The DDA Trouble Free Zone

[ellenbenny]

Thanks, Kate! A 10 day ticket (expiring) with hopping is $242. The problem is that a 4 day ticket (if we want 14 park days altogether) is another $233 (expiring, hopping), but a second 10 day ticket (non-expiring for later use of the extra days) is $377. If we go with AP's that is $415. I know for those kinds of differences (x5), my dh will tell me that 10 days in the parks is plenty. I was hoping maybe there would be something for more than 10 days that didn't add quite so much. 10 days is definitely better than nothing!

Beth

If you purchased the 10 day premium ticket(hopping and water park fun and more options) it would include 10 days at the major theme parks, plus I think 5 days at the water parks/disney quest, and you could stretch it out for the entire 14 days that way. Looks to be $282 (ETA: with tax it's $300.34) in advance with park hopping and water park fun and more. I have also heard of a 14 day ultimate pass sold in Europe, or possibly by some US brokers. If I can find any more info on that I will let you know.

 

[Tinkaroo]

Hi, all! Since you all love planning trips so much, I have one to WDW that you can help me plan, too! I feel like all of a sudden, I'm behind the 8 ball.

We will be off-site from August 12-19. Then I want to add some time on-site. I am trying for another whole week, but I'm not sure where I stand on that until I do some budgeting.

There are so many things that have changed in the last two years. I have some idea, but I'm hoping that you can clarify a couple of things to start. (I know I should go ask these question on the "proper" board, but you are so knowlegeable).

When can I start making ADR's? Is it 6 months in advance now? Is there a date calculator somewhere for that? I know there used to be, but I don't remember where. I heard a while ago that you could make ADR's for 10 days out starting with the first day you were staying on site without waiting for each day to be the "right" date. Do you know if that is still true? It will only help for the second part of the trip, but better than nothing.

Is there a pass available for more than 10 days (other than an AP)?

For budget reasons, I'm thinking of putting all 5 of us in one room at POR. I know that will be quite a squeeze, especially after having a 2-bedroom. Do you think that's crazy? For just a little bit more, I could get 2 rooms at one of the values, but we've never stayed in the values, so I don't know what to expect there. Contemporary appears sold-out for the majority of that week, and I'd pretty much have to cut that part of the trip in half to go Poly. Any suggestions there? We stayed at POR when it was Dixie Landings (in 1998) and really liked it. That is the kids first choice, too (if we can't go deluxe).

Beth

I would add that if you're worried about the fit at POR, maybe you should consider renting points from a DVC member for a 1 BR? It might be cheaper, depending on the days/season, than doing 2 rooms at a value. (Although 2 rooms at a value would give you 2 bathrooms!)

 

[tmfranlk]

Tia- thanks so much for that info! Can I pm you when I have more specific questions? In the meantime- I'm gonna go check that Candy Cane Inn you are talking about.

Of course you can! PM me anytime.

 

[Tinkaroo]

Since it seems like many of you live close by your families, I thought maybe you might have a suggestion or two.

My SIL just contacted me, seeking advice on creating boundaries with the rest of our husbands' family. (DH is the youngest of 3 boys, and his parents, both brothers, and their wives and 2 children each all live in the Houston metro area - we live 300 miles away in the Dallas area. This SIL is married to the oldest brother of my DH.) They all tend to do a lot together, but my SIL is getting worn down from all of this, as it is usually her house they all gather at at the drop of a hat, etc. Her DH will complain on the side to her about his family and this, but won't stand up to anyone. Our DH's are very different - my DH draws boundaries very clearly with his family, plus we have the extra geographical cushion.

How do those of you with families that live in the same city draw/keep boundaries (particularly if it's your IL's)?

Thanks - I'm at a bit of a loss when she tells me her DH isn't much help.

 

[babytrees]

Yes, the Disney CD is fabulous! He actually played a good amount of it last night, since he cut back on the holiday music. He ended on "When You Wish Upon a Star" - can't get much better than that!

He has a DVD of his PBS special filmed at WDW coming out next month. My mom and I actually happened to be in the MK that night last year (also my b-day) and got to observe some of the filming. It is a great show!

Ohhhhh!! I didn't know the DVD was coming out!! Awesome!! I missed the PBS special....it never seemed to show up on either of my PBS stations


Thanks for the information!!

 

[Steamboat Marti]

Mine, too! How many of us are there?

Beth

Beth - as some of you know I'm turning 43 and skunka just turned 40.... does that qualify for a boy toy????

 

[my3princes]

Mine, too! How many of us are there?

Beth

My dh is 14 months younger than me.

Deb

 

[babytrees]

My dh is 14 months younger than me.

Deb

Okay it's not me but we are constantly teasing my mother because she married a man almost 11 years younger than her(he acts ALOT older than her)

We tell her thanks for marrying Mark so we never have to worry about what nursing home we have to put you in!!

 

[Steamboat Marti]

For budget reasons, I'm thinking of putting all 5 of us in one room at POR. I know that will be quite a squeeze, especially after having a 2-bedroom. Do you think that's crazy? For just a little bit more, I could get 2 rooms at one of the values, but we've never stayed in the values, so I don't know what to expect there. Contemporary appears sold-out for the majority of that week, and I'd pretty much have to cut that part of the trip in half to go Poly. Any suggestions there? We stayed at POR when it was Dixie Landings (in 1998) and really liked it. That is the kids first choice, too (if we can't go deluxe).

Beth

I see there have been answers to most of your questions, but I wanted you to know that PO is one of the few resorts that allows 5 people to a room. They apparently have a trundle bed (I think) for the 5th person, and not many other resorts do this. I wouldn't cut your trip in half for the Poly - as nice as it is, I'd rather go to the parks and enjoy myself rather than paying for a more expensive room. You know what to expect since you were at Dixie Landings - so I would stay there so you don't have to risk disappointment. Either way -- you're at Disney!!!

 

[my3princes]

My connection has been so sloooooow today. I could fold an entire load of laundry while a single page loaded . I have read everthing, and forgot most of what I had meant to post as I got so frusterated waiting. So if I'm not responding to someone that I should, I appologize.

Shirts for the family. My dh will do it at WDW, but no where else. I think that he likes all the attention that the shirts draw. He is a good sport.

Deb

 

[Steamboat Marti]

I absolutely agree about the matching part...we matched every day..and I believe that's why we had so many comments. I also liked it because I could easily keep track of all the kids.

I would have never guessed dh would be willing to wear these t's...he said, "I'll wear whatever you lay out" Imagine the fun I had with that!

I like your new picture Kristine! How is your daughter doing with the eye patch???

 

[julia & nicks mom]

okay - i have a DL question

how long is the HCOE going on out there - I need to decide when we would go on our trip and this would be a major factor!!!

I do not have DH totally convinced but he is thinking about it

here is my brilliant plan -

we are going to see my sister in Denver and I have the airtran wendy's coupons so the flights are paid for - so I was thinking we could fly to Denver - spend time at my sisters

I REALLY want to go to vegas - so we would drive the 8 hours to vegas - my cousin lives there so we could spend the night with her and leave the next evening for LA -

where his best friend and my aunt live - there would be no hotel expense involved for the whole week and we would get to visit so many people and see some of the places we want to go!!

So I am going to keep my fingers crossed that he thinks the plan is as briliant as I do

 

[Tinkaroo]

okay - i have a DL question

how long is the HCOE going on out there - I need to decide when we would go on our trip and this would be a major factor!!!

I do not have DH totally convinced but he is thinking about it

here is my brilliant plan -

we are going to see my sister in Denver and I have the airtran wendy's coupons so the flights are paid for - so I was thinking we could fly to Denver - spend time at my sisters

I REALLY want to go to vegas - so we would drive the 8 hours to vegas - my cousin lives there so we could spend the night with her and leave the next evening for LA -

where his best friend and my aunt live - there would be no hotel expense involved for the whole week and we would get to visit so many people and see some of the places we want to go!!

So I am going to keep my fingers crossed that he thinks the plan is as briliant as I do

I don't know that anyone has been able to pin Disney down on an end date, but I've been hearing 9/30/06.

Sounds like a great plan to me!

 

[Steamboat Marti]

But how many points do you need to rent? Say for 11 nights at Pop in November?

Hi Clare -- I read everything to catch up and I wanted to come back to this to try to explain it to you... sorry to the others for a quick lesson in DVC!! Continue scrolling if you don't want to be bored

When you use points to stay at WDW, whether they are your own or rented, it is important to understand one thing: The DVC points go furthest in one of the five following DVC resorts: Old Key West, Beach Club Villas, Boardwalk Villas, Wilderness Lodge Villas and Saratoga Springs (also Vero Beach and Hilton Head, but let's stick to WDW). That means that you will use less points to stay in a nicer room than you would at POP. Here is a quick breakdown:

November 1-11 2006
Studio Room at Saratoga Springs 161 points approx $1,610

November 1-11 2006
Reg. Room at Caribbean Beach 254 points approx $2,540

You cannot use points at POP. So as you can see by the above example, DVC is best used at Villas. You can't stay in the values, the moderates are the first one that offers the ability to use points. All this comes down to one thing- why would you want to do this when the DVC resorts offer a microwave, toaster over and small fridge as well as a coffee maker and paper plates etc for much less points.

I used the example of $10 per point for renting because that appears to be the going rate. If anybody has any other questions, give me or Paul a holler.

By the way - if you are considering DVC we got our mailing today that tells us the 15% family and friends discount expires on February 1st. Just an FYI.

 

[KristineN]

I like your new picture Kristine! How is your daughter doing with the eye patch???

Well, we are waiting for Deb's eye patches to arrive...In the mean time, I am sticking the band-aid patch right on the lens. It' so so..she is smart enough to look over & under the lens. I thought about trying to stick it over her eye again...but last time was so awful. She actually cried it off. She's very small for her age...so the whole site of this was just pitiful. Almost cried myself.
But I have hope the new patches from Deb/Cinderella will save the day!

 

[Steamboat Marti]

okay - i have a DL question

how long is the HCOE going on out there - I need to decide when we would go on our trip and this would be a major factor!!!

I do not have DH totally convinced but he is thinking about it

here is my brilliant plan -

we are going to see my sister in Denver and I have the airtran wendy's coupons so the flights are paid for - so I was thinking we could fly to Denver - spend time at my sisters

I REALLY want to go to vegas - so we would drive the 8 hours to vegas - my cousin lives there so we could spend the night with her and leave the next evening for LA -

where his best friend and my aunt live - there would be no hotel expense involved for the whole week and we would get to visit so many people and see some of the places we want to go!!

So I am going to keep my fingers crossed that he thinks the plan is as briliant as I do

I love the plan -- could you sneak me in the luggage?? I love to travel!

 

[rosiejo]

Thanks Marti - i just went back and deleted my post as I suddenly remembered that DVC wasn't on value resorts! Then you managed to quote my "blonde" question anyway

There's no way we can afford to stay on site this year - we're looking at the marriot at Lake Buena Vista instead. Right by DTD and easy to get on site - but also near to the diners we love on the 192

Thanks for the explanation though - I now get how it works properly

 

[triplefigs]

My dh is 14 months younger than me.

Deb

DH is 10 months younger than me!

 

[Steamboat Marti]

Thanks Marti - i just went back and deleted my post as I suddenly remembered that DVC wasn't on value resorts! Then you managed to quote my "blonde" question anyway

There's no way we can afford to stay on site this year - we're looking at the marriot at Lake Buena Vista instead. Right by DTD and easy to get on site - but also near to the diners we love on the 192

Thanks for the explanation though - I now get how it works properly

Sorry to capture a blonde moment Clare -- just remember, Bob's your uncle!!

 

[bengalbelle]

Beth - as some of you know I'm turning 43 and skunka just turned 40.... does that qualify for a boy toy????

I didn't know you were a cradle robber