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

[Sue M]

So, the D R A M A!!!

BACKGROUND: A year ago my 18 year old nephew passed away unexpectedly. The last time we all saw him was at Christmas and he passed weeks later. Because of that, DH's sister (nephew's mom) is pushing for a non-traditional Christmas .

Soon after the idea of a Mouse filled holiday was mentioned the idea of visiting other family in Florida came up. DH made the comment later, one-on-one with his mom "I'm sure our crew (meaning the 4 people he can safely speak for) could probably swing that." Somehow, MIL took that to mean that our group of 11 would trek from Orlando to Tampa to Ft Myers and went ahead and told the family in those locations we would be there -- all before we had 1) reservations, 2) a budget, 3) leave schedules, and 4) *most importantly* talking to her two other children.

DH talked to his mom and said that while some of us might be able to go on to other places, if the Florida people wanted to see ALL of us, they needed to come to Orlando. He also suggested inviting them to a big Christmas meal somewhere and tossed out several other ideas. Fast forward to Friday night and DH's sister texted saying MIL had just talked to family in Tampa and made it sound like we were all going out there.

The problem has now become BIL and SIL's husband have very limited leave and will probably have to cut out of Florida Christmas night or early the next AM (hence why we were waiting for schedules before even TRYING to come up with plans). Both DH's siblings (and us) agree that they want to have a relaxing Christmas with family and not caravan around the state... not to mention the logistics of toting 8 adults, a 7yo, & two 18 month olds to three different locations in 7 days.

DH talked to his mom and now his she seems hurt and distant and keeps saying "but they are so close, it wouldn't be that hard." Siblings have all pointed out it's easier for 2 people to come to Orlando than for 11 of us to go anywhere... not to mention the added cost of rental cars!!! I suggested we just go see the family for Christmas but siblings and DH all agree that if we are just going to a house they could save a ton of money and stay local. Basically, the idea is "we're spending a lot of money we want this to be a vacation... if the Florida family want to join us on vacation, great! If not, we'll catch them next time." So, now there's a lot of tension and I'm just glad I am not the one on the phone (though I am DH's sounding board).

Ugh. Family dynamics are so difficult at times. Hope it all gets worked out.

 

[letthewookiewin]

Wookie... love the costume ideas!!! MNSSHP will be awesome for sure!!!

Thank you. I just hope the Belle costume looks as good as it does in my head.

When will Spring Break get here!??!! I need some beach....some sun!!! (random thought, I know....)

Our Spring Break starts in 12 days. We aren't doing anything. It's the one week I hope I don't work everyday, so I can sleep in a few days.

I don't even know what it stands for. Lol. But it means I am displaced. Basically, if there is an English opening in the district after everything plays out and people leave or whatnot, then I will most likely get it (I would before they'd open it to someone else) but there is no guarantee and there's certainly no guarantee I'd stay at the school I'm at right now. I wouldn't mind staying where I am or one of the other high schools, but if I ended up at the 3rd high school or a middle school...? I would definitely NOT be happy.. :-/

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Ugh, I am so sorry. I hope you get places some where you are happy. Do you know what you will do if you are placeda t the 3rd high school or a middle school?

Injection was crazy - felt like a celebrity with all the curious medical peeps. Won't lie, hurt A LOT more than I expected... but the docs are super optimistic and I am focusing on being able to ride coasters with DD this summer (she finally cleared 48" so the steel, looping world is her oyster)

I'm sorry it hurt so much. Hopefully you won't need another one.

wookie - I totally understand your costume drama! Finally started getting our groups' together this weekend! Important stuff!!!

I've only dressed up in an actual costume once, and I had so much fun in my costume. I did love our t-shirts from last year, but wearing a costume was more fun for sure. What are y'all planning on doing? As long as there is a party that night, we're planning on the September 23 MNSSHP.

Sounds like another good option!! Are you making a tulle full skirt to go over it?

I'm not totally sure exactly what I'll do. I was thinking about doing a layered tutu. I'm just afraid it'll be a lot of tulle if I do that though.

So, the D R A M A!!!

BACKGROUND: A year ago my 18 year old nephew passed away unexpectedly. The last time we all saw him was at Christmas and he passed weeks later. Because of that, DH's sister (nephew's mom) is pushing for a non-traditional Christmas .

Soon after the idea of a Mouse filled holiday was mentioned the idea of visiting other family in Florida came up. DH made the comment later, one-on-one with his mom "I'm sure our crew (meaning the 4 people he can safely speak for) could probably swing that." Somehow, MIL took that to mean that our group of 11 would trek from Orlando to Tampa to Ft Myers and went ahead and told the family in those locations we would be there -- all before we had 1) reservations, 2) a budget, 3) leave schedules, and 4) *most importantly* talking to her two other children.

DH talked to his mom and said that while some of us might be able to go on to other places, if the Florida people wanted to see ALL of us, they needed to come to Orlando. He also suggested inviting them to a big Christmas meal somewhere and tossed out several other ideas. Fast forward to Friday night and DH's sister texted saying MIL had just talked to family in Tampa and made it sound like we were all going out there.

The problem has now become BIL and SIL's husband have very limited leave and will probably have to cut out of Florida Christmas night or early the next AM (hence why we were waiting for schedules before even TRYING to come up with plans). Both DH's siblings (and us) agree that they want to have a relaxing Christmas with family and not caravan around the state... not to mention the logistics of toting 8 adults, a 7yo, & two 18 month olds to three different locations in 7 days.

DH talked to his mom and now his she seems hurt and distant and keeps saying "but they are so close, it wouldn't be that hard." Siblings have all pointed out it's easier for 2 people to come to Orlando than for 11 of us to go anywhere... not to mention the added cost of rental cars!!! I suggested we just go see the family for Christmas but siblings and DH all agree that if we are just going to a house they could save a ton of money and stay local. Basically, the idea is "we're spending a lot of money we want this to be a vacation... if the Florida family want to join us on vacation, great! If not, we'll catch them next time." So, now there's a lot of tension and I'm just glad I am not the one on the phone (though I am DH's sounding board).

I am so sorry y'all are having to deal with family drama. You and your DH are right that it doesn't make sense for the 11 of y'all to travel to them. I hope y'all can resolve it without you feeling the need to wrap your hands around your mil's neck.

Sue - I think DD summed Bieber up best: "Why does that boy sing like a girl and wear his daddy's pants?"

I'm sure you already know this, but your DD is pure greatness.

 

[Koh1977]

So I may or may not have been pricing out a room at Pop and AoA LM...and making ADRs for a 4th of July trip...

Thoughts on either Value resort?

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[Mousemommy1]

So I may or may not have been pricing out a room at Pop and AoA LM...and making ADRs for a 4th of July trip...

Thoughts on either Value resort?

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We stayed at POP in 2009 and really liked it!!! We were in the 70's building which was a good location between the food court and bus stop!

 

[dimndgal1]

Foolish people They don't understand the Disney dilemmas we face....tell them to get with the program

It's funny because it really is true - people who don't 'know' Disney just have that 'I can just wake up and decide to go, right?' mentality. I'm not saying everyone needs to be super planners but a little google never hurt anyone!

I've only dressed up in an actual costume once, and I had so much fun in my costume. I did love our t-shirts from last year, but wearing a costume was more fun for sure. What are y'all planning on doing? As long as there is a party that night, we're planning on the September 23 MNSSHP.
I'm not totally sure exactly what I'll do. I was thinking about doing a layered tutu. I'm just afraid it'll be a lot of tulle if I do that though.

We are looking at the party on the 16th - I have heard Tuesday parties tend to be emptier so I'm all about emptier!
We had same dilemma as you - wanted comfortable, cool costumes that would allow for rides. We ended up going with Phineas and Ferb - DF is Phineas, I'm Ferb, DH is Doofinshmertz, DD6 is Perry, and LO is Meep. We also figure we'll have a 'Balloon-y' in the mix as well.

Have you looked into some of the runner skirts? I know for the Princess Half there are tons of different skirt styles on Etsy... some are super cute and reasonable but cooler than tulle or heavy fabric.

I'm sure you already know this, but your DD is pure greatness.

LOL, thanks! I admit she has some great quips and her brutal, uncensored honesty is both embarrassing and hilarious at times.

So I may or may not have been pricing out a room at Pop and AoA LM...and making ADRs for a 4th of July trip...

Thoughts on either Value resort?

Friend just got back from AoA LM room and said while it was cute, she won't do it again. The double beds weren't make or break but she stayed AK last time and 'missed' the bigger beds. Also, LM rooms were FAAAAAAAAAAAR... as she said "Last thing I want to do after a night at the parks is drag kids that far." They went during a slower time and found the busses to be fewer and farther between than previous trips (not sure if that was due to time of year or resort). Overal feeling was cute, fun, but kind of a pain.

I don't know much about Pop but hear lots of positives as one of the better Values.

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Thanks for all the support for the drama!!!

My biggest gripe about this is when planning first started DH asked MIL what she wanted to do and she said "whatever you kids decide works for us; we're flexible" but now she's making these backdoor plans with other family.

Last we left it the siblings agreed we weren't making any more plans until vacation time was approved. I do have the rezzie at SoG but the kids are contemplating a split-stay with CSR then moving over to SoG Christmas Eve. The thought is we can do the parks the first days and then when crowds get crazy do family meals, resort hop to look at decorations and other non-park things... and if extended family want to join us, they are welcome to.

 

[Meldev]

This thread is great! I haven't read through all of it, but I"m a resort changer just from this trip alone!! I've had 3 different resorts booked for my upcoming October trip.

Bottom line, with 4 kids I'd LOVE a washer/dryer...end of story. Right?
Yeah, we could still fit in one bedroom OKW - however, when I look at prices and "potential" offers, it looks like I'm paying $1K more for a washer/dryer and a kitchen and only 1 bathroom....whereas a moderate w/ 2 adjoining rooms has no washer/dryer and only a mini fridge and little 'extra' space it would have 2 bathrooms, everyone would sleep in a 'bed' not a pullout and be about $1K less for a week.

UGH!!!! I don't know what to do...I'm now booked back at OKW - hoping for free dining and going from there.

If I were to chose moderate - which one?!? We LOVED POR - but we don't get to Disney all that often and I like to try new things and older kids are strong swimmers, so a fun pool is essential....
Decisions, decisions....

 

[gwynne]

This thread is great! I haven't read through all of it, but I"m a resort changer just from this trip alone!! I've had 3 different resorts booked for my upcoming October trip.

Bottom line, with 4 kids I'd LOVE a washer/dryer...end of story. Right?
Yeah, we could still fit in one bedroom OKW - however, when I look at prices and "potential" offers, it looks like I'm paying $1K more for a washer/dryer and a kitchen and only 1 bathroom....whereas a moderate w/ 2 adjoining rooms has no washer/dryer and only a mini fridge and little 'extra' space it would have 2 bathrooms, everyone would sleep in a 'bed' not a pullout and be about $1K less for a week.

UGH!!!! I don't know what to do...I'm now booked back at OKW - hoping for free dining and going from there.

If I were to chose moderate - which one?!? We LOVED POR - but we don't get to Disney all that often and I like to try new things and older kids are strong swimmers, so a fun pool is essential....
Decisions, decisions....

Hi Meldev, glad you found the thread! There are some very good mod options, POR and POFQ being very nice. We've not stayed at Caribbean Beach, but I have read great things about it, too.
You mentioned your kids like swimming. Do you think they'd enjoy a water park day?
Happy planning as you work on your upcoming trip!

 

[dimndgal1]

Welcome, Meldev!

Definitely understand your conundrum - it's so hard to find the right balance of options!

Have you looked into renting points for a Villa? I find that they can be much cheaper than paying Disney's rates and there are plenty of companies that are reputable as well as the DVC rental board here on DIS. We looked into renting points for our December trip but the boatload we need aren't readily available until 7 months out. As a whole, though, it would save our group of 11 $100 a night v. a deluxe room.

Just a thought! Hope you find your perfect location!

 

[i_heart_the_mouse]

A quick post and run PSA for my favorite Disney lovin' gals....

Frozen was released early on Amazon Instant Video. Watching with the kiddos right now. I'm so happy!



Do you want to build a snowman?

 

[dimndgal1]

A quick post and run PSA for my favorite Disney lovin' gals....

Frozen was released early on Amazon Instant Video. Watching with the kiddos right now. I'm so happy!



Do you want to build a snowman?

So ironic - we're sitting here singing along! DD is singing Elsa and LO is bouncing!

 

[letthewookiewin]

So I may or may not have been pricing out a room at Pop and AoA LM...and making ADRs for a 4th of July trip...

Thoughts on either Value resort?

Sent from my iPad using DISBoards

We stayed at the Pop on our June 2012 trip. We loved everything, except for the beds, and the size of the bathroom. The beds were just a little on the hard side for my DH and I. The bathroom was super tiny. Even though I had seen room layouts and pictures, I just didn't think they would have been as tiny as they felt. Our room location was amazing!!

The star in the Mickey telephone 70's building was where our room was on the first floor. The walk to transportation, main building, main pool, and laundry wasn't long at all. Even after a long day in the park, we didn't feel like we were walking from Texas to New Zealand in order to get to our room.

I haven't stayed at AoA, yet. While the Pop wouldn't be my first choice. If my only options was staying at the Pop, it wouldn't be a deal breaker.

This thread is great! I haven't read through all of it, but I"m a resort changer just from this trip alone!! I've had 3 different resorts booked for my upcoming October trip.

Bottom line, with 4 kids I'd LOVE a washer/dryer...end of story. Right?
Yeah, we could still fit in one bedroom OKW - however, when I look at prices and "potential" offers, it looks like I'm paying $1K more for a washer/dryer and a kitchen and only 1 bathroom....whereas a moderate w/ 2 adjoining rooms has no washer/dryer and only a mini fridge and little 'extra' space it would have 2 bathrooms, everyone would sleep in a 'bed' not a pullout and be about $1K less for a week.

UGH!!!! I don't know what to do...I'm now booked back at OKW - hoping for free dining and going from there.

If I were to chose moderate - which one?!? We LOVED POR - but we don't get to Disney all that often and I like to try new things and older kids are strong swimmers, so a fun pool is essential....
Decisions, decisions....

Nothing new about my girls only trip. We need to figure out a park plan, but I'm in a funk about the trip. My DH is being a horse's rear and is threatening to not let me go if I don't start working 5 days a week. I have no control over how many days a week my friend needs me at her in home daycare.

I'm making a practice tutu. I'm giving it to the daughter of the friend I work for. Any tulle I have left over, I will probably make for the little girls of the day care to play with.

 

[hstrickland]

I'm being Lurky-Loo today .....too tired to try and reply....so I'll just say Hubby is watching the most ridiculous show ever produced - Amish Mafia. Silly, I say! So I think it's time for me to retire to my suite and view something worth watching

 

[Koh1977]

All I have to say is I could really do without all these Disney commercials on TV! DD is talking nonstop Disney and Mickey, etc. lately as a result. *shaking my head*

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[gwynne]

I'm being Lurky-Loo today .....too tired to try and reply....so I'll just say Hubby is watching the most ridiculous show ever produced - Amish Mafia. Silly, I say! So I think it's time for me to retire to my suite and view something worth watching

Sounds like a great plan! I'm off to bed. I think I'll watch a bit of Downton Abbey from Sunday again.

 

[Mousemommy1]

So, ever since my first trip to Disney in 1985, I have had a "Disney Box". At first, it was a little box. It just contained my small little momentos/souvenirs from my trip. I added to it on my next trip in 1989.

I didn't get back to Disney until 2000. That trip was my first trip anywhere with my then BF (now DH). He knew about the Disney box. He had been twice as a child too. When we got back from that trip, we added his stuff and our stuff from that trip to the box. We needed a bigger box.

Few more trips before kids, and up to our honeymoon....again adding to the box.

Then, our kids first trip in 2009. The kids added their stuff. Man did we need a bigger box!!!

So, after 4 trips with the family, our box was overflowing all over the place in our closet.

Well, DH is home this week with the kiddos on Feb vacation. I came home yesterday and found my Disney box missing.
DH has been cleaning out the basement and closets this week and so much stuff is going out in the trash because DH wants to finish the basement this year...

I ran downstairs screaming!!! DH then pulled a giant 35 lb Rubbermaid bin out of the playroom...all decorated with Disney designs....a new Disney box!!!!!!! He opened it and showed me that it's only half full now, and that we have a lot of work to do to fill it up again. Oh my Lawd how I love that guy!!!!

 

[pas130]

Krystal My Bree said we should do Universal again....WHAT?!? I guess my kids are indecisive as their Mom. The Pas clan will all agree Pop is great and we would totally go back!!!

dimindgal1 Sorry the injection was a big OUCH! Hopefully it will be well worth it!!!

meldev I'd stick with the villa. Our family can only fit in a 2BR so a mod would save SO much. CBR is getting a refurb, and there's a lot of POR love here! BUT pool wise, the villas have awesome pools!! My kids loved SSR pools. Glad you've found us

I_heart Thank you

heather and gwynne Our escape from DHs ridiculous shows last night were YouTube Wishes videos

 

[Meldev]

This is without a doubt one of the most welcoming boards!!

Anyone rent DVC points from **********, ever?

 

[Meldev]

This is without a doubt one of the most welcoming boards!!

Anyone rent DVC points from **********, ever?

Sorry - didn't realize I couldn't put the name! Anyway - any points renters with excellent experiences?

 

[pas130]

This is without a doubt one of the most welcoming boards!!

Anyone rent DVC points from **********, ever?

Love it when stuff gets blocked And thank you there's some really great peeps here. I found my bestest buds ever here, for real. I've never rented points, as I need the flexibility to ch-ch-change...BUT I am sure others have. I_heart rocked an awesome discount at VGF this past Christmas

 

[dimndgal1]

wookie I'm sorry @ work- that was us last year... I was a sub and it started super slow. By the end of the year, I was working 4 days a week but DH was super antsy at the beginning.

hstrickland I don't GET that show!!! We live with a huge Amish & Menonite contingent nearby and I can't fathom some vigilante roaming the farmlands!

All I have to say is I could really do without all these Disney commercials on TV! DD is talking nonstop Disney and Mickey, etc. lately as a result. *shaking my head*

Okay, I hate to ask this, but is anyone else a little TIRED of all the ads??? I swear they have one every break. I mean, I love Disney but seriously, do they think someone sitting there is going to be like "Hey, you know what, we do have an extra couple grand to spend... let's go to Disney!!!"?

Mousemommy, that might be the sweetest story I have heard in a long while!!! TY for sharing!!!

pas ty!!!

Meldev I have not rented before but I did touch base with the sponsor of the DVC boards and had great customer service with them - we ended up getting about the same rate with a discount so we went with the changable reservation. However, we are looking at renting for December trip (group of 11!!!) and I have talked to them again and am thinking of reaching out to the company "Rated 100% in customer satisfaction with DVC" ((hint: google))... my friend swears by that company so we'll see.


As for the RC group - they are AWWWWWWWWW-esome!!! Not to mention an invaluable resource! And by far the hottest thread on DIS!

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For December - thinking of a Villa/SoG split-stay for the group... can get a great rate leading up to Christmas Eve (and benefit in the parks) then move to SoG when prices go up and spend 3 days touring the resorts/eating/swimming/playing mini golf! I'm nervous about renting points given some of the drama in the group, though. My second thought is to bite the bullet and pay a little more for the 4 rooms at CSR so we have the ability to change/modify, and then move over to SoG as planned. decisions, decisions...

Feeling beyond tired and nauseous - it's like the first trimester!!! Def looking forward to the weekend when I can be lazy and send finalized list of ADR wants to TA for Sept.