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

[KatMark]

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.

Kelly, I think it will be much better this way than changing rooms 3 times. UGH!

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!

I never saw it coming either. But our choices with the points for the second half of the trip were three more days at AKL and then we'd have to figure something out for the last night, or all four nights at Old Key West or all four nights at Saratoga Springs. We've visited Saratoga Springs and it just wasn't for us.

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....

Connie, it's going to be fun, I'm sure.

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

Merci, thanks nfor the info. Actually the guy whose points we are using asked that it be noted that we be close to the Hospitality House but they said those were full (we are on a waitlist for "close to Hospitality"). But I'm not concerned with it. CSR is not small (although not as big as everyone says it is) and we are used to walking. Plus we have a car.

I thought I read the rooms ahd been refurbed.

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!

I think it is exicting too! I definitely couldn't do three moves; as it is, this is our first real "split stay" (we did move in 2000 from All-Star Sports to Coronado, but that was because we all hated All-Star Sports...it wasn't a planned split).

Not staying at Coronado!

Your new plans sound great!

Lessa, that's what I said. No CSR. But I'm adjusting.

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!

Millie, if I can do it, you certainly could do it. I never thought I would NOT stay at CSR for at least part of a trip. There are still resorts I have no desire to stay at and you'd have to torcher me to get there, but these are going to be fun.

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.

April, have you stayed at OKW? I'm looking forward to it...the pool and slide look awesome.

 

[KatMark]

OKW - Cool! I am staying there for the first time in December. By the looks of the studio I am sure it will be more than sufficient. I like that it actually has two real beds and a cute little balcony. Plus the room configuration is interesting. It's the largest DVC studio because it was the first built. Please take lots of pictures!

Here's a TR that I am subbed to that has some OKW studio pictures posted. They are in this installment. It looks really pretty.

http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?do=newreply&p=41809141

MaryEllen, thank you so much for the link. That was really helpful, and I showed Mark the pics last night and he said, "that looks very laidback and relaxing." So if he is happy, that is what matters. Andy liked the looks of it too and that is where we will be when he is with us.

I will take lots more pictures for you too!

OKW is great. AKV is my home resort but love OKW for the quietness and big rooms. It's also a great points value!

Jill in CO

Jill, do you have any pics of OKW? Any suggestions on anything special we should be sure not to miss while there?

WOW, that is a change!! I think OKW looks very cool and beachy. The pool has a cool sand castle slide. I am glad you are still at AKV for 2 nights though. Cancelling ADR's???

I sent you a PM on the "cancelling ADR's" -- nothing that affects you and the girls (except maybe Cape May). Maybe the girls can come swim with us at OKW since they were going to come to CSR and we've now moved??? We'll talk lots before the trip.

I've been looking all over for your update, not realizing you posted while I was writing and did not see your post above mine!

Wow, that is fabulous news!!! So, you still get to experience AKV, then move on to another new resort experience - fantastic!! OKW is SO tropical! As you know by now, all the rooms were just refurbed and I've heard are really nice!

We've never stayed there because it feels more like a condo experience to me and I like a resort with a central lobby, but it really is beautiful and I've heard such good things about Olivia's.

Karin & Tom will be VERY excited for you and Mark! We know how much they LOVE OKW!

Well, I am thrilled for you guys...it's fun to try a new resort, especially a deluxe. It could turn out to be a new fave and you could rent points (often for less than a mod) or it might not be your cup of tea - either way, it is going to be fun! Heck, you might feel that you're in the Keys when not at a park.

Yes, I talked to Karin yesterday and she promised to get back to me with some info (she's dealing with some stuff right now).

First Congrats on the new plans Kathy !!!I am pretty sure OKW came up in a pm from Christine re our 65th trip!!! But I think we have talked about almost every resort there !!I am at Heart a POP gal !! My atroscious sense of direction has caused me many a wrong turn just visiting other resortsChristine and I will I am sure have many a dilemma before next December !!!

Rosie, I'm looking forward to it. You girls will change your mind 100 times before your trip on your resort.

Your new plan sounds fantastic! I almost couldn't believe it when I saw your post on Facebook!

I wonder more and more if renting DVC points might not be the way to go... you're very lucky to know the people you're renting from, though. Still think I'd be too scared to try it otherwise.

It will be interesting to hear what you think of going without the dining plan. Personally, we loved it. I know this sounds crazy but...it was great not having to order dessert or an appetizer or whatever else just because its part of the plan. It was also great to be able to add and cancel at will, even once we arrived, and not worry about how we were utilizing credits.

I know you're going to have a great time and it will make the trip report even more interesting.

Tina, we had a bad experience the first time we tried to rent points. But both of these resorts on this trip are through a friend I work with and then a colleague of my best friend, so I'm not concerned with it at all. I don't know if we'll do it again.

Absolutely! I would love that!

I'm excited for your new plans! And I promise to take LOTS of pics and I'll Facebook some live for you, and if you think of any OKW questions-send them my way and I'll do my best to get the answered for you! It looks like a beautiful resort, we are very much looking forward to trying it too!

Also, not sure if someone already mentioned this, but you can get discounted tickets through Undercover Tourist (and there are other legit brokers as well - but I have used UT without any problems). If you subscribe to the Mousesavers newsletter, there is a slightly better discount through the newsletter link they send out too.

Brook, I am SO looking forward to your pictures of OKW. And thanks for offering to email them to me or post them on FB since we know you still have TR's going on, you'd probably not get to that one until after we leave.

 

[TanzUnited99]

Hi Kathy I've seen you on some of the PTRs/TRs I've been reading and noticed you are visiting Disney in September - when we are also going and in my opinion is the best time to visit!

Lol at cheating on CSR altogether! I'm sure you'll get to stay there on a future visit. Look forward to reading more about your plans and then hearing all about your trip

 

[KatMark]

Good for you. I am sure it will be a great trip.

So I have to ask, no availability for a studio at AKL for what dates??? When I get the OK I have to book and I am checking AKL and OKW. I have to use the '10 points by 9/30 unless I get some pixie dust and they let me use them until 10/3? I have 2 plans and hope I can work it all out.

We may end up neighbors on this trip. That would make a Dismeet easy.

Pat, there was no availability the night of September 28 (Wednesday) for a studio at AKL. It would be great if you were at OKW.

Yay for booking OKW its a beautiful resort, you will love it. You know Karin is the best person to ask about OKW as she and Tom practically live there now She will be v excited for you too

Stefy, have you stayed at OKW?

Wow, You just threw me for a loop!

But I know you will have a fabulous time. Karin and Tom are giving me a tour of OKW on my 1st day there. I can't wait to see it too!

I threw EVERYONE for a loop. No one, least of all me, expected to not stay at CSR on a trip.

Take pictures for me.

I have always wanted to stay at OKW...I can't wait to hear your take on it and all see all the wonderful pictures you will have! It's a resort I have always wanted to stay at!

Queen, I will take lots of pics for you and Jas.

Just catching up...and I think it's great that you'll get to try out 2 new resorts! Sure, you love CSR, but you really can't go wrong with Disney resorts. Can't wait to see how it goes.

Also wanted to make sure I told you here that it was great to meet you in Chicago, and my kids LOVED their gifts. You're very sweet!

Hi, Mark. Good to see you back! You are right...we're still at Disney and they are deluxes (I would never do it for a value ).

Thanks for posting the picture. It was great meeting you and the boys too! And I'm so glad they liked their gifts.

havent stayed at either of those resorts so i was voting for either...looks like your plans are good and look forward to seeing the pictures.

I promise lots of pictures, Dan.

 

[KatMark]

Hi Kathy I've seen you on some of the PTRs/TRs I've been reading and noticed you are visiting Disney in September - when we are also going and in my opinion is the best time to visit!

Lol at cheating on CSR altogether! I'm sure you'll get to stay there on a future visit. Look forward to reading more about your plans and then hearing all about your trip

Tanz. Thank you for joining. I've seen you around too (and I'll get over to your PTR later today...I have to get back to work eventually ).

We love going in September. We've done September the last five years and it is by far our favorite time of year to go (end of summer here, but still beautiful in Florida).

 

[shocky5]

Kathy! I found it!

http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2702712

I hope this works... I've never linked a report to another thread except for my own?

Anyway - author has a nice TOC at the start of his report but look for Day 8, April 1st and that starts his OKW pics.

Hope this helps!!

 

[KatMark]

Kathy! I found it!

http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2702712

I hope this works... I've never linked a report to another thread except for my own?

Anyway - author has a nice TOC at the start of his report but look for Day 8, April 1st and that starts his OKW pics.

Hope this helps!!

YOU ROCK! THANK YOU! THANK YOU! THANK YOU!

 

[lovethattink]

I posted this on the CSR thread too, I thought it was this thread. Sorry.

So sad you won't be staying at CSR this time. I think you will really like OKW! And I know you will LOVE AKL, because it's just so different from a typical Disney stay!! Once you stay at a DCL resort, it will be a little difficult going back to a typical resort room. OKW is awesome because the rooms are nice and large!

Be sure to check out the community center at both DLC resorts. There is always something going on there.

We are at the 21 day mark to CSR!!!! You know I will go picture overboard. If there is something in particular you need for the new thread, let me know.

 

[MeMom]

We have not stayed at Old Key West, but we have visited there several times to eat, meet other DIS people, or just take pictures. It is a lovely resort, and will very much transport you to a relaxed, 'beachy' feeling.

Here are a few pictures for you.

Pretty place.

I think the little girls would enjoy coming to share this pool with you.

Lunch from Goods to Go.

Our view.

I hope you enjoy OKW. Do you plan to visit your home CSR? I don't think you can go through the whole trip without going over there. Even when we don't stay at Pop, we always have to visit.

I'm sure September is a wonderful time to be in Disney World. Everyone is back in school, and no one is on fall break yet. Happy planning!

 

[Minnie&Nana]

MeMom's photos and the photos in the links posted are wonderful - the grounds are so tropical and relaxing.

I can't wait to see your pics, Kathy - always a highlight of your TR!

 

[Nermel9]

Wow I can't believe no CSR this year! I think OKW looks really beautiful, I'd love to stay there sometime! I know you guys love CSR, but I think you will have fun trying somewhere new!

 

[englishrose47]

Kathy I will be in Disney the month before you and the month after !!Can't believe we leave in 12 days !!!!!!!

 

[KatMark]

I posted this on the CSR thread too, I thought it was this thread. Sorry.

So sad you won't be staying at CSR this time. I think you will really like OKW! And I know you will LOVE AKL, because it's just so different from a typical Disney stay!! Once you stay at a DCL resort, it will be a little difficult going back to a typical resort room. OKW is awesome because the rooms are nice and large!

Be sure to check out the community center at both DLC resorts. There is always something going on there.

We are at the 21 day mark to CSR!!!! You know I will go picture overboard. If there is something in particular you need for the new thread, let me know.

Thanks, Tink. We are going to stop by for a gelato. I know we will love both DVC resorts...just hope we don't get spoiled.

I know I can count on you for lots of photos.

We have not stayed at Old Key West, but we have visited there several times to eat, meet other DIS people, or just take pictures. It is a lovely resort, and will very much transport you to a relaxed, 'beachy' feeling.

Here are a few pictures for you.

Pretty place.

I think the little girls would enjoy coming to share this pool with you.

Lunch from Goods to Go.

Our view.

I hope you enjoy OKW. Do you plan to visit your home CSR? I don't think you can go through the whole trip without going over there. Even when we don't stay at Pop, we always have to visit.

I'm sure September is a wonderful time to be in Disney World. Everyone is back in school, and no one is on fall break yet. Happy planning!

MeMom, those photos are wonderful -- you have me even more excited about staying there.

MeMom's photos and the photos in the links posted are wonderful - the grounds are so tropical and relaxing.

I can't wait to see your pics, Kathy - always a highlight of your TR!

Awwww...thanks, Christine.

Wow I can't believe no CSR this year! I think OKW looks really beautiful, I'd love to stay there sometime! I know you guys love CSR, but I think you will have fun trying somewhere new!

Jen, I know...so hard to believe isn't it. But it really was a no-brainer -- free as opposed to saving over $600!

Kathy I will be in Disney the month before you and the month after !!Can't believe we leave in 12 days !!!!!!!

I can't believe how fast your trip is coming up Rosie.

 

[glennbo123]

I'm glad that you'll be trying some different resorts Kathy. I think you're going to love them.

 

[Stefy]

No I haven't stayed at OKW, but have read a few TR's where people have stayed and said it was a great resort

 

[KatMark]

I'm glad that you'll be trying some different resorts Kathy. I think you're going to love them.

Glenn, thanks. AKL has always been a dream and the more and more pics I see for OKW, I'm truly excited.

No I haven't stayed at OKW, but have read a few TR's where people have stayed and said it was a great resort

Thanks, Stefy.

 

[KatMark]

I just changed our car rental. We had an intermediate through Enterprise for $339.13 for 13 days. I just went to Priceline and put in "my price" on a standard car and we got a standard car with Avis for $276.13 -- over $60 in savings. This has been a good week for us.

 

[Stefy]

Congrats on the saving, always a good thing to save where you can, means more money for Disney treats

 

[annmarieda]

I just changed our car rental. We had an intermediate through Enterprise for $339.13 for 13 days. I just went to Priceline and put in "my price" on a standard car and we got a standard car with Avis for $276.13 -- over $60 in savings. This has been a good week for us.

AWESOME!

 

[englishrose47]

I just changed our car rental. We had an intermediate through Enterprise for $339.13 for 13 days. I just went to Priceline and put in "my price" on a standard car and we got a standard car with Avis for $276.13 -- over $60 in savings. This has been a good week for us.

Good for you Kathy!!