was the one who was analyzing the free dining vs DVC. Didn't I tell you I sound like a broken record??!! I can't keep these threads straight!!

I think the dates she wanted was Fall of 09. Does Disney always offer free dining in the Fall? I think the very cheapest way of doing this would be to rent DVC and then eat meals in your own kitchen, thus eliminating the eating out expense all together. We really struggle with this. I LOVE to splurge at some of Disney's better restaurants, but I hate paying the prices for my 11 year old. Since hes over 9, he has to pay the adult fare when what he really wants is pb&j or mac and cheese. It really feels like a rip off sometimes. We were discussing what to do when we go next spring break, and I think we're just gonna have to eat in more often or eat counter service. I need to lose some weight anyway!!

Jodie

I finally got my post done. My son called, so I was interupted. I post it and what do I see???? Jodie's response to me!!! I was laughing so hard!!!

 

[bless7ings]

Does Disney always offer free dining in the Fall?

We don't know we only hope!! Because it's the cheapest way I can find to go! They started in the fall of 2005 and have since.

It has been discussed on the disboards that we think the free dining for 2009 will be with the new cs plan.

 

[*KeepMovingForward*]

I have been so busy on the disboards and this board has relatively quiet I don't think I mentioned. We are going to Disney and we leave in 11 days!!!!!!!!!

I had posted quite a long time ago about not being sure, well everything worked out and we are going. I can't believe it! Our whole family(plus my parents) and celebrating my 2nd daughers 13th birthday! She was estatic!!! I am so glad they opened it up the last week of August that was the deal breaker! Our 2nd son has to be at college Sept 6th so it wouldn't have worked when the original free dining dates were predicted. And my 1st daughter has celebrated a b-day there and didn't care to again. But my other daughter was saying, "Why can't we celebrate over my birthday?" I said, "Because they don't have free dining on your birthday." We did celebrate her b-day also last time(their birthdays 3 weeks apart) but it's not the same when it's not your real birthday, least for us.

We are staying at the Beach Club!!! My mother only wants to stay in a deluxe. I told her we couldn't afford it. She said maybe to POR, but no way budget!! I kept saying no, but then I realized it wasn't that much of an increase from 2 rooms at budget to paying for only one room BC!(my parents are paying for one room with half our kids in there!! Good deal huh?!) I asked my husband and he said it was definately worth it!!! He said he would gladly pay the extra to upgrade to BC from budget! We figured we would splurge. We also knew that we would never be able to afford to bring the kids to BC(not until they were gone!) so let's go for it!

I hope its as good as they say! We are most looking forward to the location and the least use of buses!!!!

I'm so jealous your going to Disney soon! We have a bit still before our next trip. BC is wonderful and the location certainly can't be beat. The rooms are very nice. You'll have a great time! Your mom is a sweetheart...I wouldn't pass on her offer either!