Resort Changers--The Saga Continues.....

[Lillian Gracey]

haha I feel very old. I'm less then enamored with the idea that I'll be 27 in 3 years.

At least you aren't my boyfriend who will be turning 30 in 3 years. He is turning 27 this August. I keep telling him, "OMG! You are almost 30! You are so old!" and I say that over and over because I can't believe he is almost 30. I'm just barely 20. But I love him because he deals with my Disney obsession.

 

[keishashadow]

I would LOVE to go multiple times a year, you are lucky!!! I love the theming at the values myself!

bitohoney Every time we go my DH says OK last time for Disney for awhile So I am excited to go, no matter WHERE we stay

i do feel verrrry fortunate! DH has 4 weeks vacation & we look @ it as early retirement travel.

After pricing out a week @ the Poly many years ago, i elected to stay @ a value & bought 1st DVC resale for cash for approx same amount of $, then added on direct everytime i saved up enough money. It allows us two trips per year in a studio. Before airfare went thru the roof, was always able to squeek out 3 trips for nearly the same OOP as i see others indicating they pay for 1.

Not that i'm saying it's a bad thing to elect to plan a dream trip every year or so, it's just more of quantity vs quality issue IMO...but even value/offsite trips to disney are wonderful!

 

[WDWKOOK]

I step away from this thread for a few days (though I was still here in spirit) and what happened? No, I don't have any tattoos, my hair is long and I've never colored it, I wear make-up (even to the gym everyday) and I didn't change our reservation last week! However, it was not for lack of trying.

Here is the I-almost-changed-resorts chain of events this weekend:

DH tells me that he knows that I'm not going to be able to stay at the BC and that the Deluxe room isn't going to help make-up for my misgivings about the crowded and messy lounge and lobby worries and overall chaotic atmosphere at the BC.

I reminded him that he wanted to try-out an Epcot resort, but that would only leave BWI if BC/YC is out. We have never even considered BWI because one visit 10 years ago to the BW, DH thought it was not that interesting and it was HOT along the BW w/o trees for shade. And yes, we are also those crazy people who think the clown mouth slide (Keister Coaster) is disturbing.

So, of course DH announces that we should stay at BWI and that he's just fine with the lack of trees and the crazy BW. What a twist to this ever-evolving resort changin' plot. BWI?! I know NOTHING about BWI. Ask me about any other non-DVC resort and I'll tell you the price per square foot, the name of the health club and how many rooms they have. I had to start from scratch with BWI and frantically searched through everything to learn about it. (It was kind of fun!)

Of course, while researching, I found comments that worried me and got cold feet. Some said it was noisy if you were in a room facing the BW (like a Deluxe room) and that there are cooking smells in the stairwells and halls from being above the eateries. Someone said that their room smelled musty and was in poor condition around the edges.

We would stay CL there though, and I have heard great things about the staff and lounge, so that was the real draw for me. But like I said, I got cold feet. What if we, umm, I didn't like the theming and atmosphere? What if it smelled like funnel cakes and hot dogs in the halls? What if I hated looking at the Swolphin? So many IFs...

At one point this weekend, we were even going to stay at a FTW cabin instead of the BC! DD LOVED the idea of the golf cart and we love the FTW setting. Of course, double beds and no health club is an issue, so that was scratched in favor of switching back (yes, back) to WL/CL, but doing more days at the CR and adding CL to the CR.

Easier said than done. Of course, other than the 5 nights CR/BLV I was able to get for July, there is still hardly any availability at all and only one week of CL availability in mid July which would mean switching our dates and going when it's more crowded.

So after all that, nothing changed - yet. But, DH wants me to make a decision soon because he said he wants to know where we're staying instead of BC so that he can look forward to the resort from here on out.


pas130: You have a beautiful family! And you look too young (and rested) to be both a mom to 7 and a nurse. What's your secret?!

Lillian Gracey: You are a lovely young lady and your Gramma is right to want to spoil you at WDW.

disneydreamin247: You are most certainly a lovely YOUNG lady, too! And so are your little prince and princess.

Kaffinito: That is one mighty fine pumpkin and those men behind you seem so pleased at your posing! You look so happy to be on your BTS tour. We did it in December and it got pretty chilly waiting outside to go in the greenhouse. Wasn't it fun feeding the fish? Was the tour slightly different the second time because I'd like to bring DH next time.

Speaking of photos, I guess it's only fair that I contribute to the RC collage:

August 2010:

And, this was taken a few years ago at our favorite resort:

Ok. I have a "switching" question.
Is anyone else here like me - when I switch it's because somehow I think that the resort I'm switching to is going to be better for some reason than the one I just had?

Or, does anyone else switch because they can't afford the resort they really want? Or maybe just because it's not available?

To answer your question, Kaffinito, YES! I'm like you. The reason I usually switch is because I think I have found a "better" resort where we'll all (I'll?) be happier.

If I notice something has opened-up on the booking site that may not have been available before, I will switch. I did switch in December from CSR to the CR because an AP room opened-up and I've switched a couple of times mid-trip to the CR because we weren't happy where we were.

I believe that every time I've ever switched it's actually been an upgrade, so while the WDTC may be temporarily inconvenienced by my switching, in the long run they usually always make more money off of me.

So I'm going through major vacation homesickness. DD turns 18 tomorrow and for the past 2 years for her birthday, we have gone to WDW with one of her friends and have had perfect trips Prior Aprils we have been to DL or somewhere else. This April...nowhere. I'm going to look at youtube videos right now to make me feel better.

Wow, what a milestone - congrats, Mom! to your DD tomorrow

Now that I think we are set, I will confess that my ADRs have changed WITH my resort changes...Luckily I found availability at all the places I have wanted. It tough when there are so many EXCELLENT choices I've already started thinking about a Christmas trip at WL...But I also booked a May trip at Poly, but I like CR...and I CAN'T do 2 in one year.

I'm so glad you got your ADRs squared away. I think you're all set now.

Thank you for confessing to your Christmas scheming, I mean planning. I actually already researched the BB and now know that I can book through 12/24 and then I checked the SOG calendar and after 12/24 is almost sold-out which means I could soon get an overflow rate from them for after 12/24. Yes, I 'm a schemer and a saver.

We did WL/CL last Christmas and I would highly recommend it and I think that's what I would book (or CR - or both, like we did last Christmas).

 

[Lillian Gracey]

Thanks for the compliment, WDWKOOK! Does that mean everyone should spoil me?

And you and your daughter are so beautiful! JEALOUS!!!!

 

[SnipsNSnails]

I'm thinking we will be changing. We are currently booked with 2 rooms at CBR, DH, me, and our DSs (5, 2) in one room and my parent and grandparents in the other. Unfortunately Grandpa hasn't been doing well lately (dymentia) so grandma is having second thoughts about going with us in September. So since we will have an under 3 we could all be in one room and there are so many options! For cheaper than we are staying now we could do POR, ASMu Fam Suite, or a cabin. For less than $400 more than we are staying now we could do BC (provided there is availability under the pin code we booked with). I'm leaning toward BC if they don't go. The thought of all of us with 2 double beds and a trundle is not very appealing, I wanted a nicer pool than the value resorts and I'm not sure I want any adults to have to sleep on a sofa pullout. I think the kids would love SAB and we already have a ressie at Cape May and lunch at Le Cellier on one of our lazy days so that would be convenient. My hold back is convincing myself that it's $450 for our family and $450 for my parents better than POR. Decisions, decisions.

 

[winnie 38]

help have been waiting for discounts for end of oct. 2011 I've read on this thread about some of you guys getting pin codes on email. I go online and check dates on disney site often they have my email address what do I need to do different to hopefully get them to send me a pin code? Thanks.

 

[kaffinito]

Ohhhh TR's is a great idea. I forgot about the TR's.

Anything I can do to help!

i do feel verrrry fortunate! DH has 4 weeks vacation & we look @ it as early retirement travel.

After pricing out a week @ the Poly many years ago, i elected to stay @ a value & bought 1st DVC resale for cash for approx same amount of $, then added on direct everytime i saved up enough money. It allows us two trips per year in a studio. Before airfare went thru the roof, was always able to squeek out 3 trips for nearly the same OOP as i see others indicating they pay for 1.

Not that i'm saying it's a bad thing to elect to plan a dream trip every year or so, it's just more of quantity vs quality issue IMO...but even value/offsite trips to disney are wonderful!

Now that's some smart thinking! Between what I've read on here and what I've read on the Transportation board I think I'll follow you around for some more money saving tips!

If I had done what you did, I'd have a ton of DVC points right now.

I step away from this thread for a few days (though I was still here in spirit) and what happened? No, I don't have any tattoos, my hair is long and I've never colored it, I wear make-up (even to the gym everyday) and I didn't change our reservation last week! However, it was not for lack of trying.

What if we rub off on you? (hee hee)

Here is the I-almost-changed-resorts chain of events this weekend:

Of course, while researching, I found comments that worried me and got cold feet. Some said it was noisy if you were in a room facing the BW (like a Deluxe room) and that there are cooking smells in the stairwells and halls from being above the eateries. Someone said that their room smelled musty and was in poor condition around the edges.

We would stay CL there though, and I have heard great things about the staff and lounge, so that was the real draw for me. But like I said, I got cold feet. What if we, umm, I didn't like the theming and atmosphere? What if it smelled like funnel cakes and hot dogs in the halls? What if I hated looking at the Swolphin? So many IFs...

Sorry, had to laugh over the list of negatives.

After two lovely stays I can say that I never noticed cooking smells in the hallways, musty room odors, strange room odors, (unless DH or DS was in it) dirty rooms, or excessive noise.

You do hear the sound of the ferry boat horn, and you do hear some of the entertainment on the Boardwalk at night. But all shows close down at 10:00, and with the balcony doors closed it's very quiet.

The rooms are very nicely decorated, and the CL staff is very friendly and a great bunch of people. I avoid the Clown pool myself, and hang out at the quiet pool - there's a large mainly empty hot tub there.

The Behind the Seeds Tour will vary depending on who you get for a guide. The second time I had an expert on hydroponics, and the first one was a bug expert. I think the guys in the background of my picture were kind of enjoying my pleasure at the tour - I really enjoy it!

And I must say - you and your DD look lovely

For a while on the DIS I thought you were a guy!

 

[kaffinito]

I'm thinking we will be changing. We are currently booked with 2 rooms at CBR, DH, me, and our DSs (5, 2) in one room and my parent and grandparents in the other. Unfortunately Grandpa hasn't been doing well lately (dymentia) so grandma is having second thoughts about going with us in September. So since we will have an under 3 we could all be in one room and there are so many options! For cheaper than we are staying now we could do POR, ASMu Fam Suite, or a cabin. For less than $400 more than we are staying now we could do BC (provided there is availability under the pin code we booked with). I'm leaning toward BC if they don't go. The thought of all of us with 2 double beds and a trundle is not very appealing, I wanted a nicer pool than the value resorts and I'm not sure I want any adults to have to sleep on a sofa pullout. I think the kids would love SAB and we already have a ressie at Cape May and lunch at Le Cellier on one of our lazy days so that would be convenient. My hold back is convincing myself that it's $450 for our family and $450 for my parents better than POR. Decisions, decisions.

So it all really depends on if Grandpa and Grandma can travel - right? Let me just say that I'm sorry to hear about Grandpa. That's a hard thing to go through.

You could always try to make a back up ressie at BC. That way if you have to cancel (before the 45 days) you can, and if you need to switch you can. Why not see if it works for your pin code?

Best of Luck

help have been waiting for discounts for end of oct. 2011 I've read on this thread about some of you guys getting pin codes on email. I go online and check dates on disney site often they have my email address what do I need to do different to hopefully get them to send me a pin code? Thanks.

I've heard that you just register on a lot of Disney sites and then you get one. Sometimes. If you're lucky. You can also call to see if you have one.

 

[camsmomE]

I finally realize that THIS is exactly where I should have posted my story!

Will someone please read THIS and tell me if you think I'm nuts?

 

[WDWKOOK]

I finally realize that THIS is exactly where I should have posted my story!

Will someone please read THIS and tell me if you think I'm nuts?

I knew you were nuts before I read it, but I played along and read it anyway. Your story definitely belongs on this thread.

So, just so I have this straight, plan 5 is THE plan? The two nights Poly/CL? Everyone is happy with that and the downgrade of the DDP? It sounds like such a lovely vacation for all the moms in your family. Are they all (honorary) LLLSG members?

Thanks for putting in writing what all of us sound like to anyone unfortunate enough to have to overhear our chatting with the Disresbot 2000. Because the WDTC CMs have always been so nice to me and I'm always so excited after the room is booked, I always end-up giving high marks for my "interaction" with the Disresbot 2000 along with the highest marks for the CM. In reality, it mildly annoys me and I'm not really sure what time it saves for the CM, but I'm happy to do it since I know it'll eventually lead to my booking a room.

 

[WDWKOOK]

Sorry, had to laugh over the list of negatives.

After two lovely stays I can say that I never noticed cooking smells in the hallways, musty room odors, strange room odors, (unless DH or DS was in it) dirty rooms, or excessive noise.

You do hear the sound of the ferry boat horn, and you do hear some of the entertainment on the Boardwalk at night. But all shows close down at 10:00, and with the balcony doors closed it's very quiet.

The rooms are very nicely decorated, and the CL staff is very friendly and a great bunch of people. I avoid the Clown pool myself, and hang out at the quiet pool - there's a large mainly empty hot tub there.

The Behind the Seeds Tour will vary depending on who you get for a guide. The second time I had an expert on hydroponics, and the first one was a bug expert. I think the guys in the background of my picture were kind of enjoying my pleasure at the tour - I really enjoy it!

And I must say - you and your DD look lovely

For a while on the DIS I thought you were a guy!

I understand, I did, too. Now I put those frilly things in my signature, and there's no doubt

Thanks for your BWI comments, they were very helpful and answer many of my questions. Does this mean you recommend my switching from the BC/Deluxe to BWI/CL? It seems if your DH or DS isn't there, I might be alright as far as those unusual smells? (You had me LOL with your DH/DS comment - too funny).

How were the BWI mattresses? Did you roll to the middle or were they nice and fresh? Was the lounge kept neat and tidy? Any negatives I need to know about? I can handle the truth

 

[WDWKOOK]

Thanks for the compliment, WDWKOOK! Does that mean everyone should spoil me?

And you and your daughter are so beautiful! JEALOUS!!!!

Yes, that's what that means. But you seemed especially concerned about too much WDW spoiling so I just wanted to reassure you that you deserve it. And, thank you for your sweet comment. Don't be jealous though because you're beautiful, too - inside and out.

help have been waiting for discounts for end of oct. 2011 I've read on this thread about some of you guys getting pin codes on email. I go online and check dates on disney site often they have my email address what do I need to do different to hopefully get them to send me a pin code? Thanks.

Kaffinito already mentioned registering on the WDW site and ordering the free DVD and you probably already know about the general public discounts that are on the WDW Resorts website. Also, if you're active-duty or retired military there are room-only and tix discounts. There is also an Annual Pass room-only discount, although the summer dates have not yet been released. And the AAA discount.

www.mousesavers.com is a fantastic site for reading about all the current discounts.

Good luck!

 

[camsmomE]

I knew you were nuts before I read it, but I played along and read it anyway. Your story definitely belongs on this thread.

So, just so I have this straight, plan 5 is THE plan? The two nights Poly/CL? Everyone is happy with that and the downgrade of the DDP? It sounds like such a lovely vacation for all the moms in your family. Are they all (honorary) LLLSG members?

Thanks for putting in writing what all of us sound like to anyone unfortunate enough to have to overhear our chatting with the Disresbot 2000. Because the WDTC CMs have always been so nice to me and I'm always so excited after the room is booked, I always end-up giving high marks for my "interaction" with the Disresbot 2000 along with the highest marks for the CM. In reality, it mildly annoys me and I'm not really sure what time it saves for the CM, but I'm happy to do it since I know it'll eventually lead to my booking a room.

HAHA yes, plan 5 is THE plan. I hope. I PRAY. I can leave it alone just long enough to make it to online check-in day!!!

besides... when I get bored, I always have my June and November trips to tinker with

 

[kaffinito]

I finally realize that THIS is exactly where I should have posted my story!

Will someone please read THIS and tell me if you think I'm nuts?

I knew you were nuts before I read it, but I played along and read it anyway. Your story definitely belongs on this thread.

So, just so I have this straight, plan 5 is THE plan? The two nights Poly/CL? Everyone is happy with that and the downgrade of the DDP? It sounds like such a lovely vacation for all the moms in your family. Are they all (honorary) LLLSG members?

Thanks for putting in writing what all of us sound like to anyone unfortunate enough to have to overhear our chatting with the Disresbot 2000. Because the WDTC CMs have always been so nice to me and I'm always so excited after the room is booked, I always end-up giving high marks for my "interaction" with the Disresbot 2000 along with the highest marks for the CM. In reality, it mildly annoys me and I'm not really sure what time it saves for the CM, but I'm happy to do it since I know it'll eventually lead to my booking a room.

Oh now that was too funny!

I also love how you described your "interaction with the automated system"

I skip most of that though - when it asks for my information I say "applebrownbetty" gets me through faster. After all, time precious when you're switching!

And WDWKOOK - love "Disresbot 2000" what a perfect way of describing it!

 

[kaffinito]

I understand, I did, too. Now I put those frilly things in my signature, and there's no doubt

Thanks for your BWI comments, they were very helpful and answer many of my questions. Does this mean you recommend my switching from the BC/Deluxe to BWI/CL? It seems if your DH or DS isn't there, I might be alright as far as those unusual smells? (You had me LOL with your DH/DS comment - too funny).

How were the BWI mattresses? Did you roll to the middle or were they nice and fresh? Was the lounge kept neat and tidy? Any negatives I need to know about? I can handle the truth

Too funny!

I had the same problem initially - I love Jack Skellington so had him as my avatar - a lot of people on here thought I was a guy too.

And yes, as long as the men in my family aren't around there shouldn't be any untoward smells.

The resort just had a refurb about a year and a half ago now, and the mattresses are new. They are lovely mattresses too - with a real comforter and a duvet. Nice and fresh and clean. They have the best housekeeping there too - we were a little late checking into our room because the grout had to be inspected. And one of the housekeepers there looks exactly like Alice in Wonderland.

The lounge is kept clean and tidy, and if you ask for something it will "magically" appear. Of course I'm very biased about the lounge and the staff. I just love all of them, and never had a problem just "hanging out" with them either. I think if you look at them like servants, they'll keep you at arms length just like anyone would, but if you're nice and friendly they respond in kind.

I kind of miss them all just writing this.

 

[Lillian Gracey]

Yes, that's what that means. But you seemed especially concerned about too much WDW spoiling so I just wanted to reassure you that you deserve it. And, thank you for your sweet comment. Don't be jealous though because you're beautiful, too - inside and out.

Gee, thanks! I appreciate that! You are such a sweetheart and so is everyone else.

I know this is totally random, but I'm watching this special on the History channel that I taped a few days ago called "First Apocalypse" and it's about the Dinosaurs and how they died and as much as I love Dinosaurs and as much as I want to be a paleontologist, I could not handle the Dinosaur ride.

Oh! And disneydreamin247, my dad is in New York now covering the Bulls because they are playing the Knicks.

 

[keishashadow]

kaffinito im sure the sum of my posts = obsessed DISer. i can stop anytime i want, not lol. Admit I've yet to stay @ the Poly, must do even a split trip sometime, it's so romantic there-especially at night.

 

[CR Resort Fan 4 Life]

How were the BWI mattresses? Did you roll to the middle or were they nice and fresh? Was the lounge kept neat and tidy? Any negatives I need to know about? I can handle the truth

The BWI mattresses were very comftorable and I didn't notice a difference comparing it to the ones at the Contemporary.

As for the lounge when I compare it to the Atrium Club lounge with the exception of one family during my first stay there in August 2010, no one else left their dirty plates and etc on the tables. They always put them on a table with other dirty plates and the Cast Members always took them to the kitchen to be cleaned. Besides that the lounge was always kept very clean during the whole day and etc. Finally as I told you before their Club Level Cast Members are all the same, so unlike the Atrium Club there is not a huge turn over of brand new ones and that's one thing we like.

 

[disneydreamin247]

Now that I think we are set, I will confess that my ADRs have changed WITH my resort changes...Luckily I found availability at all the places I have wanted. It tough when there are so many EXCELLENT choices I've already started thinking about a Christmas trip at WL...But I also booked a May trip at Poly, but I like CR...and I CAN'T do 2 in one year. So I totally get it You are in good company here

bitohoney Happy Birthday to DD!! Sorry you two can't celebrate at Disney this time-she's the one graduating this year right??

disneydreamin247 Good morning momma

At least you aren't my boyfriend who will be turning 30 in 3 years. He is turning 27 this August. I keep telling him, "OMG! You are almost 30! You are so old!" and I say that over and over because I can't believe he is almost 30. I'm just barely 20. But I love him because he deals with my Disney obsession.

Is this a split trip I'm hearing?!


WDWKOOK First you and your family are beautiful! I love putting faces with DIS names. Second, I would never stay at BWI because of that freakish clown. WHAT were they thinking?! Third, I say stick to what works. If you know you're going to be happy at your favorite resort then go for it!

I'm thinking we will be changing. We are currently booked with 2 rooms at CBR, DH, me, and our DSs (5, 2) in one room and my parent and grandparents in the other. Unfortunately Grandpa hasn't been doing well lately (dymentia) so grandma is having second thoughts about going with us in September. So since we will have an under 3 we could all be in one room and there are so many options! For cheaper than we are staying now we could do POR, ASMu Fam Suite, or a cabin. For less than $400 more than we are staying now we could do BC (provided there is availability under the pin code we booked with). I'm leaning toward BC if they don't go. The thought of all of us with 2 double beds and a trundle is not very appealing, I wanted a nicer pool than the value resorts and I'm not sure I want any adults to have to sleep on a sofa pullout. I think the kids would love SAB and we already have a ressie at Cape May and lunch at Le Cellier on one of our lazy days so that would be convenient. My hold back is convincing myself that it's $450 for our family and $450 for my parents better than POR. Decisions, decisions.

I say BC all the way.

kaffinito im sure the sum of my posts = obsessed DISer. i can stop anytime i want, not lol. Admit I've yet to stay @ the Poly, must do even a split trip sometime, it's so romantic there-especially at night.

I get to share the romance with my kids and my parents. How enchanting!

 

[Lillian Gracey]

Is this a split trip I'm hearing?!

I wish. My parents aren't okay with me being alone with him at his house, let alone WDW! He isn't even allowed in my room.