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

[jennyjinx3]

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.

Oh god Ginny you are making me miss CL again!! STOP!!

 

[jennyjinx3]

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...

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KOH I may have missed this but have you booked with the unnamed TA?

 

[gwynne]

Oh god Ginny you are making me miss CL again!! STOP!!

I promise to behave myself.

I noticed your ticker, you're going to POR, right? That is a really nice mod. It has a great resort feel, it's very green, lots of lush gardens. I also love their gift shop. I nearly always try to zip over there when we're at WDW. I think it's one of the best on property.
Great pools, good food...and beignets just down the path, you're going to have a wonderful time!!!

 

[jennyjinx3]

I promise to behave myself.

I noticed your ticker, you're going to POR, right? That is a really nice mod. It has a great resort feel, it's very green, lots of lush gardens. I also love their gift shop. I nearly always try to zip over there when we're at WDW. I think it's one of the best on property.
Great pools, good food...and beignets just down the path, you're going to have a wonderful time!!!

Ummm Hmmmm.....

 

[Koh1977]

KOH I may have missed this but have you booked with the unnamed TA?

Different TA, but similar rate I think (good for a specific weekend in July only),..

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[Koh1977]

I promise to behave myself. I noticed your ticker, you're going to POR, right? That is a really nice mod. It has a great resort feel, it's very green, lots of lush gardens. I also love their gift shop. I nearly always try to zip over there when we're at WDW. I think it's one of the best on property. Great pools, good food...and beignets just down the path, you're going to have a wonderful time!!!

Mmmm...beignets...may have to set up a pirate adventure for DS so I can take a walk and grab beignets! ;-)

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[hstrickland]

Happy Valentines Day!!!




Koh...If you're considering POR/POFQ, here's a little something for ya.... such a beautiful mod! We absolutely loved this place, and had no qualms about going from a deluxe to a mod. If you look in my signature, I have a link to a past POR TR that has tons of pics. You'll totally love the the resort





Jen... So I've been thinking about your DCL dilemma If it's only an hour, I think DD9 will be fine in the kid's club. That's about the length of time that my youngest two were there. I will tell you this....it does get hot at the club, so if you are booking a later jetski time, they may get a bit tired in there. We dropped our kids off early (like time it opened) and they were fine, and really enjoyed it. Have you told your oldest that she may be going? Or showed her pictures and the activities they do?


Wookie.... we LOVED AKL CL!!! Awesome!!!! And gwynne is right on about the level of service. That's one of the reasons we liked it so much. And Saana was a fabulous lunch option for us....again, great service and great food!!!


dimndgal.... Christmas at Disney can't be beat!!! Even with the crowds, if you plan your itinerary correctly, you'll be able to do TONS of stuff. I don't think SoG is a bad choice at all...it's super close to the MK And if the price is right....grab it!!!!


Sue... so sorry to hear about your mom. I know that has to be tough for you. And how strange about the room at POR. Guess things happen from time to time. Sounds like a total oversight. So glad they took care of it immediately and didn't give you the run-around. Never good to start trips on a bad note.


Janet... sorry to hear about your mom, too. Sounds like you are trying to look at things from a positive perspective and remember all the good times. Parents getting older is a scary thing because most of us are there or close to it. Hope you're staying warm up there in the land of the frozen!!!


Luv (the RC stalker )....glad to see you back! DCL is hard to beat, isn't it??!! I'm thinking a night or two at the CR would be just what the doctor ordered....go for it! Another great Disney resort!!!


Magic...have a blast at the races!!!!Should be nice weather for y'all.


Pas...Miss seeing you round' here but know you're working hard at school! Hope all is going well with that!


Basket...glad you had a fab trip!!! If you ever do return to FW rent a golf cart. It makes things sooooo much easier. Those buses can truly be a huge headache. Not surprised you fell in love with DCL Is it not fabulous??!!! So when's your next one?? And CR is great, too, isn't it??!! The beds were amazing, and you can't beat the location!!!


Candace, Melissa, and all the other RC peeps....


Can't believe my kids are still sleeping! This is GREAT!!! Peace and quiet!! Not the norm with three kids! Got to get myself going so I can finish getting Valentine goodies/stuff bought for the kids and hubby. DD8 has a cheer competition tomorrow and DS12 has a taekwondo seminar...guess DH and I will be splitting up. Thanks goodness DS6 doesn't have baseball practice or we'd be in trouble.

Hope all is well in the North with this crazy weather! Things are looking up down South...we actually have sun and temperatures in the 50s today.

Heather

 

[Koh1977]

Heather - found it and will have to check out all the pictures at home! (They won't show up while I'm at school). :-( but I know they will be amazing and make me want to stay there even more! ;-)

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[hstrickland]

Heather - found it and will have to check out all the pictures at home! (They won't show up while I'm at school). :-( but I know they will be amazing and make me want to stay there even more! ;-)

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Hope you enjoy I'm being nosy....but do you teach? You said you're at school, so I was just wondering...

 

[Koh1977]

Hope you enjoy I'm being nosy....but do you teach? You said you're at school, so I was just wondering...

Yep! High school English. Don't you as well? Or used to? I thought we had a similar conversation sometime back...?

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[dimndgal1]

Happy Valentine's Day!

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?

LOL - appreciate the compliment but it's definitely more their budget than mine... SIL was trying to stay under 2k with airfare included and I knew that wouldn't work with anything above a value (and I can't do double beds) so this seemed a good compromise. I do admit I was having a hard time stomaching peak pricing knowing what we're paying in off-season... hard to justify the cost increase when it's the same room! I've reiterated that we won't be hopping on and off rides but I'm hoping with the RD/late night tricks we did in the summer it will work some.

I am doing decently thank you so much for asking! Wishing the weather would stop the roller coaster: we had a total of 8 inches of snow over the last two days but the sleet melted some and now the 50 degree temps are melting the rest... I feel like once we get into spring I can finally shake this cold and am hoping to get up on my hip more. With the snow I haven't been able to go to the gym so I feel stiff and BLEH... this weekend plan on hitting the indoor pool with the fam, though! Not quite SAB but I'll take it.

Great pools, good food...and beignets just down the path, you're going to have a wonderful time!!!

OMG! I forgot about the beignets! We walked to FQ solely so DD could have some of Tiana's snacks when we were there. Beautiful walk and great snack. I'm gluten sensitive but I still had to sneak a few bites! Smelled too good!!!

Happy Valentines Day!!!

dimndgal.... Christmas at Disney can't be beat!!! Even with the crowds, if you plan your itinerary correctly, you'll be able to do TONS of stuff. I don't think SoG is a bad choice at all...it's super close to the MK And if the price is right....grab it!!!!

Can't believe my kids are still sleeping! This is GREAT!!! Peace and quiet!! Not the norm with three kids! Got to get myself going so I can finish getting Valentine goodies/stuff bought for the kids and hubby. DD8 has a cheer competition tomorrow and DS12 has a taekwondo seminar...guess DH and I will be splitting up. Thanks goodness DS6 doesn't have baseball practice or we'd be in trouble.

I love the encouragement because I'm actually terrified of Christmas at Disney! I just want to make sure we get in a FEW rides but everyone seems excited about seeing the shows, dining, and the decorations. My littleest DD and nephew are 2 months apart so this is the first 'fun' Christmas so I know that will add to the magic.

Yep! High school English. Don't you as well? Or used to? I thought we had a similar conversation sometime back...?

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MUCH LOVE to the teachers! Especially the middle school/high school level!

My last two jobs have been in education and I can't say enough for the workload teachers have! I was an after-school counselor for 12-18 year olds in California and substitute teacher down here in Maryland (before my LO) and I just am amazed at what the teachers have to handle. Way underpaid, way under appreciated, way overworked! to you all!

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Hope everyone is thawing out and that your day is going well! DD has school on Monday so it seems almost fitting she squeezed a 4 day weekend out with the snow. So glad she can go out to play today - she's been bouncing off the walls!

Researching Christmas strategies for the newest trip. Thinking Rope Drop and late hours will be the way to go and maybe sending a list of some of the extra activities for the fam to look at for midday. Lots of stuff to do out of the parks so still can have some fun! We'll see!

still no Sept calendar so I'm starting to plan based on TP's suggestions. Can change if needed - nothign too set in stone.

 

[Koh1977]

So, I was doing more Disney math and if we do a garden view room at POR instead of a preferred room, we could do 6 nights for the same price we're spending on 4 nights at GF...I just want an Alligator Bayou room near a bus stop. Not as concerned with being close to the food court, etc.

Hmm...wonder what DH would think...

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[Mousemommy1]

So, I was doing more Disney math and if we do a garden view room at POR instead of a preferred room, we could do 6 nights for the same price we're spending on 4 nights at GF...I just want an Alligator Bayou room near a bus stop. Not as concerned with being close to the food court, etc.

Hmm...wonder what DH would think...

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This is a classic RC strategy. Switch to a cheaper resort with the purpose of "adding nights for the same or cheaper price" and then end up with the longer stay in a deluxe resort.

 

[dimndgal1]

This is a classic RC strategy. Switch to a cheaper resort with the purpose of "adding nights for the same or cheaper price" and then end up with the longer stay in a deluxe resort.

I don't know what you mean...

I mean, sure, we started at 5 nights at SOG...

then WL...
then 6 nights at POR...
then the 2014 military rates opened and AKL was too good to pass up...
then YC...
then 7 nights at WL...

now, ironically, 5 nights at SOG in December. ~Feels familiar~

So, I was doing more Disney math and if we do a garden view room at POR instead of a preferred room, we could do 6 nights for the same price we're spending on 4 nights at GF...I just want an Alligator Bayou room near a bus stop. Not as concerned with being close to the food court, etc.

Hmm...wonder what DH would think...

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Make sure to scope the POR fax thread for how to best request AB. I loved POR but had some issues with room assignments. I called four times to ensure that our Royal Room and ILs standard room wouldn't be TOO far apart and we literally ended up opposite each other. When we checked in, the desk clerk said if ILs had been in water view category it wouldn't have been an issue but no one mentioned that to us before or I would've sprung for the extra $! Live and learn!

Truthfully, though, no room is a terrible walk to the main area as they are spoked out around it. We were in the mansion closest to FQ and ILs were in AB at 11 o'clock from the check in/food building and we always seemed to meet at the food court at the same time.

 

[Koh1977]

This is a classic RC strategy. Switch to a cheaper resort with the purpose of "adding nights for the same or cheaper price" and then end up with the longer stay in a deluxe resort.

Lol. That's what happened last year...I don't think it would go over quite as well this time...it was SO expensive...

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[jennyjinx3]

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??

Deena: Yes you are right...that would help if I did something with DD. But....then the other DD's might feel left out. UGH!!! Can't please them all.

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.

Dimgal: Hmmm..that is what I keep hoping. Maybe this time she will know what to expect and will actually want to to give the clubs another try. You have given me hope!

Jen... So I've been thinking about your DCL dilemma If it's only an hour, I think DD9 will be fine in the kid's club. That's about the length of time that my youngest two were there. I will tell you this....it does get hot at the club, so if you are booking a later jetski time, they may get a bit tired in there. We dropped our kids off early (like time it opened) and they were fine, and really enjoyed it. Have you told your oldest that she may be going? Or showed her pictures and the activities they do?

Heather: Thanks for the tip, if we do it I am going to sign up for an early time slot. there is still lots available it seems. Then we can all meet up, hit the beach have lunch, some adult bevvies and enjoy the rest of the day!!
Oh we haven't told her or them about it yet....at all!! The trip that is.
[/QUOTE]

This is a classic RC strategy. Switch to a cheaper resort with the purpose of "adding nights for the same or cheaper price" and then end up with the longer stay in a deluxe resort.

I don't know what you mean...

I mean, sure, we started at 5 nights at SOG...

then WL...
then 6 nights at POR...
then the 2014 military rates opened and AKL was too good to pass up...
then YC...
then 7 nights at WL...

now, ironically, 5 nights at SOG in December. ~Feels familiar~

Candace and Dimngal: OMG you two have just made me spit out my red wine!! HAHAHAHA!!!

Been there.

 

[hstrickland]

Good Morning!!!

Crazy Saturday for us, but thought I would stop in and say hello before we get going. Cheer competitions today and taekwondo seminars. Thank heavens DS6 doesn't have baseball practice or we'd be in trouble

Yep! High school English. Don't you as well? Or used to? I thought we had a similar conversation sometime back...?

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I knew that and you're probably right....we probably did discuss that at some point. 8th grade language arts for me.

I love the encouragement because I'm actually terrified of Christmas at Disney! I just want to make sure we get in a FEW rides but everyone seems excited about seeing the shows, dining, and the decorations. My littleest DD and nephew are 2 months apart so this is the first 'fun' Christmas so I know that will add to the magic.

Are y'all going the week of Christmas or right after??? We were there the day after and it was really crowded....however....the FP+ was a huge help. On the 27th, we got to the MK for EMH at 7am and had Fantasy Land completely finished by 8:30ish. We were able to ride everything we wanted since we kind of planned out the day. We left attractions like People Mover, Carousel of Progress, Laugh Floor, Country Bear Jamboree, etc. for the afternoon when there were 2-3 hour waits. It worked out really well for us.

MUCH LOVE to the teachers! Especially the middle school/high school level!

Thanks!

Thanks for the tip, if we do it I am going to sign up for an early time slot. there is still lots available it seems. Then we can all meet up, hit the beach have lunch, some adult bevvies and enjoy the rest of the day!!
Oh we haven't told her or them about it yet....at all!! The trip that is.

Well apparently I missed the part about your trip being a secret!!! That's awesome!!! When are y'all going to tell them??

 

[Koh1977]

Good Morning!!! Crazy Saturday for us, but thought I would stop in and say hello before we get going. Cheer competitions today and taekwondo seminars. Thank heavens DS6 doesn't have baseball practice or we'd be in trouble I knew that and you're probably right....we probably did discuss that at some point. 8th grade language arts for me. Are y'all going the week of Christmas or right after??? We were there the day after and it was really crowded....however....the FP+ was a huge help. On the 27th, we got to the MK for EMH at 7am and had Fantasy Land completely finished by 8:30ish. We were able to ride everything we wanted since we kind of planned out the day. We left attractions like People Mover, Carousel of Progress, Laugh Floor, Country Bear Jamboree, etc. for the afternoon when there were 2-3 hour waits. It worked out really well for us. Thanks! Well apparently I missed the part about your trip being a secret!!! That's awesome!!! When are y'all going to tell them??

8th grade? Much respect! I started in middle school...ended up in high school for 5 years, then tried to go back to MS...not a good fit... sticking to HS now! (Or college would be even better!) lol

JJ - I think I missed the secret part too...when/how are you telling them?

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[sjs314]

Happy Be-lated Valentine Greetings To All!


I am so far behind not sure I will ever catch up

Been dreaming about another trip but not knowing what the future holds do to Bella's condition which is the same. I can not wait for nice weather so that we can get a bit more aggressive with her and hopefully able to venture outside with her.

We are considering getting her a Doggie wheelchair if the traction socks, sling and rear leg lift do not work.

Waiting on another storm later today another 2-4 inches and then there is one coming Mon into Tues and guess who has a Dr Appt for Tues. I tried to call to cancel yesterday but the office was closed due to the snow

Hope everyone is well

 

[Sparkly]

Just popping in to say hi from Disney! We've had a great trip so far, our MBs have worked great, apart from when I lost mine at MK last night. I had to get it reissued and guess what? It doesn't work to open the room. And CBR's front desk is all the way to one side of the resort.

I like CBR, but I don't love it. The rooms are a tad dated, although clean and the beds are comfy. Too many bus stops as well, it takes 15 mins just to get out of the resort.

Crowds have been pretty light, lighter then I was expecting. We had to waste a few FP+ reservations because the ride only had a 10 minute wait and we didn't want to ride twice in a row.

Sadly, we go home on Monday. I could do with another week!