Wishin' & Hopin', Planning & Dreamin': Oct 2013 PTR - 10/20 UPDATE: Link to TR!!

[solana131]

I have never been over Columbus, but I have been for a 9 out of 10 day....a few of them in July. Yes it is busy....yes there are waits for the popular rides...but if you get there at rope drop on those busy days and do the popular rides first, it is fine. Or maybe just use that day as your DTD, resort hopping, or downtime day. You can always head over to Epcot....they never seem busy. Of course it will be Food&Wine, so Epcot might be busier than normal Bottom line....don't let it scare you, especially since it is only one day of the week. We tackled a whole week of 8's & 9's!

 

[Pixiedust530]

Can't help on Columbus Day as we've never been.

I just have to tell you that is THE BEST turkey I have ever seen. Way to go Caden.

Caden is SO proud of his turkey. Thanks!

We have never been for Columbus day either... All I know, is if I can survive Spring Break... That weekend should be no problem.

I love that turkey - adorable!

D~

I have been in summer during peak times, but I got a little spoiled last year. Wayne had heard horror stories from friends and coworkers about crowds. When we went last year he couldn't figure out what everyone was talking about...he said that October must be the BEST time to go. I hate to disappoint him... LOL
.

That turkey is AWESOME!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Thank you! Caden is so proud of it. He's called half the family to tell them about it.

I have never been over Columbus, but I have been for a 9 out of 10 day....a few of them in July. Yes it is busy....yes there are waits for the popular rides...but if you get there at rope drop on those busy days and do the popular rides first, it is fine. Or maybe just use that day as your DTD, resort hopping, or downtime day. You can always head over to Epcot....they never seem busy. Of course it will be Food&Wine, so Epcot might be busier than normal Bottom line....don't let it scare you, especially since it is only one day of the week. We tackled a whole week of 8's & 9's!

I am not super scared about it...just a little bummed. Sunday will be our arrival day. I'm hoping to snag an early flight, so we would likely just be popping in a park or 2 to get our Disney fix that first night...maybe for an ADR or something. IDK! I know it will be a great week regardless, and I know how to plan for crowds...but... I got spoiled last October!

 

[solana131]

I am not super scared about it...just a little bummed. Sunday will be our arrival day. I'm hoping to snag an early flight, so we would likely just be popping in a park or 2 to get our Disney fix that first night...maybe for an ADR or something. IDK! I know it will be a great week regardless, and I know how to plan for crowds...but... I got spoiled last October!

Sounds like a good plan. That's what I like to do too, just a little Disney fix on arrival day. Hey, you never know...maybe we will get spoiled too and they will be wrong about crowd predictions. It's happened before...right?

 

[Pixiedust530]

Sorry everyone...I have been MIA! Life just seems to keep getting in the way of my DIS time!

We had a good Thanksgiving today...even though we changed tradition. We have always had Thanksgiving at my grandma's house...usually around 4 or 5pm. While the women stayed home and cooked all day the guys have always gone to Churchill Downs (horse racing track) and then just magically showed up at dinner time. My grandma is getting older and it's gotten to be a lot for her to cook Thanksgiving dinner for 20+ people. Even though me, my mom and my aunt all help, it's just stressful for her. Not to mention the cost of cooking for that many people. So...back in September my grandma suggested we ALL go to the track for Thanksgiving. We got tickets for Millionaires Row...which included reserved seating in the 6th floor dining room with an all day buffet, access to the outdoor balcony to watch the races, and a racing program. It wasn't cheap ($60 per person ) but it was actually very nice. I was afraid it would be "impersonal" but to my surprise it was a relatively family-like setting. We were at the track from about 11am to 4pm. We came home and rested for a bit and then we all went to my brother's house for a dessert buffet about 6:30. Spent a few hours there, spending more time with family and now we are just chilling at home. I actually like the new tradition and it's less stressful for my grandma!

I usually am one of those crazy Black Friday shoppers, but I just wasn't super impressed with anything the stores had to offer. The one big item I wanted for Caden (Skylanders Giants Starter Pack for XBox 360) ToysRUs was running for $49.99 (normally $75). Well...target went and ran the same item in their regular ad this week for the SAME PRICE! I picked it up on Sunday at Target AND saved an additional 5% with my REDcard. WooHoo! GO ME!! It's a good thing I decided to skip Black Friday shopping anyway...because I am getting sick! Started with a sore throat last night and now I have the head congestion to go along with it! I HATE being sick!

Sorry for all the rambling...I guess that's what happens when I disappear from the DIS for more than a week! Whoopsie! I'll try not to be a stranger.

Geesh...I hope I still have readers!

 

[KatMark]

Sorry everyone...I have been MIA! Life just seems to keep getting in the way of my DIS time!

We had a good Thanksgiving today...even though we changed tradition. We have always had Thanksgiving at my grandma's house...usually around 4 or 5pm. While the women stayed home and cooked all day the guys have always gone to Churchill Downs (horse racing track) and then just magically showed up at dinner time. My grandma is getting older and it's gotten to be a lot for her to cook Thanksgiving dinner for 20+ people. Even though me, my mom and my aunt all help, it's just stressful for her. Not to mention the cost of cooking for that many people. So...back in September my grandma suggested we ALL go to the track for Thanksgiving. We got tickets for Millionaires Row...which included reserved seating in the 6th floor dining room with an all day buffet, access to the outdoor balcony to watch the races, and a racing program. It wasn't cheap ($60 per person ) but it was actually very nice. I was afraid it would be "impersonal" but to my surprise it was a relatively family-like setting. We were at the track from about 11am to 4pm. We came home and rested for a bit and then we all went to my brother's house for a dessert buffet about 6:30. Spent a few hours there, spending more time with family and now we are just chilling at home. I actually like the new tradition and it's less stressful for my grandma!

I usually am one of those crazy Black Friday shoppers, but I just wasn't super impressed with anything the stores had to offer. The one big item I wanted for Caden (Skylanders Giants Starter Pack for XBox 360) ToysRUs was running for $49.99 (normally $75). Well...target went and ran the same item in their regular ad this week for the SAME PRICE! I picked it up on Sunday at Target AND saved an additional 5% with my REDcard. WooHoo! GO ME!! It's a good thing I decided to skip Black Friday shopping anyway...because I am getting sick! Started with a sore throat last night and now I have the head congestion to go along with it! I HATE being sick!

Sorry for all the rambling...I guess that's what happens when I disappear from the DIS for more than a week! Whoopsie! I'll try not to be a stranger.

Geesh...I hope I still have readers!

Sounds like a lovely new way to spend Thanksgiving and glad it went well and eased the stress for grandma.

Great job on the item for Caden.

 

[DMGeurts]

Sorry everyone...I have been MIA! Life just seems to keep getting in the way of my DIS time!

We had a good Thanksgiving today...even though we changed tradition. We have always had Thanksgiving at my grandma's house...usually around 4 or 5pm. While the women stayed home and cooked all day the guys have always gone to Churchill Downs (horse racing track) and then just magically showed up at dinner time. My grandma is getting older and it's gotten to be a lot for her to cook Thanksgiving dinner for 20+ people. Even though me, my mom and my aunt all help, it's just stressful for her. Not to mention the cost of cooking for that many people. So...back in September my grandma suggested we ALL go to the track for Thanksgiving. We got tickets for Millionaires Row...which included reserved seating in the 6th floor dining room with an all day buffet, access to the outdoor balcony to watch the races, and a racing program. It wasn't cheap ($60 per person ) but it was actually very nice. I was afraid it would be "impersonal" but to my surprise it was a relatively family-like setting. We were at the track from about 11am to 4pm. We came home and rested for a bit and then we all went to my brother's house for a dessert buffet about 6:30. Spent a few hours there, spending more time with family and now we are just chilling at home. I actually like the new tradition and it's less stressful for my grandma!

I usually am one of those crazy Black Friday shoppers, but I just wasn't super impressed with anything the stores had to offer. The one big item I wanted for Caden (Skylanders Giants Starter Pack for XBox 360) ToysRUs was running for $49.99 (normally $75). Well...target went and ran the same item in their regular ad this week for the SAME PRICE! I picked it up on Sunday at Target AND saved an additional 5% with my REDcard. WooHoo! GO ME!! It's a good thing I decided to skip Black Friday shopping anyway...because I am getting sick! Started with a sore throat last night and now I have the head congestion to go along with it! I HATE being sick!

Sorry for all the rambling...I guess that's what happens when I disappear from the DIS for more than a week! Whoopsie! I'll try not to be a stranger.

Geesh...I hope I still have readers!

I am very glad you had a wonderful Thanksgiving!

My mom's family did something similar about 25 years ago... We rented the golf course and had our Christmas meal catered - it was wonderful because our family is so huge. We continue to do this to this day - however - sometimes the location changes. It's so nice, we all just pay per plate when we walk in the door, and we all bring desserts to share.

Awesome that you got some Christmas deals! My girls used to love Skylanders, but they haven't played it much recently. I have not purchased them the new game or any of the new characters. Gotta LOVE that extra 5% though!

Hope you feel better soon!

D~

 

[solana131]

Sounds like a nice break for your grandma. We keep trying to convince my Nana that she doesn't have to cook every year....we can all take turns hosting, but she is stubborn And don't worry, you haven't lost your readers...I'm still here and I'm the most important one

 

[oopsiDAISY]

Sounds like a nice break for your grandma. We keep trying to convince my Nana that she doesn't have to cook every year....we can all take turns hosting, but she is stubborn And don't worry, you haven't lost your readers...I'm still here and I'm the most important one

Yes, as long as Suzi is here your PTR will survive! whatever...
Love your Thanksgiving plans! We end up going to BIG family renuions for Thanksgiving and everyone is assigned a dish or two to bring. That makes it easier for everyone involved.

 

[Pixiedust530]

Sounds like a lovely new way to spend Thanksgiving and glad it went well and eased the stress for grandma.

Great job on the item for Caden.

My grandma has really been struggling with her blood pressure and stress levels, so I am very thankful that she was able to just enjoy the holiday!

I am very glad you had a wonderful Thanksgiving!

My mom's family did something similar about 25 years ago... We rented the golf course and had our Christmas meal catered - it was wonderful because our family is so huge. We continue to do this to this day - however - sometimes the location changes. It's so nice, we all just pay per plate when we walk in the door, and we all bring desserts to share.

Awesome that you got some Christmas deals! My girls used to love Skylanders, but they haven't played it much recently. I have not purchased them the new game or any of the new characters. Gotta LOVE that extra 5% though!

Hope you feel better soon!

D~

Thanks D~! The track was lots of fun on Thanksgiving (even though I didn't win a dime)!

I'm happy with what I have gotten for Caden...and the prices. The Skylanders at target was my best savings, but I did have a few ToysRUs coupons that saved me some $$ also.

I am feeling much better now, thanks! I went to the immediate care center on Friday and got an antibiotic.

Sounds like a nice break for your grandma. We keep trying to convince my Nana that she doesn't have to cook every year....we can all take turns hosting, but she is stubborn And don't worry, you haven't lost your readers...I'm still here and I'm the most important one

My grandma is stubborn too. We've been suggesting she give up preparing all the Thanksgiving dinner for years, but she never would listen. When she suggested the track this year we all gladly agreed (Even with the high price tag) because we knew it would be best for her.

WoooHooo for readers...especially the most important one...YOU!

Yes, as long as Suzi is here your PTR will survive! whatever...
Love your Thanksgiving plans! We end up going to BIG family renuions for Thanksgiving and everyone is assigned a dish or two to bring. That makes it easier for everyone involved.

Well a big thanks to you too Oopsi for helping keep this thing alive! I guess without you ladies I would be talking to myself....OH wait...I do that anyway!

Thanksgiving was great...and stress free for everyone....minus the part where I had to go buy a new dress to wear on Millionaires Row!

 

[Pixiedust530]

Hello everyone and HAPPY NEW YEAR!

I've gone and done it again...disappeared from the DIS. I've been around here and there catching up on everyone else's PTR's, but I just haven't been able to find time to update my own PTR.

We had a great Christmas...minus all the sickness and chaos! UGH! I just finished my 3rd round of antibiotics since Thanksgiving. Hopefully I won't be sick again 2 weeks from now. I received some really wonderful Disney things for Christmas but unfortunately I don't have any pics. Wayne got me Mickey wine bottle stoppers and an ornament. The ornament is a big Mickey head (think big ball ornament with smaller balls for the ears) with 1/4 of the sphere cut out and icons depicting the 4 parks. It's VERY cute! He did GREAT! He also got me Epic Mickey 2 for the XBox.

Anyway...on to some trip planning ramblings. I still can't set our dates in stone yet because the school district I work for hasn't released the 2013-14 school calendar. I think it is suppose to be out mid to late January. Since we are planning to go in October during F&WF and are wanting to rent DVC points I am afraid that by the time I am ready to book there will be limited availability. We definitely only want/need a Studio and I have heard that they go first. We might not have the option to stay at BWV or BCV. BLT is the only other place we are interested in staying this trip.

So, in the event that we can't get the DVC resort we want I have to decide if I am willing to stay at another DVC resort or if we want to stay at a Moderate. I crunched some numbers yesterday and the rack rate for a Moderate is about the same as renting DVC points. If I was able to get a pin code or some other discount we might be better off doing the Moderate. We are NOT planning to do the Dining Plan. I have crunched those numbers and it would cost us about 20% MORE to eat on the dining plan vs paying OOP. However, if no other discounts are offered, I might consider doing Free Dining if it's available. Again...I will have to run the numbers since we weren't planning to purchase our park tickets through Disney either.

So, what are your thoughts? Should I choose another DVC resort if BWV, BCV and BLT are all unavailable? If we go with a Moderate...which one? What about Free Dining? I was so sure I had THIS trip all figured out, and now I am SOOOO up in the air. Please HELP!

 

[DMGeurts]

Well... I have to say that our trip dates are up in the air too... We are considering doing a 180° turn, and changing our dates to August... Just so the girls don't have to miss any school, and we can do a longer trip.

I am also in the same boat, we were considering renting a DVC studio - but I just don't think we could make it work? I think it's just a hair too small for us. If there were 2 queen beds, it would be a cinch - but with that pull out, I think it's just not going to work.

So, we are going for a mod (FQ) and praying for a code, hopefully FD, because that is the best savings for us. I've crunched our #s every way possible, and even if we purchase dining - it still ends up as a savings (very small), but I love the convenience of it.

I have heard of people purchasing a GC in place of DDP, so all of their food is "paid for" before they get there. I guess, my only issue with that idea, is that I would still be paranoid that I would run out of $$. I like the fact that with the DDP, you can just choose whatever is on the menu, and price doesn't matter - so I am not constantly calculating what we have left.

I know that each person's view of DDP is totally personal, and you really need to do whatever is best for your family... And if OOP food is a better deal - I would totally go that route. However, if FD is offered - that is a huge savings, and one I would go for. For us - even if we went for the military tickets (which is a pretty good discount right now) - FD still ends up to be the better deal.

I hope you are able to make the right choice.

D~

 

[Pixiedust530]

So, if you have been following along since the beginning and read the first post you might remember I mentioned something about sappy romance and stuff ... this is an adult only trip after all! I guess it's about time I elaborate on that a bit...but you're gonna need a little back story so bear with me!

This is Wayne and I:

We have been together since May 2009, but became friends in 2003. When I was going through my divorce back in 2008/2009 my dad refused to let me move back home and I wasn't in a position financially to get a place of my own. Wayne offered to let me and my son Caden (2YO at the time) move in with him for $200/month. He has a 3 bedroom house so Caden had his own room and I had my own room. It was perfect. After living here for a while we decided to give the dating thing a go...and here we are almost 4 years later...and SUPER HAPPY!

Wayne has 2 grown kids of his own...one lives in Texas and the other in West Virginia. His ex really did a number on him and he swore he would NEVER remarry. I knew this before I ever started dating him and I was okay with that...I was just ending my marriage after all and wasn't thinking in the slightest about getting remarried. Fast forward about 6 months and Wayne says "You know how I said I would never get married again...well, I think I can make an exception for you!" Fast forward again to Nov. 2010...Wayne and I are out with my best friend and her hubby. Like all good best friends she corners Wayne and puts him on the spot about the status and future of our relationship (all without my knowledge)! He replies that he wants to marry me and will propose...within a year. Yeah...that was over 2 years ago!

Anyway...we have had several conversations about getting married...I'm just still waiting for the ring. Wayne has already agreed to a WDW Honeymoon...but again...still waiting for the ring. I was teasing him back over the summer that 2013 would be a GREAT year to get married...and of course to Disneymoon. So...in essence this Oct. 2013 trip is my Wanna Be Disneymoon. I know...pretty lame. When we started planning this trip I told Wayne it was suppose to be our Honeymoon he said it could be our per-engagement trip... WHAT? I suggested it be our ENGAGEMENT trip. His response was "We'll see what happens!"

So...I'm basically waiting for a proposal. I would be thrilled with a proposal any day, any time, any way...but a Disney proposal would be pretty cool!

I am really happy with the way things are and quite frankly not a lot will change. We already live together, basically share a bank account, and Wayne even added me as the beneficiary on his life insurance a few months ago. Since Wayne brought up the marriage thing initially and then went and put a timeframe on it...now I'm anxious about it and I really would like to be married to him. Wishin' and Hopin', Plannin' and Dreamin'!

See....we are just so cute together:

 

[solana131]

A Disney proposal would be AMAZING!!! And your story is so wonderful

So, did you decide what you were going to do as far as resort choice?? I am in that same boat right now. Not sure of dates, hotel, traveling companions, etc etc etc...

 

[DMGeurts]

Awwww... A Disney proposal would be just magnificant! Please keep us updated... I love sappy stuff.

D~

 

[oopsiDAISY]

A Disney proposal would be AMAZING!!! And your story is so wonderful

So, did you decide what you were going to do as far as resort choice?? I am in that same boat right now. Not sure of dates, hotel, traveling companions, etc etc etc...

Awwww... A Disney proposal would be just magnificant! Please keep us updated... I love sappy stuff.

D~

I agree that a Disney proposal would just be dreamy!

I find it so hilarious that D~ and Suzi and I just sort of chase each other around on the Disboards! And where is Mo? She is supposed to be in on this too!

 

[DMGeurts]

I agree that a Disney proposal would just be dreamy!

I find it so hilarious that D~ and Suzi and I just sort of chase each other around on the Disboards! And where is Mo? She is supposed to be in on this too!

It's probably because I am cute...

D~

 

[ash-n-brensmom]

Hi there! I am joining in on the fun! We are going to be in the World a couple of weeks before you...Sep 26- Oct 2. Then we are going to be on the Dream for 3 nights.
I am going to go back and read the rest of your PTR....but I am looking forward to following along with you!!

 

[Pixiedust530]

Well... I have to say that our trip dates are up in the air too... We are considering doing a 180° turn, and changing our dates to August... Just so the girls don't have to miss any school, and we can do a longer trip.

After reading all the suggestions and seeing the discussion over on your PTR I think that this time around August is your best bet! Go for it!!!

I am also in the same boat, we were considering renting a DVC studio - but I just don't think we could make it work? I think it's just a hair too small for us. If there were 2 queen beds, it would be a cinch - but with that pull out, I think it's just not going to work.

Totally makes sense about the pull-out. For us a studio will be fine...of course we are spoiled with our King size bed at home....that Queen will be small!

So, we are going for a mod (FQ) and praying for a code, hopefully FD, because that is the best savings for us. I've crunched our #s every way possible, and even if we purchase dining - it still ends up as a savings (very small), but I love the convenience of it.

I hope you get a code!

I have heard of people purchasing a GC in place of DDP, so all of their food is "paid for" before they get there. I guess, my only issue with that idea, is that I would still be paranoid that I would run out of $$. I like the fact that with the DDP, you can just choose whatever is on the menu, and price doesn't matter - so I am not constantly calculating what we have left.

I am planning to purchase gift cards in advance for much of our expenses...including dining. When I crunched our numbers I looked at the menus of the places we wanted to eat. We both chose 2 or 3 of the entrees that we would be most likely to order (even if it was the most expensive item on the menu). I then used the highest of our choices to calculate the cost for that meal. I then added soft drinks (which we rarely get at restaurants), tax and 25% gratuity (I would almost never tip that high) and that was our GRAND TOTAL for that meal. It was still almost 25% cheaper than doing the dining plan. IF we ordered the most expensive thing on every menu, ordered soft drinks and ate dessert we would basically break even or save a little depending on the restaurant we chose. So, for this trip....it's OOP all the way! When we take my DS back with us we will DEFINITELY do the DDP...you'd be crazy not to with a kid age 3-9. It's SOOOO cheap for them to be on the DDP.

I know that each person's view of DDP is totally personal, and you really need to do whatever is best for your family... And if OOP food is a better deal - I would totally go that route. However, if FD is offered - that is a huge savings, and one I would go for. For us - even if we went for the military tickets (which is a pretty good discount right now) - FD still ends up to be the better deal.

Wayne and I discussed it and we will only go for FD and stay at a moderate if we can't find BLT, BCV or BWV by renting DVC points. We hope to buy into DVC in the future and would like to "tet drive" it before we commit.

I hope you are able to make the right choice.

D~

A Disney proposal would be AMAZING!!! And your story is so wonderful

So, did you decide what you were going to do as far as resort choice?? I am in that same boat right now. Not sure of dates, hotel, traveling companions, etc etc etc...

We are pretty set on BLT, but would also do BCV or BWV renting DVC points. IF...and ONLY IF...there is no availability for our dates at one of those 3, we will do a Mod...probably Coronado Springs or Caribbean Beach.

Yes...a Disney proposal would be spectacular. I'm trying not to get my hopes up so I won't be let down if it doesn't happen, but I'm REALLY hoping the silly boy gets all my hints and gets with the program.

Awwww... A Disney proposal would be just magnificant! Please keep us updated... I love sappy stuff.

D~

I'm a sucker for sappy stuff too...and not just my own! I love reading about other's proposals, weddings, honeymoons, etc. I will keep you all posted...don't worry about that!

I agree that a Disney proposal would just be dreamy!

I find it so hilarious that D~ and Suzi and I just sort of chase each other around on the Disboards! And where is Mo? She is supposed to be in on this too!

DREAMY... oh yeah....I would be in heaven!

What is it with you ladies? Where is Mo? She's been MIA!

 

[Pixiedust530]

It's probably because I am cute...

D~

That was TOTALLY my first thought!

Hi there! I am joining in on the fun! We are going to be in the World a couple of weeks before you...Sep 26- Oct 2. Then we are going to be on the Dream for 3 nights.
I am going to go back and read the rest of your PTR....but I am looking forward to following along with you!!

and thank for deciding to join in. I was a bit of a slacker between Thanksgiving and New year's and I'm afraid a few of my readers have disappeared. I'm glad to have you along. Feel free to chime in with your opinions and comments. That's why we're all here, right?

How exciting that you get to do a split trip at WDW and on the Dream!!! Taking a Disney Cruise is definitely in my future...just not sure when! I can't wait to hear more details about your trip and a full report upon your return. Have you started a PTR yet?

 

[KatMark]

I don't know how I lost my subscription to this thread...please forgive me. I'm thinking that a wedding proposal will be forthcoming while at your happy place.

By the way, love CSR....have stayed 10 times, and only reason we don't any more is we rent points.