****OFFICIAL August, 2012 (PART 2)****

[cinnderly]

What size of a car do you need?

A compact car through Alamo (with an Insiders membership....which is free....and a $35 coupon code) is $156.21 including taxes and fees. That also includes a free additional driver (an Insiders perk).

Dollar's cost for the same car is $184.62 taxes/fees included with their city special.

Would a compact work, or do you need something larger?

Those prices are from your arrival to your departure, with pick up and drop off at MCO.

So I signed up for the Insiders Club, then searched. The cheapest reservation I found was for $204. Am I missing something? Also I didn't see anything about a $35 coupon code, where do I get that?

 

[Stan Solo]

OK my friends.......by popular demand it's the Disney bag rain poncho.......(ignore how I look, focus on the poncho.)

OK you win the Team 8 trophy for Best Picture!

Leaving tomorrow! It literally took me ALL day yesterday to pack. I can't just pick shorts, pick shirts and put them in my suitcase. No. I have to pull out all the potential shorts, all the potential shirts, match a shirt with shorts, try them on to make sure they fit and look good, of course....THEN I have to match the outfit with the park and make sure I don't wear two similar colored shirts two days in a row, etc, etc.... It's quite the process!

Packing is hard for me as well. I'm going for 14 days so I grab 14 Hawiian shirts, 14 pairs of socks and Under-Roos a few pairs of shorts, tooth brush, tooth paste, shaver, deodorant, cammera, iPod, iPad and chargers for all three. Close the suitcase and off I go. It's so hard being a guy.

This will be me come Sunday night! After I set 2 alarms PLUS request a wake up call from my dad, I still have the fear of not waking up in time for the flight!!
Throw in super-excitedness, and theres no sleep happening the night before-luckily I usually konck out on the plane so I'll get a 2 hour power nap in!

I so wish I could sleep on a plane. I'm such a nervous flyer I just know that one of these times they are going to take me into a little room and put on the rubber gloves just because I'm a bundle of nerves before I even get on the plane. I can hear them now "that guy looks to nervous to just be a tourist, get him!"

 

[PrincessatheartMN]

Love it ! What a gorgeous family you have .

We are having our family photos taken at Studio One to One at the Florida Mall while we're in Orlando. Hoping they turn out well.....we haven't had professional pics done since we did the Disney photo shoot on our 2009 trip.

Thanks Gina! Sears got a deal for $35 you got the family deluxe package on groupon. We went and had a lot fun with our Disney shirts.

 

[beachmama3]

Packing is hard for me as well. I'm going for 14 days so I grab 14 Hawiian shirts, 14 pairs of socks and Under-Roos a few pairs of shorts, tooth brush, tooth paste, shaver, deodorant, cammera, iPod, iPad and chargers for all three. Close the suitcase and off I go. It's so hard being a guy.

Packing for three boys is so nice. Just throw all their clean laundry into a suitcase- they don't care what they wear. On the other hand, I will pack every dress that I own, and plan my outfits for each ADR. And I won't forget the make-up bag, hair dryer, hair straightener, sparkly Minnie ears, etc....

 

[dawnhaze]

I pack like a man, haha. My suitcase contains all my clean pants and both pairs of cargo shorts I actually own, along with enough t-shirts and underwear for each day plus an extra. Throw in a toothbrush and deodorant and I'm good for a week.

I have to wake up and leave the house by 4am on Friday so I can drive myself to the airport. I don't think I'm going to sleep much tomorrow night!

 

[dontthrowsand]

I pack like a man, haha. My suitcase contains all my clean pants and both pairs of cargo shorts I actually own, along with enough t-shirts and underwear for each day plus an extra. Throw in a toothbrush and deodorant and I'm good for a week.

I have to wake up and leave the house by 4am on Friday so I can drive myself to the airport. I don't think I'm going to sleep much tomorrow night!

You'd hate the way I pack. I pack enough for 2 outfits a day assuming I will freeze at night and boil during the day.

 

[Emteach]

I will be packing for our trip. My mum is an interesting packer lol. My brother and sister went camping for a long weekend and it looked like they were going for the whole summer. She did a bit better with their overnight camp but we need to fit all of our stuff in 2 cases for our trip so....

 

[mrstomrice]

OK, gotta ask about the rental car. What company did you use and what rate did you get? Do you find it's hard to drive around the area? We've never rented a car and the area around Disney seems kind of confusing. And was it a hassle at the airport picking your car up? Did you have to wait forever in line?

I'm trying to make a very last minute decision here, as we're spending two days off site, (at least), at Universal. The cheapest rate I've found for a rental car, base rate and taxes was around $180. Add to that gas and several toll booths and I figure around $225, plus the parking fees I'll have to pay in the Universal garage for two separate days, plus possibly Sea World since we have free admission, I'm looking at close to $300 by the time it's all said and done.

On the other hand, I can get an amazing military rate at the Royal Pacific at Universal, with one hour early admission to the WWoHP and Express Plus passes for both parks included for $380. I would have to cab over there and cab to the airport, so another $100 tacked on to that for transportation.

I'm not rolling in the dough, but the extra $100 may be worth it by the time it's all said and done for the extra perks.

I'm so confused, HELP ME TEAM AUGUST!

We are happy to have a car! We have some adrs at resorts and it is a time saver. We paid $123 from Tuesday til Monday. We are even dropping the car off at the Wyndham by DTD so we can take ME back. We went with dollar and got a city special. We brought a GPS, which has been helpful, but the signs are so helpful too!

 

[mrstomrice]

We're back from Day 2! We changed plans and headed to MK. What a lucjy day for us. We got to the bus stop and the MK bus pulled right up...same for our mid day ride home. DS5 grew 3 inches since Sept. so he made it on Space Mountain even without his really tall shoes That was our first ride. The park was busy but not crazy at all! The new fastpass policy keeps us on our toes, but it feels like you can get them more frequently and we could have had a FP for SM even at 9 pm tonight.
We got the boys hair cut this morning. I was surprised they weren't offering the colored Mickey head gel...she said they stopped on Sunday becuase they ran out and Sally Beauty doesn't carry it anymore. The one barber pulled a string and let the boys have it done with a secret stash! They aren't sure when they will get colored gel again
We took a break at our pool for the afternoon and won the Disney trivia game then headed back for dinner at Ohana.
While we were at the park from 9-2 then 8:30 to 10 we were able to ride: SM twice, Buzz, Peoplemover, Speedway, Splash, Dumbo, Goofy's coaster, HM, PP, and we saw Philharmagic. We were next in line for BTMRR when it broke down. We never waited more than 10 minutes for any thing! We had lunch at Pecos Bills and our first dole whip float(for this trip) as a snack!

The best part? The humidity is bearable! Better than most days in PA this summer! No rain today and a storm yesterday afternoon. It is the best weather we have had in August....ever in 5 recent trips! Here's hoping that stays!

 

[dontthrowsand]

I will be packing for our trip. My mum is an interesting packer lol. My brother and sister went camping for a long weekend and it looked like they were going for the whole summer. She did a bit better with their overnight camp but we need to fit all of our stuff in 2 cases for our trip so....

The way I look at it, I have to pay to check my bag no matter if I bring less or not and I don't have to haul it around since DME take care of that so really, who cares if I bring too much when I don't have to deal with it.

ETA: I also like having extra space for all the stuff I'll probably end up brining home.

 

[ginny_lynn]

66 hours!!! we leave in 66 hours!!! now to get on this and get ready to go!

 

[DMMarla07860]

Hey everyone. I just found this thread. I'll be is WDW on August 22nd, taking a cruise on the Disney Magic and we stop at PC(WDW) on the 22nd. I'd love to meet some othere disboard people so if you are there that day PM me if you want to meet up

 

[OneBadApple]

WE LEAVE TOMORROW

This is our new family portrait just got taken at Sears Studio this morning.
We chose to wear our Disney shirts this year. 12 more days!

What a great photo!!!!

That is funny that you say that. I have practically nothing in my pantry, fridge, or freezer to make for dinner tonight so the solution is going to be ordering a pizza . However, since I get paid tomorrow, I will be doing some shopping for the remainder of the days we have left before we leave, but it will be super easy meals (frozen pizzas, spaghetti, sloppy joes, hot dogs, etc). I want to make sure they will be things that will be easy to reheat for when it is time for our "left over/clean out the fridge" night. Then come our night before we leave I already said I am NOT making dinner so we will either order out, go out, or bring something in . It's so bad that not only am I counting down to our trip but I am also counting down to when I don't have to cook meals for more then a week .

I am officially done cooking for 10 days!!!!

Waiting for MSEP right now. It is PACKED here in MK.

Hope you enjoyed the parade.

Plane leaves in 3 days! So very excited!!

I'm just looking for the cheapest deal. Full size isn't necessary. When I've looked on Hotwire before I've found good deals, but then the taxes and fees are astronomical. I'll check again based on your recommendation. Thanks!

The cheapest would be compact. So check that size. Tell me about the taxes and fees. For our deal, the taxes and fees are almost as much as the rental. Our total is $140, $63 which is taxes and fees.

We're back from Day 2! We changed plans and headed to MK. What a lucjy day for us. We got to the bus stop and the MK bus pulled right up...same for our mid day ride home. DS5 grew 3 inches since Sept. so he made it on Space Mountain even without his really tall shoes That was our first ride. The park was busy but not crazy at all! The new fastpass policy keeps us on our toes, but it feels like you can get them more frequently and we could have had a FP for SM even at 9 pm tonight.
We got the boys hair cut this morning. I was surprised they weren't offering the colored Mickey head gel...she said they stopped on Sunday becuase they ran out and Sally Beauty doesn't carry it anymore. The one barber pulled a string and let the boys have it done with a secret stash! They aren't sure when they will get colored gel again
We took a break at our pool for the afternoon and won the Disney trivia game then headed back for dinner at Ohana.
While we were at the park from 9-2 then 8:30 to 10 we were able to ride: SM twice, Buzz, Peoplemover, Speedway, Splash, Dumbo, Goofy's coaster, HM, PP, and we saw Philharmagic. We were next in line for BTMRR when it broke down. We never waited more than 10 minutes for any thing! We had lunch at Pecos Bills and our first dole whip float(for this trip) as a snack!

The best part? The humidity is bearable! Better than most days in PA this summer! No rain today and a storm yesterday afternoon. It is the best weather we have had in August....ever in 5 recent trips! Here's hoping that stays!

Sounds like an awesome day. I can't wait to walk down Main Street tomorrow night.

66 hours!!! we leave in 66 hours!!! now to get on this and get ready to go!

 

[Megs114]

Hey Everyone! We are on our way to the airport to head home we had a great trip! I will post about it when we get home

 

[dawnhaze]

I'm up early to do my 24-hour check in for my flight. This time tomorrow, I'll be anxiously awaiting takeoff! (I don't like to fly, haha.)

 

[litlpixie]

Good Morning Team!! I know theres a few more of us leaving in the next several hours so I thought Id say SAFE TRAVELS. I love the live reports we've been getting-keep em coming!!

 

[Cloudless Nights]

Good Morning Team!! I know theres a few more of us leaving in the next several hours so I thought Id say SAFE TRAVELS. I love the live reports we've been getting-keep em coming!!

Agreed! We are doing the single digit dance today!! Only 9 days until our blissful week at CBR!!

 

[OneBadApple]

Good Morning Team!! I know theres a few more of us leaving in the next several hours so I thought Id say SAFE TRAVELS. I love the live reports we've been getting-keep em coming!!

Practicing using the app so I can do live updates. I will only be able to them from the resort or MK, since we don't own a smart phone.

Safe travels to all traveling!!!!!

 

[Houston86]

Well I have made it to KY for training tomorrow, hair appointment today and looking at 3 homes for the relocation. I hope everyone leaving today has a safe trip. I know I am so ready for ours to start. Thinking about adding an extra day since we will all be apart for the next few months. This would give us just a little more relaxation before reality sets in.

Sent from my iPhone using DISBoards

 

[Gina-Gina-Bo-Bina]

So I signed up for the Insiders Club, then searched. The cheapest reservation I found was for $204. Am I missing something? Also I didn't see anything about a $35 coupon code, where do I get that?

I am using the Insiders contract ID # 7015135 and the coupon code AD2359FDF (you have to be sure these are both in the reservations request in order to have the discount and coupon applied). Here is what that code and coupon came up with this morning (copy and pasted from the reservations page):

Step 3:
Select rental options and calculate total Base Rate - Compact (USD)
(1) Time & Distance ($103.00/Week) $103.00
(3) Extra - Time & Distance ($14.71/Day) $44.13
Discount ($14.71)
Discount Coupon Accepted ($35.00)
Contract I.D. Alamo Insiders Members
Inclusive Rate Items
Guaranteed Base Rate Included
(1) Additional Driver Included
Unlimited Miles Included

For information on coverage products, ex:Collision Damage Waiver(CDW) click here

Subtotal $97.42

Primary Driver Of age primary driver (25 or older)
Underage primary driver (age 21 - 24) ($25.00/day) $0.00
For Information on age requirements and exceptions, click here.
Subtotal $0.00
Additional Drivers Rentals that require Additional Drivers must be completed at the Alamo counter,
or via Online Check-In or Save Time.
Additional Items 0 1 2 Booster Seat ($9.99/Day; $66.00/Max Amt) $0.00
0 1 Greenhouse Gas Emissions Offset ($1.25/Rental) $0.00
0 1 2 Infant Seat ($9.99/Day; $66.00/Max Amt) $0.00
0 1 2 Child/toddler Seat ($9.99/Day; $66.00/Max Amt) $0.00
0 1 2 Gps Navigation Device ($11.99/Day; $69.65/Week; $179.99/Max Amt) $0.00
Collision Damage Waiver Full ($24.99/Day) $0.00
Extended Protection ($12.44/Day) $0.00
Personal Accident Insurance/persone ($8.00/Day) $0.00
Roadside Plus ($4.99/Day) $0.00
Return Fuel at any level ($3.51/gal) $0.00
No refund will be given for unused fuel.
The total upfront fuel charge reflected is an estimate based on
the current prices and average tank size for the car class reserved.
This charge may change at time of rental.

Subtotal $0.00
Taxes, Surcharges and Fees Customer Facility Charge 2.50/day $12.50
Airport Access Fee 10 % $10.36
Tire/battery Fee .02/day $0.20
Florida Surcharge 2.00/day $20.00
Vehicle License Fee .62/day $6.20
Sales Tax (6.50%) $9.53
Subtotal $58.79

You have made changes to the additional items selected. You must calculate your new total before confirming this reservation.
Calculate Estimated Total Estimated Total $156.21

Here's the info on the coupon:

http://www.carrentalsavers.com/alamo.html

(its the first one listed...."extended Alamo coupon").

A couple of things I like about Alamo....

- the free additional driver with the Insiders Membership (be sure to add your membership # to the reservation page)

- you get to choose your own vehicle from the lot (we reserved a compact for our January trip and ended up with a Chevy HHR )