Sarilas' O-fficial Pre-Trip Report (a.k.a. Vacation, Take TWO!) - Jan. 30-Feb. 8, '09

[Tinkerbellarella]

Looks like a ton of fun!!!

 

[Sarilas]

Thats what the Duggars say on their tv show on TLC, they are on kid #18!

I love the Duggars! And they're totally right, but I'll be the first to admit I'd have a heart attack with that many kids! I do NOT have the demeanor for it!

 

[Lady Lallie]

I love the Duggars! And they're totally right, but I'll be the first to admit I'd have a heart attack with that many kids! I do NOT have the demeanor for it!

I love them too. I love watching their show.

The party looks like it was a lot of fun!!!

 

[Sarilas]

Looks like a ton of fun!!!

I love them too. I love watching their show.

The party looks like it was a lot of fun!!!

It absolutely was; it's cracking me up that I didn't have the camera as often as I usually do though. How out of character for me!

 

[TarzansKat]

Oh, that party looks like so much fun!!! I love the candy bar!

 

[MegansMom]

My favorite is DEFINITELY the candy bar!!!! YUMMMMMMMMMM!!!!!!

Looks like you all had SUCH a great time!!!

 

[jake&samsmom]

Oh my goodness!! That Halloween party was AWESOME!!! I wish you lived closer, I would have invited myself over! I love, love, love the Hellboy/She-devil matching costumes! And little Stasia looking so sweet as Snow White, just precious! Kyle looks so distinguished and tall, and Tatiana is very pretty in her Malice costume. She looks a lot like her Mom You know, I bet y'all would be best dressed at MNSSHP! Next year, perhaps? (hint,hint)

 

[Charleston Princess]

Oh, I love your photos from the party! Thanks for sharing!!!

All that food looks so yummy!!!! Mmmmmm!

 

[trixiequilts]

You Look So Young!!!

 

[Sarilas]

Oh, that party looks like so much fun!!! I love the candy bar!

My favorite is DEFINITELY the candy bar!!!! YUMMMMMMMMMM!!!!!!

Looks like you all had SUCH a great time!!!

The candy bar was definitely a hit! Especially the pixie sticks with the kids...

Oh my goodness!! That Halloween party was AWESOME!!! I wish you lived closer, I would have invited myself over! I love, love, love the Hellboy/She-devil matching costumes! And little Stasia looking so sweet as Snow White, just precious! Kyle looks so distinguished and tall, and Tatiana is very pretty in her Malice costume. She looks a lot like her Mom You know, I bet y'all would be best dressed at MNSSHP! Next year, perhaps? (hint,hint)

Thank you! And I'm TOTALLY working on it! Even if I can only get four days to get away, it would be fantastic...

You Look So Young!!!

Bless your heart! I'm a young 34!

 

[Sarilas]

The pic of DH and me is blury (thanks, Kyle!) but here's the ONE pic I've gotten from a friend who was here- I'm looking away from the camera but at least I'm solid!

 

[Sarilas]

I just got a survey in my email from Walt Disney World Research saying:

"Dear Lara,

Thank you for selecting the Walt Disney World® Resort for your upcoming vacation.

We value our Guest’s opinions, and we’d appreciate your help. Would you please take a survey, lasting about 15 minutes, to tell us about how you’ve planned for your trip?"

Um... YEAH! It seemed to be mostly about whether or not I consider shopping and dining as major functions of our itinerary, did we set a shopping/dining budget beforehand, what kind of research we do, etc. And at the end it asked if I'd participate in a POST trip survey as well... I wonder what Disney has up it's sleeves?!

 

[trixiequilts]

Interesting.

 

[Sarilas]

Today is my DAY!

AP rates for January are out! (Room only- package rates will be out tomorrow.)

Stay tuned for a VERY potential resort change! After we see what kind of magic my TA can create for me!

 

[Princesskeyblade]

How am I just finding this?..... I am subbed!!!

 

[Tinkerbellarella]

I just got a survey in my email from Walt Disney World Research saying:
...
I wonder what Disney has up it's sleeves?!

I think they're just trying to gauge the importance of shopping/dining in general. While we were there they were catching people for dining surveys on the way out. I was happy to participate and Missy was curious to see if they'd extend a a lil' sumpm sumpm our way. They didn't but no love lost! It took a whole 10 minutes of our time.

Stay tuned for a VERY potential resort change! After we see what kind of magic my TA can create for me!

::cough::
Poly.
::cough::

 

[Sarilas]

I think they're just trying to gauge the importance of shopping/dining in general. While we were there they were catching people for dining surveys on the way out. I was happy to participate and Missy was curious to see if they'd extend a a lil' sumpm sumpm our way. They didn't but no love lost! It took a whole 10 minutes of our time.

Wouldn't it be nice if they incorporated a more foodie based approach to a trip though?! Yes, yes it would!

::cough::
Poly.
::cough::

Ahhh... GREAT GUESS!

But sadly, no. Our economy hasn't prompted the mouse to be QUITE that generous!

How am I just finding this?..... I am subbed!!!

I'm glad you found it at all! It's not as though there aren't 50 billion other PTR's out there in DISland...

 

[Sarilas]

Welcome back, boys and girls! (Assuming any boys are out there, are YOU OUT THERE?)

Yesterday the AP room rates were released and I immediately inquired with my TA (Michelle at MEI travel, again I LOVE HER) to see if there was anything that would work for us. Now I realize that the Family Suites where we were booked almost never (if ever) have a discount since they book just find on their own. BUT you know I'd been holding out for an upgrade to a moderate or even a deluxe resort, if the Disney gods happened to shine down upon me with a discount I couldn't refuse. And Michelle, being her ever lovable self had already called Disney on my behalf! We discussed options, and considered the fact that my room and dining are already paid in full, and what IF there wasn't a package deal with the dining plan? I did some math and came to the conclusion that the Tables In Wonderland card would be almost exactly comparable (if not slightly less expensive) than the dining plan for us, based on our current ADR's and estimates of snacks, etc. So we focused on the room rate discounts, and what was available for the week of our stay.

Value resorts were at a ridiculously low $49 a night! GREAT, but I really wanted to NOT BE in a value resort on our first trip. Especially knowing the cheerleaders would be there when we would... Oh the noise and distraction! And I can't get over not having covered bus stops, and how far away the resort is from the parks- I have four kids people, this is an issue!

Deluxe resorts were in the $140-190 range- GREAT, except that we need TWO ROOMS and my daddy's last name ain't Warbucks. Another time, Deluxe...

So we moved on to moderates. Michelle got very excited and said that there was a resort that she would switch us to in a heartbeat with a rate she hadn't seen in a long time, if EVER. She said it was the resort she'd put a family such as ours in without hesitation, especially on our first trip. In the center of everything, equidistant to all the parks, lots for the kids to do...

And that is how we switched from All Star Music to...

Port Orleans Riverside!

Then I got an email from Michelle this morning that the package deals are out, and we officially have two rooms at POR with a ridiculously good AP rate AND the dining plan. I am SUCH a happy camper!

And the best part- the BEST PART - my husband who, by all means has been very cavalier but not uber excited about our vacation, is THRILLED by this new resort. I believe the word 'tingly' was used when he described first seeing pictures and reading about the resort.

NOW of course though, I have to revamp my ideas of how to get everywhere! I understand there's a boat to Downtown Disney, so if the weather is good our first day that'll be a great start to our vacation! And I don't know where the best places are in POR- I keep hearing about building 14 in Alligator Bayou, and being near the gift shop/food court is a near necessity with a 1 year old (God forbid we run out of milk!) But a couple of the mansion buildings don't look too far away either...

Looks like I have new research to conduct!

 

[Lady Lallie]

I am so so excited for you!! Port Orleans Riverside just looks beautiful!! You will have a fabby time there!!

 

[Tinkerbellarella]

YAYYYYY! CONGRATS!
Not the next time, but the time after the next time I stay at a Mod, this is where I'll be staying.