The financially irresponsible WDW trip! [June 25th: p.45, posts 668 & 669]

[WDW Fan]

Loved the pics of the Halloween parade Deb!!! Can't wait for your next posting! Hurry back soon.

 

[Twingle]

Wow - it took me three days (not straight, LOL!) to read your whole TR, and I LOVE it! Your family is adorable, and I love sharing in all your adventures!

Over on the DVC Members Forum I saw that you're planning on becoming DVC Members (as opposed to something else, I guess?!? I really don't make much sense . . . )

In any event - can't wait for your next installment, and your next trip!

 

[DebIreland]

I was happy to read your update last night but was to bleary eyed to write a response.

Consider your allowance docked. No exceptions, no excuses.

First of all CONGRATS on your 2000th post. And I love the Mouse ears on Beaker! Well done!
Please offer my belated birthday wishes to our Wayne.

Aw, thanks!

You know how when a book is so good you can't wait to finish it but at the same time you don't want it to end? That's how I feel about your trip report.

That's such a nice thing to say. I'm so flattered!!!

So feel free to drag it out. Oh, and could you hurry up with the next installment?

You are just going to HAVE to take another trip so you can keep your fans happy!

If you insist!!!

Anyway, my point is that I'm glad your kids know that it's their life, not ours, and not our place to judge.

Exactly. Thanks!

When's the next installment? More videos?!? Please! Love all the pics you include!

Thanks. I think I'll edit some more little video clips. Don't hold your breath though.

I am so dreading coming back from vacation. I am trying to prepare for it already! So I know how that poor mom and daughter felt

Thanks Cathy! I think it's actually a really good idea to prepare for it in advance. I was so upset after our first trip but somewhat more prepared after our second trip. Little souvenirs, along with video/photos and of course, writing a TR (which you're already doing a great job of!) always helps.

Here's the news--not sure if it's good, bad, or just sad....I've just made a vow not to check these boards again for a least a month.

Oh no! I will certainly miss you Sue. Ever since we had that chat last year about which park tickets to buy I've enjoyed your posts immensely.

Went to a financial planning seminar at the library tonight where the presenter casually mentioned that most people spend more time planning their vacations than their finances. Whew--he was definitely talking about me!!!!!

I must admit that is true for me too.

I've got to get my finances figured out, as our eldest DD hopes to go to college in 2 years or so.

I think you're doing the right thing Sue. Funny you should bring it up now as lately I've been doing a lot of thinking about the same thing. Even if my financial planning includes a potential DVC purchase lmao I am seriously planning a lot. My eldest has another 6 years to go before college but then we'll have his younger brother hot on his heels. I believe college fees are exhorbitant in the U.S. They're not as bad here but the cost of living is through the roof and many people my age cannot cope. We're too young to have a lot of savings (still have high mortgages, car loans etc) but too old to have got in to the property market (buying properties to rent out is a big thing now here for people in their 20's) or to have started any huge investments. It's a rough time for many.

I'm gonna miss you, but I've got to go cold turkey. I even just canceled all my Disney e-newsletters.

I admire you doing that Sue. It takes a great deal of discipline.

So long for awhile.
You've been a great friend!!!!!!!

You too hon. Take good care of yourself.

p.s. if I check in again in about 2 months, will you still be in Florida???

No comment.

With the great coverage you're doing of the Holloween Party, I have to consider going next year!

You really should!!! It's such an amazing night!! Thanks a million for the kind comments.

Loved the pics of the Halloween parade Deb!!! Can't wait for your next posting! Hurry back soon.

Thanks!!! Glad you're still reading.

Wow - it took me three days (not straight, LOL!) to read your whole TR, and I LOVE it! Your family is adorable, and I love sharing in all your adventures!

Thanks so much!

Over on the DVC Members Forum I saw that you're planning on becoming DVC Members

It's my dream! A few months ago it was just a fantasy but now I think we *might* turn it into an idea that could develop into a project that could even some day come close to being a possibility! Seriously, I really want to join DVC but I need to get all my facts (financial ones) straightened out and make sure it's wise first!

 

[Twingle]

As far as DVC, the biggest thing that convinced my DH about purchasing it was once he figured out what we spent in lodging going every other year with our family of five. He looked something like this guy --- He was very surprised at what our lodging alone cost us! Silly man!

Just in case let me wish you a little welcome home Just in case, you know?

 

[eternaldisneyfan]

I am really am enjoying reading your descriptive and honest report. In the past I have just lurked and read but now that I have my own report-I realize how nice it is to get replies...Great read!

Christamae

 

[DebIreland]

I am really am enjoying reading your descriptive and honest report. In the past I have just lurked and read but now that I have my own report-I realize how nice it is to get replies...Great read!
Christamae

Aw thanks Christamae!! Your own TR is just amazing and I'm enjoying it immensly.

once he figured out what we spent in lodging going every other year with our family of five. He looked something like this guy He was very surprised at what our lodging alone cost us! Silly man!

lol!! It's true though. We have 5 here too so that makes a difference!!

Just in case let me wish you a little welcome home Just in case, you know?

Thanks!!!

 

[Ricky's Girl]

Consider your allowance docked. No exceptions, no excuses. QUOTE]

That's okay as long as the funds are going towards our "new DVC membership" I'm putting a rush on those adoption papers.

 

[twob4him]

Hi Deb...greetings from across the pond! I would love to hear more about your DVC thoughts! I dont understand how it all works but I love the thought of it!

 

[dismom9761]

I have read your entire trip report today. It was wonderful and now I can't even remember what I wanted to comment on.Your children are beautiful (my youngest DD turned three 3/8 and I saw many similaries there) and enjoyed seeing WDW through your family.Looking forward to reading more...

 

[DebIreland]

That's okay as long as the funds are going towards our "new DVC membership" :rotfl2

Oh, er, people from Michican aren't allowed stay with Irish people at DVC resorts. Something to do with the clash in time zones and accents. Sorry. It's right there in the paperwork.

Hi Deb...greetings from across the pond! I would love to hear more about your DVC thoughts! I dont understand how it all works but I love the thought of it!

Me too!! You basically buy x amount of points either through Disney or through a resale company. As we're not from the U.S., Canada or the UK we can't buy direct from Disney (unless we go to WDW to sign up) so we (if we do decide to join) would buy a resale contract (or two) from a resale company. Each DVC resort requires a different amount of points per night, depending on the accommodation (studio, 1 bedroom etc) and the season. So it takes a lot of planning to know how many points you need. You're allowed to bank (save) your points til the next year and borrow from the next year which makes it really flexible. Also, whatever home resort you choose to buy into (Old Key West, Sarratoga Springs etc) you get a 4 month advantage there when making your reservations. Lots of info. Lots to think about.

I have read your entire trip report today. It was wonderful and now I can't even remember what I wanted to comment on.Your children are beautiful (my youngest DD turned three 3/8 and I saw many similaries there) and enjoyed seeing WDW through your family.Looking forward to reading more...

Thanks so much and welcome!! Wow! Our daughters are so close in age - just 5 days between them.

 

[MommySiobhan]

I'm only at page 7 but I just had to comment on that picture of your dd & eyeore, oh my! How absolutely ADORABLE!

That is a frame for sure!

 

[twob4him]

My husbands biggest complaint about time shares is that the time you want to go is when everyone else does too so you can never get in when you want. However with this 4 month advantage with DVC would this ever be the case???? We would always vacation in the summer so it isnt a problem for us to "plan ahead". I actually prefer it. And if you dont go every year you would only need the minimum points since you bank and put together points.
Boy, it sounds great Deb. I hope you guys do it!!!!

 

[Ricky's Girl]

Second Page? I don't think so! BUMPing you back to where you belong.

 

[Glendamax]

Hey?! Is it over? Did I miss the end?

 

[jonslola]

Hi Deb! I'm watching the Today show and Matt Lauer is in Ireland! I couldn't help but think of you! It is absolutely gorgeous there, of course you know that. I would love to travel there someday.(When will Disney Ireland be opening?) My birthday is coming up and we have an Irish pub downtown, everything in it was shipped over from Ireland. It's called the Claddaugh, and the food is fabulous. Maybe I'll have my birthday there and make a toast (with pepsi) to Deb, my favorite Irish DISer!

 

[DebIreland]

I'm only at page 7 but I just had to comment on that picture of your dd & eyeore, oh my! How absolutely ADORABLE!

That is a frame for sure!

Aw, thanks!! I love your Irish name!!! Do you pronounce it the way we do here - SHIV-AWN?? It's beautiful. Thanks for the kind words - I do love that photo myself. One of a multitude of pics I want to frame. Any day now!! )

My husbands biggest complaint about time shares is that the time you want to go is when everyone else does too so you can never get in when you want. However with this 4 month advantage with DVC would this ever be the case???? We would always vacation in the summer so it isnt a problem for us to "plan ahead". I actually prefer it. And if you dont go every year you would only need the minimum points since you bank and put together points.

Exactly! I think it's pretty flexible but yes, I would say that planning ahead is essential unless you don't mind where you stay. I'm to-ing and fro-ing all the time. My thinking now is that we might buy a small BWV contract to secure a few days in the Boardwalk on each trip but for the rest of the holiday just book through CRO or offsite. It wouldn't be as huge an outlay.
Thanks for sticking with me Cathy!

Second Page? I don't think so! BUMPing you back to where you belong.

Thanks - you're a gem!

Hey?! Is it over? Did I miss the end?

No fear! Many millions of words to go. Bet you're glad you signed on for this.

Hi Deb! I'm watching the Today show and Matt Lauer is in Ireland! I couldn't help but think of you! It is absolutely gorgeous there, of course you know that. I would love to travel there someday.

People do seem to like visiting here. I live in a very touristy area. I don't *see* the particular attraction myself of many of the touristy areas honestly but then everything's different through newcomers' eyes. There are some *amazingly* beautiful rugged landscapes for sure e.g. all along the West (from south West and on up the west coast) - I must dig out my pics of the area we go camping in - it's incredibly barren and unspoilt. I'll post some if I find them. Oh, I do hope you get to come here some day!!!

My birthday is coming up and we have an Irish pub downtown, everything in it was shipped over from Ireland. It's called the Claddaugh, and the food is fabulous. Maybe I'll have my birthday there and make a toast (with pepsi) to Deb, my favorite Irish DISer!

Aw! Thanks. And sláinte!

 

[twob4him]

When I was between my 9th and 10th grade in school, my mom, dad and I went to England, Scotland, Wales and Ireland. We spent a month traveling. It was absolutely wonderful! I love green rolling hills and farms...that is my ideal. I hope heaven is like that

 

[MommySiobhan]

Aw, thanks!! I love your Irish name!!! Do you pronounce it the way we do here - SHIV-AWN?? It's beautiful. Thanks for the kind words - I do love that photo myself. One of a multitude of pics I want to frame. Any day now!! )

Yes Indeed and thank you! It's not very often I meet anyone that knows off the bat how to pronounce it

 

[KathyRN137]

Nudge, nudge.

(In other words, Enough with the friendly chit-chat, get back to work! )

What happens next?

Kathy

 

[DisneyJo]

Just saying