***Official November 2013***

[Sheilby]

We are using SW for the 1st time and I am not too keen on the seating. For JetBlue is just too expensive. We used them on our 1st 3 trips because they were so cheap, but now they are one of the most expensive out of our airport.

Edit: I forgot to add that we did pay for priority seating (or what ever it is called) do that we should be in one of the 1st groups to board.

Which airport do you fly out of? After I already booked our flight I started looking around at other flights and couldn't believe the vast difference in prices from airport to airport (even when the airports were relatively close). It turns out I could have saved about 13 dollars a ticket it I had flown out the day before. (Tuesday rather than Wednesday) Of course when I was booking everything I didn't realize how much flexibility I had with the Disney reservations. I know so much more after reading this site. I was more the type that booked the dates at the resort, then grabbed the plane before the seats filled up.

I did look at other airlines and JetBlue was pretty much the cheapest out of Newark when we are going down. There were a couple of flights cheaper, but they had stops and would have wasted the entire day in travel. Some left at 6:30am and didn't get in until almost 6 at night. At that point I might as well have taken the train, saved money and not needed a pat down

Let me know how SW goes when the time comes. Is it a direct flight?

 

[Sheilby]

Well, I live across the river in PA and I have a reputation for jibber jabbering too. I have a twin sister who lives in Cape May, NJ and she does not jabber as much as me.

Yes, the monorail resorts are so much more convenient. I was telling my sister today that I would probably try Boma if it was not so difficult to get to. I had thought about Whispering Canyon as well.

South Jersey folks are a little calmer than us North Jersey crazies.

Whispering Canyon looks fun, and the tree is supposed to be incredible. The kids are a lot happier now too so that is good.

 

[Sheilby]

Passaic Co. Here!

I lived at the border of Pasaic and Morris for a while after getting married. First in Lincoln Park then in Riverdale. Now we are much further south in Morris. It's closer to what I was used to in Monmouth county so it is a better fit for me. I lived in Hoboken for a while during school, now that place I miss. Oh my goodness no one does fresh mutz like Hoboken.

 

[OneBadApple]

Which airport do you fly out of? After I already booked our flight I started looking around at other flights and couldn't believe the vast difference in prices from airport to airport (even when the airports were relatively close). It turns out I could have saved about 13 dollars a ticket it I had flown out the day before. (Tuesday rather than Wednesday) Of course when I was booking everything I didn't realize how much flexibility I had with the Disney reservations. I know so much more after reading this site. I was more the type that booked the dates at the resort, then grabbed the plane before the seats filled up.

I did look at other airlines and JetBlue was pretty much the cheapest out of Newark when we are going down. There were a couple of flights cheaper, but they had stops and would have wasted the entire day in travel. Some left at 6:30am and didn't get in until almost 6 at night. At that point I might as well have taken the train, saved money and not needed a pat down

Let me know how SW goes when the time comes. Is it a direct flight?

We are flying out of Rochester, I am sure Buffalo would have been cheaper, but that is an hour away.

We booked our flights the day they posted the November schedule, so our fares are pretty reasonable being Thanksgiving week. We got lucky, both flights are direct for us and my parents. My sister is joining us a few days later has a layover going down and a direct coming home. She is nervous about the layover because the one and only time she went to Disney a couple of years ago they missed their connecting flight and didn't get in until after midnight. That was with AirTran.

 

[Sheilby]

We are flying out of Rochester, I am sure Buffalo would have been cheaper, but that is an hour away.

We booked our flights the day they posted the November schedule, so our fares are pretty reasonable being Thanksgiving week. We got lucky, both flights are direct for us and my parents. My sister is joining us a few days later has a layover going down and a direct coming home. She is nervous about the layover because the one and only time she went to Disney a couple of years ago they missed their connecting flight and didn't get in until after midnight. That was with AirTran.

Yeah, I understand not wanting to drive a longer distance to catch a flight. I was reading some of the prices people were getting from Jersey and I felt guilty for spending more, but then I read they are flying out of Atlantic City. That is at least a 2.5 hour trip for me vs. under 40 minutes to Newark. Some were also getting in late at night, and I don't want to waste a day so I had to accept the convenience I want comes at a price.

 

[FigmentChick]

Yeah, I understand not wanting to drive a longer distance to catch a flight. I was reading some of the prices people were getting from Jersey and I felt guilty for spending more, but then I read they are flying out of Atlantic City. That is at least a 2.5 hour trip for me vs. under 40 minutes to Newark. Some were also getting in late at night, and I don't want to waste a day so I had to accept the convenience I want comes at a price.

The people that are flying out of AC are not getting that great of a deal. Spirit Airlines is charging for everything - including carry on bags. No, thank you. That's why we won't even consider them anymore.


Oh....and I just got off the phone with Amy's principal and we have a plan for her next three years (yes....she's graduating early!). One of the things she will do is take courses at the local community college to make room in her HS schedule for art, but also get credit for college. whoo-hoo!!! And she will officially be considered a Senior her third year so she can go to prom and on the senior class trip if she wants to (although, I am trying to convince her to go on a mom & daughter trip).

 

[RejoyceoverDisney]

The people that are flying out of AC are not getting that great of a deal. Spirit Airlines is charging for everything - including carry on bags. No, thank you. That's why we won't even consider them anymore.


Oh....and I just got off the phone with Amy's principal and we have a plan for her next three years (yes....she's graduating early!). One of the things she will do is take courses at the local community college to make room in her HS schedule for art, but also get credit for college. whoo-hoo!!! And she will officially be considered a Senior her third year so she can go to prom and on the senior class trip if she wants to (although, I am trying to convince her to go on a mom & daughter trip).

Hmmmm where are you considering for a mom & daughter trip?

 

[Sheilby]

The people that are flying out of AC are not getting that great of a deal. Spirit Airlines is charging for everything - including carry on bags. No, thank you. That's why we won't even consider them anymore.


Oh....and I just got off the phone with Amy's principal and we have a plan for her next three years (yes....she's graduating early!). One of the things she will do is take courses at the local community college to make room in her HS schedule for art, but also get credit for college. whoo-hoo!!! And she will officially be considered a Senior her third year so she can go to prom and on the senior class trip if she wants to (although, I am trying to convince her to go on a mom & daughter trip).

That's awesome! I took courses at my local community college in high school too, I loved it. Of course it just made me long for the freedom of being out of high school.

Are you flying out of Philly since you are in way south Jersey? What airline do you use? I thought about going out of there because I heard it could be cheaper, but it's over 2 hours away. I'll have a hard enough time getting to the airport in Newark by 7am or so (flight is at 9:00am) - I'd never make it down to Philly for an early flight.

 

[CaraMiaBelle]

That's awesome! I took courses at my local community college in high school too, I loved it. Of course it just made me long for the freedom of being out of high school.

Are you flying out of Philly since you are in way south Jersey? What airline do you use? I thought about going out of there because I heard it could be cheaper, but it's over 2 hours away. I'll have a hard enough time getting to the airport in Newark by 7am or so (flight is at 9:00am) - I'd never make it down to Philly for an early flight.

Except for a 3 day window, Newark has been cheaper in the past 2 months. I know because I checked both everyday, even though Newark is 2 hours away and Philly only an hour. Trenton was my first choice, being the closest for me, but as soon as Disney's free dining dates were released, those fares skyrocketed! I ended up fling out of Philly for $1200 round trip for 5 of us... Not bad!

 

[Sheilby]

Except for a 3 day window, Newark has been cheaper in the past 2 months. I know because I checked both everyday, even though Newark is 2 hours away and Philly only an hour. Trenton was my first choice, being the closest for me, but as soon as Disney's free dining dates were released, those fares skyrocketed! I ended up fling out of Philly for $1200 round trip for 5 of us... Not bad!

We got pretty much the same. $1244 for the 5 of us (inlaws paid separately) on JetBlue out of Newark. That includes one checked bag each, assigned seating and all taxes and fees, so I guess that is a good price. Can you fly direct out of Trenton to MCO? I'm so programmed to think of only Newark, Philly, JFK and LaGuardia - I need to widen my searches next time!

 

[FigmentChick]

Hmmmm where are you considering for a mom & daughter trip?

We're considering Disney, of course. But also considering a cruise or anywhere else she wants to travel. I love to travel and she likes to see new places (like her mom), so whatever she wants to do will be fine.

That's awesome! I took courses at my local community college in high school too, I loved it. Of course it just made me long for the freedom of being out of high school.

Are you flying out of Philly since you are in way south Jersey? What airline do you use? I thought about going out of there because I heard it could be cheaper, but it's over 2 hours away. I'll have a hard enough time getting to the airport in Newark by 7am or so (flight is at 9:00am) - I'd never make it down to Philly for an early flight.

We are not flying this time. Flights were costing the five of us over $1300 and I checked Philly, AC, Trenton, and Wilmington. Add to that rental car and (possible) airport parking costs and we decided to take the AutoTrain. I love trains, so I'm really excited. Heck....I love all forms of travel. Plus, I'll have my own minivan, which makes me more comfortable than renting.

Lorton, VA (where we get the train) is just below DC and I can get there in about 2 hours. Yes, it takes longer than a flight, but I think it will be a great adventure!

 

[Tltorrez]

Posting here because it's a surprise and I can't talk about it anywhere else. But I'm doing the happy dance.

We had to cancel our family trip for October due to budget, but airline miles + my mom's spare room + annual passes from our last trip means I can take DS11 to Disney for his birthday for the same price it would cost me to do a laser tag birthday party with his friends. Total no-brainer!

So flights are booked and it's official. Arriving in Orlando on Oct 31 but will be at Disney Nov 1, 2 and 4. Staying offsite at my mom's house. They have APs too so it will be an awesome weekend.

 

[meggiebeth]

Posting here because it's a surprise and I can't talk about it anywhere else. But I'm doing the happy dance.

We had to cancel our family trip for October due to budget, but airline miles + my mom's spare room + annual passes from our last trip means I can take DS11 to Disney for his birthday for the same price it would cost me to do a laser tag birthday party with his friends. Total no-brainer!

So flights are booked and it's official. Arriving in Orlando on Oct 31 but will be at Disney Nov 1, 2 and 4. Staying offsite at my mom's house. They have APs too so it will be an awesome weekend.

That sounds fantastic!!! What a fantastic birthday treat and I am sure your DS will be thrilled when he finds out about the surprise!

Are you planning to do MNSSHP? I suppose not as that would take a big chunk out of the budget.

Meg~ Sent from my iPhone using DISBoards

 

[Sheilby]

We're considering Disney, of course. But also considering a cruise or anywhere else she wants to travel. I love to travel and she likes to see new places (like her mom), so whatever she wants to do will be fine.



We are not flying this time. Flights were costing the five of us over $1300 and I checked Philly, AC, Trenton, and Wilmington. Add to that rental car and (possible) airport parking costs and we decided to take the AutoTrain. I love trains, so I'm really excited. Heck....I love all forms of travel. Plus, I'll have my own minivan, which makes me more comfortable than renting.

Lorton, VA (where we get the train) is just below DC and I can get there in about 2 hours. Yes, it takes longer than a flight, but I think it will be a great adventure!

We looked into taking the train, but it was still going to be over $800 for us if we stayed up in a club car all night and it would take 23 hours. I could drive faster. We were tempted though, we always wanted to take a train across country. If we were a family of 4 it would have been doable with two roomettes. We would have had to get the bigger rooms since we are 5 and it made the price way more than flying. At least we got a deal on the parking at the airport, about 40 bucks for the 8 days. It will be nice for you to have your car down there though. Is the autotrain a lot more?

 

[Sheilby]

Posting here because it's a surprise and I can't talk about it anywhere else. But I'm doing the happy dance.

We had to cancel our family trip for October due to budget, but airline miles + my mom's spare room + annual passes from our last trip means I can take DS11 to Disney for his birthday for the same price it would cost me to do a laser tag birthday party with his friends. Total no-brainer!

So flights are booked and it's official. Arriving in Orlando on Oct 31 but will be at Disney Nov 1, 2 and 4. Staying offsite at my mom's house. They have APs too so it will be an awesome weekend.

Fabulous! Have a wonderful time.

 

[Tltorrez]

That sounds fantastic!!! What a fantastic birthday treat and I am sure your DS will be thrilled when he finds out about the surprise!

Are you planning to do MNSSHP? I suppose not as that would take a big chunk out of the budget.

Meg~ Sent from my iPhone using DISBoards

Not this time. We did MNSSHP in 2012 and 2011. In 2011 we were there on his actual birthday. So we did a small surprise party in the morning. Then we went to F&W. We had told him we were only going to Epcot that trip. Then we had a CM come up to him in the afternoon and give him a note from Mickey that said he had another surprise back in the room. We treked back to the Dolphin and we had costumes for all of us and tickets for the party. (You can see pics in my sig.) He spent the whole night telling people - Mickey invited me to the party because it's my birthday.

Anyway, we love MNSSHP but this is a budget no-frills trip. No character meals or parties. Not even a Photopass CD (which is killing me because of all the new magic shots!) But I'm planning to hit all 4 parks though low-key so we'll play a lot of SOTMK, Wilderness Explorers and Agent P and eat a lot at F&W. And I'm planning dinner on the 1st at the Poly so we can watch Hallowishes afterwards.

 

[FigmentChick]

Posting here because it's a surprise and I can't talk about it anywhere else. But I'm doing the happy dance.

We had to cancel our family trip for October due to budget, but airline miles + my mom's spare room + annual passes from our last trip means I can take DS11 to Disney for his birthday for the same price it would cost me to do a laser tag birthday party with his friends. Total no-brainer!

So flights are booked and it's official. Arriving in Orlando on Oct 31 but will be at Disney Nov 1, 2 and 4. Staying offsite at my mom's house. They have APs too so it will be an awesome weekend.

Awesome!!!! Welcome aboard!

We looked into taking the train, but it was still going to be over $800 for us if we stayed up in a club car all night and it would take 23 hours. I could drive faster. We were tempted though, we always wanted to take a train across country. If we were a family of 4 it would have been doable with two roomettes. We would have had to get the bigger rooms since we are 5 and it made the price way more than flying. At least we got a deal on the parking at the airport, about 40 bucks for the 8 days. It will be nice for you to have your car down there though. Is the autotrain a lot more?

We're just doing coach. We can sleep through anything. lol And hubby is six and a half feet tall, so squeezing in to one of those rooms would not work with all five of us. And, yes, I can drive there in 13 hours versus the total of 22 hours is will take, but I'm ok with that....less wear and tear on my car. But, at least I have a back-up option if a storm comes through (a couple of people on this board had the train cancelled on them when Hurricane Sandy came through).

 

[CaraMiaBelle]

We're considering Disney, of course. But also considering a cruise or anywhere else she wants to travel. I love to travel and she likes to see new places (like her mom), so whatever she wants to do will be fine.



We are not flying this time. Flights were costing the five of us over $1300 and I checked Philly, AC, Trenton, and Wilmington. Add to that rental car and (possible) airport parking costs and we decided to take the AutoTrain. I love trains, so I'm really excited. Heck....I love all forms of travel. Plus, I'll have my own minivan, which makes me more comfortable than renting.

Lorton, VA (where we get the train) is just below DC and I can get there in about 2 hours. Yes, it takes longer than a flight, but I think it will be a great adventure!

Before the rate drop where I snagged our airfare, we thought about the Auto Train too since it was practically the same cost as the airfare then! My oldest LOVES trains so we thought it might be fun, but then my husband got cheap on me and wanted to wait out the airfare.

 

[CaraMiaBelle]

Awesome!!!! Welcome aboard!



We're just doing coach. We can sleep through anything. lol And hubby is six and a half feet tall, so squeezing in to one of those rooms would not work with all five of us. And, yes, I can drive there in 13 hours versus the total of 22 hours is will take, but I'm ok with that....less wear and tear on my car. But, at least I have a back-up option if a storm comes through (a couple of people on this board had the train cancelled on them when Hurricane Sandy came through).

OH, so that's how it was cheaper....yeah, I can't see my kids sleeping enough in coach. They'd be cranky the whole trip!

 

[Sheilby]

Awesome!!!! Welcome aboard!

We're just doing coach. We can sleep through anything. lol And hubby is six and a half feet tall, so squeezing in to one of those rooms would not work with all five of us. And, yes, I can drive there in 13 hours versus the total of 22 hours is will take, but I'm ok with that....less wear and tear on my car. But, at least I have a back-up option if a storm comes through (a couple of people on this board had the train cancelled on them when Hurricane Sandy came through).

Yeah, I'm just waiting to see what weather this Halloween brings after the last two years. I don't think my kids even remember what it is like to trick or treat the old fashioned way. Our neighborhood didn't have power on Halloween in 2011 or 2012 so the moms arranged trunk or treating through texting for the last couple of years. Took us 2 weeks to get back power this last Halloween. No one was really in the mood to celebrate anyway because a couple from our town died in the storm when a tree hit their car. It was one of my scout's parents. We were lucky for Sandy, but lost both our cars the year before. The people on the street behind me weren't so lucky. Every other house had a tree in it by the next morning. It was unreal. Let's hope this fall goes smoother.

I think I would rather take the train than drive too, more relaxing and you can read. I just couldn't justify losing 2 full days of travel for a price difference of $400 for us. Of course I suppose I could have afforded another day down there then, but my hubby can't take off a lot of time at once.