The Chit Chat Chit Chat Thread

[DryerLintFan]

@MySmallWorldof4 question......

I'm pricing out SoG against AoA (again)..... Really the savings for me are going to come next year, not this year so:

SoG - 6 night stay with two queen beds, AP tickets (divided by two because we'll go again next year), transport to and from the airport by private car - $1864

AoA - 6 night stay with 2 full beds, AP tickets (divided by two because we'll go again next year) - $2135

So the savings this year are about $272. If they come out with free dining, I'd have to upgrade to DDP to "get my money's worth" which would tack on another what, $322 ish of cost which would bring the difference to $594. If we stay at SoG and eat whatever we want and eat like kings, I can't see us spending more than around $470 ish, but that still brings us within a hundred dollars difference between the two (with SoG being the less expensive choice).

So I guess my question here is....... are the deluxe accommodation and convenience of a resort located on the monorail loop worth more generally than the convenience of Disney transportation and pre paid dining? Would you stick with SoG in my shoes?

 

[Mr Ferret 75]

@figmentfan423

Spoiler

 

[MySmallWorldof4]

@MySmallWorldof4 question......

I'm pricing out SoG against AoA (again)..... Really the savings for me are going to come next year, not this year so:

SoG - 6 night stay with two queen beds, AP tickets (divided by two because we'll go again next year), transport to and from the airport by private car - $1864

AoA - 6 night stay with 2 full beds, AP tickets (divided by two because we'll go again next year) - $2135

So the savings this year are about $272. If they come out with free dining, I'd have to upgrade to DDP to "get my money's worth" which would tack on another what, $322 ish of cost which would bring the difference to $594. If we stay at SoG and eat whatever we want and eat like kings, I can't see us spending more than around $470 ish, but that still brings us within a hundred dollars difference between the two (with SoG being the less expensive choice).

So I guess my question here is....... are the deluxe accommodation and convenience of a resort located on the monorail loop worth more generally than the convenience of Disney transportation and pre paid dining? Would you stick with SoG in my shoes?

I would totally do SOG. It is well worth it to be on the monorail loop.

 

[DryerLintFan]

I would totally do SOG. It is well worth it to be on the monorail loop.

Thank you! I started doubting myself when I realized the price difference would be so close if they offer free dining. It will be hot too, so we'll likely eat a lot less food than I'm accounting for, anyway.

 

[MySmallWorldof4]

Thank you! I started doubting myself when I realized the price difference would be so close if they offer free dining. It will be hot too, so we'll likely eat a lot less food than I'm accounting for, anyway.

I always doubt myself when I make plans, especially when it comes to hotel reservations. This trip is kind of a compromise. It is on Disney property so we get the benefits, but using someone else's accommodations. I am excited.

 

[DryerLintFan]

Parenting a preschooler is a full contact sport. Last night in a span of two hours I got a fat lip, stubbed toe, elbows in the ribcage, and a fingernail clipping in my eye. The fat lip is making it awfully awkward to eat my lunch today, lol

 

[Figgy1]

I'm exhausted. Why are naps at work not a thing?

Would you like to trade jobs? Where's the green grin when you need it

 

[Figgy1]

I've been to the cafeteria every single day for breakfast this week.

I've had bacon every day this week.

I should probably stop.

Nah.

As far as bacon goes, just ask yourself "do I want to look like @Mr Ferret 88"

 

[Figgy1]

Parenting a preschooler is a full contact sport. Last night in a span of two hours I got a fat lip, stubbed toe, elbows in the ribcage, and a fingernail clipping in my eye. The fat lip is making it awfully awkward to eat my lunch today, lol

Sympathy like been there done that broken toe, broken wrist(not my kid), black eyes.................

 

[DryerLintFan]

I always doubt myself when I make plans, especially when it comes to hotel reservations. This trip is kind of a compromise. It is on Disney property so we get the benefits, but using someone else's accommodations. I am excited.

That's the best! Next year we'll be going with my SIL, so lodging and transport will be half of what we pay this year. It's like buy one Disney vacation, get another half off

 

[Figgy1]

Hey wdwmagic friends! I've missed you guys that last couple days. It's been super hectic around here, we've both been recovering from bad colds and because of that I missed a couple days of work at the worst time---the end of the quarter. So hubs and I did have a date night Wednesday (since it was holy week he didn't have services Wednesday and he wanted to do something fun) and I was so behind in my grading I spent last night grading papers for close to 5 hours. But I am all caught up on grading and that feels good and now I can play on the internets! Oh and my cold is pretty much gone and I can smell again! To celebrate I opened my Jiko blend of Joffrey's coffee, and it was a treat....AMAZING!

Seems like there was some important stuff talked about...sandwich chains and Tonga toast. So I must weigh in...

Sandwich chains: Subway is okay, we actually have one in my town. I like their meatball one. I used to like Quiznos and Scholotsky's Deli but I don't think they are around any more at least not around here. A coffee shop near us has amazing sandwiches the bread and special sauce is so good. Jimmy Johns is okay and I haven't tried those other ones you mentioned.

Tonga Toast: I do like bananas but I think Tonga toast is overrated. The inside was too mushy for me. Now the locco mocco at Kona Cafe, now that's some good stuff! It's a Hawaiian thing and I loved them in Hawaii. It is rice, hamburger patty, egg and gravy. Now that's the way to go!

View attachment 273244

That looks quite good.

 

[Figgy1]

@MySmallWorldof4 question......

I'm pricing out SoG against AoA (again)..... Really the savings for me are going to come next year, not this year so:

SoG - 6 night stay with two queen beds, AP tickets (divided by two because we'll go again next year), transport to and from the airport by private car - $1864

AoA - 6 night stay with 2 full beds, AP tickets (divided by two because we'll go again next year) - $2135

So the savings this year are about $272. If they come out with free dining, I'd have to upgrade to DDP to "get my money's worth" which would tack on another what, $322 ish of cost which would bring the difference to $594. If we stay at SoG and eat whatever we want and eat like kings, I can't see us spending more than around $470 ish, but that still brings us within a hundred dollars difference between the two (with SoG being the less expensive choice).

So I guess my question here is....... are the deluxe accommodation and convenience of a resort located on the monorail loop worth more generally than the convenience of Disney transportation and pre paid dining? Would you stick with SoG in my shoes?

Just my 2 cents. Walk to Poly for EVERYTHING!!! beach, TS, CC, Kona, monorail, ferry. Dedicated buses that never fill up. We only saw it even close to full once. If you're studying the resort is QUIET!!!!! Cheap food and drinks. The only time I would take Poly transport is if you want to be at the front of the line for rope drop. How much time are you planning on spending in MK?

 

[ajrwdwgirl]

Thank you @ajrwdwgirl!! I've cancelled the Kona dinner reservation, and booked the Kona breakfast reservation. Instead of 'Ohana or Kona for dinner the night we're planning on doing the fireworks on the beach, we'll do the Tiki Terrace (or the Grotto, if it's raining, or Capt Cook's if it's raining and that's full).

Cool! I hope you enjoy it!

 

[Figgy1]

Cool! I hope you enjoy it!

How are both of you feeling today?

 

[21stamps]

I didn't see the mimosa flight, I was all about the press pot Kona coffee. But mimosas would have been good too.

The loco mocco is good. When we were in Hawaii it was always served with soy sauce on the side (even for breakfast) and I really liked that. So when I asked the server at Kona Cafe for soy sauce at 7:30 am she was super surprised, she actually did a full double take look. It was actually pretty funny! So if you like things a little more savory and salty I would recommend getting a side of soy.

Kona coffe + a mimosa is my order. I can’t choose. I didn’t know about the mimosa flight! Next time I’ll try it for sure.

 

[ajrwdwgirl]

Up until a year ago, I said the same thing about kraut, but, then I tried it out of curiosity and it immediately became my absolute favorite sandwich. I think that the part of the word "sauer"kraut just gave it a negative push. I don't find it sour at all.

I don't mind things sour. I'm just not a cabbage fan, but I do find my tastes changing a little as I'm aging. Or maybe I'm just getting more refined, so perhaps I'll give it a whirl sometime.

 

[donaldtoo]

Hey wdwmagic friends! I've missed you guys that last couple days. It's been super hectic around here, we've both been recovering from bad colds and because of that I missed a couple days of work at the worst time---the end of the quarter. So hubs and I did have a date night Wednesday (since it was holy week he didn't have services Wednesday and he wanted to do something fun) and I was so behind in my grading I spent last night grading papers for close to 5 hours. But I am all caught up on grading and that feels good and now I can play on the internets! Oh and my cold is pretty much gone and I can smell again! To celebrate I opened my Jiko blend of Joffrey's coffee, and it was a treat....AMAZING!

Seems like there was some important stuff talked about...sandwich chains and Tonga toast. So I must weigh in...

Sandwich chains: Subway is okay, we actually have one in my town. I like their meatball one. I used to like Quiznos and Scholotsky's Deli but I don't think they are around any more at least not around here. A coffee shop near us has amazing sandwiches the bread and special sauce is so good. Jimmy Johns is okay and I haven't tried those other ones you mentioned.

Tonga Toast: I do like bananas but I think Tonga toast is overrated. The inside was too mushy for me. Now the locco mocco at Kona Cafe, now that's some good stuff! It's a Hawaiian thing and I loved them in Hawaii. It is rice, hamburger patty, egg and gravy. Now that's the way to go!

View attachment 273244

Glad y'all are feelin' better, and you're all caught up on the grading...!!!

Woof!!!
How could I have forgotten Schlotzsky's...!?!?!?
Maybe 'cause I was thinkin' only subs at the time...?
Also, Schlotzsky's is another Austin original...!

As far as that locco mocco pic goes...
Yum-O-Rama...!!!!!!!

ETA...
I used to enjoy Quiznos too, but, the one down the road closed years ago.
There are 3 still in the area, but, not near us.

 

[ajrwdwgirl]

@MySmallWorldof4 question......

I'm pricing out SoG against AoA (again)..... Really the savings for me are going to come next year, not this year so:

SoG - 6 night stay with two queen beds, AP tickets (divided by two because we'll go again next year), transport to and from the airport by private car - $1864

AoA - 6 night stay with 2 full beds, AP tickets (divided by two because we'll go again next year) - $2135

So the savings this year are about $272. If they come out with free dining, I'd have to upgrade to DDP to "get my money's worth" which would tack on another what, $322 ish of cost which would bring the difference to $594. If we stay at SoG and eat whatever we want and eat like kings, I can't see us spending more than around $470 ish, but that still brings us within a hundred dollars difference between the two (with SoG being the less expensive choice).

So I guess my question here is....... are the deluxe accommodation and convenience of a resort located on the monorail loop worth more generally than the convenience of Disney transportation and pre paid dining? Would you stick with SoG in my shoes?

You didn't ask me, but I'm going to be nosy and offer my two cents if you don't mind. I would stick with SoG in your case. I tend to lean to whatever is cheapest. I was also thinking if your daughter doesn't eat a lot, free dining might not be the best deal. You can always keep looking and see what the best deal is.

 

[DryerLintFan]

Just my 2 cents. Walk to Poly for EVERYTHING!!! beach, TS, CC, Kona, monorail, ferry. Dedicated buses that never fill up. We only saw it even close to full once. If you're studying the resort is QUIET!!!!! Cheap food and drinks. The only time I would take Poly transport is if you want to be at the front of the line for rope drop. How much time are you planning on spending in MK?

Right now we're planning on MK on arrival day (early afternoon), Rope dropping day three (for like, two hours so nothing major), the evening on day four to watch fireworks, and then PPO CRT on departure day so we can say goodbye to a few princesses before getting in the car and going to the airport.

I've built in a lot of floater time though, or down time, just in case I need time to study because I have a final that week. The final is online, so if I take it at the beginning of the week, we'll probably spend more time at MK because the monorail is right there.

I'm sure our princess meet and greet count will be much more than the BTMRR count from @Tuvalu and @Longers combined, LOL

 

[21stamps]

@MySmallWorldof4 question......

I'm pricing out SoG against AoA (again)..... Really the savings for me are going to come next year, not this year so:

SoG - 6 night stay with two queen beds, AP tickets (divided by two because we'll go again next year), transport to and from the airport by private car - $1864

AoA - 6 night stay with 2 full beds, AP tickets (divided by two because we'll go again next year) - $2135

So the savings this year are about $272. If they come out with free dining, I'd have to upgrade to DDP to "get my money's worth" which would tack on another what, $322 ish of cost which would bring the difference to $594. If we stay at SoG and eat whatever we want and eat like kings, I can't see us spending more than around $470 ish, but that still brings us within a hundred dollars difference between the two (with SoG being the less expensive choice).

So I guess my question here is....... are the deluxe accommodation and convenience of a resort located on the monorail loop worth more generally than the convenience of Disney transportation and pre paid dining? Would you stick with SoG in my shoes?

I think “free dining” is a complete waste for 2 people.. especially when you would only get the QS plan at AoA.
On our 2015 trip they were offering Free Dining- I did the math, the room only discount came up much better, by A LOT... even AFTER paying for the DDP myself.