It’s The Most Wonderful Time Of The Year – an offsite, non-Disney, Christmas TR

[Gina-Gina-Bo-Bina]

We might say hello in the airport. Leaving the day you arrive in October. Oh well. So ready to book flights for October and December. Always happy when I get that part finished. So far, got my rental car down for the December time, but still not for October. I keep trying though, as I always like having a car.

Ready to hear about your April itinerary. Will be on the look out for it. And it's so fun to hear Sunshine is excited to travel along. Bet you'll get some couples time when the young ones are out on their own.

I agree, having the flights booked is such a relief (though today's purchase for me has brought a little purchasers anxiety....only because we're currently homeless for the 2nd part of the trip, and because both airfare and doubling our accommodations is going to make it pricey....and I have a tough time spending money, despite what our December total may indicate!). Too bad our dates don't overlap at all.

I have tentatively booked a car for October, but hopefully we can get that down between now and then. And in Canadian dollars too, if I'm lucky and can book through RBC Travel.

You know, I am betting that Jake and Sunshine will be content to hang out with us for most of the trip.....heck, they like to do that here at home!! (this one has melted into our family like she was meant to be there from the beginning.....she and I have even developed a regular habit of spending time together,just the two of us, when our boys are both working). We may drop them off at the outlets, though, and enjoy a little alone time while they shop. The only things I want to be bringing home from this trip would be a suitcase or two full of Minions .

 

[dancin Disney style]

Pick a pearl has always been on my wish list, but I've never been able to convince myself to splurge. Some day . C'mon Lotto 649!


I'm betting he misses you terribly.....by day 6, at least .

The pearl is actually not that expensive. I had a very close look at everything in December. The pearl is only $15 and then the silver cages start at $30. I think the silver chains were starting around $20.

As to missing me.....LOL....I'm pretty sure that his exact words would be 'not likely'. He will get 9 nights of snoring without an elbow to the back or head. I will get 9 nights of silence. That said, he usually calls me first when I'm away. Last year he kept trying to Facetime me but , bless his tiny heart, he couldn't figure it out. He is a serial butt dialer so perhaps he didn't really want to talk to me.

 

[Mrs Doubtfire]

Coming out of lurkdom to thank you Gina for another great trip report. Thanks to you our family now has an annual pass to Sea World. Some one asked if the BOGO promotion was only for Americans and Canadians, and when I got it last february (the BOGO promotion had been extended), it was. I remember because we're a family of 5, but we were going with extended family who live in different countries and I couldn't get the annual pass for one of my daughters. They never checked anything at the park, I guess they determine that by the address in the credit card.

It was me who asked. As we live in the UK then it seems we will not be eligible. Thanks for remembering

 

[dancin Disney style]

Or, maybe Sully is trying to tell you its time for a new love? Something red and and has a top that rolls down?

That plays perfectly into our 'Golden' plans.

 

[pigletto]

At work, so can't get into too much detail due to time constraints, but this TR has really inspired me towards seriously considering an "Orlando" vacation as oppose to WDW- now the next time we get to Florida, there will def still be a WDW component as DD11 hasn't been other than 1 day at MK, but there are now lots of other things I want to do- I think it will be a long trip!

It was Gina's trip reports that broke me out of my onsite Disney funk and got us to explore the rest of Orlando. We've had awesome experiences offsite and I am grateful! If the Orlando tourism board was smart they would give her a job.

 

[Ruthie5671]

Another fabulous trip report Gina. I hate to see it end. I'm looking forward to your next family adventures and the eventual additions to the stuffy ensemble!

 

[grantclaire]

Gina, thanks again for another great trip report!

 

[dsmom]

It was Gina's trip reports that broke me out of my onsite Disney funk and got us to explore the rest of Orlando. We've had awesome experiences offsite and I am grateful! If the Orlando tourism board was smart they would give her a job.

Pigletto, you're brilliant! I told Gina she should write professionally and this would be perfect.

 

[mmdis]

Looking at your ticker is this April your 10th trip? That is big and must be in the title plus it is Sunshines first trip to the Sunshine state. Looking forward to hearing your plans.

 

[chicagoshannon]

Nice wrap up. Looking forward to your April pre trip report.

We are having the first warm day of the trip. Well, yesterday wasn't bad. The wind has finally settled down. We are hanging out at the resort today. We are at the Marriott Sabal Palms. It's s nice resort that I recommend if you ever need a place to stay and are out of Vistana days. It's located very near the Vistana.

 

[Gina-Gina-Bo-Bina]

The pearl is actually not that expensive. I had a very close look at everything in December. The pearl is only $15 and then the silver cages start at $30. I think the silver chains were starting around $20.

As to missing me.....LOL....I'm pretty sure that his exact words would be 'not likely'. He will get 9 nights of snoring without an elbow to the back or head. I will get 9 nights of silence. That said, he usually calls me first when I'm away. Last year he kept trying to Facetime me but , bless his tiny heart, he couldn't figure it out. He is a serial butt dialer so perhaps he didn't really want to talk to me.

My problem is, I am not a big fan of silver. I prefer gold (even gold plated or gold coloured....it doesn't have to be real, it just has to look good). I would love to get a simple ring done someday, just something small but elegant.

That plays perfectly into our 'Golden' plans.

I was thinking that, too. He did agree to be our driver (brave soul that he is).

It was Gina's trip reports that broke me out of my onsite Disney funk and got us to explore the rest of Orlando. We've had awesome experiences offsite and I am grateful! If the Orlando tourism board was smart they would give her a job.

You guys really are too generous with your compliments .

Working for Orlando Tourism would be my dream job.....or even as a concierge at one of the resorts. I can only hope that some day I will be lucky enough to have that opportunity!!

Another fabulous trip report Gina. I hate to see it end. I'm looking forward to your next family adventures and the eventual additions to the stuffy ensemble!

Thank you!

Gina, thanks again for another great trip report!

Thanks for reading along and joining in the chat. I hope you will migrate over to the PTR as well....I need some company over the next 71 days!

Pigletto, you're brilliant! I told Gina she should write professionally and this would be perfect.

Please put in a good word with the US government for me, would you? All we are lacking are US work visas, and we would relocate in a heartbeat!

Looking at your ticker is this April your 10th trip? That is big and must be in the title plus it is Sunshines first trip to the Sunshine state. Looking forward to hearing your plans.

You are right....this getaway is a milestone, our 10th vacation in Florida! It's not Sunshine's very first trip (she has been to Florida once before, with her parents and siblings) but it's her first time going to Universal, Islands of Adventure and Aquatica (and they have only ever spend one day at Seaworld, so there is a ton of stuff there that she's never done either). We have a completely different list of experiences, attractions and restaurants on this itinerary than most everything she has done before in Florida, so while its not officially her first time, in many ways it feels like it .

She's really, really excited about our flights there and back. She's never taken a non-stop flight before, so she can't even imagine what its like to get on the plane in Buffalo and get off in Orlando, with no running through the airport in between. The last time she flew, her parents booked a flight with TWO stops....and they missed their connection in Atlanta (giving everyone a lot of anxiety). I am hoping we have a spectacular experience with Jetblue so that the journey can become less of a worry and more part of the fun.

Nice wrap up. Looking forward to your April pre trip report.

We are having the first warm day of the trip. Well, yesterday wasn't bad. The wind has finally settled down. We are hanging out at the resort today. We are at the Marriott Sabal Palms. It's s nice resort that I recommend if you ever need a place to stay and are out of Vistana days. It's located very near the Vistana.

Glad to hear that you are finally getting some warm temps for your holiday! I heard from another local that the mercury was to climb to 79 degrees this weekend....sounds perfect for some pool time at the resort .

Glad to hear that Sabal Palms is meeting and exceeding your expectations. I don't think you can go wrong with the name brand resorts (Sheraton, Marriott, Hilton, etc.). We are actually considering a Marriott timeshare rental for our second week in October (so far, no SVR villas are available through II).

 

[bankr63]

That plays perfectly into our 'Golden' plans.

I was thinking that, too. He did agree to be our driver (brave soul that he is).

Sure it does, but not sure who would be the brave soul(s) here. You want to get in a little red sports car with top down with ME at the wheel?!?!? You do have fully paid up life insurance, right? BwahahahahahaHA!

 

[RocketCityMama]

I think you didn't do so bad on pricing for 3 people for that many days! I am excited for our May/June trip since we're all set on hotel and passes. Just food/gas and fun! I am undecided if I will do a PTR or TR this time lol I think I tried to finish the last TR on our trip last Summer but kept having posting issues. I posted the ending 2 times and it didn't show up! GRRR! Maybe I will hop on it and make a this is all I can remember post? LOL Be sure to post your link!

 

[chicagoshannon]

My problem is, I am not a big fan of silver. I prefer gold (even gold plated or gold coloured....it doesn't have to be real, it just has to look good). I would love to get a simple ring done someday, just something small but elegant.



I was thinking that, too. He did agree to be our driver (brave soul that he is).



You guys really are too generous with your compliments .

Working for Orlando Tourism would be my dream job.....or even as a concierge at one of the resorts. I can only hope that some day I will be lucky enough to have that opportunity!!



Thank you!



Thanks for reading along and joining in the chat. I hope you will migrate over to the PTR as well....I need some company over the next 71 days!



Please put in a good word with the US government for me, would you? All we are lacking are US work visas, and we would relocate in a heartbeat!



You are right....this getaway is a milestone, our 10th vacation in Florida! It's not Sunshine's very first trip (she has been to Florida once before, with her parents and siblings) but it's her first time going to Universal, Islands of Adventure and Aquatica (and they have only ever spend one day at Seaworld, so there is a ton of stuff there that she's never done either). We have a completely different list of experiences, attractions and restaurants on this itinerary than most everything she has done before in Florida, so while its not officially her first time, in many ways it feels like it .

She's really, really excited about our flights there and back. She's never taken a non-stop flight before, so she can't even imagine what its like to get on the plane in Buffalo and get off in Orlando, with no running through the airport in between. The last time she flew, her parents booked a flight with TWO stops....and they missed their connection in Atlanta (giving everyone a lot of anxiety). I am hoping we have a spectacular experience with Jetblue so that the journey can become less of a worry and more part of the fun.



Glad to hear that you are finally getting some warm temps for your holiday! I heard from another local that the mercury was to climb to 79 degrees this weekend....sounds perfect for some pool time at the resort .

Glad to hear that Sabal Palms is meeting and exceeding your expectations. I don't think you can go wrong with the name brand resorts (Sheraton, Marriott, Hilton, etc.). We are actually considering a Marriott timeshare rental for our second week in October (so far, no SVR villas are available through II).

Sabal is nice. It's definitely more adult oriented. Staying here, and Royal or Imperial palms, you get to use the World Center amenities. They have a huge pool and 3 large water slides. There is also a Lazer light show every night.

I notice that SVR trades throught both RCI and II now and it's been harder to get a room through II lately.

The two marriott that are closest to Sea World are Harbour lakes and Cypress Harbour. We've stayed at Harbour lakes several times and love how compact it is. They also have huge hot tubs. It's a great resort for small kids. We've never stayed at Cypress harbour but I hear it's nice. The 3rd closest to seaWorld would be Grand Vista. I think it reminds me most of SVR. It's a large resort with several pools.

Harbour Lakes has it's own mini golf course.

 

[dancin Disney style]

Sure it does, but not sure who would be the brave soul(s) here. You want to get in a little red sports car with top down with ME at the wheel?!?!? You do have fully paid up life insurance, right? BwahahahahahaHA!

 

[tgropp]

As the Comic Book Guy on the Simpsons would say....Best Trip Report Ever. I love reading Christmas trip reports. Thank You for your time and efforts. It is appreciated by everyone!

 

[My2CrazyGirls]

Awesome trip report Gina!

I have to ask...Money aside, how do all of you Canadians take so many vacations? I know Europeans take a lot of "holidays" because they get several weeks vacation. What is the average amount of vacation weeks Canadians get???

 

[Gina-Gina-Bo-Bina]

Sure it does, but not sure who would be the brave soul(s) here. You want to get in a little red sports car with top down with ME at the wheel?!?!? You do have fully paid up life insurance, right? BwahahahahahaHA!

Are you telling us you have a bit of a wild side, bankr63? That there's a lead foot attached to the body that houses that analytical numbers-oriented brain of yours? Geez, you think you know people and then WHAMO! The truth comes out!

I think you didn't do so bad on pricing for 3 people for that many days! I am excited for our May/June trip since we're all set on hotel and passes. Just food/gas and fun! I am undecided if I will do a PTR or TR this time lol I think I tried to finish the last TR on our trip last Summer but kept having posting issues. I posted the ending 2 times and it didn't show up! GRRR! Maybe I will hop on it and make a this is all I can remember post? LOL Be sure to post your link!

I would love to read about your May/June vacation!! I think the anticipation really starts to build once the big items (accommodations, rental car, tickets) are all taken care of .

Sabal is nice. It's definitely more adult oriented. Staying here, and Royal or Imperial palms, you get to use the World Center amenities. They have a huge pool and 3 large water slides. There is also a Lazer light show every night.

I notice that SVR trades throught both RCI and II now and it's been harder to get a room through II lately.

The two marriott that are closest to Sea World are Harbour lakes and Cypress Harbour. We've stayed at Harbour lakes several times and love how compact it is. They also have huge hot tubs. It's a great resort for small kids. We've never stayed at Cypress harbour but I hear it's nice. The 3rd closest to seaWorld would be Grand Vista. I think it reminds me most of SVR. It's a large resort with several pools.

Harbour Lakes has it's own mini golf course.

I don't know whether it makes it better or worse to have so many GOOD options to pick from .

Grande Vista, for a one bedroom, is about $100 less than Cypress Harbour (for a two bedroom)....a week's stay in each case. From what's available on II right now, those are our two favourites, especially when the SW parks are our main focuses.

View attachment 151104

Yep, I can totally see that!

As the Comic Book Guy on the Simpsons would say....Best Trip Report Ever. I love reading Christmas trip reports. Thank You for your time and efforts. It is appreciated by everyone!

Thank you so much!!! You guys are all the greatest!

 

[Gina-Gina-Bo-Bina]

Awesome trip report Gina!

I have to ask...Money aside, how do all of you Canadians take so many vacations? I know Europeans take a lot of "holidays" because they get several weeks vacation. What is the average amount of vacation weeks Canadians get???

The average Canadian is entitled to two weeks vacation a year (once they have been with a specific employer for a full 365 days) until they build seniority at their place of employment. My Steve (who has worked at the same company now for 22 years) now gets five weeks vacation a year. He's almost maxxed out his potential entitlement under the corporation he works for.....I think he gets an extra day's vacation at 25 years, but I don't think he can get much more beyond that.

My office is an anomaly. They let me take whatever vacation I want in a year (and I'm salaried, not hourly, so I don't lose any pay when I do take time off). We close for two weeks every Christmas, so that's automatic. The rest is up to me (yes, I am beyond lucky that way!). I probably end up with 5 or 6 weeks off in a 12 month period, but like I said....I don't think that's the norm. I have been with the company a long time (almost 18 years) and am the sole admin person they have. That makes me fairly valuable to them, so they indulge my vacation addiction to keep a good employee. My bosses have even been known to give me an unexpected cash bonus right before I leave on our holidays on more than one occassion.....so yeah, I never lose sight of the fact that I'm extra fortunate!

 

[Ritchielace]

I agree that Sunshine should be somewhere in the trip title. It just matches up way too good Also if you really want to do pick a pearl you can buy your setting somewhere else ( cough cough online) for much much cheaper and they will set it with the pearl you pick. Great money saving tip for you. Plus that way you have more options and can find exactly what you want.