Disney Wonder Sept 3-7, 2006 Part 2

[LCTsMom]

Tammy is trying to get her flights together and the search engine isn't working for me. Can anyone here give me an idea of how long it takes to get to MCO from the Port? She's trying to figure out a realistic time frame so she can book her flights home after our cruise. Any help is greatly appreciated.

 

[mom_of_2_princesses]

Lori, I'd love to know what went on before the cops came. ::cop: Must've been good.

It was just entertainment. I typed it on and then I took it off. My neighbors were yelling and screaming at each other. Everyone had their windows open because it was so hot last night. I guess someone called the cops. It did not bug me because I was up. They are pretty inconsiderate neighbors who party all summer just because they don't have to get up early. Someone finally had enough of them. It is really sad.

 

[LCTsMom]

It was just entertainment. I typed it on and then I took it off. My neighbors were yelling and screaming at each other. Everyone had their windows open because it was so hot last night. I guess someone called the cops. It did not bug me because I was up. They are pretty inconsiderate neighbors who party all summer just because they don't have to get up early. Someone finally had enough of them. It is really sad.

Thanks for the update. I figured it was something like that.

 

[mom_of_2_princesses]

Tammy is trying to get her flights together and the search engine isn't working for me. Can anyone here give me an idea of how long it takes to get to MCO from the Port? She's trying to figure out a realistic time frame so she can book her flights home after our cruise. Any help is greatly appreciated.

I know people are saying it is an hour from the hotel to the port. I'm not looking at a map but is the airport closer to the port.

UPDATE:
I looked it up and it looks like it is about an hour. Disembark and get to the airport early. Maybe after 11 would be safe. Anyone have any ideas?

 

[Blackunicorn]

I know people are saying it is an hour from the hotel to the port. I'm not looking at a map but is the airport closer to the port.

No, it isn't. I would schedule AT LEAST an hour and probably more like two. Now, I haven't been to Florida in 16 years, so this is what I've heard on the boards and the DCL website. But better safe than missing your flight or cruise.

Dawn G.

 

[Ker-Bear]

Those costumes are so good. Great pics of every one's family. My husband will probably kill me if he sees that I posted pics of the kids.

Now to vent,

As you guys know my husband is a cast member. We booked a land/sea package that he is able to receive. We did get a discount but nothing to write home to mom about. We were not able to purchase the free dining which I was fine with. Now I here we can't get CM discounts on our food because they black out discounts during free dining. I have some things to say about that but I won't. Any suggestions? We will be at WDW for 5 days and have to pay full price on all food.

I hate to say this but I try to avoid eating in the parks and if I can sneak in snacks that would be good. I freeze bottled water and bring it with me then go to the water fountains and refill the bottles. There is a board for "budget travel to disney" or something like that. I bet they have lots of tips there.

 

[LCTsMom]

I searched Mapquest and it says it's a 46 minute drive. Tammy is looking at flights around 2 p.m. so that would probably work for her, it will give them plenty of transport time and they'll arrive at the airport early enough to relax and eat, etc...

 

[LCTsMom]

I hate to say this but I try to avoid eating in the parks and if I can sneak in snacks that would be good. I freeze bottled water and bring it with me then go to the water fountains and refill the bottles. There is a board for "budget travel to disney" or something like that. I bet they have lots of tips there.

It's really not a problem to bring snacks/sandwiches/drinks into the parks. I have seen people actually pulling rolling coolers onto rides. I'm not sure I'd go that far but as for bringing sandwiches or snacks, we do it even when we plan on buying meals.

 

[Ker-Bear]

WOW. That is some bill. I freaked out at our $200 this month, guess I have nothing to complain about!

(well, except for the slab leak that developed over the weekend, but I'm still in denial about that one)

DH suggests taking the bus to Downtown Disney......not exactly easy or cheap, but they DO have a McDonalds (I know, I know....) and a few other little snacky-type places.

Is it possible to mail some breakfast and lunch staples? I know people mail things to DCL all the time, I just have no idea how it works. Maybe someone else has a better suggestion than me.....could always do Epcot for meals, you can share a veggie lo-mein in "China" for $5 and it will feed two!

Not much help, sorry.....

There used to be a Goodings grocery store in a plaza right across the entrance to Hotel Plaza Blvd (essentially all the non-disney hotels on Disney property). The Disney transportation system goes to those hotels. You could take it to the Doubletree (It used to be Guest Quarters but i think it's now a Doubletree) which is at the front of the area and than use the crosswalk to cross the intersection. That would put you at that plaza. Granted, you could only pick up a few things but it could work. You could also call Mears Transportation and ask how much a one way transfer would be from POR to the Goodings grocery store is. They could drop you off and then come back in an hour after you have finished shopping.

$800 is absolutely ridiculous. No wonder no one can afford to live in California.

 

[LCTsMom]

There used to be a Goodings grocery store in a plaza right across the entrance to Hotel Plaza Blvd (essentially all the non-disney hotels on Disney property). The Disney transportation system goes to those hotels. You could take it to the Doubletree (It used to be Guest Quarters but i think it's now a Doubletree) which is at the front of the area and than use the crosswalk to cross the intersection. That would put you at that plaza. Granted, you could only pick up a few things but it could work. You could also call Mears Transportation and ask how much a one way transfer would be from POR to the Goodings grocery store is. They could drop you off and then come back in an hour after you have finished shopping.

Yup, that Goodings is still there. I was excited to see that they'll deliver a grocery order for $20. I sent that info to Tammy as well, she'll be up there the week before we arrive and I'm sure that will help if she needs something. It's always good to know. We're up there all the time (we usually have our own car), it's good to know that there's a delivery service available, just in case you run into a problem.

 

[Ker-Bear]

Tammy is trying to get her flights together and the search engine isn't working for me. Can anyone here give me an idea of how long it takes to get to MCO from the Port? She's trying to figure out a realistic time frame so she can book her flights home after our cruise. Any help is greatly appreciated.

1 hour give or take. I would give myself 1 hour and 30 minutes to get to MCO just to be safe. I know some get there in 45 minutes but I think you are definitely peddle to the metal with that time

 

[LCTsMom]

JUST A QUICK RANT

Our schools start two weeks from today.

 

[zweihund]

Very cute! We found a breeder about an hour away that seems like she is really wonderful and has a true love of Staffie's. She only does so many litters per year and is actually done for 2006. So we plan on riding down to see her in the fall and hope to convince her to let us buy one from her 2007 litter. She prefers only families or people who want to show. Apparently she turns quite a few away that want her Staffies.

Okay, can I get your first name? I don't think I can keep calling you the "dog lady from the cruise" when talking to DBF.

That's a good thing - she won't give one to someone who won't take good care of it

Name = Erica (but I will answer to dog-lady)

 

[zweihund]

Tammy is trying to get her flights together and the search engine isn't working for me. Can anyone here give me an idea of how long it takes to get to MCO from the Port? She's trying to figure out a realistic time frame so she can book her flights home after our cruise. Any help is greatly appreciated.

About 45 minutes for the drive....but once you get to MCO, you will spend at least another 15 just driving around the crazy loops. Add more to that if you have to park or turn in a rental. I agree with Ker - allow at least 90 minutes just for the travel time between to make sure you get there in time for check-in. Also.....consider Thursday morning rush hour on the day of disembarkation. It's been a long time since I drove from the Canaveral area, but I seem to recall a few bottlenecks at popular exits.

 

[mom_of_2_princesses]

JUST A QUICK RANT

Our schools start two weeks from today.

Wow, I thought are schools started early with August 16. When did you guys get out? We got out June 15 (I think).

Yes, I will definitely be doing some grocery shopping. Not what I planned on doing on vacation. Thanks for all the info everyone.

Did anyone get upgraded yet? I am sure we won't because we got the discount already. Did anyone get their package with luggage tags?
I still don't even know when my flight is.

 

[LCTsMom]

Wow, I thought are schools started early with August 16. When did you guys get out? We got out June 15 (I think).

Yes, I will definitely be doing some grocery shopping. Not what I planned on doing on vacation. Thanks for all the info everyone.

Did anyone get upgraded yet? I am sure we won't because we got the discount already. Did anyone get their package with luggage tags?
I still don't even know when my flight is.

We got out of school the end of May. They passed a law in Florida that school can't start any more than two weeks prior to Labor Day so next year will be better. It's so early, and we usually end up missing a lot of school in the beginning due to hurricanes. Most of our buses are not air conditioned and we even have some schools that have a pants only dress code. Sheez!

I doubt we'll get an upgrade, we have two SPH rooms. It's probably less likely than if we were in one room.

My TA said not to expect our docs until two weeks prior to cruising. She is unreliable on a good day so I'll be happy if I get them at all.

 

[LCTsMom]

About 45 minutes for the drive....but once you get to MCO, you will spend at least another 15 just driving around the crazy loops. Add more to that if you have to park or turn in a rental. I agree with Ker - allow at least 90 minutes just for the travel time between to make sure you get there in time for check-in. Also.....consider Thursday morning rush hour on the day of disembarkation. It's been a long time since I drove from the Canaveral area, but I seem to recall a few bottlenecks at popular exits.

Thanks! I told her to plan on two hours. I know Tammy and extra time is always a good thing for her. She's better safe than sorry!

Is anyone else using the Disney transportation from Port to MCO? I think that's what she's doing.

 

[mom_of_2_princesses]

Thanks! I told her to plan on two hours. I know Tammy and extra time is always a good thing for her. She's better safe than sorry!

Is anyone else using the Disney transportation from Port to MCO? I think that's what she's doing.

Yes, We will be using it. Like I said though no idea what time my flight is.

 

[Ker-Bear]

JUST A QUICK RANT

Our schools start two weeks from today.

rant away, mine starts two weeks from tomorrow. I just bought all his school supplies to beat the rush. You would think the increased property taxes would cover something!

 

[Ker-Bear]

That's a good thing - she won't give one to someone who won't take good care of it

Name = Erica (but I will answer to dog-lady)

Hi Erica!