We found our resort with the help of our GPS, and the magical purple signs:
Of course, the room wasn't ready. We weren't expecting it to be, but a teensy part of me was hoping....
I have to say that when I walked into the massive, bustling, lobby, I really got excited. It had quite a different 'vybe' than the DVC resorts. Lots of big families, excitement mounting from several 'rookies', confusion of the big crowds... I don't know, it just felt different, yet more exciting. At our DVC resorts, we usually experience the calmer, 'I've been here three times already this year' kind of people. As they say, we feel more like we're coming "home" at our DVC resorts. Again, different, but in a good way.
After checking in, the CM gave us the card with the phone number on it for us to call to see if our room was ready. HUH? WE have to call THEM?! Geez... at our DVC resorts, THEY call US when it's ready...
Disney snob emerging.. be careful!!
We headed back to the car and drove over to the Beach Club to park. We were feeling very skanky in our travel clothes, so we used the fabulous facilities in the BC Villas to change and freshen up. Then we were off to Epcot! (Duh... where ELSE would we go?!)
Let's GO MOM!!
As you can see, we DID end up bringing the umbrella stroller. It even had a little sun visor, so it worked out just fine!
This was our 'sign' that day. We were just so excited that we had 6 full days there, that randomly, throughout the day, we would just yell, "SIX!!!!" at the top of our lungs!!
We made it safely to International Gateway. Matt walked up to the CM in one of the ticket windows and said, "I'm going to spend a lot of money right now!"
He had to buy 2 annual passes for the kids! I meandered to the other CM in the other window to pick up my AP.
So, with fresh APs in hand, we were ready to go!! But... wouldn't you know it... the RAIN RETURNED... and MAN, did it ever return!
So, we took the opportunity to relax at the Gateway and people watch... families running through the monsoons. Some with ponchos, many with umbrellas, few just braving it commando!
Just enjoying being here:
Rain, rain, go away!
But, LOOK, Mom... it's DISNEY RAIN!
The kids had a ball playing in the drips and puddles:
So, I know many of you are wondering, "Why didn't you follow the DISboards advice and stock up on Dollar store ponchos? You could be well on your way to Mission:Space by now!" Well, let it be known... SOOZE DOES NOT DO PONCHOS!! I hate them! I hate the way they smell, I hate the way they feel on my already wet skin, I hate the way they trap the humidity and heat around my body, I hate the way you have to deal with them when the rain is over (and, no, I'm not throwing them away until Disney recycles plastic rain ponchos!!)... so there.. I got that off my chest. I would rather sit, soak in the rainy Disney atmosphere, or just get rained on than wear a poncho. Whew... thanks for listening!
Finally, the rain let up. We headed first to Spaceship Earth. There was no line and we walked right up to the ball... then it happened... Shaelyn started to freak a bit!
What?! She's ridden this already?! Oh no.. I think we've hit the age of fear of the unknown... the age of wanting to be in control instead of just riding whatever the family wants. Dang..
Thankfully, since there was no line, there was no time to let her freak-out escalate. We got on, she was nervous, and then everything was fine.
We spent a lot of time in the Siemens exhibit:
Tyson and Matt were making sure the community of tomorrow had enough power, especially GREEN power!
At this point, our band geek friends, Dean, Adrianna, and Abby, had found us!!
What do we do know that our group is finally together?!?! Split up of course!!