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

[Gina-Gina-Bo-Bina]

I have to say…..the car rental game is a little boring this trip.

We consider a rental vehicle a must for our vacations. To go a little further, I’d strongly encourage anyone who is planning an offsite trip to secure themselves a rental vehicle, as being a slave to your resort or hotel’s limited shuttle service is just not fun. So the first thing I do after securing flights and accommodations is book our rental vehicle. Then begins the watch, rebook, cancel, watch, rebook, cancel procession as rates drop lower and lower as our travel dates approach.

Strangely, not this year.

While I’d love to get away with a cheaper, smaller vehicle on vacation, the boys want something similar to what we drive at home in order to ensure their comfort and no worries about fitting our luggage in. Last year, we secured a standard SUV for a cheaper price than a midsize SUV, so Steve ended up with a beautiful 2013 Jeep Grand Cherokee for our week in the sun (which he hasn’t stopped raving about since, I might add….it was a little more pimped out than our Dodge Journey). The Cherokee wasn’t entirely fuel efficient, but it was very comfy and fun to drive.

This year, I booked a midsize SUV (so we very well might get ourselves a Journey, which would be awesome) with National using their KLM Flying Blue discount. It was originally about $575 for the two weeks, including all taxes and the extra special insurances that come under that rate code, which we didn’t think was too bad. More than the SUV from 2013 (which I think was $225 for 8 days) but still within a reasonable range, as we expect an increase to almost every trip expense (to some degree) from year to year. In April, the rate fell to $466 total for the two weeks, so I rebooked with a new reservation and new rate, cancelled the old, then kept looking (note we would also accept a different size SUV or a minivan if the price was preferable).

At that point, I could have gone to sleep.

Normally when we get around six to eight weeks out, prices start going up and down like ping pong balls. This year? They’ve gone up. Only up. In some cases/car companies, to more than $1000, with taxes and fees, for the two week period. I will confess we’re kind of picky when it comes to who we will rent from, preferring a company with whom you can select your vehicle from their available stock (after a bad, bad experience with Budget at Christmas 2012…..we are hereby once bitten, twice shy when being assigned a car). But even looking at ALL the options, the prices are certifiably silly. I had a little moment of panic when I learned a couple of weeks ago that the wonderful KLM discount code with National was discontinued at MCO…..thinking OMG! What would happen if we had to spend $1000 on a rental? So I emailed them to see if they would continue to honour a confirmed reservation, and was relieved to receive their affirmative reply. Thank the Lord.

I’m still watching, I’m still monitoring, but I’m not holding out hope for anything better at this stage. And honestly, I am more than content with $233 a week for an SUV. We’ll get to pick our vehicle with National, and I think we might get a free additional driver as Emerald Club members (I still have to check that out….not that it’s a big deal either way as I don’t plan to drive it, but it’s nice having a second driver on in the event of an emergency. I wish Jake could be the 2nd driver but I don’t think that’s possible when he isn’t 25). I will be interested to see how National stacks up against our regular go-to company, Alamo……and hopefully they are much, much, MUCH better than Budget!

I have set aside $200 for fuel and parking, but am hoping that we won’t require anywhere close to that. Parking at Discovery Cove, Typhoon Lagoon, Downtown Disney and the resort are all free. I have pre-purchased an unlimited parking pass for SeaWorld and Aquatica ($30 and valid for 14 days….a great deal!). So all that’s really up in the air is parking at CityWalk (which I believe is only $5 or so after 6 pm) and Daytona Beach (which I have no idea about). Daytona is the only planned excursion outside Orlando/Kissimmee, so we won’t be venturing too far afield unless the spirit moves us and we get creative.

Which is a definite possibility. Welcome to our vacation style…..we just never know where we’ll end up next!

(On that note....has anyone ever been tubing in the natural spring at Kelly Park? I've been watching the videos on Youtube and it looks awesome!)

 

[grantclaire]

Gina, almost makes me miss the old days when I would just go to a TA look at a travel brochure pick a package then let the TA do the rest! Now like you I stalk travel sites looking for airfare, resorts, car rentals. The car rentals now can be expensive so it is worth it to shop around. Lately with have used Budget a lot, I like the fastbreak option which lets you bypass the main counter at MCO and the hard upselling.

 

[momof2n2]

Oops. I thought you lived near Niagara Falls.

My mom is from Kingston. She's there as I type.

 

[Mrs Doubtfire]

Don't know how I missed the start of your report Gina but I'm here for the ride now

 

[Portugal1000]

I love the picking up our rental car, we always get a Midsize 4x4 which is huge compared to my car in UK. I would love to have a 4x4 but whilst we live in a beautiful Victorian Road, the houses were all built before cars so not much room for parking. We are lucky we have a little off road area but would be hard pushed to get a 4x4 on there. So I make the most of my time in US. We paid £420 ($705 US) for 24 days. I just looked to see how much it would cost me in UK for same period, over £2000!! So we think its a bargain. includes all insurance. This year we are getting it from Alamo but seem to alternate between them and Dollar, never had an issue.
Only problem is my husband doesn't drive and this year driving to St Petes so will be a lot of driving for me.

 

[dancin Disney style]

Since we have done several 2 week trips to Orlando and elsewhere I thought I'd throw in my 2 cents about cooking meals in the villa.

Last year we cooked approx 70% of our meals. Every day we had breakfast in...sometimes it was a big breakfast (pancakes or bacon/eggs) but mainly what we eat at home which is cereal or toast. Lunches were also pretty much what we would have at home...sandwiches, soup, last nights left overs. Dinners were always simple and easy. A lot of frozen stuff...pizza, lasagna, wings, ribs. Thrown together with salads and fruit. The goal is to have items on hand that don't require any work. Only 2 nights did we actually cook a proper meal. We had chicken and pork chops done on the BBQ with steamed veggies. Still really not much work.

So now the advice. Put together a rough meal plan and a grocery list. It makes shopping very easy. Figure out what condiments, spices or kitchen items that you can bring from home. That stuff adds up quickly and ends up costing a small fortune. Also, you won't need an entire bottle of ketchup or roll of tin foil. I save small, disposable, plastic containers that are washed out so that I can bring things like ketchup.

Here's part of my list of things brought from home(even when flying)......
pancake mix....pre-measured in a ziploc
spices....garlic powder, S&P etc.
ketchup, mustard, relish
peanut butter/jam
tea/coffee and sugar
half used roll of tin foil or plastic wrap
microwave popcorn
dishwasher tabs
powdered lemonade or ice tea mix
assorted sizes of ziploc bags...maybe 3 or 4 of each size.


As to packing a lunch for Typhoon Lagoon....easy, we do it often. Bring a soft sided cooler. Either one you have at home or get one from the dollar store. You freeze bottles of water to use as ice packs but you can also make an ice pack in a ziploc bag. Also, make sure that everything you put in the cooler has been chilled in the fridge before hand. We do it this way and have never had an issue with things not being cold come lunch time.

 

[Gina-Gina-Bo-Bina]

Gina, almost makes me miss the old days when I would just go to a TA look at a travel brochure pick a package then let the TA do the rest!

We used a Toronto area TA (a Disney specialist) for our very first trip to Orlando. While they did a great job (and I would have no hesitation recommending them), ya know....I learned that I actually like doing the vacation legwork myself. Now, I am fortunate to have a job and a family dynamic that allows me to fit all the planning in without much trouble....if I didn't have the luxury of being in from of a computer all day or had wee ones at home that kept me busy in the evening, I might think very differently!!

Oops. I thought you lived near Niagara Falls.

My mom is from Kingston. She's there as I type.

We're actually about 45 minutes from Kingston. Not too far away though .

As for Niagara Falls...its one of my Ontario happy places . We try to get there at least once or twice a year.

Don't know how I missed the start of your report Gina but I'm here for the ride now

Hello, Mrs. Doubtfire!!! Glad to have you along!

I love the picking up our rental car, we always get a Midsize 4x4 which is huge compared to my car in UK. I would love to have a 4x4 but whilst we live in a beautiful Victorian Road, the houses were all built before cars so not much room for parking. We are lucky we have a little off road area but would be hard pushed to get a 4x4 on there. So I make the most of my time in US. We paid £420 ($705 US) for 24 days. I just looked to see how much it would cost me in UK for same period, over £2000!! So we think its a bargain. includes all insurance. This year we are getting it from Alamo but seem to alternate between them and Dollar, never had an issue.
Only problem is my husband doesn't drive and this year driving to St Petes so will be a lot of driving for me.

On the first trip that Steve and I take as a couple (ie no Jake), I want to have a convertible for our rental . I think it would be SO MUCH FUN! I agree totally, its nice to be able to enjoy something on vacation that's a little more upgraded from what you have a home .

So now the advice. Put together a rough meal plan and a grocery list. It makes shopping very easy. Figure out what condiments, spices or kitchen items that you can bring from home. That stuff adds up quickly and ends up costing a small fortune. Also, you won't need an entire bottle of ketchup or roll of tin foil. I save small, disposable, plastic containers that are washed out so that I can bring things like ketchup.

Here's part of my list of things brought from home(even when flying)......
pancake mix....pre-measured in a ziploc
spices....garlic powder, S&P etc.
ketchup, mustard, relish
peanut butter/jam
tea/coffee and sugar
half used roll of tin foil or plastic wrap
microwave popcorn
dishwasher tabs
powdered lemonade or ice tea mix
assorted sizes of ziploc bags...maybe 3 or 4 of each size.

As to packing a lunch for Typhoon Lagoon....easy, we do it often. Bring a soft sided cooler. Either one you have at home or get one from the dollar store. You freeze bottles of water to use as ice packs but you can also make an ice pack in a ziploc bag. Also, make sure that everything you put in the cooler has been chilled in the fridge before hand. We do it this way and have never had an issue with things not being cold come lunch time.

Excellent tips . I have indeed started a shopping list, hoping it will make things easier once we arrive (we can divide and conquer at Walmart and get in & out of there pretty quickly, I hope).

Its nice to hear that others also enjoy dining in when they're in Orlando. I read so many threads where folks screetch "It's not a vacation if I have to cook!".

 

[bankr63]

Here's part of my list of things brought from home(even when flying)......
half used roll of tin foil or plastic wrap

As to packing a lunch for Typhoon Lagoon....easy, we do it often. Bring a soft sided cooler. Either one you have at home or get one from the dollar store. You freeze bottles of water to use as ice packs but you can also make an ice pack in a ziploc bag. Also, make sure that everything you put in the cooler has been chilled in the fridge before hand. We do it this way and have never had an issue with things not being cold come lunch time.

We LOVE grocery shopping at the different chains across the states, and the one thing we will NOT bring is tin foil. Publix makes the most wonderfully thick tin foil we have ever had. We bring enough rolls back home with us to last the year.

I agree about freezing water for cooling lunches. We bring the collapsible water sleeves, take no room in the suitcase, and they can handle the expansion from freezing. We take lunches to all the parks; March is not as hot as August, but they are always still well frozen through lunch, even in a knapsack. They make a refreshing drink in the heat of the afternoon too.

As for National and Alamo, they are actually the same company. We've been redirected to the Alamo side when they didn't have our class of reserved vehicle available. Both have great service, but I like the Emerald Club better. Unless the rules have changed, you do get a free second driver.

 

[Gina-Gina-Bo-Bina]

As for National and Alamo, they are actually the same company. We've been redirected to the Alamo side when they didn't have our class of reserved vehicle available. Both have great service, but I like the Emerald Club better. Unless the rules have changed, you do get a free second driver.

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.

 

[dancin Disney style]

I mainly agree with the "it's not vacation if I have to cook" but when you stay for 2 weeks it's a very laid back pace. You will find that there are many times when no one feels like getting themselves together to go out. Especially, when you have spent the day by the pool. I think you are just so relaxed and comfy hang out at home base. We probably went out for dinner every second night and lunches were similar but probably a little less. Last year we spent around $500 on groceries and meals out. Now to do that we did use a lot of restaurant coupons and we don't eat any place fancy....I think our most expensive dinner was around $45.


Throwing a frozen something in the oven and opening a bag of salad really isn't cooking anyway. Actually, the most involved vacation cooking we ever do is bacon and eggs.

 

[got4boys]

We always go to the grocery store and buy and plan what meals we want for the week.

For the condiments, most places do have salt and pepper, but the mustard and ketchup we do usually ask for extra packets if we stop by a fast food place as we are driving. Our favorite is Chick Fila and their ketchup packets.

We do buy the tin foil, sandwich bags and foil when we get there and we just take the extras back. My favorite find at the store is the Publix blueberry muffins for breakfast. We ended up going back three times to Publix to get them for our 10 day trip last year.

Yes, we do freeze water bottles and use those as ice packs when we go out for the day.

If we were going to a theme park all day, we would rent a locker and put our extra water bottles, food items and then go back and refill when we run low.

We do plan what meals we eat out and love the restaurant.com coupons. We tend to eat lunch out and then breakfast and dinner at the resort. We always have a kitchen. You can buy them cheaply on eBay for pennies on the dollar and then buy the restaurant.com coupons through their website. You can even exchange out the restaurants after you purchase. The hint here is buy the biggest certificate dollar value there and then go down. Our favorite is the House of Blues one in Downtown Disney, which is buy the $50 and you would need to spend $100. It is great for lunch. We had trouble hitting the $100 and there were 6 of us, so we ended up getting dessert to hit the $100.

Our other favorite place is Benihana for lunch on International Drive. You can get their lunch specials for 1/2 the price of dinner. This is only valid Monday through Friday. We do that every time we are there.

 

[ArwenMarie]

We had an SUV rented on our last trip, can't remember what it was exactly...got to the airport..Oops! All out of SUVs. My DH was so mad. We ended up driving some weird purple car. We usually use Priceline and get good deals so maybe we ended up with the Priceline special

Love the idea of cooking in. The restaurant food really takes a toll on us after a few days. I could never do it for two weeks!

 

[shalom]

Yay! Haven't been on the Dis much the past few months, drop by to see what's up and find a Gina trip report, what a lovely surprise.

 

[Lynne G]

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.

Gina, unless they changed the rules, emerald club members get a free second driver. I added my DH when I checked out the car. Just handed the clerk my DH's driver license and said I wanted to add him as my second driver. Quick and no extra charge for him. As he is so much better at not being fazed driving when it was bonkers, he did a fair amount of the driving.

 

[Gina-Gina-Bo-Bina]

You will find that there are many times when no one feels like getting themselves together to go out. Especially, when you have spent the day by the pool.

That's what I'm thinking, too.

We always go to the grocery store and buy and plan what meals we want for the week.

I think that's going to be the key...having a plan. Very different from our usual routine at home (where I have a freezer full of meat, a fridge full of fresh perishables, and a cupboard loaded with every boxed, bagged and canned item known to man....so I can whip up literally anything when the spirit moves us). I've officially started the shopping list, and the kids have given me their input on what they'd like for our resort breakfasts, lunches and a few dinners .

We had an SUV rented on our last trip, can't remember what it was exactly...got to the airport..Oops! All out of SUVs. My DH was so mad. We ended up driving some weird purple car. We usually use Priceline and get good deals so maybe we ended up with the Priceline special

Love the idea of cooking in. The restaurant food really takes a toll on us after a few days. I could never do it for two weeks!

I would be soooo disappointed if we didn't get what we reserved. Did they offer you a discount off what you paid? We've never rented via Priceline before...and I might not ever so do now!

Yay! Haven't been on the Dis much the past few months, drop by to see what's up and find a Gina trip report, what a lovely surprise.

Welcome, my friend! Glad to have you back!!!

Gina, unless they changed the rules, emerald club members get a free second driver. I added my DH when I checked out the car. Just handed the clerk my DH's driver license and said I wanted to add him as my second driver. Quick and no extra charge for him. As he is so much better at not being fazed driving when it was bonkers, he did a fair amount of the driving.

That is awesome to know! I'm going to call this week, and see if they can add my info now rather than worry about it when we arrive (and I'm short on sleep and half dozed out on Gravol ) . Its just so nice to have that second driver as an option, "just in case"!

 

[Gina-Gina-Bo-Bina]

Continuing the countdown......27 days to go.

It was a tough afternoon today, spent at the visitation for Steve's uncle. Gone at 56 years old, it was an emotionally taxing event to say the least. The funeral is tomorrow.

Sweetie was here for the entire day, and she is getting more excited for Florida each time she visits. She is full of questions and wants to hear the plans over and over and over (of course, I am happy to oblige ). Her enthusiasm was a nice balance on an otherwise depressing day.

She and Jake made a trip to the mall, and she picked up a new bikini for the trip. Its a little....ugh....tinier than I would like (but she flatly refuses to wear the turtleneck I suggested ) however if I had her body, I'd be buying a cute little bikini too .

Hard to believe that 4 weeks from tonight, I'll be typing my report update from the balcony of our villa.

 

[pigletto]

Gina, I just got in from driving home from the cottage (Holy awful traffic through Barrie/Innisfill). I am still catching up on all that you've written but wanted to chime in quickly. Dh gets awful motion sickness (planes/buses/and especially simulator rides) and he swears by Bonine. We get it every time we can and he will choose that over Gravol any day. It's worth a try.

 

[crazyfordisney2000]

Continuing the countdown......27 days to go.

It was a tough afternoon today, spent at the visitation for Steve's uncle. Gone at 56 years old, it was an emotionally taxing event to say the least. The funeral is tomorrow.

Sweetie was here for the entire day, and she is getting more excited for Florida each time she visits. She is full of questions and wants to hear the plans over and over and over (of course, I am happy to oblige ). Her enthusiasm was a nice balance on an otherwise depressing day.

She and Jake made a trip to the mall, and she picked up a new bikini for the trip. Its a little....ugh....tinier than I would like (but she flatly refuses to wear the turtleneck I suggested ) however if I had her body, I'd be buying a cute little bikini too .

Hard to believe that 4 weeks from tonight, I'll be typing my report update from the balcony of our villa.

Sorry about your loss.

 

[crazyfordisney2000]

From Kingston to RCO is 3.5 hours I'd say.
Are you driving thru Roc to get to Syr? Was it cheaper Syr than Roc?

Have you been to the Rochester airport before? Do you know if it's small like Syracuse and easy to navigate? Just curious, this trip will be our first time flying from Rochester.

 

[crazyfordisney2000]

Gina, there was no explanation why they took Bonamine off the market. There also was no recall so I don't think there was anything wrong with it. Just one of those things, something works great then they discontinue it!