I love credit cards so much!

[Alexle2007]

I skipped as well due to my knee and by the time we arrived it was mid-day and the sun/heat was brutal (June). Adult kids did this easily.


I started on this board when I was planning my Disney trip. The only reason I went to Disney was due to a work conference in Orlando. Added some days and took my son (then 13 yo) first and last time. Next year work conference was in LA so I did Universal Hollywood and Disneyland. Next year work conference was San Diego and I took the train up the coast (highly recommend) to Anaheim and did Disneyland. Next year work conference was in Orlando and did Universal. So for a brief period I did visit Disney 3 years in a row. I prefer DL to WDW (love Carsland, walk-ability and ease of park hopping). I prefer US to Disney (huge HP fan).

i am totally with you on US and the Wizarding World! I think their light show on the Hogswarts Castle is awesome! We had annual passes that expired in June and I am totally missing them and Portofino!

 

[Ava]

I finally had time to go through my AMEX offers this morning, and have a lot of the ones that have been mentioned. I don't know how many of them I will actually use though - I can only buy so many gift cards! I also have a bunch of hotel ones (SPG, Omni, Hilton, Kimpton, Comfort) that I added just in case. We're tentatively planning to take MIL on a weekend trip over Labor Day for her 75th birthday, but not sure yet. We were originally going to do Niagara Falls but she's not able to get a passport in time so that's out. I've asked DW to talk to her and see if she'd like to go somewhere in the US instead the same weekend, or just postpone and go to Niagara Falls another time, but she hasn't yet. So I'm hoarding hotel offers in case any of them turn out to be useful.

We aren't the type who go every year, but we have still decided to step back and take a break. I don't like how the hotel prices have skyrocketed, the crowds, and having to book dining 6 months in advance. And my DD really wants to see more of the world. Our upcoming trip in on DCL (ok, so I'll get a bit of Disney added in) but it's a trip to a few countries none of us have ever visited before - so definitely something new - and I'm sooooo excited. We'll prob get to the parks (DL is more likely since we can drive if needed) after the Star Wars stuff opens up and the crowds calm down a bit.

I feel the same. We've never been every year Disney people either, but now that our youngest is 5 and getting easier to travel with we want to see more places. We tried Disneyland this year instead of WDW and really enjoyed it; we'll definitely go back at some point. And I'm sure we'll do WDW again too, just not sure when. We have to get to Universal too! So many places, so little time. I think next year is going to a Disney-free travel year for us, so we'll see how I feel after not having any Disney for a year.

 

[disneedee]

nice! im almost tempted to transfer some. i kinda want to take a train from LA --> seattle in a roomlette. i saw a promo buy a ticket for roomlette, your 2nd person is free deal... unsure if the deal works in that case though with points. $800 ticket though... way more expensive than flying there.

do not do this. we took amtrak from pdx to san jose one time. my husband said we were never riding the train again. for some reason that route is not like the other ones in the states. it is consistantly late. we were 4 hours late one way and 7 hours late on the return trip. ugh.

 

[chattadisser]

The lower has the ladders @CyndiLooWho We did this and loved it! But would not want to do with mobility issues. Though I think the upper you have to walk farther to get to maybe. Can't remember, but the antelope canyons are a must do! So beautiful. I remember thinking the short hike to Horseshoe bend was hard. Don't remember if it was the heat, or the sand issues. It was a shorter hike, but not a walk in the park. Was also a little disappointed in what you can actually see, without feeling like you are hanging over the edge. The other people that whole trip made me sooo nervous. Was sure I was going to witness people falling off edges at all the parks.

We were at Horseshoe Bend at the beginning of June and let me tell you, it is a hot, semi-hard walk in shifty sand. I thought I was in the Sahara. The small uphill walk is about 1/4 mile from the parking lot and then you have about another half mile walk down to the bend part. This part is downhill (but uphill coming back) and the part where you get to see the bend is flat uneven rock. One slip and you're over the edge. When were were there there were tons of people taking selfies and getting closer and closet to the edge. I didn't really want to witness someone go over the edge. To get to the part where you can see the whole bend all at once you have to hike a little further and go up another rock so that you have some height to take the picture. While I'm glad I took the time to do it, to me it was something that looks better in the pictures than it does in real life. They are also doing construction at the Bend and building a railing along the edge.

 

[wendow]

I think it is blasphemy on this forum for me to say that we enjoyed our 2 week out west vacation more than any Disney vacation. We do like Disney and I think DH and I are equal on our like of it, but I have grown irritated with it. I hate the that you have to plan FP and meals months in advance, it would be cold day in %$%# before I paid extra for any type of party ticket, and it is just plain exhausting. We averaged 10 miles a day for 6 days, even having a couple hour break each day. Though I would rather go go go then lay on a beach. I didn't mind the digital FPs as much as I thought, but my DH was irritated with me because I was constantly trying for another instead of fully enjoying the current ride or show. I don't know if Disney has increased in price so much, or just life in general, but I definitely feel like we could afford it more 10 years ago. We could not have done this last trip without CC rewards.

Our out west vacation was the perfect blend of activity and still having some relaxation time. And it was so beautiful. Maybe since you live out that way it is not the same as seeing on vacation. We did a lot of hiking, so I can see where you would have problems with that with your DD. I can also see where it would be hard to please all of your age range. My DS liked it the least, he would rather go to any type of Amusement park (Disney, Universal, Cedar point) but he does talk about going back. He wants to make it to the bottom of the GC, he is mad we only did halfway down. You should go on a girls trip to NYC with your girls! Have done that before and it was great.

We do love other theme parks too. I have actually enjoyed our Universal trips much more than Disney. I think because we can make them shorter and still do everything and it is both relaxing and on the go fun but not terribly exhausting. We loved Busch Gardens Williamsburg. And nothing can compare to Cedar Point if you like thrill rides. Luckily DH and I agree on our no love for the beach. I don't like the water and he doesn't like the sand. lol So no beach vacations for us.

I also get zero help on the planning so I am still trying to figure out where to go next. My current wants are Pacific Northwest, Colorado, Costa Rica or Europe. Decisions decisions.

I think the west is gorgeous!! Being from TX, I didn't grow up around natural beauty (sorry, Texans, it's the truth), and even though I have lived here for 20 years, I still marvel at the beauty of CO. For the first ten years we lived here, we never vacationed out-of-state (other than to see family) so we've done a lot of the activities that tourists come here to do and we've done them many times. Hiking has become more difficult (though she has tried on crutches!), and things like skiing are out for her, and really me cause I don't do well with frozen toes.

I'd love to take my girls to NYC!!

 

[wendow]

So, y'all got me pricing more cruises. I found a RC 5-night W Caribbean in early Dec for $207pp ($1770 total). Is that for real!?! Is that a nice time to visit the Caribbean, or is it a bit chilly?

My aunt loves RC but has anyone here taken RC? Is this a good deal? Sure seems like it. Goes out of Ft Lauderdale.

I would just have to check my dd18's college schedule to see when she is done and decide how much of our activities and co-op classes my others can miss.

 

[DisneyMandC]

I hate the that you have to plan FP and meals months in advance, it would be cold day in %$%# before I paid extra for any type of party ticket, and it is just plain exhausting. We averaged 10 miles a day for 6 days, even having a couple hour break each day.

This is a pretty comprehensive list of the reasons I love Disney It’s driving DH and I crazy that we can’t book FP in advance for DL. Even for Maxpass, DH was like “we can’t even plan our day until we’re in the park!” DH actually really did not enjoy our 2016 DL trip in part because of the fact that you still had to run to get FP. I probably wouldn’t have gotten him back to the park at all except there’s Pixarfest going on. I don’t think it’s not that we’re fun people, it’s just that my limit to spontaneity is park hopping from HS to Epcot

 

[GZanta77]

So, y'all got me pricing more cruises. I found a RC 5-night W Caribbean in early Dec for $207pp ($1770 total). Is that for real!?! Is that a nice time to visit the Caribbean, or is it a bit chilly?

My aunt loves RC but has anyone here taken RC? Is this a good deal? Sure seems like it. Goes out of Ft Lauderdale.

I would just have to check my dd18's college schedule to see when she is done and decide how much of our activities and co-op classes my others can miss.

Love, Love, Love Royal Caribbean - and December is perfect for the Western Itinerary. Just don't expect Disney levels of service and you won't be disappointed.

Which ship?

 

[wendow]

Love, Love, Love Royal Caribbean - and December is perfect for the Western Itinerary. Just don't expect Disney levels of service and you won't be disappointed.

Which ship?

Good to hear! We've never been on DCL (never cruised) so I have no high expectations at all. I don't which ship. I'm not sure how to tell.

 

[speedyfishy]

This is a pretty comprehensive list of the reasons I love Disney It’s driving DH and I crazy that we can’t book FP in advance for DL. Even for Maxpass, DH was like “we can’t even plan our day until we’re in the park!” DH actually really did not enjoy our 2016 DL trip in part because of the fact that you still had to run to get FP. I probably wouldn’t have gotten him back to the park at all except there’s Pixarfest going on. I don’t think it’s not that we’re fun people, it’s just that my limit to spontaneity is park hopping from HS to Epcot

I agree with you. Fastpass+ Is wayyyyy better than Maxpass. It is so annoying wanting to grab a fastpass and the return time is right when you have an ADR. My SO disagrees and likes the system better at Disneyland. I don’t get it.

 

[Alexle2007]

So, y'all got me pricing more cruises. I found a RC 5-night W Caribbean in early Dec for $207pp ($1770 total). Is that for real!?! Is that a nice time to visit the Caribbean, or is it a bit chilly?

My aunt loves RC but has anyone here taken RC? Is this a good deal? Sure seems like it. Goes out of Ft Lauderdale.

I would just have to check my dd18's college schedule to see when she is done and decide how much of our activities and co-op classes my others can miss.

We’ve done the Allure of the Seas and it was terrific! There was so much to do and the pools were never crowded like on DCL. But the Allure is HUGE!

It depends where your ports of call are but we’ve been to Punta Cana at Christmas and the Caribbean is definitely not chilly. It was in the mid 80s and beautiful every day.

The 5 night is probably a smaller ship than the Oasis class.

 

[Alexle2007]

Good to hear! We've never been on DCL (never cruised) so I have no high expectations at all. I don't which ship. I'm not sure how to tell.

Looks like it might the Majesty of the Seas with stops is Key West and Cozumel? If you go to Cruise Critic you can find reviews and lots of info on the various ships. Our next one to try is either the Harmony on the Seas or Symphony of the Seas.

 

[wendow]

Looks like it might the Majesty of the Seas with stops is Key West and Cozumel? If you go to Cruise Critic you can find reviews and lots of info on the various ships. Our next one to try is either the Harmony on the Seas or Symphony of the Seas.

I haven't had a chance to pull up the booking on my laptop. I couldn't tell much from my phone but I think those stops sound right. Pretty sure I remember Cozumel. I'll check out Cruise Critic too. Thank you!

 

[CyndiLouWho]

I agree with you. Fastpass+ Is wayyyyy better than Maxpass. It is so annoying wanting to grab a fastpass and the return time is right when you have an ADR. My SO disagrees and likes the system better at Disneyland. I don’t get it.

I’m with you. Although Maxpass rolled out a few months after our DLR trip, the paper FPs were a pia. I can’t run, so mostly it was DH. Then one time he went to get a FP for RSR, and got it during our ADR in the other park. He never even realized it. So when he shows up with the FPs, I’m like uh can’t do that. Bleh. I’ve got WDW system down.

 

[Ngwira]

I skipped as well due to my knee and by the time we arrived it was mid-day and the sun/heat was brutal (June). Adult kids did this easily.


I started on this board when I was planning my Disney trip. The only reason I went to Disney was due to a work conference in Orlando. Added some days and took my son (then 13 yo) first and last time. Next year work conference was in LA so I did Universal Hollywood and Disneyland. Next year work conference was San Diego and I took the train up the coast (highly recommend) to Anaheim and did Disneyland. Next year work conference was in Orlando and did Universal. So for a brief period I did visit Disney 3 years in a row. I prefer DL to WDW (love Carsland, walk-ability and ease of park hopping). I prefer US to Disney (huge HP fan).

But my favorite trips are national park trips. In the last 4 years, we been to a dozen or so; plus national monuments like Mount Rushmore. With my new knee issues, I don't go as far as I used to but I am still good for 3-4 mile hikes. In just 6 weeks, we are traveling to Glacier, Banff and Jasper. Hitting some Canadian NPs as well as US! I can't wait.

I still use these boards for 1) Rental car coupons on the transportation thread; 2) Planning Universal; 3) and my favorite I love CC so much!! Thanks to you guys we'll be doing Hawaii next year with free transportation and hotels (and they have a few national parks!).

this thread is so beneficial to all travel. I just wish I needed Disney GCs when everyone talks about the good deals out there



We did Arizona and western Utah last year (Sedona, Grand Canyon, Zion and Bryce) over about 8 days. LOVED it.

We did Banff, Lake Louise and Calgary in April thanks to the Amex Platinum. I used my 100,000 MR bonus to get our flights. We did Yoho NP in British Columbia and Banff in Alberta. Didn’t get to Jasper, though. Don’t miss Lake Louise. Stayed at the Fairmont thanks to Chase.

Canadian Rockies blow the US Rockies out of the water.

 

[disneymagicgirl]

So, y'all got me pricing more cruises. I found a RC 5-night W Caribbean in early Dec for $207pp ($1770 total). Is that for real!?! Is that a nice time to visit the Caribbean, or is it a bit chilly?

My aunt loves RC but has anyone here taken RC? Is this a good deal? Sure seems like it. Goes out of Ft Lauderdale.

I would just have to check my dd18's college schedule to see when she is done and decide how much of our activities and co-op classes my others can miss.

I’ve only done the older rccl ships for quick weekend girls getaways. There is a thread for rccl here on the dis you could check.

I’m thinking dec would be good in the Carib...esp since you are from CO.

 

[Alexle2007]

I went to Best Buy at lunch and grabbed a $300 Disney GC for DL spending this weekend using the Amex offer. Trying to decide how much more I might need since we have no reservations booked, have breakfast at Sheraton so no character breakfasts and 3 days at the parks.

 

[disneymagicgirl]

I haven't had a chance to pull up the booking on my laptop. I couldn't tell much from my phone but I think those stops sound right. Pretty sure I remember Cozumel. I'll check out Cruise Critic too. Thank you!

We’ve done 3 westerns (thx to hurricanes) so I have some Cozumel experience. Ha! I recommend Nachi Cocum. It is quiet, the number of guests is limited, beach uncrowded, everyone gets a umbrella setup, there is a pool, and it is all inclusive. Well worth the cost. Just hop a cab there.

 

[Ngwira]

The lower has the ladders @CyndiLooWho We did this and loved it! But would not want to do with mobility issues. Though I think the upper you have to walk farther to get to maybe. Can't remember, but the antelope canyons are a must do! So beautiful. I remember thinking the short hike to Horseshoe bend was hard. Don't remember if it was the heat, or the sand issues. It was a shorter hike, but not a walk in the park. Was also a little disappointed in what you can actually see, without feeling like you are hanging over the edge. The other people that whole trip made me sooo nervous. Was sure I was going to witness people falling off edges at all the parks.

The narrows was our favorite hike of our 2 weeks. It was so cool! Though, I am not sure if you can do it during Spring Break. I know we did it first week of June and I thought it was just open for the season at that point. It has to do with the flow of the water. I know it has to do with snow melt from other points, so not exactly sure when the best times are but I thought it was a summer/fall thing, though I could be wrong. I could not get my family to do Angel Falls, I made the mistake of showing youtube videos before our trip. lol

I think you are right about the narrows. Late April may be too early. Darn.

 

[schmass]

I’m with you. Although Maxpass rolled out a few months after our DLR trip, the paper FPs were a pia. I can’t run, so mostly it was DH. Then one time he went to get a FP for RSR, and got it during our ADR in the other park. He never even realized it. So when he shows up with the FPs, I’m like uh can’t do that. Bleh. I’ve got WDW system down.

I actually loved paper FPs in WDW and DL. I loved being the FP runner and collecting them for everyone.

The only time that DH and I went to DL, he had a work meeting during the day so I went to the parks solo. I went on a bunch of rides, but I also collected 2 FPs for so many rides. I would run back and forth between the two parks since you could pull more FPs that way. When DH met up with me that evening, I pulled out my stack of FPs and we walked on everything. Such a fun memory!