Will TarzansKat meet Captain Jack? ~A Pirate's Life for 3 Pre-Trippie~ We're back!

[TarzansKat]

Heavens you have so many options here girlie. To be perfectly honest I would go for the POFQ option as it seems to be the middle ground. We loved WL but if you're feeling iffy about spending the money and think you'll continue feeling like that I would leave it for another year when you can enjoy it without any financial guilt or regret.

Now having given that opinion I am possibly going to contradict myself by saying that you should do what your heart yearns for. With what has happen to me and people close to me over my lifetime (especially in the past few weeks) I have learnt that you have to live life for the here and now because we never know what is round the corner...don't get yourself into trouble financially but squeeze every drop of pleasure you can get out of life for you and your loved ones you'll be glad you did.

You're right. On both counts.

And I have a lot of things I want to do in the future. But I also want to enjoy what I have right now.

Does anyone think looking at pics of both resorts will help?

 

[Lady Lallie]

This may sound totally irrational but I'm so afraid that I will not be able to afford to go at all next year if we stay at the WL. The question is, am I okay with that decision. Again, something that needs to be hashed out with DH.

I was fearing that with this trip as well. Totally understand.

Wow, I'm surprised. And you're partially right. I'm having a very hard time convincing myself that we deserve to stay there when there are less expensive options available. And then the little voice in my head reminds me that getting free dining in a standard room at the Wilderness Lodge was a huge cosmic twist of fate that could only have come from my relentlessly haunting the wdw.website until said room became available, thus obliterating our budget stay at Pop, and giving us this awesome opportunity. Because the only other thing that's better than free dining at WL is a 40% room code. We all know that's not happening for ye ole TK. I've gone to the World every year for many many moons. A pin code will not be had in this family.

You can pretend to be me. I still have a pin code. I don't want you to get back from a pirate's life for three and regret shelling out the money. I think you might have a better time at POFQ without having the nagging sense that you are "wasting" money.

Wrong? Don't know.

Totally sweet?

Awww. Thanks for thinking me being deranged is sweet, that's what true friends are. I am lost and don't know what to do with myself without stressing out about a wedding. It's wonderful! I will glady stress about your vaca.

You're right. On both counts.

And I have a lot of things I want to do in the future. But I also want to enjoy what I have right now.

Does anyone think looking at pics of both resorts will help?

I think it will confuse you....and me further.

 

[Lady Lallie]

You know...I just had a thought.

Wilderness Lodge is not going anywhere. You may want to save it for when DS is older and TK can relax and enjoy the resort more, kwim?


FYI...I giggle everytime I can use kwim in the right context!

 

[willwriteforears]

NO! NOT THE CUTE AS ALL GET OUT CROC FLIPPIES!!!!!

Yes! And if that bribe doesn't work, I will go the negative reinforcement route and take your gumdrop buttons!

Here are some of my options as they stand, and I'm going to just put this out there. I currently have $3781.86 saved towards this trip.

Wilderness Lodge Package -
Free Dining for 3, 7 MYW Hoppers, 7 night stay 9/14/08 - 9/21/08

Total Package Cost - $2579.37
Total Due - $2379.37
Airfare, Transportation, Gratuity, Tips, Etc - $1165
some of my estimates for gratuity may be on the high side, but better to have a cushion
Total Cost - $3544.37
Total Amount Left in Savings - $237.49
Disney Visa Rewards - $97 (hoping to have more before we leave after charging airfare and the package)
​

So this puts our spending money total at about $334.49. Now granted, we are not big souvie shoppers, but I know we'll end up buying somethings for DS, and I had wanted to pre-purchase the photopass cd. Considering that's about $100, that really makes our spendable cash $234.49. Is it possible I could save more before the trip? Sure. But this is what I have right now, and keeping in mind I know a portion of our regular savings is going towards DS' going to preschool this year.

Port Orleans French Quarter Package -
Paid Dining for 3, 6 MYW Non-Hoppers, 6 night stay, 9/15/08 - 9/21/08

Total Package Cost - $2179.98
Total Due - $1979.98
Airfare, Trans, Grat, Etc - $1126
Total Cost - $3105.98
Total Amount Left in Savings - $675.88
Disney Visa Rewards - $97
​

Now granted, it's highly unlikely that I would spend $772.88 in one vacation. As a matter of fact, we typically end up coming home with most of the spending money that we leave with. But I want to have some cash available to us. And it's nice, don't call me crazy, to have a jump on the vacation savings for next year, if possible.

Now there's a couple of other options neither of which I'm thrilled with, but they are possiblities.

Cut our trip even shorter. Do POFQ from the 16th to the 21st, a 5 night stay, no hopping, 5 MYW Ticket with dining, comes to a grand total with everything of $2846. Would leave us $935.86 in savings. Only problem I see is this puts us arriving on the day of our MNSSHP tickets. Could be very, very bad if we don't get a good nap in if our room isn't ready.

Change our dates completely. Book the special room only rate that's out for the following week. We'd have to change our vacation times at work, but this is a possibility. Potential losses would be the MNSSHP tickets, unless I can EBAY them or beg the good ole World to transfer non-transferable tickets. This would have us at a totally different resort, Caribbean Beach. Which I've always wanted to stay at, despite the reviews about it being big and spread out. To go from 9/20 - 9/26, which would be a 6 night, no hopper with dining stay, would cost grand total $2835.98, left in savings $945.88. Why this is good...Um, Tink? Why this is a nightmare...I'd have to figure out the MNSSHP tix, and rebook all our dining. Now I'm sort of ambivalent about where we eat in that I have a long list of favs and as long as some get in there, that's great. But what a nightmare.

Alright, I've spent WAY too much time on this.

Is it wrong that I really, really want a Reeses Pieces Sundae right now?

Boy, TK. I'm really torn for you! I want you to stay at WL because you've been so excited about it, but as a fellow budget buddy, I can't say that cost isn't a concern, because it is.

As much as I would lovelovelovespending A WHOLE WEEK within proximity to you and my "extended fam", I'm going to be unfailingly honest with you here. I would SO rather you get your dream stay at the WL. I see it this way. You've poured so much of yourself and your family into this trip. You might say otherwise, but I know what your heart's set on. And I worry you'd be disappointed if you changed. I listen (read) to all of your cost-saving measures - you're always careful to splurge without really splurging. I think everyone deserves a GOOD splurge every now and again. Especiall you and your family. All things considered. You know I know you know the future is important. But so is the now.

I think you should discuss it seriously with DH. As much as we love you here on the DIS, our advice only goes so far (gasp!) and really, it's what you both think is best for your sweet fam. And once you come to a decision together, I would ACT on it. Right away. That way you can put the stress to bed for good.

Tink's words seem very wise.

Heavens you have so many options here girlie. To be perfectly honest I would go for the POFQ option as it seems to be the middle ground. We loved WL but if you're feeling iffy about spending the money and think you'll continue feeling like that I would leave it for another year when you can enjoy it without any financial guilt or regret.

Now having given that opinion I am possibly going to contradict myself by saying that you should do what your heart yearns for. With what has happen to me and people close to me over my lifetime (especially in the past few weeks) I have learnt that you have to live life for the here and now because we never know what is round the corner...don't get yourself into trouble financially but squeeze every drop of pleasure you can get out of life for you and your loved ones you'll be glad you did.

2SP's words are also very wise.

I love you Tink but I am going to be rude...wasn't "You got it, dude" Michelle's saying and "How Rude!" Stephanie's saying? I will never admit to how often I have watched Full House on reruns or the fact that I own a season of it either.

*EDIT* I feel like a schoolyard bully now.

LL, I think you're right! And don't feel like a schoolyard bully; we are all fellow Lapu Lapuettes and therefore reliant upon each other for correct pop culture references.

Of course, I'm speaking for Tink there, so...

You're right. On both counts.

And I have a lot of things I want to do in the future. But I also want to enjoy what I have right now.

Does anyone think looking at pics of both resorts will help?

I think it may. And of course you've already said you'll talk to DH about it, but what about DS? Do you think you could show him pictures, too, and see which resort he'd like best? (Though really I'd recommend that only if you end up feeling financially secure about WL--whether it be because you resolve missing a trip next year is okay [no LLFF '09 sniff] or for another reason--because if DS picks WL and you end up going POFQ or another resort, he could be upset.

I think I'm muddying the waters more than I'm helping. I'll back out now.

 

[TarzansKat]

I was fearing that with this trip as well. Totally understand.


You can pretend to be me. I still have a pin code. I don't want you to get back from a pirate's life for three and regret shelling out the money. I think you might have a better time at POFQ without having the nagging sense that you are "wasting" money.

You're right, I would hate to feel like I was "wasting" money. But I could be okay with this being a splurge trip if I wans't pressuring myself so much to be able to afford going every year, savvy?

Awww. Thanks for thinking me being deranged is sweet, that's what true friends are. I am lost and don't know what to do with myself without stressing out about a wedding. It's wonderful! I will glady stress about your vaca.

I think it will confuse you....and me further.

Happy to offer you something to focus on.

You know...I just had a thought.

Wilderness Lodge is not going anywhere. You may want to save it for when DS is older and TK can relax and enjoy the resort more, kwim?


FYI...I giggle everytime I can use kwim in the right context!

I had thought about that. I just feel like if I don't do it this year, it won't happen. I know that's silly, but with next year, if we can go, being a bigger family trip, and my knowing asking everyone to stay deluxe is a bit much, and knowing I may like to expand our family, I really see my opportunities to go to the World shrinking into the distance.

 

[willwriteforears]

Awww. Thanks for thinking me being deranged is sweet, that's what true friends are. I am lost and don't know what to do with myself without stressing out about a wedding. It's wonderful! I will glady stress about your vaca.

Okay, sorry, but I was just thinking--"cow" in Spanish is "vaca." So now I have this vision of LL stressing about TK's cows. Moooo!

Sorry again.

You know...I just had a thought.

Wilderness Lodge is not going anywhere. You may want to save it for when DS is older and TK can relax and enjoy the resort more, kwim?

That seems like a good point!

 

[Lady Lallie]

LL, I think you're right! And don't feel like a schoolyard bully; we are all fellow Lapu Lapuettes and therefore reliant upon each other for correct pop culture references.

Of course, I'm speaking for Tink there, so...

Yay! Thanks Jiri.

You're right, I would hate to feel like I was "wasting" money. But I could be okay with this being a splurge trip if I wans't pressuring myself so much to be able to afford going every year, savvy?

I hear ya. I didn't realize when you go as a big family that you all stay in the same resort, makes sense but didn't connect in the ol' brain.

Happy to offer you something to focus on.

I had thought about that. I just feel like if I don't do it this year, it won't happen. I know that's silly, but with next year, if we can go, being a bigger family trip, and my knowing asking everyone to stay deluxe is a bit much, and knowing I may like to expand our family, I really see my opportunities to go to the World shrinking into the distance.

Even though you think this is your last time for WL.....I think your biggest worry isn't being able to go next year which to me says go with the POFQ option, that way you have less of a headache with MNSSHP tickets and ADR's but still save money. Of course, talk to DH but I think this is the option that you might be happiest with and you are going to the happiest place on earth afterall.

 

[TarzansKat]

Hey Jiri!

I have two words for you.

Tee hee.

Even though you think this is your last time for WL.....I think your biggest worry isn't being able to go next year which to me says go with the POFQ option, that way you have less of a headache with MNSSHP tickets and ADR's but still save money. Of course, talk to DH but I think this is the option that you might be happiest with and you are going to the happiest place on earth afterall.

Alright, don't hate me but I just looked at the POFQ pics...and although I LOVE that resort...I'm just not feeling it.

Hmmm....

 

[Lady Lallie]

Hey Jiri!

I have two words for you.

Tee hee.





Alright, don't hate me but I just looked at the POFQ pics...and although I LOVE that resort...I'm just not feeling it.

Hmmm....

I do not hate you. I wish they made a pill for vacation guilt.

 

[TarzansKat]

I know, right?

I do not hate you. I wish they made a pill for vacation guilt.

Me, too.

Wait strike that.

I know of something that would totally help what ails me...

Yup. That'll about do it.

 

[Lady Lallie]

I know, right?



Me, too.

Wait strike that.

I know of something that would totally help what ails me...

Yup. That'll about do it.

I know your DH is going to tell you to keep WL unless he completely changes his pattern, but usually he tells you to not stress.
You are so like me it's beyond funny. This is what I do all day when I am at work, stress myself over something (wedding, vacation, money, anything really) and then I run home to DH and he looks at me like I am nuts and tells me to chill. In a much nicer way and then I feel better. Then the next day...I wake up...and the cycle repeats itself.

 

[willwriteforears]

Hey Jiri!

I have two words for you.

Tee hee.

Hey now, you're inviting non-Dis appropriate thoughts!

Alright, don't hate me but I just looked at the POFQ pics...and although I LOVE that resort...I'm just not feeling it.

Hmmm....

It sounds to me like you are coming to the conclusion that you want WL, and will sacrifice going yearly to get it if you need to. But discuss with DH and see what he says.

Me, too.

Wait strike that.

I know of something that would totally help what ails me...

Yup. That'll about do it.

Ahh, pirate therapy!

 

[If U Had Wings]

Okay, I need to make this really quick, as I still have a half hour of work left.

TK, after reading all your arguements for switching, your concerns over taking a trip next year, etc. I'm coming away with one feeling.

You don't really want to leave WL. Not one little bit.

I could be wrong, but that's what's coming through to me. The other arguments may sound good, but it's not what your heart really wants.

If you don't get to go next year, don't worry about it. You can start saving for the next year, and next year take a smaller trip to one of those other places you were talking about a few days ago. DS will be happy no matter what because he's getting to spend the time with you and DS.

 

[TarzansKat]

I know your DH is going to tell you to keep WL unless he completely changes his pattern, but usually he tells you to not stress.
You are so like me it's beyond funny. This is what I do all day when I am at work, stress myself over something (wedding, vacation, money, anything really) and then I run home to DH and he looks at me like I am nuts and tells me to chill. In a much nicer way and then I feel better. Then the next day...I wake up...and the cycle repeats itself.

I sometimes find our similarities to be a little scary.

Just kidding.

Truthfully, it's nice to know I'm not the only one.

Hey now, you're inviting non-Dis appropriate thoughts!

Who me?

It sounds to me like you are coming to the conclusion that you want WL, and will sacrifice going yearly to get it if you need to. But discuss with DH and see what he says.

Ahh, pirate therapy!

I think I am drawing nearer to that conclusion as well.

Perplexing.

Okay, I need to make this really quick, as I still have a half hour of work left.

TK, after reading all your arguements for switching, your concerns over taking a trip next year, etc. I'm coming away with one feeling.

You don't really want to leave WL. Not one little bit.

I could be wrong, but that's what's coming through to me. The other arguments may sound good, but it's not what your heart really wants.

If you don't get to go next year, don't worry about it. You can start saving for the next year, and next year take a smaller trip to one of those other places you were talking about a few days ago. DS will be happy no matter what because he's getting to spend the time with you and DS.

I think you're right.

I think I don't want to leave the Wilderness Lodge.

I think I'm in love with free dining.

I have looked at this trip and thought about it and made so many different spreadsheets today, and really, there must be some way that I can earn some more spending money between now and the trip that will make me feel better about the whole thing.

I am not a splurge type of gal.

Just not in my makeup. As evidenced by the large amounts of returns that pass through my household.

I have a hard time justifying it.

But as I sat down to make my umpteenth spreadsheet, in which I actually considered going back to a value resort as a viable option, I realized something.

Free Dining = HUGE BARGAIN

Now we all know how TK likes some huge bargain, right?

Because I've made so many spreadsheets that my starvin' belly thinks a reeses pieces sundae is starting to look real friendly like.

However, I priced out a value, with the dining plans I would want to keep. It's only 3 sit downs, 1 of which I have a gift card for (Rainforest Cafe). Even with adding up all the counter services and thinking, oh this must be some great deal, know what?

It's kind of not. If I don't pay for the dining plan, my two sit-downs and all my counter service would actually cost me more than paying for the dining plan. Not by much, but still more. Yikes.

And to do this, I'd have to totally change my dates.

And at this point we're comparing apples to oranges. When really, we're just all fruit.

And if you haven't thoroughly enjoyed the movie references up unto this point, let me add another which probably pertains to my state of mind most aptly.

"Oh. Because you know, it seems to me that, aside from being a little mentally ill, she's pretty normal."

That being said, it's time to talk to DH. 530 couldn't come soon enough.

 

[Lady Lallie]

I sometimes find our similarities to be a little scary.

Just kidding.

Truthfully, it's nice to know I'm not the only one.



Who me?



I think I am drawing nearer to that conclusion as well.

Perplexing.



I think you're right.

I think I don't want to leave the Wilderness Lodge.

I think I'm in love with free dining.

I have looked at this trip and thought about it and made so many different spreadsheets today, and really, there must be some way that I can earn some more spending money between now and the trip that will make me feel better about the whole thing.

I am not a splurge type of gal.

Just not in my makeup. As evidenced by the large amounts of returns that pass through my household.

I have a hard time justifying it.

But as I sat down to make my umpteenth spreadsheet, in which I actually considered going back to a value resort as a viable option, I realized something.

Free Dining = HUGE BARGAIN

Now we all know how TK likes some huge bargain, right?

Because I've made so many spreadsheets that my starvin' belly thinks a reeses pieces sundae is starting to look real friendly like.

However, I priced out a value, with the dining plans I would want to keep. It's only 3 sit downs, 1 of which I have a gift card for (Rainforest Cafe). Even with adding up all the counter services and thinking, oh this must be some great deal, know what?

It's kind of not. If I don't pay for the dining plan, my two sit-downs and all my counter service would actually cost me more than paying for the dining plan. Not by much, but still more. Yikes.

And to do this, I'd have to totally change my dates.

And at this point we're comparing apples to oranges. When really, we're just all fruit.

And if you haven't thoroughly enjoyed the movie references up unto this point, let me add another which probably pertains to my state of mind most aptly.

"Oh. Because you know, it seems to me that, aside from being a little mentally ill, she's pretty normal."

That being said, it's time to talk to DH. 530 couldn't come soon enough.

My goodness woman, you have made my brain spin numerous times today. I am eagerly awaiting what DH has told you.

 

[MRYPPNS]

You need to stick to the original plan....WL, free dinning... blah blah blah.
It really boils down to $400 between WL and POFQ...and you lose a night/day. Not worth it. WL and POFQ is more than a $400 difference. And the thing about saving for next year....didn't you write a whole thing about not living in the future...live in the present....well if you didn't I just did.
Once you did the math out for me it was an easy decision. WL, and take that earlier flight. Now don't take this the wrong way but if you stop buying shoes and McDonalds and other little things, that money will add up so you will have more cash spending money for the trip.

PS this is my tough love post!!!

 

[Charleston Princess]

Hi, TK! Wow! You have had a really stressful day!!! I think you should stick with WL -- Heidi makes a very valid point in her last post.

But either way you decide to roll laughing: ) just remember that you are going to WDW!!!

If it makes you feel better, I have been going through what you are going through on a slightly different scale (DVC) -- it's such a headache when your heart says one thing and your brain says something else!

 

[TarzansKat]

My goodness woman, you have made my brain spin numerous times today. I am eagerly awaiting what DH has told you.

I should have been a lawyer.

You need to stick to the original plan....WL, free dinning... blah blah blah.
It really boils down to $400 between WL and POFQ...and you lose a night/day. Not worth it. WL and POFQ is more than a $400 difference. And the thing about saving for next year....didn't you write a whole thing about not living in the future...live in the present....well if you didn't I just did.
Once you did the math out for me it was an easy decision. WL, and take that earlier flight. Now don't take this the wrong way but if you stop buying shoes and McDonalds and other little things, that money will add up so you will have more cash spending money for the trip.

PS this is my tough love post!!!

Alright, point taken. And not offensively either. Okay, maybe a little, but I do appreciate it. I actually have curbed the spending...I don't remember if I posted or not, but we're attempting to save my whole paycheck. Although it's not much, it would definitely make up the difference between now and then.

I had a tendency to go overbudget. Now, in my budget spreadsheet, instead of showing my income, I have it at 0. I do however, know it exists, so if I'm apt to go "over-budget" then it will come from my paycheck instead of our savings.

I hope I'm making sense. I've also gotten even more budget with my meals, sticking to a grocery budget, and not overspending in general.

And in my very limited defense (sorry, you just unknowingly touched a nerve), I sacrifice a lot for my family. I know on the surface it seems like I spend a lot, but in reality, I don't. I end up returning the majority of our purchases, and I feel guilty about buying necessities. Like when DS needs new shoes or clothes, for this exact reason, feeling like I'm spending too much. We're on a very limited income, and I am trying my hardest to do my best.

Hi, TK! Wow! You have had a really stressful day!!! I think you should stick with WL -- Heidi makes a very valid point in her last post.

But either way you decide to roll laughing: ) just remember that you are going to WDW!!!

If it makes you feel better, I have been going through what you are going through on a slightly different scale (DVC) -- it's such a headache when your heart says one thing and your brain says something else!

Aw, I hope you come to a good decision on DVC.

I did talk with DH and will post later.

 

[Charleston Princess]

Aw, I hope you come to a good decision on DVC.

I did talk with DH and will post later.

Can't wait to find out about the talk!!!

If I just weren't so gosh-darned (have to keep it DIS appropriate ) obsessive I could come to a decision by simply saying, "No, not right now" and then walking away. But I swear, I was like a bulldog or a terrier or something in a past life because once I get ahold of an idea, I have a hard time letting it go.

 

[Lady Lallie]

I should have been a lawyer.

Yes! If I was a juror I would just agree with you to keep my head from spinning.

Alright, point taken. And not offensively either. Okay, maybe a little, but I do appreciate it. I actually have curbed the spending...I don't remember if I posted or not, but we're attempting to save my whole paycheck. Although it's not much, it would definitely make up the difference between now and then.

I had a tendency to go overbudget. Now, in my budget spreadsheet, instead of showing my income, I have it at 0. I do however, know it exists, so if I'm apt to go "over-budget" then it will come from my paycheck instead of our savings.

I hope I'm making sense. I've also gotten even more budget with my meals, sticking to a grocery budget, and not overspending in general.

And in my very limited defense (sorry, you just unknowingly touched a nerve), I sacrifice a lot for my family. I know on the surface it seems like I spend a lot, but in reality, I don't. I end up returning the majority of our purchases, and I feel guilty about buying necessities. Like when DS needs new shoes or clothes, for this exact reason, feeling like I'm spending too much. We're on a very limited income, and I am trying my hardest to do my best.

I am really impressed with the fact that you have been saving your paycheck, that is DEDICATION. I hope to do more of this after our trip.

I did talk with DH and will post later.

Ooooh...the suspense!

Can't wait to find out about the talk!!!

If I just weren't so gosh-darned (have to keep it DIS appropriate ) obsessive I could come to a decision by simply saying, "No, not right now" and then walking away. But I swear, I was like a bulldog or a terrier or something in a past life because once I get ahold of an idea, I have a hard time letting it go.

I have never heard of anyone comparing themselves to a bulldog or terrier but I find it highly amusing.