GAME: The Great ANZAC Pretend Planning on Paper PTR - Out and In for ADRs (05/04)

[Ms. Shuttergirl]

Just need to work out who we need to bribe to get to stay in the Cinderella Dream Suite :

Oh yes Queenie, good thinking. I totally want to do that. I'm sure we can grease someone's palm

 

[shushh]

Ok sorry this took so long...

2nd October: Home to Hong Kong.
6th October: Hong Kong to London
7th October: ABD London to Paris
13th October: Paris on our own
17th October: Paris to NYC
24th October: Road trip to Orlando
12th November: Port Canaveral Caribbean Cruise
19th November: Port Canaveral to WDW
5th December: Orlando to Los Angeles
15th December: Los Angeles (or San Francisco) to Hawaii
Wednesday 21st December: Hawaii to Home

The London to France ABD costs $3,429 - $4,079 Here is the link for more info as to what we get for our money and where we'll be going. I've given queenie 1 day free in London...
I've also had to change the cruise to a 7 day cruise to extend the trip as I was worried about missing the Christmas decorations at WDW. We'll stay at WDW for an extra 2 days as well as Hawaii for an extra 2 days.

If we want to do the China ABD, we just leave 10 days earlier as the tour includes HK and HK Disney. We will then fly into Beijing. The tour ends in HK. Cost is $4,819 - $5,469. Here is the link

Also, it appears as though I am the only dumb enough to be happy driving the van...

 

[queenie82]

Ok sorry this took so long...

2nd October: Home to Hong Kong.
6th October: Hong Kong to London
7th October: ABD London to Paris
13th October: Paris on our own
17th October: Paris to NYC
24th October: Road trip to Orlando
12th November: Port Canaveral Caribbean Cruise
19th November: Port Canaveral to WDW
5th December: Orlando to Los Angeles
15th December: Los Angeles (or San Francisco) to Hawaii
Wednesday 21st December: Hawaii to Home

The London to France ABD costs $3,429 - $4,079 Here is the link for more info as to what we get for our money and where we'll be going. I've given queenie 1 day free in London...
I've also had to change the cruise to a 7 day cruise to extend the trip as I was worried about missing the Christmas decorations at WDW. We'll stay at WDW for an extra 2 days as well as Hawaii for an extra 2 days.

If we want to do the China ABD, we just leave 10 days earlier as the tour includes HK and HK Disney. We will then fly into Beijing. The tour ends in HK. Cost is $4,819 - $5,469. Here is the link

Also, it appears as though I am the only dumb enough to be happy driving the van...

Wow!!! Thanks for that.
Overall GREAT Itinerary. Timing looks pretty good.
Comments..... are constructive thoughts only....

Ok first things first...
The ABD London to Paris is pretty pathetic. I've never looked at its Itinerary before as I didn't realise it existed. I know you're paying a premium for Disney touring but there is very little "touring" and you're not even going by coach with Disney entertainment across the mini ditch. You're still going by Eurostar.
You can do SOOOO much more in that time and you're left 'on your own' half the time anyway.
We spent one day covering Notre Dame, Louvre, Arc De Triomph, Sacre Cur, Eiffel Tower etc etc. The metro is great and if you want to live it up you could do a private day tour by limo taking you from place to place for no more than ABD.

In London in a previous trip I did a Private Black Taxi tour which took me WHEREVER I wanted to go when I wanted to and it was 150pounds for 3 hours and then 50pounds per extra hour for 4 people in the taxi. The taxi can even drive and park in areas others can't.

If we're going to Paris a stop in London is a must but I'm not convinced this is a good option.

China ABD

This one I think is a great idea. I have always thought the way to see China in a more 'relaxed' way was with ABD. Certainly for first time Asia visitors.
It has all the main highlights and is more 'organised' rather than 'on your own'.

hmmmm....7 day cruise is fine with me

I'm happy driving a van. The sportscar was a joke just thinking about Ms Shuttergirl's style of travelling little miss limo transfer
My only complaint with them as a vehicle is the seating position. You're more 'upright' in driving. I prefer sitting with legs more in front of you like in a regular car.

Thanks so much for the info shushh. I really do wonder when you sleep

 

[battymum]

You know if you sold this trip I am sure people would go! I would totally sign up if I could afford it.....

 

[PrincessInOz]

Ok sorry this took so long...

2nd October: Home to Hong Kong.
6th October: Hong Kong to London
7th October: ABD London to Paris
13th October: Paris on our own
17th October: Paris to NYC
24th October: Road trip to Orlando
12th November: Port Canaveral Caribbean Cruise
19th November: Port Canaveral to WDW
5th December: Orlando to Los Angeles
15th December: Los Angeles (or San Francisco) to Hawaii
Wednesday 21st December: Hawaii to Home

The London to France ABD costs $3,429 - $4,079 Here is the link for more info as to what we get for our money and where we'll be going. I've given queenie 1 day free in London...
I've also had to change the cruise to a 7 day cruise to extend the trip as I was worried about missing the Christmas decorations at WDW. We'll stay at WDW for an extra 2 days as well as Hawaii for an extra 2 days.

If we want to do the China ABD, we just leave 10 days earlier as the tour includes HK and HK Disney. We will then fly into Beijing. The tour ends in HK. Cost is $4,819 - $5,469. Here is the link

Also, it appears as though I am the only dumb enough to be happy driving the van...

 

[Ms. Shuttergirl]

As amazing as it sounds, wait for it........I AGREE WITH QUEENIE! There I said it. What is happening to Queenie and I in our old age I ask ya. Agreeing, being pleasant to each other, it's just so well, strange and slightly unnerving .

She's right though, that ABD London to Paris is whimpy. You are left to your own devices so much of the time. Thinking from a purely family point of view which I realise isn't relevant to this holiday, can you imagine a family paying 20k for 7 days of basically touring themselves around London and Paris. Wow. I just do not see the benefits with that at all.

The ABD China tour looks good though and I would be happy to leave earlier to do that but to organise our own touring around London and Paris.

Queenie - I would love to hear more about the black taxi tour and what you know about the private limo tours, since it seems that's the only way I like to travel hahaha. You will be so proud of me, in Fiji we are just doing the basic hotel transfers from the airport where they drop off at all of the resorts along the way, apparently it takes hours. How's that for roughing it and mixing with the common people . I'm pretty sure my love of private transfer will be forever solidified as a must have once my DH experiences this little adventure hahaha.

Shushh, you have done an awesome job with that itinerary. I think it looks like we are going to have a magical time. If we go with the van to travel from NYC to WDW, I'll need to either drive (Queenie just shuddered) or sit beside the driver because I get mad car sickness. I'm actually quite a good navigator so that may work and I could take photos through the windscreen too since I am the official photographer.

 

[PrincessInOz]

As amazing as it sounds, wait for it........I AGREE WITH QUEENIE! There I said it. What is happening to Queenie and I in our old age I ask ya. Agreeing, being pleasant to each other, it's just so well, strange and slightly unnerving .

I just had to take a copy of this....for prosterity purposes!

If this keeps up, I might have to go back and amend rule #2!

 

[queenie82]

As amazing as it sounds, wait for it........I AGREE WITH QUEENIE! There I said it. What is happening to Queenie and I in our old age I ask ya. Agreeing, being pleasant to each other, it's just so well, strange and slightly unnerving .

She's right though, that ABD London to Paris is whimpy. You are left to your own devices so much of the time. Thinking from a purely family point of view which I realise isn't relevant to this holiday, can you imagine a family paying 20k for 7 days of basically touring themselves around London and Paris. Wow. I just do not see the benefits with that at all.

The ABD China tour looks good though and I would be happy to leave earlier to do that but to organise our own touring around London and Paris.

Queenie - I would love to hear more about the black taxi tour and what you know about the private limo tours, since it seems that's the only way I like to travel hahaha. You will be so proud of me, in Fiji we are just doing the basic hotel transfers from the airport where they drop off at all of the resorts along the way, apparently it takes hours. How's that for roughing it and mixing with the common people . I'm pretty sure my love of private transfer will be forever solidified as a must have once my DH experiences this little adventure hahaha.

Shushh, you have done an awesome job with that itinerary. I think it looks like we are going to have a magical time. If we go with the van to travel from NYC to WDW, I'll need to either drive (Queenie just shuddered) or sit beside the driver because I get mad car sickness. I'm actually quite a good navigator so that may work and I could take photos through the windscreen too since I am the official photographer.

I just had to take a copy of this....for prosterity purposes!

If this keeps up, I might have to go back and amend rule #2!

I grew up doing tours as a kid but they were always pretty tight and efficient itineraries. (We also did fly and drive holidays.) In those good old days there were MUCH better prices for kids as part of tours as well.
But this one really gets me as it is providing so little

Generally speaking for money reasons I'll do independent travel. There are so many tours that just don't suit. But a good compromise is day tours once you get yourself somewhere.

Black Taxi Tour

This is the company I went with http://www.blacktaxitours.co.uk/info.html

We went to The Globe Theatre, Buck House, Canary Wharf etc. He took us to a great spot to get a shot of the Houses of Parliament.

These are the basic costs but it is entirely customisable.

How much does it cost to book a Black Taxi Tour of London?

Sights of London
A two-hour guided tour around London by day between 08:00 hrs & 18:00 hrs costs £115.00* per taxi cab.

London By Night
A two-hour guided tour around London by night from 18:00hrs until 12:00 midnight costs £125.00* per taxi cab.

* A supplement of £5 is payable on Saturdays, Sundays and Bank Holidays.

Each cab can carry a maximum of five passengers.
(There are a limited number of special six-seater cabs available for a supplementary price).

"Out of town" trips are priced on request.

A half-day tour to Windsor Castle or Hampton Court Palace costs £295.00.


As for my suggestion for Paris I don't know about private tours specifically but I'm sure they are around. I don't know if there would be anything quite like way the taxi one is run. But there is stuff like this

http://www.paris-france-tours.com/p...s-city-tours-full-day-and-half-day-tours.html

 

[PrincessInOz]

Focussing back to the trip here for a mo....


Here's what I've gotten in terms of flights...

02 Oct MEL to HKG departing 8.40 am, arriving 15.15 pm (CX134, 9h 35m)
07 Oct HKG to LHR departing 00.35 am, arriving 06.20 am (CX255, 12h 45m)
17 Oct CDG to JFK departing 11.00 am, arriving 13.25 pm (AA45, 8h 25m)
05 Dec MCO to LAX departing 13.00 am, arriving 15.30 pm (AA297, 5h 30m)
15 Dec LAX to HNL departing 18.00 pm, arriving 21.50 pm (AA267, 5h 45m)
21 Dec HNL to SYD departing 10.15 am, arriving 17.50 pm (QF4, 10h 35m)


Except for the flights on AA, all other flights are Business Class (Class D). The two AA flights are 1st Class.

The total for our flights including tax come to AU$12,321.94 per person.

By my count, 9 fares comes to $110,897.46.

Our budget:
Starting: $350K (based on 14 votes)

less
Spending money: $80K
Air Fares: $111K
ABD China:$49K
Cruise: TBD


We have a balance of $110K for accommodation, transfers, car hire, cruise, food and any other land costs.

 

[Ms. Shuttergirl]

Thanks for the info on the cab tour Queenie. I've had a good read on the website and have booked marked it for when I get to hit London. Love this idea, although a cab isn't quite up to my usual limo standards, Im' sure I will survive

Princess - it's a little shocking when you see the cost of flights for 9 people being 110k, hahahaha. Wowsers. What airline is CX? Is it safe?

We need to make sure to organise private transfers, I have a certain standard I'm used to

What did we decide for accom? Are we happy to do twin share? I bags not Queenie, only joking. Actually I think it could be fun if we share hahaha.

Maybe we could draw names out of a hat so that we have a different room mate for each destination.

Or are we going with our own rooms? I think that would kind of be a bit lonely for me.

 

[queenie82]

Thanks for the info on the cab tour Queenie. I've had a good read on the website and have booked marked it for when I get to hit London. Love this idea, although a cab isn't quite up to my usual limo standards, Im' sure I will survive

It's a kind of 'London' experience though. You ever been in a London cab? The kids would love it. They'd likely sit on the fold down seats which are opposite the back bench seat.

Princess - it's a little shocking when you see the cost of flights for 9 people being 110k, hahahaha. Wowsers. What airline is CX? Is it safe?

CX is Cathay Pacific. Very highly regarded airline

What did we decide for accom? Are we happy to do twin share? I bags not Queenie, only joking. Actually I think it could be fun if we share hahaha.

Maybe we could draw names out of a hat so that we have a different room mate for each destination.

Or are we going with our own rooms? I think that would kind of be a bit lonely for me.

Share with you!!!!!!
hmmmm......

 

[queenie82]

Focussing back to the trip here for a mo....


Here's what I've gotten in terms of flights...

02 Oct MEL to HKG departing 8.40 am, arriving 15.15 pm (CX134, 9h 35m)
07 Oct HKG to LHR departing 00.35 am, arriving 06.20 am (CX255, 12h 45m)
17 Oct CDG to JFK departing 11.00 am, arriving 13.25 pm (AA45, 8h 25m)
05 Dec MCO to LAX departing 13.00 am, arriving 15.30 pm (AA297, 5h 30m)
15 Dec LAX to HNL departing 18.00 pm, arriving 21.50 pm (AA267, 5h 45m)
21 Dec HNL to SYD departing 10.15 am, arriving 17.50 pm (QF4, 10h 35m)


Except for the flights on AA, all other flights are Business Class (Class D). The two AA flights are 1st Class.

The total for our flights including tax come to AU$12,321.94 per person.

By my count, 9 fares comes to $110,897.46.

Our budget:
Starting: $350K (based on 14 votes)

less
Spending money: $80K
Air Fares: $111K
ABD China:$49K
Cruise: TBD


We have a balance of $110K for accommodation, transfers, car hire, cruise, food and any other land costs.

Not a fan of AA but First might be ok. Any reason for picking AA???
As for Qantas...bleh I guess I have the budget to pay for any bloody excess baggage charge they apply because they don't honour the allowance allocated by the airline the flight was BOOKED through....

Might look up what aircraft are allocated to these flights on expedia. Hopefully some nice 777s and less Airbus. Would love to fly a 747-8 but they're only just coming out...
(Yes...I love aircraft and am a geek. Yes I've been to the Boeing factory twice. )

 

[PrincessInOz]

Not a fan of AA but First might be ok. Any reason for picking AA???
As for Qantas...bleh I guess I have the budget to pay for any bloody excess baggage charge they apply because they don't honour the allowance allocated by the airline the flight was BOOKED through....

Might look up what aircraft are allocated to these flights on expedia. Hopefully some nice 777s and less Airbus. Would love to fly a 747-8 but they're only just coming out...
(Yes...I love aircraft and am a geek. Yes I've been to the Boeing factory twice. )

I went on the OneWorld website to get the quote. So, my choice of airlines were limited. I would have gone for BA for the CDG to JFK route but I noticed that the BA was a codeshare with the AA; so I thought that I might as well go with the carrier that was really flying the route.

Feel free to propose alternative airlines and quotes (maybe Star Alliance).

I think I remember that the CX to HKG was the airbus. The others seemed to be 777.
Although, I can't remember what plane was flying that final QF leg...

Remember we are flying business class so the baggage allowance is different.


As for sharing rooms, there are 9 of us. Either someone else decides they want to join this leaky boat; or so that no one has to have a single room (though I could probably make the sacrifice) we could be sharing triple....



Righto.

We still need to get a quote for the cruise and then look at accommodation options....but it could well be food time!


I think we should look at the medium to top restaurants in each city we are visiting and put some recommendations forward!

By way of examples and to kick this off, I propose the Ledbury and Le Gavrouche in London and WD50 in New York.

 

[PrincessInOz]

Thought I'd kick off the next phase of our planning with a proper post and that way I can quick link it.

We have restaurants and food options to pick for:

Hong Kong
London
Paris
New York
(roadtrip....need more planning here Anzacs!)
WDW
Los Angeles (we probably also need to decide if we're going to drive up to San Francisco or just spend all our time in LA. In keeping with the Disney theme, we're going to SF to go to the Walt Disney family museum!)
Hawaii


Let's have your recommendations!

• Breakfast places
• Decent nosh for lunch
• Dinner to stuff ourselves

A range of cheap eats to high end dining would be fabulous!

 

[Ms. Shuttergirl]

Okay, I haven't been anywhere much but here are some of my suggestions:-

The Fat Duck in London - Heston Blumenthal's restaurant. I am dying to go here.

Maybe Jamie's 15 restaurant for interest sake.

For Paris - What about the old cliche of the Eiffel Tower Restaurant?

New York - most definitely Les Halle's, Anthony Bourdain's restaurant that I went to last time, amazing.

Also have to do Ellen's Stardust Diner for fun and I love me some Bubba Bumps Mahi Mahi with Bourbon Sauce.

They are my votes, happy to go with everyone's suggestions for elsewhere.

 

[queenie82]

Fat Duck is NOT in London...lol...it's in Bray, near Maidenhead.
40-50min train ride from London Paddington.
While DBF/Mr Foodie was driving me around we drove past it. It's the most unassuming building. The website says they take bookings up to 2 months in advance but Mr Foodie said there is about a 7 month waiting list...lol...

It is one of the ultimate restaurants but just letting you know you're gonna have to get there somehow

We also ate at the restaurant of Jamie Oliver's father. But it is quite a bit north and although good, wouldn't be worth the trip.

For cheap eats there is Bricklane for Bagels. I can get an address if interested.

I can ask Mr Foodie any other ideas.

In Paris
- Le Chateaubriand
- Pierre Gagnaire

Then of course there is Inventions at Paris Disneyland Hotel and Walt's (which is in Disneyland)

 

[queenie82]

Just a quick question. Didn't notice before...but what are we doing for 10 days in Los Angeles???
5 for DL I guess. But beyond that?
Just wondering...

Other flight options
Air France
17 Oct CDG to JFK departing 10.30 am, arriving 12.30 pm (AF012, 8h 00m, 777-200) $6306pp in Affaires (Business)
2x 32kg bags.

BTW...it was the carry on allowance which is the same NO MATTER what class on Qantas that was my problem.

 

[PrincessInOz]

My recommendations for London restaurants are:

• The Ledbury (previously mentioned). I think the chef here (Brett Graham) is originally from Oz.
• The Gavrouche - chef is Michel Roux Jr
• The Connaught - Helene Darroze
• Hibiscus - Claude Boxi
• Marcus Wareing - chef is Marcus Wareing (he used to be Gordon Ramsay's partner until they had a major falling out).
• Alain Ducasse at the Dorchester - chef is Alain Ducasse

I'd love to eat at the Fat Duck, but it is a little bit out of London.


Will do a bit more fossicking for the other towns....


Yes, I did wonder about 10 days in LA; but there is plenty to do there if we decide to Universal, Sea World, San Diego, Hollywood, Farmer's Market etc. The alternative is to go spend 2 days, 1 night at Catalina Island mid week and do the full adventure 4 wheel drive thing...(not quite...but check it out and see what I mean).

Then there is always shopping!

 

[queenie82]

My recommendations for London restaurants are:

• The Ledbury (previously mentioned). I think the chef here (Brett Graham) is originally from Oz.
• The Gavrouche - chef is Michel Roux Jr
• The Connaught - Helene Darroze
• Hibiscus - Claude Boxi
• Marcus Wareing - chef is Marcus Wareing (he used to be Gordon Ramsay's partner until they had a major falling out).
• Alain Ducasse at the Dorchester - chef is Alain Ducasse

I'd love to eat at the Fat Duck, but it is a little bit out of London.

All sound fine...lol...I'm not the foodie in this group. Give me a beautiful Lamb Shank and Sweet Potato Mash and I'm a happy girl

I agree The Fat Duck is a long way to go. But I'm happy to go with the majority.
(No...my chauffer is not available to transport you)

Yes, I did wonder about 10 days in LA; but there is plenty to do there if we decide to Universal, Sea World, San Diego, Hollywood, Farmer's Market etc. The alternative is to go spend 2 days, 1 night at Catalina Island mid week and do the full adventure 4 wheel drive thing...(not quite...but check it out and see what I mean).

Then there is always shopping!

Ok...so long as there is a plan. I'm really over Hollywood find it pointless and boring now (as Ms Shuttergirl I'm sure is aware...a sparring ground this was ) but I'd be happy to visit Universal again maybe?? Not sure...
I'd LOVE to go to a concert at the Walt Disney Concert Hall. Can look up and see what's happening.

Be interesting to hear more about Catalina. Never researched it.

 

[Ms. Shuttergirl]

I'll sit in a nice cocktail lounge while you girls go 4wheel driving. Sooooo not my thing. But I can appreciate others may enjoy it.

Would we got to San Fran for a few, and why not 2 nights in Vegas baby???? Seriously Vegas without the kids, it will be just like the movie The Hangover. I dibs being the dentist .

I agree about Hollywood now actually Queenie. It was overrated but I did enjoy it for a one time thing but yes, I don't need to rush back. That said, I would still enjoy it, it's just not as AMAZING as one would hope. Did we really fight over that, oh how I've grown .

Oh bugger about Heston's restaurant, that's very annoying. Well I am happy to go anywhere to eat beautiful food. We are total foodies and my DH would be so jealous for me to try all of these places.

How many days are we spending at DLP???? Can't wait to see it.

Hey on the road trip - can we stop in Amish country on the way down, I'm dying to buy some of their beautiful quilts.