Top Secret Pixie Dust! A Surprise 13th Birthday PTR! NEW! TRIP REPORT LINK PAGE 220!

[JenAusty]

Sorry about the disappointment about the trip! I definitely know the feeling of canceling a trip, or changing dates, or letting go of things you wanted to do. I also know how it is to let go of a trip for the year, which I have chosen to do because of financial reasons, and because we are going Jan. 2011 and I just don't see it being a smart option for us to go twice- so close together.

I'm sure she won't care where you stay- if you're at Disney! and there could be other special things you could possibly do for her bday around the Grand Floridian- maybe a dinner on her bday, or a family photo shoot at the GF. I'm sure disney can help you come up with something.

And since you can't stay there this time- just don't tell her, and then maybe next year you can surprise her with the resort and explain then why you didn't do it before- or something of that sort.

Either way, going to WDW for a bday present is the best gift ever- no matter where you stay!

Good Luck with your planning!

 

[ladybugmom]

Jackie--I'm so sorry to hear that GF is out! That stinks but I'm sure you'll figure out something great for your family--you always do!!!

 

[jordanyosh]

sorry to hear about the change in plans...I just began the process of pricing out what it will cost for PeepFest 2012 and if I do what I want to do, it'll be expensive. No WDW in 2011

I feel your pain.

CBR--I like this resort. It has a bad rep because of the size and busses, but awareness if half the battle. I never had too much of a problem with either because I knew what i was getting.

Pop-I am partial to it....but I stay there solo.....

 

[Roxychica7]

Aw CP, this makes me sad everytime I read it. I was wondering when the update would be. I say, either option 1 or 2.
Since you know that CBR is awesome, since you've stayed there before, that may be a really good choice for Chelsea, it's nice and relaxing. But, it's always fun to try and new resort too, especially if it's Bay Lake because you're still on the monorail route and you can visit the GF.

I say price it out between these two options, see the best price you can get from renting from DVC and decide between these two. Good luck!!

 

[jenjolt]

Awwww....Jackie big hugs to you right now!!! I'm sorry you are having to change your plans...however I think if CBR is somewhere she would like to stay than CBR is where you should go!!! I know you and your family will still have a great time there!!

I have to tell you I'm getting a bit nervous...with moving in our future and trying to find a job in the times when I know teacher jobs are going to be cut everywhere! I'm hoping I will be able to line up something in TX, hence why we are waiting on DVC. Like you I would kick myself if I couldn't get something and we had that payment. So we'll wait awhile, but I have to agree with others...the temptation is there especially knowing I'll be going back! But I know what you are feeling in regards to that!!!

Big hugs my friend!

 

[DisneyJo]

Jackie I'm so sorry that you won't be able to stay at the GF but really any hotel will be great as long as you get to go

 

[goldielocksraj]

((((Jackie & Charles)))

Okay, I know you guys don't know me but I've read all of your TR (and loved them all imensely!).

Let me say that I think you are so brave for making the hard choice. It totally sucks having to think of the future and not just wishes, but you made the hard choice and you and your family will be better for it.

That said, let me give my not-so-humble opinions of your options:

1.I think renting DVC points is a great idea, especially if you stay in an EPCOT resort. When you & hubby went to F&W, didn't you say how much you wanted to use Anita's "private" enterance? I think the kids would get a blast out of this too, since not too many people outside of DIS know about it, it would be an extra "bragging" story when they tell their friends! Plus, just walking around the Boardwalk is an attraction in itself! Stock up on quarters so that they can use the binocular-thingy in front of Beach/Yacht club.

2. Again quoting from your F&W trip report, you said that your kids would love CBR. Since you are going in "beachy" weather time, I think that will add to the magic of the resort for them.

3. If you decide to go with POP, I still know you'll have a blast. BFF and I stayed one night over New Year's, and it was very nice. It has its own bus system, and even though we had our own car (like you guys), it was nice to park it and have someone else do the driving and not take much extra time with buses vs.driving ourselves. The theming is just TOO CUTE, and we didn't even get to walk around too much! All in all, I highly recommend this "value" resort!

4. Like so many others said, there will always be a time for GF. My personal vote is for sweet 16, since that gives a few years for things to improve, and your kids will be a little older and would probably enjoy it even more than they would've this year.

Please, please keep us posted, I'm so anxious for my birthday trip (still over 280 days away!) that I love living vicariously through yours and others' trips.

 

[disneyfan61]

So sorry about the GF Jackie. I know how much you wanted to do this for Chelsea but like PP have said it may be more special for her "Sweet 16" birthday. I love the feel of CB. We stayed there in 2004 & really enjoyed it as I know you & Charles liked it last year. No matter where you decide to stay at least you will be at Disney.

LOVE the comment about the resort to Charles
I need to learn more about renting points. That sounds like a great option for future trips. I keep going back & forth about buying DVC. My DH does not want to buy unless we can pay for the whole thing without taking a loan. That mean a few more years (at least) but I get the resale emails every week & am always so tempted!!

Keep your chin up Jackie & whatever you decide I am sure it will be a wonderful birthday trip!!

 

[Native NYer]

I am so sorry about the GF Jackie I hope everything works out for you financially and your extended day pay returns in the very near future.

You and your family will enjoy a trip to Disney no matter which resort you choose. And the GF isn't going anywhere. When you can, you'll stay there.

As for your options, I think CBR or POP are perfect choices. Plus, you'll still get to use your PIN. However, if you can swing it, DVC would be a terrific deal. And since you make at least one trip a year, it's totally worth it. My whole opinion of DVC changed this weekend. Changed so much that the GF is out for us too. I blame Anita's tr

Whatever you decide, you'll have a GREAT vacation.

 

[swwake]

My whole opinion of DVC changed this weekend. Changed so much that the GF is out for us too. I blame Anita's tr

Where is this TR? I would love to read it. Especially if it changed your opinion...

 

[dddisrunner]

Hi Jackie! My heart broke for you reading your latest update because I can relate to what you are all going through. Bryan works for the State of NJ and he has had furlough days too with up to 9 more expected this coming fiscal year and he has had wage freezes too and hasn't received any type of raise since July of 2008 and he has started contributing more towards medical benefits! It STINKS!! I applaud you though for making that difficult decision not to stay at the GF. maybe just you and she can have tea there together? She will be happy to just have the great surprise of a trip!!! I can honestly say that if it weren't for DVC I don't know that we could afford to go again this summer either! I know you have done lots of DVC research but if you need any help or questions answered, you can PM me! Hang in there!

 

[BippityBoo]

SO sorry that the GF is not going to work out!!! I think that taxes are way more important than monorails, though

I think that your DD will enjoy any surprise trip, no matter where you stay Can't wait to hear where you book!

 

[cdotla]

So sorry that the GF is not going to work out.

However, I can absolutely vouch for CBR - I think you would love it. It has a fantastic tropical feel to it like no where else on property. And that wonderful pool! With the beating steel drums in the background! Nothing else compares!

Yes, I love the monorail resorts, and I will pay for them when I can. But bang for the buck is definitely with CBR. It'll always be my avatar!

 

[yinyanggirls]

So sorry Jackie! I'm afraid to get started on our taxes but I better just get it over with.

I think Caribbean Beach sounds nice, especially if she has requested it in the past.

 

[winkers]

I'm so sorry you can't do GF, but there are alot of other less expensive resorts.

Hearing about idiots cutting teacher's salaries realy irks me. Perhaps your Govenor should spend a day in a room full of pre-teens and see if he still thinks cutting pay is a good idea.

 

[DWGal210]

Jackie, I'm sorry to hear the GF isn't going to work out this year; but you're right, Chelsea didn't know it was an option and so it's not as if she's disappointed.

I would very much vote for buying DVC points. It might be just the same as staying at CBR and then you could try out DVC accomodations before you decided to buy in.

But CBR is also a VERY nice resort and I'm sure you would really like it there, too!!!

Keep us posted on what you decide!

 

[If U Had Wings]

Jackie, so sorry to hear about cancelling on the GF, but any trip to Disney is better than being at home right? And the GF isn't going to run away. You can always get back there for a later trip at some point.

I know exactly what you mean though. I had been hoping to swing a deluxe for my Oct. trip this year, but due to some recent changes it's not looking likely.

 

[MEK]

Oh CP.....

I am so sorry that things did not work out for your top secret trip to the Grand Floridian, but I have to agree with Charles.....its a room and there are so many other wonderful places to stay. You can have tons of fun wherever you stay and still have an awesome trip. Save the Grand Flo for another time.

I think staying at CBR is a wonderful option. I really think its a pretty resort and totally enjoyed my stay there. I think renting points is another wonderful option. As far as purchasing DVC.....if you are feeling stretched right now, then its probably not the best time. But don't give up your Disney vacation - you love it far too much to do that!

Now I haven't read the last few days. I just read you announcement, so I have to go back now and really catch up.

Oh yeah......and the comment about Charles spending most of his time in the room - LOL!

 

[MaryAz]

Well, that just stinks. I am sorry. Furlough days for teachers-how dumb. We really liked CBR and the pirate room. That may be more for Connor though...Renting points would also be good. I know you will come up with something great!

 

[manntra]

Oh Jackie....my heart just sank when I read your post I am so sorry about GF but you have some other really good options and I just know it will all work out whatever you decide.
This makes me so sad although your comment to Charles may have made me laugh just a little too much I know HD has had great success renting points.....I don't have my point charts readily available right now so I am not sure about that time of year...that might give you a good handle on DVC too
Your recruits are here to help!!

Tracy