06/08/08 Magic And Mickey To Mexico!!!

[LisaTex]

when I booked a couple of months ago, the costa rica trips were hit or miss on availability. there are some rumors over on the ABD forum about trips for next year - one is the Galapogos islands - you would have your "island" and "cruise"! (probably not quite the type of island your hubby was thinking of though).

 

[pillow]

Jodie - we priced it out as well - after the trip - when I knew what all was included and it was maybe $500 more to go through ABD - so worth it as I would not have been able to get a famous volconologist to give us the tour of the volcanoes etc. - also, as fun as it is to plan for cruises so that you have all the little extras - it's also nice sometimes to not have to plan anything and KNOW that the little extras will be there. Let me know if you have any specific questions. Cant wait to go to Costa Rica - hoping China is still offered next year - I banked a bunch of DVC points - not a bad way to use them IF you do the early booking. They are offering pretty good deals on some of their trips right now......

Wow! $500 isn't much of a difference. When I looked at it, the difference was thousands. Maybe it was the time of year - or the number of people (4 of us) that made up the difference???

I looked at the Costa Rica trip. The spa on the beach looks FABULOUS (think I would want a few extra nights there) . . . although still pricey for us. When are you going?

My dh and I were just sitting here this morning with our coffee discussing vacations and where we'd like to go before the kids grow up. There just isn't enough time or money to go everywhere! I think we might start doing WDW every other year so that we can bank points and save for some of these other things. Either that or I need to find a street corner somewhere - ha!!

Jodie

 

[pillow]

Lisatex,

P.S. Wish you would post a picture . . . I know we met on the Med cruise, but I'm drawing a big blank???

 

[justmestace]

when I booked a couple of months ago, the costa rica trips were hit or miss on availability. there are some rumors over on the ABD forum about trips for next year - one is the Galapogos islands - you would have your "island" and "cruise"! (probably not quite the type of island your hubby was thinking of though).

He'd love it! I looked more into the Costa Rica trip...and he actually would want more time on the water. Our "thing" is snorkeling....so we have to be at a beach.

We're thinking of either Aruba (after I check it out in August) because then we will have done all of the ABC's (Aruba, Bonaire and Curacao) or maybe closer to home with St John or the Caymans. I just wish he'd help me decide. He keeps saying it's too early to think about it. But he is obviously NOT the Disney-type obsessed planner that I am...and I've told him that if we don't book early, we may not get to go at all.
And now he's talking about a live-aboard catamaran......I wish he'd narrow it down!

 

[pillow]

OK - I just priced the Costa Rica trip as an "on your own" trip. For a family of 4, including charter flights, food, activities, and the same hotels, the price came to $5,400. The Disney early booking price = $9,116. Ouch! I can see spending maybe $1,000 or so extra for some of the Disney perks and not having to coordinate and plan, but $3,700 extra for 6 nights is A LOT!! Anyone have more insight into this??? Would love to be able to justify the extra money.

Jodie

 

[LisaTex]

Pillow - would love to post some pics - just need to figure out how
Don't know the moment by moment schedule for Costa Rica - will better be able to compare price when I get back. Can only go by our Hawaii trip and London/Paris. Make sure you count ALL travel - airport transfers, travel everywhere as this is a pretty big deal, almost all meals - more snacks and drinks than you could wish for, private guides for everything - no waiting in line for anything (ex. would have had to wait 1-2 hrs to get into the Vatican museums and we just walked in - same for Eiffel tower etc.) other extra perks that we just couldn't do that I don't want to "spill the beans on" for those who may be going to London/Paris, and don't forget all the tips. For the California trip - just having the VIP fastpasses for Disneyland and CA could be priceless for a hot, crowded AUgust day.
I'm sure they all can be done for less $$. Will really try to price out our trip on the 22nd and give you guys a good report!!
Stace -how about the AUstralia trip? Can snorkel with the Great Whites

 

[LisaTex]

 

[LisaTex]

[

 

[pillow]

Great pictures! I remember you from the boards, but I don't think we actually met onboard the ship. So, it sounds like you're getting ready to do the Costa Rica trip soon?? It really does sound wonderful. Would love a report when you get back. We're leaving for the Disney Hilton Head resort on Thursday - am counting the hours . . .

Jodie

 

[justmestace]

Those are great pictures!!!



Australia IS a dream for me....but I don't think I could handle the long plane flight.

 

[ZWoman]

Hi. I was reading this thread just today and must have missed the explanation about the FEs. (We've only been on 1 Disney cruise, the Med last summer, and I didn't know about this board until *after* we were back home!) Could someone explain how the FEs work? Thanks!

 

[WVMD]

Hi Zwoman - we were on the Med cruise with you.... Enjoyed your blog...

Fish Extenders (FEs) are things you hang on the fish outside of the stateroom. Most of 3 or 4 pockets and are long and fairly skinny. We did a gift exchange -some put something in each day for the rooms participating..... nothing big - just little things...

Virgil

 

[LisaTex]

For you guys wondering about ABD comparison pricing - here's a link http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1890344

We leave Tuesday for Costa Rica

Oh - and the new trips are out - anyone up for a Safari? Alaska?

Hope everyone is having a great summer

 

[WVMD]

For you guys wondering about ABD comparison pricing - here's a link http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1890344

We leave Tuesday for Costa Rica

Oh - and the new trips are out - anyone up for a Safari? Alaska?

Hope everyone is having a great summer

Lisa have a great time in Costa Rica.... Lauren and I leave in 11 days for London and Paris.

Virgil

 

[LisaTex]

Hi Virgil! I'm so excited for you!! Not going to say anything to ruin any of the wonderful surprises - just that it will be a great trip!! If Eddie and/or Roni are still the guides tell them the Schneiders from Texas said hi (even though i'm sure they can't remember us). Hmmm - i'm sure you've had lots of advice - my one little extra -wear something very cool to the theatre - it was soooo hot in there.

Can't remember if you've done ABD before - if not, beware - you might get hooked.

Cheerio!

 

[WVMD]

Thanks Lisa! Looking forward to hear about your trip too!

First time with ABD - I'm sure it will hook us too...

Virgil

 

[pillow]

Yoo hoo . . . Lisa, are you back yet?

I want to hear all about Costa Rica!!

Jodie