Look...it's a bird, it's a plane, it's Express Jet

Originally Posted By Tinkerbell819

We must have all been posting at the same time! The Radisson deal sounds great! (I take back my earlier vote and vote to go again!)

 

Originally Posted By Tinkerbell819

<<Anaheim Plaza Ant Bait Hotel>>
Oh, and I love their new name! lol

 

Originally Posted By gottaluvdavillains

Where's MOLLYSMOM with all this going on...Geez it's like she's at work or something!! ;P

 

Originally Posted By MOLLYSMOM

Ya...SOME of us have to work for a living! Actually, I went out to lunch.

Ok, guys, let's get down and dirty about this trip, and TRY to forget our love for DL for just one minute.

We all know, that to get a manageable cost figure for this christmas, I would have to fly out christmas morning, and fly back the 28th. I'd also have to stay in a hotel that is not my first choice...or even my 10th. Once you take into consideration a bit of spending money, we are looking at the $2000 figure.

If I were to price out a trip for this year with what I would REALLY want (5 nights, the Disneyland hotel), it would come to about $3500. Could I afford it this year? Maybe...and that's a BIG maybe. It would be tough, and probably make it tougher to get our spring projects handled. Those projects really need to be done, too.

Honestly, if all it takes is waiting one more year to be able to stay longer, PLUS stay at the Disneyland Hotel, wouldn't you do it?

With an extra year to save and plan, I could surprise my family with christmas dinner somewhere really special, and have all kinds of neat things waiting in the hotel room each day.

If I am going to go for christmas, I would want the trip to be "mind blowing"...not just "good."

A summer trip I would be willing to control myself with...but not christmas.

So, let's forget that we are all chronic, obsessed freaks (what my sis calls us)... and vote again. I must vote to wait until next year.



Hello to my fellow Spokanite!!! Where abouts in town do you live? The Express Jet hasn't been in town long...just since this past summer. The nice thing is that it offers non-stop to Ontario and San Diego. Their prices are comparable with Alaska and Southwest. They have cushy leather seats, and they serve REAL FOOD. We have found out from asking around that they are very reliable, and quite comfortable.

 

Originally Posted By gottaluvdavillains

Tink why doesn't MOLLYSMOM get ADMIN'd for her use of that four letter word...W*RK....just the thought of it makes me shiver!!! hahaha...I know I am very lucky to have been a stay at home mom for the last gulp 16 years...

You are probably right MOLLYSMOM I just can't imagine waiting so long to go again. And as nice as the DLH is suppose to be (will be seeing for myself next week) I would wonder how it would be in the winter with it too cold to use the pool and such?

I would vote if you are going to go for a resort hotel do it when you go in the summer so you can enjoy all of the hotel benifits!!

I would still book that Raddison hotel just in case - you really can't beat that deal!!

 

Originally Posted By MOLLYSMOM

The Disneyland Hotel WOULD be awesome in the summer, but there's no way that I could really justify the expense twice in one year. I thought the decorations would be most beautiful at christmas. It would be cool to be there in the summer, though, I won't deny that.

I don't know...I'm feeling full of anxiety right now, and I'm getting kind of depressed about the whole deal.

I think I'm gonna take my ball and go home.

 

Originally Posted By gottaluvdavillains

Yes the Hotels are beautiful at Christmas - but we usually just go to them and enjoy the decorations - then go back to our hotel/motel across the street and know we stayed an extra day or two with the money we saved at another hotel...

You would also qualify for any PAP discounts in the summer on the hotel prices so I would book the resort hotel for the summer with your Pap and then watch for AP rates for Dec again....

Besides do you really need a new pool liner DD will be 13 right that's still young enough to run through the sprinklers...

 

Originally Posted By Tinkerbell819

We go over to the DL Hotel and the GCH to see the beautiful decorations and imagine staying there, too. I would love to take a swim in one of their beautiful pools one day...but, I am just glad to get to DL and staying across the street is the only way I can afford to get there. We don't do anything "mind-blowing" really, ever, b/c I am always thinking of saving the $$$ for the next trip. We only eat one meal a day in the parks and even then, it's the fast food type places. (The best deal is Whitewater Snacks kid's meals!) I cash in my "Mypoints" for Rainforest gift cards and we go there once during our stay and that is our big deal dinner out. We still have a lot of fun! So, MollysMom, you can, too!
I'm confused again, b/c I was searching for plane tix and a room for you today and I had the dates as 12/23-12/26 and now you've changed them to 12/25-12/28. I won't know what to search for tomorrow.
Oh, tomorrow I a going to a "gulp" , at the risk of being adminned, Villains, job fair...so I won't be able to catch up 'til later! I am supposed to be working on a "resume" or some such thing...I'm sure it will be really impressive! lol My little job I had for my Disney $$$ has just about dried up and I wanted to see if there was anything else out there that works around my so called schedule!

 

Originally Posted By liveforvacations

MOLLYSMOM-although I know how hard it is to not be at Disneyland as I only get there about every two years, I agree with you that you should just wait and go next year and really enjoy yourself.
I know that you can do vacations more inexpensively and although I have never actually spent the money to stay on site, when I am on vacation I like to not think about the money so much. I like to have sit down meals, a few character ones and all the yummy but expensive snacks that Disneyland has to offer. I also like to buy some nice souvenirs.
I think it is different when you can drive as you don't spend all that money on airfare.
Christmas, in itself is special, and I think that it would be stressful to have to leave on that day and then you would only have 3 days when it is so busy.
Wait until next year, as long as you know you are going-the planning and aniticipation will get sustain you!

 

Originally Posted By MOLLYSMOM

liveforvacations...I do vacations like you. We go every other year, but I have the "money is no object" philosophy. I basically save up for 2 years so that we can have the "no holes barred" time. I'm really not happy with anything less...spoiled-brattish as that sounds.

We were there for 6 days this august, and I took down $2500 for spending...brought back $200 is all. We ate wherever we wanted, and we bought whatever we wanted. When we go on vacation, I don't want to tell DD "no", and I don't want to tell myself "no". At home, I would NEVER spend $32 on a t-shirt, but at Disneyland...no problem. As a matter of fact, I am wearing that Disney t-shirt today.

Bottom line...I could get to Disney this christmas, but it wouldn't be the trip that I want to give DH and DD.

I have been blessed with the best DH in the world, and the best DD. As a mom, I spend lots of time nagging them about homework, garbage, cleaning up after themselves, dumping the litter box...you know...doing the "mom." When I take them to Disneyland, I want every trip to be the best trip of their lives, and I LOVE each and every second of planning and saving and stressing that goes into it. They don't expect it or ask for it...it's what I expect myself to do for them for putting up with my "mom crud".

I'm gonna wait until next year to go. So, it will be christmas 2008 and summer 2009 at Disneyland. Two vacation countdowns at the same time will be fun.

villains...we pretty much decided we'd be staying at our BWPPI for next christmas, but splurging on the Disneyland Hotel for our next summer trip. Your comments regarding the pool got me to thinking. DD is in awe of the pool, and DH and I like the Disneyland Hotel's proximity to Downtown Disney and the Cove Bar...which would be more fun to wander around on a hot summer night. So, that's kinda what we got going now. Even though the Disneyland Hotel is horribly expensive, if we plan ahead on spending an obscene amount of money on it, we're ok.

And, yes...I GOTTA re-do the pool liner. As I think you know, we live in the woods on 30 acres. Needless to say, we have critters of all kinds. This past summer, a mole decided to dig himself under our pool, so now we have about a 2 foot long by 4 inch divot in the bottom of the pool...not to mention a very flattened out mole underneath. It doesn't effect the pool much, except for tripping in the divot when we play volleyball. I don't want anyone to get hurt.

So, we have to take the pool down and replace the liner. I discovered the "Carribbean" liner which instead of just blue looks like you're underwater with tropical fishes and a sandy bottom. Since we have to take the deck around the pool off, we decided to do the smart thing and replace the whole entire deck with Trex or something similar. Then, because we NEVER do anything the simple way (and we have loads of power tools) we figured that we might as well build one of those outdoor kitchens to go on the new deck...and re-work our pool bar into it, of course.

When we got down to figuring out the plans and such, our supposed $300 pool liner has now got a budget of $4000. We entertain alot in the summer...we can figure on 12-15 people at our house each weekend, and 75 for the 4th of July bash, so this whole pool deal is a "must do." Thankfully, we can do all the work ourselves, and the people who live at my house in the summer are all headed out to help.

The kinda silly thing....I'm 5 minutes from Lake Spokane, and I haven't been there in 2 years. Too crowded, and they don't have a waterside bar.

So, that is my speech on "Why I have to fix my pool instead of go to Disneyland for Christmas."

Maybe I'll plan our summer vacation in July during the meet...then you guys can go and we can all be stupid together.

 

Originally Posted By gottaluvdavillains

Okay I understand the pool thing - we went one summer without is and my kids drove me crazy!! I would however put a vacation fund jar on that new ourdoor kitchen - with that many people over you should charge a cover charge!! Last year I got my hubby one of those keg refridgerators at Costco - he loves it and now I don't look like the town slush recycling all those bottles (oh yeah hubby has a band that practices at our house - hence the need for lots of beer) especially since we all know I don't do beer just TGIF blenders.;D...

We too are getting ready for a major redo of the backyard (woo hoo getting a hot tub) and tons of remodeling in the house (adding a room). We joined that Direct buy club since we are doing so much all at once....

Now you know why I NEED to go to DL - who wants to be here while all that work is going on... That's the hubby's job - well except for the new deck that has been handed off to the teens - hubby will frame (to make sure it is level) but the boys will have to step up and do some hammerin!!

I think your choice for the DL hotel even though will be pricey will make it more enjoyable - plus you can try all the pools if your are staying in any of the hotels there. Although in July we stayed at the raddison, and on the Sat. I took most of the kids to Knotts (blocked DL day) and my SIL took the two youngest with her to DTD and such - she had them wear their swimsuits and she took them to the DLH pool. She just walked in when someone was walking out and let the kids swim for about an hour!! My daughter said she felt guilty since she didn't think she was suppose to do that - but the pool sure was fun!! I would have never thought to even try that - I would have been happy with the pool where I was staying!!

 

Originally Posted By MOLLYSMOM

Ya..a tip jar is a great idea. I'm gonna put one in the INDOOR kitchen, too. I spend all night every friday cooking for the weekend crowd, and get up at the "rear end crack of dawn" saturday to finish.

We have a lull in company now until the snow hits. Then, it's everyone back up for sledding, snowmobiling and bonfires every weekend.

What??? You don't help with the construction??? Got my own tool belt, I do. DH gets me power tools for my birthday and mother's day. My mom doesn't appreciate it, but my dad does. I got a lathe this last birthday, and a radial arm saw for mother's day. I am a pretty popular chick amongst my DH's buddies. DH says they're NOT drooling over me, they're drooling over my power tools! My dad taught me all about building things, and I have been hooked all my life. I LOVE remodeling our house, and in the winter, I spend all my weekends in the shop. DH is actually drawing up plans for a woodshop for me because I take up too much room in his auto area. Fine with me...he uses my tools, gets grease all over them, and never puts them back. I'll take my own shop.

Direct Buy is a great thing to join...but dangerous. Once you see how much money you can save, you wind up buying stuff you didn't even know you wanted.

Costco keg fridge or not, I bet they still call you the town slush. I am embarrassed to say it, but I can see your keg fridge and raise you....we are so lazy that we hava a remote control operated pool cooler. One touch, and your beer paddles itself over to your air mattress. I'll bring it down with me when I come test out your hot tub. A bit of background music from your hubby will be wonderful...fill the keg fridge with Corona, please.

Even though I hate to admit it (because I know you'll rub it in), you are absolutely correct about staying in the money pit (AKA DL Hotel) in the summer instead of at christmas. Good suggestion. And, if your SIL wants to bring your DD down, I'll let her scam in on the cool pool!! I LOVE that she did that. Something that I myself would consider, but never have the guts to do.

 

Originally Posted By gottaluvdavillains

See I jused to be real handy (built things with my dad, Stage Manager in High School) then after my mistake left me to be a single parent I did everything myself for 2 years and then I met my prince charming - well not always charming - you see he's from the backwoods of Ohio and somehow out there women just mess things up!! SO anytime I start something he comes in and messes it up - okay not messes just takes it over - Power Tools please I am not allowed (okay he has hid the power supplies) to use his tools!! SO if he wants to be that way he can just do it all himself!!
Yeah the Direct Buy thing scared me a little but once we figured out all the things we need to do (2 bathrooms, kitchen, adding a great room, floors, new fences, hot tub, and all new appliances - oh and a new bed and matress for the queen of the house,me) we figured it was a good investment! I figure he can do the first bathroom while I am in DL in Oct, the next in Nov!! We can start the kitchen in Jan!!

Too much - but the house is very old 50 (funny it was built the same year as hubby was born)and alot of the stuff is original and needs updating, hmmm, just like hubby!!!

 

Originally Posted By MOLLYSMOM

You're not allowed power tools...I'm banned from super glue. Glued my sunglasses to my hand, glued my office chair to the floor, and my personal favorite...glued my front teeth together. I have had a mis-hap or two over the years with power tools as well. Broken ribs from the table saw, and I cut the end of my finger off with a planer just last spring.

With all the work you've got planned you REALLY need Direct Buy.

My "Mr. Ray of Sunshine" just turned 48. Wouldn't a Direct Buy for men be great? I could fix mine up with some hair on top, a new set of 6-pack abs, and a good knee to replace the one that bothers him.

 

Originally Posted By allthingsdisney

You guys are such a fun read i find myself looking forward to all of your posts and then feeling so lite hearted after i read them i hope someday to meet all of you fine LP'ers a few of whom seem to live rather close to me, well relatively close in Wa anyway.... looking forward to some more of your wonderful banter keep em comin

 

Originally Posted By yipee

Sorry to barge in, but your topic sure hit close to home! We've been planning our Dec trip, and the stage we're at right now is waiting for the right airline seat sale. (we already have AWESOME AP4 rates booked for PPH and GCH - where we've NEVER stayed)

Unfortunately, we've had alot of expenses in the last week (School fees, supervision fees, dog surgery), PLUS our contractor finally contacted us regarding our bathroom renos...

My DH has been getting that "OMG, we really can't afford this trip" look to his face!

I need West Jet to put on a seat sale RIGHT NOW! so that I can book it before DH changes his mind! So, you all gotta send those "seat sale now" vibes my way! Thanks!

 

Originally Posted By MOLLYSMOM

allthingsdisney...if you see myself, tink819, gottaluvdavillains or mickeynew on the same thread, you can be sure of two things. One...that we usually have answered the thread topic DAYS ago. And two...that we have now hi-jacked the thread for our own enjoyment.

I'm with you...I SO want to meet all the fun people that I have made friends with over the years. I threw out the possibility to DH that perhaps our next summer trip to DL could be in July for the big meet. He said that we should consider that...he knows how much I look foreward to chatting with all of you each day.

So, do I read this correct...you live in Washington? Where abouts?

Yipee...you DIDN'T barge in! I think SOMEWHERE in here we started griping about airfare, and you surely DO have airfare issues. I hear ya, there...me, too.

As much as I'd like to go this christmas, the airfare is nasty, nasty, nasty. I flew this summer for $160...spending almost $400 to go in december makes me nuts. So, like we decided...we'll wait until next year.

Ok...share your awesome AP4 rates. We are toying with the idea of buying APs...mostly so we can MAYBE afford one of the resort hotels. We always stay at the BWPPI (which we love), but I always take a peek at the rates at the Grand, DH, and PPH just for fun...and to jump start my heart.

We've never had APs before, but are planning to go to DL christmas of 2008 and summer 2009 so we are thinking that an AP might be a good idea. The kicker to that would be being able to snag killer rates for a resort hotel. I know it's a ways off, but I am an anal vacation planner, and obviously have nothing better to do.

I am sending out good vibes to you for rock bottom airfare, and I will keep my fingers crossed.

 

Originally Posted By yipee

We live in Canada, so have never really considered APs before, but I managed to snag the PPH at $149 premium theme view, and the GCH for $199 standard view! We stayed for under $100/night on our last two trips,(BWPPI and Carousel) but this year, we thought those rates were such a great savings (relatively speaking, I guess) that we would splurge and see what we think of the Disney properties.

If we can get the airfare to work out, we'll buy one AP to get the rates. Which of course led to the debate about get 4 APs instead of one...

So much for going to DLR because it's so affordable, hey? It's so easy to keep inching up all the expenses. (Oh, what's another $50 here or there )

 

Originally Posted By MOLLYSMOM

I feel the same...we get the BWPPI for under $100, but I wouldn't hesitate to go for a resort hotel if it only ran another $50 or so. I can't at all justify the regular rates of $300 plus, though.

 

Originally Posted By gottaluvdavillains

Okay wait a minute - MMOM(new shorter version...)I thought the plan was to go THIS summer and then next christmas!!! I have contacted your local Child Welfare agency and they should be contacting you soon...They agreed with me on the fact that your lovely DD so graciously put up with YOUR half-wit family (remember you brought her into what you already knew about them) and now you are going to make her wait all that time to go again!!! ;P

Okay back to Hubby's mine scored points today so I have to be nice - He gave me tickets for Jersey Boys for tonights show! AND he's even going with me....SO after 18 years together (17 1/2 married - yes a very quick romance) he finally got me something I really want for my B-day - plus he finally is over the grudge about me having my ONLY daughter at DL for her birthday next week (yep the band ended up with a gig offered on her b-day so he can play without the guilt!!)

I don't understand the flying problems as it is only $50 for us to fly to LA. I know direct is easier - but could you all save some money if you flew to a different place in CA and then fly or drive into LA?