Opinions on a couple things?

[Thrawn]

I'm planning a trip for Sept 27 or 28 til Oct 8. 2 of us.
Staying at Coronado probably, or maybe Y&B.
First question:
Easier to fly in and arrive at 6pm or so, or 10am?
Second question:
Its 10 or 11 nights, and if its 11 we arent getting in til 6, so what tickets would be worth it? Premium Annual Passes or just Ultimate Park Hoppers? The UPHs look to be about $450 for the 11 nights, while the PAPs are $500 of course ... I can't see us doing anything the first night, maybe Pleasure island, but thats about it.
Final question:
Best place to rent cars from at MCO?

 

[BRWombat]

If you are not arriving until evening, it's possible Guest Relations will let you purchase an Ultimate Park Hopper and not count the day of arrival. I've heard that if this is done it won't be in advance or over the phone, but only upon check-in.

But if you're almost paying as much as a PAP, if there is any chance you can get back to WDW within the next year, get them instead. Two (or more!) trips' worth of park admissions for almost the same price!

Say hi to Mickey for me. We're buds.

 

[Thrawn]

Mickey eh? I heard he was stuck up when not in front of the camera.

Thats what I thought about the passes, I think I will go with the the annuals.

 

[rick3236]

Also, if you go for the PAP you could probably get a discount on your rooms.

That alone will more than make up for the price difference. No mater what you decide I am sure you will have a great time.

 

[Thrawn]

Didn't even think of that, thanks ... will they give me the discount if I'm calling WDTC and getting the AP at the same time I'm getting the room? Or should I call and get the tickets first and the room after?

 

[barnum42]

Also, if you go for the PAP you could probably get a discount on your rooms.

I was going to say that! :lol:

Plus there are the other discounts you get with the AP, here are the details from All Ears Net

http://allearsnet.com/pl/apass.htm

 

[mattfz]

My wife and I ALWAYS fly to Orlando early in the morning to maximize our time at the parks, and fly out at the latest time.

if you must fly out late and want to sove some money, you can break up your reservation and get a "room only" for the first night (and maybe the last day as well if you have to fly out early and wont be going to the parks) with the Hopper pass on the full days inbetween.

But we always fly out at 5am or so to make it to the resort by noon! Always seemed like a waste to pay full price for a room and Hopper pass if you arent going to use it.

 

[agillespey]

reply

It is going to be alot less crowded at the airports and such in the evening. By the time you get your luggage and rent a car etc, it will be after 7pm, you wont have any (well much) traffic. Depending on the day of the week you it can get pretty crowded from the airport to the hotels. So the later evening flight might avoid that, plus you get an extra night that way.

As per the Ultimate park hopper versus the AP its a no brainer in my opinion. If the cost is only $50.00 difference then the AP is the way to go. You will get free parking at the parks even if you dont stay on property, plus the discounts in the stores and such. Not to mention you will have free access to WDW for an entire year. Going back to the parks will be very cheap for the rest of the year since the biggest cost is the tickets each day.

Hope this helps.

Anthony from Texas

 

[Ringo8n24]

Yes, get the room only option for the first night if arriving late. It saved us some money and the park hopper ticket kicks in for the following 7 days of our stay.

 

[artvandelay]

For rental cars, got to www.mousesavres.com. Mary lists discount codes for some of the rental companies. Also, she lists which companies are on airport property, and which ones you have to take a bus to get to. I know that Alamo, L+M, and Avis are on property.

 

[Thrawn]

Thanks for the info everyone, I will be flying in at 6pm on the 27th, because I really don't want to get up that early for the 7am flight. Also 95% probably getting PAPs.
Art, since you mentioned L&M, are they any good?

 

[tigger248]

We've rented from L & M 3 or 4 times now and have never had a problem. They are the least expensive rental car company on airport property (at least that was the case last time I checked). They are also very convenient just because they are on airport property making the process of getting your car a little quicker. The only reason I didn't rent from them last time I rented is because I'm only 21 and payless had a better young drivers deal. Anyways, I'd recommend L&M when renting.

 

[Thrawn]

Thanks for the info ... What car companies do they have?

 

[artvandelay]

Thanks for the info everyone, I will be flying in at 6pm on the 27th, because I really don't want to get up that early for the 7am flight. Also 95% probably getting PAPs.
Art, since you mentioned L&M, are they any good?

I've never rented from L+M, but friends have and had no problem. Have a great time. I always wanted to spend over a week on property, but I can't convince my wife to do it.

 

[agillespey]

I have never been to WDW for less than 10 days. Anyless in my opinion and you are forced to rush through the day, and be one of those families that are all tired and angry at 6pm. Everytime I take my family we spend at least 10 days and we can take our time, take naps, etc. Nothing better than coming back at the parks at 5pm fully refreshed with a parking space near the front. Heck one time in Epcot we ended up with the first non handicap spot in the entire park. I know that some people just cant afford 10 days in orlando but if there is any way possible 10 days or more make it such a relaxing/fun experience. I have never come back from WDW feeling like i need a vacation from my vacation.

 

[barnum42]

I know that some people just cant afford 10 days in orlando but if there is any way possible 10 days or more make it such a relaxing/fun experience.

I can't afford 10 days onsite. But I can afford 14 days off-site

I agree with you, that if you are fortunate enough to be able to take a longer trip, the whole thing is so much better.

 

[Thrawn]

I have never been to WDW for less than 10 days. Anyless in my opinion and you are forced to rush through the day, and be one of those families that are all tired and angry at 6pm. Everytime I take my family we spend at least 10 days and we can take our time, take naps, etc. Nothing better than coming back at the parks at 5pm fully refreshed with a parking space near the front. Heck one time in Epcot we ended up with the first non handicap spot in the entire park. I know that some people just cant afford 10 days in orlando but if there is any way possible 10 days or more make it such a relaxing/fun experience. I have never come back from WDW feeling like i need a vacation from my vacation.

Uhm ... please stay on topic ... thanks.


Ok one more question on the annual passes ... if get a voucher at the disney store, will that be enough on check in to get the AP rate? Or will it need to be activated? Not that its THAT big of deal since I am planning on activating it that day anyway ... or can AP vouchers be activated at the check in?

 

[rick3236]

I don't think they will give you a problem at check-in if all you have is the voucher. I have gone with a voucher before and did not have a problem getting the rate. Just make sure to change your reservation ahead of time to the AP rate so that it is in the computer and the AP rate is guaranteed.

 

[agillespey]

reply

I've never rented from L+M, but friends have and had no problem. Have a great time. I always wanted to spend over a week on property, but I can't convince my wife to do it.

Didnt mean to derail your thread and to be honest I didnt even look to see if it was a question from you in the first place. My apologies was just making a response to something someone said that I had experienced. Wasnt aware that i was ony to respond to post my by the original poster. My apologies.

Anthony from Texas

 

[BRWombat]

If you want to fly in the night before, another (much cheaper) option is to get a hotel room near the airport for the first night, then get up bright and early to head for WDW. My family and I did that on our last trip, and it was wonderful to have a good night's rest after traveling (without the premium Mouse prices), and then hit the parks the next morning!