Team Renfroe - Pre-Trip Report for May 15-22, 2009 **Final Chapter**

[LuccaDrake]

I will also confirm that you can upgrade to DxDP after booking. Also, great pics again as always! It was very sweet of you to cook for everybody. I'm assuming that part of the enjoyment was the peace and quiet? Can't wait to hear about your upcoming Disney plans!

~Beka~

 

[englishrose47]

Just stopping in to say Hi! Internet still down am at the laundamat

 

[Lady Lallie]

Hi Alan!

We had booked the Deluxe plan for our upcoming trip and then decided to just do the basic dining plan, there was no fee for us to downgrade. We also made the change before the final payment was needed. They never told me anything about fee so figured I would just throw that out there as well. Maybe there is a fee if you downgrade within 45 days of your trip??

 

[alan_renfroe]

Sorry, I don't know anything about upgrading dining plans.

It's 11 pm, I'm pregnant, and very hungry. I might need to get nachos right now.

We got the same van this May, slightly different color. We just got back from a trip to NJ. We really enjoyed having the van. We leave for WDW in two weeks DRIVING from MICHIGAN. Not looking forward to the drive, can't wait for the trip, happy we have the van.

Whoa! Driving from Michigan while pregnant? Wow! I'm glad you've got a comfy van! Best of luck on your trip. Let us know all about it when you get back!

Forgot to say how much I'm enjoying the PTR! I was stuck on the nachos, forgot the pleasantries.

That's quite alright....those nachos would distract ANYONE!

Hey, Alan! First off, I just wanted to answer your question. Yes, you sure can purchase the basic Dining Plan and then later upgrade! We were going to go Deluxe this year but it wasn't quite in the budget so we stuck to the basic However, if you go Deluxe and then downgrade back to basic, there is some kind of fee involved, but the option is there as well.

Your last few days in Florida sounded so nice. Glad your dinner was such a success, it looked great! Although I'm not going to lie, the eyes on those shrimp DID scare me a little Everything looked wonderful and it's certainly good you scored some points with the in-laws! Can't wait for more updates from you!

Hi Friend! Thanks for the info....I think we are going to initially book our next trip with the basic plan, then find out later whether or not we can upgrade, based on our budget.

Didn't mean to scare ya with the heads-on shrimp! Hey....now THAT's fresh seafood!

I finally got caught up on your report. So glad to be traveling with you guys again. The trip to Panama City Beach and Destin looked like so much fun. I've been to Panama City Beach once a few years ago for a training conference for work. I love the beach there. I've never been to Destin but I have co-workers who love it there. I must say the prime rib looked awesome in your pictures. That has to be one of my favorite things to eat.

We leave in 5 days for POP Century at WDW!!! Can't wait. Check out my Trip Report when we get back if you want to see more pictures from there. We'll be there for 10 nights, so I imagine I'll have lots of pics to post.

Looking forward to reading more of your PTR

Cathy

We have always enjoyed Panama City Beach, but it has grown up before our very eyes. It used to have a charm that has now been replaced by mega-condos. However, we still love it there. I would live there if I could. Next year, DW and I have decided to do our Disney trip in May and for Team Renfroe to go back to Panama City Beach for Thanksgiving! (We were there for Thanksgiving in 2004 and LOVED being at the beach that time of year.)

Can't WAIT for your trip report! Hope you all have the best time ever!

Lucky ducks! I'll be looking for your TR also! Have a GREAT trip!

Ditto!

I will also confirm that you can upgrade to DxDP after booking. Also, great pics again as always! It was very sweet of you to cook for everybody. I'm assuming that part of the enjoyment was the peace and quiet? Can't wait to hear about your upcoming Disney plans!

~Beka~

Hi Beka! Thanks for the info!

Yep, the cooking part was great because I had the whole place to myself for a few hours...and some welcomed peace and quiet! I made myself a cocktail and boiled some shrimp. The entire condo smelled incredible!

Just stopping in to say Hi! Internet still down am at the laundamat

I HATE not having internet! Oh well, you'll be back online soon! Thanks for stopping by to say hello!

Hi Alan!

We had booked the Deluxe plan for our upcoming trip and then decided to just do the basic dining plan, there was no fee for us to downgrade. We also made the change before the final payment was needed. They never told me anything about fee so figured I would just throw that out there as well. Maybe there is a fee if you downgrade within 45 days of your trip??

This is good to know. I think we'll probably book the basic plan and go from there. The difference in price for my family between the basic plan and the deluxe plan for 6 nights is around $600. If we did the basic plan, I could still spend $400 out of pocket and save $200....something like that.

 

[alan_renfroe]

I just saw where Disney is now booking dates for 2009. The new 2009 dining plan is out also. As I get a chance, I'll start looking at our options.

There appears to be price increases in the dining plan, but only small increases.

 

[alan_renfroe]

Okay, I checked today and I have a beginning quote.

Here's what I'm starting with:

May 16-22, 2009
6-nights at the Pop Century
6-day Magic Your Way tickets (no park hopper, no water park option)
Basic Dining Plan (1TS, 1QS, 1 snack per person per night)

$2,434.74

I can handle that! I don't know what our budget will be, but this figure is doable. If we get back a nice tax return, we can possibly upgrade from this plan. Then it becomes a matter of priorities. Would we rather upgrade to a moderate and stay with the basic dining, or would we rather stay in a value and upgrade to the deluxe dining? hmm.... Also, I would like to have Park Hopper this trip, since we didn't have it on our last trip. We did have the water parks option and went to Typhoon Lagoon, Blizzard Beach, and DisneyQuest...so we got our money's worth.

At any rate, I feel confident that the above itinerary would be doable, and hopefully a worse-case scenario. (I'm really hoping we can upgrade to the deluxe dining plan!)

Alan

 

[IlovemythreeC's]

Your plans look great ~ That is a really good price, too

 

[Figment's Friend]

Well 2008's trip you and your family did GREAT on the deluxe dining, that's for sure! The basic dining plan is great all around, so even if you discover you can't upgrade, you'll still have more than enough food to eat! I hear Pop is one of the best resort's on property! (I hear they have a tie-dye cheesecake that is to die for!) It's fun hearing you go about your plans, keep us updated!

 

[Luis Rodriguez]

Okay, I checked today and I have a beginning quote.

Here's what I'm starting with:

May 16-22, 2009
6-nights at the Pop Century
6-day Magic Your Way tickets (no park hopper, no water park option)
Basic Dining Plan (1TS, 1QS, 1 snack per person per night)

$2,434.74

I can handle that! I don't know what our budget will be, but this figure is doable. If we get back a nice tax return, we can possibly upgrade from this plan. Then it becomes a matter of priorities. Would we rather upgrade to a moderate and stay with the basic dining, or would we rather stay in a value and upgrade to the deluxe dining? hmm.... Also, I would like to have Park Hopper this trip, since we didn't have it on our last trip. We did have the water parks option and went to Typhoon Lagoon, Blizzard Beach, and DisneyQuest...so we got our money's worth.

At any rate, I feel confident that the above itinerary would be doable, and hopefully a worse-case scenario. (I'm really hoping we can upgrade to the deluxe dining plan!)

Alan

I wonder about the Park Hopper option. I have one for this trip, as this is almost automatic for us. At the same time, looking at our itinerary I don't see many places where I would be going from one park to another. So it looks nice to have, sort of an insurance, but each park is so big that you can have a full day on it, and the end of the day you just want to return to your room to rest

Regards,

Luis

 

[Camster0307]

I think you've made a good choice with the Pop Resort, Alan. I know alot of people who just rave about it; and the theming is terrific!

And, I'm sure with the proper planning, you might not need that park hopper option!

 

[shane&jakesmom]

Hi Alan,
Loved your trip report and your pre trip report. You're family goes on great vacations and always looks to be having fun. I love Pop I have stayed there 2x already it really is fun, very clean and nice pools. I also like the food court. I was there last month. Wish I was planning a wdw trip sometime soon

 

[alan_renfroe]

Your plans look great ~ That is a really good price, too

I think that is a good starting point. Hopefully, we can add options as the time goes by and we save a little money. I'd love to get the park hopper!

Well 2008's trip you and your family did GREAT on the deluxe dining, that's for sure! The basic dining plan is great all around, so even if you discover you can't upgrade, you'll still have more than enough food to eat! I hear Pop is one of the best resort's on property! (I hear they have a tie-dye cheesecake that is to die for!) It's fun hearing you go about your plans, keep us updated!

Hi Friend! I would love to be able to add the deluxe dining plan....in fact, it may be one of my priorities as we hope to add on to this basic plan. But, if not, we'll be fine with the basic plan.

I've heard nothing but good things about the POP, and I'm excited about staying there! I will DEFINITELY be trying that tie-dye cheesecake!

I wonder about the Park Hopper option. I have one for this trip, as this is almost automatic for us. At the same time, looking at our itinerary I don't see many places where I would be going from one park to another. So it looks nice to have, sort of an insurance, but each park is so big that you can have a full day on it, and the end of the day you just want to return to your room to rest

Regards,

Luis

Hey Luis! Best of luck on your upcoming trip!

I hope we can add the park hopper this time. I would love to have the flexibility to go from park to park...I think it would only enhance our experience for our next trip!

I hope you will do a trip report when you return! Take lots of pictures!

Alan

I think you've made a good choice with the Pop Resort, Alan. I know alot of people who just rave about it; and the theming is terrific!

And, I'm sure with the proper planning, you might not need that park hopper option!

Hi Cammie! I sure am hoping that we can add park hopper as the time draws nearer. My goal for now was to price a basic trip that I KNOW we can afford, and hopefully add options along the way. My priority would be to add the Deluxe Dining Plan, then my second priority would be to add the Park Hopper. Hopefully, we'll be able to do both! We'll see!

Hi Alan,
Loved your trip report and your pre trip report. You're family goes on great vacations and always looks to be having fun. I love Pop I have stayed there 2x already it really is fun, very clean and nice pools. I also like the food court. I was there last month. Wish I was planning a wdw trip sometime soon

HI shane&jakesmom! Thanks very much for the compliments...I'm so glad you enjoyed my trip report!

I'm glad to hear so many positive remarks about the Pop. A nice, clean pool is a MUST for us.....we love to relax in the hot of the day beside the pool. I've heard the food court is fun, too.

I wish you were going to Disney sometime soon also. Oh well, you are welcome to be an "honorary Renfroe" and join us in our planning! Have a great day.

Alan

 

[Bibbidi]

Hi Alan. I saw what you're considering for next May. We LOVE having a park hoppers, although when we go in two weeks we're just doing the basic tickets to save ourselves $200--this is a budget trip for us. I would encourage you to consider them because your kids are old enough to spend half the day at one park, freshen up, eat dinner and then head out to another in the evening--depending on EMH and things like that. If we weren't doing a budget trip the park hopper would be the first thing I added back. I love leaving one park and then just hopping over to another for dinner or lunch. We will miss it this trip, but there's always next time. Personally I think the hopper becomes more relevant if your trip is shorter, allowing you ample time to go back and do the rides/attractions again that you might miss if you don't have the opportunity to hop.

 

[Snowy-girls]

Oh my where the heck have i been since you started this-i had no idea about you starting a pre trippie.Well i have just read thru all of it+i am sorry if i forget to mention anything...............
Love the new car-very nice.
Your beach photo's are fantastic-that is one gorgeous beach .Loved the big family photo.
We have never eaten in Margaritaville but are hoping to next year at Citywalk(and sampling some cocktails of course)-how big was that portion of Nacho's .WOW what a slab of prime rib-you know me+my prime rib,that looked so melt in your mouth delicious.
Can't help with many of your dining options you want to try-but thumbs up for Earl Of Sandwich-The Full Montagu for me everytime.Great after a long morning of shopping at DTD,then it refuels you ready for the afternoon to do even more shopping at DTD .
Can't believe i have 8 months to spend with the Renfroe's whilst you plan your next trip.x.

 

[2xcited2sleep]

Your plans sound great. Is it official? Did you book-it? Can we start the official count-down?

 

[disneyhockeymad]

Hey Alan!
Just caught up on all you've written, I've been so busy lately I've had absolutely no time to Dis at all! Your trip to FL looks fantastic, love all the pictures, looks like you had a brilliant time!
So exciting your trip finally has dates and you are beginning to plan it properly! Can't wait to read more!

 

[englishrose47]

Hi Alan I thought I posted yesterday but apparently not! Wonder where I did post It looks like May for me too !!Probably as a solo and of course I will stay at Pop!!Will get the Basic DDP and the Hopper. When we all go which is prolly Sept we don't get the hopper as Kyle is a little to young to handle more than one a day! But I love hopping when I;m alone I check out other resorts and eat at some it's fun !!

 

[Michelle_and_Aaron]

Well life has been super hectic the last few weeks and I have hardly been on the DIS (how did I survive without it I wonder??) but I did notice that they opened up next year and presented the new dining plans.
Alan did you notice that it seems quite a few restaurants were taken off the list? That will make me rethink my planned ADRs now. Oh well, more planning.
I have even been thinking of canceling May and going in April and again in October instead. That would let us try even more things.
Oh, Alan I wanted to ask you if you knew about the AAA packages. If you are a AAA member you can sometimes get a little bit of a deal on your package so it is worth checking out.

 

[Camster0307]

Well life has been super hectic the last few weeks and I have hardly been on the DIS (how did I survive without it I wonder??) but I did notice that they opened up next year and presented the new dining plans.
Alan did you notice that it seems quite a few restaurants were taken off the list? That will make me rethink my planned ADRs now. Oh well, more planning.
I have even been thinking of canceling May and going in April and again in October instead. That would let us try even more things.
Oh, Alan I wanted to ask you if you knew about the AAA packages. If you are a AAA member you can sometimes get a little bit of a deal on your package so it is worth checking out.

I'm not sure what restaurants you're talking about; but I do know that the restaurants that aren't owned by Disney usually get added later on.

So Alan, did you do the Deluxe DP last trip or just the DP. What's making you want to upgrade? I know for me, wanting to try the DP for the first time, alot of the restaurants we'll go to are two TS credits, so I'm wondering if the upgrade is what I should be looking at.

 

[alan_renfroe]

Hey gang! Sorry it has taken so long to respond....it has been SUPER busy lately!

Promise to respond soon. Alan