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

[ZehnJahren]

We always visit both Premium Outlets (Vineland and International Drive). The Vineland location doesn't have Under Armor, unless they have changed since last August. The I-Drive location didn't have Lululemon. That reminds me, I must check the store directories to see what's new since 2013.

We will visit the Lake Buena Vista Factory Stores too. They are less busy than the Premium Outlets and super close to the Vistana, so its hard for me to find a reason not to stop there (other than the fact that we do a ridiculous amount of shopping!!).

The Florida Mall is also a vacation tradition. Jake loves Champs. M&M World is fun for photos.

We normally hit Downtown Disney at least for an evening somewhere along the way, but with all the construction this year and the reported parking woes, I think we'll give it a pass. I am not sure it will be worth the aggravation.

Maybe we should stop at the Lake Buena Vista Factory Stores! I saw them on the map but wasn't sure if a stop was worth it.

We will be going to DTD on arrival day; we're going to take a cab over so that 1) we don't have to park and 2) we can both have a drink. I would be glad to get my DDB purchases out of the way so I can go ahead and pack them carefully for the trip back (hopefully the Co-op has both the sketch purse I want and the HM wristlet I'm waiting for)!

 

[Gina-Gina-Bo-Bina]

Loving your report. So many things I recognize in myself. I had my highlights done on Saturday as we leave exactly a week today. Wanted to give myself time incase it went horribly wrong (it didn't). Found a great swimsuit a while ago, so now I have it in 3 colours plus one I didn't even use last year which still has the tags on! So that should be fine for my 23 night trip. We literally swim every day on holiday. I always see ladies wearing the most flattering swim suites and I never see them in the shops.
After reading the blog about photos, I really must be in some this year, I hate photos of me but I am going to make an effort. My son always asks why I am not in any photos and I always say because I am the one taking them. Very sad when I think about it now.
Getting so excited especially as the weather in England is just glorious so putting us in holiday mood.

One week!!! Holy cow!!! You guys must be getting so excited . I always find the last week before departure just flies by with all the little last-minute tasks that need doing. You'll be on your way before you know it.

Please send a little of that glorious English weather to your northern neighbours . We're freezing, lol!

Do get in some of those vacation photos, my friend. Life is short and those memories will be so priceless to those you leave behind. I hope you will share a few with us, too, when your trip is over. Its always fun to hear (and see!) how much fun other families had on their holiday!!

And since I was showing my kids on Google Maps where the go kart place was, they saw the Twistee Taste shop was right near the karts, and the Nike Clearance Store was just down the street. I guess you can bet which 3 places we will hit on 192 before heading to the Portofino.

I tend not to buy too many clothes when we're on vacation, as we pay no sales tax on most clothing purchases at home. Which reminds me, the UnderArmour outlet is having a back to school sale this week-end, so we may be outlet bound this week-end. My DD gets a kick out the fact that you can see the 2 nuclear reactor towers right next to the outlets. That outlet place also has a Vera store.

I cannot fathom not having tax on clothing. We have 13.5% on almost everything (or that's what it feels like, anyway). Orlando's 6.5% feel like a steal to us!

On the topic of Twistee Treat, are these two from the same franchise I wonder?

http://www.twisteetreatocoeelbv.com/Lake_Buena_Vista.html

http://www.twisteetreat.com/locations

I have gotta say....I like the giant ice cream cone one best....but I'm kind of corny like that . It would make for a goofier photo, so it appeals to my inner photographer. I wonder if their menus are the same?

Maybe we should stop at the Lake Buena Vista Factory Stores! I saw them on the map but wasn't sure if a stop was worth it.

We will be going to DTD on arrival day; we're going to take a cab over so that 1) we don't have to park and 2) we can both have a drink. I would be glad to get my DDB purchases out of the way so I can go ahead and pack them carefully for the trip back (hopefully the Co-op has both the sketch purse I want and the HM wristlet I'm waiting for)!

The LBV Factory Stores is a MUCH smaller outlet mall vs. the Premium locations. We have always managed to find a bargain or two there (and they have a Crocs outlet which came in handy when I bursted a sandal on our last trip) but you have to reset your expectations when it comes to store selection. The good thing is, parking is easy so its not a huge disappointment if you end up leaving empty handed (for the efforts it takes to get a spot at the Premium Outlets, I wanna be leaving with my hands loaded down with bags!!!).

Good idea on the cab to DTD. I am considering the same thing for our Discovery Cove day, just so we can enjoy a few of their alcoholic beverages without the worry of driving . Or, if I happen to win Lotto 649 this weekend, I'll splurge and just hire a limo. Now wouldn't that be fun? (hey, a girl can dream, right?)

 

[Gina-Gina-Bo-Bina]

Do you remember (last week or thereabouts) when I told you Jake decided he wanted to rent jet skis on this trip? ZehnJahren gave me a few good leads on places to check out, and I spent a little time checking out some of the options that were available to us. Prices ranged somewhat depending on which establishment we were going to use, anywhere from $85 an hour (per jet ski) from a Daytona operator to $100+ an hour at Lake Buena Vista Watersports in Orlando.

I honestly wasn’t sure how important it was to Jake, and thought he might just forget about the idea as the trip roared closer. Apparently, I was wrong. He came to me on Monday night and said that he had been chatting about it with Sweetie, and that they were really, really excited to give jet skiing a whirl. He went on to say that he had been trying to think of something special he could do for her on this trip out of his own money, and this is what he (they?) decided would be the most awesome use of his hard earned cash. So please Mom, would you find us a good place to rent skis for an hour and work it into the plans? (He further went on to say that Steve and I could choose to join them or take a pass…..yeah, sure, like the latter is going to happen! Do you think my Steve will let the boy have all the fun? So dear old Mom was now on the hunt for a dual jet ski rental…..the boys being the drivers, and us ladies along the for the ride)

And then came the Groupon (cue the angels singing ). I open my email on Tuesday morning, and what greets me as I dine on my chocolate chip muffin and Tim Hortons double double? A jet ski rental offer, that’s what! The Groupon is for Makaio Watersports ( http://www.makaiowatersports.com/ ) and offers a one-hour jet ski rental for $59 or a two-hour rental for $89 on our choice of the Butler, Winter Park, Conway or Lake Minneola chain of lakes. It includes the whole gamut of everything we will need, from safety equipment and fuel to an orientation session and delivery to the site of our choice. Sounded perfect…..but a check of TripAdvisor was next. Just to be sure the value was going to be there.

TripAdvisor turned out to yield some very impressive (literally perfect) reviews. You can check them out here: http://www.tripadvisor.ca/Attractio...views-Makaio_WaterSports-Orlando_Florida.html . 33 traveller reviews, every single one of them “excellent”. I was impressed. But still not quite completely sold.

So I called this morning and chatted with their proprietor, Susan. Fabulous lady. Friendly, informative, and so darn helpful. She was able to answer every question and concern that I had (from the age/type of jet skis, to which lake would be best for a first time jet skier, to whether or not we might be eaten by a gator). She assured me that Jake would have a blast driving their brand new SeaDoo GT130SE skis that go up to 65 miles an hour (OMG! ) and recommended Lake Minneola for its “prehistoric beauty” (apparently the lily pads on the lake right now look like they have been plucked from the set of Jurassic Park). I must admit, by the end of our chat, even I was beginning to get excited about the prospect, and as a general rule I would say that jet skiing is not something I would normally gravitate to (anything that requires a pony tail to hold back by long locks generally makes me fret just a little).

So, I think it’s a winner. The only thing left to decide is whether the troops want a two-hour rental or one-hour rental (my bet is on the two hour….if you’re going to go, then go big, right?), then I can secure the Groupons and reserve a time. She recommended morning to avoid the afternoon storms.

Then I’m not spending another penny on this trip….and I mean it. I pinky swear.

 

[Lynne G]

and not another penny. Uh huh. Famous last words!

Vacations seems to be a money pit.

Thank goodness for Groupon. I've found the mini golf ones good too. I always check for deals when I am on vacation.

We got our first set of magic bands. DD is happy, though we have to punch another hole for her and I since we both want them to fit snugger.

Hope Patches relaxes. My dog just bites you and pulls at your clothes when you leave, but luckily does not have a good sense of time. Happy greetings every time we come home.

I don't know what the difference is, maybe different franchises owners? I think the original company went out of business several years ago. Either way, good ice cream will be happily eaten by us at the one on 192.

 

[ZehnJahren]

So, I think it’s a winner. The only thing left to decide is whether the troops want a two-hour rental or one-hour rental (my bet is on the two hour….if you’re going to go, then go big, right?), then I can secure the Groupons and reserve a time. She recommended morning to avoid the afternoon storms.

Then I’m not spending another penny on this trip….and I mean it. I pinky swear.

That sounds like a winner for sure! It's nice that Susan would talk to you at length so you felt comfortable with the money being spent.

I am up in the air as to what to recommend for time. My dad had jet skis for quite awhile, and there's only so much you can do on them. Two hours seems to be pushing it, but an hour seems like it might be too short if there are actually things to see on the lake you're jet skiing on! One piece of advice - put your hair in a bun. It holds up much better on the jet ski than a pony tail will!

That's cute of Jake to want to pay for his and Sweetie's jet ski! Aw!

Edited to add: what did she say about being eaten by gators?

 

[pigletto]

Excellent timing on the jet ski Groupon!! You seem to have the best luck with Groupons and deals!!

I feel you on the watersports thing. My parents just bought a new speedboat for the cottage. My 10 year old LOVES tubing. Watching my baby swing off the back of a boat at breakneck speeds wasn't exactly what I had in mind when I carefully swaddled him and cradled him and made sure he was safe and sound as an infant.. He went whizzing by the front of the cottage last time we were up singing "I believe I can fly!!" at the top of his lungs.
So I think I will forget to mention the jet skiing opportunities to the boys for a few years

 

[grantclaire]

We have rented PWC from marinas here in Ontario, they are a lot of fun, easy for beginners to learn. Sometimes we just rent for one hour. DW will take it for 30 mins she likes just to cruise slowing around the lake. Then my son 15 and I will take it next, jump some waves and get wet! That Groupon price is very good if it includes fuel. We have paid 100.00 an hour plus fuel when renting . Thanks for the link to the company, might check them out.

 

[Gina-Gina-Bo-Bina]

Vacations seems to be a money pit.

Thank goodness for Groupon.

Amen! But worth every penny, as long as everyone has fun .

Hope Patches relaxes. My dog just bites you and pulls at your clothes when you leave, but luckily does not have a good sense of time. Happy greetings every time we come home.

Dogs are so much more forgiving than cats. Cats are like women, they have memories that go back forever . You'll be walking in the door to a wagging tail and happy barks, and I'll be getting the stink eye and the skinned back ears .

That sounds like a winner for sure! It's nice that Susan would talk to you at length so you felt comfortable with the money being spent.

I am up in the air as to what to recommend for time. My dad had jet skis for quite awhile, and there's only so much you can do on them. Two hours seems to be pushing it, but an hour seems like it might be too short if there are actually things to see on the lake you're jet skiing on! One piece of advice - put your hair in a bun. It holds up much better on the jet ski than a pony tail will!

That's cute of Jake to want to pay for his and Sweetie's jet ski! Aw!

Edited to add: what did she say about being eaten by gators?

I thought it was a darling gesture, too . But not surprising, as he is just a generous and thoughtful kind of guy. He likes to do little things for people (me included) for no other reason than to show his love or appreciation. He's a good kid, that one.

Susan at Makaio laughed at my gator concerns . Not laugh in a mean way, more a like a thats-amusing-that-you-are-even-worried-about-such-a-ludicrous-thing type way. She assured me that the gators would be more afraid of the big, loud jet ski than they would be hungry for tourists. I guess it would be rare that we would even see one unless we willingly venture into the shallower, murky areas where they like to chill out. She said she hadn't had a customer have a negative encounter with a gator yet, and said we'd be very safe on the lake.

I think we're going to go for the two hour rental. The price is right and it will give us lots of time to tour and explore. It may take Jake a while to get the hang of it, anyway.

Great idea on the bun! I will have Sweetie swoop up all my frizz into something stylish and well contained.

Excellent timing on the jet ski Groupon!! You seem to have the best luck with Groupons and deals!!

I feel you on the watersports thing. My parents just bought a new speedboat for the cottage. My 10 year old LOVES tubing. Watching my baby swing off the back of a boat at breakneck speeds wasn't exactly what I had in mind when I carefully swaddled him and cradled him and made sure he was safe and sound as an infant.. He went whizzing by the front of the cottage last time we were up singing "I believe I can fly!!" at the top of his lungs.
So I think I will forget to mention the jet skiing opportunities to the boys for a few years

That is hysterical!!!

We have rented PWC from marinas here in Ontario, they are a lot of fun, easy for beginners to learn. Sometimes we just rent for one hour. DW will take it for 30 mins she likes just to cruise slowing around the lake. Then my son 15 and I will take it next, jump some waves and get wet! That Groupon price is very good if it includes fuel. We have paid 100.00 an hour plus fuel when renting . Thanks for the link to the company, might check them out.

Yes sir, fuel is included . I double checked that with them when I called. I am glad to hear they are pretty uncomplicated to run.....I mean, Jake is a fairly experienced driver (has his full G license and his own car) so if he can drive that, surely he won't have any problem with a jet ski. I probably should worry that Steve and I won't be able to keep up with the kids .

 

[Inhislove]

I am caught up and "officially" subscribing(no more stalking for me)!! I love your trip plans as we are doing the same with lots of rest days to relax.
Hope the rest of your wait flies by.

How do I officially subscribe? As apparently I've been stalking

 

[pigletto]

How do I officially subscribe? As apparently I've been stalking

If you go to the top of this page there is a blue bar. On the far right you can select "Thread Tools" and the "Subscribe" option is there.

 

[dennise]

Just had to let everyone know, my DH says 2 weeks is TOO long, 1 week is not enough, we usually do 12 days. We did a couple of short bonus trips in the fall and his theory was 7 days is TOO long so we went for 6.. Not sure his reasoning but last evening he said what about taking 2 weeks. After 46 years I still have not figured out his reasoning, but what the heck, I will take 2 weeks.

 

[ArwenMarie]

I agree about the pictures, I hate taking them as well. I always tell myself the kids will want some pictures of me when I am gone (I hope!), not just a million of themselves! I know I treasure the pictures I have of my dad who is passed.

I will say Photopass at Disney has helped a lot, I will always jump into those shots!

 

[Gina-Gina-Bo-Bina]

How do I officially subscribe? As apparently I've been stalking

Welcome aboard, Inhislove! Its nice to have you "officially" following along!

If you go to the top of this page there is a blue bar. On the far right you can select "Thread Tools" and the "Subscribe" option is there.

lol, am I allowed to say I had no idea how to do that, either, until you posted these directions? And that's after 6000+ posts and 6 years of Disboard membership . I am such a ditz. Thanks for the tutorial, my friend!

Just had to let everyone know, my DH says 2 weeks is TOO long, 1 week is not enough, we usually do 12 days. We did a couple of short bonus trips in the fall and his theory was 7 days is TOO long so we went for 6.. Not sure his reasoning but last evening he said what about taking 2 weeks. After 46 years I still have not figured out his reasoning, but what the heck, I will take 2 weeks.

Well, they say "variety is the spice of life" ! Maybe he's just trying to keep you on your toes?

I agree with your approach....the man says two weeks, ask no questions and start booking!!!

I agree about the pictures, I hate taking them as well. I always tell myself the kids will want some pictures of me when I am gone (I hope!), not just a million of themselves! I know I treasure the pictures I have of my dad who is passed.

I will say Photopass at Disney has helped a lot, I will always jump into those shots!

I hope the park photograghers are prevalent at the SeaWorld parks this summer. We got the SW photo CD on our Christmas 2012 trip and it was a great souvenir . There are certainly not as many SW photographers around their parks as at Disney, but enough to get some great family shots in the various photo locations.

I love the park photographer pics from the waterparks especially. Disney got a great shot of Jake headed down Summit Plummet last year that I could never have obtained with my own camera. I was able to buy that one plus two family pics (one from BB of the three of us in the lazy river, and one from TL of the three of us in front of the wave pool) and they were a very reasonable $30 total for the 3 digital files. And the pics turned out nice enought that each was framed upon our return home and hung on the wall.

 

[Gina-Gina-Bo-Bina]

The Groupons for the jet ski packages are officially purchased . On my to-do list today is to call Makaio Watersports and reserve the date of our choice. Jake wants me to secure the 20th of August (a Wednesday) if possible, as it’s he & Sweetie’s 13-month anniversary (ah, young love….isn’t it grand?? ) and his purchase of their rental is his gift to her. So that’s where I’ll start, and hopefully it will be available.

Steve & I chatted a great deal about the overall cost of this getaway last night. This is our first two week trip, and our first trip as a foursome vs. a trio, so definitely costs have been higher overall. That said, my sister and her family are travelling down on the 12th of August for a one-week stay at Disney, and wow…..what a difference our prices! They are staying in a value suite at AoA, 3 adults (their one daughter is 20), a 16 year old and a 6 year old (so 4 Disney adults and a child). They have said many times they are paying “over $10,000 for the week” (with exact figures yet to be calculated, once breakfasts, tips, etc. are known), so based on that base sum ($10,000), their price per person per day is $285.71 .

Here’s our breakdown thus far:

• Syracuse Park & Fly Hotel - $203.38
  
• Trip Cancellation, Interruption & Emergency Medical Insurance – FREE (some of the benefits provided under our Visa card)
  
• Roundtrip, direct flights (Jetblue) - $911.60 (Sweetie’s Mom bought her return airfare)
  
• Car rental (SUV, National) - $466.67
  
• Fuel for rental car - $200.00
  
• Sheraton Vistana Resort Accommodations - $1,726.00 (annual maintenance fees x 2 weeks)
  
• Meals, snacks, tips and misc. supplies - $1,500.00
  
• Discovery Cove package including admission, SeaWorld & Aquatica 14-day parking pass, dolphin swims for each of us, private cabana, 6 x 8 souvenir photo, unlimited food and alcohol, ultimate photo package (with photo CD, dolphin swim DVD, prints, keychains, poster, photo frame and photo album), 2nd photo frame, tote bag, and personalized buoy delivered by a dolphin - $1,517.65
  
• Aquatica Admission – FREE with our Discovery Cove package (valid 14 days)
  
• Aquatica Cabana - $158.69
  
• Aquatica All-Day Dining - $51.12
  
• SeaWorld Admission – FREE with our Discovery Cove package (valid 14 days)
  
• SeaWorld All Day Dining - $112.42
  
• SeaWorld Quick Queue Passes: - $81.00
  
• SeaWorld Extras (animal feeding, game tokens, etc.) - $50.00
  
• Typhoon Lagoon Admission – FREE (via our annual passes from last year)
  
• Typhoon Lagoon Lounger Rental - $ 55.00
  
• Daytona Beach Activities (beach chair & umbrella rentals and ??) - $100.00
  
• Extra Orlando Activities - $100.00
  
• Jet Ski Rentals on Lake Minneola (2 hours) - $89.00 (Jake bought he & Sweetie’s)
  
• Kissimmee Go-Karts (go-karting, gator feeding, arcade package via Groupon) - $50.00
  
• Gift cards for the Cat Sitters - FREE (gift cards from Visa points)

GRAND TOTAL: $ 7,372.53

That breaks down to $115.20 per person, per day, 15 nights/16 days total. And that includes every single expense we can think of (including taxes on all pre-paid purchases), and in some cases (like gas and food), hopefully we are estimating a little high. About the only cost not factored into the above is the Canadian to US exchange, which was minimal in many cases as some of our trip expenses were covered back in late 2013 when our Canadian dollar ws not far off the US buck.

We have generally found that anything under $4000 for a week-long trip is pretty decent for us, so based on that….we have done well. But OMG, it’s hard to see a number that starts with a “7” and not faint.

God help me if Groupon comes out with another deal that I just can’t pass up!

 

[Lynne G]

Sometimes I don't even want to think about the accounting side of things.

I will be spending more on hotel rooms, as the hotel costs for the 3 hotels we'll be at will be a little more than your housing costs. The Disney tickets were expensive, even with the military salute ticket purchase. Since both kids are adult prices, there's not much more money I could have saved on the tickets. I did get a discount on the Universal tickets, and I have an AP, so that helps.

The Go Karts and the Gator golf are a groupon and a living social deal. I agree with you, I shouldn't be looking at groupon and living social any more.

And, since it's the last day of July -- less than 3 weeks now!

 

[Gina-Gina-Bo-Bina]

Sometimes I don't even want to think about the accounting side of things.

I will be spending more on hotel rooms, as the hotel costs for the 3 hotels we'll be at will be a little more than your housing costs. The Disney tickets were expensive, even with the military salute ticket purchase. Since both kids are adult prices, there's not much more money I could have saved on the tickets. I did get a discount on the Universal tickets, and I have an AP, so that helps.

The Go Karts and the Gator golf are a groupon and a living social deal. I agree with you, I shouldn't be looking at groupon and living social any more.

And, since it's the last day of July -- less than 3 weeks now!

I work for two financial planners, so the accounting side is always on my mind . Quite honestly, I wish I could turn it off!! I am feeling a little guilty, actually, about how "extravagant" this trip really is (in length, in the "extras"......) and I'm not sure why. Its not nearly as expensive as some people's holidays (my sister's vacation is a great example). Its all paid for in advance, we're still saving for our retirement, Jake's college education expenses are all covered.....but I still feel somewhat contrite when I think about it. I think I need a therapist . Or maybe just a couple of weeks in Florida to recapture my inner peace .

But don't worry. I am still super excited! I know I have to balance all that fiscal responsibility with a little fun and excitement every once and a while. Its good for the soul. We spent far more in 2012 (when we took 3 one-week trips) than we have on this vacation.

Less than 3 weeks. I will dance to that!! Did you get the size of your Magic Bands readjusted to your liking? Have you blinged 'em out?

I was able to get the jet skiing all reserved for August 20th. One more item crossed off my to-do's.

In addition to reworking the plans a bit for the jet skiing, I also worked in a day to go tubing in Rock Springs at Kelly Park. It looks so pretty and so FUN! Steve has been very taken with this activity since I showed him some youtube videos, so I promised him I would see if I could fit in in the plans. It means we'll only have one full day and one part day at SeaWorld, but worth it to add in another new experience. I could have slotted it in on one of our "resort days", but since that's what I did with the jet skiing, I wanted to preserve the remainder. This old girl tires easily .

 

[tristyp]

I think you have done well for yourself on your budget. You better get used to spending it as you have timeshare there now

I have done my budget which i have spent so far and some estimates if it helps. Everything I quote is in Canadian dollars and includes tax unless i note otherwise:

We are staying for 13 nights from September 27th to October 10th and there is 5 of us. Myself DW,DS9,DD8,DS4. This is our first of hopefully many

Well here it is...gulp
disney 7 day base tickets through undercover tourist-1775.90
air flights direct from flint to Orlando on Southwest-1300.65
disney memory maker-163.04
pirate and pals fireworks show-256.37(although we may cancel this)
MNSSHP-372.91
entertainment book for Orlando-7.68
park and fly hotel-119.99(this is in us dollars without tax)
13 nights accomodation (7@Bonnet creek and 6@Sheraton Villages)605.42
Aquatica tickets(hoping they continue on with the $28 deal they have now -140.00 without exchange or tax
Fuel and food -2200.00 (I really want to keep it around 1500 but that is what i am comfortable spending. i have 1500.00 left over from Vegas last year that i got at par so anything above that will require exchange rate)
full size rental car - 213.39 (doesn't account for tax or exchange)

I believe my total so far is 7154.96

So we are in the ball park. Not that they may be a good thing!!

 

[ZehnJahren]

You're going jet skiing on my birthday!!

It's crazy to actually sit and price out your vacation, isn't it? I'm constantly blown away about how CHEAP our trip is (granted, we only have 8 days, and I have 11 days). Since we were gifted our week at SVR (we only paid fees) and the car came in so low, and I have an AP so free parking and park admittance for ME plus discounts on some food and souvenirs, even with TWO airfares purchased (one from the city I'm living in now, and another for the city I'm moving to) I'm well under $1000. I'm bringing as much in extra cash to spend as I spent on the trip itself! (of course, this also means that meals and gas come out of my spending money) I'm so excited.

You DO have to balance the way you look at money. It's a powerful tool for the future but it's also for the present. If all you do is save your money, and something happens to you, then you did it all for nothing and have nothing to show for all that saving. I'm a big saver and an advocate for 401k's and emergency savings and all that jazz, but I also have an account just for vacations and I'm going to TAKE them, and happily!

I hope you have a great trip Gina!!!! I know you guys will! I really hope to hear all about it when you get back.

 

[Inhislove]

I think you have done well for yourself on your budget. You better get used to spending it as you have timeshare there now

I have done my budget which i have spent so far and some estimates if it helps. Everything I quote is in Canadian dollars and includes tax unless i note otherwise:

We are staying for 13 nights from September 27th to October 10th and there is 5 of us. Myself DW,DS9,DD8,DS4. This is our first of hopefully many

Well here it is...gulp
disney 7 day base tickets through undercover tourist-1775.90
air flights direct from flint to Orlando on Southwest-1300.65
disney memory maker-163.04
pirate and pals fireworks show-256.37(although we may cancel this)
MNSSHP-372.91
entertainment book for Orlando-7.68
park and fly hotel-119.99(this is in us dollars without tax)
13 nights accomodation (7@Bonnet creek and 6@Sheraton Villages)605.42
Aquatica tickets(hoping they continue on with the $28 deal they have now -140.00 without exchange or tax
Fuel and food -2200.00 (I really want to keep it around 1500 but that is what i am comfortable spending. i have 1500.00 left over from Vegas last year that i got at par so anything above that will require exchange rate)
full size rental car - 213.39 (doesn't account for tax or exchange)

I believe my total so far is 7154.96

So we are in the ball park. Not that they may be a good thing!!

You found some great deals in here! Where did you get the entertainment book so cheap? And how did you get 13 nights for $650? Timeshare getaways?

Gina, how do you handle groupon? Do you get them emailed to you daily?

One more question- is the farmers market at SVR open to anyone not staying at the vistana resort? We will épée at sabal palms, and I love farmers markets!

 

[tristyp]

You found some great deals in here! Where did you get the entertainment book so cheap? And how did you get 13 nights for $650? Timeshare getaways?

Gina, how do you handle groupon? Do you get them emailed to you daily?

One more question- is the farmers market at SVR open to anyone not staying at the vistana resort? We will épée at sabal palms, and I love farmers markets!

I got an email for the entertainment book a couple weeks ago that was offering them for 7.00 and then there was exchange which made is 7.68. they expire at the end of the year. I think I may have got an email recently offering 2 for 12.

As for the resort rentals I rented the bonnet creek for the 7 nights for 539 plus exchange which came to 605.42.

I was originally going to stay at swan/dolphin for 10 nights. I am a spg platinum and did some travel for work last year and have been letting my points accumulate. I had enough points to stay there 10 nights (you get every 5th night free when using points). I was then told about these boards so I started reading. I then started thinking about free dining in September and staying at Port Orleans for 8 nights instead of 10 and saving my points. Then as I started reading more and doing tonnes of research I started seeing about these condos and all the room they offer. My wife is not a huge amusement park person but she has never been to Disney so she doesn't get that it is different then Cedar Point. We wanted to be able to relax and swim and not run all day every day. I started reading the Bonnet Creek stuff and started quoting. I ended up finding a great rate(at least I think it was). I couldn't get swan and dolphin for a few more nights so we were going to stay at the Sheraton Lake Buena Vista Resort (former safari) in 2 adjoining rooms. Then I ran into Gina's trip report on her stay at the SVR. I started asking questions about it on flyertalk on the spg forum. On there site they only let you get 1 bedrooms with my points. I asked if I could upgrade to a 2 bedroom with points on the site and one of the spg reps gave me the email of the general manager. I spoke to the GM via email who informed me it would take twice as many points to get a 2 bedroom. I wasn't comfortable with that and asked if I could just pay the difference between a 1 and 2 bedroom which was 60 a night plus the points for a 1 bedroom. He was happy to do it. I told him I wasn't sure of my plans yet and I would get back to him once I finalized our vacation requests at work. Two weeks later I noticed there was only a $20 difference between the 1 and 2 bedroom. I emailed the GM back and asked if he would honour the 20 upgrade fee. He said yes and I immediately booked and sent him my confirmation so he could do the rest from his end as he instructed me. He emailed me a day later and said that I booked the wrong resort. He was at the villages and I though I was emailing with the resort. He told me he called the other GM on my behalf but they would not do what he was doing. I did a bit of research that day on the villages and decided to stay with them. I informed him and he wrote me back confirming my reservation, I thanked him for all his help and patience and told him I look forward to staying there and that my wife and I would be celebrating our birthdays while we were there on (October 3rd and 6th). He wrote me back a nice email and said that he booked us into 1 of there newly renovated 2 bedrooms right by the pool and since I was a loyal spg member he was waving the upgrade charge.

So the moral of the story is I used points to stay there. This made me feel okay about buying MNSSHP tickets and the wishes pirates and pals if I don't cancel. Plus having a full kitchen and wash with three kids was a huge thing. Kids are not fun to eat out with and knowing we have a car and can grab a pizza and groceries so we can eat in breakfasts, some lunches and some dinners will save some money. We will probably eat out most dinners and half the lunches. I have ADR's at Hollywood and Vine(my 4 year old loves Handy Manny), Coral Reef and T-Rex. I also have one at the Grand Floridian Café on my birthday for breakfast as I seen the Lobster benedict on someones trip report and drooled for 2 days. I have Raglan Road planned for my wifes as I know she will love the Baileys shake but those plans may change. We will of course do Olive Garden and some of the other American chains we don't have at home.

I just realized I have taken over your trip report Gina...sorry