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

[SAT887]

We were looking at the Piedmont Region (ie: central NC) in the Triad area. We've looked into so many cities it makes my head spin (Cary was one of them, IIRC). You sound so much like us - we are excited about the prospect of being closer to FL without being there, closer to the ocean and the mountains, both of which we love.

Yes, the humidity and heat is our one big worry. I do not think my husband could adapt to working 8+ hours in that. He's been wanting to change professions, but at his age, it would be difficult.

We're looking to move within the next 5 years. We still have some work to do on our house yet, which of course takes money and time. We're hoping he could get transferred with his current employer, but with the way things are these days, one never knows.

Cary is very nice from what I can tell. My DH recently got in touch with an old friend who is also helping us with locations - he has suggested a few areas south of Raleigh. We are looking at the entire Raleigh metro area - we want to cut down on commuting (DH mostly) and our employer has about 12-14 locations. I understand on the whole money house thing! That's what we've been doing! In the past year we finished 1/2 the basement, renovated our bathroom and kitchen. We are done (minus a coat of paint on the outside. We hope to get down there this year. Our realtor seems hopeful too. Its nerve wracking though! I feel like I need all the planets in alignment to have this all work out! Sell house, job transfers....

 

[middlesista]

We bought from undercover tourist in 2011 for our trip that year. We went through mousesavers.com, which gave us a small discount. They were great!


Seems these days I can't get enough of the dis! I am on here way too much making plans for our trip. Loving the trip reports, especially. Anyone here have a link to their trip report?? I need more reading material!

YES!! Also becoming addicted to reading trip reports and food reviews. Goodness - we are not heading to WDW until January 2014 and my daughter and I are already "discussing" our meal strategy. She is all about the character meals and although my husband and I enjoy watching the grandchildren sometimes a meal devoid of characters seem like a good idea. They did the Cinderella Castle breakfast last time and we did not go but were thinking about attending next year since our granddaughter had such a blast. However my husband decided that he does not want to use 2 meals tickets to "eat scrambled eggs"

 

[SleepingBeauty69]

Hi! I am starting to possibly / hopefully plan a March 2014 trip since we just received our 2013/2014 school schedule!! I was thrilled to learn that we'll have our spring break one month BEFORE Easter, March 17-21. When I looked at an unofficial crowd calendar though, these dates were NOT recommended and had VERY high crowds. I can't figure out why, unless everyone else has an early spring break too due to a late Easter?

 

[laurenn1490]

Hi! I am starting to possibly / hopefully plan a March 2014 trip since we just received our 2013/2014 school schedule!! I was thrilled to learn that we'll have our spring break one month BEFORE Easter, March 17-21. When I looked at an unofficial crowd calendar though, these dates were NOT recommended and had VERY high crowds. I can't figure out why, unless everyone else has an early spring break too due to a late Easter?

I think the months of March and April are just common spring break times, so any week you go in that time period, there is going to be at least one spring break. That's also around the time colleges have their spring breaks.

I went last year with my DBF March 19-23, and although there were large crowds, it was manageable since we knew how to utilize fastpasses and rope drops, and had hoppers. it was a laid back vacation so if something had huge lines, we skipped it or went to a different park. The new Fastpass+ system will likely be all rolled out by 2014, and hopefully by then we'll all know more about it and how to best utilize the system for busy weeks!

 

[SleepingBeauty69]

I think the months of March and April are just common spring break times, so any week you go in that time period, there is going to be at least one spring break. That's also around the time colleges have their spring breaks.

I went last year with my DBF March 19-23, and although there were large crowds, it was manageable since we knew how to utilize fastpasses and rope drops, and had hoppers. it was a laid back vacation so if something had huge lines, we skipped it or went to a different park. The new Fastpass+ system will likely be all rolled out by 2014, and hopefully by then we'll all know more about it and how to best utilize the system for busy weeks!

Thanks!!

 

[Valgoof]

All this talk of NC makes me want to move south. I tell DH every time it snows or is really cold that we should move to NC. All of our family is here though, so I doubt we ever move. So glad we have a new thread Sarah. Cant wait to hear how this year goes for you.

Bearcatsfan--put me down for Nov 28-Dec 6 at POFQ. My Dec 2012 friends know that the resort MIGHT change a few times. I think I booked 4 or 5 different resorts for that trip and seriously considered a few more. And those dates make me feel twitchy since it is unlikely there would be any discounts with Thanksgiving weekend and then Pop Warner week. But as of right now, that is the plan.

 

[BearcatsFan]

All this talk of NC makes me want to move south. I tell DH every time it snows or is really cold that we should move to NC. All of our family is here though, so I doubt we ever move. So glad we have a new thread Sarah. Cant wait to hear how this year goes for you.

Bearcatsfan--put me down for Nov 28-Dec 6 at POFQ. My Dec 2012 friends know that the resort MIGHT change a few times. I think I booked 4 or 5 different resorts for that trip and seriously considered a few more. And those dates make me feel twitchy since it is unlikely there would be any discounts with Thanksgiving weekend and then Pop Warner week. But as of right now, that is the plan.

I never did ask you - where in the Buckeye State are you?

All our family is either here in Ohio or in Florida - we have nobody in NC at all! The weather, the closeness of the things we enjoy, and so many other things that are calling us there. Our families honestly think we're kind of crazy to move somewhere where we have no-one, but I think sometimes you just know when it's the right decision. I keep reminding them that at this point, it's still in the research stage, so quit getting so worked up!

I will put your dates and info down. I can change it with the click of a button, so no worries!

 

[BearcatsFan]

Just thought I'd pop in ~ not Disney related...but Orlando related!

We are planning our summer beach trip to the Gulf Coast ~ it is so expensive to rent a condo. It will probably be at least $1000 for the week, probably closer to $1200. Well, since we are more than likely staying off site for our 2014 WDW trip, I've been pricing a lot of condos in the Orlando area......and I think I've convinced DH to go to Orlando for a week instead! It's only about 3 hours further (I know...only, lol, with kids it won't be so easy!). And we won't do Disney, but I think for the same price we could get a condo for a week and a day at Seaworld (which would mean we more than likely wouldn't go during our 2014 trip ~ so even if it's more, it all comes out in the wash b/c eventually we would be doing SW, so pay now to go or later). And then we will also do a day at Aquatica (we woudl do a water park day at whatever beach we go to). I know it will be hard to be so close to WDW and not go ~ but maybe it will help give me my disney fix until we go back. We would do a couple days at the beach ~ the main drawback is that on the coast we would be beach front, but the ages of our kids ~ we wouldn't be hanging out at the beach all day everyday. We just need to be sure to get a condo with a fun pool! OH, and if we go, I'm on the fence about telling the girls (well, my oldest) how close we are to Disney. A part of me thinks it would be fun to do a character meal at CMs, but I think that would probably make it harder, especially on the kids!

This sounds great! I'm not sure I would tell the kids how close you are to WDW without actually going. Plus I think it would be harder for YOU also, not just the kids!

Lots of great links to activities in the Orlando area in Post#2. Keep us updated on your plans.

 

[Valgoof]

I never did ask you - where in the Buckeye State are you?

All our family is either here in Ohio or in Florida - we have nobody in NC at all! The weather, the closeness of the things we enjoy, and so many other things that are calling us there. Our families honestly think we're kind of crazy to move somewhere where we have no-one, but I think sometimes you just know when it's the right decision. I keep reminding them that at this point, it's still in the research stage, so quit getting so worked up!

I will put your dates and info down. I can change it with the click of a button, so no worries!

I am in Columbus. I went to Ohio State. My brother graduates from there in May. He was in the marching band, so that has been a lot of fun.

My DH is the middle one of 3 boys. He is the one that his parents always call when they need something, even though the other 2 are local too. So he feels like he "can't" leave while they are alive and might need him. Yes, he has issues. Good luck with your move! I will live vicariously through you and Sarah.

I actually joined the resort changers thread for a month last year. Then I lost my job in November, so we went with Pop. Now this year I have a year and nine months to make changes??

 

[BearcatsFan]

Hi! I am starting to possibly / hopefully plan a March 2014 trip since we just received our 2013/2014 school schedule!! I was thrilled to learn that we'll have our spring break one month BEFORE Easter, March 17-21. When I looked at an unofficial crowd calendar though, these dates were NOT recommended and had VERY high crowds. I can't figure out why, unless everyone else has an early spring break too due to a late Easter?

I agree with Laurenn - both those months are busy Spring Break times because different schools take their breaks at different times. If you go in knowing it will be busy, and have a good touring plan, you should be able to get done all you want to do. Being prepared is key!

 

[BDL]

YES!! Also becoming addicted to reading trip reports and food reviews. Goodness - we are not heading to WDW until January 2014 and my daughter and I are already "discussing" our meal strategy. She is all about the character meals and although my husband and I enjoy watching the grandchildren sometimes a meal devoid of characters seem like a good idea. They did the Cinderella Castle breakfast last time and we did not go but were thinking about attending next year since our granddaughter had such a blast. However my husband decided that he does not want to use 2 meals tickets to "eat scrambled eggs"

Try for the Princess Breakfast at Akershus. I believe it is only 1 credit and the princesses make their rounds to the tables.

 

[BearcatsFan]

I am in Columbus. I went to Ohio State. My brother graduates from there in May. He was in the marching band, so that has been a lot of fun.

My DH is the middle one of 3 boys. He is the one that his parents always call when they need something, even though the other 2 are local too. So he feels like he "can't" leave while they are alive and might need him. Yes, he has issues. Good luck with your move! I will live vicariously through you and Sarah.

I actually joined the resort changers thread for a month last year. Then I lost my job in November, so we went with Pop. Now this year I have a year and nine months to make changes??

Your brother is in The Best ----- Band in the Land? How exciting for you and your family! I love your avatar - I've been looking for one everywhere for UC but can't find any that aren't licensed.

You'll be waiting a while to live vicariously through me - I'm going to be watching Sarah's move closely and continuing to read, research, and learn. Hopefully someday we can make this our reality, also.

I'm a notorious resort changer, also. Maybe we both need that little orange bird icon in our sig lines.

 

[BearcatsFan]

Cary is very nice from what I can tell. My DH recently got in touch with an old friend who is also helping us with locations - he has suggested a few areas south of Raleigh. We are looking at the entire Raleigh metro area - we want to cut down on commuting (DH mostly) and our employer has about 12-14 locations. I understand on the whole money house thing! That's what we've been doing! In the past year we finished 1/2 the basement, renovated our bathroom and kitchen. We are done (minus a coat of paint on the outside. We hope to get down there this year. Our realtor seems hopeful too. Its nerve wracking though! I feel like I need all the planets in alignment to have this all work out! Sell house, job transfers....

You're so lucky to have someone local to help you! We're trying to research and do this all on our own, which stinks sometimes. It's way too soon for us to contact a real estate agent, we'd just be wasting their time at this point, KWIM? Plus without way more local knowledge of where we actually want to be and a few target areas ... we're just throwing darts at the board for now.

I'll be thinking of and praying for you that this all goes smoothly! A little pixie dust never hurts, either.

 

[New To Mom]

This may have been asked already, but does anyone know when we can officially book for 2014? We were planning to go Oct 2013 but decided to hold off until Feb 2014. Thanks'

 

[hsmamainva]

This may have been asked already, but does anyone know when we can officially book for 2014? We were planning to go Oct 2013 but decided to hold off until Feb 2014. Thanks'

499 days out you can book room-only.

Prices & packages for 2014 are available beginning in August of this year.

 

[SAT887]

You're so lucky to have someone local to help you! We're trying to research and do this all on our own, which stinks sometimes. It's way too soon for us to contact a real estate agent, we'd just be wasting their time at this point, KWIM? Plus without way more local knowledge of where we actually want to be and a few target areas ... we're just throwing darts at the board for now.

I'll be thinking of and praying for you that this all goes smoothly! A little pixie dust never hurts, either.

The real estate agent we are working has sold our house 2x. We did a walk through with her last year to see what the house might sell for and to prioritize our projects. It was very helpful and I suggest that when you are closer to moving. If I get their first I will gladly help you with first hand info! And I need pixie dust by the wheelbarrow full!!!

 

[Valgoof]

Your brother is in The Best ----- Band in the Land? How exciting for you and your family! I love your avatar - I've been looking for one everywhere for UC but can't find any that aren't licensed.

I'm a notorious resort changer, also. Maybe we both need that little orange bird icon in our sig lines.

Yep he is in TBDBITL. . He wants to be a middle school band director.

My problem is I have deluxe dreams on a value budget. Hoping a mod works for us. I love the look of POR and CSR, but the size and multiple bus stops freak me out. POFQ calms both of those fears.

 

[Holly324]

My husband is military and I'm from So Cal! We live about two hours from Raleigh. I would love to love up there're, but the commute would be a killer! We low being able to drive to Disney! We're getting ready to move to the Gulf Coast of FL which will cut a few hours off of our drive to Disney so I'm excited about that! I wish you the best of luck in settling in NC. It's been a great home for us so I hope you love it!

Where in the gulf coast are you going to be? Did I see you post another time saying Pensacola? We lived on the gulf coast for about 4 years. My DH was in the USAF for about 10 years. We loved the beaches, and we could do Disney in a 5 1/2 hour drive, which was a perk. We were in the Destin/Ft. Walton beach area. Sooooooo nice! A little too hot for me to make it a permanent home, though!

 

[BearcatsFan]

The real estate agent we are working has sold our house 2x. We did a walk through with her last year to see what the house might sell for and to prioritize our projects. It was very helpful and I suggest that when you are closer to moving. If I get their first I will gladly help you with first hand info! And I need pixie dust by the wheelbarrow full!!!

Thank you so much for the advice and offer to help once you get there - I appreciate that more than I can say.

Here's some more pixiedust for you!

Yep he is in TBDBITL. . He wants to be a middle school band director.

My problem is I have deluxe dreams on a value budget. Hoping a mod works for us. I love the look of POR and CSR, but the size and multiple bus stops freak me out. POFQ calms both of those fears.

We have deluxe dreams on the same budget! Our dream was to stay at WL for our 15th anniversary trip, the one we're taking next year. That is definitely not in the cards - I priced it out and WOW! FQ is so beautiful, and small, and the boat to DTD is a huge plus. I forget - have you stayed there before?

 

[middlesista]

Try for the Princess Breakfast at Akershus. I believe it is only 1 credit and the princesses make their rounds to the tables.

We actually did this meal. One night my daughter and her husband wanted a "date" night so my husband and I brought our granddaughter to Akershus - I thought it was great fun. Great suggestion BDL for folks who do not know about this.