The Baloos in DLP May 23rd - 30th 2009

[fizzog]

Well it sounds like, while not like '92, the resort has improved loads which is great. I just hope the PotC song is in sync at last Making me very excited about my trip Thanks for a great report.

[seenoevil]

I don't know when I'll ever get to DLP, but I really enjoy reading your trip reports and seeing the charming pictures of your family.

[davewasbaloo]

Glad to hear it, and many thanks.

[ICHAPMAN]

Hi,

Sorry to go off-topic (maybe only slightly) but how does the Marriott thing work. I mean you can visit the Marriott site and book a stay, but I get the impression from reading the TR that you've done something different....

Can you tell me more please?.

Thanks

Iain

[davewasbaloo]

Sure. MVCI is a Vacation Club like DVC. People can book rooms like normal or buy in. So we own a week at Disneyland Paris that we can use once a year for 75 years, or trade it for other Marriott Vacation Club sites around the globe - 2 in the Costa del Sol, 1 in Majorca, 5 in Orlando, 3 in California, 2 in Thailand etc. Or you can trade for other time shares. Or you can trade for Marriott Points to be used in their hotels, or for airmiles.

After 50+ trips to DLP over the years and no DVC, we decided this was our best option, especially as we like non Disney vacations too (when we bought, DVC only made sense if you were interesting in Florida or Hilton Head).

Ownership is not cheap and then you pay a maintenance fee each year too, but it does work out cheaper than paying for hotel rooms. It is not for everyone, but we certainly have loved it since we bought in.

For us, having 1000+ sq ft, lots of creature comforts, a washer, dryer and kitchen (with little ones makes sense), and Marriott quality service, it makes sense.

For people who want to go on the fly and just want a bed and shower, it does not make sense. so something different for everyone.

For more info, check out the Marriott info:

Marriott Vacation Club Home Page.

So far since owning, we have stayed at the Renaissance Hotel on Nob Hill in San Francisco, the Marriott in Monterrey California, a week at Newport Coast near Disneyland, 2 weeks at Village Ile De France (DLP), Playa Andaluza on the Costa Del Sol in Spain, and Son Antem in Mallorca. For a fraction of the cost of normal hotel stays.

[pussnboots]

Originally Posted by davewasbaloo

For more info, check out the Marriott info:

Marriott Vacation Club Home Page.

The odd thing is that they don't actually mention Disney at all — you click on "theme parks," but from there on you're just supposed to smell that you'll be near a Disney resort. Does Marriott have some sort of Robin Williams-style history with Disney...?

[TDLFAN]

Baloo, didn't know you were going to be in Paris... Enjoyed reading your report and some good news like more custodial and attractions that appear to be better. Not sure at this point in time when I will be return to Paris. many changes at work right now prohibit me from visiting France right now, and I am not happy. Sorry to hear you got sick during your visit. No fun when that happens.
Still waiting for you to come to TDR.

[davewasbaloo]

Originally Posted by pussnboots

The odd thing is that they don't actually mention Disney at all — you click on "theme parks," but from there on you're just supposed to smell that you'll be near a Disney resort. Does Marriott have some sort of Robin Williams-style history with Disney...?

well they used to get on very well, including many services being shared in Paris. But the quality of the Disney cleaners and gardeners were subpar, they cessated contracts and brought their own people in. Ever since, the relationship between the two companies are not great.

[davewasbaloo]

Originally Posted by TDLFAN

Baloo, didn't know you were going to be in Paris... Enjoyed reading your report and some good news like more custodial and attractions that appear to be better. Not sure at this point in time when I will be return to Paris. many changes at work right now prohibit me from visiting France right now, and I am not happy. Sorry to hear you got sick during your visit. No fun when that happens.
Still waiting for you to come to TDR.

My ticker has been counting down for a while . Shame to hear it will be a while for you. However, the Mickey's Magical Party is soooo bad, you are not missing much on that front.

I would love to come to tokyo, but it costs three times as much as a US trip for a family of four, and I was laid off a couple of weeks ago. I don't know when I will ever get back to any Disney resort again.

But yes, Tokyo is on my bucket list and I would love to do it before I turn 40.

[Olivier]

Thanks for the detailled TR, and cool photos!

[pussnboots]

Originally Posted by davewasbaloo

well they used to get on very well, including many services being shared in Paris. But the quality of the Disney cleaners and gardeners were subpar, they cessated contracts and brought their own people in. Ever since, the relationship between the two companies are not great.

Seems a shame to throw away a fruitful collaboration over an inadequate gardener.

[fiyero]

I went on a tour of the Marriott Village a few years back (we were paid €100 in vouchers so it was a no-brainer!) It looked amazing, no way I could afford it but I would love to have.

[TDLFAN]

Originally Posted by davewasbaloo

My ticker has been counting down for a while . Shame to hear it will be a while for you. However, the Mickey's Magical Party is soooo bad, you are not missing much on that front.

I would love to come to tokyo, but it costs three times as much as a US trip for a family of four, and I was laid off a couple of weeks ago. I don't know when I will ever get back to any Disney resort again.

But yes, Tokyo is on my bucket list and I would love to do it before I turn 40.

OH dear!!
Will drop you a PM now. But NOT without answering this.. Tokyo may cost three times as much (the kids do not have to come with you .. you know), but you will get back 6 times more the enjoyment and 50% of it will be totally brand new stuff to you...most of which is excellent and true to Disney's core quality.

[fizzog]

Not that simple though, a Ferrari Enzo would give me 6 times the enjoyment of a Fiat Panda but one of those just isn't practical. And going on a holiday to Disneyland without the kids? "Ok you stay with your grandparents while we meet Mickey Mouse". You'd have to hate your children...

[fiyero]

Originally Posted by fizzog

And going on a holiday to Disneyland without the kids? "Ok you stay with your grandparents while we meet Mickey Mouse". You'd have to hate your children...

I feel bad that I haven't taken my nephew to Disneyland Paris. If I had my own children (who were old enough) there is no way I could go to Disneyland without them.