How do my trip plans sound so far?

[diane@wpg.mb]

Hi everyone - first timer (to Disney & this board) so excuse the mistakes
Hubby, son (16), daughter (14) and me will be going to Disneyworld from December 15 to 30 (if we can get flights out of Wpg at that time!!!)
Plans so far are:
Accommodations - HIFS - 12 days
Hard Rock Hotel - Universal Studios - 3 days
7 day hopper passes for the park
3 days at Universal
1 day at Busch Gardens
one or two of the waterparks (weather permitting)
Sea World and Old Town (we're gonna be busy!!!!!)
We would also like to go to a couple of the dinner theaters (thinking Medieval Knights and Arabian Nights)
Of course all of the above is tentative - any suggestions, comments or tips sure would be greatly appreciated -----I'M SOOOOOO EXCITED!!!!! -----


Diane

PS - Really think this site is really, really, cool (been hanging around my kids too long, I'm even beginning to talk like them)

 

[diane@wpg.mb]

Nancy & Grover - thanks so much for the replies

Nancy - if you're talking to your sister could you ask her if there is a special part of the hotel we should request to stay in with teens or if one part of the hotel is better than another? Thanks a bunch and Nancy you're absolutely right about the shopping (I love to shop) and a day or two away from the parks - thanks.

Grover - What a great deal on flights - lucky you. I was wondering if you flew out of Winnipeg to Minneapolis would you still have a great savings instead of driving to Minn. I'm a little reluctant to drive all the way to Minneapolis because of weather in December & where do you leave you're car while you're travelling?

We will be renting a car probably about the third or fourth day we are down there. We are going to try and rely on the shuttle service at HIFS for a couple of days and if it doesn't work out we will rent a car sooner.

I am a roller coaster nut Grover - I can hardly wait - Thanks for all the tips.

 

[NancyK]

Hi Diane,
Welcome to the boards. My sister and her family have stayed at HIFS and they just love everything about it. It is a very quick and easy drive to Disney from there. We haven't been to Islands of Adventure yet, but I've heard it's awesome and I'm sure your teens will love it. You may find that you need to take a couple of days away from the theme parks to just swim, relax, or visit some of Disney's resorts (not to mention shopping at the outlet mall). It sounds like you have a great trip planned - and you're going to have a wonderful time!!

 

[grover]

Hi Diane, Welcome the Canadian Dis boards!! It is so exciting to plan the trip isn't it!! I am in the midst of planning trip #2 for myself, DH and DS(9) for this November! Be prepared to pay an arm and a leg to fly out of Winnipeg, I was quoted 855.00 per person from Winnipeg on Air Canada! I started checking flights from Minneapolis and got our tickets for 268.00 per person, return and that is in Canadian dollars-- yipee just saved about 1700.00. Of course we will have to drive down to Minneapolis but it is only 7 hours and I am looking forward to seeing Mall of America. Will you be renting a car while there? We are still debating renting or using Yourride town car service, depends on which offers the best deal! We have not stayed at HIFS, but have heard good things about it on the boards. Islands of Adventure is the Best!! I was so scared of coaster prior to our first trip but DH said we didn't spend thousands to sit on the sidelines! So off I went and now I love them, so does our son!
Once again welcome to the boards,
Grover in Winnipeg

 

[Debbie]

Hi Diane,
We've stayed at the HIFS, and love it. It's a big resort, but since your kids are bigger, it probably won't matter if you end up at one of the further buildings. My kids liked being high up, (and DH liked the closeness of the laundry!) on the 6th (I think). It's a busy hotel, so I probably wouldn't want to be pool view on the first couple of floors, and my personal preference is close to the parking lot. BTW, a word to the wise. Eat <i>early</i>, since about 9:00, the breakfast buffet is a zoo! Also, your kids ; could bring the food back up to the room for you They will like the games room, the shuffleboard/pingpong and miniature golf, I sure. It's a blast to play BINGO and do the karaoke thing after supper-if only to watch all the kids and parents!

The drive to Disney is quick and easy. You are literally under the Welcome to Walt Disney World sign in a matter of 1-2 minutes. The signage is fine. We always headed towards the <i>MGM</i> sign, and knew that our turnoff was the next one. There are probably easier ways, but it worked for us!

Have a great time. Planning is so much fun!

 

[cottontail]

Hi Diane:

I just read you will be at wdw over xmas, won't that be so nice. Don't forget to take time to have a rest from everything.

The wdw resorts/parks are so beautiful at xmas time, be sure to check it all out.

We just came back from akl/poly 25th anniv. big trip, and saw the HIFS and it was very close to wdw, on a quiet stretch of hwy, hubby and I agreed that we may try it one day as it looked very convienent. Wow that is going to be exciting, I wish I were going again.


Have fun,

Deb.