The *Official* February 2011 Thread - Happy Dance Time...The Park Hours Are Out!

[lilandvisma]

Okay...leave it to me, the girl who has changed her resort what, three times already! DD#1 is throwing a *fit* about POFQ. She was online last night checking out the different resorts and came across a picture of Roger Rabbit and yep, you guessed it--now wants to stay at POP. Ugh, this visit is partly for her but to switch again and then to have to upgrade to the DDP doesn't seem to make much sense to me. It's only like $400 more to stay at POFQ after everything is said and done. We have never been to POP and I really wanted to try a Mod this time. Unfortunately the theming isn't appealing to my girls. Ugggghhhh...

WWYD?

 

[lamb616]

well I personally have no desire to stay at any of the mods or deluxes with my kids this young. I don't like the idea of staying at a boring old stuffy resort, which the mods & deluxes seem to be (i'm sure they're not stuffy but you get my point. They are not "Fun" or "Disneyish"). I WISH they had a mod or deluxe with more fun theming, but since they don't we are going with ASMU because we want a suite. If we didn't have the suite issue, we'd be staying at POP or ASMO instead. I want to feel the Disney magic 24/7, at least while the kids are this young. When they are older (teens) I would definitely consider one of the mods/deluxes.

 

[o2bnoz]

GO BUCKEYES!!!!!

OK, now that I got that off my chest... WELCOME to all of the new people! How fun!

Mandy - Boy... I don't know what I would do about the mod or Pop. Personally, I'm a complete hotel snob. Don't get me wrong, I can't AFFORD to be a hotel snob, but I am. That being said, I would want to go with the mod, figuring that the time I spent in the hotel would be more enjoyable (and the kids would be asleep most of the time in the hotel (hopefully??). BUT, I do see the allure of all of the kiddie disney theming at the value resorts. Which one of the resorts offers the pirate themed rooms, is that an option? I'm really no help, am I...

I've been battling with myself over the amount of money I'm spending on this trip. I'm so SICK AND TIRED of the economy being so bad. It has had a tremendous effect on us, and I'm just weary. I know that this trip will be a memory for my whole family that we will cherish forever... but.... it's still a bit scary to think of the money.

We watched "Cinderella Man" last night (old Russell Crowe movie). It was very good, but it was about the Great Depression. It was very hard to watch that movie and not compare to what is happening in our country now. Maybe that's why I'm feeling very melancholy this morning.

But then I think of Disney and I'm quickly cheered up! Gotta keep my head in the right place!

I love the idea of the monorail set for a Christmas present! I need to go look at the prices.

Gina, I'll be joining your facebook thread. I haven't gotten there yet!

 

[ebird08]

just booked airfare for 2/6 - 2/9. A quickie getaway for us! Still working on the hotel portion!

 

[MamaJessie]

We're going to POR 2/5 - 2/11. I'll come back and read this thread to catch up later, when DH is watching his terrible TV shows (like Monsers Inside Me - *shudder*)

 

[lilandvisma]

We're going to POR 2/5 - 2/11. I'll come back and read this thread to catch up later, when DH is watching his terrible TV shows (like Monsers Inside Me - *shudder*)

Welcome! We will be there about the same time but at POFQ

I too am guilty of watching that show...even though it creeps me out and makes me more paranoid than what I already am

 

[lilandvisma]

just booked airfare for 2/6 - 2/9. A quickie getaway for us! Still working on the hotel portion!

Yay! Keep us posted when you figure out which resort you will be staying at so I can get you added to the list

 

[lilandvisma]

GO BUCKEYES!!!!!

OK, now that I got that off my chest... WELCOME to all of the new people! How fun!

Mandy - Boy... I don't know what I would do about the mod or Pop. Personally, I'm a complete hotel snob. Don't get me wrong, I can't AFFORD to be a hotel snob, but I am. That being said, I would want to go with the mod, figuring that the time I spent in the hotel would be more enjoyable (and the kids would be asleep most of the time in the hotel (hopefully??). BUT, I do see the allure of all of the kiddie disney theming at the value resorts. Which one of the resorts offers the pirate themed rooms, is that an option? I'm really no help, am I...

I've been battling with myself over the amount of money I'm spending on this trip. I'm so SICK AND TIRED of the economy being so bad. It has had a tremendous effect on us, and I'm just weary. I know that this trip will be a memory for my whole family that we will cherish forever... but.... it's still a bit scary to think of the money.

We watched "Cinderella Man" last night (old Russell Crowe movie). It was very good, but it was about the Great Depression. It was very hard to watch that movie and not compare to what is happening in our country now. Maybe that's why I'm feeling very melancholy this morning.

But then I think of Disney and I'm quickly cheered up! Gotta keep my head in the right place!

I love the idea of the monorail set for a Christmas present! I need to go look at the prices.

Gina, I'll be joining your facebook thread. I haven't gotten there yet!

Thanks for your input...DH is no help, he could care less either way so it does help to have another opinion! I just don't know what to do. Maybe I should just let her choose at this point?? The pirate themed rooms are at CBR which is where we originally planned on staying UNTIL we found out about the dance competition

Sorry you were feeling down this morning. It was really quiet over here this morning as well and that usually gets me thinking about too many different things, some not always happy thoughts! But like you said, at least we have Disney to look forward to

Anywhooooo

I'm going to crunch some numbers and figure some things out today. Ultimately I just might let the kids have their way. They will only be little once when POFQ will always be there, ageless...

 

[lamb616]

I'm losing my Disney trip enthusiasm. DH just found out he got a job he's wanted for a really long time (teaching) b/c he can't stay in his current position forever (auto body) for physical reasons. He's on his feet & knees all day long and at 40 already is feeling the effects with back and knee problems. Plus working at small body shops all the time with no benefits kind of stinks, so he's wanted to get into teaching for a looong time for the benefits as well as physical reasons. Well an opportunity just fell into his lap so he took it. Unfortunately, he will be taking a 50% pay cute. He said maybe we should cancel our trip and I swear, I about burst into tears. I would seriously rather let the bills go unpaid than to cancel our trip. I have put so much time and effort into planning it and the kids talk about it EVERY. SINGLE. DAY. (ok, so maybe I'm the one that brings it up every day to them, lol ). I know if we cancelled and never brought it up again they'd probably just forget about it. They don't even know for sure when we're going (I want to keep it vague and then a couple days before we go be like "Surprise! We're leaving this week!"). How bad is it that we don't know how we're going to continue to pay our mortgage and bills on his reduced salary, and yet all I care about is our Disney trip??? But I live for vacations, always have. I'll go a month of eating nothing but ramen noodles if I have to in order to pay for a vacation. They are what gets me through the year; I always need a trip to be looking forward to (depression)

Well this was a depressing post. I managed to depress myself even more, lol. I guess I'll have to wait and see what his checks are actually like (he doesn't start for 3 weeks and he doesn't know exact salary yet) and what kind of part time work he can find to make up some of the difference and work as much as I possibly can and see if there's any way we can make it happen.

 

[lilandvisma]

I'm losing my Disney trip enthusiasm. DH just found out he got a job he's wanted for a really long time (teaching) b/c he can't stay in his current position forever (auto body) for physical reasons. He's on his feet & knees all day long and at 40 already is feeling the effects with back and knee problems. Plus working at small body shops all the time with no benefits kind of stinks, so he's wanted to get into teaching for a looong time for the benefits as well as physical reasons. Well an opportunity just fell into his lap so he took it. Unfortunately, he will be taking a 50% pay cute. He said maybe we should cancel our trip and I swear, I about burst into tears. I would seriously rather let the bills go unpaid than to cancel our trip. I have put so much time and effort into planning it and the kids talk about it EVERY. SINGLE. DAY. (ok, so maybe I'm the one that brings it up every day to them, lol ). I know if we cancelled and never brought it up again they'd probably just forget about it. They don't even know for sure when we're going (I want to keep it vague and then a couple days before we go be like "Surprise! We're leaving this week!"). How bad is it that we don't know how we're going to continue to pay our mortgage and bills on his reduced salary, and yet all I care about is our Disney trip??? But I live for vacations, always have. I'll go a month of eating nothing but ramen noodles if I have to in order to pay for a vacation. They are what gets me through the year; I always need a trip to be looking forward to (depression)

Well this was a depressing post. I managed to depress myself even more, lol. I guess I'll have to wait and see what his checks are actually like (he doesn't start for 3 weeks and he doesn't know exact salary yet) and what kind of part time work he can find to make up some of the difference and work as much as I possibly can and see if there's any way we can make it happen.

Sorry to hear about the pay cut...my hubbys hours always get cut in the fall so I am trying to brace myself for that. While we aren't rich I have figured out creative ways to get the extra $$$ for our Disney funds. Could you have a rummage sale? Get rid of some extra "junk" around your house and make money to put away for Disney? I sell a bunch of stuff on craigslist as well, probably over $5000 in the past couple of years. Can you bake? Can you sew? Can you babysit? LOL, all things that could add more $$$ for Disney

Bills must be paid and that is truly unfortunate. I also suffer from depression so I know what you mean...a trip gives us so much to look forward to

Are you guys already staying value? I forget...you could always cut days off as well to save $$ if needed as well. I'm sorry you have to worry about this now! I hope everything works out for you guys!

 

[DisneyFirstTimer10]

Mandy- oh boy with your DD wanting Pop. Like I said, we stayed at POR in May and honestly- it was nice but- I wasn't blown away. I am really excited to try Pop after hearing all the great reviews, and with the $500 savings the kids can purchase things without me thinking twice about it. I love how pop has the activities fro the kids like hula hoops laying around, chalk, twister, goofy jets, etc. Not having a fridge is a bit annoying, but not worth $500 lol. Let us know what you decide

Lamb- I can totally understand where you are coming from. It is so important for you to be able to take the trip without regretting it- which it doesnt sound like you will. I love Mandy's idea of trying to somehow find extra money by selling old toys, babysitting etc. if at all possible! I am proud of you, and DH for taking a new job, something that he seems to really want to do- even if it means a paycut. Try to cut out some things here and there and you may be able to swing it!

Dee- HI! Browns game tonight- Tell me you like the Browns. I am getting everyone all mixed up- you are going later in the month right?

Gina- THANK YOU for the facebook thread!

Welcome new joiners!

 

[Marlynmik]

Mandy, can you please add me to the list? Contemporary Resort Fen 10-15

 

[lamb616]

Can you bake? Can you sew? Can you babysit? LOL, all things that could add more $$$ for Disney

Are you guys already staying value? I forget...you could always cut days off as well to save $$ if needed as well. I'm sorry you have to worry about this now! I hope everything works out for you guys!

to answer your questions -- no, no, and NO! lol. I barely have energy for my own kids, never mind someone else's. I'm just gonna try to work as much extra as they'll let me and once we cut out DH's cigarettes, both of our DD iced coffees and him eating off the coffee truck every day and my eating out for lunch every other day..... hopefully that will be enough for us to get by and still
go.

We are staying at ASMU family suites. I know we could save a TON of money if we stayed in a regular room, but I just can't do it. We've never stayed in 1 room when we've gone away - usually a condo but at the very least a suite. DD still naps so I can't imagine how she'd nap with us all sitting around staring at each other.

We also could save a lot if we went a few weeks earlier in Feb. but it doesn't look like we could get free dining on the days we'd have to go. And yes I could cut down the trip from 9 days but...... I really feel like we couldn't do it in any less since it's our first time and I don't want to be all commando trying to fit everything in. We probably won't go back for several years so I want to do it right. I know, I'm stubborn.

I'm just gonna ignore the money issues and make pretend everything is fine with our trip.

 

[MamaJessie]

Lamb - I don't know how much holiday exchanging you do but maybe if you skipped exchanging withe eachother and asked for disney gift cards for the holidays that could help a lot. I agree with the rummage sales, we're having one in September. We also have a change jar, "Dimes for Disney" and as for the ramen idea. Why not have a super duper cheap meal once a week and put the money saved towards Disney. Check the budget board for ideas too. Totally understand where you are coming from. Considered switching to a campground only vacation when it seemed like DH was going to be laid off for eternity... but I couldn't give up the vacation. It keeps me sane. Honestly.

We're too big a family for Pop but it sounds awesome. I am always surprised by the people who say they would NEVER go below deluxe. I think the values are so much fun I was truly bummed we couldn't go back to All Star Movies, and we really look forward to the new animation value suites.

Oh well, that's a long enough novel for now. I am going to go start reading the beginning of the thread, and will probably keep posting replies

 

[lamb616]

Lamb - I don't know how much holiday exchanging you do but maybe if you skipped exchanging withe eachother and asked for disney gift cards for the holidays that could help a lot.

yes, we always get around $400-$450 (cash or gift cards) from my parents so that can go towards paying for it. I had already planned to ask for some Disney g.c. for the kids but unfortunately I can't use those to pay for our trip, lol! That would be for them to spend on what they want. My family spends a ton of $$ on the kids and they HATE when I make them give gift cards or cash b/c they like the fun of buying them all kinds of toys. But I'm sure the kids will get at least $100 each in gift cards and that will be plenty for them to get souvenirs, snacks, etc. So at least we won't need to bring much spending $$, it will just be paying for the actual trip.

$500 down, $3800 to go, lol!

 

[MamaJessie]

yes, we always get around $400-$450 (cash or gift cards) from my parents so that can go towards paying for it. I had already planned to ask for some Disney g.c. for the kids but unfortunately I can't use those to pay for our trip, lol! That would be for them to spend on what they want. My family spends a ton of $$ on the kids and they HATE when I make them give gift cards or cash b/c they like the fun of buying them all kinds of toys. But I'm sure the kids will get at least $100 each in gift cards and that will be plenty for them to get souvenirs, snacks, etc. So at least we won't need to bring much spending $$, it will just be paying for the actual trip.

$500 down, $3800 to go, lol!

I'm not trying to be nosy, just helpful. When in Feb are you going, could you go during a cheaper time (or during the first two weeks when there are percentage off room only)? Room only discounts work better for me than free dining. What resort are you staying at? Maybe you could downgrade? Are you getting a discount, or getting a package? How many park days?

LOL. I am kind of addicted to saving money.

 

[lamb616]

I'm not trying to be nosy, just helpful. When in Feb are you going, could you go during a cheaper time (or during the first two weeks when there are percentage off room only)? Room only discounts work better for me than free dining. What resort are you staying at? Maybe you could downgrade? Are you getting a discount, or getting a package? How many park days?

LOL. I am kind of addicted to saving money.

lol, I'm addicted to saving money as well. It killed me to have to pay Regular season prices instead of Value. If I put the dates in under Room Only, does it automatically apply the discount or do I need to enter it somewhere?

We're going 2/24-3/5. I'm looking on the site at 2/12-2/21. That would be our only other option as we need to use some of DS' school vacation days so he doesn't miss too much school. But I don't know if the price that came up includes the 25% discount. It's coming to $2600 which is only $150 less than what our current room-only rate came up as.

we're staying at ASMU Family suite, 7 day hopper passes. Free QS dining which we paid about $200 to upgrade to the regular DP.

 

[lamb616]

ok, I just read the Fine Print for the room only offer and it says it excludes suites. And when you go thru the Special Offer link, it does not offer you the Family Suites, only the regular rooms.

We could save $1600 if we went with a regular room tho.

 

[o2bnoz]

Allison,
Not really a Browns fan ... sorry!!!! Not exactly against them either... just not much into professinal football. I like the college teams much better! But... I'm also living in Findlay, OH. This is the home of the infamous Ben Roethilisberger scared1. EVERYONE around here used to be rabid Steelers fans until his recent issues, now we don't hear much about them ... oh, fame is fleeting! Anyway... I do like the Browns, I just put my efforts more into the Buckeyes!

My husband is a St. Louis Rams fan, and believe me, that has been TOUGH in the last few years! He has been a fan since he was a small boy and they were in Los Angeles. So, he is NOT a Browns, Bengals or any other fan, except for Rams. They were the absolute WORST team in the league last year, so they got the first round draft pick. Even that won't help them!!

What are you up to on this Sunday??

Dee

 

[Zachsmom4]

Just booked POFQ for 2/25 - 3/4. Very excited and I can't wait!


- Julie