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PolyGirl40’s Pre-Trip Report -- The Trip That Almost Wasn’t
February 9th - February 18th
Cast of Characters
PolyGirl40 -- That would be Me (Carol) -- Disney Vacation Commander in Chief
Mr.40 -- Dear Husband (Tony) -- Advisor on Fiscal Affairs.
One of those; “I don’t care, it’s up to you, Honey” personalities. He tolerates my Disney obsession -- but, would rather be hunting, anywhere.
Jeremy -- #1 Son (15) Major Star Wars fan and the greatest teenager on Earth.
Shayne -- #2 Son (7) Happy go lucky sort. He’d gladly spend his entire WDW vacation at Innoventions.
I’ve been jotting down notes during my entire planning process. This is a diary of my adventure in Disney Planning 101.
Preface:
When we took our family trip to WDW in March 2001, we left not knowing when we would return. We are business owners and have many obligations. January and February are extremely busy months for trade shows and seminars in the Sporting Goods and Archery world. Plus, we did not want to vacation in March, with Easter being early in 2002. Many things were standing in our way. Time would be the biggest hurdle to overcome.
Well; Not only is this trip happening, we will be gone for ten days. My husband was able to squeeze time out of his hectic winter schedule. He spent last week in Tennessee and will have another conference in Pennsylvania upon our return. (Btw - He highly recommends the Opryland Resort for anyone considering a Tennessee vacation.) This meant we had a window of 12 days. Needless to say -- we are filling them with Disney. (insert silly Disney dance here.) [img]graemlins/clappy.gif[/img]
After receiving the -- *All clear* from Tony -- I immediately called WDW and booked our accommodations. We would be staying 8 nights at the Polynesian Resort. (No big surprise here, Right?) [img]graemlins/thumbsup.gif[/img] I made all of the necessary arrangements and let the excitement overtake me. I went from being so disappointed at not seeing the 100 Years of Magic Celebration -- to shear jubilance. We are going to Disney World! Yippee! Where to start? What to plan? [img]graemlins/doubleeek.gif[/img]
Side Notes - Early Stages:
We have always used a travel agent. I was on a mission to prove I could do this myself -- and save money. In years past, I did not have INTERCOT. Now I was armed with a wealth of information. I had the big guns loaded and ready for action!
First things first. I joined the Disney Club with hopes of snagging a good resort rate. I figured I would look out for Annual Passholder discounts along the way. If I could get a better deal by obtaining an AP, I’d go that route. I will be up front and honest here. Our previous trips always exceed excessive amounts of money. We are not frugal and do not cut corners. This is the only time we can escape for a long family vacation. We save diligently.
I set out to prove I could cut into those past figures substantially. The budget gene escaped me at birth. -- However if I can get the same item for less money, I was going to do it. Don’t ever under estimate a woman on a mission! By going in February (Value Season) we are avoiding the $389 per night fee for the room. Once the 2002 rates were released -- I was able to call and get a 15% discount subtracted from my price with the Disney Club membership. This meant I’d be paying $282 per night! WooHoo! My first big savings. An $107 per night difference from our 2001 room rate.
Current Lodging; 8 nights at the Polynesian - Garden view
Airfare was my next encounter. Without the means of a travel agent, I started watching the various airlines. I’d check their listings each month. I was getting so anxious. I’d see them go up and down. I wanted to book as soon as they started rising. Tony assured me they would come down. Then September 11th happened. The airfares were going crazy. Flights were being eliminated and the prices were spasmodic -- at best. Some sites were not even doing advanced planning sales. I was beginning to panic when October rolled around and we still did not have plane tickets. [img]graemlins/shakehead.gif[/img]
Finally Taking Shape:
We avoid the New York City airports. Therefore, we fly out of Bradley International in Hartford Connecticut. We prefer the earliest flight available through Delta. We like to arrive early and have the whole day for the Parks. The early flights were all booked. -- Yep, full. The earliest we could fly out -- would be 11 a.m. This meant we would land in Orlando at 2 p.m. My heart sank. But, I felt compelled to take them. I feared this flight would fill up quickly and we’d be stuck on an even later plane. I saw my first WDW day diminishing before my very eyes.
Then my dear sweet husband had a brainstorm. “Why don’t we fly into Orlando a day early?” Good question honey!! Horrah! Why don’t we? That is now the plan. We will arrive midday, the day before our original date. I needed to do some research. Tony has tons of points to use at the Hyatt Regency. We could stay at the airport in Orlando and have Ibex pick us up bright and early the next morning. We would check into the Polynesian and be at the Parks when they opened. Happy, Happy, Joy, Joy! No wasting time! I would call the Hyatt first thing in the morning.
Current Lodging; 1 night at the Hyatt Regency - 8 nights at the Polynesian - Garden view
I started surfing around the official Disney site, and came upon a vacation special link. I clicked on it. It informed me I could stay at the All Stars for $59 per night. Really? I could? I had a light bulb moment. [img]graemlins/idea.gif[/img] Why use all of Tony’s Hyatt points when we could stay at the All Stars for next to nothing our first night!? We simply needed a place to sleep. I’ve never stayed there. I’ve never even set eyes on the resort. I woke Tony up from a sound sleep and ran it past him. Husbands always say yes when they are sleep deprived.
¨¨*:• Carol (aka PolyGirl40)
INTERCOT Management Team
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More Plans:
I get on the phone and run the code past the CM on the other end of the line. There were no vacancies to be had at the All Stars. Ugh! Saturdays book up fast, I guess. I could hear her keyboard clicking away. Lo and Behold -- She found a room available at All Star Movies for the premier location rate of $79. I took it immediately.
Current Lodging; 1 night at the All Stars Movies - 8 nights at the Polynesian - Garden view
During our conversation the CM informs me the Getaway code is good for most all of the Disney resorts. I decided I really wanted to see what the Value resorts look like so -- I passed on the search for anything else. She put me on hold to process my reservation. Uh oh -- I had another light bulb moment. What did she say? The code is good for other resorts?
She came back with my All Star Movies confirmation number. I quickly hit her with, “Does that code apply to the Polynesian?” She said, Yes. She then proceeded to tell me I could get a garden view for $189 or concierge for $234, if I booked before December 3rd. Holy Moly! I was paying $282 for a garden view. I canceled my previous reservations from August and rebooked concierge through her! WooHoo! I am NOW saving $48 more a night AND moving up to concierge!
My husband was thrilled. I came in under budget on lodging. This little bit of knowledge means a lot to a girl who is budget impaired. I did it!
(I considered tacking the additional day onto the Polynesian -- but decide against it. The concierge building is much smaller and I felt I’d stand a better chance of having my preferences honored by checking in earlier in the day on the 10th.)
Current Lodging; 1 night at the All Stars Movies - 8 nights at the Polynesian - Concierge
With the change in our traveling schedule, airfare was much easier to book. There were no pressures to get there at the crack of dawn. Our first day in Orlando -- will be a non Park day. By booking ourselves we were able to get round-trip nonstop tickets on Delta for $184 each. Last year we paid $267 each via a travel agent. More savings! I was on a roll.
Fast forward to December:
During the time since my bookings, I’ve been hearing a lot of negative feedback in reference to the All Stars being loud on the weekends. We would be arriving on a Saturday. I then saw a post by MickeyMom with the cheerleading & dance competition dates. Uh oh -- My weekend! Not to mention the Daytona 500 will be going on as well. This explained why the regular rooms were not available. I really want to have a fair judgment when I visit the All Stars. I don’t think I can under these circumstances.
Meanwhile, the Winter Getaway rates were extended to a pre-booking date of December 21st. I called CRO to find out if I could have an additional day bumped onto my Polynesian reservations. I could not. There were no concierge rooms left utilizing the Winter Getaway Rates. I decided to see what else was vacant for the 9th. After much thought -- I transferred our All Star’s reservation for the first night to the Animal Kingdom Lodge. This will be right up my husband’s alley! No hunting, Honey! As of right now -- He does not know. I’m going to try to keep it from him.
Current Lodging; 1 night at the Animal Kingdom Lodge - Standard - 8 nights at the Polynesian - Concierge
I called the very next morning and upgraded to a Savannah view. [img]graemlins/laughing.gif[/img]
Current Lodging; 1 night at the Animal Kingdom Lodge - Savannah - 8 nights at the Polynesian - Concierge
Falling Into Place:
One of the perks of staying at the concierge level, is they handle all of your priority seating arrangements for you. I received a vacation planner from the Concierge Staff, 90 days prior to my arrival date. I had already made the necessary PS’ within the 120 day window myself. I quickly filled out the itinerary section for my 60 day PS’ and mailed it back. I received a confirmation notice via my e-mail at the end of December with all of my information and confirmation numbers on a wonderful print out sheet. Thanks, Melissa! I printed it out and tucked it into my Passporter. PS’ all set!
As per my husband’s request we are again using a town car service from the airport to Disney. Ibex to be precise. Tony loves not having to drive once we leave our vehicle at the airport on the day of our departure from home. We’ve never encounter bad service with Disney transportation. Plus the Polynesian has some of the best options for traveling around the World. The town car is confirmed.
¨¨*:• Carol (aka PolyGirl40)
INTERCOT Management Team
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Carol - that is fantastic [img]graemlins/mickey.gif[/img]
if your trip is as good as your planning it should be wonderful [img]graemlins/thumbsup.gif[/img] [img]graemlins/notworthy.gif[/img]
Mikki
INTERCOT staff - DVC, Characters, Collectibles and Games
2017 Feb WDW Festival of Art and hopefully winter sunshine
2017 Aug Disneyland bound
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Carol, I've always enjoyed reading your posts and I chuckled along with you when I read this one. The budget gene escaped me also and I always feel so good about myself when I do well on prices.
I sure hope I run into you while you're here.
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All I can say is - um - well - 'er - WOW! I'm sure you'll keep us posted on any last minute changes (which I'm certain HAVE to come at this point)!!! Way to go! [img]graemlins/muscles.gif[/img]
Carol (aka KylesMom)
INTERCOT Staff: Mousellaneous & Trip Reports
Last Trip: ICOT 15
Happy A/P Holder 2002 - 2011
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OK, so you didn't tell us to go and grab a nice cup of hot tea before reading this I can't believe all you went through, you go girl! I have always used a TA as well, you done good! Just wondering...are you doing the 7 day pass here? I am also planning many of the same restaurants, I'm especially interested in how you liked Le Cellier and Boma, so please take some great mental notes, ok? I also can't wait to see the AK parade as well. Your schedule looks awesome Carol. Can't wait to see your reports!! (thats not too much pressure, now is it? [img]smile.gif[/img]
Mar.99,00,01,02-Dixie Landings Resort; Jan,2004 (9th-18th)- First DVC trip, Beach Club Villas; April,2005 7 days Boardwalk Villas and first Disney cruise on the Wonder!; June, 2006- First time on the Disney Magic, can't wait!!!!
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Great job on the planning Carol. I can't wait to read your trip reports as we will be staying at the Poly concierge in April for the first time. Ant suggestions on room location would be great. Have a great trip.
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Okay, I got through the rest... by my calculations, you are at Cindy's on Monday the eleventh? [img]graemlins/tasty.gif[/img] US TOO! [img]graemlins/tasty.gif[/img]
I will be wearing my brand-spanking new Intercot pin and a tiara ... my princesses will be in matching blue gowns and my brother will be wearing his crown, with any luck. We have a 9:05 P.S... maybe we will see you there!
Found the cheerleader info on the Wide World of Sports page, by the way...as well as Mickey Mom's post... looks like College girls will be there, not HS as previously thought... guess we will G-R-I-N and B-E-A-R it! I am sure my seven year old will be THRILLED if she sees them practice...
Your plan looks GREAT... all the new parades are high on my list, too. However, I am one of those VERY detailed planners... I have a very intricate itinerary, which I am then willing to toss out the window on a whim if it doesn't suit our mood... but I like having it! (And, thanks to your posts, it includes Neverland Club and O'hana's.)
As to that whole budgeting thing... [img]tongue.gif[/img]
The only thing a budget is good for is saving the money in ONE place in WDW to spend it in ANOTHER place in WDW!
[img]graemlins/laughing.gif[/img]
[ January 30, 2002: Message edited by: GreatBigBeautifulTomorrow ]</p>
Anastasia
~POP Again in 2010~
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Great report! I felt like I was sitting right next to you as you typed it! I have a feeling if you keep trying, you'll get conceirge at the AKL also.
So, Carol, you were able to get a PS at CRT, thanks to the conceirge staff? WOW! Did you get the date you wanted or did you have to be flexible? In my opinion, it's worth it to stay conceirge, just to avoid the Olympic phone bills! [img]graemlins/laughing.gif[/img] It will be kind of neat if you can hook up with Anastasia in the lobby!
Also, I have a very serious question here. What happens if you go to AKL and like it better than the Poly? Will you become AKLGirl40? I don't know if I could get used to that!
Proud mom to Monorail_Red and goofhook and DD Jenn!
Proud member of the magical Disney Parks Moms Panel family.
I am not a Disney employee. The postings here are my own and do not represent the positions or opinions of the Disney Company.
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Great planning Carol!
I, too, am budget-challenged... but I pride myself on making good, sound deals on our WDW vacation plans. Unfortunately, this year we are going in "high-season" in June, so our non-DVC days aren't the best deals I had hoped for.
I am so looking forward to your reports- especially the dining reviews. We tend to eat at the same places [img]graemlins/tasty.gif[/img] . Dining is POSITIVELY the highlight of our trips.
Have a great trip- take copious notes and tell us all about it when you return. [img]graemlins/mickey.gif[/img]
Linda
aka: wendy*darling
INTERCOT Staff:
Disney & Orlando Dining/Nightlife, Shopping & Water Parks/Disney Vacation Club
DVC owners at WLV, BCV and SSR
Next up: VWL & POFQ Dec 2009 - just adults!
On Deck: DCL Wonder Dec 2010... but I'm sure we can come up with something before then!
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What a great report! I usually change my reservations at least once too! Have a great trip! I'll be staying right across the lagoon at GF the 10th-15th, I'll wave from my balcony
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Carol,
Now I understand what you meant in your posts earlier this week.
I look forward, with the rest of the gang, to hearing your report as we plan doing something similar in the Fall; or maybe sooner....
Christmas '72 Contemporary<br />Christmas '74 Off-Property<br />January '97 AS-Music<br />July '97 ex-Dixie Landing<br />May '01 CBR-Soth Trinidad<br />December '01 The Poly-Niue<br />May '02 AKL<br />October '02 Beach Club<br />November '02 AKL/Dol/Poly-Tahi<br />March/April '03 OKW/POFQ<br />September '03 Contemp.Tower<br />Nov/Dec/ '03 BC/Eastern Cruise
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[img]graemlins/notworthy.gif[/img] [img]graemlins/notworthy.gif[/img] [img]graemlins/notworthy.gif[/img] Carol, you rock! Way to go on the great planning job!
By the way, I saw the same special about AKL on the Travel Channel. It looks amazing! Can't wait to hear what you think of it! [img]graemlins/mickey.gif[/img]
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Carol, As always I love the details! I'm happy for you that you are able to get back to the world this year after all.(and at a great rate)
The Opryland Hotel is very nice(especially at Christmas) and is only 1hr and 15min from my house. Anyway, have a magical vacation and I can't wait to read your trip reports. [img]graemlins/mickey.gif[/img]
Por favor mantengase alejado de las puertas! --WDW Monorail
"No matter how the wind howls, a mountain cannot bow to it." --The Emperor, Mulan
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Carol -
Absolutely wonderful plans. You guys are going to have a great trip - and I think you found the budget gene. [img]graemlins/thumbsup.gif[/img]
I think CRO knows my voice too - my husband never calls and I think I should develop an alias. It is so embarrassing when I call and they say "boy, you have a lot of PS's in here!" What do they expect? We were able to fit in three trips in six months and we have another planned for May!
I am looking forward to your trip reports. They are always a joy to read.
Safe journey.
Eva [img]graemlins/mickey.gif[/img]
Eva a.k.a. EvaBryan
Next up:
Not sure.... Probably Christmas '06 at FW!!!
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Carol, wow! Sounds like a great trip...I loved reading the history behind your choices, etc. Enjoy AKL..it's wonderful..I can't wait to hear what you think of it. And Le Cellier too, it was a highlight for us in December.
Have a wonderful trip! Can't wait to hear all about it when you get back.
Diane [img]smile.gif[/img]
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