~Snowbird Chat~

[danceintherain]

If the Dining Plan changes are true, I'll probably have an easier time convincing Logan that it is unnecessary. Now I kind of wish we hadn't canceled our trip for last December.
When we took Gideon to his 2 week appointment on Wednesday, Logan mentioned that instead of going to stay with my parents in a few weeks before we move to Korea, he would rather go to Disney World. I reminded him that it is Free Dining in September and since we have nothing planned right now, it would be difficult to manage, and it would be really hot. Of course there's also the fact that we would have a newborn with us...

Logan loves the Dining Plan, but that's a major price hike, and it will probably be more expensive by the time we make it back. I suppose Le Cellier isn't a huge loss. We like it, but it keeps us from trying other places.
It will probably save us some money overall, because we could stay at Shades of Green or the Swan/Dolphin instead of be "on property" for every trip. We could even return to the DTD area if necessary.

As far as cruises go...I've been trying to find a good one for Asia, but there's such a distance between places, we would have to fly a significant distance to get to the starting point, then most of the cruises are more than a week long. I did find one that starts in China then goes down to southern South Korea (Pusan) and up to southern Japan. Of course those are the "easy" ports, so I'll have to weigh the option of being on a cruise ship over planning individual trips to those places. Most cruise ships don't offer childcare until a kid reaches 3 years old, so Gideon would be tagging along with us the entire time. It just depends on if being on a cruise ship would be easier than taking alternate transportation and staying in a hotel.

 

[Dancegrl624]

If the Dining Plan changes are true, I'll probably have an easier time convincing Logan that it is unnecessary. Now I kind of wish we hadn't canceled our trip for last December.
When we took Gideon to his 2 week appointment on Wednesday, Logan mentioned that instead of going to stay with my parents in a few weeks before we move to Korea, he would rather go to Disney World. I reminded him that it is Free Dining in September and since we have nothing planned right now, it would be difficult to manage, and it would be really hot. Of course there's also the fact that we would have a newborn with us...

Logan loves the Dining Plan, but that's a major price hike, and it will probably be more expensive by the time we make it back. I suppose Le Cellier isn't a huge loss. We like it, but it keeps us from trying other places.
It will probably save us some money overall, because we could stay at Shades of Green or the Swan/Dolphin instead of be "on property" for every trip. We could even return to the DTD area if necessary.

As far as cruises go...I've been trying to find a good one for Asia, but there's such a distance between places, we would have to fly a significant distance to get to the starting point, then most of the cruises are more than a week long. I did find one that starts in China then goes down to southern South Korea (Pusan) and up to southern Japan. Of course those are the "easy" ports, so I'll have to weigh the option of being on a cruise ship over planning individual trips to those places. Most cruise ships don't offer childcare until a kid reaches 3 years old, so Gideon would be tagging along with us the entire time. It just depends on if being on a cruise ship would be easier than taking alternate transportation and staying in a hotel.

There is still availability for some resorts for Free Dining. I know that for my dates, Pop is booked solid (just checked this morning) but there was space at the All-Stars. It is going to be hot, but I'm sure you guys would still have fun. I swear, I'm not trying to push a WDW trip on you!!! Just handing out some info.

 

[danceintherain]

Haha...I guess I can look into it...but I doubt my mother would ever forgive me if we went. She just got a teaching job, so it would be impossible for her to come with us (not that I'd be ok with that anyways)
It might be a better idea to use one of the many pins I have gotten recently...not do dining...and get the Military Salute tickets.
OR stay at my sister's in-laws house...but only if we drove which I don't think I'd like...



We DO have an awesome stroller for the little guy to chill in...

 

[danceintherain]

haha... I would have to book Free Dining by tomorrow!

 

[crzyred]

Haha...I guess I can look into it...but I doubt my mother would ever forgive me if we went. She just got a teaching job, so it would be impossible for her to come with us (not that I'd be ok with that anyways)
It might be a better idea to use one of the many pins I have gotten recently...not do dining...and get the Military Salute tickets.
OR stay at my sister's in-laws house...but only if we drove which I don't think I'd like...



We DO have an awesome stroller for the little guy to chill in...

Gotta use that as much as possible!!!!

 

[danceintherain]

Darn....all my pins are expired...but I really don't want to stay at a Value with a 1 month old.

I've gotten 7 pin e-mails since January, and I can't use any of them.

Also it doesn't look like there are any direct flights from either St. Louis or Kansas City, and I don't really fancy a layover of any kind.

...though if we went at the end of September we could go to the Halloween party...

 

[Dancegrl624]

We're going at the end of Sept and we are SO excited about our first MNSSHP!!! Speaking of that...I'm getting tye-dye shirts made for me and Tony (Madison is going to be Jasmine). All of you Snowbirds with upcoming trips might enjoy the shirts this girl makes. Here's the link:

Tye-Dye shirts

She has so many different colors and she's really sweet! The shirts are a few dollars less if you send her your own (plus, you know that they'll fit you!). I just dropped ours shirts off at the post office a few hours ago and I'm so excited! We're getting the Halloween spiral.

 

[Dancegrl624]

Just wanted to post some speculation!!!

The Discounts Are Coming!

 

[Mndisneygirl]

WOW! Thanks for that info Meghan! I'd maybe get to go back sooner if I could get a good discount!
I have to tell you guys - Dave has been researching DVC!!!! He's really getting serious. Of course, it's Dave, so it could change by later today after he has spent the day thinking about it while he's driving around the mail route! HA!
We're considering going for a resale, low points, low cost. I have to make a list of the questions that are coming up and ask my friends who are DVC experts! Mostly about getting multiple smaller contracts and how you can use the points.
It's really not in the budget to do this, but it's not completely out of the question if we do it right. I probably won't be at BCV - maybe OKW or Vero Beach. But I'm leaning against VB because I don't really want to stay there that much.

Here's a question if any of you know -
If I have some points at VB and some points at OKW, I know I can book at 11 mos for a stay at OKW. Can I use the VB points combined with the OKW points to stay at OKW and book that at 11 mos? Or do all the points have to be at a place I can book 11 mos out?
I am hoping that as long as I have the points and they are "available" (meaning I have gotten them for that year) that I can combine them and book 11 mos out for one of the resorts with all my points.

If any of you are DVC, let me know - I'll probably PM more questions!

TIA!!

 

[Disney Mommy 3]

Sheree how exciting!!! That would be wonderful!!!!
Meghan~ Got a question for ya....I was talking to Mike the other day and we were all pumped about getting airfare....I said "when we go, can we just book a bounceback and come right straight back?...That would be awesome!" And he kinda nodded and grunted out a yeah, that would be fun" so of course, that means, YES Honey, I really want to do that!!! LOL..,.so my question is this...when should I look into going back? I was thinking maybe end of January into Feb or the first full Feb week. We have never been there. I would be hyped to stay at the AS Family suites...especially as it's half the price (or close to it) for a BC room. Of course, I did get the 40% off for our room..so it's a good deal...but if I can't get that for a bounceback,...what should I do?!!!! do I need to PM you? I am really curious about crowd levels...I know that is value season. This Nov trip is the first non-value trip we have taken in a while....thank goodness I got that pin!!!

 

[Mndisneygirl]

Uh, yeah, exciting but so weird! I just had not planned to even get back to WDW for two years! He's constantly surprising me. Of course, it doesn't mean we have to go back right away unless there are points that expire soon. He's been talking about a spring break trip to FL to visit his sister (it would be cheap). If we had DVC by then, we'd probably stop by WDW!
I've been saying no to going back soon because of our plans to go to Europe next summer. Have to save $$$! Doesn't seem to sink in around here!
So if we can find a small contract to start with, we might be able to pull it off. Of course, we'll be living on Ramen noodles for a year!

Shawna - I really like the beginning of Feb. You just have to check for marathon weekends, but the crowds are generally lower. The first time we took the kids it was like the 2nd week and we had one or two REALLY cold days (think layers and fleece jackets and gloves). But then it warmed up a lot! You just never know. But it definitely was not crowded. Go before President's day week - the prices are higher then anyway. The Family suite would be cool!! Have you thought about two adjoining rooms at a value? Might even work out to be cheaper.

Okay - back to my research. I can see no household chores will get done today...I better go switch the quick before I forget.

 

[Dancegrl624]

Sheree how exciting!!! That would be wonderful!!!!
Meghan~ Got a question for ya....I was talking to Mike the other day and we were all pumped about getting airfare....I said "when we go, can we just book a bounceback and come right straight back?...That would be awesome!" And he kinda nodded and grunted out a yeah, that would be fun" so of course, that means, YES Honey, I really want to do that!!! LOL..,.so my question is this...when should I look into going back? I was thinking maybe end of January into Feb or the first full Feb week. We have never been there. I would be hyped to stay at the AS Family suites...especially as it's half the price (or close to it) for a BC room. Of course, I did get the 40% off for our room..so it's a good deal...but if I can't get that for a bounceback,...what should I do?!!!! do I need to PM you? I am really curious about crowd levels...I know that is value season. This Nov trip is the first non-value trip we have taken in a while....thank goodness I got that pin!!!

Hmm...I would definately book the bounceback while you're there if it's a good deal. I'm hoping that whatever deal they decide to announce on Monday will be fantastic. If it is, you won't even have to wait for the bounceback! Like Sheree said, if you opt for February, go BEFORE President's Week!!! The AS Family Suites look pretty nice. They have 2 bathrooms, a living room (where the kids will sleep), a master bedroom and a kitchen! I'll price some things out for you if you want (Family Suite vs. 2 value rooms). Don't hesitate to call me either (you have my cell # and I can give you my handy dandy toll free # too).

 

[Disney Mommy 3]

AHHHH~ Sheree and Meghan! True Disney friends!! Already helpin' me plan the next trip!!! LOL!!!!! I love you two to pieces!!!!

 

[MAGGIED]

I am so excited to see what kind of discounts come out for my trip Dec 31-Jan7... don't know if anyof them will beat Maggie's 40-50% off but its worth taking a look at....

 

[MAGGIED]

Party went great last night... she was soooooo surprised.... tons of food left over though.... why do I always cook so much??????? Good thing cooked chicken freezes well... last group left about 11pm so it was good! And my house is still clean...even better...

Today after my open house we are begnning to get the things that are all over her bedroom and the guest room into some type of order.... I told her she can only take what fits in the trunk!!!!

 

[sarbah77]

Party went great last night... she was soooooo surprised.... tons of food left over though.... why do I always cook so much??????? Good thing cooked chicken freezes well... last group left about 11pm so it was good! And my house is still clean...even better...

Today after my open house we are begnning to get the things that are all over her bedroom and the guest room into some type of order.... I told her she can only take what fits in the trunk!!!!

I've been to parties where there's not enough food. It's as weird as you think it is... which is why most of us always cook too much food!

Good luck to Maggie as she gets her packing under way!!

 

[Monny2AE]

Hi everyone! I'm taking a break from painting the playroom...it's daunting! Next time I mention that I want to paint someone PLEASE remind me of how much I really hate painting. Gotta cover up 6 years of little handprints though. The two small walls I have done already look great. Only 5 more walls and a stairwell to go.

WOW! Thanks for that info Meghan! I'd maybe get to go back sooner if I could get a good discount!
I have to tell you guys - Dave has been researching DVC!!!! He's really getting serious. Of course, it's Dave, so it could change by later today after he has spent the day thinking about it while he's driving around the mail route! HA!
We're considering going for a resale, low points, low cost. I have to make a list of the questions that are coming up and ask my friends who are DVC experts! Mostly about getting multiple smaller contracts and how you can use the points.
It's really not in the budget to do this, but it's not completely out of the question if we do it right. I probably won't be at BCV - maybe OKW or Vero Beach. But I'm leaning against VB because I don't really want to stay there that much.

Here's a question if any of you know -
If I have some points at VB and some points at OKW, I know I can book at 11 mos for a stay at OKW. Can I use the VB points combined with the OKW points to stay at OKW and book that at 11 mos? Or do all the points have to be at a place I can book 11 mos out?
I am hoping that as long as I have the points and they are "available" (meaning I have gotten them for that year) that I can combine them and book 11 mos out for one of the resorts with all my points.

If any of you are DVC, let me know - I'll probably PM more questions!

TIA!!

I've been looking into resale too. Jason has no idea. But I don't even know where to begin to find out if it would save us money. It's hard to convince Jason that in the long run we'll save money. He looks at it as the big $$ we'll shell out each year.

Party went great last night... she was soooooo surprised.... tons of food left over though.... why do I always cook so much??????? Good thing cooked chicken freezes well... last group left about 11pm so it was good! And my house is still clean...even better...

Today after my open house we are begnning to get the things that are all over her bedroom and the guest room into some type of order.... I told her she can only take what fits in the trunk!!!!

So glad your party was fantastic!!! And a clean house too- NICE!!!

Thank you, everyone!! It's kind of amazing to think that it's been a whole decade. Where do the years go?!

Today was otherwise a little bizarre. I got my annual merit award (read: payraise) letter. Now, I work for a state-funded institution so I don't expect much. Based on what our overlords said, I got more than I expected... but my boss still came in and apologized. That left me feeling a little weird. Of course, it also means that someone got a higher percentage than I did, but it was likely someone who earned less than me. Whatever? But, next, my boss came in and gave me permission to take, on the department's dime, two highly sought after courses that help *me* with professional development and have little impact on the department. The cost of those was about half the amount of my increase, so I'm back to feeling happy.

But it's hot and humid out. "Hey, Michigan! Florida called. They want their weather back!"

I guess it's good that your boss felt you deserved more. At least you get to take 2 more courses to advance yourself.

If the Dining Plan changes are true, I'll probably have an easier time convincing Logan that it is unnecessary. Now I kind of wish we hadn't canceled our trip for last December.
When we took Gideon to his 2 week appointment on Wednesday, Logan mentioned that instead of going to stay with my parents in a few weeks before we move to Korea, he would rather go to Disney World. I reminded him that it is Free Dining in September and since we have nothing planned right now, it would be difficult to manage, and it would be really hot. Of course there's also the fact that we would have a newborn with us...

Logan loves the Dining Plan, but that's a major price hike, and it will probably be more expensive by the time we make it back. I suppose Le Cellier isn't a huge loss. We like it, but it keeps us from trying other places.
It will probably save us some money overall, because we could stay at Shades of Green or the Swan/Dolphin instead of be "on property" for every trip. We could even return to the DTD area if necessary.

As far as cruises go...I've been trying to find a good one for Asia, but there's such a distance between places, we would have to fly a significant distance to get to the starting point, then most of the cruises are more than a week long. I did find one that starts in China then goes down to southern South Korea (Pusan) and up to southern Japan. Of course those are the "easy" ports, so I'll have to weigh the option of being on a cruise ship over planning individual trips to those places. Most cruise ships don't offer childcare until a kid reaches 3 years old, so Gideon would be tagging along with us the entire time. It just depends on if being on a cruise ship would be easier than taking alternate transportation and staying in a hotel.

Take that baby to Disney!!!! We took Andrew when he was 4 months and it was great. We didn't do the big rides and spent lots of time just relaxing and taking everything in. You've already got a great stroller but you could always use a carrier if it's not too hot. I have a piggysack http://www.piggysack.com/ carrier that I've used for my kids and still use for my daycare infants.



Back to painting...

 

[Monny2AE]

Almost forgot...
Jason's dad is doing fantastic!!!! We visited him yesterday. It's his birthday today and he should be coming home tomorrow! What a bday present! They took out his feeding tube and IV yesterday and he was up walking around so happy not to have any wires connected to him for the first time in 2 weeks. I couldn't believe how great he looked!

 

[Mndisneygirl]

Kim - that's so great about your FIL!! I hope he continues to improve! Painting - I feel your pain. I love it when it's done, but it's such a chore! I'm not very good at it, so I have to really take my time, which makes it seem like more of a chore!
DH has been doing a lot of math on DVC and if you figure you would spend anywhere from $1500 - $3000 for each trip, it will pay for itself over the years. You usually break even after about 5 or 6 trips is what I've heard. The big difference is your accomodations are bigger (and usually nicer, closer to parks) than if you usually stay at value or moderate. You could save money by using the kitchen facilities. You get a discount on APs if you would use them. We have been spending almost $3K total on our last couple trips, so if you buy in a resort that is lower cost to get in and lower points to use, you can get a lot of stays for less $. I am slowly working my way through the maze and hope to find the right resale contract for us. One consideration is the maintenance fees - they vary from resort to resort and they are per point, so if you have more points, you pay more maint. fees. My head is spinning.
Painting is easier!!

Wendy - glad the party was so fun!! I wish you could send me the leftovers. Have a great trip and let us know what Maggie gets for her job! Then we'll all know where to look for her (well, those lucky ones that are going this fall!)

 

[Momof2Disneyboys]

Hello Snowbirds!


Wow you have all been very busy talking about future trips and possible DVC's!!

We just got back from a weekend in Hershey and Gettysburg. Very fun, but very tiring. And very expensive!! You just would not believe how overpriced everything is out there. Makes Disney not look that expensive after-all!

I looked into DVC at one point. I just don't think it's for us. I didn't see how we would break even are 5 trips like they say. On average we spend $3000 per trip staying at a moderate. BUT, that is the whole trip. Not just the hotel. The hotel is usually only 1/3 of that price, if that. So it would take several years for us to break even. I don't think I would ever cook on a Disney vacation, so that is no real plus for us to have the kitchen. We like fresh towels and washcloths everyday on vacation. They just don't ever seem to dry completely in those hotel rooms. So for those reasons, plus the price and maintenance fees, it's just not for us.

Great news about your FIL Kim! Good luck with the painting. That's one of those things that I hate doing really bad, but the results are always worth it!


Hope everyone is having a great weekend.