aprincessmom
Huh?
- Joined
- Oct 12, 2000
Just returned from our time in Florida. We had a great time at WDW and in Sarasota (visiting DH's family) for a few days. Here are the highs and lows -- more highs than lows -- of our trip.
Attendees:
DH - a 40 y.o. golf nut who tolerates our Disney trips
DD - a 5 y.o. adrenaline nut who loved her last Disney trip
Me - a 38 y.o. Disney and beach lover
Day One -- Saturday
We arrived to pouring rain in Tampa. As we drove across FL the rain let up to mist but it was still cool (50s). Checked into Dixie Landings at 3:05 p.m. and were placed in Alligator Bayou, Lodge 26. It was a great location close to the quiet pool and a short walk to the West Depot and the main buildings. Decided to make the grocery run the next day and proceeded to unpack and check out our surroundings. It was lovely -- we've never stayed on-site before, usually staying in condos or homes so this was a very new experience for us. The grounds are quite pretty and very natural, the room was good sized, and it was really quiet.
Grabbed the bus to MK and hopped monorail to the Contemporary for our dinner at Chef Mickey's.
We had a great time there. It was pretty loud -- the height of dinner time -- but the food was really good, especially the desserts. And there was tremendous character interaction. Mickey, Goofy, Chip and Dale visited our table 2 times over the course of dinner and spent time with us each time. Also Donald and Minnie were in the front of the restaurant and my DD went back a few times to hug both when there were no lines. Our server was very attentive and friendly.
Took the monorail back to MK as the fireworks were going off for a magical end to the evening.
Day 2 -- Sunday
Up early and out to the bus for MK and breakfast with Pooh and friends at the Crystal Palace. A large group (looked like a family renunion) on the grass along the side of the road just outside of DL. As we drove by, a beach ball they were playing with went into the road followed by one of the group leaders. The bus driver was luckily able to slam on the brakes and avoid killing this person. However, a number of people on the bus were injured, including the little girl in front of us who was thrown out of her seat into a pole. I had a cold pack in my first aid kit (I never go anywhere without it!) and her mom used it on her head to keep the swelling down until security got there. There were also some others hurt in the back of the bus. The worst part was the group continued to play in this dangerous area as if nothing happened. The bus driver was really shaken but was terrific. Another bus was flagged down and security waited with those who were hurt until the ambulance came. A sobering event. I can't believe this group would pick such a danger place to play -- on the curve of a highly travelled road -- and then run into the street to get a ball! DD said to me "Didn't his mommy ever tell him not to chase a ball? You can replace a ball but you can't replace you!"
Things went much better after that. Got to MK in time to see the gates opened by two adorable little boys. Made it to breakfast and again, another great character meal experience. Our waiter was so accomodating and friendly, the characters were terrific with everyone and spent lots of time with each table. The food was delicious. It was a great way to start the day.
Spent most of the day going on rides. Because it was rainy and chilly, the park was pretty empty early on. We rode on the PoC by ourselves! No one in the first two boats, only us on our boat, and no one in the boat behind us. It was weird! Took DD on her first rides on Splash and BTM -- she rode both twice since there were no lines so we just stayed on and rode again. She LOVED them. Then we headed to Fantasyland -- where all the people were. She and DH waited in line for the Dumbo ride (40 min) and then both decided they wanted to go back to the hotel because they were cold and tired.
So we headed back, got lunch at the food court and brought it back to our room. We headed out to pick out some snacks and breakfast stuff. DD napped in the car (which she swore she wouldn't do because she "wasn't tired").
We headed to EPCOT, had dinner at the Land food court, took in some of the attractions but ended up heading back to the hotel before Illuminations because DD was tired.
Attendees:
DH - a 40 y.o. golf nut who tolerates our Disney trips
DD - a 5 y.o. adrenaline nut who loved her last Disney trip
Me - a 38 y.o. Disney and beach lover
Day One -- Saturday
We arrived to pouring rain in Tampa. As we drove across FL the rain let up to mist but it was still cool (50s). Checked into Dixie Landings at 3:05 p.m. and were placed in Alligator Bayou, Lodge 26. It was a great location close to the quiet pool and a short walk to the West Depot and the main buildings. Decided to make the grocery run the next day and proceeded to unpack and check out our surroundings. It was lovely -- we've never stayed on-site before, usually staying in condos or homes so this was a very new experience for us. The grounds are quite pretty and very natural, the room was good sized, and it was really quiet.
Grabbed the bus to MK and hopped monorail to the Contemporary for our dinner at Chef Mickey's.
We had a great time there. It was pretty loud -- the height of dinner time -- but the food was really good, especially the desserts. And there was tremendous character interaction. Mickey, Goofy, Chip and Dale visited our table 2 times over the course of dinner and spent time with us each time. Also Donald and Minnie were in the front of the restaurant and my DD went back a few times to hug both when there were no lines. Our server was very attentive and friendly.
Took the monorail back to MK as the fireworks were going off for a magical end to the evening.
Day 2 -- Sunday
Up early and out to the bus for MK and breakfast with Pooh and friends at the Crystal Palace. A large group (looked like a family renunion) on the grass along the side of the road just outside of DL. As we drove by, a beach ball they were playing with went into the road followed by one of the group leaders. The bus driver was luckily able to slam on the brakes and avoid killing this person. However, a number of people on the bus were injured, including the little girl in front of us who was thrown out of her seat into a pole. I had a cold pack in my first aid kit (I never go anywhere without it!) and her mom used it on her head to keep the swelling down until security got there. There were also some others hurt in the back of the bus. The worst part was the group continued to play in this dangerous area as if nothing happened. The bus driver was really shaken but was terrific. Another bus was flagged down and security waited with those who were hurt until the ambulance came. A sobering event. I can't believe this group would pick such a danger place to play -- on the curve of a highly travelled road -- and then run into the street to get a ball! DD said to me "Didn't his mommy ever tell him not to chase a ball? You can replace a ball but you can't replace you!"
Things went much better after that. Got to MK in time to see the gates opened by two adorable little boys. Made it to breakfast and again, another great character meal experience. Our waiter was so accomodating and friendly, the characters were terrific with everyone and spent lots of time with each table. The food was delicious. It was a great way to start the day.
Spent most of the day going on rides. Because it was rainy and chilly, the park was pretty empty early on. We rode on the PoC by ourselves! No one in the first two boats, only us on our boat, and no one in the boat behind us. It was weird! Took DD on her first rides on Splash and BTM -- she rode both twice since there were no lines so we just stayed on and rode again. She LOVED them. Then we headed to Fantasyland -- where all the people were. She and DH waited in line for the Dumbo ride (40 min) and then both decided they wanted to go back to the hotel because they were cold and tired.
So we headed back, got lunch at the food court and brought it back to our room. We headed out to pick out some snacks and breakfast stuff. DD napped in the car (which she swore she wouldn't do because she "wasn't tired").
We headed to EPCOT, had dinner at the Land food court, took in some of the attractions but ended up heading back to the hotel before Illuminations because DD was tired.
