As of January 1, 2019, we have closed our forums. This is a decision we did not come to lightly, but it is necessary. The software our forums run on is just too out-of-date and it poses a significant security risk. The server software itself must be updated, and it cannot be without removing the forums.
So it is with a heavy heart that we say goodbye to our long-running forums. They came online in 2000 and brought together so many wonderful Disney fans. We had friendships form, careers launch, couples marry, children born ... all because of this amazing community.
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There are other changes as well.
Why? Well, the world has changed. And change with it, we must. The lyrics to "We Go On" for IllumiNations say it best:
We go on to the joy and through the tears
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Moving on with the current of the years.
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To a new day, we go on.
It's time to move on and move forward.
PassPorter is a small business, and for many years it supported our family. But the world changed, print books took a backseat to the Internet, and for a long time now it has been unable to make ends meet. We've had to find new ways to support our family, which means new careers and less and less time available to devote to our first baby, PassPorter.
But eventually, we must move on and move forward. It is the right thing to do.
So we are retiring this newsletter, as we simply cannot keep up with it. Many thanks to Mouse Fan Travel who supported it all these years, to All Ears and MousePlanet who helped us with news, to our many article contributors, and -- most importantly -- to Sara Varney who edited our newsletter so wonderfully for years and years.
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So we encourage you to stay in touch with us and your fellow community members wherever works best for you!
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We are planning a trip in 2015 with friends. It will be me, DH, friend, her hubby and their 2 children, who will be 5 and 12. They never stayed inside WDW. I am trying to figure the best experience for them. First idea was a 2BRSV at AKL(Either Jambo or Kidani). As I was looking at points, I realized we could each have a concierge room. Of course if they are available and if I could get 2.
So I was wondering what you guys think about this. We do have enough points for GV.
Added: We are hoping to stay around the first week of December.
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Karyn K.A.
Last edited by acidreignn; 03-29-2014 at 05:35 PM..
Reason: added more
I voted for a 2BR for several reasons. I am assuming you will be trying to get 2 concierge studios (which will be pretty tricky to secure -there are only 5). I think that a studio will be kind of small for a family of 4. The sleeping arrangements would be awkward, IMO, with one bed and one pull out. I like that a 2 BR will give each family some private space but also a common area to hang out....something that you won't have with 2 studios.
I have to agree with Holly, especially as there are so few Club Level studios available. The one time we did CL we barely got a studio even though we called at the 11 month mark with AKLV our home resort.
I went for the two bedroom, because the second I read you'd be trying to get two concierge rooms, I knew that would be a tough call, as there are so few of them.
Thanks all, I kinda figured trying to secure 1 club level is almost impossible. Wishful thinking here
I can always book the 2br and then waitlist the club rooms. Our home resort is also AKL. Too bad other DVC resorts don't have club levels
Thanks all, I kinda figured trying to secure 1 club level is almost impossible. Wishful thinking here
I can always book the 2br and then waitlist the club rooms. Our home resort is also AKL. Too bad other DVC resorts don't have club levels
I hear you on that. More club rooms would be great, although of course with a lot of the properties, it's not that simple, as the DVC rooms are in a different building to where the club rooms are located.
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If you own at AKV, it can't hurt to try for club level as soon as your booking window opens. How long is your stay? It might be possible to secure CL for only part of your trip (again, a long shot for 2 studios). Would you be willing to split your stay? If so, I would recommend trying to book the CL rooms 11 months out for each day of your stay and only book your 2 BR after you have been unsuccessful getting CL for any part of your trip and then waitlist CL. Hope I haven't confused you with this. Do you follow my logic?
I love staying CL at AKL, but those rooms are difficult to get! I've managed to do it several times, but it's my home resort and I was flexible on the week we were staying! A two bedroom is much easier to get! I would try for the CL rooms and then use the 2 bed as a fall back!
If you own at AKV, it can't hurt to try for club level as soon as your booking window opens. How long is your stay? It might be possible to secure CL for only part of your trip (again, a long shot for 2 studios). Would you be willing to split your stay? If so, I would recommend trying to book the CL rooms 11 months out for each day of your stay and only book your 2 BR after you have been unsuccessful getting CL for any part of your trip and then waitlist CL. Hope I haven't confused you with this. Do you follow my logic?
I do follow. I will try for the CL rooms first, if I can't I'll wait list them. I do like the split stay. Even if it's 1 night.
PassPorter's Free-Book to Walt Disney World It’s hard to believe anything is free at Walt Disney World; but there are actually a number of things you can get or do for little to no cost. This e-book documents over 200 free or cheap tips to do before you go and after you arrive. You could save a considerable amount of money following these tips. Perhaps more importantly; you can discover overlooked attractions and little-known details most people whiz by on their way to spend money. Click here to see free sample pages from the e-book! Get this popular e-book free of extra charges when you join the PassPorter's Club for as little as $4.95. A club pass includes access to all our other e-books; e-worksheets; super-size photos; and more! This e-book is also available for separate purchase in the PassPorter Online Store for just $5.95.
I also voted for the 2BR savanna view, for the same reason everyone else gave (extreme difficulty to book even one studio). It is difficult to book CL at any time of the year, and early December is probably 5 times more difficult than normal. And on top of that, two studios?
It's certainly worth giving it the old college try, but I would definitely have a backup plan.
Another big plus in favor of the 2BR (if you book at Kidani) is that you will have three full bathrooms, which may come in handy.
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I do follow. I will try for the CL rooms first, if I can't I'll wait list them. I do like the split stay. Even if it's 1 night.
Booking online right at 11 months, the first problem you'll encounter is that you can only book one room at a time. Even if you are online right at 8am and can secure one room, by the time you fully complete the reservation process it's likely to be 8:10 or so. Other owners will have had ample opportunity to gobble up the few remaining club level rooms before you can go back in and try to book #2.
As for the wait list, I doubt you'll find that to be practical unless you have enough points to cover both the 2B reservation and at least one club level room. The odds of two club level Studios coming available simultaneously are virtually nonexistent. If your instructions are to cancel the Two Bedroom reservation only if TWO CL Studios open up...that simply won't happen. If you can manage to book one CL studio AND the Two Bedroom, you could leave wait list instructions for the 2B to be cancelled if the other studio comes available. But again, you'll have to have enough points to cover the two reservations.
Booking online right at 11 months, the first problem you'll encounter is that you can only book one room at a time. Even if you are online right at 8am and can secure one room, by the time you fully complete the reservation process it's likely to be 8:10 or so. Other owners will have had ample opportunity to gobble up the few remaining club level rooms before you can go back in and try to book #2.
As for the wait list, I doubt you'll find that to be practical unless you have enough points to cover both the 2B reservation and at least one club level room. The odds of two club level Studios coming available simultaneously are virtually nonexistent. If your instructions are to cancel the Two Bedroom reservation only if TWO CL Studios open up...that simply won't happen. If you can manage to book one CL studio AND the Two Bedroom, you could leave wait list instructions for the 2B to be cancelled if the other studio comes available. But again, you'll have to have enough points to cover the two reservations.
Makes a lot of sense Tim. I suppose if the OP really wants club level, her best bet would be to try for a 2 BR CL.....but of course, that will be more points than the 2 studios.
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Booking online right at 11 months, the first problem you'll encounter is that you can only book one room at a time. Even if you are online right at 8am and can secure one room, by the time you fully complete the reservation process it's likely to be 8:10 or so. Other owners will have had ample opportunity to gobble up the few remaining club level rooms before you can go back in and try to book #2.
As for the wait list, I doubt you'll find that to be practical unless you have enough points to cover both the 2B reservation and at least one club level room. The odds of two club level Studios coming available simultaneously are virtually nonexistent. If your instructions are to cancel the Two Bedroom reservation only if TWO CL Studios open up...that simply won't happen. If you can manage to book one CL studio AND the Two Bedroom, you could leave wait list instructions for the 2B to be cancelled if the other studio comes available. But again, you'll have to have enough points to cover the two reservations.
OMG you are right! It so won't work out. I'm so glad I just didn't go for it, and asked my wondering friends at PP! So now that this problem is solved, off to another, which is easier. AKL-Kidani or Treehouse Villas.
That I am leaving up to my friends.
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Of course if they are available and if I could get 2.
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