Back today!

[LorraineH]

Hi All

Arrived back today after 3 weeks in Orlando! We did 11 nights on I-Drive doing US/IOA/SW/BG & Aquatica (best water park in the WORLD IMO!)

Then did 9 nights in OKW for the free dining.

1st time doing indirect - easy peasy! We did Gatwick-Charlotte-Orlando with US Airways and they knocked the socks of VA. Brilliant airline. Cannot fault them. Superb IFE.

We had an amazing time. Just me and my DS16 and DD14.

Ask away if you have any questions.... I am off to bed soon though as didnt sleep loads on the plane coming home!

And I'm still humming the tune to the Main Street Electrical Parade in my head!!

I want to go back!!!!!


Lorraine x

 

[2Tiggies]

Welcome home Lorraine! It sounds like you had a great time. Get some sleep and you can give us some details when you are rested. I would love to hear anything you care to share about your trip.

Was this your first flight with US Airways? How did you like Charlotte Airport? Did you prefer clearing customs there to MCO?

And I have to ask, did you manage to evade all the creepy crawlies you were so worried about? I would never have remembered except that your thread ended up with everyone teasing you about it (and you were so good natured about it) but I felt really sorry for you.

Did you have some nice meals? Where did you eat onsite?

Sorry, no further questions. I will let you sleep first.

 

[LorraineH]

Hey! Still awake and trying to keep up with my Facebook buddies!!!

We had 3 hours in Charlotte to clear customs and immigration and it was a doddle. We didnt eat at Charlotte as the food on the plane was good!! (plus we did take our own sandwiches and crisps!!). Walking off at Orlando, collecting the bags, then straight into a taxi was just lovely!

We were checked in by 7pm - in time for a quick free glass of wine at the Hawthorn Suites (they have happy hour from 5:30-7:30!!). We unpacked by 8:15pm, then went into I-Drive to look round. Back at 10pm - totally shattered!! And awake at 5am for our first day at US!!

Another question that popped up a lot before I went was "is it walkable from IDrive to US" and it took us 40 minutes at a gentle pace. It was too hot to rush but it was a really pleasant walk. 20 mins to Wet n Wild and 20 mins to US. It is doable... but I'd say only just!

My DD14 was picked in Ollivanders!!!!!! We had researched and researched on how to get picked and the best advice I'd read was "be enthusiastic and excited". We had to wait for one hour and 45 mins!! In the heat with not a lot of cover/fans! But we did and we walked in the shop and my DD just stood there and didnt say anthing!! She was completely in awe of it all and I just said "is it as you imagined Heather" and she said "yes, its wonderful". Very very good day!!!

Hmmm.... bugs.....there was a tree in OKW right next to our bus stop and I called it the Spider Tree. I went out early one morning to refill the mugs and I noticed LOADS of cobwebs on the tree. As I got closer there were 4 or 5 LARGE spiders on the webs. I was terrified of walking past that tree. The spiders didnt seem to be there so much during the day, but early morning and evenings they were out!!

If Im honest, I would say I preferred POP to OKW. For lots of reasons really. But I would definitely go back for the 42%/free dining. However, we came back with 5 unused Counter Services and 6 unused Snacks. I would not pay for the dining.

Onsite eating - Bfasts at 1900 Park Fare, Chef Mickeys, Donalds Breakfast - all brilliant buffets.

Crystal Palace dinner and FDP at H&V - dinner buffets - perfect for us.

Cinderella's Fairytale Dinner - had to be done.... and my DD16 got chatted up by Ariel!! He was well chuffed!!

Rose & Crown Pub - I do look a good plate of fish n chips!!

Coral Reef at EPCOT - brilliant. We got seated next to the tank and had sharks, sting rays and turtles swimming next to us.

All good times!!!!

L x

 

[skelfbsfb]

Sounds like you and the family had a great time. Now start the planning for next year.

 

[dixonsontour]

Sounds like you had a fab time - thanks for the report

 

[2Tiggies]

How was F! with the dinner package? Did you feel it made it easier and cut down on wait times? I bet the place was mobbed!

 

[iluvtot]

Hi there!
Hope the jetlag isn't too bad.
Good to hear you had a great time.
I have a few questions about your flight, if you don't mind. We are booked on the same one in 10 days (Get ready for our SDD dance tomorrow!)
Anyway, I didn't have much luck with our seat allocation, and now when I check my res, we don't have any! Were yours OK, or did you have the same problem, and did you check in online or wait till you got to Gatwick. Also, were the flights on time, and how did you find coming back? We have the 3 hour stopover you mentioned at Charlotte going out there, but I think its not much more than an hour coming back. I'm guessing it's managable because checkin etc is at Orlando, and it's just a change of planes at Charlotte?
Sorry so many questions, but I have been stressing about this for months, and you are the first person I have come across who has done this route
Many thanks

Jules x

 

[LorraineH]

How was F! with the dinner package? Did you feel it made it easier and cut down on wait times? I bet the place was mobbed!

Hmmm.... this was a bit of a nightmare.... we were given our card at the H&V at dinner and it said we were booked for the 9pm Fantasmic showing. However, we wanted to go to the 10:30pm showing so we could make good use of our ride time! I asked the waitress in H&V and she said "no problen, the card is good for both times". She said F! would be mobbed at 9pm but not at 10:30pm.

So we enjoyed our day at HS then headed at 10pm to the walkway by Beauty & The Beast to get to our section. We were stopped by a cast member who asked where we were going. I explained we were on the FDP and she said that it was only valid for the 9pm show, not the 10:30pm!! So we had to join the masses queuing - by this time it was nearly 10 past 10!! I didnt think we were going to get in. I was honestly nearly in tears. But it was ok, we sneaked our way through the masses and settled at the top near the back but we did get to see it. So be prepared anyone on FDP - this is for the first show only!!!


Jules - do not worry about the flights I promise you, US Airways were excellent and you will have nothing to worry about!! I have to admit, the day before we flew I was at work and burst into tears with the panic of it all. I have never travelled as a single parent before and I know my kids are "old ones" and can help me with the luggage etc, but I'd never flown indirect and just panicked!! I should not have worried.

I had been able to "manage my flights" online, so had picked seats together. However I could not do online check in the day before, I had a problem with my pc and that made me panic more! I got to Gatwick at 5:45am - 4 HOURS before the flight. Checked in easily at the counter and were given seats together for both legs of the journey. Had a really leisurely breakfast at Frankie & Benny's and the stress was gone!!

3 hours between flights on the way out was fine. We didnt get to use the rocking chairs at Charlotte, they were always in use. But we did have a look round and just went for a coffee. It was so stress free!!!

Coming back, we were collected by DME at 12:20 for our 3:30pm flight out of Orlando. Got to MCO at about 1pm and checked in then. Again, we were given seats together for both flights. I am not sure if they were the seats we had chosen. The 1 hour 15 mins between flights is plenty of time, and I should not have panicked we would miss our connection. We were at the Charlotte-Gatwick gate by 5:10pm and boarding was starting at 5:40pm.

None of the flights were delayed. I have travelled to Orlando with VA and TCD and US Airways were by far the best ever. I would definitely recommend indirect again. They board their planes first by the 1st class passengers, then with passengers with children under 5 - which is brilliant for the younger families as they can all get settled. I had bought the most budget economy tickets i could, and we were called "Zone 6" to board - basically the last ever! But it was fine, there were loads of room still in the overhead lockers. It was all good. You will be fine!! Do not panic!!!

Lorraine x

 

[iluvtot]

Hmmm.... this was a bit of a nightmare.... we were given our card at the H&V at dinner and it said we were booked for the 9pm Fantasmic showing. However, we wanted to go to the 10:30pm showing so we could make good use of our ride time! I asked the waitress in H&V and she said "no problen, the card is good for both times". She said F! would be mobbed at 9pm but not at 10:30pm.

So we enjoyed our day at HS then headed at 10pm to the walkway by Beauty & The Beast to get to our section. We were stopped by a cast member who asked where we were going. I explained we were on the FDP and she said that it was only valid for the 9pm show, not the 10:30pm!! So we had to join the masses queuing - by this time it was nearly 10 past 10!! I didnt think we were going to get in. I was honestly nearly in tears. But it was ok, we sneaked our way through the masses and settled at the top near the back but we did get to see it. So be prepared anyone on FDP - this is for the first show only!!!


Jules - do not worry about the flights I promise you, US Airways were excellent and you will have nothing to worry about!! I have to admit, the day before we flew I was at work and burst into tears with the panic of it all. I have never travelled as a single parent before and I know my kids are "old ones" and can help me with the luggage etc, but I'd never flown indirect and just panicked!! I should not have worried.

I had been able to "manage my flights" online, so had picked seats together. However I could not do online check in the day before, I had a problem with my pc and that made me panic more! I got to Gatwick at 5:45am - 4 HOURS before the flight. Checked in easily at the counter and were given seats together for both legs of the journey. Had a really leisurely breakfast at Frankie & Benny's and the stress was gone!!

3 hours between flights on the way out was fine. We didnt get to use the rocking chairs at Charlotte, they were always in use. But we did have a look round and just went for a coffee. It was so stress free!!!

Coming back, we were collected by DME at 12:20 for our 3:30pm flight out of Orlando. Got to MCO at about 1pm and checked in then. Again, we were given seats together for both flights. I am not sure if they were the seats we had chosen. The 1 hour 15 mins between flights is plenty of time, and I should not have panicked we would miss our connection. We were at the Charlotte-Gatwick gate by 5:10pm and boarding was starting at 5:40pm.

None of the flights were delayed. I have travelled to Orlando with VA and TCD and US Airways were by far the best ever. I would definitely recommend indirect again. They board their planes first by the 1st class passengers, then with passengers with children under 5 - which is brilliant for the younger families as they can all get settled. I had bought the most budget economy tickets i could, and we were called "Zone 6" to board - basically the last ever! But it was fine, there were loads of room still in the overhead lockers. It was all good. You will be fine!! Do not panic!!!

Lorraine x

Lorraine, Thankyou!!!
It's such a relief to 'speak' to someone who has actually experienced the journey! So do you think it would be better to get there at 5.45am, as I was planning to get there about 6.30, but if it makes it easier to get the seats together I would go the extra mile and get there earlier! Actually, for peace of mind it is worth that earlier start!
We have booked the Fantasmic package. Did you think the show was worth the hassle you experienced? We saw F on our first trip back in 2000, and last year I couldn't book it, so I was chuffed I managed this year; but DH isn't that fussed.

Jules x

 

[LorraineH]

Lorraine, Thankyou!!!
It's such a relief to 'speak' to someone who has actually experienced the journey! So do you think it would be better to get there at 5.45am, as I was planning to get there about 6.30, but if it makes it easier to get the seats together I would go the extra mile and get there earlier! Actually, for peace of mind it is worth that earlier start!
We have booked the Fantasmic package. Did you think the show was worth the hassle you experienced? We saw F on our first trip back in 2000, and last year I couldn't book it, so I was chuffed I managed this year; but DH isn't that fussed.

Jules x

I would get there earlier Jules if you can. We didnt seem to be wasting hours just sitting around at Gatwick. It was a lovely start to the holiday!

Forgot to mention, on the flight home (Charlotte-Gatwick) it did look like someone had been given seats that were not requested. The lady did kick up a bit of a stink to the cabin crew, but the problem (whatever it was) got sorted very quickly. They just moved a couple of people around and no one minded. I dont know what the issue was, but the staff were helpful and sorted it.

I think Fantasmic is worth watching every time!! This was my third time seeing it, and it is definitely worth the hassle.

So are you single digit dancing today??!!!!! You must be sooooo excited!!

L xx

 

[iluvtot]

I would get there earlier Jules if you can. We didnt seem to be wasting hours just sitting around at Gatwick. It was a lovely start to the holiday!

Forgot to mention, on the flight home (Charlotte-Gatwick) it did look like someone had been given seats that were not requested. The lady did kick up a bit of a stink to the cabin crew, but the problem (whatever it was) got sorted very quickly. They just moved a couple of people around and no one minded. I dont know what the issue was, but the staff were helpful and sorted it.

I think Fantasmic is worth watching every time!! This was my third time seeing it, and it is definitely worth the hassle.

So are you single digit dancing today??!!!!! You must be sooooo excited!!

L xx

We've had a spate of probs with our booking, which have resulted in several unsatisfactory phone calls, where I have each time been assured we are seated together only to go online after and find we aren't!
Now, when I try to manage our booking online I can't access it, and it says seats will be allocated at the airport. That's why I've been a bit stressy; but I was reassured by a fellow disser who works in a travel agency (I think! thanks Clayre, hope your holiday is going well )said it should be ok at Gatwick.
Anyway, I booked the Meet and Greet car parking when Wayne posted it; so have just emailed them to see if there would be an additional cost if we arrived earlier. (hopefully minimal!)
Thanks for heads up on Fantasmic Last time we saw it was in Dec, and it was freezing, so it would be nice to watch it without hugging a hot chocolate! Also, I can't really remember much, and the kids were small, so they don't really remember it. Looks like DH has been out voted!!
SDD is tomorrow! Can't wait now, though I have so many lists, I have lists about lists!! Want to pack this weekend, so I don't have to worry next week. DS gets his A level results on thurs, so hopefully all will be good, and we can fly off on Sun knowing he is sorted DD's GCSE results come out on the Tuesday we are away, so I have a military operation planned for us to find them out, and accept their places in 6th Form
Hopefully all will be good, but if not,we will be in the best place to deal with disappointments
Thanks for all your help,it's very much appreciated

Jules x
PS, have just got an email back, and there will be no additional charge for car parking if we arrive earlier

 

[LorraineH]

DS gets his A level results on thurs, so hopefully all will be good, and we can fly off on Sun knowing he is sorted DD's GCSE results come out on the Tuesday we are away, so I have a military operation planned for us to find them out, and accept their places in 6th Form
Hopefully all will be good, but if not,we will be in the best place to deal with disappointments

Good luck with the results!! My DS gets his GCSE results on the Tuesday and its touch and go whether he will get the grades needed for his college course!! He is not the most academic is my son... he actually admitted to me that he wrote on his RE Paper "sorry, I didnt listen in class, as Im not interested in religious education"..... oh dear.... so here's hoping he has passed something!!!!

Will dance with you tomorrow then!!

Happy planning!

L x

 

[iluvtot]

Good luck with the results!! My DS gets his GCSE results on the Tuesday and its touch and go whether he will get the grades needed for his college course!! He is not the most academic is my son... he actually admitted to me that he wrote on his RE Paper "sorry, I didnt listen in class, as Im not interested in religious education"..... oh dear.... so here's hoping he has passed something!!!!

Will dance with you tomorrow then!!

Happy planning!

L x

Lol! I'm sure all will be good. He should get marks for honesty and initiative! I have the same dilemna with DD1 who is dislexic. If she was any more laid back she would be horizontal, so any pass will be a bonus. DD2 is more academic, so we are hopeful her results will be good. she is quite confident.

Jules x