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

[Janet B]

So sad. It is starting to snow here now...I am not happy..I have to drive in this mess for training...IF I were working I get it, but TRAINING Promise to be super duper safe

Pas my friend, this is worth repeating... be careful out there!! I'm thankful the hospital is close to home.

 

[dimndgal1]

Just got home Sunday, after a long travel day . Good thing I signed up for trip alerts! My 6:50 PM flight was delayed to 11:00pm ugh. Was able to change my DME pick up till 7:00 instead of 4:00. I'd much rather hang out at POR then MCO. Too bad it was a yucky weather day, or I would have enjoyed lounging at the pool.
Got into Seattle at 2:30am. Got to hotel & asked for late check out!!! Hit the road Sunday by 1pm for the 3 hr drive home. With of course a stop at DSW, & Duty Free at border

We had returned from MK at 3:00 when I got the trip alert. Had late lunch in food court. Shared the Pasta. Our fav!!
Weather as I mentioned was not great, cold, drizzly yuck. Didn't feel like boat to DTD and not nice enough to hang out at pool, too pooped to go back to a park, so we hung out in the comfy lounge!

Our trip: had a Rocky start! Got into POR 1/29 early! 9:00 am. Left Lauderdale at 5:30 am. Checked in, left luggage with Bell Service, returned car to CCC, and off to MK! Got back to POR by 3:00 and went to room. Ugh
First time this ever happened to us. Room not clean, empty water bottles, un identified tube of goop, hair bands on floor, papers from prev occupant on table & dresser, hair ties on floor, hair all over bathroom floor, hair ties on carpet, crumbs, obv not vacuumed. Ugh.

I phoned Front Desk button on phone & asked to speak to the actual front desk. We all know the phone just goes to a call centre I got a phone call back within minutes, told them my problem, they said they'd send housekeeping. By this time I was tired, and just wanted my luggage and a nap!! So asked for another room. She got back to me within minutes with our new room #. Impressive service. Got to new room, and duty manager was there within minutes saying he checked orig room, apologized, and said it was a new housekeeper who didn't understand he was supposed to clean for new occupant, and only did a occupied room clean. So I guess sheets weren't changed either
Glad I phoned!!!
I have to say, I was impressed with how POR handled the situation so quickly.

We had a great trip. Met up with friends from LA firstb4 days, they wrote in POFQ. After they left, had visits with a couple of CM friends. Nice to catch up with everyone.
Weather was mixed. Beginning and end of trip weather was cold & drizzled, mid trip was a respectable 80's and sunny!!

Crowds were lower in a January. First week of Feb, crowds seemed to be more. My usual dates are last 2 weeks of January. This time I did last week a Jan & 1st week a Feb. In Feb seemed to have more tour groups, and cheer comps. Note to self, stick to January dates

The first few days were in Ft Lauderdale to visit my mom, as some may recall has Alzheimer's. She seems to be going into yet another stage. Last 2 visits she was pretty silent, and just answered yes/no to questions.
This visit she was more vocal, but babbled incoherently. I just pretended that I understood what she was trying to communicate with her. At least I felt she was trying to communicate with me. What a strange disease

Hope everyone is staying safe. I can't believe the storms pounding most of N. America! Thankfully the west coast seems to be spared.

Didn't mean to write a book

Glad you had a great trip (other than room issue) and are home safe and sound... now to plan for the next!

Thank you guys. And to all that may remember, my mom has Parkinson's which has been progressing over the last year or two, and it has prompted her move from assisted living to memory care. It's sad to see. We took a weekend trip at the end of January and although my mom does stiill recognize us, there is more mumbling and she is less coherent than 3 months ago. Seeing this, makes me me very thankful for the trips we shared over the last 4 years.

And ladies, you all amazing and I'm so thankful to have you in my life.

Janet and Sue I am so sorry you have to deal with such a hard situation. There is nothing like seeing a once spry and strong slowly retreat into themselves and suffer with such debilitating issues. My step-dad's mom is going through Alzheimer's and dementia right now and it's just devastating: she no longer remembers me or my husband and has it in her head that we (with her son) are against her so we minimize any visits, which is gut-wrenching for my step-dad. He feels like he's neglecting her but doesn't want to cause added stress. I also dealt with this with my father's parents and my mom's dad started to go through similar before passing... just makes me appreciate the amazing lives they led and am grateful for the time we had. One bright thing is that my mom's mom is showing signs of dementia but pictures of my DD's seem to help her focus so I love sending boku pictures to try and help - required bragging!

to everyone who is going through this... and don't keep your emotions bottled up - it is so hard to see and so hard to handle and sometimes you just need to talk about it!!! One great thing about all your girls - you're such a good sounding board and support group!

My WDW trip has had an unofficial (not made through Disney) RC. We have decided to upgrade to AKL CL, standard room. Of course this could change again, if I can save more money than I think I will be able to. I'll probably wait until I can pay the resort in full to make the change and I get a change to get a quote from the TA-that-shall-not-be-named to see if she can get us a better deal than the military discount.

there are people who can get better deals than the mil rate??? Where have I been??? How do I find such sorcery???

So sad. It is starting to snow here now...I am not happy..I have to drive in this mess for training...IF I were working I get it, but TRAINING Promise to be super duper safe

DRIVE SAFE!!!

We have turned over to sleet now after a good 3-4" of snow... so now we have a slushy mess that is freezing over in spots. Supposed to turn back to snow in a few hours. BLEH! DH is on the phone now trying to find out if he has to go in -- PLEASE NO!!! Save me from the children! -- but I'm grateful to have less of an impact: my mom, about an hour north of us, is supposed to get upwards of 12 inches Not good for a state that goes bonkers when we get 1"!!!

STAY WARM everyone, *HUGS* to anyone who needs one and think for all!

 

[jennyjinx3]

Glad you had a great trip (other than room issue) and are home safe and sound... now to plan for the next!



Janet and Sue I am so sorry you have to deal with such a hard situation. There is nothing like seeing a once spry and strong slowly retreat into themselves and suffer with such debilitating issues. My step-dad's mom is going through Alzheimer's and dementia right now and it's just devastating: she no longer remembers me or my husband and has it in her head that we (with her son) are against her so we minimize any visits, which is gut-wrenching for my step-dad. He feels like he's neglecting her but doesn't want to cause added stress. I also dealt with this with my father's parents and my mom's dad started to go through similar before passing... just makes me appreciate the amazing lives they led and am grateful for the time we had. One bright thing is that my mom's mom is showing signs of dementia but pictures of my DD's seem to help her focus so I love sending boku pictures to try and help - required bragging!

to everyone who is going through this... and don't keep your emotions bottled up - it is so hard to see and so hard to handle and sometimes you just need to talk about it!!! One great thing about all your girls - you're such a good sounding board and support group!



there are people who can get better deals than the mil rate??? Where have I been??? How do I find such sorcery???



DRIVE SAFE!!!

We have turned over to sleet now after a good 3-4" of snow... so now we have a slushy mess that is freezing over in spots. Supposed to turn back to snow in a few hours. BLEH! DH is on the phone now trying to find out if he has to go in -- PLEASE NO!!! Save me from the children! -- but I'm grateful to have less of an impact: my mom, about an hour north of us, is supposed to get upwards of 12 inches Not good for a state that goes bonkers when we get 1"!!!

STAY WARM everyone, *HUGS* to anyone who needs one and think for all!

Just sent you a message my dear.

 

[jennyjinx3]

HUGS to all of you with ailing parents or parents with health issues. I feel for you, and them. I know we will all be there one day, but what a hard thing to go through.

 

[hstrickland]

Good Morning!

Here's a little sunshine for everyone (thought we might need it)... brought to you from Disney's beautiful Castaway Cay






Have a meeting early this morning at the school, then hopefully I'll be back so I can catch up and make replies to all.


Think Disney sunshine and stay warm!
Heather

 

[jennyjinx3]

Good Morning!

Here's a little sunshine for everyone (thought we might need it)... brought to you from Disney's beautiful Castaway Cay






Have a meeting early this morning at the school, then hopefully I'll be back so I can catch up and make replies to all.


Think Disney sunshine and stay warm!
Heather

BEAUTIFUL!! I keep checking in the futile hope that a cabana would become available for our cruise....it is not likely but I will keep looking!!

 

[LuvLuvLuv]

Just back and have a lot of reading to do but here is a quick synopsis of our trip:

FWC - loved the space in the cabin and beds were super comfy but hated that grounds are so big and you have to use the internal buses to get around :-( I expected to love this place and I'm not sure we will return. Although I still say that trails end is the best breakfast value on property.

Disney Magic - holy cow. I thought we'd love it but I underestimated how much. Best trip EVER. We all absolutely adore DCL.

CR - I thought this might be a one night and done resort for us. But we all felt our jaws drop when we walked in. The room was GORGEOUS. My oldest said it was her favorite as far as rooms go. I'd have to agree. I also love the location.

Ok - more later.... Gotta do laundry!

I'm stalking today, lol. I love the Magic. I love the Magic so much that I moved our 3 night Magic in May to a 7 night Magic in November! It just felt right, lol. I could talk about it all day.

But now since I don't have a birthday cruise... maybe I need a night or two at the Contemporary?

And a super big HI and I MISS YOU to everyone here!!

 

[MAGIC...itis!]

Sue In her way so is communicating. This is how I look at it when my mom was mumbling this past trip. The memories and thoughts and speech are trapped inside - I believe she knows you were there.

Awwww. I agree 100%. I am thinking of you and SueM both. My Dad is very early stages. His Mom lived with Alzeimers 'til her upper 90s. Hoping Dad is spared this same fate.

...anybody at POR during the summer that can put my mind at ease?

Koh1977, yes we have logged many, many POR August trips. We love that resort like no other... well, except for CR and maybe a few other assorted Deluxes. :wink:


__________

HStrickland: Enjoy winter break, and thanks for the sunshine!

pas130: Happy training to ya!

dimndgal1: Yum! Thanks for the Mickey bar, it was SWELL!

basketlacey: Hmmm... we sound the same about FWC and WANTING it to be great. We ARE the same about the CR love. It rocks! Sooooo... since we are so much alike,, I'm thinking I should take a cruise real soon, since I will love that too!

jennyjinx: Thanks for the hug. I needed it!

SueM: Thanks for the recap of your time. Glad POR handled your issue so professionally. Those folks are really good there IMO.

LuvLuvLuv: Hi! Happy news about your expanded cruise plans!

Mounsemommy1: "Over it!" It's so hard to be us, isn't it. Stick with GF, girl!!!

__________

Tomorrow, we are "leaving Dodge" for Daytona for the Saturday night race. On the way, we are taking Mom to GF Cafe for Valentine's Day lunch, and a spin around her favorite monorail to her favorite resort, CR, for a little shopping and Castle eye candy. Then a relaxing evening at Daytona, and Fan Zone at the track before the race Saturday. Company will be in town all next week. So, next time you hear from me I will be a certified MAD WOMAN with juggling all the work that will be awaiting my return and my visitors needs.

 

[MAGIC...itis!]

wookie: I didn't forget ya! Great to be so far along with $$ for your AKL CL budget. It really will be amazing. I'd stick with that resort.

 

[dimndgal1]

Rog - thanks so much!!!

Good Morning!

Here's a little sunshine for everyone (thought we might need it)... brought to you from Disney's beautiful Castaway Cay

Think Disney sunshine and stay warm!
Heather

MAHALO for the bit of warmth and sunshine on this otherwise chilly, bleh day!

I'm stalking today, lol. I love the Magic. I love the Magic so much that I moved our 3 night Magic in May to a 7 night Magic in November! It just felt right, lol. I could talk about it all day.

But now since I don't have a birthday cruise... maybe I need a night or two at the Contemporary?

And a super big HI and I MISS YOU to everyone here!!

All you cruisers make me excited and I don't have any trip to look forward to... maybe if Japan falls through and we end up on the west coast we can push up the Alaska cruise! I was super bummed - got a military offer for a Disney trans-canal cruise as they relocate for summer but DH will be training... I think he would've jumped on it otherwise (it was a great deal and he's dying to cruise the Panama Canal)

Awwww. I agree 100%. I am thinking of you and SueM both. My Dad is very early stages. His Mom lived with Alzeimers 'til her upper 90s. Hoping Dad is spared this same fate.

dimndgal1: Yum! Thanks for the Mickey bar, it was SWELL!

__________

Tomorrow, we are "leaving Dodge" for Daytona for the Saturday night race. On the way, we are taking Mom to GF Cafe for Valentine's Day lunch, and a spin around her favorite monorail to her favorite resort, CR, for a little shopping and Castle eye candy. Then a relaxing evening at Daytona, and Fan Zone at the track before the race Saturday. Company will be in town all next week. So, next time you hear from me I will be a certified MAD WOMAN with juggling all the work that will be awaiting my return and my visitors needs.

So sorry to hear about your dad... it's always hard, especially in the early stages where they start to become aware something is 'off'.

Your schedule is CRAAAAZY but sounds like lots of good fun! *sighs* I miss living close enough to Disney to do an eat and ride - we lived between Jax and St Augustine for 10 months and had APs... so much fun!

---------------------------------------------------------
Where is September???? I need my calendar!!!!

Was all set to change to AKL on a whim - I blame being up at 5 am with our LO and DH trying to figure out his schedule (he did go in to work)... somehow got caught up in the zero-entry pool, animals, cheaper rate for same room at WL. But, just as I was about to pull the trigger, DD saw me looking at some photos of both resorts and wrinkled her nose at the AKL decor and said "Man, I'm glad we picked WL - it's just so much prettier!" Can't argue with that.... could try, but I'd lose.

I think the weather is getting to me (that or finally getting the girls back to health) because I feel BLEH today . Looking forward to the weekend - DH has a three-day so I plan to tag off for a bit!

and hope everyone is safe and warm!

 

[Koh1977]

I'm SO thinking of switching to POR from GF, but I need to figure out a plan with parks and ADRs that will work for us first so I can see that it's worth the change...

Sent from my iPad using DISBoards

 

[jennyjinx3]

Koh: hard choice to make I bet, if finances allowed we would be at a deluxe this trip too, but not to be. I bet POR will be fab.

So....opinions! I am thinking of booking either a one person or two person jet ski excursion on Castaway Cay for DH. I think he would really like it. My only concern is getting the DD's to go into the club in the island. The younger two would be no problem, but older DD might be thinking it is all too babyish again.

So do I risk the drama of her not wanting to do it and set the tone for that day, or just book a one person jet ski for DH to do by himself? The whole thing looks to be about an hour, so it wouldn't be that long but I really don't want to have any upsets.

Opinions? I think I know the answer tho.

 

[LuvLuvLuv]

Koh: hard choice to make I bet, if finances allowed we would be at a deluxe this trip too, but not to be. I bet POR will be fab.

So....opinions! I am thinking of booking either a one person or two person jet ski excursion on Castaway Cay for DH. I think he would really like it. My only concern is getting the DD's to go into the club in the island. The younger two would be no problem, but older DD might be thinking it is all too babyish again.

So do I risk the drama of her not wanting to do it and set the tone for that day, or just book a one person jet ski for DH to do by himself? The whole thing looks to be about an hour, so it wouldn't be that long but I really don't want to have any upsets.

Opinions? I think I know the answer tho.

Maybe let DH do the single jet ski, and take her on a paddle boat or one of those big bike things? That way she's not in the club, and you get to do something too??

 

[Koh1977]

Hmm...more thoughts...

So I'm not completely blown away by the new GF decor...It's ok, but nothing amazing...on the other hand, I think POR (especially the Alligator Bayou section) is super cute and I'm loving all the trees, etc...just wish we could spend more time at the resort!

Do you think 1.5 days is enough for MK (including evening EMH)? DS is 7 and DD will be 3. Doing RD at least one of those days...then FP+

Sent from my iPad using DISBoards

 

[letthewookiewin]

wookie: I didn't forget ya! Great to be so far along with $$ for your AKL CL budget. It really will be amazing. I'd stick with that resort.

I actually just logged into the DIS to mainly ask y'all if anyone has stayed CL at the AKL and what you thought of it.

Well I'm going to bed. I went to work with the hubby and I am falling asleep with my laptop on my lap.

 

[Koh1977]

I actually just logged into the DIS to mainly ask y'all if anyone has stayed CL at the AKL and what you thought of it. Well I'm going to bed. I went to work with the hubby and I am falling asleep with my laptop on my lap.

No, but it sounds and looks amazing!! I think I'd like to do CL sometime just for the breakfast/snacks and wine!!

Sent from my iPad using DISBoards

 

[dimndgal1]

Koh: hard choice to make I bet, if finances allowed we would be at a deluxe this trip too, but not to be. I bet POR will be fab.

So....opinions! I am thinking of booking either a one person or two person jet ski excursion on Castaway Cay for DH. I think he would really like it. My only concern is getting the DD's to go into the club in the island. The younger two would be no problem, but older DD might be thinking it is all too babyish again.

So do I risk the drama of her not wanting to do it and set the tone for that day, or just book a one person jet ski for DH to do by himself? The whole thing looks to be about an hour, so it wouldn't be that long but I really don't want to have any upsets.

Opinions? I think I know the answer tho.

Maybe let DH do the single jet ski, and take her on a paddle boat or one of those big bike things? That way she's not in the club, and you get to do something too??

I kind of like this idea - everyone wins and she gets some parent time

Also, I'm not sure what her feelings are on it, but is there a chance she'd like some 'solo' time away from you and DH? We did an all-inclusive with my parents soon after they got married and they put my 10 yo sister in the kid area and figured they'd take 14 yo me for the day... but I begged to stay with the kids because I wanted to be away from them and just goof off even though the next oldest kid was 11 or 12.

Hmm...more thoughts...

So I'm not completely blown away by the new GF decor...It's ok, but nothing amazing...on the other hand, I think POR (especially the Alligator Bayou section) is super cute and I'm loving all the trees, etc...just wish we could spend more time at the resort!

Do you think 1.5 days is enough for MK (including evening EMH)? DS is 7 and DD will be 3. Doing RD at least one of those days...then FP+

Sent from my iPad using DISBoards

We did 1.5 days at MK on our summer trip and it was perfect! We knocked out SO much during PM EMH and DD was a trooper! That said, that was with old FP and we had some added help of TS Debby driving people away the first morning (walk on rides until 11am). I think if you're looking to hit the big ones or the family faves, it's plenty of time... but if you want to work the park, you might need more time.

I think you'd love POR - it is just amazing grounds and is so serene. You almost forget you're in the middle of Disney World with tons of people around. I was also thrilled with how quiet it felt (save for some poorly behaved kids)... the pool is set off from the rooms and has trees to block the noise and the scenery just makes you feel like your set away. The food court was awesome, too - we really made bank on our refillable there - grab a fill headed to the pool, running to the gift shop, on the way to the bus in the morning...

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

So, after lots of thinking, DH laid out for his family that if they want to do Disney at Christmas, we should focus on shows, decorations, and ambiance rather than rides. They all agreed, so we decided to grab 3 rooms at SoG for the week of Christmas. The rates can't be beat for that time of year and not having FP+ in advance won't make or break the trip - plenty of stuff to do after lines build up. Figure if we do RD and late EMH we should still come out okay with hitting a few headliners but we can actually watch the shows and parades and visit other resorts to see the decorations.

It's not a Disney resort, but I think price-wise it meets everyone's criteria and will give us the holiday magic without biting our budget too much. I figure we can get some great ADRs and stake out some good parade spots. With any luck, we MIGHT catch the last MVMCP but even without I think everyone will love seeing the resorts and the parks decked out.

With that, I am willing to cut my SoG rezzie for Sept and feel like DH and I can live a little larger in September since we're not looking at shelling out tons over Christmas - I had been a bit wary of how expensive going on both trips was going to be.

so far, another 2 inches of snow... sooooo over winter!!!! Elsa needs to find some hunk of burnin' love!!!

 

[gwynne]

I actually just logged into the DIS to mainly ask y'all if anyone has stayed CL at the AKL and what you thought of it.

Well I'm going to bed. I went to work with the hubby and I am falling asleep with my laptop on my lap.

We have several times. It's totally wonderful. I want to go back again, so we may split our stay in the fall.
The apps and snacks are yummy, nice wines, and the atmosphere is so relaxing. Add in having Jiko, Boma and Saana nearby, and it's a winner. One thing we try to do is eat a late lunch at Saana once or twice when we're there. It's nice to enjoy their food, and then have light snacks in the lounge later. I'm a big fan of AKL CL, can you tell?
Their IPO is great, too. They are very helpful, and responsive when you ask a question, or need help.

 

[Koh1977]

Yes! (Elsa comment) we're supposed to get another 1-3" tomorrow...

So now to play with ADRs yet again and wait for late summer discounts!! I won't give up GF until I have a good plan in place that will save some money as well. otherwise DH may divorce me...

Sent from my iPad using DISBoards

 

[jennyjinx3]

Dimngal: Your Christmas trip sounds great! I have to appreciate your budget savviness, as I don't seem to have that anymore! But seriously you make total sense about SOG, take advantage of that great rate! And just enjoy the atmosphere at Christmas time.


BTW how are you feeling?