September/October 2013 check in

[Kristin5]

Originally Posted by sarefromoz

It really is a small world. Too funny that it's even the same accomodation. We deliberated for ages about where to stay, we were going to say at the Doubletree Suites, but a friend from work said that she'd stayed at hojos and said that it was a great place for families and so close to disneyland, so that sealed the deal...oh and the fact that once the kids saw pictures of the water park, they didn't want to stay anywhere else.

All is good with us...kids are growing way too fast. E is just about to head into Grade 3 and L into Grade 1. Hope that all is well for you guys too.

We have a room in downtown vancouver for our 4 days at the start of the trip, but then we're catching the Rocky Mountaineer to Whistler, where we're staying for 3 days before catching the ferry to vancouver island for 3 days...we only want someone close to the airport for convenience, but if worst comes to worst, we could always stay downtown again.

You will have seen that I have edited my post with some hotel links that might be helpful (or you could stay with my cousin who lives there! Lol)

Last time we stayed at the Fairfield Inn, which was great, but I had heard rave reviews about the pool at Hojos (where we were going to stay last time, but our neighbours ended up going and stayed at FFI, so we decided to stay there too), plus my friend who is coming this time would prefer a proper hotel (FFI has more of a motel feel). The location is superb, not having to wait for shuttles is a huge bonus! I haven't shown R the pool yet- didn't want him to get his hopes up if we weren't able to get a reservation there!

I think you are going to be in Vegas a bit before us? We get there on the 15th, then go to Anaheim on the 20th.

R is going well. He did prep last year (against advice from kinder) but did amazingly well. We had intended to repeat him in prep, but his teacher told us pretty early on that it wouldn't be necessary. It has been a really good year actually, and he adores school. Does L like it too? Must make it easier with E already there. And are you there too?

Will you be back home in time for the GF? We will miss it- a shame, *** I think it'll be our year this year! I watched us lose in 2011 at ESPN Zone - but it didn't really happen *** I wasn't here for it!

This is just so funny, what a coincidence. I am back on facebook, so maybe we can catch up there (I don't want to bore everyone here! )

[Kristin5]

Originally Posted by sarefromoz

Thanks for that. Funny I had a look at the Holiday Inn express place earlier and they came up with the standard you preferences exceed the room occupancy allowed. . I hope dh has more luck when he skypes a few that I have short listed for him

I wonder why I had so much trouble? I didn't check expedia (usually do) but I did use trip advisor.

I'm with you on the trouble sleeping...my body clock has totally shifted since school holidays started, I better get myself back into some routine before I have to go back to work at the end of Jan.

ETA... I just went to the website of one of the hotels listed (executive airport plaza) and it doesn't allow you to select 3 children as an option even though expedia showed it as an option. This will do my head in. Canada seems to be a lot more difficult to organise for a family of 5 than the US...thank goodness most of our trip will be spent in the US.

That one works for me (a 2 bedroom suite)? But maybe I have the wrong date keyed in, and it is unavailable on your actual date?

I have gone back to work (on Monday), but as I have every second day off, it is hard for me to get into a routine. And now that I have all this planning to do, it keeps my head constantly spinning/thinking!

[sarefromoz]

Originally Posted by Kristin5

Last time we stayed at the Fairfield Inn, which was great, but I had heard rave reviews about the pool at Hojos (where we were going to stay last time, but our neighbours ended up going and stayed at FFI, so we decided to stay there too), plus my friend who is coming this time would prefer a proper hotel (FFI has more of a motel feel). The location is superb, not having to wait for shuttles is a huge bonus! I haven't shown R the pool yet- didn't want him to get his hopes up if we weren't able to get a reservation there!

I think you are going to be in Vegas a bit before us? We get there on the 15th, then go to Anaheim on the 20th.

R is going well. He did prep last year (against advice from kinder) but did amazingly well. We had intended to repeat him in prep, but his teacher told us pretty early on that it wouldn't be necessary. It has been a really good year actually, and he adores school. Does L like it too? Must make it easier with E already there. And are you there too?

Will you be back home in time for the GF? We will miss it- a shame, *** I think it'll be our year this year! I watched us lose in 2011 at ESPN Zone - but it didn't really happen *** I wasn't here for it!

This is just so funny, what a coincidence. I am back on facebook, so maybe we can catch up there (I don't want to bore everyone here! )

I have a feeling that all will be ok with the accent inn when dh skypes them in the morning. It's just a pain when you go through a 3rd party site, like expedia, and all looks ok, only to go to the hotel site and find out it's a no go. The accent inn would be perfect because it's a cheap one, which we really wanted because we are planning on catching the later ferry back to vancouver so will only be sleeping there. It got quite good reviews on trip advisor too.

We will miss the GF too, unless there's a repeat of 2010 (and I really wouldn't mind that ). We'll miss all the finals and the last round I have already told dh that I will need to somehow find a way to watch my footy. Oh and I am with you, I think that this will be our year. Can't wait for Bux to hold the premiership cup aloft.

[Kristin5]

Originally Posted by sarefromoz

I have a feeling that all will be ok with the accent inn when dh skypes them in the morning. It's just a pain when you go through a 3rd party site, like expedia, and all looks ok, only to go to the hotel site and find out it's a no go. The accent inn would be perfect because it's a cheap one, which we really wanted because we are planning on catching the later ferry back to vancouver so will only be sleeping there. It got quite good reviews on trip advisor too.

We will miss the GF too, unless there's a repeat of 2010 (and I really wouldn't mind that ). We'll miss all the finals and the last round I have already told dh that I will need to somehow find a way to watch my footy. Oh and I am with you, I think that this will be our year. Can't wait for Bux to hold the premiership cup aloft.

The Accent Inn offers 2 queen beds plus rollaway (so it says in the description) for a very reasonable price. You're right, you don't want to pay heaps if you are really only going to be there for a few hours to sleep and then leave again.

You won't have any trouble watching the footy (not sure why my post above was asterisked -I was using the slang for 'because'!); it is on ESPN, which is shown in hotel rooms, and at the worst you can watch it in the casinos in Vegas and at ESPN Zone in Anaheim. That's where I'll be if we make it. I watched it by myself last time, though made one friend there. Everyone else was going for Geelong!

Ok, I really am going to try and get some sleep now, otherwise the passport photo won't be getting done tomorrow after all (I don't want to look like a hag! )

[5ofus]

Originally Posted by sarefromoz

Oh and I am with you, I think that this will be our year. Can't wait for Bux to hold the premiership cup aloft.

*ahem* hate to be the bearer of bad news, but my boys are going back to back this year Unfortunately after this trip, I won't be able to afford the trip down to see it. At least I was there for the last two!

[sarefromoz]

Originally Posted by 5ofus

*ahem* hate to be the bearer of bad news, but my boys are going back to back this year Unfortunately after this trip, I won't be able to afford the trip down to see it. At least I was there for the last two!

You can't discount the swans, but I have a feeling, just like I did in 2010 it will be a black and white year

Well dh skypes the accent inn and we are all booked in Canada now. $113 for the night, so can't complain...love it when things come in under budget, it just means more spending money for me when we finally get there. Now we just have to book our San Diego accommodation. Anyone know of somewhere reasonable to stay?

Have a great day everyone, we're off to go and do school supply shopping today.

[alicia1506]

ok so i was trawling through this thread and i am sure some people have changed their plans, or changed dates etc so i just wanted to clarify... if things have changed and you would like them updated, just pm me and i will update the list on the main page.

if your plans are still up in the air and you haven't finalised and are happy for the current listing below to stay as is, just pm me when you have finalised and i will make sure i update it for you

nothing worse than seeing out of date/incorrect information

so... the list is currently:

Alicia1506 - Me, DP Carlo, Carlo's DBro and My DSis - s.20 - s.27 dlr, s.28 - o.5 dcl western, o.5 - o.8 ioa with one day at wdw for mk & mnsshp
Caroline NZ - Me, DH, DS(11), DD(9) 20Sep-21Oct California & surrounds
AustralianKaren - 8-13 BWV, 13-15 AKL, 15-22 FoS cruise, 22-29 FoS cruise
Lampardcl - September 17th 2013, check in at PORFQ for 14 nights
Cola - tentative trip to DLR in Oct 2013
Mrsreyrey - october trip for honeymoon
PrincessInOz - oct 2 - 8 wdw ... So far
KiwiMouseGirl (19) and friend Alicia (19) - dates unknown
Snickals - Oct 22 - Dec 18 - halloween + thanksgiving + christmas
TapDancer - 22 September LA, 23 September New York, 28 September POR, 8 October fly to Sydney then Home
MumfromOz - 28th October - 30 November - 10 days in WDW including MNSSHP, 9th November Western Caribbean Fantasy Cruise, Anaheim for a week to do Disneyland and more specificity Carsland!!
5ofus - September, weeks 2 & 3 - vegas and a week (+) at disneyland
Jade+3 - 15 Sep Freedom of the Seas cruise, 22 Sep POR 11 nights
Mareeld86 - 31st August until 10 October, wdw + 2 x cruises
jessiegirl84 - wedding 3 October, plus 1 week prior & 1 week after
WickedDreamer - oct/nov 2013 - halloween + christmas
Paula Sedley-Burke - SSR September 19th - September 29th, then Sept 29th - 3rd October Disney Dream 4 night Bahamas cruise! (our first UK member on this thread - welcome )
Wanderlust NZ - 18th Sep: 3 nights at a Universal Orlando hotel, 21st Sep: 7 night Fantasy cruise, 28th Sep - 9th Oct: WDW and a few other Orlando attractions.
Jade+3 - 9 sept - 8 oct, wdw + FoS cruise
Minniemum - 14/9-28/9 at POFQ with Free Dining
Sims11 - Simone, DD6 + mum - 6 weeks East coast trip - September/October 2013 - WDW + 7 night DCL Caribbean cruise + New York, Washington DC, and Niagara Falls and either L A. or Hawaii
Kristin 5 - kristen, dh and ds 6 turning 7 - sept 20 - oct 4 - dlr + denver + vegas
sarefromoz - sare & dh, dd8/9, dd6 and ds 4 - aug 28 - sept 30th - vancouver, vegas, dlr

[Kristin5]

Originally Posted by sarefromoz

You can't discount the swans, but I have a feeling, just like I did in 2010 it will be a black and white year

Well dh skypes the accent inn and we are all booked in Canada now. $113 for the night, so can't complain...love it when things come in under budget, it just means more spending money for me when we finally get there. Now we just have to book our San Diego accommodation. Anyone know of somewhere reasonable to stay?

Have a great day everyone, we're off to go and do school supply shopping today.

Have to agree with Sare - it's the Pies all the way in 2013!

Great to hear that you are booked in Vancouver. I don't think I've stayed in San Diego, so can't help you with that. What are you planning to see in San Diego? Might help others to offer nearby hotel suggestions?

Alicia, my confirmed dates are:
12 Sept Fly Mel - SFO
15 Sept Fly SFO - Vegas
20 Sept Drive Vegas to Disneyland
4 Oct Fly home

[alicia1506]

to those that have pm'd me before 6.30pm aest on 10.01.2013, i have updated your dates

kristin, i have also updated yours

[5ofus]

Originally Posted by Kristin5

Have to agree with Sare - it's the Pies all the way in 2013!

Great to hear that you are booked in Vancouver. I don't think I've stayed in San Diego, so can't help you with that. What are you planning to see in San Diego? Might help others to offer nearby hotel suggestions?

Alicia, my confirmed dates are:
12 Sept Fly Mel - SFO
15 Sept Fly SFO - Vegas
20 Sept Drive Vegas to Disneyland
4 Oct Fly home

Hey Kristin, we now overlap a day or two in Disneyland . Are you going to the parks either the 20th or 21st? You might see us around

[Kristin5]

Originally Posted by 5ofus

Hey Kristin, we now overlap a day or two in Disneyland . Are you going to the parks either the 20th or 21st? You might see us around

Great! I thought you were leaving before we got there, for some reason? Have you changed your dates? (But maybe I am just confusing it with your Vegas dates, *** I know we just miss you there. A shame, because i think my DS would love to play with your 3 boys, not that there's much time for that anyway, I suppose!)

We arrive on the 20th, so will be going to the parks on the 21st (DS wants to go to Carsland first, but our friends will want to go to DL. I think it's going to be a nightmare of a first day, being a Saturday! I much prefer to go Mon-Thurs). You're staying at Hojos too, aren't you? We can have an Aussie convention over there! (Last time we went, we were laughing that everyone we met in DL was an Aussie - it was hard to find an American!)

[WanderlustNZ]

Originally Posted by alicia1506

to those that have pm'd me before 6.30pm aest on 10.01.2013, i have updated your dates

kristin, i have also updated yours

Thanks Alicia.

Will be a shame to miss out on a Dismeet on the cruise, but I fully understand why you changed. You need to pick the itinerary which interests you the most. Culturally, a Western one would be really interesting. I'll have to keep a Western cruise on the cards if I'm ever back in the area one day.

This WDW trip was only ever intended to be a once in a lifetime trip. But the more I read, and the more excited I get, the more I 'worry' that I'm going to get home and not be happy until I've booked to return.

[WanderlustNZ]

On a side note. It looks like this Fastpass + will be around by the time us Sep/Oct travelers arrive at WDW.
The rumor at the moment is that you can pick 3 per day, and all 3 need to be in the same park. It sounds like they'll include reserved firework and parade viewing spots.

So my question. For each park, what will be your top three choices?

I was thinking about it yesterday, and I was a bit stuck on some

AK - Kilamanjaro Safari, Lion King Show, Parade
HS - TSM, Parade, ?
Epcot - Soarin, Test Track, ?
MK - Splash Mountain, ?, ? Too many to pick from.

[Lewdannie]

Originally Posted by sarefromoz

: Now we just have to book our San Diego accommodation. Anyone know of somewhere reasonable to stay?
.

We stayed in this VRBO.com House in North Park which was centrally located and really well set up. Best of all it gave us a chance to chill out, cook our own food etc after the hustle and bustle of Disneyland.

http://www.vrbo.com/305926


It was a fantastic experience

[5ofus]

Originally Posted by Kristin5

Great! I thought you were leaving before we got there, for some reason? Have you changed your dates? (But maybe I am just confusing it with your Vegas dates, *** I know we just miss you there. A shame, because i think my DS would love to play with your 3 boys, not that there's much time for that anyway, I suppose!)

We arrive on the 20th, so will be going to the parks on the 21st (DS wants to go to Carsland first, but our friends will want to go to DL. I think it's going to be a nightmare of a first day, being a Saturday! I much prefer to go Mon-Thurs). You're staying at Hojos too, aren't you? We can have an Aussie convention over there! (Last time we went, we were laughing that everyone we met in DL was an Aussie - it was hard to find an American!)

We are staying an extra day, so yes, we did change our dates We are staying at HoJos so we might see you around. My two youngest boys are blonde, the 2yo being white-blonde, but with all the Aussies, we might not stick out at all!

I don't know if we'll go to the parks much on the Saturday. Maybe a few last minute shopping items or must-ride-agains. We'll play it by ear