Ringing in the New Year Disney style

[SnackyStacky]

Hello!
I'm joining in! We will be there some of the same time as you, and also at the Contemporary, Magic Kingdom View.

Your daughter is adorable! I have that same picture of my dd and the drum from last year.

I can't wait to make our dining reservations.

Well welcome to my little circle of dysfunction!

Thanks for the compliment on the girl, and what a small world! Is your husband a "mug man"? The dutiful husband who will run and get refillable mugs filled in the morning? If so, maybe we'll cross paths!

 

[mickeystoontown]

Hey! I followed you over from my trip report. Now I'm going to go back and read the details. I'll be back soon to post again.

 

[SnackyStacky]

Hey! I followed you over from my trip report. Now I'm going to go back and read the details. I'll be back soon to post again.

Well, welcome! Glad to have you along for the ride!

 

[mickeystoontown]

Man oh man you've got me in stitches here. I love your writing style. Loads of fun!

Your family is simply adorable. You should be very proud.

It sounds like "the girl" has inherited your sense of humor with her "hotel with the duck poop" comments. Isn't it funny what kids remember?

Your plans sound really good so far. I would so love to go to Disney over the Christmas/New Year's holidays.

 

[wdwgirl03]

I'm in too. We originally had plans for Dec./Jan. but are now going in August instead. It's a busy time to go but it's so awesome going around the holidays and experiencing all the decorations/entertainment.

 

[SnackyStacky]

I'm in too. We originally had plans for Dec./Jan. but are now going in August instead. It's a busy time to go but it's so awesome going around the holidays and experiencing all the decorations/entertainment.

Welcome, welcome, welcome!

Definitely eager to see the decorations. And hoping and praying that crowds start heading home on Sunday the 2nd and Monday the 3rd! We've been twice before in January. We came right after New Year's in 2002 and again in 2003. There was NOBODY around. Of course that was RIGHT after 9/11, but I'm hoping that the crowds will still be relatively low!

 

[SnackyStacky]

All along, I've been planning this as though we're only going to be sticking with Walt Disney World.

The truth of the matter is that we're planning a couple of nights at the end at Universal Orlando. We're all BIG Harry Potter fans, and I'm chomping at the bit to see The Wizarding World of Harry Potter.

Well, that and the fact that the Universal on-site resorts are AMAZING. I would put my level of Disney fan-dom and obsession up against ANYBODY - but I gotta say, those Loews and Universal folks know resorts.

We had the pleasure to spend 3 glorious nights at the Portofino Bay back in September of 2008. I took a business trip and spent 2 nights at the Hard Rock in 2007. Both properties are beyond description. The rooms are appointed beautifully, they're bigger than most rooms at Disney, are usually less expensive and the staff is just...it's very difficult to describe them. They're attentive and friendly, and truly make you feel as though you're they're best friend and you're staying in their home.

Here's a few photos:

Our room. I'm bummed I didn't get the bathroom. It was as big as my house with a tub that had a window opening to the main room, so you could watch TV while soaking in the tub. They had the sound from the TV wired to a speaker in the bathroom - so you didn't have to crank the volume! A separate shower - it was just lovely!

Wait! I did get a picture. Of the tub part of the bathroom anyway.

Looking from the window side of the room down to the door.

Our view - the pool was BEAUTIFUL!

You can see the flash bulb reflecting in the window. This was from one of the hallways on the way to the lobby, overlooking the piazza.

Those beds. Oh my GOSH! SO comfy!!!!! And pretty! And if you have infants? We requested a crib for then 1-turning-2-year-old girl. We were fully prepared for a pack 'n play. We got a FULL size crib. And let me tell you? It didn't clutter the room. That's how big the room was.

So there it is. We're pretty sure we're going to stay on property again for full, unlimited access* to Universal Express. I'm debating between the Hard Rock and Portofino. We've thought about Royal Pacific, but I much prefer the room sizes at Hard Rock and Portofino. Also, Royal Pacific doesn't have a water slide. And yes, even as a grown man, the water slide is of utmost importance to me.

*(from what I hear, Forbidden Journey of Harry Potter will be limited to one Express Pass per resort guest, per day)

 

[HeatherBelle614]

I'm debating a day at US. (More details in my PTR.)

But, I have to agree with you. I love, love, love the US resorts. I don't know how to describe it other than to say they don't feel as theme-parky as WDW resorts (even the Deluxe.) When I leave the US parks, I feel like I've gone back to a whole other world no where near a theme park.

We stayed at Royal Pacific; you'll have to check it out some day. It was great!!

 

[SnackyStacky]

I'm debating a day at US. (More details in my PTR.)

But, I have to agree with you. I love, love, love the US resorts. I don't know how to describe it other than to say they don't feel as theme-parky as WDW resorts (even the Deluxe.) When I leave the US parks, I feel like I've gone back to a whole other world no where near a theme park.

We stayed at Royal Pacific; you'll have to check it out some day. It was great!!

I've been reading!!! I told you! I'm a lurker!!!

When I stayed for business in 2007, it was actually a FAM trip. That's when travel agents go to a destination and get to check it out. So we toured each of the three resorts and got to see the rooms.

And they are absolutely BEAUTIFUL, as are the grounds.

It's more wife that has reservations about the room size. But I know we'll stay there one day.

I actually have a tough time deciding if Portofino or Hard Rock is my favorite. LOVE the accommodations at Portofino, but they're nice at Hard Rock too - AND it's SO close to the parks.

 

[MHTeacher]

I saw your PTR title, and curiosity made me come check it out. Your beautiful family, and your sense of humor that shows through your writing, will keep me coming back to keep up with your trip.

We were at Disney this past New Year's Eve (not our first trip ever, but definitely our first time during the NYE holiday). We'd always avoided that time, but our oldest daughter turned 16 and she wanted to be there on her big day (which is the 30th). We had one of the best times we've ever had! (The trip report link is in my sig line if you want to check it out.)

Being a travel agent, I'm sure you know all about Disney during the holidays. It looks as if your tenative ADRs have you lined up with the parks we visited. We did MK on the 30th, my DD's birthday, and got to see the preview NYE fireworks. On NYE, we went to DHS, and they do a fireworks show, and it was really fun, too!

I can't wait to see how a professional plans it all out, and how the trip will turn out!

 

[SnackyStacky]

I saw your PTR title, and curiosity made me come check it out. Your beautiful family, and your sense of humor that shows through your writing, will keep me coming back to keep up with your trip.

We were at Disney this past New Year's Eve (not our first trip ever, but definitely our first time during the NYE holiday). We'd always avoided that time, but our oldest daughter turned 16 and she wanted to be there on her big day (which is the 30th). We had one of the best times we've ever had! (The trip report link is in my sig line if you want to check it out.)

Being a travel agent, I'm sure you know all about Disney during the holidays. It looks as if your tenative ADRs have you lined up with the parks we visited. We did MK on the 30th, my DD's birthday, and got to see the preview NYE fireworks. On NYE, we went to DHS, and they do a fireworks show, and it was really fun, too!

I can't wait to see how a professional plans it all out, and how the trip will turn out!

Well, welcome! Glad to have you aboard!!!

The plan is currently to arrive at the parks early, early, early before the Christmas crowds leave. Stay until we can't take it anymore, and then chill at the resort.

We're definitely past the commando trips - and we're perfectly happy to mill around the resort, take a ride around and see stuff BESIDES Disney, etc. So hopefully, we'll be all good!

 

[SnackyStacky]

Not sure how many of my lovely readers are planning trips in November/December - but today was a BIG day. Southwest opened their schedule through January 7.

It's the same kind of anticipation that surrounds the release of a popular Walt Disney World discount that's eagerly being anticipated. (Free Dining? I'm looking in your direction!) It's very ironic that the prospect of dropping multiple hundreds of dollars can generate excitement - but I digress.

Normally, I'm brand loyal. EXTREMELY brand loyal. I'll usually pay more for a brand I know and trust than take my chances elsewhere. But today that went out the window.

I love jetBlue. I love them like the mother I had committed against her will. But they're pricey. And when it comes to airfare, I'm a "grab it while it's reasonable and within your budget!" kind of guy. So I HAD to check out what they were offering.

$109 per person, one way, for a flight with a time earlier than I had wanted. Departure time of noon. Not my cup of tea - but it's direct. AND - they allow TWO bags per guest for free. So if I buy enough crap that I have to buy another bag to transport it all home - I won't have to pay a fee for a second bag! BONUS!!!!

I grabbed it. Including early bird check in for all 3 guests, taxes and fees - the return trip set me back $390. I'm cool with that!

So let's review! For 3 seats, from Buffalo to Orlando on December 30th, using old TruePasses and $133 in travel credits, final total: $210. For 3 seats from Orlando to Buffalo on January 7: $390. Final total for air transportation for 3 guests: $600. I could just wet myself at the deal. We're flying down over the Christmas holiday and I STILL managed to score $200 per person roundtrip!

I could plotz!!!

But this then presented another problem. The rental car. We've already discussed it. Shall we review?

Not to mention, I'm a bit of a control freak. I don't like relying on Disney transportation. In the end, it's a metropolitan mass transit system. I'm from Buffalo and we have THE most pathetic excuse for mass transit. I don't like it, I've grown up that way, and I'm an old man at heart, so I'm set in my ways. The Contemporary is the ONLY resort where you can be completely independent of Disney transportation, even with a rental car. No matter where you stay on Disney property, you HAVE to rely on a bus, boat or monorail to get to the Magic Kingdom. And no matter how cool the monorail is - moving like cattle through the monorail line at park closing - ESPECIALLY among Christmas crowds - is the pentultimate of not cool. At the Contemporary, we'll be able to walk right back to our room. BONUS!

So for EVERYONE'S sanity, least of all, my own, a car is really a necessity. Had a car booked for 9 days through National; midsize for $250. Not bad, I thought. Well, when I had booked it (a year in advance, mind you!), I was working on the assumption we'd be flying jetBlue. Their direct flight from Orlando to Buffalo usually leaves at 4pm. So I booked the car through 2:00 pm on departure day. The Southwest flight will be leaving at noon, so I need to drop the car off at about 10am.

Tried to make this change online and it wanted to take my total from $250 to $1,047. Oh NAY nay. I called and spoke to a fellow who essentially told me: "Tough, that's what the rate will be." I asked him to please pass on a complaint about how STUPID that was. That 4 hours would increase my cost 4 fold! He tried to tell me again that the rate would remain as $1,047 if he changed it. I told him, in no uncertain terms, if he TOUCHED the reservation and made that $1,047 stick - I'd fly out to wherever he was and break his fingers. I just wanted him to pass on to management how upset I was.

Instead he transferred me to the Emerald Aisle customer service center. I really didn't want to speak to anyone else at this point, but I just went with it.

The girl who answered asked if she could help me. I told her I didn't think she could. I just wanted to complain that a 4 hour time change would cost me 4 times as much money. I FULLY was expecting NOTHING to be done and having to figure out alternate plans - or worse - deal with Disney transportation.

Instead, she actually LOWERED my rate to $220. I asked to pass on a compliment about her. She tried to transfer me to her manager. I suppose her supervisor was on another line, or not in - because she nervously asked if I would fill out a blank E-Mail. I told her absolutely.

If you're looking for a nugget of a point, or perhaps even a little lesson in all this: Don't be afraid to politely, yet firmly let management know how you feel about whatever your situation is with their company. If you're unhappy with something, management may be willing to work with you to correct it. If you ARE happy with something - let them know that too! It may help keep around something that you do like!

So our transportation - land and air - is FINALLY all set.

Now begins the countdown to book the dining!!!!!

It wouldn't be a SnackyStacky trip report without a little begging.

Subscribe! Come read!!! I PROMISE to keep you entertained!!!

 

[HeatherBelle614]

What great deals on transportation! I would've had a fit at that price increase, too. I don't let people walk all over me, either. (I can thank mom for how stubborn I am in that department.)

 

[javaj]

I'm in! Your plans look good, I'm completely jealous about the Contemporary. That is my absolute favorite resort, I tried to get BLT for our trip but couldn't get 7 straight nights at the 7 month DVC window.

We are traveling during the same period (January 1st through 8th). I was tempted to do my own PTR but haven't ever completed a trip report, so I didn't want to start one. But I needed a Disney fix - so I went looking for New Year's pre-trippies, and here I am

I'm anxiously awaiting park hours so we can also firm up our dining reservations. By the way, if you end up nixing Le Cellier for Tokyo Dining, our normally picky kiddos love Tokyo dining.

Are you up for unsolicited advice? I'd consider Neverland over Cub's Den, in case you don't mind a little detour. Our older son has been to both, and while he enjoyed both, Neverland is so much roomier and he had SO much more fun there. Plus you and your wife could get extra no-kid time on the boat

 

[SnackyStacky]

So this trip report may have the dubious honor of being my first report EVER finished. Before we've even traveled.

Wife's job situation is very precarious.

She is currently employed at Buffalo State College. However, her employment appointment is temporary. She has been on a temporary appointment since August of 2009. The appointment has been renewed three times now. They have advised her that the current appointment will expire on June 30. For anyone keeping score, that's exactly ONE week from yesterday. She will NOT be renewed.

The bright spot in all of this is that she has interviewed for two PERMANENT positions. Both interviews were in April. Based on what some officials who make the final decision have said, I'm relatively sure that she will have a job - even if her employment lapses slightly.

Neither position has been staffed. Both positions MUST be filled. They can't eliminate them. Their pick for each position is simply in limbo at this point.

Keep your fingers crossed, pray, send pixie dust, send good thoughts - whatever it is you may believe in - that the Snackys will come out of this okay!

 

[javaj]

SnackyStacky, I hope all turns out well!

 

[MHTeacher]

Oh, my goodness about the car situation. I would have been like you---No sir, you will not raise my rate five times over. I booked it at this rate, and that's what you will honor! The nerve! Thank goodness, it worked out.

Hopefully your wife's job situation will work out!

 

[HeatherBelle614]

Sending lots of pixie dust your way!

What are the positions that your wife is hoping for exactly?

DH has been looking for a teaching job for 2 years; I know how frustrating job hunting can be! I'm just hoping things are improved by the time I finish law school, too. There was a huge article out about this year's law school graduates not finding work. Ugh.

 

[wdwgirl03]

Hope everything works out for you guys!

DH has been looking for a teaching job for 2 years; I know how frustrating job hunting can be! I'm just hoping things are improved by the time I finish law school, too. There was a huge article out about this year's law school graduates not finding work. Ugh.

Same here, it is beyond frustrating! It's not that there are no openings it's just there's SO many people looking for the same positions. I interviewed for a position in the district where I subbed this year and they told me they had over 1000 applications for 7 jobs.

 

[mickeystoontown]

Oh my gracious! I sure hope that your wife will get one of the permanent jobs she is interviewing for. Prayers are going out for you guys!