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

[jennyjinx3]

Hi my lovelies! I am so far behind, and I promise to catch up when I have my laptop again. we are back from boston and at the homewood suites again, this time in a 1 bedroom, but it is still lovely. This place feels so homey and comfortable, I was really looking forward to coming back here. The Hyatt Place in Boston was....just ok.

It was clean enough, but more run down, and farther away from the city center then we thought. We did make it to the game though, I will try and post a pic from last night, it was really cool experiencing Fenway!


Whale watching was a bust, we drove out to newburyport but they cancelled it due to high waves. Crappy.

Oh well, we will have fun swimming and shopping here instead!

Excited to see a room discount is on its way! We will either be saving money on POR hopefully, or upgrading to somewhere else!

I will get caught up soon....I promise!

Jen

 

[Koh1977]

Just POPping in to say HI!

Almost time for on-line check in at POP!!!! I'm so excited!!!

Tonight, I have another NKOTB concert!!! But, this time right in my city, only 5 minutes from my house, which is nice! No travel required.

Hope everyone is having a great week!!

So jealous!! LOVE NKOTB!

4 days!!!!! And only 7 until the Poly!! Definitely couldn't have come at a better time!

I ordered a black Tungsten carbide ring for DH with "Life began after I fell in Love with you" engraved on it. (That was the same thing written in chocolate on the dessert plate when DH proposed to me at Alfredo's in 2004). Was thinking of some sort of "vow renewal" type thing while we're at Disney...even if it's just me on our balcony at the Poly, giving him the ring and basically telling him I'd choose him all over again...too bad I can't find someone to recreate the dessert...

Told the kids on Friday night and although it wasn't quite as eventful as I'd originally planned, they are pretty excited about going...I think. DD asks every morning if we're going to see Mickey Mouse, so she gets pretty upset when I have to tell her a few days more...so cute. she will have tons of fun playing in the pools! (This is a pic from her last "water day" at daycare)

 

[letthewookiewin]

Almost thought we would be returning to Disney before 10 months to AKL! Ha! The jokes on me





Bill received a Disney 'discount' (and I use that term very loosely) in the mail. It was for December, so we checked it out. For one whole week we would basically save $100 on a value or mod and a little more for a deluxe. Really?? We called to be sure - the same. The last couple of 'discounts' that we've received haven't given an actual % off - it usually says something to the effect of "For a value - $712 for an adult, $308 for a junior and $289 for a child". I was excited for about 2 minutes - then reality hit - not really a discount at all. Oh well, no ticker changes for me!

Back to catching up!
Heather

I'm sorry the discount turned out to not be that great. Thank you for posting that picture!! We'll get to see it in person in 45 days!!

I finally stopped unpacking at disney. I bring my tops this way. I put 3 or 4 on one hanger and fold the hangers and shirts in suitcase. Then I just hang the hangers up when arrive. Then if move they fold up quick and not all wrinkled.

That is a genius idea!! I may try that when we go in September.

Wookie: Love your Swan deal... that means WDW is in your future! Location location location!

Thank you. I was so excited to get it, and finally get to stay at the Swan, even if it is just for one night.

Just POPping in to say HI!

Almost time for on-line check in at POP!!!! I'm so excited!!!

Tonight, I have another NKOTB concert!!! But, this time right in my city, only 5 minutes from my house, which is nice! No travel required.

Hope everyone is having a great week!!

How awesome!! Have a great time!!

Hi Janet! Thanks for the support -- DH is working away at Physio, hoping that we can get some movement in that finger by the fall. His next follow up appointment with the surgeon is August 28, so we will see what is said then!

How is the Physio going? Keeping him, and his pinky especially, in our prayers that he gets all the movement back into it by his appointment.

Totally OT, but do they still have the Canadian Mounties with the red jacket uniform? Those are almost as hot as the US Marine dress uniforms.

I don't know if you read/ heard that my DS 21 (Josh) ended up surviving only 3 nights at the Home Depot job -- night shift was just not for him, and he wasn't happy. He has gone with DGF and her family to Ontario (2 provinces over from us/ about a 4 day drive I'd say) to meet her extended family, attend a wedding and just join DGF and her family on their road trip. When he comes home, he's gotten an offer with DGF's Mother's - Boyfriend's - son's company (whew! hope that makes sense, lol) ALL Weather Windows installing windows, it's day shift, monday to friday, approx 7:30 am to 3 Pm...... it's three $$ more an hour than home depot was (starting at $18/ hour) with benefits, so it sounds great, I just hope it really works out as he's hoping! Also DGF's mom has lots of in's with construction type guys and her uncle owns his own electrical company, so when there is an opening for electrician apprenticeship, Josh will get first offer. So hopefully these things start to come together for him. We are waiting with baited breath for him to come back from Ontario, and start the window company job.... anything to just get him earning some money and starting to save towards a car and his freedom

I am thankful my younger son (DS 17 Andrew) has goals to join the military right out of highschool next yr. One more year, and he's on his way -- he's much more motivated than his older brother, and already has held several part time jobs. He's pretty determined to begin life and get his freedom that's a good thing, so I think it will be less challenging when he's ready to join the real world.

I hope Josh enjoys the job with the window company. It's so hard when your children struggle with something like that. As a mom, I know I just want to jump in and make it better. In a situation like that, it's just something you can't, and you just have to pray about it. My oldest is like yours, he wants to join the military as soon as he graduates. He originally wanted to go into the Marines, but I think we have him leaning more towards the Air Force now.

I have been thinking alot about our upcoming trip in Jan 2015. I am beginning to find myself thinking more and more about staying at Kidani in a 1 BDRM suite for the extra room and extra bathroom/ seperate king size master and the laundry facility inside the suite! I think I can give up Club Level without too much pain in exchange for those positives.....as well, I can just add on Deluxe ddp to make up for the loss of club level. I will see what the pricing is come next July when I can book (wow! it seems a long way away!) -- I'm not sure about the DVC rental thing, but I might just go through CRO. we will see how it pans out, until then....save, save save!!! I'm gonna need it!!!!

For me, just having the ability to do laundry in your room would be worth it to me. I hate having to do laundry at the resort facilities. I'm one of those that refuses to walk out of them laundry room, unless mine is washed, dried, and folded.

Hey laaaaaadies! (That was said in the Beastie Boys style, sorry. )

You know, that's exactly how I read that. Now I have Beastie Boys songs stuck in my head. Part of the reason JM has the nickname of Monkey is because of the Beastie Boys and their song Funky Monkey. The other reason is that when I was pregnant with him, I really loved the Ben & Jerry's ice cream Chunky Monkey.

Will you guys have breakfast or any other meals there? They've got a really nice breakfast buffet at Fresh Market and The Fountain does a very good burger.

We won't have any meals there at all. When we check in, a two of us will get a shower before we all head to bed. Then the next morning, the other two will take a shower before heading over to check into the AKL. We just want to hurry and get checked into the AKL so we can get to the MK as fast as possible.

It was quite funny, I felt horrible for not being able to communicate better but we got there in the end. These two big burly French dudes sitting there looking at me with wide-eyed wonder as I drew pictures and they consulted with each other and would say stuff to me as I consulted our French dictionary.

French folks tend to get a bad rap (probably due to the whole Parisian big-city thing). All the normal French people we ever met -- aside from any bureaucratic dealings -- were always amazingly friendly and helpful.

If you were there now, and had that problem, there are smart phone app that will translate what you say and repeat it in whatever language you want it to.

I have heard that about the French, that it is really only the Parisian's that are rude. It is one of the countries that I would love to visit one day.

Totally hear ya. Yesterday was better thankfully. Fingers (and various other bits and pieces) crossed for today's outcome.

I've got everything crossed I can for a good outcome.

That would be fantastic. You should really go! Edinburgh's a lovely, gorgeous city. (Don't let Trainspotting sway you. ) I so regret not going -- especially since it was just a train-ride away when we were there.) (Closest we ever got was watching it on the local BBC Scotland station.) I used to waddle past (in my pregnant days) the Buchanan St piper in Glasgow every morning on my way to the subway into work. Not quite the same, hahaha.

You know, I have never seen that movie. The only thing that could really stop the trip is that the DH and I were thinking of moving out before next Summer, despite my mil saying she still needs us. Their health is still iffy, so it is good for us to be here for that. I just really want to be out on our own. However, if we do move out, I can almost 100% count out a big trip for our 20th anniversary. I just have to decide which is more important at this point.

Hi my lovelies! I am so far behind, and I promise to catch up when I have my laptop again. we are back from boston and at the homewood suites again, this time in a 1 bedroom, but it is still lovely. This place feels so homey and comfortable, I was really looking forward to coming back here. The Hyatt Place in Boston was....just ok.

It was clean enough, but more run down, and farther away from the city center then we thought. We did make it to the game though, I will try and post a pic from last night, it was really cool experiencing Fenway!


Whale watching was a bust, we drove out to newburyport but they cancelled it due to high waves. Crappy.

Jen

I'm glad you had a great time despite not getting to do the whale watching. I don't think I could do that, unless it was in a big boat. I've seen videos of people whale watching in smaller, almost looks like a blow up boat with a motor. I couldn't do that. I have a fear of deep water and of being in a boat like that and a whale accidentally bumping the boat and falling into the water. I think I would have a panic attack.

I ordered a black Tungsten carbide ring for DH with "Life began after I fell in Love with you" engraved on it. (That was the same thing written in chocolate on the dessert plate when DH proposed to me at Alfredo's in 2004). Was thinking of some sort of "vow renewal" type thing while we're at Disney...even if it's just me on our balcony at the Poly, giving him the ring and basically telling him I'd choose him all over again...too bad I can't find someone to recreate the dessert...

That is so romantic!! You are such an awesome wife!!

Told the kids on Friday night and although it wasn't quite as eventful as I'd originally planned, they are pretty excited about going...I think. DD asks every morning if we're going to see Mickey Mouse, so she gets pretty upset when I have to tell her a few days more...so cute. she will have tons of fun playing in the pools! (This is a pic from her last "water day" at daycare)

She seriously could not get an more adorable if she tried.


Well, it's still quiet around here. The fil hasn't found out about the will and the mil is keeping him busy enough that he can't go to his mom's to read it. This weekend they are going to the lake house, so we'll have the house to ourselves. The DH found Joey still up when he got up to go to a training class, and told him to go to bed. Instead of getting in his own bed, he came into my room to snuggle up with me. I love that even at 15, he still loves a good snuggle nap with mom.

 

[Koh1977]

That is so romantic!! You are such an awesome wife!!

She seriously could not get an more adorable if she tried.

Instead of getting in his own bed, he came into my room to snuggle up with me. I love that even at 15, he still loves a good snuggle nap with mom.

I am trying. It's amazing what happens when you are truly present instead of falling into the routine of everything...

And thanks...DD is such a diva sometimes...I will have to get a picture of her in her purple sunglasses (complete with "bling"). I call her a rock star when she wears them.

So cute about your son...no matter how old they are they will still be our little boys won't they...

 

[Missoutandabout]

Hi my lovelies!

Hello Jen! When are you guys back home? Enjoy the rest of your vacation.

(Better they cancelled that whale-watching trip than experience one like we went on with the ILs out on Vancouver Island. They SHOULD'VE cancelled it; there was a small craft advisory/strong wind warning creating waves reaching 3 meters high. My in-laws -- who were insistent upon still going -- turn ten shades of green. They didn't leave the dock when we reached our destination, so we got to enjoy the afternoon in peace.)

4 days!!!!! And only 7 until the Poly!! Definitely couldn't have come at a better time!

for 7 days until Poly. I bet you'll be glad you made that last switcheroo, too.

She's just too flippin' CUTE!

You know, that's exactly how I read that. Now I have Beastie Boys songs stuck in my head.

"Get funky"

If you were there now, and had that problem, there are smart phone app that will translate what you say and repeat it in whatever language you want it to.

It is astounding how far technology has come in such a short time. I would've killed to have something like that for the various delivery/border crossing people I dealt with.

I've got everything crossed I can for a good outcome.

Thanks. There were a few mishaps but generally an okay afternoon after I picked her up.

You know, I have never seen that movie. The only thing that could really stop the trip is that the DH and I were thinking of moving out before next Summer, despite my mil saying she still needs us. Their health is still iffy, so it is good for us to be here for that. I just really want to be out on our own. However, if we do move out, I can almost 100% count out a big trip for our 20th anniversary. I just have to decide which is more important at this point.

I sooooo hope you get the chance to go. It's a truly wonderful place to visit. (And you can ride the train around to see so much of the country.)

I'm glad you had a great time despite not getting to do the whale watching. I don't think I could do that, unless it was in a big boat. I've seen videos of people whale watching in smaller, almost looks like a blow up boat with a motor. I couldn't do that. I have a fear of deep water and of being in a boat like that and a whale accidentally bumping the boat and falling into the water. I think I would have a panic attack.

O.M.G. I am the EXACT same way about those Zodiac boats. I'm not so much petrified of the water but just the thought of them being underneath such a tiny, rink-a-dink boat they could easily tip over with a swish of their tails. We always opted for the larger boats.

 

[Koh1977]

Miss - I'm SO glad we made the switch to the Poly and that we to to keep the extra night too!! of course I just got done tweaking ADRs some more...DS said he wanted to eat at Garden Grill and Tusker House...well, I went with Garden Grill cuz I like chip and dale and really liked the food too. Added Tusker House but then canceled it again and went with Yak and Yeti. I want to try new places and really want to do lunch at Y&Y. I wasn't as impressed with Tusker House for breakfast and we'll see the same characters elsewhere. If he wants to go back to AK on our last day we could see about Tusker House then perhaps...?

 

[jennyjinx3]

Hello Jen! When are you guys back home? Enjoy the rest of your vacation.

(Better they cancelled that whale-watching trip than experience one like we went on with the ILs out on Vancouver Island. They SHOULD'VE cancelled it; there was a small craft advisory/strong wind warning creating waves reaching 3 meters high. My in-laws -- who were insistent upon still going -- turn ten shades of green. They didn't leave the dock when we reached our destination, so we got to enjoy the afternoon in peace.)

Miss: Oh my .....DH and I did that same Vancouver island whale watching but we were in the zodiac!! I was the one who was ten shades of green....the driver of the boat handed me some god awful slop pail to vomit in. it was horrible. I was afraid of going today to tell you the truth. The boat captain today said for sure we did not want to be out there, northeast winds.

DH and I are feeling super relaxed, just had dinner and wine. I told him its okay to be relaxed.....we deserve it!!!

Wookie

Koh: your daughter is adorable! we are trying the garden grill in Nov too....I want a review!

Wookie: yay for your swan/dolphin nigh! Sounds great!

Sorry for the typos....too much vino!!

 

[letthewookiewin]

It is astounding how far technology has come in such a short time. I would've killed to have something like that for the various delivery/border crossing people I dealt with.

I got the app so my DH can use it at work. Usually when he comes across someone that can't speak English, he needs a Spanish translator.

Thanks. There were a few mishaps but generally an okay afternoon after I picked her up.

Good. Does she have camp again tomorrow (Friday)?

I sooooo hope you get the chance to go. It's a truly wonderful place to visit. (And you can ride the train around to see so much of the country.)

Me too!! Even if we can't go during the time for the Military Tattoo.

O.M.G. I am the EXACT same way about those Zodiac boats. I'm not so much petrified of the water but just the thought of them being underneath such a tiny, rink-a-dink boat they could easily tip over with a swish of their tails. We always opted for the larger boats.

If it's a bigger boat that doesn't run the risk of a whale tipping over, I think I would love to do it.

Wookie: yay for your swan/dolphin nigh! Sounds great!

Thank you!! We are both really excited about it. I know it's a really short stay, but it'll still be cool. Plus after the long drive, those Heavenly beds will be amazing!!

 

[Sue M]

Thinking the Disney gods are smiling down on me today....wanted to two ADR's for Labor Day weekend, both for a party of 8 since the cousins are coming, and got both for the exact day and time I wanted That doesn't happen when I plans months in advance.

We are staying off property so we can all be together, which is always fun. I am a bit sad though that I wont run into Linda at POR

38 days until Disney is soooo much better than 191

I'll be the one crying on the DME 9/1 going to MCO so if ya see me,

 

[Sue M]

janet. Thanks for the good thoughts. Did I mention I hate renos. after living here 30 yrs, you sure collect a lot, ugh. Soon, soon I keep telling myself. We leave for Ft Lauderdale 8/7. Leaving DH to stay & deal with Reno & pets! I guess I'll owe him big time

Heather love that pic of Uzima pool. We took pool noodles & did a lot of floating around there !

Kohsoon!! Love Poly. I plan on going over while at GF to Capt Cooks for some Tonga Toast, and Dole Whip . Have a wonderful trip. Great pic of your adorable daughter!

Jenny & Miss remind me never to take that tour on the Island yikes!!

Trishadano there are a few of us there in August, all listed on first page!
I used to use the pack clothing on hangers thing, but find I can over pack even more by rolling the clothes up

Marie how are things in Edmonton? This is day 28 here with no rain. Things are getting dry. Fire outside of Kamloops.
Hope your DH is improving.

sjs thanks. Did I mention how much I'm hating renos but I know it will be great in the end!! Wish I could skip this part!!

Linda hope your head is better!

Kook enjoying your Gremlin? Lol!

I know I've missed people, so hi to all I missed! I'm blaming it on lack if sleep and this darn reno. I woke up with a nightmare at 3:00 am, and couldn't get back to sleep ugh!!

 

[trishadono]

Sue: I do the roll up thing too.it depends how long of a trip and if we are doing a split stay.

I can't wait until VGF ! It has a walk in closet

I probably won't even want to leave the room. TV's built in the mirror so I can take a bath and watch Stacey's must dos

 

[gwynne]

We booked our spa apps this week! We are going to the GF spa.

Which one did you book?

Hi Lacey, I just realized I didn't answer. We are on the list for the first one. She is supposed to get back to us with a firm reservation #.

Your spa plans sound heavenly!

 

[hstrickland]

Happy Friday!


Basket....you mentioned spa??!!! Do love those kind of days!! Is your hubby going, too?


Sue...you can do this! Think "Disney"!!! And hopefully when you return, you'll have a new house.


Koh....Poly! Poly! Poly!






Miss...you're whale-watching experience sounds less than desirable


Trish...like your "unpacking" idea! Sounds easy! I can't rest until everything is OUT of each suitcases.


Jenn..... when you said "typos are due to wine" I literally laughed out loud


Chimo...sound like your younger son is right on track Know that's a relief for you.


Wookie... for quiet!!! Maybe it will stay that way for a while


Shelia...I'll be waiting on that discount for sure! Anything is better than what Disney sent to us. Can't believe they wasted the paper and postage


What to do today???? Maybe pool, but grocery shopping first
Back to reading!
Heather

 

[chimo2u]

Hi Wookie

Yes, the Red Serge is worn by RCMP members at dress functions. My Dad was an RCMP Officer, and he wore his Red Serge to my wedding , (Aug 23 ,1991) I agree it is very handsome! and I also love the Marine Corp Dress Blues uniform! I had a boyfriend when I was in HS that I went to the Marine Corp dress ball with, and he wore his Dress Blues -- very handsome indeed!



I think I've managed to talk my DS17 (Andrew) into going airforce too instead of Army! Many more opportunities for learning a trade, and better pay as well as better working conditions!
He's looking at Air Structures Technician, the person who works on the outside of the plane/ much like an autobody worker on a car.

I am very happy he's more sure about his future, it's less stressful because I sure do worry about Joshua.....He's my oldest, but always my little boy in my heart and I only want the best and success and happiness for my boys!

I agree with you about Kidani, the plusses are starting to outweigh the club level perk.....I think I'd be ok with the switch, I DO love AKL very much, and it's sister resort would be just as fantastic, I'm sure!

Sue: We've been fortunate, we've gotten lots of rain over the last few weeks. Hopefully you'll get some too! That's alot of days for no rain, and a definite worry in the kooteny's with the wild fire risks! Personally, I hate extreme heat as much as I hate extreme cold! I like mild temps...which is why I usually prefer Disney in Jan/Feb so I'm not melting!

I so wish I could be in WDW in the near future, I have that ache in my heart daily missing it! Why does it have to be so far away
Why do I live so far away?? LOL
Jan 2015 can't come soon enough for me!

Happy Friday My friends!!!

 

[jennyjinx3]

Marie: I love that picture! OMG you got married in 1993?? Were you a child bride?? No really, that is a super sweet picture. Thanks for sharing! I really wish You could be at Disney sooner than 2015 too. That is way too long to wait.

Heather: Yes, it was rather hilarious last night while typing, however this morning I felt a wee bit green!

SueM: Sorry you had a nightmare, I have suffered from them my whole life and can only seem to go a few nights at time without one. Hugs!


We made it home in one piece. Lots of driving today I still have to post a pic, will work on it now! Daddy and his girls, with a little bling on their hats.



Jen

 

[babyberger]

We made it home in one piece. Lots of driving today I still have to post a pic, will work on it now! Daddy and his girls, with a little bling on their hats.

http://s1154.photobucket.com/user/motleefoo/media/image_zpsfd082d20.jpg.html

Jen

LOVE LOVE LOVE this pic!!!! And not just because I am from MA and the Sox are my home team

Sent from my iPad using DISBoards

 

[babyberger]

So I started anther PTR....definitely a work in progress.

A Year Is Way Too Long To Wait

Sent from my iPad using DISBoards

 

[jennyjinx3]

LOVE LOVE LOVE this pic!!!! And not just because I am from MA and the Sox are my home team

Sent from my iPad using DISBoards

Thanks Melissa! I gotta say though, getting around that city was a task and a half! We took the van and went to find a restaurant we had seen on Diners Drive ins and Dives, and boy...it turned into quite a fiasco! After many wrong turns, cars honking, cutting off people in traffic circles, and sweaty palms we got to the diner. Only to find out it only opened from 6am - 3 pm! And yes I am laughing now but it was not funny at the time! It was public transport after that for sure.

I said to DH, 'real life' non Disney travel is way too much work for me!!

 

[babyberger]

Thanks Melissa! I gotta say though, getting around that city was a task and a half! We took the van and went to find a restaurant we had seen on Diners Drive ins and Dives, and boy...it turned into quite a fiasco! After many wrong turns, cars honking, cutting off people in traffic circles, and sweaty palms we got to the diner. Only to find out it only opened from 6am - 3 pm! And yes I am laughing now but it was not funny at the time! It was public transport after that for sure.

I said to DH, 'real life' non Disney travel is way too much work for me!!

Ugh, sorry you had to through that! Yeah the city is not like most, the streets seem to start and stop and go in circles. It's definitely not an easy city to navigate.

I agree, Disney travel is the way to go, jump on a boat, monorail or bus and you magically get to where you want to be

 

[i_heart_the_mouse]

Jen - That pic is so stinking cute!

Janet - I saw you scheduled an August trip. So sad we will just miss you!

Hi to all my lovely RC peeps I'm way too far out of the loop to really catch up, but I hope you are all fairing well