Family arrival, annual passes, etc.

[itutorfortravel]

My family is traveling to Disney in few weeks for our first DVC stay!

About a week ago, DH suggested we leave a day early and drive part of the way so we could have more time at Disney...this was assuming he could get off work a little early.

Well, as luck would have it, he can't get off work early and now I'm bummed! He doesn't normally get home from work till after 7 pm, so leaving after he gets off work doesn't make sense either

Sooo...I had the idea of DD and I driving down a day early and just driving all the way to Disney and then having DH fly to MCO either that evening or the next day. (We can get a direct flight and it's only 1 1/2 hours) We'd still have more time at Disney and the cost of the one-way flight is pretty much the same as a night in a hotel so we're not spending any more than we would have with the original idea of all of us driving part of the way a day early.

So, here are my questions...

-if I can't get the same resort for extra night, will it be more trouble than it's worth? I'm still looking at it as having that full extra day at Disney because even if our family time doesn't start till mid-day, DH isn't tired from driving 9 hours...but maybe the trouble of checking in / out is more of a hassle than I'm imagining

-we need to get our annual passes. can i do that for DH so it's ready when he arrives? or will he have to get it himself?

Thanks so much!

 

[mrsgoose8]

DH will need to pick up his own AP with an ID.

I am doing something similar, we are staying offiste for that first night because we have points through another hotel chain. but wouldnt you still be spending more because you and DD need the hotel for 1 night plus H's flight?
if not, then i'd do it!! but otherwise I'd rather go all together and have more $$ for fun in the parks

 

[itutorfortravel]

DH will need to pick up his own AP with an ID.

I am doing something similar, we are staying offiste for that first night because we have points through another hotel chain. but wouldnt you still be spending more because you and DD need the hotel for 1 night plus H's flight?
if not, then i'd do it!! but otherwise I'd rather go all together and have more $$ for fun in the parks

Thanks for the info!

The hotel isn't exactly "free" I guess, but I do have DVC points I could use to book an extra night...

If we all go together, we essentially lose the first day because by the time we get there we will be tired and not really interested in doing anything.

If we split up and go separately, even if DH waited until the next day to fly down and only "gained" a few hours compared to our arrival time if we all drove straight through, he shouldn't be tired so we do in essence get some fun time that first afternoon and evening.

 

[mrsgoose8]

Ah I get what you are saying now! I would probably do it!

 

[disneynutz]

You can get check in out of the way, get the room set up, take his luggage, do your shopping and either pick him up at MCO or he can take DME.

I would do it.

Bill