Airmiles Armchair Chatter

[Spotthecat]

We leave in two days!!! Woohoo!

But on the bummer side, contacted Universal, and they will not downgrade my AM 2 day park-to-park ticket and give me the difference in a gift card. This is aggravating. I only had to get the 2 day one because Airmiles lost my original 1 day passes mid shipment, futzed long enough about returning the airmiles that I had to use a different account to buy the passes, and they had run out of the 1 day ones. Argh!!!

But on the bright side I am still going to see Wizarding World of Harry Potter

 

[damo]

We leave in two days!!! Woohoo!

But on the bummer side, contacted Universal, and they will not downgrade my AM 2 day park-to-park ticket and give me the difference in a gift card. This is aggravating. I only had to get the 2 day one because Airmiles lost my original 1 day passes mid shipment, futzed long enough about returning the airmiles that I had to use a different account to buy the passes, and they had run out of the 1 day ones. Argh!!!

But on the bright side I am still going to see Wizarding World of Harry Potter

Still give it a try once you get there. Customer service on the phone does not always agree with customer service in person.

 

[Donald - my hero]

We leave in two days!!! Woohoo!

But on the bummer side, contacted Universal, and they will not downgrade my AM 2 day park-to-park ticket and give me the difference in a gift card. This is aggravating. I only had to get the 2 day one because Airmiles lost my original 1 day passes mid shipment, futzed long enough about returning the airmiles that I had to use a different account to buy the passes, and they had run out of the 1 day ones. Argh!!!

But on the bright side I am still going to see Wizarding World of Harry Potter

I would still stop at a guest service counter and see what answer you get when you're actually there. When we went we took our girls to one inside the park and they were able to check into it for us so they didn't lose as much park time as we did by doing it before we entered! Worse they can say is no, best case scenario you get a gift card you weren't expecting!

Have a great time, we LOVED what our daughter calls "Harry Potter World" and can't wait to go back and spend more time, the attention to details is A-MAZ-ING

 

[Donald - my hero]

I am so excited. I finally got the special fast track reward option that a bunch of you have already received. Now to decide what I want to save for. Decisions, decisions.

Don't get overly excited yet, I still haven't seen any "special offers" and based on the FAQ's it doesn't really matter what you pick or what you eventually use the miles for:

FAQs
1. Do I need to commit to this goal?
By selecting a goal, you are agreeing to receive Bonus Offers. As always, you can use your Miles towards any Reward once you’re ready.

2. Can I change my goal on this site?
No, once you set your goal on this site, you can’t change it. But you’re always free to use your Miles at any time towards any Reward.

3. Will I get to keep my Miles if I don’t reach my goal?
Absolutely! You have earned those Miles and they are yours to use the way you want.

4. Will I automatically get the Reward once I’ve earned the Miles required to get it?
No. Once you have enough Miles to get the goal that you’ve selected, you must return to airmiles.ca and go through our standard process of using Miles.

5. How long will I be fast-tracked for?
You’ll be fast-tracked until the series ends or until you reach your goal.

 

[kerreyn]

i love reading about everyone’s disney planning!

no specific trip on my horizon but i love hearing about new resorts, new things to do, and new ways to save for the next visit. thanks to everyone who’s sharing their plans—i think we all love living vicariously through one another

We're hoping to go to WDW for 10 days to celebrate my oldest daughter's 30th next year, and most likely staying at POR again, since we really liked it last year.

My husband actually said he'd like to stay at either the Grand Floridian or the Galaxy Edge resort, but it's cost prohibitive for 10 days. I told him that I've read about 'split stays' on the Dis - has anyone here done a split stay, and is it more hassle than it's worth? We'd probably do 6 days at POR and 4 days at GE or GF.

 

[Donald - my hero]

We're hoping to go to WDW for 10 days to celebrate my oldest daughter's 30th next year, and most likely staying at POR again, since we really liked it last year.

My husband actually said he'd like to stay at either the Grand Floridian or the Galaxy Edge resort, but it's cost prohibitive for 10 days. I told him that I've read about 'split stays' on the Dis - has anyone here done a split stay, and is it more hassle than it's worth? We'd probably do 6 days at POR and 4 days at GE or GF.

We've done split stays and had a great time! Not a hassle at all -- you just drop off your luggage at the Bell Services when you check out and they send them over to the other resort, easy-peasy! You can do whatever you want during the day and then once you check in to the 2nd hotel you pick them up and take them to your room (they won't deliver them to your room like they do on your arrival from the airport) It's the perfect way to experience different resorts and areas -- you could even plan out the parks you go to based on which hotel you're staying at. I would most definitely NOT go from a Deluxe or Moderate down to a Value, would be a shock to the system!

 

[marchingstar]

We're hoping to go to WDW for 10 days to celebrate my oldest daughter's 30th next year, and most likely staying at POR again, since we really liked it last year.

My husband actually said he'd like to stay at either the Grand Floridian or the Galaxy Edge resort, but it's cost prohibitive for 10 days. I told him that I've read about 'split stays' on the Dis - has anyone here done a split stay, and is it more hassle than it's worth? We'd probably do 6 days at POR and 4 days at GE or GF.

We've done lots of split stays! They're a great way to try out a super cool hotel without blowing the budget. Moving resorts is super easy. On 'moving day' we just pack up, leave our bag with guest services, and they'll take them over to the new resort for later in the day. We usually spend most of moving day in a park, because it can take the luggage a while to get to the second resort, but that's no big deal (my caveat: I think it's a hassle if travelling with children. If everyone in your party is an adult, no hassle at all!)

My suggestion would be to start at POR and spend your last couple days at a super special hotel. I really like moderate resorts, but they would definitely feel like a step down after a deluxe. I also always try to maximize our resort time at a deluxe, or plan to visit the closest park.

Oh and if you're looking for votes...I say stay at Galaxy Edge! I so so want to hear all about the experience. The plans make it sound absolutely amazing--the immersive experience just seems like it's completely on another level.

 

[marchingstar]

We've done split stays and had a great time! Not a hassle at all -- you just drop off your luggage at the Bell Services when you check out and they send them over to the other resort, easy-peasy! You can do whatever you want during the day and then once you check in to the 2nd hotel you pick them up and take them to your room (they won't deliver them to your room like they do on your arrival from the airport) It's the perfect way to experience different resorts and areas -- you could even plan out the parks you go to based on which hotel you're staying at. I would most definitely NOT go from a Deluxe or Moderate down to a Value, would be a shock to the system!

I should have known you'd be on the draw with info!

Since we're talking Disney...what do you think has been your favourite split stay? Or what would be the 'ideal' split stay to you?

 

[Aladora]

We're hoping to go to WDW for 10 days to celebrate my oldest daughter's 30th next year, and most likely staying at POR again, since we really liked it last year.

My husband actually said he'd like to stay at either the Grand Floridian or the Galaxy Edge resort, but it's cost prohibitive for 10 days. I told him that I've read about 'split stays' on the Dis - has anyone here done a split stay, and is it more hassle than it's worth? We'd probably do 6 days at POR and 4 days at GE or GF.

We did a split stay last August when we added on 2 days to our already booked trip. We started at BWV and then moved to AKV for the last 8 nights. As others have posted, it was really easy to move from one resort to the other. I actually made it even easier on us by packing one bag with clothing and toiletries that we would use at BWV, that way there was one entire suitcase that we never touched until we got to AKV. Actually, there were two cases that we didn't use at BWV, I packed a small case with all of our Hallowe'en costumes. It made it really easy for getting ready, everything was in that one case.

My only sort of complaint about the split stay is that from the moment you check out of your first resort until you are able to get your room at the second one, you are "Disney homeless". For some people that is not a big deal at all but for us it was. We always go back to our resort after lunch to rest and to allow our son to decompress in order to be able to go back to the parks in the evening. On our move day we were not able to get into our room until later in the afternoon so it made for a difficult couple of hours for us. I also never got the text or email that our room was ready and had to call to ask. The CM originally told me that unless I had received the text/email then our room was not ready. I lied and said that since I was using a Canadian cell phone that I was not going to receive texts or email. After I convinced her to check, she did put me on hold and looked it up...lo and behold, our room was ready. I was a bit annoyed that I had to talk her into checking for me, who knows how long we would have had to wait before finally receiving notification?

We really liked being able to check out a different resort but in the future, I can't see us doing a split stay again.

 

[pigletto]

We're hoping to go to WDW for 10 days to celebrate my oldest daughter's 30th next year, and most likely staying at POR again, since we really liked it last year.

My husband actually said he'd like to stay at either the Grand Floridian or the Galaxy Edge resort, but it's cost prohibitive for 10 days. I told him that I've read about 'split stays' on the Dis - has anyone here done a split stay, and is it more hassle than it's worth? We'd probably do 6 days at POR and 4 days at GE or GF.

We’ve done split stays many times and other than packing up and moving it’s not a big deal for us. We would pack up and leave our stuff at Bell services and go back later in the day to move. Doing it this way left less time that we didn’t have a room. And a mid day break is how we tour the parks anyway.
It’s a great way to see several different properties! We used to like to start our trip at one of the Bay Lake resorts to be closer to Magic Kingdom and then move over to and Epcot resort to be closer to those parks.

 

[AngelDisney]

I have never done a split stay at WDW. But we did split between USF and WDW. It’s easier to stay at the same hotel. We love the dining options at Epcot, so we now stay at the nearby hotels with walking distance. We take a break back to hotel after lunch then return to parks for rides or dinner around 5 pm. However, we have done split stays at DLR, DLP and HKDR since the deluxe hotels are much expensive. We learn to live out of our suitcases so we can pack and move with less effort. Perhaps next time I can plan a split stay at WDW. I always want to try our AKL which is a bit farther out from the other park areas. I would probably not do a split stay with little kids. Too stressful for me! DD is 21 now so packing and unpacking are so much easier with her help.

 

[marchingstar]

My only sort of complaint about the split stay is that from the moment you check out of your first resort until you are able to get your room at the second one, you are "Disney homeless". For some people that is not a big deal at all but for us it was. We always go back to our resort after lunch to rest and to allow our son to decompress in order to be able to go back to the parks in the evening. On our move day we were not able to get into our room until later in the afternoon so it made for a difficult couple of hours for us. I also never got the text or email that our room was ready and had to call to ask. The CM originally told me that unless I had received the text/email then our room was not ready. I lied and said that since I was using a Canadian cell phone that I was not going to receive texts or email. After I convinced her to check, she did put me on hold and looked it up...lo and behold, our room was ready. I was a bit annoyed that I had to talk her into checking for me, who knows how long we would have had to wait before finally receiving notification?

Y'all are making it difficult to work--I just want to talk about Disney!

We like to take afternoon breaks too. When it was just the two of us travelling, we would know that on 'moving day' we'd have to come up with a plan that didn't mean going back to the room. So we'd usually plan a longer meal for lunch, for instance, or some shopping and the afternoon parade. But with a kid...no way could a split stay work! Our baby was just little on his first trip (7 months), but the risk that we would be 'homeless' as you say was just not worth trying to move. I bet we won't be trying another split until he's a Disney 'adult' (10. hah!). But with an adult-only party, splits have worked well for us in the past.

Now that you mention it, though, we've always had to check in at the new resort. We've never gotten a room number by text or email. I don't think you were wrong...I think they don't get sent to Canadians!

 

[pigletto]

Upcoming Rexall Flyer has been scanned and posted over at Smart Canucks
https://forum.smartcanucks.ca/429788-rexall-pharmaplus-gta-feb-8-14-a-canada/

I really want a gift card promo at Sobey’s / Foodland soon ! I will buy the max allowed at both stores and use them at Freshco for a few months . @ottawamom , is there usually one this time of year? I think you keep track ( if I’m remembering correctly ).

 

[hdrolfe]

I've been temped by the split stay, had thought about it for this coming summer but decided instead to just stay put. I've (finally) settled on a new tower room at CSR. I think we'll miss Yacht Club and area but we'll manage. I think the moving would probably be ok, though we are afternoon break kind of people (kiddo loves to swim, I like the break from the chaos of the parks) and I'd be worried about the second room being ready when we want it. I also don't like to have to do two deposits, and worry about remembering to pay two reservations. We are doing the quick service plan this trip (will save us a bit of money since we'll actually do things like eat at Be Our Guest which I would never pay out of pocket for!), and I'm not sure that would work for split stays, or maybe it would. Any way. Maybe when kiddo is older?

 

[Donald - my hero]

I've been temped by the split stay, had thought about it for this coming summer but decided instead to just stay put. I've (finally) settled on a new tower room at CSR. I think we'll miss Yacht Club and area but we'll manage. I think the moving would probably be ok, though we are afternoon break kind of people (kiddo loves to swim, I like the break from the chaos of the parks) and I'd be worried about the second room being ready when we want it. I also don't like to have to do two deposits, and worry about remembering to pay two reservations. We are doing the quick service plan this trip (will save us a bit of money since we'll actually do things like eat at Be Our Guest which I would never pay out of pocket for!), and I'm not sure that would work for split stays, or maybe it would. Any way. Maybe when kiddo is older?

People have mentioned splitting up the dining plan even! Since it goes from check-in till midnight of check-out day you would be able to do a signature meal and not end up missing a meal. You could do either meal plan for either stay and end up having enough credits to play around with, not a concern.

I should have added to my comments that we're only 2 adults, our stays are never park-centric, we like to sleep in and stay in our room until the absolute last minute. By the time we get around to actually checking out and making our way to the 2nd resort it's rarely before 1. We take our time heading in the general direction of the 2nd resort, stop somewhere to have lunch, people watch, just a slow day. I like to do the actual check-in personally to make sure the room is in the general area I want so even if it's a park day, I'd be going to the 2nd resort first anyway. Hubby also has to bring his laptop whenever we go away and he doesn't trust that to make a trip of any kind without him holding it and there's no way we'd want to be lugging that thing around. I also prefer to keep my bag of meds with me and now that security at parks is so tight I doubt I'd want to open up that can of worms!!! I was only talking about the logistics of actually doing a split-stay and what I see as the advantages.

 

[kerreyn]

Thanks for the info everyone! We would most definitely start at the moderate (POR) and end the vacation at the delux - I've heard going the opposite can be quite the let down. I was curious how the dining plan would work with a split stay as well. We had the standard dining plan last year and loved it!

ETA - does doing a split stay also mean getting two magic bands?

 

[Aladora]

ETA - does doing a split stay also mean getting two magic bands?

We got two each but you can always select not to get new bands at your second resort.

 

[AngelDisney]

Upcoming Rexall Flyer has been scanned and posted over at Smart Canucks
https://forum.smartcanucks.ca/429788-rexall-pharmaplus-gta-feb-8-14-a-canada/

I really want a gift card promo at Sobey’s / Foodland soon ! I will buy the max allowed at both stores and use them at Freshco for a few months . @ottawamom , is there usually one this time of year? I think you keep track ( if I’m remembering correctly ).

I am in need of Sobeys gift cards too now that Sobeys is closer to where DD lives at university and she prefers to shop there for convenience.

 

[ottawamom]

I really want a gift card promo at Sobey’s / Foodland soon ! I will buy the max allowed at both stores and use them at Freshco for a few months . @ottawamom , is there usually one this time of year? I think you keep track ( if I’m remembering correctly ).

Last year the first GC offer for Sobeys GC was part of Mega Miles (middle of March). In 2017, it was at the end of March. Nothing for January and February either year. The cashier I see regularly at Sobeys said something about there not being GC offers when they have the Shell discounted gas offer on your receipts. That discount offer ends March 24 so we may be waiting until after that. I hope not!

 

[pigletto]

Last year the first GC offer for Sobeys GC was part of Mega Miles (middle of March). In 2017, it was at the end of March. Nothing for January and February either year. The cashier I see regularly at Sobeys said something about there not being GC offers when they have the Shell discounted gas offer on your receipts. That discount offer ends March 24 so we may be waiting until after that. I hope not!

Thanks ! That gives me a general timeframe to watch for. If I max out a gift card promo and our STB airmiles post I will be ready to redeem for another ticket .