Resort Changers--The Saga Continues.....

[hstrickland]

Is this the first time you are running the half marathon??

The first time at Disney and the first Half for that matter...we'll see how it goes I'm looking forward to it. Probably won't take the 4 and 5 year old. We won't be doing the parks, and not sure they will be able to get up so early and won't like standing around watching. DS10 wants to go....wants to do the kids run or family run at EP.


The year we were staying at POP Century and I was lucky enough to get upgraded to OKW, my DD said, "Mom I really want to stay at POP, not this OKW place". I told her there was no way I was turning down an upgrade (to a 1 bedroom) for the POP (no matter how much I love POP). And, when we checked in and got to the room, we discovered we got a 2 BEDROOM!! Amazing pixie dust!!

Holy cow!!! Upgraded to a completey different resort??!! That was nice!! Why did they do that...was something up at Pop? Well...whatever the reason, that's awesome. We don't seem to have that kind of luck.

Kaffinito: I'm staying in a studio at Kidani. I'm waitlisted for the last night, but do have a studio at Jambo. My dates are 8/16 to 8/22 (flying out in the evening).

AKL is still on my to-do list! Anxious to see if you like Kidani over Jambo

Heather

 

[hstrickland]

Heather,
I just love your photos and the special framing touches you do!
Janet

Thanks, Janet!

 

[WDWKOOK]

Thanks!!! It's DS 6 and I at GF Club Level Outer Lodge (SL) Sept 24-29 with DDP.

My original package included one day base tickets and was $2458.35. Now that they changed it and removed the tickets it's $2435.35. That's only a $23 difference. This is driving my OCD INSANE! I had the adding machine tape flying at work last night as I punched away feverishly trying to figure out the discrepancy.

I checked your dates, but they only have a lagoon view outer bldg. room available. When I try to add the dining, it says "dining added," but doesn't show it as "included" and the price is still $2,132.98.

Sat, Sep 24
$ 500.00

Sun, Sep 25
$ 349.00

Mon, Sep 26
$ 349.00

Tue, Sep 27
$ 349.00

Wed, Sep 28
$ 349.00


So I put in the week prior and SL shows-up. The total w/o the DDP is $2,143.15. You can just add $460 to the total for the DDP for two for five days. The total then should be $2,603.15

Sat, Sep 10
$ 389.00

Sun, Sep 11
$ 379.00

Mon, Sep 12
$ 379.00

Tue, Sep 13
$ 379.00

Wed, Sep 14
$ 379.00

 

[Janet B]

Dani: Having problems with the website. I've been "chatting" with a Disney rep. and they've told me there are having "technical" issues. So, with a room only discount:

GF room: $2,133.

Sept 24th: $500
Sept 25-29: $349 per night

$1896 plus taxes of $233 = $2133.

Add DDP 5 nights: $289.90 ($57.98 per day)
So total of: $2422.90

So, don't get it either. Are you sure everything else was equal except for the one day base tix??

NOTE: Oh, I just saw WDWKOOK comments ... I guess I thought I was pricing Club level??

 

[disneydreamin247]

Well, I'm even more confused now! I give up Disney pricing gods. You win again!

 

[Janet B]

Heather: Good for you for taking on the half marathon. I've been meaning to start getting in shape myself. Maybe some day I will try it!

The upgrade ... that year several others were upgraded to either SSR or OKW. It was speculated that there was a technical problem and they overbooked POP (although I know other people staying at the All Stars also got an offer.) It was my best deal ever, $82 a night with FD!!!

AKV: Yes, I will certainly give you my thoughts!! Kidani was only available (really I was lucky anything was as i only booked 2 weeks ago). So, to me it's a win-win, get to experience both if the waitlist does not clear.

 

[hstrickland]

Heather: Good for you for taking on the half marathon. I've been meaning to start getting in shape myself. Maybe some day I will try it!

The upgrade ... that year several others were upgraded to either SSR or OKW. It was speculated that there was a technical problem and they overbooked POP (although I know other people staying at the All Stars also got an offer.) It was my best deal ever, $82 a night with FD!!!

AKV: Yes, I will certainly give you my thoughts!! Kidani was only available (really I was lucky anything was as i only booked 2 weeks ago). So, to me it's a win-win, get to experience both if the waitlist does not clear.

Good grief!!! $82 w/ FD!! That's unheard of at WDW. Did your kids end up liking the resort? DH has wondered about staying there because of the room size, but it seems so far from everything.

 

[hstrickland]

Well, I'm even more confused now! I give up Disney pricing gods. You win again!

I'll be curious to see what you find out...and next time I need some pricing info....I'm calling Kook and Janet B!!!

 

[CR Resort Fan 4 Life]

I'm glad you can get some good info now.

I agree about RPC. It is hugely expensive, but IMO worth it. Funny to say, but even with the prices on a discount, it's a good value for the money.

Last night I realized the room discount I was looking at was only for 25% where as we got it for 35%, because the rate per night at the Beach Club was more expensive compared to what we reserved it for on our confirmation. So basically had we changed our minds we wouldn't be getting as good as deal, even though the dates were still the same when the discount was being offered.

 

[letthewookiewin]

Dani: Having problems with the website. I've been "chatting" with a Disney rep. and they've told me there are having "technical" issues. So, with a room only discount:

Well, I'm even more confused now! I give up Disney pricing gods. You win again!

I'm convinced that Animal from the Muppets does the IT for the Disney website. I'm almost alway surprise when it works.

 

[Janet B]

Well, I'm even more confused now! I give up Disney pricing gods. You win again!

Good grief!!! $82 w/ FD!! That's unheard of at WDW. Did your kids end up liking the resort? DH has wondered about staying there because of the room size, but it seems so far from everything.

AND, it was when the DP included appetizers and tip! Yes, we liked OKW, pool was great. It did feel kind of life condo living, and you didn't really see people, like you do when staying at the values, where the food court is so central to the resports. I like to people watch But, it was so nice to have the kitchen, washer/dryer and we liked the boat to DTD. But I will say I had a car, so it was super easy. The times we did take the bus, we didn't have any issues with the busins.

I'm convinced that Animal from the Muppets does the IT for the Disney website. I'm almost alway surprise when it works.

 

[hstrickland]

:

AND, it was when the DP included appetizers and tip! Yes, we liked OKW, pool was great. It did feel kind of life condo living, and you didn't really see people, like you do when staying at the values, where the food court is so central to the resports. I like to people watch But, it was so nice to have the kitchen, washer/dryer and we liked the boat to DTD. But I will say I had a car, so it was super easy. The times we did take the bus, we didn't have any issues with the busins.

Thanks! We have friends that have friends (does that make sense??) who own a DVC there....and they love it because of the space. Just didn't know if it felt like "Disney"...do ya know what I mean? We always drive (we live 4 1/2 hours away) so if the buses were bad that wouldn't be a huge problem. The older my kids get, the more crowded 1 room becomes...guess we're going to have to start trying the villas.

Thanks again!
Heather

 

[MAGIC...itis!]

Hi all. We went to the Space Shuttle launch this morning. It was humbling and amazing as always. Good bye to a great friend.

Glad you made the change from CBR to POR - but I would have maybe tried to keep the YC CL... Maybe....

I wish. But it is for the greater good. By switching to POR this year, DN and her DH's 14-day stay will provide big savings that they are giving to a family member in great need. Back to Deluxe August 2012, though...and I am already predicting a refreshed Poly stay...stay tuned!
.

I will do one on the next trip with the kids. I've already decided that we're staying at AsSpo for that one, so it should be interesting to see how my spoiled oldest son likes "roughing it" at a value.

kaffinito: Thanks for the recommendation on AsSpo. We're taking DB there. Would you recommend FOOTBALL or BASEBALL? They look cutest to us.

We love WL ... we always take time to visit (we like Roaring Folks). The CMs are so nice.

We always get over to visit WL, too. Love it there.
.

Great! I hope you can score one of POR the refurbed rooms

janet: We are in Alligator Bayou Preferred as we love this location best. So we are not getting a refurb this trip nor any winter trips. AB 14, 15, 18 & 27 aren't scheduled for refurb until next May.

Heather: This will be our 8th (maybe more ) trip to POR. It is like home away from home for us. We ever rode up the "river" 2 week ago just to visit POR when we were at DTD. But, yes, we really enjoy it there. It is relaxing and calming after a hectic day... very pretty with all the huge oak trees and ducks and the river. We like the layout of the resort. Alligator Bayou is our favorite section of the resort. And the preferred rooms keep you close to all activity and food. Speaking of food, they actually have a darn good food court at POR. And I LOVE (really!) Piano Bob Jackson who entertains evenings Thurs-Sat. in the bar area. Fun family rocking-piano vaudeville type sing along. Bob sweeps you up in his world for a little while. As I mentioned, we usually stay here for weekend trips now, so I hope the Mod status doesn't make me snobby for Deluxe being a longer trip. I'll slap myself silly!
.

It was my best deal ever, $82 a night with FD!!!

Awesome deal Janet! Good for you.
.

Last night I realized the room discount I was looking at was only for 25% where as we got it for 35%, because the rate per night at the Beach Club was more expensive compared to what we reserved it for on our confirmation. So basically had we changed our minds we wouldn't be getting as good as deal, even though the dates were still the same when the discount was being offered.

So glad it worked out in your favor.
.

I'm convinced that Animal from the Muppets does the IT for the Disney website. I'm almost alway surprise when it works.

You are spot on there! Dis has the "best" IT department ever.


Happy weekend all!

 

[Massillon Dad]

"What does this mean?....What is the significance?....

 

[WDWKOOK]

Well once again we are both not staying at the Contemporary on our next trips to WDW.

Are you at least going to visit the Contemporary and ask them when the Atrium Club is going to re-open?

Yes, I will do some CR/CL recon

Actually, this will be my first time not staying at the CR in many years. Last year, DD and I stayed at the CR in both August and December. But you're correct in remembering that I didn't actually book the CR in August. I booked the YC/CL and switched after one night to the CR for 7 nights

Well I have a connection to "Lavender". Youngest DS picked ***Lavender for his email name.

I'm really starting to wonder about that boy!

And Congrats on the change! Changing is what it's all about!

I think that's cute and your DS is just fine. Thanks for the congrats. I'm so excited about the trip that I sometimes wake up in the middle of the night thinking about it. After spending 22 nights there last year, I'm even surprised at how I still love going to WDW. I know all of you understand. Someone at my gym asked where we were going this summer and for how long and when I told them, "WDW for 12 nights," they asked, "Oh, weren't you just there?" And I replied, "Not really, we haven't been since December!" BTW, does it bother you when people call it Disneyland? I corrected someone about that and they said they never knew that land was in CA

Congratulations! Impressive, solid change with only 17 days to go, RCer! Maybe it was just the change you needed to find that perfect balance.




I, too, have some RC news. Our change from CBR Pref to POR Pref is finalized. So we are back to our mod weekend home-away-from-home after all. It has been years since we've stayed at a Mod for anything longer than a weekend. But it will be just fine this time and we'll have a blast... especially since we know it is for a good cause. I suppose I can cancel my YC ressie once and for all now? With a nice 40% off BB and only $75.00 per night difference YC to POR, it is hard to do.

Yes, the perfect balance. I really like that assessment.

That would be tough to cancel the YC. It's just so convenient to DHS and Epcot and the room is bigger. But, congratulations on changing to POR. Dixie Landings was our first on-site resort back in '96 and the first resort for DD's first trip in '01. I love the landscaping and food court. I remember renting peddle boats back in '96 when all recreational equipment was included in your resort stay! We went for hours and had a blast.

Hmmmmm.....I wonder who this picture is directed at???

I am completely and totally shocked!!! For real!!!! No CR?? Are you going to have withdrawals? On a serious note, you did the right thing for your family. The WL is a beautiful resort. I didn't realize that WL CL would be around the same price as a Tower room....interesting. I'll have to compare prices for future trips. The only problem...we have a family of 5...I wonder if we could sneak Jesse in...maybe in a suitcase??....Okay, just kidding! I'll be anxious to hear your thoughts on CL! Make sure you take notes

Thank you for the picture! (Just don't post any CR ones)

, no I won't have withdrawals. DD and I stayed at the CR in August and December, so we can go one trip with just being a visitor - I think... No, we can! Now we'll have CL at the WL for the exact same price as the Tower BLV w/o CL (all the CLs are closed at the CR until the fall). I can handle that.

If you have any questions about WL/CL, fire away. I stayed there last Christmas and loved the lounge and lounge staff. Couldn't you guys book the Deluxe room? While it's not on the CL floor (which would mean you'd get TWO REGULAR balconies), you would have CL access, about 500 sq. ft. and a parlor with a pull-out sofa.

When will you finally know which resort you're booking?

Okay now I can really get to posting. I was pumping before and posting from my iPad so I was limited.

WDWKOOK I'm glad you found a way to make everyone happy. While I'm not a fan of WL I know most folks really enjoy it there. I know you'll have a magical vacation no matter what, but I hope it's extra special now.

Hello, Tag Fairy? Look up, I've got a doozy of a tag for you

I think it's perfect now and I'm so glad I can stop worrying about replacing the Poly. If worse gets to worse there, now we can just head over to the CR like we did in '07

Dani - I agree 100%. That's what I love about this thread. No swipes, sarcasm, etc.

Congrats!! We love WL ... we always take time to visit (we like Roaring Folks). The CMs are so nice. AND you get to keep the POLY.

Well, once or twice we may have been a bit sarcastic, but the mods clean-up the mess rather quickly.

YES! I get to keep the Poly! You understand perfectly how this change now seems perfect to me. Thanks for the dancing bananas

 

[hstrickland]

Ok KOOK....your Queen of the Multi-Quotes for sure!!!

After I posted this morning, I went to the Disney site and realized that there was a room for 5. I had no idea! So good to know since it's my DHs favorite resort. Not sure where we will be for the half marathon. My friend said that his discounts haven't been released yet for that time So...who knows? I'm guessing either POR or AKL...only because these 2 resorts are host resorts and my friends like both very much.

MAGIC....Thanks for your info on POR...looks like I'm going to have to try it. Sooooo many people say it's a great mod. I've actually booked mods in the past, then end up changing. It's so very silly, I know. DH really doesn't care where we stay...well kind of Do you know what they did to the rooms at POR? Queen beds, yet?

Glad y'all made it to the launch! Kinda sad, isn't it? I wish we could have seen it...DS10 would have really enjoyed the experience.

 

[hstrickland]

Happy Saturday morning to all RCs!!!

I was waiting to see if WDWKOOK or MAGIC had changed again, but it appears that all ressies are intact.

How many YC/BC fans do we have? I can't say whether we are or aren't...because we've never stayed there....just lurkers on the YC/BC property. EVERY trip we do venture over and eat at one of the restaurants, but my MK resorts call me back every time

Just curious...when do yall think October discounts will come out? Or will Disney even offer any at all? Looks like the most recent goes through Oct. 1. October use to be a slack month, but it has really picked up over the past few years. Guess people like us with Fall Breaks are going now.

Heather

 

[WDWKOOK]

Ok KOOK....your Queen of the Multi-Quotes for sure!!!

After I posted this morning, I went to the Disney site and realized that there was a room for 5. I had no idea! So good to know since it's my DHs favorite resort. Not sure where we will be for the half marathon. My friend said that his discounts haven't been released yet for that time So...who knows? I'm guessing either POR or AKL...only because these 2 resorts are host resorts and my friends like both very much.

I'm glad to hear that the WL is back in contention. But your kids might not like the fact that they're right next door to FTW, but they can't rent a golf cart. My DD still wants to stay at FTW pretty much just for the prospect of that golf cart

I'm getting in on the multi-quoting earlier today so that I don't end-up with the "too many images in your post" alert

Happy Saturday morning to all RCs!!!

I was waiting to see if WDWKOOK or MAGIC had changed again, but it appears that all ressies are intact.

How many YC/BC fans do we have? I can't say whether we are or aren't...because we've never stayed there....just lurkers on the YC/BC property. EVERY trip we do venture over and eat at one of the restaurants, but my MK resorts call me back every time

Just curious...when do yall think October discounts will come out? Or will Disney even offer any at all? Looks like the most recent goes through Oct. 1. October use to be a slack month, but it has really picked up over the past few years. Guess people like us with Fall Breaks are going now.

Heather

Happy weekend!

Nope, no changes since the last time I changed wayyyyy back two days ago.

I am most definitely not a BC fan, due mostly to the fact that I find the lobby and lounge (from what I've read) to be too chaotic and crowded when compared with the YC. The BC attracts more families than the YC so that's probably the main difference. The BC is also marginally closer to Epcot which I think also makes it more appealing to some. And, I think more people prefer the room style.

I will say that I find the BC Deluxe room very appealing. It's about the same price as a regular LV room, but it's not on the CL floor. There are only 6 of these rooms and I even booked one once, but the exterior construction that's on-going there worried me. Some complained about view obstructions and noise and workers near their balconies before 0800.

I will say that I liked the YC lounge and lounge staff and mousekeeping was wonderful and DD loved it there and would go back anytime. She wasn't a big fan of SAB though

Like you, I really struggle with the YC/BC. We go to Epcot nearly everyday of our trip and we love walking to/from our resort, but there is just a different feel "over there" that isn't as appealing to me and DH as the MK resorts. There's more concrete over there and SAB is in the front of the resort next to where people walk back and forth and I just don't fnd the atmosphere as spread-out and "beachy." And, I can't see the monorail or hear the train

 

[Minnie&Nana]

Saturday greetings, RCer's!

It has been way longer than I realized since I was here - too much to catch up (will do that later), so hope I didn't miss anything important or fun news!

WDWKOOK, wait a minute....what's going on with your ticker?? Where's CR??? Does this mean you're now at WL CL & Poly CL and no CR at all? No Bay Lake view? Traded that gorgeous view for an enclosed balcony? Wow, WL CL must fantastic!!!

I must be going through some weird phase of late middle age rotfl because I've pretty much lost a desire to travel ( I LOVE to travel), even to our beloved WDW. The major reason is the ever growing bedbug issue (sorry). I just cannot handle the stress of the possibility of bringing home those creepy hitchhiker's. Every WDW Resort has or has had bedbugs... in the hot Florida summer the critters increase in huge numbers. And Disney does not seem to do all that great of a job to rid the resorts - I know it is not an easy task, perhaps impossible, but instead of closing off rooms they use a heat treatment and reopen it within 24/48 hours. No getting rid of furniture (not even replacing mattresses now that it is a full blown infestation in the U.S.). I'm sorry to even bring up the issue, but it has gotten to me. Yesterday I was able to reconnect with a former resort manager who answered my questions very honestly.

Wish I could be like those who do not worry about such things! Kudos to you!

 

[Janet B]

spending 22 nights there last year, I'm even surprised at how I still love going to WDW. I know all of you understand. Someone at my gym asked where we were going this summer and for how long and when I told them, "WDW for 12 nights," they asked, "Oh, weren't you just there?" And I replied, "Not really, we haven't been since December!"

Yes, I get this too and I usually go once a year - your DIS friends perfectly understand.

If you have any questions about WL/CL, fire away. I stayed there last Christmas and loved the lounge and lounge staff. Couldn't you guys book the Deluxe room? While it's not on the CL floor (which would mean you'd get TWO REGULAR balconies), you would have CL access, about 500 sq. ft. and a parlor with a pull-out sofa.

By booking the Deluxe room you automatically get CL too? Interesting. I would like to be able to bring my niece and my grand niece and having the extra room would be nice.

Happy Saturday morning to all RCs!!!

I was waiting to see if WDWKOOK or MAGIC had changed again, but it appears that all ressies are intact.

How many YC/BC fans do we have? I can't say whether we are or aren't...because we've never stayed there....just lurkers on the YC/BC property. EVERY trip we do venture over and eat at one of the restaurants, but my MK resorts call me back every time

Just curious...when do yall think October discounts will come out? Or will Disney even offer any at all? Looks like the most recent goes through Oct. 1. October use to be a slack month, but it has really picked up over the past few years. Guess people like us with Fall Breaks are going now.

Heather

Beautiful picture again Heather! Did you use one of the effects in Photoshop?

Never stayed at BC or YC so can't say I'm a fan or not either. Maybe someday during the F&W festival. I too like feel of the MK resorts

October discounts ... maybe sometiime in mid-August. I think the FD deals came out at that time last year and then the room only / AP follow that. I would love to go in October sometime, most likely have to be a short trip (so DD doesn't miss much school). We would definitely do the MNSSHP. Oct is probably busier due to the discounts/deals, the Halloween party and F&W (and better weather).

POR Rooms: Does anyone know if the plans are to keep the Alligator Bayou sections with the trundle bed?? Since queen beds are slated for the refurb don't know if the trundles would fit. If not, then the 5 people option would be gone. That would be a shame for families. Guess I need to go the the POR Thread to find out.

WDWKOOK: So glad you have made your decision (well, for now, right? ). WL and the POLY are sooo beautiful AND you get CL at both!! I know you wouldn't get CR withdrawal, after all you can visit and still eat there, right??

I wish all my RC'ers a great day and weekend!! Sunshine here today after rain last night.