Even before we left on our Summer Vacation in July, I had already purchased airfare for two more trips--well, round trip airfare for one and half the airfare for the other. And now, we're managing multiple countdowns and planning for more than one trip.
The trip furthest away is a celebratory birthday jaunt to Walt Disney World, but due to the Disney planning calendar--180 days prior--the planning for this trip came first. I asked the guys to give me one restaurant to put onto our list. The boy, without hesitating, said Tony's. The husband, after thinking about it awhile asked for Garden Grill. 'Ohanas, Crystal Palace, Rose & Crown, Tusker House, and 50's Prime Time Cafe round out the other dining locations.
The trip that is happening first, a seven night sailing on the Disney Fantasy, requires planning attention next. Since we are Gold Castaway Club members we can make reservations for Port Adventures and on board experiences such as the spa or adult dining 105 days prior to our sailing if when paid in full.
So now we need to look closely at port adventures. Right now the top runners are a Cozumel Beach Break at Playa Mia Grand Beach and Water Park and River Tubing in Falmouth, Jamaica. Some of our criteria for selecting port adventures is the value of the experience, the length of time--Does the travel time to the port adventure last longer than the experience? And is it something that all of us would enjoy? Right now the husband has his eye on the water bicycle that is include in the Cozumel Beach Break.
Soon it will be time for us to check-in online for our cruise; filling out the required paperwork online. And since the boy has a new Passport, we need to update that information as well.
As a part of our cruise, we needed pre and post cruise one night hotel stays. Our fantastic travel agent is on this and we have reservations at the Hyatt at Orlando International Airport. The location of this hotel could not be any more convenient.
Another day in the countdown I need to keep track of is the 60 day before Walt Disney World so we can make Fastpass + selections. My current calculations indicate that we will be sailing on the Disney Fantasy when the 60 day mark arrives. A dilemma. Do we purchase wi-fi on the ship and make our plans using the app on my phone or do we wait until we disembark? When I posed this question to a message board group I am a member of, the results were mostly to wait unless we can get in on a free wi-fi offer the first day on the ship.
It's exciting to anticipate an upcoming Disney vacation. It's doubly exciting to have two upcoming Disney vacations!
Your travel agent could make your FastPass+ reservations for you :)
ReplyDeleteRebecca,
DeleteThanks for the suggestion. I visited with our TA yesterday and she said that if she could she would. The 60 day mark is December 28. . . not the best time. Our TA works Tuesday through Friday, which makes Monday, Dec. 28 a non-working day, not to mention it is on the tail end of the holiday week-end. And, if she is traveling to relatives, she may not have internet access either. We're going to talk later when her plans are more firm. I also contacted DCL to see what they could do for me. This is an interesting dilemma to have!
Jody-I just saw this response - sorry! I'd be more than happy to make your FP+ reservations for you! You can reach me at rebeccam@ftmtravel.com. I'm in Waterloo (we emailed earlier this year, but I can't seem to find the email)!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Rebecca! I'll let you know if I need you. I appreciate your offer! And, I believe I still have your email.
Delete;)
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