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John and Donna Gross "The Full Mickey - At a Discount!" The Wall Street Journal
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Do flight attendants really hate their passengers?
Airlines at it again: New perk, new fee
Why do I have to pay twice for the same ticket?
How much is that coffee spill worth?
U.S. expands airline passenger protections
Frequent flier program changes you can root for
The top 'quality' airline - "Airline Quality Rating" scores
announced
Airlines fall in love with fuel surcharges all over
Stop obsessing over airfares and book now
TSA screenings prompt cries of police-state tactics
Senior Travel: Again this spring: One-way rental car deals
Who had the worst customer service in 2010? (Hint: It wasn't the airline
industry)
How to make the hours fly by while you're waiting at the airport
Can't use your miles? Give them away!
How to find a deal on airplane Wi-Fi
Holiday airfares: No, no, no
Happy hour heading to flights on American Airlines
Review: Nothing but comfort on Virgin America nonstop from Orlando to
Los Angeles (and back)
New airline seats put comfort at a premium price
Continental Airlines Introduces New Meals and Snacks for On-Board
Purchase
Revenge of the car rental agents
Air France to offer Orlando-to-Paris flights
Pet-friendly skies: The best airlines for pets
Are loyalty programs worth it?
Airline fees bring headaches to some passengers, offer choices to
other
American Airlines to charge for front-row seats
Spirit Airlines mulls fees that soar to absurd heights
Virgin America offers new menu for summer travel
Help, my honeymoon flight's been canceled!
But how much will that plane ticket really cost?
Are you a stranded flier? Not all airlines will help
Google will give freebies -- and ads -- to Orlando airport
travelers
American Airlines to let passengers pay for boarding perks
'Clear' program that eased security lines to resume at OIA
Comparing airlines' Airbus A380s
New bumping rules -- less than what they seem
Websites to help you manage frequent flier miles
Tips for traveling with pets this summer
Photos: Southwest Airlines' themed planes through the years
Spirit Airlines says ‘No’ to pay toilets
Oops, wrong city: Don't let geographic illiteracy destroy your next
vacation
Disney’s Magical Express Nears Milestone - 10 millionth guest
to receive special reception
Priceline adds Fly Now-Drive Later promotion
Airfares on the way up, in this week’s Priceline Index
Mixing air carriers can be a bad trip
Free companion air ticket? Really? Beth, our travel agent, writes: "This morning I opened my email and the very first one I read was from one of my favorite stores telling me that if I buy $100 worth of merchandise on from their website within the next five days I’ll get a certificate for 'free companion air' to any of dozens of major cities in the continental US. I rolled my eyes and felt a wave of disappointment that this store would stoop to this level to attract customers. Sadly, though, plenty of people will fall for it and will anxiously await that certificate so that they can get rolling on the vacation of their dreams. Trust me on this one, though, folks: this is a perfect example of, 'If it sounds too good to be true…' Here’s how this particular deal works. You locate your city of departure on a chart that lists seven zones. Then you locate the zone for the city you want to go to. Next, you refer to a second chart to see how much that first ticket will cost you. I chose several city pairs for a bogus one week vacation in August and looked up the prices on Southwest and one or two other carriers for my chosen dates. I also made note of the taxes and fees on each fare because, with the companion certificate, you still have to pay those even on the 'free' fare (plus up to $9.95 per ticket processing fee). Then I compared what it would cost me to just buy two tickets outright compared to using the 'free companion' certificate. Not surprisingly, I found that while there were a couple cases where the companion deal MIGHT be slightly better, it was usually the same or even higher than buying directly with the airlines - sometimes MUCH higher. More importantly, in each market that I looked at, there were nonstop flights available with many great arrival and departure times. If buying direct, I could get those great times and schedules even at the lowest fares. However, I read numerous articles on the subject of 'free companion fares' and they were all in agreement that you nearly always get lousy times with one or more connections each way. In fact, the consensus is that 70% of the time - or more - there’s no availability at all with the free companion fares for the date/city combo you’re after. That seems to be particularly true where travel in and out of Florida is concerned. The certificate deal also has black-out dates and readily admits that the cost you end up paying may not only be higher than what’s on the chart, but also higher than internet fares (which they don’t have access to). Bottom line: don’t buy something you didn’t want anyway just to get the free companion certificate. Chances are, that certificate isn’t going to work for you at all, and if it does work then it may cost you more to use it than it would have cost to book better flights online. If nothing else, first read a list of sample terms and conditions. Pay particular attention to items 6 through 12. If you decide to move ahead anyway, tread cautiously - and may you be one of the minority that gets a truly awesome deal!"
New airport, new flights open travel between Orlando and Panhandle
- fares from Orlando as low as $49 one way
Airline wants to charge for carry-ons? No problem. - packing tips
eliminate carry-on luggage
Updated message from Spirit Airlines CEO about the carry-on crisis
Traveling with pets (but first, a Chihuahua-on-a-plane story)
iPad users may breeze through security
Spirit Airlines to charge for some carry-on bags
Southwest dropping some Orlando flights
Too sick to fly? When to put yourself on the 'No Fly' list
Senior Travel: Lowest airfare? You may have to connect
Continental ending free meal ticket on most U.S. flights
International travelers will get hassle relief at OIA
Continental Airlines embraces legroom fee - Airline will let coach customers
buy more legroom, matching United, JetBlue
Orlando International Airport ranks No. 1 for low airfares
American Airlines to charge $50 for coach standby
Magical Express sets bar high for high-speed rail - More importantly:
"Allegiant Air, a small low-cost carrier, moved two of its flights from
Orlando-Sanford International Airport to OIA just last week - and plans to
move 10 flights by March - in large part so that it can participate in Magical
Express." Beth, our travel agent, writes: "MANY of my clients (and, therefore,
probably many of your readers) use this airline and will be THRILLED."
Delta hiking fees for checked bags
American Airlines hikes charge for checked bags by $5 for tickets bought
after Feb. 1
The good and bad of 2009
Senior Travel: Avoiding airport parking hassles
If you're nice, maybe you'll get a seat next to Santa
Allegiant Air moving some flights to Orlando International Airport
Enterprise leads the fleet in car rental satisfaction
Passengers vote for their favorite airline
US Airways bookings must now comply with the Federal program, Secure Flight.
See TSA's website:
Getting on a plane without ID
Midwest to add non-stop from Orlando to Omaha in early 2010
Little-known airline fees that tug at your wallet
Southwest Airlines offers $10 upgrade each way to board the plane
sooner
Airlines becoming a fee-for-all
Some airlines raise fees for checked bags again
Airport security seizes Disney World toys
10 secrets airlines don't want you to know
Some airline-industry analysts predict that the cost of flying eventually
could depend on your weight.
Clear pass shuts down at OIA, other airports
Southwest airlines joins Disney's Magical Express shuttle-and-luggage
service on a trial basis - scroll down
Woman dies in crash at Disney World
Some car renters find $1-a-day bargains
Transatlantic flights for $13 (each way, plus taxes) are coming
soon
Airlines launch fare sale for holiday season
Save money on airfare by buying your tickets when the airlines lower
their rates throughout the day to fill their planes. During the week check
early in the morning and then every five hours. Check weekend flights early
Saturday morning and at 5 PM.
Twelve Ways to Tame High Holiday Airfares
"UAL Corp.'s United Airlines is doubling the fee it now charges for
passengers who check a second bag on domestic flights as major carriers look
for ways to recoup some of the soaring costs hitting the airline industry."
They raised the fee to $50!
"To save on flights, you'd better stop around."
Around-the-world tickets and fares: "Where to buy your tickets, how
they work and what they cost."
"How to Avoid New Airline Surcharges - A look at the ever-increasing
list of flying surcharges - and ways to avoid them.
A recent visitor to Walt Disney World complained that her SUV had been
taken for a joyride. Fortunately, she complained and Disney sent her
park tickets and a gift card. Moral of the story? It pays to complain!
"Here's a look at how different airlines deal with the 'customer of size.'"
"Free Wi-Fi aside, [Orlando International] airport officials say the
giant facility has been a leader in trying new technologies because it has
more room and is more willing to take risks than airports in bigger cities
such as Washington, D.C., or New York."
Beth, our travel agent, writes about a Universal deal, 2010 Disney tickets, Disney dining, booking Disney World and Disneyland vacations, Caribbean Beach vs Beach Club, and Magical Express times: "In case you received a Loews 'free night deal' the deal does not apply to the Universal Orlando resorts. Royal Pacific and Portofino. (Note from John: However, we do have a nice deal for those hotels, so members should log in and see UNIVERSAL SPECIALS in Addendum 2 for details.) No, the new ticket pricing doesn’t apply to you if you’re traveling on a package in 2009. The rates apply only to 2010 packages and/or tickets that are purchased separately from the room. Based on the questions I’ve had this week, it’s apparently time once again to remind everyone that Disney World park tickets include admission to the four theme parks ONLY. That’s Magic Kingdom, Epcot, Animal Kingdom, and Disney Hollywood Studios. If you want to visit a water park, Disney Quest, or Wide World of Sports (or golf on the Oak Trail course) you can pay separately at the door/gate, or you can add the Water Park Fun and More option to your ticket. This is a good value if you will use at least two admissions to the places previously listed. Given that the option costs will over $50 per person and that very few families I book have the time and/or desire to visit these locations, I do not automatically include the Water Park option in my quotes. My crystal ball is broken and my ESP hasn’t been very accurate lately so make sure you TELL ME if you’re interested in adding it. Don’t panic if your favorite restaurants don’t yet appear on the 2010 dining plan list. There are always a few that wait to renew their contracts until the last possible minute (most notably, a few of the Epcot locations). There’s no reason at this point to think that the 2009 participants won’t all be back next year. And speaking of dining… The 2010 Quick Service plan cost is up $1 for kids (ages 3-9) and $3 for adults to $9.99 and $31.99 respectively. The Basic plan has a more complicated pricing. In value and regular seasons the cost increases $1 for children, $3 for adults, to $11.99 and $41.99 respectively. During peak, summer and holiday seasons the rates are $5 more for adults and $1 more for kids. The cost of the Deluxe plan remains the same as this year: $20.99 for children and $71.99 for adults. Inclusions for the plans are the same as this year EXCEPT that children will now get an appetizer with lunch or dinner at full-service locations. Gratuities are still not included. I was reminded again today of just how different Disneyland and Disney World are run. To the casual observer they may seem very similar, but I find they really have far more differences than similarities – and Disneyland is not NEARLY as guest-friendly as Disney World. I won’t give you a laundry list, but I will say this: if you consider yourself a Disney World pro and you decide to trek on over to Anaheim just to check the place out, do not take ANYTHING for granted. Read every word of the terms and conditions of your reservation/package because you may be shocked at how they deal with changes, cancellations, lost or missing tickets, service fees and so on. Pixie dust is in slim supply with their Guest Communications department and they will not take pity on you for being ignorant of the rules. Consider yourself forewarned! And finally, please remember that regardless of how you book your vacation, you need to get everything in writing BEFORE you pay anything, and go over every detail. Triple check your dates. Be certain names are spelled correctly (especially if place tickets are involved). Check your mailing address. If you have the park hopping or water park options added to your tickets the confirmation will say so; if it doesn’t say it then you don’t have it, so fix it before you pay. Be sure the room type listed is the type you want. If you’ll be using Magical Express (airport transportation) then the confirmation should say it’s been added. There’s no charge for it and they’ll probably let you on the bus even without it being listed, but better to play it safe. If you’re quoted a price on a Disney vacation that includes a stay in a Disney-owned hotel and it comes in hundreds of dollars lower than any other quote you’ve gotten then there’s potentially a problem. While AAA agencies can sometimes get their members discounts on packages that can’t be had through any other source, that’s pretty much the only exception to the rule. A big price difference is usually due to: miscommunication (you thought something was included in the price, but it’s not); the wrong hotel or room type was quoted; or park hopping and/or water parks wasn’t added. So I say again, GET IT IN WRITING and review every detail. Caribbean Beach Resort and the Beach Club Resort are ***NOT*** the same hotel! They’re apples and oranges when it comes to hotels, so know the difference. (Caribbean Beach Resort is the moderately priced hotel with some new pirate-themed rooms. Beach Club is a deluxe resort with the coolest pool on property and it’s within walking distance of Epcot and the Studios.) Don’t panic if your Magical Express times aren’t listed on your paperwork, or show up as 12:00."
Beth, our travel agent, writes: "If there's one thing I get more questions on than anything else, it's Disney's Magical Express (DME). So maybe I can answer some of those questions for you before you ask... 1) There is no cost for this service. 2) You must be staying at a Disney-owned resort. 3) You can fly any airline and get your tickets from any source. 4) If you don't receive your baggage tags before you go DME will still take you. 5) Only the people listed on the reservation can go on the bus. 6) You cannot send your luggage to your hotel via DME unless you also take DME. 7) People in the same room can arrive/depart on more than one flight. 8) If you arrive on an international flight you have to claim your bags yourself and take them through customs before returning them to DME for transfer to the resort. 9) DME services only Orlando International Airport (MCO). If you fly into or out of Sanford or any other airport you're on your own. 10) The wait for your baggage averages 3 hours (assuming you arrive around 3PM or later) so pack things you need shortly after arrival in a carry-on and keep it with you. 11) Don't' panic if your flight times change. DME tracks you by flight number, not time, so they'll catch the change. If your flight number changes, though, it's nice to let them know (although not mandatory). 12) Because DME tracks by flight number the flight times often show on confirmations, tags, and elsewhere as midnight. Again, don't panic. It's just how their system works. As long as the flight number and the resort are correct on the tags you're fine. Don't hesitate to ask if you have more questions!" Affordable Disney members should log in for Beth's contact information.
Beth, our travel agent, writes about booking airfare: "Not a day goes by that someone doesn't ask me if I can do their flights for them. The truth is, I pretty much stopped doing air years ago. You can't imagine the amount of time I used to spend helping people find the right flights, booking them, ticketing them, and then staying on top of the frequent flight changes that followed. It was an easy hour or more of time for each and every trip. And about 20% of those trips would have additional issues... the need to cancel or make a change, a drop in price requiring a ticket reissue and fare refund, you name it. I can't tell you how much I hated doing air. It did, however, pay well sometimes. The commission was 10% on the base fare (price before taxes and fees). That meant I could make $15-30 per ticket on average, so for a family of 4 or more it was still worth the effort most of the time. Then the commission dropped to 8% - and then to 5%. Finally, commission disappeared completely. The airlines are no longer willing to pay travel agents for the headaches involved in putting people onto their planes. As such, I'm no longer willing to endure the headaches. I do, however, try to help clients as much as I can in booking air they will be happy with. Here are my top tips: 1) Check Southwest.com to see if they service your area. If so, see what their flight schedules and prices look like. Even if they aren't currently booking for your dates, you can still get a good idea of what Southwest offers. 2) Compare that to what you find on Kayak.com. Kayak doesn't sell airfare; they just help you compare fares from those that do sell it. They cover nearly every major airline except Southwest. The results filter allows you to easily adjust your arrival and departure times, dates, alternate airports, and more so that you can tweak the results to exactly fit your needs. 3) Once you've found flights that you like, GO TO THE AIRLINE'S OWN WEBSITE to book the flights. You'll avoid booking fees and, if you find yourself in need of a real person to help with a problem down the road, you're going to have a much better shot at a good result when dealing with an airline rather than with Expedia, Travelocity, etc. That's especially true if your flight gets canceled or there is a significant delay. 4) Once you've booked, don't look back. You'll just drive yourself nuts. There's no way to know if the flights will go up or down in price, and these days the change fees are so high that there probably isn't anything you can do about a lower price anyway. Just tuck your confirmation away with your travel documents, check "air" off your list, and move on. Yes, I can book (domestic) air through Disney as an add-on to your package - and I'll admit that every once in awhile they have a good deal, especially for groups of 10 or more, but it's rare. In the vast majority of cases, I find that Disney air is priced the same or higher (sometimes significantly higher) than what you'd pay online for the same flights. What's more, if you cancel your Disney reservation, nonrefundable air on the reservation is canceled as well and you lose that money. If you booked separately, you'd still have those air tickets to do with as you please. You might be able to pay a change fee and use them for a different trip. I'd be happy to get a price on Disney air for you, but unless they come in significantly lower than what you're finding online, book it separately. Disney will still provide Magical Express airport transfers (from MCO only!). Speaking of Magical Express, you can get that service regardless of what airline you fly, what time of day you arrive or depart, or how you booked the air. They will even provide transfers for international flights. (You just have to claim your bags and get through customs first.) Disney's optional insurance coverage also covers most air - even if you booked the air yourself! Affordable Disney members can contact me if they'd like to see a PDF copy of their insurance policy. Finally, be sure to stay on top of the current rules and regulations regarding luggage and other details:
Current list of baggage fees for most airlines.
Current TSA list of what you can pack.
"With most U.S. airlines cutting back their capacity, air travelers who booked
tickets in advance for the fall and winter may be forced to change their
itineraries."
Now that airlines are charging for checked baggage, follow these tips
for packing your carry-on bag.
"Latest Airline Fee: Pay Toilets? Don't put anything past the airlines
as they struggle to raise cash."
Now that the airlines are charging for extra bags, Disney is having a problem
keeping things totally free for guests using their Magical Express
transportation system. Disney is now requiring guests to contact eBags personally
and pay the charge by phone.
"In what could be the ultimate cost-cutting move by airlines buffeted by
sky-high fuel prices, US Airways Group says it will eliminate free snacks
in coach class on all its domestic flights starting June 1." Soft drinks
are still free (at least for the moment!)
"Trying to save on fares? Look at alternative airports."
"Delta Air Lines is imposing new or higher fees on a host of travelers,
including frequent fliers, passengers traveling with pets and people booking
their tickets over the phone."
"JetBlue Airways Corp. declared Orlando its newest 'focus city' Wednesday,
announcing plans to add more gates at Orlando International Airport to
accommodate a rapidly growing flight schedule... Delta said Tuesday it will
eliminate nonstop service from Orlando to seven markets and substantially
reduce service to a number of other cities."
"US Airways Group Inc. will implement a $25 service fee for a second
checked bag [effective May 5]. The new policy will apply to all flights within
the United States and to and from Canada, Latin America, the Caribbean and
Europe."
"Though it is not yet 3 years old, Walt Disney World's popular but
controversial airport shuttle and check-in service is luring so many
tourists that the company soon might have to expand at Orlando International
Airport - and fight off an antitrust lawsuit."
"Beginning today, international travelers flying into Orlando have
to submit to digital scans of all 10 fingerprints before they are allowed
to enter the country, under new security measures ordered by the federal
government."
"United Airlines will begin charging some passengers $50 to check
a second piece of luggage on domestic round-trip flights, becoming the first
big carrier to impose a fee for a service that has long been included in
the price of a ticket."
Confessions of an Airline Ticket Agent. Eye Opening!: "Depending on
your attitude, a ticket agent can turn out to be your best friend. Or your
worst travel nightmare."
"New rules from the Transportation and Security Administration that take
effect on January 1 ban travelers from carrying loose lithium batteries
in checked baggage." You can store two batteries in see-through baggies in
your carry-on bag.
Beth, our travel agent, writes:
Beth, our travel agent, writes:
Beth, our travel agent, writes about the Federal Government's recent announcement regarding passports:
The State Department Website writes: "Due to longer than expected processing times for passport applications in the face of record-breaking demand, the federal government is making an accommodation for air travel. U.S. citizens traveling to Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean and Bermuda who have applied for but not yet received passports can temporarily enter and depart from the United States by air with a government issued photo identification and Department of State official proof of application for a passport through Sept. 30, 2007." Click here to obtain proof of your passport application. A driver's license or military ID is also required for U.S. Citizens over age 16. It now takes up to 12 weeks to apply for and receive a passport. If you must travel within that 12-week period, the government recommends that you use their Expedited Passport Service. Click here for answers to common questions. If you plan to visit other countries besides Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean and Bermuda, click here to learn more about entry requirements for those countries. (Source: Northwest Airlines Email Extra, 06/11/07)
Amtrak has created a site where train travelers can share their personal train adventures. Click here to visit Amtak's Whistle Stop.
Beth, our travel agent, explains some confusing terms for travelers: "A pair of terms that confuse some travelers are 'direct' and 'nonstop' (with reference to air flights). Direct flights go from point A to point B without requiring a change of planes; however, they land one or more times before reaching point B. You can usually stay on the plane if you want to (and during short layovers they request that you do), but other times they may ask you to get off. Direct flights can be surprisingly lengthy given that sometimes the intermediate stop is rather out of the way. Nonstop flights, in contrast, go directly from point A to point B with no intermediate stops. These flights are the fastest way to get to your destination, but they also fill up the fastest and, as such, go up in price faster than direct and connecting flights."
"Beginning next month all air travelers from the United States, Mexico, Canada and other Western Hemisphere countries must have valid passports to enter the U.S... The impending enforcement of the new regulation, which officially begins Jan. 23, prompted the Travel Industry Association of America to launch a new Web site (getapassportnow.com) Monday that is designed to simplify information about the passport-application process." (Source: Orlando Sentinel, 12/12/06)
Alamo Rent A Car, Disney's official rental car company, now has an office in Downtown Disney.
Limo services provide affordable transportation to Walt Disney World, SeaWorld, and other Florida attractions. (See our online book for recommendations.) You can take a Mears shuttle from WDW to SeaWorld. Call 800/759-5219 or 407/423-5566. You can take a taxi. Taxis cost $1.50 per mile. SeaWorld is about 15 miles from WDW. You can rent a car at any Disney resort. See Guest Services for details. The Downtown Disney Resort Hotels also have rental car agencies on property. These Downtown Disney hotel agencies are less expensive than Disney's official rental car company, Alamo. You could take a WDW bus to downtown Disney and then walk to one of these nearby hotels.
SeatGuru.com has great info about airplane seating and in-flight services. It provides details on:
Shampoo on a plane You have three options: Start checking your luggage, complete with as many bottles of shampoo as you like. Use the shampoo supplied in your hotel room. Or purchase single-application sachets of shampoo, conditioner and styling products such as those made by Beauty-id. Boxes of 20 sachets of each product are available online at beautyideas.com for $18.50 per box." Regarding cosmetics, use products that last longer. (Source: Orlando Sentinel, 08/18/06)
Amtrak stations in Boston, Providence, New York, Philadelphia, Wilmington and Baltimore are Wi-Fi enabled for wireless access to the Internet.
Services like BAGS will tag your luggage and have them cleared by security. For learn more about BAGS, call 407/447-5547 or visit their website.
Beth, our travel agent, writes: "I recently saw a note in an Affordable Disney newsletter from a reader who commented that Pop Century resort didn't share buses with other resorts, while a friend of hers that stayed at "another moderate resort" said their bus DID pick up elsewhere. I feel that this needs a little clarification. First, Pop Century isn't a moderate resort; it's in the "value resort" category - and don't let the $116 per night price tag mentioned scare you off... The value resorts start off as low as $79 a night at certain times of the year. It's true that while Pop Century buses usually don't service any other resort, the buses servicing the All Star resorts often stop at two or even all three in that group. Usually, though, that's only outside park opening and closing times when each resort is less likely to have need of a full bus. I should also mention that Port Orleans Riverside and Port Orleans French Quarter, while treated as separate resorts in some ways, are treated as one big resort in others. In addition to being able to use the pools at both sides, guests will often find that park buses stop first at French Quarter and then make the 4-stop loop at Riverside. (This is but one of the reasons that I prefer French Quarter personally.) If you ARE staying at Riverside, though, consider heading to the stop in front of the main building - or even walking over to French Quarter - during peak morning hours to increase your chances of getting a seat." Note from John: I've never really been bothered by the buses stopping at French Quarter on our way to Riverside. Patience comes with age, I guess. :) However, like Beth recommends, we always catch the bus at the South depot near the gift shop at the main building.
SET LOVE FREE! Beth, our travel agent, writes: "If you live in the state of Texas, you probably know all about the Wright Amendment. It was passed some 26 years ago to eliminate competition for the then-new DFW airport. DFW is now the third largest airport in the world, and it no longer needs protection from competition. In fact, quite the opposite. If the Wright Amendment didn't so severely limit the routes flown from nearby Love Field, home of Southwest Airlines, we'd surely see a nice drop in price for flights to and through DFW as well as many more flight choices. A recent study indicated that the Wright Amendment costs consumers nationwide over $4 billion a year! That means that we ALL pay for it, not just Texans. If you want to join the fight to have the Wright Amendment repealed, click here to learn more and email your legislators."
Beth, our travel agent, writes: "This bears repeating from time to time because it's a big money- saver... When you purchase non-refundable plane tickets, don't stop watching the fares. If the fare drops for your exact flights on those exact days, contact the airline or the place where you bought the ticket and ask for a voucher for the difference toward future travel. There are a few other factors involved so it doesn't always work, but it often does. The last time I bought a plane ticket over $80 of it was paid for with vouchers from previous flight cost reductions! Remember that the fare reduction must be available on the exact flights that you already ticketed, though. That's the key. Sign up for Travelocity's fare watch service (or any other) so that you're notified when fares drop on your route."
Your hotel's front desk can arrange for a shuttle to take you to the Car Car Center. Give them one day's notice. Beth, our travel agent, writes: "I love using the Dolphin location because no matter where you are, there's probably a bus to MGM Studios approaching your location and you don't have to remember to request it in advance. You can jump on that bus, then (instead of taking a left through the gates of MGM) take a short stroll around the lake to the Dolphin. Car rentals are usually cheapest done in 24 hours increments, so if you pick the car up in the morning to go to SeaWorld or Universal, plan on dropping it off at the Dolphin 24 or 48 hours later. You won't have to rush to get it back at night, AND you can walk back over and start with MGM Studios that morning. It's also not a big deal to return the car to the airport, giving you an extra hour or so to play compared to using Magical Express. While it costs more to rent a car at the airport because of various taxes and fees, you can usually return the car to the airport for the same price it would have been to return it to the Dolphin or the Car Care Center. And yes, I keep a stack of discount coupons for Alamo right next to my desk!"
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Disclaimer: We cannot guarantee the accuracy of information contained on our site. Always check to be sure. The views and opinions expressed by others do not necessarily reflect the views of AffordableDisney.Com. Walt Disney World, Universal Studios, Islands of Adventure, SeaWorld, Busch Gardens and other companies mentioned on our site and in our newsletter are registered trademarks of their respective companies. The use of these trademarks is for editorial reasons only. No endorsement by the Walt Disney Company or any other company is implied.
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