Our little thread of BIG Resort changes*OLD THREAD link on last pg. to new thread!

[Koh1977]

And I just have to say that I've seen this thread pop up often when I'm on the resort boards but on the mobile app, 96 pages is a lot to read! I am about 15-16 pages and realize that I don't have to be ashamed of my resort changing ways!

The first three trips, we picked a resort and stuck to it....

Then this last December trip came up and between August and September, I changed resorts....4 times...POFQ to WL to Poly CL to GF. I thought I was crazy to keep searching the deals but I now realize I'm not.

This trip we only switched once...Poly to GF. We only did GF for 3 nights in December and never really "stayed" on the grounds since we had 4 days to pack in as much holiday fun as possible (think Clark Griswold on vacation!) The kids are excited to go back though since we can now try the pools out and looks like beach access is back open.

We have friends staying at the Poly who offered to watch our kids one night so hubby and I can go out. Now on arrival day...Victoria and Albert's, here we come!

Welcome!!

 

[sjs314]

Welcome to the flame free thread!

These days it is pretty it is pretty much impossible to double book - Disney now has their system so well set up to trace a guest that I could not even book a room when my name was the second guest on another reservation. It also found me when I was booked through a TA when I decided I still preferred to handle my own ressies but had not yet canceled with the TA. (Silly me to think after 30 yrs of handing my own reservations that I thought I would be comfortable with a TA for even a few minutes ...the draw of a Disney Gift Card hooked me. ).

Christine

I understand about not being 100% comfortable booking thru a TA. I been thinking if the deals for fall happen to cover my week ( not holding out hope) of booking then canceling with the TA but seems that might not work

Changeing our dates is not feasible since we have our flights. Plus we're saving $102 on our park tickets now after the price increase on 6/2 so if we were to switch it most likely would end up costing us more anyway.

I think I am stuck at the Poly Not a bad place to be stuck at I guess

And I just have to say that I've seen this thread pop up often when I'm on the resort boards but on the mobile app, 96 pages is a lot to read! I am about 15-16 pages and realize that I don't have to be ashamed of my resort changing ways!

The first three trips, we picked a resort and stuck to it....

Then this last December trip came up and between August and September, I changed resorts....4 times...POFQ to WL to Poly CL to GF. I thought I was crazy to keep searching the deals but I now realize I'm not.

This trip we only switched once...Poly to GF. We only did GF for 3 nights in December and never really "stayed" on the grounds since we had 4 days to pack in as much holiday fun as possible (think Clark Griswold on vacation!) The kids are excited to go back though since we can now try the pools out and looks like beach access is back open.

We have friends staying at the Poly who offered to watch our kids one night so hubby and I can go out. Now on arrival day...Victoria and Albert's, here we come!

Cadyrose Love to stay at GF someday but Bob thinks it seems snobbish.

I made an ADR for breakfast at GF Cafe, hopeing to change his mind about staying there. Neither of us has ever stepped foot on GF property before.

It has literally taken me since the early 90's to convince him to stay at the Poly. We went to the Luau and he hated the
Poly

OMG I think it is hotter today than the past few days

I seem to have hit a plateau with my weight loss, stuck at (-18.6lb) 217.4 now and I was hopeing to get down to 200 or less by my trip, but it is not looking good.

Hope All have a great Day !

 

[sjs314]

Anyone know what's going on with the WDW Booking site this morning? No matter what dates I put in, only Swolphin comes up. Are they switching over to 2014 packages a bit early maybe? (Thought that was 10 July.) I was just trying to check rack rate availability for BLT/CR in August to get a sense if the military rate might be available if they are available at RR.

Dining reservations was down too when I went over to do some "tweeking" no matter what restaurant I tried it came up with Donald saying page can't be found

 

[Cadyrose]

Christine

I understand about not being 100% comfortable booking thru a TA. I been thinking if the deals for fall happen to cover my week ( not holding out hope) of booking then canceling with the TA but seems that might not work

Changeing our dates is not feasible since we have our flights. Plus we're saving $102 on our park tickets now after the price increase on 6/2 so if we were to switch it most likely would end up costing us more anyway.

I think I am stuck at the Poly Not a bad place to be stuck at I guess

Cadyrose Love to stay at GF someday but Bob thinks it seems snobbish.

I made an ADR for breakfast at GF Cafe, hopeing to change his mind about staying there. Neither of us has ever stepped foot on GF property before.

It has literally taken me since the early 90's to convince him to stay at the Poly. We went to the Luau and he hated the
Poly

OMG I think it is hotter today than the past few days

I seem to have hit a plateau with my weight loss, stuck at (-18.6lb) 217.4 now and I was hopeing to get down to 200 or less by my trip, but it is not looking good.

Hope All have a great Day !

We use to think the same thing. We went to dinner at 1900 PF during our WL stay and as we walked through the entrance thought, "we don't belong here". We are not 6 figure a year people and we fell into that line of thinking that it was snotty too.

Than during the great Resort Change of '11, as the deals kept changing and I was crunching the numbers. I started thinking about what was the ultimate Disney resort for Christmas, WL and GF. But I couldn't GF out of my mind from all the Disney holiday specials I've seen. The gingerbread house kept calling to me, so I convinced my husband we should try it since we have already stayed at WL.

It was truly the best trip yet. We were never made to feel out of place. The front desk service was wonderful and so accommodating. It was our daughter's birthday 2 days before we arrived. Mickey and Minnie left gifts of stuffed animals, balloons, coloring books, crayons and signed cards for both her and her brother in our first day. The next day she got ftom the GF staff a chocolate heart filled with homemade M&Ms delivered to our room (had to be home made cause they tasted 1000% better than regular ones!).

It was just really amazing and I learned how wrong I was in my thinking if GF...I'm a convert now. Not that I still won't try other resorts... Poly is still on our to do list as well as an Epcot deluxe but I would always go back to GF in a heartbeat if the deal was good.

Congrats on the weight loss. That's my biggest struggle too. I started running last August and just completed my first 10k but the weight is such a struggle as I love my carbs and sugar especially when I'm stressed...I just need to kick the habit so all this running can pay off!

 

[Cadyrose]

Dining reservations was down too when I went over to do some "tweeking" no matter what restaurant I tried it came up with Donald saying page can't be found

It has been off the last two days. Some in our August FB group have said that when it does pop back in momentarily, FP+ is showing up as a line under My Reservations. It hasn't stayed consistent yet and not everyone had it on their page but it definitely had the speculating started...

 

[Minnie&Nana]

Quote:
Originally Posted by WDWKOOK
Anyone know what's going on with the WDW Booking site this morning? No matter what dates I put in, only Swolphin comes up. Are they switching over to 2014 packages a bit early maybe? (Thought that was 10 July.) I was just trying to check rack rate availability for BLT/CR in August to get a sense if the military rate might be available if they are available at RR.

Same thing has been happening to me all morning, Kook. No matter what I try, Swan/Dolphin comes up.

Cadyrose, we absolutely LOVE the GF too - one of the bests trips ever! We had a problem at check in (very weird CM) and had to call the front desk for a room change as soon as we walked into the room - that CM was outstanding! I dropped off a note of thanks to her and one to the front desk manager on our way out that afternoon. The next day we found a gorgeous basket of GF goodies in our room with a card from Mickey and Minnie wishing us a wonderful stay. Very, very nice!

Funny though, I am one of the few who is not fond of the resort during the holidays. Prefer the warmth and peacefulness of the WL (always prefer GF rooms!).

 

[sjs314]

We use to think the same thing. We went to dinner at 1900 PF during our WL stay and as we walked through the entrance thought, "we don't belong here". We are not 6 figure a year people and we fell into that line of thinking that it was snotty too.

Than during the great Resort Change of '11, as the deals kept changing and I was crunching the numbers. I started thinking about what was the ultimate Disney resort for Christmas, WL and GF. But I couldn't GF out of my mind from all the Disney holiday specials I've seen. The gingerbread house kept calling to me, so I convinced my husband we should try it since we have already stayed at WL.

It was truly the best trip yet. We were never made to feel out of place. The front desk service was wonderful and so accommodating. It was our daughter's birthday 2 days before we arrived. Mickey and Minnie left gifts of stuffed animals, balloons, coloring books, crayons and signed cards for both her and her brother in our first day. The next day she got ftom the GF staff a chocolate heart filled with homemade M&Ms delivered to our room (had to be home made cause they tasted 1000% better than regular ones!).

It was just really amazing and I learned how wrong I was in my thinking if GF...I'm a convert now. Not that I still won't try other resorts... Poly is still on our to do list as well as an Epcot deluxe but I would always go back to GF in a heartbeat if the deal was good.

Congrats on the weight loss. That's my biggest struggle too. I started running last August and just completed my first 10k but the weight is such a struggle as I love my carbs and sugar especially when I'm stressed...I just need to kick the habit so all this running can pay off!

We went the week after Thanksgiving last year and GF was 30% off, we were booked at BWI WV so a GV at GF was only something like $50 more for our dates. Like you the gingerbread house was calling to me but because of the construction going on at the time( Gasperilla's was closed) when Bob finally said go ahead and switch if you want I decided to stay with BWI plus I heard the Lobby is too busy with visitors at that time of the year.

I am going to show him what you said about the GF! Thanks!

 

[Minnie&Nana]

Sheila, the crowds during the holidays is why I will not stay at GF after the decorations go up - it can be extremely crowded in that lobby that time of year. Enough crowds at the parks, thank you!

 

[Cadyrose]

We went the week after Thanksgiving last year and GF was 30% off, we were booked at BWI WV so a GV at GF was only something like $50 more for our dates. Like you the gingerbread house was calling to me but because of the construction going on at the time( Gasperilla's was closed) when Bob finally said go ahead and switch if you want I decided to stay with BWI plus I heard the Lobby is too busy with visitors at that time of the year.

I am going to show him what you said about the GF! Thanks!

We actually very rarely saw the Lobby during the day when it was the busiest cause we were at the parks. That was what was nice about staying there...we would walk through in the mornings or at night when all the other visitors would ho back to their hotels. By staying there we got to see the lobby at its quietest and it truly is beautiful!

 

[DetTigsGal]

We love the Grand, definately do not find it snooty. We even made a comment about that this week while we were standing on the balcony looking at the people. I have never felt out of place.

 

[Koh1977]

So my TA is checking this afternoon to see if I can still get the summer discounted rate at WL, CR, or Poly for our trip...would only be 6 or 7 nights instead of the 8 though...

 

[sjs314]

Sheila, the crowds during the holidays is why I will not stay at GF after the decorations go up - it can be extremely crowded in that lobby that time of year. Enough crowds at the parks, thank you!

Christine I am a tad worried about the Poly lobby so many visit for 'Ohana and Kona, Bob loves lobbies, I know wierd but has a lot to do with whether he likes the resort.

We actually very rarely saw the Lobby during the day when it was the busiest cause we were at the parks. That was what was nice about staying there...we would walk through in the mornings or at night when all the other visitors would ho back to their hotels. By staying there we got to see the lobby at its quietest and it truly is beautiful!

Cadyrose We tend to spend a good amount of time during the day at the resort so it would be my luck to hit all the crowds

We love the Grand, definately do not find it snooty. We even made a comment about that this week while we were standing on the balcony looking at the people. I have never felt out of place.

DetTigsGal I have read many say that about the GF but it is hard to change a persons opinion once formed, but I am gonna give it a shot during our trip this time. If he enjoys Breakfast at GF Cafe It will help

 

[DetTigsGal]

Sheila- this was the first time we stayed GF when it wasn't decorated for Xmas. It was the first thing that struck us, how big it is- w/o the tree and gingerbread house. Really the only days the lobby was busy were July 3 and 4. I walked thru it everyday and there were always people just sitting and men on computers doing work . Hopefully, you go at a slow time and your husband finds it to his liking.

 

[Willows909]

Hope everyone is having a great weekend! I haven't been on much...Mom is here again and flying out to Texas tomorrow morning to spend time with her sister. So spending all my time with her! I have a lot of reading to do it seems....

 

[Minnie&Nana]

Christine I am a tad worried about the Poly lobby so many visit for 'Ohana and Kona, Bob loves lobbies, I know wierd but has a lot to do with whether he likes the resort.

Sheila, the lobby near Kona and Ohana can get busy at peak meal times but other times it is very peaceful and easy to find chairs facing the pool/lagoon to just sit and/or enjoy an adult beverage. The lower level has seating as well, but no view - although even the second floor view isn't all that to write home about. I love it and find many times when it isn't too busy...it's not lik the old days it s still pretty, peaceful and a million miles from the real world. Of course, most all resorts have lots of visitors these days anyway.

 

[jennyjinx3]

Wow! Quiet Friday night I guess...

DH and BIL put up beadboard in DS's room yesterday. I think it looks awesome. So proud of DH and so thankful for BIL's help!!

:-/

I love the room Krystal! So darn cute! No boys over here so not used to that!

Love POR, it's our fav moderate.

SueM: I hope we love it too! BTW How is the knee these days??

How does a resort change work exactly? We may be doing a change or two. If we switch resorts will disney move our luggage for us?

Also, we are thinking of staying non-dining plan and not needing tickets before our first night. However, we need to get into parks for a pre rope drop ADR early the next morning. If our second stay will have the tickets and dining plan can we have access to all that already at 8am?!??? Not sure if this can possibly work.

Hi! And a big to our happy home!

Sorry - Nov. 29.

(Couldn't tell if this was a thread for summer trips or for thinking over the summer about upcoming trips. )

POR Garden View

Jeanette: Yay for POR again! I will need a review!

Welcome to the flame free thread!

And I just have to say that I've seen this thread pop up often when I'm on the resort boards but on the mobile app, 96 pages is a lot to read! I am about 15-16 pages and realize that I don't have to be ashamed of my resort changing ways!

Cadyrose: Now chant "I will never be ashamed...I will never be ashamed!!"

It was truly the best trip yet. We were never made to feel out of place. The front desk service was wonderful and so accommodating. It was our daughter's birthday 2 days before we arrived. Mickey and Minnie left gifts of stuffed animals, balloons, coloring books, crayons and signed cards for both her and her brother in our first day. The next day she got ftom the GF staff a chocolate heart filled with homemade M&Ms delivered to our room (had to be home made cause they tasted 1000% better than regular ones!).

It was just really amazing and I learned how wrong I was in my thinking if GF...I'm a convert now. Not that I still won't try other resorts... Poly is still on our to do list as well as an Epcot deluxe but I would always go back to GF in a heartbeat if the deal was good.

Ooohh you make the GF sound so lovely!!

We love the Grand, definately do not find it snooty. We even made a comment about that this week while we were standing on the balcony looking at the people. I have never felt out of place.

You too!!!

Hope everyone is having a great weekend! I haven't been on much...Mom is here again and flying out to Texas tomorrow morning to spend time with her sister. So spending all my time with her! I have a lot of reading to do it seems....

Hope you had a great visit with your mom.

Sheila, the lobby near Kona and Ohana can get busy at peak meal times but other times it is very peaceful and easy to find chairs facing the pool/lagoon to just sit and/or enjoy an adult beverage. The lower level has seating as well, but no view - although even the second floor view isn't all that to write home about. I love it and find many times when it isn't too busy...it's not lik the old days it s still pretty, peaceful and a million miles from the real world. Of course, most all resorts have lots of visitors these days anyway.

Christine: We found the same, other than the crowded mealtimes was busy, but otherwise it is a lovely relaxing lobby.

Hi to all!! Quiet night here....

Jen

 

[Sue M]

Knee is coming along. Doing physio 2-3 times a week hope it will get me functional for August trip. I walked (slow) around the neighbourhood early this evening for about 45 min. Really sore by the end of walk. I think I'll be spending a lot if afternoons floating around SAB!! But I have hope it will be better in a month.

Koh what did the TA say? Good luck!!

 

[Koh1977]

Knee is coming along. Doing physio 2-3 times a week hope it will get me functional for August trip. I walked (slow) around the neighbourhood early this evening for about 45 min. Really sore by the end of walk. I think I'll be spending a lot if afternoons floating around SAB!! But I have hope it will be better in a month.

Koh what did the TA say? Good luck!!

And what's wrong with time spent floating around SAB?? Just what the doctor ordered, right?? ;-)

I showed DH my prices (based on the current summer discount which is basically the same as the old one) and he actually asked how much it would be to do all 8 nights at the Poly! AND a BLV Tower room at the CR has opened up for all 8 nights as well! SO, I have my TA double checking price for both tomorrow and then I can ch-ch-change for the final time!! Can't go wrong with either one, BUT, pros/cons of each? Or Heather, have some pics of both to share? ;-)

 

[DetTigsGal]

Me? I pick CR over poly every time

 

[Koh1977]

Me? I pick CR over poly every time dde0e

Top 5 reasons why?