MinnieMommy
DIS Veteran
- Joined
- Jan 23, 2005
- Messages
- 686
I'm not sure if anyone will benefit from this info... but here it is anyway! I guess I'm working myself up to the official trip report 
Our Crew: myself(32), dh(33), dd(6) and ds(4)
Departure: Tuesday Feb. 8 6:15am arrive MCO 11:30am
Return: Wednesday Feb. 16 3:30pm arrive YHZ 10:30pm
We booked our tickets online at delta.com and were able to choose our seats during the booking process. This was a "last minute" trip... we were planning for November '05 or February '06... but "life happens".. and we decided to go for it. So.. we didn't book our flight until Jan. 18.
After searching through every airline possible looking for the best prices we went with delta. I was really hoping for Air Canada to keep adding to our aeroplan points.. but the difference was quite a bit. Also.. the least expensive Air Canada flights had us arriving in Orlando late afternoon and returning first thing in the morning. Some of the other carriers don't fly in/out every day.. so the trip dates aren't as flexible. Another positive is that if you have to fly to Montreal or Toronto for connecting flights.. you're charged the airport fees! Flying through Boston helped us avoid this.
Our final price for the airfare was $1540.28 Cdn for 4 tickets.
We're about 1 1/2 hours away from the Halifax airport and debated wether or not to do the park and ride at the airport hotel the night before (Monday). That would have been $119 plus tax... and even though they are only supposed to keep the vehicle 7 days.. they said no problem for the few extra. I shouldn't say debated... we actually booked the room... but cancelled Monday afternoon. We checked the weather and everything looked fine. We figured we would put the kids to bed in their clothes and lift them from their beds to the van at 3:00am and they would likely go back to sleep. The long term airport parking would be $56.00.. so this would be a slight saving. Plus.. on the return... taking a shuttle back to the hotel to pick up the van (with all of our winter gear in it) would make it hard to resist just spending another night at the airport hotel. We decided we would only spend a night at the hotel on our return if the weather required us to.
We gathered the sleeping kids and were out the door by 3:30am on Feb. 8th. A quick detour at the Tim Horton's drive thru and we were off. Of course... the kids didn't go back to sleep.
We arrived at the airport at 5:00am. Dh dropped us and all of the luggage off at the door and went to park. I was sure to write down our parking section as soon as he came back.
We rolled up to the Delta Connector counter with a wave on by the pre-screening area. I guess the bleary eyed family with full disney gear on was a little frightening for them. I had all the ID ready (no passports... only Driver's licenses and birth certificates for the adults and birth certificates for the kids). I'm sure in the future we will have to break down and get passports.. but for now... I look at it as a big extra expense and I don't want to pay for them until we have to. They asked if we were going to gate check the stroller... I was hesitant (didn't really think we would need it until our Epcot days).. and she said "you'll probably need it for Boston"
No, problem... so off we go.
We headed through the boarding area security and upstairs to wait for boarding. A quick bathroom break. We grabbed breakfast to go at the Tim Horton's up there and waited to board. Soon we were walking out to the jet. I love smaller planes! This one was super comfy! Drink service coffee/tea/juice and pretzels were offered.
We arrived in Boston early! We couldn't even get off the plane because customs/immigration hadn't opened yet! Halifax is supposed to be getting a US customs/immigration office sometime soon (a year or so according to an airport saff). Once they were open... we got off and went through the screening. We were the last family through. We grabbed our luggage and were waved throught the screening there too. We were directed to go out the door, across the street and follow the signs to switch terminals. Ok... now I understand why they said we would need the stroller... renovations. Luckily... our stroller (poor thing brought out of retirement for the trip) takes weight up to 100lbs. with a sturdy comfy seat and a foot rest for older dd to stand on in the back. It's also folds up easy like an umbrella stroller.
After a trek which seemed like a trip around World Showcase (but that could have been lack of sleep and lack of caffeine)... we arrive in the correct terminal and enter the security line. WOW! Didn't have to do the shoes off thing in Halifax! It's been a while since we've crossed the border! Yikes... the carry on bags, the shoes off, juggling the ID, the folding of the stroller etc..! (The poor people behind us!)
We had 1 1/2 hrs between our connections and thought we would have plenty of time to grab a coffee and relax a bit. WRONG! After the long trek to the other terminal, the security lines, a bathroom break and grabbing some sandwiches to take on board for lunch... we arrived at the gate just as they were beginning boarding. The connector was with Delta Song. We had booked aisle and middle seats across from each other and were lucky enough that the window seats remained empty so the kids could slide over easily and we didn't have to bother anyone if there were bathroom breaks needed onboard.
Easy flight, onboard drink service coffee/tea/juice/soda served. We brought our meals onboard so didn't have to buy them inflight. The kids wanted to pay for movies, but at $5 a piece (and knowing they would likely fall asleep) they were denied.
We arrived in Orlando on time at 11:30 and having already cleared customs in Boston... we were ready to go meet our FL tours driver!
********************************************************
Our return flight was similar. We again didn't have anyone sitting beside us so we had some extra space. We left MCO at 3:30 (we weren't picked up at the resort until 1pm... it was nice to have the morning to pack and relax). There was drink service coffee/tea/juice/soda served. They had meals to purchase but we brought ours on board using some of our leftover MYW counter service meals and buying "packable" items. It was a pretty bumpy flight.. but I think I was the only member of our "crew" with a tummy problem.. thank heavens for ginger ale.
When we arrived in Boston to get our connector we were thrilled to find out that we didn't have to switch terminals. So off we go... thinking NOW, with 1 1/2 hours we could get a coffee and relax while we waited for our 7:45pm flight. Why don't I learn. As we round the bend (in the same terminal) I see that the gate we have to go to is in a separate area, and we have to go through ANOTHER security screening. So off with the shoes etc. No problem... the lineups weren't too bad and we'll still have time to get a coffee on the other side.
Once we get through security and have everyone's footwear back on we are headed for the home stretch. Ugh... of course this seems to be that area of the terminal where they put all the old stuff (the half broken tables, taped up seats etc). And of course... all there is for food is a little snack/popcorn stand. Oh well... at least we had lots of snacks packed. We did get a chance to relax. We played a few games of Pooh UNO with the kids and watched some planes take off.
We had to walk out to the jet, but the Delta staff escorted us out with umbrellas (rain... not snow!) Back to the nice comfy seats. Drink service and pretzels/cookies offered onboard. Nice quiet flight back. We arrived in Halifax by 10:30pm. A quick stop at customs/immigration. The officer chatted with the kids about their favorite characters. (This had been a continual thing throughout the trip... especially with all the security personnel... handing dd the incredibles backpack and ds the princess backpack. Nice of them to take the time to "play" even with the line-ups. )
We grabbed our luggage (not once did we have to open a suitcase!!) and off we went. I stopped and asked an airline worker what the weather was like (to make the whole hotel decision again) and they said we were lucky... the fog had just lifted... the roads were clear... and it wasn't too cold!!! I guess the earlier flight from Boston had to turn around because landing clearance was denied due to fog!! WOW! Am I EVER glad we booked the later flight!!
So... we decided to head for home. DH ran for the van to let it (and our winter gear) to warm up. I slowly walked with the kids and all the luggage to our meeting area. When dh pulled up, I was pleasantly surprised that it really wasn't that cold!!! Now that we're home.. I'm sure another blizzard is brewing. 
Thanks for listening!
Next I'll post a dining report with the MYW info (I tried to keep track of all the costs)... then a trip report.
Our Crew: myself(32), dh(33), dd(6) and ds(4)
Departure: Tuesday Feb. 8 6:15am arrive MCO 11:30am
Return: Wednesday Feb. 16 3:30pm arrive YHZ 10:30pm
We booked our tickets online at delta.com and were able to choose our seats during the booking process. This was a "last minute" trip... we were planning for November '05 or February '06... but "life happens".. and we decided to go for it. So.. we didn't book our flight until Jan. 18.
After searching through every airline possible looking for the best prices we went with delta. I was really hoping for Air Canada to keep adding to our aeroplan points.. but the difference was quite a bit. Also.. the least expensive Air Canada flights had us arriving in Orlando late afternoon and returning first thing in the morning. Some of the other carriers don't fly in/out every day.. so the trip dates aren't as flexible. Another positive is that if you have to fly to Montreal or Toronto for connecting flights.. you're charged the airport fees! Flying through Boston helped us avoid this.
Our final price for the airfare was $1540.28 Cdn for 4 tickets.
We're about 1 1/2 hours away from the Halifax airport and debated wether or not to do the park and ride at the airport hotel the night before (Monday). That would have been $119 plus tax... and even though they are only supposed to keep the vehicle 7 days.. they said no problem for the few extra. I shouldn't say debated... we actually booked the room... but cancelled Monday afternoon. We checked the weather and everything looked fine. We figured we would put the kids to bed in their clothes and lift them from their beds to the van at 3:00am and they would likely go back to sleep. The long term airport parking would be $56.00.. so this would be a slight saving. Plus.. on the return... taking a shuttle back to the hotel to pick up the van (with all of our winter gear in it) would make it hard to resist just spending another night at the airport hotel. We decided we would only spend a night at the hotel on our return if the weather required us to.
We gathered the sleeping kids and were out the door by 3:30am on Feb. 8th. A quick detour at the Tim Horton's drive thru and we were off. Of course... the kids didn't go back to sleep.
We arrived at the airport at 5:00am. Dh dropped us and all of the luggage off at the door and went to park. I was sure to write down our parking section as soon as he came back. We rolled up to the Delta Connector counter with a wave on by the pre-screening area. I guess the bleary eyed family with full disney gear on was a little frightening for them. I had all the ID ready (no passports... only Driver's licenses and birth certificates for the adults and birth certificates for the kids). I'm sure in the future we will have to break down and get passports.. but for now... I look at it as a big extra expense and I don't want to pay for them until we have to. They asked if we were going to gate check the stroller... I was hesitant (didn't really think we would need it until our Epcot days).. and she said "you'll probably need it for Boston"
No, problem... so off we go.We headed through the boarding area security and upstairs to wait for boarding. A quick bathroom break. We grabbed breakfast to go at the Tim Horton's up there and waited to board. Soon we were walking out to the jet. I love smaller planes! This one was super comfy! Drink service coffee/tea/juice and pretzels were offered.
We arrived in Boston early! We couldn't even get off the plane because customs/immigration hadn't opened yet! Halifax is supposed to be getting a US customs/immigration office sometime soon (a year or so according to an airport saff). Once they were open... we got off and went through the screening. We were the last family through. We grabbed our luggage and were waved throught the screening there too. We were directed to go out the door, across the street and follow the signs to switch terminals. Ok... now I understand why they said we would need the stroller... renovations. Luckily... our stroller (poor thing brought out of retirement for the trip) takes weight up to 100lbs. with a sturdy comfy seat and a foot rest for older dd to stand on in the back. It's also folds up easy like an umbrella stroller.
After a trek which seemed like a trip around World Showcase (but that could have been lack of sleep and lack of caffeine)... we arrive in the correct terminal and enter the security line. WOW! Didn't have to do the shoes off thing in Halifax! It's been a while since we've crossed the border! Yikes... the carry on bags, the shoes off, juggling the ID, the folding of the stroller etc..! (The poor people behind us!)
We had 1 1/2 hrs between our connections and thought we would have plenty of time to grab a coffee and relax a bit. WRONG! After the long trek to the other terminal, the security lines, a bathroom break and grabbing some sandwiches to take on board for lunch... we arrived at the gate just as they were beginning boarding. The connector was with Delta Song. We had booked aisle and middle seats across from each other and were lucky enough that the window seats remained empty so the kids could slide over easily and we didn't have to bother anyone if there were bathroom breaks needed onboard.
Easy flight, onboard drink service coffee/tea/juice/soda served. We brought our meals onboard so didn't have to buy them inflight. The kids wanted to pay for movies, but at $5 a piece (and knowing they would likely fall asleep) they were denied.
We arrived in Orlando on time at 11:30 and having already cleared customs in Boston... we were ready to go meet our FL tours driver!********************************************************
Our return flight was similar. We again didn't have anyone sitting beside us so we had some extra space. We left MCO at 3:30 (we weren't picked up at the resort until 1pm... it was nice to have the morning to pack and relax). There was drink service coffee/tea/juice/soda served. They had meals to purchase but we brought ours on board using some of our leftover MYW counter service meals and buying "packable" items. It was a pretty bumpy flight.. but I think I was the only member of our "crew" with a tummy problem.. thank heavens for ginger ale.
When we arrived in Boston to get our connector we were thrilled to find out that we didn't have to switch terminals. So off we go... thinking NOW, with 1 1/2 hours we could get a coffee and relax while we waited for our 7:45pm flight. Why don't I learn.
As we round the bend (in the same terminal) I see that the gate we have to go to is in a separate area, and we have to go through ANOTHER security screening. So off with the shoes etc. No problem... the lineups weren't too bad and we'll still have time to get a coffee on the other side.Once we get through security and have everyone's footwear back on we are headed for the home stretch. Ugh... of course this seems to be that area of the terminal where they put all the old stuff (the half broken tables, taped up seats etc). And of course... all there is for food is a little snack/popcorn stand. Oh well... at least we had lots of snacks packed. We did get a chance to relax. We played a few games of Pooh UNO with the kids and watched some planes take off.
We had to walk out to the jet, but the Delta staff escorted us out with umbrellas (rain... not snow!) Back to the nice comfy seats. Drink service and pretzels/cookies offered onboard. Nice quiet flight back. We arrived in Halifax by 10:30pm. A quick stop at customs/immigration. The officer chatted with the kids about their favorite characters. (This had been a continual thing throughout the trip... especially with all the security personnel... handing dd the incredibles backpack and ds the princess backpack. Nice of them to take the time to "play" even with the line-ups. )
We grabbed our luggage (not once did we have to open a suitcase!!) and off we went. I stopped and asked an airline worker what the weather was like (to make the whole hotel decision again) and they said we were lucky... the fog had just lifted... the roads were clear... and it wasn't too cold!!! I guess the earlier flight from Boston had to turn around because landing clearance was denied due to fog!! WOW! Am I EVER glad we booked the later flight!!
So... we decided to head for home. DH ran for the van to let it (and our winter gear) to warm up. I slowly walked with the kids and all the luggage to our meeting area. When dh pulled up, I was pleasantly surprised that it really wasn't that cold!!! Now that we're home.. I'm sure another blizzard is brewing. Thanks for listening!
Next I'll post a dining report with the MYW info (I tried to keep track of all the costs)... then a trip report.
