Our little thread of BIG changes, the neverending saga of the Resort Changers

[hstrickland]

Quick, someone talk me out of switching to a theme park view from a standard view! Or into it....although that will take much less coaxing.

Courtney

I'm all about a view...while technically you don't spend excessive amounts of time on a balcony, I just can't help myself. Love waking up to the MK or Bay Lake or animals...take your pick

I didn't help, did I??

Hi All!! I am coming to the one thread I think people will understand the most lol!! I am going back and forth about which resort to choose. Usually I do not have this problem because we are DVC and usually I book BLT. I do change my ADR way too much so I guess I am a changer on that. Anyways, we are going in May and just booked this trip so BLT is not available on the times we are going so I started by booking AKV Jambo House. Then decided well Boardwalk villas are available maybe it would be better booking there to be closer to two parks. We have never done BWV so I decided well maybe going where we have stayed before is a better idea because we know where everything is, we know how long it takes to get to each park generally and we liked it, we like the food there. I like the idea of Jambo house where everything is pretty close (food court bus stop, shops, etc) especially since I am pregnant when I go back to the resort I just want to be back quickly so I can put my feet up. However, now I am looking at the DVC site and Wilderness Lodge is available during our week.... We have never stayed there but we go pretty much every trip for some kind of meal because we like the food and love the resort. We also love all the restaurants on the monorail line and even staying at AKV we are planning on meals like Ohana, Chef Mickey's, the Wave, Kona. What would you do? I have waitlisted BLT but I am realistic too because I have waitlisted BLT before and it never came through, so I know the chances are not good with that. It could be because I am pregnant I am more undecided but I can not choose.. Anyone done all of these and could give me advice on what you would choose? Boardwalk the only room type available is One bedroom Garden/Pool View so I feel like if it was Boardwalk view it would be an easier decision but maybe not I am not sure lol.

Wish I could be of assistance, but we've never done a villa....booked them, but rebooked a room instead LOVE AKL, WL and CR, though...all great resorts. My only drawback with the AKL is the distance from all the parks.

Hope all goes well with your pregnancy!

Happy Planning!

Ha! No help here!

Resort/view snob, you!

 

[pas130]

Pas, we've never seen Fantasmic! either - gasp! Can't give up our evening in/around Epcot for it. We did give up one Epcot night last year for BOG dinner and Wishes, but can't bring ourselves to do that for Fantasmic! I'm thinking of giving the kids the option of going over to DHS after our San Angel dinner in March.
.

I am thinking for our arrival night perhaps

No BFF and her family for the possible quick July weekend trip... :-/ I am starting to doubt that it is a good idea for us as well... Although DH mentioned a Hilton Grand Vacations deal to Orlando for about the same length of time...he didn't elaborate on whether he would entertain the idea or not though...

DD put in her two cents yesterday though without realizing it...she was pouting and all sad and sulky. When I asked her what was wrong, she said she wanted to go to Disney World. Lol.

DH is sick right now, so the subject hasn't been discussed yet. Maybe this week??

Hope DH feels better soon. Sorry BFF can't go, for the GF rate I would do onsite. I got that call from Hilton as well...that's a better deal for a SeaWorld trip IMHO...

Pas - BC?? Right? I love reading about your decision process...and changes. Puts a smile on my face

Still BC...BUT...changed stuff around....Beach before Beach Club, AND I added CL back on. I got a small scholarship for school for my GPA, so as a reward....CONCIERGE

Because Disney UK already has prices up for March 2015, I'm starting to price up our next holiday. If we also want to do Universal, we'll need a good deal on a Disney hotel. But I'm not sure we'll want to do a value after staying at a mod. Which value has the quietest possible rooms, as that's my main concern about that level of resort?

We've honestly never had a noise issue at the values...only CBR during cheer nationals If you get Standard, you'll be further from pool and food court so that should be quieter

Waving hi to everyone and hope your Monday was a good one!

Hi All!! I am coming to the one thread I think people will understand the most lol!! I am going back and forth about which resort to choose. Usually I do not have this problem because we are DVC and usually I book BLT. I do change my ADR way too much so I guess I am a changer on that. Anyways, we are going in May and just booked this trip so BLT is not available on the times we are going so I started by booking AKV Jambo House. Then decided well Boardwalk villas are available maybe it would be better booking there to be closer to two parks. We have never done BWV so I decided well maybe going where we have stayed before is a better idea because we know where everything is, we know how long it takes to get to each park generally and we liked it, we like the food there. I like the idea of Jambo house where everything is pretty close (food court bus stop, shops, etc) especially since I am pregnant when I go back to the resort I just want to be back quickly so I can put my feet up. However, now I am looking at the DVC site and Wilderness Lodge is available during our week.... We have never stayed there but we go pretty much every trip for some kind of meal because we like the food and love the resort. We also love all the restaurants on the monorail line and even staying at AKV we are planning on meals like Ohana, Chef Mickey's, the Wave, Kona. What would you do? I have waitlisted BLT but I am realistic too because I have waitlisted BLT before and it never came through, so I know the chances are not good with that. It could be because I am pregnant I am more undecided but I can not choose.. Anyone done all of these and could give me advice on what you would choose? Boardwalk the only room type available is One bedroom Garden/Pool View so I feel like if it was Boardwalk view it would be an easier decision but maybe not I am not sure lol.

And congrats on your pregnancy. Honestly, if you have more plans in the MK area...do VWL. There's the boat right to CR and VOILA you are on the monorail! However, if you have lots of Epcot plans BW would be super convenient to DHS and Epcot! And AKV are beautiful, but you lose the convenience.....so if more of your time is MK/MK resort centered VWL! If not BWV! The GV/Pool view are peaceful and beautiful....BTW WDWKOOK does a great job with both resort threads...Happy planning!!

Quick, someone talk me out of switching to a theme park view from a standard view! Or into it....although that will take much less coaxing.

Courtney

NO! At poly??? Construction....stick with standard, save the $$$ for some dolewhips!

 

[Mousemommy1]

We got our Disney stock today!!!

 

[dimndgal1]

HELLO ALL RCers!

I had quoted and replied to a tons of the goings on I missed while away these last few days and (of course) lost it all! So, I'll try to summarize:

to those dealing with loss and illness... it's always hard but this time of year especially

for all the crazy weather: DD went back to school one day after New Year's then had the Friday off and a delayed start the following Monday. I just wish it would snow or not - Maryland is not good at handling 'kind of snowy'.

for some of the RCs I have seen and even those just thinking!!! I also vote split-stay if you can do it! We did it last trip and it was great - experienced POR - Royal Room and YC! Loved them both for different reasons!

pixarmom - We stayed at the first mansion (or last depending which way you go) at POR and 'far' seemed relative. We were closer to the main building than my in-laws who were in AB but they were closer to the pool. That said, it was a matter of minutes to walk to/across the bridge to the main area and grab a snack or go for a swim. We filled our mugs 3 times a day so it wasn't inconvenient at all. Also, the busses went both clock and counterclockwise with no rhyme or reason. We actually just walked to the depot at the main building so we could grab a snack and a refill on the way.

If it helps, DH said he felt like it was quicker to walk from our room to the main lobby at POR than it was to walk from our room to SAB at YC (we were really close to the Swolphin side of YC facing the quiet pool). It may have felt quicker because the scenery was so neat to look at (DD loved walking over the river) but that's from him!

------------------------------------------------------------

Tomorrow is surgery day! (since I can't dance for awhile, he can)
I have spent the last 2 weeks running around trying to get all my ducks in line (surgery is 80 miles away around the DC Beltway so getting to/from the hospital is a joy). Also, DH has been working overdrive so he can take max time off - he's military and on their schedule so he tried to get his stuff ahead so they won't bug him. I know he'll probably end up doing a couple half-days next week but that's better than the 10-12 they like to steal him for.

My little teeny Peanut is 6 months old! Where did the time go??? She is absolutely in love with Pete from MMC (going for the bad guys already) and loves watching her older sister dance to the music from Frozen (which I have seen three times now).

I promise to be back in the loop Thursday (I figure tomorrow will be spent in la-la land) (hopefully!)!!! So far, still at WL though I have changed room types to SV and then back to WV-bunk. Trying to convince DH we need CL but it's been a hard sell.


LOTS of and to everyone!!!!

 

[pas130]

Tomorrow is surgery day!

and well wishes tomorrow!!. I know Thursday will stink, so I'll be checking for you!

 

[gwynne]

Dimndgal-Sending you lots of get well wishes after your surgery.

Pas and Pixarmom- We haven't seen Fantasmic, either. I think I need to make time for that this fall.

MM-Congrats on your stock!

Hope everyone has a good Tues.
Tomorrow is American Idol night! It's that time again!

 

[pas130]

Pas and Pixarmom- We haven't seen Fantasmic, either. I think I need to make time for that this fall.

We are some serious slackers
I REALLY need to get back to my schoolwork....

So....for 2 itty bitty nights......what's everyone's thoughts?

After we drive up from the gulf coast...
2 nights Universal (keep hubby happy)
OR ease the family into WDW with 2 fantabulous nights at say.....GF or WL (I'm ducking from my husband....LOL) then go over to BC CL for some serious WDWing

 

[Missoutandabout]

Hello Ladies!

DS and I did NOT like Dinosaur or Everest, so yeah...I have a former student in the Lion King, and we almost got to it last year, but then the rain started and the kids were tired and ready to go back to the resort...

You managed to get him on Everest; that's a HUGE step. No way I could even talk Miss M into it, though she does love listening to the screams from Flametree BBQ.

We especially prefer it from 11 pm - 3 am time period....yes, we are that crazy family, which explains why we aren't up until 10 am on vacation.

Starbucks to the rescue! Not sure I could make it to 3am... even with some doses of caffeine.

Miss: Thanks for all the tips!! love ya!

Miss: arrive after 6 pm....check!

My pleasure. We'll see how the "arriving late" thing goes for us... sounds good in THEORY!

We love the boats! But how are the lines coming back? I wasn't sure if it would be quicker to walk

If you don't see a boat there or coming, and the line is huge on the dock, it's normally quicker to walk. We were able to beat the boat all but once because of how they drop off. The boats are nice though, either way you can't go wrong.

My DH is "sick of the castle" but he thought the MK snow and Wishes were awesome...there's hope yet! The kids LOVED Wishes, and I really think they will love Fantasmic! DS5 loves anything Mickey!!

Oh, he's gonna LOVE it then -- Mickey galore in Fantasmic.

YAY Miss - you're awesome! This is exactly the information I needed! Thank you! Thank you!! I think I'll request Parterre to avoid the construction, and I'll just be ready to ask the drivers at the stops. Really excited about this stay. Thanks again!

Happy to help.

Wish I could be of assistance, but we've never done a villa....booked them, but rebooked a room instead LOVE AKL, WL and CR, though...all great resorts. My only drawback with the AKL is the distance from all the parks.

Every time you mention AKL, I think about your spectacular review. Then I get to thinking about how much we enjoyed it there...

If it weren't for the dang Flower & Garden with the added food and libations, we'd probably be staying there at AKL.

We got our Disney stock today!!!

Woot!

Tomorrow is surgery day!

Sending you good vibes for a speedy recovery. Ugh, the Beltway! Don't miss driving on it... at all.

Hope everyone has a good Tues.

We had some snow again this morning. Hopefully it doesn't find its way to MI. Enjoy your day, Ginny!

We are some serious slackers
I REALLY need to get back to my schoolwork....

So....for 2 itty bitty nights......what's everyone's thoughts?

After we drive up from the gulf coast...
2 nights Universal (keep hubby happy)
OR ease the family into WDW with 2 fantabulous nights at say.....GF or WL (I'm ducking from my husband....LOL) then go over to BC CL for some serious WDWing

Hmm, it'll be beach, 2 nights somewhere then BC CL? I'd opt for Universal (even though I've never been, LOL!) to keep the hubby happy.

Whatever y'all decide, it'll be great.

 

[Koh1977]

Dimndgal-Sending you lots of get well wishes after your surgery. Pas and Pixarmom- We haven't seen Fantasmic, either. I think I need to make time for that this fall. MM-Congrats on your stock! Hope everyone has a good Tues. Tomorrow is American Idol night! It's that time again!

That's right!! PLL tonight and Idol tomorrow! Woohoo!!

 

[Koh1977]

We are some serious slackers I REALLY need to get back to my schoolwork.... So....for 2 itty bitty nights......what's everyone's thoughts? After we drive up from the gulf coast... 2 nights Universal (keep hubby happy) OR ease the family into WDW with 2 fantabulous nights at say.....GF or WL (I'm ducking from my husband....LOL) then go over to BC CL for some serious WDWing

I second Janet's idea about Universal...it's all about keeping DH happy, isn't it?

Hmmm...now how to bring up a $3000 quick trip to Disney instead of the budget saving long weekend trips to Chicago and St. Louis...?

Oh, and Jeanette - I wouldn't stay offsite like that! not when I can stay at the grand!! ;-)

 

[jennyjinx3]

[
Happy Planning! I know y'all are excited about POR! Not long now!!!

goodvibes

Hi All!! I am coming to the one thread I think people will understand the most lol!! I am going back and forth about which resort to choose. Usually I do not have this problem because we are DVC and usually I book BLT. I do change my ADR way too much so I guess I am a changer on that. Anyways, we are going in May and just booked this trip so BLT is not available on the times we are going so I started by booking AKV Jambo House. Then decided well Boardwalk villas are available maybe it would be better booking there to be closer to two parks. We have never done BWV so I decided well maybe going where we have stayed before is a better idea because we know where everything is, we know how long it takes to get to each park generally and we liked it, we like the food there. I like the idea of Jambo house where everything is pretty close (food court bus stop, shops, etc) especially since I am pregnant when I go back to the resort I just want to be back quickly so I can put my feet up. However, now I am looking at the DVC site and Wilderness Lodge is available during our week.... We have never stayed there but we go pretty much every trip for some kind of meal because we like the food and love the resort. We also love all the restaurants on the monorail line and even staying at AKV we are planning on meals like Ohana, Chef Mickey's, the Wave, Kona. What would you do? I have waitlisted BLT but I am realistic too because I have waitlisted BLT before and it never came through, so I know the chances are not good with that. It could be because I am pregnant I am more undecided but I can not choose.. Anyone done all of these and could give me advice on what you would choose? Boardwalk the only room type available is One bedroom Garden/Pool View so I feel like if it was Boardwalk view it would be an easier decision but maybe not I am not sure lol.

Hmmm...I would say to try BWV! It is a fantastic location that cannot be beat! We loved it over there.

Quick, someone talk me out of switching to a theme park view from a standard view! Or into it....although that will take much less coaxing.

Courtney

If finances allow, the magical the better in my opinion! Go for it!!

Ha! No help here!

I'm all about a view...while technically you don't spend excessive amounts of time on a balcony, I just can't help myself. Love waking up to the MK or Bay Lake or animals...take your pick I didn't help, did I??

You two kill me!!

Still BC...BUT...changed stuff around....Beach before Beach Club, AND I added CL back on. I got a small scholarship for school for my GPA, so as a reward....CONCIERGE

I love how you just snuck that in there...way to go Jeanette! All your hard work is paying off!

We got our Disney stock today!

Nice!

Tomorrow is surgery day! (since I can't dance for awhile, he can)
I have spent the last 2 weeks running around trying to get all my ducks in line (surgery is 80 miles away around the DC Beltway so getting to/from the hospital is a joy). Also, DH has been working overdrive so he can take max time off - he's military and on their schedule so he tried to get his stuff ahead so they won't bug him. I know he'll probably end up doing a couple half-days next week but that's better than the 10-12 they like to steal him for.

Oh best wishes and good luck tomorrow, we will all be thinking about you.

Dimndgal-Sending you lots of get well wishes after your surgery.

Pas and Pixarmom- We haven't seen Fantasmic, either. I think I need to make time for that this fall

MM-Congrats on your stock!

Hope everyone has a good Tues.
Tomorrow is American Idol night! It's that time again!

American Idol....yay! Hi Ginny!

We are some serious slackers
I REALLY need to get back to my schoolwork....

So....for 2 itty bitty nights......what's everyone's thoughts?

After we drive up from the gulf coast...
2 nights Universal (keep hubby happy)
OR ease the family into WDW with 2 fantabulous nights at say.....GF or WL (I'm ducking from my husband....LOL) then go over to BC CL for some serious WDWing

Well normally I would say do GF or WL, but lately I am trying to keep my DH happy too so I say do the 2 nights at Universal for your sweetie.

Hello Ladies!



You managed to get him on Everest; that's a HUGE step. No way I could even talk Miss M into it, though she does love listening to the screams from Flametree BBQ.

I am like Miss M, Everest is scary!! I did it once that was enough.

I second Janet's idea about Universal...it's all about keeping DH happy, isn't it?

Hmmm...now how to bring up a $3000 quick trip to Disney instead of the budget saving long weekend trips to Chicago and St. Louis...?

Oh, and Jeanette - I wouldn't stay offsite like that! not when I can stay at the grand!! ;-)

Sigh, really those budget saving "small" trips usually don't turn out to be so budget friendly. At least that is what I have found. Disney usually ends up cheaper for us! LOL

 

[jennyjinx3]

I just noticed the DCL 3 night on Mar 6 has its discounted rates out...and asked DH is we could do 2 nights POR, 3 night cruise, and then 3 nights at POR again. And wait for it....he said to price it out!!

Wasn't expecting that one....stay tuned!!

 

[Koh1977]

I second Janet's idea about Universal...it's all about keeping DH happy, isn't it? Hmmm...now how to bring up a $3000 quick trip to Disney instead of the budget saving long weekend trips to Chicago and St. Louis...? Oh, and Jeanette - I wouldn't stay offsite like that! not when I can stay at the grand!! ;-)

That includes using all of our United miles, but...it also means adding a night - 5 days/4 nights!!

 

[Koh1977]

That includes using all of our United miles, but...it also means adding a night - 5 days/4 nights!!

Just looking at food costs now and trying to hit some of the favorite character meals, but also less expensive TS and QS meals...thinking with a late breakfast ADR, we could get by with 2 meals a day...? But I can't get rid of CP or CM or a princess meal (thinking Akershus over CRT)...

 

[Missoutandabout]

I was sitting there wondering what we should do for Miss M's birthday dinner: no reservations for BoG, plans out the window for ordering another custom MK cake (dang, that was TASTY!), Yachtsman was available, Via Napoli available. Hrm, what to do... the wheels started turning.

Then my husband, voice of reason, up and says, "You know? She'd be just as happy with dinner at Beaches and Cream. If you gave her the choice between Yachtsman, Beaches and Cream or Via Napoli, that's what she'd pick." He's right.

 

[pas130]

Hmm, it'll be beach, 2 nights somewhere then BC CL? I'd opt for Universal (even though I've never been, LOL!) to keep the hubby happy.

Yeah, I can hear him...just HAD to book the GF

I second Janet's idea about Universal...it's all about keeping DH happy, isn't it?
I know you are right...
Oh, and Jeanette - I wouldn't stay offsite like that! not when I can stay at the grand!!

I love how you just snuck that in there...way to go Jeanette! All your hard work is paying off!
Thanks love


Well normally I would say do GF or WL, but lately I am trying to keep my DH happy too so I say do the 2 nights at Universal for your sweetie.
I agree, I think


Sigh, really those budget saving "small" trips usually don't turn out to be so budget friendly. At least that is what I have found. Disney usually ends up cheaper for us!

Us too

I just noticed the DCL 3 night on Mar 6 has its discounted rates out...and asked DH is we could do 2 nights POR, 3 night cruise, and then 3 nights at POR again. And wait for it....he said to price it out!!

Wasn't expecting that one....stay tuned!!

OOOOOOOHHHHHHHHHH Jen, how exciting

I was sitting there wondering what we should do for Miss M's birthday dinner: no reservations for BoG, plans out the window for ordering another custom MK cake (dang, that was TASTY!), Yachtsman was available, Via Napoli available. Hrm, what to do... the wheels started turning.

Then my husband, voice of reason, up and says, "You know? She'd be just as happy with dinner at Beaches and Cream. If you gave her the choice between Yachtsman, Beaches and Cream or Via Napoli, that's what she'd pick." He's right.

Gotta love those kiddos
The GF makes a delicious cake BTW

 

[Sparkly]

Yay, started my pre-trip report for February. 27 more days to go!!

 

[kellyg403]

Well, I am still going back and forth between an Epcot resort or Theme Park view for one night at the end of the trip.

I will book the AKL CL for the first four days. Dining and 6 day tickets. Still hoping that the last MNSSHP is that Sunday, Nov 2. We will be leaving Sat, staying overnight in Savannah and then heading down Sun morning first thing. I thought we would not use our TS that day and just have a c/s at the Mara or in the MK that evening. Then, I will still have a TS for Thursday until midnight.

Probably doing a night at the Poly CL. Another poster suggested the Hawaii bldg. had the best theme park views. We won't need the pool. More than likely we will use Thursday after we check in at MK. Or go back to Epcot and revisit some favorite booths. But that brings me back to if I think we might want to use Thursday to revisit F&W, why not a Boardwalk resort.

Decisions Decisions.

Kelly

 

[pas130]

Yay, started my pre-trip report for February. 27 more days to go!!

Well, I am still going back and forth between an Epcot resort or Theme Park view for one night at the end of the trip.

I will book the AKL CL for the first four days. Dining and 6 day tickets. Still hoping that the last MNSSHP is that Sunday, Nov 2. We will be leaving Sat, staying overnight in Savannah and then heading down Sun morning first thing. I thought we would not use our TS that day and just have a c/s at the Mara or in the MK that evening. Then, I will still have a TS for Thursday until midnight.

Probably doing a night at the Poly CL. Another poster suggested the Hawaii bldg. had the best theme park views. We won't need the pool. More than likely we will use Thursday after we check in at MK. Or go back to Epcot and revisit some favorite booths. But that brings me back to if I think we might want to use Thursday to revisit F&W, why not a Boardwalk resort.

Decisions Decisions.

Kelly

ONLY because of the construction being right next to the Hawaii building would I avoid the Poly this year. A night at an Epcot resort for F&W is a really great idea

 

[Koh1977]

All ADRs made for July!!