Welcome to the Cheap Seat...or how I decided to go to Disney in a day for a day.

[MagiKitty]

Oh, dear readers, it looks like my trip report is coming to an end. I really have dragged it out too long, haven't it? Consider that I've taken a week and a half to tell my tale of less than 24 hours on Disney property!


Anyhoo...

Jetblue was on the first scheduled stop at the airport. As I had no luggage to check, I used the kiosk and printed my boarding ticket and headed to security. Security at Orlando International Airport is INSANE. I fly out of JFK for my international trips, where there are different buildings for the different airlines. Orlando is just one huge mish-mosh security checkpoint. Before I got on line, I loosened my laces, took out my ID, netbook, and fluid baggie. I was prepared. Still, it took me nearly 30 minutes to get through security, put myself back together and get to the tram to take me to the gate.

Although I was early for my flight, I knew I could take advantage of the free Wi-Fi the airport provided and post an "I'm ok!" note to my friends, check my email, and see what the weather was like in New York (foggy and raining). It was rather humbling, but it made my spur-of-the-moment trip even better!

Finally, it was time to board. As we were getting on the plane, the JetBlue staff were handing out promotion cards. While they were trying to entice the passengers to apply for their American Express card, there was also a free miles bonus code. I scored an additional 1,000 miles for my next trip (most one way trips start at 5,000). Cool.

Back, back, back to the cheap seat. I sat with a nice young couple who were more into each other than making small talk with me, which was understandable. I settled into my seat and an afternoon of trashy television with Maury Povich and Tyra Banks. And snacks, lots and lots of snacks (at least $10 worth!)

Too soon, we were landing back in upstate New York, where yes, it was gray and gloomy. I headed out to my car, parked in the "long term" lot. I swiped my pre-paid debit card and headed home.

Later that night, JetBlue had sent me another email. I thought it was a promotion, or a "thank you for flying", but I opened it anyway. It was a $25 credit! They were sorry that my flight had been delayed and were giving me credit to use towards a future flight with their apologies.

Can you hear it? The call of another $10 spur of the moment trip, courtesy of JetBlue? Maybe I'll go to Puerto Rico this time, or Miami, or the Bahamas....

So here's the breakdown of my trip:
Airfare: $36.90
Transportation: free
Hotel: $106.79 (with AAA discount)
Park ticket: free
Meals: $1.62 (after gift cards)
Wi-Fi at airport: free
Parking at airport: free
Jetblue credit for next trip: $25.00

I'll be getting my gift cards and magic drawer ready for my next adventure! Thank you all of you who took the time to read, comment, and enjoy my quick trip to Disney!

See ya real soon!

 

[A&Bmama]

I just found your TR this afternoon and I loved every bit of it!

Imagine finding an almost free airfare, an affordable hotel, park ticket that happened to be sitting in a drawer, gift cards; then, to top it all off, a credit for almost the whole airfare you paid. Outstanding! You ROCK!!

Too bad about the flight being delayed, every precious moment counts doesn't it, especially when you only have one day. Sound like you had a great solo day at Epcot, you got a lot done in a short period of time!

The only thing I don't like about your TR is...its over I want more... Here's to hoping you find another $10 airfare.

 

[MagiKitty]

A&Bmama...thank you so much for reading and posting! It was terrible fun and a horrible indulgence. I could not believe my luck in getting a JetBlue credit! Only now my boyfriend is insisting that next time the $10 deal comes up, he gets to go too....but how will my budget swing that?

Just kidding...I'm always looking for a great deal and he's been a sport about some of my crazy save-me-some-money antics.

I do hope there will be a next time...and if there is, I'll be sure to share the adventures again!

 

[kate_wdw]

MagiKitty, I loved your trip report. Epcot is my favorite park and the idea of a spur-of-the-moment trip there sounds heavenly (especially during Flower & Garden)!

I think you will have a lot of us scouring Jet Blue for great deals!

 

[MagiKitty]

Thank you for reading, Kate. I don't work for JetBlue, I promise! My local airport is teeny-tiny and to be able to fly directly (and economically) to Orlando really is a blessing. I'll keep my fingers crossed that some pixie dust comes your way in your travels!

 

[gabrismom]

Magikitty, your trip report was fantastic. I am sad it has ended. I really enjoyed reading it. We are headed there next month so this really has me so excited for our trip. I do hope you can swing another cheapie trip again. It seems like a very unique thing to experience and would love to read about another one sometime.

 

[dellasgirl]

Kitty
Loved every moment of your trip. So glad you got to do this.
Great news about the credit for your next trip

 

[beckysko]

Loved your post....it really gave me the idea that when every day is a full one, you can make your trip really last!

 

[melk]

That was awesome, thanks for sharing! I love that you broke down the actual cost. I know it was quick, but what a great memory!!

 

[Pikester]

Great job Magi!

 

[Twingle]

Such a great report! Thank you so much for sharing your trip with us - I very much enjoyed it!

 

[thruthelookinglass19]

You are my idol! I loved every word of your trip report and can't wait for a good deal on Spirit to come out so I can be "just like you when I grow up!"

 

[tracisup]

Thanks for a great trip report!

 

[shannon006]

I have absolutely loved reading your TR! You are an awesome writer. I had subbed to this thread. If/when you do another trip, will you post on this letting us know so I can follow along.

I loved all the pictures you took of yourself. You are adorable and the way you wrote about everything, well I just think you are a very sweet person.

I told my DH about you, he thought it was a great idea, so now I just need to find some deals like you did. I also wanted to tell you that you have inspired me to have a magic drawer too! I received a gift card in the mail yesterday and guess where its going?

Thanks again

 

[MagiKitty]

Thank you everyone for being on this trip with me and enjoying the ride. Of course I would love to go again sometime...I'm prepping the magic drawer just in case.

I'm sure there were a lot of people wondering what I was doing snapping pictures of myself--I'm not that vain, really! I just find the self-pics so entertaining.

I will say that no one offered to take a picture for me, and I've made a mental note to offer to do it for someone next time I see it. Just a little good vibes to go around...

I think the main reason I decided to write a trip report was because I was on a solo trip and I had this snarky commentary going on in my head the entire time. If I didn't get it out somehow I may have gone a little batty!

Disclosure: I actually had my little video camera on me, but I didn't have the kahunas to do a running commentary...but you never know what will happen next time!

Really, dear readers and new friends, I am truly humbled by your support and your enthusiasm. I wish you luck in everything you do and look forward to hearing about your own adventures! Hugs!

 

[novdisneydreams]

I just wanted to say that your TR was FANTASTIC - what an adventure! I was particularly interested because I am trying to plan a super budget trip this summer for my family to drive down from NJ and use our free ONE DAY vouchers (from Give a Day) at MK. You have COMPLETELY inspired me!!! Thanks so much.

Some people would say its crazy ... but I say its making the most of LIFE! You go, girl!

 

[Leucky]

Kitty:
Loved your trip report! Im trying a solo trip in Dec for MVMCP. I hope I have as much fun!!

 

[mdsouth]

mdsouth...I could hug you! A kindred spirit! My BF is a pretty good sport about my eccentricities, but the skull thing he just does not get. I just don't like them! I want my world to be all pastel, rainbows and unicorns...is that so wrong?

I agree! Just think, wouldn't it be neat if the world was as you described- all pastels, rainbows and unicorns. It would look like It's a Small World. I guess that is why that ride is still one of my top three rides at WDW!

Thanks so much for the fun TR. I can't believe you actually got a 25.00 delayed plane credit for your 10.00 cheap seat trip! Woo Hoo!

I am happy to hear that your fun drawer is being filled up, that means that there might be a chance for another TR report to read.

Take Care!

 

[MagiKitty]

You guys rock!

novdisneydreams...you can always make things enjoyable on a budget. And since you have your park ticket already--the rest is the easy part! Keep your eyes open and you'll find wonderful little ways to make every moment count.. have fun!

Leuky...a solo trip in December is going to be so much fun! And MVMCP is wonderful. I'm so jealous!

mdsouth...Its a Small World is my fave too. I figure life is often hard enough, just get through it with a smile!

 

[Sukie]

What's next?

I didn't want your TR to end. It has been so much fun rushing to the thread to see the next installment. A great job discribing everything, I felt like I was really there. I hope a another trip is in the works. Keep us posted.