Second Star to the Right.. And Straight On Till Morning A Sept 2013 PTR

[Marsheliz]

I hate that you had to cancel your Disney resort package but, like you said, you're still going to Disney. One of my friends who is DVC just got back from a trip and stayed at Polynesian Isle Resort in Kissimmee. She said that they loved it.

Here's her review on Trip Advisor:

http://www.tripadvisor.com/Hotel_Re...olynesian_Isles_Resort-Kissimmee_Florida.html

OHHHH thank you! I am going to check this one out too. I hope you have a new entry today too.

 

[glaserjm]

I think you'll love the room of having a condo. Since you originally wanted to stay onsite...I think the best balance would be to stay at the condo closest to Disney and themed so that you still feel some of the magic bubble. Saving $170 would be great...but I bet you can find other places to save that money if you look at things.

Having the extra room is wonderful! We were planning on staying offsite on our November '14 trip b/c we just couldn't justify paying for OKW 3 times in 12 months, but we've now decided to camp for the week at FW with some friends which will save a lot of money! We don't have kids so camping is likely a lot easier for us!

 

[Marsheliz]

I think you'll love the room of having a condo. Since you originally wanted to stay onsite...I think the best balance would be to stay at the condo closest to Disney and themed so that you still feel some of the magic bubble. Saving $170 would be great...but I bet you can find other places to save that money if you look at things.

Having the extra room is wonderful! We were planning on staying offsite on our November '14 trip b/c we just couldn't justify paying for OKW 3 times in 12 months, but we've now decided to camp for the week at FW with some friends which will save a lot of money! We don't have kids so camping is likely a lot easier for us!

I think so too. If it were just DH and I- I wouldn't miss a small hotel but with two wild, energetic kids, this may be the way to go! Camping does sounds like fun. My 4 year old has been on a camping kick here lately.

 

[DisneyKid4Life]

Hi Marcie. I know we've been PM-ing but I thought I'd jump in your PTR as well. I know it's tough to leave the bubble, but offsite really isn't that bad. Especially when it saves money AND provides extra room. With 2 kids, that extra room can mean all the difference. Remember that this is supposed to be a vacation.

I would honestly probably go with the one closest to Disney. Even though it's a little more than than the other, think of it as a nice compromise between onsite and money saved. No matter what, you'll still get all the magic you require.

 

[Marsheliz]

Hi Marcie. I know we've been PM-ing but I thought I'd jump in your PTR as well. I know it's tough to leave the bubble, but offsite really isn't that bad. Especially when it saves money AND provides extra room. With 2 kids, that extra room can mean all the difference. Remember that this is supposed to be a vacation.

I would honestly probably go with the one closest to Disney. Even though it's a little more than than the other, think of it as a nice compromise between onsite and money saved. No matter what, you'll still get all the magic you require.

Hi ROB! You are right, extra room with kids can mean a whole lot. I think we will definitely go for the closer one.. Now just to figure out tickets.. park Hopper or not? Leave out a park?? We have always booked a package and never really realized how expensive just park tickets are.. Good LAWD!

 

[ronnmel]

We've done both with and without park hoppers and prefer without. We had them this time, and it really only was useful because we were staying within walking distance of Epcot. We personally feel that hopping takes away too much time. I also feel that when park hopping, we tend to stick to the headliners instead of check out less popular attractions. There are many ways to "take a break" while staying in a park. You can go on an attraction/watch a show that is both inside (AC!) and let's you be off your feet for a while. Things like the People Mover, Liberty Bell Riverboat, Innoventions, the movie in France, One Man's Dream, or even a playground like the Boneyard are great places to either relax (for the parents) or blow off steam (for the kids). You can also visit any of the Baby Care Center and let your children watch some cartoons for a while. If at MK you can get out of the park, and visit one of the monorail resorts. Or better yet, just go for a couple of loops on the monorail. These are just a few of many possible suggestions.

 

[Marsheliz]

We've done both with and without park hoppers and prefer without. We had them this time, and it really only was useful because we were staying within walking distance of Epcot. We personally feel that hopping takes away too much time. I also feel that when park hopping, we tend to stick to the headliners instead of check out less popular attractions. There are many ways to "take a break" while staying in a park. You can go on an attraction/watch a show that is both inside (AC!) and let's you be off your feet for a while. Things like the People Mover, Liberty Bell Riverboat, Innoventions, the movie in France, One Man's Dream, or even a playground like the Boneyard are great places to either relax (for the parents) or blow off steam (for the kids). You can also visit any of the Baby Care Center and let your children watch some cartoons for a while. If at MK you can get out of the park, and visit one of the monorail resorts. Or better yet, just go for a couple of loops on the monorail. These are just a few of many possible suggestions.

That is kind of how I feel Mel. I feel like we would be running around like crazy people if we only did 2 day park hoppers. You are right in saying that you can do way more if you don't do it. I loved the Baby Care Center!

 

[Denovagirl]

Hi there, just wanted to say I am loving your PTR, very useful. I am enjoying all your pics of past trips

Your mom, this is just so sweet, I know you will have a great time and be remembering her and thinking of her, which I am sure is what she would want for you.

Cant wait to see more!

 

[Marsheliz]

Wanted to share the pic I took of the boys this morning:
The top pic is us at Disney last September before we headed out to DHS
The bottom was this morning.. My babies are growing up!!




I do have some hopeful news. I was talking with one of my best friends who is in the army in Germany about when she might can get some leave time. She loves Disney too & we were talking about the military tickets. She said even if she can't work it out to come, she can probably get one of her Army friends who lives in Orlando to meet us there & get us the discount. If you don't already know, they are doing 4 day park hoppers for $156.00- Do you know how much that would save???
I know a lady who just went and took her 8 children with that discount. I kind of wondered how she could afford to take all of them to Disney bc I know how expensive it is and I only have one that I have to pay for...
She said the military person just have to be with you to get the tix activated and then you are good to go.... I'm not holding my breath but man, this would be PERFECT if it worked out!!

 

[Marsheliz]

Hi there, just wanted to say I am loving your PTR, very useful. I am enjoying all your pics of past trips

Your mom, this is just so sweet, I know you will have a great time and be remembering her and thinking of her, which I am sure is what she would want for you.

Cant wait to see more!

Aww- that is so sweet! I am glad you stopped by and glad you are enjoying!!

 

[Blessedwithboys]

I feel your hug Jaisa.. You are so sweet!! I am definitely leaning towards the Condo- as soon as Disney credits me back my money- I will book it. I thought about just going down to value but it really only saves about $150.00 after I upgrade the dining. Plus, I am kind of looking forward to having all the room at the condo and DH and I getting to spend some time together too, after the kids go to bed and having room for kids to play in. And another strong point, is the money that I have paid towards Disney will pay for Condo, so I would have until October to save for the tickets- Instead of August

Are you still foregoing dining too? I figured we would eat breakfast in condo, maybe 1 or 2 dinners an maybe one lunch. We go out to eat so much at home anyways, that it wont hurt to go out some. Obviously, we just won't eat as much without the dining plan.

I actually had a pit in my stomach moment about missing out on free dining and changed back to Pop! I just have been unreal busy this week and last and have neglected my poor PTR. We have a few car repairs and really wanted a few extra small trips this summer and realize that what we did was kind of silly. Hey if Pop is not the best we are planning a May/June SWW trip anyways so we will get a do over!! But I really think I always will wonder if we don't stay at Pop if we could like it. I requested 60's Lake view (we got preferred) I hope its ok!!

Wanted to share the pic I took of the boys this morning:
The top pic is us at Disney last September before we headed out to DHS
The bottom was this morning.. My babies are growing up!!




I do have some hopeful news. I was talking with one of my best friends who is in the army in Germany about when she might can get some leave time. She loves Disney too & we were talking about the military tickets. She said even if she can't work it out to come, she can probably get one of her Army friends who lives in Orlando to meet us there & get us the discount. If you don't already know, they are doing 4 day park hoppers for $156.00- Do you know how much that would save???
I know a lady who just went and took her 8 children with that discount. I kind of wondered how she could afford to take all of them to Disney bc I know how expensive it is and I only have one that I have to pay for...
She said the military person just have to be with you to get the tix activated and then you are good to go.... I'm not holding my breath but man, this would be PERFECT if it worked out!!

Love, Love, LOVE!! The boys photos how handsome are they!!! What wonderful possibility about the tickets. That would be wonderful it if it all worked out. Did you book your condo.

 

[Crazie4daMouse]

Wanted to share the pic I took of the boys this morning:
The top pic is us at Disney last September before we headed out to DHS
The bottom was this morning.. My babies are growing up!!

http://s1301.photobucket.com/user/marsheliz/media/Thing1and2_zps3b96180c.jpg.html

I do have some hopeful news. I was talking with one of my best friends who is in the army in Germany about when she might can get some leave time. She loves Disney too & we were talking about the military tickets. She said even if she can't work it out to come, she can probably get one of her Army friends who lives in Orlando to meet us there & get us the discount. If you don't already know, they are doing 4 day park hoppers for $156.00- Do you know how much that would save???
I know a lady who just went and took her 8 children with that discount. I kind of wondered how she could afford to take all of them to Disney bc I know how expensive it is and I only have one that I have to pay for...
She said the military person just have to be with you to get the tix activated and then you are good to go.... I'm not holding my breath but man, this would be PERFECT if it worked out!!

I really hope your friend gets to go, otherwise I would be VERY uncomfortable using a discount that's intended for military families. Personally, I could NEVER do that. While I am ALL about using whatever discounts are available to me, something about using a military discount when NO ONE in my family is actually IN the military doesn't seem very respectful to the actual military families who's sacrifice can't possibly be understood unless you ARE one of them. I'm sorry if this offends anyone, but I just had to respond. It's just not right to me.

 

[MelMel11]

Count me in!! We are going in September also..

 

[ronnmel]

Cute pictures! It's nice to see how much they've changed.

 

[Marsheliz]

Count me in!! We are going in September also..

YAY! Glad you are here! Where are you staying?

 

[Marsheliz]

Cute pictures! It's nice to see how much they've changed.

Thanks Mel.. I just cant believe they have changed that much.. Come Monday, I will have a 5 year old....

 

[Marsheliz]

Hope everyone had a great 4th! I'm sitting here drinking coffee, surfing Dis forums and waiting on oldest to get moving... I'm off today, have to take baby to dr for a well visit and tomorrow is Lawson's birthday party!! Hope you all have a great weekend!

Is it October yet?

 

[Marsheliz]

Ya'll probably think I am nuts but after I started crunching numbers and such, I decided that I do not think that I want to stay offsite. When I think about missing out on free dining, parking and I just feel like I will miss out on the magic to you know?

It's a shame I can't afford a deluxe and have a balcony. LOL. That is the only thing that was kind of appealing about the condo- was that DH and I would be able to spend some alone time too- rather than be right there with the kids... UGH. Plus, I had never priced out tickets by themselves and let me just tell you, they are EXPENSIVE. What I would pay for two day hoppers is only maybe $300.00 more to stay at POP with free dining etc.....

I am so ready for a vacation. I have really missed my mom a lot these past two weeks I guess with Lawson's birthday last week & him starting kindergarten in a month & Landen pottied the other day for the first time. I just wish I could share all this with her. I know Disney might help me feel better, if only for a few days....

 

[glaserjm]

I know how you feel about staying offsite...even when the numbers work out in its favor. We were contemplating doing offsite for our March trip...but decided to do Fort Wilderness instead!

Now that's waaaayyy different than a condo since we'll be tent camping, but both DH and I like camping and he's a huge Ft. Wilderness fan since that's where his family stayed on their trips when he was younger (where else could stay w/ 12 kids?? )

A vacation is supposed to be a totally relaxed and immersive experience where you feel away from it all. If staying offsite would take some of that away and you won't be doing yourself a financial disservice by paying a bit extra, it my book it's worth it!

 

[DisneyKid4Life]

Oh Marcie, there's absolutely nothing nuts about wanting to stay on site.

I'll say this;
After planning many, many trips I've come to realize something. Obviously you want to keep the overall price reasonable. We all have a limit as far as price goes. But, when it comes right down to it, spending a little bit more to allow what YOU want to do is the best approach in my book. When I look back on a trip, I honestly never think about how much I spent (within reason obviously). I just think about how great it was.
A few months later, I can't even remember what the trip cost. Of course I'm not talking about $10,000 vs $2,000 or something crazy. But a few hundred at the end of the day really doesn't matter ultimately.

So I guess what I'm saying is... Do what feels right for you and your family and what will ultimately give you the best experience. You'll never regret spending a little bit more for that at the end of the day, but you may regret not doing it.