So now I'm excited. Less than three weeks out, and it looks like we're on.

[coastgirl]

Dh has been endlessly dithering about work commitments, and while we've had the air tickets since November, he's not really been ready to say "yes". I was so sad we were going to have to cancel. We've been planning this trip for about a year and a half, because we have an unusually long Feb break in Halifax this year, and it's a great opportunity for us to get away in the winter. (We don't "do" March break because a week is never enough, and I am too cheap to pay March prices!) But I was so sad about being stuck here in Feb.

Today we finally booked a villa. (Thanks Sympatico!) It's in Sunset Lakes, which looks really low-key and not dense. The kids will go WILD when they find out we have our own pool, AND they get to go to WWoHP. I may actually be able to keep it a surprise this time, as we haven't mentioned anything yet for fear of disappointing them. We've only booked 10 days instead of the 13 we'd planned, but it looks like it'll be mostly chillin at the villa, or visiting Harry.

Dd turns 8 while we're there and I've got her booked at BBB on her birthday, and dinner at 1900 PF. Ds will get to go to the Lego store, and his outing is his fav breakfast with Stitch at 'Ohana.

And I have less than three weeks! I've made a few reservations online, but nothing else is done. And I have to keep it secret! Ah well, it's a problem I'm happy to have!

 

[sympatico]

 

[braddillman]

C U there (just joking). Actually, we're getting FlexPasses and not going to Disney.

I've met so many people from around HRM that are going to Orlando; some for the 1st week, most for both. Most to Disney, but not all.

If I'm standing around waiting for something, and I want to strike up a conversation, my opening line will be "So, what part of Halifax are you from?"

 

[Ted in Halifax]

Our trip counters look suspiciously similar in their time line!

 

[Bertie9396]

HOORAY! I'm very happy for you. We are in a similar situation. We have been talking about our trip at the end of March since November. But DH couldn't get the OK. Finally he thinks its OK and my work goes to h-e-double hockey sticks and we are on standby - waiting to see how things go at my job. We are driving though and have a hotel ressie that we are able to cancel if necessary. We are not telling our daughter as well, we don't want to disappoint her if something happens.

I hope you have a fantastic trip!!

 

[coastgirl]

Too funny, all the Haligonians...Ted, I am also taking your excellent recommendation re Springhill Suites. What would I do without the Dis?

Bertie, we were doing the same, booking but only refundable stuff. (Ok, the airfare isn't refundable, but we can mess around with it endlessly for a full year--love Southwest.) The villa is the first "here's my money and I know you won't give it back" action. Here's hoping we all get there. And WARM UP! Lord, it's cold in Hfx...

 

[coastgirl]

Oh, Brad--where did you get your flexpasses? Undercover Tourist? We are waiting ONE MORE WEEK to order ours. As it stands we are definitely getting 4 day Universal tickets, but originally we had planned on the Flexpasses too--such a deal! If we can squeeze our stay from 10 days to 13, we'll probably get the FPs. But at this point I'm happy with the 10 days.

 

[sympatico]

Now, you guys from Halifax, I thought the purpose of having off two weeks of school during the games was so that you could go to the games not Disney.

 

[braddillman]

Now, you guys from Halifax, I thought the purpose of having off two weeks of school during the games was so that you could go to the games not Disney.

Yes, yes. I'm sure it has NOTHING AT ALL to do with the use of the schools (and busses?) as administrative facilities, etc. I don't have a problem with that, I just wish they were more honest and transparent, especially when they figure the accounting for the schools and the games.

If it really were about the games, why not a few days for the eastern shore, south shore, annapolis valley, truro, etc.? Why just Halifax?

 

[braddillman]

Oh, Brad--where did you get your flexpasses? Undercover Tourist? We are waiting ONE MORE WEEK to order ours. As it stands we are definitely getting 4 day Universal tickets, but originally we had planned on the Flexpasses too--such a deal! If we can squeeze our stay from 10 days to 13, we'll probably get the FPs. But at this point I'm happy with the 10 days.

Yes, got them from UT. Had them mailed, got here is less than the 12 days they quoted (not sure, felt more like 1 week). They were actually postmarked from Toronto. I have a friend who's going to use UT, but pick up the tickets in Orlando.

Our motivation behind FPs was not to be rushed. In 2008 we did 10 days of WDW, and felt we had to go early and stay late to get the most from our tickets, which tired us out. So if we get FPs, it doesn't matter if we go or not, we aren't 'wasting a day' by only going for an hour, etc. Same reasoning behind getting APs for UO and SW - pays for themselves in parking, for example, not worth paying $15 in UO parking just to go in for an hour. I even treated myself to the premier AP to get free valet parking and save the walk from the parking garage (this was before the recent price hike).

Well, have a good time.

 

[Ted in Halifax]

Our Plans so far .... 2 adults, 3 kids
Feb 12th - Halifax to Portland Maine (Embassy Suites - Hilton weekend rate $110 after taxes)
Feb 13th - Portland to Manchester (Springhill Suites $126)
- Shopping in NH that day
Feb 14th - Fly MHT to MCO (continental $922 cdn for 5 people taxes/fees in)
Feb 14th to 23rd at POR
Feb 23rd - Fly MCO to MHT
- Drive to Portland ( 2 rooms HoJo ... don't laugh they were $35 each on priceline ... $83 for both rooms with taxes)
Feb 24th - Drive Portland to Halifax

 

[neener3]

C U there (just joking). Actually, we're getting FlexPasses and not going to Disney.

I've met so many people from around HRM that are going to Orlando; some for the 1st week, most for both. Most to Disney, but not all.

If I'm standing around waiting for something, and I want to strike up a conversation, my opening line will be "So, what part of Halifax are you from?"

Too funny! And true! There's 20 of us in our group.

Two years ago we were swimming in the pool and started chatting with a couple and their kids. They asked where we were from and we said Halifax. So were they! AND they lived one street over from my mother!

Everybody now..."It's a small world after all..."

 

[mom4463]

Hi Everyone,

We decided very last minute to finally do something during the February break. We are driving to Portland on the Feb. 13 and our flight to MCO leaves on Feb. 14. We are staying at The Fountains and I really hope that this is a good resort. I have read lots of good reviews about The Fountains. We really wanted 2 bed/bath condo for this trip. This is the first time that we have stayed offsite and also the first time not flying from Halifax.

Keeping our fingers crossed for good weather for drive to Portland.

Happy and safe travels everyone!

Kim

 

[Ted in Halifax]

mom4463:

What did you select in Portland? A Park and fly?

Ted

 

[braddillman]

We are staying at The Fountains and I really hope that this is a good resort.

So are we - Feb 11-26. We bought back in 1999 and have tried other Orlando places, but never liked any as well as the fountains. I know the place almost inside-out, if you have any questions or need a favour or something.

 

[mom4463]

mom4463:

What did you select in Portland? A Park and fly?

Ted

We are doing the Park and Fly at the Holiday Inn Express. When we stay in Portland we always stay at the Holiday Inn Express because we collect priority points. When we return on Feb. 21 we will be redeeming points at the Holiday Inn for this night.(could not redeem points for the park and stay)

Kim

 

[mom4463]

So are we - Feb 11-26. We bought back in 1999 and have tried other Orlando places, but never liked any as well as the fountains. I know the place almost inside-out, if you have any questions or need a favour or something.

Glad to hear more good things about the fountains. We finally decided on the fountains because if there was a day where we wanted to relax there would be activities for the kids. How are the activities for the kids? Is there a grocery store nearby?

Thank-you for being so helpful. I will probably have more questions before we leave.

Thanks,
Kim