DisneyDawgs

Tag: MCO

  • What To Do If Your Luggage Is Lost at MCO

    What To Do If Your Luggage Is Lost at MCO

    Experiencing lost luggage at Orlando International Airport (MCO) can be stressful, but knowing the proper steps can help you resolve the situation efficiently. Here’s a comprehensive guide on what to do and where to go if your luggage is missing upon arrival.

    1. Immediate Actions at the Airport

    • Proceed to Your Airline’s Baggage Service Office: Each airline has a designated baggage service office, typically located near the baggage claim area. Report your missing luggage there promptly. Provide your baggage claim ticket and detailed information about your bag to assist in the search. iFly
    • Complete a Property Irregularity Report (PIR): At the baggage service office, you’ll be required to fill out a PIR form. This document records the details of your missing luggage and initiates the tracking process. Ensure you receive a copy for your records.

    2. Contacting the Airline Directly

    • Use Airline Hotlines or Online Services: If you’ve already left the airport or prefer remote communication, contact your airline’s customer service through their hotline or official website. Many airlines offer online forms to report delayed or lost baggage. Be ready to provide your flight details, baggage claim number, and a thorough description of your luggage.

    3. Monitoring the Status of Your Luggage

    • Stay Informed: After reporting, keep in touch with your airline for updates on your luggage status. Some airlines provide online tracking tools or will contact you directly once your bag is located.

    4. Filing a Claim for Lost Luggage

    • Understand the Timeframes: If your luggage isn’t found within a specific period (usually 21 days), it may be considered lost. At this point, you can file a claim for compensation. Airline policies vary, so review their guidelines on compensation limits and required documentation.

    5. Items Left at TSA Checkpoints

    • Contact TSA Lost and Found: If you believe you left an item at a security checkpoint, reach out to the TSA’s Lost and Found department. You can file a report through their official website, providing detailed information about the missing item. TSA

    6. Preventative Measures for Future Travel

    • Label Your Luggage Clearly: Ensure your bags have tags with your name, phone number, and email address.
    • Keep Essential Items in Carry-On: Place valuables, medications, and essential documents in your carry-on bag to avoid complications if your checked luggage is delayed or lost.
    • Take Photos of Your Luggage: Before checking in, photograph your bags. These images can be helpful in identifying your luggage if it goes missing.

    By following these steps and maintaining open communication with your airline and airport authorities, you can navigate the challenges of lost luggage more effectively and work towards a satisfactory resolution.

  • Navigating Excellence: A Comprehensive Guide to Orlando International Airport(MCO)

    Navigating Excellence: A Comprehensive Guide to Orlando International Airport(MCO)

    Orlando International Airport (MCO) stands as a gateway to the magic and wonder that Central Florida has to offer. As one of the busiest airports in the United States, MCO not only serves as a crucial transportation hub but also reflects the vibrancy and diversity of the Orlando region. In this detailed blog post, we’ll explore the ins and outs of Orlando International Airport, covering everything from airlines and crowds to restaurants, car rentals, and nearby hotels.

    Airlines:

    Orlando International Airport hosts a wide array of airlines, offering domestic and international flights to cater to the needs of its diverse passenger base. Major carriers like Delta Air Lines, Southwest Airlines, American Airlines, and United Airlines operate numerous daily flights, connecting Orlando to major cities across the United States. International travelers can choose from airlines such as British Airways, Lufthansa, Emirates, and more, making MCO a truly global gateway.

    Crowds:

    Given its popularity as a travel destination, Orlando International Airport can get quite busy, especially during peak travel seasons and school vacations. To navigate the crowds more efficiently, consider checking in online and arriving at the airport well in advance. The airport has implemented various crowd management measures to streamline the security and check-in processes, ensuring a smoother experience for passengers.

    Restaurants:

    Orlando International Airport boasts a diverse culinary scene, offering passengers a range of dining options to suit every palate and preference. From fast-food joints and casual cafes to upscale restaurants, the airport has it all. Travelers looking for a quick bite can explore popular options like Chick-fil-A, Starbucks, and McDonald’s. For those seeking a more substantial dining experience, venues like Cask & Larder and Hemisphere Restaurant provide delicious meals in a relaxed setting.

    Car Rentals:

    The convenience of exploring Orlando and its surrounding attractions is amplified by the plethora of car rental options available at Orlando International Airport. Rental car companies such as Hertz, Enterprise, Avis, and Budget have counters conveniently located within the airport terminals. Whether you’re planning to visit the magical Walt Disney World Resort, Universal Studios, or other nearby attractions, renting a car at MCO gives you the freedom to explore at your own pace.

    Hotels:

    For travelers seeking a comfortable stay near Orlando International Airport, a range of hotels caters to various budgets and preferences. The Hyatt Regency Orlando International Airport is a popular choice, offering direct access to the airport terminals. Other nearby options include the Orlando Airport Marriott Lakeside, Renaissance Orlando Airport Hotel, and the Comfort Suites Orlando Airport. Many of these hotels provide complimentary shuttle services, making it easy for guests to travel to and from the airport.

    Conclusion:

    Orlando International Airport stands as a bustling hub that seamlessly connects travelers to the enchanting world of Central Florida. With its diverse array of airlines, crowd management strategies, tempting dining options, convenient car rentals, and nearby hotels, MCO ensures that the journey is as enjoyable as the destination. Whether you’re embarking on a family vacation or a business trip, Orlando International Airport promises a travel experience that sets the stage for the magic that awaits in the heart of Florida.

  • 11 AIRLINES CONFIRMED AT MCO’S NEW TERMINAL C

    11 AIRLINES CONFIRMED AT MCO’S NEW TERMINAL C

    gray airliner
    Photo by Ahmed Muntasir on Pexels.com

    The following airlines have been confirmed to reside in Orlando International Airport’s terminal C when it opens shortly:

    • Aer Lingus
    • Azul
    • Breeze Airways
    • Caribbean
    • Emirates
    • Gol
    • Icelandair
    • JetBlue
    • Lufthansa
    • Norse
  • Disney’s Magical Express Coming to an End

    Disney’s Magical Express Coming to an End

    Disney’s Magical Express FREE Service ends

    Disney has begun to remove signage at the Walt Disney Resorts for “Disney’s Magical Express” which was a FREE shuttle service for guests from Orlando International Airport and each Walt Disney Resort. The free service which started in 2005 will come to an end on January 1, 2022. It is assumed that the signage within Orlando International Airport will be removed at that time.

  • Disney Guests Will No Longer Receive Magical Express Confirmations

    Disney Guests Will No Longer Receive Magical Express Confirmations

    Beginning on July 1, 2021, Disney Guests that opt to use the Disney Magical Express will no longer be mailed confirmations.  Instead, they will need to use either their Magic Bands or the MagicMobile App to check in at Orlando International Airport.

    If a Guest does not have either, they will be checked in manually by using a Government issued ID.

    As reported earlier here on DisneyDawgs.com, Disney will be discontinuing the Magical Express in 2022.  You can read that post here

  • Is This the Final Straw for Disney Fans? Disney Cancels the Magical Express

    Is This the Final Straw for Disney Fans? Disney Cancels the Magical Express

    Did Disney just push loyal fans to the breaking point? Could this be the final straw that deters loyal fans from visiting the Disney World Resort in Orlando?

    Disney announced yesterday that they would no longer be offering the Magical Express in 2022 for those visitors that stay at one of the Disney World Resorts.  For those that may not know what the Magical Express is, it is a FREE bus ride for those visitors that are arriving at Orlando International Airport (MCO) and takes them and their luggage directly to the resort in which they are staying.  The Magical Resort also delivers your luggage directly to your Resort Room.  It was one of the many “perks” of staying at a Disney World Resort Hotel that will no longer be available.

    For those that have not been keeping track, Disney has been slowly removing the perks and special events that made visiting Disney World special and not just another vacation.  These perks are what made them more attractive than going to other Orlando area Amusement Parks such as Universal Studios.

    Disney Extra Magic Hours

    To top off the loss of the Disney Magical Express, Disney also announced that they would no longer be offering “Extra Magic Hours” to those guests that are also staying at a Disney World Resort Hotel.  EMH were generally being eliminated before the Covid-19 Pandemic in favor of Hard Ticketed early morning or after hours events is which guests could attend for an additional cost.  Disney announced that they would no longer have EMH in 2021, but instead allow Resort Guests to enter parks 30 minutes prior to rope drop.

    Our family has been loyal visitors to Disney World in Orlando for almost 20 years now, making the trek from the Northeastern US at least once a year.  We have, for the most part, overlooked the annual and sometime bi-annual price increases, the charging for parking a rental vehicle in a Disney Resort Hotel parking lot and many other issues that have changed in the parks over the years.  But as we sit back and add ALL that has been taken away from loyal fans, Is Disney World actually worth our money anymore?  DisneyDawgs has been questioning this click here to see other posts.

    Is It Worth It?

    Is it actually worth staying at a Disney World Resort Hotel anymore when you have to pay for parking.  MagicBands and luggage tags are no longer complimentary. Disney also no longer offers luggage delivery to and from Orlando International Airport. they also no longer offers complimentary airline checkin. The Disney Magical Express will not be offered. And Extra Magic Hours will also no longer be offered. Is it worth staying at Disney World Resort Hotels for twice the price than other Orlando area resorts and hotels are charging with similar if not better amenities?

    Disney is currently nickel and dimming their loyal fans and this may be the final straw and this decision may come back around and bite them where the sun does not shine.

  • 107 Days

    It’s getting close to the New Year, which means the Dawgs are that much closer to Disney!!!

  • 113 Days

    113 Days until vacation… Follow or Blog for how we plan for a vacation…

     

     

     

  • Tips for First-time Disney World Visitors: Arriving in Orlando

    See our previous article Tips for First-time Disney World Visitors: Pre-Trip Planning.

    OK, your plane has now landed (I am assuming at Orlando International Airport), so what do you do next?  One tip is to find the restrooms when you get off of your flight because it may be a little while before you are able to have a minute or two to relieve yourself or even splash a little water on your face.  Once that is done, there are a some restaurants to grab a bite, or you can wait until you get to the main terminal.

    The First Ride in Orlando

    You will want to make your way to the MCO People Mover that will take you to the main terminal.  The People Movers are automated shuttles that ferry passengers from the main terminal to the satellite terminals and visa-versa.

    Once you have arrived at the main terminal, you will be on level 3.  Here you are able to visit stores from Disney, Universal, SeaWorld and NASA. There are also several photo opportunities in this area.  There is also a greater variety of restaurants and shops in the food court and mall area.  There is also a hotel in the main lobby of the 3rd level.  We have stayed there and it is excellent if you have a very early morning flight.

    Baggage Claim

    Once you have made your way through the main terminal, you will want to take the escalators down to level 2 the baggage claim.  At MCO, depending on which airline you have used, it will take approximately 30 minutes for your bags to get from the plane to the baggage carousel.  This area can be a mad house if several planes come in at the same time.  I usually go up to the carousel and stake my claim to an area and wait for my bags to come to me. I also make sure to rent a baggage cart before I go to the carousel, they are worth their weight in gold if you have several heavy bags and just got off of a long flight.  Again, this area can get quite busy and everyone just got off of a plane, so I would advise that you take a deep breath and your bags should be out soon.

    Transportation

    Now that you have your luggage you’re going to need to get to Walt Disney World or your hotel.  All transportation is on level 1 of the terminal.  You will want to make your way to the elevators and head down.  If you have opted to take Disney’s Magical Express, follow the signage and there will be a Disney Castmember to check you in.  Car Rentals are toward the other side of level one.  Be prepared to wait!  No matter how many times I have rented a car at MCO it amazes me how the rental agencies know when there will be an influx of people coming off of a flight, yet, they NEVER have enough agents ready to handle the lines.  If you have pre-paid for your rental, you may be able to skip this step and go right across the street to pick up your rental.  If you did not rent a vehicle or are not staying at a Disney Resort Hotel, taxis and shuttle services are right outside the doors.

    Picking Up the Rental Car

    Make sure that you are alert when picking up your rental car.  Some Rental Agencies, not all, but some are very sneaky and there could be quite a few hidden fees that you may not be aware of until you receive your credit card statement after you’ve returned from your trip.  Be aware that one of the biggest scams that they pull at MCO is that when you return your rental, you have to show them a receipt from a gas station that is within 5 miles of where you return the vehicle.  There is only one station that I’ve found to be that close and they conveniently charge over $5/gallon.  If you do not fill up the vehicle within this range or if you do not have a receipt, all agencies will charge you for a FULL tank of gas at THEIR rate.  This is even if the vehicle is showing the tank to be full on the gauge.

    Before you drive out of the parking garage with your rental, make sure to go over the vehicle with a fine tooth comb.  Take pictures and/or video of any scratches, dents or damage anywhere on the vehicle (body, tires, glass, etc.) and make sure that your report them to the agent BEFORE you leave the garage.  Once you leave the garage, YOU are responsible for the damage on the vehicle if you did not report it.

    Heading to the Disney World Resorts

    Once you have your vehicle and have loaded all your bags and have buckled everyone in (In Florida you MUST wear a seatbelt) you are now ready to head to your hotel.

    There are two exits to Orlando International Airport, North and South.

    If you take the North Exit, you will want to get on the Martin Anderson Beachway Express, west-bound (SR-528) to Interstate 4 South to the Disney World exits.  Keep in mind, I-4 is the main highway for ALL of the theme parks and the Metro Orlando area.  This highway is very busy and will have constant backups and delays.

     

    If you take the South Exit (I find this to be shorter and MUCH less traffic)  You will want to take Jeff Fuqua Blvd South to the Central Florida Greenway West-bound (SR-417) to either World Center Dr or West Osceola Pkwy, depending on which resort you are staying at.

    Whichever route you take, be aware of the toll-boths.  Florida was very sneaky the way that they designed the toll plazas.  If you purchased tolls with your car rental, you really don’t have to worry about this.  But if you didn’t, as I don’t, the plazas are tricky.  If you are paying cash for the tolls, be aware that for all cash tolls you will need to go to the far right of the plaza.  This area almost looks like a highway offramp.  If you get confused and stay on the main highway, a picture of your license plate will be taken and you will be charged by the rental agency for renting the ez-pass system for your entire rental (usually $20+), plus any tolls that should have been paid.  This can get quite expensive, very quickly.

    Also, be aware that during overnight hours, many of the toll booths are unmanned.  So if you do not have exact change, you will also be charged by the rental agency.

    Arriving at Your Disney World Resort

    So you have finally made it to your resort hotel.  If you are able to check in (Normal check-in time is 3PM, but you can usually check-in earlier.) you can head to your resort.  Each resort has a guard shack that you will need to stop and give your driver’s license or government issued ID to so they can verify that you are actually checking into the resort.

    Once past security, if you have done online check-in, you may head directly to your hotel room (if it is ready).  If you did not use online check-in or if there are any problems, you will need to go to the main lobby of your resort and go the Guest Relations desk.

    Once any problems are taken care of, you will want to move your vehicle as close to your room as you can.

    Checking Out the Room

    Once you are in your room, make sure to check that you have enough towels and that the room is clean.  Although it rarely happens, you will want to take care of this right away.  If you need extra towels, pillows or anything from Mousekeeping, you may want to do this as soon as you get into your room.  Mousekeeping does an excellent job and I have never had a problem, but mistakes do happen.

    Getting Supplies

    Once all of my bags have been unloaded and everything is OK with my room, I will usually head out to the nearest Walmart or Target to get some supplies.  As you must already know, Disney is VERY expensive.  A bottle of soda from the resort is over $4 and the snacks are even more.  If you go out to one of the local stores, prices are AT LEAST a THIRD of what you would pay on the resort.  Picking up snacks such as cookies, crackers, peanut butter, etc will save you quite a bit of money.

    Beyond the snacks, the local superstores all carry Disney Souvenirs at much cheaper prices than the parks.  Mickey and Minnie ears, Autograph Books and pens, shirts and some even carry trading pins at half the cost in the Disney Parks.

    Getting Some Rest

    Usually, the day that I arrive in Orlando I do not go to the parks.  I think that it is a waste of a $100+ ticket to not spend the entire day inside the park.

    So once I get back to the Resort Hotel that I am staying at, I will either explore to see what the resort has to offer, or I will drive or take a Disney Bus over to Disney Springs and spend a couple of hours there.

    Once done with Disney Springs, I will head back to the Resort and maybe go for a swim in the pool if there is time.  If not, I will head to bed early so that I can hit the ground running early the next day at my first park.

    I hope that this post was able give you some ideas and/or information about arriving at Orlando International Airport, all the way through checking into your Disney World Resort room.  Check out my next post on the ways to save some money on park mornings and how to quickly navigate Disney Property and Transportation so that you can make the most of your day at a Disney World Theme Park.

     

  • Tips for First-time Disney World Visitors: Pre-Trip Planning.

    So you’ve decided to visit the Disney World Resorts in Orlando, FL for the first time.  Quite intimidating isn’t it?

    Hopefully we will be able to give you some hints and tips to make your first visit to the “Most Magical Place on Earth” go a little more smoothly and keep you and your family from running in circles (as my family did the first time we visited.).

    Let’s face it, the first thing that everyone asks is “where do we start?”.  Assuming that nothing has been booked or reserved, here is a list of things to do before you leave for your trip.

    Travel Planning

    Which Airport?

    How are you going to get there?  If you live close enough to Orlando, then you are most likely driving.  For the rest of us, this will most likely involve flying.  Taking a plane into Orlando is not that difficult.  Orlando International Airport (MCO) is one of the busiest airports in the United States serving all major US Airlines and those from around the world.  If the size of MCO is intimating to your family, there is nearby Sanford International Airport (SFB).  Sanford is a much smaller airport than MCO, but airfare and car rental may be much more expensive.  Some also find flying into Tampa International Airport (TAM) to be less expensive.  But, keep in mind, Tampa is approximately 2hrs away from Orlando depending on traffic and construction (and yes, there is always construction.).

    Which Airline?

    As for which airline…  That depends on your preferences.  The best advice that I could give is to book as early as you can.  For our family’s trip this year, we booked our flights as soon as Southwest Airlines made them available (that was 3 weeks ago).  As of the time that I am writing this post, if I were to purchase those same tickets, it would be almost $900.00 more for four travelers.  For more information, visit our “Trip Planning – Booking and Airline” post.

    Should I Rent a Car?

    Again, that depends.  If you are planning to do only Disney and do not plan on visiting any on the other parks, I would say no.  Although, keep in mind, Disney transportation can be inconsistent and very crowded.  If you plan on staying until after nighttime shows or when parks close, depending on the crowds, it may take up to 2 hours to get back to your hotel via the buses.

    If you plan on going to other parks or exploring everything that Orlando has to offer, most definitely rent a car. Uber and taxis will eventually cost you as much as a week-long rental.  Remember though, Disney World Resort Hotels do charge you for parking in their lots.  Even though you are charged for parking, the freedom of being able to go off-site for meals or other attractions out weighs the $15/day cost.  Also, keep in mind that most Disney area hotels also charge for parking and the fee is usually hidden on websites.

    What Hotels?

    Again, this is a matter of preference. But if this is the first time that you are visiting Disney World, I would suggest staying at one of the on-site Disney World Resort Hotels.  When staying on-site, you have access to Disney Transportation to and from the parks, Extra Magic Hours and other amenities that guest staying at other hotels are not able to use.  The advantage to staying at an off-site hotel is the cost.  As you may already know, Disney is VERY expensive. A hotel or motel in Kissimee, FL can cost 25% of what a “Value Resort” room would cost.

    If you do plan on staying at a Disney World Resort Hotel, there are four tiers of Disney Hotels

    • Value Resort – Just as the name suggests, this is the least expensive hotels on property.  They offer a swimming pool, Cafeteria style Dinning Hall and sleeps up to four guests.
    • Moderate Resort – These rooms are a little larger than Value Resorts.  Each hotel has a themed pool, most with a water-slide.  Cafeteria and Sit Down Restaurants.  Some Moderate Resort Hotels have Suites that accommodate up to six guests.
    • Deluxe Resorts – Deluxe Resorts are some of the most expensive rooms on property.  They include The Grand Floridian, Contemporary, Polynesian, and more.  Rooms at these resorts are usually $400+ per night.  They do offer day spas, room service, concierge service and more. Deluxe Resorts offer several of the finest restaurants on Disney Property and are quite, quite expensive.
    • Villa Resorts – Villa Resorts are basically 1 – 3 bedroom apartments with full kitchens.  One bedroom villas can sleep up to 4 guests where 3 bedroom villas can sleep up to 12 guests.  Most Villa Resorts are also DVC (Disney Vacation Club) Resorts.  I would recommend this type of room for those that may have large families or if you are staying at the resort for two or more weeks.  Keep in mind, this tier of room is very expensive.

    Travel Preparation

    Personal Items

    So now you have a way to get to the Orlando area.  There is still a lot to get done.  Remember, Orlando is one of the largest Tourist Destination sites in the World.  An estimated 68.5 million people from around the world come to Orlando each year.  As a tourist destination, it will cost you much more to purchase personal items in the Orlando area than if you were to purchase them at home.  Please make sure that you view FAA/TSA guidelines on what and how much of a product that you are able to take on the plane.  If you do not follow the FAA guidelines, you will need to throw that product out, or you will not be allowed to fly.

    With that being said, remember, Orlando is three things weather-wise… HOT, MUGGY and RAINY.  That’s it.  The sun in Florida is brutal for most of the year with heat and humidity for about 10 months out of the year.  The only exception is if you are traveling in January or early February.  It is possible for it to be around 40°F (4°C) one day and 80°F (27°C) the next.

    Generally, I would recommend packing the following items for a trip to Disney World

    • Sunscreen – Even on chilly days, the sun in Florida is very strong.  Getting a bad sunburn on the first day of your vacation would really not make for a fun time for everyone in you family.  Due to the strength of the sun in Florida, I would also suggest that you pack a hat.  Those of us that are follicly challenged as I am will tell you that a sunburn on your back and shoulders is very uncomfortable, but one on the top of your head is miserable.
    • Comfortable Shoes – When visiting the parks, you will easily walk 10-12 miles (16-20Km) a day.  The second worse thing that you can do, besides getting a sunburn, is to develop a blister on your foot early in your visit.  Do not where flip flops, it rains quite often in Florida and when flip flops get wet, you can slide in them and really hurt yourself.  It is actually a good idea to have at least two pairs of comfortable shoes, just it the case your first pair are damaged or get wet in the park.
    • Ponchos/Rain Gear – Disney does sell rain-gear inside the parks, but, as with anything that is sold in the parks, it is obscenely expensive.  The same poncho that you can purchase at your local Walmart for $1, sells for $25 in the parks.  Purchasing 2-3 for each member of your family may be a good idea.  They are small and fit nicely into checked luggage.
    • Clothes – My rule of thumb when packing for Disney is to pack for 1-2 days more than I am staying.  This is for the chance that I am forced to stay extra due to weather or cancelled flights.  Disney does have washers and dryers at most of the resorts if you are staying an extended period of time and are not able to travel with that much clothing.
    • Medicines/Health Care – As with clothing, I always make sure that I have enough prescription medication with me, just as I mentioned above if my flight were cancelled or some other reason forced me to stay in Orlando a few extra days.  Disney does have First Aid stations in the parks and they do sell brand name over the counter medicines in the gift shops at each resort.  But as I mentioned before, it would be much less expensive if you purchased these items before you left for your trip.

    Theme Park Tickets

    Believe it or not, this will most-likely be the biggest expense of your trip.  Tickets to any of the Orlando-area theme parks are not cheap.  Most of the parks usually run anywhere from $85 – $150 per day.  All of the parks use a Marketing plan where the more days that you purchase at a park the cheaper the tickets become per day.  This is to have you stay at that park longer and spend more money with them (Disney, Universal, Sea World and Busch Gardens all use this tactic.). Last year, Disney started using a tier-based ticketing system for their theme park tickets.  This means that tickets will be a different price based on the time of the year that you visit the parks.  Basically, a ticket to Magic Kingdom in January is much cheaper than one for July.  With this, the most expensive time of the year is Christmas time.  Tickets during Christmas week can be as much as 75% more than a ticket for the same park in late January.

    There are ways to save some money purchasing theme park tickets.  There are legitimate business that are authorized by Disney, Sea World, Universal, etc. to sell park tickets.  Also keep in mind, there are quite a few businesses in the Disney World area that are NOT authorized to sell tickets.  Quite a few businesses along US-192 (the main drag outside Disney World) offer to buy your unused tickets.  NEVER BUY TICKETS FROM THESE BUSINESSES!!! The first time that you use a multi-day ticket, you have to scan your fingerprint.  Those tickets are now assigned to that fingerprint!!!  This means that nobody else would be able to use those tickets.  Also, most tickets must be used within 14 days of the first use.  Nothing would be worse than dishing out $1,000.00 to one of these businesses, getting to the gate and your family not being able to get in because the tickets you purchased were invalid and now you have to pay another $1,600.00 for actual tickets.

    Like I said, there are legitimate businesses that are authorized to sell theme park tickets.  Below are some that I have used myself.

    • Disney – Beleive it or not, sometimes purchasing park tickets as a package with a room is cheaper than going through a third-party vendor.
    • AAA/CAAA – AAA will sometimes offer discounted prices to it’s members.  You can also checkout hotel and car rental prices with their Travel Advisors.
    • Undercover Tourist – Undercover Tourist offers some of the best prices for all theme park tickets.  The also offer ticket packages that include free days.  Undercover Tourist also offers Car Rental and Hotel reservations.  I have used Undercover Tourist many times and have never been disappointed.  You can visit them at https://www.undercovertourist.com/  and let them know that DisneyDawgs recommended them.
    • Costco – Costco is suposed to offer good prices for tickets. Since there are no Costco locations in my area and I am not a member, I cannot say whether this is true or not.

    These are some of the businesses that I know and some that I have used.  Please make sure that you purchase your tickets ONLY FROM DISNEY AUTHORIZED RESELLERS!!!

    Scheduling

    So we now have the Airline, Car Rental, Hotel and Theme Park tickets, now comes the most fun and nerve-wracking part of the planning state of the trip.  Setting up an itinerary is important.  The itinerary will setup some guidance for what you are planning to do and see during your vacation.

    If you are staying at a Disney Hotel you will be receiving Disney Magic Bands.  Magic Bands are used to open your hotel room, you are able to set up a credit card and purchase merchandise using the Magic Band and a PIN number.  The FastPass+ system is done through your Magic Bands.  So needless to say, your Magic Bands are quite important.

    Once you receive your tickets to the Disney World Theme Parks, you can add them to your Magic Bands too.  Once you have done this, there are some amazing things that you can now do.

    Making Reservations

    • Dining Reservations – You are able to make reservations up to 6 months before you visit the parks.  Depending on which restaurant or Character Dining Experience you wish to book, you may want to do this right away.  Experiences like “Cinderella’s Magic Table” and the “Be Our Guest” restaurant are very, very difficult to get, yes, even six months out!
    • FastPass+ – If you are staying at a Disney World Resort Hotel you are able to make FastPass selections upto 60 days before your visit (30 days if you are staying at an off-site hotel).  A FastPass allows you to pick a time window where you do not have to wait in the stand-by line to go on an attraction.

    If you are staying at a Disney World Resort Hotel, now is the time to check to see when Disney World has scheduled “Extra Magic Hours” for the four parks.  Extra Magic Hours are for those guests staying on Disney property to enter a specific park at pre-scheduled hours.  Ideally this offers less crowds and shorter ride lines.

    Extra Magic hours are either early morning (7am – 9am) or late night (park close – ???)…  I’ve seen the late night EMH go as late as 3am.

    At this point, you should be ready for your trip.  In our next blog post, we will give you tips on what to do once you are in Orlando.  We really hope that these tips help.  Our family’s first trip would have been so much easier had we known this information.

    After fifteen years of visiting Disney World, we have picked up these tips and tricks to help us have a fun, stress-free vacation.

     

     

  • Trip Planning – Booking an Airline

    Trip Planning – Booking an Airline

    A major step for most visitors to Walt Disney World Resorts is booking an airline to get to Orlando.

    Orlando International Airport (MCO) is the main hub for Disney travelers (There are Disney Gift Shops in the Terminal).  Orlando International Airport better know as MCO is the largest airport in central Florida and caters to the Central Florida tourist destinations.  It is a very busy airport where Disney’s Magical Express is based out of.

    MCO also offers taxi, Uber, bus and car rental services that will also take you to the Resorts.  MCO is currently going through a transformation so that the airport will be able to handle the projected increase in traffic for the next 20 years.  Even though there is quite a bit of construction going on, MCO is very easy to get into and exit from.

    MCO also offers the widest variety of airlines coming in from throughout the United States and the rest of the World.

    Below is a list of airlines that currently serve MCO:

    AIRLINES THAT SERVE MCO

     

    Aerolineas Argentinas

    AeroMexico

    Air Canada

    Air France

    Air Transat

    Alaska Airlines

    American Airlines

    Avianca Airlines

    Azul

    Bahamasair

    British Airways

    Caribbean Airlines

    Copa Airlines

    Delta Air Lines

    Edelweiss

    El Al

    Emirates

    Eurowings

    Flair

    Frontier Airlines

    GOL

    Icelandair

    Interjet

    JetBlue

    LATAM Airlines

    Lufthansa

    Miami Air International

    Norwegian

    Rouge

    Silver Airways

    Southwest Airlines

    Spirit Airlines

    Sunwing

    Swoop

    Thomas Cook

    United Airlines

    Virgin Atlantic

    Volaris

    WestJet

    World Atlantic
    Aer Lingus

    Sun Country Airlines

    Our Suggestions

    We would suggest that if you are coming from a colder climate that you would consider purchasing insurance for your flight.  During the Winter months, snow storms can wreak havoc on flights, even if the storm is days before your scheduled trip.

    GETTING “BUMPED”

    It is common practice for airlines in the United States to overbook their busy flights.  This is a practice that here at DisneyDawgs, we think should be illegal.  But as of right now it is not and airlines regularly do this.  “Bumping” is the practice of the airline selling more reservations for a flight than there are seats.  In most cases not all tickets sold show up for the scheduled flight and there are not problems. But often, more people show up than there are seats for on the flight.  When this happens, the airline will offer incentives to anyone willing to give up their seat for a later flight by offering free fares for a future flight and some even offer cash back.  If not enough people take advantage of the incentives an airline is offering, those that were the last to check in for the flight will be “bumped” to a later flight.

    Like I said, we believe that this practice should be outlawed and, well, it is just not right.  The only thing that we can suggest for this practice is to make sure that you check in early for your flight and do not have any time-sensitive plans for the day that your flight is scheduled to arrive in Orlando.

    CROWDS

    Again, MCO is a very busy International Airport.  Depending upon the time of year, the airport may take some time to get through.

    Plan on extra time to get through the airport during the following times of year.

    • Christmas/New Year
    • February Vacation
    • Spring Break (March)
    • April/Easter Break
    • Thanksgiving Weekend

    Remember when leaving Orlando, MCO is one of the most difficult and time-consuming airports to get through TSA security and Customs.  During peak times, plan an extra 2-3 hours to get to your gate.

    OTHER AIRPORTS

    There are several other airports in the Central Florida region that it may be possible to fly into.

    Orlando Sanford International Airport – Sanford is a smaller airport located in Sandford, FL, which is just outside of Orlando.  There are limited airline opportunities at Sanford with the budget Allegiant Air hosting the majority of arrivals and departures.  Orlando/Sanford International Airport is a further distance away (aprox 45 miles, MCO is 18 miles away) from most of the the major Orlando area attractions.  This airport also does not have Disney’s Magical Express, so you would either need to take a taxi, Uber, bus or rent a car to get to your resort.

    Tampa International Airport (TPA)- Tampa International Airport is quite a distance from the Orlando area.  The airport is 78 miles away from the Walt Disney Resorts complex.  Some people fly into TPA because there is less a volume of travelers and some airline’s offer lower rates to fly out of TPA rather than MCO.

    Daytona Beach International Airport (DAB) – Daytona Beach International Airport is a small airport located right next to the Daytona Beach International Speedway.  This airport would most-likely be an option if 1. Your were also going to Daytona for the Daytona 500 held in February each year. or 2.  You were not able to get a flight into one of the above airports.  DAB is 81 miles from the Walt Disney World Resort.

    Orlando Melbourne International Airport – Melbourne is a very small airport on the East Coast of Florida.  American Airlines and Delta offer service to this airport that is 75 miles away from the Walt Disney World Resorts.

    All other MAJOR airports (Miami, Ft. Lauderdale) are 150 or more miles away from the Walt Disney World Resorts which would most-likely be a 3+ hour drive and not worth looking into other than if you were visiting other areas of Florida than the Orlando region.

     

    Well, that is some basic information about flying into Orlando, FL.  In most cases, we would recommend that you use Orlando International Airport because everything is geared toward the Orlando Tourist Industry and that Disney Magical Express runs out of MCO.

    Where ever you fly from and to, DisneyDawgs wishes you have a very safe flight and have a wonderful time visiting the Orlando area.

     

     

  • Planning a trip to Disney World

    Hey everyone, we are starting out a new Blog here. We are going to chronicle the steps that we go through for planning our 2019 trip to Disney World in Orlando Florida.

    We will go through all of the steps that we take from planning hotel rooms, airfare, Planning meals, And more.

    We are planning on visiting the Orlando area in either February or April 2019. The first step that we usually do is purchase airfare. This step usually does not take place until the airlines that we take from the region that we live in, Rhode Island, open up purchase date. The two airlines that we mainly use to fly from Providence Rhode Island to Orlando Florida are JetBlue and Southwest airlines. Southwest airlines will be opening purchase dates for February starting on July 10.

    We will share with you the steps that we take in the tips and tricks that we have learned over the years that will save you lots of money for a trip to Disney World in Orlando. Our budget for this year is $5000. That will include hotel, car rental, tickets to the parks, And food while we were down there. Do you to Disney World resorts charging for parking, we will most likely not be staying in a Disney world resort hotel.

    Although we have always stayed at a Disney resort hotel, in particular pop century, The cost of staying for a night with the additional cost of parking our rental car has made it not worth it. In addition, the benefits of staying at one of the Disney world resort have slowly been dwindling away. We would stay at pop century due to the fact number one, you did not have to pay to park at any of the amusement parks. Resort transportation, buses, etc. meet staying late at the parks more convenient if you’re part of our party wanted to stay and others want to go back to the resort.

    Extra magic hours were one of the big draws for us staying at a Walt Disney World resort, but late night hours for extra magic hours are no longer offered. The majority of extra magic hours are from 7 AM until 8 AM which does not work for my family, we are not early risers.

    So follow this blog and see the steps that we use to book our 2019 Disney World vacation. If you have any questions comments or tips that you would like to give us please feel free and we will respond to let you know if we use them.

    Thanks again, and if you have any tips ahead of time, please send them to info@disneydawgs.com.