Let's do this all over again...Update 12/6 7:00 am @ MK

[Planning fanatic mom]

Sounds like a plan. I like it.

 

[woodkins]

Look out!!! Now we might be looking for split stay. 3 days at AKL and the rest at WL. We will then get to see Christmas decoration on both resorts. Since both resort has the same price during that time, therefore there is no down side. More importantly, we never stay at AKL. It will be a whole new experience for us.

Ooooh I hope you try AKL, we have stayed at WL & AKL & although loved WL, AKL was our favorite. I can only imagine the amazing photos you would take there!!

 

[GoofyFairie]

The split stay sounds like a great idea. I can't wait to see the shots you get at Animal Kingdom Lodge. You should also take the safari they have there just for hotel guests. You would have an amazing experience and get up close shots of the animals!

 

[Diamondintheruff]

We're doing a split for the first time ourselves too.

I'm sure you will love both places.

 

[exwdwcm]

Hi there, a fellow Dec 2010 traveller here! Can't wait to hear all the great details of your trip and better yet- see all your wonderful photos!

we just stayed at WL in Dec 2009 and LOVED it. I also love AKL, so I think a split stay would be awesome. The holiday decorations at WL are just to die for. We really loved the atmosphere and that amazing tree.

 

[topdog]

That's wonderful that you are chatting with your sister, everyone here is stressing about the lack of snow. I'd love to be at the Olympics myself but the tickets were just too pricey for Non-Canadians. Still, I'm glad DH and I got to tour the village and check things out when we were in Vancouver in Nov. I Whistler and can't wait to go back up there, maybe next winter.

I envy you. I want to try the Whistler expedition for a long time. I heard Vancouver is an awesome city. Can't wait to visit my sis.

Sounds like a plan. I like it.

Unfortunately, that fell thru.

Ooooh I hope you try AKL, we have stayed at WL & AKL & although loved WL, AKL was our favorite. I can only imagine the amazing photos you would take there!!

Thanks. Unfortunately, split stay isn't an option for now. I will however go there for dining and maybe take a few shot of the lobby pictures.

The split stay sounds like a great idea. I can't wait to see the shots you get at Animal Kingdom Lodge. You should also take the safari they have there just for hotel guests. You would have an amazing experience and get up close shots of the animals!

I heard about the Safari tour for the AKL guest only. Unfortunately, that isn't going to happen since we won't be staying at AKL.

We're doing a split for the first time ourselves too.

I'm sure you will love both places.

I do like AKL also and I know both AKL and WL were designed by the same architect so they both have a lot of similarity. Unfortunately, the split stay isn't going to happen for us.

Hi there, a fellow Dec 2010 traveller here! Can't wait to hear all the great details of your trip and better yet- see all your wonderful photos!

we just stayed at WL in Dec 2009 and LOVED it. I also love AKL, so I think a split stay would be awesome. The holiday decorations at WL are just to die for. We really loved the atmosphere and that amazing tree.

Thanks. Everyone love the Xmas tree at WL. Unfortunately, we still haven't seen it. We can't wait to see it for the first time. The last time I was at Disney during Xmas time, WL doesn't even exist.

 

[topdog]

Okay. Here is the scoop.

DW called about the split stay and I was really excited about it too. However, what we found out was because our trip is a vacation package deal that included hopper park tickets, hotel and DxDP, Disney doesn't offer any package like that for split stay. Now if we didn't have DxDP and only book for resort and hopper park tickets, then split stay might be happen.

Disney won't split the hotel day and bundle everything as a package without charging a fee. And the fee is $500 extra for 3 nights @ AKL and 8 nights @ WL plus all the other stuff. I don't know if there is any way to get around it. But for now, I told DW let's stick with the original plan and see if we can find other way to do the split stay without paying extra. The sad part is because our time staying there will be during value season and both AKL and WL rate are identical. I can't justify to pay the extra $500 for split stay.

We are still working on the one extra hotel stay before we get to Disney. At first, DW thought Jacksonville would be a good stay over point the night before we get to Disney since it's about 2 hours away from Orlando, I think. However, DW can not find anything she really like. I know, it's only one night. Who care how good the hotel will be? But after our last disaster trip, DW is kinda spooked by how bad hotel can be. Not to mention, we will have to pay OOP this time. So now, she's exploring hotels around DTD area and possibly looking into Dolphin and Swan resort for just one night.

I am okay with that. Dolphin and Swan might not be a bad idea. Has anyone stay there before? That would shave the 2+ hours of driving the next morning and we will have a good night rest before checking in to WL and then power Disney.

 

[topdog]

I almost forgot. To all the eastern Pennsylvanian out there. We are having a hurricane blizzard tomorrow into Friday. Please stay safe. I had a heck of a time driving home last night with all the ice, snow and sleet mix on the road.

 

[Planning fanatic mom]

We are eating at Boma this June and can't wait. Maybe you could go there and eat something. I've heard great things.

I think this time you guys are getting hit with the snow. We are only going to get 4-6 inches. I can't believe I said "Only".

Be safe and take lots of pics.

 

[topdog]

We are eating at Boma this June and can't wait. Maybe you could go there and eat something. I've heard great things.

That's the plan. I am hoping DW can reserve a Boma breakfast somewhere in there.

I think this time you guys are getting hit with the snow. We are only going to get 4-6 inches. I can't believe I said "Only".

Be safe and take lots of pics.

I have my shovel all gas up and ready to rock.

 

[Diamondintheruff]

I think Disney it really missing out on extra $$ with the way they do the split stays. If Disney was more flexible I'm sure lots of people would extend their vacations just to try out a deluxe or a different resort for an extra night or two. It's a shame really.

 

[topdog]

I think Disney it really missing out on extra $$ with the way they do the split stays. If Disney was more flexible I'm sure lots of people would extend their vacations just to try out a deluxe or a different resort for an extra night or two. It's a shame really.

My head was spinning when DW was talking the the Disney reservation. I know WL is my absolute favorite resort, but I am just curios what others are like. I guess I will have to wait for another trip after this to try other resort.

 

[topdog]

DW was on a mission last night looking up hotel for the one extra day when we arrive Florida. She tried everything; Dolphin/Swan, Marriott and many many others. She really wanted the Dolphin/Swan because in her mind that's also a Disney resort eventhough she knew it wasn't but it's over $200 for the night. (I almost gave in. sssh...but don't tell her that.) Others are still in the $150 to $180 range.

Then this morning, I look up the Orland Hotels and Attraction from this board. Guess what!!! So instead stopping at Jacksonville, we are now booked the one extra day at Doubletree Castle hotel at Orland for $49. Score!!! I doubt I can find a better deal than this. She even booked the room with king size bed and it came with free wifi (not that the wifi really matters). The hotel is only 11 miles from Disney. That's one item we can cross it off.

I was attempt to book Waldorf Astoria Orlando for one night since I went to the one in NYC many time for convention but never stay there. The best I can do is still about $220 a night. They offer a Disney view for about $250 a night. I will have to save that for some other trip.

 

[Planning fanatic mom]

Isn't in nice to check things off the list!!!

 

[GreatBiscuit]

Sorry to hear the split stay didn't work out. Glad to hear about your $49 deal though. I can't wait to see the photos from your trip!

 

[topdog]

Isn't in nice to check things off the list!!!

Yes. Looks like I will be checking another one off.

Sorry to hear the split stay didn't work out. Glad to hear about your $49 deal though. I can't wait to see the photos from your trip!

Hey GB. So sad to see your trip comes to the end.

Split or no split is really no big deal for me but it would be nice if we can do it. I am really thinking about dusting my 33 yrs old Nikon FM film camera and try it with my last roll of 35mm slides. (More crap to bring along.) If budget allow, I might even try to upgrade my DSLR by summer. DW has been trying to get a hold of the camera I am using now.

 

[topdog]

Car rental has been reserved. $300 for 2 weeks. Another item check off.

What's left to do? ADR and pay off the trip before we leave. I know I can...I know I can...I know I can...

 

[eandesmom]

Well the problem arises when you add the dining plan.

What you "could" do, without penalty or surcharges is this.

Resort #1. Days 1-5 (making up numbers of course) Book DDP, room and Park tickets. Book ticket to cover entire length of stay, 8 day park hoppers for example.

Resort #2. Book room only. Days 6&7. Your tickets from the first ressie are still good on these days, you just need to carry 2 items (ticket plus current room key) instead of 1 KTTW card. However they may be able to combine them after check in, not really sure about that.

If you have a room only PIN (and go online save itineraries, complete surveys etc, I've gotten 2 this way and lots of folks have) you can use that for both ressies. You can also do it without a PIN of course. I think the online promotions require a package but am not sure about that. This option doesn't require you to pay the 1st day ticket surcharge twice but would require you to have part of your trip OOP instead of on the DDP. You can only get the DDP if you have tickets as well.

This assumes you aren't adding vacation insurance, if you do you would potentially pay it twice in this scenario.

Just a thought.

Also, did you check the values for that night? If you are already there (and can't be at WL that night?) you might, with a PIN be able to get it close to that rate and Disney would move your bags for you even with a room only ressie. You can "link" ressies without paying any kind of split stay surcharge.

We almost took off for Vancouver on Sunday to be there for the hockey game and closing ceremonies but...didn't. Oh well.

 

[topdog]

Well the problem arises when you add the dining plan.

What you "could" do, without penalty or surcharges is this.

Resort #1. Days 1-5 (making up numbers of course) Book DDP, room and Park tickets. Book ticket to cover entire length of stay, 8 day park hoppers for example.

Resort #2. Book room only. Days 6&7. Your tickets from the first ressie are still good on these days, you just need to carry 2 items (ticket plus current room key) instead of 1 KTTW card. However they may be able to combine them after check in, not really sure about that.

If you have a room only PIN (and go online save itineraries, complete surveys etc, I've gotten 2 this way and lots of folks have) you can use that for both ressies. You can also do it without a PIN of course. I think the online promotions require a package but am not sure about that. This option doesn't require you to pay the 1st day ticket surcharge twice but would require you to have part of your trip OOP instead of on the DDP. You can only get the DDP if you have tickets as well.

This assumes you aren't adding vacation insurance, if you do you would potentially pay it twice in this scenario.

Just a thought.

Also, did you check the values for that night? If you are already there (and can't be at WL that night?) you might, with a PIN be able to get it close to that rate and Disney would move your bags for you even with a room only ressie. You can "link" ressies without paying any kind of split stay surcharge.

We almost took off for Vancouver on Sunday to be there for the hockey game and closing ceremonies but...didn't. Oh well.

DW did thought about the value resort for a night but then when I found out about the Doubletree castle, she booked it right away. For $50, we can't pass it up.

As for the split stay, it's really no big deal. We thought about split the trip half and half. Half at AKL and Half at WL. That's 5 days of AKL and 6 days of WL and we probably wouldn't have to pay extra. However, one thing I forgot to mention, I really really want to reserve for the WL flag raising family thing. We tried it twice but never able to get in. That need a mininum of 7 days in reserve in advance. So we decide just leave everything alone and stick with the original plan. That's okay. I am sure we'll be back to try other resort some other time.

Too bad you didn't make it to the closing ceremony. I am sure it must be very exciting in person compare to watching it on TV.

 

[topdog]

Well...it's official now. We went to AAA this morning to transfer our Disney reservation over.

Here is our AAA Disney specialist Daniel Jones who handle our reservation transfer. Very nice lady.

Her desk was decorate all kind of Disney stuff.

Other perks we get from AAA are AAA diamond card to get discount from tours and merchandise at Disney. We also get prefer seating area to watch the afternoon parade in Magic Kingdom at the main street train station second floor. We also get AAA member's only story telling session at EPCOT. It used to held in MK.

Daniel also confirmed our car rental at NC. $300 for 2 week on a full size sedan.

The whole thing took about 1/2 an hour. On our way back, 2 blocks away from AAA office, we pass by this restaurant. It has featured on a major network sitcom many times. Can you guess the name of this sitcom??

After that, we were very hungry and stop at this place for breakfast before get on our way.

Mmmmm...Waffles...