Working the System - A NYE PTR - Link to TR is up! 1/13

I'm glad you had a good Thanksgiving and a nice anniversary getaway.

I noticed your plans for Osborne Lights with an 8 pm ADR afterwards... It seems like that might be rushing things a bit if you're going to go change before dinner. If you take a half hour just to enjoy the lights (which isn't enough, IMO), wait in line for PP pictures (probably another half hour... seriously, those lines are crazy at less busy times). You've got an hour to go back, change and get to Blue Zoo. Seems a bit rushed to me? :confused3

And I'm sorry for the MDE headaches. I really hope they get the kinks worked out and have the system working well soon. But knowing how the "old" ADR website seemed to temporarily lose track of ADRs from time to time, I'm not going to hold my breath. :rolleyes:
 
It will! My bank account isn't thrilled at the moment with paying for all of that right before Christmas and the upcoming NYE trip but it will be wonderful.
Bank accounts...they need to quit their whining and suck it up already.

CoffeeQueenC said:
Sadly no, the cute books were fun but as I never look at them once there and it's all on the phone these days...another thing lost to the digital age I guess.We will be doing T's, although if I understand my sister correctly, they came up with something a bit complicated that will easily take as much time as a few of those pages. :lmao:
Makes sense, I think I briefly glanced at the plan once or twice the entire time we were there last time.

Resort dates at least make it pretty real! That's all that matters.

Will you try to book any dining at 180 or just hold off?
Having a reservation is definitely a plus. I will do some ADR's at the 180 mark. (Jan 3 I think...I'll have to double check it.) We are NOT doing DDP and we will have our car so I will probably do 2-3 and they will probably be at resorts rather than parks.

those are good things, well for the first lady anyway! :thumbsup2:thumbsup2:thumbsup2
I have discovered that First Lady Biscuit's happiness has a direct effect on my own.

Cool hotel. A day away is always a good thing.

Your Lazy day sounds relaxing and your Crazy day seems to have some well organized plans in place so I think you'll be nifty.

Thanks for posting!
 
Your plans have me tired just reading about them!

Sounds like you had a lovely Thanksgiving. I can't even imagine 28 people! But I suppose you are used to your large clan and it ends up being second nature.

Your hotel room looked great! I'll have to check out that chain.
 
Caught up on the plans and I think I actually followed everything. It's a shame you might have to give up the better part of a day to go with Jeff to pick up the car, shop, and check-in. But tacos at the THV does sound like a great plan.

Smart idea to add your family who are staying at the Swan onto your reservation at THV. Magic bands really do come in handy. I like them. I was able to add my friend's tickets pretty easily. I did it right before we left and everything worked out fine.

You are going to have a great vacation, I just know it! Are you going to see Pat?

I thought the Osborne lights came on before 6pm. :confused3
 

What a gorgeous hotel room. Michael would love the modern feel.

Cute scarves! :thumbsup2 What brand of pants are those? I don't know if you like J. Crew but they've got their pencil cords on sale. I love them, they fit like a glove.
 
Glad you had a nice Thanksgiving and Anniversary!!

Your plans look great... January 3rd sounds relaxing. January 4th??? Sounds a tad hectic. But the evening back for dinner sounds great! I hope everything else falls into place. :goodvibes
 
Happy Anniversary!! That room is huge; I had never heard of the Kimpton brand until recently, but it definitely sounds like a nice upscale chain!

You have probably heard of some of their hotels, just not the name of the overall parent company/brand. This one was at a Hotel Monaco and there are several of those around the country. That may be the only one they replicate, the rest are boutique labels/names so all different but generally if they are in a city..they have several properties in that city. We love them. They are small, personalized and really really take care of you! plus the is always a fabulous robe in the room, often leopard or cheetah which is fun.

Your MDE comment prompted me to log on, just to double check everything is still there :thumbsup2 I'm a little paranoid about this whole FP+ system, especially since I've been visiting the Theme Parks board the last couple of days, reading FP+ threads and getting worried...I should just stop reading and think positively, right?! It's just a vacation....

UGH. Right now it's just dining that's got the duplicate profiles but it makes me nervous something else could go off. I'd like it fixed before I attempt to add Melissa's tickets...if she ever gets them.


Sounds like a wonderful busy holiday.

Glad you were able to "sneak away" for your anniversary. Great room.

I am sorry MDE is making your eyes cross.

25 days left ... :cool1:

It's just dining so far but a bit of a mess. I honestly don't have time for another phone call till next week though so while I don't expect it to actually get fixed, I will likely wait to even check until then unless Melissa has her ticket numbers before then which I'll jump on adding in for FP+

I knew it! I knew you would get an upgrade! Awesome room!

I almost posted on FB and tagged you lol! We were very surprised to be honest.

It's almost here and I seriously am insanely excited- both to see WDW in full Christmas swing AND to get on our cruise.

Me too! Work will be UGLY between now and then, I will SO need it!!!

It is still bumming me out that we are just missing each other. :( are you sure you cant come cruising in Oct with MEK and us?

It is beyond sad!!!!!!!!! I wish on Oct. But Jeff has zero interest in doing that cruise again, either the 3 or 4 day, it has to be new ports and a 5-7 days or he is a no go. LOL! I still don't know if we are keeping our Sept magic cruise or not but it's looking more likely that we will.

Cynthia, plans look GOOD! Love all the different options you have. :thumbsup2

What I do not love so much?
The email you got from Disney's IT team. This is exactly the same email I got the first time I called and NOTHING happened! If you don't hear back with more from them, keep calling - my problem was solved by a very nice CM!

I've had it solved while I was on the phone as well before, scary thing is that it's back so I guess it wasn't really fixed. It is only dining right now and it only matters, sort of, in the sense that it won't all show up right on either my sisters or my mom's phones in the app. Which bugs me. Do they care? Probably not. LOL! my mom probably does. I'll call next week if it isn't better, no real time for it between now and then.

Wow - your room for your anniversary getaway is so cool! Just beautiful. I am sure you had an awesome weekend.

As I was driving to work yesterday I was thinking how great it would be to have been off, so I sympathize.

Still have to read the rest of your update. I'll catch up tonight

I would have killed to have Monday off. I almost cried with relief when we found out at 6pm that Eric's jazz concert was really NOT last night, but is next monday instead. I so needed a night off from anything.
 
/
I'm glad you had a good Thanksgiving and a nice anniversary getaway.

I noticed your plans for Osborne Lights with an 8 pm ADR afterwards... It seems like that might be rushing things a bit if you're going to go change before dinner. If you take a half hour just to enjoy the lights (which isn't enough, IMO), wait in line for PP pictures (probably another half hour... seriously, those lines are crazy at less busy times). You've got an hour to go back, change and get to Blue Zoo. Seems a bit rushed to me? :confused3

Well, if the PP line is really 30 min I am positive NO one in my group will wait for it. It will probably not be the first night we see the lights, at least I hope not, just possibly the first night we can time it right to see them turn on. We might attempt it before heading to the Fort on the 1st as well so who knows. that said, it's a 10-15 minute walk to the resorts from DHS (typically longer it seems if you wait for a boat but my parents might do that), 15-20 to change and then another 5-10 to walk to the restaurant?

And I'm sorry for the MDE headaches. I really hope they get the kinks worked out and have the system working well soon. But knowing how the "old" ADR website seemed to temporarily lose track of ADRs from time to time, I'm not going to hold my breath. :rolleyes:

Yeah, I'm not holding my breath either. Just praying none of us have issues with things working and being stuck at guest services trying to fix them.

Bank accounts...they need to quit their whining and suck it up already.

Don't they?

Makes sense, I think I briefly glanced at the plan once or twice the entire time we were there last time.

Sad, but true. I do look at the phone more so chances of me forgetting a cool idea I had is less by relying on that but even then, I'll miss for forget stuff.

But will find new instead I am sure!

Having a reservation is definitely a plus. I will do some ADR's at the 180 mark. (Jan 3 I think...I'll have to double check it.) We are NOT doing DDP and we will have our car so I will probably do 2-3 and they will probably be at resorts rather than parks.

Makes sense!

I have discovered that First Lady Biscuit's happiness has a direct effect on my own.

wise man! And I am loving all my "names"

Cool hotel. A day away is always a good thing.

Your Lazy day sounds relaxing and your Crazy day seems to have some well organized plans in place so I think you'll be nifty.

Thanks for posting!

It was a lovely little get away! The crazy day is a little nutty but I'm so excited to move to THV myself it will be fun too!

Your plans have me tired just reading about them!

Sounds like you had a lovely Thanksgiving. I can't even imagine 28 people! But I suppose you are used to your large clan and it ends up being second nature.

Your hotel room looked great! I'll have to check out that chain.

28 is on the larger side, I think the most I've had was something like 31 or so. That one did not go nearly so well but for a lot of other reasons (not the least of which that it was Xmas day, prime rib and I didn't know I was hosting until maybe 4 days before). The usual number is more like 18-24. Besides, 28 at my house is actually quite a bit easier than the party for 100 I am planning for Friday night (my company party..I'm in charge). It also doesn't hurt that this is "my" holiday and we do this with basically the same folks every year, they all know the drill :goodvibes I was just happy I had enough dishes and could fit everyone. I did use literally every glass in the house though. Apparently most folks prefer the double old fashioned size for pretty much everything and we use highballs and pint jars around here (kids like BIG glasses of milk lol) so have easily 3x as many of those. I need to get more "small" glasses for next year!


I love Kimpton. You may not recognize the chain but possibly some of the hotels, this one was a Hotel Monaco of which there are several around the country. Most of the rest of theirs are unique names, very boutiquey. Lots in SF (maybe 7?, we've stayed at 4 there, they have 3 here now but will have 4 by spring) but I don't know about LA.

Caught up on the plans and I think I actually followed everything. It's a shame you might have to give up the better part of a day to go with Jeff to pick up the car, shop, and check-in. But tacos at the THV does sound like a great plan.

Honestly, and this is crazy selfish of me, but I vastly prefer checking in and settling the room (if possible and ready) without anyone else there. I also love the idea of a little solo dash to DHS without anyone. I might need a break myself from everyone by then. I also like the idea of handling it all without holding anyone else up. Moving is easy when it's just you...a bit of a pita with the kids so if they are gone and busy...life is a bit more simple. I am thinking I can make it to Universal by about 1 if I do stay back..and that's ok with me. I'd still get what, a good 6 hours there?


Smart idea to add your family who are staying at the Swan onto your reservation at THV. Magic bands really do come in handy. I like them. I was able to add my friend's tickets pretty easily. I did it right before we left and everything worked out fine.

I hope so, I'll feel better when my sisters tickets are in the system and we can at least try to have FP+ together. I just hope we don't have glitches once there.

You are going to have a great vacation, I just know it! Are you going to see Pat?

I am! Probably a few times :goodvibes she has graciously insisted on running me to the grocery store the morning of the 30th which will be AWESOME! I think our paths cross in MK on the 29th and then definitely the night of the 30th as well and who knows when else! Hopefully a bunch :goodvibes

I thought the Osborne lights came on before 6pm. :confused3

Hmmn. I will need to double check, that'd be cool for us if they did! We may try to see them on the 1st as well so I do need to figure out the exact time.

What a gorgeous hotel room. Michael would love the modern feel.

Their regular rooms are pretty spiffy too! This was the Hotel Monaco and while they have several around the country, each still has it's own personality

Cute scarves! :thumbsup2 What brand of pants are those? I don't know if you like J. Crew but they've got their pencil cords on sale. I love them, they fit like a glove.

I'm not that big on cords (or at least at the moment lol). I've got a few pairs and every time I wear them lately I'm like...meh. LOL! In the past J.Crew hasn't fit me well. I am ridiculously short waisted so low rise pants actually work best (as they aren't low rise on me lol) and that can be hard to find outside of jeans. These are Athleta. There is a very good chance that the waist will be too high and they will go back but they were on sale and I had 20% off so worth trying at least.

Glad you had a nice Thanksgiving and Anniversary!!

Your plans look great... January 3rd sounds relaxing. January 4th??? Sounds a tad hectic. But the evening back for dinner sounds great! I hope everything else falls into place. :goodvibes

We did! How was your turkey day? I am VERY excited about taco bar in the villa. Kind of silly but really really looking forward to that night.
 
Sounds like a lovely anniversary, we've not made any plans this year for ours with the new baby.

Loving the scarves!
 
You are going to have a great vacation, I just know it! Are you going to see Pat?

I am! Probably a few times :goodvibes she has graciously insisted on running me to the grocery store the morning of the 30th which will be AWESOME! I think our paths cross in MK on the 29th and then definitely the night of the 30th as well and who knows when else! Hopefully a bunch :goodvibes


::yes:: Looking forward to our paths crossing a couple of times at least. :goodvibes

You would think I could do better being home. PT, the continuing saga of my kitchen and getting caught up everywhere else ( house, yard) not to mention that those things take much longer one armed, :lmao: Hopefully after this week I can actually post something on my TR .... :rolleyes:
 
We did! How was your turkey day?

It was a nice day. We went down to my dd's and she had her inlaws there as well. It is nice to have a large group of us...and we all get along. Ds's fiance's family was invited too. They didn't come. :rolleyes:


I am VERY excited about taco bar in the villa. Kind of silly but really really looking forward to that night.

I don't think it is silly at all! Time to enjoy food and family without all the rushing to and from parks. :thumbsup2 Sounds like a great time to me...and one I would look forward to as well. :goodvibes
 
Sounds like a lovely anniversary, we've not made any plans this year for ours with the new baby.

Loving the scarves!

Aren't those fun? While I don't want it to be cold, I do think there will be a night or two we will be happy to have them

Enjoy your baby, the best anniversary gift anyone could ever have! We need updated pictures :goodvibes

::yes:: Looking forward to our paths crossing a couple of times at least. :goodvibes

You would think I could do better being home. PT, the continuing saga of my kitchen and getting caught up everywhere else ( house, yard) not to mention that those things take much longer one armed, :lmao: Hopefully after this week I can actually post something on my TR .... :rolleyes:

Well the one arm thing IS a bit of a hindrance :rotfl: caught up is overrated, that's my story and I am sticking to it.

It was a nice day. We went down to my dd's and she had her inlaws there as well. It is nice to have a large group of us...and we all get along. Ds's fiance's family was invited too. They didn't come. :rolleyes:

Their loss! Big groups are fun (when they get along lol).

I don't think it is silly at all! Time to enjoy food and family without all the rushing to and from parks. :thumbsup2 Sounds like a great time to me...and one I would look forward to as well. :goodvibes

I think it will also just be a really nice "last" night, even if we do head out to Disney parks after. It's unlikely we will though as I think my sisters, bil and nephews will be out of park tickets at that point unless they've added on. Who knows though since they don't have those tickets yet :confused3
 
I think it will also just be a really nice "last" night, even if we do head out to Disney parks after. It's unlikely we will though as I think my sisters, bil and nephews will be out of park tickets at that point unless they've added on. Who knows though since they don't have those tickets yet :confused3
So here's what you do. Point out a souvenir during the week you are hemming on purchasing. Announce on the last day that you really want to run pick it up. 6 hours later, return with purchase. If questioned, invoke the power of long lines, slow bus service, a stuck turnstyle, an ECV with a taillight out and an angry squirrel. Might have to add in a rabid duck just to sell the story.
 
So here's what you do. Point out a souvenir during the week you are hemming on purchasing. Announce on the last day that you really want to run pick it up. 6 hours later, return with purchase. If questioned, invoke the power of long lines, slow bus service, a stuck turnstyle, an ECV with a taillight out and an angry squirrel. Might have to add in a rabid duck just to sell the story.

Also, make sure you come back with said souvenir, or add to your story about how you had to go to three stores looking for it and they have it on order for you now :rotfl:
 
So here's what you do. Point out a souvenir during the week you are hemming on purchasing. Announce on the last day that you really want to run pick it up. 6 hours later, return with purchase. If questioned, invoke the power of long lines, slow bus service, a stuck turnstyle, an ECV with a taillight out and an angry squirrel. Might have to add in a rabid duck just to sell the story.

See and here I was thinking you'd figured out a way to get them to buy me said souvenir!

:rotfl:


Also, make sure you come back with said souvenir, or add to your story about how you had to go to three stores looking for it and they have it on order for you now :rotfl:

now that's realistic (or at least more so than the angry squirrel and rabid duck)
 
As most of you know, Kendall is a senior. The last year has been full of college visits, college soccer ID camps, college soccer showcases and the like. She's had a number of school express interest in her for soccer, some were ones she was interested in, some not. Some schools she hoped might be interested in her for soccer, were not.

For those that may not know (as I sure didn't) basically you have 3 ways of applying to college these days. Normal: Apply by the deadline and hear in spring. Early Action: Apply by the deadline (earlier than normal) and hear back earlier than normal but it's not binding. Early Decision: Apply in November, hear in December or Jan depending on the school. Early Decision is binding. You can only apply for early decision at one school. If you get in, you have to go there. If you get in, you have to withdraw your application from any and all other schools that you have applied to. Advantages are that if you are positive it's your first choice, you can get the whole thing over with early and if you are "on the bubble" from an admissions standpoint, you might have a greater chance of getting in. Simply by applying early even if you aren't really on the bubble but looking at a competitive major, might increase your chances of getting in. Disadvantages are that you can't compare aid, etc packages and offers from multiple schools, or in K's case, soccer.

Over the past month Kendall has sent in a few applications, maybe 5 in total. All were schools that at some level or point in time had expressed interest in her for soccer. One school has been consistently her top choice and she made the decision to go for "early decision" with that school. The rest were schools that offered to waive the application fee (based on their soccer interest) so she figured why not, just in case she didn't get in to her top choice. Thought was she'd then deal with any other applications after she heard back from the top choice.

We found out yesterday that she got in. :thumbsup2:thumbsup2:thumbsup2

I am thrilled that she got her top choice. We have some mixed feelings about it to be honest. She does not have a spot on the team, she does think she can walk on. It is a D1 school so.... there is that. They do know her, they have expressed interest more than once, they did see her play last weekend but no actual offer yet. There may or may not be. There is another college ID camp there next weekend and now Jeff will be taking her down for that (nothing like last minute airfare, ugh!). Our other concern is that she has to declare a major. Had to actually at the time of application. While she "can" theoretically change after one quarter, in many ways it is a re-application. The admission criteria at this school is based on the major you are applying to so just because you got in for that major, doesn't mean you actually can switch to what you want when the time comes. We aren't sure she knows what she wants major wise.

But...I am super proud of her that she made such a firm stand for what she wanted, it is pretty unlike her actually and she is over the moon about it. A part of me wonders if this is her way of stepping away from the pressure of "having" to get a verbal commitment from a school for soccer. She's going where she wants to go academically and if she can play, great. But, at any rate, other than the aid package and the soccer question (not small things as this school will be a major ouch for a few years).

Cal Poly SLO here we come!!!!!!!!!

:cool1:
 
Congrats to Kendall!!! That is awesome news! It sounds like she definitely has her priorities in order putting academics first and soccer second.

Jill in CO
 
Cynthia that's great news. Early decision is a gutsy move, but that's an excellent school, so academically she can't go wrong. I'll keep my fingers crossed that things work out for her for soccer as well. She is going to be one busy lady next year.

Congratulations Kendall! :thumbsup2
 
Congrats to Kendall!!!! :cool1:


If she got her first academic choice the whoo hoo. I hope she can play soccer and I hope all the other items like aid etc. fall into place.

I am sure this is a great decision and now all the "spring stress" is also gone.
 
I think that was really smart of Kendall to go with the academic choice first. Ultimately, that's what really matters...what if she loses interest in soccer? This way she can't lose!

DD is a freshman here at Loyola, and my DS is taking his first ACT in just over a week, so I know the process well. Ugghhhh.

Declaring a major sounds a bit of a pain, but nowadays it's the way to go...DD pretty much knows her path and has started classes in her major already.

What a relief to you, I'm sure, that this part is over (for a few years at least!) :goodvibes
 














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