How Much Trouble Can We Get Into Alone? What If I Pay Extra?

[lovealldisney]

That's because you do not have to pay the 13 miles to the gallon fill ups!

Now we just have to consider a name for the Mustang.

The color is called Grabber Orange. Maybe it is Grab Her Orange. I guess I never saw it written out.

I like that name!

 

[Dizneydawn]

Details...details...details...

I do have a few things down on paper so I might as well put them here because the paper may walk away and then, I will have no backup.

Leave here sometime Sunday, Oct. 10th. Probably towards evening and have napped in the day. Try to drive straight through till we get to Atlanta. My best guess is like 20 hours. It says 17 but with stops, I am guessing 20.

Hotel in Atlanta the 11th and wake up to finish the drive to WDW on the 12th.

Check into POFQ and take the boat to DTD. We might bus to GF if we are feeling up to it. Currently have reservations for a 3:50 p.m. tea there.

Now we did the tea back in Feb of 2009. It was awesome and one of our favorite memories. But with the long drive, a nap may be needed instead.

That night we have a ADR for Ohanna's at 9:35. Our best TS and go to locale by far! Perfect way to start the trip!

Oct. 13th - Epcot for the whole day is the plan. Open till 12 p.m. We have our Cal Grill dinner that night with Shannn so minus that, we should get a ton of time at our most adored park. The plan is to just wander and really appreciate the minute details that sometimes, in a blazen hurry, me miss. Seeing MEK's pic's recently, make me know I need to stop and slow down. The last 2 trips have been EPCOT from Hades days so we have some making up to do. I want to stop at France and get a boat load of make up and Dan wants to stop at France and get a boat load of Grey Goose.

He also loves himself some peach snap at the Joy of China Tea Cart. If you find some big guy passed out amongst the topiary on that day, leave him lie. I will get him later.

We plan on doing a lot of snacking with the F&W going on. Probably will not use a CS credit that day.

Oct 14th - This day we plan on sleeping in a bit, hitting DTD if possible and meeting with our wedding photographers.

Then we have a lunch date with Sanaa @ 2:15 p.m. Never been and was excited to see the choices they had for TS meals during lunch hour. I may be cheap but I am not wasting a TS on an $8 sandwich that most places offered. This is our one night for sure at MK so I did not want to spend 1 1/2 hours of our time eating when we have a whole park to explore. We will arrive for MNSSHP at 4 p.m. when we can get in and then stay through the night.

Costumes...still trying to figure that out.

Oct 15th - AK day. Might make it to rope drop and have lunch at Yak n Yetti's at 11:00 a.m. Might go to DHS that morning for a few hours. AK is open till 8 p.m. that night so we may sleep in and arrive for lunch and then do the park. Totally taking it easy this trip and letting the cards fall where they may.

Oct 16th - DHS in the morning till early afternoon. Starring Rolls for our CS lunch and then we have a 4:30 reservation at Tutto Italia. Will take the boat to Yacht Club and walk over.

Then that night we will either have checked out and will drive a few hours and sleep somewhere or we will stay at POFQ.

Want to be in Charleston before noon on the 17th to see the house we are renting for the wedding.

The rest of the time will be split up with a few days in Charleston and hopefully be in NC on the 19th to watch Anderson's soccer game. Have not even looked at the exact location for that yet.

Then the 20th - 23rd we are in Anderson. Visiting Treyner and friends, the 23rd is parents day so a whole load of activities for the college and then the 24th...

Drive home.

I am still praying for a cheap flight and even cheaper one way car rental. Yesterday Avis had a big advertisement for $25 off a one way.

It was a total of $25. Not for each day.

Not much of a savings when you are looking at an 8 day rental to the tune of $1,000.

Ugh.

Hope to have more info tom. I am looking at our CS and know we need to figure in some. At MNSSHP I want to try Columbia Harbor House. We will also split a meal at Casey's for sure.

The goal is to drink no pop the whole trip. I hope they still give out water for pop.

And....I am too lazy to look all this up...

But can somebody please explain the FP ticket info that has changed.

The last time we used FP's, you could only get one set for your group, and then when your time was able to go, you could get another FP for a different ride. You could not get other ones during a time that the ones you held could not be redeemed.

Now maybe I am on crack...but it seems that others are saying they can get multiple FP's throughout the day, even when the current ones they held, were not time redeemable.
Hope that makes any sense.

Baylor has had a guest access card when we have gone so we really have not had to utilize them the last 2 years. I am out of the loop.

Thanks!!!

 

[gellybean]

My understanding about FPs is that the window for the next one isn't a set number of hours. You have to look at the time on your ticket. Sometimes it's the same time as your actual FP return time and other times you can get another FP in an hour or whatever, even if your return time isn't for another 5hours. I think it depends on how busy the park is, how long away your FP window return time is, etc. So the best bet is to just look at the fine print on your FP and see when you can get your next FP.


Now... I may have just said all that and it's changed really recently and is totally different. But that's what I've noticed in the past!


YAY for taking it easy and going with the flow! Some of our best days in Disney are the ones we don't plan and kinda just roll with it! I think you guys will have a BLAST!


So excited that you get so much time in SC!!

One way rentals are a booger! ( er no pun intended)


We had a time getting one from Orlando to Jacksonville in August. Keep checking, keep calling, etc. Call the actual office at the location you want to pick up at. They were able to work with me a lot more than the generic number.


Have you thought about flying down to Orlando, renting a car from Disney to SC then flying home from there?

Ya never know! Discount airlines etc are nuts right now. I found a 79/each way ticket to MCO from Austin. Haven't found that price in YEARS!

 

[jessrose18]

-I love the peach snap too! mmmm
-Just to let you know we tried CHH on MNSSHP day and they closed early I wanna say like 5 or 6 pm, so we ate at Cosmic Rays instead.
-I made our costumes last year, I knew it was going to be hot so we did tee shirt costumes. One MNSSHP we were Mike and Sully, and one Wall E and Eve. I will post some pics when I get home from work. They were easy I found colored tees and then cut out craft foam and glued it on, also used some fur I died blue and purple for Sully, then just wore shorts like normal.
-Sound like a busy itinterary! I also love to start our trip with a night hanging at the poly, I love the atmosphere.
-Kid plan sounds great for you guys, nice to get away I am sure, hope carsyn gets to see her school. I was at a family get together with some of my 2nd cousins who go to hastings and they know your kids (i dont think theyre friends per se but my cousins are shy they just answered yes we know them).
-hope rental car/air prices come down for you ..we just booked dec. airfare on airtran for 165 roundtrip yeah! but then we are also renting a car for 10 days for $218 in florida, sucks prices are so much higher up here.

 

[Dizneydawn]

Okay - nix everything I have written for the most part.

We are flying!!!!!!


I am so happy I almost cried.

Air Tran was running a huge deal today at $84 each way. Total for the 2 of us with taxes was less than gas down and back.

The rental car is running a bit high today so we are holding off until we see a super cheap economy car. It might be worse than a clown car but for less than 20 hours driving total...A huge lifesaver!!!

Atlanta is like 6 1/2 hours from Orlando and 2 hours from Anderson. In fact, going through Atlanta is the shortest route home if we were driving. Weird to head south 2 hours to go north but because of the mountains, that is the deal.

Hoping the kids and their Dad might fly...I called and told him about the deal but he is not ready to make the commitment.

I seriously feel so relieved.

We fly direct on the 12th - arrive @ 10:30 a.m.

We should be able to be in WDW by 7 p.m. at the latest. So no Tea that day but plenty of time for Ohanna's.

Then we get home by 11:30 a.m. on the 25th after a quick stop in Milwaukee.

Thank you to all who prayed. Dan even was pleased. That means not having to take as many vacation days for him and more time off in December.

Okay - now I have to work....or something resembling that!

 

[TyRy]

I'm in! Sounds like it's going to be a great trip. I LOVE POFQ, it'll be great for you and DH. We'll stop over there a couple of times during our trip just to grab some yummy beginets!

I also must show DH this PTR - 5 drives to Florida in less than a year and a half...that's awesome. I love the drive (ours is a bit shorter than yours) but DH likes to fly. We seem to be on an every other year switch off right now.

 

[Dizneydawn]

I also must show DH this PTR - 5 drives to Florida in less than a year and a half...that's awesome. I love the drive (ours is a bit shorter than yours) but DH likes to fly. We seem to be on an every other year switch off right now.

Oh honey! Welcome!!!!
Since you are impressed, those trips do not include these lovelies that were also in that same time frame. Now you will see why people think we are certifiable.

60 hours round trip to Durango, Co we did in July 2009 or the 2 -10 hour trips up north to Burn Camp July '09 an '10 respectively, or the 10 hours round trip to Sioux Falls for soccer in July 2009 or 30 to Ohio for soccer June 2010.

I am SICK of driving. Plus we make trips to Duluth (almost 6 hours) at least 3 times a year.

I know we will be driving to SC for the wedding. Too much stuff to ship. So after this journey, the plan is to stay home, work on the house, save money for the wedding and grad party for Carsyn and not drive!!!

 

[Dizneydawn]

So the best bet is to just look at the fine print on your FP and see when you can get your next FP.
Ya mean I have to read?

-I love the peach snap too! mmmm
-Just to let you know we tried CHH on MNSSHP day and they closed early I wanna say like 5 or 6 pm, so we ate at Cosmic Rays instead. Good info to know!!
-I made our costumes last year, I knew it was going to be hot so we did tee shirt costumes. One MNSSHP we were Mike and Sully, and one Wall E and Eve. I will post some pics when I get home from work. They were easy I found colored tees and then cut out craft foam and glued it on, also used some fur I died blue and purple for Sully, then just wore shorts like normal.

Great ideas!!!! Hmmmmm....now what to do!!!
Yeah for great prices for Christmas!!!
Being that many parts of the country are off around those weeks for teachers in-service...Monday was almost $200 cheaper than flying out on Sunday!!!!

 

[zrhonmar]

Dawn have you tried rent a wreck? I know the name sounds awful but we have them here in ohio but they are national. We rented a ford focus for 5 days unlimited miles for 23.00 dollars a day. The car was fine no problems. I'm short so the only complaint I had was the drivers seat hit me wierd.

Rhonda

 

[jessrose18]

Congrats on the airfare!!!

 

[Dizneydawn]

Dawn have you tried rent a wreck? I know the name sounds awful but we have them here in ohio but they are national. We rented a ford focus for 5 days unlimited miles for 23.00 dollars a day. The car was fine no problems. I'm short so the only complaint I had was the drivers seat hit me wierd.

Rhonda

I am going to their website now! Sounds perfect!

**** okay I called them and they are in Marietta, GA. 30 minute drive to airport. They will charge me $35 each way to transport us and the cost was $420 for the 2 weeks. Same price as Budget/Alamo etc. Plus they do not open till 9 a.m. and did not sound thrilled about needing to get us to airport earlier than that.

So it is a no go IDAHO!

 

[TyRy]

Okay - nix everything I have written for the most part.

We are flying!!!!!!


I am so happy I almost cried.

Air Tran was running a huge deal today at $84 each way. Total for the 2 of us with taxes was less than gas down and back.

The rental car is running a bit high today so we are holding off until we see a super cheap economy car. It might be worse than a clown car but for less than 20 hours driving total...A huge lifesaver!!!

Atlanta is like 6 1/2 hours from Orlando and 2 hours from Anderson. In fact, going through Atlanta is the shortest route home if we were driving. Weird to head south 2 hours to go north but because of the mountains, that is the deal.

Hoping the kids and their Dad might fly...I called and told him about the deal but he is not ready to make the commitment.

I seriously feel so relieved.

We fly direct on the 12th - arrive @ 10:30 a.m.

We should be able to be in WDW by 7 p.m. at the latest. So no Tea that day but plenty of time for Ohanna's.

Then we get home by 11:30 a.m. on the 25th after a quick stop in Milwaukee.

Thank you to all who prayed. Dan even was pleased. That means not having to take as many vacation days for him and more time off in December.

Okay - now I have to work....or something resembling that!

I think I was posting at the same time you posted this! Congrats on the airfare - that is a great deal!!!!

 

[njtinkmom]

Congrats on yet another trip!! I love the ones when my kids come along , but I really love the ones that they don't ! We just came back last month from a quick adults only getaway and while there we discovered Jellyrolls - OMG that place is the best - if you have not been there I highly suggest you go - I am trying to stay at the boardwalk or beach club next summer just so we could be close to jellyrolls and the kids as well - plus they want Stormalong bay!! Keep the plans coming!!

 

[Dizneydawn]

So I just laid out all the clothes that do not fit yet in hopes of motivation for the trip.

Some are darn close and might be too big in 6 weeks. Some may have no prayer. It just depends on where I loose what at.

When I get back I need to start looking at dresses. Seriously looking. Not for a fitting but just for some ideas.

Anyway, back to this trip. I am still in shock and awe we are flying.

Now, we need to re-evaluate what we pack. I think we can get by with 2 carry on bags but what if I shop? Maybe I will have to look into shipping home stuff.

Need to get my hair done but I will wait till it is much closer. Will totally have to schedule pedi and a full set. Plus I need to go shopping for some mood enhancers. It is an alone trip ya know.

***While I am talking about candles, chocolates and nighties...Did I ever tell you about the time Treyner was stopped in Greenville, SC at the terminal security because his bag was buzzing?

Turns out he had his electric razor with him and forgot to remove the batteries and accidentally hit the power button. His security inspector was a woman who before opening his bag, was eyeing him up and down and Treyner was mortified as it was. It was buzzing in front of a whole line of people. They took him to the side said usually that sound was accompanied by a woman's suitcase or at least a couples. Treyner at first was clueless, than busted out and said, "I don't have that!!!!" Then went digging and found her his razor.

 

[Mndisneygirl]

Your trip plans, including FLYING look great! it will be nice for you and Dan to be alone and just go with the flow! How I long for the day when me and DH can do that!
We have flown to Atlanta and driven to WDW in the past. It will seem like a super short drive to you!

Good luck on the car rental. I never have much luck with deals on them. Last time (July) we got a discount from Visa and the coupon from the Entertainment book and it still was over $200 for a week.

 

[Dizneydawn]

HELP!!!!!!

Ok, I happened upon a website that had ideas for saving money to get to Disney.

That had a link to a restaurant coupon page that is having huge deals.

I NEED YOUR ADVICE!!!!!

Here is the deal. I can buy $25 vouchers for $2 to:
Il Mulino
Shula's
House of Blues
Garden Grove

and others but those are the main ones I am interested in.

Now I am totally thinking of canceling many of our meals resies and using this option.

Here is my math. Please tell me where I am wrong.

Dining Plan at the time we are going will run $94 per day plus tax. Then you have to pay tip when you get there.

I looked at the menu's for the places and many are places we had talked about going to anyway. You pay 18% gratuity and need to order 2 entrees usually or a minimum price amount.

Benefit is that then we could get an app if we wanted or a dessert or neither or a drink. Much more flexibility.

Garden Grove - has a BBQ buffet that looks awesome.
$29 pp + 18%% = $43.50 (plus whatever the tax was)
If I deduct
$94 (DDP COST) plus I still have the tips to add for the TS - let's say that is $13 avg.
-$43.50
=$63 leftover from what I would have paid. There is no way 2 CS and 2 snacks = $50. More like $40 at the high end.

HOB - I looked at their menu and guessed at one dessert and what I am sure we would order for main food.
$26 is total plus tax including discount and tip.

Again no way 2 CS and 2 snacks equal $81 difference here.

Il Mulino -
$40 + tax is a difference of $67



What to do??? Shula's is way expensive but $25 off a meal is a good deal. I want to try their steak bad!!!!

We would keep Ohanna's pay OOP. Cal Grill - pay OOp but be able to order what we want vs wasting 4 dining credits.

Yak N Yetti's - truly - I just want to try that darn wonton dessert...keep reservations and do an app and dessert OOP.

Sanaa - ditch for one of the above
Tutto Italia - ditto

So what is your opinions. I really don't know what to do. As far as quality goes - I hear Il Mulino is beyond amazing. Shula's ditto but need to do research on HOB and GG.

Okay - please advise.

With Dan having had GP a long time ago, you never know what he wants to eat. This might be beneficial because you are not feeling forced to have a dessert or we can split.

Trying to loose weight here so ordering what you want seems like a good plan.

UGH!!!!!!

 

[TyRy]

I don't remember ever hearing a bad thing about the restaurants at the Swan/Dolphin. We've never eaten at them (although we'll hit Shula's this trip) but they seem to have good reputations.

I think HoB can be hit or miss. Still seems like a decent deal. I like the idea of ordering what you want (a couple of apps/dessert or whatever combo.)

 

[Dizneydawn]

The website is restaurant.com - then type in the zip you are looking for - I used 32830

Then I used the discount TOUCHDOWN to get the 80% off code.

They need to be bought by Sep. 13th but have a year to use them. Some places have $50 discounts but you need to order $100 of menu items to get the $50 off.

Those are on sale for $4!!!!!!!!!

I might just buy more and use them next summer sometime. To feed a whole family OOP for $50 is not bad!

I think we will do this. It makes financial sense and I do not know how it will not be cheaper.

If I find out how it is more expensive after we get there...I will let you all know!!!

 

[jessrose18]

i havent read too many reviews for these places, but the prices for the certificate is awesome. I sometimes use this website for restaurants around home. I would ditch the dining plan and try some of these, and pay oop. Cali would have cost two credits, yak is fairly inexpensive, and then you dont have all those cs desserts to be tempted by! I would think you could save some meal money this way, and get to try some new places you may love (and seem really nice). Plus, we all know you will be in Disney again, and can then try tutto and ak restaurant. Just some thoughts. Plus, then you can snack and drink around the world w/out worring about being full from all that italian! ...if the dining plan isnt gonna save you a ton of money I would prefer the freedom of not having it. good luck with this decision!

...does allears have reviews for these places?

 

[Mndisneygirl]

I say go for it! The dining plan is only "a good deal" if in fact, you eat that much worth of food during a day. And if you're inclined to eat apps and dessert it doesn't work. You can then make your other OOP and CS meals as costly or inexpensive as you choose.
I've heard very good things about Shula's and Il Mulino! I've seen Garden Grove, but never eaten there. We stayed at Swan one night and looked around. It was busy, so that's a good sign.