The HfP chat thread – Sunday 21st November

This article is closed to new posts. Discussion continues in the HfP Forums.

• Graham Walsh says:

  21 Nov21 November 08:44

  Has anyone had experience with Euro Disney? Looking to take the kids (11 and 9) at the end of July or middle of August next year. Can see a Marriott buts it’s a vacation club and get get a points price oddly.

  What’s the best way of booking this to maximise points etc? Was thinking buying points on a bonus offer might be beneficial.

  TIA

  • Mikeact says:

    21 Nov21 November 09:13

    Suffice to say..I don’t envy you !…remember very well when our kids were young and we took them to Disney California, in August school holidays of course…the heat from all the concrete was awful while walking around ! But make the most of it, even if it does rain !

  • Bill says:

    21 Nov21 November 09:20

    Have a look at doing the timeshare presentation. They might give you an offer for a 3 night stay

  • Anna says:

    21 Nov21 November 09:38

    If you’re doing a full summer holiday, go to Florida instead. I bet the price won’t actually be that much different and at 11 and 9 there’s a lot of stuff at Universal and the other attractions they would enjoy as well.

  • Rob says:

    21 Nov21 November 09:56

    It has an RER station so stay in Paris. EuroDisney is terrible anyway – my kids had more fun the next day when we went up the Eiffel Tower (walked) and took a boat down the Seine.

  • The Savage Squirrel says:

    21 Nov21 November 10:17

    Plan your day strategically and carefully to avoid queues, arrive early with tickets already sorted (i.e. opening time or just before) and fully read up on, understand and use systems available such as virtual queueing and FastPass (it’s now called “Premier Access” and is paid for as of this year, of course you’re getting gouged even more, just accept this, it’s Disney so that’s the deal) etc.
    If none of this is for you as it doesn’t sound like a holiday, then that’s a completely fair opinion, but don’t go then, as if you don’t do this then you will have an experience much like Rob’s.
    https://hfp2022.headforpoints.blog/2014/09/16/why-we-really-really-hated-disneyland-paris/

    And yes, Florida the parks are much better and it will be a far better experience overall if that’s a possibility.

    • Graham Walsh says:

      21 Nov21 November 10:40

      Thanks all. I remember going with a group of friends about 20 years ago. It was ok.

      We were planning on Florida in 2023. Thinking about the comments, better off saving the money and avoid Euro Disney.

      Just want to take the kids somewhere in the summer for a few days as we are off on honeymoon once they are back at school in September.

      • Anna says:

        21 Nov21 November 12:28

        Graham, just thinking we took our son and his cousin to Parc Asterix (bus direct from CDG) when they were about 10 and they loved it. We stayed on site in a family suite in a lovely chalet-style hotel with separate sleeping for the boys and excellent breakfast spread included. 2 days and nights with full park access was about £400!

        • Graham Walsh says:

          21 Nov21 November 16:44

          Thanks Anna. Will have a look into that.

          Currently thinking someone in the sun as an alternative. If there’s a pool, the boys will be there all day. They are happy with that. I’ve got FTV for us all as we never went to Spain this year.

          I’d also prefer lying on a sun bed for a few days too 😂

      • The Savage Squirrel says:

        21 Nov21 November 17:12

        Graham, if you want to go somewhere cross channel, a bit more chilled out and less crowded, but still very child-friendly with fun theme-parky things to do then have a look at Efteling in the Netherlands. Their accomodation (particularly Bosrijk village) is actually extremely pleasant as well, and your kids are the right age to enjoy pretty much all of it.
        https://www.efteling.com/en/bosrijk?

        • Graham Walsh says:

          21 Nov21 November 18:09

          Thanks. Looks an interesting option too.

      • HertsSam says:

        21 Nov21 November 17:56

        Today’s Washington Post reports that Disney World Florida has suspended their vaccine requirement for staff after legislation signed by Florida’s governor. Not sure what the situation will be by the time you go, but perhaps something to keep an eye on.

    • andy woodward says:

      21 Nov21 November 17:54

      EuroDisney has really pulled its socks up since 2014 and will/would be a whole difference experience, (now owned by Disney and called DisneyLand Paris). Florida is still good for the range of options avbl, many people prefer Universal now as Disneys’ price gouging is just getting obscene. Also there is a pent up demand for USA so flights prices aren’t cheap – indirect PE is the 1300 – it was 850 last time we went, direct is 2000 plus. Weather is great though if you like hot and humid, but thunderstorms are awesome!

  • Kevin C says:

    21 Nov21 November 13:50

    Euro Disney is fine for a couple of days and your kids will enjoy it. The refurbished Marvel hotel is open. Some of the Disney hotels have lounges for free breakfast and afternoon tea and it’s sometimes possible to book these for around the same price as the standard rooms.

• Gerry says:

  21 Nov21 November 09:04

  Visting Mexico in April, any recommendations on where to base ourselves, flying into Cancun and returning from Mexico City, have lots of IHG points so ideally would like to use them so any recommendations on hotels appreciated

  • Richie says:

    21 Nov21 November 09:38

    Playa del Carmen is pleasant.

  • Rachel Robinson says:

    21 Nov21 November 09:46

    If you’re in Mexico City, Roma Norte is a nice area to stay in. The IC in Mexico City gets a terrible write up IIRC.

    • Mark says:

      21 Nov21 November 10:34

      Do you want a beach all inclusive or more of a base?

      • Mark says:

        21 Nov21 November 10:36

        Get straight out of Cancun though, Akumal, Tulum or Playa del carmen are good bases

      • Gerry says:

        21 Nov21 November 10:40

        All inclusive would be ideal, how expensive is it to eat out, would you recommend hiring a car ?

        • David says:

          21 Nov21 November 12:55

          If not all inclusive – The Banyan Tree (IHG) or Rosewood in Mayakoba if all inclusive The Beloved Playa Mujeres (north of Cancun) or may be a Paradisius (Melia – buy points in the Black Friday sale).

  • gillydee says:

    21 Nov21 November 10:53

    In March 2018, we spent a couple of days before and after a hectic trip (Yucatan birding, Guatemala and Belize) at the Intercontinental Presidente Cancun We’re not beach and sunbathing people but this was a very pleasant place to chill out. Club lounge was fine for a light breakfast with snacks and cocktails in the evening. Lunch at the Le Cap Beach Club was particularly nice – good cocas, salads and grilled fish. Paid for a Club Queen plus 1 night on points, second stay was Ambassador w/e certificate. Not sure that I was upgraded as such, but both rooms were a decent size with fabulous sea views.

    • Gerry says:

      21 Nov21 November 11:32

      How long was your trip, we are doing 10 days

      • GillyDee says:

        21 Nov21 November 15:20

        10 days birding the Yucatan peninsula, 12 days in Belize plus a 2 day detour to Tikal in Guatemala. Tikal was amazing; we stayed at the Jungle Lodge. Best birdwatching day of my life in the most magical setting……….

• Mark says:

  21 Nov21 November 09:26

  If I book a BA flight with Amex travel, would I then be able to convert to voucher directly with BA?

  • blenz101 says:

    21 Nov21 November 09:28

    No, all your dealings will be via Amex Travel.

• Amy C says:

  21 Nov21 November 09:33

  Where do I find info on whether a flight flew or not in recent past? I ask because BA cancelled my LHR-RAK flights on 25-28th of September when Morocco banned direct flights from UK. For a while I had the option of rebooking them in my account and I was confident that option would remain until I was ready to do so for next March or something. However, I looked yesterday and that option has gone, instead it’s stating, ‘These fights have flown’ so cannot use MMB on them. I know they didn’t fly though! I’ve tried the usual sites I can think of like Flightstats but no joy as it’s not recent enough.

  • Amy C says:

    21 Nov21 November 09:36

    Correction, was October 25-28.

  • Richie says:

    21 Nov21 November 09:39

    Flightstats or Flightradar24

    • Amy C says:

      21 Nov21 November 10:01

      Tried there no joy. But thanks, friend found proof for me on some obscure site.

  • Anna says:

    21 Nov21 November 09:39

    I don’t think it matters what it says in MMB – BA cancelled your flights and you’re entitled to re-routing. I’m guessing you’ll have to call them to sort it out though.

  • Benilyn says:

    21 Nov21 November 10:39

    in my limited experience, (sample of one), the rebooking option disappears after a certain time

• Polly says:

  21 Nov21 November 09:34

  Ok the hazmats have arrived, taking me away arrrggghhh omg this is awful

  • Anna says:

    21 Nov21 November 09:42

    Oh gosh Polly, let us know when you’re back safely! Hope they don’t keep you very long.

  • Jill ( Kinkell ) says:

    21 Nov21 November 10:09

    Memorable trip for all the wrong reasons. Hope all is sorted quickly. Smile (and seethe) and think of a very large SS🍷!

    • Blenz101 says:

      21 Nov21 November 11:07

      Love it 🙂

      We are all sending good vibes your way Polly!

    • Polly says:

      21 Nov21 November 13:26

      Love it too…report on p 5..

      Meta, def rethink it… just not worth it, we have found to our horror. Positive vibes coming my way, folks

  • Super Secret Stuff says:

    21 Nov21 November 10:24

    Oh that doesn’t sound good, hope you are better soon

  • Air Crash Investigator says:

    21 Nov21 November 10:51

    And the mood for holidays is… gone! There was always a risk.

    • meta says:

      21 Nov21 November 12:12

      So sorry to hear this Polly. Reading this, has made me rethink all my winter travel plans. I am not even confident as yesterday, I’d want to do antigen on arrival in Thailand or wherever.

      • TGLoyalty says:

        21 Nov21 November 12:17

        Anywhere that’s repeatedly testing non symptomatic travellers is off my list.

        No where is worth that sort of hassle to 1) spend the little downtime I actually have and 2) spend my hard earned money on.

• HH says:

  21 Nov21 November 09:35

  I have 250 Shangri-La GC points expiring on 31 Dec. I can’t find any redemptions for such a small value, does anyone know if there is any way I can use them? Thanks.

  • Andrew (@andrewseftel) says:

    21 Nov21 November 11:19

    I think the minimum for an instant dining award is 10 points.

    • Tom H says:

      21 Nov21 November 11:30

      Same boat, have 250, how do I use them in the shard and which bar can I use them in? Does the ground floor one work?

      • Kian says:

        21 Nov21 November 14:52

        Yeah, you can use it in Bar 31 on the ground floor. I just went there a few days ago to spend the 250 points. When they asked for payment, I said I’d like to pay using points, and they just asked for my membership number and associated email address. 250 points are enough for 4 pints

        • Tom H says:

          21 Nov21 November 16:57

          Cheers Kian that’s really useful!, do you know if I can use on the bar upstairs? (Not the really high one)

    • HH says:

      21 Nov21 November 12:04

      I didn’t see instant dining rewards mentioned on the GC redemptions site. Do I just turn up (e.g. Gong at the Shard) and just ask them to use my points as part payment of the bill?

      • Paul says:

        21 Nov21 November 12:35

        Would be good to know the answer to this also

      • Jon says:

        21 Nov21 November 13:11

        FWIW I’ve done exactly that many times at Shangri-La KL, so I imagine it would be the same for all of them.

• Secret Squirrel says:

  21 Nov21 November 09:37

  How come when I search AVIOS availability on BA I can never find inbound availability anymore? I saw this happening six months ago but didn’t realise this was still going on.

  • Anna says:

    21 Nov21 November 09:41

    Where/when are you searching? Some routes do get snapped up really quickly where people want flat beds for an overnight flight.

  • Rob says:

    21 Nov21 November 09:50

    Not a new issue – you have always had routes with loads of seats one way and nothing the other.

  • Jonathan says:

    21 Nov21 November 11:41

    Inbound CW from USA is always tight as many business travellers will have J for overnight but PE for daytime. Holidaymakers are also more willing to pay (in Avios or cash) for a flatbed at night.

• Matthew says:

  21 Nov21 November 09:51

  Any tips for a hotel for a T5 morning departure. 2 adults and 2 kids but not paying £250 for the Sofitel. Thank you 👍

  • Ed says:

    21 Nov21 November 10:12

    Thistle? In a similar situation to you I’ve got a good points booking at the HIX at T4. Either bus or tube/rail connection to T5.

  • Rob says:

    21 Nov21 November 10:19

    Hilton Garden Inn Hatton Cross

  • Sam G says:

    21 Nov21 November 10:23

    Premier inn t4 ? London buses run from outside to T5 frequently (the walkway to T4 itself is closed and the tube or train doesn’t go to T5 directly anyway)

  • Doug M says:

    21 Nov21 November 11:08

    Prem Inn T5 has bus stop outside, bus 423, that goes to T5 very quickly, £1.55/adult or something like that. Paid £35 for a night in a couple of weeks.

  • Matthew says:

    21 Nov21 November 11:19

    Perfect, thank all. Will explore the options 👍

    • xcalx says:

      21 Nov21 November 13:16

      I have a cancellable one night booking for the sofitel in a couple of week for a 1035 morning flight but am toying with changing to Hilton Hatton Cross and having a couple of pints and a meal at the nearby Green Man (looks like a quaint little pub, rather this than spending the evening at sofitel ) Any chance of local taxis working that area or are they all looking for city drops.

      • Nick says:

        21 Nov21 November 15:35

        You don’t need a taxi. The 490 bus will take you direct from T5 to the Green Man every 12 mins, or if you’re at HX you can walk it. Not the best pub for food though.

        • xcalx says:

          22 Nov22 November 10:49

          Thanks Nick.

This article is closed to new posts. Discussion continues in the HfP Forums.