Just an update on our plans so far - again, Nat's comments/interjections are in pink. Just so you (and she) know, Nat will be writing far more than this when it comes to the actual trip report
Well, today we reached the 11-month mark for booking DVC accommodation. As we had hoped, Nat and John were able to rent some DVC points, which were transferred to our DVC account earlier this year thanks Lloyd! Unfortunately, they are OKW points and we are SSR owners so I have had to book OKW for Nat, John and family at this point, until we reach the 7-month point when we can look at switching so we are at the same resort.
As Joh says we have booked our DVC resorts. We are both very excited that we have done it, even though we will hopefully be swapping resorts at the 7-month mark.
Which resort to stay at is still a subject of much discussion. I would dearly love to stay at Bay Lake Towers, which is due to open in fall 2009, but the high points and even higher demand preclude the possibility of spending the first 10 nights there. However, I am definitely going to try for a night there at the end of our stay if that meets with the approval of the Longstaffs, obviously
I'm not as hopeful as Joh that she will be able to secure a much-coveted BLT ressie but fingers are definitely crossed.
We had a planning meeting at the end of October, during a very enjoyable weekend which included a DIS meet at TGI Fridays as well as a trip for the kids (sans Matthew and Daniel, of course) to see HSM3 and a lovely meal at Frankie and Bennies. So, we have at least now decided which parks we want to visit. The list includes:
All four Disney Parks Magic Kingdom is a must and Nat is on a mission to ride Rock n Roller Coaster so, obviously, a trip to Hollywood Studios is needed. We will also spend a half day at Animal Kingdom and include a couple of visits to Epcot, one of which will most definitely involve the partaking of a few drinkies around the World
It was discussed, at one point, that we may skip Animal kingdom on this visit but im glad to say a compromise was reached!
Im sure the idea of a few drinks in Epcot came from Joh..as you know i don't drink!!
Busch Gardens somewhere the Longstaffs have never been and DH and I have only visited once, back in 2004
Sea World again, a first for Nat and co. and a firm favourite of Rhiannons
A water park which one has yet to be decided but it is likely to be a Disney one, probably Typhoon Lagoon
Universal and Islands of Adventure favourites of both groups, we all agreed a trip to Orlando would not be complete without adding these into the mix
We are still trying to decide whether to register as a Grand Gathering, given that we have the right number of people, as some of the activities available to Grand Gatherings look fairly interesting. The jury is still out on that one though so well keep you posted.
We have registered at the moment but have no idea if we will do any of the things on offer.
Im sure Nat and I are not alone in hoping for some improvement to the exchange rate before next October. While Im not sure well be lucky enough to get an increase to anywhere around the $2 to the £ mark, at this moment in time I would be quite happy with anything over $1.70.
I think we have pretty much done all we can this side of Christmas so we will update you again in the New Year - Merry Christmas everyone