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

[pillow]

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

Have a wonderful time! Don't forget to take some time to relax by the great pool. The shallow area with the sand bar in the center is our fav. The kids build sand castles while my dh goes back and forth to the pool bar for margheritas . You can just walk over to Epcot which we love. If you haven't tried it, go to the food court in the Land pavilion. The food is excellent! Oh, and the seafood restaurant on the other side of the lake near the Boardwalk (blanking on the name) is wonderful! Ugh - I could go on and on and on - wish we were going with you!

My dh and I are going down (no kids) at the end of September to run the Everest Challenge. We tried to get BC, but it was completely booked, so we're staying at Saratoga. Hope we like it as much.

Have fun!!

Jodie

 

[Grendalynn]

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!!!

OMG! What a great story! Just goes to show what a great, tight knit group we are here!

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 wanna go!!! I am jealous! Sounds like you guys will have a great time - I am curious to know how your transportation is from that point on the property... I wish we were head out soon, too, but thats the magic of WDW - the waiting, and longing for it, planning, and overall anticipation! 2010 will be here before we know it!! Seems like just yesterday I was on here asking about baby names when I was prego with my youngest son... Now he is full throttle into the Terrible 2's!!

 

[Grendalynn]

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.

I wondered about that - I saw the new otion when I was "playing" with package prices last week... I think its a nice option to have, but I like eating out on vacation pretty well... Its a huge splurge fo us and as long as the boys behave, we love it! But still a nice option to have. Can you trade 2 CSs in for 1TS?? Just wondering if anyone asked that yet...

 

[pillow]

I wondered about that - I saw the new otion when I was "playing" with package prices last week... I think its a nice option to have, but I like eating out on vacation pretty well... Its a huge splurge fo us and as long as the boys behave, we love it! But still a nice option to have. Can you trade 2 CSs in for 1TS?? Just wondering if anyone asked that yet...

When we were planning our trip for next year, I estimated our food at $1,200 for 6 days. That included breakfast in the room, snacks in a backpack for lunch througout the day, and then usually a nice dinner. I looked at doing the dining plan, and the numbers came out to about the same price. Does $1,200 seem excessive to anyone out there? It does to me. Part of it is my 11 year old paying adult prices. That just kills me!

Jodie

 

[Emma1]

I can soooooooooo agree with everyone!!!!!!!! This is our first trip and Iám driving myself crazy!!! I think I have decided on two places to stay at WH. For months now, we have had it all figured out, then decided to change our plans for various reasons. We found a really nice house, but my son does not like the rooms because one of them happens to be a princess room, that he wouldn't even be in. Iám a bit nervous about the splash pool, but really like the idea of a house with one. We have four children, the youngest dd is four. The other option is a condo on the top floor. I would like to hear from other parents regarding the idea of a splash pool with young children vs. staying in a condo on an upper floor with a screened lanai. My kids are not use to either, and Iám concerned about safety. If I can get past this point, I may actually book one of them. Help!!!!!!!!!

 

[Grendalynn]

When we were planning our trip for next year, I estimated our food at $1,200 for 6 days. That included breakfast in the room, snacks in a backpack for lunch througout the day, and then usually a nice dinner. I looked at doing the dining plan, and the numbers came out to about the same price. Does $1,200 seem excessive to anyone out there? It does to me. Part of it is my 11 year old paying adult prices. That just kills me!

Jodie

Thats does seem like a lot of money, but unfortunatly thats Disney. When it was at the time DS2 and DS5, blus DH andmyself we couldnt eat at a Table srvice for less that $110 with tip. He had a couple beers and I had a glass of wine, no desserts, and DS ate off our plates for the most part, sometimes he got his own kids meal. That was w/o DDP. I think we figured that with the DDP we saved a little bt of money, but not much. If you are ona tight budget the DDP mightnot be for yu, lessyou cinsider thenew 2 CS option. Een so the nice thing about the DDp is that you dont need to look at the price tage very time you sit down. You know what you are allotted and what you get and thats nice. You have already budgeted for your food expense, so be it. Thats what I like about the DDP. Yes, its a bit pricy, but everything Disney is a bit pricey...

I can soooooooooo agree with everyone!!!!!!!! This is our first trip and Iám driving myself crazy!!! I think I have decided on two places to stay at WH. For months now, we have had it all figured out, then decided to change our plans for various reasons. We found a really nice house, but my son does not like the rooms because one of them happens to be a princess room, that he wouldn't even be in. Iám a bit nervous about the splash pool, but really like the idea of a house with one. We have four children, the youngest dd is four. The other option is a condo on the top floor. I would like to hear from other parents regarding the idea of a splash pool with young children vs. staying in a condo on an upper floor with a screened lanai. My kids are not use to either, and Iám concerned about safety. If I can get past this point, I may actually book one of them. Help!!!!!!!!!

First off - !! You may not find the info you are looking for on this particular thread, but you will fin it here at The Dis! I personally wouldnt be as worried about the pool as I would be the porch waaay up high! Just me, but thats my first reaction.

I know what you mean about the princess room and DS not seeing ey to eye! I have 3 little 's myself!! They might have a slight issue with that as well, but could get over it!?? Maybe they can wear jammies that look like Prince Charming or Captian Hook/Peter Pan to compensate for it?? I take it that you are thinking about staying off-site, is that right? Its def more cost effective and do it now whileyou can, because once you stay on site at WDW you wont want to stay off property again!! Just my opinion - they hook you! I am sure others reading this thread my have better insight, but consider posting a new thread on Disney for Families or the Orlando Hotels and Accomodations. Everyone is great here and will certainly help you out!! Take care and best wishes to you and your family!

Well, I am signing off here for a while - The sun is finally out (after 2 weeks of rain) so I am going to go soak up the sun! Toodeloooo!

 

[pillow]

I can soooooooooo agree with everyone!!!!!!!! This is our first trip and Iám driving myself crazy!!! I think I have decided on two places to stay at WH. For months now, we have had it all figured out, then decided to change our plans for various reasons. We found a really nice house, but my son does not like the rooms because one of them happens to be a princess room, that he wouldn't even be in. Iám a bit nervous about the splash pool, but really like the idea of a house with one. We have four children, the youngest dd is four. The other option is a condo on the top floor. I would like to hear from other parents regarding the idea of a splash pool with young children vs. staying in a condo on an upper floor with a screened lanai. My kids are not use to either, and Iám concerned about safety. If I can get past this point, I may actually book one of them. Help!!!!!!!!!

I would think the house would have to have some form of security going to the pool for liability reasons. Isn't there a door you can lock so the kids can't get out to the pool? I think I would pick the house just for the extra space. Either that or pick the one thats the shortest distance to WDW.

The first year we went to Disney, it was when my kids were little (before school) so we could vacation at odd times. I found someone on e-bay who was trying to rent his timeshare. We ended up at either the Hilton or Hyatt (can't remember which) timeshare in a 2 bedroom for $500 for the entire week! So, you may want to check e-bay for deals if you're set on staying off property.

We eventually migrated to staying on property. Now we're spoiled!! But I can understand how staying off property would be more economical.

Good luck!

Jodie

 

[pillow]

Has anyone figured out if you can trade 2 cs for 1 table service? I need to go look this up. Just when I think everything is figured out . . .

Jodie

 

[Grendalynn]

Has anyone figured out if you can trade 2 cs for 1 table service? I need to go look this up. Just when I think everything is figured out . . .

Jodie

Sun is gone, so here I am... I tried to call but our phone lines are acting screwy... Lines must be down somewhere... Anywho - I would *assume* that you can do this as with the regular DDP you can trade 2 TS for a special TS meal, such as CRT or Cali Grill.... But you know what happens when you assume!

 

[pillow]

Sun is gone, so here I am... I tried to call but our phone lines are acting screwy... Lines must be down somewhere... Anywho - I would *assume* that you can do this as with the regular DDP you can trade 2 TS for a special TS meal, such as CRT or Cali Grill.... But you know what happens when you assume!

Do you know the prices yet?

J

 

[AUDramaQueen]

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

Thanks for the advice! We stayed in two 2 bedrooms at OKW the last time we went. My parents, aunt and grandmother have asked that we don't do this again because of, um, how do I put this...issues they have with the way my neices are disciplined (or not as the case may be ).

How hard do you think it would be to get 4 studios at the same time (or maybe one 2 bedroom and 2 studios)? My parents don't mind sharing with us.

I did send an e-mail with all the options and they still want the Polynesian Our travel agent does a group discount there in the fall so that will save us some money. I will check out mapleleaf to see about tickets there and look into renting some points.

Thanks Jodie!

 

[pillow]

Thanks for the advice! We stayed in two 2 bedrooms at OKW the last time we went. My parents, aunt and grandmother have asked that we don't do this again because of, um, how do I put this...issues they have with the way my neices are disciplined (or not as the case may be ).

How hard do you think it would be to get 4 studios at the same time (or maybe one 2 bedroom and 2 studios)? My parents don't mind sharing with us.

I did send an e-mail with all the options and they still want the Polynesian Our travel agent does a group discount there in the fall so that will save us some money. I will check out mapleleaf to see about tickets there and look into renting some points.

Thanks Jodie!

I think you might be able to get the 2 bedroom + 2 studios. It will be easier if you don't go during a busy time. When are you planning on going? The 4 studios would cost you less than the 2 bedroom + 2 studios, but its nice to have that full kitchen and some space to spread out. The 1 bedroom will hold 5, but you'd have to bring an air mattress or something for the 5th person, and 2 people would have to sleep on the pullout sofa.

Is the travel agent Poly price cheaper than the AAA price? I would love to stay at the Polynesian some time. If someone offered to pay for my Polynesian hotel, I'd jump on it!!

Jodie

P.S. I can understand the family issues - have been there. Sometimes a little separation is a good thing!!

 

[bless7ings]

Well, I am signing off here for a while - The sun is finally out (after 2 weeks of rain) so I am going to go soak up the sun! Toodeloooo! [/QUOTE]

Yeah, what's up with that!?! Those weathermen can't predict anything right. But, it's to our advantage this time!

Go get those sun rays, you might even out! All this dreary, rainy weather gets to our spirits.

 

[bless7ings]

Do you know the prices yet?

J

Deluxe dining $69.99/19.99,
Don't remember what they call it, but the 1 TS, 1 CS and 1 snack $39.99/10.99, 2CS $29.99/8.99

Oh, there were other prices at first, but this seemed to be the end all for me!

And from what I have read on the boards, all I hear is speculation about what for free dining(makes sense to me though ) and people are asking the same question about trade, but I haven't heard anything.

 

[pillow]

Deluxe dining $69.99/19.99,
Don't remember what they call it, but the 1 TS, 1 CS and 1 snack $39.99/10.99, 2CS $29.99/8.99

Oh, there were other prices at first, but this seemed to be the end all for me!

And from what I have read on the boards, all I hear is speculation about what for free dining(makes sense to me though ) and people are asking the same question about trade, but I haven't heard anything.

I called DVC, and they didn't know anything about the new plan, so I'm assuming that a DVC member can't get it (at least not yet).

Then I called Disney dining, and she said that you cannot trade 2 cs for a ts. Looking at the prices, I don't think its a very good price for the 2 cs plan. If you just add $10 per adult, you get table service - am thinking there is more value there.

J

 

[AUDramaQueen]

We were going for Labor Day and free dining, but the group rate at the Poly is for the end of October/beginning of November. The savings for the room outweighed the cost of dining IF they switch to offering the QS plan. It was an even swap for my family, but for the others the savings was even bigger cause they don't have as many as we do! Does that make sense? I don't have AAA.

Our TA said she has never seen Disney do a discount program as long as they have done free dining and she expects some changes. She was clear that she has no idea though. But she also made sure I didn't book for that time of year ONLY for the dining offer.

I really can't imagine them offering the basic plan for free anymore. Unless they think getting people in the TS places will make them more money from OOP items like appetizers and drinks I would think most people would just take what was free and go or do buffets.

 

[bless7ings]

If you just add $10 per adult, you get table service - am thinking there is more value there.

J[/QUOTE]

My husband and I totally agree! But, surprising I have heard enough say they like the plan. Though some have already asked what's wrong with one room w/o plan and other room with cs plan and then splitting it between both rooms. It sounds like a great plan to be frugal, but it sounds illegal to Disney's rules.

Oh yeah, I believe they said cm's have said DVC should be out soon.(I thought the same price, but I don't know)

 

[bless7ings]

We were going for Labor Day and free dining, but the group rate at the Poly is for the end of October/beginning of November. The savings for the room outweighed the cost of dining IF they switch to offering the QS plan. It was an even swap for my family, but for the others the savings was even bigger cause they don't have as many as we do! Does that make sense? I don't have AAA.

Our TA said she has never seen Disney do a discount program as long as they have done free dining and she expects some changes. She was clear that she has no idea though. But she also made sure I didn't book for that time of year ONLY for the dining offer.

I really can't imagine them offering the basic plan for free anymore. Unless they think getting people in the TS places will make them more money from OOP items like appetizers and drinks I would think most people would just take what was free and go or do buffets.

I'm confussed. "But she also made sure I didn't book for that time of year ONLY for the dining offer." What's that all about?

 

[pillow]

If you just add $10 per adult, you get table service - am thinking there is more value there.

J

My husband and I totally agree! But, surprising I have heard enough say they like the plan. Though some have already asked what's wrong with one room w/o plan and other room with cs plan and then splitting it between both rooms. It sounds like a great plan to be frugal, but it sounds illegal to Disney's rules.

Oh yeah, I believe they said cm's have said DVC should be out soon.(I thought the same price, but I don't know)[/QUOTE]

So, at $30 each + my daughter at $9 - thats $99 for the 4 of us per day. We just don't eat that much at counter service to warrant that kind of price. I think the difference is that when we eat table service, I eat more food - just something about sitting down at a restaurant and being waited on I guess.

The regular dining plan doesn't work well for us either because we like to go to Jiko or Flying Fish which takes 2 regular table service tickets. We definitely spend more at those places, but not double. Last time, after our trip, I crunched the numbers to see if we would have saved using the dining plan, and it was pretty much break even. We're destined to be a la carte people I guess.

Jodie

 

[cruellababy]

Hi all! Long time lurker; finally joined the dis boards today! I find myself pulled here- I think I need a support group also!