1. As a newbie when it comes to Walt Disney World info, when do you guys think the completion dates for the Art of Animation Resort and the Fantasyland expansion will be?
I think September 2012 is going to be pushing it for both Art of Animation and the Fantasyland Expansion. There's a LOT of construction to be done. And be careful about Art of Animation. I know that they're talking about it as a Value Resort. But, IIRC, a Value Family Suite is more expensive than any Moderate room, and pushes the price of a Deluxe. And even in the Family Suites, the beds are Full Size, not Queens.
2. After recently taking a 50% pay cut to have more time with family, I am curious if anyone has been able to talk the price down on a vacation or any other WDW money saving tips.
Best money saving tips I've been able to come up with so far - look for room-only discounts, subscribe to Magically Speaking Email newsletter, and buy your tickets from a reputable broker through the link in the newsletter. Drive rather than fly - even if the actual price of flying vs. driving is roughly equal. You'll save by not renting a car, and you can use the rental car to pick up breakfast food off-property where it's cheaper. If you must fly and rent a car, check
http://www.rentalcarmomma.com for rental car deals. You're not likely to get anywhere trying to talk a price down,
3. How many others are there out there that, like me, have already started to second guess their brackets?
No major second-guessing for me yet. I don't really think getting Irving back for limited minutes, after him not playing or practicing all year, is actually going to help Duke. In fact, it may even hurt them by taking the ball out of Nolan Smith's hands. Smith has proven to be
much more effective at the point than playing off the ball. I don't think Barlow getting suspended by Purdue is going to matter at all on the floor, though if the rumors about him getting suspended because he gave Smith a concussion might matter, if Smith misses any games beyond the first round.
PS My wife is getting excited about butter beer at the OTHER park, and is wanting to up our trip from next september to next may. I would normally be all for going sooner but am hoping to stay at the new resort and take in the new attractions.
I'd say that, by September, much of new Fantasyland will be open, but probably not all of it. And while I think Art of Animation is going to be pretty cool, I'm not sure I'd rather stay there than a Deluxe, so I'll have to see what the room rates actually look like before getting too excited.
Oh, and
OWNAGE!!
