Tim and Lesley Year of Million Compromises/TONS pics- 8/5 help me pg. 164!!!

[toony]

Hey everyone, thanks for the song ideas. Today is our 9th anniversary, I decided it would be a little impersonal just posting a song on here for Lesley so I wrote her a sweet letter instead (for her eyes only) but I will show you for the right price . . .
I did do a new song to Whole New World, but it has a different meaning than our anniversary. We have been talking a lot (of course) about returning to the World next June, rates will be out any day now and Lesley will be a planning machine but we need to decide where to go. We've discussed going back to WL, buying DVC points and checking one of those out, going back to POFQ, etc. We'll be going in June so deluxes will be expensive so we'd only be able to afford about 7-8 nights there depending on which one. If we did POFQ or another moderate (also up for those suggestions too) we'd be able to do 10 nights again. So, here is my song helping you to help us decide where to stay next year, please vote on what where you think timandlesley should go next year. Drum roll please. . . .
I can show you Disney World
Shining, shimmering, splendid
Tell me, princess, now when did
You last let your husband decide?

I can open your eyes
Take you resort by resort
Over, sideways and under
On a magic Disney bus ride

A whole new resort
A new fantastic point of view
No one to tell us no
Or where to go
Or say we're only DVC

A whole new resort
A dazzling place I never knew
But when I'm way up here
It's crystal clear
That now I'm in a whole new resort with you
Now I'm in a whole new resort with you

Unbelievable prices
Indescribable balconies
Soaring, tumbling, freewheeling
Through an endless bus line

A whole new resort
Don't you dare close your eyes
A hundred thousand things to see
Hold your breath - it gets better
I'm like a shooting star
I've come so far
I can't go back to where I used to be

A whole new resort
Every turn a food court line
With new swimming pools to pursue
Every moment red-letter
I'll chase them anywhere
There's time to spare
Let me share this whole new resort with you




A whole new resort
That's where we'll be
A thrilling chase
A wondrous place
For you and me


So. . . . . . what do you think? Any ideas on where we should go? Can't wait to read your oppinions. Gotta run, anniversary "stuff" to take care of if you know what I mean.
Bye for now (Les will post tomorrow and answer your questions and hopefully another installment for ya'll)
Tim

No idea which resort to take, but about the song .....that's what I would call planning enthusiasm.

A happy 9th anniversary for you both!

 

[pooksma]

Great job Tim!!!! And congrats to fellow anniversariers (is that a word??) We celebrated our 12th on Sunday.

I wish I could make a suggestion but it really depends on what you want. We are doing split stay this trip. Never tried it before. Maybe tack on a couple nights as a surprise? Just a thought.

 

[timandlesley]

I know how you feel Lesley. We took our kids to
disney so many times even when they were grown.
DH and I went without them once them and though
we had a great time, something didn't feel right....
like we were missing something!! Take them while
they are young and enjoy and treasure all those
magical moments cause blink your eyes and they
are all grown up!! Now I look forward to taking my
grandaughter one day!!

That's why we decided to go when we are going and take the kids with us, they are only young once!!!!
Lesley

Lesley- I've picked up so many great tips from you! What form do you write your TR in? Do you use word then cut and paste into your thread and add pics? I want to start one before I leave for my trip.

I type in Word and copy and paste here, I learned that the hard way last year when I typed and typed and then due to a technical error it didn't post and I lost everything. Good luck with the pre trippie!
Lesley

Hi lesley,

loving your TR we are also planning our first family trip in june 08-so maybe you and TGM can help me plan it! lol can't wait to read the rest.

Cool, would love to.
Lesley

Your trip reports are wonderful. We leave for Disney on Saturday and now I have to make plans to go into Downtown Disney and get the Princess ponies for my daughters. They will love them!
I wish that we could come to Disney more often. This will be my girls first trip. It takes a while to save up money for Disney on a teacher's salary. Oh well, makes each trip even more special.

5 DAYS UNTIL DISNEY !

Sounds great, they will love the ponies! I know, teacher's salary makes it quite rough! 5 days, HOW COOL!!!! Have a GREAT time!!!!
Lesley

I am really enjoying your TR! I can't wait to read your book too.

I have been looking for your packing list...anyone know what page? I've been searching.

Thanks, packing list, let me copy and paste it here for ya.

[q

Disney Vacation Ultimate Packing List

​

Clothing & Accessories

q Shirts
q Shorts/capris
q Pants
q Underwear
q Bras
q Pajamas

q Comfortable walking shoes
q Sandals

q Hair bands/clips
q Hats/visors
q Watches
q Sunglasses
q Swimsuits
q Plastic pool cups w/top & straw
q Pull-ups for night
__ umbrella stroller
q kids blankies
q Gameboy
Toiletries

q Toothbrush
q Toothpaste
q Soap/bath gel
q Shampoo
q Hair conditioner
q Deodorant
q Sunscreen
q Lip balm w/sunscreen
q Face wash
q Face lotion
q Body lotion

q Makeup

q Nail polish
q Tampons/pads
q Cornstarch or talcum powder
q Razors

q Tweezers
q Nail clippers

q Hair brush/comb
q Hair gel/mousse
q Hair spray
q Blow dryer

q Kleenex
q Kids shampoo
q Kids toothbrushes
q Kids soap/ bath gel
q Kids hairbrush/comb





Other Items

q Batteries
q Camera
q Camera batteries, charger, data cable
q Cell phone w/charger
q Cell car charger
q MP3 player & headphones
q Laptop computer, charger, Ethernet cable
q Walkie talkies
q Large zip top bags
q Safety pins

q Night light
q Pins for trading

Other Items:

q Plane tickets (make copies)
q Hotel confirmation #’s
q Cash/credit cards
q Dollar bills for tips & tolls
q Drivers license/IDs
q Health insurance card
q Guidebooks
q Maps/directions
q Membership cards (such as AAA, DVC)
q Theme park tickets (make copies)
q Envelopes for maid tips
First Aid

q Prescription medications
q Band-Aids
q Anti-itch gel/spray
q Antacids/stomach remedies
q Pain medicine
q Kids pain medicine
q Motion sickness remedies
q Sinus/allergy medicine
q Vitamins
Day Bag for Theme Parks

q Theme park tickets (make copies)
q Drivers license/ID for each adult
q Cash/credit card
q Meal confirmation #s/Itinerary
q Guidebooks
q Park maps
q Camera, film & batteries
q Cell phones
q Walkie talkies
q Sunglasses
q Snacks
q Autograph book
q Fat pen for character autographs/Sharpie
q Rain ponchos
q Mister fan & extra batteries /charger for batteries
q Kleenex

q Hats/visors/sweatbands/bandannas
q Dry change of clothes for kids
q Light Up spinner toys
q Minnie/Mickey ears




Before You Leave Home “To Do” List:

q Give neighbors your travel information:
Name, address, telephone number
Vacation dates

Itinerary during trip
Vacation phone numbers
Cell phone numbers
Emergency number (a friend/relative)
q Give neighbors information about house:
Which lights will be left on
Which cars will be left out
Names of anyone checking/entering the house while you’re away
Alarm information (if necessary)
q Make arrangements for pet care
q Check all doors and windows are locked
q Reduce heat, hot water heater and A/C settings
q Secure all outdoor items
q Water plants
q Unplug appliances: TVs, VCRs/DVD players, coffee maker, toaster, computer
q Set light timers
q Stop newspaper delivery
q Stop mail delivery
q Set alarm
q _________________
q _________________

​

uote=jblb1020;19788347]Waiting to read more......

More coming tonight, promise!
Lesley

Great Trip Report

Was that really the line for The Rock n Roller Coaster in your picture (Day 8)...I dont think I have ever seen it go out there far?!!! Then again I usually go in Oct and early May. Or was that line due to the fact that it was not running earlier in the week!!! anyway just curious..you are lucky things work out so well for you with the child swap.

It was the line, but mind you, that was at rope drop so everyone was charging in, the wait was only 5 minutes.
Lesley

Hey! Another Cincinnatian!!! And judging from your posts, we're neighbors, DH and I live in Liberty Township. All together now "it's a small world after all, it's a small, small world." I'm loving your TR, Lesley, excellent job! And your kids are adorable!!! So, how many days til the next trip????

Hey, not only another cincinnatian but a Cincinnatian who is a Steelers fan, Tim would love you, his family is from Pennsylvania so he's a huge Steelers fan, I'm Bengals, but hey. We are in Landen, so yes, you are quite close, next trip in June, I'll have to start a counter for the heck of it.
Lesley

Just caught up on the rest of your trip report! I'm loving it. The details and pics are great. Sounds like you have a really wonderful family!

BTW -- When I posted on July 2nd that I had just found your TR and spent 3 hours reading it, I actually ended up going into labor a few hours after posting!!! LOL

Can't wait for more! I don't want your TR to end -- it's too much fun to read!

So glad you like it. Congrats on the new baby, YEAH!!!!
Lesley

awww, i'm not gonna get the last day. I'm gonna have to log on from my MIL's to find out if you finally saw wishes!!!!!!!!


I'm leaving in like 6 ish hours now, so I'll be back soon to tell you about what I see! Hopefully, I can remember all the hints you gave me, and I'll share those with you too! thanks for all of your help and inspiration! I'm outta here!

Have a GREAT time, I'll post tonight so check in from your MIL's.
Lesley

 

[jblb1020]

Ok as for the question on where to stay and should you buy DVC points here it goes.... We go every year to Disney and Feb 2006 we decided to make the plunge and buy DVC. I have no regrets about buying DVC and wish we would have bought sooner! WE also LOVE the WL and I did buy into Saratoga Springs which I can book at 11 months out but can book at 7 months out at any other DVC if they have availablity. If we can't stay at the WL that's ok because any DVC is fine with me. I think DVC is well worth looking into for your family if you plan to return every year. Good Luck with your decision making and if you have any questions feel free to pm me!

 

[GoingtoWDW2007]

Hi Lesley,
You know I don't post much - but it's mostly because I'm still catching up with your TR - still on page 52 - I'll get there sooner or later
I did get this email from Disney Insider today - and thought you'd find it interesting...there was a part on the beginning of your TR when you mentioned Disney doing something like Webkins



I can't seem to be able to post very well....sorry but ask me for the link if you can't find it!

Have a great day - can't wait for another installment!!!!

 

[CRSNDSNY]

Hey everyone, thanks for the song ideas. Today is our 9th anniversary, I decided it would be a little impersonal just posting a song on here for Lesley so I wrote her a sweet letter instead (for her eyes only) but I will show you for the right price . . .
I did do a new song to Whole New World, but it has a different meaning than our anniversary. We have been talking a lot (of course) about returning to the World next June, rates will be out any day now and Lesley will be a planning machine but we need to decide where to go. We've discussed going back to WL, buying DVC points and checking one of those out, going back to POFQ, etc. We'll be going in June so deluxes will be expensive so we'd only be able to afford about 7-8 nights there depending on which one. If we did POFQ or another moderate (also up for those suggestions too) we'd be able to do 10 nights again. So, here is my song helping you to help us decide where to stay next year, please vote on what where you think timandlesley should go next year. Drum roll please. . . .So. . . . . . what do you think? Any ideas on where we should go? Can't wait to read your oppinions. Gotta run, anniversary "stuff" to take care of if you know what I mean.
Bye for now (Les will post tomorrow and answer your questions and hopefully another installment for ya'll)
Tim

Honestly, with your family I think a DVC villa would be great for you. If you could find a good rental I'd say go for it! You guys would love VWL, BCV or BWV. BUT, if it meant that you'd only be able to do 7 or 8 nights perhaps staying at a moderate would be best in order to stay longer. You seemed to really love POFQ! Overall, though, I'd vote for a longer stay.

Question for you -- I know you can't get the dining plan here but have you thought about the Swan or Dolphin? They are really beautiful resorts in a PRIME location. Lesley can get a great teacher discount that rivals any moderate price. Plus if one of you get an AP you can purchase the DDE card and save a ton on food (and alcohol) which might end up being a better deal than the dining plan for your family.

We've stayed at the Swan and Dolphin several times and love it there.

 

[ampc3]

Love the song Tim!
Please don't laugh but our wedding first dance was to "a whole new world" lol~ there where a few strange looks in the crowd, b/c my husband is die hard classic rock and roller fan, and people could NOT believe that he "agreed" to that song lol! But it actually had special meaning as it was the song playing in a music box he gave me when he proposed
anyway love the song

as far as where to go next year if you want deluxe than I would love to try YC OR BC (think the kids would love it) moderate POR or OKW?? I would rather stay longer than stay nicer for shorter IMHO..

 

[ericafny]

Hey Tim! (and Lesley). My vote for your next stay is CSR. We stayed there two years ago and loved it! The pool is great and the kids will love it! The grounds are very pretty as well.

Happy Anniversary!! Looking forward to reading the next installment of the TR..it's getting my psyched for my upcoming trip (16 days to go )

 

[cjnix29]

Hi Lesley....love reading your trip report. Your report last year was the first trip report I had ever read, and I was hooked. Maybe it was because you were from Ohio too...who knows. (Yeah, you'll notice, I have since had to turn in the buckeye for the cornhusker). We are WL fans as well, and it was from reading your TR last year that we learned about flag family, so last September we got to raise the flags. I was interested in reading about your trip this year, since you switched resorts. My husband has wanted to try POFQ, but I keep pushing him into deluxe! Maybe next time we will try it!!

 

[IcePrincess467]

Hey Lesley! I am loving the trip report and your children are just "too" cute!! I can't wait to read the final installment of your vacation My DH is also a lover of disney and it makes planning trips a lot easier when you both wanna go to the same place year after year after year!! (right?? At least I think so )

Anyways, I look foward to reading more!!

 

[MRNsMommy]

Love your newest song, Tim! Disney should just go ahead and hire you!

And Lesley...thanks for posting your packing list! I've started a list, but I always forget things!

As for where to stay...I'm not much help there. I've stayed off-site twice that I've been, and only stayed on-site once at SSR. SSR was great, though! This next trip we've rented points from a DVCer at OKW, so I'll let you know how that goes when back...but that won't be until December! Bummer!

 

[cherbear]

HAPPY ANNIVERSARY! (sorry I am a little late)

And I saw that wink, Tim. LOL

That was another great song! I wish I could help with the resort choice, but the last time I stayed at something other than All Stars/Coronado, I was too young to remember. Maybe someday...

Looking forward to the next post (as always)

 

[kaylie&laurensmom]

Lesley - I have read every post in both your trip reports and am a huge fan! I'm coming out of lurkdom to post. We are also going in early June next year - hope to see you in the world! We really seem to have a lot in common .

As to where to stay, I've got to put my vote in for BUYING DVC. I know you love deluxes, and it's really more affordable than you think. I also know you use your tax return for your Disney trips and are concerned about the extra monthly DVC payment - you could prepay your annual dues and/or monthly payments with your return $$ (that's what we plan on doing)! We bought at Animal Kingdom, but like everyone has said, we will have the choice of YC, BC, WL (your fave), SSR, and OKW at 7 months out. You also get a $100 discount on annual passes, so if you plan your annual trips within 12 months (say - go one year in July and the next year in June), you could get 2 trips on one pass (and if you go to the parks 10 days each time, that's 20 park days for $334/adult). We bought the minimum of 160 points (over the phone), and that will get us around 8 - 10 days each year in a studio in June (sometimes borrowing a few points from the next year). We are staying 9 nights/10 days at AKL CONCIERGE the first week of June for 167 points (checking in on June 1 - Sunday). And you've got to think of lifetime Disney vacations in Deluxe accomodations, with more to come (with Contemporary being the most likely). DVC members can purchase the dining plan without the requirement of one day passes too. We also got double developer points as an incentive (320), and we're using those to stay 5 nights in a 1 bedroom BWV, then going on a 3 day Disney Wonder cruise this September. Think of all those $$ you're paying for Disney accomodations that could be going toward something you will OWN. You can purchase over the phone like I mentioned before, and your next trip in June could be "Going Home". Anyway, I will get off my DVC soapbox now - just wanted to give you something to think about!!

I am enjoying your report and can't wait for more!

 

[dlpcarden]

First things first - HAPPY ANNIVERSARY!!!!


That seemed like a long line for Rockin Rollin...how long was the wait? Two quick questions - can you get Fast Passes using you kids ticket? Even though they might not be tall enough for the ride. It you get a fast pass and don't use it can you use it the next day?

Can't wait for your next installment.....

 

[arizonacolbys]

Leslie - I have read every post in both your trip reports and am a huge fan! I'm coming out of lurkdom to post. We are also going in early June next year - hope to see you in the world! We really seem to have a lot in common .

As to where to stay, I've got to put my vote in for BUYING DVC. I know you love deluxes, and it's really more affordable than you think. I also know you use your tax return for your Disney trips and are concerned about the extra monthly DVC payment - you could prepay your annual dues and/or monthly payments with your return $$ (that's what we plan on doing)! We bought at Animal Kingdom, but like everyone has said, we will have the choice of YC, BC, WL (your fave), SRR, and OKW at 7 months out. You also get a $100 discount on annual passes, so if you plan your annual trips within 12 months (say - go one year in July and the next year in June), you could get 2 trips on one pass (and if you go to the parks 10 days each time, that's 20 park days for $334/adult). We bought the minimum of 160 points (over the phone), and that will get us around 8 - 10 days each year in a studio in June (sometimes borrowing a few points from the next year). We are staying 9 nights/10 days at AKL CONCIERGE the first week of June for 167 points (checking in on June 1 - Sunday). And you've got to think of lifetime Disney vacations in Deluxe accomodations, with more to come (with Contemporary being the most likely). DVC members can purchase the dining plan without the requirement of one day passes too. We also got double developer points as an incentive (320), and we're using those to stay 5 nights in a 1 bedroom BWV, then going on a 3 day Disney Wonder cruise this September. Think of all those $$ you're paying for Disney accomodations that could be going toward something you will OWN. You can purchase over the phone like I mentioned before, and your next trip in June could be "Going Home". Anyway, I will get off my DVC soapbox now - just wanted to give you something to think about!!

I am enjoying your report and can't wait for more!

I know this was meant for Tim & Lesley, but just wanted to thank you for posting all the info here. I enjoyed hearing about it & learned a couple of things I didn't know!

 

[rentayenta]

Happy Anniversary!!!


Tim's song is great and I can't wait to read the next installment!

 

[DreaGirl]

Happy Anniversary! Hope it was great.

Thanks for posting the packing list...I copied into my "Disney" file.

 

[ampc3]

Oh I forgot to mention before:


HAPPY ANNIVERSARY TO A WONDERFUL COUPLE
(even tho I don't know you personally I can tell you all have a great relationship!)

 

[Gina35]

HAPPY 9TH AND MANY, MANY MORE!!!
DH and I just celebrated our 33rd...I second the vote on buying DVC if at all possible. It's not likely you will grow tired of WDW any time soon (if ever...I know I never will). We stayed at hotels for about 5 years (Poly mostly, but CR once and GF once) before buying and then bought at BW (10 years ago?). Since then, we've pretty much stayed at BW or BC...but this year we're going to SSR, b/c my 2 DDs wanted to try something different. We usually go every other year now, and with the # of points we bought (175) we can stay in a 2-br for a week in the summer. My 2 DDs and I are all teachers; so like you, we are kind of limited with our vacation time. It's fun b/c now we go with our "extended" family (son-in-law and younger DD's boyfriend). We are so glad they still enjoy going with us!! Now my 1st DD is pregnant, so after this year we'll have a grandchild with whom we can share the magic! I'm sure as we get older, we will take several shorter trips...and maybe do some exchanges....but we bought into DVC rather than another type of timeshare, b/c WE LOVE DISNEY...so we have not had the desire to do an exchange yet.
We have never regretted buying into DVC; and as our family grows, we're so thrilled that we have it! Good luck with your decision! BTW, Tim, GREAT SONGS!!!

 

[winniethepoohsmom]

My vote is for a longer trip! Either a mod. maybe a different one if you want a change or a split stay maybe start out at a value (I know it's a step down for you, but the kids would think it was cool with the big icons and colorful ways) and then moving on to a dvc rental at WL or another dvc, and do the dining plan for the 2nd leg of the trip. As your children get older the trips get more expensive the ticket prices become adults and the ddp meals are adults so you either pay the prices or become more creative to try to do disney for less. I'm sure you'll get many suggestions and find just the right one that works for you. That's one of the things I love about the disboards dissers are always coming up with ideas I did'nt think of. I'm loving your trippie, you make such a nice family! Happy Anniversary! Linda