Who here is not in the "clique" like me? Part 2

[2xcited2slp]

I think I'm gonna' have a break down people.

I'm trying to find a great deal on the rental car. I've given up on the Poly idea. Stinkin' rational side.

Steven has informed me he wants to do the Segway tour. I don't even know if I have time to schedule one. Those things are probably booked months in advance.

Too. . . much. . . pressure

Take a deep breath-------------again--------------and one more.....


(can you tell I work in a spa?? )


anyway-----all you can do is call to see if anything is available. If it's not, it's not.....will have to wait until next time. I think Lyzziesmom did one on her last trip, right?? I'm not sure how long the tours last but maybe just an hour or so?? Look at your priorities-----what, if anything are you willing to give up?? If not, next time.

 

[lyzziesmom]

April... when I booked my Segway tour, I didn't have much advance notice and there were plenty of spots available. Then again, it wasn't as busy a time of year as when you are going. If you can find time, definitely do it, it was the most fun I've EVER had at Disney! (And I've lived in Orlando... twice.) If you go early in the morning, you can still have most of your day free, it takes exactly two hours and is well worth it. Give it a try! You could at least call and see what days/times are still open, and plan from there?

 

[lyzziesmom]

Forgot to add: I don't know much about the rental car deals available right now, BUT last time I needed one in Orlando we used Dollar and they were awesome. Inexpensive and we got a PT Cruiser as the cheapest 'economy' option, I think it was $119 for a week? Check the airline sites, they often partner and have discounts on rental cars if you book through them, I think mine at the time was booked through the SW site. Do you have an Entertainment book? They usually have pretty decent coupons that can sometimes be used with any specials the rental companies might be running. Everyone always asks me how I manage to travel so much on my budget. (Earlier this year Lyzzie & I did Universal/IOA for a week for $800 including park tix, hotel, meal plan (which stinks) and rental car.) The answer is: research, research, research.

 

[ForTheLoveofDisney]

Oh thanks guys.

Just snagged a great price for the rental car which makes me feel better about the room rate.

Still not sure which one I want yet. . . Pop or Carribean? Ahhhh!!

Anyway 8 days in a tiny economy car but it is just the two of us for $124.91 and that includes taxes and all other fees. I didn't think it was tooo too bad.

 

[ForTheLoveofDisney]

Forgot to add: I don't know much about the rental car deals available right now, BUT last time I needed one in Orlando we used Dollar and they were awesome. Inexpensive and we got a PT Cruiser as the cheapest 'economy' option, I think it was $119 for a week? Check the airline sites, they often partner and have discounts on rental cars if you book through them, I think mine at the time was booked through the SW site. Do you have an Entertainment book? They usually have pretty decent coupons that can sometimes be used with any specials the rental companies might be running. Everyone always asks me how I manage to travel so much on my budget. (Earlier this year Lyzzie & I did Universal/IOA for a week for $800 including park tix, hotel, meal plan (which stinks) and rental car.) The answer is: research, research, research.

I'm with you. . .research, research, research.

How'd you get the PT Cruiser at the economy rate? That's a great deal!! I need to get to Sam's club and pick up one of their travel books w/ the coupons in there. Might be somthing I can use. No, I don't have an Entertainment book but I was thinking it might be worthwhile to get one. I wish I could pick one up locally but we're so new to the area I don't know who might be selling them. I know my sister's school sold them one year as a fundraiser. I wish I knew if that went on around here but I just feel really pressed for time. I hate this but I didn't really have a choice because of my whole points expiring thing. So here I am scouring Mousesavers and old emails and the Dis transportation board. My eyes are starting to feel like this --->

By the way, my rental is through Dollar too.

Thanks for all of your help and suggestions. I'll have to get back to you about the Feb. trip after this trip if that's ok.

 

[hellokitty86]

I'm back

They do have Steak & Shakes in Florida! Jeremiah & I used to go there all the time but they don't have ANY in Virginia!! (I actually looked up the website last week to see if there were any! I love their shakes and Jeremiah likes the burgers)

2xcited, I'm saying a prayer for your Grandma right now.


I'm making a batch of brownies right now!! Midnight snack

I hope you all have a great night, and a great Sunday!!

 

[lyzziesmom]

You can buy the Entertainment book through entertainment.com. That's what I did after I forgot to place my order with Lyzzie through her school!! I know I know, I'm SUCH a bad parent. The good part is, once you order online, you are automatically registered & have access to online coupons you can print immediately that are different than the ones in the book. Something to think about in general, if not for this trip. Looks like you got a good deal on the car! I have no idea how we got the PT, we just went out to the lot with our key and there it was in our spot! I freaked out immediately about the cuteness of it. It looks like a common rental car, we saw a TON of bright blue PTs at all the hotels & in Universal's parking garage.

 

[keagansmom]

Good morning all!

I hope everyone had a great Thanksgiving. I haven't had time to catch up on everything yet, I'll go back in this afternoon and catch up.

We had a great thanksgiving with my folks and then my in-laws flew in Friday and are spending the weekend with us. So we've been busy and that's why I've been MIA.

April-- I've stayed in Port Orleans and I thought it was very nice for a mod. The only downside would be the full size beds because my husband is tall and his feet hand off the bottom. Otherwise, I really really like this resort. I thought the bus service was very good as well. Don't get me wrong, If I could swing the POLY I would still choose it over PO, but it's (PO) not a bad alternative. Very quiet and wonderful gardens. Lots to do. That's my 2 cents.

Well, Gotta go. I'll pop back in later. Have a great day!

 

[DonnaLeah]

Good morning Cliqueless Crew!!! It's not sunny here today, but the temps are going to be in the 60's!!! Just got some cinnamon rolls out of the oven, really!!! Want to join me? Sorry, the catch is you have to eat with two 8-year old boys.

I hope everyone has a Super Special Sunday!!!!

 

[2xcited2slp]

Good morning Cliqueless Crew!!! It's not sunny here today, but the temps are going to be in the 60's!!! Just got some cinnamon rolls out of the oven, really!!! Want to join me? Sorry, the catch is you have to eat with two 8-year old boys.

I hope everyone has a Super Special Sunday!!!!

Okay, that just looks sinfully luscious!!!!!


Thanks Donna!!!



I'm glad you're up, because I have a question for you------what night are we going to the Pirate/Princess party?? I was just going to call and order my ticket, but with my luck, I'd order the wrong night and I'd be all by my lonesome. (but then I'd have Capt. Jack, all to myself---hmmm, I'm thinking...... )

 

[lyzziesmom]

2x - the P&P party we're going to is on 2/5. I just ordered my tickets online, and was able to have them held at willcall to avoid any extra shipping cost for delivery. I just have to remember to bring the certificate & actually go pick them up!!

Donna - thanks for the yummy cinnamon roll. I don't mind sharing w/the boys, as long as they keep their hands off MY breakfast!!

keagansmom - sounds like you had a busy holiday weekend! Are things getting back to 'normal' yet? Glad to hear you liked PO - was it POFQ? I stayed at Riverside back when it was Dixie Landings when I was in college, I really liked it. Of course, we don't spend much time in the rooms so it doesn't matter much to me, as long as it's clean.

Gotta feed the kiddos before they revolt.

 

[DonnaLeah]

I'm back... I forgot to post Amber and Angela'a plans for today.

Amber is going to be...
11/26:
MGM (first time going!) Mike wants to ride TOT; I'm scared!
dinner at Mama Melrose
Fantasmic
Spectacle of Dancing Lights
-------------------------------------------
(You can handle TOT Amber, we have faith in you!!!)


Angela's family will be....
11/26
EPCOT for rope drop
wander around and listen to the music of Candlelight procession
-------------------------------------------------------------
(I hope Angela rides Soarin' a couple of times for me!!!)



Ok, guys....so I dropped the ball by ordering my tickets online? I guess I could have just had the reg admission hopper put on my hotel key? OK, I'm officially a dork.
Yea, 2x2s, the P&P Party was for the 5th.

Plenty of cinnamon rolls to go around, lyzziesmom!!! I even have some left over!!!

 

[ForTheLoveofDisney]

I'm there Donna!! Thanks for the yummy rolls!! Mmmmm, they're good.

OK, change of plans with the Last-Minute Disney Christmas trip.

OK, so I was going to go down two days earlier. . . found a great price on airline tickets, car rental, room rates yada-yada-yada.

So, my decisions were all set. I went back to Allegiant Air's website and all of a sudden the price to fly out on Sunday went from $29-$89

!!

Oh my!! That's a $60 difference so for two of us, that's $120!! OK, I'll just fly out on Monday. No can do. Allegiant air doesn't fly on Monday.

OK, so I'll just fly out on Saturday at the $29 rate if I the "extras" aren't much more than $120. Because if it's ALOT more than it wouldn't be worth it, right?

Well, then I couldn't get a room AT all for the night of the 9th! Nothing at the moderates, and only a room at the All-Stars Movie. Nothing at Pop. Carribean, PO or Coronado.

If I could have gotten a room then it would have been worth going down on the Saturday because with the extra day (if I could have gotten the room) it would have been an extra $115.99 for everything (a little under the price for the ticket of going out on Sunday) including the extra day for the dog in the kennel and an extra parking day at the airport.

By this time, I'm stressing! So at 1:30 this morning (Steven had already gone to bed) I walked into the bedroom and I UNDERSTANDABLY caught Steven off guard when I tried to present him with my findings and ask what should we do? Because I had become obsessed with this trip. So he tells me that if a vacation takes this much stress to plan is it really worth it. So, his little attitude at that time in the morning made me have an attitude and then we started arguing over stupid stuff. Once we realized how stupid it was we sat down and talked it out at 2 o'clock in the morning and decided that at this point of the game, if things don't work out naturally then just be happy with what I've got ---the five days.--- I've already been once this year at Halloween and he reminded me that I'm going again in February so just let it go. Plus, we've got the dog in training, and I've been going to the chiropractor here because I've really hurt my back and he (the chiro.) says NO Space Mountain, No roller coasters. . . nothing that will be whipping my neck/back. So, I've said all of this to say I'm going from Tuesday-Sunday and I'm going to be happy with it.

I'll check back in with you all later!! Have a GREAT Sunday!!

 

[lyzziesmom]

April, I'm sorry your planning turned stressful! It can be difficult to coordinate all the pieces while trying to get the best rates. I have to agree, you have a great trip already planned and anything else you might be able to swing would be 'extra'. Just let go, have a great time, and remember: you'll be in WDW and we will all be jealous!! If you miss anything that you really want to do, we'll put it on the list for Feb!

For those of us going in Feb, I have one little concern. In the past, when I've gone with larger groups, some in the group feel that EVERYTHING must be done TOGETHER. In my opinion, that really slows everyone down. Plus there's the issue of trying to get 8+ people to agree on which direction to go next!

Personally, I much prefer breaking into small groups and regrouping several times a day to rearrange. Some people may end up doing some attractions more than once, and some may miss something altogether, but for the most part, everyone turns out happy AND gets social time with everyone else.

What's everyone else's favorite approach/method for large groups?

 

[DonnaLeah]

April, I'm sorry the trip didn't go as you had planned. Why not go to MVMCP on one of the other nights? I know you mentioned the crowds, but maybe they wouldn't be so bad on Thursday if you really want to go.

Going to go get myself together for the day!!! Talk to you all later!!

 

[ForTheLoveofDisney]

April, I'm sorry the trip didn't go as you had planned. Why not go to MVMCP on one of the other nights? I know you mentioned the crowds, but maybe they wouldn't be so bad on Thursday if you really want to go.

Going to go get myself together for the day!!! Talk to you all later!!

That's what I was thinking. Just go Thursday. It probably won't be that crowded.

Personally, I much prefer breaking into small groups and regrouping several times a day to rearrange. Some people may end up doing some attractions more than once, and some may miss something altogether, but for the most part, everyone turns out happy AND gets social time with everyone else.

I like this idea too, lyzziesmom. Divide and Conquer is what I always say. But seriously, sounds good to me.

I just don't know what to do about the ADRs. I'm not sure if Steven is going to get to come now or what. Maybe I should just "plan" like he's not going? That would probably be best. (sorry babe, you know I love ya'! ) not that he reads this thread.

OK, I'm just a ramblin' now.

 

[Tinkerbell_Girl]

Good Morning!

Thanks for breakfast Donna!

April- That's too bad about your trip.

Lyzziesmom- I like Emma's pic!


I wish I was going with everyone in Feb!

 

[DonnaLeah]

Personally, I much prefer breaking into small groups and regrouping several times a day to rearrange. Some people may end up doing some attractions more than once, and some may miss something altogether, but for the most part, everyone turns out happy AND gets social time with everyone else.

We can have discussions and devise plans for the day when we get there. A simple basic plan with ADR's (where we can meet) is a good solution,IMO. Some may want to spend more time at AK and MGM, while others may be more interested in EPCOT, etc.
In 2000 we went to CA and spent the day at Disneyland with my cousins and their families and kids. There were 12 of us including the 4 kids. We spent a lot of time stopping in the middle of the street, having discussions about what to do , where to eat....it was a nightmare!!! By late afternoon I just wanted to say like" love you guys, but we'll meet at so and so in about 3 hours!!!"

 

[ForTheLoveofDisney]

In 2000 we went to CA and spent the day at Disneyland with my cousins and their families and kids. There were 12 of us including the 4 kids. We spent a lot of time stopping in the middle of the street, having discussions about what to do , where to eat....it was a nightmare!!! By late afternoon I just wanted to say like" love you guys, but we'll meet at so and so in about 3 hours!!!"

Ain't that the truth. In 2003 6 of us went to WDW (WITHOUT a PLAN!!). We also spent alot of time stopping in the middle of the street maps spread wide open blocking everybodies view sometimes arguing. No one could make up their minds and it was as you say a nightmare!! That's why I always try to have a plan now. But anyway we too were ready to say "love you guys, but we'll meet at so and so. You can figure this out on your own." By the end of the trip we were splitting up and meeting up and it worked much better. But, I'm up for anything.

 

[DonnaLeah]

Hello, Kiddos. The tree is mostly decorated, but had to stop for a cold drink and some peanut butter popcorn. Nathan is watching Mickey Mouse "Snowed in at the House of Mouse", just for atmosphere.
Just about everything is up outside, but the light-up christmas tree for one of the garage windows. Only half of the thing lights up and we can't figure out what's wrong with the darned thing!!!

We went to do some errands earlier and the holiday traffic on the interstate was pretty heavy!!! YourMajesty and anyone else that was driving out of town for Thanksgiving, please be careful!!!

Better think about finishing the tree now!!! See you all later........D.