Robbie and Mike return to HHN

[tink1957]

Are you planning on wearing anything special for MNSSHP? I found a cinderella castle skirt that I'm undecided on...we'll see how it looks when it comes in the mail

I don't know Robbie...I've heard that early event leads to bigger crowds and combined with a Saturday you might do better to ride Soarin early and use your fps at HS.

 

[RAPstar]

Yay, got Club Villain booked this morning. Also, I looked at the Early Morning Magic for DHS and it seems to be only on Mondays, so I switched the FP back to Epcot for Soarin' and The Seas. Also, it let me make FP for the Sunday we're there, so I made them for the AK portion and we will either try to grab MK ones when we get there, or just wait for the party.

EDIT: switched Epcot FP back to DHS. Just figured it will be easier to do 2 rides at Epcot without FP than 3 at DHS without. Cause really all I want to do at Epcot is see the new Soarin' film and ride Test Track. Maybe the Mexico boat cause I love me some Three Caballeros, but really that's it besides F&W booths.

 

[RAPstar]

So I didn't want to give myself the option of only doing F&W booths, cause I know I would spend far too much, so I decided to limit myself to a few booths and do lunch at Rose and Crown, since I probably won't be eating at Finnegan's this trip. Now to look at the booth menus and decide which few I will hit up, besides Canada for cheese soup and China for the steamed bun with duck.

 

[Lynne G]

Sounds like fun. For the first time, I'm doing the Club Villain too. Can't wait to hear your take on it.

Time is getting closer!

Subbing.

Wahoo!

 

[RAPstar]

Ugh, I have a conundrum. With the new AP set up out, I'm thinking of switching to a different hotel and upgrading my pass. I'd save about $100, Mike wouldn't have to pay for parking, and I'd get the food/merch discount. What I'm looking at now: hotel on Hotwire by UO that's 95% recommended for $301, $100 back from my deposit, and $145 approx to upgrade pass. The only thing I'd loose is the boat to the park, and package delivery. IDK. Any thoughts? @tink1957? @keishashadow?

 

[tink1957]

Is it worth all that trouble to save $100...does the $100 include the parking savings? What hotel is it?

The savings on food and merch might be worth it, idk

 

[RAPstar]

Is it worth all that trouble to save $100...does the $100 include the parking savings? What hotel is it?

The savings on food and merch might be worth it, idk

I don't know what hotel it is. It's Hotwire, so you don't know till you book.

 

[tink1957]

Silly me...I've booked on hotwire before
I probably wouldn't do it unless I was sure of the hotel. I've stayed at the Holiday Inn across from Universal several times and they have free parking too. It would be nice if that was the one but you never know what you're going to get.

 

[keishashadow]

Ugh, I have a conundrum. With the new AP set up out, I'm thinking of switching to a different hotel and upgrading my pass. I'd save about $100, Mike wouldn't have to pay for parking, and I'd get the food/merch discount. What I'm looking at now: hotel on Hotwire by UO that's 95% recommended for $301, $100 back from my deposit, and $145 approx to upgrade pass. The only thing I'd loose is the boat to the park, and package delivery. IDK. Any thoughts? @tink1957? @keishashadow?

I'm a big Hotwire fan but haven't pulled trigger (yet) for Loews. Hasn't stopped me from checking often for the first night I'm needing in Oct.

Not sure what amenties you're seeing. If thru betterbidding's website/bidding helper you can see full amenties or at least more than what is on typical Hotwire site

Likely looking @ Arnold Palmer resort (free parking) and Crown royal (not sure if parking charges) are typically the 4 star offerings that seem to be available. I'm sure they're both lovely, but I want that water taxi at the end of the night.

I have had decent luck with calling Hotwire and acting blonde...telling them I want to check to see if there is a resort or parking fee associated with the reservation. They can see all lol

 

[RAPstar]

I'm a big Hotwire fan but haven't pulled trigger (yet) for Loews. Hasn't stopped me from checking often for the first night I'm needing in Oct.

A bit too iffy for me as Arnold Palmer resort (free parking) and Crown royal (not sure if parking charges) are typically the 4 star offerings that seem to be available. I'm sure they're both lovely, but I want that water taxi at the end of the night.

Here's my crib notes, no guarantees using these guidelines re U onsite/Hotwire - ever, just my thots.

PB reported to usually be 5, some reports of 4.5 stars. RP 4. Should see all four amenties for both: Golf Nearby, Tennis Nearby, Business Center & Children's activities, along with other amenities.

PB should have Spa Services, RP will state Resort.

Kitchenette & free parking eliminate a Loews property.

I have had decent luck with calling Hotwire and acting blonde...telling them I want to check to see if there is a resort or parking fee associated with the reservation. They can see all lol

Well the one I was looking at was $301 total. It's a 2.5 star or 2 star, but again 95% recommended based on reviews. I'm almost certain its the new-ish Clarion across the street cause it also has good reviews for a lower end hotel. But I've also read reviews on Trip Advisor about iffy deposit practices. That's why I'm on the fence. It'd be nice if there were anything at Disney with Mike's CM discount, but literally the only thing that comes up with the total dates of my trip is AKL for double what I'm paying for SF. If I just did Sat/Sun nights I could do Coronado, but I don't really like doing split stays.

 

[keishashadow]

Well the one I was looking at was $301 total. It's a 2.5 star or 2 star, but again 95% recommended based on reviews. I'm almost certain its the new-ish Clarion across the street cause it also has good reviews for a lower end hotel. But I've also read reviews on Trip Advisor about iffy deposit practices. That's why I'm on the fence. It'd be nice if there were anything at Disney with Mike's CM discount, but literally the only thing that comes up with the total dates of my trip is AKL for double what I'm paying for SF. If I just did Sat/Sun nights I could do Coronado, but I don't really like doing split stays.

Gotcha - it looks nice to me and walkable if a bit longer than I'd like lol. $301 for how many nights? Keep checking on Hotwire, good chance they may send you a coupon code.

Did u check orbitz or cheap tix for WDW onsite resorts as to using their coupon codes?

 

[tink1957]

The Extended Stay on Major Blvd is $303 for your dates on expedia mobile it also has free parking and breakfast. If you only need 1 queen sized bed, it's less.

 

[RAPstar]

Gotcha - it looks nice to me and walkable if a bit longer than I'd like lol. $301 for how many nights? Keep checking on Hotwire, good chance they may send you a coupon code.

Did u check orbitz or cheap tix for WDW onsite resorts as to using their coupon codes?

Sept 21-26. I didn't think to look there for onsite at WDW. I'll check.

 

[RAPstar]

So I found All Star Music at $100/night on cheap tickets. With the current coupon code, for 18%, the total altogether would be $470 which is $100 less than the total I got on Disney approx. A little less than $100 for what I'm paying for SF ($558 total, I've already paid $133 since I booked before the new APH rate came out). But I would have to wait till Sept 9 to try and book since that's when I'll have enough to pay it in full.

There's also the Best Western by Disney Springs $85/night, with the coupon it's about the same as Music.

IDK. I hate making decisions.

 

[macraven]

I'm a big Hotwire fan but haven't pulled trigger (yet) for Loews. Hasn't stopped me from checking often for the first night I'm needing in Oct.

Not sure what amenties you're seeing. If thru betterbidding's website/bidding helper you can see full amenties or at least more than what is on typical Hotwire site

Likely looking @ Arnold Palmer resort (free parking) and Crown royal (not sure if parking charges) are typically the 4 star offerings that seem to be available. I'm sure they're both lovely, but I want that water taxi at the end of the night.

I have had decent luck with calling Hotwire and acting blonde...telling them I want to check to see if there is a resort or parking fee associated with the reservation. They can see all lol

But you are blonde......

 

[RAPstar]

I'm just gonna stay at SF. No matter what I always seem to make the best of (almost) any situation when I go to UOR and WDW, so unless I loost a limb or die then I'm sure I'll have a great trip.

 

[RAPstar]

10 Things I'm Looking Forward to the Most (in no particular order)

1. KONG!! Even though I feel like screens are lackluster (especially with 2 attractions coming with more screens more than likely), I'm really looking forward to his return to Universal! Plus, at least we get an AA!
2. COWFISH!!! Sushi, yaaaaaaaaass. Burgers, yaaaaaaaaaass. Burgers AND sushi?? YAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAASS
3. HAVE ALL OF THE BUTTERBEER!! I may skip drinking Butterbeer this trip just to try the new forms, like the potted kind, and the brownie/cookie/whatever it is that I read about. I may try a hot one, but I don't do well with hot drinks in hot weather.
4. CLUB VILLAIN!!!! Do I need to put a reason? I love villains, and it has been the most consistently positively reviewed event at Disney that I can recall.
5. DINNER AT BE OUR GUEST!! I've always cancelled it in the past for other, new experiences, even though I haven't had dinner there. But it will be great cause I'll be eating with 3 great friends, and then doing the Halloween party after!
6. HHN!! Even though I feel like HHN is at its best with more original content, The IPs they have this year are pretty epic! (not counting TWD which I'm over, I didn't even watch the show this past season I'm that tired of it)
7. MNSSHP!! I love to see the costumes people come up with! I'm excited to see the Remember the Magic Halloween version! Plus, again, 3 great friends to hang out with!
8. SAPPHIRE FALLS! It's a brand new hotel! It has a boat! They had a few kinks when they opened, but hopefully they've ironed out most of them by the time I get there.
9. HARRY POTTER!!! I only got to see Diagon Alley one time so far back in 2014, so I definitely look forward to getting some more time there, and riding Gringotts more. Now to put some sort of spell on my wallet to keep my money from disappearing!
10. NOT BEING AT HOME!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I love my pets a lot, but I need some time without the dog waking me up to go pee, lol.

20 more days to go!!

 

[keishashadow]

I'm just gonna stay at SF. No matter what I always seem to make the best of (almost) any situation when I go to UOR and WDW, so unless I loost a limb or die then I'm sure I'll have a great trip.

Way to think positive lol

What are you considering ordering for dinner @ BoG? I rarely order pork out, their chop is very good as is the steak.

 

[RAPstar]

Way to think positive lol

What are you considering ordering for dinner @ BoG? I rarely order pork out, their chop is very good as is the steak.

I was thinking the lamb? I don't want the pot roast. Maybe the steak. The seafood thing sounds good too, but I'm meh about the pie part.

 

[RAPstar]

Surprise option #3: While checking rates at the Universal hotels again today, I saw a standard room at CBay available. Since I now had a reason to switch over there that would save me money I grabbed it and called to cancel the SF reservation. I was going to just have them switch the hotel, but the TM on the phone didn't see the standard room, and he would have had to cancel SF to rebook anyway. I also added a request to have me and Vicki's rooms close to each other. Yay! I can't wait!!