~*~The OFFICIAL 2014 Dates Thread - Come Join Us!~*~

[BearcatsFan]

Good luck and happy early birthday (I remember you posting earlier it was coming up)
I'm in the same position - I was telling DD4 that how she won't be 6 until we go back and then DH chimed in and said well maybe we could go when she's 5 and mentioned that he's anxious to see the new fantasyland finished (this is the same guy that I had to beg and convince to go in 2011 - now I have him hooked! Or "disneyafied" as I like to call it)

Hey, thanks! My birthday is Saturday. I'm turning 40. I think we're going to dinner and seeing Les Miserables, but that could all be a ruse.

I've never really had to convince my husband - he loves Disney, just not as much as me. Just the fact that he's considering it gives me a bright spot in all this grey, yucky weather.

I hope you're able to get your trip this year, too!

 

[Holly324]

Hello all! Just jumped over here from the other 2014 thread. Our dates are tentative, but right now, we are planning on being in the world from October 14-23. Resort TBD, we still haven't decided.

 

[SJSloan]

Hello everyone,

I am somewhat new to the boards, but not to Disney.

We are planning a trip in the first half of June 2014, maybe for my step-daughter's 9th birthday. It can't come soon enough.

We are a family of 5, and thought we would have to do the Value Family Suites but I discovered that POR is almost half the price this year and can fit 5. So that is probably where it is going to be unless a good deal comes up somewhere else.

 

[BearcatsFan]

Hello all! Just jumped over here from the other 2014 thread. Our dates are tentative, but right now, we are planning on being in the world from October 14-23. Resort TBD, we still haven't decided.

Glad you decided to jump on over and join us! I'll get you added to the list - update me on the resort when you decide.

Hello everyone,

I am somewhat new to the boards, but not to Disney.

We are planning a trip in the first half of June 2014, maybe for my step-daughter's 9th birthday. It can't come soon enough.

We are a family of 5, and thought we would have to do the Value Family Suites but I discovered that POR is almost half the price this year and can fit 5. So that is probably where it is going to be unless a good deal comes up somewhere else.

to the DIS and to the group!

The waiting is the hardest part, isn't it? I just keep reminding myself that the trip is now "next year" and that seems to help some.

Yes, POR will fit a family of 5 in the Alligator Bayou section. There's a great thread over on the Resort Board all about POR, along with a well-maintained fansite all about the PO resorts. If you have questions, don't hesitate to ask.

 

[SAT887]

I'm glad! I love talking with others about Disney, and my husband and other family members can only take so much of it! The DIS is my one and only outlet where I can fly my freak flag proudly.

Plus I know it's way too early to start a November 2014 thread, and this way I can live vicariously through everyone else who is going before me! I love to see what others are planning and how they're budgeting and what creative things they're doing for their own trips.

An adults-only trip! If you need some romantic ideas, ask away - all my trips are adults-only.

Haha I have one of those freak flags too!!

Oooo I would take some romantic suggestions. DH and I are trying to sneak away for 4 nights during F&W this year!

 

[gracer9977]

Hey, thanks! My birthday is Saturday. I'm turning 40. I think we're going to dinner and seeing Les Miserables, but that could all be a ruse.

I've never really had to convince my husband - he loves Disney, just not as much as me. Just the fact that he's considering it gives me a bright spot in all this grey, yucky weather.

I hope you're able to get your trip this year, too!

Happy almost 40th birthday BearcatsFan!!!! I will be hitting the big 4 0 in June so not that far behind you!!!

Hope you have a wonderful day!!!

 

[laurenn1490]

Just joined the boards! DBF and I are planning an early February 2014 trip at POR and I cannot be more excited!! Our last trip was Mar '12, and before that was Dec/Jan '09/10. Needless to say, I'm happy to be going at a more relaxing time of year! Looking forward to reading these boards as I plan

 

[BearcatsFan]

Haha I have one of those freak flags too!!

Oooo I would take some romantic suggestions. DH and I are trying to sneak away for 4 nights during F&W this year!

Fly it proudly, says I!

For romantic suggestions:
1. The carriage ride at POR. Seriously, this was the best money spent on our last trip. You can book it for $45 (25-30 minute ride, IIRC). You get your own horsedrawn carriage (no tag-alongs) that takes you all around the beautiful mansion buildings at POR at a leisurely pace. My husband thought he was booking it for sunset time, but the sun was basically all the way down. In a way, that was better because all the buildings were lit and the reflections on the Sassagoula were spectacular!

2. In-room dining. I don't care if it's just pizza delivery, there's nothing that beats having dinner delivered to your room where you can eat at your leisure in private.

3. The wine tour at EPCOT WS. You go to Germany, Italy, or France and purchase a Wine Passport. It costs around $25 for a passport - that gets you 6 wine samples (two in each of the countries mentioned above). This would be especially nice during F&W.

4. Fireworks cruise. However, if you can't afford to privately rent a boat for this since it costs so much, the alternate is to rent a boat from one of the many marinas on WDW property for an hour or so during the afternoon and take a picnic lunch with you.

5. A couples massage or other spa experience at Nikki Bryan spa at SSR.

6. Watch "Wishes" from somewhere other than MK, such as a restaurant or the Poly beach.

7. If you'll have a car, there are a lot of other things you can do in the Orlando area (museums if that's your thing, tubing in a natural spring with a picnic lunch after, boat rides, etc.)

HTH

 

[BearcatsFan]

Happy almost 40th birthday BearcatsFan!!!! I will be hitting the big 4 0 in June so not that far behind you!!!

Hope you have a wonderful day!!!

Thank you!

 

[BearcatsFan]

Just joined the boards! DBF and I are planning an early February 2014 trip at POR and I cannot be more excited!! Our last trip was Mar '12, and before that was Dec/Jan '09/10. Needless to say, I'm happy to be going at a more relaxing time of year! Looking forward to reading these boards as I plan

to the DIS and to our group! Glad you decided to join the fun.

POR is a beautiful place. Make sure you leave some time just to walk around and enjoy the gorgeous grounds - the landscaping is outstanding there.

Let me know when you have firm dates. If you have any questions at all, please don't hesitate to ask!

 

[lovingeire]

I think it was pretty easy, have never tie dyed before. I used this thread for instructions. Tie Dye Mickey Shirts!

What I learned, dye resist is more like a paint, 100% cotton is the way to go (cotton holds onto the dye best) , bleach pens are your friends! What's fun is you can do any simple shape, I also did a heart, the next time I die dye I will try addtional shapes for my kiddos, like maybe a star or crown.... Even DH had fun making these with me!

These look fabulous! I tried this for our last trip and I they didn't come out very bright. I did them with a friend for both of our trips and we didn't "cure" them so to speak. I'm not sure if that's why they were so blah or if it was the dye we used. I may have to try again for our next rip. We'll see....

 

[lovingeire]

to our growing group! I'll get your info added to the list.

When are you moving to the Gulf Coast? How exciting for you and your family!

Deluxe dining, eh? I also see a lot of ADRs in your future! Are you going to try and score BOG?

We are hoping to move sometime between Feb & Jun/Jul. We'll see. We have to wait for our house here to rent, which is making thing interesting! Otherwise we'd be FL bound sooner than later!

Yes, I'm a little nervous about all the food! My husband could eat until the cows come home, but the rest of us not quite as much. I am going to try to get BOG this trip since we didn't do it last month. Our plan had been to do lunch, but the line was so long that I couldn't justify it with my antsy two year old.

We've done the DDP plan in our past 2 trips. In 2010, we fell into free dining for our vacation. Last month, we bought into the DxDP. I did the math. Since we were doing a couple of dinner/show combos (Candlelight Processional and Fantasmic!) which took 2 credits each, and dinner at Le Cellier, which is 2 credits too, the DxDP made sense. And the convenience was nice too.

But without the shows, the DDP would have been fine for us, with maybe 2 meals out of pocket.

We managed with the regular dining plan on our last two trips and normally did a meal or two out of pocket. Since we have a toddler we really want to do more character breakfasts so we will see how it goes. I have a list of ADR's I want on my phone that I add to. I am already planning on doing the Hoop De Do Revue for my oldest son's birthday because he said that sounds like fun and I'm contemplating the luau as well because we've never done it. I might try the Fantasmic dinner package as well since we'll have the credits. We always use two credits at California Grill because it's our favorite which is one of the reasons we decided to do the deluxe. We normally use it for a date night. I'm thinking of trying to talk all my boys into Cinderella's Royal Table too since we'll have the credits, but that one might be a stretch! I'm not sure they'll go for it. Needles to say, I might spend the next year just planning where to eat and you know I'll be going nuts at that 180 day mark! What time can I start making reservations again?

 

[hsmamainva]

If you use one PIN code, can you change it to another PIN code later?

We've never stayed on-site so I'm trying to figure it out.

Here's what I mean:

I received a pin code last week for up to 35% off of a room for a certain number of dates, including August & September. There was a free dining one, but only on stays January through March. Let's pretend that I'm receiving this code this same time next year for our August stay in the AOA Family Suite. I book our August stay by February __ and I'm all set.

Since AOA is a Value resort, I'd likely only get 10% off .. maybe a little more because we're renting a suite.

What happens if a free dining pin comes out in March or April for our already booked August stay? Can we call them up and get free dining instead of the room discount? All the way around, the free dining pin would save us more money than the room discount.

I'm asking because...I'd rather have free dining than a room discount pin... but I'd hate to lose out on the room discount pin by holding out for a free dining pin that may or may not show up.

Color me confused. LOL

 

[BearcatsFan]

We are hoping to move sometime between Feb & Jun/Jul. We'll see. We have to wait for our house here to rent, which is making thing interesting! Otherwise we'd be FL bound sooner than later!

I wish you the absolute best. We have family in the area, so we've tossed around the idea of moving to FL for years and years. Make absolutely sure you investigate the schools for the area you are moving to, and rent before you buy if at all possible.

Yes, I'm a little nervous about all the food! My husband could eat until the cows come home, but the rest of us not quite as much. I am going to try to get BOG this trip since we didn't do it last month. Our plan had been to do lunch, but the line was so long that I couldn't justify it with my antsy two year old.

I've heard the line for the QS BOG is horrible! People lining up early in the morning, waiting for hours, etc. I hope you're able to get an ADR ... or that it's popularity has waned some by then!

We managed with the regular dining plan on our last two trips and normally did a meal or two out of pocket. Since we have a toddler we really want to do more character breakfasts so we will see how it goes. I have a list of ADR's I want on my phone that I add to. I am already planning on doing the Hoop De Do Revue for my oldest son's birthday because he said that sounds like fun and I'm contemplating the luau as well because we've never done it. I might try the Fantasmic dinner package as well since we'll have the credits. We always use two credits at California Grill because it's our favorite which is one of the reasons we decided to do the deluxe. We normally use it for a date night. I'm thinking of trying to talk all my boys into Cinderella's Royal Table too since we'll have the credits, but that one might be a stretch! I'm not sure they'll go for it. Needles to say, I might spend the next year just planning where to eat and you know I'll be going nuts at that 180 day mark! What time can I start making reservations again?

6 a.m. for online, 7 a.m. on the phone.

I've heard great things about HDDR. Is CG worth the money? How are the portions? My husband is a big eater. I'm always worried about booking the Signature restaurants because he has a huge appetite. For a skinny guy, you'd never know he eats like a horse (of course, I look at food and it goes right to my hips ).

 

[BearcatsFan]

If you use one PIN code, can you change it to another PIN code later?

We've never stayed on-site so I'm trying to figure it out.

Here's what I mean:

I received a pin code last week for up to 35% off of a room for a certain number of dates, including August & September. There was a free dining one, but only on stays January through March. Let's pretend that I'm receiving this code this same time next year for our August stay in the AOA Family Suite. I book our August stay by February __ and I'm all set.

Since AOA is a Value resort, I'd likely only get 10% off .. maybe a little more because we're renting a suite.

What happens if a free dining pin comes out in March or April for our already booked August stay? Can we call them up and get free dining instead of the room discount? All the way around, the free dining pin would save us more money than the room discount.

I'm asking because...I'd rather have free dining than a room discount pin... but I'd hate to lose out on the room discount pin by holding out for a free dining pin that may or may not show up.

Color me confused. LOL

Yes, you can change PIN codes later on if a better deal comes out. BUT, the circumstances have to be right ... I'll explain.

Say you apply that discount PIN, you get your room discount, you're a happy camper. FD promo comes out - you've been waiting for it, but in the meantime used your percent off - you call to have them apply the new discount to your existing reservation.

First, you would lose your room discount. You can't "stack" discounts, meaning you can only use one at a time. You'd have to decide which one really saves you more money, since free dining isn't really free.

Second, there would have to be a room available at the resort you're booked at that fits your needs under the promo. For example ... you are booked under a family suite at AoA. When you call to change the discount from percent off, the only rooms available under the FD promo are standard rooms. So then you have to choose ... can you live with a standard room to get the FD promo, or should you just stick with the family suite and the percent off discount? Or is there another resort with a room available that fits your needs that you're willing to move to in order to get that FD promo?

Does that help?

 

[gracer9977]

ONE YEAR MARK!!!!!!!!!! Oh Happy Day!!!!

Only 365 days to go!!

 

[BearcatsFan]

ONE YEAR MARK!!!!!!!!!! Oh Happy Day!!!!

Only 365 days to go!!

Woohoo! Let the less-than-a-year countdown begin!

 

[hsmamainva]

Yes, you can change PIN codes later on if a better deal comes out. BUT, the circumstances have to be right ... I'll explain.

Say you apply that discount PIN, you get your room discount, you're a happy camper. FD promo comes out - you've been waiting for it, but in the meantime used your percent off - you call to have them apply the new discount to your existing reservation.

First, you would lose your room discount. You can't "stack" discounts, meaning you can only use one at a time. You'd have to decide which one really saves you more money, since free dining isn't really free.

Second, there would have to be a room available at the resort you're booked at that fits your needs under the promo. For example ... you are booked under a family suite at AoA. When you call to change the discount from percent off, the only rooms available under the FD promo are standard rooms. So then you have to choose ... can you live with a standard room to get the FD promo, or should you just stick with the family suite and the percent off discount? Or is there another resort with a room available that fits your needs that you're willing to move to in order to get that FD promo?

Does that help?

YES! It does!

Thank you!

We'd probably end up taking the room discount. My daughter's heart is set on that Finding Nemo suite -- and she's tall and thin and doesn't each much anyway -- my hubby keeps insisting that we'd never eat enough (there's just the three of us) to justify a dining plan.

You're awesome, btw!

 

[wiigirl]

Woohoo! Let the less-than-a-year countdown begin!

Yay!

 

[BearcatsFan]

YES! It does!

Thank you!

We'd probably end up taking the room discount. My daughter's heart is set on that Finding Nemo suite -- and she's tall and thin and doesn't each much anyway -- my hubby keeps insisting that we'd never eat enough (there's just the three of us) to justify a dining plan.

You're awesome, btw!

Glad I could help!

The thing to remember with the "free" dining plan is that it isn't really free - you pay full rack rate prices for the room to get that promo. Then you have to do the really complicated Disney math (how much the dining plan you're getting costs vs how much you could save on a room discount vs how much you'd really be eating) to see if you really save by going with that discount.

Saving money on the dining plan is something that's hotly contested around here, so I'll keep my advice simple and friendly. Look over the menus, see what you would likely eat. Remember, Disney portions are HUGE. Do you sometimes like to get an appetizer instead of an entree? Not an option on the dining plan at TS restaurants. There's a lot to consider before jumping into a dining plan that may or may not work financially for your family.

If it's the convenience factor of it all that appeals to you, here's an idea for you. Check out the menus. Figure out what you'd likely eat every day, keeping in mind the portion sizes. Take the money and buy Disney gift cards with it, then use those to pay for your meals. Alternately, if you want to just have one thing to keep track of instead of juggling a bunch of gift cards, you can set it up at the front desk to charge to your KTTW card (or MagicBand, whatever they're using now), then pay that balance before you leave with the gift cards you purchased. This way you have the ease of the dining plan (not having to whip out cash every time you buy something and cringing every time you do so) without trying to max out the value of it by ordering things you really don't want in order to justify what you paid for it and get your full money's worth.