First Time US/IOA...A Few Questions

[Lindsay0385]

Hello everyone!

I have been reading through the boards gathering information for my first Universal trip for six days/five nights in mid-September. I like to know as much information as possible before leaving, so I hope you can help me with the few questions that I have.

We'll be staying at the HRH for the duration of the trip (which I also have questions about, but I will ask in the hotel forum). There are a total of eight of us going, all adults.

1) I bought tickets for my mom and I in January before the ticket prices went up. I have two printed 7-day, 2-park passes that I got for $99. I am assuming these tickets are still good. I don't want to get to the park and find out I cannot use the tickets any longer. Has anyone used these tickets after the price increase?

2) From what I have been reading, it seems as if taking a taxi to and from the airport (MCO) will be our best bet. I read that there are taxis for up to nine passengers, but if not, we'll split up into two taxis. Even then, it will be only $10 dollars (or less) a person (assuming it is only $40 each way). Does this seem like a good idea?

3) Similar question. Some of us will be going to Disney's Hollywood Studios for one day; once again, it seems as if taking a taxi will be the fastest and cheapest way. Once again, only about $40. Does this sound right?

4) How is the mid-September weather? I am concerned about the hurricane season disrupting our flights. I am quite a worry-wart and want to be prepared!

I think that's all my questions for now. Thank you in advance for your help!

Lindsay

 

[Purseval]

1) I bought tickets for my mom and I in January before the ticket prices went up. I have two printed 7-day, 2-park passes that I got for $99. I am assuming these tickets are still good. I don't want to get to the park and find out I cannot use the tickets any longer. Has anyone used these tickets after the price increase?

We used $89 Kroger passes in July and we still have half a dozen or so more that we keep for company.

2) From what I have been reading, it seems as if taking a taxi to and from the airport (MCO) will be our best bet. I read that there are taxis for up to nine passengers, but if not, we'll split up into two taxis. Even then, it will be only $10 dollars (or less) a person (assuming it is only $40 each way). Does this seem like a good idea?

You can call Mears in advance and find out the exact price, plus it will be waiting for you when your flight arrives.

3) Similar question. Some of us will be going to Disney's Hollywood Studios for one day; once again, it seems as if taking a taxi will be the fastest and cheapest way. Once again, only about $40. Does this sound right?

See #2

4) How is the mid-September weather? I am concerned about the hurricane season disrupting our flights. I am quite a worry-wart and want to be prepared!

Mid September is normally beautiful, not too hot and not too cold. If you know anyone who can reliably predict hurricanes send their name the the weather service, they need all the help they can get.

Have a great trip.

 

[mousermerf]

If your vacation actually get canceled because of hurricanes Uni and Disney both have good policies of refunding hotel rooms and the airline will give you vouchers for your flights good for a year. Not the greatest, but you're not going to lose anything aside from possibly time off from work.

Also, you're there multiple days and no hurricane is a multi-day event. It would A) have to hit Orlando directly, and B) Be extremely intense - otherwise you're just looking at stormy weather that both Uni and Disney are more then prepared for.

 

[Lindsay0385]

Thank you both for your help! I cannot wait until our trip!

 

[Larrabe]

Our vacation is in mid-September, too!

2. Regarding taxis, are you going to want to pick up any groceries or cases of drinks? We are, so we booked a driver a fellow DISer highly recommended who has an SUV, and includes a 30-minute grocery store stop in his price, which we thought was very reasonable. Food for thought!

4. About the hurricanes. I've had anxieties over them, too, but I try not worry over something I can't control. (Emphasis on 'try.' ) And if you go to the main DIS boards and do a search for 'hurricanes,' you'll find a lot of threads on the subject that's reassuring, like this one:

http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2478537&highlight=hurricane

I especially like this poster's response:

I am going in mid-September, so here is the way I have been looking at it...

The odds that there will be hurricanes in September-pretty decent.
The odds that there will be a hurricane on my particular travel dates-possiblity
The odds that there will be a hurricane on my particular travel dates, in an area that will affect my trip-doubtful
The odds that a hurricane will hit Orlando-exceedingly rare.

And part two is, I can't think of anywhere else I'd rather be "stuck" that Disney World with 3 girlfriends. Even if we sit in a hotel room all day playing cards and consuming some adult beverages

Ress

Worse case scenerio, we'll meet you at the bar.

Good luck with your trip planning!

 

[Cielei]

We'll be there at the same time too! Were staying at the HRH; and until I read this thread, hurricanes hadn't even crossed my mind! I am from coastal South Carolina; I should have known to remember this was hurricane season. I do like the worst case alternative though ... wasted away again in Margaritaville.

 

[Larrabe]

We'll be there at the same time too! Were staying at the HRH; and until I read this thread, hurricanes hadn't even crossed my mind! I am from coastal South Carolina; I should have known to remember this was hurricane season. I do like the worst case alternative though ... wasted away again in Margaritaville.

Awesome, we're at HRH as well! After I get through some major work projects, I hope to do a pre-trip report with photos so you can spot us. (I'll be the overly-excited short brunette with two big teenange boys and DH. )

And NO HURRICANES!! Except for the kind that comes in a glass . . .


ETA: btw, if you're flying Southwest, check your rates before Thursday. I just saved about fifty bucks re-booking mine.

 

[Cielei]

I'll be the short blond chasing the 7 and 8 year old blond boys around the place! I'll have to do a pre-trip report so you can spot us too. The only hurricanes we will have will come in a glass! (must admit I go keep checking the tropical forecast, but I am sure my mom and dad would call if something were brewing ~ coastal south carolina keeps a pretty close watch on the tropics!) We are flying southwest, but I booked my tickets with points. (kinda hard to beat free )

 

[Larrabe]

I'll be the short blond chasing the 7 and 8 year old blond boys around the place! I'll have to do a pre-trip report so you can spot us too. The only hurricanes we will have will come in a glass! (must admit I go keep checking the tropical forecast, but I am sure my mom and dad would call if something were brewing ~ coastal south carolina keeps a pretty close watch on the tropics!) We are flying southwest, but I booked my tickets with points. (kinda hard to beat free )

7 and 8? You had your kids close to each other like I did. (They're 16 and 15.) Hope yours don't fight like mine did at that age. And although it's very tempting, (VERY tempting,) I have forbidden myself from checking the weather. Whatever happens--heat, humidity, the h-word--happens. Now if only I can relax about our itinerary and tour plans . . .

And sorry, OP, for taking over your thread!

 

[Lindsay0385]

No problem! I'm glad to hear that I'm not the only one who is thinking about the possible weather...it's helped to reassure me a bit.

 

[Cielei]

Sorry to hijack the thread! I think all will be well with the weather; at least, that is what I am choosing to believe no matter what any nasty weatherman may decide to tell me!