[gingles]

Well, we've had a major change of plans on our trip, pretty late in the game for this OCD WDW planner.

Mainly because DD#1 job situation is currently uncertain (she recently moved back from Chicago), we needed to downsize (i.e., downprice) our vacation.

We switched from WL on AP discounts to CBR on a package. Also, due to availability we had to move our vacation back by one week. I'm now able to get four of us to WDW for the same price of three in our previous plans. So if DD#1 can come up w/some cash, all the better, but either way she's going!

An exciting change is we are doing the Plus Dining on the package. I did more research (also read more on DC) and am convinced this is an excellent dining plan. And we really wanted to try a lot of restaurants on this trip, so this will work out. Also, we've never stayed at CBR so we are still very excited.

Finally, because our dates changed, I had to call Hilton Honors about our three night reservation offsite (first three days are at US/IoA) at the Doubletree Universal. The special package I had was $33 per night for three nights at the Doubletree. He broke my heart by telling me the only thing open for the new dates was the Embassy Suites International Drive and because it was the only thing they had open for the special, there would be no extra charge! So now we get a suite w/free full breakfast and free happy hour for three days!

And last of all, luckily, we were able to move our res for the new CRT character lunch.

We are still excited but my countdown has changed by one week!!!

[Dana]

WOW! Big changes in that trip, but it sounds like for the better. You got to add a person and save mega money! That is so great. Best part is you have one less week to wait to go. Congrats on your new plans.

[Pooh Fan]

Wow. I can't imagine changing this close to a trip, but it sounds like you have really lucked out! You got a geat deal. I can't wait to read all about your trip.

[Erin]

Very good news!! Things seem to coming together VERY NICELY!!!

[DisneyTeacher]

That sounds like great news! You get to take your daughter and save money, how wonderful.

[gingles]

Thanks, guys. I spent quite a while on the phone on Saturday. First, I canceled and got a package at POFQ because CBR wasn't available. But we've stayed at POFQ before (we loved it) but wanted to stay somewhere completely new. Then I called back half hour later and asked for different dates and it was available. I asked for a bay view at Martinique (1st choice) or Barbados. Any advice on best rooms is still welcome! Then of course I had to change the other hotel and the CRT!

I am somewhat sad to miss out on WL...we were looking forward to it. But now we will use the dining plan to go eat and visit over there! We will have a car so getting around won't be a problem.

BTW, after looking at menus on AllEars, I realized most meals at table-service restaurants w/tax and tip wind up costing $45-50 per person so I think the dining plan will definitely let us eat better this trip.

Any advice on CBR is very welcome!!!

[missy H]

That's great, now you get a family trip and get to eat where you want. What more can you ask for?

[_landry]

Will you be driving from Baton Rouge??

[queensmama]

Sounds like so much fun...enjoy.

[gingles]

Originally Posted by _landry

Will you be driving from Baton Rouge??

Yes, we are driving this year. It's typically about 12 hours from BR, but my wife has back problems (a couple of surgeries year before last), so we will stop more often.

[PrincessJill]

wow gingles sounds like a GREAT trip!!!! I gotta be honest... I've heard some not-so-great reviews about CBR's service staff. The one time I stayed there it was like no one knew what they were doing. But it's a gorgeous hotel, and it seems like the majority of people rave about it, so I'm sure I just hit it on an off day or something. Congrats on all the great changes and have a great trip!!! :)

[Southern Belle]

I am DD#1 and yes it their are a lot of major changes but DD#2 and I are still so excited. I too am glad about the dining plan, we keep researching which places we want to eat at. I am sure we will gain at least 10 pounds while we are there!! And by the way it was my suggestion to move the trip back a week later so that we could stay at the CBR. We have had our share of PO (FQ & RS), especially since we live like an hour from New Orleans, its too much like being home. By the way Gingles, OCD WDW Planner, sorry for the stress and I am greatly appreciative for letting me still come along! Hopefully I will get a job soon and it wont be so bad for you.
Chicajun (i need to change this name - i dont live in chicago anymore, cajun sounds better anyway)

[cinderbella]

Free Happy Hour ?!?!?!?! That's be enough to sell me!!!


Anyways..the dining plan is hit or miss. We did it..and it didn't really suit us. Honestly. We can't, and would never, eat that much!! But I think every family dynamic is different!!! Take my advice...don't feed your family for a good three days before you go!!

[gingles]

Thanks for the info guys!

[_landry]

Originally Posted by gingles

Yes, we are driving this year. It's typically about 12 hours from BR, but my wife has back problems (a couple of surgeries year before last), so we will stop more often.

We've never driven from Lafayette. It just seems SO far! We usually fly out of Lafayette, but this year the rates were much cheaper out of New Orleans, so that's what we booked.