Sun, Shopping, Sand, Surf, Sweat & Shamu: A Splashin Summertime Sabbatical at SVR!

[bankr63]

Yep, the free second driver is still listed:

https://www.nationalcar.ca/benefits.do

I have been trying to see where we would add the second driver's information to our online profile, but I'm stumped . I am going to have to call and see if they will do it by phone. If the second driver info is pre-added and our payment information is also on our profile (which it is.....just crossed that off the list on Friday) then I am hoping we can bypass the counter entirely and just go right to the garage for pick up.

Didn't read ahead to see if someone else answered this. For National, the second driver is added onto the reservation, not the profile (your second driver may change from rental to rental). If you view your reservation online, there should be a spot to add it to the extras on the right hand pane (or used to be, it's been 2 years since our last rental!)

If you have EC, you always bypass the counter and go straight to the aisle. They'll confirm your D/L and Hubby's for second driver (or vice versa; the primary will be the member name) at the booth at the lot exit. It's quick and easy. Also, if you are using a credit card with full insurance coverage, you can add that you are insured to your profile so they shouldn't ask you if you want it (at least they haven't asked me yet).

Edit: and then I read ahead and find it was answered several times. Oh well, one more voice of reassurance.

 

[bankr63]

So thank you, bankr63 . You . Are. Awesome.

Jeepers! I'm blushing.

One practical tip. If you are crossing at Hill Island, make sure that you pull over and forward your Canadian cell to your US number before you cross over the first bridge (assuming you want people to be able to reach you on your Canadian number). I had a heck of a time getting a Rogers signal once I got too close to the border (like at the Duty Free store just before US Customs), and you can only forward when you are on your home network.

The latest bonus from Roam is that they have upgraded to the T-Mobile 3G network. When upgrading my SIM, they allowed me to pick a new number so I was able to swap our original Chicago number for an Orlando area one. Not that it really matters, but it's kind of cool having a phone number in our happy place.

 

[Gina-Gina-Bo-Bina]

Also, if you are using a credit card with full insurance coverage, you can add that you are insured to your profile so they shouldn't ask you if you want it (at least they haven't asked me yet).

We're using the KLM Flying Blue discount code, which comes with a whole whack of extra insurances as part of the rate, so I am guessing they won't ask about adding more. I am pretty sure my personal auto policy extends to rental vehicles in the USA as well, so we should have lots and lots of coverage (heaven forbid). I will be prepared to "just say no" if need be!

Jeepers! I'm blushing.

One practical tip. If you are crossing at Hill Island, make sure that you pull over and forward your Canadian cell to your US number before you cross over the first bridge (assuming you want people to be able to reach you on your Canadian number). I had a heck of a time getting a Rogers signal once I got too close to the border (like at the Duty Free store just before US Customs), and you can only forward when you are on your home network.

The latest bonus from Roam is that they have upgraded to the T-Mobile 3G network. When upgrading my SIM, they allowed me to pick a new number so I was able to swap our original Chicago number for an Orlando area one. Not that it really matters, but it's kind of cool having a phone number in our happy place.

Good idea about forwarding our home number to the Roam cell. Something I hadn't considered....so thank you for that!! We just updated our SIM to the new network (this morning, actually!), and we changed our number to an Orlando-area one as well. I couldn't resist . Its the little things that please me .

In other news.....Mother Nature has finally decided its summer, and MAN, its a scortcher out there . We felt the start of it last night, and opted for a nice long power walk around the neighbourhood before our swim. Its high time to get these frosty Canadians ready for Orlando's heat and humidity, and until now, we haven't really had much in the way of stifling temperatures. Not sure how long the heat is supposed to stick around, so I'll take advantage of it while its here.

 

[Gina-Gina-Bo-Bina]

I just popped over to the Discovery Cove website to look up some stuff for next spring (sad, I know, when I’m already dreaming of and planning for the next getaway when this one hasn’t even happened yet) and oy vey, have prices of our August day ever increased since we booked back in October . We paid $259 per person for the day resort and dolphin swim, and prices are now a full $100 pp more . Most everything, it appears, has been affected by inflation…..our Elite package has increased from the $359 we paid to $399 current price. Even the photo package is $10 more, and cabana rentals are up by $30 (though both are a non-issue for us as they are components of the Elite package). Definitely glad we reserved when we did.





I’ll be honest, Discovery Cove is the thing I’m most looking forward to and yet its also the vacation item I’m most worried about. There’s so much flex in our itinerary with the exception of DC. We have so many options in the event of bad weather, but at DC, Mother Nature can either make or break our day. I am so hoping that it will be a pleasant day with not too many thunderstorms (I can handle cloudy, I can certainly handle hot and humid…..just no severe thundershowers, PLEASE!). It would really be crappy if the most expensive, most anticipated activity was the biggest bust, ya know? We plan to arrive at the crack of dawn (I have forewarned those kiddos that the drill sergeant will be doing roll call before the sun is up….Sweetie is already surmising that it won't be a problem for her since she won’t sleep the night before due to her excitement) so hopefully we’ll snag a fairly early dolphin swim time as a result.





We haven’t been to DC since 2012, when we went once in January (with the dolphin swim) and once in August (with the day resort package + a cabana rental). It’s been a long wait to return. So excited!

 

[dennise]

Gina: I am sure if you wanted a second career that the city of Orlando Tourism Department would hire you. Your reports are very informative, educational and most of all entertaining. I look forward to reading them each day. I have tried some of your eating places and enjoyed them. We have gone to Florida almost every year since 1996 and and we still find different things to do. You are making wonderfull family memories and from your followers I would say some Dis friends.

 

[Lynne G]

Well, you could come visit tomorrow to get ready for Orlando. Our heat index is to be 100 degrees F. That's when I go from my air conditioned house, to my air conditioned car, to air conditioned work, and reverse. Even our dog is quick to the door after being sent outside.

For our first set of Disney bands, no changes allowed now, so they'll be sending them soon. Also, SW sent an email to say that your trip is getting near. Um.... if near means almost 4 weeks, then yes, I am near the start of our vacation.

My kids will be on their ipods. Only my DS will have his phone. DD will leave hers at home, as she can use mine, and she sticks with me more than DS will. We only live about 40 minutes away from the airport. Since we have a very early flight, there should not be much traffic on the road, so kids only get a short time to use their devices. Usually, they just chill as they are not the best at being totally awake when we wake them up before the crack of dawn.

 

[minniebeth]

Following along, Gina! I loved finding your Orlando trip reports and am excited to read about your upcoming trip! You inspired me to get out of my Disney box and I took my DD to a pre-Disney trip to the Gaylord Palms for all the ICE!/Winter festivities last January. We had such a good time, DD is asking what we plan to do pre-Disney for this upcoming January trip.

Your family is darling and Sweetie is just adorable! My DS19 has his own Sweetie too and she comes to Disney with us each January for the Disney Marathon races. She comes with her family and we all just have a great time together!

Your itinerary looks awesome! What a great balance of fun and relaxation!
Discovery Cove is definitely on my bucket list someday~

I like dancin Disney style's suggestion of bringing a soft sided cooler (or even brown paper shopping bags from the grocery store, layered a few together is good insulation) with frozen water bottles for Typhoon Lagoon. We've packed sandwiches, frozen yogurt tubes, frozen grapes, hummus, etc. with another bag of snacky type stuff such as crackers, pretzel, chips, cookies, etc. It's so conducive to a picnic style lunch/snacking rather than their typical CS type of stuff. A nice change. Then we get a treat such as ice cream or whatever anyone is in the mood for.

Are you playing mini golf at Universal City Walk? We had a blast playing there 2 summers ago during our Universal trip. We got some great pictures and made some fun memories!

I swear by Bonine! Dramamine totally knocks me out. Bonine works great and yes, makes me a little tired, but it's manageable. Love the stuff!

We are going on a Disney cruise coming up soon, and get to spend a day in Orlando. (DH and DS are driving down, my girls and I are flying. I recently had surgery and my awesome DH insisted I fly ) We are staying at Hilton Bonnet Creek. My kids love mini golf so I am going to check out Congo River since we'll have a car once DH arrives. My DD loved the alligators at the Gaylord Palms and has been bugging me ever since to go to Gatorland. Since we won't have time to do that, Congo River sounds like a great option!

I look forward to reading more of your PTR~

 

[dancin Disney style]

DD doesn't get a plan for her iPhone when we go. She uses some free ap to text her sweetie with the free wifi but no actual texting or calling. .

It's probably the TextMe app. We have it on our IPhones. You get totally free texting and you can get free credits for making calls. The only catch is that you need WiFi.

Funny, we were in the Dominican last month and seemed to be the only people that could not FaceTime from our phones but the TextMe app worked perfectly fine.

 

[Gina-Gina-Bo-Bina]

Gina: I am sure if you wanted a second career that the city of Orlando Tourism Department would hire you. Your reports are very informative, educational and most of all entertaining. I look forward to reading them each day. I have tried some of your eating places and enjoyed them. We have gone to Florida almost every year since 1996 and and we still find different things to do. You are making wonderfull family memories and from your followers I would say some Dis friends.

Oh, dennise....you are too kind!!! Let me tell ya, if the Orlando Tourism Department ever offers me a job, I'd snatch it up in a heartbeat. The Sheraton Vistana Resort has been torturing me over the past few weeks with the ads on their Facebook page regarding employment opportunities at both the resort itself and Starwood Vacation Ownership. It frustrates me that we don't qualify for a work Visa .

And you are right, I have made some of the most awesome Disfriends on these boards .

For our first set of Disney bands, no changes allowed now, so they'll be sending them soon. Also, SW sent an email to say that your trip is getting near. Um.... if near means almost 4 weeks, then yes, I am near the start of our vacation.

Doesn't it seem like time is FLYING?!?!? Those 4 weeks will be gone in a flash .

Following along, Gina! I loved finding your Orlando trip reports and am excited to read about your upcoming trip! You inspired me to get out of my Disney box and I took my DD to a pre-Disney trip to the Gaylord Palms for all the ICE!/Winter festivities last January. We had such a good time, DD is asking what we plan to do pre-Disney for this upcoming January trip.

Your family is darling and Sweetie is just adorable! My DS19 has his own Sweetie too and she comes to Disney with us each January for the Disney Marathon races. She comes with her family and we all just have a great time together!

Your itinerary looks awesome! What a great balance of fun and relaxation!
Discovery Cove is definitely on my bucket list someday~

I like dancin Disney style's suggestion of bringing a soft sided cooler (or even brown paper shopping bags from the grocery store, layered a few together is good insulation) with frozen water bottles for Typhoon Lagoon. We've packed sandwiches, frozen yogurt tubes, frozen grapes, hummus, etc. with another bag of snacky type stuff such as crackers, pretzel, chips, cookies, etc. It's so conducive to a picnic style lunch/snacking rather than their typical CS type of stuff. A nice change. Then we get a treat such as ice cream or whatever anyone is in the mood for.

Are you playing mini golf at Universal City Walk? We had a blast playing there 2 summers ago during our Universal trip. We got some great pictures and made some fun memories!

I swear by Bonine! Dramamine totally knocks me out. Bonine works great and yes, makes me a little tired, but it's manageable. Love the stuff!

We are going on a Disney cruise coming up soon, and get to spend a day in Orlando. (DH and DS are driving down, my girls and I are flying. I recently had surgery and my awesome DH insisted I fly ) We are staying at Hilton Bonnet Creek. My kids love mini golf so I am going to check out Congo River since we'll have a car once DH arrives. My DD loved the alligators at the Gaylord Palms and has been bugging me ever since to go to Gatorland. Since we won't have time to do that, Congo River sounds like a great option!

I look forward to reading more of your PTR~

Welcome aboard, minniebeth!!!

Yep, we are indeed mini golfing at CityWalk....not sure which course we will pick just yet, but we have bought the meal and mini golf vouchers so we know we will fit it in at some point. It made good sense to go the mini golf and meal deal vs. just mini golf alone, as golf was about $14 and the meal & golf combo was only $22. For an extra $8, it was a no brainer to get dinner included too .

It's probably the TextMe app. We have it on our IPhones. You get totally free texting and you can get free credits for making calls. The only catch is that you need WiFi.

Interesting . That might be enough for the kids to decide to bring their phones after all.

 

[crazyfordisney2000]

Time marches on.....26 days to go!



Jake and Sweetie? They are leaving their phones at home ..... don’t fall off your chair. They won’t need to reach each other (obviously!), and our Roam package will allow both of their employers to reach them if necessary, so they’ve opted to save their money and go phone-less for two weeks+ .

This should be interesting. I am guessing they’ll be suffering from Twitter withdrawal by day 3.

LOL!!!

It is super easy to navigate. Oh, boy, yes.
Only a very few places to eat. McDonalds. A sandwich shop. I think a subway.
It's been a few years for me but was a frequent flyer in the past.

Sounds great! Thanks!!

 

[Gina-Gina-Bo-Bina]

My boss is heading to Orlando during the same two-week period that we are. They are doing some different activities (he is travelling with his 16 year old daughter….no spouse, as they are long divorced), staying at a different property, flying out of a different airport (Buffalo), and leaving a few days sooner to come home, but still in Orlando at largely the same time. It’s he and his daughter’s first visit, and I desperately hope they enjoy it….because they chose an Orlando vacation versus their other options almost solely because of my ongoing enthusiasm for the area.

As a result of my past personal experiences and his lack thereof, I’ve been the one to book his accommodations, his airfare, his park tickets, and his car rental over the past several months. Their vacation style is WAY different than ours, which has been a huge challenge for me in his planning process….our dates may align, and some of his park choices, but that’s about it. We have had more than our share of passionate conversations about accommodations in particular. He’s a wilderness camper, and thinks any place with running water is considered luxury . I almost had a stroke when (after his 10 minute search on the internet) he picked out one of the grubby $150 a week motels in Kissimmee and told me that’s where they wanted to stay . Don’t get me wrong, there’s a huge range of accommodation options and not every option appeals to every person, but there’s generally an extreme on each end that most folks can rule out. The Kissimmee special was one of those extremes.

The boss and his daughter want to have a “do it all, see it all” holiday and go, go, go all day, every day. Considering the big guy doesn’t do well in our Canadian summer heat, I have strongly encouraged him to plan a down day in the mix to recuperate and recharge (he’ll thank me later…I know he will ). For parks, they opted for Discovery Cove, SeaWorld, Aquatica, Universal and Islands of Adventure, and nixed Disney considering all the pre-planning that’s required (lol, he spends his regular day-to-day existence living and dying by the schedule I organize for him, so let’s just say that having a vacation schedule with both ride and mealtime deadlines didn’t appeal to him in the slightest ... a man has to draw the line somewhere, right?). His daughter, being 16, also wants to allot a substantial amount of time to visiting the outlet malls as well as one full day for the beach. They want ocean waves so they have selected the Atlantic coast versus the gulf beaches.

After months and months and months….my gentle prodding (nagging, hounding, BEGGING) must have finally, FINALLY hit home as far as his hotel selection goes. Right now, they are booked to stay at a basic, budget hotel just off International Drive (despite my encouragement to consider a SeaWorld onsite hotel or splurge and go for one of the awesome Universal properties). I did my darndest to sell him on a one bedroom villa at the Vistana but he flatly refused on the premise that “its way more than they need”. Sometime over the weekend, an epiphany occurred and he greeted me Monday morning with the notion that he thinks maybe he’ll regret his ultra-budget choice and wants to spend some time with me this afternoon investigating what a little more money might get him. I am not afraid to admit that I want their first Orlando experience to be one they will never forget, so I’m hoping against hope that he will allow me to guide him into some place that’s really nice (not excessive, but nice). The good thing is, he trusts my judgement (otherwise he’d been spending $25 a night to stay at the purple Magic Castle) and generally takes what I say to heart (the product of working side by side for the last 16+ years). But he’s a stubborn fellow too. Wish me luck. His daughter is dropping by to also take part in the accommodations discussion, which is good news for me and bad news for the boss. Two women against one guy doesn’t bode well for him . I may end up convincing him to stay at the Waldorf before I'm done!

In the meantime, 24 days to go!

I am currently in the process of investigating mini golf options for our trip, and am pricing out some different scenarios. While we have one round already bought and paid for at the CityWalk courses with the meal-and-mini-golf deal, I am also looking for the best bang for our buck elsewhere too. I called the Activity Center at the Vistana yesterday, and their length-of-stay unlimited pass is $19 per person.





Apparently length-of-stay is normally considered 7 days, but “Amanda” told me that they would extend the $19 rate for our two week stay if we came to see her at the Activity Center after our arrival. It would certainly be convenient (knowing that we have several resort days in the plans) but the course itself is fairly basic, so it doesn’t appeal to us the same as Congo River (our family favourite).





I know Congo also has a length-of-stay pass that is accepted at multiple area courses, but for the life of me I can’t recall their length-of-stay duration (7 or 14 days), the price, and exactly which locations are included. I have called and emailed to see what I can find out, and am waiting for their reply via their preferred method of communication.

While we also enjoy Pirates Cove, a quick call to their location near the Vistana yielded confirmation that a multi-day pass is not offered. Scratch that one off the list.

No offence to the Vistana amenities, but I am not-so-secretly hoping that Congo River will come out as our best bet……I love feeding the gators, I love the theming, and I love their music. But the Vistana pass is a good fall-back if the Congo price is off the charts. All in all, its good stuff to keep my mind busy as time ticks by.

And our weather? Apparently our hot spell was more like a hot flash. We've got a gloomy day on tap today, and its supposed to usher in much more moderate temperatures for the end of the week and weekend. I think I'm the only person I know who actually wants to see the humidity stay!!

 

[momof2n2]

Purple castle. LOL.

 

[Lynne G]

Your boss reminds of the saying that you can lead a horse to water but you can't make him drink. I hate planning anyone else but us. Not many understand why we go back to Florida again. I remind them that we haven't been back to Florida in the summer for almost 3 years.

As for mini golf. We like where the gators are too. I got a living social coupon for Gator golf. So that's going be one we hit. We like the one at citywalk. We'll end of doing that one too. We've only done the robot side.


So for 24 more days. We'll be right behind you, 3 days later. We'll be up by 4:30am to catch our 7am flight. I like to get there early. Rental has not been lower than what I reserved months ago. Have the KLM rate too. It's an expense I like to have. I am a wanting to come and go as I please person.

Well here's to a very hot and humid day.

 

[Gina-Gina-Bo-Bina]

Purple castle. LOL.

lol....I kid you not. Its a big purple castle . And its hideous.

https://www.themagiccastleinn.com/Photos_2.php

Your boss reminds of the saying that you can lead a horse to water but you can't make him drink. I hate planning anyone else but us. Not many understand why we go back to Florida again. I remind them that we haven't been back to Florida in the summer for almost 3 years.

As for mini golf. We like where the gators are too. I got a living social coupon for Gator golf. So that's going be one we hit. We like the one at citywalk. We'll end of doing that one too. We've only done the robot side.

So for 24 more days. We'll be right behind you, 3 days later. We'll be up by 4:30am to catch our 7am flight. I like to get there early. Rental has not been lower than what I reserved months ago. Have the KLM rate too. It's an expense I like to have. I am a wanting to come and go as I please person.

Well here's to a very hot and humid day.

We're right there with ya on the rental vehicle . Though someday I want to take the I-Drive Trolley somewhere, just to say I did .

Gator Golf was tons of fun! We did it back in January 2012. Being the gator-lovin' girl that I am, I enjoyed it immensely. We ended up there via a Groupon deal as well (golf, gator food, and a photo holding a live gator). We haven't been back since, but the boys mention a return visit every time we drive by it.











Wow....just realized how young Jake looks in that photo. Scary how fast they grow up.

 

[momof2n2]

The purple paint is not as disturbing as the decor circa 1991. You can get a LOT nicer with only a little more money. Is he pulling your leg?

 

[ZehnJahren]

Hopefully his daughter talks some sense into him!!

That Gator Golf looks awesome! I know we're doing US/IOA this trip, but I can't imagine playing putt putt this time around. I would love to, but I fear we will be so go go go in the parks that tearing ourselves away won't be possible.

That being said, I am only getting more excited about our trip as more and more plans are firmed up. If it were 24 days away like yours is, I would be ecstatic!

 

[VacaPlanner0425]

Wow! I hadn't looked at prices since I booked (I don't like to know if things got cheaper!). I did look also, and I actually saved money by booking early!

I too worry about the weather. We are a day before you, so hopefully there are 2 nice days in a row! I did plan this early in our vacation just in case we need to re-book it due to really bad weather. Hoping to not have to worry about that!

Love the pictures. It has been 10+ years since my husband and I have been there. Things have changed a lot!

 

[Mrs Doubtfire]

I hope you've managed to find a halfway house for your boss and his daughter they will appreciate it I'm sure. Bet it has been good helping to plan and secretly hoping they get the magic

Funny enough we didn't go to disney on our last trip and went to the parks you listed. We also we to Cocoa and Honeymoon Island beaches. DD enjoyed the waves at Cocoa, she and DH spent ages in the sea

 

[Gina-Gina-Bo-Bina]

The purple paint is not as disturbing as the decor circa 1991. You can get a LOT nicer with only a little more money. Is he pulling your leg?

Sadly....he's dead serious. His mantra is "its just a place to sleep".

I dunno about anyone else, but even for just a place to sleep....I want it to be nice.

Hopefully his daughter talks some sense into him!

She was indeed very helpful. In true 16-year-old teenager style, she unceremoniously announced "If you don't change our hotel to someplace nice, I'm not going".

I too worry about the weather. We are a day before you, so hopefully there are 2 nice days in a row! I did plan this early in our vacation just in case we need to re-book it due to really bad weather. Hoping to not have to worry about that!

Our DC day is smack-dab in the middle of our vacation. We have a little bit of flex if a hurricane ruins the original plan, but like you......I hope we don't have to cross that bridge!! My boss will be there the day prior to your visit (two days prior to mine). So hopefully there are THREE nice days back to back!! .

I hope you've managed to find a halfway house for your boss and his daughter

I managed to get him to agree to change. He and his daughter short-listed things down to 3 different properties (two of the three still aren't my first picks, but they're way better than where they are currently booked). They are going to chat about their options tonight, and let me know tomorrow what they decide. So progress is being made...minimal and slow, but progress nonetheless .

 

[Gina-Gina-Bo-Bina]

I got a call back yesterday afternoon from the manager at Congo River. Their normal all-you-can-golf pass is $11.99 (for the first round) + $15.00 (for the unlimited top-up) for a total of $26.99 per adult. He said he's never been asked about a two week pass before, but rather than have me purchase the above pass x 2 weeks for each person, he'd wave the second $11.99 cost and do $11.99 (for the first round) + $15 (for the first week unlimited top-up) and another $15 (for the second week unlimited) for a total of $41.99 for the two week pass.

That's a lot of money for golf!!

Pros in favour of the Congo pass are better courses, better theming, better overall experience, and multiple locations (8 in total throughout central Florida....including Daytona Beach, which is a place that we will be visiting during our stay). But the total, with tax, for 4 of us, will be a hefty $178.88.

The Vistana, at $19 per person, will be $80.94 with tax. Basically a $100 savings. In addition to the cost, pros for the Vistana are that its right at the resort and super convenient (probably less busy, too).

Much as I love Congo, I'm leaning towards the Vistana. That's a substantial savings that we can put toward something else. We have a BOGO coupon for Congo in the Entertainment Book, so we could still squeeze in a round there on the cheap if we so choose.

I am also trying resolve some potential issues with our Seaworld & Aquatica 14-day parking pass purchased through Discovery Cove. I called DC yesterday to order one for the boss (since he is doing DC, SW & AQ on his trip) and the phone rep told me he could not purchase it yet as it needs to be bought within 28 days of your DC visit date . I questioned her on that, and explained that I had purchased my parking pass in January, and my DC date is actually two days later than his. I told her I had a PDF e-voucher emailed to me which I have long since printed and added to my travel binder. I also read her the terms listed on pass, which says its valid for 14 days after activation. She tells me that she doesn't think it will work when we arrive.

So.....I dashed off a quick email to DC with the particulars and am waiting for their reply. I kind of thought the rep might be erroneous in her information, until I read a comment from someone on the DC Facebook page yesterday that noted the very similar information (he was cautioning not to purchase the parking pass until 28 days out or it will not work when you arrive at the first park, and noted he had to make an extra trip to DC to straighten it out). We shall see what they say!

23 days to go!