Conference koolit::disney

536.0. "A quick visit to WDW" by PCBUOA::RICCIOP (A takedown is worth 2 points!) Thu May 22 1997 18:02

    May 22, 1997
    
    I'm not sure where to put this entry, because it's not really a trip
    report.
    
    I got a chance to go to Orlando and Tampa (Orlando May 13, 14 & 15,
    Tampa May 19) to support a Southeastern Microsoft road show. (We were
    the only hardware vendor, we were giving away a new Hinote VP at each
    session and we had a VERY large turnout.) So needless to say I took
    advantage of this opportunity. I'll try to keep it brief ;^)
    
    Got there early evening on Tuesday May 13. Met up with the local PCBU
    sales folks and we headed to Rainforest Cafi, my recommendation.  We
    arrived at about 9:00pm and there was a 2 hour wait. We went somewhere
    else.
    
    On Wednesday I went back by myself around 4:00, got right in. Great
    place, good food and reasonably priced.  We will definitely be going
    there in July (around the same time of day!).  
    
    I thought I'd check into an annual pass to see if it made sense for our
    July trip.  Quick explanation here.  I read in this notes conf. several
    weeks back that there were deals on certain hotels, during certain
    dates, for annual pass holders.  I wanted to see if it saved me any
    money.  I'll get to the bottomline in a second.  First, in true Disney
    fashion, people "bent over backwards" to help me.  After I found out
    the cost of the pass, I went over to the Beachclub (where we have
    reservations for July 7 - 14) to talk to them.  The hotel castmembers
    only have information 5 days out, so after I explained what I was
    trying to do, the guy I was talking with dialed the phone, handed it to
    me and said, "This is Kathy, she will help you out."  I went through my
    situation with Kathy and it turns out that I could save about $55. and
    get an upgraded room.  
    
    Here's the deal.  We had reservations for July 7 - 14 at the Beachclub,
    plus 5 length of stay passes, 3 adults and 2 children. This totaled
    somewhere around $2775. after taxes with our MK card discount (I don't
    remember the exact numbers).  If I factor in the price of the premium
    AP with discount and taxes, 4 LOS passes and the new room rate
    (upgraded to a "waterfront" view) we saved money.  So I am now the
    proud owner of an annual pass. 
    
    
    PART 2
    
    Being an AP holder, I went into the park.  (After I toured the
    Beachclub). I actually had to go to one of the parks to purchase the
    pass. EPCOT was the closest, so I went there.  Again customer relations
    was wonderful.  Got my pass and went directly into EPCOT.  It was about
    7:40 and the park closed at 9:00, so I had some time to "poke" around. 
    I felt incredibly guilty being there without the family.  I went on
    Spaceship Earth, some minor changes since 94.  Went on Horizons, which
    was always one of my favorite rides, but is starting to show its wear
    after 20+ years. And I went into Inoventions. I like all the technical
    "stuff" which bores the family.  It was hard, but I did not go on any
    of the new stuff because I want to experience it with the family in
    July.  It's too bad the crowds won't be like this in July, there was no
    wait on anything! 
    
    So I got a "fix" for my itis and the next time I'm down there I'll be
    able to just "drop in".  I also got a chance to see the hotel and save
    some money.  All in all a pretty productive trip.  I'm really looking
    forward to July!
    
    
    Phil