So Mr. Linzjane88 came home yesterday and said " I was looking and I still have 4 more vacation days this year to take.....wouldn't it be funny if we just took a quick trip back to Florida?". He said it half jokingly but as any fellow Dis'er knows, if we get even an inkling to plan another trip we are on it. Out came the spreadsheets!
We can go from December 15-20 and using air miles for parts of the tickets we could feasibly do this for less than $2,000. I don't want to say money isn't an object but I am comfortable with that price range and we can afford it. That being said an extra 2 grand would always be nice tucked away in savings. All Star Movies has the pass holder rate for about $125 a nght (we got AP's on our September trip knowing we would be back). We come from Washington state so travel time is a consideration, especially for a short trip. Its at least 5 hours of flight time not including layovers. I usually 'budget' about 12 hours from our house to the hotel. We don't celebrate the holidays so that's not a factor in my decision.
I guess I am just not sure. I am such an uber-planner that this scares me. My concerns are 1) staying in a value when we are used to moderates or Bonnet Creek, 2) Week before X-Mas crowds (we are September Dis goers normally) 3) The possible insanity of travel there/ 4 park days/travel home
Would the possible joy on DD7 and DD3's faces when we pull into the airport be enough to counteract the craziness? Have you done a spur-of-the-moment trip?
I need some input
I saw that you are going, So have fun.
There is a difference in Value to Moderate, so take that into consideration, but its only 4 nights so considerate it as part of the adventure.
You can always keep checking, sometimes rooms will open up.
With the travel time, there is really nothing that you can do so again just make it part of the adventure. The joy will counter any craziness...
DH and I live in Orlando and are AP holders, so we do a lot of " lets go" trips. I would get your fast passes and build around that. With the crowds heavy, why don't you think about doing some of things that you normally skip.
Some suggestions;
Make a day or afternoon of checking out all the chocolate creations at the Deluxe Resorts. Ending at the GF for the ginger bread house with ginger bread cookies and hot chocolate. Looking for the hidden Mickey in the creations.
Head over to one of the resorts for QS options, and take time to check out the resort. This is a great break and gives you some different options for meals. We find that having a later lunch or early dinner, helps some with the lines.
Horse and carriage ride at POFQ, then take the boat to Disney Spring for dessert at Ghirardelli.
Also you might want to think about checking out ICE at Gaylord Palms, really something special.
Over in Epcot you can check out each of the pavilions and what Santa Claus is called and looks like.
DHS for the Osborne lights this will be the last year. There are hidden Mickeys all over the display.
Ride some of the ride that you normally don't make time for. We did this with our DD's one year, and found out on the next trip that they requested some of the attractions that we had been skipping in previous trips.
Take your sense of humor and just go with it.
Have a wonderful time.
