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

[Minnie&Nana]

I so have to agree with you about "live for today" You just never know, we lost our youngest son in 2009 who would have thought that our trip that previous March before would have been our last together.

DH has no desire to do a split stay he likes to check in and settle in for the duration of our vacations

Sheila, I am so very sorry you lost your son in 2009. My son passed in 1999, so I understand. We truly never know what tomorrow may bring so, yes, I try more than ever to "live for today" as best I can.

 

[Minnie&Nana]

The nice thing about changing is you can make payments, there's no interest to finance your trip. And no charge to change (as long as its at least 45 days before your trip) And just to add....we LOVE the values. My first Deluxe stay was last year, and it ruined me. We used to own DVC, and that was nice, but our family grew too large, and we didn't come close to having enough points. There's 4 (soon 5) value reorts to switch between by the way

And

Ya know, I never thought of it this way - what a great point!!!! Love it!!

 

[sjs314]

Sheila, I am so very sorry you lost your son in 2009. My son passed in 1999, so I understand. We truly never know what tomorrow may bring so, yes, I try more than ever to "live for today" as best I can.

Thank you for the kind words and may I say I send you my condolences on you losing your son too. Our trip will definately be bittersweet since it will be the first one without our DS

 

[pas130]

Thank you for the kind words and may I say I send you my condolences on you losing your son too. Our trip will definately be bittersweet since it will be the first one without our DS

There are no words to express how my heart goes out to ANYONE who has lost a child. Again, I am so sorry.Bittersweet is right. I hope your trip brings a smile when you think of all the memories you've had there with DS. And I know not everyone believes in angels, but I feel he will be with you on your trip this time as well...

 

[Minnie&Nana]

Thank you for the kind words and may I say I send you my condolences on you losing your son too. Our trip will definately be bittersweet since it will be the first one without our DS

It was a few years before we went back too..and it was a different kind of trip. You know the bubble you're in when it first happened - when nothing feels real? That came back to me and I felt I was back in that bubble...then I began to hear a song that I knew he'd sent...it seemed to be everywhere...and I knew he was with us. I began a new tradition that trip - on our last day in the MK, I give a balloon to child in my Toby's honor. I never say anything to the child, but ask the parents and simply say it is for/from someone who could no be with us this trip.

pas130 wrote:There are no words to express how my heart goes out to ANYONE who has lost a child. Again, I am so sorry.Bittersweet is right. I hope your trip brings a smile when you think of all the memories you've had there with DS. And I know not everyone believes in angels, but I feel he will be with you on your trip this time as well...

Thank you so much, sweetie. I definitely believe in angels and that her dear DS will be with them this trip. There may be tears...of memories...and some smiles remembering too.

 

[WDWKOOK]

So Changers

Should I keep AKL CL (which I love)

Or upgrade to GF SL CL with the discount for $555.00 more?

I'm hesitating due to having to buy tickets for the kids, and tickets to US/IoA, and food for meals.

So which one? I would save a lot of $$$ by not having to buy meals if we stayed at GF CL, but then again I would save some by staying at AKL CL too.... They have a really good variety of offerings at AKL CL...

But, then you have to figure out the overall cost of Zebra Domes, (a lot of Zebra Domes) and the cost of having to eat at Boma and at Jiko...

I'm confused.

No brainer; you've got to go with the Kilimanjaro Club. That $550 "savings" will buy MANY Zebra Domes. Or couldn't you just eat at Bomas once and have each family member stuff ZDs in every available nook and cranny on their person and then store them in the room fridge. Do they serve ZDs in the lounge for dessert?

Keep us posted

Oh, here's a little something to help sway you...

I am just jealous that you all CAN change and change again...if I was changing...it would be between the different VALUE resorts! lol By looking at the mods, I didn't feel they were really worth the $300 or so it would cost to upgrade for our trip...and the Deluxes...well, yeah, not in our price range...not even with a big discount...because it would still be HUNDREDS more than our value trip! Maybe one day I will book BC through points...if I can convince my DH that it is worth going more than once!

At least we can provide you with potential ideas for your future resort changing needs. Feel free to drop in anytime!

I so have to agree with you about "live for today" You just never know, we lost our youngest son in 2009

I'm so sorry you lost your precious DS, sjs314

You must have mixed feelings about your upcoming trip. Did your DS have a favorite WDW restaurant? Maybe you could order a cake in his honor to have after dinner?



pas130: Remember when you mentioned that your reservations have come full circle. Well, I think your changitis is contagious. I just changed back to the WL/CL from the Poly/CL

WL/CL was our original resort for the second half of our split stay reservation, until I got on the Deluxe room kick, which I couldn't book there, so I switched to the BC Deluxe room, then to the YC/CL and finally, the Poly/CL. I tried several times to re-book the WL, but there was no availability with our discount. I hadn't tried in a long time and lo and behold, today there was availability. It never ceases to amaze me how quickly those CMs can change a reservation. He must of thought I was nuts when I told him I was so surprised a room had opened up and that I was excited. Do you think they talk about "us" in the break room?

DH just called and I told him I made a change and he started laughing. He's very happy and said, "I approve this change!"



I hope that Dani, StepDisney and Hannah aren't working too hard today

 

[WDWKOOK]

It was a few years before we went back too..and it was a different kind of trip. You know the bubble you're in when it first happened - when nothing feels real? That came back to me and I felt I was back in that bubble...then I began to hear a song that I knew he'd sent...it seemed to be everywhere...and I knew he was with us. I began a new tradition that trip - on our last day in the MK, I give a balloon to child in my Toby's honor. I never say anything to the child, but ask the parents and simply say it is for/from someone who could no be with us this trip.



Thank you so much, sweetie. I definitely believe in angels and that her dear DS will be with them this trip. There may be tears...of memories...and some smiles remembering too.

Christine,

I just posted before I saw what you had just posted so I didn't multi-quote you.

What a sweet idea to give away the balloon in Toby's honor. I think that's a great idea for sjs314.

About your CL dilemma, I think that if you like the idea of being on a keyed-access floor and you will use the lounge for some breakfasts and drinks, then it's worth paying for the upgrade. Also, there are some room categories that CL isn't much more than. For instance, if you book a Savannah View at AKL, it's only about $25 more a night to upgrade to CL, but you're not actually on the CL floor, which is not an advantage for some.

Keep us posted and thanks for sharing your "tribute to Toby"

 

[Minnie&Nana]

Christine,

I just posted before I saw what you had just posted so I didn't multi-quote you.

What a sweet idea to give away the balloon in Toby's honor. I think that's a great idea for sjs314.

About your CL dilemma, I think that if you like the idea of being on a keyed-access floor and you will use the lounge for some breakfasts and drinks, then it's worth paying for the upgrade. Also, there are some room categories that CL isn't much more than. For instance, if you book a Savannah View at AKL, it's only about $25 more a night to upgrade to CL, but you're not actually on the CL floor, which is not an advantage for some.

Keep us posted and thanks for sharing your "tribute to Toby"

Thank you for being so kind.

So, for AKL CL, do you mean for DVC SAV view or is it any Sav view now? Do you mention it at check-in or upgrade prior? I'm not sure there is anything I can eat at AKL CL and WL CL has those darned enclosed balconies - I need light and want an open balcony. (p.s. What is on that plate besides Zebra Domes? YUMMY!)

Think I'll watch for a good code and try to get BWI CL - it is far from my favorite resort or area, but everyone raves about it. The EPCOT resorts are beautifully decorated for the holidays. Thanks much!!!

So happy you were able to get WL CL!!

 

[WDWKOOK]

Thank you for being so kind.

So, for AKL CL, do you mean for DVC SAV view or is it any Sav view now? Do you mention it at check-in or upgrade prior? I'm not sure there is anything I can eat at AKL CL and WL CL has those darned enclosed balconies - I need light and want an open balcony. (p.s. What is on that plate besides Zebra Domes? YUMMY!)

Think I'll watch for a good code and try to get BWI CL - it is far from my favorite resort or area, but everyone raves about it. The EPCOT resorts are beautifully decorated for the holidays. Thanks much!!!

So happy you were able to get WL CL!!

Thanks for sharing my resort changin' excitement, Christine.

I think since Otherwildnana wants to stay at an Epcot resort and you don't want an enclosed balcony and BWI CL does get great reviews, you should plan on staying at the Innkeeper's Club. For AKL/SV I meant a non-DVC room. I forgot that you're renting points, right?

The dessert plate was actually my DD's, except for one ZD, so I don't recall the names of the other desserts. But, really, I don't think I've met a dessert I didn't like. They were all good at Bomas and I absolutely loved all the food choices at AKL. Now, if they could just move that darn resort to the MK Resorts area - maybe to Discovery Island

 

[Minnie&Nana]

Thanks for sharing my resort changin' excitement, Christine.

I think since Otherwildnana wants to stay at an Epcot resort and you don't want an enclosed balcony and BWI CL does get great reviews, you should plan on staying at the Innkeeper's Club. For AKL/SV I meant a non-DVC room. I forgot that you're renting points, right?

The dessert plate was actually my DD's, except for one ZD, so I don't recall the names of the other desserts. But, really, I don't think I've met a dessert I didn't like. They were all good at Bomas and I absolutely loved all the food choices at AKL. Now, if they could just move that darn resort to the MK Resorts area - maybe to Discovery Island

Rosie (englishrose47) is the wild one - she LOVES being the center of attention and never feels embarrassed. I, on the other hand, would rather hide behind a tree. Never want to be the center of attention, or any attention for that matter! For instance, when Rosie and her family ate at PT she did everything possible to get herself put in the corner. I've eaten there twice and do not enjoy the antics....it will not be on our list. We are as different as two people can be, but we've wanted to do a trip together and since we both turn 65 in 2012 (March for her, November for me) we thought it would be a fun trip. Hence the "Wild Nana's". She would have had "Grannies looking for Hot Italians"!!

Yes, I am thinking of renting points from a friend, but she does not own at BWV so we may not be able to get it...so my plan is to book it with a code and hold it until we know if my friend gets it or not. DVC feels SO limiting for someone who is not quite sure which resort until I have to make a final decision.

Don't think I've met a dessert I don't like either...unlike you, it's quite obvious!

 

[kaffinito]

Even though you know how I feel about GF......I think AKL CL would suit you better. See I would eat more at SL though, my family didn't like Boma at all

Good point. We all love Boma, Jiko and the offerings at AKL's lounge. (I'm especially fond of the lamb and fig tarts )

I am just jealous that you all CAN change and change again...if I was changing...it would be between the different VALUE resorts! lol By looking at the mods, I didn't feel they were really worth the $300 or so it would cost to upgrade for our trip...and the Deluxes...well, yeah, not in our price range...not even with a big discount...because it would still be HUNDREDS more than our value trip! Maybe one day I will book BC through points...if I can convince my DH that it is worth going more than once!

Well, some of us can change some of the time and then others of us don't change. I only start changing if a deal or a code comes out, but maybe not even then.

Although my last trip I did change quite a bit...

As far as the values go - I love them. It really is the best value IMO. I don't really like the mods as much, just because I'd rather either stay deluxe or value. Especially AsSpo. Loved that resort!

So hang around with us and think about changing. Keeps it fun!

Karen, knowing how much you love AK CL that sounds like the way to go this trip. If you were to book GF CL (SL or RPC?), well, I was thinking if it was SL then you'd be longing for RPC and looking for that everyday...which would be yet more $$$$$$$$. You've always spoken so highly of AK CL and how much you love it there...and the Poly....so my vote goes for AK CL....right now anyway.

I don't think I'd be wanting RPC though. I'd really like to try SL once, and I know it's a better value - price wise - than RPC is.

As much as you think you wouldn't like CL, BWI CL really is a great way to go. They have a lot of rooms facing the Boardwalk, and have some pretty great views.

However, I wouldn't go with a lot of TS meals or a lot of meals period outside of the resort if you book CL. There really is a lot of food at the CL lounges, and if it's not eaten, it has to get thrown out.

So maybe for you, book for the view, and then have your TS meals.

I could not stay at AKL without doing breakfast at Boma, loved it when I did stay there so CL would not save me much $ as most seem to mention they save by haviing breakfast at the lounge. I guess if the CL is better(food wise) at GF I would pick that.
We were upgraded the year we stayed at YC from standard to CL and DH and I never did go to the lounge, my two DS did a few afternoons when we came back to the resort but we still went for our TS breakfast each morning and at least one more TS meal each day. Crazy huh?

I so have to agree with you about "live for today" You just never know, we lost our youngest son in 2009 who would have thought that our trip that previous March before would have been our last together.

DH has no desire to do a split stay he likes to check in and settle in for the duration of our vacations

If you plan for CL it's a lot easier. GF CL really is spectacular. You can make sandwiches for breakfast there. It's a ton of food!

I am so sorry to hear about your son. It is so hard to lose a child, and my heart goes out to you.

No brainer; you've got to go with the Kilimanjaro Club. That $550 "savings" will buy MANY Zebra Domes. Or couldn't you just eat at Bomas once and have each family member stuff ZDs in every available nook and cranny on their person and then store them in the room fridge. Do they serve ZDs in the lounge for dessert?

Keep us posted

Oh, here's a little something to help sway you...

pas130: Remember when you mentioned that your reservations have come full circle. Well, I think your changitis is contagious. I just changed back to the WL/CL from the Poly/CL

I hope that Dani, StepDisney and Hannah aren't working too hard today

Now that picture was just plain mean at first - until I realized that you were right!

I don't need to book at Boma at all, I can have all-you-can-eat Zebra Domes and my quinoa for breakfast if I stay CL.

So I am staying put. Zebra Domes here I come! Now if they would just install cabanas there I would truly be on

YOU CHANGED TO WL! Yeah you! I know how much you wanted it at one point - I'm very happy for you!

Poor Step - she won't be back with us for a few more weeks I'm afraid. I too hope that Dani and Hannah come back soon!

 

[sjs314]

It was a few years before we went back too..and it was a different kind of trip. You know the bubble you're in when it first happened - when nothing feels real? That came back to me and I felt I was back in that bubble...then I began to hear a song that I knew he'd sent...it seemed to be everywhere...and I knew he was with us. I began a new tradition that trip - on our last day in the MK, I give a balloon to child in my Toby's honor. I never say anything to the child, but ask the parents and simply say it is for/from someone who could no be with us this trip.



Thank you so much, sweetie. I definitely believe in angels and that her dear DS will be with them this trip. There may be tears...of memories...and some smiles remembering too.

The gift of a balloon to a child is a lovely idea. My thought all along was to let one go while there up to heaven which now seems a little silly after reading of what you do.

No brainer; you've got to go with the Kilimanjaro Club. That $550 "savings" will buy MANY Zebra Domes. Or couldn't you just eat at Bomas once and have each family member stuff ZDs in every available nook and cranny on their person and then store them in the room fridge. Do they serve ZDs in the lounge for dessert?

Keep us posted

Oh, here's a little something to help sway you...

At least we can provide you with potential ideas for your future resort changing needs. Feel free to drop in anytime!



I'm so sorry you lost your precious DS, sjs314

You must have mixed feelings about your upcoming trip. Did your DS have a favorite WDW restaurant? Maybe you could order a cake in his honor to have after dinner?

Thank you. I think his favorite place was HDDR but I also do not think I will ever be able to go back there, I have watched the video from our last trip and to actually go back there would be overwheming

pas130: Remember when you mentioned that your reservations have come full circle. Well, I think your changitis is contagious. I just changed back to the WL/CL from the Poly/CL

WL/CL was our original resort for the second half of our split stay reservation, until I got on the Deluxe room kick, which I couldn't book there, so I switched to the BC Deluxe room, then to the YC/CL and finally, the Poly/CL. I tried several times to re-book the WL, but there was no availability with our discount. I hadn't tried in a long time and lo and behold, today there was availability. It never ceases to amaze me how quickly those CMs can change a reservation. He must of thought I was nuts when I told him I was so surprised a room had opened up and that I was excited. Do you think they talk about "us" in the break room?

DH just called and I told him I made a change and he started laughing. He's very happy and said, "I approve this change!"



I hope that Dani, StepDisney and Hannah aren't working too hard today

 

[Minnie&Nana]

The gift of a balloon to a child is a lovely idea. My thought all along was to let one go while there up to heaven which now seems a little silly after reading of what you do.

Oh, no, it is not silly at all. That was my first plan too - but then the first time I bought one, I saw a child with his parents who looked just the right age to enjoy a balloon. It did take a LOT of courage to walk up to the parents, but I did it and they were so kind and the little boy was thrilled! I gave it to the parents and they gave him the balloon.

I still might just release one some visit. Do whichever feels right at the time. You will likely walk away with some tears, but it will be okay.

I understand about the HDDR - there are places I still cannot go at WDW too.

 

[Lillian Gracey]

I'm so glad today is over. It was just awful at work today. I'm gonna watch a Disney movie in German to make me feel better. Too bad I can't switch a resort to help make me feel better.

 

[WDWKOOK]

I'm so glad today is over. It was just awful at work today. I'm gonna watch a Disney movie in German to make me feel better. Too bad I can't switch a resort to help make me feel better.

I'm sorry you had a crummy day, Hannah. I hope the movie cheered you up. You and DD would have fun watching them in German. She has been in a German immersion program for 7 years, but I don't think they ever showed them German Disney movies. They do get to go to the White House next week to attend the arrival ceremony of Angela Merkel, the chancellor of Germany. Maybe she'll bring some movies with her?!

I hope everyone's Thursday is a good one. Anyone (lurkers included) contemplating a change or new reservation?

 

[pas130]

It was a few years before we went back too..and it was a different kind of trip. You know the bubble you're in when it first happened - when nothing feels real? That came back to me and I felt I was back in that bubble...then I began to hear a song that I knew he'd sent...it seemed to be everywhere...and I knew he was with us. I began a new tradition that trip - on our last day in the MK, I give a balloon to child in my Toby's honor. I never say anything to the child, but ask the parents and simply say it is for/from someone who could no be with us this trip.



Thank you so much, sweetie. I definitely believe in angels and that her dear DS will be with them this trip. There may be tears...of memories...and some smiles remembering too.

OK, crying I think the balloon in Toby's honor is beautiful I think I will do that too...to honor all of our "RC family" angels

pas130: Remember when you mentioned that your reservations have come full circle. Well, I think your changitis is contagious. I just changed back to the WL/CL from the Poly/CL

WL/CL was our original resort for the second half of our split stay reservation, until I got on the Deluxe room kick, which I couldn't book there, so I switched to the BC Deluxe room, then to the YC/CL and finally, the Poly/CL. I tried several times to re-book the WL, but there was no availability with our discount. I hadn't tried in a long time and lo and behold, today there was availability. It never ceases to amaze me how quickly those CMs can change a reservation. He must of thought I was nuts when I told him I was so surprised a room had opened up and that I was excited. Do you think they talk about "us" in the break room?

DH just called and I told him I made a change and he started laughing. He's very happy and said, "I approve this change!"

That's awesome Contagious, maybe, but I think we are just so much alike!!!!Glad you're back at WL

Good point. We all love Boma, Jiko and the offerings at AKL's lounge. (I'm especially fond of the lamb and fig tarts )

Poor Step - she won't be back with us for a few more weeks I'm afraid. I too hope that Dani and Hannah come back soon!

So AKL for now. Poor Dani....miss her. And school will be out soon, so we can anticipate the return of stepdisney

The gift of a balloon to a child is a lovely idea. My thought all along was to let one go while there up to heaven which now seems a little silly after reading of what you do.

Not silly at all. Absolutely touching and beautiful!Why not do both?

I'm so glad today is over. It was just awful at work today. I'm gonna watch a Disney movie in German to make me feel better. Too bad I can't switch a resort to help make me feel better.

I hope you feel better Hannah, I always come here after a bad night at work

 

[Lillian Gracey]

I'm sorry you had a crummy day, Hannah. I hope the movie cheered you up. You and DD would have fun watching them in German. She has been in a German immersion program for 7 years, but I don't think they ever showed them German Disney movies. They do get to go to the White House next week to attend the arrival ceremony of Angela Merkel, the chancellor of Germany. Maybe she'll bring some movies with her?!

I hope everyone's Thursday is a good one. Anyone (lurkers included) contemplating a change or new reservation?

It did! I watched Alice in Wonderland of course. It always brightens my day. I love the German versions just as much as the originals. You DD is the coolest person ever! No one around here learns German. It's always either French and Spanish. They are missing out on such a wonderful and beautiful language. All I hear is how ugly it is.

She is so lucky that she will get to go to the White House for such a special event! When I was in high school, we watched The Lion King in German class because we were doing a unit on animals. It was awesome!

@pas130: Coming here always brightens my day because I am surrounded by the most wonderful group of people ever!

 

[Minnie&Nana]

OK, crying I think the balloon in Toby's honor is beautiful I think I will do that too...to honor all of our "RC family" angels

Now you made me cry! Happy tears. That is sooo sweet. Aw....just so sweet....I am going to release one and gift one next trip...this will become a new tradition for our RC Angels. Thank you for thinking of ALL of our RC Angels!! So so sweet.

It did! I watched Alice in Wonderland of course. It always brightens my day. I love the German versions just as much as the originals.

@pas130: Coming here always brightens my day because I am surrounded by the most wonderful group of people ever!

I am so glad you were able to watch Alice and you feel better. Coming here makes my day better too.

 

[Lillian Gracey]

I am so glad you were able to watch Alice and you feel better. Coming here makes my day better too.

Alice in Wonderland is my favorite Disney movie. It always makes me so happy. It's just, no one can watch it with me because I know all the words. I can't recite the whole movie by heart, but I can while watching the movie.

 

[pas130]

Now you made me cry! Happy tears. That is sooo sweet. Aw....just so sweet....I am going to release one and gift one next trip...this will become a new tradition for our RC Angels. Thank you for thinking of ALL of our RC Angels!! So so sweet.


This is my total happy place. Everyone on this thread is kind and understanding. I see too much tragedy, because I work in a ER, and it really keeps me grounded. My DH and all my babies are truly all that matters to me. Truth be told, many of you here are my extended family It's my honor for you ladies to allow me to pay tribute to your sons. And I like to teach my children about the angels around us, I know my daughter Madison would love to send a balloon up to Toby I am sorry to be so sappy and a little off topic, but so many people close to me have lost someone special this year, it scares me. But I try to find comfort that they live on, watching and protecting us.