We're Staying OFFSITE! An October '14 PTR!

[ZehnJahren]

Welcome to my PTR!

Well... OUR PTR.

Mom and me are heading back to WDW for our third trip together in the past 4 years!

Here we are:



My mom recently lost over 55 lbs and we are aiming to do the ToT 5k run on our trip. That is, if it's going on while we're there.

Why do I say that? Two reasons:
1) We don't know when the ToT 10 miler/5k will take place.
2) I'm not giving my specific dates on the DIS this time. I have my reasons!

But we're not staying on site this time! No! We've stayed at Pop:



And a surprise stay at the CR:



We stayed at ASSports, and the YC:



And we love us some Disney:



So why go offsite? One reason: We had a "free week" at a timeshare owned by my stepgrandma! Free digs, y'all!

So, where are we staying, when are we staying, and what are we doing?

Please see the next few posts for more than introductions!

 

[ZehnJahren]

So, the When, Where, Why, etc.

When?

October 2014! I'm not giving my exact dates, but am using the ToT dates from 2013. I'll say 10/4, since that would be a Saturday!

We love ToT!:





So we'd love to do some sort of ToT "run" to commemorate my mom's weight loss. I may *MAY* do the 10 miler if it's available while we're there. I have not made any decisions yet!

Where?:

The Sheraton Vistana Resort!

Here's the thread on the DIS about it!

We booked after a lot of research and are already fighting over who gets the master bath. I will win!

Why?

Well because we LOVE DISNEY of course! Plus we love to travel together, and we're looking forward to having a real vacation vs. a Disney vacation. Staying offsite means that we have a lot of options (and a rental car) so we're looking forward to having a relaxed vacation that may be filled with surprises.

 

[ZehnJahren]

Intro
Who, What, When, etc.
First Update
Ok, Now I'm Getting Excited
Rental Car Booked!!
Just Thinking About the Trip
Days 1-3
Days 4-5
US/IOA Appears!
New Days 4-7
A surprise?
MBs / 1900 Park Fare? / Etc.
1900 Park Fare Confirmed Reservation!
Just some rambling....
I Added Days On!
Loose breakdown of our trip
Magic Band Arrived! + other updates
No update update
Shoes, Purses, SOTMK, Clothes, etc....
Vamanos a San Angel Inn Restaurante!
More Rambling!
FP+!
Quick Update, + MM??
Pop is confirmed, plus day 1 details at MK, DTD
Day 2 - Epcot and HS
Day 3 - Ultimate Day of Thrills tour!
Day 4 - US/IOA
Day 5 - MNSSHP!
Day 6 - NO PLANS!!
Day 7 - AK/HS, 1900 PF, and MK!
Tie-Dye and Bleach Shirts!
Finishing up the tie-dye
Shoes, packing cubes, MBs, and day 8!
Catch-all post
Eventually I'll Get Around to Day 9 but for now ... RANDOM STUFF!~
Day 9!
Days 10 and 11! That's it, folks!

 

[Angeejoe]

I had commented on your question the other day about Value beds & saw you had TRs. I just read you BWV TR & enjoyed it!!! That thread seemed closed, so I just wanted to say thank you for sharing!

I've never stayed offsite, so I'm excited to hear your thoughts on it! So I'm subscribing if you don't mind!

Where are you debating for your couple onsite stays?

angeejoe

 

[hellotoyou]

I, also, wanted to thank you for your November Solo report ... I really enjoyed it!!

 

[iluvdoombuggies]

I just read your solo trip report and want to follow along for your next adventure. Thanks for sharing!!!!

 

[ZehnJahren]

Hey guys!

I haven't been updating this at all because frankly, I figured no one would be interested in an offsite trip! I was going to just let this languish, but maybe I'll start updating again if some people are going to read it!

 

[ZehnJahren]

I had commented on your question the other day about Value beds & saw you had TRs. I just read you BWV TR & enjoyed it!!! That thread seemed closed, so I just wanted to say thank you for sharing!

I've never stayed offsite, so I'm excited to hear your thoughts on it! So I'm subscribing if you don't mind!

Where are you debating for your couple onsite stays?

angeejoe

Hi there!

Yes, my thread was closed once my trip report was complete. That was such a good solo trip I'm going again in the next month! I have already been debating doing another trip report for it, I guess it will depend on what kinds of pictures I get. I love doing TRs, especially since a lot of my trips are shorter; they're fun to relive.

I haven't stayed offsite since I was a little girl, so I'm a little nervous about it. But we've got a great place and Mom and I will be together (we always make the best of that) so I know it will be great.

For my onsite nights, I'm considering either CR or WL (I've never stayed at WL before). I'm also thinking about Swan or Dolphin, as I know the rates for BC/YC/BW will be high! But if not, I will stay at AKL. I'll need to make that decision in the next couple of months!

I, also, wanted to thank you for your November Solo report ... I really enjoyed it!!

Thank you so much; I had a great time and appreciate any readers. It's fun to write TRs and more fun when people enjoy them.

I just read your solo trip report and want to follow along for your next adventure. Thanks for sharing!!!!

Thank you for reading and thank you for following along this time!

 

[ZehnJahren]

I hadn't planned on updating this, but since a couple of people are reading I could get back in the swing of things. I just figured no one would be very interested in two adult females with no kids staying offsite.

To be successful at a PTR, you usually need:

1) A cute couple;
2) Some cute kids;
3) If it's a solo trip, one Disney-obsessed person, or;
4) A Disney resort.

Any of those combinations seem to be a winner, and I have none of them. Well, except we ARE pretty cute, and I'm KIND OF Disney obsessed.

So far, I've been stalling on the October trip.

Why?

I have another solo trip coming up in the next month!

I'm staying at a value and trying to look forward to it again. Why have I lost my Disney love?

1) I just recently lost a beloved family member.
2) Driving the highway on the way home from that, I was rear-ended by a semi truck, totaling my car.
3) After returning home finally, I found that my cat was ill. He has to have surgery this week.
4) I'm now terrified of driving on the highway and oh, guess how I have to get to the airport??

So I'm working on it. So much else on my mind. I just keep telling myself that a Disney vacation is just what I need for a little magic.

I just received my Magic Band for my upcoming trip, so that helped a little - pink this time. I'm not a pink kind of person, but the color is just so lovely I couldn't resist it. I already got it out and took off the gray part so it fits me; looking forward to wearing it and hopefully it working as well as it did last time.

That's it for now; I'll have more updates (and pictures) later!

 

[MsHershey]

Hey guys!

I haven't been updating this at all because frankly, I figured no one would be interested in an offsite trip! I was going to just let this languish, but maybe I'll start updating again if some people are going to read it!

Please update! I am following along as I am considering an offsite trip. Can't wait to read more.

 

[Angeejoe]

Hey guys!

I haven't been updating this at all because frankly, I figured no one would be interested in an offsite trip! I was going to just let this languish, but maybe I'll start updating again if some people are going to read it!

I'm totally curious about off site, I've only stayed onsite & loved it. We've considered off site for arrival days but by the time you figure out all these sneaky offsite fees for places we would like to stay, its just cheaper to stay onsite at a value for 1 night. I do know that some people have time shares or free points to use from loyality cards, so it's not like cash out of the pocket.

Hi there!

Yes, my thread was closed once my trip report was complete. That was such a good solo trip I'm going again in the next month! I have already been debating doing another trip report for it, I guess it will depend on what kinds of pictures I get. I love doing TRs, especially since a lot of my trips are shorter; they're fun to relive.

I haven't stayed offsite since I was a little girl, so I'm a little nervous about it. But we've got a great place and Mom and I will be together (we always make the best of that) so I know it will be great.

For my onsite nights, I'm considering either CR or WL (I've never stayed at WL before). I'm also thinking about Swan or Dolphin, as I know the rates for BC/YC/BW will be high! But if not, I will stay at AKL. I'll need to make that decision in the next couple of month!

I just stayed at WL in Dec with my sister & 4 yr old nephew & I honestly loved it. I loved the boat ride to MK! I loved the lobby & the feel of the resort. I was happy with the pool & our room. I want to stay here again & maybe do a split with YC which is my favorite resort & concentrate on more MK/AK (we only usually do 1 AK day & no matter where you stay you take the bus), then switch to YC to do Epcot/HS.

The CR does look very cool though, I keep telling my DH I want to stay there. In honesty I WANT TO STAY EVERYWHERE, lol . The idea of the monorail sounds awesome to me.

I hadn't planned on updating this, but since a couple of people are reading I could get back in the swing of things. I just figured no one would be very interested in two adult females with no kids staying offsite.

To be successful at a PTR, you usually need:

1) A cute couple;
2) Some cute kids;
3) If it's a solo trip, one Disney-obsessed person, or;
4) A Disney resort.

Any of those combinations seem to be a winner, and I have none of them. Well, except we ARE pretty cute, and I'm KIND OF Disney obsessed.

So far, I've been stalling on the October trip.

Why?

I have another solo trip coming up in the next month!

I'm staying at a value and trying to look forward to it again. Why have I lost my Disney love?

1) I just recently lost a beloved family member.
2) Driving the highway on the way home from that, I was rear-ended by a semi truck, totaling my car.
3) After returning home finally, I found that my cat was ill. He has to have surgery this week.
4) I'm now terrified of driving on the highway and oh, guess how I have to get to the airport??

So I'm working on it. So much else on my mind. I just keep telling myself that a Disney vacation is just what I need for a little magic.

I just received my Magic Band for my upcoming trip, so that helped a little - pink this time. I'm not a pink kind of person, but the color is just so lovely I couldn't resist it. I already got it out and took off the gray part so it fits me; looking forward to wearing it and hopefully it working as well as it did last time.

That's it for now; I'll have more updates (and pictures) later!

So sorry to hear of your loss & your accident. How's your cat? Sending positive thoughts your way . I lost my dad in a car accident 2 yrs ago next month & I have some the same fears that you do at times. Life is too short & you have to enjoy it & Disney is a great place to enjoy life!

Which value are you considering? We've stayed Pop & ASMu, I liked both, DH hated beds at Pop & says he will never do Pop again.

 

[ZehnJahren]

I'm totally curious about off site, I've only stayed onsite & loved it. We've considered off site for arrival days but by the time you figure out all these sneaky offsite fees for places we would like to stay, its just cheaper to stay onsite at a value for 1 night. I do know that some people have time shares or free points to use from loyality cards, so it's not like cash out of the pocket.

We have the timeshare for almost free - under $200! For a week in a luxury timeshare with two bedrooms and baths, I'll take it!!

I just stayed at WL in Dec with my sister & 4 yr old nephew & I honestly loved it. I loved the boat ride to MK! I loved the lobby & the feel of the resort. I was happy with the pool & our room. I want to stay here again & maybe do a split with YC which is my favorite resort & concentrate on more MK/AK (we only usually do 1 AK day & no matter where you stay you take the bus), then switch to YC to do Epcot/HS.

The CR does look very cool though, I keep telling my DH I want to stay there. In honesty I WANT TO STAY EVERYWHERE, lol . The idea of the monorail sounds awesome to me.

WL is one I want to try; I've never even seen it. We'll see what happens now with the accident and all the money I'm having to put out up front - who knows when I'll be reimbursed, so it may be a value trip for me! I'm ok either way; it will be a great vacation.

I want to stay everywhere too!!! I especially love the CR. I surprised my mom with a stay there (she thought we were staying at Pop) and it was so wonderful. I loved the beds and the rooms and the walk to MK.... I loved it all! I would gladly stay there again!

So sorry to hear of your loss & your accident. How's your cat? Sending positive thoughts your way . I lost my dad in a car accident 2 yrs ago next month & I have some the same fears that you do at times. Life is too short & you have to enjoy it & Disney is a great place to enjoy life!

Which value are you considering? We've stayed Pop & ASMu, I liked both, DH hated beds at Pop & says he will never do Pop again.

Thanks; it has been a very trying few weeks, but now that the cat had surgery and a new car was bought, I can relax a little! I still don't want to get on the highways but there's no need to do that for awhile.

I'm very, very sorry to hear about your dad. Very sorry.

It has definitely been on my mind that I could have easily lost my life in my accident and I'm so grateful to God that I walked away. With everything taken into account, I probably shouldn't be here. I'm still fighting not wanting to go on vacation but I'm hoping Disney will put some of the magic back in my life.

 

[Angeejoe]

We have the timeshare for almost free - under $200! For a week in a luxury timeshare with two bedrooms and baths, I'll take it!!



WL is one I want to try; I've never even seen it. We'll see what happens now with the accident and all the money I'm having to put out up front - who knows when I'll be reimbursed, so it may be a value trip for me! I'm ok either way; it will be a great vacation.

I want to stay everywhere too!!! I especially love the CR. I surprised my mom with a stay there (she thought we were staying at Pop) and it was so wonderful. I loved the beds and the rooms and the walk to MK.... I loved it all! I would gladly stay there again!



Thanks; it has been a very trying few weeks, but now that the cat had surgery and a new car was bought, I can relax a little! I still don't want to get on the highways but there's no need to do that for awhile.

I'm very, very sorry to hear about your dad. Very sorry.

It has definitely been on my mind that I could have easily lost my life in my accident and I'm so grateful to God that I walked away. With everything taken into account, I probably shouldn't be here. I'm still fighting not wanting to go on vacation but I'm hoping Disney will put some of the magic back in my life.

$200 for a wk at a luxury condo is an awesome deal! So will you be renting a car since staying off site are you guys driving down? Do they any cool amenities? Hopefully a pool! I love cooling off after a day in the parks in a pool. That's why I love the lazy river at YC/BC!!

I have to tell you the lobby at WL took my breath away it was so beautiful, I loved it. We were there in December & it was decorated for Christmas & it was magical. I really felt at home here. I wish I had gotten to eat at WCC or AP, but it just didn't work out. We did eat quite a bit at the QS (very easy with my 4 yr old nephew) & even the bar which was really good.

Theres nothing wrong with a value trip as youre in Disney!!! My aunt & I did a 5 day value trip at Pop last May, we really had a great time & enjoyed the trip. My aunt rarely travels as her DH has severe anxiety so this was her 1st trip to FL let alone Disney! It was so cool to show her my favorite place & it all be new to her. She loved everything & talks about every time I see her.

Thank you so very much for your condolences, it has been very hard on me losing my dad & though I know things will never be the same after almost 2 yrs I feel like something's are falling back into place for me. He was only 58& his accident also involved a semi, so seeing semi trucks now make me nervous. Especially after this horrible winter that we had, it seemed like there were bad accidents constantly on the news & so many involved semi trucks. So though I didn't live your experience & I can totally understand it. It will take time to get you back to that place where you feel safe on the road. Back roads still get you where you want to go!

 

[ZehnJahren]

Now that we're about 90 days out, I'm starting to get excited!

What is done so far?

Hotel's been booked for AGES.

AP for me, 8 day park hopper for Mom BOUGHT, plus I set Mom up as someone I'm "managing" in MDE so I can do our FP+ in just about 60 days.

I bought Halloween Party tickets today for MNSSHP! Mom and I are so excited to get a do over on this one.

I booked the Ultimate Day of Thrills tour! This will be perfect for the two of us - all our favorites, in one whirlwind day! I can't wait to do it and report back!

Next up?

Time to get the rental car! I'll probably start looking into this in the next two weeks or so. I'll be going through Costco so we get the extra driver for free.

Also, I have to get my flights again since I'm moving! I got the SW rapid rewards card, so as long as I get those points soon I can get on the same flights as my mom!

I need to order my AP MB too; I just hate to have to move it and possibly lose it. I think I'll need to do it before I move, though; there probably won't be enough time otherwise. Now, what color to get?!



I'm still a bit afraid of driving on the highways, but I will need to get back on them soon enough if I'm going to move. I'm worried but I think I'll be ok. And then Disney will be coming up; my Mom can drive the highways but I want to be ready to assist since she can't see at night and we'll be coming home from the parks then. You know what Elsa would say, though:

 

[Angeejoe]

Now that we're under 90 days out, I'm starting to get excited!

What is done so far?

Hotel's been booked for AGES.

AP for me, 8 day park hopper for Mom BOUGHT, plus I set Mom up as someone I'm "managing" in MDE so I can do our FP+ in just about 60 days.

I bought Halloween Party tickets today for MNSSHP! Mom and I are so excited to get a do over on this one.

I booked the Ultimate Day of Thrills tour! This will be perfect for the two of us - all our favorites, in one whirlwind day! I can't wait to do it and report back!

Next up?

Time to get the rental car! I'll probably start looking into this in the next two weeks or so. I'll be going through Costco so we get the extra driver for free.

Also, I have to get my flights again since I'm moving! I got the SW rapid rewards card, so as long as I get those points soon I can get on the same flights as my mom!

I need to order my AP MB too; I just hate to have to move it and possibly lose it. I think I'll need to do it before I move, though; there probably won't be enough time otherwise. Now, what color to get?!



I'm still a bit afraid of driving on the highways, but I will need to get back on them soon enough if I'm going to move. I'm worried but I think I'll be ok. And then Disney will be coming up; my Mom can drive the highways but I want to be ready to assist since she can't see at night and we'll be coming home from the parks then. You know what Elsa would say, though:

How exciting , only 90 days! What ADRs do you have booked?

Congrats on the move! Are you just moving apts or to a new city?

Love the Elsa Gif!

 

[ZehnJahren]

How exciting , only 90 days! What ADRs do you have booked?

Congrats on the move! Are you just moving apts or to a new city?

Love the Elsa Gif!

No ADRs yet! I know, I know, but I only want a couple. My mom really wants to eat at San Angel Inn in Mexico, even though neither of us really eat Mexican food! It's just always been a dream of hers to eat there, since we love Mexico so much, and I guess I could get some dessert or something to make it worthwhile! I would like to get a BOG for dinner one day, but I don't have my days mapped out yet so I don't know WHICH day! Not Tuesday or Thursday (tour and MNSSHP). And I was kind of thinking it would be fun to do 1900 Park Fare. I have no idea if I'll be able to get anything! I need to figure out my days soon.

I will be moving to a city I've lived in before; it's a necessary move for my sanity and I'm both apprehensive and looking forward to it!

 

[Angeejoe]

No ADRs yet! I know, I know, but I only want a couple. My mom really wants to eat at San Angel Inn in Mexico, even though neither of us really eat Mexican food! It's just always been a dream of hers to eat there, since we love Mexico so much, and I guess I could get some dessert or something to make it worthwhile! I would like to get a BOG for dinner one day, but I don't have my days mapped out yet so I don't know WHICH day! Not Tuesday or Thursday (tour and MNSSHP). And I was kind of thinking it would be fun to do 1900 Park Fare. I have no idea if I'll be able to get anything! I need to figure out my days soon.

I will be moving to a city I've lived in before; it's a necessary move for my sanity and I'm both apprehensive and looking forward to it!

No pressure from me on ADRs! There's always something somewhere to book. Probably the hard one will be BOG dinner. I've done BOG lunch 2x & loved it, so it's a good back up option. I've never done BOG dinner.

I'm jealous of your move! I've lived in the same city my whole life & only 2 homes-house with my parents & house with DH. A little part of me would love to move to a new city & start fresh with DH, but I know I'd miss my family. Then I think I'd be even happy just moving to a new home here & starting fresh.

Do you already have your new home situation arranged or still looking? All packed?

 

[DaveinFallsChurch]

Just wanted to check in and say that I'm following your PTR! Sounds like a fun trip planned and congrats on locking in on those MNSSHP tickets!

 

[ZehnJahren]

No pressure from me on ADRs! There's always something somewhere to book. Probably the hard one will be BOG dinner. I've done BOG lunch 2x & loved it, so it's a good back up option. I've never done BOG dinner.

I'm jealous of your move! I've lived in the same city my whole life & only 2 homes-house with my parents & house with DH. A little part of me would love to move to a new city & start fresh with DH, but I know I'd miss my family. Then I think I'd be even happy just moving to a new home here & starting fresh.

Do you already have your new home situation arranged or still looking? All packed?

Yes, I don't know that I'll get BOG dinner. I've had lunch there a few times myself and loved it too! That turkey sandwich! Mmmm.

I have moved over two dozen times in my life. Trust me, you're lucky. I can't even imagine living in two places - that's like a year for me in the past. The last five years have been better with moving, but mostly.... I'm a mover.

Home situation is figured out but I'm nowhere NEAR packed!

Just wanted to check in and say that I'm following your PTR! Sounds like a fun trip planned and congrats on locking in on those MNSSHP tickets!

Hi there! Thanks so much for coming over. I just now got interested in my own PTR and some things have changed - we're not doing any of the ToT races any more, and I'm not staying as long as I was going to. Regardless, I am going to be keeping up a little more, since the trip is so much sooner than when I started this PTR and now I'm facing down FP+ in the near future!

Yes, I see you have your own MNSSHP tickets, yourself!! I was very excited to buy the tickets; my mom is on cloud nine . We take our trips very seriously, and I'm the planner so I feel like it's all up to me to make sure we have everything figured out in advance and we have a great time! I'm so jealous you're staying at CR, that's my almost favorite resort (tied with YC).

 

[ZehnJahren]

One little update: I got our rental car!

For HALF the price I was expecting! I couldn't believe the rate! I was expecting around $300 for the week (I don't know anything about renting cars, ok? Only did it once.), but through Costco it was just a little over $150.

Plus we get the extra driver free, so both mom and I can drive - that means she can tackle the highways if need be. This is exciting news, because it means everything is booked except my flights (waiting on SW points from my new SW CC). I am so nervous about the points getting on my account soon enough to book my flights to match my mom's!

Only question now is do we get the tolls prepaid or not? It seems like it would be easier to get them prepaid, but MUCH more expensive I think. I will have to figure that one out.