Welcome, Foolish Mortals...to an October 2011 PTR! *Trip Report link is up, pg 71!!*

[MEK]

I can't believe you changed resorts again!

The funny thing is I was just over on Glen's TR and I started thinking about how I want to switch to AKL FROM VWL! Yes - my contract passed, so we will be staying at VWL in December. I think Christmas there will be awesome!

Make sure you say HI to Ranger Joe for me. And if you haven't taken the lodge tour, you absolutely must.

 

[Stefy]

Congrats on changing to WL and coolbeans that Brandon is happy to switch too as I know you were a little worried

 

[RachelNinja]

You CHANGED resorts?!? Haha, JEN! I was looking forward to reading about AKL, and now that you have WL instead, you might have pictures of BUFFALO THINGS!!! Haha.

In all seriousness though, I totally would LOVE to go to WL. I think it's as close to the wilderness that I'd be willing to go.

 

[SOUTHERNtinkerBELLE]

I had a feeling you might end up changing resorts before all was said and done! It's just so hard to stick to one resort when there are so many exciting places to stay at Disney. I would love to stay at the WL sometime - it seems so cozy and romantic. I think you and Brandon will have a great time there, and the proximity to MK can't be beat!

 

[Nermel9]

I'm glad you guys are staying at your favorite resort! I'd love to stay at WL sometime Maybe on a Disneymoon

Thanks, I'm so happy we switched! Ever since we did, I've been looking forward to this vacation even more! I hope you get to stay there someday, it's such a beautiful resort!

I can't believe you changed resorts again!

The funny thing is I was just over on Glen's TR and I started thinking about how I want to switch to AKL FROM VWL! Yes - my contract passed, so we will be staying at VWL in December. I think Christmas there will be awesome!

Make sure you say HI to Ranger Joe for me. And if you haven't taken the lodge tour, you absolutely must.

Yep, I changed again! But this will be the last time, I can't wait to be at WL!

LOL, that's so funny how you want to go to AKL instead of VWL! You will love it there at Christmas, it's so pretty! Make sure you go see the Christmas tree in the lobby, it's amazing!

I definitely want to do the tour, I hope we have time to squeeze it in!

Congrats on changing to WL and coolbeans that Brandon is happy to switch too as I know you were a little worried

Thanks! I'm so happy we switched, and that WL was Brandon's idea! I thought he was going to make me feel so guilty for wanting to change, but he was all for it!

You CHANGED resorts?!? Haha, JEN! I was looking forward to reading about AKL, and now that you have WL instead, you might have pictures of BUFFALO THINGS!!! Haha.

In all seriousness though, I totally would LOVE to go to WL. I think it's as close to the wilderness that I'd be willing to go.

LOL, I'm sorry I switched and you might have to see pictures of buffalo things! I would like to stay in AKL someday...just not now!

You would love WL, it's wilderness-y without actually being in the real wilderness, it's great!

I had a feeling you might end up changing resorts before all was said and done! It's just so hard to stick to one resort when there are so many exciting places to stay at Disney. I would love to stay at the WL sometime - it seems so cozy and romantic. I think you and Brandon will have a great time there, and the proximity to MK can't be beat!

It is really hard to stick to one resort!! Like I said, I want to try them all someday, but WL is so special to me that when Brandon suggested it, I had to agree, I love it there so much! It really is cozy and quiet, but you're also so close to MK, and the boat ride is such a nice way to start the day!

 

[Nermel9]

Getting There

Hi everyone! I'm warning everyone before I even start this update-it's not too exciting. In fact, it might even be a little boring, so I will try to keep it short and sweet!

So a few months ago, after I booked this trip, I was waiting for Southwest to release their fall fares, and finally in February, the did...but only up until September 30! That's the first day of our trip...our last day is the 8th...how was I supposed to buy round trip tickets?

After freaking out over the nonstop flight prices for a day or two, I decided to go ahead and buy our flight down, even if I couldn't buy our return flight yet. I bought a cheap flight down that was in the middle of the day, and had a stop in Baltimore.

In March, Jet Blue released their schedule, which went through October. They had great prices for my trip. I should have waited! Oh well...

A week later, Southwest extended their schedule through November, and return flights were ridiculously expensive!

After asking the Transportation board what they thought of traveling on 2 airlines, I decided to buy Jet Blue tickets for our flight home. People said they do it all the time and it's no big deal, so...why not?

Oh yes, and one more thing had to happen...I switched the times of our SW flight down...the idea of going in the middle of the day AND stopping in Baltimore was bothering me. A lot.

So here is our travel itinerary:

Friday, September 30-

Depart Hartford at 6:40 am on

and arrive at MCO at 9:35 am!

Saturday, October 8-

Depart Orlando at 7:55 pm on

and arrive in Hartford at 10:35!

I'm happy we're taking a late flight home for once, because it's like getting an extra day in the parks!

What do you guys think-is using 2 different airlines going to be a hassle? I keep thinking I'm going to forget where I'm supposed to be and go to the wrong one on the wrong day!

(And I apologize for this being so boring-I kept it as short as I could! Just wanted to get the travel part out of the way! )

 

[jenbear123]

Don't worry about traveling on two different airlines. I do it all the time! And if they question you about the one way ticket you can just pull out your return ticket booked with the other airline. Only hassle is making sure you meet both airlines baggage allowances...

 

[TinkerbellLuvr7]

Congrats on the flights!!!

It won't be a huge deal for you to use two different airlines! Did you call and have it added to your DME yet??

Just make sure you say the two different airlines when they ask you what you are flying in and out on haha.

Nothing can be as bad as when I went in Oct and had to do all of our flight info over the phone for 3 girls, flying out of 3 cities, on 3 different airlines so trust me, if they could do it perfectly for us, you won't have an issue!

How is Jet Blue with their baggage policy? We don't have any Jet Blue near us..but I think the first bag is free or something similar to SW which is good!!!!!

 

[Joyciemc]

I don't think I have ever flown on two different airlines for the same trip, but I can't think of why it would be a problem!
Southwest and JetBlue are my favorite airlines, so I think you did great!
And, those are the exact flight times we would try for- I love maximizing my park time!

 

[therussells08]

I've only flown a handful of times and everytime I have used the same airline both ways, but I don't see why it would be an issue! I'm sure people do it all the time to save money!

Yay! I'm so glad your flight on your arrival day is really early and on your departure day it is really late! That sounds like maxmium times in the park to me!

 

[Nermel9]

Don't worry about traveling on two different airlines. I do it all the time! And if they question you about the one way ticket you can just pull out your return ticket booked with the other airline. Only hassle is making sure you meet both airlines baggage allowances...

Thanks, you've reassured me a little...and kind of freaked me out! They might question why we only have one way tickets??? Ugh, I hope not! Is that like, suspicious or something?

I'm pretty sure Jet Blue and SW have the same baggage policies, I know the first bag for both is free and I only bring one and a carry on so that won't be a problem!

Congrats on the flights!!!

It won't be a huge deal for you to use two different airlines! Did you call and have it added to your DME yet??

Just make sure you say the two different airlines when they ask you what you are flying in and out on haha.

Nothing can be as bad as when I went in Oct and had to do all of our flight info over the phone for 3 girls, flying out of 3 cities, on 3 different airlines so trust me, if they could do it perfectly for us, you won't have an issue!

How is Jet Blue with their baggage policy? We don't have any Jet Blue near us..but I think the first bag is free or something similar to SW which is good!!!!!

Thanks, I'm hoping it's not a big deal to use 2 airlines! I don't see why it would be, but you never know!

We don't use DME, so that's one less thing to worry about, we rent a car and pick it up at the airport! I really want to try DME one day and just use Disney transportation, which would save a few hundred $$, but Brandon refuses to rely on Disney transportation! He always sees the lines for the buses and wants nothing to do with them! I think it would be nice to not have to drive everywhere, but he does all of the driving anyway, so whatever! I usually end up getting pretty good rental car rates anyway, because I stalk them like a crazy person, but still...I want to go on the DME buses someday and see that video everyone always talks about!

Jet Blue has a similar baggage policy to SW, I know at least the first checked bag is free. I've only flown with them once, but I know we didn't pay for any baggage!

I don't think I have ever flown on two different airlines for the same trip, but I can't think of why it would be a problem!
Southwest and JetBlue are my favorite airlines, so I think you did great!
And, those are the exact flight times we would try for- I love maximizing my park time!

Thanks! I hope it's not a problem! I love SW and Jet Blue too, so they're really the only 2 airlines I consider when traveling!

I'm so excited we're taking a late flight home! Usually we fly home first thing on Saturday so we can still have most of the weekend left before we have to go back to work on Monday, but...I'm pretty sure Brandon will be off Monday, since it's Columbus Day, and if he is, I might just take it off too...we'll see! But yay, I'm so excited to get basically a free extra park day!

I've only flown a handful of times and everytime I have used the same airline both ways, but I don't see why it would be an issue! I'm sure people do it all the time to save money!

Yay! I'm so glad your flight on your arrival day is really early and on your departure day it is really late! That sounds like maxmium times in the park to me!

I don't fly that much either, only to Disney World lately and I've always used the same airline, so doing this made me a little nervous, but it should be ok! The transportation board people said they do it all the time, so I guess it's pretty common!

I'm excited our flight times are early on our arrival day and late on our departure day...but the arrival day flight is SO early! I don't think we've ever been on a flight this early...and SW always arrives at least 30 minutes ahead of schedule, so we will probably get to MCO a little after 9! After getting our baggage and rental car, we'll be out of there by 10 (assuming everything goes smoothly )and be on the way to WL! I would LOVE our room to be ready so we could take a nap! Poor Brandon is going to work til 11 the night before, get home at 11:30, not be able to go right to sleep and then have to get up at 3. I feel bad for him, but he said the flight times were fine as long as we could take a nap when our room is ready so...I hope it's ready early!

And I'm SO excited that we're going to a park on our last day! I figure if our flight is at 8, we could leave WDW between 4 and 5, which gives us a good chunk of the day to spend in a park (I already know we're gonna be at Epcot, because I have an ADR there, but I'm hoping to squeeze in a quick trip to DHS to ride ToT one last time!)

I can't WAIT for this trip!!!

 

[TanzUnited99]

I don't think there is anything wrong with travelling on two airlines, esp if it means spending extra time in the parks and getting a late return flight!

 

[Shannon84]

I think you will be fine!! When I used to live up in Massachusetts we flew out of Hartford and I dont remember having many choices for flights (thats probably changed now) but Richmond doesn't offer many choices either since its fairly small

 

[KatMark]

We've flown different airlines coming and going before and it really is no big deal.

Happy Easter to you and Brandon.

 

[MEK]

I absolutely think its fine to use two airlines. I have done that plenty of times. That's the beauty of SWA. You can book your cheap leg and then wait for the other one to drop in price.

I don't blame you for not wanting to stop in Baltimore (although I think its a great airport and runs much smoother than Philadelphia).

No matter how you do it - find time for the lodge tour. It starts are 9am and is only about an hour. You will NOT regret it!!!!! It's one of those hidden treasures that doesn't cost a thing and Ranger Joe wouldn't even accept a tip (and it was totally worth a good tip). If there is no one in your group, ask if he will take you to the roof. It's magic up there.

I am taking the tour again in December. It's that good!

Yes - we are sticking with VWL because my younger son Nicholas is hopefully going with us and I think he will really like the lodge and the tour. He has only been there once for dinner so I think he will enjoy the stay.

 

[RachelNinja]

Ooo, two different airlines! I like Jet Blue and don't know anything about Southwest, so I can't really compare. But I like having the TV for myself. Plus, I know they used to give out the terra blue chips (don't know if they do that anymore). Anyway, it'll be nice to have a comfy plane on the way home since it is the sad part of the trip!

 

[SOUTHERNtinkerBELLE]

I think you'll be fine on two airlines. I haven't done it myself, but I don't see why it would be a problem. I'd say the most important thing is the deal you can get! Maybe just make sure to check about what terminal you'll be at on the return flight?

 

[jenneth79]

I think you will be fine on two airlines, just make sure you have your return trip ticket with you if they ask. (They usually don't... but just to make things easier!

So wonderful that you will be able to enjoy a full park day on your final day!

 

[Nermel9]

I don't think there is anything wrong with travelling on two airlines, esp if it means spending extra time in the parks and getting a late return flight!

Thanks! I don't think using 2 airlines is a bad idea either, but I'm always worrying about things that can go wrong!

I think you will be fine!! When I used to live up in Massachusetts we flew out of Hartford and I dont remember having many choices for flights (thats probably changed now) but Richmond doesn't offer many choices either since its fairly small

Thanks! No, Hartford doesn't have too many choices for flights...SW is ok, but Jet Blue flies out like, 2 times a day...then again, they just started there last year, so I guess they're seeing how it goes!

Where did you park when you flew out of Hartford? We usually park in one of the long term lots, but I read on the Transportation board that there is public parking right outside of the airport that is like, $30 and they have a shuttle that will take you right to the terminal...I'm wondering if I should do that or just stick with the LT parking?

We've flown different airlines coming and going before and it really is no big deal.

Happy Easter to you and Brandon.

Oh good, that makes me feel better, knowing someone else has used 2 airlines!

Thank you, and I hope you had a Happy Easter too!

I absolutely think its fine to use two airlines. I have done that plenty of times. That's the beauty of SWA. You can book your cheap leg and then wait for the other one to drop in price.

I don't blame you for not wanting to stop in Baltimore (although I think its a great airport and runs much smoother than Philadelphia).

No matter how you do it - find time for the lodge tour. It starts are 9am and is only about an hour. You will NOT regret it!!!!! It's one of those hidden treasures that doesn't cost a thing and Ranger Joe wouldn't even accept a tip (and it was totally worth a good tip). If there is no one in your group, ask if he will take you to the roof. It's magic up there.

I am taking the tour again in December. It's that good!

Yes - we are sticking with VWL because my younger son Nicholas is hopefully going with us and I think he will really like the lodge and the tour. He has only been there once for dinner so I think he will enjoy the stay.

Yay, I'm glad a few of you have used 2 airlines! It's not so much that I didn't want to stop in Baltimore, I just didn't want to stop at all! I don't like flying very much as it is, but taking off and landing really freak me out, so I'd like to only do that as few times as possible!

I will definitely try to do the Lodge tour, right now, we only have 2 free mornings but I will see what I can do! I'd love to do it, since I love WL so much! And it would be so awesome to go on the roof!

Ooo, two different airlines! I like Jet Blue and don't know anything about Southwest, so I can't really compare. But I like having the TV for myself. Plus, I know they used to give out the terra blue chips (don't know if they do that anymore). Anyway, it'll be nice to have a comfy plane on the way home since it is the sad part of the trip!

I like Jet Blue too, because of the TV's! I like watching where the little plane is on the map! I don't know if they still have those blue chips, but I know when we used Jet Blue last year, they had lots of different snacks to pick from! I kind of wish we were flying down on JB too, but I got impatient! I should have just waited to buy tickets!

I think you'll be fine on two airlines. I haven't done it myself, but I don't see why it would be a problem. I'd say the most important thing is the deal you can get! Maybe just make sure to check about what terminal you'll be at on the return flight?

Thanks, I hope we will be fine! I've used Jet Blue before and we didn't have a problem finding it in MCO, I could swear it's near SW, but I might be wrong! I'll have to look at a map, just to make sure! I still think the price I ended up paying for the flight down is ridiculous, since I did end up changing it to the nonstop, but...whatever! A small price to pay to be in FL at 9:00 in the morning and have the whole day ahead of you!

I think you will be fine on two airlines, just make sure you have your return trip ticket with you if they ask. (They usually don't... but just to make things easier!

So wonderful that you will be able to enjoy a full park day on your final day!

Thanks! You're the 2nd person to tell me to make sure I have my return ticket...why is that? Do they think you're illegally moving to Florida if you have a one way ticket or something? Weird! I mean, why would anyone at the airport care?

I'm SO happy to be going to a park on my final day! This will be totally new for us, I'm wondering how it's going to work out!

 

[jenbear123]

I think the whole one-way ticket thing is a bigger issue if you're flying internationally. Coming from Canada, Homeland Security will always look out for that. Granted I have never been asked about it but I am prepared in the event that they do. It's not like they will stop you even if you were traveling on a one way ticket. They'd just give you a harder time that's all. I didn't mean to scare you