The "I Thought We Weren't Going" Surprise Trip - PassPorter - A Community of Walt Disney World, Disneyland, Disney Cruise Line, and General Travel Forums
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The "I Thought We Weren't Going" Surprise Trip PTR
Cast of Characters: Me (Jen), DH (Chris), DS (Sean - 8), DS (Owen - 4)
When: 2/3 - 2/10
Where: Coronado Springs & Bay Lake Tower
Why: We didn't go this year and the kids (me too) are in withdrawal
Ok so a bit of a back story - in January of this year we took the boys on one of the SW Day at Sea Disney Cruises. The cost of that trip was so in order to make it more affordable we rented out a bunch of our DVC points and decided to make that our only trip this year. In case anyone is wondering, if you have a Star Wars fan in your life, the cruise is amazing. Sean was selected to be one of the kids to attend Jedi Training Academy and he was able to get up on stage and battle Darth Vader. There were lots of Star Wars characters on board and the boys really enjoyed the Star Wars dance party. At the time, the kids were thrilled with the trip but around March we started getting asked about when we'd be going "home" again. I explained to them that the cruise was our Disney trip this year and I didn't know when we'd be going back to WDW . At the time this was true because little did they know, we had rebooked another cruise for this upcoming January on board. Our goal was to surprise them with the cruise at Christmas and maybe have Santa bring it as a present.
After returning home, Chris started to question the cruise we had booked on board. It was a one way from Galveston to San Juan, so we would have to fly to Galveston and then fly back from San Juan. It was shorter, 5 nights vs 7 nights so it only had one other port on the itinerary. The more Chris thought about it, the less he wanted to go. The problem was that in our excitement upon returning home, we had discussed the cruise with some friends and they had also booked to go with us. The plan was for the boys and their friends to all get surprised together about the vacation. Basically, in my mind, we were stuck with that itinerary.
During all this, one of my very best friends (and fellow PPer DutchDisneyFamily - Amy) was in the mist of planning her trip to WDW. Between discussing her plans and hearing Chris gripe about second guessing the sailing we booked, I was really in Disney World withdrawal. Chris decided to "sweeten the pot" and offer 2 weeks to WDW if we could cancel the cruise. With two weeks in WDW, we would have to go during Spring Break because I didn't want Sean to miss 2 full weeks of school. I was seriously conflicted because that was a heck of a deal, but we now had friends in the plans to consider.
Finally I decided to bite the bullet and approach the subject to our friends. Perhaps they were second guessing that itinerary as well. Family #1 was super supportive and understanding. I explained that Chris wasn't feeling it anymore and suggested perhaps we could consider another sailing itinerary or they could join us in Disney for Spring Break. The idea of going there during Spring Break (crazy crowds) was not appealing to them and they really had their hearts set on the Galveston cruise. They encouraged us to cancel our sailing and take a trip that would make the whole family happy, no hard feelings and we would do a friends trip another time. Whew! I was so nervous, but they really are fantastic friends. Family #2 laughed and said that they actually were relieved because they had recently found out that they were expecting (surprise!) and due a few weeks before the cruise. They were afraid to say something out of fear we'd be disappointed. Of course we, along with Family #1, were elated for them. I asked Family #1 again if they wanted to consider another sailing or join us using our points during Spring Break. Nope, they were perfectly happy keeping their current cruise. Now all three of our families are anxiously awaiting the new arrival and looking forward to an even bigger family/friend trip in a couple years.
With it decided we were now going to WDW instead of the cruise I started looking at details. It would be more cost effective getting annual passes for two weeks, but I really hated the idea of going during Spring Break. We went last year and the crowds were insane, I vowed never again. Through a lot of back and forth discussion with Chris and looking at our projected work commitments we ultimately decided on the first week in February. I had an idea that we could also go again in October or November and make that our second week (who says they have to be back to back). This way it would also be a new school year and so he wouldn't be missing two weeks from the same year. The problem was the cost of annual passes were pretty high, but then DVC announced a pretty sweet deal for members so I jumped on that discount. So now we have the APs and a week booked (still deciding on the Fall week) and we're managing to keep it a surprise from the boys. They continuously ask about going again and we just tell them we really don't know when we'll be back. It's tough seeing the disappointment, but the surprise will hopefully be worth it!
Up next: How the hotels were decided
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*o* Jenny *o*
Last edited by num1DVCfan; 11-19-2017 at 04:26 PM..
Looks like a good trip in the works and seems like things are falling into place! Hoping the surprise element is worth it!
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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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By the time we decided we were officially going, we were within the 7 month booking window, meaning we didn't have to book at our home resort. Our home resorts are Boardwalk and Animal Kingdom Villas. I'm actually going to be heading back down less than 2 weeks after we return to run the Disney Princess 5k with some friends. Since I'm staying at BWV for that trip, I didn't feel the urge to stay there for our longer family one. I asked Chris what his preference was and he said he'd actually been wanting to try BLT for awhile now. I looked and there was availability for Monday - Saturday, but not Saturday to Saturday. I debated on doing a waitlist, but since we were still unsure about our Saturday arrival plans, I didn't really want to waste points on the resort. This also meant more points and being able to do a full week in the Fall. I discussed it with Chris, and we decided to book Monday - Saturday in a one bedroom at BLT and then worry about the pre-stay later. Since I travel quite a bit for work, I have accumulated a bunch of Hilton Honors points. Perhaps we could use those and stay at one of the Disney Springs hotels for two nights.
For several months I would log into my HH account and look at the Buena Vista Palace resort. The advertised sky bridge to Disney Springs sure sounded inviting. If I did the points & cash option, I wouldn't pay very much for two nights stay, even with their resort and parking fees added into the total. For some reason the fact that I had to pay those fees annoyed me. I know having a sky bridge to Disney Springs is pretty darn close, but I still didn't feel like I was "in the bubble." Silly, I know, but I really wanted to be in a Disney owned resort. A few days ago, I texted Amy and told her I was debating between staying across from Disney Springs or taking advantage of one of the AP resort discounts. Amy priced it out for me and the deal with Coronado Springs was really inviting. She raves about the resort and they had a water view room available with the discount. I asked her to book it before I changed my mind
Even though I could technically save a little bit more money going with Hilton, I'm much more excited about the idea of trying out Coronado. I stayed there probably 13 years ago for a night or two for work, but it was a whirlwind trip and really don't remember much about it.
The Saturday arrival plans are still up in the air. We probably won't be arriving at Coronado Springs until early to mid evening after visiting friends so by the time we get settled, I think just heading out to dinner will be our only plan for this day. I currently have an ADR for Raglan Road, but I may end up canceling that if we don't get a solid Saturday plan in place. I don't want to have to rush from our friends because of an ADR. I know I could do the "trick" and reschedule vs cancel to avoid penalty, but the idea of having the reservation would still make me feel rushed. I'm keeping it until I know whether or not they have other plans and go from there. I'm perfectly fine with going to Pepper Market to keep things flexible. Plus, we may be tired from traveling and anything else we went into that day.
Of course now that we're at Coronado, that debunks my idea of spending Sunday at Disney Springs. That was my original plan since we'd be able to walk there, but now I'd rather go to a park at least in the morning, check out the resort in the afternoon, and then go from there. I have an ADR for Chef Art Smith's Homecomin' for Sunday evening. I've heard such good things about this restaurant and I'm excited to try it.
I'm so glad you started a PTR! You've mentioned an upcoming trip several times in my TR and I wondered when you were going. How fun that it will be a surprise!
So excited for you all with two Disney trips in the coming year! Staying at Coronado Springs sounds great. My DBIL and his family love this resort. By the way, we ate at Homecomin' two weeks ago and still love it. We're thinking next time we'll split a meal as the portions are huge.
I stayed at the Coronado twice and enjoyed the resort a lot. It's a bit far away from most of the parks, but close to the AK.
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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'm so glad you started a PTR! You've mentioned an upcoming trip several times in my TR and I wondered when you were going. How fun that it will be a surprise!
This trip is sneaking up on me. I completely missed our double digit dance and with the holidays it's going to be here before we know it! Too bad we won't be there when you are in January.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Cam22
So excited for you all with two Disney trips in the coming year! Staying at Coronado Springs sounds great. My DBIL and his family love this resort. By the way, we ate at Homecomin' two weeks ago and still love it. We're thinking next time we'll split a meal as the portions are huge.
I've heard such great reviews about Homecomin'. I'm really excited about trying out the restaurant.
Quote:
Originally Posted by SuperDave
I stayed at the Coronado twice and enjoyed the resort a lot. It's a bit far away from most of the parks, but close to the AK.
I haven't met anyone yet that disliked Coronado, so I have high hopes. Worst case, it's only two nights and then we switch to BLT, but I have a feeling we'll love it there. Bonus is that I can use our Hilton points on the drive down and stay half way for free.
Quote:
Originally Posted by chezp
Great start and I'm glad you were able to change your plans to something that works much better for your family.
I am too. I do want to go back on another cruise, but I'll make sure no one has any unspoken gripes before booking it
Quote:
Originally Posted by purplegal
Great sounding trip, I can’t wait to hear how the boys react to the surprise.
Thanks! I really hope we can pull this off. I'm debating on Christmas or the day we leave. It's getting tough to hide it now.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Colexis Mom
Great start Jen!
Thanks! Welcome along!!
Quote:
Originally Posted by Mickeysgal
Great start! And how exciting to have two trips in the works! Look forward to following along!
Whew, technically I have 3 trips if you count the Princess 5k weekend. I guess withdrawals are over!
Since Hubs insists on driving, I decided to look into rental cars. We could drive my SUV down, but if I can avoid the miles on my car, I'd like to do that. When I first started looking earlier this year, it was going to be around the cost of airfare. On a whim I checked about 6 weeks ago and the same vehicle for the length of time was about 50% less. I jumped on it
I traveled for work about 2 weeks ago and rented from the same company. Today they sent me a special thank you email with a discount link for my next rental. I checked it out and it brought the cost of my 50% less down by another $60 I quickly cancelled the other one and rebooked for the even cheaper rate!!!
Since Hubs insists on driving, I decided to look into rental cars. We could drive my SUV down, but if I can avoid the miles on my car, I'd like to do that. When I first started looking earlier this year, it was going to be around the cost of airfare. On a whim I checked about 6 weeks ago and the same vehicle for the length of time was about 50% less. I jumped on it
I traveled for work about 2 weeks ago and rented from the same company. Today they sent me a special thank you email with a discount link for my next rental. I checked it out and it brought the cost of my 50% less down by another $60 I quickly cancelled the other one and rebooked for the even cheaper rate!!!
Nice going with the deal and helps to do your homework! Which rental company did you go with?
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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!
The Fun, Old-Fashioned Family Vacation, 3.0 http://www.passporterboards.com/foru...ml#post4472933
Ch-Ch-Changes July 2015
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Our goal was to surprise them with the cruise at Christmas and maybe have Santa bring it as a present. 
This way it would also be a new school year and so he wouldn't be missing two weeks from the same year. The problem was the cost of annual passes were pretty high, but then DVC announced a pretty sweet deal for members so I jumped on that discount. 
So now we have the APs and a week booked (still deciding on the Fall week) and we're managing to keep it a surprise from the boys. They continuously ask about going again and we just tell them we really don't know when we'll be back. It's tough seeing the disappointment, but the surprise will hopefully be worth it!
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Hoping the surprise element is worth it!
Staying at Coronado Springs sounds great. My DBIL and his family love this resort. By the way, we ate at Homecomin' two weeks ago and still love it. We're thinking next time we'll split a meal as the portions are huge. 
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