We're going in Feb. (and that's final!!!)

[TigerLilly's Mom]

Well,
I did it. I changed my May ressies to Feb. 27 - March 2nd. Now, I know we are going to miss the Mummy and I'm really bummed about it, bur I just couldn't wait until June. So, now I am REALLY excited! It is so cold here in NH, that the warm weather will be so awesome!

What are the park hours during that time - We will be there a Friday through a Monday night. It will be warm right? And what is down for refurbishment? As long as it is not the Hulk or Spiderman it will be fine! Also, how about crowds? What do you think DM?

I got the two free nights at that HRH and two nights at a Fan Club rate - not great, but better than four nights at rack rate.

I'm so excited - off to buy the five day deal from Kraft!

[damo]

Good decision! The Mummy will be there for your next trip. Why wait?

I'm trying to get down for next week but I'm waiting on our frequent flyer service people. Please keep your fingers crossed; I need a few days in the sun. It is frickin freezin up here!!!!!!

[TigerLilly's Mom]

Fingers crossed Damo - its friken freezing up here too!

[AlexandNessa]

Good deal! It looks like your park hours are 9-7 every day, with the exception of Saturday, which is 9-8. And the good news is, you'll be there for Mardi Gras now. Bonus!

P.S. It's freaking freezing here too!!

[TigerLilly's Mom]

Hi Jodie - those are great hours and I'm excited about Mardi Gras, but I don't know anything about it. Sounds like there is a parade going on Sat. nights?

I just hope it will warm enough for my kids to use the pool - as long as it is like mid 70's they probably will. I, however, will not be venturing into a bathing suit anytime soon :earseek:

I can't wait to hear how the Portifino was - I would have tried it this trip so I could have tried all three - but I have the two free nights, and moving sounds like a pain in the butt!

[AlexandNessa]

I'll be sure to tell you all about it! We can't wait!

Hey, did you think about buying one AP? It seems the AP rates are the best this year, and I just looked up AP rates at the HRH, and they're $159 for Fri/Sat, and $139 for Sun/Mon for your dates. The difference in price from the bonus pass to the AP would almost pay for itself (compared to $189 for Fan club - wow!), and then you'd get 20% off your merchandise and 15-10% off all your restaurant bills too. May be something to think about, especially since you guys like to go fairly often. That one AP would probably pay for itself!

[AlexandNessa]

:D

Woops - double post.

[TigerLilly's Mom]

I tried to talk DH into buying one in Nov., and he refused. I even explained to him about how much we would save and how it is actually cheaper. He won't do it. He hears the word "annual" and blocks out everything else. I think he thinks I will make him go every month or something! LOL

[AlexandNessa]

Silly girl! He's a man -- you have to give it to him in numbers! That is why you only buy one AP (argument: you can't go every month if only one of you is an APH). And I think AAA South is having that Preferred Annual Pass for $127.75. That is a difference of $45.80 from the 5-day Bonus Pass that is $81.99. The Fan Club rate for your dates is $187. You get the HRH to cover your free nights on Friday and Saturday, and you pay $139/night with the AP on Sunday and Monday. That saves you $96 over 2 days, so the AP saved you $50.20, which is like a free lunch at the parks for your family, especially since said lunch is now 15% off!

[TigerLilly's Mom]

I think I'll just let him read your post, LOL You said it better than I could have.

The good news is, I just called him on the phone and he is excited about the trip and didn't bat an eye at the $221 airfare. What a sweetie :love2: I told him about Mardi Gras and he got excited and asked about how you got the beads!! I told kids (including ours) were going to be there and it is a FAMILY Mardi Gras. Men!

[AlexandNessa]

Well I'm glad it's a done deal for you! And, please tell me all about Mardi Gras. We're there for its last Saturday, so I'm bracing myself for a mob scene!

[TigerLilly's Mom]

I definately will - I'm so horrible about posting trip reports, but I really will try this time. If I don't, I will at least give you the run down on Mardi Gras.

[Selina]

Hi Tonia - glad you got it all sorted out. I imagine the parks will be quite relaxing at that time (I know our half term school hols begin the week before on 16th -20th February - so you won't get alot of brits unless they take their kids out of school for the second week, even then they'd be flying home that weekend you are there) Let us know what you think of the Mardi Gras and the kitchen.

Damo.....we heard on our weather reports that an arctic wind is heading our way from Canada where they said it's currently -40 - I thought -40!!! No wonder you are freezing. They expect our day time temperatures to be -7 or -8 - so still quite cold - as it's a mild 10 at the moment!!

[TigerLilly's Mom]

Hey Selina -
I will let you know how everything went. I can't wait to try The Kitchen. It sounds like it has gotton all positive reviews. Can't wait!!!

[Selina]

Yes....try and have one of their desserts - most people have been too full to try one....:D

[IMGONNABE40!]

TigerLilly's Mom--Have an awesome trip and I hope you do get a chance to try the Kitchen. We really enjoyed our dinner there. Hopefully you will stay in good health during this trip (and I am sure you will stay away from the hurricanes!)

[TigerLilly's Mom]

Yes! No more of those EVER. Do you happen to remember what the kid's menu was like?

[damo]

Selina, it's been about -20 here lately. That's too cold and I don't wish it on anyone. My sister, however, lives way North and she thinks -20 is balmy! I want to go to Florida!

[IMGONNABE40!]

I did not look at the kids' menu at The Kitchen. My son preferred to have a turkey leg on the way back from the park and spend his evening in the pool, rather than sit through dinner with his parents. I must say, however, we did enjoy our dinner for two, and the wait staff were very accomodating when DS showed up, soaking wet, when the pool closed for the evening.

[Selina]

Originally posted by damo
Selina, it's been about -20 here lately. That's too cold and I don't wish it on anyone. My sister, however, lives way North and she thinks -20 is balmy! I want to go to Florida!

Hi Damo.......-20 is still extremely cold!! So your sister is living in the -40.....phew!! and there's me contemplating a measly -7 or -8!! I once met a tourist back in the days when I worked on the newspapers in London, Brian Sobie, funny still remember his name and he lived in Toronto. I would love to visit that part of the World too.

[damo]

Come in the summer:p

[the Dark Marauder]

Originally posted by TigerLilly's Mom

What are the park hours during that time - We will be there a Friday through a Monday night. It will be warm right? And what is down for refurbishment? As long as it is not the Hulk or Spiderman it will be fine! Also, how about crowds? What do you think DM?
Well, you already know what the park hours will be, so I dont need to help you there. :p

As for "warm", it'll be warm to you. It might be chilly/cool to the locals, though.

Ripsaw will be down for refurb, nothing else, so you won't have to worry there.

Crowds will be moderate: nothing more than a 20-30 minute average wait. Higher on Mardi Gras days, though. Speaking of which, dont forget to utilize the little jester's viewing area. ;)

[Prince Eric1]

I told him about Mardi Gras and he got excited and asked about how you got the beads!! I told kids (including ours) were going to be there and it is a FAMILY Mardi Gras. Men! [/B][/QUOTE]

I share his pain.::yes::

[TigerLilly's Mom]

Thanks DM - Are you postive Ripsaw will be down? This is a bummer because last year DS didn't get to ride and this year DD is just 44 inches. Oh well, there will plenty of other things to do!

Prince Eric - Too funny!

[SpideyHulk24]

Congrats! I am so glad you are going to be able to go. I know you had some challenges, but worked them all out.

[TigerLilly's Mom]

Thanks Spidey - I am so excited, I am going to start listening to my IOA cd.

We really, really, need some warm weather and sunshine! In NH today the wind chill was 11 below zero and a local school's fire alarm went off. 8 children were sent to the hospital with possible hypothermia from being outside for fifteen minutes with no coats! Last week our high temps didn't even get into the double digits! I can't wait for some Florida weather!!

[Prince Eric1]

TMom, I know how you feel. In N.Y. its been horrible. The highs for today and the next few are going to be 3 degrees with lows of 10 below. Thats not including the windchill. I feel kind of stupid going to Florida in August when it will be warm here anyway, feel like i should have saved the trip for winter.

[the Dark Marauder]

Originally posted by TigerLilly's Mom
Thanks DM - Are you postive Ripsaw will be down? This is a bummer because last year DS didn't get to ride and this year DD is just 44 inches. Oh well, there will plenty of other things to do!
It is currently closed. I have to train a Ripsaw person in my area next week.

[TigerLilly's Mom]

Price Eric -
We were at Universal last August and thought it was great. I'm a little nervous about Feb. , I'm thinking it won't be warm enough to swim. So either way, you have some pitfalls. When it was just Hubby and I in Nov., it was AWESOME. We left chilly NH, and arrived in Florida - It was about 78 degrees. That is a GREAT feeling!!

What a bummer about Ripsaw. DM - how do train someone to work in your area, but in another area? Did that make sense? LOL

[damo]

We're going!!!! Shhhh, don't tell DS, it is a secret. He's got an exam on Monday afternoon and then we're heading out. Flight leaves at 8:30, we get in at about 11:00. We got HRH deluxe for $139. I hope DD and I can keep this a secret. Only bad thing is that we come back on Wednesday night. Oh well, better than nothing.

[TigerLilly's Mom]

That's great Damo!! What an awesome price for a deluxe room. Was that an AP rate? Have fun and don't forget to do a trip report!

[damo]

That was the AP rate for a Queen/Queen poolview but I think they upgraded us because we are Loews First Gold. Or maybe she just liked me:p I was trying to get RPH for $99 but it was available this morning and then gone by this afternoon.

Anyway, it is supposed to be nice and warm for those days. It didn't look like we were going to get to go since there were no available seats using our Aeroplan points. However, there is this deal that you can get seats even if there is no space if you use double the number of points. DH said to go ahead and so I did! I guess the fact that he gets to go on two trips in February and I get none all winter made him feel guilty:p

I can't wait to see the look on DS's face as we drive up to the airport. We're going to have a MIBfest!

[the Dark Marauder]

Originally posted by TigerLilly's Mom
What a bummer about Ripsaw. DM - how do train someone to work in your area, but in another area? Did that make sense? LOL I haven't switched areas/locations yet. Very soon, though.