Who Invited My Mother In Law? A Moderately Deluxe TR All New X 3 & PTR Link 2/3 !!

[Captain_Oblivious]

We were seated in the very back row of the amphitheater type area. Our table was a 4 top just left of center of the stage. Since we were using DxDP credits, we were getting category 2 seating. I can only assume that category 3 seating is comprised of the tables to the far left and far right sides of the ‘room’ on the same level as we were sitting.

Actually, they put you on a boat in the lagoon. If you stand at just the right spot, you can see the roof over the stage.

This is an all you care to eat affair, so servers were understandably going in and out of the kitchen constantly. Also not helping? The large pole directly in our sightline. At Wrigley Field you’d get these “obstructed view” tickets pretty cheap.

Plus, you can boo and heckle the performers.

If I followed the storyline correctly one of the young women was planning to move away so her group of friends (including a ‘tomboy’ character and a young man that she bickered with) were planning to throw a block party of sorts to show her what she’d be missing.

Sounds like the "plot" is similar to the Olympics opening ceremony. I think.

The dancing was pretty entertaining, but mostly –as I wrote in my trip notes- because the men looked like Chippendale dancers. Bryan was getting a little annoyed at how many pictures I was taking of them, but I told him that it was my duty as a Trip Reporter to do so. You’re welcome ladies-and there's more where these came from if you want 'em.

Oh, come on. This is so over-the-top I can't even--

And gents? I took some of the girls too.

Ahem. Never mind. Carry on.

We were all growing restless, but I really did want to see the fire dancers.

That's pretty much all I'd care about, too.

We’d made 6 trips to the Ladies’ room for something to do

Aha! So "powdering my nose" is code for "I'm bored out of my skull".

I would in no way discourage anyone from giving the Spirit of Aloha Luau a try, in fact we may try it again some day.

Thanks for the tips. Sounds like it's not going to be high on our priority list. I think I'd rather do O'hana.

Then she told us that she keeps her ‘Moves like Jagger’ in a safe place so that she didn’t loose them when she shakes her booty. Feeding off of our reactions (we were cracking up) she proceeded to collect more ‘moves’ all the way to the pool.

Maddie asked us how to say “Sorry I was a bad girl” in Hawaiian, and we asked why she needed to know that since she hadn’t been bad. She just wanted to know in case she was bad in the future.

Always good to be prepared.

 

[katt789]

Thank you. For. The. Eye. Candy.



But seriously, the Luau looks like a great time, I'm thinking on the next trip (after Sept) I'll definitely be looking into doing it. I'm surprised it lagged on so long, probably about the fire dancers? Weird. Ugh. I just love the Poly so so so much, it's so gorgeous, I cannot wait to do a long stay there!

Hahaha!! Seriously that was like, the cutest little Dismeet ever. Tanessa and I totally still talk about swimming in the bathtub! Hahah! Moves Like Jagger, that's too funny, she certainly was spunky that night!

I also find it great that our trip reports have now reached the exact same point of the trips!!

 

[KatMark]

I have to admit that I have read your last update at least six times. Mind you, I'm getting old and often forget what I want to comment on. But this time I had an ulterior motive. I can see why you kept focusing in on that one particular dancer.

Great update; we've never done any of those dinner shows...not when the kids were little and not now. I think perhaps, if we ever take grandchildren at some point, that we'll give one of them a whirl.

Considering how long it went on, Maddie did great. And love that Maddie wanted to do her own moves.

 

[megan511]

I thought Chad was the only person who didn't like chocolate!

I'm not going to lie-today was tough. Maddie's school's policy is that no parents could take the kids inside (there was a little get together last week to see classrooms, bathrooms, etc). One of the hardest things I've ever done is to let my baby get out of the car and walk into that big girl school all by herself. Luckily (I think) it was storming this morning, so I couldn't let myself get too emotional. Didn't want to wreck the car.

I think I'm most worried about silly things like older kids picking on the little ones, Her getting lost in the big school, etc. I know that kindergarten is usually pretty separate from the other grades though. She's most worried about making new friends and what to wear.

You can do it MOM! It's not as bad as I thought it would be. The morning was hard, but as soon as she told me how wonderful it was I calmed down a lot.

I had no idea that Maddie had started kindergarten already! Anthony will start the day after labor day. Our schools are the same I will just have to drop Anthony off and he will walk into the school by himself. I am FREAKING OUT! He is only 5 and the school is huge and I'm scared he's going to get lost. Anthony is not shy though so I think he would speak up but then again it's a totally new situation for him. He went to pre-school at our church that my mom also works at so she was usually there. I don't know how I'm going to drop him off and watch him walk in that school.

We have orientation on the 30th to meet his teacher and see his classroom. I am in denial until then.

Tessa starts her new pre-school on the same day at a different elementary school than Anthony. At least her teachers walk out and get her from me and walk her in. I'm just worried about Tessa trying to run from them and then her being non-verbal. My mom ordered her an alert for her shoes that would go off with our phone numbers but still STRESSFUL!

But, I do sincerely thank you for taking your job as a Trip Reporter seriously & getting the EXTREMELY important pictures of the male dancers. I'm sure it was a sacrifice for you but it's much appreciated.

One of the first things I asked Maddie today is if her classroom has it's own bathroom. I know that some Kind. classes do, but not at her school. Luckily it sounds like her teacher is planning group outings to the bathroom. Safety in numbers I hope, at least the teacher will be standing right outside the door.

The school bus is terrifying. Did either of you reed Nineteen Minutes? I think that book+my own memories= the bus being the devil.

Amanda I hope we're not giving you even more to worry about. Do you think that boys pick on each other less at that age? It always seemed to me that they'd just slug each other and get over it. Much more simple than the way girls do things.

Anthony's class does have it's own bathroom which I'm grateful for. I will be driving my kids to school. Since they are both at different schools my mom will have to drop one off. I have never read that book. I'm not sure I should I am so anxious as it is!

I think that's true about boys. It seems like girls do things more behind each others backs and boys just get it out to each others faces.

I just want to thank you for chatting about this! I have been silently worrying myself silly for months about this. Chad acts like it's no big deal and I don't really have anyone else to talk to about it. I'm glad to know I'm not alone! It actually really helped me to read about Maddie's day so thanks, Shannon. And Roni, I hope Willow has a great first day of school too. I think it's wonderful that they let kindergarteners transition where you are. I wish they were doing that here! And I think it's great that Maddie has half day school. Tessa will be half day but Anthony is full day. Ugh so many changes this year! I'm not ready!

Thanks ladies!

 

[ljcrochet]

I'm glad she had a great first day of Kindergarten.
My girls took the bus to school, 2 years ago on their first day of K. I might have been a wreck if it wasn't for the fact that their was so many kids and parents. Although my girls were the only K kids at our stop. This year we lost about half the kids from the stop. I think there is only 6 kids left (all twins my girls going into 2nd, a set of girl twins going into 3rd and a set of boy twins going into 4th).

I wanted to thank you for your review of the luau, we are going to it for the first time in 7 days , followed by HDDR 2 nights later.
How early did you pick up your tickets for the Luau ?

 

[marDgreen88]

Thanks for this review! I'm glad to hear about it because I personally wouldn't ever pay out of pocket for this (or any of the shows/signatures) and it just doesn't seem like it ended up being worth it. I'm guessing it helped a little that you were on the DDP but with the regular DP I'd be a little disappointed. So, thanks!!

Thank you for that BLT picture (even though I know it wasn't just for me)! OH MY HEAVENS.

HAHAHAHA. Maddie is hilarious!!! How clever! You just don't want to lose those moves.

 

[CDolacki2003]

We did the Aloha show in June with dining credits. We saw the later show and the seats we ok. It was so hot under the roof that we were quite miserable. I would go again and pay. The seats up front had a nice breeze. The food was ok. I want to try Ohanas next trip. Loving the report as we also stayed at CBR.

 

[BadgerGirl84]

I have been reading a few updates on your trip report and was really enjoying it until you started bashing your MIL in nearly every post.

I 100% understand having clashes with family members and getting angry with them on trips.

What I don't understand is calling her names and speaking rudely about her on a public forum. I would imagine that her feelings would be hurt if she read this report or if a member of your family found it and told her about it. Honestly, it made me feel sad that every time she didn't tip the right amount or spent too much time in a store you complained about her on here...we all have moments we are not proud of and it would make me sad and embarrassed if a family member documented them all in a public forum.

Do I think that TRs should be all gumdrops and lollypops? No. But skipping over some of the nitty-gritty details about your MIL would have been more kind.

 

[shan23877]

I've read along and want to say your daughter is adorable!! I have my own princess so I can understand what your talking about with attitudes and just being a little girl. Mine is turning 4 next month and has already informed me we will be having a princess party and all her friends will be invited in their princess/pirate bests. The girls have to be princesses and the boys have to be pirates. Why not princes I have no idea I think she has a thing for pirates like her mommy!!

Thanks so much for joining in! My daughter also plans her princess birthday parties far in advance. Honestly I'll be very sad when the princess phase ends. That's fun that she likes pirates too! I wish that DD liked them more, but for now their still "scary". Maybe someday you'll get to do Pirate's League, I've given up hope that we'll get to do it!

I wanted to comment on your first day of kindergarten experience. My 5 year old son is starting Kindergarten on Aug 28 and our school here in California has the same policy. Pull up, drop kid off, Leave! I know I'm going to cry but luckily we have a meet and greet with the teachers and get to check out the classrooms on Aug 27 so hopefully that eases the pain for me a little bit. I have no worries about him because this is the kid that says "Bye Mommy, I'll see you later!!" and runs off. I'm more worried about myself!! One of the best things is our kindergarten classes are completely seprate from the older grades, they have their own playground and their own bathroom inside the classrooms so they never really leave the Kindergarten area.

I was way more worried about myself too. Maddie is a pretty independent kid too. I so wish that the little ones had their own area at Maddie's school. That would make me feel so much better. Good luck to you on the first day, please let us know how it goes! This is the unofficial Kindergarten Moms thread too!

I also get scared about the thoughts of the mean kids but we've been really lucky with the preschool we went to that all the kids were really great. They had their moments but included new kids more often than not. I've heard really great things about our new school (from other parent's who's children attend the school, one being a mom of a girl in my daughter's class).

I'm so glad that you're happy with the school your son will attend. We're so new to our area that we've heard nothing about ours-aside from test scores and other public statistics. I'm hoping for the best.

I aree about the "keeping up with the joneses" theory. We live in a very rich area but we aren't rich by any means. We live in a 2 bedroom condo where everyone else lives in 4 -5 bedroom, 3,000+ sq ft homes but I make the best of what we have. My kids don't go without at all and luckily so far we haven't had issues where we've been looked down on thank goodness. I don't think my son is going to have any issues fitting in since he's a pretty easy going kid and most everyone likes him thankfully. Now my daughter on the other hand is very high maintance so we'll see where she is once she starts kindergarten in Sept. 2013. I say do what your able and I'm sure you'll end up raising a very smart little girl!

We're pretty much in the middle ourselves. It's so tough for kids, I guess I just figure that it's the least I can do to help her out. She hasn't wanted to wear any character T-shirts yet, I think she's feeling out the kids in the class. Thank you so much! That's so kind of you.

Oh my gosh Shannon. I've been so behind but I'm all caught up now. I have to say this relaxing day of your cracks me up. I'm exhausted reading about it!

It wasn't quite as relaxing as we'd hoped it would be.

Did you guys have to bring an empty suitcase with you to bring all these stuffed animals back?

Actually, yeah. Sort of. Bryan doesn't carry-on for the flight down. We pack an empty duffel bag, and on the way back he uses that (full of our dirty laundry) as his carry-on. The stuffed animals then fit in the suitcases. Simple!



LOL. Poor Bryan.







You know, that I think about it, you're right. It's beautiful there but it doesn't have that Disney magic.

It is sooo pretty, and Smidgy says that the pool is great. I guess I just want Magic at WDW.



Wow! You would think the managers would take a page from their neighbors at the Disney resorts and train the employees to be nicer to the guests.

It was jarring.

Priceless description!



Bummer.



Yes!







You mean the dining credit where you could eat at a table service!!!? That kind of dining credit!!!? Omg! Getting apoplexy. Calm down, Laura.



For a deluxe dining credit.



For a deluxe dining credit.



Clever Bryan.



I have to watch this. And that Honey Boo Boo or whatever she's called show looks hysterical.

I can't watch Honey Boo Boo. It just feels like too much. Got no such issues with Dance Moms though.






Me too.



Especially with all those stuffed animals.



That would be awesome if they had that!



You know about that baby swap thing you can do, right? Maybe next time you guys can do that.

We've done it. It's pretty much the same thing as Single Rider. The only difference is that we'd be able to wait in line together if we wanted. The second person still has to go out and get back in line.

I feel for you.

I knew you'd understand the "not looking cute" issue I was having.

That's too bad.



Very clever.



Impressive. We just have a point and shoot.



And we thank you.

You're quite welcome.

That doesn't speak very well for this show.



Awwww. Better than the show I'll bet.



Phew.



So cute.



Wow! School starts early for you!

I remember putting my daughter on the bus for kindergarten and it is really hard. It gets easier as the year goes on and luckily in kindergarten there are lots of opportunities for the parents to get involved in the classroom.

I can't believe my little girl is going into fifth grade. I have to keep reminding myself to enjoy each new stage she goes through and not get sad about the baby years behind us.

Great updates Shannon. And I love, love, love your photos!

Thanks Laura! I'm so relieved that it gets easier. I think I'm going to volunteer for the PTO so that I can be around as much as possible.

That's a great philosophy to have. I need to remind myself more often to enjoy the age we're at instead of wishing for the ones we were.

Actually, they put you on a boat in the lagoon. If you stand at just the right spot, you can see the roof over the stage.

So that's where the Cat3 seats are!

Plus, you can boo and heckle the performers.



Sounds like the "plot" is similar to the Olympics opening ceremony. I think.

If you were able to follow the Opening Ceremonies, you're a better man than I. As far as I know it was the same plot!

Oh, come on. This is so over-the-top I can't even--

Wait for it....

Ahem. Never mind. Carry on.

There it is!

That's pretty much all I'd care about, too.



Aha! So "powdering my nose" is code for "I'm bored out of my skull".

Pretty much!

Thanks for the tips. Sounds like it's not going to be high on our priority list. I think I'd rather do O'hana.

For food, me too. 'Ohana is great.





Always good to be prepared.

She's a future scout. Thanks for reading!

Thank you. For. The. Eye. Candy.


You're quite welcome!



But seriously, the Luau looks like a great time, I'm thinking on the next trip (after Sept) I'll definitely be looking into doing it. I'm surprised it lagged on so long, probably about the fire dancers? Weird. Ugh. I just love the Poly so so so much, it's so gorgeous, I cannot wait to do a long stay there!

The Poly is so lovely. I'd love to have spent more time there. Maybe someday we'll stay there-a girl can dream.

Hahaha!! Seriously that was like, the cutest little Dismeet ever. Tanessa and I totally still talk about swimming in the bathtub! Hahah! Moves Like Jagger, that's too funny, she certainly was spunky that night!

I also find it great that our trip reports have now reached the exact same point of the trips!!

Yay! I'm so glad that you and Tanessa got a kick out of her. She was in such a goofy mood that night.

So glad that we got the chance to chat for a few minutes.

 

[shan23877]

I have to admit that I have read your last update at least six times. Mind you, I'm getting old and often forget what I want to comment on. But this time I had an ulterior motive. I can see why you kept focusing in on that one particular dancer.


The words just weren't jumping off the page for you huh?

That guy was hot!

Great update; we've never done any of those dinner shows...not when the kids were little and not now. I think perhaps, if we ever take grandchildren at some point, that we'll give one of them a whirl.

We really enjoyed the Hoop when we went, so we really wanted to try the Luau. I'm glad that we did it!

Considering how long it went on, Maddie did great. And love that Maddie wanted to do her own moves.

I was surprised at how well she did, and very proud of her. It was cracking me up that she thought her moves were better!

I thought Chad was the only person who didn't like chocolate!

He and Bry must be the only two!


I had no idea that Maddie had started kindergarten already! Anthony will start the day after labor day. Our schools are the same I will just have to drop Anthony off and he will walk into the school by himself. I am FREAKING OUT! He is only 5 and the school is huge and I'm scared he's going to get lost. Anthony is not shy though so I think he would speak up but then again it's a totally new situation for him. He went to pre-school at our church that my mom also works at so she was usually there. I don't know how I'm going to drop him off and watch him walk in that school.

We have orientation on the 30th to meet his teacher and see his classroom. I am in denial until then.

I'm not going to lie--it was really hard. It's terrifying to let them out from under our wings for the first time. Let us know how it goes for you. This is officially the "unofficial first time kindergarten parents" thread. We're here for you!

Tessa starts her new pre-school on the same day at a different elementary school than Anthony. At least her teachers walk out and get her from me and walk her in. I'm just worried about Tessa trying to run from them and then her being non-verbal. My mom ordered her an alert for her shoes that would go off with our phone numbers but still STRESSFUL!

Totally stressful! That's an awesome piece of technology! It would set my mind at ease too.





Anthony's class does have it's own bathroom which I'm grateful for. I will be driving my kids to school. Since they are both at different schools my mom will have to drop one off. I have never read that book. I'm not sure I should I am so anxious as it is!

Don't read it until you're feeling safe and secure about the kids' schools. Then check it out! It's a really good book.

I think that's true about boys. It seems like girls do things more behind each others backs and boys just get it out to each others faces.

Isn't it scary how young girls learn that? I was shocked when one of Maddie's preschool classmates started judging Maddie's clothes. They were 4!!!

I just want to thank you for chatting about this! I have been silently worrying myself silly for months about this. Chad acts like it's no big deal and I don't really have anyone else to talk to about it. I'm glad to know I'm not alone! It actually really helped me to read about Maddie's day so thanks, Shannon. And Roni, I hope Willow has a great first day of school too. I think it's wonderful that they let kindergarteners transition where you are. I wish they were doing that here! And I think it's great that Maddie has half day school. Tessa will be half day but Anthony is full day. Ugh so many changes this year! I'm not ready!

Thanks ladies!

Bryan also acts like it's no big deal. He thinks I'm crazy.

I'm so grateful to have you ladies to share this experience with. It's really meant a lot to me to know that I'm not the only on going through these emotions.

I'm not ready either.

You ladies rock!

I'm glad she had a great first day of Kindergarten.
My girls took the bus to school, 2 years ago on their first day of K. I might have been a wreck if it wasn't for the fact that their was so many kids and parents. Although my girls were the only K kids at our stop. This year we lost about half the kids from the stop. I think there is only 6 kids left (all twins my girls going into 2nd, a set of girl twins going into 3rd and a set of boy twins going into 4th).

Thank you for the kind thoughts! I would be so relieved to know all of the kids from my neighborhood riding the bus with my DD. I have to know--does it get easier?

I wanted to thank you for your review of the luau, we are going to it for the first time in 7 days , followed by HDDR 2 nights later.
How early did you pick up your tickets for the Luau ?

I really hope that I didn't come off as too negative about it. (have to remember that tone and sarcasm don't come through as well in text! ). I did want to be honest though.

We are really glad that we did it-if we hadn't we'd always have wondered. The dancing is really beautiful, and the setting is gorgeous. I can't wait to hear how your family likes it!

We picked up our tickets the day before from the Concierge at CBR. You can pick them up as soon as you check in, or you can wait until right before you go. They are a hard ticket though-so don't forget them!

Thanks for this review! I'm glad to hear about it because I personally wouldn't ever pay out of pocket for this (or any of the shows/signatures) and it just doesn't seem like it ended up being worth it. I'm guessing it helped a little that you were on the DDP but with the regular DP I'd be a little disappointed. So, thanks!!

I really am glad that we did it. It was something we've always been interested in, and it was a fun experience overall. And girl, those dancers....

You might try it on a trip with your friends! I assume that it would be a great time with some energetic young people, and you wouldn't have to do the early show like we did!

Thank you for that BLT picture (even though I know it wasn't just for me)! OH MY HEAVENS.

I was telling DH all about your room and how beautiful it looked! He is probably right that I couldn't count on getting upgraded to a 2 BR Theme Park View tho! Did you rent points from someone you know, or did you do one of the online third parties? I'm really curious about how that works.

HAHAHAHA. Maddie is hilarious!!! How clever! You just don't want to lose those moves.

Thanks! You can't loose those moves!

We did the Aloha show in June with dining credits. We saw the later show and the seats we ok. It was so hot under the roof that we were quite miserable. I would go again and pay. The seats up front had a nice breeze. The food was ok. I want to try Ohanas next trip. Loving the report as we also stayed at CBR.

I'm sorry that you didn't have a great experience either. It was so hot in there! I wasn't prepared for that.

We'll probably try it again eventually, but I would like to sit up front. It seems like that's the place to be at that show!

The food at 'Ohana is so good! I hope that you get to try it some day, we loved it!

How did you like CBR? We really loved it there! Are you doing a TR? I'd love to join in!

I have been reading a few updates on your trip report and was really enjoying it until you started bashing your MIL in nearly every post.

I 100% understand having clashes with family members and getting angry with them on trips.

What I don't understand is calling her names and speaking rudely about her on a public forum. I would imagine that her feelings would be hurt if she read this report or if a member of your family found it and told her about it. Honestly, it made me feel sad that every time she didn't tip the right amount or spent too much time in a store you complained about her on here...we all have moments we are not proud of and it would make me sad and embarrassed if a family member documented them all in a public forum.

Do I think that TRs should be all gumdrops and lollypops? No. But skipping over some of the nitty-gritty details about your MIL would have been more kind.

Thanks for joining in!

I appreciate your honesty. I was still pretty upset about a lot of her behaviors when I began the TR, and that obviously comes across. It's not something that I'm 100% proud of, but if you'd kept reading you'd find the post that I wrote about my final thoughts. No one is perfect, and family is forever. I love my MiL very much, and after I'd had time to reflect on the trip I realized that my expectations of her were too high and unfair. I posted all of that here.

I agree that some of what I've written would be very hurtful if read. I do know that my MiL has never heard of the DIS, and will likely never come across the board much less this TR. I do think of the people here as friends, and as such have felt comfortable sharing the truth with them. Maybe it's ignorant to believe that it's a somewhat safe place to share, but I do.

I do try to be very honest on my TRs, including sharing my not-so-great behavior. I think that being as honest as possible about trips gives everyone a chance to share their bad experiences as well, and we can all learn from them. That's one of the things that I love most about this community.

I don't want to argue, but I don't recall resorting to calling her names. If I did, I shouldn't have.

Again, I appreciate your input, and I'm sorry that you were offended. If I had the TR to write all over again I may have not been as honest, but I don't. If you continue to read, I sincerely hope that you'll find something to enjoy. If not, thank you for speaking your mind.



Have a great day!

 

[smidgy]

shannon, we ahve never ented points from anyone except our friends. but I think it would be fine through a reputable dealer. there is also one on the disboards on the DVC threads section of the boards,

yes, it would be kind of a hassle, I think, to make "adjustments" we have never made ADRs when renting points. we always figured, wince we have a studio with a micorwave and toaster, we would eat as many meals in the room as we can. hence, we always have done a split stay. not rented points for the whole trip.

the reservation was always in our name, but their name was on it , too. usually (but not always , it says DVC member on the room card, which would come in handy for pool hopping. (not at stormalong bay, obviously, unless you are at beach club).. but we did go over to GF courtyard pool, while staying at BLT (awaiting news on the repair bill for our beloved santa fe). but no one even asked to see our room card.

you need to have the actual member make magical express reservations, etc, and any restaurant ADRS. what nebo dfoesn't like about renting points is this: you have NO contorl over the reservation.. everything has to be done THROUGH the member.

nebo likes to "tinker" .. call up.. "have you got this?"no? what about this? how about 5 nights here and 6 nights there? no? what about.. etc etc...

we just email our friend our first 3 choices. these include "views . example.. this last trip, our first choice was for boardwalk.. our second was for AKL, jambo house, value room.. our 3rd was for AKL , jambo house, standard view. that is what we got.. and you can "waitlist" for one of the other choices.l (I was secretly happy we didn't get our waitlist for value room... last sept. I was secretly hapy we didn't get our waitlist for a standard room at BLT and had to pay the extra points for a lake view room darn!!! lol)

are you a big fan of the housekeeping? we rarely get the "maid". we put the "privacy" sign out almost al the time.

but when you stay DVC, you only get housekeeping every 4th day. you dont' get new towels, shampoo, coffee, garbage take out, until day 4.

we love renting points. if you have any other questions, PM me or nebo.. we can give you our phone # too, if you want to talk about it.

 

[laura74]

shannon, we ahve never ented points from anyone except our friends. but I think it would be fine through a reputable dealer. there is also one on the disboards on the DVC threads section of the boards,

My friend used David's rentals last year (there's a link on the board) and had no problems.

you need to have the actual member make magical express reservations, etc, and any restaurant ADRS. what nebo dfoesn't like about renting points is this: you have NO contorl over the reservation.. everything has to be done THROUGH the member.

Not sure about the ADR thing. My friend was able to make reservations. They weren't on the dining plan though so maybe that has something to do with it.

but when you stay DVC, you only get housekeeping every 4th day. you dont' get new towels, shampoo, coffee, garbage take out, until day 4.

If you need extra things though, you can just call housekeeping and they're bring them right to your room.

 

[megan511]

Bryan also acts like it's no big deal. He thinks I'm crazy.

I'm so grateful to have you ladies to share this experience with. It's really meant a lot to me to know that I'm not the only on going through these emotions.

I'm not ready either.

You ladies rock!

I asked Chad to take off work the first day of school. He looked at me like I was a nut.

The unofficial first time kindergarten moms thread! Love it.

Yes they have some great technology now. A lot of kids wear medical bracelets but I think that would drive Tessa crazy. It's nice to have another option.

Yesterday my mom told me Anthony said he was scared to start school. (Now if Anthony actually said that I do not know.) I really hope he's not. When I talk to him about it I always focus on how much fun he will have and all the new friends he will make. I think I am going to join the PTO, hopefully it will help me feel a little better. Everyone I've talked to has said that the school is great so that's good.

I think I may start a PTR to take my mind of it. Nothing like talking Disney to lift your spirits!

 

[Caretames1]

Whew, I need to quit work and stay home so I can be caught up with DIS!

Anyhoo, I would be sad I could change in my tropical attire as well, you plan your outfits and then...nothing.




I want to thank-you for such an informative review. We were close to booking this this time around. We've never eaten Dinner at Ohana's, so the food would have had no comparison, but it's good to see seating from your view, and what seating is available.

Now on to the dancers....ahem, Holy Hot Bodies! Reason to see the show!

Maddie looked Oh so Queen of the day in bad. Kadence did the fake snore as well, but ( sorry for the TMI) she won't anymore as she inhaled a booger and choked.

 

[marDgreen88]

I couldn't figure out how to quote your question to me because it was within another quote I guess, SO, this will have to do.

We actually just paid for BLT normally, like you would for a value or moderate resort. There was no DVC aspect involved at all! It was nice because we didn't have to be on a wait list or anything, we were just able to book right away. Also if you're paying 'out of pocket' (that's how they put it, but they basically mean without DVC points) you get the mousekeeping service every day! Apparently DVC only gets it every few days or something.

I'm not really sure how it all works, but I hope I didn't confuse you!

 

[ljcrochet]

shannon, we ahve never ented points from anyone except our friends. but I think it would be fine through a reputable dealer. there is also one on the disboards on the DVC threads section of the boards,

yes, it would be kind of a hassle, I think, to make "adjustments" we have never made ADRs when renting points. we always figured, wince we have a studio with a micorwave and toaster, we would eat as many meals in the room as we can. hence, we always have done a split stay. not rented points for the whole trip.

the reservation was always in our name, but their name was on it , too. usually (but not always , it says DVC member on the room card, which would come in handy for pool hopping. (not at stormalong bay, obviously, unless you are at beach club).. but we did go over to GF courtyard pool, while staying at BLT (awaiting news on the repair bill for our beloved santa fe). but no one even asked to see our room card.

you need to have the actual member make magical express reservations, etc, and any restaurant ADRS. what nebo dfoesn't like about renting points is this: you have NO contorl over the reservation.. everything has to be done THROUGH the member.

nebo likes to "tinker" .. call up.. "have you got this?"no? what about this? how about 5 nights here and 6 nights there? no? what about.. etc etc...

we just email our friend our first 3 choices. these include "views . example.. this last trip, our first choice was for boardwalk.. our second was for AKL, jambo house, value room.. our 3rd was for AKL , jambo house, standard view. that is what we got.. and you can "waitlist" for one of the other choices.l (I was secretly happy we didn't get our waitlist for value room... last sept. I was secretly hapy we didn't get our waitlist for a standard room at BLT and had to pay the extra points for a lake view room darn!!! lol)

are you a big fan of the housekeeping? we rarely get the "maid". we put the "privacy" sign out almost al the time.

but when you stay DVC, you only get housekeeping every 4th day. you dont' get new towels, shampoo, coffee, garbage take out, until day 4.

we love renting points. if you have any other questions, PM me or nebo.. we can give you our phone # too, if you want to talk about it.

I own DVC. We rented our points out once. It was so easy. (or at least for DH who did it). It does require trust. The owner of the points needs to make the magic express reservation, and add the dining plan if getting it. When we rented out our points, dining plan didn't have to be paid for in advance like they do now. That could be hard to plan adding it. But the person renting points does not have any trouble making ADRs, since you don't even have to be staying on property to make ADRs

 

[hstrickland]

Finally, finally, finally all caught up! I had no idea I was sooooooo far behind!!!

When we stayed at the Poly a couple of years ago, my parents took the kids to the Luau while Bill and I dined at Cali Grill. My dad was less than impressed...mom said it was ok....and the kids liked it. Of course I don't remember seeing any pictures like yours My father didn't seem to get many pics of the dancers Nice job!!

By the way...I love the cute little poses that Maddie sports in the pictures....just like a mini-model

 

[pkondz]

Yeesh! This following multiple TRs is a lot of work!

It doesn't help that it's summer and (oddly enough) I don't feel like sitting inside on the computer all the time.

Anyway...

We waited about 20 minutes in the hot sun (does anyone else feel like the bus stops at DHS are hotter than the other parks’?)

Hey! Now that you mention it...

no.

But then again, we havent' had to wait much there. Plus we haven't gone during blistering heat time in forever.

On our way I was feeling a little bummed

Leave Maddie's bum alone!

Oh, "bummed"... nevermind.

that we’d gone to DHS if only because Maddie and I weren’t able to change into our vaguely tropical dresses that I’d planned for us to wear.

You could just vaguely pretend you're wearing them, and I'll vaguely imagine you guys wearing them.

There. All fixed.

Vaguely.

I had also been hoping to get to the PR with time to spare so that we could poke around the grounds a bit, but it looked like we’d be heading straight for Luau Cove.

Maybe you could leave the luau early? :

Luau Cove is very easy to find even if you’re not familiar with the resort.

Just make a left turn at Albuquerque...

There are signs everywhere guiding guests in the right direction.

I guess that could work, too.

I didn’t get the impression that skipping the photo was optional,

It's always optional. You've just gotta be firm. "No, I don't want to pay an exorbitant fee for the crummy photo that your 'pro' photographer took. Thanks."

and we might have since I wasn’t feeling my prettiest (I really wanted to wear that dress darn it!).

I'm sure you were still very pretty.

We were seated in the very back row of the amphitheater type area. Our table was a 4 top just left of center of the stage. Since we were using DxDP credits, we were getting category 2 seating. I can only assume that category 3 seating is comprised of the tables to the far left and far right sides of the ‘room’ on the same level as we were sitting.

They may have been far left/right... but were their views obstructed? Plus, you were right beside the kitchen... how much farther over were these tables? In the kitchen??

The salad was similar to the one served at ‘Ohana, but the dressing was not as citrusy.

Was that a good thing or a bad thing? Or just a thing?

Mid way through the salad course, the show began—I think. The show begins with the ‘matriarch’ of a group of young people alone on the stage. The sound system isn’t stellar, so it wasn’t really clear to us that the show was starting.

For Disney... that's a little odd.

They took a break, and then the main courses were served. I was a little confused because I assumed that the show would flow with the courses of the meal, so to me we should have been getting into the meat (see what I did there?)

Yes I did! You talked about the main course being served. And your view was obstructed so you had to look left and right, but not center. Both just like a tennis match! That's what you meant, right? Right?

Right about now you're trying to figure out if you can 'unfriend' me from this TR, right? Right?

All of the food was very similar to what’s served at ‘Ohana, but no where near as good. We weren’t too upset though, we knew that the real attraction was the show.

The show that you couldn't see or hear.

Check.

First the children (and anyone else who wanted to) were invited up for hula lessons.

And did any non-children go up for lessons?

Maddie had a great time with this, but preferred to do her own dance moves rather than hula.

Sign of intelligence, right there.

You go Maddie. Do your own thing.

The kids and the dancer seemed to have a great time feeding off of one another, but everyone else in the amphitheater was looking around seeming to wonder why they weren’t in on the joke.

That's too bad.

During dessert, the dancing began.

Yup. I've been known to start dancing when dessert comes, too.

Oh, there was dancing in the show.

Nevermind.

I’ve already mentioned that I assumed that the show would flow with the meal,

Sometimes you just gotta go with the flow.

Bryan doesn’t eat chocolate,

I'm sorry, what?

Bryan doesn't eat chocolate,

What?!?!? Doesn't eat chocolate???

Doesn't. Eat. Chocolate....

It's an allergy, right? Yeah, that's gotta be it. I'm going with that.

Maddie ate every bite.

Told ya she was smart.

The dancing was pretty entertaining, but mostly –as I wrote in my trip notes- because the men looked like Chippendale dancers.

Not following you. What are you trying to say there? Can you elaborate, please? :

Bryan was getting a little annoyed at how many pictures I was taking of them, but I told him that it was my duty as a Trip Reporter to do so.

Way to go Shanoopie!

You’re welcome ladies-and there's more where these came from if you want 'em.

So it's been a few days since you posted... how many PMs did you get? More than 100? More than 1000?

Just curious.

And gents? I took some of the girls too.

Bless you.

Sometime during the show the “tomboy” character was given her predictable makeover moment,

Wow! No way! Did not see that coming!

and of course she and her male friend realized that they were in love.

Another shocker! I hope nobody with a weak heart watched this!

15 minutes later, Maddie’s eyes had glazed over, and Bryan and I were bored too. We’d made 6 trips to the Ladies’ room for something to do (which was conveniently located right behind our table. The people coming and going from there added to the distraction), but we could no longer ignore the fact that we were done.

You know it's dull when you're going to the ladie's room for the entertainment value.

So, we left.

At Albuquerque?

We didn’t see the fire dancing, we didn’t see the grand finale,

That's too bad. Having seen a few luaus, I can vouch for the fact that usually the fire dancing is the only part really worth watching.

we don’t even know if the girl decided not to leave Hawaii after all.

And I'm sure you're just dying to know, right?

Here ya go. Tomboy girl who's had the makeover turns out to be more boy than tom, even though he cleans up real good. It turns out that he's always secretly loved 'leaving girl'. Loved her so much that he dressed as a girl to be her 'girlfriend' and be always by her side. 'Leaving girl' is freaked out at the discovery that her 'girlfriend' is really a guy and does leave... but out of extreme embarrassment. 'Tomboy' then falls into a state of depression but is talked out of it by the guy 'leaving girl' was supposed to leave with and they open a nice delicatessen called 'Two Bros', where every pastrami on rye sandwich comes with two pickles. So it all ends well for everyone, really.

The swan may have married her man, or maybe they broke up-we have no idea.

Now you do.

I would in no way discourage anyone from giving the Spirit of Aloha Luau

Especially after the glowing review!

Wait. What?

We would book the late show versus the early show (we think that the show dragged in order to have the fire dancers perform at dusk/dark).

Or just book the early show and show up late... just a thought. I didn't say it was a good one.

We took a boat from the Polynesian Resort and headed toward the Magic Kingdom. Even we aren’t crazy enough to do DTD and 2 parks on our “relaxing day”, we caught a bus to CBR.

You really had me wondering there. I was like, "Really? And now they're going to MK???"

We were going to get our swimming time in after all.

And I'm sure Maddie was thrilled. Kids and pools. They just go together, ya know?

I was teasing Maddie that if the pool was too crowded we’d have to all pile into the bathtub for our little swim when we ran into Katt789 and her friend Tanissa on the bridge! We said hello and chatted about what we’d done with our days, and then Maddie interjected that we had to go so that we didn’t have to swim in the bathtub.

You've always gotta watch what you say in front of the wee ones, don'tcha?

I know we don't have pictures, but I swear it happened!

It did? Well, ok. Glad you had fun in the bathtub.

Then she told us that she keeps her ‘Moves like Jagger’ in a safe place so that she didn’t loose them when she shakes her booty.

Out of the mouths of babes! Priceless!

We had fun swimming, but the pool wasn’t heated as much as I would have liked and the evenings were pretty cool so we didn’t stay much longer than and hour.

I took DD11 and her friend to the beach last week. The water is only a few degrees above freezing. Well, maybe a touch warmer... but it's cold. They were in that water for hours. Don't know how they did it. Kids and water.

Maddie asked us how to say “Sorry I was a bad girl” in Hawaiian, and we asked why she needed to know that since she hadn’t been bad. She just wanted to know in case she was bad in the future.

Always good to plan ahead.

I'm surprised that she didn't ask us to peel the grapes and fan her

She was in a pretty funny mood, and when her dad threatened to turn Stacey off if she didn’t go to sleep she began some fake snoring. She feel asleep mid-fake snore.

Awww... Nothing like Disney sleep, especially for the small fry.

Bryan and I watched some TV, I took notes for the TR, and we went to sleep. We had another big morning ahead of us—we were going to see Jake!

Looking forward to the next update... and hopefully I won't get to it so late!

 

[pkondz]

I'm not going to lie-today was tough.

Maddie's school's policy is that no parents could take the kids inside (there was a little get together last week to see classrooms, bathrooms, etc).

Wow. Harsh. What do they do if the kid is hanging onto Mom/Dad's legs and won't let go? Beat him/her into submission??

One of the hardest things I've ever done is to let my baby get out of the car and walk into that big girl school all by herself.

Aww... Poor Shan.

Last night Bry asked why this was so hard for me. I said it's because I have to face the fact that she'll never be my baby again.

Guys don't get it. I include myself there. When the time came for the DDs to go to kindergarten, I was, "Yes! Free!"...

... and then I went shopping and there was no one sitting in the shopping cart with those big beautiful trusting eyes...

I'm gonna stop typing for a bit...

Today I was cuddling Mads and said "I guess you're a big kindergartener now, you're not my baby anymore" She said "Mommy, I'll always be your baby".

OMG. Hallmark moment.

From Maddie's point of view, today could not have been more wonderful. (She did crawl into bed with me last night-having a little anxiety I think. I don't blame her, literally everything in her life has been new in the last 3 months) She hopped in the car this afternoon and said "It was GREAT!!"

Of course she did. I had no doubts.

I think I'm most worried about silly things like older kids picking on the little ones,

No.. It's usually not older kids... It'll be kids in the same grade. I just wish there was some way to make parents actually parent some of the little heathens.

You are so not alone in your anxieties. I have all of the same fears. I got picked on a bit (all kids do) but I had no problem standing up for myself.

Ditto. But one of my DDs wasn't quite so lucky. We found out about it before it was too late... but it was pretty scary there for a while. Maddie looks like she's got a good combo of good parents and personality. I think she'll be just fine.

 

[smidgy]

i have been rightfully corrected about the ADRs! I keep forgetting that anyone can make a reservation 180 days out. it just needs to be connected to a resort reservation to get the 180 days plus 10 perk.

I think what I was thinking of was purchasing the dining plan. that need to go through the member.

we love renting points from our friends. there can be some drawbacks, not many. if you do have an emergency, it could be confusing if the owners can still bank their points, etc.

we have been aboe to stay at places we wouldn't have been able to , and it worked out great!!