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I decided to name this PTR Spring Break on a Dime, because that's my hope for it!
I'm very much struggling with this trip! We've typically headed to WDW every year to year and four months (don't ask my why every year and four months, lol, it's just worked out that way!), but this year, we will NOT be.
My daughter, Brooklyn, is a senior this year, so all along, I have had plans to take the family on a great Spring Break trip, as this will be the last Spring Break we will have together as a family, since my son is a Freshman in H.S. and her college and his High School spring breaks will not align following this year.
I know, we could go on a spring break trip with her, and another with him, but then they'd either both miss a week of school, or it would just be me with each of them and not all of us together! Having your kids grow up and go to college is HARD!
Last year (2015/2016) we went to WDW the day after Christmas, through Jan 5th. It was a very expensive trip, no discounts as you would expect at that time, and really I didn't spare any expense, we bought and ate what we wanted and had many sit down meals. It was honestly a wonderful trip despite the crowds. We then also booked a trip last year for Spring Break, just three months after our big Disney trip, and went to Universal Studios. I also let Brooklyn take a friend on that trip. So again, we spent a decent amount of money, although not as much as the Disney vacation.
Coming out of Spring Break, I really didn't have the money or the foresight to think about how important it was for me to book something for this Spring Break, and at least put a deposit down to keep paying on it, so that it was locked in. An expensive summer of some home improvements, and some college tuition payments (she dual enrolled her senior year), along with the expenses of having a senior (senior pictures anyone?!), have been a lot. So now, I've found myself the last few months, trying to figure out how we'll have a vacation at Spring Break, her senior year, which is so very important to me, without breaking the bank!
To top it off, it is pretty apparent that we will not be getting our annual bonus at work this year. Now I know I shouldn't complain, it's a BONUS after all, and I don't plan on it for bills, but it has always funded or helped to fund our vacations, and I had hoped that this year, it would partially fund Spring Break, as well as some college tuition for next year! NOPE! The company has not been doing so well this last year, and so now, after receiving a bonus for over 15 years in a row, it appears that this is the first year I will not. Had we not had this program for so long, and it not paid out so consistently for over 15 years now, it might not be much of a surprise, but honestly, it's been consistent and sometimes even very significant for this long, so many of us have come to somewhat depend on it for things like vacations and tuition. I know I'm not alone in this, and for this to come during her senior year is a big bummer.
But, luckily we're not destitute and I'm stubborn. so we WILL be going on Spring Break. Just not to Disney, and doing what yet, well I'm not positive! I've been scouring WDW's website for hotel/package options, as well as Universals, Travelocity, Costco Travel, Homeaway, honestly every site you can think of, to try to find a good option at a good price. I ended up landing with one of them yesterday.
I had to rule out WDW, as Faith (Brooklyn's BFF) is coming with us again, and we would have really had to get a suite or a cabin with 3 teenagers and two adults in a room. Once combined with park tickets and the cost of Disney dining, even without the dining plan, I figured I'd end up spending at least 7k, and nope, that just really isn't happening. Universal was much the same. Home rentals made me a bit nervous, as we've never done that, and with all of the fees added in for some of them, I just wasn't confident it was the best choice. After looking on Mousesavers and AllEars, both had links either to Sheraton Vistana Villages, Sheraton Vistana Resorts, and Caribe Royale so I started pricing them out.
Yesterday I landed on Sheraton Vistana Villages, and booked it. We'll be staying in a two bedroom villa that sleeps 8 and has a full kitchen and two full baths, both of which were important since we'll need to eat more meals in the room, and bathrooms proved a challenge with two teenage girls on last year's Spring Break trip! I was able to get the room for $2400-ish, from 3/31-4/8/17, so roughly $300 a night, which is at least $50-75 per night cheaper than a suite or a cabin at WDW. I considered taking a shorter trip, or getting two rooms at a cheaper value resort, but I just don't think I can stay at Disney and not go to the parks, and I question the quality of some outside hotel options off property. Not that I'm not hoping this is as nice as the pictures show! Caribe Royal was a bit cheaper, but I thought it was in a worse location, as I would still like to head to Disney Springs for at least one night, and we may end up at a Disney water park. However, after I booked at Sheraton Vistana Villages, I realized it is NOT in the same area as Sheraton Vistana Resort, (how can two resorts basically named the same be in different locations) and is actually further away down I-drive, closer to Seaworld. Oh well. It's booked. I can cancel if needed as we're paying at the hotel, so if I change my mind I guess that's an option.
We will also NOT be flying. We live in Michigan, so it's a long drive that I hate, and have only done twice before, (so only about 15% of our trips), but flights at this time of the year are just too much $ from here, and I need to save where I can!
Anyway, this has gotten long but I wanted to give some background. I'll post about our Cast of Characters, possible changes to that, and some general thoughts I have on what we MIGHT do, but I have no idea what we'll actually end up doing since I'd like to keep costs down. I'm totally open to any suggestions or opinions!
Great start. My kids are also seniors in HS so I get about the expenses. I can't believe how much yearbooks cost and I have to get 2 I'm glad your still planning on going though!
I think I responded to your post under resorts. We stayed at Vistana Villages, although many years ago. With three kids we needed two rooms or a two bedroom villa so we would split our stay between on site and off.
The kids loved Vistana Villages and it was a very quick ride to Disney-probably less than 10 minutes to the entry and then however long we got lost for (I hate Disney signage.). IIRC, it is on the south end of International Drive in a very nice area. At that time there was little traffic down ID and then a right on to the road that went into Disney. You pass the Caribe Royal. There may be more traffic now as I suspect everything is more built up. I actually think it is much nicer than Vistana Villages and the location is not much further.
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We're doing something similar this year, even though my kids are only 6&9. We'll be heading back in October for my oldest's 10th birthday, which will be much more extravagant than this upcoming trip. We're not going to the parks and I'm having trouble fitting everything in that I want to do!
We're doing something similar this year, even though my kids are only 6&9. We'll be heading back in October for my oldest's 10th birthday, which will be much more extravagant than this upcoming trip. We're not going to the parks and I'm having trouble fitting everything in that I want to do!
Oh my goodness! 10 already! He's going to be a Disney "adult".
October 6, 2017-Enjoying an amazing dinner at Victoria & Albert's with PP's Dot and Drew
My TR from my most recent trip is now underway. Includes: Universal Studios Florida, Disney World and Sea World Orlando Trifecta TR -Updated December 10th! TR is now COMPLETED!
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I can't wait to hear about your planning! I am always interested to hear how other people plan their vacations... in Disney or out of Disney!
And yes I can understand high school and college....costs as well! And as you said "having kids grow up and go to college is HARD"- I definitely understand since now my youngest is in his 2nd year of college... my oldest graduated from college in 2015.... and then I thought I survived those LONG 4 years.... But HA I have another 4 years to go through AGAIN!
Now my oldest has moved to CA and I was pretty close to him as he was going through college...BUT now I am closer with my youngest. I miss my oldest BUT I had to let him fly ..... learn and grow up (VERY HARD to do).
But take that last Spring Trip with BOTH of your kids.... because after it may be not for awhile until you get all of you together again. My youngest and myself flew out to CA this past August of 2016 and had such a Great time- the 3 musketeers together again- so fun and laughing all the time (like the old days)... then my CA son came home for 10 days at Christmas! I finally had a Great Christmas..... but now I am back to living on my own and though I hate it, I am surviving...until Spring Break which is March 10th! A College visitor..... then he will be home in early May until August!
Enjoy your times together.....Magical! Sorry this post is so long, but I can Definitely relate....
__________________
Kate in PA All our dreams can come true, if we have the courage to pursue them- Walt Disney
My kids are obviously older than yours but what are you planning to do? Do you have a trip report out there?
Quote:
Originally Posted by OhToodles!
We're doing something similar this year, even though my kids are only 6&9. We'll be heading back in October for my oldest's 10th birthday, which will be much more extravagant than this upcoming trip. We're not going to the parks and I'm having trouble fitting everything in that I want to do!
My daughter is still deciding where to go....drives me nuts. She's been accepted to four schools, and is waiting on two more (she procrastinated applying to them!), but, luckily they are all in-state schools, so she won't be more than a 2 hour drive at the most, and is considering swimming for a college that is only about 20 minutes away, which would be phenominal!
I'm definitely taking both the kids (plus some), on this vacation, as I do think next year it will just be my son, or my son and a friend.
Quote:
Originally Posted by lovewdw2
I can't wait to hear about your planning! I am always interested to hear how other people plan their vacations... in Disney or out of Disney!
And yes I can understand high school and college....costs as well! And as you said "having kids grow up and go to college is HARD"- I definitely understand since now my youngest is in his 2nd year of college... my oldest graduated from college in 2015.... and then I thought I survived those LONG 4 years.... But HA I have another 4 years to go through AGAIN!
Now my oldest has moved to CA and I was pretty close to him as he was going through college...BUT now I am closer with my youngest. I miss my oldest BUT I had to let him fly ..... learn and grow up (VERY HARD to do).
But take that last Spring Trip with BOTH of your kids.... because after it may be not for awhile until you get all of you together again. My youngest and myself flew out to CA this past August of 2016 and had such a Great time- the 3 musketeers together again- so fun and laughing all the time (like the old days)... then my CA son came home for 10 days at Christmas! I finally had a Great Christmas..... but now I am back to living on my own and though I hate it, I am surviving...until Spring Break which is March 10th! A College visitor..... then he will be home in early May until August!
Enjoy your times together.....Magical! Sorry this post is so long, but I can Definitely relate....
Trying to figure out where I left off.....or at least where to start....
My boss recently came back from WDW. He is my age but has younger kids, and he and his wife took them to WDW for the first time the week before last. I had talked to him about it, and given him a Passporter that I had, but he was convinced he would not enjoy it and they would not be going back. He was wrong. I talked to him on Monday and he admitted that they loved it and will likely go back again. He was so impressed with how things are run at WDW. Told you boss. Anyway, why am I telling you this? Well, I knew they had stayed off site, as they have 3 children and his in-laws were also going, but I didn't realize until Monday when they came back that they had stayed exactly where I booked, (Sheraton Vistana Villages). Based on his feedback, and he said that it was a nice place, I did decide since we're not doing WDW anyway, we're sticking with it. I don't want to second guess myself forever and stress myself out.
So there it is, lodging is set and won't be changed - Sheraton Vistana Villages, check in 3/31 (which happens to be my birthday), check out 4/8. Since we're driving I don't want to stay any shorter than 7 nights, and would stay 9 or 10, but we have some complications to doing that, especially with the drive time! (see below!)
Cast of Spring Break Characters!
Myself - I'm a WDW nut. I don't get on to this forum or anywhere as often as I'd like with work and kid commitments, but I try. I'm 37, soon to be 38, and a single mom (have been since the kids were babies). I would as a manager in pharmaceutical manufacturing, and am blessed to have been with the same company for almost 19 years now. Overall it's a great place to work, despite our current struggles with some things. I'm also so extremely close to pulling the trigger on DVC. I looked at Saratoga back in 2007, and didn't do it (regrets!), but despite the kids being nearly adults, I think I will buy this year or next if possible.
My Mom - 64 years old, also known as Grandma. She's been on all but two of our vacations. When the kids were little, it was due to my nervousness of traveling alone with them and needing adult interaction. Now it's just because we want her there of course, and she loves it! She is a widow and retired, so this also gives her a chance to go on vacations as she wouldn't travel much if she didn't with us. She's very excited to go someplace warm again! Despite her age, she's actually in very good shape and believe it or not, keeps up with (and at times may outpace), me and my teens! She's a grandma!
Brooklyn - She is my senior. . Ok I'm actually not crying but some days I wouldn't put it past me! She's phenomenal. I don't know what else to say. She's only 17, not quite an adult yet, but you wouldn't know it, and she will be graduating this year. She's been applying and getting accepted to various colleges but hasn't decided yet. She may swim at college as well, but hasn't made that commitment yet either...oh the decisions! She's been pretty stressed about what to do actually, she's very conscientious, so this vacation will be a much-needed break for her.
Dillon - Dillon is my son, he is 15, a freshman in H.S., and a very good kid. Dillon is more free spirited, doesn't stress like his sister does, and is all about the outdoors and adventure. He is up for anything, doesn't complain, and often caves to his sister's desires and whims. He's also a swimmer. He's pretty excited for this trip, and will have a lot of fun with Brooklyn and her friends.
Faith - Brooklyn's BFF. She's a year younger than Brooklyn, a Junior in H.S., but they've swam together for almost 10 years now. She's got bright red hair, and we often refer to her as the little mermaid (doesn't hurt that she can swim like her too!). She has been on vacation with us once before (last spring break), and is pretty much happy to be on vacation with us and willing to do whatever. She's like one of the family at this point. She is taking the SAT on 4/11, and her parents told her she needed one full day back before that, hence, we can't stay any longer than 4/8 since we're driving.
Brennan - Brennan is also one of Brooklyn's friends. Yes, he's a guy. And yes, he's going on vacation with us. This is a somewhat new development. He's a senior this year, and on the swim team with Dillon. He's a phenomenal swimmer, could swim at a D1 college if he wanted to, but doesn't seem to want to....which is crazy to me. Brennan and Brooklyn have been friends since elementary school, and yes, just platonically.
The few people that know that Brennan is coming with us have been a bit surprised as I'm sure some of you are! I have to say there have been a few raised eyebrows.
So how did this happen? Well, when the kids and I were discussing the resort that I had booked at and the room type, we were pretty excited to have two bathrooms and two bedrooms, plus the living/kitchen area. So much more room for activities (anyone? )! And not sharing a bathroom with teenage girls is vacation heaven! Anyway, when we were looking at the second bedroom, I made mention that with two full beds in it, Brooklyn could take additional friends if she wanted to....and was thinking about a couple of other girls that she's friends with and has swam with forever. As I was saying this she was snapchatting Brennan, and I said "or Brennan could come" jokingly. Well, she instantly was excited. "really, OMG can Brennan really come?". So I had to pause for a second to think about if this was really an option, but honestly, I don't care, so yes Brennan can come. So she instantly invited him and he was so excited and asked his mom. She decided he could come, so now, Brennan is coming.
I'm not quite sure what we'll do about sleeping arrangements yet, but we'll figure it out. Many of you probably think I'm nuts, but I honestly am not the slightest bit worried. These kids are all such good kids, it will be a non-issue. I'm pretty excited actually, they are really fun kids, and I know that Brooklyn will have a Senior Spring Break that she won't forget.
I guess that's probably long enough for now again. I am finding myself only able to get on here about once a week, but I'll try to cover the trips down and back next time, as well as what we might do. Also to those commenting, I have tried to click the thanks or like buttons, but sometimes it doesn't seem as they work, so I just want to let you all know if I miss you I still appreciate it!
Great info on the cast of characters for your trip! I'm glad you proved your boss wrong regarding WDW!
__________________
October 6, 2017-Enjoying an amazing dinner at Victoria & Albert's with PP's Dot and Drew
My TR from my most recent trip is now underway. Includes: Universal Studios Florida, Disney World and Sea World Orlando Trifecta TR -Updated December 10th! TR is now COMPLETED!
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so we WILL be going on Spring Break. Just not to Disney, and doing what yet, well I'm not positive! I've been scouring WDW's website for hotel/package options, as well as Universals, Travelocity, Costco Travel, Homeaway, honestly every site you can think of, to try to find a good option at a good price. I ended up landing with one of them yesterday. 
DIlBrooksmom
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I'm glad your still planning on going though!
Disney Magic - Oct 2015
grandma! 
Anyway, when we were looking at the second bedroom, I made mention that with two full beds in it, Brooklyn could take additional friends if she wanted to....and was thinking about a couple of other girls that she's friends with and has swam with forever. As I was saying this she was snapchatting Brennan, and I said "or Brennan could come" jokingly. Well, she instantly was excited. "really, OMG can Brennan really come?". So I had to pause for a second to think about if this was really an option, but honestly, I don't care, so yes Brennan can come. So she instantly invited him and he was so excited and asked his mom. She decided he could come, so now, Brennan is coming. 
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