Having a GRAND time - The Official GF Chat Thread PART 2

[mr.mike]

Mike, they fly out of islip (OK...under the gun - I think I am remembering that name right)..LONG ISLAND....is that near ya?

Their hub is Phoenix. They started out there, but go to SWA dot com and you can see their route map. They fly all over, really now.

Chan

They do?? hmmm Google says its only 40 miles away... I always forget about that airport and yet when i hear people talk about it they seem to like it.
I like Laguardia because its easier to get to and much smaller than JFK International/

Thanks Chan, I will look into that.

 

[princessesrule4]

My kids are in school until June 9. Then hopefully we will get some summer weather here so we're not in shock when we get down to face the heat in Florida. Plus I want a TAN.

I messed with my departing fliight so much my ticker is wrong too. I feel the same as you....it's close enough.

Let me know aobut those Capri Crocs. I am all about comfort in WDW. That is the ONLY place I wear my butt ugly Arizona Birkies or my Croc Mary Janes. Pathetic, but true. I am only going to see Kelly so who cares.

Oh! I got a cabana for THREE of my days!!! I couldn't believe it but since you guys pointed out how hot it will be and it's so nice to have in that heat w/the fans..(which I forgot about) it makes me feel better about spending an afternoon hanging by the pool.

Chan

Congrats on getting the cabana!

I just ordered the Capri Canvas Crocs. I decided to live it up and ordered the black and white ones! Hope I'm not sorry since they have the white bottoms. I'll let you know !

 

[Lives4Disney]

They do?? hmmm Google says its only 40 miles away... I always forget about that airport and yet when i hear people talk about it they seem to like it.
I like Laguardia because its easier to get to and much smaller than JFK International/

Thanks Chan, I will look into that.

Mike, for us we can either fly out of Ohare or Midway...SWA only flies out of Midway here. It's a bit farther south but it's a much smaller airport and easier to deal with. We prefer the extra distance to drive for the great SWA service and rates and having the smaller airport to park and hike thru. I hope it works out for you. Check their site and download that Ding!!!

Have you ever flown jet blue?? I think they fly out of La Guardia...maybe I"m wrong & it's JFK....I know a lot of the Chicago flights stop/change there in NY. They don't yet have a direct Ohare to MCO flight for us but we flew them to Long Island CA last year and really enjoyed the larger roomier seats and space and the tvs.

Congrats on getting the cabana!

I just ordered the Capri Canvas Crocs. I decided to live it up and ordered the black and white ones! Hope I'm not sorry since they have the white bottoms. I'll let you know !

Great!! I will be curious how comfy they are. Maybe I will NEED a pair. I like that black/white, too.

Channing

 

[mr.mike]

Mike, for us we can either fly out of Ohare or Midway...SWA only flies out of Midway here. It's a bit farther south but it's a much smaller airport and easier to deal with. We prefer the extra distance to drive for the great SWA service and rates and having the smaller airport to park and hike thru. I hope it works out for you. Check their site and download that Ding!!!

Have you ever flown jet blue?? Channing

JetBlue flys out of both LGA and JFK but there aren't as many flights scheduled at LGA because its smaller.
because of those TVs Jetblue is the only airline we have used the past 6 or so years. Those TVs keep the kids occupied!
And they do have a lot of leg room especially in the first 10 seats.


Just checked southwest... they are only booking up until Halloween right now but I will def keep checking.
I checked fares for our July and August trips and it was about the same as I have with Jetblue but i will download Ding.
Thanks again!!

 

[Lives4Disney]

JetBlue flys out of both LGA and JFK but there aren't as many flights scheduled at LGA because its smaller.
because of those TVs Jetblue is the only airline we have used the past 6 or so years. Those TVs keep the kids occupied!
And they do have a lot of leg room especially in the first 10 seats.


Just checked southwest... they are only booking up until Halloween right now but I will def keep checking.
I checked fares for our July and August trips and it was about the same as I have with Jetblue but i will download Ding.
Thanks again!!

Good luck! Hopefully it will work out and you can add those extra nights, too!

I wish JB had more direct flights out of Chicago. We did enjoy them.

SWA might say on their home page when new dates will be released. Sometimes they put that info out at least.

PS...have to tell you the reason I knew about Islip is because I see Dings out of there or to there often!

Channing

 

[goofygal531]

I have family out on Long Island that uses the Islip Airport, it's VERY small.

We've only flew out of JFK. LGA has the smallest runways in the world and only specially trained pilots can fly in and out of there. There are so many flights that slip off and land in the water. Plus they are famous for being off schedule. LGA is closest to us in NYC, but we trek out to JFK. Not really a big deal, plus they have more Jet Blue flights going out since it's their major hub.

LGA actually was only supposed to be in service for the Worlds Fair. It was a tentative airport for the fair's additional tourist.

Mr. Mike. Don't know how far you are from Newark, but many times JetBlue offers cheaper rates from Newark to Orlando. I have friends from Maspeth, Queens flying out of Newark to Orlando this August. It was $1,000 less than JFK and $1,300 less than LGA.

LGA is always the most expensive due to less flights and convenience.

 

[goofygal531]

Okay I have a really stupid question:

In June, does it get cool in the evenings in Florida?

Last time I was in Florida in June was six years ago and we didn't have kids yet. I remember it being HOT like 100 degrees every day HOT. I remember wearing a sweater in the restaurants in the evenings, but I'm always cold.

Just trying to figure out if I should pack a lightweight jacket for the boys for the evenings. They always wear long sleeved PJs since DH likes to kick up the a/c in the room.

I just don't want to pack unnecessary stuff!

 

[mr.mike]

PS...have to tell you the reason I knew about Islip is because I see Dings out of there or to there often!

Channing

 

[Lives4Disney]

Islip sounds like it might be like the Long Island CA airport!! One carousel and I think we had to walk down steps off the Jet Blue plane onto the runway, haha...It was unreal. But it was EASY.

Mike, yep...It's like 100 degrees hot! I like a sweater indoors because the AC gets soo cool esp after coming in from that heat....I haven't been in June but July so probably the same. I bring my girls sweatshirts to wear over the jammies if they need it. We do bring spring/summer jackets - like windbreaker type...honestly I don't know why, haha....we buy the ponchos.....It won't get cool in the evenings though. It will still be in the 70s at least. I do remember thinking last July that it felt really good ALMOST sweater weather but not quite.

OMG...I need to do something and get off the computer. I have tons of errands to run, but took my car into the body shop FINALLY last night and I am here with a Jeep Wrangler without it's top on!!!! (which is fun becasue I was going to enjoy tooling around in it ) EXCEPT It was supposed to be 70s and sunny....looks cool and gray and rainy out.



Channing

 

[mr.mike]

I have family out on Long Island that uses the Islip Airport, it's VERY small.

That is usually the reason people say they like it. I think I would love it.

We've only flew out of JFK. LGA has the smallest runways in the world and only specially trained pilots can fly in and out of there. There are so many flights that slip off and land in the water.

Are you trying to scare the BLEEP out of me??
(isn't a specially trianed pilot better? )

Plus they are famous for being off schedule. LGA is closest to us in NYC, but we trek out to JFK. Not really a big deal, plus they have more Jet Blue flights going out since it's their major hub.

I always book an early flight as you have more of a chance for a delay as the day goes on. I grew up in Flushing and before 9-11 i swear we wouldn't leave our house more than 30 minutes before a flight at LGA. It was less than a 10 minute drive and we'd hop on the plane last minute. I'm near the Whitestone Bridge now and as dumb as it sounds I hate driving to JFK..I hate the VanWyck...lol.

Mr. Mike. Don't know how far you are from Newark, but many times JetBlue offers cheaper rates from Newark to Orlando. I have friends from Maspeth, Queens flying out of Newark to Orlando this August. It was $1,000 less than JFK and $1,300 less than LGA.

Newark is closer in miles but I hate driving into manhatten ( or the bronx or brooklyn even...why do I live here )

LGA is always the most expensive due to less flights and convenience.

For 3 of our trips this year the cheapest flights worked out to be one from JFK, one from LGA and the 3rd trip was split with leaving from JFK and coming home to LGA.
The one thing that made a difference this year is we are travelling during the week instead of the weekend and that saved a lot.
We are pretty lucky to have so many options..now I'm adding the DING to my list.

 

[mr.mike]

Mike, yep...It's like 100 degrees hot! I like a sweater indoors because the AC gets soo cool esp after coming in from that heat....I haven't been in June but July so probably the same. I bring my girls sweatshirts to wear over the jammies if they need it. We do bring spring/summer jackets - like windbreaker type...honestly I don't know why, haha....we buy the ponchos.....It won't get cool in the evenings though. It will still be in the 70s at least. I do remember thinking last July that it felt really good ALMOST sweater weather but not quite.

OMG...I need to do something and get off the computer. I have tons of errands to run,
Channing

(psst..that was GoofyGal who asked about the weather... )

I need to get off too..i have people waiting so patiently for their prescriptions

 

[goofygal531]

Mike, yep...It's like 100 degrees hot! I like a sweater indoors because the AC gets soo cool esp after coming in from that heat....I haven't been in June but July so probably the same. I bring my girls sweatshirts to wear over the jammies if they need it. We do bring spring/summer jackets - like windbreaker type...honestly I don't know why, haha....we buy the ponchos.....It won't get cool in the evenings though. It will still be in the 70s at least. I do remember thinking last July that it felt really good ALMOST sweater weather but not quite.

I think you meant Mare not Mike since I asked the weather question Okay, so I'll pack lightweight jackets. DS1 might need it in the restaurant. He and I will probably also need them on the plane.

Islip sounds like it might be like the Long Island CA airport!!

Channing, I think you're referring to the Long BEACH CA airport.

I just reserved our GF photo shoot for 8:30 in the morning. It was the only free time we had and I want the boys in a good mood for it. Now what to wear? I'm not into that matching family outfits look.

Gotta go call for my tuxedo strawberries for Father's Day and I'm so done planning things!!! DH just asked for the GF private dining number and cake hotline. I keep sending him emails of the cindy cake and cindy slipper I want for my birthday. But he wants to surprise me. He hates when I ask for things. Ugh!

 

[goofygal531]

Mr. Mike: Sorry to scare the BLEEP out of you, but my DH is a bad flyer. He's nervous now more than ever. Post 9/11 and with kids. He hates flying with the kids, hates the idea of our "entire family on board". He questions security, drives everyone nuts. So there's no way he'd ever fly out of LGA due to it's history, short runways and time delays. Plus, he grew up near JFK, so it's "his" airport. We don't drive ourselves to the airport. He doesn't trust the airport parking lots. We take a car service. We always fly the first 6:30 am flight out of JFK and we get to the airport in 20 mins from NYC. No traffic at 5am.

We've been flying out mid week lately too. This trip we leave on a Thursday and return on Saturday. It was so much cheaper than flying out on Friday.

I just wish Jet Blue was as flexible as South West. They won't let you change your flights without fees. And I've never seen the prices go down, always UP.

But you're right. We are very fortunate to have so many airports to choose from.

Funny story about security. My married name is one letter off from my maiden name. (That's how we met, but that's another story). My passport still has my maiden name on the main page with the note of my married name on another page. Well, NONE of security every catches the name being different and DH always yells at them that they are not doing their job for not seeing that it's a different name on my passport! It's really both hysterical and scary how they just don't check. But leave it to my DH to make a scene. And oh he does make a big scene about it. Next year my passport has to be renewed. So the fun will be over.

 

[Lives4Disney]

(psst..that was GoofyGal who asked about the weather... )

I need to get off too..i have people waiting so patiently for their prescriptions

OMG..I have been on here too long...it's showing...

I think you meant Mare not Mike since I asked the weather question Okay, so I'll pack lightweight jackets. DS1 might need it in the restaurant. He and I will probably also need them on the plane.



Channing, I think you're referring to the Long BEACH CA airport.

I just reserved our GF photo shoot for 8:30 in the morning. It was the only free time we had and I want the boys in a good mood for it. Now what to wear? I'm not into that matching family outfits look.

Gotta go call for my tuxedo strawberries for Father's Day and I'm so done planning things!!! DH just asked for the GF private dining number and cake hotline. I keep sending him emails of the cindy cake and cindy slipper I want for my birthday. But he wants to surprise me. He hates when I ask for things. Ugh!

DUH...YA...that's what I meant....I HAVE been on here too long!! LONG BEACH CA...it is the smallest airport I have ever seen in my life.

Ya...for that photo shoot they like you to match and wear certain colors. I hope you have fun doing it.

Good luck with your DH and him ordering you a "surprise". I hope he goes thru with it!!

Channing

 

[goofygal531]

Ya...for that photo shoot they like you to match and wear certain colors. I hope you have fun doing it.

They didn't tell me anything about what to wear. Really! They want you in certain colors?? Like what???

 

[Alicnwondrln]

Chan you are a slacka today!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

SW had a ding today for like 69 bucks Siobhan said I was like WOW

 

[Lives4Disney]

They didn't tell me anything about what to wear. Really! They want you in certain colors?? Like what???

OK...sounds cheesy but I could have SWORN I read about this other GF DIsser stressing about it because they wanted her to coordinate her entire family and wear dark on teh bottom and white on top....ugly! They said that will photo best. Anyway I think she went with navy and khaki and light colors on top....

Ask on the GF thread! I can't remember who it was ...it was when this whole GF photo shoot thing started a while ago. Otherwise, wear what you want! I'm sure you know what you'ld like and would look good. I wouldn't like to wear a white top for a pic..it would drain me out They were pretty fussy about this back then though so I wonder if it's changed & that's why they didn't say anything to ya about it.

Channing

 

[garada3]

of both the GF thread and the Grand Time thread. I just rarely post on the DIS and feel a bit awkward jumping in here since our GF stay is still over a year away.

But, your posts have provided insight, info and entertainment, not to mention a make-up that finally works for me

So given your collective good taste in cosmetics and vacations - I am hoping to chat about...vacuums! I would love to find out what vacuums you all have?

I have seen vacuums with prices that rival one night in peak season at the GF!

 

[tete01830]

the 66 dollar ding was from MHT (manchester, NH) to Orlando and back!
I thought the days of low dings like that were gone but I will take it! Too bad I cant go in the summer...

 

[Lives4Disney]

Chan you are a slacka today!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

SW had a ding today for like 69 bucks Siobhan said I was like WOW

WHEN?? i checked my DINGS??? Was it Chicago????

I DIDN:T GET ANY GOOD DINGS TODAY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

WHAT??? TELL ME!!!!!

I AM MAD!!BECAUSE I HAVE THESE CRAPPY ONES!!!!

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