2013 Beach and Yacht FAQ, Fun & Friends: Don't Post Here- New Thread Started

[Simba's Girl]

The only fee for AirTran last month was $25/checked bag. 1 really good sized carry on & another bag/purse was free. The sodas & snacks were free (cookies 1 way & pretzels on way back). The alcohol was the only charged refreshment.

Hmmmmm....I booked thru SWA and although we will be taking an Air Tran route, our receipt states there are NO checked bags fees.

 

[HBGdancermom]

Paying online...

I'm sure there's another board for this question, but this one is my favorite

I upgraded our YC stay to CL GV due to the fact that I get a 10% discount on Disney gc's from working for Target, using my Redcard for another 5%, and Pharmacy Rewards for another 5%...and paying for my parents to come down for the same reason. In $50 increments, that's a lot of giftcards. Why can I not pay online??? It keeps coming back as an error! Is this always the case, or just my luck every time I try?? This might not be worth the savings!!!
Thanks in advance!

I have had no trouble paying online with gift cards. I have also called and paid with a CM with gift cards. I would give them a call. I had 20 too and they were great about it!!!

 

[DisneyMomx7]

Hope you didn't have weather like we did here today! Rain and flash flood warnings most of the day.
We've done many a golf tourney fundraisers. Lots of work, but lots of fun!

Still haven't started packing yet...our walk in closet looks like a college dorm room. Stuff EVERYWHERE, just hasn't made it into suitcases yet.

We hit the jackpot - fabulous weather!

We are still getting through ds's 12 year old All Stars baseball and dd's 8th grade graduation party before I can even begin to think about packing!!! Doing last minute clothes shopping tomorrow (I can't even tell you how much fun that is with two teen aged girls!).

No AP magnet for me and we've been AP holders since 2004!

OMG I'm still tweaking ADRs - I thinki I have a serious problem.

Did I say it before that I CAN'T WAIT!!!!!!!

 

[Missyrose]

I have flown Air Tran several times. I wouldn't hesitate for a minute. I have had better experiences with Air Tran than USAir!!!

AirTran is a good carrier. I've never flown them but Southwest merged with them and we fly Southwest all the time. Save time AND money....book AirTran!

I have had great experiences on Airtran. Flights on time and professional staff. They were purchased by Southwest about a year ago but they are taking the merger slowly to maintain quality on both airlines.

I've never flown AirTran, but be sure to compare all hidden costs, like luggage fees, and I hear they charge for carry on now too, plus tea, coffee, pop, etc that is not extra on other carriers. Does SW have flights? They have free luggage. Does AirTran leave from MCO or Sanford.

Then again even if you aren't saving money, you are saving time. And vacay time is very valuable!

We've flown AirTran many times and have never had a problem. Congrats on your upcoming marriage!

My aunt & flew AirTran out of Detroit last month in to MCO & had a great flight. I would def fly with them again. We flew Delta to Vegas last year & I liked AirTran more.

The only fee for AirTran last month was $25/checked bag. 1 really good sized carry on & another bag/purse was free. The sodas & snacks were free (cookies 1 way & pretzels on way back). The alcohol was the only charged refreshment.

Delta charged for any checked in bag last year to Vegas. I think most airlines are moving towards charging for checked bags. (which is wrong to me)

There was 1 airline Spirit we walked past that only let you bring purse sized bag as carryon & all others were charged. They had a tiny basket to show u what was a carry on!!

I believe Southwest was bought by AirTran or vice versa, their flights are now combined & their desks at airport merged.

Thanks for all the info, everyone! It's been very helpful. I think we're going to go for it and book the flight!

Hmmmmm....I booked thru SWA and although we will be taking an Air Tran route, our receipt states there are NO checked bags fees.

The tradeoff seems to be if you book through Southwest, you don't pay baggage fees but you can't pick your seat. If you book through Airtran. you pay the $25 checked bag fee but you get to select seats. The caveat to all of this is that you only have a choice between the two airlines if BOTH fly to the destination.

 

[natebenma]

Thanks for all the info, everyone! It's been very helpful. I think we're going to go for it and book the flight!


The tradeoff seems to be if you book through Southwest, you don't pay baggage fees but you can't pick your seat. If you book through Airtran. you pay the $25 checked bag fee but you get to select seats. The caveat to all of this is that you only have a choice between the two airlines if BOTH fly to the destination.

I am glad to see so many people have had positive experiences with AirTran. The advantages offered with the direct flight and price definitely make it seem like the way to go.

Although I have had issues with the airline in the past, given the options you have, I would book Airtran, too.

 

[ocalla]

We love flying Southwest because of the direct option!!! The only downfall is we have to drive 2 hours to board

In June we flew Delta and decided we did not like the connecting flights option!!!

Back to Southwest in July.

 

[Ninja Mom]

Hmmmmm....I booked thru SWA and although we will be taking an Air Tran route, our receipt states there are NO checked bags fees.

Air Tran and Southwest are in the middle of an extended (Year plus) merge.

IF you book Air Tran USING the Southwest site: You get the Southwest rules for a flight (free bags) but no early bird check in.

IF you book Air Tran via the Air Tran site you get the Air Tran rules (bag fees etc) and possibly an earlier spot in the seat distribution on the plane.

The only advantage I can see to booking a Shared Southwest/Air Tran flight via the AIR TRAN site is that you can accrue frequent Flyer miles if you are part of their program. For me, the lack of bag fees using the SW site dictates that I would try to book the flight through the Southwest web site if that flight was offered there and then just do the 24 hour check in for the flight the day before because an Air Tran Flight offered on the SW web site is not eligible for the early bird check in.

If the flight that you are interested in is only offered on the Air Tran web site then the above information is moot.

~NM

 

[MickeyT]

Copy and Paste from Mouseplanet June 18th update. More treats in WS!

...Likewise, here are the promised photos of the new L'Artisan des Glaces Ice Cream and Sorbet Shop in Epcot's France Pavilion. The new shop replaces the former tiny bakery, and offers an assortment of house made ice creams and sorbet flavors.

 

[B's Marie]

That's good to know because I have been thinking of getting a pair of those. I'm a huge fan of the Nike flip flops and have numerous pairs of those.

Please forgive typos Sent from my iPhone using DISBoards

 

[B's Marie]

Hi BC/YC peeps.
I'm throwing a little back yard barbecue graduation celebration shindig on Saturday and I was toying with the idea of making the Sunken Treasure the "signature cocktail" for the event. Has anyone ever made them in big batches?
I'm wondering how the measurements translate to a vat of the stuff
Any thoughts or advice? If you're in the B'ville, NJ area, feel free to drop on by

I just might... I'm in TR! Lol!!!

Please forgive typos Sent from my iPhone using DISBoards

 

[B's Marie]

Thanks! I was thinking if I just poured a bottle of each ingredient together and whatever room was left at the top poured in something fizzy, threw some fruit-like substances to float around and had plenty of ice available it might work!
Or, alternatively, I'll end up with a big green mess...Which might take me all summer to consume.
On second thought, that might not be so bad...

Just got to this post, I am definitely popping by!!

Please forgive typos Sent from my iPhone using DISBoards

 

[Angeejoe]

Good to know! I must have gotten Spirit and AirTran mixed uo! I know one airline started charging for non- alcoholic drinks and carry ons. Totally wrong

I'm like u too Sue, always looking for those sneaky fees!

Perfect example: When we were talking about having an extended family Disney trip this year (until SIL found out she was pregnant & due in Oct & my mom then cancelled trip). I was trying figure out a way to stay in my beloved Epcot area & fit everyone's budgets, so I looked into Swan/Dolphin. I found lots of fees there I thought were annoying: the resort/Internet fee, the parking fee/day if you drive, no DME (I know it's not an actual Disney property) & no DDP if you want it. There are many benefits there of course especially being at Epcot, the boats, the views, etc. I just think there should be 1 price, with all fees included, I think it's just sneaky. Of course with all fees Swan/Dolphin could still be cheaper, but the more I looked into it the more annoyed I was was it. It was the just the point!

 

[333disneymom]

I am officially booked for a December return to the Beach Club Villas.This will be our closest time between trips, but we just had to see the Christmas decorations. Last year, as you might remember, our whole family was sick at Disney. Not one trip to the Osbourne lights. No Epcot storytellers or Candlelight Processional. So, we are hoping to do it right this year. We are also hoping to not have anyone sick. It will be a crazy trip, as our APs run out in early December, so the one time we could go is right after Thanksgiving. Can't believe how high airline prices are. I was on the airline websites the day they released flights for 2 airlines and the initial prices were higher than we usually pay. So,we are flying out of a different airport than the one we return home to. We also have to rent a car, so that will be different for us. But, I like trying new things.Ffingers crossed that it goes well. Dee, if you could add us to the list, I'd appreciate it. We will be at BCV November 30-December 6. Thanks.

Sent from my iPad using DISBoards

 

[focusondisney]

I'm sad no AP magnet in my mailbox! Maybe because it's new or I'm just unlucky ? Did you have to request it? I'm so jealous

No, we didn't request it. We upgraded our tickets to APs on our arrival May 13th. Also bought the Tables in Wonderland card @ the same time. (Don't know if that mattered). I had read a few posts about the magnet & people getting it in the mail about a month after they got APs. I was sure we wouldn't get one-- not a really lucky person. I did get the little "thank you" card from Mickey & the gang early last week.

I got home from work Sat night & found more mail from Disney-- included was a welcome to the WDW AP Family brochure describing all the AP benefits & THE MAGNET!!! I was having a really bad day so that sure helped pick me up!

Sat was just over a month from our AP purchase, so that seems to be the time frame for it to arrive. Hope you get one!!

 

[cocoabean1]

Not sure if I've seen this question here.
We are staying YC CL 12/8-12/15, room only no package (we are annual passholders). Can we use the ME for our luggage only, if we rent a car at the airport? (I don't want to deal with the luggage) Then pick up our luggage later on in the day after we have lunch somewhere. Or do we have to be with the luggage when it arrives at the YC?

 

[MickeyT]

Not sure if I've seen this question here.
We are staying YC CL 12/8-12/15, room only no package (we are annual passholders). Can we use the ME for our luggage only, if we rent a car at the airport? (I don't want to deal with the luggage) Then pick up our luggage later on in the day after we have lunch somewhere. Or do we have to be with the luggage when it arrives at the YC?

Official policy is no. You cannot use DME for luggage only. I think when they scan your ticket/booklet to board the DME bus it confirms your presence on the bus. You do not have to be present when your luggage arrives but you do need to use the bus.

Not sure what they would do with your luggage if you're not on the bus though.

 

[catho72]

Not sure if I've seen this question here.
We are staying YC CL 12/8-12/15, room only no package (we are annual passholders). Can we use the ME for our luggage only, if we rent a car at the airport? (I don't want to deal with the luggage) Then pick up our luggage later on in the day after we have lunch somewhere. Or do we have to be with the luggage when it arrives at the YC?

One person must ride ME to get your luggage delivered to your resort. Have one person ride ME and one person rent the car. We did this once because we traveled with my parents, husband and three kids and we all wouldn't fit in the minivan we rented along with our luggage.

 

[catho72]

25 more days until we arrive at BC! Woo hoo!!!

Time to do the Happy Dance!



Dee, have you given any more thought to the Drunken Treasures DIS meet on July 18th? One month from today!!! You know, we really need to talk to the DIS about getting a Sunken Treasure smilie with a green beverage instead of a black one.

 

[RWathen]

25 more days until we arrive at BC! Woo hoo!!!

Time to do the Happy Dance!



Dee, have you given any more thought to the Drunken Treasures DIS meet on July 18th? One month from today!!! You know, we really need to talk to the DIS about getting a Sunken Treasure smilie with a green beverage instead of a black one.

31 days for us!!!! I noticed we both have 13 year old daughters. Maybe we'll see you around the pool!!!

Ryan Anne and DD 13

 

[Sue M]

Copy and Paste from Mouseplanet June 18th update. More treats in WS!

...Likewise, here are the promised photos of the new L'Artisan des Glaces Ice Cream and Sorbet Shop in Epcot's France Pavilion. The new shop replaces the former tiny bakery, and offers an assortment of house made ice creams and sorbet flavors.

Yum

I'm like u too Sue, always looking for those sneaky fees!

Perfect example: When we were talking about having an extended family Disney trip this year (until SIL found out she was pregnant & due in Oct & my mom then cancelled trip). I was trying figure out a way to stay in my beloved Epcot area & fit everyone's budgets, so I looked into Swan/Dolphin. I found lots of fees there I thought were annoying: the resort/Internet fee, the parking fee/day if you drive, no DME (I know it's not an actual Disney property) & no DDP if you want it. There are many benefits there of course especially being at Epcot, the boats, the views, etc. I just think there should be 1 price, with all fees included, I think it's just sneaky. Of course with all fees Swan/Dolphin could still be cheaper, but the more I looked into it the more annoyed I was was it. It was the just the point!

Totally agree it also annoys me that some hotels, incl wdw charge for over 2 adults in a room, when room occupancy is for 4!