We've done it!!

[zippy99]

Having decided last minute to do a Disney trip this August, DH was adamant that he did not want to tell the kids - to make it a surprise.

.....well we lasted 2 day before telling them!! I think with DD & DS older they like to get involved with the planning and restaurant selection etc.. The reaction was still just as good...

DH and I sat in the lounge and said to the kids - we've booked a holiday. DD (14) replies "so we are not going camping then?' I said "no - just booked 9 days at the Caribbean Beach"... at which point her whole face crumpled and she looked peed off (my head was thinking - WHY are you not happy - ungrateful toad!) She then continued - I don't want to go on a beach holiday!

DH said to her - Caribbean Beach - the Disney hotel - from that moment the penny dropped - a shriek like a Banshee filled the room and no doubt could be heard for miles - she burst in to tears - ran and got the Disney planning DVDs - opened images, menus, videos not only on her laptop but also on my son's iPad - she was in Planning paradise!!

By this morning we had schedules in excel - colour coded a list of dining options and menus (including her food choice) an itinerary for the whole trip and had a grin like a demented Cheshire cat!!

I then reminded my husband that we now have 5 months of this and perhaps we should have kept it a secret a bit longer!!

Perhaps I should put her on the case with finding a flight price for me as we still have to book these!

 

[WiganTony]

Hope you all have a fantastic time.

For flights, this site is coming up with US Airways flights from Heathrow to MCO via Philadelphia for £532 (out 20/08, return 03/09) if it's any help. Cheapest direct flight on this site is £760 LGW to Tampa.

Kayak is giving options from LHR with Air Canada/United for £498 (out via Montreal, return via Washington) or £514 with US Airways as above.

 

[Sarah28]

Aww how lovely! Enjoy your planning together

 

[tigger17]

Have a Fab trip and happy planning to your DD

 

[queendisney]

Thats a lovely story..happy planning, although maybe you won't need to do much of it yourself as your DD seems to have that well under control

 

[zippy99]

Thanks all - especially WiganTony with those prices

Out of interest (and asking advice from the more frequent and indirect) Florida flyers - what in your opinion would be a 'good price' we are fairly close to Gatwick (45 min drive/train) so that is the preference but being on the South Coast Heathrow is hardly the end of the world either.

We probably won't have the flight money in full till the end of April (unless we borrow money from my Nan or Mum just to secure flights at a bargain price) so I just wanted an idea of what what is a too good to miss price and should be pounced on! We do have 12k airmiles with Virgin - so can do M&M. We are also willing to travel a day or two later - but need to return Monday 3rd due to DD starting Yr 10 and GCSE time.

I am aware that peoples expectation of a 'Good Price' varies drasically - but we are (quite simply) looking for the cheapest way to get there!

Wayne.... as master of Florida flights and bargains I am hoping you can give me some thoughts on this - for us the flight is just a means to an end!

Looking forward to helpful replies as always - and so glad to be back on here with an active ticker!!)

 

[merlin307]

Hi zippy

What dates are you looking at?

Can get a US Airways from LGW to MCO (indirect) with 1 stop for approx £510 pp from 20th Aug to 1st Sep..........



Try having a look at Skyscanner - there are a few options coming up at around the £500pp mark......or £470 to Miami if you fancy driving........

 

[zippy99]

Hi - our ideal dates are 20th August to 3rd Sept.

I have just found LGW > Sanford for £550 pp + £50 for bags (£2400) or £2690 if I book as a fly drive - only downside is it is the 21st Aug > 4th Sept. But it does tick all the otherboxes in terms of direct, car inclusion and I can pay a deposit meaning I can secure at that price... It would mean the kids missing their first day back at school.... decisions decisions

 

[TheFram4]

Just been looking at m+m:

19th aug Gatwick to MCO, Return 4th sept (land 5th) Miami to Heathrow

£ 2137 total (4 adults)

Obviously there are the logistics of flying out of Gatwick and into Heathrow (but if you getting dropped off/ picked up not so much so)

But the extra day(s) at end could be incorporated into holiday on travel down to Miami - Disney have a lovely relaxing hotel right on the beach about half way down at Vero Beach

 

[dixonsontour]

Your daughter sounds like a Diser.

Glad they were so excited.