The Pursuit of Disney Magic (June 7-14, 2008) ~ UPDATED 9/30 pg. 191

[BrittBritt]

Chickin' Gizzard and I are sitting here thinking about the trip that is only 102 days away (woo woo!), and I feel it happening again. It starts as a tiny thought, not much more than a flicker. I try to ignore it, and it just gets worse until I can't control it anymore. I know the Incredible Hulk's pain as I morph into RESORT CHANGING MONSTER!!!

I thought I was all set with the whole AKL/Dining Plan thing, but I found myself thinking about Pop/Deluxe Dining Plan again -- if we did Pop, we could eat at 50's Prime Time (I am sure DH would come around if I whined enough), Kona Cafe for breakfast (that Tonga Toast looks soooo good), and all of our meals would be paid for -- so would our refillable mugs, all snacks, and appetizers. I would also be saving $400 dollars (which would help finance my ever-growing list of things like Minnie Jane crocs and other trip goodies).

Then, there is the other dilemma -- the POFQ/Dining Plan thing -- which would really be the smartest move because we would save $700 from the AKL scenerio and $300 from the Pop scenerio.

I CAN'T DECIDE! Part of me wants to go with POFQ because I could call and pay off the trip right now. Part of me wants to go with Pop and get on the phone and make more dining reservations. And part of me worries that if I do either one, I could have a mutiny in the house.

But, seriously, how much time are we really going to spend in our room? Not much!

I think I have lost all grip on reality at this point! I can't take three more months of this! Well, actually only until April 24 -- our 45-day mark.

Oh Lord!!! You've got yourself a Disney dilemma! (I've been spending all of my time lately obsessing over my own Disney dilemmas and ZERO time thinking about my real world dilemmas. Mmmmm....early Disney magic!)

I think you said it best yourself: How much time are we really going to spend in our room?

I would bet not a whole lot.


AKL is beautiful (although, as you know, I took no pictures to prove said beauty or to even confirm for posterity that I was there).

BUT, you can visit it for free, walk around, look at the animals, EAT there, all w/o actually having to stay.

I don't know if those extra restaurants you've been eying would be quite as open to having you and your family show up to just walk around, check out the place, and not actually EAT there!

AND POFQ has the wonderful boat to DD which is almost like a free attraction in and of itself.

BUT POP would allow you the ultimate Disney Gorge Fest.

AND you only usually read wonderful things about POP.

BUT AKL is soooo beautiful...

Clearly I'm no help. Part of me wants you to make a change so we can have more Dis-cussions about aforementioned change, but that's kind of sick, huh? Have you gotten any input from family?

I vote to leave it all up to Chicken Gizzard!

 

[Charleston Princess]

I go through the same dilema's all the time! It's a sickness and I don't think there's a cure!

That's for sure! I am having a raging bad case of it too -- I feel like some sort of addict sitting here and thinking about it and thinking, at the same time, "If I hold out for another hour and 25 minutes, WDW Travel will be closed for the night and I won't be able to do anything!"

Oh Lord!!! You've got yourself a Disney dilemma! (I've been spending all of my time lately obsessing over my own Disney dilemmas and ZERO time thinking about my real world dilemmas. Mmmmm....early Disney magic!)

I think you said it best yourself: How much time are we really going to spend in our room?

I would bet not a whole lot.


AKL is beautiful (although, as you know, I took no pictures to prove said beauty or to even confirm for posterity that I was there).

BUT, you can visit it for free, walk around, look at the animals, EAT there, all w/o actually having to stay.

I don't know if those extra restaurants you've been eying would be quite as open to having you and your family show up to just walk around, check out the place, and not actually EAT there!

AND POFQ has the wonderful boat to DD which is almost like a free attraction in and of itself.

BUT POP would allow you the ultimate Disney Gorge Fest.

AND you only usually read wonderful things about POP.

BUT AKL is soooo beautiful...

Clearly I'm no help. Part of me wants you to make a change so we can have more Dis-cussions about aforementioned change, but that's kind of sick, huh? Have you gotten any input from family?

I vote to leave it all up to Chicken Gizzard!

Chickin' Gizzard just twitches -- he's being no help!

I don't dare ask the family, because I'm becoming such a cliche about switching resorts. My dad even joked about it on Friday, "So, change your resort again?"

All of the things you brought up echo my own thoughts -- Pop = eating everything we want for a week and we liked it there; POFQ = two themed pools (we would also be able to use POR's pool), boat, etc.; AKL = eating there regardless so we would be able to shop, stroll, enjoy for the evening. I am so torn! The other thing is if I was smart and went with POFQ, DH and I would definitely be able to afford the long weekend getaway in October for anniversary, Food and Wine Festival, and MNSSHP. Hmmm...that may be the clincher!

You aren't any sicker than me -- I was just thinking how if I switch, I would have to redo itinerary, maps, resort activities section of the trip notebook and that sounded fun!

 

[jordanyosh]

Here's my take on the DDP since we just used it in Feb....

It's ALOT of food.

We weren't able to use all the snack credits because we were usually too full from lunch to get a snack......

We also felt a bit tied to our TS ADRs....if you didn't use them one day, you had to make it up later in the trip OR just lose out completely.

The Deluxe just seems like waaaay too much food...AND instead of worrying about what attractions you're going to ride, you end up running from ADR to ADR......

We are seriously considering not doing the DDP next time even though we thought it was a great value...It was just one more thing to think about every day....

Just my opinion.

 

[Charleston Princess]

Here's my take on the DDP since we just used it in Feb....

It's ALOT of food.

We weren't able to use all the snack credits because we were usually too full from lunch to get a snack......

We also felt a bit tied to our TS ADRs....if you didn't use them one day, you had to make it up later in the trip OR just lose out completely.

The Deluxe just seems like waaaay too much food...AND instead of worrying about what attractions you're going to ride, you end up running from ADR to ADR......

We are seriously considering not doing the DDP next time even though we thought it was a great value...It was just one more thing to think about every day....

Just my opinion.

We did the dining plan last summer and liked it for the simple reason that I didn't have to budget for food -- I am horrible about not wanting to spend money on food when on vacation (there are souvenirs to buy ).

I do agree that it is a lot of food! I don't know why I think I want the Deluxe -- I don't really. I don't want to spend my entire vacation eating instead of doing attractions (like you said).

I think I have decided to go with the POFQ/Dining Plan option because then it would free up money to go back in October (my favorite month, my favorite holiday -- MNSSHP, and F&W which we have never tried). And two trips a year is a good thing! And I REALLY need to go to the Adventurer's Club which is out of the question on this trip because we will have the kids.

Of course, I didn't decide any of this until after ten. But tomorrow I will be calling Disney -- and getting my weekly, "Have a magical day!"

Thanks for helping me see reason!

 

[jordanyosh]

I'm with the rest of your family...we'll see how long your resort choice sticks.....

But I do think you're reasoning for picking POFQ/DDP is good and you get another trip out of it.....

Let us know what happens.

 

[dreamer17555]

Why not switch to POFQ with dining and with the money saved sign the kids up Neverland Club so you can make sure to hit Advertures Club. We are doing Pop with DxDDP and it looks to work out well for us. I for one hate CS. Standing in line, trying to find a table- no fun at all. We are doing a breakfast and a 2ts dinner (SoA, CG, CRT, HDDR) I also don't like waiting for the characters my daughter insists on seeing so we booked a bunch of those. It really does boil down to what will make you happiest.

Yeah I am no help either.

-Becca-

 

[BrittBritt]

So, end the suspense, what did you do? Changes? I wasn't aware of a possible Oct. trip (or was I?). When in Oct. were you thinking?

Just got my Complete WDW 2008 book today, and I love it! You were right in your recommendation.

Side note: You must have been freezing this morning!

 

[Charleston Princess]

I'm with the rest of your family...we'll see how long your resort choice sticks.....

But I do think you're reasoning for picking POFQ/DDP is good and you get another trip out of it.....

Let us know what happens.

I can't possibly change again -- at least this week . The full story is on its way...

Why not switch to POFQ with dining and with the money saved sign the kids up Neverland Club so you can make sure to hit Advertures Club. We are doing Pop with DxDDP and it looks to work out well for us. I for one hate CS. Standing in line, trying to find a table- no fun at all. We are doing a breakfast and a 2ts dinner (SoA, CG, CRT, HDDR) I also don't like waiting for the characters my daughter insists on seeing so we booked a bunch of those. It really does boil down to what will make you happiest.

Yeah I am no help either.

-Becca-

Sure you are! I love hearing everyone's thoughts!

So, end the suspense, what did you do? Changes? I wasn't aware of a possible Oct. trip (or was I?). When in Oct. were you thinking?

Just got my Complete WDW 2008 book today, and I love it! You were right in your recommendation.

Side note: You must have been freezing this morning!

Yes, I have been freezing all day!

I am so glad that you like it -- sometimes if I read too much of it at one sitting, I feel like my head is going to explode because there is so much I didn't know before!

I have been playing around with the idea of an October trip -- I am thinking October 10-13 (our fall break) -- we had so much fun last year that I want to go again at that time.

I ordered my chocolate Minnie Jane crocs with the cotton candy strap last night! I have joined the Croc-wearing, Disney-going ranks! Well, I will have as soon as I get them!

Full story on its way, but you can see from my siggie what I did .

 

[Charleston Princess]

Well, it's not really resort change number 367, but it sure feels that way. After much thought, I decided to go about approaching the subject with all family members in a way that they would feel like they had a say in it (AS IF )!

DS was the easy sell. I told him we would be able to use two themed pools (both POFQ and POR) and showed him pics of Ol' Man Island at POR (he remembers the serpent slide at POFQ from last year). I also showed him the pics of the boat to DTD. He was all for it. One on my side.

Next I went to DD. I knew she would be a bit harder of a sell because she really likes AKL, so I explained that we would still be going to Boma (for breakfast and lunch). We could still shop, eat, and look around the resort. She was fine with that. Two on my side.

I knew DH would be the hardest to convince. I waited until we were having our morning coffee.

Me: I want to talk to you about something and I want you to hear me out before you say anything.

DH (voice filled with dread): What?

Me: Well, I was thinking of changing to POFQ...

DH: No!

Me: Just hear me out. We would be able to pay off the trip right now, and then we could go to Disney in October -- just the two of us.

DH: What would we do in October??? (Aside: it has been almost four years since we went on vacation without the kids -- so it was a legitimate question).

Me: We could celebrate our anniversary, go to the Food and Wine Festival, and MNSSHP.

DH: Okay, but you know Disney probably won't let you change since you have already changed so many times! (Aside: Of course they will ).

I was going to wait until WDW received our tax return payment that I sent on Sunday so that when I called I could pay off the remaining balance. I wanted to do the official happy dance. Well, today was the day that my reservation showed they had received it! So, I called, changed our resort, and PAID OFF OUR VACATION! Woo! Woo! I am so excited.

Next: 100th Day Surprises!

 

[winkers]

WooHooty for paying off your vacation!!

 

[dreamer17555]

Woohoo! Congrats on paying it off and I think you and DH will have a great time going back in Oct. I am already planning on trying to sell the idea of an adult only trip to DH the second we get back.

-Becca-

 

[Charleston Princess]

WooHooty for paying off your vacation!!

Thank you! It's the best feeling in the world! I love it!

Woohoo! Congrats on paying it off and I think you and DH will have a great time going back in Oct. I am already planning on trying to sell the idea of an adult only trip to DH the second we get back.

-Becca-

Thank you! Planning the next trip as soon as you get back is the only way to deal with the Disney Blues! I am going to try very hard to not do any planning for October until we get back -- then, I will have something to do. Well, I will have to make ADRs and buy MNSSHP tickets beforehand though .

 

[BrittBritt]

I think you made the best choice. Now you get to look forward to planning two trips (and writing more trip reports)! It must feel so nice to have it all paid off. (We're getting there... ).
The best part of all this (for me) is that you'll be able to report all about POFQ before my Oct. trip there!

Can't wait for the surprises!

 

[Charleston Princess]

I think you made the best choice. Now you get to look forward to planning two trips (and writing more trip reports)! It must feel so nice to have it all paid off. (We're getting there... ).
The best part of all this (for me) is that you'll be able to report all about POFQ before my Oct. trip there!

Can't wait for the surprises!

Yes, I really wanted another trip to plan after this one .

POFQ is fabulous -- that is where we stayed last June, and we loved every minute of it. We didn't do the boat to DTD or go over to Riverside (we did stay there in 2004 though), so we have that to look forward to.

Another title for the next installment could be: Creating Disney Magic versus OCD Nature!

 

[Charleston Princess]

Yesterday marked our "100 Days Until Disney!" I had been planning for awhile how I wanted to mark the event. Since I was "robbed" of the chance of surprising the kids with the Disney trip, I wanted to make sure that I made up for it in other little ways. Here's what I came up with:

Thursday night, after the kids went to bed, I was going to leave out the cards I had made (I'll try scanning and posting them), the Guide to the Magic for Kids book, and the "grow your own" pirate and enchanted castle I found at Hobby Lobby (you know those things you put in water and they grow to "600 times the original size!").

Here are the fronts and insides of the cards:

That was the plan...

Thursday night was book club (yes, I am that big of a nerd that I go to a book club -- there are seven of us and we have been friends for eons). I had not read the book and when I tried explaining why (DIS boards and all), my friends shook their heads and gave each other "looks." No one understands my Disney obsession . Anyway, it was 10:30 by the time I got home. Then, I had to catch up on all my DIS board stuff (first priority and all ). Before I knew it, it was almost 12:00! I had to go to bed...but I had to set up everything on the kitchen table first.

12:00: I am delirious as I set out the kids' surprises. As I am finishing up, I think, "Hey, I could totally sprinkle everything with silver glitter -- pixie dustin' time!" So, I go and get the silver glitter and have a grand ole' time sprinkling -- maybe too grand of a time .

12:15 (maybe 12:30): I collapse into bed and as I am drifting off to sleep, I jerk back awake and realize, "I JUST SPRINKLED SILVER GLITTER ALL OVER MY KITCHEN TABLE! I am going to have to clean all that up! What was I thinking?" My OCD had been roused. I just know there is going to be silver glitter all over my house for the next six months!

The kids liked everything, but the big hits were the Grow-Your-Own Pirate and Enchanted Castle. First thing they did was fill a bowl of water to put them in. They love those things -- kids are the goofiest! Well, mine are!

We spent yesterday saying to each other, "Guess what today is?" And then yelling, "100 Days 'Til Disney!"

 

[winkers]

So, have you cleaned up all the glitter?
What a fun suprise for your kids!

 

[Charleston Princess]

So, have you cleaned up all the glitter?
What a fun suprise for your kids!

I did manage to get the majority swept up, but it's EVERYWHERE! So far, I have found it on the kitchen floor, in the living room, on the computer desk, in my work bag...

Probably didn't help that Chelsea sprinkled some in her hair yesterday morning .

I went back and posted pics of the cards!

 

[winkers]

Cute cards! Did you make them?

 

[Charleston Princess]

Cute cards! Did you make them?

Thanks! I did make them -- just a couple of blank cards, some Disney paper, stickers, and a glue stick !

I love to scrapbook, but, strangely enough, in the past year the only things I have managed to scrapbook are the June trip to WDW, the October trip to WDW, and various Disney-themed items . One day, my kids will look back and go, "Did we have a life outside of WDW?"

 

[BrittBritt]

You were scolded by your book club!!!
That struck me as so funny for some reason. First off, most people aren't in book clubs. Secondly, you imagine book clubs to be places of respite full of kind souls. I can just picture your book club friends giving each other "looks" while you're trying to explain about the Dis. You were like one of the children who didn't do their homework!
BTW---What book were you supposed to be reading? Maybe we can order you some Cliff's Notes as you'll probably still be consumed with Dis'ing for your next meeting.

What a wonderful mom you are. To go through the effort of making this trip so special for your children is so wonderful. (Just keep that in mind as you continue to find glitter over the next year!)