Conference koolit::disney

    Last year I think I was the first to enter in the '95 visitors note,
    So, because I had to postpone last year's I'm going twice in '96.
    
    I'm going down January 25, 26, 27 to see the Indy Car race that's
    scheduled for then. However, we'll save plenty of time to visit
    our favorite stops in WDW.
    
    Then in April (19-28) we'll be heading down with the 3 kids, ages
    16, 7, and 1. We had to postpone last years trip because of the
    arrival of #3, but so far we've survived the -itis.
    
    For the April trip we'll be staying at the Caribbean Beach, once again.
    
    As a family this will be our 4th trip down. Last time was '92, so it's
    been a few years. 
    
    Now I'm getting that -titis itch again...248 more days...
    
    Mark

    I will be visiting with family for 3 weeks from feb 11, our first
    ever visit to wdw, mostly for the Wife and Kids. Also her sister 
    and her two kids (7,9). My 2 are 13,4.
    
    We are hiring a chalet for the duration with its own small swim pool,
    really are looking forward to it!.
    
    pat

    I have not been to WDW since 1981, so I can't wait to go back on
    February 1-5, 1996.  We have two children, who will be 5.5 and 3.5 when
    we go.  We will be staying at the Caribbean Beach Resort, recommended
    by some family members.  My in-laws, who spend the winter in Naples,
    will drive over and spend 2 days with us, so they can catch the
    expression on their grandchildren's faces when they first enter the
    Magic Kingdom.
    
    The only problem is that my kids have already started asking when we
    are going, and my youngest cries when she figures out it isn't tomorrow
    that we leave!
    
    So far, our travel agent has booked us at the Hoop de do, and we will
    get 4-day park hopper passes when we get down there.  I am reading trip
    reports as well as Birnbaum.  Thanks for all the great info!
    
    Julie

                                              
    January 6-14
    Probably stay offsite on US 192 right by Maingate and rent a car.
    
    Why?
    
    	premium annual passes still good from May 1995 visit
    	I happened upon a free companion air certificate on American Air
    	Previously this trip was going to be in early May......looks like
    		we'll be ummmmm slightly busy.  Debbie is 'due' the first
    		week in May.
    	She wanted to go one last time before we have to wait on the 
    		upcoming little one to get big enough to go.
    	Because we just LOVE IT!  Isn't that enough?
                                       

        This is our first time ever to WDW.  We are all excited.  I got my 
    airlines tickets yesterday.  We are leaving April 20,1996 and returning
      April 30.  We are booked at the DISNEY BEACH CLUB.  Recommened by
    lots of friends.  
      My family consists of daddy,mommy, 11 yr. old boy at that time, and a 5
    yr. old girl.  Now that I have the confirmation I'm daydreaming
    everyday.   This note was a great help also.    
          HAPPY VACATIONING, Eva

    
    
    Who: Anna, Bob and Alex (who will celebrate his second birthday at
         Disney World)
    When: January 19 - January 27
    Where: Yacht Club (Epcot resort)
    How: Delta Airlines
    Why: Husband's company sending him to a Lotus conference (Lotusphere) being
         held at the Dolphin Hotel. Special rate at the Yacht & Beach Club,
         Dolphin & Swan Hotels for conference attendees.
    
    We stayed at the Beach Club on our first and only trip to Disney World
    in '91 and we LOVED IT!!! Our next trip we wanted to stay at the Yacht
    club and as luck we have it we are. 
    
    Countdown is on!

        WHO:    Julie, Wally, Craig (15), Lauren (11), Kyle (5)
        When:   Saturday, February 24 - Sunday, March 4 
        Where:  Reservations at both the Beach Club and Dixie Landings
                Having a hard time justifying $239/night @ Beach Club!
        How:    USAir non-stop out of Boston
                LV 7:00am   AR 10:00am
                RT 3:10pm   
        Rental Car:  Hertz-Fullsize Car ($144 AAA special-8 days)
        Why:    Were hooked!  Kids just grow up so fast.  We purchased
                Annual Passports in April.
        Last Trips:  4/95, 4/94, 1/90, 4/75
    
    
                                                                

    
    WHO:    Karen, Al, Samantha (6), and Colton (3)
    WHEN:   June 28 through July 7, 1996
    WHERE:  Caribbean Beach Resort
    HOW:    By air
    WHY:    It's been sooo long since we've been, and the kids have never
            been!!
    
    Last Trips:  4/89, 4/87, 7/85 (DL), 5/84, 9/83
    
    
    It's been a long, long time and finally we're going!  The last time
    we went I was pregnant with my daughter, the next year she got very 
    ill, then after fighting for almost two years to get building permits
    for our vacation home, we gave up, made reservations, only to have all
    the permits come through a few months before we were scheduled to go,
    so we had to cancel, then my son was born, etc., etc., etc.!
    
    My husband and I have decided that no matter what, even if both of us
    gets laid off, we are definitely going!
    
    I didn't find this notes file until the summer of '89 (of course we
    were doing everything "wrong"!!).  I've been reading this file for six
    years and I'm finally going to put everything I've learned over the
    years to use!  
    
    Counting the days!
    Karen

    who:    Ruth, Randy, Nicole (8) and Andrew (5)
    when:   April 20 - April 26
    where:  Port Orleans
    how:    by car
    why:    annual passports are still valid, Andrew's birthday is April 20
    
    last trip:  August 1995
    
    We were joking around about going to WDW again and thought April
    vacation might be a good time to go.  At some point we realized April
    vacation was just after Andrew's birthday.  That sounds good enough
    for us.  Oh, and we need to visit our brick.

    WHO:   Chris and Carmen
    WHEN:  Early February
    WHERE: Wilderness Lodge
    HOW:   Air
    WHY:   40th Birthday present!
    
    
    I figure that the big one won't be quite so bad if I celebrate it with
    the mouse and my wife.....
    
    

    Can the Lowell family get by with only 1 week at WDW?
    
    Methinks not.

    I'm sure we'll manage somehow.

	Who:	David, Joan, Marsha (17) and Melissa (11)

	When:	June 21-29

	Where:	Carribean Beach

	How:	US Air	Non-stop Boston to Orlando   $244.00 Per Person
					Anyone know of any cheaper fares?

	Rental:	Avis	We plan on going to Cape Canaveral, Seaworld and
			Universal Studios also.

	Why:	With Marsha going to college in less than two years, I won't 
		be able to afford it when she starts college.

	Last Trip:   June, 1991.

    Who:  Tom, Joanne, Todd (7), Lexie (4)
    When: March 7 - 14th
    Where Caribbean Beach Resort
    How:  Delta non stop at 208.50 per person
    Rental: National Car Rental for 116.84 (sounded good to me)
    Why:  Thought age 7 and 4 were just perfect for Disney !
    Last Trip:  Was in 1985 so it's been a long time for me
    
    Now all I have to do is figure out where the best places to eat are.
    
    Joanne

    Who:  Bill & Diane Abrams
    When: Sat Feb 3 - Sun Feb 11
    Where:Summerfield Suites Sat - Tue
          Contemporary Resort Wed - Sun
    How:  Air supplied courtesy of UNISYS
    Why:  Diane works for UNISYS and has qualified for the incentive
          trip for sales achievement.  It's 2/7-2/11 at the CR this
          year.
          
We're going with a friend and will stay at Summerfield suites in Lake
Buena Vista because Diane gets a travel agent discount there.  They have
two separate bedrooms each with bath off a central living, dining and
kitchen area.  It looks real nice.

It will be interesting to see what you do about a convention of hundreds
of people at the CR when your pools are torn up for reconstruction!  Of
course it could be too cold for swimming...but then I'll just skip over
to that heated pool at Wilderness Lodge.  I'll send everyone else to
River Country (see my last trip report for a chilling tale of River Country
in Winter!)

The events will include two days of park admission (but only one park each 
day) and a private evening in Tomorrowland in the Magic Kingdom.  I hope
Alien Encounter is running!  It will also be interesting to see how dinners
are handled.  In the past they've done "dine around" dinners for one of
the nights.  I'll probably get to see how Disney does buffet breakfasts,
lunches, and dinners as well.  There will be a gala dinner in the CR
convention center that Saturday night.  Of course, I can always slip out
to Tangaroa Terrace for breakfast or Narcoosee's for lunch...

Now I have to figure out one thing:  Do I get an Annual pass for this
trip and plan to visit again in the when the 25th has started, or wait 
so it will include the following July for our big bash??????

I heard that Disney Institute will have its grand opening the week
before we arrive, so I'll check it out.  I'll also get to add a third
phase to my pictures of the construction of Boardwalk Resort!



Hey Joanne (previous note)...
    "Now all I have to do is figure out where the best places to eat are"
    Answer: Any restaurant at the Grand Flordian and Beach & Yacht Clubs!

Bill a.

    who:    Mike, Sue, Ashley (11) Joe (8) Melissa (4)
    when:   March 22 - 30th
    where:  Homeward Suites (?)
    how:    by plane
    why:    kids are old enough now and another couple talked us into joining
            them and their kids

	I've never been and my wife spend one day there while on a college
	florida break. The other couple has been numerous times which should
	help us. The biggest thing about the trip was we started planning it
	late August but kept it a secret from the kids and sprung it on them
	at Christmas. I can't ever recall seeing them so excited. We basically
	let them open up all there games etc and then said oh yeah now that
	you're done with Santa's gifts here's what Mom and I got you.

	I have no clue about the Homeward Suites (if that's correct name) so
	if someone does have any experience with them please send me mail or
	post in the appropriate topic and I'm sure I'll stumble on to it as
	I'll be reading this file regularly now. I just stumbled onto it last
	week. From what I've read so far I kind of wish I was staying on the
	property but hey there's always the next time and the accomodations
	are supposed to be very good with health club and couple of pools.
	The price was very good too $650.00. We leave Logan at 4:30 on the
	22nd and are supposed to arrive in Orlando around 7:30. Don't know
	if we'll do much the first night.

	We'll be getting 5 day hoppers through AAA, I've got a MKC from
	the HLO logo store, nice that we have that right here in Hudson.
	I'm assuming that if I we go to the MK the first night that would
	count as 1 day on the hopper so it seems a waste? Are there reduced
	rates for one nighttime passes? Might be an option but I think
        stocking up on food an necessities might be a better plan the first
	night but that's the adult in me. The kid in me probably won't be
	able to wait till saturday to start the vacation. I realize we can't
	do it all but we'll probably have to do some time at Universal as
	well and maybe even Seaworld.

	Oh well I'll leave off here and I'm sure as the time comes I'll have
	more questions. Thanks to all who I've read and gotten tips from
	already unbeknowst to them.

	Mike Childs
	225-4180
	cntrol::Childs

    WHO:  MYSELF, HUBBY, DAUGHTER (WILL BE 3), SON (WILL BE 1)
    WHEN: MID-MAY
    WHERE:WE THINK THE POLYNESIAN, STILL TRYING TO DECIDE
    HOW:  PLANE
    WHY:  MY DAUGHTER ASKED US TO PLEASE TAKE HER WHERE CINDERELLA LIVES
    
    I have been reading in this note file for a week now, and the more I
    read the more confused I get. Not to mention the advice from everyone
    and their mother.  Some tell us we are crazy for going with the kids
    being so young others say "just go".  Since the kids are so young, we
    are only spending probably 2-3 days in WDW.  We are then driving to
    Sarasota to stay in a condo on the beach.  We were thinking of just
    seeing MK and maybe MGM depending on the kids.  From the brochures I've
    seen so far, you can get a package that contains everything or nothing,
    being that we are only considering 1 maybe 2 parks, we thought the
    package with nothing would be best, and then buy single day passes. 
    Any suggestions????????

    With children that young, I suggest you just do TMK, there isn't
    anything at MGM that would hold 3 year old's attention.  We've been to
    DW many times and watched parents get very frazzled trying to interest
    children in things they could care less about.  There are many things
    that she would love at the MK, however, plan on returning there in a
    few years because, unfortunately she won't remember very much, if
    anything, about this trip.
    
    Have a great time and take plenty of pictures so you can keep the trip
    in her memory.

    who: myself, husband, daughter (9), son (3), brother-in-law, his wife
    and son (8)
    when: June 29-July 6
    where: Caribbean Beach Resort
    how: frequent flyer tickets
    
    I think I'm having as much fun planning this trip as we will in seeing
    the sights, finally. I was beginning to think I was the only person
    over the age of 10 who hadn't been to DisneyWorld or Disneyland!!!

    Back from .18,
    
    Looking for information regarding MK hopper passes for 2 days, is there 
    such thing, I have been told these have to be purchased at the park.
    
    Do they rent double strollers?

    
    
    I don't know, I think MGM can be fun for young kids too.  
    Our son was 2.5 our first trip and 4 years and 1 month
    on our 2nd trip and both times he really enjoyed himself
    at MK and MGM.
    
    At MGM, he liked the Little Mermaid stage show, MuppetVision
    3-D (did this twice), the Indiana Jones show, the Alladin 
    parade (now Toy Story), the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles 
    show (might now be discontinued?), the Honey I Shrunk the 
    Kids playground, the Sci-Fi Drive-In Cafe was fun (though 
    we didn't care much for the food), the Beauty and the 
    Beast show, and they used to have a Muppets Street Show 
    but I think its gone now - though they now have a 
    Pocahontas show.
    
    Certainly, he was too little for Twilight Zone Tower
    of Terror, but he did ride Star Tours when he was 4
    and still thinks that he really went into outer space.
    
    We also hurried through the Animation Tour and skipped
    the Backlot Tour on his first trip (other than Catastrophe
    Canyon, it didn't really hold his attention on the 2nd
    trip either).  I think we did the Great Movie Ride on
    his first trip, but I wouldn't recommend it at all for
    young kids as some of it can be a little too much for
    young kids (Alien, etc.).  We missed the Monster Sound
    Stage show - but I think he might have liked that and
    we did Superstar TV on our 2nd visit - he was OK with 
    that one.
    
    Plus they were lining Sunset Blvd with plenty of characters
    to visit with the kids when we were there last (5/95).
    Some of the characters we didn't see anywhere else
    like the Alladin characters - maybe Toy Story now
    too?
    
    Anyway, you know your own kids - as long as you try to
    work within their pace you'll have fun at TMK and MGM. 
    
    Gary

    re. 19
    
    We took our 3.5 yr old to Disney this past November and did TMK and
    MGM; she loved MGM.
    
    She loved The Little Mermaid, the Pocahontas show, Muppets 3-D, Toy
    Story, etc.  There's lots for a 3 yr old to enjoy at MGM.
    
    /Susan  

    The only reason I suggested you skip MGM is because of the crowds
    waiting in line for the various shows that interest small children.
    Average wait at the Little Mermaid, when we've been there, (twice since
    it opened) was 1-1/2 to 2 hours.  Little ones have nothing to occupy
    them in the long line, you can't bring strollers into the line, so if
    you want to chance it, be prepared to carry both children.

    "I'M GOING TO DISNEY WORLD!"
    
    Time to celebrate the big 30 with the husband and THE DONALD.
    When:  Early March
    Details:  Flying Delta from Logan to Orlando (direct, nonstop, etc.)
              Taking the transfer to the hotel
              Staying at Dixie Landings (everybody says this one is nice)
              Length of stay passes
              Transfer back to airport
              Direct flight back to Logan
    Reservations:  Poly Luau, Hoop de Doo Review, Alfredo's
    
    This will be my 6th time (hubby's 2nd).  I first appeared in Disney
    in 11/74, (Space Mountain was just a picture on a billboard; stayed
    at the Contemporary Resort Hotel), 6/80 (stayed in Fort Wilderness),
    12/84 (stayed out side the park), 4/88 (stayed at Daytona Beach), 
    3/90 (stayed outside the park). 
    
    Bought the package from AMEX Travel Services and it was actually a
    LITTLE cheaper than calling Disney direct.  Don't think the Club
    membership would have helped much due to when we are going.  
    
    What's the scoop on the Tower of Terror?  My brother worked for 
    Disney last year and said that it didn't have the extra "drop" at
    the end and the ride was too short so they added it.  
    
    Any "must sees" out of the new stuff?  Thanks, Lisa
     

WHO:	Daughter Alex (age 11) and me
WHEN:	Presidents' Week: 2/17 evening - 2/25
WHERE:	Caribbean Beach Resort (asked for Martinique 2nd floor)
HOW:	Delta Dream Vacation through AAA.  Amex Travel was more
		expensive, with less convenient flights.

This will be our 3rd visit!  First one was 2/86, when Alex was only
13 months old.  She wasn't even walking yet and she LOVED it (Magic
Kingdom only, plus Sea World) and still loves the pictures I took on
that visit.

Second trip was in June of '92.  It was very crowded (the week after
school [in Massachusetts] let out), plus there were *many* cloudbursts
each afternoon... but once you had your ($2.95) poncho and the presence
of mind to wear what I call "rockwalkers"--those plastic net beach shoes
for use on rocky beaches--the warm rain was really kind of nice.

On both our previous trips we stayed with a friend in Cocoa Beach.  (The 
Beeline gets real old real fast!)  This time we're going to find out
what it's like to stay on-property.  I'm sure my daughter would have
preferred to stay at the Swan or Dolphin (she loves the sculptural 
architecture) but at their prices, we can maybe afford to stop in for
a Shirley Temple!

We'll still get to "do" the Beeline, as we'll be visiting my Cocoa Beach
friend's grave.... :-(  as well as NASA.  ST75 (Columbia) is scheduled to
launch 2/22 so I'm not sure if we can get *near* NASA that day.

Alex has never liked water splashed in her face, so I couldn't convince
her last trip to go on the newly-opened Splash Mountain  >:-(   but she
is *panting* to go on Tower of Terror  =8^O  :-}  which Birnbaum says
he can't describe precisely, as the Imagineers keep changing the ride!

We've reserved the Pooh character breakfast at Olivia's (?), since we get
one free char. bkfst on the Delta package; we've also reserved for Hoop-
de-Doo because I've been strictly admonished by many that I MUST NOT MISS
it.  I'm not a Hee Haw/Country & Western fan, so I'm prepared to be
only moderately entertained by this "jamboree" (how bad could it be if
it's Disney?!).

We'll probably do Universal Studios again (what? go to Florida and not
see Nickelodeon again?!) -- in '92 we thought "Back to the Future" was
the best of all the moving-seat rides we'd experienced.  The Sea World
one made me a bit queasy (and I get claustrophobic underwater, whether
it's virtual or real).

38 more days!
Leslie

    We're making our second trek ever to WDW during April vacation week!
    
    	Who -   Andy, Shirley, Eric (10) and Jason (7) Schneider
    	When -  Last full week of April
    	How -   Road Trip!  Driving from NH - 2.5 days
    	Where - Doubletree Suites (formerly Guest Quarters Suites) 
    		Lake Buena Vista - Disney property hotel
    
    We stayed here during our first trip in '91, and found it was a great
    compromise between off-site rates, but on-site privileges. Busses to
    the parks, on-site privs for early admittance, etc, while close to the
    Crossroads shopping center for eats and groceries on the outer edge of
    WDW.  They claim they're redone the hotel with more kid-oriented
    things, so I'll report the difference in the last 5 years.
    
    This was a last-minute decision, so finding a good rate or even
    availability at the  disney hotels we wanted was difficult, so we'll
    cut our lodging rates by over 45% to stay at the suites and have more $
    for souvenirs and meals.
    
    When we went last time, the kids were only 2 and 5, so now that they
    are 7 and 10 it should be a much more enjoyable trip.  Getting a 5-day
    park-hopper pass, so we should be able to take in most everything that
    week.  Plus, taking the Jimmy down should give us room for souvenirs on
    the way back.  We may take side-trips on the way to DC, or maybe SOB,
    but the main intent is 5 days of Mickey and friends.  
    
    After this winter, we NEED this trip.
    
    andy

	Who:  Julie, John, Michael (7), Christopher (5) and David (5)
	When:  May 3 - May 11
	Where:  Currently booked at the Best Western Buena Vista Suites

This will be my husband and kids first time to Disney...the last time I was 
there was in 1980.  We are really looking forward to going and appreciate the
great information in this conference!

    
    	Who -   Wife (Wendy), Jay(9), Steven(8), Benjamin(5)
    	When -  Feb 25 - Mar 3  NH Feb School Vacaction
    	How -   US AIR - Boston-Columbus,OH-Orl
    	Where - With 3 boys, where else?  Allstar Sports Resorts
    
    First time noter in this conference.  Boy, I have a lot to catch up on.

    Before children, Wendy and I went to WDW in Feb '80.  Guess they have 
    added on....

    Trip was confirmed first week in Jan 96.  We're actually staying in 2 
    rooms since Wendy's parents will be spending the day with us on 
    Wednesday and staying the night.  Plan to leave late afternoon Thursday 
    and driving to Tampa until Sunday.  I pay for the room he pays for my 
    golf on friday.  Leave Tampa Sunday afternoon--quick stop at Dulles and 
    on to Boston.

    Decided to stay at the AllStar Sports because of the $$, and I had read 
    in this conference about the size of the rooms.  The kids are pumped so 
    it should be a pretty good time.  I'm also planning a limo to take us 
    to/from the airport so the kids should get a kick out of that since it 
    will be their first time in a limo.  Gotta remember the camera.

    We have reservations at the Hoop-dee-doo for everyone (parents 
    too--belated Xmas present) and I'll be reading in this conference about 
    recommendations for a character breakfast.

    We'll be planning our daily events this week and have purchased the 
    1996 guide to WDW.  Thanks for WDW URL.  For now, it looks like 1 day 
    at Epcot, 2 days WDW, 1 day MGM, 1 day Universal.

    Total package: airfare for 5, 5 nights (2 rooms), car(3days), 5 day passes
    for under 3K.

    20 days to go but who's counting.

    Jim

    WHo:  MArk Camilleri
    When:  february NH vacation
    how:  US AIR Travel package
    Where:  Sharaton lakeside 5 days
    children:  6 -4-3 ( leaving 1 year old home with in-laws)
    
    I called US AIR last week and decided to see what they offer for
    a trip to Disney world..Wife wants to get away from this cold and
    needs to just get out of here..So I called, US AIR Travel..here is
    what I got..
    
    5 rounds trip air tickets...
    4 nights/5 days Sheraton lakeside
    alamo rent a car- full size
    passed to universal studio
    Church street
    wet n wild
    
    Cost:  $1539.00
    
    
    I hear the sheraton is at the main gate, so 1.8 miles isn't to
    far from disney worls..Plus they offer shuttle bus ride to and
    from DW....
    
    So, now I need to see what/where I am going.....
    
    I haven't been there for 4 years, sure it has changed.....
    
    Let everyone know how the kids like it

    Who:    Karen, Doug & Connor (22mos) Woods
    When:   20-24 March
    Where:  All-Star Music 
    How:    Driving (5 hour drive from our home in Georgia)
    
    This will be mine & Doug's 4th trip and Connor's second -- we went to 
    Epcot one day last year.  Our last long trip was 1990 so this trip is long
    overdue.  Doug is not working this year and concentrating on finishing
    his degree (after many years of night school) due to his schedule and
    the impending arrival of baby #2 this is about the only time we can go.
    We haven't had a "real" vacation since Sept 94 so we are in dire need
    of one!  We waited until the last minute to decide to spend the $$ and
    go and I'm really glad I found an inexpensive room at Disney.  
    
    I was able to book the room through Disney and will buy 4-day park
    hopper passes when we get there.  A travel agent was able to get me a 4
    night package to Dixie Landings which included a 4 day LOS pass and a
    flex option (a couple of items from a list such as character
    breakfasts, Planet Hollywood t-shirts) for $972.  However, I got the
    room at All-Star Music for $79 + tax and with the 4-day hoppers I'll
    spend about $650 so that means I'll have a lot more $$ to spend there. 
    Also, we would rather have the park hoppers in case we don't go to the
    parks everyday.  This way we might be able to go down one weekend and
    go to a park another day.
    
    Our next big vacation decision is whether or not to go to a character 
    breakfast.  Connor is a fan of Alladin & the Genie (could care less
    about Jasmine) but I don't think he will like the "big" characters - he
    likes Mickey and Donald but life size ones probably won't go over to
    good.  However, Mom is a big kid and this is a great excuse to take in
    a character breakfast!
    
    Karen
    

    My family will be going down April 3-17 . My wife and 2 children (14,6)
    are looking forward to it almost as much as I am. My mom and sister
    will also be going down with us again. This will be our 10th trip down.
    I guess we all get to relax a bit :-))  I now have a cousin who lives
    about 15 minutes from WDW, so we'll be able to visit them also. We're
    staying at the CRB for the 5th time running. The Contemporary was nice
    but is now out of our price range :-( If I sit back and think this out
    I know I could've paid my house off with the $$ I spent. But goot $$
    spent it is.. Gotta have fun sometime :-)))
    
    Joe
    

    WHO:   Joan, my brother Chris and his daughters, Ashley (11), Kelsey (8)
    WHEN:  August 20-27
    WHERE: All Star Sport    - Aug 20
    	   Dixie Landing     - Aug 21-25
    	   Best Western LBV  - Aug 25-27
    HOW:   Delta Air Lines out of Hartford ($175.00 round trip)
    WHY:   I took Ashley and her brother Shane in September 1994, but
           promised Kelsey a trip when she was 8.  Needles to say, she
           has not let me forget!  Plus I can be a kid right along with
           them.    
    
    I am on the Classic Plan with Food n' Fun during our stay at Dixie
    Landing, which is what I used in September, 1994.  I did a lot of shopping 
    and comparing and for how I take my vacation this gave me the best value 
    for my money.  I already have my reservation for Hoop de Doo, and will
    be able to make my other reservations, sixty days in advance.  I am
    still shopping around for a good deal on a rental car. 
    
    
    
                   
    

    Did you make your reservations for HoopDeDoo already? I thought you
    could only do that 60 days in advance? I'm going in July around the
    4th. I guess I'd better get those reservations in now if possible.

    
    
    Who: Dave, Marie and our twin girls Renee & Marie-Rose (ages 10)
         also friends Bob & Joan and their daughter Katie (age 10)
    
    When: April 11 - April 21
    
    How: Driving down in our friends conversion van. (third time driving
         for them...first time for us.)
    
    Where: Wilson World Maingate (2 miles from park)
    
    Why:  "ARE YOU KIDDING" after this winter!! It's been 3 yrs since our
           last visit. We weren't planning on going till the fall of 97.
           But our friends talked us into going down with them this April.
           They only had to twist our arms for about 2 seconds.
    
    
    Since our last trip down in 93, we heard a lot has been added. That's
    Disney for ya. It's all part of their master plan to get you back there
    every two or three years. We tried holding off telling the girls, but
    when we found out that Bob and Joan told there Katie that we were all
    going down together!!  Well, you guessed it, we knew it would only be
    a matter of time before the girls found out.
    
    So we sat the girls down one evening and asked them where they would 
    like to go on vacation this year?  It was so funny, they mentioned
    everything but Disney World (i think they knew that was not even an
    option).
    
    We then told them, what would you guy's think about going to
    Disney World??   WWWOOOWWW !!!!
    
    We had the neighbors calling to find out what all the noise was about.
    
    Since that evening of January 26th each day of the kids calenders
    have been getting big X's on them.
    
    
    
    Oh, ya....so  has  mom  and  dad's
    
    
    49 more day's !!!!!!
    
    

Who: Doug, Pat, and our three kids - ages 8, 13, 17.
     (Our oldest will trun 18 at WDW...anybody know of
      a special "birthday" place to take her?)

When: July

How: USAIR

Where: Old Key West Resort (ie Vacation Club)

Why: We try to visit every-other year.

This is the first time we will stay at this resort so we are
really looking forward to it. We joined the vacation club
last spring. 

    Who:   Donna, son Erik, my parents, and son's friend Phu Qok
    When:  April 11 - 17
    How:   U.S. Air Boston-Colombus, OH-Orlando
    Where: Dixie Landings
    Why:   My parents promised this trip to my son as they took my
    	   daughter to England and France last year.  Also, the 
    	   music program at Danvers High School will be performing
    	   at the Orlando Music festival and my daughter will be
    	   part of the singing group.  So my family gets to see
    	   my daughter in the competition along with seeing the
    	   High School band march on Main Street and perform at
    	   MGM.
    Last Time:  1989 when Alyssa was 8 and Erik 5.  I can't wait
    		and the kids are looking forward to it too.  There
    		is a lot of things that we have never seen such
    		as MGM.
    
    

Who:    Nina Eppes and Jim Kauffman (my S.O.)
When:   Thursday, Aug. 29 - Tuesday, Sept. 4 (leaving very early)
Where:  Beach Club Resort (yeah!!)
How:    United - for FREE :-) (had to use some Mileage Plus miles before
	they expired). Boston-Orlando via Dulles going down, Orlando-Boston
	via Chicago coming back.
Car:  	None (yet; we may get one if we can find a good rate)
Why:    I will hit a Major Birthday Milestone in August and figured
	what better place to celebrate such an event? :-)  We can't be
	there ON my birthday, due to other commitments, but we'll be
	arriving at WDW exactly a week later, which is good enough for me!
Last Trip:  For me, last October (see note 412.32).  For Jim, a day at MGM
	in Dec. 1992 when we were in Florida visiting his folks for Christmas.

Since it's a Major Birthday Milestone for me, I wanted to stay at one of 
the deluxe resorts but wasn't quite up to being as deluxe as the Grand 
Floridian :-).  The Beach Club seems like just about the next best thing
(although the Wilderness Lodge was a serious contender),  and EPCOT is my 
favorite theme park at WDW so it'll be nice to be close to it.

I called the MKC Travel Center, and they came up with a Classic Plan rate
(with MKC discount) of $1,568.25 for the two of us for a "garden view" room.  
Because the Classic Plan includes unlimited admission to all the theme and 
water parks, plus "hourly use of selected recreational activities," it seemed 
like a pretty good deal for staying at the Beach Club. (We would've preferred
a king-size room, but unfortunately none were available with the MKC discount,
and we decided it wasn't worth the extra $450 [!] that it would've cost.) 

I'm psyched! :-)

-- Nina

    Nina,
    
    Happy 25th Birthday!
    
    :^)

RE .39 - Mike, you're too kind! :-)  

(I started working at DEC about a month before my 25th
birthday.  That was in 1981.  You do the math... :-) )

-- Nina

Who:	Dave, Debbie, Jen(12), Justin(9), Nicole(7), Chris(3) + 
~37 others...

When:	August 8-19

Where:	Fort Wilderness, group camping.

How:	3 15 passenger Vans, or, a bus if we can find a deal we 
	can afford.

Why:	Drum Corps International (DCI) world championships.  	
	Disney is sponsering the Summer Music Games this year 	
	and next.  My three oldest are members  of the Royal 	
	Cadets Drum and Bugle Corps.  This will be the third 
	year that the Royal Cadets have competed in the Summer 
	Music Games.

Other Trips: Debbie and I went in 1980 with our HS Band and again 	    
	    on our honeymoon in 1985.


Schedule:	Leave Thursday night.  
	Arrive in Daytona on Saturday for a competition there.    
	Stay in Daytona Saturday night. 
	Arrive at Ft. Wilderness around noon on Sunday, get 
	settled in and rest up from the long trip.
	Monday we plan to do TMK.
	Tuesday we will be competing at the Citrus Bowl in the
	Division II/III competition.  
	Wednesday will be at EPCOT.  The winners of the
	Individual and Ensemble competitions will be performing
	at EPCOT Wednesday evening.  The I&E competition
	will be held at Pleasure Island during the day.
	Thursday will be at MGM.
	Friday will be at Bliaard Beach until mid afternoon then
	we will go watch the Div. I semi finals.
	Saturday will be a free day/packing day.  Saturday evening
	we will go watch the Div. I finals.
	We will Leave Sunday to head for home.

    28 days to go and counting down. And speaking of counting down, I sent
    a letter to NASA for a vehicle pass for the shuttle Columbia launch on
    June 27th and I received it in the mail yesterday. This is a pass to go
    onto the Causeway to view the launch. Besides the shuttle launch and
    going to the magic Kingdom, Epcot and MGM, we are planning to go to Sea
    World and Universal Studios.
    
    			Dave Dufort 

    WHO:   Myself (Carol), husband Mike, sons Jason (then 7), Alex (then 2.5)
    WHEN:  November 18-25
    WHERE: Boardwalk Villas
    HOW:   USAir Boston<->Orlando ($165.00 R/T),  Alamo Rent-a-car ($100/week)
    WHY:   Jason has been asking since many of his kindergarten friends
   	   have been making the trek.   Once I started looking into it,
 	   I was also hooked on the idea!

    It's dawning on me that I made my reservations without doing enough research
    (i.e. the week before Thanksgiving might not be the best time to go since
    there's nothing special going on and the holiday festivities don't start
    until the next week) but am trying to make the best plan with what I have.

    Am working on getting hubby comfortable with the idea of paying more than
    $200 for a "hotel room" ("so-and-so says you get get a room for $30 a
    night in Orlando...".   The 1-bedroom villa with full kitchen, 2-person
    jacuzzi, washer/dryer sounds like a whole lot more than a hotel room!

    5 months to plan what to see....any and all suggestions welcome!

    Carol

    WHO:   Mark, Jean (wife),Jason 11, Jenna 9, Megan 7, and Rachel 4
    WHEN:  September 22-30
    WHERE: Boardwalk Villa's 2 BR
    HOW:   USAIR  Boston to Orlando $164 R/T
    WHY:   First official family trip to Disney. Staying onsite. A no
           brainer with four kids.
    PLANNED: By me with significant help from this notes file. THANKS.
    EVENTS:  Hoop dee doo (booked), One CB, Universal trip, etc etc etc
             in addition to all the parks.
    
    We booked the new B.W. villa's because we wanted/needed the flex/space
    of staying in one "room" in addition to the kitchen facilities (snacks,
    breakfast, drinks). The boardwalk villa's are opening in July right 
    across from the Y+BC. 
    
    This place is a bit pricey but, with the MKC discount and offseason
    rates, pulls it within range. We will probably get a rental car/van to
    keep some flexibility and would not be too much more costly than
    taking the shuttle from Orlando to Disney.
    
    

    I don't know why you feel you have to pay $200/night on a room.
    Yes, you did select boardwalk, a premium hotel, but if you had chosen
    ASR, you rate would have been well below $100.
    as to off site, I never would.  *if* you find that $34 motel room, keep
    one eye open while you sleep.
    ed
    

    
    Oh, I don't feel that I have to pay $200/night for *a* room;
    I do think that's an OK rate for the 1BR BW Villa considering
    its amenities.   With a child who still naps and while my
    children are young enough that eating out 3 meals X 7 days
    doesn't sound fun 8^), the suite is a requirement in my mind.
    My husband is just frugal to the bone...
    
    I'm with you on the hotels that advertise in-room safes and
    triple security locks as their features!
    
    Carol

    Carol,
    
    Do whatever you have to do to get express service at Alamo (I think
    AAA told me [too late, after our trip] that I would have needed to
    join some frequent-flyer or -renter program).  The first time I
    went (2/86) I was in Alamo's line for ONE HOUR.  Single parent, one
    exhausted cranky daughter in a stroller.... you get the picture.  Ten
    years later, those who do not learn from history are condemned to
    repeat it :-) and I waited at least 30 minutes in their @#@@$$#%$ line.
    
    Good news was that they gave me a subcompact (AAA wouldn't reserve one)
    and it only had 445 miles on it!
    
    Good cars; crowd management beneath contempt.
    
    Leslie

    Well, since I'm leaving next Wednesday, and I am a moderator, I guess
    I'd better sign in!!!
    
    
    WHO:  Susan (me) and Michael (nephew - 13), friends Lisa and Pete, and 
    	  Lisa's boys, Sean (who will turn 8 there) and Tony (7)
    WHEN:  August 14-21 (too short, but longer than I've stayed before!)
    WHERE: Fort Wilderness Wilderness Homes!
    HOW:  USAir from Boston to Orlando early Wednesday morning!; 5-day
    	  World Hopper Passes
    EVENTS: HoopDeeDoo first night, Admiral Goofy's Character Breakfast,
    	    (Birthday) Character Dinner at 1900 Park Faire
    
    I CAN'T WAIT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

    
        goin' again......went to WDW last christmas for the week, what a great
    time. This was our first time and we loved it......soooooooooo we
    booked again for this christmas, we, my wife Robin, daughters Brianna(12)
    and Brittany(8) are going on 12/20/96 thru 12/28/96. My wife and I tell
    the kids we are going for them.......right!!! Now I'm wishing my summer
    away......eah who cares.....
    
    
    /Kevin

      WHO:  Mike (me); Paula; Greg (16); and Jen (turns 13 on the day
    		we leave)!  Our third trip.  Last time was for the 20th
    		also around the same dates.
      WHEN:  November 8-16th
      WHERE: Sheraton Lakeside
      HOW:   New DELTA EXPRESS (we had booked when it was Delta); leave
    		Boston 9:00AM on the 8th; Leave Orlando 6:50PM on the 16th
      Misc:  5 day Park Hopper passes.  Renting a Caravan.   Mostly a Read
    		only noter but will go for a trip report upon my return.
    		I'm driving the family crazy with "planning"!  But I see to
    		many families spend 20+ minutes at the entrance trying to
    		decide what to do first!
    
    
    regards,
    Mike C   
    

      WHO:   George, Deb (wife)
    
      WHEN:  October 10-15th
    
      WHERE: With S/BIL in Deltona
    
      HOW:   Flying on Delta
    
      Misc:  I've been read-only for a long time now but still share the
             same enthusiasum with Disney as many of you. This will be our
             first time back into WDW since '91. What turned out to be a
             long weekend of visiting in-laws has now become a possible 2-3
             day WDW visit. YES!! (I'm still working that 3rd day though)
    
             Lots of new goodies to see!!! I can't wait!
    
    /George

	Who:	Richard, Terri and Charlotte (9), we had planned to take
		Charlotte's cousin but it didn't materialise.

	When:	Oct 22 - Nov 5. We moved the date back from the original date
		so we would be there for Halloween.

	Where:	All Star Music

	How:	Virgin Atlantic  London(Gatwick) to Orlando

	Why:	On our last trip 20,000 Leagues was closed so we said we'd
		have to come again. I guess we can say it again this year.

	Aims:	We previously spent 6 days at WDW staying off site, this
		year we have 14 days on site and plan to do just about
		everything including all the hidden attractions I have found
		from this conference and on the Net. We are going to get
		Premium Annual Passports so hopefully I can wangle another
		trip before the year is out. We are going to try to swim in
		every swimming pool.

	Previous Trips: WDW 10/94 all together
			DLP 3/96 with Terri
			DLP 7/96 with Charlotte.

    A Post trip entry.
    
    	Who: The LaPointe's... Tony, Lois, and the kids, Corey, Ashley,
    Eric & Ross
    
    	When: August 13th.
    
    	Why:  It was strickly by impulse.  We were on a do nothing, laid
    back vacation.  Leave MA drive to DC for two to three days then to my
    mother's in FL.  She lives 60 miles south of WDW on rt27 in Sebring.
    
    We hadn't planned on going or doing anything but laying by a pool and
    getting recharged, but something got to us when we drove by exit 25 on
    I4.  We fought it for nearly 5 days but on the 12th my wife and I
    decided to get the kids up early, tell them nothing and just drive to
    WDW.
    
    Our offical plans are to go during the 25th bash.... as we've been to
    the 15th, and the 20th.
    My wife decided to have us "do" TMK from 9:30 am 'til closing
    (midnight)

	Who:	Laura, John
	When:	Oct. 5-12
	Where:	My timshare in Kissimmee, high Point World Resort
	How:	Delta Express
	Why:	Because we like it!
		
	Previous Trips:1974, 1985, 1986, 1993.