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

[letthewookiewin]

Earthquakes really don't happen that often. Depending on where they are in the state you might not even feel it. This last one was fairly close to DL and I heard they did close the parks for about 1 1/2 hrs .... I think they kept main street open for shopping. We were at the famous Bay Area World Series earthquake which was really big. We were in the top row of seats. We sat still and remained calm. Once we knew the stadium wasn't falling down we decided the biggest danger was being trampled if panic broke out. With the exception of a few people everyone remained calm and quietly exited.

Oh, and my hubby wanted me to ask you to see if you had an opinion. We were looking at routes to La Brea Tar Pits and it looks like our options are the 5 ( or Santa Ana Freeway, whatever it's called), the 110, or the 405. We'll probably be making the drive at about 9 AM.

 

[dimndgal1]

Hello all! Hope everyone had a good weekend.

It has been beyond rainy here and we even had a glimpse of snow Luckily the weather is supposed to finally hit 'temperate' later this week. I'm worried if it takes much longer the cherry blossoms will revolt and hibernate until next year!

No ch-ch-changing here but one of my friends has been looking at going to Disney the same week in Sept we are (kiddos are out two days that week) and we've been colluding - our husbands are very afraid.

Hope all is well and that all my Cali/Oklahoma/Yellowstone peeps are done shaking things up!

 

[Grumpy Grandma]

Oh, and my hubby wanted me to ask you to see if you had an opinion. We were looking at routes to La Brea Tar Pits and it looks like our options are the 5 ( or Santa Ana Freeway, whatever it's called), the 110, or the 405. We'll probably be making the drive at about 9 AM.

Honestly I'd check a traffic app on my phone to see how it looks. I personally think the 405 is the worst .... always seems to have a lot of traffic. No matter what you take you'll hit a lot of traffic as you get close to downtown LA. When you head up to SF are you taking the 101 or the 5???

 

[Sparkly]

Wow I have never stayed more than 6 nights yet often many times in a year.

The weather in March is usually good so... Enjoy!

Oh I go have stayed there many times... All good.

I don't recognize you so

If you are going to wwohp it is amazing

Had to come back and say you are SPARKLY!!!

Nice to meet you!

We normally only do a few days at WDW so this is going to be awesome.

Sparkly congrats on your trip! We freq go 14 nights in August, and love it. We enjoy taking mid day breaks for a swim back at resort to get out of Hottest part of the day. This Aug trip we've added on 3 nights at Universal pre WDW! Hoping Diagon Alley will be open by then. We haven't been to Universal since any Harry Potter has been open, they were still building.
What resort did you book?

Yep, definitely going to take afternoon breaks and afternoons off from the parks to explore resorts too.

I'm so excited to see the new Harry Potter area! It's going to be amazing.

We booked Caribbean Beach

I would love to do a WDW for that length of time.

Once we worked out how much it would cost with 1 week onsite, finding somewhere offsite, tickets, flights and everything it worked out pretty much the same as our holiday. We paid £4500 for the hotel, tickets, QSDP which is pretty good. Now all we need is to buy Universal tickets, rent a car and book FP+ nearer the time! Mum gets a welcome break from the crazy amount of planning she usually does too.

 

[letthewookiewin]

Honestly I'd check a traffic app on my phone to see how it looks. I personally think the 405 is the worst .... always seems to have a lot of traffic. No matter what you take you'll hit a lot of traffic as you get close to downtown LA. When you head up to SF are you taking the 101 or the 5???

Neither? I'll have to look when I get home, but the plan is to take the closest road to the coast.

 

[Grumpy Grandma]

Neither? I'll have to look when I get home, but the plan is to take the closest road to the coast.

The 5 is up the central valley ... closer to the middle of the state. Traveling up 101 is closer to the coast but you can't always see the ocean. And the 1 is on the coast but can be a very slow drive .... narrow and twisty turny in parts.

 

[dimndgal1]

Neither? I'll have to look when I get home, but the plan is to take the closest road to the coast.

The 5 is up the central valley ... closer to the middle of the state. Traveling up 101 is closer to the coast but you can't always see the ocean. And the 1 is on the coast but can be a very slow drive .... narrow and twisty turny in parts.

Just want to say that I TOTALLY second GG's comment about 1.
Hwy 1 is gorgeous but slooooooooooooow. The drive from Carmel to Santa Cruz isn't bad but we took it from Oxnard to Monterey once and ahhhhhhhh!!!!!! So slow and weren't even that close to the water for most of it. You could take 101 up toward Carmel and then cut over to 1 to see Monterey Bay/Santa Cruz, then cut back toward 101 by taking 17 from Santa Cruz to San Jose (I know several people who do this - they get to see Carmel and Monterey but didn't commit to Hwy 1 the whole way). When we would drive from Monterey to San Diego or LA, we would take 101 south to Paso Robles and then cut over to 5. Some really cute wineries in Paso Robles (Tobin James is my friends' absolute fave anywhere... and they lived in Europe) and pretty countryside but so much faster than taking 1 or 101 the whole way.

I'm sure GG can offer better suggestions but just beware of scenic Hwy 1!!!

 

[letthewookiewin]

The 5 is up the central valley ... closer to the middle of the state. Traveling up 101 is closer to the coast but you can't always see the ocean. And the 1 is on the coast but can be a very slow drive .... narrow and twisty turny in parts.

Just want to say that I TOTALLY second GG's comment about 1.
Hwy 1 is gorgeous but slooooooooooooow. The drive from Carmel to Santa Cruz isn't bad but we took it from Oxnard to Monterey once and ahhhhhhhh!!!!!! So slow and weren't even that close to the water for most of it. You could take 101 up toward Carmel and then cut over to 1 to see Monterey Bay/Santa Cruz, then cut back toward 101 by taking 17 from Santa Cruz to San Jose (I know several people who do this - they get to see Carmel and Monterey but didn't commit to Hwy 1 the whole way). When we would drive from Monterey to San Diego or LA, we would take 101 south to Paso Robles and then cut over to 5. Some really cute wineries in Paso Robles (Tobin James is my friends' absolute fave anywhere... and they lived in Europe) and pretty countryside but so much faster than taking 1 or 101 the whole way.

I'm sure GG can offer better suggestions but just beware of scenic Hwy 1!!!

I talked to him about it tonight and he said that we would just take it part of the way, and then jump over to a faster highway.


I didn't hear about the earthquake in Yellowstone, until the hubby logged into his computer. Just think, that was where we were going to go this Summer. I guess, no matter what, we were going to go somewhere that has the possibility of having earthquakes.

Nothing has changed on my girls only trip. I think my friend really wanted to stay at the BWI, but didn't wanted to make sure we were both happy with the resort.

 

[dimndgal1]

I talked to him about it tonight and he said that we would just take it part of the way, and then jump over to a faster highway.

I didn't hear about the earthquake in Yellowstone, until the hubby logged into his computer. Just think, that was where we were going to go this Summer. I guess, no matter what, we were going to go somewhere that has the possibility of having earthquakes.

Nothing has changed on my girls only trip. I think my friend really wanted to stay at the BWI, but didn't wanted to make sure we were both happy with the resort.

Don't stress over earthquakes - they honestly can happen anywhere. I was all sorts of freaked out about living in Cali but only had a minor tremble in the 18 months we were there. However, have been hit in North Carolina, Hawaii, and Maryland. As for Yellowstone - because it is such a hot spot (literally) there are tremors almost daily but they are usually small. Still totally worth a trip, though -- LOVE the park and the Tetons! ((we go every couple years!!!))

Getting antsy about Sept trip... I'm so unsettled and I don't know why. I really wanted to make it a split-stay but nothing seems to work. Debated doing WL/AKL but our last park days are MK/EP heavy so it seems silly to go away from the monorail. *sighs* ILs come out in just over a week so it will be nice to focus on Dec trip and start getting those ducks in a row!

and *HUGS* to all!!!

 

[Koh1977]

I would SO like to add a day to our trip and just plan to relax...sleep in, partake in the Lounge offerings throughout the day, etc. haven't asked though because it seems to be an extra $350...

Hmm...we will see...

Sent from my iPad using DISBoards

 

[pigletgirl]

Hey there, just barging in on your thread but I think you can help!

DH, DD (15 months at time of travel) and myself are booked 7D/6N at Pop Century(early to mid September). I'm learning more and more how small the rooms are and I want to bite the bullet to switch.

Few questions:
1. Since we've paid in full for Pop can we still switch?

2. I'm thinking about changing to POFQ, so would anyone happen to know the price difference or how much it would cost to upgrade?

Thanks for all your help!

 

[pas130]

Hey there, just barging in on your thread but I think you can help!

DH, DD (15 months at time of travel) and myself are booked 7D/6N at Pop Century(early to mid September). I'm learning more and more how small the rooms are and I want to bite the bullet to switch.

Few questions:
1. Since we've paid in full for Pop can we still switch?

2. I'm thinking about changing to POFQ, so would anyone happen to know the price difference or how much it would cost to upgrade?

Thanks for all your help!

No barging, you are joining the party!! So it's you DH and DD? Will you be wanting a King bed? If yes, I'd say go with a moderate. Pop is fine for the three of you honestly. It's the stroller, and baby gear which may make it feel squished. We have done All Stars with DS8 and DS an infant without complaint. You can ALWAYS switch. Play on the Disneyworld site and you can see the $$$ and availability, enjoy!!

 

[pigletgirl]

No barging, you are joining the party!! So it's you DH and DD? Will you be wanting a King bed? If yes, I'd say go with a moderate. Pop is fine for the three of you honestly. It's the stroller, and baby gear which may make it feel squished. We have done All Stars with DS8 and DS an infant without complaint. You can ALWAYS switch. Play on the Disneyworld site and you can see the $$$ and availability, enjoy!!

Yeah, I am afraid with the Pack N Play that we will have NO room for suitcases and the stroller. I wouldn't mind getting a rail for the bed and then DD and I would share. DH would get his own. He is 6'4.

I just don't know! I've stayed at POFQ and loved it, so that would be my number one.

I'll just keep on, keepin' on!

 

[dimndgal1]

Hey there, just barging in on your thread but I think you can help!

DH, DD (15 months at time of travel) and myself are booked 7D/6N at Pop Century(early to mid September). I'm learning more and more how small the rooms are and I want to bite the bullet to switch.

Few questions:
1. Since we've paid in full for Pop can we still switch?

2. I'm thinking about changing to POFQ, so would anyone happen to know the price difference or how much it would cost to upgrade?

Thanks for all your help!

and welcome!

We are heading to WDW with our 2 DDs the same time you are and our LO will be 15 months as well!

As pas already pointed out, the big issue when traveling with littles is the gear! Soooo much stuff for such a little peanut! We took DD6 to DL when she was 18 months and DH couldn't believe how much room she took up - pack n play, stroller, diapers/wipes/food! Not to mention the three jackets I brought because you never know how SoCal weather will be!!!

I would say if you can go for a moderate, do it... esp POFQ. Main reason is that POFQ is a very compact resort and it means less dragging a sleepy toddler back from the parks - totally not fun!!! The extra space is a great amenity, too, and there is a partition between the bathroom area and the main sleeping area so you could put LO down and turn off the lights in the bathroom area and you and DH can still watch TV or maneuver with the lights on in the main area. Plus, POFQ shares amenities with POR so it gives you some new stuff to explore and some beautiful walks to take your DD on!

From experience, you can almost always switch resorts and often if you are upgrading, there is no penalty for doing it within the window - they often waive the change fee if you're going to be spending more. When we went to DL we had LOTS of changes... and can't even get started on the ones with out WDW trips!

Whichever you choose will be a great trip so don't stress too much! As pas mentioned, it's fun to plug in dates/numbers on the Disney site and see. Also, sometimes discounts vary for between the values/mods/deluxes so that can change things a bit. Happy Planning and don't hesitate to ask the wonderful Changers on this board for advice - we love to offer our opinions and help facilitate any changes for everyone!!!

 

[Grumpy Grandma]

Hey there, just barging in on your thread but I think you can help!

DH, DD (15 months at time of travel) and myself are booked 7D/6N at Pop Century(early to mid September). I'm learning more and more how small the rooms are and I want to bite the bullet to switch.

Few questions:
1. Since we've paid in full for Pop can we still switch?

2. I'm thinking about changing to POFQ, so would anyone happen to know the price difference or how much it would cost to upgrade?

Thanks for all your help!

and welcome!

We are heading to WDW with our 2 DDs the same time you are and our LO will be 15 months as well!

As pas already pointed out, the big issue when traveling with littles is the gear! Soooo much stuff for such a little peanut! We took DD6 to DL when she was 18 months and DH couldn't believe how much room she took up - pack n play, stroller, diapers/wipes/food! Not to mention the three jackets I brought because you never know how SoCal weather will be!!!

I would say if you can go for a moderate, do it... esp POFQ. Main reason is that POFQ is a very compact resort and it means less dragging a sleepy toddler back from the parks - totally not fun!!! The extra space is a great amenity, too, and there is a partition between the bathroom area and the main sleeping area so you could put LO down and turn off the lights in the bathroom area and you and DH can still watch TV or maneuver with the lights on in the main area. Plus, POFQ shares amenities with POR so it gives you some new stuff to explore and some beautiful walks to take your DD on!

From experience, you can almost always switch resorts and often if you are upgrading, there is no penalty for doing it within the window - they often waive the change fee if you're going to be spending more. When we went to DL we had LOTS of changes... and can't even get started on the ones with out WDW trips!

Whichever you choose will be a great trip so don't stress too much! As pas mentioned, it's fun to plug in dates/numbers on the Disney site and see. Also, sometimes discounts vary for between the values/mods/deluxes so that can change things a bit. Happy Planning and don't hesitate to ask the wonderful Changers on this board for advice - we love to offer our opinions and help facilitate any changes for everyone!!!

Also I think the pool looks great for little ones. Why or why does everything I say come back to pools????

 

[pigletgirl]

I made the switch! It was quick, easy and painless!!

We're now staying at POFQ in a standard view room!

It was a difference of $488, but to us it relieves so much anxiety about space!

I can't wait to get back!

 

[dimndgal1]

I made the switch! It was quick, easy and painless!!

We're now staying at POFQ in a standard view room!

It was a difference of $488, but to us it relieves so much anxiety about space!

I can't wait to get back!

See, you fit right in here!!! Congrats on the switch - not a bad price for the change. Keep an eye on any deals that come out for Sept... might be able to save even more!

*~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~*~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~*

Debating: ILs come into town soon and I want to have some ideas for a Christmas brunch and a Christmas dinner with our group of 11. Looking outside the parks and need to appeal to both picky and adventurous eaters. Plan on touring resorts on the 26th and looking at decorations. Not sure about lunch but def considering Ohana for dinner - thoughts?

 

[gwynne]

See, you fit right in here!!! Congrats on the switch - not a bad price for the change. Keep an eye on any deals that come out for Sept... might be able to save even more!

*~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~*~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~*

Debating: ILs come into town soon and I want to have some ideas for a Christmas brunch and a Christmas dinner with our group of 11. Looking outside the parks and need to appeal to both picky and adventurous eaters. Plan on touring resorts on the 26th and looking at decorations. Not sure about lunch but def considering Ohana for dinner - thoughts?

Hi dimndgal, I'd work out your plans for the day and choose to dine someplace convenient based on that, or a place near your hotel. Keep it easy on the planner. Getting 11 people anyplace "on time" is tricky.
Your touring plan to see the decorations sound like such fun!

 

[gwynne]

I made the switch! It was quick, easy and painless!!

We're now staying at POFQ in a standard view room!

It was a difference of $488, but to us it relieves so much anxiety about space!

I can't wait to get back!

POFQ is such a lovely resort. I really like the helpful, friendly CM's there. Happy planning!

 

[pas130]

Also I think the pool looks great for little ones. Why or why does everything I say come back to pools????

Lol!!

I made the switch! It was quick, easy and painless!!

We're now staying at POFQ in a standard view room!

It was a difference of $488, but to us it relieves so much anxiety about space!

I can't wait to get back!

Discounts will come out soon hopefully as well. Congratulations on the switch!

See, you fit right in here!!! Congrats on the switch - not a bad price for the change. Keep an eye on any deals that come out for Sept... might be able to save even more!

*~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~*~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~*

Debating: ILs come into town soon and I want to have some ideas for a Christmas brunch and a Christmas dinner with our group of 11. Looking outside the parks and need to appeal to both picky and adventurous eaters. Plan on touring resorts on the 26th and looking at decorations. Not sure about lunch but def considering Ohana for dinner - thoughts?

Ohana for a large group is probably the easiest!! And yummy!!

POFQ is such a lovely resort. I really like the helpful, friendly CM's there. Happy planning!

Hi Ginny!

Wanted to apologize for being MIA to my RC friends