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

[Koh1977]

So I've been embarrassed to say it, but I think its time I (we) admit to being chronic resort changers. We've gone from POR standard to POR Preferred to Polynesian (Surprise!!) for a Memorial Day weekend trip using Spring deal...only to have to move the trip to Easter Week (yikes!!), lose the discount, transfer back to POR (but Royal this time) to POFQ and now...finally...4 weeks out...we're at CBR Preferred. Wow, it feels good to get that out. I've posted in each and every one of these resorts' "Official Threads" and then I feel so ashamed when I realize that I'll have to move into another one and ask the same general questions. I'm also afraid someone is going to look up my post history and think I'm some sort of con artist. But anyway, reading through this thread makes me feel better!! We are really excited about CBR now, I promise!! We've never stayed at a moderate before and kind of defaulted to the PO's because it seems that you find more people who have stayed at them and loved them...but in the end, we have 2 little ones, and while I can see the attraction to the PO resorts, I don't think you can beat the pool at CBR, and thats in the end the most important thing in a resort to us (2 most recent stays since kids have both been at BC with SAB). The size was intimidating, but with the Preferred Room and all the good things I've heard about the bus service frequency, I think I'm OK with it. Anyway, feels good to admit it! Looking forward to following along with others' indecisiveness in the future! Now if I could only decide on FP+'s and ADR's...

Welcome!! I've done the same thing...and been on both June and July threads, etc.

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[thebs19]

Great to have you here!! The pool at CBR will be fantastic! How was SAB with the little ones? We are doing YC this summer the great thing about changing is you can continue to play with FP and ADRs..we have several FAQS hostesses who are RC friendly so remember, there is NO shame in being a changer!! And everyone here is very knowledgeable and always happy to help!!!

SAB is fantastic. Honestly, if we weren't going Easter Week with Easter prices and 0 discounts and the ridiculous airfare we're paying (not bitter though...), I'm thinking we may have ended up there in the end again (haha). But we start off planning every trip by saying "This time we're going to be budget conscious and it'll be fun to try a new resort..." and never do, so now, we're "forced" into it and I'm honestly excited!!

First time we took our son, he was 3 and afraid of water: water slides, pools, whatever. He'd still his feet in the ocean but that was it. By Day 2 at SAB, he was doing the kiddie slide off the pirate ship. It honestly completely turned him around on swimming. All the kiddies in the sand bottom area, the incredible theming, and quite honestly probably the late-May heat all contributed.

We bought a new house when he was 5 and it had a pool installed. 2 years prior, if you would've asked me, there's no way I was paying the extra a pool would cost me, not to mention the maintenance involved. But honestly, he never comes out now in the summer. He's 7 now.

 

[Sue M]

Specifically Portofino. As some of you know, we booked 3 days Portofino pre Poly stay. Soooooo, I was reading some reviews on Trip Advisor I think it was and someone posted they have Keirig coffee machines and you have to pay $2 for each pod you use I know some of you have been to Universal recently. Is this true? I've never heard of any hotel charging for in room coffee! It's been a few years since I've been to Universal, but I think I'd have remembered if HRH charged for in room coffee

 

[Minnie&Nana]

So I've been embarrassed to say it, but I think its time I (we) admit to being chronic resort changers.

We've gone from POR standard to POR Preferred to Polynesian (Surprise!!) for a Memorial Day weekend trip using Spring deal...only to have to move the trip to Easter Week (yikes!!), lose the discount, transfer back to POR (but Royal this time) to POFQ and now...finally...4 weeks out...we're at CBR Preferred. Wow, it feels good to get that out.

I've posted in each and every one of these resorts' "Official Threads" and then I feel so ashamed when I realize that I'll have to move into another one and ask the same general questions. I'm also afraid someone is going to look up my post history and think I'm some sort of con artist.

But anyway, reading through this thread makes me feel better!! We are really excited about CBR now, I promise!! We've never stayed at a moderate before and kind of defaulted to the PO's because it seems that you find more people who have stayed at them and loved them...but in the end, we have 2 little ones, and while I can see the attraction to the PO resorts, I don't think you can beat the pool at CBR, and thats in the end the most important thing in a resort to us (2 most recent stays since kids have both been at BC with SAB). The size was intimidating, but with the Preferred Room and all the good things I've heard about the bus service frequency, I think I'm OK with it.

Anyway, feels good to admit it! Looking forward to following along with others' indecisiveness in the future! Now if I could only decide on FP+'s and ADR's...

You sure have come to the right thread! You can talk about every change, no matter how often, and feel completely at home and supported in every change! No more feeling embarrassed...nope...here you are with your own kind!!

Although I've not been around much the last few months, I'm one of the old timers. Years ago, I rarely changed resorts...and if I did, it was all in my head or planning but not once a reservation was made. I still pretty much do it in my head before booking but understand and support my Dear RC Friends who change actual reservations ...it is all good!!

Welcome home!!

 

[pas130]

Specifically Portofino. As some of you know, we booked 3 days Portofino pre Poly stay. Soooooo, I was reading some reviews on Trip Advisor I think it was and someone posted they have Keirig coffee machines and you have to pay $2 for each pod you use I know some of you have been to Universal recently. Is this true? I've never heard of any hotel charging for in room coffee! It's been a few years since I've been to Universal, but I think I'd have remembered if HRH charged for in room coffee

We didn't pay a thing for our coffee, and we drank it all and the cocoa. When you can start service they brought us more, never a charge. Maybe they started charging for extra?? Maybe check the US resort boards there are two peeps on there who are VERY helpful and may know! Portofino is awesome, and I know you are getting an awesome rate. Don't sweat is Sue, Loews hotels customer service is right up there with Disney. IMHO

You sure have come to the right thread! You can talk about every change, no matter how often, and feel completely at home and supported in every change! No more feeling embarrassed...nope...here you are with your own kind!!

Although I've not been around much the last few months, I'm one of the old timers. Years ago, I rarely changed resorts...and if I did, it was all in my head or planning but not once a reservation was made. I still pretty much do it in my head before booking but understand and support my Dear RC Friends who change actual reservations ...it is all good!!

Welcome home!!

Hi Christine!!! Welcome home to you sweetie

SAB is fantastic. Honestly, if we weren't going Easter Week with Easter prices and 0 discounts and the ridiculous airfare we're paying (not bitter though...), I'm thinking we may have ended up there in the end again (haha). But we start off planning every trip by saying "This time we're going to be budget conscious and it'll be fun to try a new resort..." and never do, so now, we're "forced" into it and I'm honestly excited!!

First time we took our son, he was 3 and afraid of water: water slides, pools, whatever. He'd still his feet in the ocean but that was it. By Day 2 at SAB, he was doing the kiddie slide off the pirate ship. It honestly completely turned him around on swimming. All the kiddies in the sand bottom area, the incredible theming, and quite honestly probably the late-May heat all contributed.

We bought a new house when he was 5 and it had a pool installed. 2 years prior, if you would've asked me, there's no way I was paying the extra a pool would cost me, not to mention the maintenance involved. But honestly, he never comes out now in the summer. He's 7 now.

I am so happy to hear that!! My DS5 loves the water, but I get scared since he's not a strong swimmer yet. We are going in August so the pool is extremely important, you've made my day THANK YOU!!! Pixarmom also had great pics of that kiddie pool area.. My DD9 is a sand castle princess, and doesn't care to swim quite as much so it is going to be perfect. SO EXCITED!!!!

 

[Sue M]

Thanks Pas! I figured you'd know. I thought maybe things had changed since our last stay! Sometimes you have to take those reviews with a grain of salt
I never thought of going on Universal boards haha!

 

[pas130]

Thanks Pas! I figured you'd know. I thought maybe things had changed since our last stay! Sometimes you have to take those reviews with a grain of salt
I never thought of going on Universal boards haha!

totally with a grain of salt. Portofino is by far the most beautiful resort room I've ever stayed in...and those beds I just melt into the pillows

 

[Janet B]

Just Stopping in to say Hi and Hopeing everyone had a Great St. Paddy's Day!

Just poppin' in to say Happy Monday & St. Patrick's Day!! It was double xp weekend in our Star Wars game, so the DH had me leveling a toon all weekend. I'm surprised he let me stop long enough for food and sleep. I hope y'all have a great day!!

Hi Sheila and Kim

It did, thank you. I think we got 6 - 7 levels. I think we have about 10 more levels until my toon is at max level.

Congrats Kim! Not sure what this means (I'm not game savvy) but I trust its good!

AHHH - good catch - no EMH at MK that night! Thank you!! (I changed it to show right info). Hoping we can do AK without FP+ and leave around 11, then swim/rest until dinnertime and use FP+ that night at MK. Debating trying to get to MK at 3 to see the new parade but we have flexibility.

The hot tub was great!!! It was even better to see DD6 go skiing by in her lessons. I miss it today - too cold!

AK seems doable without FP if you arrive at park opening... and having the FP at MK later will be so nice.... The parade seems awesome but oh that september heat!! Hope it all works out for you.

Congrats to DD on her sking progress.. I swear the little ones seem to have no fear.

Weekend was crazy - DD6 does Destination Imagination and had her regional competition this Sat. They did super awesome - such creative kiddos! Our school had two first place competitive teams which makes me proud - it's a small school and I was a sub last year so got to know the kids so well!

Congrats to DD and the school! It sounded like our school’s version of OM – Odyssey of the Mind, and when I googled your program, I read that it took over for OM. Great program!

DH is thinking of trying to stay mod all week for Christmas. His thought that if it was a group of 4 or 6, moving resorts wouldn't be bad but a group of 11 is somewhat of a cluster. I can't say I disagree but I love the idea of staying deluxe over the holidays. So, as a concession we are looking at maybe doing WL/CR TPV in September. Won't be exactly the same but would be FUN!

Nice compromise Agree with DH on December, best to not move, when it will be so busy. And FQ is a nice, smaller resort for your group. and a plus for the POR resorts is having two nice food courts at hand. Boat to DTD, nightime entertainment, carriage rides, etc. All good!

Popping in to say hi!!!! Was looking at my post count and realized I didn't want my 10,000th post to be anywhere but my favorite thread!!! Happy Sunday everyone!!!

Happy 10K!

I think my DH lost his mind. He called me as I was leaving my friend's house and he said that he had found Joey's first car and it was only $2,000. Then he said it was a Ford Mustang. I have always wanted a Mustang, so I think he thought I would jump at the chance to give my boys one. I went and looked at it, and it's rough. Plus it's a 5-speed. I just told him that the insurance with a teenager driving that would be way too much.[/FONT][/COLOR]

Agree with you Kim... insurance higher, a 5-speed, somehow I think this translates into faster speed for our kids too...and it’s a rear wheel drive car... not as easy to handle in bad weather.

Tell DH the only way you are getting a mustang if for YOU!

Have been playing on Orbitz with July dates. CL at AKL or WL might be a possibility??

It's a better rate than the GF?

hi bff
Not to mention worrying...Mustangs...ahhh memories of high school and exactly why I can't get my kids one LOL

Right back at you bff …. And LOL on the mustang memories… someday you will have to enlighten me...

Thanks for your sweet encouragement! I see spring right around the corner!
(And just for the heck of it, I looked up our snowfall for this winter through yesterday...it's 114.5 inches! I guess next winter we should be more thoughtful about sharing the snow and not keep so much to ourselves! )

Yes, Ginny, you guys did hog all the snow this year… geesh you could of shared!!

Although I've not been around much the last few months, I'm one of the old timers. Years ago, I rarely changed resorts...and if I did, it was all in my head or planning but not once a reservation was made. I still pretty much do it in my head before booking but understand and support my Dear RC Friends who change actual reservations ...it is all good!!

Welcome home!!

Hi Christine! nice to "see" you back in the house!

 

[Janet B]

Thanks Pas! I figured you'd know. I thought maybe things had changed since our last stay! Sometimes you have to take those reviews with a grain of salt

totally with a grain of salt. Portofino is by far the most beautiful resort room I've ever stayed in...and those beds I just melt into the pillows

Okay am I the only one that thought of a margarita at the salt reference???

 

[pas130]

Okay am I the only one that thought of a margarita at the salt reference???

Not anymore BFF

 

[Janet B]

Not anymore BFF

Must be 'cause I was reading about someone anticpating the need to hydrate after a certain August party nite ....

And after all I am back at work... and so in need for a pick me up!!

 

[LisaTC]

We love POR, but we prefer the mansion section. Either Acadian or Magnolia are great locations, I request to be close to a Old Man Island Bridge. Close to everything. If you want seperate beds for the kids, AB is a good choice, but you sacrifice storage space, as Murphy bed takes place of dresser. I think there are 2 drawers under bed. And some rooms in AB can be far. Check out Andres site. He also has the thread on Dis.

Room size at POR is def smaller then GF! But POR is our choice when not staying deluxe. We love it there. So beautiful. And also like the option of quiet pool if we just don't feel like going to main pool. Boat to DTD, and evening entertainment is fun.
We do tend to book several DTD ADRs because of boat transportation.

I do think you could do MK in 1.5 days with combo of FP+ and rope drop. We got there at RD, and rode the major things that get long lines first, then had FPs booked starting at 11:00am. Esp since we like to ride our favs more then once!

We love POR, too. I'm probably the opposite of this thread, I'm a wanna change, but can't change resort "unchanger!" LOL I like everything you mentioned about POR. I would love to try GF or Poly or BC, but can't seem to part with my $$ that I need to spend in the parks! LOL I need to convert to a changer...I know it!

 

[pas130]

Must be 'cause I was reading about someone anticpating the need to hydrate after a certain August party nite ....

And after all I am back at work... and so in need for a pick me up!!

I am sure that's EXACTLY why!!!!

We love POR, too. I'm probably the opposite of this thread, I'm a wanna change, but can't change resort "unchanger!" LOL I like everything you mentioned about POR. I would love to try GF or Poly or BC, but can't seem to part with my $$ that I need to spend in the parks! LOL I need to convert to a changer...I know it!

Lots of new peeps visiting us! I love it!!! Wanting to ch-ch-change totally qualifies you as a resort changer When are you going?? We are very discount oriented here, maybe we can help you figure it out!!!

 

[gwynne]

Must be 'cause I was reading about someone anticpating the need to hydrate after a certain August party nite ....

And after all I am back at work... and so in need for a pick me up!!

Just keep thinking about Aug my friend. You guys are going to have a blast!

 

[gwynne]

We love POR, too. I'm probably the opposite of this thread, I'm a wanna change, but can't change resort "unchanger!" LOL I like everything you mentioned about POR. I would love to try GF or Poly or BC, but can't seem to part with my $$ that I need to spend in the parks! LOL I need to convert to a changer...I know it!

Hi LisaTC, As Pas said, we understand changing. (Whether you actually call, or just ponder the possibilities...I promise, most of us have done one or the other, reasonably frequently. )
Glad you found the thread!

 

[gwynne]

totally with a grain of salt. Portofino is by far the most beautiful resort room I've ever stayed in...and those beds I just melt into the pillows

OK, that sounds positively fabulous. I've got to get busy and plan a universal visit one of these days.

It slipped my mind until today that I need to start thinking about ADR's for Oct. I think my ADR day is next month. I am going to try to book two party for the senses when the dates open in (probably Aug.) That is DH's favorite thing, and since it's his special birthday trip...might as well make it extra special.

 

[Koh1977]

Janet - it's comparable when you take into account taking a later flight out so nixing the extra hotel at the airport and the fact that there won't be as much food costs OOP with CL...no savings, but SO much fun trying CL! Wonder if DH will agree with me...? I'd like to push for WL CL then...5 nights instead of 4...

Wonder if I should request bunk beds for the kids or not... SO excited!!

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[LisaTC]

I am sure that's EXACTLY why!!!!
Lots of new peeps visiting us! I love it!!! Wanting to ch-ch-change totally qualifies you as a resort changer When are you going?? We are very discount oriented here, maybe we can help you figure it out!!!

We are headed likely at the end of October, beginning of November...I think! LOL We love October, but I loved the Christmas decorations, too. Decisions...I know somebody that did a crossover trip from the end of Oct to beg of Nov and hit both "seasons." That sounded cool

Hi LisaTC, As Pas said, we understand changing. (Whether you actually call, or just ponder the possibilities...I promise, most of us have done one or the other, reasonably frequently. )
Glad you found the thread!

I ponder....A LOT! I change my ADR's like 40 times, it's ridiculous.

This is a very friendly thread, btw. Glad I found it!

 

[gwynne]

Janet - it's comparable when you take into account taking a later flight out so nixing the extra hotel at the airport and the fact that there won't be as much food costs OOP with CL...no savings, but SO much fun trying CL! Wonder if DH will agree with me...? I'd like to push for WL CL then...5 nights instead of 4...

Wonder if I should request bunk beds for the kids or not... SO excited!!

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Hiya Koh, Hope it's OK to jump in. Have you stayed CL at WL before? We did just this past year, and the lounge offerings were very good. Yummy!
Sounds like a great trip plan!

 

[jennyjinx3]

Just popping in to say to all the new RCers!! This is the place to be!