Wait for it...Weight for it...June 2009 WL **PACKING**

[Disneyfan71]

I'm on board for your trip...I know you're excited. We're going in June too..14th-23rd, staying at Pop!! And you look very, very pretty in that red dress

 

[TxRabbit]

Yeah, probably doesn't sound like a great idea to pull him out of school right now. Hopefully you guys will be able to go some time in the future. It's definitely worth it at least once.

My oldest nephew (9 yo) wanted adult meals too. The kids menus at WDW are severely lacking. Although, I must admit that I like to order off them when I'm not too hungry. Hey, it's cheaper!

If I were to pull DS from school, I'd really like to go during the Nights of Joy. I don't know if they still are planning those though.

I'm on board for your trip...I know you're excited. We're going in June too..14th-23rd, staying at Pop!! And you look very, very pretty in that red dress

Thank you for the complement.

Your trip planning is a crack up! Very suspenseful post yesterday.

We ARE excited. My parents said that they hadn't seen Peter look so relaxed in a long time. Disney is really a wonderful break from reality. I am so looking forward to going.

 

[jewels1916]

I that you sat down and calculated the expected cost for the meals. I do that too!! I want to know for sure if the dining plan is going to be worth it! Of course...my list of TS restaurants that I want to try far exceeds the number of meals I can have on my trip...heh.

 

[VroomVroomLightning]

I found your TR off of someone else's! I have read it all today and love when you go into detail with your thoughts. The Math you have there looks like my notebook I have made but all that was done when deciding to use my Mom's code or wait for free dining and what resort to stay at! And our winning decision was WL too! But we aren't going until September. So you can get me all excited about it when you get back! I look forward to hearing more about your plans!

 

[TxRabbit]

I that you sat down and calculated the expected cost for the meals. I do that too!! I want to know for sure if the dining plan is going to be worth it! Of course...my list of TS restaurants that I want to try far exceeds the number of meals I can have on my trip...heh.

Oh I definitely have more TS meals that I would love to try. I could so easily get the deluxe plan and go to 3 TS a day!

I was actually contemplating the idea of this. What if I planned 3 TS a day and eat like I normally would? Would it still be a good deal?

Early start, head to The Wave at CR for breakfast and have eggs benedict (which I saw on someone's dining TR and looked divine). Do the monorail hop to Epcot and ride all around Future World in the morning. Then lunch in Le Cellier for Cheese Soup and Salad. I would probably skip dessert and eat a snack later in one of the countries. Play KP around the world and eat dinner at Coral Reef, Curry Cauliflower Soup (I LOVE curry) and Mahi Mahi, and probably share two desserts with the family. All of these restaurants would be new to my family.

So for me, $15.56 for breakfast, $24.36 for lunch, <$4.00 afternoon snack, $43.43 dinner equals <$87.35 for the day. This would be a savings on the $71.99 it actually costs to do this.

I'm hopeful that on another trip to the World, we will do this.

I AM feeling the pull of more TS restaurants though. I wish I had park hours so that I could get the feel of what my days would be like. I could be happy with eating TS just every other day on this trip.

I found your TR off of someone else's! I have read it all today and love when you go into detail with your thoughts. The Math you have there looks like my notebook I have made but all that was done when deciding to use my Mom's code or wait for free dining and what resort to stay at! And our winning decision was WL too! But we aren't going until September. So you can get me all excited about it when you get back! I look forward to hearing more about your plans!

You are so sweet, loving my detailed thoughts. I worry that they are beyond boring, but for those that like details, it may help. I hope it does.

I am getting really excited for WL! I think September would be a great month to visit. Still warm enough to wear summer clothes (which are so much easier to pack ) but not quite as hot. We'll be back in school then, so I'll have to relive our trip through yours!

 

[2BoysMom]

So Akershus made the list. For lunch.

So, since we are honoring our anniversary on this trip. I think I might order a cake to be served here. I've heard about people doing things like this. I need to research it more. It seems a fitting place to do it. I know that some other place may be more romantic, but this one has some sentimental value after all. Too bad I don't have any pictures from that meal.

If you check out my trip report, the Princess party I had for the boys at Akershus included a nice sized cake. There is a small glimpse of it, in the picture where they are blowing out candles...

I still haven't decided which way to go with the meal plan. We are starting to add a few TS meals. They aren't super expensive TS meals. We have some Disney Reward Dollars to spend too.

Donald's Safari Breakfast
Adults (2) $18.99
Holiday surcharge 8.00
Child 10.99
Holiday surcharge 2.00
Subtotal 58.97
Tax (6%?) 3.54
Total $62.50 ($73.11 for 3 adults)

Akershus Lunch
Adults (3) $30.99
Holiday surcharge 12.00
Subtotal 104.97
Tax 6.30
Total $111.27

Donald's Breakfast: $62.50
Arkershus Lunch: 111.27
Ragland Road: $67.71 min $94.15 max
Total $241.48 min $267.92 max
Difference ($31.48) min ($57.92) max

At this point, it isn't worth it to me to get the DDP TS. Not yet. I don't have enough TS meals to make it worth while. Right now I am looking at a total of 42 CS meals, 42 snacks, 3 family trips to TS, and 3 refill cups for the cost of the DPP Basic plus $60 max. That seems like a lot of flexibility and some TS fun for the money.

Hey Rabbit, I have been trying to work out the numbers on whether or not I should do the basic DDP. If I read your "musings" correctly, you think, b/c you only have a few TS's that the plan is not worth it for you? Am I correct? Could I ask you to look at my PTR and see the ADR's that I have reserved, and see if you think it would be worth it for me to get the DDP?

I've never done it before, and I have also tried working the numbers, and I thought since I do have a few TS's which include character meals, that it WOULD be worth it, but I can't get the #'s to work in my favor. Do you think I'm doing it wrong? Am I asking you for too much to look on my behalf? (what if I included a flower?) I feel like such a numbskull when it comes to these dining plans....
Thanks, Donna

 

[Happydog]

Early start, head to The Wave at CR for breakfast and have eggs benedict (which I saw on someone's dining TR and looked divine).

I am getting really excited for WL!

First, The Wave is great. At least we thought so when we went in November, but we had dinner.

Second, We are going to WL in June as well, and I agree, It is super exciting to think about! We have never been in the summer. Only the fall. I am a little nervous about that. We live in MD, so no strangers to humidity, etc., but we live at the pool in the summer, vs. touring theme parks.

Your planning sounds great! I am now rethinking the whole Askershus idea after reading your post and others (if I can ever remember how to spell it ) and thinking my two boys would like it ... And we are looking at a pirate cruise so my DH and I can have a mimosa-filled breakfast out while the boys are "captive" and captivated! The trip is a surprise for my sons (both June boys) and my DH (also June Bday). I can't take them out of school so all three of them have their actual B-day there, only two... Hubby and oldest boy. And I do mean out of school for all three b/c my DH is a teacher I am trying to figure out how to actually "surprise" the kids. They still talk about our Nov trip, so I know they will be thrilled.

Here's to March and ADR day!

 

[TxRabbit]

If you check out my trip report, the Princess party I had for the boys at Akershus included a nice sized cake. There is a small glimpse of it, in the picture where they are blowing out candles...

Am I asking you for too much to look on my behalf? (what if I included a flower?)
Thanks, Donna

What size cake was that? There are some cakes that you can order at the podium when you check in, but they can only be Happy Birthday cakes. I definitely want a Happy Anniversary cake. Did you eat the whole cake while you were there? We would probably have leftovers. I'm wondering what in the world I would do with the leftovers. We'll have a fridge in the room, but what do I do? Walk around with left over cake? Or would I have to head right back to the room? What did you do?

First, The Wave is great. At least we thought so when we went in November, but we had dinner.

Second, We are going to WL in June as well, and I agree, It is super exciting to think about! We have never been in the summer. Only the fall. I am a little nervous about that. We live in MD, so no strangers to humidity, etc., but we live at the pool in the summer, vs. touring theme parks.

Your planning sounds great! I am now rethinking the whole Askershus idea after reading your post and others (if I can ever remember how to spell it ) and thinking my two boys would like it ... And we are looking at a pirate cruise so my DH and I can have a mimosa-filled breakfast out while the boys are "captive" and captivated! The trip is a surprise for my sons (both June boys) and my DH (also June Bday). I can't take them out of school so all three of them have their actual B-day there, only two... Hubby and oldest boy. And I do mean out of school for all three b/c my DH is a teacher I am trying to figure out how to actually "surprise" the kids. They still talk about our Nov trip, so I know they will be thrilled.

Here's to March and ADR day!

How fun! We'll both be at WL in June! Great minds think alike!

I wouldn't worry about the heat in June. July and August are much worse. I've been there for both. June should be hot, don't get me wrong, but not as hot as later in the summer. Technically, summer doesn't even START until June 21.

The heat is really so tolerable. Most of the lines have a/c. The stores have a/c. A lot of restaurants have a/c. The rides have a/c. Where you start to lose it is when you have to book it from one end of the park to the other. Or rush to make it to your ADR. You just need to relax. Get wet. Ride Splash Mountain. Play in the fountains at Donald's boat in Toontown. Play in the fountains in Epcot. Browse the stores in WS, and anywhere else for that matter. Ride Kali Rapids. Go in the bathroom and dunk your head in the sink. Get out of the sun in the afternoon, or go back to your resort and get into the pool.

I'm not a WDW expert. But going twice in one year gave me some insight that I will share here. Because I can. Because it's MY PTR and I will pontificate if I want to!

Spring Break touring was all about the parks. Really. The weather wasn't condusive to swimming. It was a time to focus on the parks, the rides, the shows, the food. Spring Break was all about DO DO DO.

Summer is still about the parks, but in a different way almost. Summer is also when you can take full advantage of the resort amenities. The games, the pool, etc etc. The heat makes you stop, relax, take a break. For us anyway. The resort means something more in the summer. You still should have a time where you live at the pool, or at the water parks. Even if you have a great personal pool, or community pool, it isn't the same as the atmosphere that you can enjoy at the resort pools. So take advantage of it. Have FUN! This probably won't be the last trip you ever take to WDW, so save something for another trip. Make FUN the ultimate goal of the trip, NOT riding as many rides as you possibly can so that you can be exhausted by the end of your vacation and need another vacation just to recover.

Surprising your boys is going to be so much fun! You'll definitely have to tell how you do when you do!

 

[tinkgurl]

I wouldn't worry about the heat in June. July and August are much worse. I've been there for both. June should be hot, don't get me wrong, but not as hot as later in the summer.

I so agree with you! We were amazed how different June was from July!

 

[TxRabbit]

I think we all can agree that we learn something new on every trip to WDW. There is something that we definitely want to repeat. And something that we will definitely NEVER do again.

Since I am trying to NOT make super long posts every time, I will only talk about one definite repeater for our upcoming trip. In order for it to make sense, I must go BACK and reminisce about our August 2007 trip. It's a good story, keep reading.

I already mentioned that our ressie had changed from AKL std view (I admit, I WAS hoping for an upgrade ) to Beach Club, also std view. Many had gotten better deals. Many had gotten upgraded views, etc. I tried to quench my envy of others and determined to be grateful to get the Beach Club, which was a pretty good upgrade in and of itself.

After waiting, dreaming and planning for MONTHS, our travel date finally arrived.

Did I mention Bolt lost his third tooth the night before? He'd had two loose since before school ended. The toothfairy WAS all prepared for what was sure to happen in WDW. But the first one came out on Departure Eve.

Already, the trip was filled with excitement. Three half dollars from the toothfairy! (half dollars are big kid money I was informed by Bolt, because in Kindergarten, when they were learning about money, dealing with the half dollars was tricky, they would learn about that in an older grade.) So needless to say, Bolt felt very grown up with his half dollars, and we were off to the airport.

A trip to Starbucks and we were REALLY on our way!

We said goodbye to our luggage at the curb. Yay for ME!

Easy flight. Easy arrival. We were in Florida before NOON!

ME was a piece of cake. We walked into our bus line right as it was beginning to board the bus. What timing!

We arrived at Beach Club. Hello? Are you you? You are! Please follow me.

We were the Beach Club Family of the Day!

Our oh-so nice and friendly CM handed us balloons, gathered many other official CM from the hotel and we took a lovely picture in the lobby.

We were escorted to check in.

We weren't given our keys.

We were escorted to our room. It was explained to us along the way that we would need to use our key to access our floor, because, are you ready for it?, we had been upgraded to Concierge!!!



Hello golden keys!

It turns out that we LOVED concierge level! I mean, who wouldn't? Especially when it's a free upgrade!

Now understand. I don't think many have a vacation style where they take full advantage of concierge. You really need to be at your resort at key times during the day. We understood this. And it fit with our touring, vacationing style.

Peter and I met in college. He was in the brother fraternity to my sorority. These were local Greeks, in some ways worse than nationals, and in some ways, so much better. Did we party? Um, yes. Do we still? No, not to that extent anymore. We have matured into responsible parents, who take that responsibility to heart. We have learned moderation. But let's just say that when the ocassion calls for it, we fully know how to take advantage of FREE. Especially when adult libation is involved.

Evening is when concierge really shines. And Peter and I were masters at stocking our fridge. Sometimes the evening offerings were meal worthy, and we just filled our plates and relaxed in the privacy and peace of our beautiful room. One night ribs and soup were the main courses, with plenty of tasty side dishes and snacks. Each evening had an offering that satisfied our veggie cravings at the least. Don't you feel veggie deprived in WDW?

Because we were generally around the resort in the late afternoon/early evening we had a nice relaxing break from the crowds, the noise, the busy-ness. That's our touring style. We do like some peace on our vacation. Even if it's in WDW!

Every morning, Peter grabbed a latte on the way out the door. We all grabbed a bite which was enough to satisfy us for the early morning. We aren't big first thing in the morning eaters.

The point of the story is that the concierge lounge was a wonderful addition to our trip. We made excellent use of the convenience of the offerings. Sometimes, we would use the lounge. Most often, we would get plates and take them back to our room.

And here is the application of the lesson. Since we are driving this year, there is no reason why I can't be our own concierge service. I know that many people bring breakfast foods and snacks for their room, etc. Or they use a grocery delivery service. But I think their mindset isn't there. They aren't thinking concierge when they plan their food. They may think convenience and saving money, but not concierge.

And here is where the beauty of those freshvac containers really comes into play. I've used them for travel in the past. They are HANDY. I can easily bring along yummy tasty concierge style treats. And yes, I DO mean that I am bringing veggies, dip, hummus, flat bread, fruit, bagels, cream cheese, and whatever else strikes my fancy. The fact of the matter is that I might even bring my toaster and my crock pot! Don't you just LOVE artichoke/spinach dip!?! I DO!

For me, it is all about enjoyment. I love Disney. There is so much to do and see and experience. But relaxing and getting rest HAS to be a part of our vacation. Our life is too structured right now, especially with DH commuting 120+ miles a day! Down time has to be a regular part of our vacation days.

Concierge wasn't available for our dates. I'm not sure I would want to pay for it right now with our financial goals. But that won't stop me from deriving that same type of enjoyment during my vacation this year. I'm a smart girl and I can figure out how to do it in such a way that I don't feel like I'm still working while on vacation.

So stay tuned for how I plan to bring the concierge lounge level to our courtyard view! And please, if you have any ideas, suggestions, or experiences, please share.

 

[Happydog]

Get out of the sun in the afternoon, or go back to your resort and get into the pool.

Spring Break touring was all about the parks. Really. The weather wasn't condusive to swimming. It was a time to focus on the parks, the rides, the shows, the food. Spring Break was all about DO DO DO.

Make FUN the ultimate goal of the trip, NOT riding as many rides as you possibly can so that you can be exhausted by the end of your vacation and need another vacation just to recover.

Surprising your boys is going to be so much fun! You'll definitely have to tell how you do when you do!

First, wow I am impressed with your calculations on the pros and cons of the DDP. Your ideas gave me more to think about. We are on the fence still, so it was really helpful.

Second, OH do I hear you about needing a vactation to recover. This past November was a little like that for us. We were at the park more or less all day, and we were staying at SSR, which was nice, but so far away from the parks, that coming back to take a break seemed like it would take too long. And then I had ADRS earlier for the kids' sake, so we just couldn't make it back in time if we did decide to leave. (we did earn two sets of YOMD fast passes at the MK so that was a little perk that kept us going during Jersey Week! ) So it was a fun week, in the sense that we took in a lot, rode rides galore (at least DS got to ride Space Mtn before it closed up) but each evening we all collapsed at the resort. I just felt wound up the whole time. A little like the "Dumbo or Die" tour that is described in the "Unofficial Disney Guide" ! And so I have officially learned my lesson. We will be going back to the resort every day around noon, I just see it as the best thing to do, and the WL pool is great. We were there last when our boys were 3 and 6 mos. But we came with the MIL and a great grandmother, so they were the key. I realize that there was plenty we didn't do in November, so I am looking forward to this more leisurely trip to do those things and catch the rides we loved and to "have FUN" as you said! I will share my B-day surprise as soon as I come up with a good idea.

I love your ideas for bringing "gourmet" snack stashes to dress up your Courtyard view! We plan to bring wine and other things for the kids and us too. Breakfast mostly. I read on a post somewhere about people bringing toasters, I laughed originally, but it isn't a bad idea. One can only eat cherrios for so many days... I am looking forward to your ideas! If I have any I will let you know!

 

[2BoysMom]

I love your ideas for bringing "gourmet" snack stashes to dress up your Courtyard view! We plan to bring wine and other things for the kids and us too. Breakfast mostly. I read on a post somewhere about people bringing toasters, I laughed originally, but it isn't a bad idea. One can only eat cherrios for so many days... I am looking forward to your ideas! If I have any I will let you know!

I'm actually thinking about bringing my Vitamix +/or juicer! There's an idea.

 

[TxRabbit]

I'm actually thinking about bringing my Vitamix +/or juicer! There's an idea.

Is that that super powerful blender? My Mom has one of those. Hers needed a new motor or something. She bought a good but not super expensive blender (those Vitamix are a little pricy, good machines, but it is an investment in a kitchen tool) to use until she could deal with fixing her Vitamix. My blender recently bit the dust. My mom is giving me her temp KitchenAid blender when they visit in April.

Do you make smoothies? That is what I was using my blender for. Seriously. I haven't had my blender for a while, so I totally forgot about it, but I LOVE smoothies in the morning. I just might bring MY blender!

Toasters are such a great idea. I would largely use mine for bagels for DS. He eats one on most days. I am happiest when he eats it with peanut butter. Cream cheese is okay. But I think peanut butter is healthier. Especially since I grew up on natural, must stir it, or have difficulty spreading it because it has to be in the fridge kind of peanut butter and now it is the only kind that I can stand to eat.

 

[Happydog]

My husband will think I am going way overboard if I bring appliances on this trip. But if a toaster magically appears ... he won't complain about a toasted bagel DO the WL resort rooms have space? I know the Villas have the wet bar space, and I think they come with them (and microwaves) We actually had a reservation for a studio, but I wanted to stay in the "resort" building this time, so we changed it. DH said we shouldn't stay in the studio just because we get a yard of counter space -- at SSR we only used the fridge and the sink to rinse out things anyway. When we stayed at WLV before, we had the kitchen, and we used it, but that was a different trip with a baby and more people involved.

SO have you finally decided to NOT do the DDP? Your notes and calculations for your plans seem like you are going to use QS meals mostly, so you can have the flexibility. I really appreciated your insight into the DDP and at what point it is or isn't a value. Are you an accountant?!!

Your dance classes sound so fun -- what a great idea. We don't have anything like that readily available, close, that is, except kick boxing where my kid takes Karate... Which I am not sure I am ready for!

I think you posted back somewhere about waiting for the June park schedules and I am equally as about that!

And I was glad to hear June won't be HOT hot, but only mostly hot

Did you say your son is in 1st grade? Or 2nd? Mine is in 1st. He will turn 7 this June. I understand the GT profile you were describing earlier in your TR... We did take ours out of school this past Nov, but b/c there were two days with no school (for a teacher workday and election day) he only missed three days. We left on Nov 1st, and stayed a week (we had to do Halloween at home it is insane in our neighborhood) but that was also Jersey Week, which, contrary to many reports, was not crazy crowded I was able to come up with some great "lessons" for him, while he was there, he loved doing math and writing about Disney, and he had lots to share when he got back. Someone on the board had recommended giving kids disposable cameras. It was a great tip. I bought two before we left, and he had so much fun taking pictures of his own and was so proud of them.

I hope you don't mind me being so chatty and asking you all these questions... I talk a lot too... Your PTR is a place for you to tell us more about what you are doing! I will enjoy hearing all you plan until the big day! And I hope you meet your goals along the way as well!

 

[TxRabbit]

My husband will think I am going way overboard if I bring appliances on this trip. But if a toaster magically appears ... he won't complain about a toasted bagel DO the WL resort rooms have space?

Peter reads what I write on the trip report. (I had to fast forward for where I was talking about the surprise cake) He got to the part about my bringing toasters and crock pot and he gave me that look. The are you serious? look.

I don't know if the WL rooms have the space. I haven't done a major search for room pics yet. I think the rooms are pretty similar to AKL. At AKL, I would probably set up shop on top of the dresser. If you look at the floor plan of the rooms, here on the resort info pages, you can see a box inbetween where the door comes into the room and the closet that is across from the sink area. That is the dresser. In AKL, it was fairly tall, maybe 5-6 drawers? The kind an adult can see the top of, but not a kid. I can't remember if there was electricity there though. I'm really hoping there is. That's where I anticipate putting the appliances I might bring.

I DO remember that the little coffee maker was in the bathroom area. I think there was a ledge of some sort that went the width of the sink area. The coffee maker was there. I don't think that ledge would be big enough for anything but a skinny toaster though. The kind with one big slot instead of two side by side.

SO have you finally decided to NOT do the DDP? Your notes and calculations for your plans seem like you are going to use QS meals mostly, so you can have the flexibility. I really appreciated your insight into the DDP and at what point it is or isn't a value. Are you an accountant?!!

I am not an accountant. But the way I love math and puzzles, you'd think I would be! I studied marketing though. And then went on to graphics design and desktop publishing. But I was best at technical writing. The details, you understand.

We still are signed on for the QS DDP. I really want this trip to be more of a go with the flow, relaxing kind of thing. There are a couple of things that are keeping the QS DDP in the running for me. And I have to preface this by saying that I am NOT a liar or a cheater. I WILL however, work the system. SO. That said.

The QS would entitle us to 28 adult meals and 14 kid meals. Because of my taste in restaurants, there are times where DS would be happy with the kids selections. Like WPE, WPCE, Pecos Bills' actually has hamburgers on the kids' meals, etc, And quite frankly, if we ever used CS for breakfast all 3 of us would be happy with a kid meal.

There are so many discussions on these boards about the CS credits, are they pooled, are they separate, etc etc. How will they know if you use an adult meal for a kid, etc.? I believe that I should be able to use my credits anyway I want. If we want adults to eat kids meals for breakfast, and let kids eat adult meals for lunch/dinner, we should be able to. And that's what I am analyzing right now.

The fact is that the DDP is a steal for the kids, especially the QS one. It's like they get free snacks and a free refill mug, because two kids meals pays for the DDP daily cost. I think that we will still do the QS DDP, and add on the 3 TS that I have already talked about.

I hate to say this, because in the future I want to be able to pay cash for everything. But I am fully intending on using my Disney Chase to pay for this trip. And I will do the 6 months same as cash. Our 0% interest rate is over May 15. And we are trying to pay off over 20K in credit card at that time. I'm squeaking every penny for what they are worth right now. I can't get the Disney trip done as well. However, we have successfully used same as cash financing in the past. I know I can pay Chase off in time. I need the majority of the cost of food to be a part of the vacation package so that I have 6 months to pay it off.

Your dance classes sound so fun -- what a great idea. We don't have anything like that readily available, close, that is, except kick boxing where my kid takes Karate... Which I am not sure I am ready for!

I think you posted back somewhere about waiting for the June park schedules and I am equally as about that!

And I was glad to hear June won't be HOT hot, but only mostly hot

Did you say your son is in 1st grade? Or 2nd? Mine is in 1st. He will turn 7 this June. I understand the GT profile you were describing earlier in your TR... We did take ours out of school this past Nov, but b/c there were two days with no school (for a teacher workday and election day) he only missed three days. We left on Nov 1st, and stayed a week (we had to do Halloween at home it is insane in our neighborhood) but that was also Jersey Week, which, contrary to many reports, was not crazy crowded I was able to come up with some great "lessons" for him, while he was there, he loved doing math and writing about Disney, and he had lots to share when he got back. Someone on the board had recommended giving kids disposable cameras. It was a great tip. I bought two before we left, and he had so much fun taking pictures of his own and was so proud of them.

I hope you don't mind me being so chatty and asking you all these questions... I talk a lot too... Your PTR is a place for you to tell us more about what you are doing! I will enjoy hearing all you plan until the big day! And I hope you meet your goals along the way as well!

DS is in second grade. What you did sounds like what I would do, if I pulled him from school for a trip. Make it the week where there are already days off for some reason. Those weeks are never productive in the class anyway.

That's the umpteenth time I've read about giving your kid their own camera. I have GOT to remember that! I definitely want to do it. I would love to see what DS would take pictures of!

I LOVE you being chatty! It's why I started a PTR! To chat!

Unfortunately, now I must go deal with the fridge. I have started buying groceries in bulk, and weird. I am taking advantage of the sales and rock bottom prices and buying a store full of that item. My fridge is packed! I can't find anything in it. I need to get it straightened out. But before I could do that, I needed a clean kitchen counter. And dishes and me...well we don't get along so well. DH cleaned the kitchen for me this morning though. So I need to do something productive as well.

Not that this isn't productive.

 

[Happydog]

I haven't done a major search for room pics yet. I think the rooms are pretty similar to AKL. I DO remember that the little coffee maker was in the bathroom area.


The fact is that the DDP is a steal for the kids, especially the QS one. It's like they get free snacks and a free refill mug, because two kids meals pays for the DDP daily cost. I think that we will still do the QS DDP, and add on the 3 TS that I have already talked about.

I need the majority of the cost of food to be a part of the vacation package so that I have 6 months to pay it off.

That's the umpteenth time I've read about giving your kid their own camera. I have GOT to remember that! I definitely want to do it. I would love to see what DS would take pictures of!

And dishes and me...well we don't get along so well. DH cleaned the kitchen for me this morning though. So I need to do something productive as well.

Not that this isn't productive.

Well Allears.net has photos galore, fyi, and there are room photos there. There is some cabinet with the fridge in it. I bring my own coffee b/c I can't stand the fake-o stuff that they have at the resort (Nesca-crud) Though I remember WL has a REAL coffee spot in their market area... Refillable mugs were very handy.

Yeah, I think we are going to go ahead and do the DDP, but we are planning for a few signature meals, so that helps me to feel we are getting the $ for it, and with two kids, it makes sense. Yeah I was following all the discussion about the QS credits, too. I think they are pooled together, though what is available on the kid meal for QS and TS is often a deciding factor for if I go that restaurant, etc.

Yes to the 0%. We signed up for the Disney card for the same reason, so we could use it to finance the vacation, etc. Did it in Nov and now again for June. I have been using it for groceries since we got it, and have collected some points we can use on the trip.

DH does the dishes, I do the laundry. Though I think I get the short end of the stick with this one. 4 bodies = MOUNDS of laundry. And since the mound that I have just pulled out of the dryer is calling me, I am off to fold!

 

[TxRabbit]

Two events are affecting my planning. One, I already knew about. One, I just found out about this past weekend.

So, event one. There is the thought that there will be a big family trip to WDW in 2010. I had asked about this year. No. Next year. Okay. The big group will most likely include my family, my Sister-in-law and her two kids (DS8 soon to be 9 and DD5), my sister-in-law and her new husband, my mother and father-in-law. The knowledge that this big crew may go on a family trip next year has me steering clear of certain TS choices. Like Ohana's. I think that sounds like it'd be more fun with a bigger group. And Sci-Fi, which we have been to before and love, but with 3 in the group, mmmm, it'd be better with even numbers. Etc etc. You get the point.

This has sort of been helping me to reduce the number of TS that I want to eat at this trip. Sort of.

The big event that is having immediate impact on my WDW planning is the announcement that my sister-in-law is getting married this summer. No real surprise there. Except it may be in Colorado. in July.

Normally, this would be cool. I used to live in CO. I have family in CO. I love CO. I was married in CO in July. But that would be quite a trip to pile on when we are already going to WDW in late June.

I'm talking about money and time. Money is obvious. Time off work. Do we try to fly there? It is farther than WDW! That could be expensive, because then we would have to rent a car as well.

And without being judgmental or critical, the fact is that DHs family commonly changes plans. They aren't planner people and even when they do make a plan, it often changes. So all this is somewhat putting a damper on my WDW planning.

I'm beginning to feel like the money outlay this summer is too high. And I'm not quite sure what to do about it.

Going to a wedding is NOT a vacation. We need a vacation. DH NEEDS a vacation. I'm not thinking about canceling WDW. But I guess I AM considering cutting back on the expense of it. Which would mean changing resorts more than anything.

But I have to admit. That thought is like .

It's why I haven't been writing much.

On a different note. I'm going to dance class tonight. Belly AND zumba. oof. We'll see how that goes. I hope I can make it. Yesterday, I felt so sick. It was horrible. I'm a little better today though.

I could use some cheering up.

 

[jewels1916]

Oh, Rabbit! I feel your pain! My cousin announced that he is getting married this year. In Mexico. The Saturday after Thanksgiving. AKA, a week before my Disney trip. And Mexico or not, going to a wedding is not a vacation, because we would only be there for like, 2 days. I hope it all works out for you! And I hope that you feel better! Are you still enjoying your dance classes?

 

[TeaForTulips]

I'm so sorry to hear about the added planning stress! Our trip is the last week of April and we are going to Florida again (non Disney trip) in July. That has me totally stressed in the time and money department, so I can't imagine how this wedding is impacting you. Luckily at the moment I know there will be no surprises such as that in my future. I'm sure all will go just as great as you are hoping!

 

[WDWRocksMySocks]

Do you make smoothies? That is what I was using my blender for. Seriously. I haven't had my blender for a while, so I totally forgot about it, but I LOVE smoothies in the morning. I just might bring MY blender!

Smoothies are the only thing I use my blender for nowadays. I love making them for breakfast!!!

I'm so sorry to hear that you're bummed about the family wedding. I hope it all works out without you having to sacrifice where you stay. Although it would stink to change resorts, at least you'd still be able to go to WDW. So, that's good news.