Who's Gonna Have More Fun? Two PTR's for the Price of One!

[JoBird]

Since we all weren't jealous enough already about the Poly and the GF.........

J/K! Congrats to you both!

Now - can y'all please fill me in on the details of CL? I have heard about the snacks, but what else do you get with CL?

Thanks so much Teri! I was so surprised when Mark told me to look into it. He thinks that with it being so hot and us spending a lot of time at the pool- we will enjoy having the CL lounge to rest in and get some snacks rather than run to a restaurant every time.
I have never stayed CL so I don't know exactly what all it brings other than snacks, and feeling nifty.

That's a great saying that your Daddy had. Not that I ever expect to get a call from jail , but dear Lord, grown children make you worry more than young children do.

I know you said "don't ask", but I don't even understand the sentence! But I gather your Dad is a very special man to do that.

Thanks for the nice words. Today my DD might agree with you, but many days she would argue that point.

Poor Daddy. I really put him thru it at times. Let's just say I took a side trip to Georgia without anyone knowing. Once I got there and realized it wasn't that great, I called Daddy and he came for me. I even had to go to church the next morning to ask for forgiveness. My Mom had a saying after that-- "There was a little girl, who had a little curl, right in the middle of her forehead. And when she was good, she was very very good. But when she was bad she went to Georgia."

The things parents do for their children are amazing. I just hope I have that much grace and composure when it's my turn to be put thru the wringer. And at the end of the day, when it's all over with-- kids understand and love you all the more for your sacrifices.

How was your walk in the heat anyway????

Club Level for both of you, how wonderful!

Thanks so much! We are both excited for sure!

 

[Momof2Disneyboys]

Shelly - I had read about being able to see the fireworks from the lounge, so I guess you should be able to see the castle from your room? I will have my fingers crossed for you to get the 3rd floor with a balcony. I think CL is perfect for your family, you are lighter eaters. CL would never do for DH he wants his big breakfast buffet In fact the year we got a free upgrade to CL at the YC my DS went to the lounge a few afternoons when we returned to the resort but in all those 10 days DH and I never stepped foot in the lounge. I did enjoy the turn down service coming back to the room at night and finding a chocolate on the pillow did make you feel special

I am so excited for you

Excited for you too Jo !

Well if I had booked TPV CL or LV CL then we could maybe see the castle from our room. But I had to book GV CL. Couldn't quite bring myself to pay the TPV or LV rates. So we will have to settle for watching Wishes from the CL lounge or from the beach!

I think we will enjoy the lounge. Like you said - we aren't exactly the world's biggest eaters! We may even end up cancelling a few of our ADR's, we'll see.

Ooohhh a chocolate on my pillow would make me feel pretty special!

Club Level for both of you, how wonderful!

Thanks, we are super excited!!

My Mom had a saying after that-- "There was a little girl, who had a little curl, right in the middle of her forehead. And when she was good, she was very very good. But when she was bad she went to Georgia."

 

[JoBird]

Club Level? Both of you chicks?!

Nice!

Love your DTD pictures Shelly. We love spending time there too. Lots to see and then buy! lol!!

Thank you!!!

Congrats Jodi and Shelly!!!
We love staying CL...it definitely has its perks!
Jodi- we have stayed CL at the GF before...you really get spoiled!
Shelly- while we have never stayed at the Poly, we are thinking about it for DD's 21st birthday in March! I cannot wait to see what you think of it!
Congrats again ladies!

Lauren-- we are in SL - and I have to say that I am very much looking forward to it. When you stayed were you in SL or RPC?? Do you know if they would give me bottles of water to take to the room? We drink a ton of water in this family and usually go to Publix to get 4-5 cases before we go to the hotel but if they will give us water I might bypass the Publix trip this time.

Thanks Teri!

Well to be honest with you I am still reading up on CL. I've found lots of good info. http://allears.net/acc/faq_polyc0.htm and http://www.tikiman2001.net/tiki/quick-longhouses/quick-hawaii

I guess the main benefits are the snacks in the lounge all day: breakfast items in the morning, snacks in the afternoon, appetizer type items in the evening, and desserts in the late evening. Plus pop, lemonade, iced tea, beer, etc. And you have access to the CL lounge all day. Just to relax during the day or watch Wishes at night - the music is piped in there. I think you might get robes. And turn-down service. Oh and you get to make a grand royal entrance on a golf cart to the Hawaii building!

The CL building at the Poly is Hawaii. http://www.wdwinfo.com/resortmaps/polymap.htm

The bottom floor has patios, the top floor has balconies, and the middle floor has a door that opens to a railing type thing. Most of the buildings at the Poly are like this. That is one of the reasons we chose the BWI over it last year. Because we were told that all of the rooms at the BWI had balconies.

So I'm hoping for a top floor, but it we don't get it I am hoping that CL will be enough to make up for it!!

Yeah-- you can't forget your grand entrance! Woo Hoo!!!! I can't wait to hear all about your experience and how you like the CL there at the Poly. That way I can make a decision for my BB trip I'm making Mark book before we leave.

CL is great! We usually only make one breakfast ADR for our whole trip (a character meal), and that is only because DD9 is still very into the characters!
The breakfast food they have is pretty much the same at all resort CL's, and it is always great for us. There are bagels, muffins, cereals, fruit, etc.
I know that the evening offerings vary, but they are always scrumptious. And, it is great to be able to snack during the day. Oh, and the desserts are great at night too!
The CL staff is always extremely helpful. I always wanted control over making my own ADR's, but the staff has been so great at making any arrangements that we need.
As you can tell, I'm a huge CL fan! I hope you love it as much as my family does!

Which is your favorite CL on property? Have you stayed at the YC? I told Mark that the next trip for us is going to be there, but depending on many factors- ($ being the biggest of course, after this Sept trip!) we might end up at a mod next time. Or the Poly. Or the GF. Or, or, or.... oh who the heck knows.
The ADR thing I know is a big plus for staying CL. But like you I want control over mine- they are all booked. I need to go thru and probably cancel some of them- the breakfasts maybe. But my DH insists on keeping the Kona ones. I think he'd walk a mile for that- and we aren't breakfast people!

Shelly - I had read about being able to see the fireworks from the lounge, so I guess you should be able to see the castle from your room? I will have my fingers crossed for you to get the 3rd floor with a balcony. I think CL is perfect for your family, you are lighter eaters. CL would never do for DH he wants his big breakfast buffet In fact the year we got a free upgrade to CL at the YC my DS went to the lounge a few afternoons when we returned to the resort but in all those 10 days DH and I never stepped foot in the lounge. I did enjoy the turn down service coming back to the room at night and finding a chocolate on the pillow did make you feel special

I am so excited for you

Excited for you too Jo !

Thanks Sheila!!
Wow--- you got an upgrade to CL??? How awesome is that?? Tell me about it since it was YC.
Chocolate on your pillow makes you feel divine. And guilty too.
Shelly-- are you gonna let the maids in your room to do the turndown and leave you chocolate????? I know you don't like people in your room usually.

 

[sjs314]

Well if I had booked TPV CL or LV CL then we could maybe see the castle from our room. But I had to book GV CL. Couldn't quite bring myself to pay the TPV or LV rates. So we will have to settle for watching Wishes from the CL lounge or from the beach!

I think we will enjoy the lounge. Like you said - we aren't exactly the world's biggest eaters! We may even end up cancelling a few of our ADR's, we'll see.

Ooohhh a chocolate on my pillow would make me feel pretty special!

Thanks, we are super excited!!

I will secretly wish that you get a free upgrade then to TPV, ya never know.

I have secretly wanted to stay at the Poly since years ago when we went to the Aloha Dinner Show but it is not high on DH's list of resorts, although he did say way back when I first started planning he would stay there if I wanted to, of course I think that was just his feeling bad because we had to cancell last years trip.

I am a wee bit envious after reading the links you put up.

 

[JoBird]

Morning Shelly!!!

Did you tell the boys yet?? What did your DH say when he got home??

 

[Momof2Disneyboys]

Shelly-- are you gonna let the maids in your room to do the turndown and leave you chocolate????? I know you don't like people in your room usually.

Well I hadn't thought about that minor detail!! I guess I'll have to make an exception this time.

I will secretly wish that you get a free upgrade then to TPV, ya never know.

I have secretly wanted to stay at the Poly since years ago when we went to the Aloha Dinner Show but it is not high on DH's list of resorts, although he did say way back when I first started planning he would stay there if I wanted to, of course I think that was just his feeling bad because we had to cancell last years trip.

I am a wee bit envious after reading the links you put up.

Thanks Sheila, I am secretly wishing the same thing.

I can't wait to hear all about the YC from you!! It is up there pretty high on my list of resorts I want to try!

 

[Momof2Disneyboys]

Morning Shelly!!!

Did you tell the boys yet?? What did your DH say when he got home??

Good morning!


No, we didn't tell the boys yet. I did mention it to them to kind of give them an idea of what it is and told them that we are *thinking about* it. DS9 assured me that he would eat enough snacks to make it worth my money.

DH is very excited!! He wasn't surprised when I told him I did it. Even though I had told him that I was just calling to get a price.

 

[JoBird]

Well I hadn't thought about that minor detail!! I guess I'll have to make an exception this time.


Thanks Sheila, I am secretly wishing the same thing.

I can't wait to hear all about the YC from you!! It is up there pretty high on my list of resorts I want to try!

You can't say no to chocolate!!!!


Okay Sheila----- tell us both about YC. (I can't believe we BOTH want to stay there Shelly! That's one in a row!!)

Good morning!


No, we didn't tell the boys yet. I did mention it to them to kind of give them an idea of what it is and told them that we are *thinking about* it. DS9 assured me that he would eat enough snacks to make it worth my money.

DH is very excited!! He wasn't surprised when I told him I did it. Even though I had told him that I was just calling to get a price.

I'm glad your boys want the snacks too. There's something very appealing to a kid about the snacks for free. Like they've ever had to pay for them?? Belle said yesterday-- okay well, do we have to pay or do you have to pay or how do we get them? At least she is concerned.
Drew is just "Where do I stand in line?" with his plate and fork ready to go two months in advance.

I think to a man- saying you're just "gonna check the price" of something is code for "Open up the wallet sucka." He already knew it was a forgone conclusion you guys were doing it this weekend when you brought it up!!

 

[sjs314]

Good morning!


No, we didn't tell the boys yet. I did mention it to them to kind of give them an idea of what it is and told them that we are *thinking about* it. DS9 assured me that he would eat enough snacks to make it worth my money.

DH is very excited!! He wasn't surprised when I told him I did it. Even though I had told him that I was just calling to get a price.

Shelly - I love it!!! He knows you so well

 

[Momof2Disneyboys]

You can't say no to chocolate!!!!


Okay Sheila----- tell us both about YC. (I can't believe we BOTH want to stay there Shelly! That's one in a row!!)



So true - I've never said no to chocolate before so I don't think I'll be starting now!!

I didn't know you guys were interested in the YC!!



I'm glad your boys want the snacks too. There's something very appealing to a kid about the snacks for free. Like they've ever had to pay for them?? Belle said yesterday-- okay well, do we have to pay or do you have to pay or how do we get them? At least she is concerned.
Drew is just "Where do I stand in line?" with his plate and fork ready to go two months in advance.

I think to a man- saying you're just "gonna check the price" of something is code for "Open up the wallet sucka." He already knew it was a forgone conclusion you guys were doing it this weekend when you brought it up!!

I know, isn't it hilarious?! Everything in their lives are free, so what's the difference?

They will sure enjoy the lounge!!

I had full intentions of just calling to ask about the price. Remember, I even told you that yesterday morning??? Then IDK what happened. But you are right, DH wasn't in the least bit surprised.

 

[Momof2Disneyboys]

Shelly - I love it!!! He knows you so well

I know!!

 

[sjs314]

You can't say no to chocolate!!!!


Okay Sheila----- tell us both about YC. (I can't believe we BOTH want to stay there Shelly! That's one in a row!!)


I'm glad your boys want the snacks too. There's something very appealing to a kid about the snacks for free. Like they've ever had to pay for them?? Belle said yesterday-- okay well, do we have to pay or do you have to pay or how do we get them? At least she is concerned.
Drew is just "Where do I stand in line?" with his plate and fork ready to go two months in advance.

I think to a man- saying you're just "gonna check the price" of something is code for "Open up the wallet sucka." He already knew it was a forgone conclusion you guys were doing it this weekend when you brought it up!!

Jo - You crack me up but I do think your right, they know there is no fighting it

If they offer a better discount than what I have now and I changed resorts etc, DH would not be surprised at all.

It was so long ago we stayed at YC but it was wonderful, we had the best room it was in the back and we could see the lake and dock from the balconey. At the time the BW was just being built so they had those walls they put up for construction which kinda took away from the view when you looked across the lake. The lobby of the YC is just beautiful and quiet, so I am just a tad nervous that it is going to be a lot noisier when staying at the BC this trip but only room available for our dates at YC are CL in fact I checked dates for next year at the YC and standard and GV are already blocked for 2012 too.(Conventiions )

I would rather in a way try a new place (BC) and keep my memories of staying at YC as a family.

 

[JoBird]

I know, isn't it hilarious?! Everything in their lives are free, so what's the difference?

They will sure enjoy the lounge!!

I had full intentions of just calling to ask about the price. Remember, I even told you that yesterday morning??? Then IDK what happened. But you are right, DH wasn't in the least bit surprised.

I know what happened. You already knew how much it *might* cost and when you were right on target with it, you were afraid if you waited then it wouldn't be there if you decided to do it later. Now aren't you happy you did??
I was just calling to check the price too. Mark came home and said did you check the price and I said I did more than that.

Well we are interested in YC b/c when I was hemming and hawing over the GF/POLY/GF you sent me a link to the YC and threw me way off my groove. Remember?? So it was also in there for a sec but I decided that NEXT time would be YC since Mark wanted to stay GF.

Jo - You crack me up but I do think your right, they know there is no fighting it

If they offer a better discount than what I have now and I changed resorts etc, DH would not be surprised at all.

It was so long ago we stayed at YC but it was wonderful, we had the best room it was in the back and we could see the lake and dock from the balconey. At the time the BW was just being built so they had those walls they put up for construction which kinda took away from the view when you looked across the lake. The lobby of the YC is just beautiful and quiet, so I am just a tad nervous that it is going to be a lot noisier when staying at the BC this trip but only room available for our dates at YC are CL in fact I checked dates for next year at the YC and standard and GV are already blocked for 2012 too.(Conventiions )

I would rather in a way try a new place (BC) and keep my memories of staying at YC as a family.

I think men would be happier than pigs in slop as long as they get to relax some and not work or worry about much.

The YC sounds fabulous-- I can't believe you guys got such PD!
Well it looks like if we are wanting YC next yr it will have to be CL. Darn.



I think you'll enjoy the BC. It looks very nice to me!! My neighbor loves it there.

 

[lala3291]

Hi Jodi!
To answer your questions....
We stayed in RPC at the GF three times. I have read that SL and RPC have the same offerings. We loved everything that was offered! You will love SL. Now, I am not sure about the water. I don't remember the water situation at the GF. I know that the past few times at the BWI, there were only large glass bottles of water, and you could request to take a bottle to your room. However, there were no regular bottles of water just to take to the parks.
Our favorite CL on property is the BWI, followed closely by the GF RPC. We liked the evening offerings at the GF better, but we have gotten to know the staff at the BWI, and they are so awesome! When we went to WDW last month, we were upgraded to a two bedroom suite at the BWI which was huge, and the staff was great. They helped me put together a last minute Illuminations cruise for my DD17's graduation. I have to say, the Illuminations cruise was the highlight of our trip!
Hope this helps!

ETA: We have stayed at the BC, but not the YC. I have heard great things about the YC though. We were not crazy about the CL at the BC, but that pool made up for it!

 

[JoBird]

Lauren-- wow!! You got a great upgrade last trip!! How wonderful!! Sounds like the BWI is good to you.
Thanks for the info on the GF CL. I hope we love it.

I think I might have to go to Publix then, one morning to get some cases of Water. I drink water all night long. There's always a bottle by my bed, and I want to freeze some to take to the parks with me.

Your Illuminations cruise sounds fabulous!!!

Thanks for the info!

 

[JoBird]

Well with all the excitement of CL--- I forgot to do my DTD post this morning!

Here ya go-- Short and sweet. We never do too much there, so you guys will have to forgive my lack of knowledge.






Downtown Disney:

Let’s see what I can pull out of the deep recesses of my brain about DTD.
Truth is, there’s not much there for me to tell, that’s why there are no pictures to share. (Thank goodness Shelly posted all she did! )

We like DTD well enough. There just seems to always be so much more for us to see and do in the parks that we never really get around to spending a lot of time at DTD.

I guess my favorite memory is of going there on our Honeymoon to the movie theater to watch one of Adam Sandler’s just released movies. What sticks out in my mind is seeing my brand new husband with our gigantic bag of freshly popped popcorn at the do-it-yourself pump o’ grease.

Er, butter.

I’d been talking to him, thinking he was walking beside me and I turned to see him not next to me, but behind me pumping the dumb pump, like, a bazillion times. Home slice was going to town—you’d think he was dying of thirst, trying to get water out of a well.
It was a revolting display of butteration.

When I stuck my hand into the popcorn later in the dark theater, I came up with what would equate to three sticks of butter, all on my fingers and palm. The popcorn had mysteriously melted (gee, do ya’ think???) and all we were left with was butter and kernels and goop.
Now when we go past the theater, we giggle like two young girls and do the “pumping” motion.

If you haven’t ever been to that theater, I recommend going. It’s a fun place. And hey—do it yourself butteration. Who could say no to that? (Well we obviously now know who CAN’T. )

The other thing that we like to do, or I should say we have done at DTD is to rent boats there. You can take a peaceful ride past POR/POFQ. It’s been awhile since we’ve done it but the times we have, it has been a lot of fun.

As far as shopping goes, the kids HAVE to go into the Lego store and they haven’t been back since they updated it. I know they are looking forward to going. You also have to go to Ghiradelli and get yourself a piece of (free!) chocolate. Just make sure if it’s hot out that you don’t think you can put it into your bag for later. The top is already torn off of it and if you stick it into your bag, you will have chocolate-y phones and tickets and whatever else is in there. And no I don’t know from experience. I’m just saying it MIGHT happen. The saying “Eat dessert first” certainly applies here.


So what will we do this trip?
Probably not rent the boats since we can do that at the hotel. I think the kids are interested in the hot air balloon but IDK if I could convince Mark to go or not. We will try to get to the movie theater so that we can say “hey look kids, this is where the infamous butter pumping happened” and we can hear them groan.
Other than that, probably have supper and shop till we drop or Marky makes us stop. I’m guessing his making us stop will definitely come before we drop.

 

[Momof2Disneyboys]

That butter story is so funny!!

We've never gone to the movies there. Sure sounds like fun!

Never gone into Ghirardelli either. There's always a huge line out the door and I have usually already eaten when we walk by there. But hey, maybe if I don't get enough *free* chocolates with my turndown service I will have to make a point to go to Ghirardelli for one!



I can't believe you don't enjoy DTD more! I know how much you LOVE to shop! I don't ever really buy a ton of stuff there, maybe just a few things for myself. The kids buy a ton!! I just love the atmosphere and looking at everything.

I'm sure we will both spend more time in the Lego store than we want to.

 

[RinkyTinkyTinky]

Congrats on the CL news! Never done that before so I'll be interested to read about it when you get back.

DTD... I tend to get overwhelmed there for some reason. There are just so many shops that I end up just wandering around and loosing focus of what I want to do. In fact we've been there twice and I don't think I have ever bought anything. There's just so much to look at and I keep thinking, "Well, I'll keep that in mind, but I want to see what else is here before I decide what I want." Then, by the time I've been in 5 stores, I can't remember what I wanted or what I saw where. I know, I have issues.

When we go there we LOVE eating at WGP Express!!! YUM! It is such a great value on the DDP, and the food is wonderful. We always try to eat a counter service meal there on each trip. And I agree that a stop at Ghirardelli's is a must!

Your popcorn story sounds just like my DH. He always asks for butter in the middle and on top. I don't get it either! I always tell the cashier at the theater that he would like a little popcorn with his butter.

 

[T*Bird]

Thanks so much Teri! I was so surprised when Mark told me to look into it. He thinks that with it being so hot and us spending a lot of time at the pool- we will enjoy having the CL lounge to rest in and get some snacks rather than run to a restaurant every time.
I have never stayed CL so I don't know exactly what all it brings other than snacks, and feeling nifty.



Poor Daddy. I really put him thru it at times. Let's just say I took a side trip to Georgia without anyone knowing. Once I got there and realized it wasn't that great, I called Daddy and he came for me. I even had to go to church the next morning to ask for forgiveness. My Mom had a saying after that-- "There was a little girl, who had a little curl, right in the middle of her forehead. And when she was good, she was very very good. But when she was bad she went to Georgia."

The things parents do for their children are amazing. I just hope I have that much grace and composure when it's my turn to be put thru the wringer. And at the end of the day, when it's all over with-- kids understand and love you all the more for your sacrifices.

How was your walk in the heat anyway????




Thanks so much! We are both excited for sure!

That makes sense about being close to the CL lounge when you are at the pool. I read about Poly CL on the links Shelly posted. It sounds really great! I'll have to take a look at the GF CL, too. I see from some of your posts that there is more than one CL level. (I guess at the Poly, also) Brain overload! I don't know how y'all navigate all the ins and outs of Disney trip planning.

Those stories about your Mom and Dad are so funny! It also explains a lot about you - we know where you get your sense of humor from!

Cell phones have made such a change in how we parent as opposed to when we were the kids. Back then, our parents probably didn't know half of what we were up to. (not that I was ever up to something ). We couldn't just call them any minute we needed them. Just like yesterday with my DD. She would have had to find some other way of solving her problem instead of calling Mom. We have a direct line to our kids 24/7 now, whether we want it or not! It makes parenting easier in some ways, but sometimes I might like to be in the dark!

Yesterday's walk was very hot, but I had my frozen water bottle (I saw where you plan on doing that-definitely do!) and a towel to wipe off the glisten. It really wasn't too bad; I know I'm going to be hot and I don't fight it! But today was in the mall. I'm not a masochist!

 

[Momof2Disneyboys]

Congrats on the CL news! Never done that before so I'll be interested to read about it when you get back.

DTD... I tend to get overwhelmed there for some reason. There are just so many shops that I end up just wandering around and loosing focus of what I want to do. In fact we've been there twice and I don't think I have ever bought anything. There's just so much to look at and I keep thinking, "Well, I'll keep that in mind, but I want to see what else is here before I decide what I want." Then, by the time I've been in 5 stores, I can't remember what I wanted or what I saw where. I know, I have issues.

When we go there we LOVE eating at WGP Express!!! YUM! It is such a great value on the DDP, and the food is wonderful. We always try to eat a counter service meal there on each trip. And I agree that a stop at Ghirardelli's is a must!

Your popcorn story sounds just like my DH. He always asks for butter in the middle and on top. I don't get it either! I always tell the cashier at the theater that he would like a little popcorn with his butter.

Thank you!! We will be sure to do a full report when we get back!

We love WPE too! But I think we are going to pass on it this trip so we can try the new CS place in DTD -- Pollo Campero. I hope it's good too!