2013 plans

[Ted in Halifax]

Okay, got impatient today and used points to book one way for 4 from Halifax to Orlando for Sunday Feb 24th. (Mileage Plus points) I will book the return flights after we accumulate a few more points and after FD is or isn't announced.

Trying to position ourselves for free dining in 2013 ... so I will either start a FD 2 week stay on the 24th (renting points for after that), or rent points and stay until the trigger date for FD, then do 2 weeks. Either way, we are looking around 2.5 weeks.

Sometimes, I think I enjoy the planning more than the trips

 

[keaster]

I enjoy the planning too

Going on the Disney Fantasy cruise March break 2013...just waiting a few more weeks for our window to tack on a couple DVC days at AKL beforehand

 

[dennise]

Ted, sorry to jump in, but you sent a Phil. Airport layout earlier and I can't find it. We were wondering if we will be able to buy duty free in Halifax and take it on the plane in Phil or will we have to go through security again. Don't want to waste.

 

[Ted in Halifax]

I see no reason why you couldn't get duty free, as long as you aren't heading out when the shop is closed! What time does your flight leave Halifax?

Also .... you may find that buying in Halifax is more expensive than buying in MCO. Do you have a car when in Florida? Also, is this for simple beer and wine?

This might interest you ...
http://www.halifaxdutyfree.ca/

 

[greenclan67]

Hey Ted, how was your March Break vacay? Ours was wonderful, great weather and wonderful time had by all!
Just wanted to let you know, we ended up switching from Mystic Dunes to Cypress Pointe before we went to Florida. I know you were asking for a review of MD. After reading some not so nice reviews on Tripadvisor, and finding out the pool closes between 9 and 10 and there were no spas/hot tubs outside. My kids and hubby wanted to go back to their old favourite. So Cypress Pointe it was. We flew Allegiant without any problems and loved the upgrades at the resort. It was worth the switch!
Wish I was planning my 2013 right now, I am going into withdrawls, LOL! I am waiting for my window to open for flights then I will be booking, but that probably won't be for several months!

 

[Ted in Halifax]

The Vacation was great. Less impressed with the cruise than I thought I would be. Very impressed with renting DVC points. Thanks for the MD info .. always looking for more options. For 2013 we are thinking of AKL or BWV for points rental and then POP (or Animation if possible) for a QSP free Dining or Coronado Springs for DDP free dining. All this depends on what is offered.

 

[mtmbyck]

Welcome back Ted. Interesting comment on the cruise. I get seasick but keep thinking I have to get on the Disney cruise so if you say it wasn't that spectacular I may be disappointed!?!?

How did you book flight so early. I can't find any flights yet.

If you need a person to rent from I could put you in touch with a reliable DVC owner who usually rents me pts for $6 each. We've used them for SSR and BCV. PM me and I will send her your email. I've met her once but did not know her before I rented. They are from Manhattan and have 600 pts.

Like you, I'm dying to plan our next getaway. Currently working on a summer muskokas and southern Ontario trip and then hopefully somewhere warm for a week during Christmas break and then back to Orlando for March - but it was crazy busy this year didn't you think?

 

[Ted in Halifax]

I booked for late February. Most carriers have flights available 330 days out, so I grabbed it early using points and I am hoping that I time it right for free dining. I will send you a PM. Thanks I really did find it crazy this year. We did have the rides and hardly used our photopass (there didnt seem to be that many people talking photos for them). I'm also heading to Houston in late May-June and then Phoenix in last June-July. I'm racking up the air points!

 

[mkmommy]

Air Canada actually opens 365 days in advance. I kick myself as when they first opened, direct flights for the March 9-16, 2013, Toronto to Orlando were $615 per person taxes in, but of course those are gone now. I don't think for weekend flights you will find less than $550 from Buffalo, so that was a good price.

 

[dennise]

Sorry for jumping in Ted, but I can't locate the thread where you posted in the picture of the Philly airport layout. Do we have to go through security again, if we are travelling on the same airline, we are flying US air. Wanting to purchase duty free in Halifax, but not sure if we can take it on board in Philly. Thanks.

 

[Ted in Halifax]

Dennise: You preclear in Halifax, no need for going through security again in PHL. Once, you are cleared in Halifax, they treat your flight like a domestic.

Here's a link to PHL Maps:
http://www.phl.org/terminal_map_bc.html#usairways

See my post a few above this one!

 

[dennise]

Ted, thanks again. We leave at 5 pm tomorrow, we do have a car, but you can't buy Captain Morgan white in the US. This time in 24 hours we should be able to see some of the lights.

 

[2gr8DisneyKids]

Glad you had a great trip, Ted! We did too! I actually have a July trip booked with just me and the kids while DH is in Russia for work, so AKV here we come. We started renting points a few years back and LOVE it!

For 2013 I think our only trip to WDW might be a solo trip for me running the Goofy. The kids and I would love to repeat this March Break, but we have an Alaska Cruse booked for July 2013 and are saving for a house.

I like your 2 week beat winter plan with (hopeful) FD!

 

[Leafsgirl36]

I'm with you, I spend more time planning then anything else. My husband and I booked our flights from Halifax to MCO for 10 days in February 2013 direct flights Air Canada $1100 taxes in for the 2 of us, can't beat $550 each. Now down to some serious planning

 

[pooksma]

Like to read more on your thoughts of the Dream. We've just booked for next year's March Break.

I too enjoy the planning

 

[dvcdisney]

Air Canada actually opens 365 days in advance. I kick myself as when they first opened, direct flights for the March 9-16, 2013, Toronto to Orlando were $615 per person taxes in, but of course those are gone now. I don't think for weekend flights you will find less than $550 from Buffalo, so that was a good price.

I saw a great seat sale as well with AC, but I can't seem to bring myself to book it. I don't trust them. The only way I would book AC is if WJ or AT does not have the dates and times I want since I am looking at direct only.

WJ is only 330 days before, so I have to wait until I check for the return flight. I can book my flight to MCO now (March 2nd), but not March 16th...It's driving me nuts. I, too, am all about planning. Last year, I booked my WJ flight to MCO the day it came out and waited almost 3 mths to book my return with AT. I wish WJ would have better return times. Next year it looks like return will be at 9:30am and that means we can't book it because we'll be just leaving DCL at that time.

 

[grantclaire]

Just booked our flights down today. Mar 9th on Westjet out of Pearson 229.00 direct to Orlando, taxes included. Will have to wait a few more days untill WJ releases the flights back. Going on a 4 night cruise on the Disney Dream.

 

[Ted in Halifax]

If I could find that west jet price anytime between march 15 to 17th for MCO to YHZ I would buy 4 of them!

 

[mkmommy]

Just booked our flights down today. Mar 9th on Westjet out of Pearson 229.00 direct to Orlando, taxes included. Will have to wait a few more days untill WJ releases the flights back. Going on a 4 night cruise on the Disney Dream.

That is a great price, good luck on the return fare, hopefully the sale will still be on.

 

[dennise]

Home again, but wishing and planning for the next trip. This one was less than ideal. Dh was not feeling well when we left and it went downhill from there. Had I suggested coming home he would have done it. Still not well.