The psychologist and the agoraphobic go to WDW. Travel Day

[suzycute]

Friday 18th September 2009.

Cast :
Me: Sue (aka Suzycute)
DD: Kate (aka Wishspirit)

Travel Day

Woke up to the alarm at 8am. Kate was already awake and was quiet – a sign that she is anxious. I was thrilled to see we had a great view of the airport from our window.



We had decided to skip the Sofitel breakfast as it was expensive – Kate wasn’t hungry and I wasn’t at that price either!

Kate had checked us in on line the day before and there was no one in front of us at the bag drop off. We collected our money ordered through Travelex ($1.60 to the £) and headed through security. The great thing about staying at Sofitel was that there was just enough time to do a little duty free shopping (gin and aftershave for DH) before we were summoned to the gate on to BA 2037.



We were seated near the back in seats 37 E and F. Although I love sitting by the window, at 48 years old and 2 kids later, my bladder control is not what is used to be. The thought of having to ask a stranger to move every time I wanted to go to the loo if we were in a row of 3 by the window was weighed up with being at the end of a middle row (on the basis that you can’t see too much after the first 10 minutes anyway!) and being able to get up without disturbing anyone.

We pushed back early and were soon in the air. 9 hours went surprisingly quickly. Having no breakfast, the sausages and mash on offer was surprisingly tasty. I also like sitting near the back as you get drinks service first – a lovely (small!) bottle of red wine.

Kate was anxious but did amazingly well with her breathing techniques and after a sleep of a couple of hours felt much better. I have the concentration span of a flea and find films difficult to watch so spent the flight listening to my ipod, reading and a little dozing. We has filled in our ESTA’s on line but this made absolutely no difference – we still had to fill in the green waiver forms.

We landed a little early at 3.15 Orlando time and with our knowledge from the DIS to head to the right at passport control, we were soon through and picking up our luggage.

We soon found the Magical Express desk and stood in line for about 15 minutes before being boarded on our coach. The coach was due to make 4 stops – Caribbean Beach, POP, Coronado Springs then Animal Kingdom Lodge in that order.



Kate was by the window on the coach and in charge of the camera to take the customary WDW sign photo! (Looks like she could do with a bit more practice!) Within 40 minutes we were onto Disney property and dropped off at POP.

Both times I have stayed at POP have meant a long queue to check in – maybe I have just been unlucky but it seemed to take forever to check in.

We were allocated our room 8208 in the Nineties building and were directed there by a CM. It took ages in the 30 degree heat to drag our cases round to our room in the 90’s building almost overlooking the computer pool.



We found a much quicker short cut via the car park later! Kate suitcase decided to break a wheel which was extra hard for her to drag - note to self - its is false economy to buy cheap suitcases!!

We finally got to our room and were glad of the air conditioning. We soon stripped off our English clothes and emerged like butterflies in some much more suitable Florida weather shorts and t shirts.

We had pre ordered Kates annual pass (she has another trip to look forward to next June with her lovely BF) and went to DTD by efficient Disney bus to pick it up as well as our MNSSHP party tickets.

We were really tired by this stage and wanted something to eat. We are ashamed to write that the quick, easy and cheap option was burger and fries from McDonalds – it filled a hole and we didn’t want to wait to be seated or spend a lot of time waiting around.

On the way back we stopped at the POP food court and bought our refillable mugs – we have now enough of these to fill a whole cupboard – but hey – they bring back so many happy memories!

We soon got back to our room and crawled in to bed by 9.30.

[natalielongstaff]

yay !!! love that picture of pic of pop

[mandymouse]

We love staying by the Computer Pool too

[Dimplenose]

I pick my aeroplane seats for the same reason! LOL !!

[Cyrano]

The trip sounds like it is off to a flying start

[Becx N Gav]

I do hope they get rid of the visa waiver forms soon - flying with Virgin means you pretty much have to fill in the same info 3 times! But at least it gives you something to do on the flight

Glad your journey to Orlando has been smooth. Was the room nice? Was the pool noisy?

[cap'njack.]

Glad the journey was ok for you. Great pictures of Pop. I love looking at pictures of this resort on the DIS, they always look so much better than those in the brochures which always give it a very tacky look.

[wishspirit]

Another great post!

The room really wasn't that bad, a bit dark because the only one window, however it was comfortable and we really couldn't hear the pool, however the water pipes were a bit noisy (not that it bothers me, I am used to it from living in halls!)

I hate that suitcases, it was like dragging it through sand!! Never mind, luckily bell services dealt with it for the rest of the holiday.

[cazzie]

Great photos we were on the same flight as you, its a shame it seems so long ago now.

[jockey]

Great pics