~Snowbird Chat~

[Dancegrl624]

Hello Snowbirds!
I've been out of the loop for a bit, as my sister and her family were here for a visit. It was great to see them! She has two girls, ages 14 and 7, and a son age 12. Of course the cousins all had a great time together.


While my sister was here, she mentioned that her husband had had a business trip to Florida in May, and she had looked into a Disney trip for all of them. They haven't been in quite a while (the 7-year-old has never been), although they have been to Disneyland a few times over the past few years. Anyway, they ended up not going because the scheduling didn't work out. She said she was pricing TWO rooms at the Polynesian and it was pretty expensive! Um, yeah! (they typically take pretty elaborate vacations and stay at nice places) Anyway, I suggested she look into a two-bedroom villa at one of the DVC resorts--that way they would have separate bedrooms and two bathrooms, but also a living room and kitchen (although she said they'd probably get the dining plan), and less expensively than two rooms at the Poly. I didn't even bring up renting points...she's not as budget-conscious as I am. I don't have any experience with the DVC resorts though--any input? I know Shelly will warn about the far-away rooms at OKW.

For a family of 5, they wouldn't need 2 deluxe rooms unless they just wanted the extra space. I've priced out a 1-bedroom villa for a family of 5 (client I'm working with) and it's actually a great rate (savannah view at Jambo House). I'm always more than happy to help anyone out!

 

[Kazooie01]

Hi everyone. Just wanted to let you know that today our family became members of the Disney Vacation Club at Bay Lake Towers. We are taking our first trip in January (surprise!) and staying at Animal Kingdom Villas with Joni's brother and sister (and their significant others of course). As Joni wished, "our kids will always have Disney" now.

Hope everyone is well, take care.

 

[Disney Mommy 3]

Hi everyone. Just wanted to let you know that today our family became members of the Disney Vacation Club at Bay Lake Towers. We are taking our first trip in January (surprise!) and staying at Animal Kingdom Villas with Joni's brother and sister (and their significant others of course). As Joni wished, "our kids will always have Disney" now.

Hope everyone is well, take care.

Oh Rick!!! How exciting for you and the kids!!! I know that is what Joni wanted...that is spectacular!!! Hope your January trip is the best ever!!!!

 

[Momof2Disneyboys]

That's awesome Rick!! I hope you and the kids have a great trip in January!

 

[Dancegrl624]

Hi everyone. Just wanted to let you know that today our family became members of the Disney Vacation Club at Bay Lake Towers. We are taking our first trip in January (surprise!) and staying at Animal Kingdom Villas with Joni's brother and sister (and their significant others of course). As Joni wished, "our kids will always have Disney" now.

Hope everyone is well, take care.

How wonderful! I hope that you and the kids have a fantastic vacation.

 

[snykymom]

Rick, I'm so glad you're honoring Joni's wishes. What a wonderful way to remember her and what a wonderful place to do it.

Now I need to brag a bit about my DH, if I may. He doesn't like Disney. (I know, what was I thinking?? ) Anyway, I booked my solo trip to Disney for my birthday. DH told me on Saturday that I can't be on alone on my birthday. And he said that he was a bit jealous when my daughter and I went to Victoria & Albert on our last trip, so he told me to make reservations for V&A for my birthday! I told him he really didn't have to do that, that I loved the gesture, but I wouldn't hold him to it. He said, no, he really wanted to do it, and even booked airfare for both of us! Now, I'm staying a few days longer, but I'm not going to be alone on my birthday!

Sometimes he can be really sweet! And I don't even mind if he brings his golf clubs and doesn't set foot in a park!

 

[Disney Mommy 3]

Rick, I'm so glad you're honoring Joni's wishes. What a wonderful way to remember her and what a wonderful place to do it.

Now I need to brag a bit about my DH, if I may. He doesn't like Disney. (I know, what was I thinking?? ) Anyway, I booked my solo trip to Disney for my birthday. DH told me on Saturday that I can't be on alone on my birthday. And he said that he was a bit jealous when my daughter and I went to Victoria & Albert on our last trip, so he told me to make reservations for V&A for my birthday! I told him he really didn't have to do that, that I loved the gesture, but I wouldn't hold him to it. He said, no, he really wanted to do it, and even booked airfare for both of us! Now, I'm staying a few days longer, but I'm not going to be alone on my birthday!

Sometimes he can be really sweet! And I don't even mind if he brings his golf clubs and doesn't set foot in a park!

Ha!!! that's cute!!! I know you are glad he did it!!! That is wonderful!!!
Well,....I got my airfare and at a darn good price today!!!!!! It is usually in the $200s....around $220-230 for a RT out of Houston to Orlando....it's been hovering at $291 for a couple of weeks...I keep checking and checking....well, today it dropped to $198!!!! Of course, it's a 7:30 flight...which means we gotta leave here no later than.....4 a.m.!!! How crazy is that? Well...we are gonna probably be fried...but we saved some moolah!!! And we got them all with our rewards points and have points left for another set of airfare for who-knows-where!! Maybe we can do a bounceback...by the time we get back we will have enough points for 5 tickets again!!!!

 

[Dancegrl624]

[/B]
Ha!!! that's cute!!! I know you are glad he did it!!! That is wonderful!!!
Well,....I got my airfare and at a darn good price today!!!!!! It is usually in the $200s....around $220-230 for a RT out of Houston to Orlando....it's been hovering at $291 for a couple of weeks...I keep checking and checking....well, today it dropped to $198!!!! Of course, it's a 7:30 flight...which means we gotta leave here no later than.....4 a.m.!!! How crazy is that? Well...we are gonna probably be fried...but we saved some moolah!!! And we got them all with our rewards points and have points left for another set of airfare for who-knows-where!! Maybe we can do a bounceback...by the time we get back we will have enough points for 5 tickets again!!!!

That is awesome!!! I must be very lucky, because we have great rates for airfare. It's great that you were able to use your reward points though!

 

[Disney Mommy 3]

when I see you all getting those $59 one way tickets I am green with envy!! So...if I broke mine down from yesterday, it would still be $99 one way!!! Crazy compared to all the rates y'all get up north! AND we still have to pay luggage fees!!! I got DD the big Vera bag to use as a carry-on....I will probably get one also....hoping to get buy with packing less in Nov than for a Jan or even Dec trip!!
Well...dd wanted to make a big deal out of hitting day #101....so:

101 days!!!

DS14 doesn't know when we are going...he hates being in the know for soooo long...he just knows it is at some point that is NOT summer! LOL...but I told them we are going to be reading some of the original stories that Disney used between now and then...so yesterday..for 101 days,we started 101 Dalmations!!! It really is a good story...I like it better than the cartoon!!! If you have kids who like dogs...get it! My older son was even enthralled!! We had started Pinocchio....but they just reaaaally couldn't get into it....I was having a hard time with it too....next 2 on the list are Peter Pan and Alice...if we have time, I have the Mary Poppins stories too...maybe I could do at least one!!!!!
I am soooo tired of this heat! We were at 95 degrees after 9 o'clock last night!! That is just ridiculous!

 

[Dancegrl624]

I love the idea of reading the classic Disney stories. Madison would probably love it! Yea for being at 101 days!!! Only 2 more days until double digits!

We do get some amazing deals on airfare up here. And, we've never had to pay for our bags. We are pretty lucky!

 

[Disney Mommy 3]

I love the idea of reading the classic Disney stories. Madison would probably love it! Yea for being at 101 days!!! Only 2 more days until double digits!

We do get some amazing deals on airfare up here. And, we've never had to pay for our bags. We are pretty lucky!

I think the 101 she could read to herself...it's not like the other classics that seem to take forever! I bet she could do a chapter a night before bed easily.Or you could read it together...it really is a good little book. The author has another book "I Capture the Castle" that I was actually reading during our last vacation!!! Different little story, kinda old, but I loved it. But, I am a true bookworm...so I may be biased!! LOL

 

[Momof2Disneyboys]

Congrats on the airfare Shawna!!! And for 101 days. Tomorrow is the big 100 days party for you!!

It's funny to hear how airfare is so different in different parts of the country. If I had to pay $198 RT per person I would probably cry!! But it sounds like that's a great deal for you, plus you got an even better deal using your points!

 

[crzyred]

Good morning! Today my grandmother celebrates her 97th birthday!!! We'll have cake and ice cream tomorrow night and lasagna...one of her favorites. I feel so very blessed that I've been able to have the last few years with her. She was born and raised here in the Appleton area and the stories she can tell are amazing.

Have a great day everyone

 

[Pluto_fan]

to Red's Grandma! How wonderful!

And... 100 DAYS for Shawna!

 

[Disney Mommy 3]

Good morning! Today my grandmother celebrates her 97th birthday!!! We'll have cake and ice cream tomorrow night and lasagna...one of her favorites. I feel so very blessed that I've been able to have the last few years with her. She was born and raised here in the Appleton area and the stories she can tell are amazing.

Have a great day everyone

to Red's Grandma! How wonderful!

And... 100 DAYS for Shawna!

Red~ Happy 97th Birthday Granny!!!!

thanks Pluto!!!! And yes Shelly...it's quite sickening what the airfare is!!! But,, it's what we have....sadly
Well...we are still reading 101 dalmations...we should be finished in a couple of days...we are only doing about 2 or 3 chpts a night...it's really a great book. Sat will be 14 weeks...the kids ( not the oldest..he doesn't know when we are going) are already asking what are we putting in our Handy Dandy Snack Baggies!!! LOL....Trident Cinnamon gum got put on the list last night. Y'all really need to do these baggies..they are awesome,,,if I do say so myself!! So...let the lists begin!! It seems like once we got airfare, Mike and the little two got realllly excited. Okay, me too!! I am not one to rush life away for any reason..but man, we sure are looking forward to Nov!!!
If any of you haven't seen Sheree (MNDisneyGirl) on FB...she said the days they spent at WDW were soooo hot!! You can tell from the pics that the girls are just burnin' up! they had fun though! But, it sure does make me thankful we can go in Nov!!!! My last trip with my parents to WDW was the last week of July...I remember thinking I was gonna die. It was so miserably hot...i was just worn out the whole time. It was really awful because they didn't plan ANYTHING! can you imagine....probably why I plan like a maniac!!!
Well...it's another extremely hot day here..forecast of almost 100 with a heat index around 107....so I will be suckin' up the AC for most of the afternoon. Have a great day!!

 

[MAGGIED]

Happy lazy Saturday morning Snowbirds!

Jason's dad is doing well. He's in ICU. They ended up taking out most of his pancreas, ALL of his stomach and part of his esophagus. We weren't expecting them to be so aggressive but are hopeful it gives him a better chance. They think they got most of the cancer. No guarantees of course. He didn't want anyone to see him after the surgery- he was worried for everyone to see him that way. We may go today or tomorrow if he's up to it though.

Jason got really upset b/c the surgeon said some of the cancer was in the beginning stages which he was told by the doctor that it was too late. His mom asked why the original doctor wrote him off and told him to go home to die. The surgeons response was b/c Medicare doesn't pay and to them he wasn't worth the little money they would get from doing a surgery. We are so thankful he got this second opinion at the other hospital and met this surgeon. It boils my blood that doctors make choices based on money. They looked at him as some old man- not a wonderful father, grandfather, husband, brother, etc. Just makes me sick to my stomach.



Oh my it's that time of year already! I sure wish we were surprising the kids with a trip to Disney again- that sure was fun to plan. *sigh*

Kim... how is FIL doing?

Hi everyone. Just wanted to let you know that today our family became members of the Disney Vacation Club at Bay Lake Towers. We are taking our first trip in January (surprise!) and staying at Animal Kingdom Villas with Joni's brother and sister (and their significant others of course). As Joni wished, "our kids will always have Disney" now.

Hope everyone is well, take care.

Rick... what a great way to honor Joni's memory... I hope you and your family have a magical vacation!!!

Now I need to brag a bit about my DH, if I may. He doesn't like Disney. (I know, what was I thinking?? ) Anyway, I booked my solo trip to Disney for my birthday. DH told me on Saturday that I can't be on alone on my birthday. And he said that he was a bit jealous when my daughter and I went to Victoria & Albert on our last trip, so he told me to make reservations for V&A for my birthday! I told him he really didn't have to do that, that I loved the gesture, but I wouldn't hold him to it. He said, no, he really wanted to do it, and even booked airfare for both of us! Now, I'm staying a few days longer, but I'm not going to be alone on my birthday!

Sometimes he can be really sweet! And I don't even mind if he brings his golf clubs and doesn't set foot in a park!

That is so sweet.... we celebrated our Anniversary at V&A last year... it was amazing... we brought our 16 yr old son... he loved it!!!!

Good morning! Today my grandmother celebrates her 97th birthday!!! We'll have cake and ice cream tomorrow night and lasagna...one of her favorites. I feel so very blessed that I've been able to have the last few years with her. She was born and raised here in the Appleton area and the stories she can tell are amazing.

Have a great day everyone

Happy Birthday to Grandma!!

 

[Disney Mommy 3]

Kim... how is FIL doing?



Rick... what a great way to honor Joni's memory... I hope you and your family have a magical vacation!!!



That is so sweet.... we celebrated our Anniversary at V&A last year... it was amazing... we brought our 16 yr old son... he loved it!!!!


Happy Birthday to Grandma!!

I am so glad we are not the only people who have brought our kids on our Anniversary dates with us!!

 

[snykymom]

I am so glad we are not the only people who have brought our kids on our Anniversary dates with us!!

I do, too! And since we usually go to nicer places for our anniversary, our daughter really likes those dates!

 

[Monny2AE]

What's happening in Snowbird land today! Hope everyone is well!

Jason's dad is doing remarkably well this week. He's already been moved out of the ICU and is slowly starting the recovery process. He still has a long way to go but so far so good! His spirits are up and that's good. All those thoughts and prayers you all have been sending are working!

It's been a busy week as usual around here. We're packing up to go camping this weekend again (FB friends keep that quiet please ) I love this camping thing we do now- it's so good sometimes to remove yourself from the fast paced life and just relax with your family. Back to basics.

Hi everyone. Just wanted to let you know that today our family became members of the Disney Vacation Club at Bay Lake Towers. We are taking our first trip in January (surprise!) and staying at Animal Kingdom Villas with Joni's brother and sister (and their significant others of course). As Joni wished, "our kids will always have Disney" now.

Hope everyone is well, take care.

Rick I'm sure Joni is smiling right now knowing that you honored her wishes!

Snykymom- What a great hubby you have! Glad you won't be alone on your special day!

Shawna- Congrats on the airfare! You're going to have to educate me about airfare and points and such. Maybe if I knew the ins and outs of it all, I could convince DH to fly instead of driving. Very cool that you are reading the classics with the kids!

Crzyred- Happy belated bday to your Grandmother! I love listening to my Grandma's stories of her youth- be sure to write them down for your kids.

Hello to all the other Snowbirds out there!

 

[MAGGIED]

Good morning Snowbirds..... anyone have any special plans for the week-end? Me... housework this morning... think I will make a chocolate cake this afternoon.. gotta fit a little work in there sometime today... oh... and I have to make golf tee times for Nov.... also Maggie comes back from her vacation.... can't believe she leaves in two weeks...