Practically Perfect in Every Way - UPDATE-3/1 -- LINK TO TRIP REPORT!!!!

[KatMark]

Congratulations...that is awesome news!

 

[annmarieda]

how awesome! Another trip!!!!

 

[MEK]

Well, an AP can be a dangerous thing! PB&J sandwiches - yeah, right!!!!!

Congrats on having an April trip! That's awesome. Now find out where you are staying, please!

 

[Moira222]

No problem!

You know, its so funny. I was looking at the total price and realized, hey, this isn't any different than financing a car would be. Which got me thinking. However, having a set monthly payment on anything right now isn't the best idea for us as a family, I think its a fabulous idea and as soon as we are able, I want to do it! So sending you and hoping that you do!

We did some serious looking and research and realized that even though our hearts were all for it, our bank statement was not. And you're right -- adding another payment every month is just not a good idea for us either. So we will keep tracking discounts and maybe renting points for our next trip (maybe '13?)

I'm paid in full!
Always make the trip feel like its that much closer! ​

YIPPEEE!!! and you ARE close!

Thought I'd get one more update in before I start back at school tomorrow and my updating returns to its usual snail's pace.

I was very offline last week during break, devouring a book series on my new nook (thanks Joe!) so I am the opposite of almost everyone apparently!

....
And then I began to think about it and think about it. Did I really want to stay in the garden wing? Did I really want to stay in a resort that seriously lacks that “resort” feel? Did I really want to stay in a resort with a center atrium that somewhat reminds me of Grand Central Station at rush hour?

Well, no I didn’t. My thoughts turned briefly to the Beach Club. Why not? We all loved it there. My husband was really in favor it. He’s a creature of habit, after all.

this is how I feel about the CR too.

I thought about what I really wanted in a resort. A resort with beautiful, lush grounds (if you’re never been to CSR, you will know what I mean about beautiful surroundings) where I could relax. BUT I was also yearning for close proximity to the Magic Kingdom. You can probably predict where this is headed...

Why, the Polynesian, of course! I still get my monorail dreams to come true, plus I get a lush, tropical paradise.

did you hear my big gasp of excitement for you? it was loud! I am SO PSYCHED for you. The Poly is up there on our wish list...but even with discounts its usually off the charts, so I can't wait to live vicariously through you (again) LOL

What? What is that you hear? Is that the sound of me jumping up and down because I just purchased PLANE TICKETS???



In the immortal words of Phineas and Ferb: Why yes, yes it is!


​

Yesterday, a coworker mentioned that she booked a trip to Disney for our April break. I asked a couple questions and come to find out her aunt owns DVC (still not sure which resort) and is letting her have a villa, free of charge, for the week! I jokingly said, can I come? And she said, sure!

With my AP (see, this is what happens...this is how the evil marketing geniuses at Disney pull you in... ) and some pretty cheap airfare (amazing how cheap airfare gets when you're paying for only one ticket ), this trip would cost almost nothing.

When I went home last night, I asked my husband and his immediate reaction was no. Then I explained the details a bit more and he relented, telling me I could only spend $300 and should eat peanut butter and jelly sandwiches in my room. He is only half-joking. Although, to be clear, this trip will not be about signature dining.

The bottom line is this: I am going in April, I have purchased plane tickets. Should it not work out with my co-worker, I've already figured out I could afford a room at Pop! with little problem. So...I'm going to Disney again!!!!

Note the color here ....yes, yes I AM GREEN with envy! How AWESOME .... a girls trip to WDW! AWESOME did I say that already? yeah, well, it is!

 

[tinacaplan]

Congratulations...that is awesome news!

Thanks, Kathy! Crazy is what it is!

Well, an AP can be a dangerous thing! PB&J sandwiches - yeah, right!!!!!

Yeah, no way that's happening. Like I said, doubt I'll be doing signature dining, but I will be dining...or at least snacking!

Congrats on having an April trip! That's awesome. Now find out where you are staying, please!

Yeah...its insane! I actually don't know yet. I might be completely on my own. Oh, darn...already have plane tickets. I'm thinking if I do end up on my own, which is a possibliity, I'll stay at Pop...or CSR, which is where I'd love to stay.

We did some serious looking and research and realized that even though our hearts were all for it, our bank statement was not. And you're right -- adding another payment every month is just not a good idea for us either. So we will keep tracking discounts and maybe renting points for our next trip (maybe '13?)

I so wish we could do DVC, but I'm confident our time will come. I know it seems crazy to be spending so much on trips now, but I can't stop that anytime I want to. Oh, dear...I sound like an addict. With DVC obviously you're sort of locked in.

I think renting points is a fantastic idea, but it scares me. I'd be too worried that something would go wrong, even knowing people who've done it.

I could only do it and really feel comfortable if I knew the people I was renting them from.

[/COLOR][/B]I was very offline last week during break, devouring a book series on my new nook (thanks Joe!) so I am the opposite of almost everyone apparently!

Ooh, but what series?

[/SIZE][/FONT]
[/COLOR][/B]this is how I feel about the CR too.

[/SIZE][/FONT]

did you hear my big gasp of excitement for you? it was loud! I am SO PSYCHED for you. The Poly is up there on our wish list...but even with discounts its usually off the charts, so I can't wait to live vicariously through you (again) LOL

With our AP discount, it was the same as a garden wing room at CR, and not too much more expensive than the Beach Club, where I'd stay again in a heartbeat. Of course, had I applied a similar discount to CSR... Is true...once you go deluxe you can't go back?

Really, it was just that I saw a chance to stay at the Poly, so I took it!

Note the color here ....yes, yes I AM GREEN with envy! How AWESOME .... a girls trip to WDW! AWESOME did I say that already? yeah, well, it is!

Thanks! I'm super excited. I can't wait to walk around and take pictures and do EXACTLY what I want.

 

[tinacaplan]

So...details are set...and our resort has been revealed and we're staying at ...


wait for it...


wait for it....

Saratoga Springs!


OK...I have to admit I was a little dissapointed when she told me. I would have preferred practically anywhere but here (especially since we won't have a car)...but the truth is...I'M GOING FOR FREE!!!! Plus, I really do enjoy WPE. Seriously, though...I'm so thrilled. It's all happening!​

 

[amandaw]

You're going to have a great trip! I know it may not be your preferred DVC location, but like you said...it's free! My aunt & uncle went to Disney this past December & stayed at Saratoga Springs. They said it was nice.

So, are you & your co-worker planning on any ADR's for the trip?

 

[tinacaplan]

You're going to have a great trip! I know it may not be your preferred DVC location, but like you said...it's free! My aunt & uncle went to Disney this past December & stayed at Saratoga Springs. They said it was nice.

So, are you & your co-worker planning on any ADR's for the trip?

I checked out pictures on-line and it looks beautiful. My only concern is how big the resort is and how far away it is from the parks when we won't have a car. Also, never hear much about it on the resort boards because its a total DVC resort, whereas BCV, BWI, and AKL are all part of regular resorts.

And, yes, she's put all the planning in my hands. I can't wait to start planning for that trip! Planning a trip is ALMOST as much fun as going.

 

[amandaw]

I checked out pictures on-line and it looks beautiful. My only concern is how big the resort is and how far away it is from the parks when we won't have a car. Also, never hear much about it on the resort boards because its a total DVC resort, whereas BCV, BWI, and AKL are all part of regular resorts.

And, yes, she's put all the planning in my hands. I can't wait to start planning for that trip! Planning a trip is ALMOST as much fun as going.

Yeah, the only negative comment my aunt had about SSR was the amount of time it took to get places. But, she said by day 2 they were used to it & it wasn't that bad.

I agree with you completely - the planning is as much fun as the trip itself. Right now, I'm having a hard time with how far away our next trip is. But, I keep telling myself that it means I have a lot of time to enjoy the planning. And once the vacation gets here, it'll be over before we know it. I can't remember if I told you or not - we crunched some #'s & decided we can swing Contemporary afterall. So, as of right now, we are booked in the tower with a bay lake view.

 

[tinacaplan]

Yeah, the only negative comment my aunt had about SSR was the amount of time it took to get places. But, she said by day 2 they were used to it & it wasn't that bad.

I agree with you completely - the planning is as much fun as the trip itself. Right now, I'm having a hard time with how far away our next trip is. But, I keep telling myself that it means I have a lot of time to enjoy the planning. And once the vacation gets here, it'll be over before we know it. I can't remember if I told you or not - we crunched some #'s & decided we can swing Contemporary afterall. So, as of right now, we are booked in the tower with a bay lake view.

Yes! I noticed your ticker! I'm sure you'll love it! Are you going to start a PTR? I had one that lasted almost a year, so...

Truthfully, I don't mind the busses at all. I know they annoy a lot of people, but they don't bother me in the slightest, especially without a kid. I just hope we have a good location within the resort itself and are near a pool. I'd also love to be close enough to the main area to use a resort mug. I'd be lying if I said that wasn't one of my favorite things about the BC.

 

[brookelizabeth]

My goodness woman! Poly in February and SSR in April! Gotta LOVE an AP!!!!

We didn't enjoy SSR as much as other resorts, BUT, the rooms are very pretty and comfortable. If you are in Congress Park it's a long walk to the main building, but a short one to DTD. The Paddock section just got a new and very nice pool too.

 

[amandaw]

Yes! I noticed your ticker! I'm sure you'll love it! Are you going to start a PTR? I had one that lasted almost a year, so...

Truthfully, I don't mind the busses at all. I know they annoy a lot of people, but they don't bother me in the slightest, especially without a kid. I just hope we have a good location within the resort itself and are near a pool. I'd also love to be close enough to the main area to use a resort mug. I'd be lying if I said that wasn't one of my favorite things about the BC.

I am so excited about our trip, especially now that we get to stay at CR. When we ask Reid where we're staying, he makes an "A" with his arms & says, "in the A frame!". I haven't decided yet if I'll do a PTR or not. I've never done one before. If I do one, I probably won't start it until like October. But, I'll make sure to let you know. Will you be doing TR's for both of your upcoming trips?

Yeah, the buses aren't bad when you don't have a stroller to lug on it. I'll try & send some pixie dust y'alls way that y'all get a good location!

 

[dizneeat]

I can't remember if I told you or not - we crunched some #'s & decided we can swing Contemporary afterall. So, as of right now, we are booked in the tower with a bay lake view.

Congrats on staying at the Contemporary - such a beautiful hotel and the tower rooms are awesome!

 

[dizneeat]

Hey Tina! You are staying at our home resort, even though we haven't stayed there yet and have no intention to in the near future (love the neighbours - Old Key West too much )

They have an awesome cheeseburger flatbread at the counter service restaurant (hope they still do, it's been two years) and the Turf Club is awesome!!!!!!

Guess what .... in 6 weeks from today we will be on a plane on our way across the pond to WDW! Can't wait!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[glennbo123]

I somehow missed the start of this, but now I've found it and will have to get caught up.

I was impressed by SSR when my SiL stayed there for a night a couple of years ago and we got to check out the room. I think you'll like it!

 

[tinacaplan]

My goodness woman! Poly in February and SSR in April! Gotta LOVE an AP!!!!

We didn't enjoy SSR as much as other resorts, BUT, the rooms are very pretty and comfortable. If you are in Congress Park it's a long walk to the main building, but a short one to DTD. The Paddock section just got a new and very nice pool too.

Yes, it all comes down to the AP! I swear, the trip in April has little to do with me. It kind of fell in my lap. so to speak. I mean, I'd stay anywhere on property for free.

I wonder about the long walks...if they're comparable to say the walk from the Ranchos at CSR? I did read that there are quite a few internal bus stops, so we should be OK that way.

I am so excited about our trip, especially now that we get to stay at CR. When we ask Reid where we're staying, he makes an "A" with his arms & says, "in the A frame!". I haven't decided yet if I'll do a PTR or not. I've never done one before. If I do one, I probably won't start it until like October. But, I'll make sure to let you know. Will you be doing TR's for both of your upcoming trips?

Yeah, the buses aren't bad when you don't have a stroller to lug on it. I'll try & send some pixie dust y'alls way that y'all get a good location!

Oh, that's so cute about Reid! And thanks...I think we'll need some, especially since I can't do much about the location.

Hey Tina! You are staying at our home resort, even though we haven't stayed there yet and have no intention to in the near future (love the neighbours - Old Key West too much )

They have an awesome cheeseburger flatbread at the counter service restaurant (hope they still do, it's been two years) and the Turf Club is awesome!!!!!!

Guess what .... in 6 weeks from today we will be on a plane on our way across the pond to WDW! Can't wait!!!!!!!!!!!!

I didn't know that SSR was your home resort. Of course, I'm still unclear on what "home resort" actually means. Admittedly, I would have been a tad more excited to be at OKW, especially with how much you and Kathy love it. Plus, the whole upstate NY theme seems a little odd to me, kinda like Wilderness Lodge. But then again, the pictures I've seen bear little to no resemblance to the real Saratoga Springs. My cousin went to college in Saratoga Springs (the real one), so I'm pretty familiar with it. That said...its FREE! Who can complain about that?

I somehow missed the start of this, but now I've found it and will have to get caught up.

I was impressed by SSR when my SiL stayed there for a night a couple of years ago and we got to check out the room. I think you'll like it!

Haven't done much here...other than add on another trip. I can't see how I wouldn't like it. Truthfully, I've loved everywhere we've stayed at Disney so far and have yet to visit a single place on property that I haven't loved.

 

[eandesmom]

Free is good, anywhere for free is good, and a girls trip, even better!

So much fun Tina! Plane tickets, paid in full, Lots of

 

[amandaw]

Congrats on staying at the Contemporary - such a beautiful hotel and the tower rooms are awesome!

Thank you so much! We are very excited for our 1st stay there.

Guess what .... in 6 weeks from today we will be on a plane on our way across the pond to WDW! Can't wait!!!!!!!!!!!!

So exciting! I hope y'all have a safe & wonderful trip! I see where your info says you're in Austria. I was lucky enough to go there on a trip in high school....beautiful country!

 

[tinacaplan]

PLANNING: Day One

As I always prefer, we’re flying out of Hartford at about 6:30 a.m.. Nothing like getting out of bed at 4:30! We’re flying Jetblue for the first time ever. We usually fly Southwest, because..well...they’re usually the least expensive. But tickets for this week were so crazy, Jetblue was a bit cheaper. My husband can’t wait. He’s super excited about the t.v.s on board.

Unfortunately, we will probably stop here for breakfast:

Look how happy Mark is to be there!

I love flying first thing in the morning. One, I would go crazy hanging around that day, waiting to lave and I like it because it gets us to MCO by 9:30 in the morning. This means we have almost a full Disney day!


We’ll take the fake monorail to the main terminal, probably stop at Starbucks. Its nice that I know its there now, as I won’t have had any coffee before the flight, as I have serious motion sickness issues...fun fact: prior to taking dramamine AND bromine on EVERY flight, I had thrown up on every flight I’d ever been on. Seriously. Ever.

Look! Our first palm trees!




We’ve always had great experiences with DME, so we could be at the Poly by 11:30.

 

[amandaw]

Sounds like a good plan for a travel day. I also love to have the earliest flight out on the day we're heading out. I have heard so many good things about Jet Blue on these boards. I would love to give them a try. While they do fly out of New Orleans, they don't fly from New Orleans to Orlando. We're going to try the whole road trip thing in December. I am just getting so sick of flying....the expense & the hassle.