The End is... NOWHERE in sight! - Sept/Oct 2016 PTR *Update 9/14*

[pkondz]

Based on the rumors floating around right now, October 2nd-November 14th may be one big black out period. Fingers crossed for you that its wrong!

Crap. Guess I'll wait and see.
Wonder why. MNSSHP too much of a draw?

Still wouldn't kill the idea of going, but probably would just do QS meals (maybe one TS).

 

[vrajewski10513]

Crap. Guess I'll wait and see.
Wonder why. MNSSHP too much of a draw?

Still wouldn't kill the idea of going, but probably would just do QS meals (maybe one TS).

Well, my theory is the fact that A LOT of schools in the states now have fall breaks during the month of October. I even read a post from WDW Prep School stating that the days of a slow fall are over, and even compares October to spring break now. We check in on September 28th, but all the crowd calendars are predicting atleast moderate crowds for that whole first week of October. I'm hoping my planning and our park hoppers we can avoid the busier parks.

 

[pkondz]

Well, my theory is the fact that A LOT of schools in the states now have fall breaks during the month of October. I even read a post from WDW Prep School stating that the days of a slow fall are over, and even compares October to spring break now.

Really??

Well... poop.

I remember when I was in school.... I was actually in school.

We check in on September 28th, but all the crowd calendars are predicting atleast moderate crowds for that whole first week of October. I'm hoping my planning and our park hoppers we can avoid the busier parks.

Rope drop + FP + crowd calendars is my go to strategy.

 

[vrajewski10513]

Rope drop + FP + crowd calendars is my go to strategy.

My plan is to avoid EMH like the plague.

 

[pkondz]

My plan is to avoid EMH like the plague.

Depends.
I might.... might do Morning EMH and then get out and go somewhere else (provided I have hoppers)
Or if I'm awake, I might do the last hour or two of Evening EMH, after all the families with littles are gone.

Otherwise.... yeah. I'll go where the crowd calendar says to.

 

[Mickey'sMainMami]

That's awesome we will be there at the same time. Even if we don't cross paths we can play "Where's Waldo" and see if we show up in the background of each others pictures


Lol, that is so funny, I thought the same thing, like maybe I will catch myself in a background of your photos on your TR!! Hilarious!

 

[vrajewski10513]

Depends.
I might.... might do Morning EMH and then get out and go somewhere else (provided I have hoppers)
Or if I'm awake, I might do the last hour or two of Evening EMH, after all the families with littles are gone.

Otherwise.... yeah. I'll go where the crowd calendar says to.

I shouldn't say completely avoid.. I have tentatively added a couple late EMH. But, its kind of a "we will check it out but if its too busy we will find something else to do" kinda plan..

 

[pkondz]

I shouldn't say completely avoid.. I have tentatively added a couple late EMH. But, its kind of a "we will check it out but if its too busy we will find something else to do" kinda plan..

Go late + massive crowds + long wait times = I'm going back to the hotel.

 

[vrajewski10513]

DANG IT! Hot Topic got me again!!

Well I already told you about the shirts I ordered a couple weeks ago. They came in and they look even better in person! I didn't realize the wording on the Ravenclaw shirt was metallic! Anyway, here are those....

I had them shipped to the store, because that option is free... But as we all know, I have no will power, and I should have just paid for the dang things to be shipped to my house. I would have saved money.

So I go to our local mall to pick up my shirts, and they hand me $15 in Hot Cash. Hot cash is pretty much $15 off your purchase of $30 or more. They got me. They sucked me in.

I ended up with this really awesome UP! tank top, and a really cool Deathly Hollows bracelet. I was even eyeing up this Baymax tank top (like yours @FantasiaMagic!) but I was able to restrain myself and save that for another day. SO all in all, I think another shirt and a bracelet for $15 is a pretty good deal.

I shouldn't be allowed in Hot Topic, or Kohls for that matter, unsupervised.

I'm still stalking out Free Dining. I'm REALLY hoping the rumor for monday is only for Disney Visa Card holders. Last year was a disaster, so I'm really hoping to avoid that. I'll pop in Monday and let you all know how it plays out!​

 

[FantasiaMagic]

I had them shipped to the store, because that option is free... But as we all know, I have no will power, and I should have just paid for the dang things to be shipped to my house. I would have saved money.

LOL I usually have it shipped to my house, but I'll try to only wait until they come out with an offer like "Spend $50 and get $1/$1.99 shipping!" Because spending $50 is not a problem for me in that store!
I still really like that Genie tank you bought. I really may have to put in another order soon...

So I go to our local mall to pick up my shirts, and they hand me $15 in Hot Cash. Hot cash is pretty much $15 off your purchase of $30 or more. They got me. They sucked me in.

Yes that Hot Cash is dangerous! I always have the urge to use it as soon as I get one!

I was even eyeing up this Baymax tank top (like yours @FantasiaMagic!) but I was able to restrain myself and save that for another day.

Ooh yes! I love how thye have much more Baymax stuff now. Last year it was impossible to get anything because it kept being sold out!

I shouldn't be allowed in Hot Topic, or Kohls for that matter, unsupervised.

I know exactly what you mean.
I really like the selection Kohls has for Disney clothes.
Especially the Lauren Conrad collections. I was browsing the website the other day and saw that all of her stuff was on sale. Her Bambi collection was really marked down. I am very attempted to buy something now.
http://www.kohls.com/search.jsp?search=lauren+conrad+disney&submit-search=web-regular

I'm still stalking out Free Dining. I'm REALLY hoping the rumor for monday is only for Disney Visa Card holders. Last year was a disaster, so I'm really hoping to avoid that. I'll pop in Monday and let you all know how it plays out!

Best of Luck! I hope the Free Dining works out for you.That's really stressful when you are waiting to see if something is going to happen!

 

[pkondz]

DANG IT! Hot Topic got me again!!

I didn't realize the wording on the Ravenclaw shirt was metallic!

Cool!

I had them shipped to the store, because that option is free... But as we all know, I have no will power, and I should have just paid for the dang things to be shipped to my house. I would have saved money.

Saved $6 on shipping.... spent $15 on merch.
Oh, well... you got stuff for your $15.

I was even eyeing up this Baymax tank top (like yours @FantasiaMagic!) but I was able to restrain myself and save that for another day.

Sooo... you're going back to Hot Topic tomorrow?

I'm still stalking out Free Dining. I'm REALLY hoping the rumor for monday is only for Disney Visa Card holders. Last year was a disaster, so I'm really hoping to avoid that. I'll pop in Monday and let you all know how it plays out!

Do that! I'm waiting on it too... although I won't be booking anything earlier than May if I book at all.

 

[sahm2two]

All caught up! The only thread I've had time for this week is free dining. That thing is out of control! Lol
I'm personally hoping Monday's rumor is for general public bc I don't have a Disney visa
Either way it'll be nice for it to be released and have the waiting be over!!

 

[afwdwfan]

Looks like they know their customer base well.

Sucker...

Cool Up shirt though. I guess it really wasn't a bad deal, even if it wasn't something you planned to buy before you went.

 

[vrajewski10513]

I will get to replies shortly, just wanted to check in....

So, I was up practically all night refreshing the Special Offers page and at around 4am they launched the free dining promotion. I literally got to it as soon as it was dropped.. and all they had available for my dates for Mods were the Pirate rooms at CBR and for values it was preferred rooms at AS Sports... So i sucked it up and snatched up a Pirate room before even THEY were gone.

Later in the morning people started getting Disney Visa card emails about special offers for card holders... so here I am.. on hold going on 45 minutes with an estimated wait time of 2 hours.

I am happy that we have SOMETHING, because even with having to "upgrade" to a pirate room its still over $1500 in savings.. but I'm still going to try to get a standard somewhere. We also decided that if we cant go standard we might combine our two rooms and get a 2-room suite at Saratoga Springs at it costs about the same as we would pay for the pirate rooms...

Well wish me luck.. I'll keep you guys posted!

 

[FantasiaMagic]

I will get to replies shortly, just wanted to check in....

So, I was up practically all night refreshing the Special Offers page and at around 4am they launched the free dining promotion. I literally got to it as soon as it was dropped.. and all they had available for my dates for Mods were the Pirate rooms at CBR and for values it was preferred rooms at AS Sports... So i sucked it up and snatched up a Pirate room before even THEY were gone.

Later in the morning people started getting Disney Visa card emails about special offers for card holders... so here I am.. on hold going on 45 minutes with an estimated wait time of 2 hours.

I am happy that we have SOMETHING, because even with having to "upgrade" to a pirate room its still over $1500 in savings.. but I'm still going to try to get a standard somewhere. We also decided that if we cant go standard we might combine our two rooms and get a 2-room suite at Saratoga Springs at it costs about the same as we would pay for the pirate rooms...

Well wish me luck.. I'll keep you guys posted!

It's good you were able to get something. On FB everyone is freaking out since they can't get through on the phone. I bet it was worth it for you to be up at 4am!

Good luck!

 

[afwdwfan]

I will get to replies shortly, just wanted to check in....

So, I was up practically all night refreshing the Special Offers page and at around 4am they launched the free dining promotion. I literally got to it as soon as it was dropped.. and all they had available for my dates for Mods were the Pirate rooms at CBR and for values it was preferred rooms at AS Sports... So i sucked it up and snatched up a Pirate room before even THEY were gone.

Later in the morning people started getting Disney Visa card emails about special offers for card holders... so here I am.. on hold going on 45 minutes with an estimated wait time of 2 hours.

I am happy that we have SOMETHING, because even with having to "upgrade" to a pirate room its still over $1500 in savings.. but I'm still going to try to get a standard somewhere. We also decided that if we cant go standard we might combine our two rooms and get a 2-room suite at Saratoga Springs at it costs about the same as we would pay for the pirate rooms...

Well wish me luck.. I'll keep you guys posted!

That stinks. I'm glad you got something, but it seems that lately, they only release discounts for a small segment of rooms. And usually, nothing that you really want.

 

[vrajewski10513]

LOL I usually have it shipped to my house, but I'll try to only wait until they come out with an offer like "Spend $50 and get $1/$1.99 shipping!" Because spending $50 is not a problem for me in that store!
I still really like that Genie tank you bought. I really may have to put in another order soon...

I never buy anything full price... ever... anywhere... except maybe at Disney World

I know exactly what you mean.
I really like the selection Kohls has for Disney clothes.
Especially the Lauren Conrad collections. I was browsing the website the other day and saw that all of her stuff was on sale. Her Bambi collection was really marked down. I am very attempted to buy something now.
http://www.kohls.com/search.jsp?search=lauren+conrad+disney&submit-search=web-regular

Lauren Conrad's Disney colection is super adorable! But, I'm more of a tank and jean shorts kinda girl so its a little too fancy for my Disney wardrobe.

Best of Luck! I hope the Free Dining works out for you.That's really stressful when you are waiting to see if something is going to happen!

You're tellin me! You wouldn't believe the highs and lows of the last two days!

Saved $6 on shipping.... spent $15 on merch.
Oh, well... you got stuff for your $15.

Exactly!! This is an everyday conversation for me and DH:

ME: Look at this cute [insert piece of clothing] I got for a great deal!!!
DH: How much did you spend?
ME: Don't worry about it, LOOK HOW MUCH I SAVED!!!

Sooo... you're going back to Hot Topic tomorrow?

I DID NOT! Maybe next week on pay day...

Do that! I'm waiting on it too... although I won't be booking anything earlier than May if I book at all.

Ugh. I'll catch you up with my next update...

All caught up! The only thread I've had time for this week is free dining. That thing is out of control! Lol
I'm personally hoping Monday's rumor is for general public bc I don't have a Disney visa
Either way it'll be nice for it to be released and have the waiting be over!!

Free dining.... free dining... free dining... we were not friends this year. I hope you got lucky and got what you needed!

Looks like they know their customer base well.

Sucker...

They sure do. But, I wouldn't exactly classify myself as Hot Topics normal customer base lol I need a little more black eyeliner and a few more emo band tees

Cool Up shirt though. I guess it really wasn't a bad deal, even if it wasn't something you planned to buy before you went.

I figure I got a $30 purchase for $15.. so even though I didn't originally plan to spend the $15 it was still a good deal in my book

It's good you were able to get something. On FB everyone is freaking out since they can't get through on the phone. I bet it was worth it for you to be up at 4am!

It definitely was not. I will elaborate on that in my next update.

That stinks. I'm glad you got something, but it seems that lately, they only release discounts for a small segment of rooms. And usually, nothing that you really want.

DING DING DING! It was brutal.

 

[sahm2two]

Ugh. Free dining is a pain in my rear!!! No. No I did not. I stayed up all night, sleeping in 30-45 min spurts and was refreshing dis and the Disney page. At 4:30 I woke up and the deal had dropped but there weren't any deals for a 5 person room on my dates. My TA was up by 4:45 trying to modify my existing reservation and didn't have any luck either. So.... I wasn't a very happy person Monday.

Honestly I'm annoyed that they even offered it for those dates if they weren't going to open any rooms for that time!

I'm not giving up hope, but if we aren't able to get it we will have to change our plans around a bit. Either have to cancel a bunch of dining or find somewhere off site to stay... Or both. Boo.

 

[vrajewski10513]

Ugh. Free dining is a pain in my rear!!! No. No I did not. I stayed up all night, sleeping in 30-45 min spurts and was refreshing dis and the Disney page. At 4:30 I woke up and the deal had dropped but there weren't any deals for a 5 person room on my dates. My TA was up by 4:45 trying to modify my existing reservation and didn't have any luck either. So.... I wasn't a very happy person Monday.

Honestly I'm annoyed that they even offered it for those dates if they weren't going to open any rooms for that time!

I'm not giving up hope, but if we aren't able to get it we will have to change our plans around a bit. Either have to cancel a bunch of dining or find somewhere off site to stay... Or both. Boo.

It really was ridiculous. I saw people were able to get standards at mods for certain dates but I was literally on the site at 4am right when it dropped and there were NONE for my dates. Disney is definitely phasing out free dining rapidly.

We ended up going a completely different direction, without free dining, and are still getting a very good deal.

 

[afwdwfan]

Honestly I'm annoyed that they even offered it for those dates if they weren't going to open any rooms for that time!

Exactly! I don't understand why they even keep doing some of these discounts. They talk it up to the TA's and Disney Community and send out these e-mails to past guests and Disney Visa card holders, yet they have about 10 rooms to satisfy the demand they've churned up for it. As much as I hate to say it, they should just get rid of the program since they're really just causing frustration and actually harming their image to most of the people trying to take advantage of the offer.