Sssh....don't tell anyone...we're cheating on CSR -- Contest -- Days 6 & 7--#3516

[KatMark]

I think you should do what I told you to do this morning...but then again I like to boss people around

Oh, BTW, Todd is now back on the Disney train...as of this morning he has me changing everything around

You ARE bossy (Toddleduck told me so!). I took into consideration what you told me.

You little sneak.....making us wait! I guess I can do that.

I love to play at times.

Joining in the wait....

Amy, coming up after I respond to all.

Ah yes..she did what I told her to do! But I'm not telling, you have to wait until she gets back from her Starbucks run!

I'm proud of you, sis!

oh BTW, I just changed our POP ressie to POFQ...surprising Megan with it!

Yes, you did. I'm so glad you changed...Megan will be thrilled.

you tease! i'm excited to see!

Jenn, the news is coming up.

 

[KatMark]

Okay...I've kept you waiting long enough. Here we go.....

As I mentioned yesterday, a colleague of a friend had some points expiring and asked if we wanted to use them. We crunched numbers, checked availability, etc.

We were looking into staying at the AKL the two nights we already have booked and then two more nights with the points available or checking to see if points could be added by purchase for the last two nights as well. They had a studio available BUT only for the Sunday, Monday and Tuesday dates. I really didn't want to have to move our room three times within the same resort (and the price for paying for a standard room at AKL for one night was a little crazy if you asked me); I also thought it really stupid to move to CSR for one night.

So a new plan was proposed to me and this is what we have done.

We are staying at the AKL for the two original nights and NOT doing any parks. Then on Sunday, we are moving to Old Key West in a deluxe studio for the remaining four nights using this wonderful person's points.

Yes, this means we are NOT staying at the Coronado (for only the second time in our last ten trips that we will). Mark is really excited to try an additional DVC resort and we know the Coronado will be there for our next trip.

We have cancelled the package at the CSR and we are NOT going to get the dining plan. We've kept all of our ADR's, but we will not use the dining plan because I have a feeling we'll be cancelling some of those ADR's and I have been dieting and don't think I want to eat all of that food.

We'll purchase the tickets for the parks when we get there (unless we join AAA and we see if we can get a discount).

I'm super, super excited.

So...any of you have stayed there, I need your advice about the resort, things not to be missed, etc.

 

[Minnie&Nana]

Oh my goodness....this is exciting and what nice friends who have, Kathy! Says a lot about you, more than them though...good people attrack good people.

I'd love for you to spend the entire time at AKV - it's just so beautiful...no CSR would be a new adventure and as hard as it might be, you could go over and visit. It's kinda hard to not think of you at CSR...but to pass up a week at AKV...hmm....

I'll be checking in to see what unfolds - so exciting!!

 

[KatMark]

Oh my goodness....this is exciting and what nice friends who have, Kathy! Says a lot about you, more than them though...good people attrack good people.

I'd love for you to spend the entire time at AKV - it's just so beautiful...no CSR would be a new adventure and as hard as it might be, you could go over and visit. It's kinda hard to not think of you at CSR...but to pass up a week at AKV...hmm....

I'll be checking in to see what unfolds - so exciting!!

Christine, as posted right before you posted, AKV didn't work out the whole time, but we are going to another DVC resort.

 

[mickeystoontown]

Wow! You really did change up the plans! I am so looking forward to your review of Old Key West. That's one of the deluxe resorts that I really think I'd like to stay at. Even though you're not staying at the CSR, I am sure you are super excited!

 

[inkedupmomma]

good for you! OKW is on my must do list one day!

 

[annmarieda]

I think that is a good plan.. even though you won't be staying at CSR. Bopping around too much might be problematic. This sounds like a far more relaxed time. Plus, I think it is good to try new places from time to time. Disney has so much to offer and yet we sometimes forget to try those new things because we find what works for us..and don't realize that something else might be just as nice.

 

[mommy2mrb]

Sounds like a great compromise....a new resort to check out and getting to use the free points! like you stated CSR will always be there, happy you choose to branch out!

 

[shocky5]

Sounds great and relaxing!!! And I admire you for even considering a diet in Disney! This girl would not have the willpower.

I've not been to OKW - I did follow one trip report (I will try to remember whose it was) that had some great pics of part of their stay that was there. Looked wonderful!

 

[manntra]

Sounds like a great change to me!! I am happy that you are still going to be staying at AKL I have one night booked at OKW in October before I move for the rest of the week. I haven't stayed there yet either and am excited to check it out even if it is for such a short time. You definitely would NOT have liked moving so much.....once a trip is good for me if I have to

Tracy

 

[jedijill]

AKV is awesome! You will love it. Check out buying your tickets from Undercover Tourist. Best prices (even better than AAA) and good service. PM me and i will send you a link for their best prices.

Jill in CO

 

[SoonerGirl]

Wow, major CSR cheating going on here!!

I stayed at OKW one trip, but it was just a short 4 night stay and I was with Jared so we were on the go all the time. I really didn't get to experience a lot of the resort, so I can't help with things not to be missed. Hopefully someone will be able to give you some good advise

 

[onelilspark]

I think you probably made a good decision to resort-hop less. It'll be more relaxing!

But I haven't stayed at OKW. So I'm no help.

 

[jenb1023]

Wow - OKW! I never saw that coming! I've never had a desire to stay at any of the DTD resorts. They just seem too far awar from everything. But, they look beautiful and I can't wait to see what you think!!!! Sounds like a great change in plans overall!

 

[longing2Batdisney]

Kathy how exciting that you guys will be getting to try out TWO new resorts this trip!!! I can't wait to hear what you guys think about it and how it compares....

 

[haleofafamily]

We love AKV and OKW!!!

OKW is very spread out so we like to request being near the 1st bus stop. That puts you in easy walking distance to the hospitality house and the main pool. Most of the buildings have no elevators (you can only be in one with an elevator for medical conditions) so we also like to request ground floor. Who wants to walk up 3 flights of stairs after walking all over a park???

The grounds are very beautiful and peaceful! And I think the rooms were recently refurbished.

Any questions that you have about either resort let me know.

Merci

 

[LaniesMom]

Wow, OKW is not what I was expecting but that's super exciting!
I can't imagine resort-hopping around so much, I like to be "settled" as I think you do too. I've never been to OKW, so I'm no help.
I can't wait to hear all about it!

 

[Lifelong_Dreamer]

Not staying at Coronado!

Your new plans sound great!

 

[Millie12591]

Wow Ms. Kat! I don't think I would have guessed you not being at the CSR two trips in a row.
I am glad however that your going to experience some new places! It's funny this is happening when it is....just the other day I've been thinking about how stuck in my ways I become when I find something I like or that works for me.

I think it was someone on FB mentioning they couldn't get in to CSR when they wanted to and didn't know if they wanted to stay anywhere else, this got me to thinking about how I would react if I couldn't get into the place I like staying. Would I be willing to go somewhere else or would I be stuck in my ways and not go?
Now that you've shown me you can do this with grace (and a little fear of the unknown-which is exactly how I would be) and be happy and excited about it, I know I can do it! I know, I'm silly about the goofiest of things. It's what makes me.....me!

 

[aprilisis]

I can't wait to see your photos & hear what you think of OKW when you get back!! It is in an awesome, convenient location and I've heard really great things about it.