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

[xoktenox]

You can always count on MeMom to have some great pictures to reaffirm your choice!

 

[MEK]

I love those CBR pictures. Really cool looking food court!

 

[Mommy2LittleVols]

YAY for CBR! Great choice!

 

[MadiMouse]

You will have a great vacation. I've always been curious about CBR and now I can learn from you!!

Yes, try to keep it a secret until traveling day. lol

 

[disneyfan61]

for making your decision!! You have stayed at CBR & enjoyed it and since Chelsea has wanted to stay there she will be very excited I'm sure!! Good idea about keeping it a secret. You would not want anyone to spill the beans.
I think you made a great choice

 

[micandminforever]

Great CBR pictures MeMom.

 

[jordanyosh]

CBR a great choice.

If you know about the busses and the walking, it's really not that bad.

I like how each village has a quiet pool.

 

[Charleston Princess]

Jackie, I am so glad that you were able to book at Caribbean Beach! It will be a wonderful trip!

Thanks! I think so, too!

Glad you were able to get CBR! I've gone back and forth between CBR and CSR for our January trip. At the moment, CSR is winning. I just love their newly renovated rooms.

I love those new CSR rooms, but Chelsea's vote for CBR wins.

Ahhhh, now your mind can rest at ease! It must feel good to have come to a decision, and I know you're vacation will be just as great at CBR!!

Keeping the trip a secret from both kids is probably a good idea - I'd be afraid that Conner would accidently let the cat out of the bag.....

Thanks! I think a stay at CBR will be perfect in the summer. Oh, I wouldn't tell Connor about it. We'll just let both kids think Disney isn't on the books for this summer.

CBR is on my list of resorts I'd like to stay at someday. It looks so relaxing!

Charles and I loved our stay there last October!

I'm so glad you were able to get CBR! Even better that Chelsea really wants to stay there, too.

I think keeping the trip a secret is an awesome idea -- it might be hard, but it would be sooooo worth it in the end!

I know the kids will be excited about going when they finally find out!

Yea, so glad that you were able to make a decision! And honestly, I think you made an excellent one. (Although all of your options had soooo many positives each . . .)

I totally understand about sticking to the dining plan, having things pre-paid before is so worth it! Less to think about on vacation=more fun and R&R!!!!

I agree! I may still decide to drop the dining plan, but for now, we will keep it on the reservation. I don't have to have the trip paid in full until the beginning of June so I have some time to decide.

The pool at CBR is so awesome your kids will love it

The pool was one of the deciding factors. I think the kids will absolutely love it, and as you know, we are huge pool people!

I think you'll love CBR! Since Chelsea didn't know GF was an option she will be thrilled!

Yes, she will be! She was really bummed when we stayed there without them.

Your new plan sounds great!

I agree with your math actually, worst case scenario for us meant we broke even DDP versus no. If it was just the 6 of us I think we'd just do it as I loved having it all pre-paid as well. Since we are able to do the 1;1 plan it just gives us a little flexibility but I'm not at all sure we will really save a dime, am assuming it's a wash as well.

You both enjoyed it so much on your F&W trip and it will be fun to show it to the kids, kind of nice you've had that preview! And you still have your lovely girls only pretty sundress tea to look forward to.

And you know...you can always hold on to the idea of GF for 16!

Surprises are the best. I am a huge fan as you know. If you can pull it off, go for it! We will have surprises for the August trip, just not the trip itself but I can't wait to see how the E's react to the April surprise!

I can't wait to hear all about the E's reactions to the April surprise! We won't have to wait too much longer for it!

Sounds great sweetie!!!! I am sure you will all LOVE your trip to the islands!!!!!!!!!!!! I am pretty sure I hear a hammock calling your name!!!!!

Oh, yes! Or at least a pool chair and a pina colada!

 

[Charleston Princess]

I think CBR will be awesome! Plus, it's Chelsea's second choice so that is a nice little surprise for her Birthday.

I think you should keep it a secret and tell your kids you are going on a really boring/educational road trip to somewhere they have no desire to go and see how long it takes them to figure out you are going to Disney.

What a great idea, LL! Although, knowing our nerdy little family, they would totally get excited about the educational road trip! Connor is all about Revolutionary War history right now because they are studying it in school, and I keep thinking how much he would enjoy a trip to New England or Washington, DC -- one of these days, I need to plan a trip like that instead of a Disney trip.

Glad you made a decision! LOL...although if I know you- there will be ONE MORE change! hahahaha!

Love the idea about keeping it a secret because I am keeping our trip a secret from Rachael in May and it's killing me but I know that it will be worth it in the end!

Nope, I think I am done with changes. The only change I could foresee is having to downgrade to a value if we have some sort of unplanned expenses (which I so hope we do not end up with).

I think it will be so neat to watch the kids realize we are headed to Disney after all.

YAY for booking CBR!! You are going to have a great time there I just know it!!

Thanks, Jen! I think so, too! Can't wait to be there in warm weather! Of course, I will probably complain about the heat, but you will have to remind me that I was looking forward to it when I was freezing.

CBR is a great choice! I love the little Cay that they have to walk around near the shopping area. We ate breakfast there every morning & had way too many birds to keep away from our food. It was a great way to spend a morning.

I love the gift shop at CBR -- so much larger than most of the other moderates!

So Bo should be wearing a Hawaiian print shirt or maybe a pirate eye patch with a parrot on his shoulder. Camo and Swordfish are on it!

Hurray! I am definitely going to be using Bo as the reveal! I can't wait! Thanks for thinking of it, Jill!

I know you are so relieved to have made a decision---CBR looks so warm and tropical.

So now you can relax, maaannn---No worriezzzz (Say this in your best Jamaican voice! )

Thanks! I am now about to launch into full planning mode. I only have four and a half months as it is!

I love the idea of a surprise trip! But are C&C really going to buy that you aren't going to WDW this year?? You and Charles will have to lay it on thick!

I have heard such terrific things about CBR. I think you're going to love it. And how fun to have a whole new resort to research. Isn't that where you can get the Pirate or Nemo themed rooms?

I am with you on the math stuff. It's called fuzzy Disney math for a reason!! Seriously when you put together the math, the scheduling, the project planning, the touring plans etc.... you need an advanced degree just to be able to have a successful trip!

I think we might just be able to convince them because they have heard me complaining about how our finances are affecting Disney trips.

CBR is where you can get the Nemo or Pirate room -- we'll just be getting the regular Nemo room on this trip.

I wish I could major in Disney trip planning and make a career out of it.

I'm happy that you got CBR. It's such a wonderful resort, so relaxing, and you have a wonderful food court there with lots of options. Something to keep in mind in case you do dump the dining plan. Keeping it a secret still, you naughty parents!

We are being very naughty, TK! Charles and I so enjoyed our stay there in October, so I know we will be happy there.

Hooray for closure on the indecision! You will LOVE CBR! I like the idea of surprising both kids. It will be so much fun at the reveal. Speaking of reveal, do you have plans for that yet?

I do have a couple of ideas -- MeMom and Jill came up with a great idea that involves Bo telling Chelsea about her birthday trip!

I like the idea of making it a surprise for both of them They will be thrilled!!

Can't wait to see what you have planned...yay for CBR!!

Planning can really start now that we have a resort squared away.

 

[Charleston Princess]

Great we are back to Operation Thirteen Candles with a new destination. The Caribbean is a great place to start a secret mission. The next question is will we be hunting Nemo or joining the pirates to complete our mission.

I am sorry no ice here either, plus most of the snow has melted. The good news you are one day closer to the end of the year, and summer fun.

Yes, Operation Thirteen Candles can recommence now! We will be hunting Nemo although there may be quite a few pirates involved.

I am so ready for spring and warm weather -- as long as the severe weather doesn't start up like it did last year.

Oh yay for CBR!!!
Chelsea will love it! But I think either way in the end, if you didn't choose going to WDW at all, you'd be the one that would be the most disappointed. I love CBR! So happy for you! Definitely think keeping the dining plan for now is a good idea, and why not keep it all a secret from both of them

Charles and I loved CBR, too. Oh, I would definitely be the most disappointed.

Sounds great, Boris! CBR is gorgeous. It just screams summer to me. Are still going for 5 nights or did you add nights?

No, we are still going for five nights. It just makes sense, and we will still have a full park day for each of the parks and two half-days on either end.

Hooray!! CBR rocks! I really enjoyed it there. I felt like I was on a tropical vacation just walking around! So relaxing! My kids LOVED the pools too.
Did you already tell us about your ADRs? I forget. I know you were going to do the GF tea. I am a big fan of the DDP just for the reason that it is all paid for ahead of time. I know I will not be doing it after DD8 turns 10 unless she suddenly develops an adult palate and appetite to go with it. I'll have to budget money and put it on a gift card then.

I can't wait for the kids to experience CBR. I know they will love it.

I did mention ADRs somewhere back in the PTR. We are doing 50's Prime Time the night we arrive, Le Cellier, Yak and Yeti, the tea, I changed the 1900 Park Fare to Crystal Palace breakfast (although since I kept the 1900 Park Fare we may still do that one), and Tutto Italia. Lots of yummy eating to look forward to experiencing.

so glad you have made your decision and the trip is back on in full swing.

I love that you are still keeping it a surprise and I am sure CBR will be wonderful...we stayed there twice in '94 and '95 which is like forever ago now....

Happy Spy planning resume!

Thank you! CBR will be lovely in the summer -- I can't wait for warm weather and palm trees!

Great choice Jackie!!

We really enjoyed CBR last year & spent more time at the pool than we have on any other Disney vacation!

Thanks, Amy! We always seem to spend a good bit of time at the pool when we are at Disney, so I know the kids will enjoy the CBR pool. It is so neat with that old fort look about it.

Yay for CBR! I was secretly hoping that would be the resort you chose! I think its a great choice

Thank you! The kids are sure to have a blast there.

Good choice Jackie! CBR just looks so serene and inviting and if that's Chelsea's second pick, I'm sure she'll be so happy

Thanks, Kristen!!! I need to head over to your PTR, and we need to make plans to try and meet up somewhere while we are down there!

I think that is a great choice! Just look at it this way......... someone like me who has only stayed at the value resorts would consisder CBR a "dream resort"! And she will never know that you had the GF booked to begin with so I think she will be thrilled! I cannot wait to hear all about it. Maybe you can do the GF when she turns 16 since that is the grandest of all birthdays anyway! I'm glad you have made a decision so you can get back to enjoying your planning time!

Thanks, Rinky! Saving so much money by switching certainly made the disappointment much, much less. The Grand may still be on the horizon for Chelsea's 16th, but she did mention she would like to go to NYC for that. I think that would be a really fun trip as well.

Congrats on booking CBR. You're going to have a great time and Chelsea will be thrilled. Love the idea of keeping the trip a secret from both kids. Have you thought about how you're going to tell them?

Thanks, Jen! I have the beginnings of ideas for the reveal. MeMom and Jill are going to recruit Bo to help me while they are down there! (Jill came up with the idea, and I think it is just too perfect to pass up!)

 

[Charleston Princess]

OK - now I know you aren't going to be doing any running in July, but I just have to say that CBR is one of my favorite places to run. The paths are so lovely and there is something to look at around every corner. My favorite spot is the little island. Its so tropical and magical there. I think your decision is great and the kids will be super surprised. It's going to be a great birthday surprise!

Yeah, I don't see myself running while I am at CBR, but I do see us exploring and walking around to see all the great theming!

Chelsea is going to be thrilled with CBR! You are going to have to find some of those little paper umbrellas for your reveal!
OK, we are going to need more information about this trip!

Oh, good idea, Wigd! Maybe we can theme her birthday party as tropical and have fruity drinks with parasols!

Great choice on CBR! thats the only moderate I havent tried, but I hope to change that soon!

PS: I started a PTR (link in my sig) nothing really to talk about yet, but I Thought i would let you know

Oh, I need to head over there!!! I always love your PTRs!!!

Yay for CBR! Totally agree with your rationale there!

And yipppeee that they still had CBR inventory to apply to your pin code!

Were you able to book a standard room or did they make you book a waterview or pirate room? The last few times I have inquired, they advised that you needed to upgrade to waterview or pirate room in order to take advantage of a pin code, which was disappointing as I only wanted a standard. My theory is that they must be interested in booking and filling up the premium rooms first before booking the standard inventory.

So glad the hard decisions on resort have now been finalized. Now onto the next dilemma...dining!

I was able to book a standard room with the pin code, thank goodness, because I didn't want to have to upgrade rooms. We will have a car, so there is no need to have a preferred room, and Chelsea would not be interested in a pirate room. I had a couple of backup plans if the pin wasn't coming up with what I wanted -- there were the gift card offer and the room-only discount that I was going to try.

Yay for CBR-think it will be great! Good idea on the surprise trip. Now, back to planning

Exactly, Mary! I am ready to throw myself back into planning now!

Hooray for the pin code transferring to the new resort! I think you made a great choice and she will love it. Interesting that the DDP costs about the same...

Thanks! Well, I might be able to eat cheaper if we didn't always get desserts, etc., but I would end up budgeting about the same amount if we paid OOP.

Phew!! I am so happy for you and your tropical decision I was laughing right out loud when you said it was intoxicating that you have much of your trip paid for before going! Such a true statement!!

Tracy

It is, isn't it? I love the idea of going down there and knowing we will have a place to stay, parks to go to, and food to eat no matter what.

Yay for CBR and being able to use the pin code!!!

I was very happy!

I'm glad your code still worked.

I'm sure you'll all enjoy CBR. Who wouldn't? However, I believe a pic with Chelsea in a rasta hat is required now.

I couldn't keep a trip a secret. I'm horrible that way. I have to yell it from the mountain (so to speak-it's actually pretty flat where I live).

Oh, yes, rasta hat pictures with both Chelsea and Connor are now a must!

I am horrible about keeping secrets, too. In fact, I almost slipped up yesterday when my students were telling me when they were headed to Disney next. Two of them are going over spring break and one is going at the end of May. I almost said, "We are going in July," but realized in the nick of time that I was talking to Chelsea's friends! I'd never hear the end of it from Charles if I was the one that blurted it out. I am always giving him grief about doing just that -- like the other day when he told Connor they were building a Legoland in Orlando.

CBR sounds like a fun resort! I think your kids will be very happy to stay there. It's great that you were able to still use the pin code too!

Thanks, Julie! I think we will have a great time at CBR.

 

[Charleston Princess]

I'm very curious now about CBR. Can you choose to have a pirate or Nemo room, or is it pot luck? Or are they all refurbed now?

All of the standard rooms and preferred rooms are Nemo rooms. The pirate rooms are a completely different category, so you can pick the kind of room you want.

And I've read that the place will walk you to death. Do you have some secret to avoiding that? Is there a section that is close to the bus stops and food area? I'm really interested in staying here one day myself (maybe next time), but I'm not well informed on it. Thought you might know about it all since you are an obsessive planner like the restof us!

The preferred rooms are near the food and pool area, and there are several bus stops throughout the resort. I didn't book preferred since it would have been $100 extra, and I know we will have the car down there which will help.

We may have to shoot for POFQ if there is too much walking involved here. I'm not lazy, but by the time I have been in the parks all day, I don't want to walk a mile to get to my room, if you know what I mean! I'm very interested to hear about your stay here.

POFQ is my favorite moderate partly because the size is so perfect. We have stayed there twice and loved it there.

Well that is a great switch! I love that resort! I'm sure she will love it just the same! And good luck keeping it a secret from both kids- that would be sooo hard for me!

It is going to be hard for me, too.

Been there, done that. Except in my case, it was two sets of braces for our daughters and we had to forgo an entire 2010 trip. It is not fun but we must be responsible, right? Thought it's soooo hard sometimes to not just say, let's do it and worry about it later. Oh well, I know you will stay at GF sometime and we will be back in 2011.

I think CBR is an excellent choice!!! It is so appealing to me. That's where we hope to stay at on our next visit.

I am still in shock that your orthodontic treatments are going to be so much! I was complaining about Chelsea's, and it seems like a bargain now!

CBR will be wonderful! It looks so peaceful and relaxing. I would like to stay there when Owen is old enough to enjoy the pirate rooms.

It is very peaceful and relaxing, and all of the pirate theming is very neat!

CBR will be wonderful! You guys will have a blast!

I've kept our spring break trip a secret from our kids since October. It's hard sometimes but I gotta tell ya, thinking about the day they'll find out is almost as exciting as the trip itself!!

That's what I keep telling myself. After all, if I can keep Christmas a secret, surely I can keep my mouth closed about Disney for four and a half more months.

Congratulations on your decision! You will have an awesome time.

I come bearing pictures, of course.

Looks like a fine place to stay to me.

Bo may be sporting a CBR t-shirt soon for a big reveal.

Ah, I it when you come bearing pictures!!! Can't wait to be taking an early morning walk this summer!!!

I really can't wait to see what you and Jill come up with for Bo's reveal!!!

You can always count on MeMom to have some great pictures to reaffirm your choice!

I love MeMom pictures!!!

I love those CBR pictures. Really cool looking food court!

It is very neat! Charles and I enjoyed our two meals there as well.

YAY for CBR! Great choice!

Thank you! I feel so much better now that we have that squared away.

You will have a great vacation. I've always been curious about CBR and now I can learn from you!!

Yes, try to keep it a secret until traveling day. lol

Thank you, Cass! We will probably tell them about it a couple of days ahead of time -- it will take Chelsea that long to pack.

 

[Charleston Princess]

for making your decision!! You have stayed at CBR & enjoyed it and since Chelsea has wanted to stay there she will be very excited I'm sure!! Good idea about keeping it a secret. You would not want anyone to spill the beans.
I think you made a great choice

Thank you! I am getting more and more excited about the trip!

Great CBR pictures MeMom.

MeMom always has the best pictures!!!

CBR a great choice.

If you know about the busses and the walking, it's really not that bad.

I like how each village has a quiet pool.

I feel like since we stayed there in October, we know exactly what we are getting into. It will help having the car down there as well.

 

[wsushocker]

one of these days, I need to plan a trip like that instead of a Disney trip.

I vaguely remember vacationing to other places in the country.....vaguely, very vaguely

 

[Happydog]

YAY!!! Let the real fun begin!!!

So sorry I was behind this week and missed the great news! BUSY week it was... I was rested after the cruise, and then, WHAM! four days of nuttiness!

NOW that it is official...

I can hear the island music playing!!! Say, when we were on the cruise I have to say I felt that Castaway Cay and CBR were vaguely similar.... WONDER why that is??!! Seriously, as you know, the colors and the atmosphere is so upbeat there. In the summer it is probably a lively island party! VERY exciting for you!

And of course since planning surprises is right up my alley, I think it is the best way to go, too!!!! Both! I SAY, you tell them that you have decided to go to KEY WEST after all... since I know you had been discussing this way back LAST year, after your Disney trip, right?? SO, driving south to Florida will make sense, and if they don't know really the road route, they probably won't "get it" until you are really close to orlando, and or they see "Disney" and Universal billboards... So in MY opinion, that would be a great cover...

Whatever you do I am sure it will be a perfect CP, err, Natasha, plan.

Can't wait for more!!!!

 

[Happydog]

I vaguely remember vacationing to other places in the country.....vaguely, very vaguely

HIGHlarious.

 

[dddisrunner]

YEAH!! Chelsea will be thrilled with the CBR! I am sure that was a HUGE savings!!!! I love the idea of surprising both kids too!

 

[ampc3]

awesome! my sister stayed there last year,(they are deluxe people usually) and she liked it alot...

There is no way, I could tell one kid and the other wouldn't find out! lol hhah... good idea not to tell them both!!

 

[Charleston Princess]

I vaguely remember vacationing to other places in the country.....vaguely, very vaguely

I do, too. It is but a distant but fond memory at this point.

YAY!!! Let the real fun begin!!!

So sorry I was behind this week and missed the great news! BUSY week it was... I was rested after the cruise, and then, WHAM! four days of nuttiness!

Sadly, isn't that how it always is when we return to real life.

NOW that it is official...

I can hear the island music playing!!! Say, when we were on the cruise I have to say I felt that Castaway Cay and CBR were vaguely similar.... WONDER why that is??!! Seriously, as you know, the colors and the atmosphere is so upbeat there. In the summer it is probably a lively island party! VERY exciting for you!

I am so looking forward to your pics of Castaway Cay -- and all the other fun things you did on your cruise!

I can't wait to hear that Caribbean music at CBR -- I love how Disney always has music playing no matter where you are!

And of course since planning surprises is right up my alley, I think it is the best way to go, too!!!! Both! I SAY, you tell them that you have decided to go to KEY WEST after all... since I know you had been discussing this way back LAST year, after your Disney trip, right?? SO, driving south to Florida will make sense, and if they don't know really the road route, they probably won't "get it" until you are really close to orlando, and or they see "Disney" and Universal billboards... So in MY opinion, that would be a great cover...

Whatever you do I am sure it will be a perfect CP, err, Natasha, plan.

Can't wait for more!!!!

I will be enlisting your help for the trip reveal for sure!!! I hestitate to tell them we are going somewhere else, because, knowing my two and my luck, they will get all excited about the fake trip, and then, complain we are going to Disney.

HIGHlarious.

I thought so, too!

YEAH!! Chelsea will be thrilled with the CBR! I am sure that was a HUGE savings!!!! I love the idea of surprising both kids too!

A HUGE savings is right. Switching to CBR was a difference of about $700 -- when you think about how that is just for a different room, it seems like the smart thing to do.

awesome! my sister stayed there last year,(they are deluxe people usually) and she liked it alot...

There is no way, I could tell one kid and the other wouldn't find out! lol hhah... good idea not to tell them both!!

Charles and I really liked CBR, too. Can't wait to show the kids!

I was just thinking, you should definitely make sure you head back to WDW while the boys are still able to sleep in a Pak n' Play, and you don't have to buy their tickets and stuff.

 

[ampc3]

i know, but don't think DH would ever go to bringing them as babies... we made an agreement along time ago that the kids had to be almost 4... but you are right about the cost etc... so maybe we will be rethinking that for sure! I just don't know how enjoyable it really is when you have to deal with little ones IMHO.. but we are traveling with them this summer to chicago, so we will see how the travel!~ >) I forgot that you and Charles stayed there already during food and wine...