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

[BearcatsFan]

Finally caught up on all the posts since I was last here So far, we've got a really great looking house rented for the (potential) 8 of us and tickets just came in from UT! The last time around, we used the DDP to eat at all the restaurants that we were interested in. It was fun as it was our first trip and all, but ended up being food overload for us... This trip, I think we'll pick a few faves and pack some picnics from the house - 50's Prime Time, a BOG lunch, and hopefully the Wishes party are the plan!

Also, we're a shareable-type family - we'd rather get 4 snacks and eat 1/4 of 4 different things than have one whole something to ourselves. Any favorites from the parks that can't be missed? Dole Whips and Mickey Bars aside of course

My favs from the parks are the mango gelato from Cosmic Ray's and the Nutella sandwich with strawberries from Sleepy Hollow. Can't go wrong with either of those, IMHO!

 

[BearcatsFan]

Put me down for January 24 - 27th!

It's looking more and more likely that my little sister (13) will be coming with me. Strangely enough, she is not a Disney fanatic. She enjoys it but really she is such a homebody. The last time she went she was 6 so a lot has changed. She is very much looking forward to the Japan pavilion in Epcot. She loves Anime!

Of course this trip is tentative depending on whether my work contract is renewed (which is highly likely ) but if for some reason it isn't, I'll have to push it back until I receive my tax refund. Either way, I'm saving up as much as I can for now!

I'll get you added onto the January list! Good luck with the work contract - here's some pixiedust for you that it gets renewed!

 

[BearcatsFan]

Been a long time since I have actually logged on x)
Well my family the 4 of us have finally decided on dates May 3-11, Awesome!!
I have been pondering this for some time now, I know most people book on the Disney website and their vacation is paid there now here's what I'm thinking of, when I checked prices on Orbitz, Expedia, Hotels, AAA, etc the prices for the resorts are cheaper and if we pick AoA those prices will be wonderful. Now here is what I'm worried about let's use Orbitz for example-
1) Will we still receive benefits if we book through a different website
2) Will we still get the room we desire or will we end up being pushed over if a family from the Disney website purchased the room and they have no more room
3) Is it worth doing it from another website? I mean this is what I got-
Disney AoA Suite- Tickets + Resort Rooms= $4,651 if we add Dining=$6,528
Orbitz AoA Suite- Resort Rooms + Disney Tickets=$4,089

Were paying OOP (or do you recommend the Dining Plan?) and have a budget of $5,000 so..yeah however the CS resort is only $3,675, but why is there always a but , this is our first trip plus were celebrating my mom's 40th and mother's day. We also have POR, ASM, and CBR to look at AoA is just an example.
Any help and advice will be so greatly appreciated!!!! Thank you to all who reply!

I will add your dates on to the May list! As far as booking through another website, unfortunately I can't help you with that. I've only ever used a TA to book our trips, AAA for the last several.

The dining plan is harder to give advice about. I would suggest you check out the menus on Allears and price out everything you think you would order. Do you normally eat three meals a day? If so, then price it out that way. Do you normally eat dessert with lunch and dinner? Price out EVERYTHING you think you would eat, then compare that to the cost of the dining plan you're interested in, keeping in mind what the dining plan includes (dessert with lunch and dinner, beverages) and what it does not include (appetizers, tips at TS meals, etc.). Only then can you get a real feel for whether it is "worth it" for you to get it or not.

 

[BearcatsFan]

We are still going to the world oct 10-20 2014 but changed from POR to CSR to a jr suite. celebrating 2 birthdays and an aniversary
Simmons-Thrower familys

for a Junior suite! I'll add your celebrations onto the list and change you to POR!

 

[BearcatsFan]

We've switched resorts (again) for our April trip. We are officially booked at the Animal Kingdom lodge in April.

Sent from my iPad using DISBoards

I'll get you switched to AKL!

 

[BearcatsFan]

hello everyone!!

We have been "away" for a bit. Had family in town and other issues come up.

My phone reminded me that today my countdown is at 199

Hope everyone is doing well and the planning is moving right along!

-Kristi

Hey Kristi! Under 200 days - time is gonna fly by now! Before long you can make your ADRs!

 

[BearcatsFan]

I am so excited... I am coming in solo for the Glass Slipper Challenge in February. I am working on my resort now.... Have to get something booked so I can start planning my dining!!!

Welcome to our group! Once you get your resort set and figure out your dates, I'll get you added on to the list for February!

Best of luck in the Glass Slipper Challenge! Look forward to hearing all about your plans!

 

[BearcatsFan]

We are going June 8-15. We rented a villa about 10 minutes away.

We are celebrating our first family trip and 3 birthdays!

Hi there, and welcome to our group and to the DIS! Glad you decided to join us!

Sounds like you have a lot of celebrating going on for this trip! I'll get you added on to the list for June - did you want to share where you are staying offsite?

If you have any questions, don't hesitate to jump in and ask.

 

[BearcatsFan]

Hooray for 2014! Can't come fast enough! We'll be going in October 2014. Dates TBD and resort TBD, but really looking forward to working with David's Vacation Club Rentals. Hoping for a studio at BWV with a Boardwalk view or BCV (both to be near Epcot). If not possible, then perhaps AKV with a Savannah view. I'm not much more than a full day at AK person, but it'd be cool to wake up every morning to a giraffe if I can't be near Epcot (which I really want to be for the F&W festival). Maybe BLT since it's on the monorail... so many choices and all seem awesome!

Hey there DummbGiRL (your name cracks me up!! ) - welcome to the 2014 group!

I'll get you added onto the October list as BWV or BCV. Once you get your dates set and resort confirmed, make sure you post so I can get you updated.

Since you're interested in so many of the DVC properties, had you considered doing a split-stay?

If you have questions, ask away! Look forward to getting to know you!

 

[hsmamainva]

We're booked!!!!

Booked an off site 5 bedroom house in Park Ridge for May 8-18 today!!!

December on-site is just not in the budget right now.

 

[BearcatsFan]

We're booked!!!!

Booked an off site 5 bedroom house in Park Ridge for May 8-18 today!!!

December on-site is just not in the budget right now.

So sorry your December trip didn't work out. I got you added onto the May list, though! I'm sure you'll have a fantastic time!

 

[hsmamainva]

So sorry your December trip didn't work out. I got you added onto the May list, though! I'm sure you'll have a fantastic time!

Thanks!!!

And I think this works out for the best. My kids are still at the "love the rides" ages. Figure there will be time to go at Christmastime and enjoy the decorations when they're older ... or when they are grown and gone and its just me and the hubby.

We have a gorgeous house for May with a large private pool and hot tub -- so excited!!!

 

[BearcatsFan]

Thanks!!!

And I think this works out for the best. My kids are still at the "love the rides" ages. Figure there will be time to go at Christmastime and enjoy the decorations when they're older ... or when they are grown and gone and its just me and the hubby.

We have a gorgeous house for May with a large private pool and hot tub -- so excited!!!

A private pool and hot tub ... what more could you ask for? Sounds fantastic!

 

[DisneyFanSherry]

Did you find the house off of a website or something? If so, what site? That may be something I have to check into for when we try to go with my brother and his family.

TIA!
Sherry

 

[hsmamainva]

Go to vrbo.com. And then click Florida and Disney area. You will see tons of neighborhoods. We are in Sandy Ridge. We've also stayed in Windsor Hills which is also very nice.

And you can't beat the prices! Averaged $100 per night for 3br townhouse and $140 per night for 5br house.

Happy planning!

 

[SAT887]

Go to vrbo.com. And then click Florida and Disney area. You will see tons of neighborhoods. We are in Sandy Ridge. We've also stayed in Windsor Hills which is also very nice.

And you can't beat the prices! Averaged $100 per night for 3br townhouse and $140 per night for 5br house.

Happy planning!

What's vrbo.com? Curious because we are looking for a 4-5 bed house in Asheville, MC next year....

 

[BearcatsFan]

What's vrbo.com? Curious because we are looking for a 4-5 bed house in Asheville, MC next year....

I think it stands for Vacation Rentals By Owner (someone will come along and correct me if I'm wrong).

 

[hsmamainva]

What's vrbo.com? Curious because we are looking for a 4-5 bed house in Asheville, MC next year....

I think it stands for Vacation Rentals By Owner and it looks like they have listings all over the country.

You should be able to find Asheville!

 

[mamabear0222]

We booked through vrbo. 4 bedroom pool home at windsor hills!

Sent from my Samsung S3 using DISBoards

 

[BearcatsFan]

We booked through vrbo. 4 bedroom pool home at windsor hills!

Sent from my Samsung S3 using DISBoards

I've been thinking of looking into WH for our trip next year. How far away from WDW is that?