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John and Donna Gross "The Full Mickey - At a Discount!" The Wall Street Journal
Jim writes: "Forgive me for sounding urgent, but I am soooo excited I could squeak! Just an old CM (castmember), still covered in Pixie Dust. Last night we received our Disney Visa Cards, made and paid our flight w/ American Airlines through OneTravel ...saved $830.30 from AA's daily price, ON THE SAME FLIGHT!!!!! Affordable Disney has afforded us so much more than money also. The hint section gave us the idea to forget the helicopter ride we always take, and ride in a balloon at dawn. So Cool! By the way, the longer balloon adventure is far better for us, than the shorter and far more expensive helicopter ride. Beth has offered us a car and driver for the two trips away from WDW property. We want to visit our old Kissimmee home, and go to Universal. Thank You for your willingness to do so much. I appreciate all your time and energy." Thanks, Jim, for the feedback! Great savings on airfare! The Affordable Disney team is happy to be of service. |
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Beth, our travel agent, provides this Magical Express update: "Still a big mess. The baggage tags are just starting to go out, and many (most?) people traveling this week and next week will do so without getting their baggage tags. I'm told that they will NOT turn anyone away, though. When you get off the plane you will ride the tram to the baggage claim area and when you get off you'll see Disney cast members in blue jackets with big Mickey hands and Magical Express clipboards. They will direct you to the desk where you will provide your baggage claim checks and a description of your luggage. They will then direct you to the correct bus and they will pull the baggage off the line for you just like they would have if your tags had made it in time. The tags come in their own little booklet with directions about placing the tags on your suitcase and where to go when you arrive. There are two or three tags per person, and they are preprinted with your name and flight information and resort. (I've only seen one booklet so far, and I forgot to count how many tags, but at least two per person.) Tags for the return trip will be supplied at the hotel. I also understand that SOME of the tags have a voucher included for a free lanyard and collector pin! I have no idea if this will be a permanent thing, or why some people get them and others don't. More soon!"
How does Magical Express handle lost luggage? Disney will ask you how many bags you checked with the airline. If a bag is missing, Disney will check with the airline. If the bag is lost or will take a long time to arrive at WDW, Disney will notify you of the problem.
Beth, our travel agent, writes about Magical Express: "This little tidbit is VERY important! We're told that the first mailing of Magical Express baggage tags has been delayed. It is imperative that those who want to take this complimentary airport transportation service from the Orlando International airport to their Disney resort have their bags tagged with the correct tags. The Magical Express tags are **** NOT ***** the ones that come with your Magic Your Way package documents. Those tags (one per person) are just for you to use as you see fit. You should receive the Magical Express tags in a separate mailing. If you are leaving within 10 days and have not yet gotten your baggage tags, and you're certain that you gave Disney or your travel agent your flight information, then contact your travel agent right away, or if you didn't use one contact the company operating the Magical Express service toll free at 1-866-599-0951."
Beth, our travel agent, writes about passports: "You may have heard rumors about upcoming changes to the rules about who needs a passport and when. Nothing is written in stone yet, but you can bet that there WILL be more strict rules enacted, and eventually you will need a passport each and every time you leave the country. So I am strongly advising that anyone who knows they will be traveling out of the country in 2006 and beyond, or who thinks it's a definite possibility, go ahead and get a passport NOW if you don't have one. It's really not a difficult thing to do, and I predict that the wait time to get one will steadily increase as the year goes on. If you wait until you need one you may be out of luck! Please read the following short article I received from Cruise Line International Association (CLIA) for additional information, and please pass it on to friends and family who may be interested.
What are the new passport requirements? On Tuesday, April 5, 2005, the U.S.
State Department announced details of the proposed "Western Hemisphere Travel
Initiative." If the proposed rules are enacted, U.S. and Canadian citizens
will be required to carry a passport for travel to or from certain
countries/areas that were previously exempt. The proposed implementation
is as follows:
Once the proposed rules are finalized - either in their current form or a modified form - the cruise industry will communicate that information to our travel agent partners and guests. In the meantime, individuals with future travel plans that would be affected by the proposed new rules are strongly encouraged to obtain a passport now. You may print a passport application or get additional information from the government on this subject by visiting: http://travel.state.gov/passport . Please check back on our web site for future updates."
Free airport parking? Beth, our travel agent, writes: "If you're a Florida resident that flies from time to time then you learn very quickly that Orlando often has fares significantly lower than other airports in the state. While driving several hours to the Orlando airport to save $50 may not make any sense, if you're going to save hundreds then it's worth a thought. I did it myself once, and checked into a Days Inn near the airport that allowed me to leave my car there while I was gone. They provided free transportation to the airport and back, too. It was a yucky hotel with nothing to do close by, but I saved a lot on the air. Now, though, I and the rest of my fellow Floridians have another option! Disney confirms that you ARE permitted to leave your car parked at Disney for free and use their new complimentary airport shuttle service provided you spend at least one night before and one night after your trip at a Disney hotel, and it has to be the SAME hotel on both ends. You just add one-way Magical Express information to each reservation, and let the front desk know that you'll be leaving your car in the lot until you get back. (Note that only Disney resort guests with reservations can use the Magical Express, so you can't stay offsite and then just park at Disney and use their airport transfers.)"
Beth, our travel agent, writes about transportation from the airport: "On arrival in Orlando, most families will either rent a car, take an airport shuttle or taxi, or use a private car and driver to get to their hotel. If you have children, you should be aware of the following... All children 5 years of age or younger must be properly restrained no matter where they are sitting in the vehicle. Children through age 3 must be secured in a separate carrier or a vehicle manufacturer's integrated child safety seat. For children aged 4 through 5 years, a separate carrier, an integrated child safety seat, or a safety belt may be used. (FL Statute 316.613). You can rent car seats from car rental agencies, but you should reserve them in advance during the reservation process. There will be a charge, and it can be hefty. You might want to bring your own seat(s) from home. If the seats are FAA-approved, so much the better since you can use them on the plane for small children. Otherwise, you can check them as baggage. Airport shuttles and taxis generally do NOT have car seats. I do not believe that they are exempt from the law, but they seem to ignore it and get away with it. Still, it's not safe for your children. The law exists for a good reason! Private car companies - nearly always the most economic choice if there are three or more people traveling - DO have car seats and boosters. Some companies charge you while others will include them (or at least one) for free. The cost is usually $5 if there's a charge. Bonus: Most car companies will also give you a free grocery stop (length ranges from 15-30 minutes) and some will also give you a photo stop at the entry gate, rent microwaves and refrigerators, rent strollers and walkie talkies, and even make side-trip arrangements for you. They are also a lower- cost alternative for getting to Sea World, Universal, etc. for the day. And yes, they also service Port Canaveral, Sanford Airport, etc.
To set up a private car (maximum of 4 people), van (maximum of 10 people),
limo (max varies), excursion SUV, stretch Hummer, etc. I need:
I can get you a quote prior to making the reservation. Note that some companies do NOT require any payment in advance. You pay the driver on arrival."
Mike writes about his comments in our blog and sent me this: "John – just read today’s blog . . . funny to read my own words – but cool. I am updating my comments and will be sending them out soon. We did have a great time and would like to add a recommendation for limo service. We use Dixielimo of Orlando (dixielimo.com) and our driver is Rocky. They are terrific – get you to and from the airport on time during evening rush hour traffic without going near that famous parking lot – the I-4. Sam (my son) loves Rocky and the sign waiting for him at the baggage area and the vehicles are outrageous. Gotta run now . . . but more later – busy planning for next year ya know!" Thanks, Mike! Here's a Dixielimo coupon good for $5.00 off your first roundtrip from the Orlando International Airport to Walt Disney or any other Central Florida location in the Disney area.
Beth, our travel agent, writes about Disney Magical Express: "You CANNOT take Disney's Magical Express if you don't have reservations. You need to tie the transportation to your reservation at least 10 days prior to your arrival - and they prefer 21 days so that they have a chance to get your baggage tags to you without express mail. If you don't know your flights when you make your hotel reservations that's OK. Just have them added on when you get them - but don't forget because they WILL turn you away if you're not on the list. Make sure you're not trying to take the lighter that Grandpa gave you on your next plane flight. In fact, don't even stash it in your suitcase. The TSA (those safety people at the airport) will take your lighters away from you now. That's all kinds of lighters, not just little Bics."
You can earn bonus miles as a member of USAirways Dividend Miles. Enroll here.
Beth, our travel agent, writes: "I have been bombarded recently with questions about what airlines are "safe" to book with respect to them going out of business. I don't have any crystal ball that will give me a definitive answer about that, nor does anyone else, so this is just a best guess, but a friend of mine that flies for FedEx and his pilot buddies recently went skiing and they seem to agree with my opinion that: * Delta is in very bad shape. That doesn't mean they are going to fold tomorrow, but they are probably the next in line to go. They narrowly avoided a strike several months ago when the pilots agreed to a big pay cut, and there is talk of trying a new fee structure this month and easing some penalties and rules that may make Delta a little more competitive with other carriers - but all this is probably only going to drag the death out a little longer. We are still booking Delta here, and we still feel that it's reasonably safe for another 4 or maybe 6 months. You probably don't want to be booking Delta flights for your Thanksgiving or Christmas trips just yet, though. See what happens. * United... They're OK right now, but they codeshare with USAirways. I can't imagine that if they suddenly lose a big chunk of their routes because USAirways folds that they won't then start having big problems. I personally think that this time next year we're going to be wondering about United, but It *should* be OK for awhile. * I haven't heard any rumors about Northwest or Continental. They have close ties to each other (codeshare), so unless one of them starts looking iffy then they should be OK to book for now. No rumors about American West, AirTran, ATA, Alaska, Spirit, or any of the others in that "middle of the road" category right now, either. * Southwest is as solid as an airline can get at this point. We all agree you can book it without hesitation as of right now. JetBlue is also solid for now as far as we can tell... Every once in awhile a new little low-cost carrier pops up somewhere, lives for awhile, then dies. It's very hard to last for more than 12-24 months these days (if that). If you are tempted to purchase tickets on one of these new little start ups and you're flying really soon that's probably OK, but if you're going to fly several months from now then check to be sure that the people behind the company have VERY deep pockets!"
Beth, our travel agent, writes: "Everyone is excited about the new Disney Magical Express providing free transportation between the Orlando airport and Disney resorts, but those who were really looking forward to doing a grocery stop on the way in might be wondering how to accomplish BOTH the free ride and the groceries. WE GO SHOP will buy the brands you want at the store you want and you pay the store prices. They just charge a shopping and delivery fee of $15. The branch owners of WeGoShop.com in the Disney area allow for a 50% off discount for first time users if they are local residents. GOODINGS is a local grocery with several locations in the Orlando area. They carry a very high quality of meats, bakery items, etc., but their prices reflect the fact that this isn't a huge chain. While the delivery fee is only $10, they have a $50 minimum order and they do the shopping in their own store so you'll pay more for most items than you would at, say, Publix or WinnDixie. (You can also order online.) NET GROCER has been around for several years and there are many people posting on the Disney fan boards that have used it with great success. The only objection I have with them is that they aren't local. They ship from the northeast, so you can't get anything perishable, and your delivery comes by FedEx to the resort so you're at the mercy of the shipping process. Shipping rates are based on the grocery total and start at $5.99." You can order frozen, pre-packaged meals from A LA ZING delivered to your hotel. Just heat and serve! They offer a wide variety of dinners ranging from hearty home-cooked fare to elegant, gourmet dining.
DISNEY'S MAGICAL EXPRESS SERVICE Beth, our travel agent, writes: "If you're staying at a Disney resort then you can use the brand new complimentary Magical Express service. You need to sign up (through your travel agent, online, or by calling Disney directly) at least 10 days prior (preferably at least 21 days prior). *** Special luggage tags must be placed on your bags prior to boarding your first flight. Guests with reservations will meet castmembers on Level 2 (on side A or B of the airport) for directions to the Disney Welcome Center (on side A of level 1.) You'll be directed to a comfy motorcoach which, when filled, will whisk you away to your hotel. Your bags will be collected off the luggage belt by Disney representatives and will eventually be delivered to your room. If you are on an international flight and Orlando is your first US city you will have to claim your bags to go through customs and then give them back. They will go to the baggage claim area at that point where the Disney representative will collect and transport them for you. For the return trip, you'll get a notice under the door the day prior telling you what time to meet the bus out front. It will average 2.5-3 hours prior to your flight time. They will NOT pick up your luggage from the room. Either haul it down yourself or call a bellman. (Call bell services early, because in peak hours you can have a long wait for them.) To use the luggage pre-check service you must stop by the special desk at the hotel between 6AM and 2PM (and at least 2.75 hours before the flight). You will also receive boarding passes for your flights home, thus eliminating the need to stand in a check-in line at the airport. You just go straight to security! This is great for families that have flights leaving later in the day.
The airlines that participate in baggage pre-check and boarding passes are
American, United (and TED), Delta (and SONG) and Continental. You can't check-in
for a flight more than 12 hours prior to the flight time. If you're not using
one of these airlines then you can still get the free trip back, but can't
use the baggage pre-check and boarding pass service.
The airport check-in service is operated by a TSA-approved company (not Disney) and all the usual rules apply. Everyone needs to come to the desk to check in and passports and/or photo ID are needed for everyone. If you lock your bags they may have to break the lock at the airport to look inside unless you use the new TSA-approved locks that they can get into. To reserve your transportation space you must provide your Disney room/package reservation number (unless the transportation is booked at the same time), the airline and flight #s, the city of origin for the flight coming into Orlando, and the destination city for your departing flight. Again, you can't add this until after January 2, and it is only for reservations starting May 5, 2005 or later. Buses will make 3-4 stops, so it's not necessarily a real time-saver; and they will not stop at a grocery store like the private drivers. Still, to save $100 or so, it's going to be worth it for most folks. The service will run 24/7 and they will be tracking flights so even if you arrive late they will wait for you and ensure that you get to the hotel. If you miss your incoming flight for some reason, but your bags make it, they will hold the bags at the airport until you physically arrive in Orlando. If you get to your room and one or more of your bags doesn't show up, then you contact the Magical Express deck at your resort and they will assist. If you check your bags at the hotel and then fail to appear at the airport for the flight, federal regulations require that your baggage be pulled off the plane. This can cause delays and everyone on the plane will hate you."
The Swan and Dolphin hotel, the Downtown Disney resort hotels, and Shades of Green are not are not participating in Disney's Magical Express. American Airlines, Continental, Song, Delta, Ted, and United are currently in the program, but Disney plans to add others soon. The service may be included with packages and room-only bookings. Three weeks before arrival, you will receive all the details and luggage tags to attach before leaving home.
Chris writes: "I haven't spoke to ya in awhile. Let me explain why. I got a job at the Disney Store. YAHOO!!!! I love working for Disney. But I am writing to you about the Auto Train. We are thinking about booking it. We are wondering about specials. I know they have had some but we where unable to book them because my husband's contract was up and we did not know if they would be on strike. No strike as of yet but it is getting to the wire and we are keeping our fingers crossed. We are wondering about their sleeper cars or coach. If you get a coach pass and they have sleeper cars available will they allow you to upgrade for little cost. So confused as to if we should book the sleeper car, go coach or what. Please help. As always I give your website to all who ask about Disney." You have to check Amtrak's site often and play with the dates. Sleeper cars are expensive. I checked one time and the cost was over $2,000 for 4 adults! I've never taken the sleeper car, although I might consider it when Donna and I go in the future alone! I sleep reasonably well in coach. If you can sleep in an easy chair, you can sleep in coach. I'll keep posting the Amtrak deals as soon as they are announced. Have a great time at the Disney Store! Thanks for recommending us.
"Rule 240. Here's your secret weapon for fighting airline delays, cancellations, and missed connections... If your flight is delayed or cancelled, or if you've missed your flight connection, these policies may give you free meal vouchers, hotel accommodations, phone calls, and other amenities. You may be booked on a substitute flight -- even on another airline -- and you may be compensated or given a full refund if the flight problems persist."
Follow these simple rules:
(Source: Consumer Travel Rights Center)
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