Split Park/Split Stay-Pre Trip Report

[Heluvsme]

DAY 1.... Pg 5





We are a family of 4, from land-locked Kentucky, who try to get to Orlando every summer. It is our "home away from home." It is where our son, a former late-talker with many developmental delays, first talked. While on a vacation to DW when he was 4 1/2, standing in line at Peter Pan, he started talking, for the first time! It will always hold a special place in our hearts. Our daughter, 3 years older than our son, started collecting Minnie Mouse plush dolls and has amassed over 300. She is going to be 17 this summer. And our son --- the former late talker who now TALKS ALL THE TIME (not that I'm complaining ) is my mini-me-- a wanna be travel agent. He LOVES planning and LIVES on Trip Advisor, the DIS, and other travel web sites. He loves all aspects of planning. I'm so proud of him!

Last summer we thought we'd try something new. We got a good deal on a Carnival cruise to the Caribbean. We had a great time!! Loved it!! But... well, you all know. It wasn't Disney. Don't get me wrong, I feel so blessed to take ANY vacation at all, and it really was fun and nice... we were pampered and ate until we nearly popped! But we are used to constantly going and being busy (entertained) while on vacation, and the cruise was, well.... it was relaxing. WEIRD!!! Not used to that!!

So this year's winter has gotten me down. It always does. I hate snow and ice and cold, and this year has outdone itself! In December I found myself occasionally floating over to the DISboards in my spare time---a very dangerous thing! I started getting the bug. But with our daughter going to be a senior in high school this next school year, I know we are trying to be very careful with our budget and I didn't want to suggest a Disney vacation. She'll have all the expensive senior stuff this next year---pictures, AP fees, college application fees, etc.

"Let's try to just do a couple cheaper long-weekend getaways this summer."
My sweet husband. I love him. Bless his heart. He didn't know I had been sneaking on to the DIS, trying not to get my hopes up, but realizing they already were.

"You know, she's going to college soon. We're losing her!! I may have to go months without seeing her!!" I would cry in response.

And while it is true, she probably will not be going to college here locally, I may or may not know how to pull at his heart strings. Bless his heart.

Well... thanks to a very busy travel year for my husband at work, he has banked a lot of hotel points. He works for a fantastic company that allows their employees to keep their hotel and airline points they earn.

My math, and the wheels in my head, start spinning.....

 

[Heluvsme]

So at the end of the year the hotels started to send us our statements with the total points accumulated on them.

We always drive to Disney. We have flown, but it is cheaper for us to drive, plus we just like to have our own car while there. We spend a lot of our time outside of the parks and I like to be able to come and go as I please. We always take a day to visit a beach, and of course we hit up the outlet malls too.

Because we're in Kentucky, we take 2 days to drive down there, and 2 days to drive back. We need a hotel room for both ways, and according to our statements---we have enough for 2 free rooms! Score!! I figured out, by using our Marriott points we were eligible for a free night's stay in both directions---- we always stay midway---- in Atlanta.

OK... so doing my math, and keeping budget in mind.... we're already ahead of the game, right??

Next plan---- working out the pros/cons of staying onsite vs. offsite. This one I really struggle with. We have stayed in a lot of the WDW resorts... never a deluxe, but darn near all the others. We love CBR a LOT!! I started researching, looking for PIN codes/emails... and even with the best offer out there, the best thing, price wise, I could come up with was returning to Windsor Hills.

We stayed in a condo at Windsor Hills several years ago and loved it! We missed the Disney immersion, but with our kids being teenagers now, the extra room made for a very enjoyable trip! Plus, I could keep drinks and food in the refrigerator, we could do laundry when we needed to, and we could each retreat to our own room when we needed to decompress. PLUS---- hello!! An EXTRA bathroom!!! WAA HOO!!!!

Soooo, Windsor Hills was offering the same condo, for $89 a night, no cleaning fee if staying over 6 nights.... seems like I could actually make this work, and come in under budget!

Next.... how to work in Universal Studios and staying at least one night, if we can swing it, in one of their beautiful resorts. I certainly had my work cut out for me!!
Stay tuned...

 

[Heluvsme]

By this point DH was catching on to me getting Florida Fever. The winter here was in full swing and everyone was fed up!! I have gotten stuck 3 times, seriously 3 times, on the road that leads to our neighborhood this winter. My Honda Accord doesn't like the snow and ice on the slight incline that leads to our street. THE ONLY WAY IN AND OUT by the way! The first time--- I had 3 guardian angels come to my rescue and push me up the hill that I kept sliding backwards on. The second time, I actually had to back down the hill, try to get momentum, drop it into low, and then go as fast as I could. I finally made it after 2 hours. The final time was actually at the bottom of our driveway. I couldn't even get out of my driveway! We've had nearly 49 inches of snow this season, and for Northern Kentucky, that's a lot. For this transplanted California girl... it might as well be 49 FEET! Have I mentioned I hate snow and ice??

Planning a Florida vacation was just what my psyche needed!

Something to look forward to!

And... (warning: CORNY alert!!).... there's something about the theme parks... my kids are no longer 17 and 14, they suddenly return to 5 and 8 years old. We all de-stress, I am flooded with memories of my little girl, searching for the latest and best Minnie Mouse plush we could find. One trip I remember... she was probably around 9 this time, we left Disney World with no less than 10 new Minnie Mouse's. And my son.... Florida is his place. He flourishes there! He started talking there. His curiosity was awakened there. He made progress there!! He loves all things Disney, and I am convinced, if we can work out a trip to Universal Orlando like I'm hoping, he will love it there also! He loves coasters and UO's coasters, so I've heard, are the BEST!!!

Soooo, I am going to research the UO hotels, tickets, parks, etc. MORE PLANNING! YAY!!

 

[Heluvsme]

I can't stay off the computer.

I'm looking at pictures, reading trip reports and reviews.

Looking up menus!

Trying to decide which beach to visit for a day. Last couple times was Clearwater, and Cocoa Beach. Something different this time?

I did finally complete some research on UO ticket prices and the best way for us to go. Basically, if we stay at RPR it includes the unlimited EP, so 2 day, single park tickets seemed to be the best route for us. I went ahead and bought the tickets this morning and chose the Print At Home option... they are printed and put away in a safe spot!!

Also.... we have reserved the condo at WH for the week. Same one as before, and we are so happy about that. It was really nice! The decorating was so tasteful! It was clean!! The mattresses were near perfect! We loved everything about it.

Annnnndddd.......... this morning after I printed our tickets to UO, I went ahead and reserved a night at RPR!!! Just a standard, 2 queen bed room, but the resort looks so beautiful, the pools look awesome, the restaurants look fantastic!! Can't wait!!!!!!!

I've made progress!

 

[mrsabbott]

Where are you in KY? We are also staying in Atlanta on the way home but we are stopping and spending time in Charlotte on the way there. I got pretty good deals on Hotwire.com but I didn't get as good a deal as FREE! Way to go!

We have considered a cruise. We'd love to do a Disney cruise with the family and maybe a cruise with just Hubs and I. I'm not sure that our kiddos are old enough for one though.

I can't wait to hear more about your trip!

 

[Heluvsme]

We are in extreme Northern Kentucky, Florence, it's just outside of Cincinnati, OH. On our way to Orlando we are actually staying in Warner Robbins (sp?) so that we are well south of the city and not fighting traffic the next morning. On our return trip we will stay in Atlanta-- Atlanta Station-- we love the outdoor shopping and restaurant venue!! California Pizza Kitchen is fantastic there!

Yeah I was soooo happy the points have paid off!! DH certainly has to spend a lot of time away from home for them, but it makes vacation time all that much sweeter.
Thanks for reading!!

 

[mrsabbott]

We are outside of Ft. Knox but I know what area you are talking about! Been up that way before. Never been to Atlanta.. Driven through but never stopped. Can't think of the name off hand, but we are staying in between Atlanta and Marietta. Still considered Atlanta though. I think the reviews talked about shopping, so perhaps it is the area you are talking about.

I've heard good things about Windsor Hills. I think you wrote you are staying there? We are staying at Bahama Bay. Normally, we would stay someplace cheaper. I can't wait to stay at a resort. I think we will get spoiled by the space of a condo!

Can't wait to hear more about your trip!

 

[Heluvsme]

mrsabbott.... we love the resort feel. We got such a good deal on it, my brain started converting all those savings into "What else can we spend that money on?"

We save money by having that kitchen too! Now don't get me wrong, I don't cook whole meals there, I am on vacation after all, but we can get quick warm up meals for breakfast, we can keep small items there for quick lunches if we aren't in a park, or even like the last time we went.... there were a couple nights we picked up take out (Chinese or Thai one night, and then some fast food I can't recall...) but we had plates and glasses and silverware in the resort room and this just made it so much more convenient.

At $89 a night, you can't go wrong!

The living room was so nice to have... leather couch and love seat, TV with DVD player, a sweet balcony that I would sit on with my tea and iPad every morning, 2 full bathrooms.... now for THAT it was worth the entire amount we spent!

From your ticker it looks like you're going in just a couple weeks? I bet the weather will be perfect for you at that time!! For us, the 2-3 week mark is just about the hardest. Almost all the planning is done, now it's just waiting, and we are not good wait-ers!!

 

[jaoconnor]

I can't stay off the computer.

I did finally complete some research on UO ticket prices and the best way for us to go. Basically, if we stay at RPR it includes the unlimited EP, so 2 day, single park tickets seemed to be the best route for us. I went ahead and bought the tickets this morning and chose the Print At Home option... they are printed and put away in a safe spot!!

Annnnndddd.......... this morning after I printed our tickets to UO, I went ahead and reserved a night at RPR!!! Just a standard, 2 queen bed room, but the resort looks so beautiful, the pools look awesome, the restaurants look fantastic!! Can't wait!!!!!!!

I've made progress!

Did you say your trip was this summer? I just want to make sure you realize that park-to-park tickets will be needed this summer to ride the new Harry Potter train that runs from one park to the other.

You didn't mention Harry, so maybe its not something that's important to you you??? As I understand it, you will have an option to upgrade your tickets inside the park if you decide you want to ride, but I wanted you to be prepared.

This winter has been a killer for me too. Can't wait for warmer temps!!!

Enjoy your trip. My thrill seeker children have no interest in returning to Disney after visiting Universal & getting hooked on their awesome rides!

 

[wiigirl]

Following along!

 

[Heluvsme]

Did you say your trip was this summer? I just want to make sure you realize that park-to-park tickets will be needed this summer to ride the new Harry Potter train that runs from one park to the other.

You didn't mention Harry, so maybe its not something that's important to you you???

I'm so glad you're reading!! Welcome!!

We will be there the 2nd week of June, the new HP will probably be open but we weren't counting on it since the date hasn't been announced yet. I was aware of the P2P tickets but since this is my children's first visit (well kind of, my daughter was so little last time she was there, we did mainly Barney's show and that was it.... 16 years ago!) we're mainly going for the rides! We aren't huge HP fans but will be watching the movies prior to going. Whether we know the characters or not we will enjoy the rides I'm sure! But to answer your question... we're not really huge fans. And missing the train ride won't be a major disappointment to us. We're looking forward to everything else!!

 

[Heluvsme]

Following along!

Hi wiigirl!! You're reading along on my other Pre Trip Report... basically the same one here with a few more DW details thrown in.

Thank you!! We are really needing this vacation. We have worked so hard this year, we're all tired of the "adult" world and desperately need to be children again, I know you all will 'get' that.

Too many emoticons? Sorry.
Thanks for reading, friends. I hope I don't get too boring for you all!

 

[mrsabbott]

mrsabbott.... we love the resort feel. We got such a good deal on it, my brain started converting all those savings into "What else can we spend that money on?" We save money by having that kitchen too! Now don't get me wrong, I don't cook whole meals there, I am on vacation after all, but we can get quick warm up meals for breakfast, we can keep small items there for quick lunches if we aren't in a park, or even like the last time we went.... there were a couple nights we picked up take out (Chinese or Thai one night, and then some fast food I can't recall...) but we had plates and glasses and silverware in the resort room and this just made it so much more convenient. At $89 a night, you can't go wrong! The living room was so nice to have... leather couch and love seat, TV with DVD player, a sweet balcony that I would sit on with my tea and iPad every morning, 2 full bathrooms.... now for THAT it was worth the entire amount we spent! From your ticker it looks like you're going in just a couple weeks? I bet the weather will be perfect for you at that time!! For us, the 2-3 week mark is just about the hardest. Almost all the planning is done, now it's just waiting, and we are not good wait-ers!!

That is very cheap! We are blessed to not have to pay for our lodging this time, but I think that price seems very reasonable for a condo! We have 4 kids and I plan on doing some easy meals but I am like you.. I'm on vacation and don't want to be a slave to the kitchen! But I can see where it will be a money saver for us!

I think it should be in the 70s while we are there. Perfect weather for me. Not too humid quite yet, I don't think. We leave two weeks from today. We'll load up and leave as soon as we get home from work/school. I have a lot of last minute stuff to get done over the next couple of weeks. It is unreal how fast time is flying by!

 

[Heluvsme]

Next up... I need to figure out the dog sitter/house sitter situation.

Usually when we go somewhere we have a college student we know stay here to watch the doggie girls. This summer though we may not have that luxury. She can do it in a "pinch" but she is moving that week and so I am searching for someone else.

I need peace of mind in this area before I can plan anything else. I do have another college-aged friend, the son of our pastor, who might be able to do it, he'd like the extra money and I know he'd like the food I stock in the kitchen.

Hmmm..... If I can get this part nailed down I'd feel a real accomplishment!


Last night my DH and I poured over the various menus. Again. Universal's menus seem so much better than DW's..... am I correct? I won't know for myself until I get there and try some of these places out, but even the Quick Service places seem better! Maybe I'm just so desperate to go ANYthing would sound good right now.

 

[Heluvsme]

Me and Jacob, summer 2012, Toy Story Mania

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[mrsabbott]

Cute pic!! Like your shirt too..

 

[Heluvsme]

Thank you mrsabbott!

You are SO close to your trip!! I'm sure you're busy, the last week prior to leaving is always so busy! And is it just me, or does everyone else find it necessary to leave a clean house? We use a dog/house sitter, so of course I want it clean for her, but I deep clean, not just surface clean. Why do I make it so hard on myself?

I hope you have a great time!!

Did a little "vacation shopping" this weekend.... for my daughter! Got her a new pair of running shorts, yoga/capri type pants, and matching t-shirt, just to get her started. She loves to wear these comfy clothes at the parks.

And, my DH got some new athletic shoes... they will be perfectly broken in by the time the trip rolls around, he only wears them one day a week!

I've been reading the boards like crazy, and immersing myself in trip reports, where, in my opinion, you can get the BEST advice there is! Just be reading the first hand accounts!

The dog/house sitter situation.... probably going to use the same sweet girl we used last time, she knows the routine and patterns.... sometimes it's just easier to stay with what we've used in the past.

We are less than 90 days out now.... I think we are at about 79-81 days out... somewhere in that range!

 

[mrsabbott]

Yeah, I'm hoping to get the house reasonably clean before we go. We are actually doing an impromptu kitchen facelift this weekend. New dishwasher, sink, range hood, and garbage disposal going in. I'm also painting our handles on the cabinets to match our faucet. kind of a lot to do right before vacation but it wasn't quite our timing.. The dishwasher and garbage disposal went kaput and while we were going to be replacing them anyways.... Yeah.

I've really enjoyed clothes shopping for vacation but, admittedly, my shoes aren't quite broken in yet..

 

[Heluvsme]

Just think... you'll have a beautiful "new" kitchen to come home to!!

Well, our planning and prepping are still in full force. After reading some more Universal Trip Reports, I realized I still have a lot of research to do. Because we only have 2 days there, and we want to see and do as much as we can, PLUS see and enjoy as much of the RPR as possible, I really want to know what we're doing and where we're going. The unlimited Express Pass sounds like a God send!

My kids love swimming and we plan on using the pool there as much as we can, weather permitting. Rain doesn't scare us away from the parks, but I really am hoping for sunny days so we can take our mid-day swim break, and swim some more that night.

After getting deeper into this planning I may have a little remorse.... I am really wishing now we had planned more days at Universal and just 1 day at Disney, to visit the MK. Why is it though that the nostalgia pulls us back there? We do love it at DW, don't get me wrong, but the idea of something new (for us) and the extra thrill type rides just sounds so attractive right now.

We will be on vacation, we will treasure every moment no matter where we are!! Even back at the condo in Windsor Hills, even that will be very welcome!!

 

[pwdebbie]

Hi. Saw you on blessedmom4's thread and decided to come visit. My dd is in KY (Wilmore, he dh is going for his masters and doctorate at Asbury) and her mil is planning a trip for them next February. I am so happy they are going to get to go to WDW! I wish it could be me seeing the three grandkids' faces the first time they the castle, but we don't have the finances for that, so I'm happy that at least the other set of grandparents can do that. And I'm sure I'll get pictures. I'm going to follow along on your trip.