Travel : United States

[dolphinsiah]

jtoh:

Hi dolphinsiah,


Yes those heaters are coin-operated. I remember them at Universal Studios Orlando. Not sure if they have it at Walt Disney World.

Yes we stayed on-site at WDW. We were kiasu and made reservations 6 months ahead so had no problems with meals. Some of the WDW hotels have cafeterias where you don't need reservations. They're convenient for quick breakfasts or suppers. And if you buy the refillable drink mugs you can have free flow of drinks from your hotel for as long as you stay there. You save ALOT in drinks that way, knowing how expensive refreshments are at WDW.

Wow ...you really can... :udawoman:
so it is true must reserve 6 months a head...
That is why there are quite a number of books of Walt Disney World....

So which Disney Hotel you stayed during your last trip....
You managed to cover all 4 Walt Disney Theme Parks?

[Dnls_mum]

We were in Orlando for the first 2 weeks of Dec 3 years ago. Blizzard Beach was open. From what I understand the close one water park for maintenance each winter. Check out the Disney website.


When we were there, the weather was cool and we have no problem enjoying the water park. The pools are heated. There were a few days that were very chilly but it passes quickly. While they weather was gd tin Orlando then, New York was having a snow storm.

[megatron]

Hi all, I will be spending my Dec holidays with my kids (3 and 6) and probably MIL in California as hubby is stationed there (near to LA)

We will be there for about 3 weeks.

I will be spending a few days in Disneyland, probably 2 nights in Las Vegas. Will be skipping SF since was there 10 years back and did not really enjoy it.
I would also like to visit some areas where I can experience snow? Any suggestions?
Lake Tahoe? or should I go to Whistler, Canada? Or any other suggestions?
Lake Tahoe does not seem to be accessible, probably need to drive 8 hours it seems.

I also thought of flying to NY or Orlando for probably a week. Not sure if this is too ambitious

[LOLMum]

have not been on a packaged tour for many many years. we are planning to go to la in nov/dec and dh wants to, for once, not to do any planning or driving but to just go with the flow.


so anyone been on a great tour with any tour agency to usa (la)? or any tour agency to recommend? too many to choose from in the papers.

also is premier tour really good?


thanks.

[Charnic]

I am going with Dynasty Tours. Can check it out. Looking froward to the trip cos that would be SA 2 over then !!! yuppie :imcool:

[LOLMum]

thanks, will check it out.

[parent_in_west]

It will be very cold in NY in Dec. There are nice museums in NY if you are into museums… Try to watch a Cirque du soleil show in Las Vegas. Book in advance as some shows are popular. I think it is worth the experience.

[thebusybee]

megatron:

Hi all, I will be spending my Dec holidays with my kids (3 and 6) and probably MIL in California as hubby is stationed there (near to LA)

We will be there for about 3 weeks.

I will be spending a few days in Disneyland, probably 2 nights in Las Vegas. Will be skipping SF since was there 10 years back and did not really enjoy it.
I would also like to visit some areas where I can experience snow? Any suggestions?
Lake Tahoe? or should I go to Whistler, Canada? Or any other suggestions?
Lake Tahoe does not seem to be accessible, probably need to drive 8 hours it seems.

I also thought of flying to NY or Orlando for probably a week. Not sure if this is too ambitious

Just got back from 3 weeks LA,SF,LV and a few NParks road trip, we are overwhelmed and exhausted by the many different scenes, with 4yo DS, MIL and both of us. Hubby drove 6000+km, now all still adjusting to sg time.

We drove past Dixie National Forest on the way back to LV from the canyon lands (monument valley, Bryce Canyon.. On scenic byway 95 and 12) bumped into surprises as it was snowing at the top of a few summits.

You can consider visit Brian Head Ski Resort near to Cedar City as we saw thick snow last week, too bad it was dark at night when we drove past, i trust it's beautiful as along the way, both sides of the road were covered with snow. From Las Vegas, take highway 15 to Cedar City, slightly over 300km To reach the resort, will take 2 hrs plus to drive. If you like the nature, drive another 100km+ to see the Bryce Canyon on scenic route. Bryce is different from Grand Canyon, we only managed to catch the last glimpse as we reached there after 6pm and it was getting dark.

For young kids, it is wise to provide them with entertainment while driving. I had mil with my son at the back seats, to accompany him and entertained with iPad and potato chips! Overall, he did well for the trip, but all too tired to continue our 2nd leg in China, which is supposed to be another 3 weeks!

I will be glad to provide you with more infos if you need.

Happy planning!

[dolphinsiah]

:udawoman:


Wow sound so fun....Your husband drove 6000km ...which means from Singapore to Taiwan??-the distance of flying a plane..... :imcool:

My questions for you...KPO a bit if you do not mind
a)too spend 3 weeks in USA , how much did it cost for all of you...exclude airtickets
As a tourist how many weeks are we allow to stay in USA....

b)SFO is in earthquake zone, so did you happen to feel any trembles....

c)USA now economic is down, do the citizens feel the impact...or life as usual for American?

d)Steve Jobs passed away , was it a big commotion is USA???

e)I envy ...how can you manage to have such a long holidays....husband must be high earners....you are a very lucky and blessed woman

[thebusybee]

dolphinsiah:

:udawoman:


Wow sound so fun....Your husband drove 6000km ...which means from Singapore to Taiwan??-the distance of flying a plane..... :imcool:

Thank you! Haha DH loves to drive, but this time round really too much. He'd been to the similar route 2 times before we got married, this time meant to bring his wifey & son there.

My questions for you...KPO a bit if you do not mind

a)too spend 3 weeks in USA , how much did it cost for all of you...exclude airtickets

-We got cheap tix for 4 pax at s$4500. China Eastern
-Rented mini van -Chrysler Town & Country ard US$500 for 3 weeks.
-Motel avg USD70 (2x queen bed), couple of days we slept in van, 1 day free camp ground, picked fallen woods from the forest to burn to keep warm. (great experience!)
-food ard USD50 per day, bought bread n butter for BF, few motels provide simple BF. Generally food portion is big (except fast food chains), we normally ordered 2 mains to share. The Chinese food is great! You can find many Chinese restaurants, even in country side, with HK standard.
-din really calculate the total spending, maybe between s$10-12k incl. air tix. (exclude extras like Disney,Universal Studio tickets & shopping)

As a tourist how many weeks are we allow to stay in USA....

90 days. For s'porean, you have to apply ESTA online before going.

b)SFO is in earthquake zone, so did you happen to feel any trembles....

The earthquake happened after we got back.

c)USA now economic is down, do the citizens feel the impact...or life as usual for American?

Saw many homeless people in big cities. Food and lodging considered cheap, as we eat simple food and stayed in average accommodations. Comments from DH is that general Americans are more humble and friendly as compared to his last trip 20 yrs ago. We met many friendly service staffs, even in remote country sides in Utah. I guess the 911 incident made them changed their attitudes, esp towards Asians.

d)Steve Jobs passed away , was it a big commotion is USA???

We were too tired to turn on the tv, so din notice much. But very impressed with the Apple Store in SFO. It is crowded with many friendly staffs, many providing one-to-one coaching with the elderly Apple users.

e)I envy ...how can you manage to have such a long holidays....husband must be high earners....you are a very lucky and blessed woman

We worked kinda hard together. Right now in between jobs lah. Shop under-going renovation, so decided to prolong the holiday, haha.

We are not high earners, but love to see the nature, which is free!