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

[pas130]

LO has discovered she can crawl through the house - before she stayed in whatever room people were in. *sighs* my days just got longer.

*hugs* to all!

AWWW, I guess Minnie taught her well...yup it's walking next..no rest for the weary Mama

You got a package? They have, in the past, generally sent out the packet for packages around 21 days out. It's been, in the past at least, by UPS. You could call Disney or your TA to see.



If there's early entrance to Disneyland on the day you're going and you don't have access to it, do NOT enter Fantasyland at the start of the day. You will walk into a wall of people waiting for Peter Pan, Dumbo, etc.

If there's early entrance that day and you don't have access to it, hit the parts of the park that doesn't have early entrance. When we haven't wanted to take part in MM/EMH (whatever it's called LOL) we will enter and wait at rope drop for Adventureland, so we can hit Indy (assuming it's open for your trip! this is what we have done) and Jungle Cruise before their lines fill up.

Later in the day head to Fantasyland if it's on your list. Not around fireworks time, if there are fireworks that day, because they close FL for that.

So head to the areas that won't be filled for the hour before you can enter.

Just wanted to say You are one of the Universal pros! I was reading your TR the other day !

We had a bit of drama this week with the travel agent we booked with putting on the wrong dates for our holiday- whoops! easily fixed though with a couple of phone calls.

Wish we had waited and booked UK free dining through Disney direct again though

Glad its fixed!!!

I'm back ....end of school is slow, so maybe I'll pop in more
YAY!




Y'all know me and pictures....so just had to share a couple from our beach trip. This is what we left on Sunday. I just hate last days...almost depressing.




And what Disney lover goes to the beach without making a Mickey Castle, mom??!! ...those were Faith's words



When DH returned from fishing, he just rolled his eyes! Had a great trip, but back to reality!

Love Faith's castle!! Always love your pics And yes each day is one day closer to WDW!!

Heather: Bestest Sandcastle EVER!!

Absolutely!!!

I feel so Disney obsessed lately! I think the trip anticipation is almost as much fun as the trip itself

I completely agree, that is why planning another trip is the perfect cure for PDD

Good Morning! I agree!! The anticipation is almost the best part. Once we are under the 100 day mark it will start to feel more real!

Soon, soon, soon

We are very excited!! This is our first official family trip that didn't involve family or a wedding,

And I'd like to get one more trip in before we decide to have #2!

I've done one or three trips pregnant...

I got an Elsa dress for DD6! W00t! It`s a size big but we can make it work - we hd same for Rapunzel wedding dress and just tucked the hem up... she`s been able to fit it for 3 years, 2 trips! Have to hold it until her birthday but so glad to grab it since I have been trying since Nov! Had a chance to get it before the movie and held back... *shakes head* oh well, better late than never!

Love it!! Can't wait to see her in it!

Soooooo our vacation has been changed once again but for the better .We are now doing a split stay Coronado Springs ( I've got 2 days to go down that water slide at the pool because of my husbands not so fond liking of moderate hotels ) and then it's off to Yacht Club for the rest of it.


Does anyone else out there feel like we do....
We like the values and the deluxe hotels but the moderates

That is totally us! I think it's the size of the resort. Although at SSR we didn't mind having multiple bus stops....Initially we liked CBR, until we realized how long the bus took internally and we stayed during cheer nationals..not a peaceful stay at all. Your split sounds fun!!!

Also, talked to `reasonable` SIL last night and she thinks we should push for the split (mod/SoG). She is sort of anti-Disney (going for sake of family) but feels it`s worth the atmosphere to stay on property. She`s been a super good sport: eager to try drinks/food at EPCOT, try AKL restaurants, see Cirque... so it`s nice to have a logical voice that isn`t jaded by mouse dreams or trying to have a caviar trip with a popcorn budget.

Don't fret.....Not only are the moderates waaay better than the values,but you picked the best of the bunch.
CSR to us is basically a Deluxe-Lite....And if we weren't DVC owners we'd be spending most of our time at this place. Besides having one of the best pools and slides, it also has a huge hot tub (biggest on property) ,The pepper market also is waay better than any food court, and By far the Abo****e best bus service out of any resort, Deluxe mod or value. Just make sure you're not waay out in ranchos when you check in.. Its beautifully themed but just far from main bldg. But it's close to the main pool...

Have fun and enjoy..DizDad

Thank you for the great review of CSR!!!

Hello, my name is shocker and....I'm a resort changer.

I called today and changed us from Sports (which we stayed at last march) to PORFQ. When I showed DH the pic in this thread taken 4/26...
http://disboards.com/showthread.php?t=3266757
he thought we should pay double to move over to PORFQ and I lost the free Memory Maker offer I had at Sports because it's not available at PORFQ. We've stayed at mostly deluxes and values twice, but never mods.

HOLY CANNOLI that pic!!! POFQ looks so nice! You'll find POFQ and POR love here. Plus you're a boat ride from DTD!

Welcome to the place where magic and changing lives

*sighs* Now that the first hurdle seems to be cleared, trying to get ADRs in line. Thinking of having TA handle the large group ones and then lining up the smaller, individual group ones because I see those changing A LOT.

I need a nap!

Now I need a nap...let the TA do it for sure

 

[Mousemommy1]

That was an epic multi-quote Jeanette!!!

Last day in MD today, we have had a very nice visit, despite the deluge of rain!!

Today is oldest DD's birthday!!! I now have a Disney adult!!

Can't wait until she gets home tomorrow and sees the awesome room makeover that DH has been working on since we left. It's a complete surprise and I hope she loves it!!!

Her room has been the same decor since she was 10 months old, lol!

 

[DizDaD7]

Why do you say the best buses? Even with all the internal stops?

And why is it considered a deluxe lite resort?

Sent from my iPad using DISBoards

The reason I say best buses is the fact that 1), I never waited for a second bus due to the 1st one being full. 2) Never having to give up my seat to the elderly or a mother and/or child. This never happened because the buses were never completely filled. This has to do with it being a convention resort I'm sure and not many are going to and from the parks I'm guessing. But don't let that fool you... YOU STILL get that family feeling/Vibe when staying here. Also yes there are 4 stops internally. But when I went, we were in casitas 4 which was close to its bus stop but also a very short walk to the main bldg. Too. In the morning Wed go get a quick bite n coffee there and catch the bus at that bus stop. From there it would proceed right to the parks,(No other stops) when returning from the parks ,we were the 1st to get dropped off at our stop by casitas.

The reason we consider it a deluxe lite is, 1) the best bus service,as stated,2) Probably the 3rd or 4th longest water slide out of all resorts,and a beautifully themed pool n grounds. 3) Biggest hot tub out of all resorts....4) No long lines for the food court. Pepper market to me is waay better because once you have your food, there's no line that you have to wait on to pay, then there's no searching for a table while your food gets cold. This is done prior. Excellent TS restaurant as well and a very nice lounge...This is usually where u see the conventioneers. the room decor and the very comfy queen beds are a plus too. Best beds I've slept on for sure. ...

 

[Grumpy Grandma]

That was an epic multi-quote Jeanette!!!

Last day in MD today, we have had a very nice visit, despite the deluge of rain!!

Today is oldest DD's birthday!!! I now have a Disney adult!!

Can't wait until she gets home tomorrow and sees the awesome room makeover that DH has been working on since we left. It's a complete surprise and I hope she loves it!!!

Her room has been the same decor since she was 10 months old, lol!

Please post pics of the room makeover!!! Happy Birthday to your Disney adult DD!!!

 

[arrical8]

Hi, my name is arrical8 and I am resort changer!

I cannot for the life of me pick a resort! How do you all finally pick? Any words of wisdom?

We are a family of 6 currently at the BWI and looking at switching to either CR or FWL... please help!

 

[gwynne]

Hi, my name is arrical8 and I am resort changer!

I cannot for the life of me pick a resort! How do you all finally pick? Any words of wisdom?

We are a family of 6 currently at the BWI and looking at switching to either CR or FWL... please help!

Hi arrical8,
Welcome! You have some great resorts to choose from. Are you wanting to be close to the Magic Kingdom, or do you have another favorite park? Do you have a particular room or view in mind? If you could tell us more about what you'd like in a resort, we'd be glad to help. There are lots of friendly folks on this thread.
All the best, and glad you found the Resort Changers!

 

[gwynne]

Welcome to the place where magic and changing lives

Trish that is both true and hilarious!

Please post pics of the room makeover!!! Happy Birthday to your Disney adult DD!!!

Good idea! It would be great to see the room makeover. What fun!

That was an epic multi-quote Jeanette!!!

Last day in MD today, we have had a very nice visit, despite the deluge of rain!!

Today is oldest DD's birthday!!! I now have a Disney adult!!

Can't wait until she gets home tomorrow and sees the awesome room makeover that DH has been working on since we left. It's a complete surprise and I hope she loves it!!!

Her room has been the same decor since she was 10 months old, lol!

Happy Birthday to your DD!

 

[DizDaD7]

Hi, my name is arrical8 and I am resort changer!

I cannot for the life of me pick a resort! How do you all finally pick? Any words of wisdom?

We are a family of 6 currently at the BWI and looking at switching to either CR or FWL... please help!

Each family's needs are different. My guess is that you really have to see what your plans are for the week or so. If most of your time or nights will be at Epcot then I'd say keep it. Do you want more relaxing resort days? Then I'd say AKV. Would you care for being in close proximity to MK because of fireworks or lil ones? Then I'd suggest a monorail resort. Most all have a very nice feature pool, as well as multiple TS restaurants. And also theming is a personal choice as well. Have fun choosing, and remember it's Disney, you can't really go wrong no matter which resort you pick.

 

[gwynne]

Happy Wed everybody! Still trying to get caught up!

Pas, that was an amazing multi quote.

dimndgal, As others have said, the TA is a great idea.

Janet, Dining is booked..for now. I'll post later today.

I made deviled eggs today. It's time for summer foods! Now I'm off to the kitchen to clean up the mess..

Hope everyone has a great rest of their day!

 

[arrical8]

Hi arrical8,
Welcome! You have some great resorts to choose from. Are you wanting to be close to the Magic Kingdom, or do you have another favorite park? Do you have a particular room or view in mind? If you could tell us more about what you'd like in a resort, we'd be glad to help. There are lots of friendly folks on this thread.
All the best, and glad you found the Resort Changers!

Thank you for the welcome! This is my DH and kids first time to WDW, I have been a few times and my favorite park is MK

I currently have 4 MK+Epcot days planned, 2 Epcot+DHS days, and 1 AK day planned. We are wanting to take breaks in the day for naps for our 2 youngest. We do not have a view in mind, but would like a place that DH and I can sit and relax in the evenings after the kids go to bed either a balcony/patio or another room. At BWI, we are currently booked in a standard room.

My older kids wish list for our hotel includes a pool, pizza, and mac & cheese... so they are not too picky! My middle DS wants to ride the big train = monorail

We will have our own car and my DH plans on driving to parks as opposed to taking the bus. I am concerned we will be spending all our time on transporation by staying at an Epcot resort.

We will not have park hoppers and most of our resort dining is on the monorail loop

 

[trishadono]

That was an epic multi-quote Jeanette!!!



Today is oldest DD's birthday!!! I now have a Disney adult!!

Happy 10th Birthday Candace DD!

 

[Mousemommy1]

Thank you for the welcome! This is my DH and kids first time to WDW, I have been a few times and my favorite park is MK

I currently have 4 MK+Epcot days planned, 2 Epcot+DHS days, and 1 AK day planned. We are wanting to take breaks in the day for naps for our 2 youngest. We do not have a view in mind, but would like a place that DH and I can sit and relax in the evenings after the kids go to bed either a balcony/patio or another room. At BWI, we are currently booked in a standard room.

My older kids wish list for our hotel includes a pool, pizza, and mac & cheese... so they are not too picky! My middle DS wants to ride the big train = monorail

We will have our own car and my DH plans on driving to parks as opposed to taking the bus. I am concerned we will be spending all our time on transporation by staying at an Epcot resort.

We will not have park hoppers and most of our reosrt dining is on the monorail loop

Oooooh, CR sounds perfect for you........

 

[pas130]

That was an epic multi-quote Jeanette!!!

Last day in MD today, we have had a very nice visit, despite the deluge of rain!!

Today is oldest DD's birthday!!! I now have a Disney adult!!

Can't wait until she gets home tomorrow and sees the awesome room makeover that DH has been working on since we left. It's a complete surprise and I hope she loves it!!!

Her room has been the same decor since she was 10 months old, lol!

Is it Disney décor??? YOU MUST PROVIDE A REVEAL PIC!

to your Disney Princess

The reason I say best buses is the fact that 1), I never waited for a second bus due to the 1st one being full. 2) Never having to give up my seat to the elderly or a mother and/or child. This never happened because the buses were never completely filled. This has to do with it being a convention resort I'm sure and not many are going to and from the parks I'm guessing. But don't let that fool you... YOU STILL get that family feeling/Vibe when staying here. Also yes there are 4 stops internally. But when I went, we were in casitas 4 which was close to its bus stop but also a very short walk to the main bldg. Too. In the morning Wed go get a quick bite n coffee there and catch the bus at that bus stop. From there it would proceed right to the parks,(No other stops) when returning from the parks ,we were the 1st to get dropped off at our stop by casitas.

The reason we consider it a deluxe lite is, 1) the best bus service,as stated,2) Probably the 3rd or 4th longest water slide out of all resorts,and a beautifully themed pool n grounds. 3) Biggest hot tub out of all resorts....4) No long lines for the food court. Pepper market to me is waay better because once you have your food, there's no line that you have to wait on to pay, then there's no searching for a table while your food gets cold. This is done prior. Excellent TS restaurant as well and a very nice lounge...This is usually where u see the conventioneers. the room decor and the very comfy queen beds are a plus too. Best beds I've slept on for sure. ...

Now I want to try it

Please post pics of the room makeover!!! Happy Birthday to your Disney adult DD!!!

YES!

Hi, my name is arrical8 and I am resort changer!

I cannot for the life of me pick a resort! How do you all finally pick? Any words of wisdom?

We are a family of 6 currently at the BWI and looking at switching to either CR or FWL... please help!

Hi arrical8,
Welcome! You have some great resorts to choose from. Are you wanting to be close to the Magic Kingdom, or do you have another favorite park? Do you have a particular room or view in mind? If you could tell us more about what you'd like in a resort, we'd be glad to help. There are lots of friendly folks on this thread.
All the best, and glad you found the Resort Changers!

Each family's needs are different. My guess is that you really have to see what your plans are for the week or so. If most of your time or nights will be at Epcot then I'd say keep it. Do you want more relaxing resort days? Then I'd say AKV. Would you care for being in close proximity to MK because of fireworks or lil ones? Then I'd suggest a monorail resort. Most all have a very nice feature pool, as well as multiple TS restaurants. And also theming is a personal choice as well. Have fun choosing, and remember it's Disney, you can't really go wrong no matter which resort you pick.

All this awesome Disney advice.....

Pas, that was an amazing multi quote.


I made deviled eggs today. It's time for summer foods! Now I'm off to the kitchen to clean up the mess..

YUM!!! Looking forward to hearing the ADRs Ginny!!

Thank you for the welcome! This is my DH and kids first time to WDW, I have been a few times and my favorite park is MK

I currently have 4 MK+Epcot days planned, 2 Epcot+DHS days, and 1 AK day planned. We are wanting to take breaks in the day for naps for our 2 youngest. We do not have a view in mind, but would like a place that DH and I can sit and relax in the evenings after the kids go to bed either a balcony/patio or another room. At BWI, we are currently booked in a standard room.

My older kids wish list for our hotel includes a pool, pizza, and mac & cheese... so they are not too picky! My middle DS wants to ride the big train = monorail

We will have our own car and my DH plans on driving to parks as opposed to taking the bus. I am concerned we will be spending all our time on transporation by staying at an Epcot resort.

We will not have park hoppers and most of our reosrt dining is on the monorail loop

OHHHHHHH CR for you!!! I saw you are a family of 6, is one an infant/toddler. If yes, do CR before you need to do 2 rooms (we are a party of 7 so I get it) Also, MK is the hardest to drive to. You need to park at the TTC and ferry over. We have stayed at YC and the bus wasn't bad. BUT you sound like me and you love the castle...so the walk to MK, boat to WL for some downtime. Driving to Epcot and DHS if you go early morning..easy peasy! GF also is another suggestion, there are a few cool pool areas, monorail, 24 hr QS!

Oooooh, CR sounds perfect for you........

Definitely belongs on the MK side

 

[DizDaD7]

CR sounds about right as well, or possibly the Cabins over @ Fort Wilderness..

 

[letthewookiewin]

That was an epic multi-quote Jeanette!!!

Last day in MD today, we have had a very nice visit, despite the deluge of rain!!

Today is oldest DD's birthday!!! I now have a Disney adult!!

Can't wait until she gets home tomorrow and sees the awesome room makeover that DH has been working on since we left. It's a complete surprise and I hope she loves it!!!

Her room has been the same decor since she was 10 months old, lol!

Happy Birthday to your DD!! I can't wait to hear how much she loved the room make over.

Hi, my name is arrical8 and I am resort changer!

I cannot for the life of me pick a resort! How do you all finally pick? Any words of wisdom?

We are a family of 6 currently at the BWI and looking at switching to either CR or FWL... please help!

Where will you spend the most time? Are you planning on a lot of time at the resort?

I made deviled eggs today. It's time for summer foods! Now I'm off to the kitchen to clean up the mess..

mmmm, I love Deviled Eggs. I just to hate them, but I loved making them. Now I love to eat them. Do you use mustard in yours?

I got our Mickey Mail for our DL trip. I was disappointed that it came in this..


My DH got home before I got home and when he found it, for some reason decided that it was a great idea that he open it. Then he didn't understand why I was so upset. I do love the luggage tags much better that you get with a DL package than you do with a WDW one.

If the opening the box wasn't crazy enough, the knuckle-headed DH had the nerve to say that he got the ticket that has Mickey and Minnie on it. I was like "aww heck no, that one is so mine".

 

[Sue M]

how bad of him to open your package!!! I'd be upset too! They just don't get how exciting it is to open up Mickey Mail! Cute luggage tags!

 

[Sue M]

Soooooo our vacation has been changed once again but for the better
We are now doing a split stay Coronado Springs ( I've got 2 days to go down that water slide at the pool because of my husbands not so fond liking of moderate hotels ) and then it's off to Yacht Club for the rest of it.


Does anyone else out there feel like we do....
We like the values and the deluxe hotels but the moderates

We enjoy the mods almost as much as our deluxe stays. POR or POFQ are our fav mods.

Hello, my name is shocker and....I'm a resort changer.

I called today and changed us from Sports (which we stayed at last march) to PORFQ. When I showed DH the pic in this thread taken 4/26...
http://disboards.com/showthread.php?t=3266757
he thought we should pay double to move over to PORFQ and I lost the free Memory Maker offer I had at Sports because it's not available at PORFQ. We've stayed at mostly deluxes and values twice, but never mods.

if I ever saw that pic, it would sure cure me of ever wanting to stay there, yikes!
You'll love POFQ. Be sure to take the boat to DTD, enjoy evening entertainment and try the beignets! Stroll over to POR to see Piano Bob! And love the make your own pasta bar at the POR food court!

That was an epic multi-quote Jeanette!!!

Last day in MD today, we have had a very nice visit, despite the deluge of rain!!

Today is oldest DD's birthday!!! I now have a Disney adult!!

Can't wait until she gets home tomorrow and sees the awesome room makeover that DH has been working on since we left. It's a complete surprise and I hope she loves it!!!

Her room has been the same decor since she was 10 months old, lol!

Happy Birthday!! Would love to see the pics

Heather maybe done changing Love the Mickey Castle!! And of course that beautiful sunset!! Wow!

Maybe just some minor tweaking now, may leave Lauderdale a day earlier for Universal so we can get checked in, return rental car and get to the park for rope drop. So booking a night before at the Doubletree or Hyatt close to Universal the night before may be an idea, rather then leaving Lauderdale at 4:30 AM for the 3 hr drive north and get checked into Portofino, and return rental. I've hired *********** town car to get us to Poly after our 3 day Universal stay. Still thinking on it!

 

[trishadono]

Maybe just some minor tweaking now, may leave Lauderdale a day earlier for Universal so we can get checked in, return rental car and get to the park for rope drop. So booking a night before at the Doubletree or Hyatt close to Universal the night before may be an idea, rather then leaving Lauderdale at 4:30 AM for the 3 hr drive north and get checked into Portofino, and return rental. I've hired *********** town car to get us to Poly after our 3 day Universal stay. Still thinking on it!

Dmil wants to see diagon alley with her 1st born dgd , my Lys, this summer and ride train and have butter beer. (grandma read all of the books from Lys personal library)

Lys and I went 8/10 and stayed at HRH. Why do people like Portofino better? We liked being able to walk especially in that August heat. Last time we did 2 nights for opening in morning access and then transferred to poly for 4 nights. This time might only be 2 at Universal. It will depend on Lys summer job and if we go before passes expire 8/13.

 

[pas130]

CR sounds about right as well, or possibly the Cabins over @ Fort Wilderness..

True, but the walk from cr. Yes!!! The kitchen and privacy at fwc was very cool too

Happy Birthday to your DD!! I can't wait to hear how much she loved the room make over.

Where will you spend the most time? Are you planning on a lot of time at the resort?

mmmm, I love Deviled Eggs. I just to hate them, but I loved making them. Now I love to eat them. Do you use mustard in yours?

I got our Mickey Mail for our DL trip. I was disappointed that it came in this..
http://s60.photobucket.com/user/kassigrad/media/DLMMBox_zpsc76c6a19.jpg.html

My DH got home before I got home and when he found it, for some reason decided that it was a great idea that he open it. Then he didn't understand why I was so upset. I do love the luggage tags much better that you get with a DL package than you do with a WDW one.
http://s60.photobucket.com/user/kassigrad/media/DLLuggageTags_zpsc727467b.jpg.html
If the opening the box wasn't crazy enough, the knuckle-headed DH had the nerve to say that he got the ticket that has Mickey and Minnie on it. I was like "aww heck no, that one is so mine".

Very cute

We enjoy the mods almost as much as our deluxe stays. POR or POFQ are our fav mods.

if I ever saw that pic, it would sure cure me of ever wanting to stay there, yikes!
You'll love POFQ. Be sure to take the boat to DTD, enjoy evening entertainment and try the beignets! Stroll over to POR to see Piano Bob! And love the make your own pasta bar at the POR food court!

Happy Birthday!! Would love to see the pics

Heather maybe done changing Love the Mickey Castle!! And of course that beautiful sunset!! Wow!

Maybe just some minor tweaking now, may leave Lauderdale a day earlier for Universal so we can get checked in, return rental car and get to the park for rope drop. So booking a night before at the Doubletree or Hyatt close to Universal the night before may be an idea, rather then leaving Lauderdale at 4:30 AM for the 3 hr drive north and get checked into Portofino, and return rental. I've hired *********** town car to get us to Poly after our 3 day Universal stay. Still thinking on it!

When is your moving day, I'll drive you !!

Dmil wants to see diagon alley with her 1st born dgd , my Lys, this summer and ride train and have butter beer. (grandma read all of the books from Lys personal library)

Lys and I went 8/10 and stayed at HRH. Why do people like Portofino better? We liked being able to walk especially in that August heat. Last time we did 2 nights for opening in morning access and then transferred to poly for 4 nights. This time might only be 2 at Universal. It will depend on Lys summer job and if we go before passes expire 8/13.

Hrh has the better proximity and pool, but portofino is the gf of universal ahhhhh

I haven't ruled out universal just yet....my family may forgo the beach.

 

[pas130]

Deena!!!! AKA LUVLUVLUV

You are definitely missed here my busy friend