Our little thread of BIG Resort Changes~2013 Spring RC installment

[gwynne]

Hi RCers, Time to play catch up and back read-I am so far behind. Things have settled down a bit here, good! I've missed popping in regularly.

Wookie and Koh-Thanks for the tip about the live updates in the Dining reviews!

GG-I keep thinking those Diva trips look very fun. 2016 might be the year!

Pas-Happy birthday to your DD!

We went for a drive on Saturday, didnt get too far until we had a flat. Fun times! It was damaged beyond repair, so we now have a new tire. Lifes an adventure.
I am waiting for the College softball world series that starts Thursday. Im a huge fan, I love this time of year!!
Sending good wishes and hugs to all the RC friends, glad it's a short week!

 

[i_heart_the_mouse]

Jumping in to weigh in on the spoiling factor. I don't think either of you (or any of the lovely ladies on this thread) have anything to worry about.

I grew up pretty poor. One time we borrowed a friend's pop-up camper for a weekend camping trip. That was the extent of my traveling until I moved out on my own. I am the spoiled multiple deluxe CL trips per year girl.

Although I will say I am not spoiled or entitled in any way other than vacationing. I don't do shoes or purses. No clothes shopping except off-season clearance or... the THRIFT STORE I don't do makeup or mani/pedis. Really, vacationing is my only guilty pleasure so I don't think it's so bad.

My kids have done a lot of traveling. There are times when they act entitled. Like when we went to visit my sister last weekend and stayed at a TownePlace Suites and DD2 asked where her sunroom was. But most of the time they are very appreciative of what they have and they know that they are lucky. Really lucky. They all enjoy taking part when we do volunteer work and understand why it is so important to help others as much as possible.

All that to say, I don't think you can't point to any one thing that will create spoiled, entitled children. Continue to be the good parents you are, don't beat yourselves up, and enjoy your vacations. You work hard and deserve it

 

[jennyjinx3]

Jumping in to weigh in on the spoiling factor. I don't think either of you (or any of the lovely ladies on this thread) have anything to worry about.

I grew up pretty poor. One time we borrowed a friend's pop-up camper for a weekend camping trip. That was the extent of my traveling until I moved out on my own. I am the spoiled multiple deluxe CL trips per year girl.

Although I will say I am not spoiled or entitled in any way other than vacationing. I don't do shoes or purses. No clothes shopping except off-season clearance or... the THRIFT STORE I don't do makeup or mani/pedis. Really, vacationing is my only guilty pleasure so I don't think it's so bad.

My kids have done a lot of traveling. There are times when they act entitled. Like when we went to visit my sister last weekend and stayed at a TownePlace Suites and DD2 asked where her sunroom was. But most of the time they are very appreciative of what they have and they know that they are lucky. Really lucky. They all enjoy taking part when we do volunteer work and understand why it is so important to help others as much as possible.

All that to say, I don't think you can't point to any one thing that will create spoiled, entitled children. Continue to be the good parents you are, don't beat yourselves up, and enjoy your vacations. You work hard and deserve it

I am just picturing how cute it would be to hear your little DD ask where the sunroom was....adorable!

You and I are the same, in the low maintenance department I think, it sure does help out with the Disney savings!

So you get me on the CL, I can't believe how good it was for us. So much more relaxed and easy and took away heaps of stress. Loved it.

 

[i_heart_the_mouse]

I am just picturing how cute it would be to hear your little DD ask where the sunroom was....adorable!

You and I are the same, in the low maintenance department I think, it sure does help out with the Disney savings!

So you get me on the CL, I can't believe how good it was for us. So much more relaxed and easy and took away heaps of stress. Loved it.

She's quite the character. Speaking of DDs... Happy Birthday to your DD pas! And Happy Belated Birthdays to Sue and Melissa!!!

I totally get you on CL with lots of little ones

Once DD is 3 I'll probably swing to the pas side of wanting it for the convenience, but not being able to justify the cost of upgrading two rooms. But who am I kidding, we will still fit at BWI in a Dlx CL room, so that is probably where we will land.

I've gotta change to report. I dumped RPC for more SAB time. Had to make the switcheroo to BC CL to make that happen but I'm excited try that side again.

New itinerary:
Poly GV CL 8/7-8/10
BC CL 8/10-8/15
AKV 8/15-8/17

Dani - You are getting so close! I cannot wait to get your perspective on the refurbs!!!

Big Hello to Miss, gwynne, basketlacey, koh, Janet, GG, wookie, and everybody else!

 

[Mousemommy1]

Jumping in to weigh in on the spoiling factor. I don't think either of you (or any of the lovely ladies on this thread) have anything to worry about.

I grew up pretty poor. One time we borrowed a friend's pop-up camper for a weekend camping trip. That was the extent of my traveling until I moved out on my own. I am the spoiled multiple deluxe CL trips per year girl.

Although I will say I am not spoiled or entitled in any way other than vacationing. I don't do shoes or purses. No clothes shopping except off-season clearance or... the THRIFT STORE I don't do makeup or mani/pedis. Really, vacationing is my only guilty pleasure so I don't think it's so bad.

My kids have done a lot of traveling. There are times when they act entitled. Like when we went to visit my sister last weekend and stayed at a TownePlace Suites and DD2 asked where her sunroom was. But most of the time they are very appreciative of what they have and they know that they are lucky. Really lucky. They all enjoy taking part when we do volunteer work and understand why it is so important to help others as much as possible.

All that to say, I don't think you can't point to any one thing that will create spoiled, entitled children. Continue to be the good parents you are, don't beat yourselves up, and enjoy your vacations. You work hard and deserve it

Thanks for this.

I am also pretty low maintenance....I used to do purses (before kids) several times a year, but after kids I stopped. DH bought me a really nice Coach purse 3 years ago for Valentines day and I have used it ever since! He is shocked that I haven't traded it in yet.

But, what I really want is my time at Disney with my family. And I scrimp and save for those trips. I proudly negotiated my cable bill down $50/month today and got to keep all of our stations!!! but, I was willing to let go of the movie and sports channels...

Of course, my children are both amazing today, and we talked to them about the behavior that bothers us and they were both genuinely upset. I think they get it.

 

[Sue M]

She's quite the character. Speaking of DDs... Happy Birthday to your DD pas! And Happy Belated Birthdays to Sue and Melissa!!!

I totally get you on CL with lots of little ones

Once DD is 3 I'll probably swing to the pas side of wanting it for the convenience, but not being able to justify the cost of upgrading two rooms. But who am I kidding, we will still fit at BWI in a Dlx CL room, so that is probably where we will land.

I've gotta change to report. I dumped RPC for more SAB time. Had to make the switcheroo to BC CL to make that happen but I'm excited try that side again.

New itinerary:
Poly GV CL 8/7-8/10
BC CL 8/10-8/15
AKV 8/15-8/17

Dani - You are getting so close! I cannot wait to get your perspective on the refurbs!!!

Big Hello to Miss, gwynne, basketlacey, koh, Janet, GG, wookie, and everybody else!

Thanks for the Birthday Wishes!!

 

[Janet B]

The happiest of birthdays to our Princess Kate!!


Sue and Melissa, happy to read that you both had wonderful days with your family and friends celebrating!! That's the way it should be!

Will get back on at some point later... Hi to all!!

 

[i_heart_the_mouse]

Thanks for this.

I am also pretty low maintenance....I used to do purses (before kids) several times a year, but after kids I stopped. DH bought me a really nice Coach purse 3 years ago for Valentines day and I have used it ever since! He is shocked that I haven't traded it in yet.

But, what I really want is my time at Disney with my family. And I scrimp and save for those trips. I proudly negotiated my cable bill down $50/month today and got to keep all of our stations!!! but, I was willing to let go of the movie and sports channels...

Of course, my children are both amazing today, and we talked to them about the behavior that bothers us and they were both genuinely upset. I think they get it.

Yay for saving money for Disney!

They get it Candace. I know they do. They are just little humans and as such they are imperfect. They will have their off moments as we ALL do. Cherish the good ones and know that you will be laughing at some of the less then good ones down the road.

I was just remembering a time when DS10 was about 2 and VERY challenging. He was annoying me by saying toybox over and over and over again. I finally told him that if he said it again he would be in his room for the whole afternoon. He got really close up in my face and said toybok. Little poop. I about lost it. Now it's one of my favorite memories. He still knows how to get his toe right up to that the line without crossing it, but he's a good kid. Love him so much

Family time is the best time.

 

[jennyjinx3]

he's a good kid. Love him so much

Family time is the best time.

You sound like such a good mom. We really do love them so much don't we???And yes that is the best time. That is why I love my trips so much.

 

[Mousemommy1]

Yay for saving money for Disney!

They get it Candace. I know they do. They are just little humans and as such they are imperfect. They will have their off moments as we ALL do. Cherish the good ones and know that you will be laughing at some of the less then good ones down the road.

I was just remembering a time when DS10 was about 2 and VERY challenging. He was annoying me by saying toybox over and over and over again. I finally told him that if he said it again he would be in his room for the whole afternoon. He got really close up in my face and said toybok. Little poop. I about lost it. Now it's one of my favorite memories. He still knows how to get his toe right up to that the line without crossing it, but he's a good kid. Love him so much

Family time is the best time.

Hahahahahaha! I love that toy box story....these kids sure know what buttons to push...

That being said, after our talk with the kids, DH and I talked to each other and came to an agreement about more consistency in our discipline and expectations of the girls.

We also decided that waiting until next August would be painful (for us ), so we are going ahead with the April plans but are not telling the kids. When we talked to them, we indicated that we don't think that going to Disney next year is a good idea....they were so bummed but understood why we were saying that...so, it will be a surprise trip in April (since they now think we are not going). Hopefully, they will just work extra hard to prove they are worthy...

They do have their moments, but I love them so much.

 

[jennyjinx3]

boy i think i need to maybe take some time off here. I know I do it to myself, but either I am seriously annoying to people or just come off all wrong in my posts. My thick skin isn't so thick tonight.

 

[Mousemommy1]

boy i think i need to maybe take some time off here. I know I do it to myself, but either I am seriously annoying to people or just come off all wrong in my posts. My thick skin isn't so thick tonight.

Oh no! What now??? I spent all day yesterday being attacked on a thread because I questioned why the OP was asking the Dis if the First Aid place had tweezers...when she was at the park..... I essentially asked why not go to first aid and ask, instead of posting on the Dis. I was told that this was rude.

There were alot of other posts that were very rude but a mod came on and deleted theirs, but not mine, so obviously I didn't cross the proverbial line...but I wasn't rude...just questioning the obvious....

 

[gwynne]

boy i think i need to maybe take some time off here. I know I do it to myself, but either I am seriously annoying to people or just come off all wrong in my posts. My thick skin isn't so thick tonight.

Hang in there. It isn't you, just a rough playground. Sending hugs your way

 

[disneydreamin247]

Hi everyone! I have been super busy getting ready for our trip, and Saturday a dear friend passed away. He was a wonderful, shining star. A true angel on earth. He was 32, and it was a miracle he lived that long. He was born with Down's syndrome and his mother did not want him so this wonderful woman took him in. She also took in 3 other Down's boys. Damian had over 20 open heart surgeries and countless pacemakers. It NEVER stopped him (her! he would kill me if he heard me say him) from being a true DIVA! (Damian was a princess stuck in a prince's body ) One of my favorite trips to Disney was with his family. He was so full of love and life, and the world just will not be the same without him. I know he is at peace now, but I will miss him terribly. I am so thankful for all he has taught me.

I am really down to the wire with getting ready to go. Yesterday I did all the laundry. Today I worked so I got nothing done. Tomorrow I am off, but I have a doctor's appointment in the AM, then I will come home and pack all day. Lily's godfather is sleeping over to give me a hand with keeping an eye on her. At night I have to go to the wake, and find time for a pedicure sometime in there. Thursday I work until 7:30, then I have to go Target to get my Disney gift cards with a sweet 14.5% discount, then home to pack last minute crap and go to BED because we leave for the airport at 5:15!!! I am SO ready to be in Disney already.

 

[Koh1977]

Bummed...tried yet again for a BoG cancellation...online at the same time and was continuously hitting find a table. No such luck after a half an hour! What the heck??

Sent from my iPad using DISBoards

 

[MAGIC...itis!]

Hi RCers. Hope you all had nice weekends. This has been a busy month for me with lots of fun family obligations. I hope to be back on schedule and have time tocatch up with you all.

Well, due to our evolving employee situation at work, our usual Memorial Day cabin trip for DH and I turned into a spur-of the moment WDW trip to new territory for us... AKL!l Here's a quick review.

It was a crazy busy weekend at WDW with only 2 resorts even available for Sat/Sun nights: WL or AKL. Our idea was to spend a relaxing pool weekend with minimal park time, so we decided on AKL since it is so far from civilization and FINALLY worked perfectly with our plans. I was pretty excited to finally stay there. We already knew the resort and really like the decor. The gift shop/store is a nice size with a nice variety. The animals aren't so bad either! And Boma is my fave WDW restaurant, so there were a lot of pluses.

The only room type option available when I booked Friday was a Arusha view bunk bed room, so we took it. Upon arrival we were almost attacked by CMs who wanted our bunk bed room for a irate guest who was given a 1BR villa instead of bunk beds... and was furious. We didn't need the bunk beds, so we said "sure" and ended up with a CL room 4409 which was super convenient. The cost was basically the same, $3.00 more, and it was what we preferred anyway. It was on Zebra Trail with a wildlife view (??? maybe Arusha, too many names there). The CL lounge was pretty nice being up on the 6th floor overlooking the lobby. CL CMs kept everything stock constantly and did a great job despite fully-booked CL room crowds. It was busy up there!!! The actual offerings were ok, although I seem to remember offerings more to our liking at other CL lounges. We hung at the pool both days and I must say the weather was the most beautiful I can remember in FL at the end of May in 20 years. The AKL pool area is perfect for us with lots of shady spots for us skin-cancer types.

Now for the bad part. I was deathly sick all weekend. The CL CMs brought me ginger ale and were super nice. DH and I went to the Boardwalk one night and I had a chicken cashew salad at Big River Brewing Co and then we drove to see Wishes up close, but that's as wild as we got! Before leaving late yesterday afternoon, we popped over to AK only to go on Dinosaur and then we left! We were asleep by 10:30 pm each night and we barely made CL breakfast both mornings!! I suppose we both needed the sleep. DH has been stressed and working like a dog lately, too. We cancelled our Boma breakfast and our Artist Point (bummer!) ressies due to my illness, but I can say thankfully DH enjoyed the offerings at the Mara food court. I had no appetite and only had a bite of the stew... Yum. And I had a square of chicken flatbread pizza... That was ok too. He also like the carved sandwiches, turkey one day and ham the next.

Since I was kind of out of commission, I spent more time than usual sitting around and observing. Sadly there were issues both at the AKL resort and at the AK park which were decidedly un-magical. :-( Yep, I know it was crazy busy but this isn't WDWs first rodeo. The management and supervisors were efficient but the first-line CMs seem to be thrown to the wolves with insufficient training. Hopefully not a cost-saving trend. Example: after graciously giving up our room, no one could figure out how to assign us a different room. It took many, many, many hours with us schlepping our luggage to the pool, but it all worked out in the end. Will I stay again at AKL anytime soon? Probably not as it still feels so inconvenient to me for a full-scale WDW trip... but maybe next time we need a relaxing pool weekend trip. But I did cross another resort off my list, and I am very glad and grateful I got to try out AKL.

 

[MAGIC...itis!]

Hi everyone! I have been super busy getting ready for our trip, and Saturday a dear friend passed away. He was a wonderful, shining star. A true angel on earth. He was 32, and it was a miracle he lived that long. He was born with Down's syndrome and his mother did not want him so this wonderful woman took him in. She also took in 3 other Down's boys. Damian had over 20 open heart surgeries and countless pacemakers. It NEVER stopped him (her! he would kill me if he heard me say him) from being a true DIVA! (Damian was a princess stuck in a prince's body ) One of my favorite trips to Disney was with his family. He was so full of love and life, and the world just will not be the same without him. I know he is at peace now, but I will miss him terribly. I am so thankful for all he has taught me.

I am really down to the wire with getting ready to go. Yesterday I did all the laundry. Today I worked so I got nothing done. Tomorrow I am off, but I have a doctor's appointment in the AM, then I will come home and pack all day. Lily's godfather is sleeping over to give me a hand with keeping an eye on her. At night I have to go to the wake, and find time for a pedicure sometime in there. Thursday I work until 7:30, then I have to go Target to get my Disney gift cards with a sweet 14.5% discount, then home to pack last minute crap and go to BED because we leave for the airport at 5:15!!! I am SO ready to be in Disney already.

Disneydreamin247: My condolences on the loss of your Damien. In one short paragraph you summed up the shining star quality Damien shone on you. May you remember all that SHE taught you about life and unconditional love. Have a great trip and enjoy enjoy enjoy!!!!!

 

[Koh1977]

Thanks for the AKL mini review!! Sorry you weren't feeling well all weekend and hopefully you're better now!!

Sent from my iPad using DISBoards

 

[sjs314]

boy i think i need to maybe take some time off here. I know I do it to myself, but either I am seriously annoying to people or just come off all wrong in my posts. My thick skin isn't so thick tonight.

jenny I understand what you mean it seems like one DISer will say a negative comment and the ret of the gang chimes in.......The DIS has it's own type of bullying

Oh no! What now??? I spent all day yesterday being attacked on a thread because I questioned why the OP was asking the Dis if the First Aid place had tweezers...when she was at the park..... I essentially asked why not go to first aid and ask, instead of posting on the Dis. I was told that this was rude.

There were alot of other posts that were very rude but a mod came on and deleted theirs, but not mine, so obviously I didn't cross the proverbial line...but I wasn't rude...just questioning the obvious....

MM Common sense? whatever were you thinking? Seems logical to me that one should just head over and find out first hand to me too, but then what do I know?

Hi everyone! I have been super busy getting ready for our trip, and Saturday a dear friend passed away. He was a wonderful, shining star. A true angel on earth. He was 32, and it was a miracle he lived that long. He was born with Down's syndrome and his mother did not want him so this wonderful woman took him in. She also took in 3 other Down's boys. Damian had over 20 open heart surgeries and countless pacemakers. It NEVER stopped him (her! he would kill me if he heard me say him) from being a true DIVA! (Damian was a princess stuck in a prince's body ) One of my favorite trips to Disney was with his family. He was so full of love and life, and the world just will not be the same without him. I know he is at peace now, but I will miss him terribly. I am so thankful for all he has taught me.

I am really down to the wire with getting ready to go. Yesterday I did all the laundry. Today I worked so I got nothing done. Tomorrow I am off, but I have a doctor's appointment in the AM, then I will come home and pack all day. Lily's godfather is sleeping over to give me a hand with keeping an eye on her. At night I have to go to the wake, and find time for a pedicure sometime in there. Thursday I work until 7:30, then I have to go Target to get my Disney gift cards with a sweet 14.5% discount, then home to pack last minute crap and go to BED because we leave for the airport at 5:15!!! I am SO ready to be in Disney already.

Dani So sorry to hear of your loss

Bummed...tried yet again for a BoG cancellation...online at the same time and was continuously hitting find a table. No such luck after a half an hour! What the heck??

Sent from my iPad using DISBoards

Krystal Sending I hopes you snag the BOG ADR!

Hi RCers. Hope you all had nice weekends. This has been a busy month for me with lots of fun family obligations. I hope to be back on schedule and have time tocatch up with you all.

Well, due to our evolving employee situation at work, our usual Memorial Day cabin trip for DH and I turned into a spur-of the moment WDW trip to new territory for us... AKL!l Here's a quick review.

It was a crazy busy weekend at WDW with only 2 resorts even available for Sat/Sun nights: WL or AKL. Our idea was to spend a relaxing pool weekend with minimal park time, so we decided on AKL since it is so far from civilization and FINALLY worked perfectly with our plans. I was pretty excited to finally stay there. We already knew the resort and really like the decor. The gift shop/store is a nice size with a nice variety. The animals aren't so bad either! And Boma is my fave WDW restaurant, so there were a lot of pluses.

The only room type option available when I booked Friday was a Arusha view bunk bed room, so we took it. Upon arrival we were almost attacked by CMs who wanted our bunk bed room for a irate guest who was given a 1BR villa instead of bunk beds... and was furious. We didn't need the bunk beds, so we said "sure" and ended up with a CL room 4409 which was super convenient. The cost was basically the same, $3.00 more, and it was what we preferred anyway. It was on Zebra Trail with a wildlife view (??? maybe Arusha, too many names there). The CL lounge was pretty nice being up on the 6th floor overlooking the lobby. CL CMs kept everything stock constantly and did a great job despite fully-booked CL room crowds. It was busy up there!!! The actual offerings were ok, although I seem to remember offerings more to our liking at other CL lounges. We hung at the pool both days and I must say the weather was the most beautiful I can remember in FL at the end of May in 20 years. The AKL pool area is perfect for us with lots of shady spots for us skin-cancer types.

Now for the bad part. I was deathly sick all weekend. The CL CMs brought me ginger ale and were super nice. DH and I went to the Boardwalk one night and I had a chicken cashew salad at Big River Brewing Co and then we drove to see Wishes up close, but that's as wild as we got! Before leaving late yesterday afternoon, we popped over to AK only to go on Dinosaur and then we left! We were asleep by 10:30 pm each night and we barely made CL breakfast both mornings!! I suppose we both needed the sleep. DH has been stressed and working like a dog lately, too. We cancelled our Boma breakfast and our Artist Point (bummer!) ressies due to my illness, but I can say thankfully DH enjoyed the offerings at the Mara food court. I had no appetite and only had a bite of the stew... Yum. And I had a square of chicken flatbread pizza... That was ok too. He also like the carved sandwiches, turkey one day and ham the next.

Since I was kind of out of commission, I spent more time than usual sitting around and observing. Sadly there were issues both at the AKL resort and at the AK park which were decidedly un-magical. :-( Yep, I know it was crazy busy but this isn't WDWs first rodeo. The management and supervisors were efficient but the first-line CMs seem to be thrown to the wolves with insufficient training. Hopefully not a cost-saving trend. Example: after graciously giving up our room, no one could figure out how to assign us a different room. It took many, many, many hours with us schlepping our luggage to the pool, but it all worked out in the end. Will I stay again at AKL anytime soon? Probably not as it still feels so inconvenient to me for a full-scale WDW trip... but maybe next time we need a relaxing pool weekend trip. But I did cross another resort off my list, and I am very glad and grateful I got to try out AKL.

MAGIC Congrtes on checking off AKL from your list of resorts. I want to stay there again and show AKL off to Bob (I stayed with a friend) but since it is out of the way with only bus service want to do like you mainly a resort/pool trip with AK thrown in. Love Boma too!

I am starting to stress over my Poly trip in November. Tikiman is saying SOA may end Oct 1 due to the start of DVC construction. That could mean my dream of staying in the Fiji Longhouse on the Luau Cove side might be a nightmare ? Was still debating about booking SOA on our cabana day instead of going to a park, thus having an all Poly Day but now if the show is stopping? Ugh

Oh and they are saying we might have bad storms today again with high winds and hail After last weeks microburst I am on edge.

BBL off to get my second cup if coffee

 

[Nixie]

I think I have found the place for my craziness! Not only am I a resort changer, but I am a date changer too! We are currently booked at POR form Sept 22 - 28th. I have been tossing around the idea of a late October stay somewhere.... I even went as far as booking all the dining for October and then canceling my Sept dining ressies...... Thankfully, I was able to get them all back the next day..... I don't know what my problem is LOL. I am still waffling on Sept. If free dining comes out for October, I might have to make some hard decisions. I am waffling on POR as well. I REALLY want to stay at the Beach Club (or heck even the Poly if I am allowed to dream ), but I just can't justify the huge price increase for just a place to sleep... This will be the last Disney trip where we can all fit into one room unless we go a villa. I really think the pool would be a hit for the kiddos at the Beach Club, but is it worth a $1000 upcharge..... I dunno....