A WDW/DCL Sammich with a Side of Mom PTR! About This Page:

[Lorelei528]

Ok, so I know you all must think I’m crazy! Not for planning this early (actually the planning started awhile ago!) but for starting my PTR so early…especially when I have 2 TRs that I’m already working on and haven’t finished yet!
The thing is, I am going to need more help from my fellow PPers on this trip than I have since like my ’03 trip I think…I guess it’s because of the cruise and the fact that it’s our first “real” DVC stay (the last one was only a brief 3-nighter) there might be some big lulls or gaps in the planning stages as I might not have anything happening for spaces of time, but I really need to keep everything all in one place, so I thought the best place to do that would be in a PTR!
WHO: Lori (me-42. This will be my 9th trip!), DH (32-this is DH’s 4th trip), my mom (84-this is at least her 6th trip, but mom has been to EPCOT more than that),
Tentatively, 2 more peeps for the last 5 days of the trip, but not confirmed yet.

WHERE: WDW and DCL (our first cruise EVER!)
WHEN: Sept. 25-Oct. 8, 2010


Ok, so rather than do a “WHY” or a “WHAT”, I figure I’d just get right down to it!

This trip came about because when we bought into DVC on our Disneymoon, the incentive we chose/got was a free 3 night cruise…
We had to take the cruise before the end of 2010. I asked DH if we could go for my birthday and he agreed so we decided on the cruise that leaves Sept.30 and returns on Oct. 3rd. I knew we would most likely go to WDW for a few nights either before or after the cruise, but hadn’t decided until one day at our place when my mom was over…(now it's time for the Scooby Doo, wavy screen and sound effects) LOL

I wanted my mom to see the books on DVC so she could see how beautiful the properties were and where we could go around the world. I especially just wanted to share my excitement with her I guess (kind of like a kid looking for her parents approval maybe, I don’t know). Anyway, as my mom is flipping through the book and seeing the pics and layouts of BLT and then when she comes to WL exterior and lobby I think it was, she says something like “Ohhh…look at that!” And I tell her it’s Wilderness Lodge and as I start to say “Yeah, that’s where Artist Point is” my voice trails off because I realize then that my mom has never been to Artist Point! And while I’m thinking this somewhat sad thought, she says with a giggle “…oh, maybe I’ll go with you before I can’t go anymore!” (My mom is currently 84). And although it scares me to think about how old she is and to be honest, I don’t like to think about it at all, on the other hand, it is kind of a realistic thought…
Anyway, the funny thing was I had already said to DH that I wish we could take my mom back to WDW to stay with us on DVC points.
So, maybe like some of you, that was all I needed to hear and immediately start figuring out how to do this. I decided to go back to my mom and bounce it off her “for real”. And even though she thought it was my idea (she’s 84, she is not remembering all so well anymore), she seemed up for it.
This part of the trip (the “mom leg”) will be more about the restaurants we’re eating in and taking mom on Soarin’ and taking things VERY slowly. I’m thinking the breakfasts will probably be on the later side, we won’t be rushing around the parks, we’ll probably head back to the resort to rest in the afternoons, and we (well, at least my mom) won’t be out until park close every night. (I have a feeling though, my mom might have more energy than expected as this has happened just this past year once at the zoo and then of course at WDW.) So, who knows? Maybe she’ll want to do EMH at MK…(Especially if there’s a nap that day!). Who knows? We might even take her to MNSSHP!
But really this trip is all about spending some quality time with my mom because really (although a somewhat morbid thought I guess), I have realized I need to really be thankful for the time we have left to spend together etc..

Ok, sorry...let's change the subject!

Ok, so after we decided on taking my mom, we knew we’d have to go to WDW first with her. She said she is ok about flying back by herself and knock on wood, everything will be fine next year and will go smoothly and she’ll still be able to. (I am thinking positively)
I don’t know how I decided on 5 nights, oh wait! LOL..yes I do! One of the main reasons for bringing my mom was so she could have many nice dinners that she hasn’t experienced yet at WDW. So, I figured out there were 5 restaurants I wanted to take her to for dinner. Artist Point, BOMA (she has been to Jiko), 1900 Park Fare (because I know she would love it and she has not eaten there or at any GF restaurant. I don’t even think she’s been IN GF! ), Yachtsman Steakhouse and Narcoossee’s. This may change slightly, but I figured 5 nights would be good. That meant we would arrive on Saturday Sept. 25. Perfect.
Ok, so then I knew I would want to go back to WDW with DH after the cruise just the two of us, as there were going to be plenty of things we couldn’t do during the “mom leg”. My niece is getting married on the 10th, so I wanted to be home before that so we could rest up. (Resting up after vacation! Always makes me laugh!) Also, I had found out that my best friend from college (and roommate for 2 years-I was her MOH at her wedding many years ago) will be there during this time. And if we don’t go with my mom to MNSSHP, we simply HAVE to go during this second leg. Taking all that into consideration, we decided on 5 more nights! Hence, the official dates of the trip: Sept. 25-Oct. 8!
When it came time to decide what type of room, it was pretty easy. We would book BLT at our 11 month mark. We would hopefully get a Lake View as I was not entirely happy with the MK view considering the points you had to use. And since we were bringing my mom, I knew she’d enjoy the Bay Lake View. We also decided we would get a 2 BR villa. We could have gotten a 1BR to save points, but it would be not so convenient if my mom was sleeping in the LR…besides I want that bathtub thing with the sliding door, so we must have the BR! LOL. When I mentioned the 2 BR to my mom that’s what she said we should get because she didn’t want DH to feel awkward…(I don’t think he would, but it was a moot point).
So, a 2 BR it is! Whoo hoo! Ok, so then I had this thought…

I REALLY want my mom to experience staying at AKL. She has been there now twice to eat at Jiko but has never stayed there or seen the view from a Savannah View room. My mom is an animal lover like me and I KNOW she would think it was sooo cool. That means the plan would be to do a split stay. (Because I really want my mom to experience BLT and besides we stayed in CR on our very first trip as a family back in ’77 and I think she’ll remember it and it will make her sentimental etc.) We are hoping to stay in AKV for the first 3 nights and BLT for the last 2.
As a runner up idea, I thought if we can’t get AKV, we could try for BWV or BCV just so she can experience a different resort. (Although she stayed at BWI for the wedding). But I’m REALLY HOPING for AKV!!! A 2 BR Savannah View. We want Jambo House and this is something I really, really want for me and my mom.

Now, depending on where we get the split stay, it would depend on where we stay the second leg. I figure again I’d book BLT at our 11 month mark. Then if we can get AKV, maybe try for BWV or BCV for the second leg. If we don’t get AKV, (but that’s not going to happen, right? ) then we’d try to stay there on the second leg because it really is our all-time fave resort. (It’s just very “us”. And yes, we should have bought into AKV and not BLT, but please don’t remind me…(but I do love owning at BLT).
Or if not, then maybe BWV or BCV, it all depends. We might just stick with BLT on the second leg…it’s all very up in the air right now…consequently I’m VERY confused.
We might be getting a 2 BR for the second leg, because I have offered to a friend a share of the 2 BR. Not to vacation together, but just to offer a great deal on accommodations to a couple that are “Disney freaks” as well. J This is not confirmed yet however and I might just book the 2 BR and then if they decide not to come, I’ll cancel in plenty of time and just get DH and I a studio anywhere.

So, a few things have happened already. I booked the “mom leg” of the trip and got the 2BR LV at BLT no problem and I will be calling on Tuesday to book the BLT for the second leg.
I have picked out some breakfast places to bring my mom as well. Akershus (she’s never been), BOMA (again, she’s never been), Crystal Palace (because it’s a tradition) and either Cape May Café or Chef Mickey’s. She hasn’t been to either and the Chef Mickey’s would be convenient for one of the mornings we’re staying at BLT and I figure we could do Cape May Café if we stay at BWV or BCV…
We will also take her to Kona Café for lunch one day. We both love this restaurant and mom has never been there. She hasn’t been in the Poly since like ’97 when we went to the Luau and I know she’ll remember the resort as it was there on our first trip…

I am playing with the idea of taking her on the Wanyama Safari at AKL instead of going to Narcoosee’s. I know she would like it. We did this on a past trip and really enjoyed it! I would have loved to get a Club level room, but I don’t think we can do it point-wise, so we might just have to pay extra if we decide to do it.

I will have many, many questions and concerns about DCL I know, so I’m hoping you guys can help me out. I have bought the 2009 PP though and it’s great!

But I think that’s it for now! I just wanted to introduce this trip so when I start to have updates and or questions, I have this going already.

OH! And we’ll be up to meeting any PPers who will be either at WDW or on the cruise at the time!

Thanks for reading! Updates to come!

[Lorelei528]

ooh!! Also, the other thing I'm working on now is maybe doing TIW instead of DDP....I'm really not sure.

I have to do the maths! I basically know what restaurants we're eating in on the 1st leg (mom) but not on what days so I need to know that I think in order to figure out what the best deal for us is..

Any opinions on the TIW (both pro and con) are welcomed!

Thanks!

[lazanya]

Great start Lori! How awesome that it will be your first Cruise!

[Colexis Mom]

Great start Lori!

[B.M.]

Great plans!
Hope the cruise is great as well as the time with your mom!
I don't have any experience with the TIW card, and you will probably need to do the math to know for sure; but off hand it sounds like with that many meals; the DDP could be your better bet! Hopefully someone with more experience will give some input.....

[chezp]

Great start!

[disneydreamer33]

Great start. Hope everything works out for you guys. What a great trip it will be with your mom.
I can't wait to do a Disney cruise. I just got an email today with a sneak peak at the Disney Dream. I think I may have to try for that one in 2011. It has a full water coaster. It looks so cool.
Happy planning!

[Lorelei528]

Originally Posted by lazanya

Great start Lori! How awesome that it will be your first Cruise!

We're sooo excited!! It seems VERY overwhelming though!! I'm kind of a little intimidated or something!

Originally Posted by Colexis Mom

Great start Lori!

Thanks!

Originally Posted by B.M.

Great plans!
Hope the cruise is great as well as the time with your mom!
I don't have any experience with the TIW card, and you will probably need to do the math to know for sure; but off hand it sounds like with that many meals; the DDP could be your better bet! Hopefully someone with more experience will give some input.....

Thanks! I still haven't decided and probably won't until I know what restaurants we'll be in on what days (which won't be until I call and modify the ressie)...eesh...it's sooo confusing!

Originally Posted by chezp

Great start!

Thanks Cheryl!

Originally Posted by disneydreamer33

Great start. Hope everything works out for you guys. What a great trip it will be with your mom.
I can't wait to do a Disney cruise. I just got an email today with a sneak peak at the Disney Dream. I think I may have to try for that one in 2011. It has a full water coaster. It looks so cool.
Happy planning!

Thanks Liz! I keep thinking about how it'll be so different to be taking everything so much slower but I think it'll be nice for a change, maybe really taken in some overlooked attractions etc...
I know! I saw the video of the coaster on Facebook from MagicalKingdoms Guide!!! I actually just finally watched it this morning and I have to show it to Eoghan tonight! One day, we'll definitely be taking the "Dream"!

[Lorelei528]

One small update for now...

I got the ok from our friends, so I'm going to go ahead and book a 2 BR for the 2nd leg of the trip.
If I'm figuring it correctly, as long as I change it by like Sept. 1ish, our points won't go into "lockdown" as I like to call it...

Does anyone know if that sounds right? The arrival date of the 2nd leg is Oct. 3.....

That's it for now, sorry so boring for right now! I'll update again soon as soon as I have something else to say!

[chezp]

Sounds about right to me. The only thing I would say is to be careful if you're borrowing points from your following use year, as that's a final transaction and they'll be stuck into that use year. Also, if you're close to the end of your use year, if you cancel and then want to bank your points, that could be an issue...

[Lorelei528]

Originally Posted by chezp

Sounds about right to me. The only thing I would say is to be careful if you're borrowing points from your following use year, as that's a final transaction and they'll be stuck into that use year. Also, if you're close to the end of your use year, if you cancel and then want to bank your points, that could be an issue...

Cheryl-
Thanks! You are totally right! And when I called to book it they explained this to me...I think we'll be ok as we have another trip planned for Jan. '11 to walk the half-marathon, so at least that falls within our same use year I think so we can use any points left for that trip (which is good actually because we can't borrow from 2012 for that trip)...

I think for now we're set anyway, until Feb. 25th when I call to modify the mom leg...

And I'm still totally overwhelmed with the whole DCL thing....(but not necessarily in a bad way!) I will have LOADS of questions in the future I know for sure! (Actually I have them now, but need to get the Ireland trip out of the way and the holidays and then I can start concentrating on this trip more)...

Thanks everyone again for reading and giving me your support and advice etc!

Much love to all-

[chezp]

Originally Posted by Lorelei528

Cheryl-
Thanks! You are totally right! And when I called to book it they explained this to me...I think we'll be ok as we have another trip planned for Jan. '11 to walk the half-marathon, so at least that falls within our same use year I think so we can use any points left for that trip (which is good actually because we can't borrow from 2012 for that trip)...

I think for now we're set anyway, until Feb. 25th when I call to modify the mom leg...

And I'm still totally overwhelmed with the whole DCL thing....(but not necessarily in a bad way!) I will have LOADS of questions in the future I know for sure! (Actually I have them now, but need to get the Ireland trip out of the way and the holidays and then I can start concentrating on this trip more)...

Thanks everyone again for reading and giving me your support and advice etc!

Much love to all-

Probably best to get the Ireland trip out of the way first, then ask away! I can't wait to hear all about the Ireland trip.

[Bert & Sully]

Wow you've got some trip planned here. Can't wait to hear more.

[OhToodles!]

Wow! What a trip this will be! I'm so jealous of being there for so long plus a Disney cruise in the middle!!!

[Cam22]

Great start, Lori!

As to TIW, we have purchased it for the past few years as it provides the most money saving for us. We do not eat large meals and Stefanie would be charged as an adult though she's the size of 5 year old and eats like one, too. I've never figured up how much it saves us for an entire trip, but Luke who does our budget says it makes a big difference.