2 Castles, 2 Send out 2011 & Ring in 2012...12 Days of Christmas

[annmarieda]

Wow... you had quite the busy weekend. Busy weekends are good though... makes the time pass more quickly.. bringing our trips just that much closer.

 

[momabaarjo]

I've been MIA so sorry for my lack of comments lately! Hope you can get a better deal with SW. And flying out on Christmas day is cheaper!? Who would have thought.

Yes can you believe that Christmas Day is over $100 cheaper than the next day. I guess it makes sense, who wants to travel on Christmas...you want to be there and celebrating.

 

[momabaarjo]

Wow... you had quite the busy weekend. Busy weekends are good though... makes the time pass more quickly.. bringing our trips just that much closer.

I need something to pass the time more quickly...I am getting tired of staring at 200 numbers...a few weeks and I will be onderland...

 

[momabaarjo]

There are 2 reasons why I am writing a PTR:

Reason #1:
My PTR is for me to organize my thoughts and findings for our trip...purely selfish reasons (as anyone knows that is writing a PTR or following one, you have endless pieces of paper laying everywhere with little trip tips).

Reason #2:
To share information that I find that might be helpful to someone else. I tend to trust personal experience and other's opinions much more than what books and so called "websites" tell me.

Reason #2 brings me to my next series of trip ramblings....I have decided to talk about my personal experience, findings from various books/websites and share some personal pictures of rides and attractions that my family will be visiting at Christmas with the intention of gathering my thoughts and helping someone else out.

Universal Studios Orlando (USO)

Let's start with Universal Studios Florida/Orlando (USF/USO). USF/USO is actually 2 theme parks. Universal Studios, which is the original movie-studio themed park and next door Islands of Adventure (IOA). I am going to start with USO/USF.


The Front Lot

​

When making movies, the front lot is where all the indoor sound stages are usually found, as well as all the offices. It is not really any different at USO, the front lot is where you enter and find all the “important” stuff…lockers, ATMS, shopping, and guest services. I remember that they have USO version of Photo Pass Photographers waiting here to take group pictures. I really did not spend much time in the Front Lot, just flew through it trying to get my touring plan underway or too tired to stop in the end.

Next up...Production Central

 

[21hearts]

I'm subbing & looking forward to reading more.

 

[Becc1]

Reason #2:
To share information that I find that might be helpful to someone else. I tend to trust personal experience and other's opinions much more than what books and so called "websites" tell me.

That is the number one reason I like to read others PTR and TRs!

 

[momabaarjo]

I have noticed a trend right now on many of the PTRs that I am following, everyone is really stressing out about airfare increasing...ME INCLUDED (on major carrier service the cost has gone up almost $175 in the last month)! This has lead me to do a little research on why airfares are skyrocketing at the moment for our December window and when it the best time to fly.

Why are airfares skyrocketing 6-7 months in advance of my trip?​

*A lot of the airfare increase has to do the the rise in the oil costs and the unrest in the middle east (should I get on my DRILL BABY DRILL soapbox...), BUT as we have seen in the last week gas prices have dropped at the pump almost 20 cents...and this is right before the summer driving season. This is a good sign heading into summer that maybe oil will stablize and fall again.

*Another reason for the price increase has to do with the time period that we are in, related to when we intend to fly. Your major non budget airlines (Delta, United, etc) have had their fares released in many cases for many months...the discount airlines are starting to release flight schedules in the next few days and weeks...The non budget airlines started low fares months ago hoping to lure in those who plan well in advance and are worried about airfare increases. Up until about a month ago prices remained low, now they are on the rise...trying to lure in people who are tired of the uncertainity of not knowing the discount airlines and unrest over oil costs. When budget airlines release they will match the high fares, being slightly cheaper hoping to lure in those early planners...HENCE the time period we are in!!!Then something magic begins happening 4 months in advance, airlines realize they need to fill seats and airfare begins to go down...

*Another reason for high airfare during our Christmas time period is due to airline service fees...yep they are taking advantage of holiday travelers...tacking on anywhere from $10-$50 depending on the day you travel just because you are traveling during the holidays...pretty low if you ask me. The only days they do not charge this service fee is Thanksgiving and Christmas Days...who wants to travel on these days?! (Okay, well I do, but I am special )

When should I book to get the best deal?​

1. Tuesday 3 pm EST, beware seats go fast and deals are usually gone by Thursday...why? Monday all the airlines play price war with each other and the system is updated Monday night into Tuesday with the lowest fares.

2. Begin stalking your flights 4-3 1/2 months in advance...just to see the ups and downs...REMEMBER TO ALWAYS ERASE COOKIES EACH TIME YOU VISIT THE AIRLINE WEBSITE TO AVOID THE TRAP OF SEEING THE SAME INFORMATION...another sneaky way to make us pay more, don't show us the discount we are searching for.

3. Then book 3 months to 14 days in advance when you feel the price is right for you. After 14 days you are hit with service charges and REALLY HIGH FARES!

Suggestions​

*Use a service like kayak or bestfares (BING) to keep you updated on what is happening with your fares...you get weekly updates on increases and decreases! I found most of this information on bestfares (if you want to read more yourself).

*For discount airlines, always go directly to their website for the best deals...sign up for DING if you fly Southwest and follow your airline on Facebook to see in advance deals coming up.

I guess the bottom line, is for all of us to quit stressing out over airfare (really like that is going to happen, we are probably the most anal of all travelers...the dreaded planners...isn't that why we are writing PTR months in advance of our trips)...we are all going to make this work and have a magicial vacation!

 

[Monknmom]

Sorry I have been MIA for the last few days- maybe a week not sure.... but happy belated birthday to Boo that looked super fun for him! And having the weekend with a a few friends sounds even more fun (well to me at least- not sure how I would feel getting pelted by paint balls)! I really like that piece you put on about the airfare! And I love that you are going to be putting up some of your tips and such especially for first timers like me!

 

[veggiemama]

Great info on flights! I have to agree on the price hike right now. I keep having that war that says "book now before it goes even higher, or you lose out on the flight you want to take vs. you know it is high right now and it WILL go down, it always does!"

Waiting it out is always the hardest. And let's face it, we are fanatics How many people really book and think about these type of things this far in advance... somehow they still end up with good deals on flights too!

 

[annmarieda]

I have noticed a trend right now on many of the PTRs that I am following, everyone is really stressing out about airfare increasing...ME INCLUDED (on major carrier service the cost has gone up almost $175 in the last month)! This has lead me to do a little research on why airfares are skyrocketing at the moment for our December window and when it the best time to fly.

Why are airfares skyrocketing 6-7 months in advance of my trip?​

*A lot of the airfare increase has to do the the rise in the oil costs and the unrest in the middle east (should I get on my DRILL BABY DRILL soapbox...), BUT as we have seen in the last week gas prices have dropped at the pump almost 20 cents...and this is right before the summer driving season. This is a good sign heading into summer that maybe oil will stablize and fall again.

*Another reason for the price increase has to do with the time period that we are in, related to when we intend to fly. Your major non budget airlines (Delta, United, etc) have had their fares released in many cases for many months...the discount airlines are starting to release flight schedules in the next few days and weeks...The non budget airlines started low fares months ago hoping to lure in those who plan well in advance and are worried about airfare increases. Up until about a month ago prices remained low, now they are on the rise...trying to lure in people who are tired of the uncertainity of not knowing the discount airlines and unrest over oil costs. When budget airlines release they will match the high fares, being slightly cheaper hoping to lure in those early planners...HENCE the time period we are in!!!Then something magic begins happening 4 months in advance, airlines realize they need to fill seats and airfare begins to go down...

*Another reason for high airfare during our Christmas time period is due to airline service fees...yep they are taking advantage of holiday travelers...tacking on anywhere from $10-$50 depending on the day you travel just because you are traveling during the holidays...pretty low if you ask me. The only days they do not charge this service fee is Thanksgiving and Christmas Days...who wants to travel on these days?! (Okay, well I do, but I am special )

When should I book to get the best deal?​

1. Tuesday 3 pm EST, beware seats go fast and deals are usually gone by Thursday...why? Monday all the airlines play price war with each other and the system is updated Monday night into Tuesday with the lowest fares.

2. Begin stalking your flights 4-3 1/2 months in advance...just to see the ups and downs...REMEMBER TO ALWAYS ERASE COOKIES EACH TIME YOU VISIT THE AIRLINE WEBSITE TO AVOID THE TRAP OF SEEING THE SAME INFORMATION...another sneaky way to make us pay more, don't show us the discount we are searching for.

3. Then book 3 months to 14 days in advance when you feel the price is right for you. After 14 days you are hit with service charges and REALLY HIGH FARES!

Suggestions​

*Use a service like kayak or bestfares (BING) to keep you updated on what is happening with your fares...you get weekly updates on increases and decreases! I found most of this information on bestfares (if you want to read more yourself).

*For discount airlines, always go directly to their website for the best deals...sign up for DING if you fly Southwest and follow your airline on Facebook to see in advance deals coming up.

I guess the bottom line, is for all of us to quit stressing out over airfare (really like that is going to happen, we are probably the most anal of all travelers...the dreaded planners...isn't that why we are writing PTR months in advance of our trips)...we are all going to make this work and have a magicial vacation!

OMG!!! this was such an awesome post. Tammie, you are the air fare specialist!!! Still gonna be hard to wait, but at least it alleviates some of the stress. Thank you!

 

[shocky5]

Nothing to report on the WDW front, just waiting for 9 more days for that pesky flight schedule from SW. Still thinking on how I can take a midmorning Christmas flight and still be on a somewhat good side of my MIL... There was no time for a movie night...as you can see why in the next paragraph, but do not fear we have one planned for Friday night and Sunday afternoon next week!

It has been a long weekend. Boo had 2 friends spend the night all weekend...so 3 boys and a tent outside has been interesting. Friday night we had school night at our local amusment park (they advertise it as the biggest between Denver and Dallas...what you need to know is the ONLY park between these 2 cities...). Then yesterday the boys had a Boy Scout badge day at the local museum most of the day and last night had a Boy Scout cook out where they earned their firestarter kits and tomahawks...spent 5 hours throwing them. Today we got the boys up for mass, then cleaned up the backyard and had a few more friends meet the boys at the paint ball range to celebrate a belated birthday for Boo (his birthday was in February but he was in the dog house and the weather was yucky...so we waited until this weekend to celebrate). Ab invited a friend and one of the dads ended up playing...6 boys, 2 dads, and 2 girls...the dads and the girls were the victors!

Ab is in the front in the black and Boo is on the right side end (lime green shirt)​

This looks so fun!!! My kids, including DH, love to go do this. I never have... I've seen the huge welps they come home with...

 

[momabaarjo]

This looks so fun!!! My kids, including DH, love to go do this. I never have... I've seen the huge welps they come home with...

The whelps are one thing, the bruises the next day of worse. Boo and his friends spent Monday at school comparing their battle scars... I don't think I will be playing this game.

 

[momabaarjo]

Sorry I have been MIA for the last few days- maybe a week not sure.... but happy belated birthday to Boo that looked super fun for him! And having the weekend with a a few friends sounds even more fun (well to me at least- not sure how I would feel getting pelted by paint balls)! I really like that piece you put on about the airfare! And I love that you are going to be putting up some of your tips and such especially for first timers like me!

It really was a belated birthday for him...his birthday was in February But he decided to be in the dog house with school work when it was his birthday and it took 3 months of digging out to get his party...plus we wanted to do it on a nice weekend.

I dogged the paintballs...Goo is too little to play so he collected all the old paintballs that have been spilled on the ground while the big kids played.

I am only a second timer, and probably this will be it for me...unless I have a conference there...but I love to plan and research!

We all get busy, no worry about being MIA...any movie nights planned this week? We have 2 pretty easy ones (the kids are making me make up missing last weekends movie)...stayed tuned for the revealing!

 

[Grace and Mickey]

Hi
Joining your PTR.

Your family is beautiful and you should be very proud of them

Your 1st family trip to WDW my 1st was in 2006 I was 51, And my daughters where 29 and 24. Even at their ages seeing the magic with them was amazing, You will never forget it. Making memories together as a family will last a lifetime.

I only got throught page 7 but thought i comment on a few things,
Gingerbread Funnel Cake SOOOO glad you post about this it on my list i love Gingerbread, and Funnel cakes the combation would be amazing. Thanks for the info

I love my Passport I have one for each trip. have you been to their site? it has good info too
Thanks for the Pirate quiz we are planning some pirate things for our trip and this fits right in

Love your movie nites I have seem this thread and am planing some nites too. My GS loves Disney movies. and is a big Cars and Wall-e fan.

The Disney Vactation Planner will NOT work on my computer, Not sure what the problem is I not am to get the register or upload.

The magic kingdom game look like fun I love to coolect disney toys and stuff, I lastest fun is a WDW Vhs . It a souniver of the park from 1981.

It will be fun to share plans and idea with you. have a magical day

 

[Monknmom]

It really was a belated birthday for him...his birthday was in February But he decided to be in the dog house with school work when it was his birthday and it took 3 months of digging out to get his party...plus we wanted to do it on a nice weekend.

I dogged the paintballs...Goo is too little to play so he collected all the old paintballs that have been spilled on the ground while the big kids played.

I am only a second timer, and probably this will be it for me...unless I have a conference there...but I love to plan and research!

We all get busy, no worry about being MIA...any movie nights planned this week? We have 2 pretty easy ones (the kids are making me make up missing last weekends movie)...stayed tuned for the revealing!

We just had Alice in wonderland tonight, I posted the pictures just now! I am planning planet 51 and he told some friends- one of them want to come next week for planet 51- I've never seen it so any ideas would be great! I am going to be watching it sometime this week for my own self.
You know I have a birthday (feb. 6) and my son has a dec birthday- I really don't like it you are so limited on what you can do for those birthdays!
Can't wait to see the ones that you have planned! You always have some great ones that look really cool!

 

[momabaarjo]

I am going to work around USO in a counter clockwise fashion, stopping at each ride/attraction/experience where I am going to grade each with a letter grade (typical for a teacher) based on my personal experience, list facts about it as well as any tips I have found to share about it as well as any pictures I personally took.

Disclaimer: This is my personal opinion, be warned I like thrill!

Universal Studios: Production Central​

Shrek

GRADE: B

FACTS:
*25 minutes
*Theater Show, experience not a ride
*EXPRESS PASS

TIPS:
*Go to the right when you enter the first chamber and read “Duloc Express”, Universal Express pass information done in the witty Shrek style language and humor.
*Across from exit is a character zone…photo with Donkey. Donkey is an animatronics character with a hidden performer doing a good Eddie Murphy imitation ad libbing to those posing for pictures and those just passing by. Shrek is supposed to show up from time to time, but I never saw him (but then again I did not go with kids and was not looking for photo ops). You can use your own camera, or have a Universal photographer take pictures for later pick up.
*I like to as close to exit as I can…be first one in and go all the way down the seating. Might not be best view of the experience, but you get out before the crowd and on to your next thing on your agenda.

PERSONAL EXPERIENCE:
It was fun, not exciting not over the top…nothing special and no WOW factor for me. I thought the pre show was way too long, hard to hear, and we were packed in like sardines…plus the pigs became darn right annoying!


Jimmy Neutron is longer a ride, it has been rethemed and announced that another simulator will take its place in 2012...Despicable Me.
http://articles.latimes.com/2011/may/19/local/la-trb-universal-studios-despicable-me-05201119

Rip Ride Rockit

GRADE: A+

FACTS:
*No express pass line
*51 inch height requirement
*Single Rider Line-If you do not mind splitting up, do it!
*May select songs from stereo tuner when you get it…5 different musical genres (Classic Rock/Metal, Country, Rap/Hip Hop…to listen to as you ride. After you ride you can purchase a DVD of your ride including the music
* Tallest coaster in Orlando (167 feet), and one of the fastest (65 mph)
*About 2 minute ride, not as intense at Hulk Coaster in neighboring IOA

TIPS:
*Press logo for 10 seconds and Bonus Tracks will appear (Pocket RockIt App for codes…these soundtracks however will not be available if you purchase the DVD of your ride)

PERSONAL EXPERIENCE:
I love this roller coaster! I tried for 3 days to get on it. The first day, there were thunderstorms all afternoon and it was down. The second day, well…Harry had my attention all day (I did try to park hop later in the afternoon but the coaster was having power issues). So on my last day, I made it a point to hit this coaster first (walked right on to the front seat using the single rider line).

Standing and watching it can be really intimidating to anyone considering riding ( I know this will be a huge issue for my 2 oldest and I hope they will not chicken out)…the ascent up looks frightening but with the soundtrack selection booming in my ears I got lost in the music instead of thinking about the drops. That’s right this roller coaster comes with a soundtrack of your choice! My soundtrack: Dwight Yokem’s, Guitars & Cadillac’s.

 

[momabaarjo]

Dinner & a Movie Night:
Honey, I Shrank the Kids
May 28, 2011​

Boy this movie is a blast from the past to the 80s. I remember seeing this movie at the theater. As we watched, I had to laugh at all the 80s clothes and hairstyles. Remember when Rick Moranis was a HUGE actor…I wonder what has happened to him. The one thing I am getting from all these older movies (dare I say older…cause that makes me old) is that technology has come A LONG way when it comes to making movies!

This was a pretty quiet and easy movie night (making up for not having one last week). Boo went to a boy’s sleepover after school and Jeff (dh) went to out cabin in New Mexico with 2 of his cousins and a friend to open up the cabin for the summer, as well as to celebrate his birthday with a little fishing.

Activity:
We made shrinky-dinks. I outlined a few pages from so of Goo’s favorite coloring books (Pokemon and Lightning McQueen) for him to color. Ab decided to trace the elblems off her favorite books…Hunger Games Series (and was nice enough to let Goo color one of them). The kids decided they were going to hang them off their backpacks and pull tags.

Dinner:
Mini Cheeseburgers, Mini tortilla chips, Mini Rootbeers, and Mini ice cream cones

 

[momabaarjo]

Hi
Joining your PTR.

Your family is beautiful and you should be very proud of them

Your 1st family trip to WDW my 1st was in 2006 I was 51, And my daughters where 29 and 24. Even at their ages seeing the magic with them was amazing, You will never forget it. Making memories together as a family will last a lifetime.

I only got throught page 7 but thought i comment on a few things,
Gingerbread Funnel Cake SOOOO glad you post about this it on my list i love Gingerbread, and Funnel cakes the combation would be amazing. Thanks for the info

I am so disappointed that I am going to miss these...but glad you can try them. You will have to tell me how good they are!

I love my Passport I have one for each trip. have you been to their site? it has good info too
Thanks for the Pirate quiz we are planning some pirate things for our trip and this fits right in

I love my passporter too, I really enjoy their site...I find it a little less drama than the DIS

Love your movie nites I have seem this thread and am planing some nites too. My GS loves Disney movies. and is a big Cars and Wall-e fan.

The Disney Vactation Planner will NOT work on my computer, Not sure what the problem is I not am to get the register or upload.

I think the Vacation Planner is the cause of my slow internet lately and lots of freezes...I really have not found a lot of useful things on it yet.

The magic kingdom game look like fun I love to coolect disney toys and stuff, I lastest fun is a WDW Vhs . It a souniver of the park from 1981.

It will be fun to share plans and idea with you. have a magical day

Grace... So happy to share some Christmas Planning with you. WELCOME

 

[Becc1]

Love all of the information your giving out on the different rides, it's always nice to get feedback from others rather than just read decriptions in books.

Great theme night. I may have to add HISTK to my list just so I can do mini foods, so cute!

 

[Monknmom]

I honestly have forgotten about that ride! Great looking movie night though!