~Snowbird Chat~

[sarbah77]

All this cruise discussion makes me wonder what I have been missing.... DH and I have never had any desire to go on a cruise.... maybe I should take a look again.... I know they are safe but I am just a big chicken....

It's really not for everyone. I loved seeing Alaska but I didn't enjoy the cruise experience that much. However, the opportunity to see large parts of Scandenavia got us over the "not enjoy" part and so we're doing it again. But, like last time, we'll probably treat it like a ferry to get us to where we want to go. A lot of cruisers enjoy the ship as the destination, especially in the tropical climates. My DH thought he wanted to do that until our Alaska cruise last year.

But, in the end, a vacation is what you make of it!!

So, I was responded to some one else's "where should I stay?" thread, and suddenly came up with the thought that maybe we SHOULD stay in a Moderate. We probably shouldn't go Deluxe, but a Moderate might be a better choice than a Value. It would be between Port Orleans and Caribbean Beach (apparently Pop Warner is coming to CSR this year). I just figure it might make sense to save the value resorts for when we have kids, and need to cut money corners wherever possible even more than we do now.

I'm just really indecisive, and now DH seems to be warming up even more to the idea that we're going, which means I actually need to start deciding, so...

...back to the spreadsheets!

I guess it depends on how much time you spend in your resort! For example, the next time DH and I go, we've promised each other that we're going Deluxe. It'll be worth it to us, to be able to walk to Epcot for dinner. We decided, after January, that we liked the options in Epcot/Boardwalk much more than any other place and the idea of having an easy stroll back to the resort, rather than fighting with Disney transportation.

Of course, by Day #7 in January, we were OVER Disney transportation like you wouldn't believe. If we could have walked anywhere we needed to go, we sure would have!

+++

THREE WEEKS TILL DISNEY!

 

[MAGGIED]

Honestly, I feel much safer on a cruise than on an airplane. I can swim, but I can't fly.



I totally quoted this, then forgot to respond...so here it is....

... I guess your right... I also don't like to fly.... I have the death grip on who ever is sitting next to me during take off and landing... my kids draw straws to see who is the unlucky one that gets to sit by mom.....

 

[MAGGIED]

So, I was responded to some one else's "where should I stay?" thread, and suddenly came up with the thought that maybe we SHOULD stay in a Moderate.
We probably shouldn't go Deluxe, but a Moderate might be a better choice than a Value.
It would be between Port Orleans and Caribbean Beach (apparently Pop Warner is coming to CSR this year)
I just figure it might make sense to save the value resorts for when we have kids, and need to cut money corners wherever possible even more than we do now.

I'm just really indecisive, and now DH seems to be warming up even more to the idea that we're going, which means I actually need to start deciding, so...

...back to the spreadsheets!

I always go back and forth over the resort decision as well... a lot of it depends on the type of vacation we are playing... like this coming February... it will be DH and DS and myself... the boys plan on playing a lot of golf... so we are going to stay at Shades of Green... they can walk right out the door to the putting green... and at $121 a night (includes all taxes) for a deluxe room the price can't be beat... that is unless Disney comes out with some great deal that includes dining....

When we travel and bring along a friend or when we do our annual girls trips we stay at a Disney owned hotel because the "ladies" like to get the dining plan and pay for everything ahead of time... we normally go with a moderate... I have stayed at all of them now... CSR is by far our favorite... and now that they have redone the rooms with queen size beds its even better... it is a large resort but we have never found it difficult to get around... we always request the Cabanas section... if we are traveling with 5 we have to do POR... it was a nice resort... we also like the POFQ... it is small and very pretty.....

but when all is said and done... we really don't spend that much time in our rooms.... we are either at the park or on the golf course... so as long as it is clean and we have a place to put our head we are okay... after all we are in Disney...

 

[snykymom]

So, I was responded to some one else's "where should I stay?" thread, and suddenly came up with the thought that maybe we SHOULD stay in a Moderate.
We probably shouldn't go Deluxe, but a Moderate might be a better choice than a Value.
It would be between Port Orleans and Caribbean Beach (apparently Pop Warner is coming to CSR this year)
I just figure it might make sense to save the value resorts for when we have kids, and need to cut money corners wherever possible even more than we do now.

I'm just really indecisive, and now DH seems to be warming up even more to the idea that we're going, which means I actually need to start deciding, so...

...back to the spreadsheets!

Back in January, we stayed at a moderate (CSR) for the first time, having always stayed in values (mostly POP) before. I'm not a "resort snob"; I hate paying a lot for a hotel, and POP is great. But I have to say that it was a very different vacation at CSR than at the values. The values are very energetic and over the top; the vibe is always "go, go, go!" There really isn't a "relaxing" area to sit (walking along the lake at POP can be relaxing, though). They're big and bright and neon and a lot of fun.

CSR, on the other hand, felt like a resort. You walked into the lobby or off a bus from a park and just went "Ahhh. . . ." Calm & peaceful & relaxed. We never took time to relax at POP's pools; just went in to cool off and swim. But we spent a whole morning relaxing at CSR's pool.

Both vacations are great; they're just different.

I'll let you know if staying deluxe (AKL this time) makes a difference!

 

[letthewookiewin]

Good morning ladies. It looks like I'm behind on the thread again and I'm going to have to get caught back up once I get home. I just needed to log on and ask a super quick favor. This morning I am going to take the entrance exam for school, so I can use all the prayers, good thought, and crossed fingers I can get. DH thinks I'll do fine, but it's been 15 years since I was in college last. As soon as we get home, I'll log on and get caught up and let you know how today went. Also I'm hoping the humanties class I want is offered and not full yet for the term (that starts next week). It's a Sci-Fi class. Well I'm off and I hope you all have a magical day.

 

[MAGGIED]

Back in January, we stayed at a moderate (CSR) for the first time, having always stayed in values (mostly POP) before. I'm not a "resort snob"; I hate paying a lot for a hotel, and POP is great. But I have to say that it was a very different vacation at CSR than at the values. The values are very energetic and over the top; the vibe is always "go, go, go!" There really isn't a "relaxing" area to sit (walking along the lake at POP can be relaxing, though). They're big and bright and neon and a lot of fun.

CSR, on the other hand, felt like a resort. You walked into the lobby or off a bus from a park and just went "Ahhh. . . ." Calm & peaceful & relaxed. We never took time to relax at POP's pools; just went in to cool off and swim. But we spent a whole morning relaxing at CSR's pool.

Both vacations are great; they're just different.

I'll let you know if staying deluxe (AKL this time) makes a difference!

We stayed at AKL once... it was really nice.... I loved sitting on the balcony watching the animals... the beds were huge... I had to jump to get on them... I am a little vertically challenged though..lol... it was also really nice to walk down the halls and they have little spots where you can sit and look out... very calm and peaceful.... the only thing I wasn't impressed with was the pool.... the rest of the resort was wonderful...

 

[MAGGIED]

Good morning ladies. It looks like I'm behind on the thread again and I'm going to have to get caught back up once I get home. I just needed to log on and ask a super quick favor. This morning I am going to take the entrance exam for school, so I can use all the prayers, good thought, and crossed fingers I can get. DH thinks I'll do fine, but it's been 15 years since I was in college last. As soon as we get home, I'll log on and get caught up and let you know how today went. Also I'm hoping the humanties class I want is offered and not full yet for the term (that starts next week). It's a Sci-Fi class. Well I'm off and I hope you all have a magical day.

GOOD LUCK!!!!! You can do it!!!!!

 

[crzyred]

Good morning ladies. It looks like I'm behind on the thread again and I'm going to have to get caught back up once I get home. I just needed to log on and ask a super quick favor. This morning I am going to take the entrance exam for school, so I can use all the prayers, good thought, and crossed fingers I can get. DH thinks I'll do fine, but it's been 15 years since I was in college last. As soon as we get home, I'll log on and get caught up and let you know how today went. Also I'm hoping the humanties class I want is offered and not full yet for the term (that starts next week). It's a Sci-Fi class. Well I'm off and I hope you all have a magical day.

Prayers and good thoughts being sent your way!!

XXX
Wendy, thank you so much for the DVC information in DisneyLand!

I'm glad to know there are people on here that have cruised. This will be my first cruise, so I'm a little nervous about it. I'm so excited though. I'm going to Hawaii !! I'm going in the middle of summer (June 26-July 3). My hair will be like 10x it's normal size and I'll be a lobster ( I have extremely fair skin). I'll have to have one suitcase for just sunscreen . Oh well...I'm going to Hawaii!!!!

Off to get myself prepared for the day. I was feeling like absolute crud last night, so I drugged myself up and I feel fine now. I'm hoping it's just the weather doing this to me...

Have a great day Birdies!

 

[Momof2Disneyboys]

So, I was responded to some one else's "where should I stay?" thread, and suddenly came up with the thought that maybe we SHOULD stay in a Moderate.
We probably shouldn't go Deluxe, but a Moderate might be a better choice than a Value.
It would be between Port Orleans and Caribbean Beach (apparently Pop Warner is coming to CSR this year)
I just figure it might make sense to save the value resorts for when we have kids, and need to cut money corners wherever possible even more than we do now.

I'm just really indecisive, and now DH seems to be warming up even more to the idea that we're going, which means I actually need to start deciding, so...

...back to the spreadsheets!

I think the moderates are just right! So much more to offer than the Values, but so much cheaper than the Deluxes!

The reason we choose a Moderate over a Value is - the larger room, the refrigerator, ceiling fan, shaded bus stops, more lush shaded grounds, double sinks in the bathrooms area (except CSR), better pools with slides, and just an overall more relaxed feel. I'm not saying that we would never stay at a value. We have visited them and they look like so much fun! DH just works so many hours that our vacation needs to be more relaxed. We have stayed at CBR, POFQ, and CSR so far, and will be at POR next! So far CBR is our family favorite. We love the spacious grounds and the relaxing tropical feel. The new pools are fantastic and we love being able to watch IllumiNations from a hammock by the lake.

We have experienced great bus service at all of the moderates and they all have nice pools. We really like CBR and POFQ's food courts. I know lots of people struggle with choosing between the moderates. And I usually just tell them that all you can really do is choose whichever theme appeals to you and hope for the best! Bad bus service can happen anywhere, same with bad CM's. We had some issues at CSR and we wouldn't go back. But I'm sure others have had bad experiences at CBR and wouldn't go back. It can happen anywhere. That's why I say choose the theme you like the best and go from there. They are all so nicely themed.

I am curious to see what we think of POR and then we will be able to compare all four!

As for the Deluxes, we just haven't been able to justify the cost. Yeah, they look wonderful. But are they worth that price? Maybe. Maybe not. I guess it's just all in how you look at it. One day we will stay at the BC/YC and the Poly and see for ourselves! We have 2 nights booked at OKW in November at a very great price, so we'll see what we think of it!

Anyway, good luck with your resort decisions!

 

[Momof2Disneyboys]

Good morning ladies. It looks like I'm behind on the thread again and I'm going to have to get caught back up once I get home. I just needed to log on and ask a super quick favor. This morning I am going to take the entrance exam for school, so I can use all the prayers, good thought, and crossed fingers I can get. DH thinks I'll do fine, but it's been 15 years since I was in college last. As soon as we get home, I'll log on and get caught up and let you know how today went. Also I'm hoping the humanties class I want is offered and not full yet for the term (that starts next week). It's a Sci-Fi class. Well I'm off and I hope you all have a magical day.

Good luck!

 

[Lil'Mermaid75]

Poop Discussion: Andy used to play Poop-golf into our neighbors yard after their dogs would go in our front yard. They got a fence not to long after they spotted him doing that.

OMG - this is funny and just wrong all at the same time!!

Good morning ladies. It looks like I'm behind on the thread again and I'm going to have to get caught back up once I get home. I just needed to log on and ask a super quick favor. This morning I am going to take the entrance exam for school, so I can use all the prayers, good thought, and crossed fingers I can get. DH thinks I'll do fine, but it's been 15 years since I was in college last. As soon as we get home, I'll log on and get caught up and let you know how today went. Also I'm hoping the humanties class I want is offered and not full yet for the term (that starts next week). It's a Sci-Fi class. Well I'm off and I hope you all have a magical day.

Good luck!! You'll do great!!!

 

[Momof2Disneyboys]

Hello Snowbirds!

Just found out this week that DS10 needs braces. We kind of knew this was coming, but I guess we just didn't expect it so soon. He went for a full ortho exam/evaluation this morning. He did very well considering he has been freaking out ever since Tuesday when he found out he needed braces. He doesn't deal well with any discomfort. Plus he heard them discussing the price with me and he said - that costs as much as a trip to Disney!!

Oh well, I'm sure lots of people have been through this and we will get through it too. It just seems like it is going to be a long drawn out process.

 

[jenjolt]

Shelly how long is your trip going to be this time?????

This will be my first time staying at a Disney Deluxe, I have stayed at Shades of Green and we loved it, but this time I am at SSR. For just me, since I usually go alone or meet up with one other person a value is perfect, how can you not have enough room for one person LOL. I'm sure the size of the Studio at SSR is going to blow me away not to mention the 2 BR I'm moving into with my friend a couple of days later LOL!!!

However my next long trip (going on a short one in January) in 2011 will be at a moderate...I'm going to save and splurge a bit. I really want to try POR so I'll be looking forward to Shelly's review!

 

[Momof2Disneyboys]

Shelly how long is your trip going to be this time?????

This will be my first time staying at a Disney Deluxe, I have stayed at Shades of Green and we loved it, but this time I am at SSR. For just me, since I usually go alone or meet up with one other person a value is perfect, how can you not have enough room for one person LOL. I'm sure the size of the Studio at SSR is going to blow me away not to mention the 2 BR I'm moving into with my friend a couple of days later LOL!!!

However my next long trip (going on a short one in January) in 2011 will be at a moderate...I'm going to save and splurge a bit. I really want to try POR so I'll be looking forward to Shelly's review!

This will be our longest trip yet - 8 nights/9 days!! We are doing 6 nights at POR with free dining and then the last 2 nights at OKW (room only) at 40% off! Hopefully the split-stay thing won't be as big of a pain as I think it is going to be!

I will be glad to do a POR review! I will even be able to compare all the moderates for you then!

 

[danceintherain]

I guess it depends on how much time you spend in your resort! For example, the next time DH and I go, we've promised each other that we're going Deluxe. It'll be worth it to us, to be able to walk to Epcot for dinner. We decided, after January, that we liked the options in Epcot/Boardwalk much more than any other place and the idea of having an easy stroll back to the resort, rather than fighting with Disney transportation.

Of course, by Day #7 in January, we were OVER Disney transportation like you wouldn't believe. If we could have walked anywhere we needed to go, we sure would have!

+++

THREE WEEKS TILL DISNEY!

I would LOVE to stay on the Boardwalk, but it's a bit out of our price range. I was toying with the idea of the Boardwalk Inn for a while, but I just can't justify it. If we go Deluxe, it will most likely be the Wilderness Lodge, which I would really LOVE, but we still probably shouldn't spend the money.

I always go back and forth over the resort decision as well... a lot of it depends on the type of vacation we are playing... like this coming February... it will be DH and DS and myself... the boys plan on playing a lot of golf... so we are going to stay at Shades of Green... they can walk right out the door to the putting green... and at $121 a night (includes all taxes) for a deluxe room the price can't be beat... that is unless Disney comes out with some great deal that includes dining....

When we travel and bring along a friend or when we do our annual girls trips we stay at a Disney owned hotel because the "ladies" like to get the dining plan and pay for everything ahead of time... we normally go with a moderate... I have stayed at all of them now... CSR is by far our favorite... and now that they have redone the rooms with queen size beds its even better... it is a large resort but we have never found it difficult to get around... we always request the Cabanas section... if we are traveling with 5 we have to do POR... it was a nice resort... we also like the POFQ... it is small and very pretty.....

but when all is said and done... we really don't spend that much time in our rooms.... we are either at the park or on the golf course... so as long as it is clean and we have a place to put our head we are okay... after all we are in Disney...

I would have CSR in the mix, but since we're going during Pop Century, I'm trying to avoid the hotels where those charming teenagers will be.

I'll let you know if staying deluxe (AKL this time) makes a difference!

You'll love AKL, it's just so relaxing. We could have spent several extra days just in the resort. I feel kind of guilty for not spending more time there enjoying the activities.

Good morning ladies. It looks like I'm behind on the thread again and I'm going to have to get caught back up once I get home. I just needed to log on and ask a super quick favor. This morning I am going to take the entrance exam for school, so I can use all the prayers, good thought, and crossed fingers I can get. DH thinks I'll do fine, but it's been 15 years since I was in college last. As soon as we get home, I'll log on and get caught up and let you know how today went. Also I'm hoping the humanties class I want is offered and not full yet for the term (that starts next week). It's a Sci-Fi class. Well I'm off and I hope you all have a magical day.

Good luck! You'll do great!

I think the moderates are just right! So much more to offer than the Values, but so much cheaper than the Deluxes!

We have experienced great bus service at all of the moderates and they all have nice pools. We really like CBR and POFQ's food courts. I know lots of people struggle with choosing between the moderates. And I usually just tell them that all you can really do is choose whichever theme appeals to you and hope for the best! Bad bus service can happen anywhere, same with bad CM's. We had some issues at CSR and we wouldn't go back. But I'm sure others have had bad experiences at CBR and wouldn't go back. It can happen anywhere. That's why I say choose the theme you like the best and go from there. They are all so nicely themed.

I am curious to see what we think of POR and then we will be able to compare all four!

Anyway, good luck with your resort decisions!

I'm really torn, because while I know when we have kids we'll need the extra space, the trips will be more expensive just because tickets. Also, I know that the Mods have a more relaxing feel. The extensive grounds of all of them are just lovely, and Logan and I LOVE going on walks together. However, since it's Disney I think we'll be less likely to up and say "let's go on a walk." We did in July though, but mostly to get away from the others.

Shelly how long is your trip going to be this time?????

This will be my first time staying at a Disney Deluxe, I have stayed at Shades of Green and we loved it, but this time I am at SSR. For just me, since I usually go alone or meet up with one other person a value is perfect, how can you not have enough room for one person LOL. I'm sure the size of the Studio at SSR is going to blow me away not to mention the 2 BR I'm moving into with my friend a couple of days later LOL!!!

However my next long trip (going on a short one in January) in 2011 will be at a moderate...I'm going to save and splurge a bit. I really want to try POR so I'll be looking forward to Shelly's review!

I think we'll probably try Shades of Green some time in the future, even though Logan is a Dining Plan snob. I think as long as we get to go, he'll be ok with it.


We'll probably just stick with POP. We really need to keep costs down on this trip, and I can't really justify spending "a little extra" like I did in January. Even though we'll be celebrating Logan's Birthday and our Anniversary, it's not quite the same as a Honeymoon.

However, if we go with POP, the best deal for us is Free Dining, but we'll have to get a 1-day ticket for me. Obviously, we would be able to save it for later, but I would be worried that I'd lose it, or forget about it. If we do a Deluxe or Moderate, then the AP discount is the best rate, which means I wouldn't have to deal with it. Of course they're both still more than POP no matter what deal we go with, but they're nicer right?

I got very frustrated last night, because I was trying to price out options on multiple tabs. It kept switching back to the deal I searched on the other tab. I suppose I should just do one at a time, but I'm a tabbed browsing junky.

 

[sarbah77]

However my next long trip (going on a short one in January) in 2011 will be at a moderate...I'm going to save and splurge a bit. I really want to try POR so I'll be looking forward to Shelly's review!

My trip in three weeks cool1:) is also at POR - it'll be my third consecutive stay there. I do like it, though I've never stayed in another moderate so I don't know if it's my favorite.

2007: friend picked it out.
Jan 2009: close to Epcot/marathon!
Sept 2009: well, POFQ has the clowns which scare my friend, CSR only has one sink (and two girls! we need two sinks!), we didn't want to spend the money on a pirate room at CBR nor stay there if we weren't in a pirate room, okay, back to POR!

I'm going to branch out someday. Really!! My brother and I were arguing Moderate v. Value when he was in town. I'm not getting much convincing done - he's a value all the way kinda guy. (It's worth noting that he's a huge Disney fan and his wife is like a lot of our husbands in the "well, that's nice" category)

 

[Monny2AE]

Hello Snowbirds!

Just found out this week that DS10 needs braces. We kind of knew this was coming, but I guess we just didn't expect it so soon. He went for a full ortho exam/evaluation this morning. He did very well considering he has been freaking out ever since Tuesday when he found out he needed braces. He doesn't deal well with any discomfort. Plus he heard them discussing the price with me and he said - that costs as much as a trip to Disney!!

Oh well, I'm sure lots of people have been through this and we will get through it too. It just seems like it is going to be a long drawn out process.

This will be our longest trip yet - 8 nights/9 days!! We are doing 6 nights at POR with free dining and then the last 2 nights at OKW (room only) at 40% off! Hopefully the split-stay thing won't be as big of a pain as I think it is going to be!

I will be glad to do a POR review! I will even be able to compare all the moderates for you then!

Yikes! Braces are an arm and a leg these days! Poor guy. And poor bank account for you
Please do a report of POR- it may change my plans for January!

 

[Monny2AE]

I went for Andrew's conference with his teacher this afternoon and got a MUCH better impression of her today. What a relief.
The only part that is not a relief is that his class has 28 kids in it already! Budget cuts have taken away the third K teacher

 

[Disney Mommy 3]

Sarah, if you do a deluxe so you can walk to Epcot ,we llooooooovvveee the BC!!! I would stay at the YC if the BC was too packed, but that's where we stayed and I love it! We actually went there 3 trips in a row!! I am kinda hem-hawing back and forth now that I have planned the CR!!! Why do we do this to ourselves? Crazy.

Shelly~ Braces!!! My oldest son is getting them as some point as well....he just lost his next to the last tooth this week. He thinks the last one feels like it is getting 'funny feeling'. But, he will be 14 in Dec. They have our next cleaning scheduled for Dec 22...but, with just comin' back from Disney, his bday, and Christmas...that's just too much for one month!! I am gonna call next week and cancel it and see if we can move it back to mid-Jan or Feb. By then, we should know for sure when we are getting braces...they are in the same office!! Hallelujah! We really love our Dentist.

Well boys and girls......today is

100 Days for us!!!!!

 

[danceintherain]

I went for Andrew's conference with his teacher this afternoon and got a MUCH better impression of her today. What a relief.
The only part that is not a relief is that his class has 28 kids in it already! Budget cuts have taken away the third K teacher

Goodness! Don't you just love their methods for saving money?