Trip Number Ten ~ We're Going Again! Plus a side trip!

[Momof2Disneyboys]

Anyone up for a Downtown Disney chat today??? I know I am!! My family and I just LOVE DTD. In fact sometimes my kids ask to go there instead of the parks!

Some of our favorite places to shop at DTD are ~

Once Upon a Toy
World of Disney
Lego Store
Team Mickey
Summer Sands
Disney's Pin Traders
Mickey's Pantry
Disney's Days of Christmas
Goofy's Candy Company
Pooh's Corner
Mickey's Mart
Orlando Harley Davidson
Magnetron Magnetz
Mickey's Groove (too bad they closed this one)


We have also rode the Hot Air Balloon at DTD and it was awesome!! But, for us that was probably a one time thing.

We will probably only make it to DTD one time on this trip. We usually go at least 2 times, but we already know that when staying at the YC (or just about any Deluxe) that the bus ride to and from DTD is a nightmare. They stick 4-5 Deluxe resorts on one bus, add in 2 stops at DTD, and a stop at BB and you have an hour long bus ride. Ridiculous. One of the things I miss about the Moderates – no hassle, quick & easy bus rides to DTD!

So on our one DTD trip this time we will likely spend quite a bit of time in the World of Disney, the Lego Store, and Once Upon a Toy. I'm sure we will hit lots of others as well, and of course get something to eat while we are there!

Up Next: Rehabs and Closures

 

[Momof2Disneyboys]

UGH! We are going to be there in 2014 during that weekend. We are doing January 18-25 with President's Day being on the 20th. Here are our plans, do you think it might not be so bad and we are rope drop people.
Jan 18 Epcot
Jan 19 HS
Jan 20 Epcot
Jan 21 & 22 MK
Jan 23 MK or Epcot or HS
Jan 24 AK or MK
Jan 25 MK

Found it!! Looks like we arrived the day after MLK Jr Day.
http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2101751

 

[JoBird]

Aww, DTD. I know you guys love it there!!

Any plans to spend an hour and a half in the Lego store? Is he still interested as he used to be in them?
He's so talented, he should be!!

I don't think I've been in most of those stores you listed. In fact, I'm pretty sure I haven't heard of half of them.

Guess I need to spend more time there. I don't have it listed in my park plans this trip at all. sigh. I'm such a Goober.

Wait--- are you down to 12 days??? holy cow!!

 

[RinkyTinkyTinky]

I can't believe the busses for DTD are so crappy at the deluxes. You would think for what they charge a night to stay there, they could do better. That's a mystery to me???

I know you didn't care for it, but we really enjoyed the boat ride to DTD from POR. Maybe it was just a timing thing, but it was never crowded on the boat and we never had to wait for a boat. And we had very cool weather all week so it wasn't hot either. I could see it not being very comfortable in the summer though. But we ended up going to DTD 2 or 3 times on that trip because it was so easy. That's unheard of for us. We didn't go to DTD at all on one of our trips! I know that must sound nutty to you! My DH informed me that we will never do that again though because he does not like missing his meal at WPE! We also like Ghirardelli's! YUM! I think we go to eat and you go to shop! I do like WoD though. I just wish all the other thousands of people that are always in there didn't like it so much!

So what souvies do you all have in mind to get at DTD this time???

 

[JoBird]

Oh and I forgot to say--- as far as the hard sell the CMs give and my booking next time, let me tell you, I am all for ease and comfort in my life. I will give you the CC and let you have at it!! (wait. I think I see a pattern here--- I Love the Lazy River??)

Book the hotel, tickets, dining-- um, well, that is to say, I'll let you contact CL and tell them what I want. All of it. It's yours. You're very good at what you do and I trust you implicitly to be the best TA evah.

And then, when you're all done, (with maybe even a few suggestions you just might happen to "throw" in there that I might want M to surprise me with-- I'll tell you later- ), just send the Bill to him and he'll be all "ooh, Shelly is the BEST!".

 

[Dancegrl624]

I love DTD too! I could spend days there and I always have to be pulled out of World of Disney. I'm hoping to do a little shopping there next month (AH!) while I'm at the EarMarked Conference. Still can't believe I'm going!!!

I adored the boat to DTD last Sept when we stayed at POFQ. It was so relaxing and SO much better than the bus!

 

[Momof2Disneyboys]

Aww, DTD. I know you guys love it there!!

Any plans to spend an hour and a half in the Lego store? Is he still interested as he used to be in them?
He's so talented, he should be!!

I don't think I've been in most of those stores you listed. In fact, I'm pretty sure I haven't heard of half of them.

Guess I need to spend more time there. I don't have it listed in my park plans this trip at all. sigh. I'm such a Goober.

Wait--- are you down to 12 days??? holy cow!!

Oh I'm sure we'll be in the Lego Store at least an hour. Actually I think he is losing interest in Lego's a little. Just a little so far. Kind of makes me sad.

Yes, you do need to spend more time there!! I've been telling you that for years! You are a Goober

Yep, 12 days!! That's crazy, I didn't even realize it until you said it!

I can't believe the busses for DTD are so crappy at the deluxes. You would think for what they charge a night to stay there, they could do better. That's a mystery to me???

It is bad. And I have voiced my opinion on it every chance given. Any time I get a survey after a trip I tell them about that. Doesn't ever change though.

I know you didn't care for it, but we really enjoyed the boat ride to DTD from POR. Maybe it was just a timing thing, but it was never crowded on the boat and we never had to wait for a boat. And we had very cool weather all week so it wasn't hot either. I could see it not being very comfortable in the summer though. But we ended up going to DTD 2 or 3 times on that trip because it was so easy. That's unheard of for us. We didn't go to DTD at all on one of our trips! I know that must sound nutty to you! My DH informed me that we will never do that again though because he does not like missing his meal at WPE! We also like Ghirardelli's! YUM! I think we go to eat and you go to shop! I do like WoD though. I just wish all the other thousands of people that are always in there didn't like it so much!

So what souvies do you all have in mind to get at DTD this time???

Our boating experience from POR to DTD wasn't all that pleasant. I remember it being hot, loud, and crowded!! Maybe we just hit it a bad day.

I don't really have too much shopping/souvenirs planned for this trip I guess. We were just there in December. I guess I'll just look around and see if anything jumps out at me.

I'm looking forward to DTD for WPE too!! We had an awesome meal there last time!

Oh and I forgot to say--- as far as the hard sell the CMs give and my booking next time, let me tell you, I am all for ease and comfort in my life. I will give you the CC and let you have at it!! (wait. I think I see a pattern here--- I Love the Lazy River??)

Book the hotel, tickets, dining-- um, well, that is to say, I'll let you contact CL and tell them what I want. All of it. It's yours. You're very good at what you do and I trust you implicitly to be the best TA evah.

And then, when you're all done, (with maybe even a few suggestions you just might happen to "throw" in there that I might want M to surprise me with-- I'll tell you later- ), just send the Bill to him and he'll be all "ooh, Shelly is the BEST!".

Ahh thanks! I really appreciate your support in my business venture. It means a lot. You wouldn't believe what I've been through with some people. It can be discouraging at times. But, I'm looking at the people that are supporting me and giving me a chance to show them what I can do for them and hoping for the best.

Hmm....Can't wait to hear about these suggestions that I might have to hint to M!!

 

[Momof2Disneyboys]

I love DTD too! I could spend days there and I always have to be pulled out of World of Disney. I'm hoping to do a little shopping there next month (AH!) while I'm at the EarMarked Conference. Still can't believe I'm going!!!

I adored the boat to DTD last Sept when we stayed at POFQ. It was so relaxing and SO much better than the bus!

DTD is awesome!

That is great that you are going to the EarMarked conference! My boss is going, she is excited too! We are hoping for some more info on the Magic+ and all of that.

 

[disny_luvr]

We enjoy DTD, too. We like the laid-back feel to it after spending exhausting days in the parks. The one downfall to DTD, and you already mentioned this, is the bus system. Seriously, I dread going sometimes because I hate thinking about the busses and the waits and the endless stops and so on and so forth. Maybe next time we'll just cab it.

 

[EastYorkDisneyFan]

Maybe that's it -- all the snow at BB just doesn't interest me, being from the north!!

No, actually I think it looks pretty cool. We'll see how TL goes for us and maybe we'll do BB next year!

It is pretty good I just liked TL better it has a tropical feel to it. It almost feels like they could pick it up and put it on island somewhere and it would feel right.

 

[mickeyplanner]

Found it!! Looks like we arrived the day after MLK Jr Day.
http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2101751

Thanks for the link, I will start reading now.

 

[mickeyplanner]

Thanks for the January 2009 link. We also went there in January 2009 just Jan 2-9,2009 during Marathon Weekend. I think you summed it up best, avoid DHS during a Fantasmic Day.

The photopass pictures from the Jedi Training were great. I also loved the DTD ones with MIckey Mouse.

I feel much better after reading your January TR. I did not see any flags in the background of any of your pictures. When we were there this January 6-12, 2013we ran into the tour groups one day at MK and another day at AK.

 

[JoBird]

Ahh thanks! I really appreciate your support in my business venture. It means a lot. You wouldn't believe what I've been through with some people. It can be discouraging at times. But, I'm looking at the people that are supporting me and giving me a chance to show them what I can do for them and hoping for the best.

I think that would be the hardest part of being a TA-- dealing with the public and how rude people can be. I know that sounds really bad but I know my personality and I know I would let loose on someone after a couple of rounds of "Do this, do that, book this, book that, why haven't I heard from you today, oh wait--- I'm canceling I can do it myself, now give me a refund!"


I don't think people fully understand how time consuming of a job it is and just brush it off and say Oh well not my problem when they cancel and you've got a bazillion hours into their vacation and nothing to show for it.

It's hard but I know you can do really really well!! And of course I support you-- 100%!


Okay so now----
how many days until you leave?? Oh lets see, um.....


ELEVEN!!!!!!!!!



Get that suitcase packed. This is so not like you!!!! Ya'll can wear sheets or something until the trip.

 

[Momof2Disneyboys]

We enjoy DTD, too. We like the laid-back feel to it after spending exhausting days in the parks. The one downfall to DTD, and you already mentioned this, is the bus system. Seriously, I dread going sometimes because I hate thinking about the busses and the waits and the endless stops and so on and so forth. Maybe next time we'll just cab it.

I find DTD very relaxing too, compared to the parks! But yes, the bus system from the Deluxe resorts is absolutely ridiculous. The park buses rarely bother us, but that DTD bus (especially from the YC/BC) is SO bad!

It is pretty good I just liked TL better it has a tropical feel to it. It almost feels like they could pick it up and put it on island somewhere and it would feel right.

I prefer the tropical feel too!

Thanks for the January 2009 link. We also went there in January 2009 just Jan 2-9,2009 during Marathon Weekend. I think you summed it up best, avoid DHS during a Fantasmic Day.

The photopass pictures from the Jedi Training were great. I also loved the DTD ones with MIckey Mouse.

I feel much better after reading your January TR. I did not see any flags in the background of any of your pictures. When we were there this January 6-12, 2013we ran into the tour groups one day at MK and another day at AK.

You're welcome! Glad it helped. I got a little sad after I looked up that TR, the boys were so little!! I remember the days of standing there hoping for them to get picked for the Jedi Training!

 

[Dancegrl624]

I think that would be the hardest part of being a TA-- dealing with the public and how rude people can be. I know that sounds really bad but I know my personality and I know I would let loose on someone after a couple of rounds of "Do this, do that, book this, book that, why haven't I heard from you today, oh wait--- I'm canceling I can do it myself, now give me a refund!"


I don't think people fully understand how time consuming of a job it is and just brush it off and say Oh well not my problem when they cancel and you've got a bazillion hours into their vacation and nothing to show for it.

It's hard but I know you can do really really well!! And of course I support you-- 100%!

Not to hijack but there are so many ups and downs when you're a Disney Vacation Specialist (I prefer that over the title TA). It is usually friends and family that are the hardest to deal with. I have a friend that has asked me for quotes on two different occasions. Priced out so many options, different dates, etc. Followed up many times and never heard back. Months pass and then I see all her vacation pics on Facebook. The first time I was kind of hurt; second time..I learned my lesson!

Shelly- Sorry for hijacking!

 

[Momof2Disneyboys]

I think that would be the hardest part of being a TA-- dealing with the public and how rude people can be. I know that sounds really bad but I know my personality and I know I would let loose on someone after a couple of rounds of "Do this, do that, book this, book that, why haven't I heard from you today, oh wait--- I'm canceling I can do it myself, now give me a refund!"


I don't think people fully understand how time consuming of a job it is and just brush it off and say Oh well not my problem when they cancel and you've got a bazillion hours into their vacation and nothing to show for it.

It's hard but I know you can do really really well!! And of course I support you-- 100%!


Okay so now----
how many days until you leave?? Oh lets see, um.....


ELEVEN!!!!!!!!!



Get that suitcase packed. This is so not like you!!!! Ya'll can wear sheets or something until the trip.

It is hard at times. Some days I LOVE the job and other days it is just very discouraging. Exactly what you said - I don't think people consider the time involved. And then yes, the demanding and rude ones!



So, yes -- 11 DAYS!!! That's crazy!! I need to pack!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[Dancegrl624]

DTD is awesome!

That is great that you are going to the EarMarked conference! My boss is going, she is excited too! We are hoping for some more info on the Magic+ and all of that.

I am beyond excited and was so honored that I was invited. It will be me, another agent and the agency owners (husband and wife). I hope that they will talk a lot about the new technology with the MagicBands and I would love to hear about future projects..highly unlikely.

 

[Momof2Disneyboys]

Not to hijack but there are so many ups and downs when you're a Disney Vacation Specialist (I prefer that over the title TA). It is usually friends and family that are the hardest to deal with. I have a friend that has asked me for quotes on two different occasions. Priced out so many options, different dates, etc. Followed up many times and never heard back. Months pass and then I see all her vacation pics on Facebook. The first time I was kind of hurt; second time..I learned my lesson!

Shelly- Sorry for hijacking!

Oh my gosh Meghan!! This is it exactly. Friends and family are the hardest. I have had people do the same exact thing to me. I do all the work and then don't hear back from them and then see their Disney pics on FB. It is VERY hurtful to say the least. I've even had a few people tell me they would book with me, (even without me asking them) and now they totally ignore me. I don't get it at all. I can get them the same deal or lots of times even better than they can get on their own. Makes no sense. I've even had worse experiences recently, that I better not mention on here...

I guess I just have to look at the people that are supporting me and go from there. It is surprising to me some of the people who do contact me that I don't even know as well as the ones that I would expect to give me their business.

Ups and downs is right!

 

[Dancegrl624]

Oh my gosh Meghan!! This is it exactly. Friends and family are the hardest. I have had people do the same exact thing to me. I do all the work and then don't hear back from them and then see their Disney pics on FB. It is VERY hurtful to say the least. I've even had a few people tell me they would book with me, (even without me asking them) and now they totally ignore me. I don't get it at all. I can get them the same deal or lots of times even better than they can get on their own. Makes no sense. I've even had worse experiences recently, that I better not mention on here...

I guess I just have to look at the people that are supporting me and go from there. It is surprising to me some of the people who do contact me that I don't even know as well as the ones that I would expect to give me their business.

Ups and downs is right!

I have learned to just move on, but it still hurts a little. The people that do book with me are very appreciative of everything I do for them and that makes me happy. Hearing about how my tips/itineraries helped them during their trip and they could just relax is why I do this job!

Like you, I also have a lot of people who continue to refer me to their friends, family and co-workers and give me lots of support.

 

[Disney Mommy 3]

holy cow....I just realized last night that I haven't been getting my disboards notifications.... I have not read your page since7/24!!!!! I am soooo behind!!!!! Well,..glad to see that I have lots to read!LOL!!!
Gosh...your trip is here girl!!