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

[Willows909]

TT4Dis....I was afraid to look at BWI...afraid I'd change my mind again But will definitely look for my next trip...and probably will look at moderates next time too...to help with the budget..(that certainly got thrown out the window this time!)....

 

[letthewookiewin]

Because I am new to this thread I would like to know what makes you choose the resorts you do and once you choose what makes you swap and choose a different one?

My WDW background is: the Contemporary was my first real WDW vacation and I picked it and never wavered, June of last year was offsite because my sister and I were traveling with 5 children and it was the most economical way to put us all in one room, March of this year I had to choose value because we went with family and I chose AoA because it was new.

My upcoming trip is the first time I have ever wavered and considered more than 1 resort. I am torn between WL, AKL and BWI for very different reasons and am having a hard time deciding what reason should override the others.

What most important factor helps you decide...is it cost, location, food, pools? I have 9 days until I plan to book and my brain is burning more cells than I have to spare.

This will only be our 4th trip as a family.

CBR - this was our first trip as a family and I used a TA. Honestly, I don't think we looked at any resorts. I just remember telling her I wanted to book a Disney World vacation and our dates. The only thing I did was book a Chef Mickey's breakfast.

WL - this was our 2nd trip and I had found the DISboards by this time, I think. I booked it mainly because I loved the look of the resort. When I was in middle school/ high school, we would take family vacations to Estes Park, CO, so I love the mountains. The WL was like the best of both worlds, a WDW vacation with a mountain lodge feel.

Pop Century - this was our trip this past June and it was all about the budget. I knew we had to do a value and I remembered reading that the All Stars shared busing, but the Pop didn't share with anyone.

AKL - this if for our trip this September. The resort went through many changes before landing on the BC with a Garden View. I was totally set on that resort/ room category, and then FD came out. The resort/room category we had booked wasn't on the offer. I had always wanted to stay at the AKL, and the DH said this was my one chance.

I also tend to factor in where we will most likely stay for future trips and I know that is putting the cart before the horse but do your potential future stays impact your current decisions?

It depends really. One all the trips before this one, future trips didn't play a part of picking our the resort for the most current one. However, on this trip, I knew it would be a while before we went back to WDW. The DH said we wouldn't go back until it was time to celebrate our 80th wedding anniversary, but I'm saying that I'll stay away only until the Star Wars Land expansion of DHS to complete. For that reason, I didn't want the last resort I stayed at WDW for a while to be a value. I wanted some place really special.

 

[letthewookiewin]

I think if you have a 5:15pm ADR at GFC you will be fine. Even if dinner takes a full two hours, that is 7:15pm and you are only one stop away on the monorail. I would imagine even with wait times and getting back into the park, you would be picking out your spot for the parade by 8pm.

Melissa

ok, I know I clicked to comment on this with my other post, but it got lost some how. I blame getting a max of 4 hours of sleep and now being upright only due to high levels of caffeine.

Thank you. I assumed we would be ok, but you know what they say about assuming.

I wish y'all could smell my kitchen right now. It smells like Italian Heaven in here. I'm letting the sauce simmer for another hour before waking the DH to do his taste-testing duties. I can tell y'all how I make it, but there is no exact recipe. A lady, who I used to work with, that grew up in Italy taught me to make it this way.

6 lbs of ground beef (I always use the most lean so like the 93/7% stuff)
3 lbs of Italian sausage (I use the mild, but you can use the hot if you wanted)
I usually brown them in separate pans, drain and then add them to a huge bowl or pot. Then I break them meat up and mix it together.
Then in a large stock pot, I coat the bottom with good olive oil and add at least 1 Tbs of garlic (I just use to already chopped up in a bottle garlic, so my hands don't smell for days).
Then I add 1 chopped medium to large onion (I use yellow onion because it doesn't make me cry).
When the onion is looking kinda see-through I add 2 lbs of mushrooms and more olive oil to coat the shrooms.
At this time I also add a little Mediterranean Basil and Oregano.
Then I add 6 of the largest cans of tomatoes (3 crushed and 3 puree).
I let it simmer a little while, taste and then add olive oil, basil, oregano, salt, sugar as needed. Between adding more spices, I let it simmer at least 20 minutes before adding more.
Sometimes, I add a little tomato paste, and sometimes I don't. It just depends on how thick the sauce is. I like it really thick, so when I use the no-boil noddles, there is no liquid left over in the pan when you take some out of the pan of lasagna. I can come back and post a picture of the sauce later, if y'all would like.

 

[DetTigsGal]

TT4dis- here's our story. When we first started going on a regular basis - 1995- we chose CR garden wing. Our oldest was 3 at the time and the walkway to MK was a huge factor for us- also I had always wanted to stay there. We loved it and continued until it became BLT. The trip after "our wing" was knocked down when stayed in the other wing and liked it, but not quite the same. Anyway, the next time I went to book there were no garden view wing rooms available. I asked, what do you want to do? My DH said, I've always wanted to stay at GF and we booked. Marina view sago key...was our request and we loved it. When I booked last year for Thanksgiving, I booked GF again. Then, I started reading about the construction. I decided we needed something else, CR tpv, BWI CL ?? It ended up being WLCL and we loved it , too! It reminded us alot of the old faithful inn in Yellowstone and we throughly enjoyed our stay there. This trip as I booked, my husband asked if it was back to the GF, said yes, courtyard pool and Gasparillas are open. He was very happy, as were the boys. We are looking forward to checking in on June 25!!

 

[jennyjinx3]

DetTigGal: Whoo hoo! June 25 is almost here! Your countdown is on!

 

[Alysa]

So I'm thinking about doing the ToT 10K in 2014. I think it's in Oct???? Anyone else thinking about doing it? When do sign ups usually come out??? I really need to get off my bottom and do something!!! DH and I used to walk 1/2 marathons but that's too long for me and 5K might be a little short .... maybe we should get an RC group together .....

I am going to do it too "Oh Captain, my Captain"! It should be at the beginning of October and sign ups at the beginning of the new year. I did the 15 K Minnie Marathon and to my mind it is the perfect length!
Here is a video of some of our photos from our girl's trip

 

[DetTigsGal]

DetTigGal: Whoo hoo! June 25 is almost here! Your countdown is on!

We drive down and have a couple of stops on the way...leave noon on Friday! Justin has exams thru Wednesday, exempted out of the Thursday one. There are five other families we know that will be there part of the time we are- found out another one tonight. Last day of school is Friday and everyone is getting the heck out of town! It was a looooong winter and 7 inches of rain in the last week! Come on summer!!!

 

[Koh1977]

Ok, so I don't think I caught everything between Friday and tonight, BUT I did read most of the posts I think!!

So, Friday after I was done teaching summer school, I was on the highway on my way home (about a 15 minute drive total) and the radio turned off, lights on the dash all started coming on and all the gauges suddenly dropped to 0. Had to quickly pull over to the shoulder so as not to get rear ended when I completely lost all power. Couldn't even put my hazards on.

DH came and called a tow truck to get it o the dealership. Still under warranty so it should cover it. They are pretty certain it was the alternator. It went out and so I was running completely off battery and when that was used up, the car was done. Charged the battery up just fine, and the alternator should be ale to be changed out by Tuesday. Until then I get to drive DH's car.

Sent from my iPad using DISBoards

 

[chimo2u]

Melissa - thanks so much for the input on how to choose. I did love CR when we stayed there and would definitely stay again, but for our upcoming trip only tower rooms are available and with us needing 2 rooms, I just can't pay that much. That also means BC, BWI, Poly and GF are also out.

Here are my thoughts on my 3 choices for Sept:

AKL- love the theming, looks like there are neat activities for kids during the day, opportunity to see animals, nice pool area/splash area for kids. Also is our cheapest option. Only con is see is length of bus ride to MK.

WL - not crazy about room decor, but ability to take boat to MK makes it a contender. Pool looks like kids would enjoy it and I still need to look into what type of activities there would be for kids during the day.

BWI (1 deluxe CL) - only about $35 more a night than WL and we could experience club level. We could also walk to BC from here to try out Beaches and Cream. This is my sister's dream resort so that's a plus. Puts us all in one room which can be either a pro or a con Con is creepy clown slide but kids may like it.

I also tend to factor in where we will most likely stay for future trips and I know that is putting the cart before the horse but do your potential future stays impact your current decisions?

Hi TT4Dis! My thoughts are, I've enjoyed trying new resorts on our trips. Our family favourite so far has been AKL club level. I've stayed there in Jan 2008, and Sept 2009. My teen boys (at the time) even love it there! My youngest son and I went for a trip when he was 15 in Feb 2011 and stayed club level at the Beach Club. We didn't fall in love with it, I don't know why, and we wished we'd gone back to AKL....we stuck it out, but it's not my favourite resort. Our most recent trip we stayed at the Poly club level in oct 2012. With my BFF, my 20 yo son and my 16 yo. We didn't fall in love with it either....I think it was the winding paths and detached long houses, I don't know -- it didn't feel like home yet! So.... There's really only 2 more resorts I want to try, in jan/Feb 2015 I'm taking myself, my then 18 yo son, his 18 yo GF, and my DH to celebrate DS18's graduation. I'm fiddling between a 1 BDRM at Kidani for the king bed, washing machine in my room, and extra bathroom and BWI deluxe CL for the location to our favourite park (DHS) and favourite eats (Epcot wsc) -- It will be really hard for me to give up club level if I stay at Kidani, but I'm thinking of adding deluxe ddp if we stay at Kidani. Otherwise it'll be location and CL at BWI.
I don't think you could go wrong at either AKL or BW....both are great resorts. What's most important to you? Location? Peace and tranquility and exceptional club level experience (AKL) -- although I've heard amazing things about BWIs CL too!
It's a hard choice! You need to choose what fits your trip best.

Writing all this to you is helping me too to figure out what's important to me and my young adults. At this moment I'm thinking club level and location would be their thing, and BWI deluxe room has the slight edge..,,,but it's still aways to go till my decision needs to be final! I am a RCer after all

Good luck deciding
Marie

 

[letthewookiewin]

I hope everyone had a great day. I made two huge pans of lasagna, one with black olives and one without. We had a ton left over. Poor John Michael didn't get to eat any, because he's been sick all day. I feel sorry for the guy, but it's really his own fault.

We (the fil, mil, DH, sil, and her hubby) were just sitting around talking. Then the mil got a call and two of my fil's sister's had been in an accident. Luckily, they are ok, just sore and whiplash.

 

[Koh1977]

Wookie - glad everyone's ok!

Good morning all! I am determined to stay caught up today! Off to summer school again. Only a week and a half left then I get a short break before back to it. But then, only 3 weeks til Disney!! There's a light at the end of the tunnel at least!

Sent from my iPad using DISBoards

 

[bluejasmine]

Morning everyone.. I have changed YET AGAIN, this makes 4 times I have actually called and changed my resort! lol We are now settled at CR in the main tower bay lake view! I noticed it was only a little more than $300 more than our standard room at BWI and we love being on the monorail line..Its not the Poly or GF (our faves) but its pretty close! lol

 

[Mousemommy1]

Ok....so....on the Disney website...January 2014 rates are viewable/bookable. I went ahead and priced out a 10 night stay that would be a Sunday through following Wednesday and Grand Floridian Sugarloaf is definitely in reach!!!

Our time in August is the same projected price season as the weeks I priced out in January so it's got to be pretty comparable -- both are the lowest price season.

Now I just wish that they would go ahead and update the rest of the year and I could know something about the military discount so I can get this reservation on the books!!!!

 

[sjs314]

ok, I know I clicked to comment on this with my other post, but it got lost some how. I blame getting a max of 4 hours of sleep and now being upright only due to high levels of caffeine.

Thank you. I assumed we would be ok, but you know what they say about assuming.

I wish y'all could smell my kitchen right now. It smells like Italian Heaven in here. I'm letting the sauce simmer for another hour before waking the DH to do his taste-testing duties. I can tell y'all how I make it, but there is no exact recipe. A lady, who I used to work with, that grew up in Italy taught me to make it this way.

6 lbs of ground beef (I always use the most lean so like the 93/7% stuff)
3 lbs of Italian sausage (I use the mild, but you can use the hot if you wanted)
I usually brown them in separate pans, drain and then add them to a huge bowl or pot. Then I break them meat up and mix it together.
Then in a large stock pot, I coat the bottom with good olive oil and add at least 1 Tbs of garlic (I just use to already chopped up in a bottle garlic, so my hands don't smell for days).
Then I add 1 chopped medium to large onion (I use yellow onion because it doesn't make me cry).
When the onion is looking kinda see-through I add 2 lbs of mushrooms and more olive oil to coat the shrooms.
At this time I also add a little Mediterranean Basil and Oregano.
Then I add 6 of the largest cans of tomatoes (3 crushed and 3 puree).
I let it simmer a little while, taste and then add olive oil, basil, oregano, salt, sugar as needed. Between adding more spices, I let it simmer at least 20 minutes before adding more.
Sometimes, I add a little tomato paste, and sometimes I don't. It just depends on how thick the sauce is. I like it really thick, so when I use the no-boil noddles, there is no liquid left over in the pan when you take some out of the pan of lasagna. I can come back and post a picture of the sauce later, if y'all would like.

wookie That's a lotta sauce!

Ok, so I don't think I caught everything between Friday and tonight, BUT I did read most of the posts I think!!

So, Friday after I was done teaching summer school, I was on the highway on my way home (about a 15 minute drive total) and the radio turned off, lights on the dash all started coming on and all the gauges suddenly dropped to 0. Had to quickly pull over to the shoulder so as not to get rear ended when I completely lost all power. Couldn't even put my hazards on.

DH came and called a tow truck to get it o the dealership. Still under warranty so it should cover it. They are pretty certain it was the alternator. It went out and so I was running completely off battery and when that was used up, the car was done. Charged the battery up just fine, and the alternator should be ale to be changed out by Tuesday. Until then I get to drive DH's car.

Sent from my iPad using DISBoards

Krystal OMG We had that same thing happen to us some years ago, we somehow glided from the fast lane over to the shoulder without getting hit, very scarey. Our wasn't the alternator but some part which was basically a computerized " brain" of the car. Unfortunately ours was no longer under warranty and was expensive around $700 and no gaurentee since it could go anytime just like that

I hope everyone had a great day. I made two huge pans of lasagna, one with black olives and one without. We had a ton left over. Poor John Michael didn't get to eat any, because he's been sick all day. I feel sorry for the guy, but it's really his own fault.

We (the fil, mil, DH, sil, and her hubby) were just sitting around talking. Then the mil got a call and two of my fil's sister's had been in an accident. Luckily, they are ok, just sore and whiplash.

wookie Yum....I never put black olives in my lasagna but my youngest boy would have loved it, his favorite pizza was mushrooms and black olives

Morning everyone.. I have changed YET AGAIN, this makes 4 times I have actually called and changed my resort! lol We are now settled at CR in the main tower bay lake view! I noticed it was only a little more than $300 more than our standard room at BWI and we love being on the monorail line..Its not the Poly or GF (our faves) but its pretty close! lol

bluejasmine I watched a new video DIS put up on utube of the Contemporary this morning, I want to stay there bad too, maybe next time

Marie AKL CL sounds wonderful. I do love BWI Deluxe room, in fact on our last trip I told Bob I wanted to stay there this year but then the Poly won out

So I need to Vent Bob missed his Neurologist Appt. again last week

He is still playing games with the meds and not sleeping then sleeping all day. Had a vet appointment for Bella today but had to reschedule since Bob had another "Bad" night. I was able to get one for tomorrow afternoon so have fingers crossed we make it, this is the 3rd time I had to reschedule because of Bob.

I am so frustrated at this point I could scream. If this keeps up I do not see my fall trip happening.

Anyhow thanks for letting me vent and hope everyone has a good day

 

[pas130]

My 5 page multiquote went POOF UGH

Sheila Not that I condone beating the sense into one's hubby...BUT

 

[Willows909]

Good morning all! Hope everyone is doing well. Got some Disney questions for all of you! Looking to request where I want to be at the BC GV....since we'll just be spending our time relaxing and swimming what location should I ask for? I can't be too close to elevators as I have enough trouble sleeping (and don't want additional noise)..but sorta close to the SAB...thoughts, suggestions? Also, the hotel will transfer our bags, but how should we get to AKL? Bus? Taxi? Thanks!

Pas130...I hate it when my posts go poof! Arggghhh

 

[pas130]

Kookerific I am enjoying my virtual Margarita!! Miss you threadmaster

Grand Floridian Sugarloaf is definitely in reach!!!

Sugarloaf is nice....OFC is nicer But the Grand is beautiful!!

Morning everyone.. I have changed YET AGAIN, this makes 4 times I have actually called and changed my resort! lol We are now settled at CR in the main tower bay lake view! I noticed it was only a little more than $300 more than our standard room at BWI and we love being on the monorail line..Its not the Poly or GF (our faves) but its pretty close! lol

I've booked CR once or twice this trip...Bay Lake calls me...Crescent lake calls my DH

We drive down and have a couple of stops on the way...leave noon on Friday! Justin has exams thru Wednesday, exempted out of the Thursday one. There are five other families we know that will be there part of the time we are- found out another one tonight. Last day of school is Friday and everyone is getting the heck out of town! It was a looooong winter and 7 inches of rain in the last week! Come on summer!!!

Our last day is Friday too!!! VACATION VACATION VACATION

So, Friday after I was done teaching summer school, I was on the highway on my way home (about a 15 minute drive total) and the radio turned off, lights on the dash all started coming on and all the gauges suddenly dropped to 0. Had to quickly pull over to the shoulder so as not to get rear ended when I completely lost all power. Couldn't even put my hazards on.

DH came and called a tow truck to get it o the dealership. Still under warranty so it should cover it. They are pretty certain it was the alternator. It went out and so I was running completely off battery and when that was used up, the car was done. Charged the battery up just fine, and the alternator should be ale to be changed out by Tuesday. Until then I get to drive DH's car.

Glad you're safe Krystal

Writing all this to you is helping me too to figure out what's important to me and my young adults. At this moment I'm thinking club level and location would be their thing, and BWI deluxe room has the slight edge..,,,but it's still aways to go till my decision needs to be final! I am a RCer after all
Marie

Hi Marie Hope your DHs pain is better, sorry he may need more surgery. It has to be hard adjusting to the pay issues..Geez you'd think being shot on duty would warrant a better pay schedule

I think you deserve that BWI Deluxe CL room....just saying...but Kidani has space....decisions....

NOOOOOOOO!!!!! I really want RPC for you this trip.

I am not feeling GF at all...the IPO isn't what it used to be. And the beach pool, there is hardly any beach left...I remember staring at the construction thinking the Grand is not the same. And DH really was upset by our Sugarloaf neighbors that one night banging on the walls because our kids were too loud. It was fantastic when we stayed there, but ..IDK...we had a family chat and the votes are yes to snack room...BUT it'll be BWI, WL or AKL. I am surprised they don't want BC, but DH said he doesn't like how spread out the pool is.

Morning....very stiff and still hurting but not like last night. Just going to take it easy and nit do to much moving today. Thank you for all the well wishes since DD did this she is now my little slave, LOL!

Long story why I don't do FB. Short version, there are family members I do not want knowing my business, so it's easier to not even be on.. Gladyou're a little better

So I'm thinking about doing the ToT 10K in 2014. I think it's in Oct???? Anyone else thinking about doing it? When do sign ups usually come out??? I really need to get off my bottom and do something!!! DH and I used to walk 1/2 marathons but that's too long for me and 5K might be a little short .... maybe we should get an RC group together .....

GO MAMA GO!!! Can I come to cheer you on???

I am having a hard time keeping up with this thread s

pas130 - I cannot figure out where you are staying??

NEITHER CAN I

Because I am new to this thread I would like to know what makes you choose the resorts you do and once you choose what makes you swap and choose a different one?

I went to WDW once when I was 12, I think it was Sports we stayed at and LOVED IT. I was instantly in love with the World!!! My mother took me and my oldest (when he was 4 maybe), I missed my DH SO much, and it wasn't the same. I swore as soon as I could we would have a family vacation. A few years later when I became a RN, I finally could afford a trip. I plunked down about $2500 at a TA, and we had a trip to All Star Movies. It was DH, a newly pregnant me (surprise) and DS 8 at the time. We had the best time. Next trip I booked Poly, and DH freaked at the price, SO it was changed to CBR. We went during cheer nationals, and it was loud, crowded, chilly, and annoying....I hated having an internal bus, just no good. The last night of our stay at DTD I set up a tour with DVC. We went to BWV and fell in love, we bought points at DVC instantly. We did 2 SSR stays, and a BCV stay. BCV was meh...we felt in need of a refurb that was 2006 I think...After DD (now 7) was born, we didn't have points for a 2BR to go every year...we ended up selling our points at a profit after our FWC trip. We did free dining and DH felt DVC is a waste.

Once DS moved out in 2010, and no longer having DVC points...DH no longer wanted to go back to WDW So Summer of 2010 there was a 40% discount, we did a beach trip. I booked Kidani, it was AMAZING!!! However, they overbooked the 2 bedroom...so our last night we would have to stay at Jambo ...OK no problem

Well, I had NEVER heard of CL, so we drive to Jambo, we were met by a CM who walked us around. The lounge was cool..yummy scones, some greedy guests (plates upon plates of desserts for 2 people) ugh..but overall I was hooked! The pool, wonderful. Our only complaint, our suite...yes suite was not ready until 530pm. And it was a LOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOONNNNNG walk from the lobby and lounge But the view was worth it. I called to book an extra night, yeah...$980 Nevermind.....

When we came home, I found the DIS... HRH picked GF from a picture and I was on the GF thread constantly....a 40% off summer rate was available for SL so I grabbed it. I had MANY changes....and I found the RC thread (stepdisney's thread at the time...she's a sweetie) Ultimately we did stay at Sugarloaf, and had a split with Universal.That was our first onsite Universal stay, and we were spoiled....

Last year we did a resort only stay at Pop and it was fantastic. Then back to universal....I did get DH to agree to go for our couples trips. The first I booked GF RPC and got bumped to YC suite (very huge...nice location, nice CMs) and we stayed at WL Honeymoon room, which overall is my favorite experience.

There is no reason I should stay CL, it's not financially worth it, but it's nice to have the snack room I guess. We like the convenience of the snacks and beverages as well..all the construction on the monorail line has really put on damper on me wanting to stay there...the moderates are large resorts...so I still would pick a value over them....BUT the amenities of deluxe are worth the extra $$$

Unfortunately being a family of 7 vacation is expensive....so I do the best I can with discounts, but we work hard all year....so I try to give my family the bestest vacation!!!!!

Was that confusing or what???

 

[pas130]

Good morning all! Hope everyone is doing well. Got some Disney questions for all of you! Looking to request where I want to be at the BC GV....since we'll just be spending our time relaxing and swimming what location should I ask for? I can't be too close to elevators as I have enough trouble sleeping (and don't want additional noise)..but sorta close to the SAB...thoughts, suggestions? Also, the hotel will transfer our bags, but how should we get to AKL? Bus? Taxi? Thanks!

Pas130...I hate it when my posts go poof! Arggghhh

If you have park hoppers, you can walk through Epcot and take the bus

As far as location, requesting close to pool might get you by the quiet pool. BC is a large, confusing (to me...) layout. Dee on the BC/YC thread and Teena are very nice, and I am sure you'll get a better idea of room requests there

 

[babyberger]

Morning!!! Happy Monday I hope everyone had a good weekend.

Another day, another neuro psych appt for Steven....sigh. I'll catch up this afternoon from my laptop.

HUGS,
Melissa

Sent from my iPad using DISBoards

 

[Mousemommy1]

Jeanette~Say it isn't so....The only reason we are picking the GF is because of the probable construction at Poly, otherwise, that would be our 1st choice....

Why, oh why can't things be easy???