Bookings finalized. I think (ha)

[Alannah]

I've posted a few things here and there and have been obsessed with reading this board (something I have to get over real soon or I'll never get anything done). I told myself last night that the obsessive reading for the last 3 mths was necessary as it was "research", but I can't say that anymore. All my bookings have been made, and for better or worse, I think it's time to let them sit. Here it is just because it's so nice to be able to share these things with people who like to read them!
Family of 5 (myself, DH, DS14, DS9, DD9)
Flying out of Halifax NS Jan 28 Westjet.
Arriving Orlando 12:05 PM.
FL tours Van pickup.
AKL Concierge for 2 nites.
Day 1. Enjoy resort
Day 2. Sunrise safari Sat AM. One day One park tickets to AK.
Day 3. Move to Port Orleans. 2 adjoining rooms 7 day Dreammaker pkg cdn @ par. Take in Blizzard Beach.
Day 4. Magic Kingdom. California Grill for late dinner.
Day 5. MGM. Brown Derby Fantasmic pkg.
Day 6. Epcot. Teppanyaki Grill. Cape May Cafe. Illuminations Cruise.
Day 7. Magic Kingdom. Hoop de doo Revue.
Day 8. Epcot. Biergarten.
Day 9. Saturday. DisneyQuest & Cirque de Soleil.
Day 10. Move over to Polynesian Lagoon View Concierge for last nite.
Day 11. Head home.

Looks pretty busy doesn't it. I was on the phone with Disney the other day for over 45 mins making all the bookings. I hope it's not too busy. Both husband & I (theoretically) are willing to let things unfold as they will. If need be we'll cxl some PSs. Even got the Illuminations cruise for the nite we wanted. Called 7am 90 days from the day we wanted it. Not sure if that helped or not. I've heard it can be difficult to get.
We've tried to include everything as it will probably be our one and only trip as a family. But I know we both have to remember to allow time to relax and if that means taking a day off to spend at the resort, so be it. We are so looking forward to this and have been planning it for many years, but only started taking serious steps to make it happen in the past year. And now we're just a couple of months away.
Thanks for listening! Comments welcome.

 

[kellyla]

Sounds like a great time!

 

[hockey mom]

Looks like a great time. The beauty with skipping a few things is that you HAVE to go back and do what you missed

 

[maryliz]

Sounds absolutely MAGICAL ! I'm sure it will be a trip that everyone will remember for a very long time. You are going with the right attitude ... Disney is not a relaxing vacation (at least not for us "commando-park" goers). We've gone many times for 2 weeks thinking we'll have some relaxation time ... nope, never happens As long as you realize when you might need a break, just do it! Your eatery choices made me very envious! It will be here before you know it!


Mary-Liz

 

[Scratch42]

Looks like a good plan!

Just remember, go with the flow! If something doesn't pan out, you can always go back!

Have A Magical Time!

Scratch

 

[Alannah]

81 days and counting...

 

[langin]

Hi Alannah,

I am really anxious to hear from after your trip since we have so much in common with the older child and a set of twins. I really want to know how the 2 adjoining rooms go since we are thinking the same, can i ask about your budget, how much do you think it will cost you total in the end, flights, hotels, meals, etc... It's a personal ? so it's ok not to answer. Did you think about Resorts off-site or not, I really want to stay at AKL but it's definitely out of my price range, but maybe for a night or two, what made you do concierge at Poly on your last night? I sound like a busy body but it's just research LOL

Best of luck to you

 

[Alannah]

Here is the financial breakdown. I'm almost afraid to put it in printing. We're just plugging away at it month by month...

Airfare $1957. including all taxes.
FL tour van $120 US both ways including tax
AKL Concierge - one room. 2 nites. $791 US including taxes. Used room only code.
Sunrise Safari. $199.05 US including taxes.
One day one park tickets for AKL (about 250.00)
Port Orleans 7nite dreammaker. $2722 US including taxes / no insurance. (Will purchase travel/medical insurance seperately)
Polynesian Lagoon View Concierge $479 US including taxes.
Cirque de Soleil Category 1 seating - $397.27 US including taxes.
Hoop de doo Revue $196.00 US including taxes.
Illuminations Cruise $117.60 US including taxes.
I think that just about covers it.
For meals including Fantasmic & hoop de doo, we're budgeting $3500 US, but I think that's really high. I just want to be on the safe side. I roughed it out at $70.00 for breakfast, $70.00 for lunches and $200.00 for dinners. I'm budgeting on the high end because I don't want any surprises, but I do plan to do most breakfasts in the room (cereal, milk, yogurts fruit etc). So if we can keep it to two meals in the parks, one being counter service, that will help a lot. Bottom line? $10,728. (All but 2,000 being US dollars and that includes the 3500 for meals which I think (hope) is a high estimate.

I chose Poly concierge on the last nite because I wanted to be in the middle of it all. I wanted to see the castle all lit up at nite and watch the electrical parade & fireworks from our room or the beach outside our room. I wanted the snacks and the feeling of being pampered on our last nite. I wanted to walk along the lagoon with the kids and just soak it all up. I wanted to finish the trip with a "bang".

I chose AKL concierge because we wanted the sunrise safari and I thought it would be so nice after a long day of travel to just arrive somewhere where there would be snacks for the kids and we wouldn't have to do too much that first day but immerse ourselves in a beautiful resort and again (hopefully) the feeling of being taken care of.

I'm still debating whether it would be better to have 2 rooms instead of concierge at AKL & Poly.

We could definitely have done the trip a couple of thousand $$ cheaper and can still shave some off meals. I think we'll get sick of constantly eating so well! Sometimes all I want is a PB sandwich! I'll definitely have to file a trip report and let you know how it all turns out. I'm curious myself! It's our first *real* vacation. Usually vacations consist of visiting family!