Very Merry D23 Holidaze Dec 2009 TR - 7 magical park days! updt 7/1

[MyMuse]

I say come a day early- if they ever call you back! LOL.

They still haven't called me back, so I guess I have to get the hint. I called last Wednesday afternoon and a couple of times since then, leaving messages. I will call the general line to see if I can get it straightened out and hope for a Friday check-in.

*geesh*

 

[MyMuse]

Ok, I think I need a step back from planning....

I got a call from my work friends (in my old office) that we are making dinner dishes for a former worker in my old office. If you read my May 09 TR, you'll know that she is the one who is very ill (terminal), a Disney fan and a wonderful, caring, beautiful person.
I talk to her about Disney when I do get a chance to speak with her because I know it lifts her spirits.

Her son was also the one that gave me that gift bag of Disney gifts as a thank you back in May (he works at a store in MA, so he told me it was pratically for free, I DON'T want them spending $). I try help out with them on whatever they need; I'm the one in the group who does their taxes.

So, back to the present, we (my old office) makes hot dinner dishes for them every once in awhile, so they have a break, especially if she is in the hospital. We also get them giftcards for the holidays, so they can keep their family traditions. Things for them are very very tight, especially with the upcoming furlough. We want to help, but still want them to keep their dignity.

I cooked some stuffed shells (meaning I just through it in the oven, not actually making making it! ) and decided to add some mini-muffins and 2 packages of pasta and sauce that I hope will last them. With everyone making hot dishes, sometimes its nice just to have something for later.

I also got her a pretty card and a Tinkerbell "Color Wonders" coloring pad. I thought she would get such a kick out of it.

This is my specific act of kindness, 'cause it's not a random one. I absolutely admire her grit and tenacity. I want to be just like her when I grow up.

 

[MyMuse]

Oh my! I'm just super happy !

I just found out that the lady I speak about, Cris (see above) is going to Disney the same time I am!

Her son, in a desperate bid to bring up to literally save her, bring up her spirits and give her a dream, bought into the DVC a couple of years ago. She hasn't been able to go yet since she has always been so sick.

I'm giving her hubby the food tonight and I'll speak to him about it as well. The old office hopefully can help out with a little Christmas pixie dust.

I'm going to update Post #1.

 

[disneygirlinnj]

I'm in! I didn't realize you were planning another trip!

Christmas at Disney is amazing. Make sure you go see the Voices of Liberty!!! We saw them twice and I would have honestly seen them ten times a day they were so amazing. They sing Christmas tunes and are all decked out in the holiday attire. Beautiful.

Plans seem to be shaping up, awesome!

 

[MyMuse]

I got tired of waiting for the condo person to call me back, so I made a phone call during lunch.

I can get the Blue Tree Resort for a Friday to Friday stay , though I still have to pay a $130, "internal resort exchange fee" since I want to use my floating week. Argh! I will have a 2 bedroom with a washer/dryer (comparable to my home resort).

Now, I'm still fighting with myself on not staying on-property, especially with the news above about Cris.

I'm back to the comparison. I need soundboards people 'cause I'm going a little loco. HELP!

I'm trying to keep it economical as the Uni is doing furlough days. Ugh! I'll have 5 unpaid days, both in 2009 & 2010. Basically, I'm fighting with myself not to stay on Disney property. LOL!

I already have a 5 day park hopper ticket.

Option 1: Timeshare Condo
- Use my "floating week" (pushed back from last Dec, said I'll loose it if I don't use it), close to Disney things
- Price: $130, for an "internal exchange" - argh.
- Car Rental: best I found for 9 days at $280 - double argh
- Got a preferred parking pass with AAA
- Supermarket/Wal-Mart run: maybe $40?
- Pay for parking at parks $12/park = $60
- Gas: not sure, 2 tanks? $40
= $550
Advantages:
not losing my week, not depending on disney transportation, lots o' space, washer/dryer in room, less $ for food
Disadv:
no magical hours at parks, harder time with reservations, have to get car anyway to get to Tampa

Option 2: Stay on-property
- Value Resort is $59/night, total of $398 ($79/night, moderate resort)
- Car Rental: 3/4 days instead of 9, not sure of price, $140?
- no paying for parking or supermarket run
- Gas: 1 tank?, $20
= $558
Advantages:
magical hours at parks, Disney decor & magic, not worry about driving (disadv, harder to see resorts/wait times), easier reservations, other peeps are on property
Disadv:
losing my week! , Value resort (pop warner?! & I'm a hotel ), slightly higher food bill (no market run)

The car rentals are driving me crazy! I'm hoping to get it down. To get a car from Disney property, shouldn't be any big deal. Most car companies will pick you up, however, I wanted an in-terminal car company for Tampa airport. The one i actually reserved is NOT in-terminal for Tampa.

 

[MyMuse]

I'm in! I didn't realize you were planning another trip!

Christmas at Disney is amazing. Make sure you go see the Voices of Liberty!!! We saw them twice and I would have honestly seen them ten times a day they were so amazing. They sing Christmas tunes and are all decked out in the holiday attire. Beautiful.

Plans seem to be shaping up, awesome!

Yup, I am. WELCOME!

Actually, it's my annual FL trip in December, but I just didn't do Disney in the past. I was one of those who didn't "get it" in the sense that I just didn't know what was out there until I did my first on-site stay in March and all that researching.

I plan on trying to see all the World Showcase players; they have alluded me this year.

Plans would shape up more if I could make a freakin' flippin' frickin' decision!

 

[MyMuse]

I just saw a Thurs-Sun rental for $92!!! AHHHHHHHHH!!!

I got tired of waiting for the condo person to call me back, so I made a phone call during lunch.

I can get the Blue Tree Resort for a Friday to Friday stay , though I still have to pay a $130, "internal resort exchange fee" since I want to use my floating week. Argh! I will have a 2 bedroom with a washer/dryer (comparable to my home resort).

Now, I'm still fighting with myself on not staying on-property, especially with the news above about Cris.

I'm back to the comparison. I need soundboards people 'cause I'm going a little loco. HELP!

I'm trying to keep it economical as the Uni is doing furlough days. Ugh! I'll have 5 unpaid days, both in 2009 & 2010. Basically, I'm fighting with myself not to stay on Disney property. LOL!

I already have a 5 day park hopper ticket.

Option 1: Timeshare Condo
- Use my "floating week" (pushed back from last Dec, said I'll loose it if I don't use it), close to Disney things
- Price: $130, for an "internal exchange" - argh.
- Car Rental: best I found for 9 days at $280 - double argh
- Got a preferred parking pass with AAA
- Supermarket/Wal-Mart run: maybe $40?
- Pay for parking at parks $12/park = $60
- Gas: not sure, 2 tanks? $40
= $550
Advantages:
not losing my week, not depending on disney transportation, lots o' space, washer/dryer in room, less $ for food
Disadv:
no magical hours at parks, harder time with reservations, have to get car anyway to get to Tampa

Option 2: Stay on-property
- Value Resort is $59/night, total of $398 ($79/night, moderate resort)
- Car Rental: 3/4 days instead of 9, not sure of price, $140?
- no paying for parking or supermarket run
- Gas: 1 tank?, $20
= $558
Advantages:
magical hours at parks, Disney decor & magic, not worry about driving (disadv, harder to see resorts/wait times), easier reservations, other peeps are on property
Disadv:
losing my week! , Value resort (pop warner?! & I'm a hotel ), slightly higher food bill (no market run)

The car rentals are driving me crazy! I'm hoping to get it down. To get a car from Disney property, shouldn't be any big deal. Most car companies will pick you up, however, I wanted an in-terminal car company for Tampa airport. The one i actually reserved is NOT in-terminal for Tampa.

 

[MyMuse]

So, I'm trying to read up on Pop Century and boy, I am not hearing good things.

Sooooo, I don't know about staying on property now.

The only way I can justify staying on-site is at Pop (Value resort) at $59/night. Moderates are $96/night and therefore becomes more expensive than the condo.

Why do I do this to myslf?

On a happier note, I was able to give my friend the dinners. I really hope she enjoys a little Disney Magic that I included - a Tinkerbelle "Color Wonders" coloring book.

I'm crossing everything I got that she is able to be well enough to make it down.

 

[KatGarcia]

92 is a decent deal! Thats what you should pay for a rental. I have stayed at Pop twice and i really did like it. Ask any questions you want!

 

[MyMuse]

92 is a decent deal! Thats what you should pay for a rental. I have stayed at Pop twice and i really did like it. Ask any questions you want!

Hey Kat!

Thanks! For some reason, I'm having axiety about it.

How were the buses? I know it doesn't share, but does it make more than one stop at the resort? How was going back?

How was the noise at the resort?


I'm going to find the POP thread on the resorts board and read up on it. I hope there is something from last December on there.


And yeah, the $92 is a great deal!!! I think I'm going to reserve that...y'know...just in case....

Anyone else out ther tired of my ramblings yet??

 

[MyMuse]

I looked online today and POP is now sold out, so I guess that made my decision.

I was there as of last night. Ah welllll.....

 

[KatGarcia]

We stayed at Music as well and ti was really nice. I used to buy into the tabu of the values but they are really not as bad as people say. After having stayed at all levels I really think the buses are sometimes better at the values than the more expensive places. Music was really nice, we liked the food court, and the pools. We are staying at Movies this time and expect it to be just fine!

 

[MyMuse]

Well, Pop is now sold out because I took too long! Like I said, lesson learned. It was there all the way until the night before. The day I go to book it and goners. Figures! Ah well.

I'll keep checking for a couple of more days and see what comes up, then I'll just book the condo. I can't stand that I have to give them a $130 fee for it though. Argh! Like paying for the stupid timeshare, maintenance and taxes isn't enough?

I was also checking airfares and they are still up there, but I do have time for that. Contiental just raised their prices by $40 but Jet Blue is holding steady, they used to be the exact same. I just don't see them as competitive for the Orlando market. Continental usually beats them, but I'm hoping for great things from JetBlue, now that they have a base at Newark.

I'm also still checking up on the car rentals and hoping they come down. I did do the smart thing (unlike resort booking above!) and reserved one so far at a good rate, but I'm hoping for an in-terminal with both Orlando and Tampa, because I cannot stand the shuttles.

 

[MyMuse]

Just for the heck of it, I checked out different dates for POP to see if it was all sold out or not (online, I never called).

IT IS available for all nights except my first night!

I can certainly change my dates since I didn't buy my airplane tickets yet and/or I bet, I can crash at my friend's place for a night but.....

However, I think I'm going to have to keep to my timeshare condo and leave it at that and stop this obessing!

I have to be able to be grateful I am able to go for the 3rd time this year (and this will never happen again) and both times this year, I was able to stay on-site. I shouldn't be so gluttonous!

 

[MyMuse]

I am always on the hunt for the perfect parkbag.

My ideal one would be able to be messenger-ish style, be able to fit comfortably across me and hold a bit of stuff (not alot but a bit) and not all drop to the bottom (I HATE that!).

I was at Wal-Mart last night and found a daypack that is tiny, but has pockets all along the inside. It was only $12, so I picked it up. It is red, so it will compliment the season and it is just long enough so it is confortable both around my arms or if I just sling it over one arm. And I have the Mickey Head Hme Depot paint chip thingies to block out the big "Jeep" insignia.

I did find a messenger bag in the parks in May, and it fits nicely, but I don't like the fact, the money part is in the front with no protection other than a flap. Other than that, it fit the bill quite nicely.

Here's the one from May:

I'll bring both to see how it both works for me while touring the place.

 

[disneygirlinnj]

So, I'm trying to read up on Pop Century and boy, I am not hearing good things.

i saw your other posts after this but just wanted to say when we stayed in '07 at Pop we liked it. Maybe not LOVED it but it was a hotel...clean...and had a good food court. It was cute to stay in!

I was also checking airfares and they are still up there, but I do have time for that. Contiental just raised their prices by $40 but Jet Blue is holding steady, they used to be the exact same. I just don't see them as competitive for the Orlando market. Continental usually beats them, but I'm hoping for great things from JetBlue, now that they have a base at Newark.

Welcome to my life of tracking airfare daily I haven't checked Continental for my January trip yet but I still check daily for my trip in September just for the heck of it. jetblue dropped and continental went up AGAIN! I'll check my jan trip and let you know how they both compare. But also know JetBlue gives you credit towards another flight if the price goes down and you call. (I think I've become their spokesperson lol)

 

[jenseib]

So, I'm trying to read up on Pop Century and boy, I am not hearing good things.

Sooooo, I don't know about staying on property now.

The only way I can justify staying on-site is at Pop (Value resort) at $59/night. Moderates are $96/night and therefore becomes more expensive than the condo.

Why do I do this to myslf?

On a happier note, I was able to give my friend the dinners. I really hope she enjoys a little Disney Magic that I included - a Tinkerbelle "Color Wonders" coloring book.

I'm crossing everything I got that she is able to be well enough to make it down.

Where are you reading bad Pop reviews? I would say 95% love it, while 5-10% don't. I rarely read bad stuff about it at all. We have stayed 3 times and just love it to death.
Also you could do the free dining, couldn't you? I would stay onsite, but I don't have a time share to worry about either. LOL! I think it would be hard to stay off site after staying onsite, unless we were doing universal instead of Disney. Even then, I would know my home is just donw the road, calling my name. LOL!

 

[MyMuse]

i saw your other posts after this but just wanted to say when we stayed in '07 at Pop we liked it. Maybe not LOVED it but it was a hotel...clean...and had a good food court. It was cute to stay in! )

Thanks! I've made up my mind for now not to be on-site and to keep my timeshare condo. I think the issue is customer service and not neccessarily the resort itself.

For $59/night, I certainly would not expect greatness, but polite CMs, yes.

Welcome to my life of tracking airfare daily I haven't checked Continental for my January trip yet but I still check daily for my trip in September just for the heck of it. jetblue dropped and continental went up AGAIN! I'll check my jan trip and let you know how they both compare. But also know JetBlue gives you credit towards another flight if the price goes down and you call. (I think I've become their spokesperson lol)

Now, Continental has risen to $258 (w/o taxes) and JetBlue is holding steady at $228. I probably will not buy unless it has a blow-out sale until a couple of months before.

Jetblue is revamping their loyalty program and, if I see great things, I'll try using Jetblue again in the future.

Where are you reading bad Pop reviews? I would say 95% love it, while 5-10% don't. I rarely read bad stuff about it at all. We have stayed 3 times and just love it to death.
Also you could do the free dining, couldn't you? I would stay onsite, but I don't have a time share to worry about either. LOL! I think it would be hard to stay off site after staying onsite, unless we were doing universal instead of Disney. Even then, I would know my home is just donw the road, calling my name. LOL!

Hi Jennifer! How are you?

There were some reviews in couple TRs and some in the POP thread.

I would not quality for the free dining, since it would be a room only reservation. If it wasn't for the timeshare, I never would have travelled to FL every December. I did because exchanging became a nightmare and I just went to my week at my home resort. My mom's family is there, so it all worked out. So, the decision is made to stay at the timeshare but just exchange within since I am not using my 2008 week that I pushed back because of my March 09 trip.

 

[MyMuse]

I was checking car rentals and I reserved at $233 for the 9 days. This seemed really good for now, considerng prices have skyrocketed to $400+.

I have already cancelled my old reservation that was at $280, but a off-airport for Tampa. This new one is cheaper and is in-terminal.

So, at least, I have made progress in planning my trip!

So, some my way!

Car?

 

[disneygirlinnj]

For $59/night, I certainly would not expect greatness, but polite CMs, yes.

Now, Continental has risen to $258 (w/o taxes) and JetBlue is holding steady at $228. I probably will not buy unless it has a blow-out sale until a couple of months before.

Jetblue is revamping their loyalty program and, if I see great things, I'll try using Jetblue again in the future.

We honestly didn't deal with too many CMs when we were there so to us they were pleasant I like the changes I read about on JetBlue's site about their new loyalty program...the main thing is that points dont expire as long as you fly with them once a year. they say its going to take effect some time in the fall. I'm hoping before my Sept trip so i can get the correct mileage!

I was checking car rentals and I reserved at $233 for the 9 days. This seemed really good for now, considerng prices have skyrocketed to $400+.

I have already cancelled my old reservation that was at $280, but a off-airport for Tampa. This new one is cheaper and is in-terminal.

So, a tleast, I have made progress in planning my trip!

So, some my way!

Nice deal on the rental!!! I haven't seen anywhere that has a better price than 233!