Our August (3 week stay) High and Lows (long sorry!).

[wayneg]

I'd do DC again in a heartbeat. DD1 asked while we were there if there was any spare time, could we come back during the holiday. I politely coughed and told her it was quite a lot of money (cost over £900 for the 4 of us with the swim!). It was amazing though - she's hooked on snorkelling now.

We have annual passports so get good discounts at DC, we considered going on Sunday 16th August it was $99 without swim, $169 with swim. but we only had 6 days there so decided not to do it.
Snorkelling is great we do it at Castaway Cay when on the Disney cruises, they have stuff hidden in the area, Mickey statues etc. We did it again while there last Friday, unfortunately I had to come back to the beach early, not feeling well (lack of fluids, I was fine after a few drinks) Matt stayed out a little longer.

 

[Portugal1000]

Enjoyed reading your report. We only did one trip, our first, without a car, could never do it again, especially off site but even when we stayed at SSR we always had a car.
Agree about Universal, we love it there. Visited four times, including an overnight stay at PBH. Also loved DC.. Didn't visit until our 10th trip but now been three times and definitely stays on the list for next year, good deal if not swimming with dolphin as you get the other parks.
At Bonnet Creek they only have life guards at the pools with slides. Have mixed feelings about the life guards. I remember them shouting a lot at SSR but I also saw several life guards jumping in to pull out children and their parents no where to be seen.. That always amazes me that people let little kids in there on their own. Haven't seen that at BC but that maybe because parents know there are no,life guards so can't rely on them. I just can't comprehend that a three year old child can die in a swimming pool in this day and age.
We got home today and my brother mentioned that he might go DLP in October. Haven't been since our son was 3 so I'd be up for a trip, although last time we stayed at DLH which I'm not sure their budget will be up to that and guess it would be mean to not stay in same hotel.. Would especially like to go as we didn't do the Disney parks this year.

 

[DLPDreams]

We have annual passports so get good discounts at DC, we considered going on Sunday 16th August it was $99 without swim, $169 with swim. but we only had 6 days there so decided not to do it.
Snorkelling is great we do it at Castaway Cay when on the Disney cruises, they have stuff hidden in the area, Mickey statues etc. We did it again while there last Friday, unfortunately I had to come back to the beach early, not feeling well (lack of fluids, I was fine after a few drinks) Matt stayed out a little longer.

Is the AP expensive Wayne? I'm just curious. Sorry to hear about your 'episode' in the water - it's so easily done. My DH was like a broken record with us telling us to drink water - even when we didn't feel thirsty! But it did the trick. I'd love to visit Castaway Cay sometime..... I can dream. I think DH would be up for a Disney cruise though as he just wants to do a cruise - biggest pain is getting over there for the Caribbean ones but I guess you can twin it with a short stay at WDW. I quite like the look of some of the cruises from Barcelona too (easier to get to), but they never seem the right dates for us!

Enjoyed reading your report. We only did one trip, our first, without a car, could never do it again, especially off site but even when we stayed at SSR we always had a car.
Agree about Universal, we love it there. Visited four times, including an overnight stay at PBH. Also loved DC.. Didn't visit until our 10th trip but now been three times and definitely stays on the list for next year, good deal if not swimming with dolphin as you get the other parks.
At Bonnet Creek they only have life guards at the pools with slides. Have mixed feelings about the life guards. I remember them shouting a lot at SSR but I also saw several life guards jumping in to pull out children and their parents no where to be seen.. That always amazes me that people let little kids in there on their own. Haven't seen that at BC but that maybe because parents know there are no,life guards so can't rely on them. I just can't comprehend that a three year old child can die in a swimming pool in this day and age.
We got home today and my brother mentioned that he might go DLP in October. Haven't been since our son was 3 so I'd be up for a trip, although last time we stayed at DLH which I'm not sure their budget will be up to that and guess it would be mean to not stay in same hotel.. Would especially like to go as we didn't do the Disney parks this year.

Glad you enjoyed PBH - it looks lovely there. I am unsure what the set up will be with US hotels once the new Sapphire Falls opens. There was some rumours of them changing which hotels get early entry and them downgrading RPR - I've not been reading up on it recently though so not sure what's happening.

Yes, I've always been funny about small children being in the pool on their own - I mean a lifeguard isn't a babysitter, it's there for an emergency. We went to the Red Sea 2013 and the month before we went out a child died (can't recall the age - below 7 I think). Child had been wandering around resort on her own and just got into another pool. Parents and grandparents said there should have been lifeguards on duty at the pool... I think you are right, parents are more vigilant when there are no lifeguards present, but ultimately you are responsible for your child no matter.

We went to DLP last October for Halloween (hence photo in my signature of my girls meeting Maleficent - she was fantastic!) - had a ball but it was very, very busy. Park was full to capacity on Halloween itself. Going in October half term needs careful planning as a result as the French tend to be off then too. But, going at another time (still in time to catch Halloween or the beginning of Christmas) would be good. I LOVE the DLH. You can't beat being on the doorstep of the park - empty EMHs are easy as a result, and having breakfast seated overlooking MK and the Castle is just bliss. The smell is divine in the lobby too. I bought some of the 'home perfume' from the boutique last time - it was expensive, but worth it - I spray it now and again and I have my own little piece of DLH in my home! I have also stayed at the SQL and loved there too, although not as decadent as DLH.

 

[wayneg]

Is the AP expensive Wayne? I'm just curious. Sorry to hear about your 'episode' in the water - it's so easily done. My DH was like a broken record with us telling us to drink water - even when we didn't feel thirsty! But it did the trick. I'd love to visit Castaway Cay sometime..... I can dream. I think DH would be up for a Disney cruise though as he just wants to do a cruise - biggest pain is getting over there for the Caribbean ones but I guess you can twin it with a short stay at WDW. I quite like the look of some of the cruises from Barcelona too (easier to get to), but they never seem the right dates for us!

Luckily our main trip each year is 25 nights so including a 7 night cruise still gives us plenty of time to do other things.

I tied into a deal with SW & BG a few years back, they never increase the price for life, I pay approx. £72/year (£36/park) not sure what they cost now.
Just found link to current prices http://seaworldparks.com/en/seaworld-orlando/book-online/tickets/annualpassestourist/
Gone up quite a lot.

 

[Portugal1000]

We went to DLP last October for Halloween (hence photo in my signature of my girls meeting Maleficent - she was fantastic!) - had a ball but it was very, very busy. Park was full to capacity on Halloween itself. Going in October half term needs careful planning as a result as the French tend to be off then too. But, going at another time (still in time to catch Halloween or the beginning of Christmas) would be good. I LOVE the DLH. You can't beat being on the doorstep of the park - empty EMHs are easy as a result, and having breakfast seated overlooking MK and the Castle is just bliss. The smell is divine in the lobby too. I bought some of the 'home perfume' from the boutique last time - it was expensive, but worth it - I spray it now and again and I have my own little piece of DLH in my home! I have also stayed at the SQL and loved there too, although not as decadent as DLH.

Just looked on school calendar and son has inset days on Thursday and Friday 26th and 27th Nov so we could go then, less than half the price of October and Christmas will have started. Not sure what the crows would be like then but will look into it.

 

[DLPDreams]

Wayne - you got a bargain!!! Lucky you!

Portugal - we went at that time (think it was 28th Nov) for a long weekend in 2012 as my DD's had an inset day and Christmas crafts so weren't missing any school! It was over a weekend and weekends are always busier especially with coming up to Christmas, but it was doable, the Friday was definitely quieter than the Saturday and Sunday. I did prebook meals - like Walts & Inventions and it was a must as they were not talking walk ups at all. Inventions was a highlight for us as all the characters were in Christmas dress - very sweet and the food was amazing. That and the fact we were allocated the main rotunda table overlooking the park at night - so had the most amazing view of Main Street all lit up.

I would go at that time again but do prefer Halloween if I am honest, so would always go for that if I could only do one. I love seeing the Villains and the park last year was decorated really well. There had been a pull away from Halloween but last year, clearly they realised it wasn't working and they came all out again with decorations etc. Christmas is always huge though - the tree lighting ceremony and the likes are beautiful.

If you manage to stay in the DLH (not sure of your plans), when we went they did an advent calendar every day in the lounge area (outside inventions). My two were asked to open windows by Goofy and were given presents each time - they were really nice things like Minnie keyrings etc. We just happened to be there so it was a nice surprise. Not sure if they still do it? Also, the gingerbread house at DLH is just stunning.

Being in the DLH at Christmas is fab, it's cold but just a short hop back to your room to warm up!

I am sure you will get lots of advice on the DLP bit on here - they are a nice, friendly bunch.

Good luck with your planning - at least it's not on a military scale like WDW - ha ha!

ETA - if you need any help with anything, don't hesitate to PM me and if I can help I will.

 

[DLPdaft]

Just looked on school calendar and son has inset days on Thursday and Friday 26th and 27th Nov so we could go then, less than half the price of October and Christmas will have started. Not sure what the crows would be like then but will look into it.

Do it! Its a fabulous time to go and the Thursday and Friday will be lovely and quiet, its one of my favourite times to go to DLP.

DLPDreams lovely to read all your highs and lows, we just got back yesterday morning from our first Orlando trip too, and I have similar thoughts to a lot of yours. My favourite hotel was definitely Cabana Bay at Universal, my favourite rides were there too, although I really liked the Seven Dwarves mine train and my girls loved Splash Mountain. The Lion King show at AK blew us all away, we neeed that back at DLP!

 

[DLPDreams]

Elaine - I've just replied on your thread. Welcome back. Glad you had a great time!