July 2010 Big Bdays Family Reunion (Update 9/28 Final Thoughts)

[cherbear]

Marsha, what rental car places are near Disney? I hope they would pick you up at Disney so you don't have the extra expense of catching a cab just to get to the rental car facility. I don't know if all rental car companies have that policy. Enterprise definitely does but I think they are pricier and I don't know if they have locations in Florida. Have you checked into this yet?

 

[Marshay]

Marsha, what rental car places are near Disney? I hope they would pick you up at Disney so you don't have the extra expense of catching a cab just to get to the rental car facility. I don't know if all rental car companies have that policy. Enterprise definitely does but I think they are pricier and I don't know if they have locations in Florida. Have you checked into this yet?

Thanks for the advice!

I've had good luck with Alamo before and they have an office at the Auto Center (used to have one at Dolphin/Swan but I can't get that to pull up for our dates) but others have an office in the DTD area hotels so you can walk to them from DTD if they don't pick you up.

However, I've heard that a taxi is only like $5 or $10 max...to get around Disney...may not be too bad if it saves us a full day or three.

I'm thinking of waiting until the 4th day of our trip to rent a car and just doing Epcot and DHS the first 3 days of our trip. That way we can get a rental car for less than a week -- much cheaper.

So far the difference is 10 days = over $500 vs 6 days = over $300.

I'm still hoping to find the rental car even cheaper...

 

[Marshay]

So Jerry, Rachel and I sat down this weekend and talked about our July trip. It was a fun discussion as DD4.5 is getting older now and able to participate and name the things she wants to do.

Of course all the usuals -- schedule is subject to change based on weather, health, kids, how tired we are, who's grumpy, who has energy, etc.

1. I purposely did not pick a park that has AM EMH.

2. I tried to avoid the 'most crowded park' each day (based on projections).

3. I aimed to get to each park at least 2x in 10 days.

4. I blocked time into 3 sections for us:
AM = 8am - 12 noon
PM = 12 noon - 4pm
Eve = 4pm - 8pm

Anything after 8pm for us is probably bed unless specifically mentioned.


7/11: late lunch at Morocco
Explore Epcot or resort/Surrey Bikes.

7/12: AM = pool. Mid-PM departure for AK Parade. Dinner at Yak & Yeti. Eve = AK EMH.
We plan to rest in the morning, hopefully go swimming and eat at the Boardwalk or pool area. We haven't seen the parade nor gone to AK for EMH. We'll want to do the safari and trails as the animals may be more active at night. AK is open until 9pm.

7/13: Mid-AM = DHS. Eve = Late dinner at Rose & Crown with Illuminations
We'll go to DHS but are not planning to get up early...which means we probably won't get on TSM but who knows. We'll plan to hit the other shows/rides instead. Nap/rest back at room. R&C has a 2 hour table limit. So in order to watch Illuminations from their special patio area (or your table) I have to plan our dinner at 7pm or later. They have both outdoor and indoor seating.

7/14: TBD
I may try to make a ressie for B at Cape May Cafe or B/L at Trail's End or Kona. We may try to do a water park or DisneyQuest. Or just do a pool and DTD day. We may go to a park for just a few hours or rent Sea Raycers or ...

7/15: AM = Epcot. Lunch at Garden Grill.
We hope to do the Future World rides at Epcot, then lunch. Early bedtime.

7/16: AM = MK. Dinner at House of Blues at DTD. Eve = shopping/Ghiradelli's.
Goal is to be at MK about 20 minutes before park opening at 9am. We'll stay as long as we're having fun so evening plans may change if we're too tired.

7/17: TBD
Same as 7/14. Early bedtime.

7/18: AM = DHS. Lunch at Play-n-Dine
Goal is to be at DHS about 20 minutes before park opening at 9am. We'll try to ride TSM and do lots of characters (hopefully we saw the rides/shows the other day). Eve = begin packing

7/19: AM = AK. Dinner at Crystal Palace. Eve = MK Parade and Fireworks
Morning will be AK to finish what we didn't do previously. This is our only scheduled time to see SpectroMagic and Wishes.

7/20: AM = pack and then go to Epcot before flight. If we drive, then we'll probably just go straight home.


We may also try to get Elie's hair cut in Magic Kingdom, so one of those TBD days may find us doing that.

 

[Marshay]

YIKES!!

I just checked the airfare and rental car for our July trip and it went up significantly since I last checked around Christmas-time. What's up with that??!!??

The rental car went from $338 for a SUV to $517 for a car and $713 for a SUV. Airfare went up only by about $60 total.

Since we aren't willing to go without a car at this time, we have just decided to drive.

I'll keep looking for a good rental car and airfare deal but unless the price goes back under $1000 for both, we're going to drive.

 

[Trentmom]

Hey Marshay

Your itinerary looks great

Lot of great stuff and good pace, so girls dont tire out

I think driving sounds like a plan. That car rental rate seems a bit steep


Try googling some codes online. You might find one for a rental company

 

[Leleluvsdis]

I'm not sure where you are in VA but I'm outside of Lynchburg and it's not a terrible drive. We haven't flown since I was 5 or 6 and DH and I actually look forward to the drive now. Yeah if we had the option we would probubly fly, but b/c of budget we have driven. It's so much fun to cross state lines and feel the anticipation of getting closer and closer especially when you start seeing the signs for disney. Whatever ya'll end up doing it will be just as much fun!!! Can't wait to read more about your trip... We aren't going back until Dec 2011 So I'm living through everyone elses TR lol

 

[Marshay]

I'm not sure where you are in VA but I'm outside of Lynchburg and it's not a terrible drive. We haven't flown since I was 5 or 6 and DH and I actually look forward to the drive now. Yeah if we had the option we would probubly fly, but b/c of budget we have driven. It's so much fun to cross state lines and feel the anticipation of getting closer and closer especially when you start seeing the signs for disney. Whatever ya'll end up doing it will be just as much fun!!! Can't wait to read more about your trip... We aren't going back until Dec 2011 So I'm living through everyone elses TR lol

Welcome! We live close to Dulles Airport and have always thought it was just easier to fly...you know getting there in 2 hours flight time sure is nice.

And I agree driving down to FL should be fun. I'm just wondering how the girls will handle it. One DD will be 5 and the other DD will be 16 months. The youngest is the one I'm worrying about.

We did get a portable DVD player on Black Friday and DD5 will get a Leapster2 for her birthday (we'll have to give it to her early for the trip), so hopefully, those will keep her busy.

Wow, Dec 2011 is a long time so it's good you can get your Disney fix on here!

 

[kaoden39]

This morning when I was driving the kids to school and they were saying that if you are planning a trip that you are flying on over the summer that you may want until March. They figure that long about March the prices are going to go way down. So hopefully they are right.

 

[Marshay]

This morning when I was driving the kids to school and they were saying that if you are planning a trip that you are flying on over the summer that you may want until March. They figure that long about March the prices are going to go way down. So hopefully they are right.

Thanks for letting me know! I will definitely wait for a really good deal...otherwise, we'll drive. I'm actually a little leaning toward driving...just to see how it goes and to save the $$$. If it's truly horrible, we'll take the autotrain back.

 

[kaoden39]

Thanks for letting me know! I will definitely wait for a really good deal...otherwise, we'll drive. I'm actually a little leaning toward driving...just to see how it goes and to save the $$$. If it's truly horrible, we'll take the autotrain back.

We always drive to Disneyland and we always have. It is over 400 miles from us so it's a pretty good drive. The portable dvd player is a great idea. Our next trip we will actually have one that is up in the roof of the van they can all watch. We rented a van once where they could watch tv once and it made for a great trip. The kids are busy and happy then. In the van we have they have cordless headphones so if I don't want to hear it I don't have to. That is a wonderful feature.

 

[mousescrapper]

4. I blocked time into 3 sections for us:
AM = 8am - 12 noon
PM = 12 noon - 4pm
Eve = 4pm - 8pm




We may also try to get Elie's hair cut in Magic Kingdom, so one of those TBD days may find us doing that.

I love your blocked time sections...very clever and helps you plan out the day better based on your kids needs (and Mom and Dad )

isn't it so fun when you can really plan the itinerary!

do try the Barber Shop in MK, did you do it w/ your older daughter? It is such a sweet memory for us when we had our youngest first haircut done there in '08

J~

 

[Marshay]

I love your blocked time sections...very clever and helps you plan out the day better based on your kids needs (and Mom and Dad )

isn't it so fun when you can really plan the itinerary!

do try the Barber Shop in MK, did you do it w/ your older daughter? It is such a sweet memory for us when we had our youngest first haircut done there in '08

J~

Yes, the fun is beginning! I can make my ADRs on Tuesday!

We do the MK Barber Shop with my oldest daughter when we was 26 months (yes, we waited that long) and it was fun. With Elie, her hair is longer so waiting until July will be pushing it for us!

Hey Marshay

Your itinerary looks great

Lot of great stuff and good pace, so girls dont tire out

I think driving sounds like a plan. That car rental rate seems a bit steep

Try googling some codes online. You might find one for a rental company

Thanks! I'm trying to keep lots of open times -- this itinerary is really unheard of for me!! Two complete open days -- three open nights, one open morning!!!

We always drive to Disneyland and we always have. It is over 400 miles from us so it's a pretty good drive. The portable dvd player is a great idea. Our next trip we will actually have one that is up in the roof of the van they can all watch. We rented a van once where they could watch tv once and it made for a great trip. The kids are busy and happy then. In the van we have they have cordless headphones so if I don't want to hear it I don't have to. That is a wonderful feature.

When we purchased our SUV we had the choice of a DVD player or sunroof...DH wanted the sunroof. At least we have both car seats right next to each other so the girls will be able to both see it.

 

[irishdancer86]

also going in july, know what you mean about the itineraries...i feel really daring like i'm living on the wild side when i see a free slot in our schedule...i break up the day into morning afternoon and evening too..but is bf's first trip to florida and we have so much to fit in...4 full days at disney plus 2 mornings, univ, i of a, seaworld, busch gardens and aquatica!!!

your babies are lovely...

 

[Marshay]

also going in july, know what you mean about the itineraries...i feel really daring like i'm living on the wild side when i see a free slot in our schedule...i break up the day into morning afternoon and evening too..but is bf's first trip to florida and we have so much to fit in...4 full days at disney plus 2 mornings, univ, i of a, seaworld, busch gardens and aquatica!!!

your babies are lovely...

Wow!! Your trip is going to be awesome!! I love Disney but so much enjoy Univ/SW and BG. We haven't tried AQ yet but it's on our list.

When are you going in July?

Welcome to my report!

 

[Native NYer]

Great itinerary. I love how you made blocks of time. What an easy way to plan the day

The rental car rates are insane. Hopefully, they'll come down.

 

[Marshay]

I made ADRs today -- woo hoo!! I got all my requests without any issues. I did them all on-line except the ones where all 10 of us are together, since I had to call those in.

7/12 Tusker House* 5pm (4)
7/13 Rose & Crown* 7:20pm (10)
7/14 Cape May Cafe 10am (4)
7/15 Teppan Edo* 6pm (6)
7/17 Kona 10:45am (6)
7/18 Play-n-Dine (Hollywood and Vine) 1pm (4)
7/19 Crystal Palace* 4:35pm (10)

* = new restaurants for me

 

[kaoden39]

I made ADRs today -- woo hoo!! I got all my requests without any issues. I did them all on-line except the ones where all 10 of us are together, since I had to call those in.

7/12 Tusker House* 5pm (4)
7/13 Rose & Crown* 7:20pm (10)
7/14 Cape May Cafe 10am (4)
7/15 Teppan Edo* 6pm (6)
7/17 Kona 10:45am (6)
7/18 Play-n-Dine (Hollywood and Vine) 1pm (4)
7/19 Crystal Palace* 4:35pm (10)

* = new restaurants for me

Wow, how early can you call in for ADRs? It is 60 days at Disneyland.

 

[Marshay]

Wow, how early can you call in for ADRs? It is 60 days at Disneyland.

Really? only 60?

Wow, at WDW you can do 180 days + 10 if you stay on-site.

 

[Trentmom]

Oh awesome. Forgot you could make them at 180 days again

Looks like a great list!!!

See u are giving in to Pooh again

 

[Marshay]

Oh awesome. Forgot you could make them at 180 days again

Looks like a great list!!!

See u are giving in to Pooh again

thanks -- yeah and WDW even posted the park schedules for July at the end of December -- amazing!!

Yep, one of the reasons I canceled Crystal Palace in November was b/c my family really wanted to go there in July ... I didn't think I could handle it twice!

Hmmm, now what to do for the picture that expresses my true feelings (and not get in trouble!?)