Help! Has anyone ever done this?

[lovelyk68]

I started planning my Thanksgiving vacation in March and thanks to the help of you all on this board, have saved a ton. However, I have started thinking that I would like to add some days to the beginning of the trip. Checked on changing the airfare and it will cost double what I paid. Has anyone flown into Tampa and driven up to Orlando. If so, was it a bad drive? It will really save a lot $$$$.

Also, if I do change my air, I will leave a day earlier. Has anyone taken a day away from their HRH/Portofino ressies? Is there a charge?

Thanks for any help you can give.

 

[IOATech]

The drive from Tampa is not bad at all. Might take 45 minutes. Worth the savings and the extra time. Can't say about the reservation issue.

 

[nancycels]

not a bad drive at all! we've done it several times when we've had vouchers for delta, and cdn't get a good price on a flight to orlando! in fact, we're doing it again this year! of course, i'm the lucky one, my husband does the driving!! <g> he has this 'thing' about not being in the drivers seat!!! <g> the only problem we've ever run into is lost luggage from the stop over in atlanta(but that has nothing to do w/yr trip) we've learned to have them deliver the stuff to orlando airport, instead of staying overnight and waiting for it!!! way too impatient for that! we always carry one day of clothing and bathing suit on the plane just in case!!!!

 

[KimCon]

I will be flying into Tampa on 6/19 and then renting a car and heading to Orlando. I got a really good price on a rental car through Priceline ($18.00/day for a full size thorugh Hertz). I will let you know how it goes when I get back which will be on 6/26!

Kim

 

[nhrenee]

There wouldn't be a charge for cancelling one day of your PBH res if you do it within the allowed time. You need to call and ask about their cancellation policy.

 

[lovelyk68]

I really appreciate all your replies! It looks like Tampa is a plan.

nanceycels- That's a great tip. Thanks

KimCon - I am sooooo jealous. I wish I was leaving so soon. I thinks one of the worst things about planning early is that it makes the wait so long. Have a great time!

 

[lovelyk68]

Thanks nhrenee for your help. I'll give them a call.

 

[heidimn]

Just was soncerned that you were counting on 45 minutes - the drive is more like 1 hour 30 minutes - especially if you hit rush hour. I haven't driven from the ariport , but the city itself, so if the airport is on the east side maybe an hour. Not a bad drive, but I just didn't want you to set something up that first day/night.

 

[Figment78]

I agree with Heidi! The drive is around 1 1/2 hours! I also checked a mapping site and the time it gave was:
TOTAL ESTIMATED TIME: TOTAL DISTANCE:
1 hour, 31 minutes 77.3 miles ( 124.4km)

I have done this before, and it worked out great, especially with the savings in airfare.

 

[nancycels]

ck'd w/my husband, who did the driving last yr... granted, he's flying at 70mph, but he says about an hour, and we were traveling about 830 out of Tampa, so didn't totally miss rush hr.. hope this is helpful! also, we were staying near sea world, so didn't have quite as far to go as some others might!