2022 Trip Planning Thread

[Going to WDW]

So I think we're pretty much at peace with never doing another Disney trip EVER again. DH/DS don't have quite as much loyalty to Disney as I did --- yearly trips since 1998 (plus more solo trips for me) until Covid hit. Going back was totally Me driven (not magical express) ---- so going forward -- Disney isn't on our radar at all -- ever again.

I literally confirmed twice in 2020 that the tickets I had were good until 2030 by phone calls --- Worst part is the agent confirmed they saw that in our record that I had confirmed the 2030 date twice.... confirmed by agent ... but still said in essence "so sad -- too bad") Speaking to a WDW rep is meaningless if you don't have it in writing. Trust nothing -- ever! Get everything in writing! So here's a super WDW customer service hint --- if you're not sure ... don't have your employees say "yeah it's 2030" until it's inconvenient for you to not to honour it --- and then act like it didn't happen at all. If you have a decades old customer who you've promised stuff to --- honour it. Sad that needs to be stated but it is what it is!

DS is 15 and done with a lot of the kid stuff at WDW. DH wants to golf --- there's lots in orlando area. WDW is worthless to me now. To be honest, I thought once DS was at University we'd tie our once or twice trips a year to WDW since we loved going so much --- but that won't happen going forward because I think we understand --- if there's no immediate dollars you're not worth much to the Corporation. It's fine, it's okay and understood. But it was an eye opener and I HATE we spent so much money there in the past -- but we never make the same mistakes twice.

Things have been coming together nicely for our March 2022 trip at UO. We've all had 2 doses of vaccine (and if the science shows we need a booster we'll all do that in a heartbeat.) I think I'll wait to buy AP's for a bit but I think I may book a solo trip before they expire at UO. I'm guessing we'll all be back to UO in 2023.

 

[jdmccon7]

I literally confirmed twice in 2020 that the tickets I had were good until 2030 by phone calls

Did you buy these tickets before they changed the ticket policy to include the nearer term expiration dates? We have this older type of grandfathered tickets with the 2030 expiration date bought in maybe 2017 or 2018. Had to postpone a couple of trips. Was planning on using those tickets in 2022. Are you saying you cannot use your tickets? I believe we have the policy in writing in an email and have physical tickets where 2030 is printed on the back.

And I understand your frustration. We are only going again as the tickets are already paid for. Enjoy UO.

 

[Aladora]

I guess all we can do is hope. In the meantime tell me what weird things you pack to go to Disney. We always make sure to bring our own straws (the paper ones in the park do not last long), our kettle for my tea in the morning, toilet paper (Disney's is so bad!) and a brita filter water bottle instead of paying the $3.50 a bottle in parks. This year I'm wanting to go more simple with what I bring into the park so I'm thinking of getting a fanny pack. My husband will definitely be embarrassed lol but it looks so much more comfortable than say a backpack.

Cooling towels and misting water bottles!

Towels

Bottle


Re: 2022 trips
I just cancelled the Nov 2021 hotel I had tentatively booked because that trip is sure as heck not happening! We have a March 2022 DVC rental booked for my 50th and I will cry many many many tears if that one doesn't pan out. Not only would we be out the $$$ I spent renting points but I will be so upset if I can't celebrate this big birthday at DL!

 

[2Lunds]

BREAKING: Expedition Everest at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Will Be Closed for Over 3 Months in 2022
Expedition Everest at Disney’s Animal Kingdom will be closing for refurbishment on January 4, 2022. The popular attraction will reopen in mid-April.

 

[2Lunds]

I guess all we can do is hope. In the meantime tell me what weird things you pack to go to Disney. We always make sure to bring our own straws (the paper ones in the park do not last long), our kettle for my tea in the morning, toilet paper (Disney's is so bad!) and a brita filter water bottle instead of paying the $3.50 a bottle in parks. This year I'm wanting to go more simple with what I bring into the park so I'm thinking of getting a fanny pack. My husband will definitely be embarrassed lol but it looks so much more comfortable than say a backpack.

This is the BEST thing I've ever bought for use in the parks. This little charger fan thingy. It also has a flashlight and it sits up on its own so you can set it on a tabletop etc...

https://www.amazon.com/Rechargeable...sb+handheld+charger+fan&qid=1631141550&sr=8-8
Re the "fanny pack" call it a belt bag in your mind and GET ONE! OMG. I bought one to wear in the parks last time and I've ended up using it as my main purse ever since (it's a nice pebble grain leather). They're so much handier than a back pack - you can wear it slung across your chest (as I do) and you have instant access versus taking a backpack on and off a million times. LOVE IT.

 

[archdandy]

I personally believe the only place for a fanny pack is a theme park, where you are surrounded by people who you will never see again. Key is to just take it off and hold during some pictures or to turn it to your back. Sometimes you just don't wanna see it later lol

There's definitely the benefit of not seeing any of those people again! I'm going to try and go as "fashionable" as I can with it lol.

Cooling towels and misting water bottles!

Towels

Bottle


Re: 2022 trips
I just cancelled the Nov 2021 hotel I had tentatively booked because that trip is sure as heck not happening! We have a March 2022 DVC rental booked for my 50th and I will cry many many many tears if that one doesn't pan out. Not only would we be out the $$$ I spent renting points but I will be so upset if I can't celebrate this big birthday at DL!

We are going in January (hopefully) so the towels and fans won't be needed this trip. But yes they are so crucial to trips in the hotter months! I've been really tentative about booking anything for January yet. I have the room and a car booked. I don't even have tickets. I'm just afraid of making a commitment and than having to cancel. It's you're birthday, you can cry if you want to! And it would be deserved if your trip was cancelled, especially for a big celebration trip.

BREAKING: Expedition Everest at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Will Be Closed for Over 3 Months in 2022
Expedition Everest at Disney’s Animal Kingdom will be closing for refurbishment on January 4, 2022. The popular attraction will reopen in mid-April.
View attachment 603285

Ugh! We get there on January 2 so hopefully we will able to sneak in a few rides. It will mean we have to make our first park day Animal Kingdom which I don't mind. It's always rough when you go and you're favorite rides are down.

This is the BEST thing I've ever bought for use in the parks. This little charger fan thingy. It also has a flashlight and it sits up on its own so you can set it on a tabletop etc...

https://www.amazon.com/Rechargeable...sb+handheld+charger+fan&qid=1631141550&sr=8-8
Re the "fanny pack" call it a belt bag in your mind and GET ONE! OMG. I bought one to wear in the parks last time and I've ended up using it as my main purse ever since (it's a nice pebble grain leather). They're so much handier than a back pack - you can wear it slung across your chest (as I do) and you have instant access versus taking a backpack on and off a million times. LOVE IT.

A belt bag, eh? I would love to use it as my regular purse. I use a small crossbody bag right now. I can't stand having something hanging off my shoulders. Do you mind me asking where you got yours? I would definitely want one that's a little bit fashionable. Or maybe I'll just go totally the opposite and choose a neon bright color As someone else said above, I won't be seeing these people again lol.

 

[2Lunds]

A belt bag, eh? I would love to use it as my regular purse. I use a small crossbody bag right now. I can't stand having something hanging off my shoulders. Do you mind me asking where you got yours? I would definitely want one that's a little bit fashionable. Or maybe I'll just go totally the opposite and choose a neon bright color As someone else said above, I won't be seeing these people again lol.

Mine is just from Winners, but you can find nice leather versions just about anywhere - just depends on your budget. The Bay carries some higher-end designs, Coach and Kate Spade make nice ones. If you want sporty, Herschel Supply, Fjallraven, Lulu Lemon have cute, clean designs.

If you do decide to go wild, you can find stuff like this on Amazon. You could pick up a differently-themed one for each park!
https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B08FDTJSBH...colid=OJXM4AGEOJVE&psc=1&ref_=lv_ov_lig_dp_ithttps://www.amazon.ca/dp/B07QH117ZD...colid=OJXM4AGEOJVE&psc=1&ref_=lv_ov_lig_dp_ithttps://www.amazon.ca/Brown-Animal-...ywords=leopard+belt+bag&qid=1631311291&sr=8-6https://www.amazon.ca/Holographic-W...ywords=sequin+belt+bag&qid=1631311317&sr=8-14

 

[deedubb]

As much as I hate the direction Disney is taking, and as much as I want to say "to hell with you" to Chapek or whoever is the the main driving force behind these changes, I have to admit that Disney has me hooked, at least for now. I haven't quite reached my breaking point yet.

So...Disneyland July 2022 is already planned. Flights with Delta are booked, and they are non-refundable. The plan is for 8 nights at the Grand Californian. 5 park days.

Then Xmas/NYE at WDW, because we can't miss the 50th, and NYE at Disney is really the best place on earth to be. Probably a split stay, moving to Beach Club on the 31st, because you really want to stay somewhere on the boardwalk if you plan on watching NYE fireworks at EPCOT. I have Westjet credits that we will need to use up so flights are already covered.

Please COVID, have some mercy on us poor unfortunate souls.

 

[zebsterama]

We have 10 of us going to Florida next August-towards the end.
3 Nights @ Universal - Royal Pacific
4 Nights on the Disney Wish - Bahamas
7 Nights at Disney World- 3 VGF DVC Studios

Please don’t you ruin it Covid

 

[Griffin11]

A belt bag, eh? I would love to use it as my regular purse. I use a small crossbody bag right now. I can't stand having something hanging off my shoulders. Do you mind me asking where you got yours? I would definitely want one that's a little bit fashionable. Or maybe I'll just go totally the opposite and choose a neon bright color As someone else said above, I won't be seeing these people again lol.

The ones from Lululemon are great! Lots of colours to choose from. I like the Everywhere Belt Bag, but they have a larger version too.

https://shop.lululemon.com/p/bags/Everywhere-Belt-Bag/_/prod8900416?sz=ONESIZE

 

[bcwife76]

Changing up our summer plans for 2022. For spring break we are still planning on doing Vero Beach, just not sure about beforehand. For summer we have cancelled our back to back on the Magic in Europe....we moved our $$ (which included a 10% off placeholder from 2019) and applied it to an Alaska cruise for mid August so now that cruise is paid in full (we owed like $11 lol). I cancelled the other cruise outright and am getting a full refund (not paid in full) and we are tentatively thinking of doing NCL for Europe earlier in the summer. My husband has to submit his vacation time for the year in February so if we have even the slightest doubt that Europe won't happen for summer 2023 we will cancel it and move it to 2023. Alaska is dang well going to happen!!

 

[grantclaire]

Changing up our summer plans for 2022. For spring break we are still planning on doing Vero Beach, just not sure about beforehand. For summer we have cancelled our back to back on the Magic in Europe....we moved our $$ (which included a 10% off placeholder from 2019) and applied it to an Alaska cruise for mid August so now that cruise is paid in full (we owed like $11 lol). I cancelled the other cruise outright and am getting a full refund (not paid in full) and we are tentatively thinking of doing NCL for Europe earlier in the summer. My husband has to submit his vacation time for the year in February so if we have even the slightest doubt that Europe won't happen for summer 2023 we will cancel it and move it to 2023. Alaska is dang well going to happen!!

We just moved our March cruise to mid August Alaska as well, looking forward to visiting Vancouver for the first time!

 

[bcwife76]

Oh that's awesome!!! Let me know if you have any questions (about Vancouver). Which cruise are you on? We are August 15-22.

 

[azrivest]

We have 10 of us going to Florida next August-towards the end.
3 Nights @ Universal - Royal Pacific
4 Nights on the Disney Wish - Bahamas
7 Nights at Disney World- 3 VGF DVC Studios

Please don’t you ruin it Covid

Sounds like a great trip!

 

[grantclaire]

Oh that's awesome!!! Let me know if you have any questions (about Vancouver). Which cruise are you on? We are August 15-22.

Same cruise! Deck 6 hope to meet up!

 

[mom2rm]

We're hoping to go March Break 2022 to WDW, as long as the border opens and we can fly out of Buffalo!
Both my kids are fully vaccinated!
We had to cancel our trip to DL in summer of 2020 so hoping we can go next year to Disney World!

 

[bcwife76]

Same cruise! Deck 6 hope to meet up!

Fantastic!! We are just below you on deck 5

 

[grantclaire]

Fantastic!! We are just below you on deck 5

Any hotels near the port you would reccomend? Thanks

 

[bcwife76]

Any hotels near the port you would reccomend? Thanks

Depending on your budget, there is the Pan Pacific which is right there at the port or the Fairmont Waterfront which is directly across the street.
A little cheaper but not too far away you have the Fairmont Vancouver (well not necessarily cheaper for that one!), Sutton Place, the Hyatt , Delta Suites and the Sheraton Wall Center. However, most of those would probably need a cab depending on how much luggage you have (though the walk would be down hill). For more 'boutique' type hotels there is the Auberge or the Time Square. All of these hotels I've mentioned we've either stayed at ourselves or had people we know stay at them and recommend them.

 

[morrik5]

For fun, because man, I'm really hoping I'm not the only one obsessing ahem... thinking about their next trip. So, for those who aren't returning till 2022, when are you going and what are you planning?

We delayed our April 2021 trip with our kids and grandkids until April 2022 and are staying in Fort Wilderness. While we know our DD can fly with her family to MCO, will DS, DH and myself be able to get across the border in our RV by then? Should I even think about rebooking the flighs? Disney planning never used to be this stressful