Just Back from Southwest Splendors - my thoughts and observations

[toribelle]

Thanks alot for the heads up. I thought I read something about a little diner outside the airport, is that true? I can pack those single peanut butter packs and maybe take some fruit from breakfast and some bread.

 

[glassslipper2004]

Anyone know/remember what time they get you to the airport? Does everyone go together? Seems like poor planning for Disney to drop you somewhere without any food!

 

[kristilew]

We ordered the bag lunch from RCL the night before we left, and picked it up out of their cooler in the morning before we got on the bus. It included a sandwich, chips, fruit, cookie, and a soft drink. I think it was around $9. This made things a lot easier on us when we traveled. Our flight was fairly soon after we got to the GJ airport, but our first connection was tight so we wanted to be sure we had food. We ate on the plane.

 

[toribelle]

there is an order form for a picnic lunch on RCL website says to order by 9pm the day before. This could work.

 

[sayhello]

We ordered the bag lunch from RCL the night before we left, and picked it up out of their cooler in the morning before we got on the bus. It included a sandwich, chips, fruit, cookie, and a soft drink. I think it was around $9. This made things a lot easier on us when we traveled. Our flight was fairly soon after we got to the GJ airport, but our first connection was tight so we wanted to be sure we had food. We ate on the plane.

See, if anyone had told me that's how it was at the GJ airport, I so would have looked into that. Glad you were able to work that out!

Anyone know/remember what time they get you to the airport? Does everyone go together? Seems like poor planning for Disney to drop you somewhere without any food!

I think they got us there before 11 (and we all went together). And yes, it was very poor planning on Disney's part. It was really the only serious complaint I had about the trip, and I did mention it in my survey...

Sayhello

 

[kristilew]

See, if anyone had told me that's how it was at the GJ airport, I so would have looked into that. Glad you were able to work that out!

Sayhello

Yes, well, I had you

 

[sayhello]

Yes, well, I had you

I'm glad someone benefited from my suffering!

Sayhello

 

[glassslipper2004]

Ordering a lunch is a great idea! That's the kind of thing I might not do, if I wasn't forewarned (I can see myself thinking it is a little pricey, we'll just get something at the airport, and then being very sad and hungry - not to mention my kids too).

 

[pamjb]

I'm glad someone benefited from my suffering!

Sayhello

I did too....I ended up booking a flight out of Denver for the day after our trip. The flights from GJC to PHL were horrible (multiple connections and 8 hr flight time) and the prices were high ($200 + a person). I got a nonstop flight from Denver to PHL on SW for $99. Till we pay for the rental car and a hotel near the Denver we"ll probably break even price wise. But for me, that nonstop flight is Priceless!!!

 

[Bobo912]

kjd469, I'm digging up your year-old thread because I noticed your SWS date was over the July 4th holiday. I'm seriously considering an ABD next summer and was looking for a trip that included DS's birthday. Pretty much limited to US trips, since we're already doing a Galapagos trip during spring break and I don't think I want to pay for two international trips in the same year - the airfare is just too high. I think the US trips are great choices anyway. I spoke to ABD yesterday about the July 5 SWS date which is listed as N/A on the website - no waiting list or anything. They told me that is a mistake and the date is open and they would have the website updated. I've looked at the guest statistics for the Grand Canyon National Park and July is the highest month for visitors and I'm sure the holiday week is a big one. So my question is did the park seem crowded and were the number of guests bothersome in any way at the Grand Canyon or any of the other locations you visited during the trip? Did you have any difficultly scheduling dinner reservations or activities during the on-your-own time? TIA!

 

[kjd469]

Wow...I was surprised to see my old thread pop back up! Anyhow, to answer your question, no, we did not notice any increase in crowds or find that it was unmanageable anywhere we went. We flew into Phoenix on the 3rd of July and even the airport didn't seem crowded. I think the areas visited on this trip are pretty vast, so I wouldn't worry about it if I were you. We were surprised that nothing special was done on July 4th in Sedona, either by ABD or the city of Sedona. All we received was an extra 4th of July pin from ABD.

 

[Bobo912]

Wow...I was surprised to see my old thread pop back up! Anyhow, to answer your question, no, we did not notice any increase in crowds or find that it was unmanageable anywhere we went. We flew into Phoenix on the 3rd of July and even the airport didn't seem crowded. I think the areas visited on this trip are pretty vast, so I wouldn't worry about it if I were you. We were surprised that nothing special was done on July 4th in Sedona, either by ABD or the city of Sedona. All we received was an extra 4th of July pin from ABD.

Thanks so much. I was hoping you would say that. Our Alaska ABD in 2009 was over the 4th and we had pretty much the same experience. Denali National Park was so huge, we didn't really see anybody except our group while we were there and the rest of the trip was similar. By lower 48 standards Alaska is pretty empty anyway, but wasn't sure if Grand Canyon NP would be similar. We didn't do anything special on the 4th either. We also got the pin. We had to make a detour through Anchorage to avoid the parade route and we could see the Wasilla parade off in the distance as we drove through. But we didn't participate in any special Indepence Day activities.