The 5 trips of My "Disney Free Year" - A Mermaid, A Buzz, A Boat and A Steak - 7/8

[Caretames1]

Hellloooo!

Nice wrap up! So tell us where you fell off the earth!

 

[IheartDDuck]

Yay, you're back! I was like "where has she gone? Better be somewhere good!"

 

[not_Joanna_eggs]

YOU'RE BACK!!!!!! Literally yesterday, I was like, "where the heck has Joanna been lately???" Glad to see you posting again!

That's too funny that they told you specifically who got the last soft shell crab, so you could secretly hate them. I would totally harbor resentment against the person who got the last something that I wanted.

I hate how early you have to get to the airport too, but that does stink that they made you wait for another ME bus. Like, I thought these things were planned out!

Great conclusion to your trip! Can't wait to hear about the next one!

Yep, I'm back. For realz-y this time too! It must have been your esp or something calling me Now I have a lot of catching up to do on your trippie!

It was kind of obvious since she was munching on it basically right in front of me and we were the only people in the restaurant I was totally shooting her the stank eye all meal. I'm sure she was oblivious or maybe she was like "what's with that weird girl at the next table- does she have something in her eye or something?"

The pictures for the next trip are loading as I type. I should have the first post up tomorrow hopefully.

It's so sad when the trip ends but it looks like you'll be heading back real soon.

Well - soon for you. I had to wait 5 months, but you just have to wait for photobucket to finally load my pictures!

Hellloooo!

Nice wrap up! So tell us where you fell off the earth!

Yay, you're back! I was like "where has she gone? Better be somewhere good!"

Um... yeah, I wish I had some fantastic story for you you about how I won the lottery and was in the process of moving into Cinderella's Castle so I was much too busy. But the truth is that, I was busy at work, a little lazy when I got home, and mostly that I spilled red wine on my laptop, which caused the keys to be super sticky, so typing on it was nearly impossible....until last week when I accidentally fell onto my laptop and heard a crunching noise and now my laptop keyboard works again.

Oh and the dog ate my homework too!

 

[not_Joanna_eggs]

I know I went all AWOL for a really long time, and now I don't have my pictures loaded, so I'll give you a little non-Disney bonus of Panic/Queenie/Joanna on the High Seas as an apology/interlude.

What are you looking at...get your own!

Ohh look - there is some Disney.... Some day Disney Magic... Some Day.
They were in port with us one day.

The margaritas a La Cava del Tequila are so much better

Ohhh so sexy. Watch out!

This is the life!

Do you think we could be JoPanic - New Age Pirates of the Caribbean?

Notice how we always look happier in the pictures where we have a drink in our hands? Coincidence?

Okay... I promise, I'll be back with a real update real soon!

 

[Stringbean&Wingnut]

That is quite the epic laptop story!!! I'm glad it's de-stickified and all is functioning again!

I know I always look pretty happy when I take photos with drinks in hand!

 

[Caretames1]

It's a good thing the keys got crunched! Nice happy cruise pics! A drink in the hand is worth.............whatever you paid for it!

 

[Princess_K]

I'm glad you're back!

 

[not_Joanna_eggs]

That is quite the epic laptop story!!! I'm glad it's de-stickified and all is functioning again!

I know I always look pretty happy when I take photos with drinks in hand!

I couldn't do that again if I tried, but I'm very happy it is working and I don't need to buy a new one.

It's a good thing the keys got crunched! Nice happy cruise pics! A drink in the hand is worth.............whatever you paid for it!

I'm glad you're back!

Good to be back. OMG, I was gone for awhile- your wedding is so close

 

[not_Joanna_eggs]

By now you should know that I can’t ever start a trip at the beginning, so here’s the backstory.

This trip had been planned for well over a year. A long weekend with my friend and her son – his first ever trip to Disney. I booked the room using points at 8 months out and we were all set to go….

Then on Thanksgiving – less than 2 months before the trip, my friend informs me that she doesn’t think she’ll be able to go. Really?? Since I’d borrowed points into 2011 and my use year ends in February, I couldn’t cancel without loosing my points.

So I first look to Chris to see if he’d like to come. But he had classes that made it impossible for him to come for the whole trip, and I wasn’t about to trust him to make a later flight… Some wounds don’t heal quickly.

Next up, I called Panic, who is almost always up for an adventure. Except that 2 days before I called Greg’s aunt had offered to take them to New York for Panic’s 25th birthday – that weekend.

I had resigned myself to going alone, and was planning my solo-trip, when about a month out, I was having lunch with Queenie, and on a whim I asked her if she wanted to go. She’s not a Disney Hater like Grumpy, but she usually isn’t one to jump on the idea of a trip. She’s more of a “once every 5 years” kind of fan.

To my pleasure and surprise, she said she wanted to come! Who are you and what did you do with my mother? She made this trip first leg of a 5-state 2-week adventure to visit friends, my sister and attend a conference.

The addition of Queenie meant a small tweak to the itinerary, instead of heading down late Wednesday or early Thursday morning and coming back on Monday, we’re heading late Thursday night and coming back on Tuesday. So we added an extra day – YAY!

But, this meant that with about 3 weeks to go, my plans got turned upside down and inside out, but hey I was going to Disney with my mommy…what else could go wrong?

So… after weeks and weeks of 50+ degree weather, and no measureable snow yet for the entire winter, they started predicting 8-10 inches of snow to hit precisely when we were supposed to leave. Of course.

Thursday, we woke up and Queenie said she heard on the radio that Southwest was letting people in Milwaukee change their flights for no charge. So pre-coffee – we had a tough decision to make – change our flights to a 1:30 flight and miss ½ a day at work, and chance that the flight would still get off – the snow hadn’t started at that point, but was supposed to start at noon, or finish the full day and hope the snow subsided by 7:00.

We changed our flight, which meant we gave up our lovely A 22 and 23 spots for B 35 and 36, but we’d be arriving at 5:30 instead of midnight.

Our new plan squared away, we headed straight to Starbucks (you didn’t really think I’d say work did you?) Then headed to work and frantically tried to fit a full day’s worth of stuff into a few hours.

When we left the office at 11:30, the flakes were starting to fly. After a quick detour to the bank, we were on our way. We slapped our ME tags (which I’m so glad I didn’t toss – since we were supposed to arrive at midnight we wouldn’t have been able to use them!) on our bags and checked them with the lovely sky cap, and I went to park the car.

Nobody forget where I parked!

A fascinating look at the airport parking structure

And just as a bonus for you – Faceboats! I know you were worried the pictures for this part of the trip would be boring!

When we arrived, the airport was nice and quiet and there was hardly a line at security. That didn’t stop it from taking FOREVER because the little old lady in front of me couldn’t figure out why she couldn’t bring her giant containers of shampoo… but anywhooo… we got to the gate, ordered a grilled cheese from Altera and finally boarded the plane.

Now, I had pre-paid for early check-in so we could be in group A. Of course when we changed our flights, that got thrown out the window and we were at the back of group B. But hey at least we got out!

We were pretty far back in the plane but we got a row to ourselves!

The flight was uneventful, we watched Bridesmaids which is almost exactly as long as the time they allow you to use electronics on the flight from Milwaukee to Orlando. Obviously, Kristin Wigg planned it exactly that way.

We arrived in Orlando and made it to the ME. Holy Moley Batman, I haven’t taken the ME at a time other than midnight in several years, I forgot about all the people. It’s definitely not midnight toto!

Ummm, you expect… me to wait in line for the bus?

I think it is because I now associate the ME ride with midnight, but I got so sleepy on the ride to the hotel, I wasn’t sure I’d make it. In reality, we arrived at about 6:30.

Since we were using the luggage service, we just had our carry ons and we headed straight to check in, and were given our room in no time.

 

[Caretames1]

I wonder what would have happened if you hadn't changed your flights!

At least you got there earlier and got use of the tags. We are gonna use ME for the first time in Nov. Is it as hard to find as some say?

 

[Stringbean&Wingnut]

That's great that your mom agreed to come with you! I'm sure another solo trip wouldn't have been quite what you were hoping for!

Thank goodness you guys were able to change your flights!! Ugh, winter weather!

Where were you guys staying? Did I completely miss that part?

 

[IheartDDuck]

Faceboats!!!! Oh MKE, you're so bizarre.

I'm glad that the whole trip worked out for you and that your mom came along. i bet there was a sigh of relief for you when it all worked out.

 

[not_Joanna_eggs]

I wonder what would have happened if you hadn't changed your flights!

At least you got there earlier and got use of the tags. We are gonna use ME for the first time in Nov. Is it as hard to find as some say?

We watched, and our original flight didn't get cancelled, but it was delayed, we wouldn't have gotten in until well after midnight!

The ME isn't hard to find,its just 2 levels down, but I always manage to take the wrong stairs and end up over by the rental cars and have to hoof it over to the ME counter.

That's great that your mom agreed to come with you! I'm sure another solo trip wouldn't have been quite what you were hoping for!

Thank goodness you guys were able to change your flights!! Ugh, winter weather!

Where were you guys staying? Did I completely miss that part?

I was quite happy to have a travel buddy!

We stayed at the Beach Club villas, I'm not sure if I mentioned it or not- that's kind of an important detail. Oops!

Faceboats!!!! Oh MKE, you're so bizarre.

I'm glad that the whole trip worked out for you and that your mom came along. i bet there was a sigh of relief for you when it all worked out.

Indeed. But at least there isn't the blue shirt thingy that they wanted a few years ago

Yes, I was really hoping I wouldn't have to be solo - even though I'm sure I would have had fun anyway.

 

[not_Joanna_eggs]

Since originally, there were going to be four of us (and one being a kid) I booked a one bedroom villa at the Beach Club – primarily for the pool which queenie and I didn’t use!

But the one bedroom ended up being really nice for the two of us - having the living space worked out well for when one person woke up or when we decided to just hang in the room.

We went back and forth deciding what to do for dinner. The drama of the day had kind of wiped us out!

(or turned us into zombies)

Brains…Mmmmm

Neither of us wanted a burger (beaches & cream) , or a big meal (cape may or flying fish). Finally I suggested the Crew Cup lounge we could get a drink and decide if we would eat there or go to Big River.

Of course, I got a magical star. They had some wildberry special, that queenie got. Mmmmmm!

We looked at the menu and immediately decided to stay there. We ordered black truffle fries, mussels & clams, and lobster sliders to share.

OMG, this was so yummy. Really, you need a couple more pictures of it, so yummy!

It was a perfect “light” meal. So yummy. I could have eaten a bucket of that truffle dipping sauce.

We had a table with a nice meat view too!

We stopped at the marketplace to pick up some breakfast essentials and some wine and some whisky. (which also could be a breakfast essential I suppose…we are from Wisconsin...)

Full and happy to have escaped the snow, we chilled in the room and watched some Weather Channel. We’re wild and crazy – I know!

 

[Caretames1]

Zombies you say! Good thing Rick Grimes wasn't around.........



MMmmmmm, your food looked sooooo good! Lobster sliders! I can just imagine how delicious they were

 

[Stringbean&Wingnut]

Your meal at Crew Cup lounge looks awesome! Glow cubes and truffles, what a great idea!

 

[Grumpy's Wife]

I don't think I've ever heard of the Crew Cup Lounge. Thanks for sharing your experience there. The food looks delicious.

 

[not_Joanna_eggs]

Zombies you say! Good thing Rick Grimes wasn't around.........



MMmmmmm, your food looked sooooo good! Lobster sliders! I can just imagine how delicious they were

The lobster sliders were quite yummy, but those truffle fries. Seriously, still having dreams about them. Really hope we manage to go there in May!

Your meal at Crew Cup lounge looks awesome! Glow cubes and truffles, what a great idea!

A girl after my own heart. What could be better really on one hand you have high-class truffles and on the other hand you have kindergarten class glow cubes. Totally my style

I don't think I've ever heard of the Crew Cup Lounge. Thanks for sharing your experience there. The food looks delicious.

It's the "waiting area"/bar next to the Yachtsman. They have a full menu of their own, and maybe a dozen tables. It's small and not on the dining plan, so it's not usually packed - which is totally our pace! My sister and I accidentally discovered it when we got trapped at the yacht club by a massive downpour a couple years ago. And we've had only delicious experiences. But the menu keeps changing - never the same thing twice

 

[not_Joanna_eggs]

Before I post today's update, I have a quick favor to ask. In may Chris and I are going to be going to Disney with a 10 year old for his first visit ever. I'll admit I know nothing about traveling to Disney with a kid - so if anyone has any tips or advice for us - I'm all ears

Thanks!

________________________________


Okay, so finally onto day 2

Despite our wild night (or maybe because of it), we both were wide awake by like 6:30am.

So we whipped out our breakfast essentials (no not the whisky…unfortunately).

This was a cinnamon coffee cake loaf. Really good – highly recommend and it’s available with a snack credit!

So we watched more weather channel and just chilled.

Okay, lets be honest, Queenie chilled and I was chomping at the bit to leave and bored out of my gourd. And by now you know what happens when I’m bored with a camera. I give you random shots of Joanna… just start singing “I’m sexy and I know it in your head” Either that or “Cruella De Ville if she doesn’t scare you no evil thing will”

Got it? Okay scroll!

Meanwhile, Queenie couldn’t be rushed, she was quite busy …seriously look at this concentration.

We eventually left the room around 10. The original plan had us going to the MK, but since we had already thrown the whole plan to heck…. We hopped on the boat and headed to DHS!

This right here is why I love the Beach Club. Oh Cressent Lake, how wonderful you are!

I see London, I see France….oh wait I actually see France…

You can tell we were in a big ‘ole hurry!

This photo hurts my eyes.

What are you looking at dude?

Does this angle make me look fat?

Why are these birds photo-bombing my pictures.

You know these ships on the bridge are really kind of random, they don’t fit with the theme to any of the hotels….

Okay seriously, we did actually get on a boat.

We’re on a boat!

Soon, we arrived at DHS.

Upon arrival we headed to Toy Story just to see if there were fast passes left – there were – for 6:00. So we grabbed our fast passes and discussed our plan. We decided that we’d stay at DHS for lunch so I made a reservation at SciFi for 12:50 (the earliest I could)

Can I just say that the Disney site (the regular one – not an app) has a mobile version for reservations that is awesome. It uses your phone’s GPS and finds reservations for that day at the restaurants closest to you. Many of the restaurants weren’t raking walk ups but we could make reservations no problem. It was quite handy!

 

[Stringbean&Wingnut]

I'm of no help with traveling with kids to Disney, but have fun!!! I'm sure it's going to be fun experiencing Disney with a kid!

Ahhh I'd have been going nuts waiting in the room all the way until 10! You're much more patient than I am!