Accomodation Booked

[TraceyL]

I'm in the process of booking everything that can be cancelled with minimum charge !

Got my Villa for two weeks near Davenport Lakes and have just booked 3 nights at the Poly with Dreams


Have booked a lagoon view -Got discount with Disney Club card even though it expires before we travel (discounts apply when you book - which I didn't realise).

Anybody stayed there before have any tips on which building to request ?

Any must do or must see things onsite?

Anybody used the Neverland Club - I think DD1 would love it (she'll be 7 while we're onholiday) - do you have you book in advance?

What about the Luau ?

Where's the best place to see the Water Pageant & FITS ( assuming they're on in November !)

Next big step is the flights- which can't be cancelled

 

[Peebee]

Hi Tracey,

Just a quick thought on the flights. One option might be to book a Virgin fly-drive directly via Virgin Holidays. That way you only pay the 20% deposit up front with the balance 8 weeks before you go.

Were you planning to get a car for the trip anyway ? If so that might work out as a good deal, especially if you can get separate car insurance via Amex or Natwest - the latter is so much cheaper than the Virgin or Dollar prices!

Paul

 

[TraceyL]

Yes we are planning on hiring a car - but there's no fly-drives available for our dates with Virgin.

 

[Peebee]

Oh, that's a shame Tracey. What are your travel dates ? I'll have a look around and see if I can find you availability. Any chance of adding an extra night to make the flights work out ?

Paul

 

[neo's white rabbit]

Tracey Did you see my post about BA & Virgin letting you change flights and so on without incurring charges?

There was info a www.expedia.co.uk - there was a box on the home page, to the left, about it.

I think I still have the email Virgin sent me which I can PM you.

There were dates to book by - just can't recall them right this minute.

 

[TraceyL]

The dates are 19 Oct - 5 th Nov

The 19th is the earliest we can go (England are playing SA in the Rugby World Cup on 18th )

We could come back a day or two later but no more than that because of DD1 missing school (she's already going to be missing 2 weeks) and because England's potential quarter final dates are 8/9 Nov (see how careful my planning has to be !!)

The BA flexible fares can only be changed up until May (I think!) and we won't know for definite until DH actually gets home from the Gulf - which at present is due to be August (see my countdown )

Didn't realise Virgin were doing flexis as well ! But they only had Premium flights left anyway - its half term.

 

[Peebee]

Thanks Tracey, i'll see what I can find. Virgin seem to have 3 seats on those dates in economy, but I seem to remember you have two little girls, is that right ? Will they both be over 2 years old for the trip ?

Paul

 

[TraceyL]

Yes, there's 4 of us now

 

[Peebee]

How about United Vacations/Airlines Tracey ? It won't be a direct flight, but they will most likely have more capacity around that time, and you can still leave paying the balance until 8 weeks before you go.

I don't think you check fly/drive package availability on line, but have a look at http://www.unitedvacations.co.uk/body/america/florida/flyfl.shtml

Flights on Expedia seem comparable with Virgin prices too. I know there is the issue with both United and American's financial troubles at the moment, so it might be worth checking what your travel insurance would cover you for just in case.

Paul

 

[TraceyL]

Have been looking at United Vacations- I've been trying to find out about the Chap 11 business ! Think we must be on the same wavelength

The flydrive prices are more expensive than booking seperately through Expedia & Airline Network. Its just a case of judging when to book to get th e cheaper fares balanced against the risk of cancellation without leaving it too late to get flights the days we need

 

[neo's white rabbit]

Tracey

Expedia have flights with Virgin direct, including car, for your dates (2 adults, 2 children) at £2,173 or with Continental changing at Newark out (Virgin codeshare partners) and Virgin direct back for £1,815 inc car. All from LGW.

The Virgin 'change your flights for free' situation is that you must make your reservations by March 17th and then you can change them at any point for travel up to and including Dec 31st 2003. Unlike BA they do not say you have to make any changes by the end of May.

Between that and what Paul is saying you should have some options.

 

[TraceyL]

Second option sounds a reasonable price ! Off to check it out STill can't book yet though

 

[neo's white rabbit]

I've realised from your siggy where your DH is - I sincerley hope he is home safe and on time so you can all make this holiday together.