Lines

You'll be able to join in the chat when you subscribe!

Has anyone experienced JB taking carryons @Gate? BDL-MCO. My old bag is 22" Plus wheels. 2024 Fit wheels first. Fully packed weighs 35# my DD is able to lift it. Not sure if I should spend $ for Travelpro Platinum Elite instead. Lots of FL travel soon

35 min ago by Magicalday2011

Somewhat DR: After adoring my 20+ year-old luggage, all of the handles/rods have broken; and repair companies say fixes aren't possible, so I'm reluctantly looking to replace them. Does anyone have a company they swear by? Carry-ons are still okay, but..

8:23am on 5/10/26 by JERancher

collapse thread

....I'll probably need a medium and large size for checked luggage. I'll be doing a lot of travel in the next couple of years, and the bungee cords of past trips won't cut it, lol. What brands do you like that are reliable but won't break the bank?

8:25am on 5/10/26 by JERancher

Mine have been Samsung, with my last one hardsided. But I'm not super tied to brands. I usually parse through what's available at TJ Maxx and Marshall's since they have name brands at really solid prices.

8:33am on 5/10/26 by utang44

Thanks @utang! Yes, I'm planning to do the same re: TJ Maxx and Marshall's, but hoping to narrow down to a brand or two first, and then see what I like/is available in person.

8:43am on 5/10/26 by JERancher

I have a Samsonite freeform that was ok. Then I got a Travelpro platinum elite hardside that blows it out of the water when comparing handle stability, handling thru the airport and wheels being smooth. Watch for sales. It's worth the price difference

9:20am on 5/10/26 by cdlla

I bought Delsey based on liner rec 6 years ago and it is amazing. No regrets and still going strong.

9:35am on 5/10/26 by jenc45

Just checked and the one dad bought last fall that I've taken as mine now is Sharper Image. I'm really looking forward to using it on this trip. Super sturdy and a lovely color.

9:43am on 5/10/26 by utang44

I was able to get some great deals on Samsonite on Amazon in the last year by accepting unpopular colors, about 40% less than more popular colors.

10:09am on 5/10/26 by Ali Ababwa

AWAY

10:10am on 5/10/26 by mtlott

Check out Solgaard. I've been very happy with this brand.

10:37am on 5/10/26 by hookiegood

We swear by Travel Pro for the past 20 years. Originally bought at a luggage store but most recent ones thru Amazon. Very durable.

11:31am on 5/10/26 by evamarie320

Thanks all. Please feel free to keep them coming! Travel Pro has actually been at the top of my list for awhile...

11:42am on 5/10/26 by JERancher

Travel Pro and american tourister fan here

12:07pm on 5/10/26 by Totsypooh

I use this company and got Disney luggage

12:20pm on 5/10/26 by WorldTraveler34

https://shop.americantourister.com/disney-%26-star-wars/all-disney

12:20pm on 5/10/26 by WorldTraveler34

I also have some good solgaard pieces. And if you do want to break the bank to spend on something that will last and last , I've got some Briggs and Riley too. And I love my nomad lane bento bag so so much.

2:16pm on 5/10/26 by VikeQueen

Just FYI if you're looking at Samsonite, on Amazon https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0B31MT8SC?th=1 the price varies from $159 to $189 depending on color for the same check-thru.

2:30pm on 5/10/26 by Ali Ababwa

I ended up with Travelpro softside after some liner recommendations. It's held up now about 40 flights. I like the inside layout. Bought a swing one for DS. I've been using an American Tourister carry on for years to haul my electronics around.

6:14pm on 5/10/26 by MarioMom

Another vote for Travelpro here. DH was a commercial pilot and it's what the airline purchased for him so we bought one for me too. They lasted almost exactly 18 years, both started to fall apart on a family vacay to Hawaii it was hilarious!

7:37pm on 5/10/26 by erinfarquhar

Bumping for @popup. (And I realize I never gave an update on this! My incredible DH was able to MacGyver some new handles for all three of my pieces. So glad because I truly love what I've got. But thank you all for the wisdom; I've kept notes!)

12:42pm on 5/23/26 by JERancher

Thank you @JER!

12:53pm on 5/23/26 by popupcamper

@Vike is the Bento Bag heavy?

2:22pm on 5/23/26 by Magicalday2011

Yes it can get heavy. I would not want to carry it around. It's perfect (for me) w the trolley sleeve on a carry around. They just came out w a bento backpack that is getting mixed reviews.

2:32pm on 5/23/26 by VikeQueen

...view 22 more comments

*carry on. Oops :)

2:32pm on 5/23/26 by VikeQueen

Bumping for @popup

12:16pm by Ali Ababwa

Thanks. I have a 2018 Jansport Mickey print backpack that's 30L that I love. Never feels heavy so I just wondered about a different style.

40 min ago by Magicalday2011

New DVC Rental Thread starting May 16th. Housekeeping: Find my Dedicated DVC Rental search engine here: http://dvcseer.com/dvc-search

4:50pm on 5/16/26 by JJT (staff)

collapse thread

I also post same info in forum thread, but with charts, further analysis, and goofy gifs. https://forum.touringplans.com/t/dvc-you-there-now-with-bonus-content/87420/9999

4:50pm on 5/16/26 by JJT (staff)

Let's start with a DO IT NOW ALERT! 3-night Animal Kingdom Kidani SAVANNAH View Studio 06/09 for $196/night or 46% under median https://dvcrentalstore.com/guests/reservations/a0fVJ000003YlIvYAK

4:50pm on 5/16/26 by JJT (staff)

Sfl, thanks for posting these!

4:55pm on 5/16/26 by RememberWhen

Following. Thank you, @JJT!

5:32pm on 5/16/26 by missWishes

6:15pm on 5/16/26 by JJT (staff)

Following. Thank you!!

8:22pm on 5/16/26 by LuvsKonaCoffee

1-night Saratoga Springs Studio 05/27 for $195/night or 32% under median https://rentals.dvcshop.com/reservations/saratoga-springs-539347

8:22pm on 5/16/26 by JJT (staff)

Thank you!! I love keeping up with these posts :)

10:44pm on 5/16/26 by sunshinedaisies

Thank you! I love dreaming through your posts!

10:54pm on 5/16/26 by fcoffey

Happy to hear from everyone! :) Bumping for that $196 Savannah room, is still out there this morning. Could just be they didn't update the listing or multiple requests are waiting to be processed, but you gotta be in it to win it.

10:13am on 5/17/26 by JJT (staff)

3-night Animal Kingdom Kidani Studio 09/22 for $240/night or 12% under median https://dvcrequest.com/bookings/rebook/10050419

6:56pm on 5/17/26 by JJT (staff)

That Kidani is better than "only" 12% under median looks. Last year only saw about 6 Sept listings around this price as summer rolled through & most were priced higher. TL;DR: A WINNER.

6:57pm on 5/17/26 by JJT (staff)

2-night Grand Floridian Studio 07/11 for $429/night or 8% under median https://rentals.dvcshop.com/reservations/grand-floridian-539820

8:10pm on 5/17/26 by JJT (staff)

Price Drop: 3-night Aulani 1 Bedroom 08/04 orig $1,350/night now $850/n or 32% under median https://dvcrentalstore.com/guests/reservations/a0fVJ000003Lt7pYAC

10:33am on 5/18/26 by JJT (staff)

Looking at the price chart for all dates in the year, there are certainly parts of the year where you'll see significantly lower prices for this room - but August is NOT typically one of them. 32% under that median is a great deal!

10:34am on 5/18/26 by JJT (staff)

Checked for fun: the direct cash rate for this Aulani 1BR Island Gardens view on these dates is $1,753 per night after tax. Little bit 'o savings there.

10:53am on 5/18/26 by JJT (staff)

Price Drop: 2-night Animal Kingdom Kidani Studio 07/18 orig $348/night now $290/n or 20% under median https://rentals.dvcshop.com/reservations/animal-kingdom-villas-kidani-village-525342

12:05pm on 5/18/26 by JJT (staff)

Don't see many May HH listings. This is lowest price for this room since at least 2024. 3-night HH Island Studio 05/24 for $320/night or 12% under median https://dvc-rental.com/confirmed-reservation/?_resort=Hilton%20Head%20Island%20Resort&dvc_id=DVC1955

8:24pm on 5/18/26 by JJT (staff)

Terrific price! 1-night Polynesian Villas Studio (Duo) 09/17 for $288/night or 14% under median https://dvcrequest.com/bookings/rebook/10050440

8:26pm on 5/18/26 by JJT (staff)

If you can check in TODAY this is a pretty great deal! 3-night Saratoga Springs 1 Bedroom 05/19 for $280/night or 46% under median https://www.dvcstore.com/prebookedreservation/SS5-25-P-0518

9:20am on 5/19/26 by JJT (staff)

3-night Animal Kingdom Jambo Studio 07/21 for $238/night or 27% under median https://dvcrentalstore.com/guests/reservations/a0fVJ000003ZExdYAG

9:20am on 5/19/26 by JJT (staff)

This price is 153% #WIN for Saratoga Springs in June. Double that for a long 6-night stay! 6-night Saratoga Springs Studio 06/03 orig $301/night now $219/n or 27% under median https://dvcrequest.com/bookings/rebook/10050247

2:10pm on 5/19/26 by JJT (staff)

Good news on the AMAZING new Saratoga 1 Bedroom Villa that appeared this morning! The rental site appears to have an incorrect start date of today in its data table, but the detailed listing has a start date of 5/29! $280/n price is a chef's kiss.

8:51pm on 5/19/26 by JJT (staff)

Argh: Scratch the previous update on that SSR 1BR - not only did they change the start date they now increased the price to over $400/night! That is all.

9:13pm on 5/19/26 by JJT (staff)

Super price, sadly only for 1 night. 1-night Boardwalk Villas Studio 07/22 for $264/night or 33% under median https://dvcrequest.com/bookings/rebook/10050467

12:25pm on 5/20/26 by JJT (staff)

This is never going to be a "cheap" room, but this price is now fantastic vs historical data. 7-night Riviera Resort 1 Bedroom 06/01 orig $984/night now $656/n or 28% under median https://dvcrentalstore.com/guests/reservations/a0fVJ0000033ixFYAQ

2:18pm on 5/20/26 by JJT (staff)

This room has a SURPRISINGLY low volume for July. This is the lowest price recorded for any July listing 3-nights or longer:

2:21pm on 5/20/26 by JJT (staff)

6-night Old Key West 1 Bedroom 07/08 orig $574/night now $492/n or 12% under median https://dvcrentalstore.com/guests/reservations/a0fVJ000003BZiHYAW

2:21pm on 5/20/26 by JJT (staff)

Not much exciting today so far, but if you need TWO nicely priced rooms on 6/21, here's your help! 1-night Animal Kingdom Jambo Studio 06/21 for $252/night or 19% under median https://dvcrentalstore.com/guests/reservations/a0fVJ000003OCMTYA4

2:07pm on 5/21/26 by JJT (staff)

1-night Animal Kingdom Jambo Studio 06/21 for $252/night or 19% under median https://dvcrentalstore.com/guests/reservations/a0fVJ000003ZzOfYAK

2:08pm on 5/21/26 by JJT (staff)

1-night Copper Creek 1 Bedroom 05/31 for $495/night or 32% under median https://dvcrentalstore.com/guests/reservations/a0fVJ000003a7PRYAY

5:13pm on 5/21/26 by JJT (staff)

3-night Boardwalk Villas Studio 06/08 for $352/night or 12% under median https://dvcrequest.com/bookings/rebook/10050509

9:13pm on 5/22/26 by JJT (staff)

Two terrific last minute price drops for this room type! 2-night Saratoga Springs 1 Bedroom 05/25 orig $420/night now $240/n or 54% under median https://www.dvcstore.com/prebookedreservation/SS5-25-P-0509

9:14pm on 5/22/26 by JJT (staff)

3-night Saratoga Springs 1 Bedroom 05/29 orig $411/night now $323/n or 38% under median https://www.dvcstore.com/prebookedreservation/SS5-29-P-0519

9:14pm on 5/22/26 by JJT (staff)

That $240 SSR 1BR is the lowest recorded May price for that room. For the BW: has not been a great year for BW studios, this price is likely the lowest and last one we'll see for June.

9:15pm on 5/22/26 by JJT (staff)

By the way, I've just updated the TP Subscriber DVC Rental Deals page for a convenient peak at some of the best listings all in one swell foop: https://touringplans.com/disney-vacation-club-rental-deals

9:33pm on 5/22/26 by JJT (staff)

This is near the bottom of prices for this room in December. Last year we saw a bit more than a dozen listings around or below this price as the year continued, but volume this year so far is much lower:

2:42pm on 5/23/26 by JJT (staff)

3-night Old Key West Studio 12/20 for $260/night or 17% under median https://dvc-rental.com/confirmed-reservation/?_resort=Old%20Key%20West%20Resort&dvc_id=DVC2554

2:42pm on 5/23/26 by JJT (staff)

...view 38 more comments

NEW Pair of identical Poly Studios! TL;DR On these: While we *might* see a few lower Poly prices as the year rolls on, won't be many. Last year there were about 16 under median prices from this point on.

41 min ago by JJT (staff)

3-night Polynesian Villas Studio 12/21 for $494/night or 16% under median https://dvc-rental.com/confirmed-reservation/?_resort=Polynesian%20Villas&dvc_id=DVC2560

41 min ago by JJT (staff)

3-night Polynesian Villas Studio 12/21 for $494/night or 16% under median https://dvc-rental.com/confirmed-reservation/?_resort=Polynesian%20Villas&dvc_id=DVC2563

41 min ago by JJT (staff)

What age group does TP define as "seniors" for their surveys? I'm not sure when I should separate myself from "over 30" lol!!

11:52am by cdlla

I'm sure I qualify I refuse to accept it LOL

12:11pm by VikeQueen

Old as dirt here

12:30pm by Ali Ababwa

Love they added over 30 vs young adults. Although my DD31 still has me clicking YA. Lol Seniors is over 65ish none of that AARP 50-55!!

43 min ago by Magicalday2011

What everyone think about the Mandalorian and Grogu movie I loved it

1:06am on 5/23/26 by WorldTraveler34

...view 13 more comments

We loved it in 3D!

9:44am by RigbyC

Absolutely loved it!!

12:54pm by Lindsey740

Thx! So excited

46 min ago by Magicalday2011

Just did a morning safari and saw @cobia & my mom while they were on WAT!!!! Our driver had the whole truck wave at them lol

11:10am by cammc

...view 2 more comments

Fun!!!

12:46pm by momtwofour

I waved back

1:01pm by cobia

Fun!!!!!

46 min ago by Magicalday2011

What is level 5 versus level 1 on crowd level? I cannot find a decoder on definition

10:20am by arellano

...view 3 more comments

Lately my pants crowd level is definitely increasing.

1:05pm by JJT (staff)

and not in the good way.

1:05pm by JJT (staff)

Good question! The chart in the link shows popular rides. 5 depends on which park and attraction. Also CL predictions are 11a-5p. 5 is doable for sure. Create a Touring Plan and Optimize on the day you are in the Park

48 min ago by Magicalday2011

Just wrapped up Wild Africa Trek which is an awesome and cool experience. Highly recommended.

12:03pm by cobia

...view 5 more comments

The best money spent at Disney! Recommend 100%

12:45pm by momtwofour

Just wear comfortable clothing. I spent years in rescue gear hanging in a load-bearing harness so that kind of stuff doesn't bother me. But good shoes and attire is important!

1:00pm by cobia

I may just pack a small dress in my backpack that day to throw over bike shorts - I've got Tiffins and Geo-82 later in the day and I like to cover my pasty white legs.

1:04pm by Ali Ababwa

If you wanted a simple dinner would you go for kona, boma, or Sanaa? I'm vegetarian but would want something a bit different than cafeteria food one meal

11:40am on 5/21/26 by RileysBirthday

collapse thread

I would go to Boma. Buffets generally have a greater variety of vegetarian dishes available.

11:51am on 5/21/26 by PrincipalTinker

I would vote for either of those AKL restaurants - both excellent.

12:41pm on 5/21/26 by njhyndman

Look at the menu for Kona. I like it way better than Boma. But I think buffets are ridiculously overpriced.

1:12pm on 5/21/26 by popupcamper

Only done Sanaa dinner (Boma was breakfast). go before dark so you can see the animals. We loved the food and atmosphere of Sanaa. Poly was busy when we stayed there but Kona might be calmer than the Ohana and captain cooks area of the main building.

2:56pm on 5/21/26 by WildernessPixie

Boma

3:02pm on 5/21/26 by cdlla

If dinner at Sanaa is going to be after dark when you visit (depends on when sunset is at yr time of year), cross it off your list. Seeing the animals out the windows is part of the fun!

3:19pm on 5/21/26 by Jennyhirsch

Last 2 visits to Kona weren't great. I'd go with your AKL choices.

5:53pm on 5/21/26 by allanmayo

Kona took away our 2 favorite sandwiches. Vegetarian choices are low. And I love/d Kona! My family loves Sanaa!

6:11pm on 5/21/26 by 4wvufans

Sanaa only has one vegetarian entree option too?

6:17pm on 5/21/26 by PrincipalTinker

Kona menu online seems to trend Polynesian/Asian now. I'm sure you could adjust by asking server at any of them. Fav us Sanaa

8:43pm on 5/21/26 by Magicalday2011

When I really look over the menus, most restaurants have one vegetarian dish. Most are accommodating.

2:49am on 5/22/26 by 4wvufans

My vegetarian partner described Boma as "vegetarian heaven" and was the best meal she had during our vacation

3:46am on 5/22/26 by Netsav

This vegetarian says Boma!

11:19am on 5/22/26 by Largo

...view 13 more comments

Good to know! Thanks! We're usually in bed by 7, lol yes it's true. And dinner would be 3-4pm! Sounds like boma / Sanaa! And time to look for recent food pictures!

11:08am by RileysBirthday

Sanaa has a gap between lunch and dinner times- we had 2.45 lunch & I cldnt push it later. Think dinner might start at 5. Not sure if boma is the same

12:50pm by hodg

Bona doesn't serve lunch I don't think and I believe earliest ADR is 5pm ish

12:53pm by LaurenInWonderland

I'd like to say that I used BG1 today in MK and EP and got what I wanted on the drops. No issue!

7:45pm on 5/23/26 by jeanne771

...view 4 more comments

Out of curiosity, if using an iPhone, is it a newer or older model?

12:17pm by CVC

I have a Samsung Android and I use BG1 via Firefox.

12:33pm by jeanne771

I've been using my iPhone 15 with BG1 at home successfully.

12:45pm by utang44

Subscribe to join in!

Chat Guidelines