395 days of planning all lead up to this! Sept/Oct 2012

[Stan Solo]

I'm so frustrated. I went to book my flights for our trip using Air Miles and wanted go from Winnipeg to Chicago or Minneapolis then Orlando. Seems like we can only go Winnipeg, Toronto then Orlando. The time for the flight is amazing leave Winnipeg at 5:00am arrive in Orlando at 1:20pm. The only thing is if we do this we have to collect our luggage in Toronto then go threw US customs, if we go via a US city we do the customs thing in Winnipeg and don't have to worry about our luggage at all after we leave Winnipeg.

I guess I will just have to suck it up and go to Toronto first. The other down side is the taxes and fees are higher when you fly with a Canadian airline.

 

[HeatherLassell]

I'm so frustrated. I went to book my flights for our trip using Air Miles and wanted go from Winnipeg to Chicago or Minneapolis then Orlando. Seems like we can only go Winnipeg, Toronto then Orlando. The time for the flight is amazing leave Winnipeg at 5:00am arrive in Orlando at 1:20pm. The only thing is if we do this we have to collect our luggage in Toronto then go threw US customs, if we go via a US city we do the customs thing in Winnipeg and don't have to worry about our luggage at all after we leave Winnipeg.

I guess I will just have to suck it up and go to Toronto first. The other down side is the taxes and fees are higher when you fly with a Canadian airline.

That is frustrating! The flights I've been finding are through Chicago or Minneapolis. I like that much better than going through Toronto or Montreal for sure!

The pouches I first saw on the Disney store. The first day I saw them they were sold out! I bought 4 of them on Ebay! The seller was charging the exact same price as the Disney store and cheap shipping!

http://www.ebay.ca/itm/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=230719426071&ssPageName=ADME:L:OC:CA:1123

 

[rentayenta]

If we rent a car I think the only days we wouldn't use it is our full days at MK. I think I've read its faster. Or even a taxi on the mornings we want to get there super early for rope drop.

Otherwise I'd use the car. Gotta get my moneys worth! lol

I can't decide if I want to get a car or not. It will cost a lot more and I'm just not sure how much we'll use it. Plus with DDs friend joining us, we'll need an SUV to fit 6.

 

[HeatherLassell]

I can't decide if I want to get a car or not. It will cost a lot more and I'm just not sure how much we'll use it. Plus with DDs friend joining us, we'll need an SUV to fit 6.

I started looking and was SHOCKED! Not one of the cars I was finding can fit us AND our luggage! Me and my oldest have large roller bags and the other 2 have medium roller bags! Ahhh!

 

[HotdogDncrs]

Wow, sounds like you are very well organized, and have a fantastic vacation planned for your family!

I wouldn't worry too much about the bus situation. We never rent a car when at WDW, and always fly (although we are going to try driving this summer). We rely on Disney transportation while on site, and so far it has been fine. Yes, the buses can be crowded (especially if it starts to rain and everyone is trying to make a quick exit from the park, or at park closing), but I have travelled on them with babies as young as 4 months, and also when I was 5 1/2 months pregnant with baby number 2. We always have a stroller with us as well. I think that as long as you are prepared that you might have to stand, or wait for the bus to arrive you will be fine. With regards to renting a car, I guess I would look at how much it is going to cost and then see if I would rather spend that money on something else (like tickets to MNSSHP). Yes, the rental car would be convenient to get to the parks, but really it is just going to sit in a parking lot most of the time, as it doesn't sound like you are planning on going off site for meals, to go shopping, or to visit other Orlando tourist attractions. Keep in mind, that if you really hate the bus, you can always call a cab (they have vans) to take you where you want to go. My sister, BIL, and their 4 kids did this a few times on a recent trip - they said that it wasn't very expensive, and allowed them to skip the bus trip a few times.

We went to MNSSHP this September for the first time, and absolutely loved it! We have been to MVMCP and The Princess and Pirates party (when they had it a few years back). Without a doubt, MNSSHP was our favourite, and we are not big dress up for Hallowe'en people (yes our kids dress up, but my husband and I don't). Our kids were also a lot younger than yours (3 years, and 10 months). I would love to take mine back when they are older, and can really appreciate it. The parade is awesome, and the experience of trick or treating was really cool. Also, seeing so many people dressed up at Magic Kingdom is not something that you get to experience any other time. We didn't wait to see any characters while at the party (as some of the lines were really long), and my son is hit or miss with the characters. We enjoyed watching the parade, and walking around the park taking in all the sights and sounds.

One other suggestion if your kids are into characters. Book a character meal (or 2). That way you get to enjoy a meal, and have the characters come visit you at your table. We always do at least one per trip. That way our son is not asking to go see the characters every time we see them in the park (that can eat up a lot of valuable park time!). Since you will be on the DDP, it is also a great way of maximizing your value, as these meals are usually more expensive. We love Chef Mickey's and Tusker House (for breakfast).

It is so exciting planning a Disney trip isn't it? I never get tired of it. We were actually there 3 times over a 7 month period in 2011, and I still can't wait for our August trip!

 

[Stan Solo]

That is frustrating! The flights I've been finding are through Chicago or Minneapolis. I like that much better than going through Toronto or Montreal for sure!

The pouches I first saw on the Disney store. The first day I saw them they were sold out! I bought 4 of them on Ebay! The seller was charging the exact same price as the Disney store and cheap shipping!

http://www.ebay.ca/itm/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=230719426071&ssPageName=ADME:L:OC:CA:1123

UA goes from Winnipeg to Chicago just about 365 days a year several times a day but Airmiles didn't buy any seats this year as far as I can tell. When I called they just told me to a) pay cash b) go via Toronto or c) keep checking the web every day incase Airmiles gets some seats. I checked to see if Airmiles had any direct flights from Winnipeg to Chicago from May to Auguest and every day I'd have to go to Toronto or Montreal first my best guess is Airmiles is no longer buying seats direct from Winnipeg to Chicago or Minneapolis any more. The taxes and fees for the two of us going via Toronto is over $400!

After I posted about the pouches I found them on EBay. I'm thinking I could use the pouch as a wallet. All I took with me last year was my drivers license, US credit card $100 cash and once I got their our KTTW cards. Turns out I didn't even need the cash. For a wallet I just use a plastic pouch that someone would use to hold a bus pass in.

 

[rentayenta]

I started looking and was SHOCKED! Not one of the cars I was finding can fit us AND our luggage! Me and my oldest have large roller bags and the other 2 have medium roller bags! Ahhh!

And bigger vehicles are so much more expensive. I'm having a hard time swallowing spending so much more when Disney offers transportation.

 

[Stan Solo]

Wow, sounds like you are very well organized, and have a fantastic vacation planned for your family!

I wouldn't worry too much about the bus situation. We never rent a car when at WDW, and always fly (although we are going to try driving this summer). We rely on Disney transportation while on site, and so far it has been fine. Yes, the buses can be crowded (especially if it starts to rain and everyone is trying to make a quick exit from the park, or at park closing), but I have travelled on them with babies as young as 4 months, and also when I was 5 1/2 months pregnant with baby number 2. We always have a stroller with us as well. I think that as long as you are prepared that you might have to stand, or wait for the bus to arrive you will be fine. With regards to renting a car, I guess I would look at how much it is going to cost and then see if I would rather spend that money on something else (like tickets to MNSSHP).

One other suggestion if your kids are into characters. Book a character meal (or 2). That way you get to enjoy a meal, and have the characters come visit you at your table. We always do at least one per trip. That way our son is not asking to go see the characters every time we see them in the park (that can eat up a lot of valuable park time!). Since you will be on the DDP, it is also a great way of maximizing your value, as these meals are usually more expensive. We love Chef Mickey's and Tusker House (for breakfast).

It is so exciting planning a Disney trip isn't it? I never get tired of it. We were actually there 3 times over a 7 month period in 2011, and I still can't wait for our August trip!

I have to agree 100%! I hate Hate HATE taking the bus in Winnipeg! I was not looking forward to the buses at Disney at all but knew it was the best way to do it. I'm so glad I didn't rent a car, I went on the buses with a mind set that I'm on vacation and this is not something to get stressed over. We went before rope drop every day and the buses were not over crowded at all that early. On the way home (back to POR) we were so tired the last thing I wanted to do was drive at night in an area I was not familler with. Plus the POR bus plays this very relaxing music on the way home it was just so nice.

The other thing about the buses was I had some very good conversations with other people on the bus. The only other DIS member I met was on a bus. I'd usually start by asking where they are from and how long they are staying for. I met people from all over the world on the busses.

A friend of mine went and rented a car he found the parks in the AM with the greatest of ease the trip back was another story he drove around for hours trying to find his hotel.

The character meals are some of our best memories from the trip. We went to the Chrystal Palace and Chef Mickeys. I'd save the money from a car rental and get the photo package from Chef Mickeys and/or go to the wishes dessert party.

Oh yes did I mention that I HATE to ride on the city buses and haven't for about 8 years.

 

[HeatherLassell]

Wow, sounds like you are very well organized, and have a fantastic vacation planned for your family!

Thank you! I'm having such a blast planning this trip!

I wouldn't worry too much about the bus situation. We never rent a car when at WDW, and always fly (although we are going to try driving this summer). We rely on Disney transportation while on site, and so far it has been fine.

I could be going more to the car direction from all the horrible bys threads I've read on here! But I really do dislike the bus idea. lol

We went to MNSSHP this September for the first time, and absolutely loved it!

We are still undecided about MNSSHP. It's quite an expensive party and on top of that needing costumes for everyone.

One other suggestion if your kids are into characters. Book a character meal (or 2). That way you get to enjoy a meal, and have the characters come visit you at your table. We always do at least one per trip. That way our son is not asking to go see the characters every time we see them in the park (that can eat up a lot of valuable park time!). Since you will be on the DDP, it is also a great way of maximizing your value, as these meals are usually more expensive. We love Chef Mickey's and Tusker House (for breakfast).

We are doing breakfast at Crystal Palace with some other DIS'ers on October 5th! My daughter wants a princess meal so we may do on on our WEEKEND OFF (parks will be so busy anyways!) over at 1900 Park Fare.

It is so exciting planning a Disney trip isn't it? I never get tired of it. We were actually there 3 times over a 7 month period in 2011, and I still can't wait for our August trip!

It's a lot of fun! Especially since I haven't been there since Spring Break of 1996!

UA goes from Winnipeg to Chicago just about 365 days a year several times a day but Airmiles didn't buy any seats this year as far as I can tell. When I called they just told me to a) pay cash b) go via Toronto or c) keep checking the web every day incase Airmiles gets some seats. I checked to see if Airmiles had any direct flights from Winnipeg to Chicago from May to August and every day I'd have to go to Toronto or Montreal first my best guess is Airmiles is no longer buying seats direct from Winnipeg to Chicago or Minneapolis any more. The taxes and fees for the two of us going via Toronto is over $400!

Damn you air miles!!!! Gotta love when they hype these air miles up and then make it really hard to use them!

I have an air miles card but it doesn't get a lot of use. In Portage the only place that takes it is the alcohol store. lol At least the only place I shop sometimes. Everywhere else seems to have their "own" cards now.

After I posted about the pouches I found them on EBay. I'm thinking I could use the pouch as a wallet. All I took with me last year was my drivers license, US credit card $100 cash and once I got their our KTTW cards. Turns out I didn't even need the cash. For a wallet I just use a plastic pouch that someone would use to hold a bus pass in.

I think they are going to be very handy. Especially on EMH when you have to show your key card to board rides!

And bigger vehicles are so much more expensive. I'm having a hard time swallowing spending so much more when Disney offers transportation.

TOTALLY! I'm watching the transportation board for posted codes for deals. That will ultimately be the deciding factor.

I have to agree 100%! I hate Hate HATE taking the bus in Winnipeg! I was not looking forward to the buses at Disney at all but knew it was the best way to do it. I'm so glad I didn't rent a car, I went on the buses with a mind set that I'm on vacation and this is not something to get stressed over. We went before rope drop every day and the buses were not over crowded at all that early. On the way home (back to POR) we were so tired the last thing I wanted to do was drive at night in an area I was not familler with. Plus the POR bus plays this very relaxing music on the way home it was just so nice.

lol I hate the bus in Winnipeg but it's more because the creepy people always felt the need to talk to me. I just wanted to be in my own little bubble! I lived downtown Winnipeg for 2 years and took the bus from Portage Place to Herzing College. Whenever it was nice enough....I walked!

The character meals are some of our best memories from the trip. We went to the Chrystal Palace and Chef Mickeys. I'd save the money from a car rental and get the photo package from Chef Mickeys and/or go to the wishes dessert party.

I was looking at the Wishes party! My kids would love the little deserts (I've watched some Youtube videos) and it would be nice not to be in a huge crowd for the fireworks. So you think you got your moneys worth?

 

[Stan Solo]

lol I hate the bus in Winnipeg but it's more because the creepy people always felt the need to talk to me. I just wanted to be in my own little bubble! I lived downtown Winnipeg for 2 years and took the bus from Portage Place to Herzing College. Whenever it was nice enough....I walked!

I was looking at the Wishes party! My kids would love the little deserts (I've watched some Youtube videos) and it would be nice not to be in a huge crowd for the fireworks. So you think you got your moneys worth?

That's exactly why I hate taking the bus in Winnipeg so much. Not that I'm pressuring you but it is different on a Disney bus for the most part the people on the bus are very much like us and they are staying at the same resort as you. It's easy to talk to someone when you have something in common with them. Not one person I met on any of the Disney busses was creepy (maybe I was the creepy one).

I'll let you know about the desert party in September. We did not go last year but I plan to suprise my DD this year I think it is something she would really enjoy.

 

[HeatherLassell]

That's exactly why I hate taking the bus in Winnipeg so much. Not that I'm pressuring you but it is different on a Disney bus for the most part the people on the bus are very much like us and they are staying at the same resort as you. It's easy to talk to someone when you have something in common with them. Not one person I met on any of the Disney busses was creepy (maybe I was the creepy one).

I'll let you know about the desert party in September. We did not go last year but I plan to suprise my DD this year I think it is something she would really enjoy.

It looks really cool from the videos I've seen!

 

[vikkii19]

We didn't have a car on our first trip in 2009 and this past November we did rent a car because I got a great deal. $88 for a full size for 8 days. Even at that price we didn't really use it a lot and I wouldn't get one again. I actually enjoyed the buses more and missed taking ME.

As for the dessert party, we did it this year and won't be doing it again. We had a table for 2 right at the railing, but then people crammed up right to the railing and we couldn't see well. There is probably only room for 1/3 of the people by the railing so the rest couldn't see very well. As for the desserts, they were just alright.

Also, at the dessert party you're off to the side a little so the fireworks aren't on top of the castle, they're to the right of the castle. I thought it looked a little weird. Although we didn't enjoy it, a lot of people here do, so you might really like it.

 

[DisneyFirefly]

Honestly, I'm one of the rare people who absolutely doesn't mind taking the buses. If I were going to be doing a lot of resort to resort hopping or going off site, then yes, I'd look into getting a car, but I almost always travel alone and can't really justify the expense of renting a car when it's just me. Besides, I'm so used to taking the bus here in Chicago that the Disney buses don't bother me one bit. I mean, my work commute is anywhere from 1 to 2 1/2 hours depending on the day, time of day, traffic, and weather. I'd much rather have a 20 minute bus ride to get to MK or something But yeah, I think getting a car is something that only you can decide, since you're the one who knows your family's needs best. A rental doesn't work out for me because I'm by myself and don't mind the buses, but for someone in your situation, it's a different conversation entirely.

 

[HeatherLassell]

We didn't have a car on our first trip in 2009 and this past November we did rent a car because I got a great deal. $88 for a full size for 8 days. Even at that price we didn't really use it a lot and I wouldn't get one again. I actually enjoyed the buses more and missed taking ME.

That is the one thing I figured I'd miss if we rented a car is the ME! It looks like fun!

As for the dessert party, we did it this year and won't be doing it again. We had a table for 2 right at the railing, but then people crammed up right to the railing and we couldn't see well. There is probably only room for 1/3 of the people by the railing so the rest couldn't see very well. As for the desserts, they were just alright.

That would totally piss me off if I paid that much, got a great seat and then people came and squished in front of us.

Also, at the dessert party you're off to the side a little so the fireworks aren't on top of the castle, they're to the right of the castle. I thought it looked a little weird. Although we didn't enjoy it, a lot of people here do, so you might really like it.

Yes I saw that on the video I watched. Off to the side. I wasn't sure I liked that either.

Honestly, I'm one of the rare people who absolutely doesn't mind taking the buses. If I were going to be doing a lot of resort to resort hopping or going off site, then yes, I'd look into getting a car, but I almost always travel alone and can't really justify the expense of renting a car when it's just me. Besides, I'm so used to taking the bus here in Chicago that the Disney buses don't bother me one bit. I mean, my work commute is anywhere from 1 to 2 1/2 hours depending on the day, time of day, traffic, and weather. I'd much rather have a 20 minute bus ride to get to MK or something But yeah, I think getting a car is something that only you can decide, since you're the one who knows your family's needs best. A rental doesn't work out for me because I'm by myself and don't mind the buses, but for someone in your situation, it's a different conversation entirely.

See this trip is like a big money suck so I figure with three kids who I am imagining after a long day at a park are going to be rather cranky....it would be nicer to get on the tram and go to our car and drive to the hotel vs. waiting who knows how long to get on a crowded bus with other cranky people. lol I am pretty much sold on getting a rental I just need to find a good price on one. Right now they are !!!!!


On another note I'm totally going to rent a limo to pick us all up at the house to take us to the airport! My kids will be so excited and I am pretty sure (even though they won't admit it) my parents will also think it's pretty awesome! Then we don't have to both park and pay for our cars to sit at the airport, plus we don't have to drive either way. I think it's a really fun way to start the magic!

 

[HeatherLassell]

268 days!

 

[HeatherLassell]

heehee and now it's 267!!!

 

[the_green_machine]

heehee and now it's 267!!!

LOL...I know exactly how you feel. Like you, I started this almost a year ago and in 2 weeks we will be in Walt Disney World!!!! It may feel like a long time now but it will fly. Enjoy it, the anticipation is half the fun.

 

[the_green_machine]

Now if I could only figure out how to change my ticker!!!!!

 

[HeatherLassell]

LOL...I know exactly how you feel. Like you, I started this almost a year ago and in 2 weeks we will be in Walt Disney World!!!! It may feel like a long time now but it will fly. Enjoy it, the anticipation is half the fun.

It really is!

Now if I could only figure out how to change my ticker!!!!!

It says 2 weeks!

 

[HeatherLassell]

I've entered a contest to win a round trip all expenses paid trip to NEW YORK! Tickets to go see Miranda Lamberts concert and a meet and greet!

We had to photoshop a picture of us together!

This is my entry:

Please go to this link for the radio station and "LIKE" it for me! I don't know if that helps but I think it would look good if it has a lot of LIKES.

http://www.qx104fm.com/Showcase/mirandaandme/View.aspx?ID=273598