Wait! I walked HOW far in 7 days? A (mostly) solo trip report

[Stacybaeasm]

Disclaimer: If you are like me, you love, love, love reading trip reports. They can become a primary source of entertainment, an escape from your daily life, a laugh out loud experience that makes others shake their heads in bemusement because they don’t get the joke. And, if, like me, you have some favorite writers of these reports like…oh…ZZUB, Tarzan’sKat, Me(l), marivaid, LaLa, Campbellscott, just to name a few, you have some high expectations about what to expect from a trip report. I can’t claim to be anywhere near the league of these famous Dis writers. My friends tell me I am funny, but I think my humor comes from tone of voice and facial expressions, which none of you can see. (And that’s a good thing since I am typing this while sitting on my couch in my pj’s and I just spilled Diet Coke all down the front of me. What a waste of good Diet Coke.) Anyway, this may turn out to be a boring, by the numbers report. However, if you come along for the ride, I HOPE that I can make you laugh a bit and give you a brief escape into the Wonderful World of Disney.

Introductions:
Well, ME naturally. I’m 37 although I behave like I’m 12 at Disney. I have a serious addiction to all things Disney and princess. I drove everyone around me completely insane with a countdown to my trip, sharing details, and generally bubbling over with Disney enthusiasm.

Guest Starring Rob. A good friend of mine who is my other half when it comes to food, Diet Coke, and Disney. No, we aren’t involved in any way (to the grave disappointment of my mother who would love nothing more than to plan a wedding.) We’re just friends. I have known him since he was 15 (and I was, umm, can I just say older?). He joined me for the first 2 days and the last day of this vacation. Next year, we are hoping to spend the entire week in the parks together. Or do a Disney cruise. Or both. You never know.

Also starring the aunt and uncle. They will only be referred to as the aunt and uncle (names have been left off to protect the innocent. Rob’s not innocent so I can name him.) They came to see me for the last day and a half of the vacation. The aunt loves rides but the uncle – not so much with the speed, spinning, drops, and general ride craziness. Since I will ride almost anything and everything, this was her last chance to do the big rides before they retire and move out of Florida. (Don’t people retire TO Florida?)

And featuring the boys, my former production manager and his partner. They also get to be in the Disboard protection program. They came up because we all used to go to Disney together once a month (or more) when I lived down there.

Before I left, I set some goals for myself – things to do and food to eat. Yep, food played a big role in my Disney vacay. Not the “big” food – I don’t do ADR’s or eat at the expensive places. Nope, I was focused on snacks, treats, and junk in general. So, just to make everyone hungry, here is a list of the things I was determined to eat while there.

Mini corndogs from Caseys
Popcorn
Dole Whip
Cinnamon rolls at Main Street Bakery
A burger from Cosmic Rays
Nachos in Mexico
“Fake” nachos at Fantasmic
Big Pretzel with Cheese
Tollhouse cookie ice cream sandwich
Pizza
Anything from Flame Tree
Ice cream from “Scoops” in DHS

Yep, quite the list. Good thing you walk a lot at Disney, right? There were also 1 thing I really wanted to do. Sure, I wanted to do the rides, and parades, and shows, but I’ve never done the character thing. Our group was usually very commando at the parks – get in, ride it, move on. So, this time I intended to wait in lines and have pictures taken with EVERYONE!

Did I eat everything on my list? Did I meet the characters? Did I kill anyone in my party or in the park? (I’m also known for my temper.) Did I find my “Disney mellow” and relax? I guess you will have to stay tuned for the rest of this report to find out.

 

[ILuvCrush]

I'm here!! I'm here!!!

AND I'm first!!


Paula

 

[Stacybaeasm]

I'm here!! I'm here!!!

AND I'm first!!


Paula

First and only! Welcome. Does it feel weird to read a report about a trip that happened at the same time you were there? I know when I'm reading your report, I have strong feelings of deja vu.

 

[DearDaisyinDurham]

I'm here!! I'm here!!!

AND I'm first!!


Paula

Count me in with Paula!!!!!

 

[Stacybaeasm]

Count me in with Paula!!!!!

Welcome, Welcome! Let's get the party started! Oh wait, that means I have to write something else. Maybe tomorrow, when the cold medicine wears off again. Although, WITH the medicine, it could be a trippy trip report.

 

[MossyCastle]

I'm in

Come on whadd-ya eat. just a little hint........... pleeeeeease (in my best Roger Rabbit voice)

 

[ILuvCrush]

First and only! Welcome. Does it feel weird to read a report about a trip that happened at the same time you were there? I know when I'm reading your report, I have strong feelings of deja vu.

HeHeHe!!! It is a little wierd.... but in a totally cool way!!

It will definately let us know if we were in the "right park" or the "crowded park" on whatever day, since it looks like we were in different directions on most days!!!

Paula

 

[Stacybaeasm]

Disney Eve was pretty boring in my house. I was completely packed and ready to go by 4:00pm. And boredom set in. I watched TV, I Dised, I contemplated going to bed about 600 times between 4:00pm and 10:00pm. Finally, it was time to sleep. I was awake 2 hours before my alarm was set to go off. I managed to stay in bed until 6:15am and then leaped out of bed singing to myself “Oh oh my Disney vacation is a comin’ down the track.” Yep, to the tune of Wells Fargo Wagon from Music Man. I was ready in record time and then had to wait for my taxi. It was scheduled to show up at 7:15am. By 7:05 I couldn’t wait anymore and headed out with my suitcases. Oh look! My first bit of Disney magic – the cab was early too!

Ok, not to sound like a hick here, but I’ve never taken a cab by myself before. I was a bit apprehensive, but the cab driver was very friendly. I couldn’t completely place his accent but his last name sounded Russian. So, my handsome Russian cab driver and I are off to the airport early. He drove like a maniac. I’m glanced at the speedometer only once during the trip to discover he was doing 80 in a 50. Umm…I guess I don’t have to worry about being late. He completely made up for it though when it came time to settle up. The fare clearly read $38.25 BEFORE the $2.00 gas charge and the $3.00 airport fee. However, he only charged me $35.00.

Check in and security were a breeze. My Airtran flight was great. I always fly business class. I like the extra room for my very large behind. Woo hoo! We even got to MCO early! And now I hit the first Disney line. The line for Magical Express was almost to the other end of the terminal. Turns out a convention was coming in and using ME to get to Coronado Springs. The line to check in moved fairly quickly and then off to the red carpet to await my pumpkin coach or bus or whatever.

This is when I run into my first “character” of the trip. I’ll just call her Ms. Entitled. Ms. E didn’t feel she should have to stand in line because “my in-laws are DVC owners and are waiting for me.” Umm… ma’am, everyone in your line belongs to the DVC. A few minutes later, she starts making phone calls. At one point, she informs her child to locate the dad because she had been standing in this line for 2 and a half hours and someone needed to come get her now. Again, I hate to argue, but you got in line about 10 minutes after me and I’ve only been waiting about 50 minutes.

The bus pulls up and of course, I am on the same bus as Ms. E. But hey, we’re off to the World so I don’t care! It only seems like a few minutes until I see this

[/IMG]

And I say Let the Magic Begin.

UP next - What do I eat for my first taste of Disney? Should we REALLY do pm EMH at Magic Kingdom and then am EMH at Magic Animals?

 

[Stacybaeasm]

Clearly, I don't know how to use photo bucket. Help anyone?

 

[jwhtewolfd]

Clearly, I don't know how to use photo bucket. Help anyone?

Under the first picture in your album you'll see a small link "link code options". Click it and select to have the IMG code displayed. When you're ready to insert a picture, just copy the IMG code and paste it into your report. You don't even need to use the "insert image" option provided by this board. Good luck!

 

[ILuvCrush]

Very nice first installment

I was cracking up at the whole Mrs Entitlement thing Don't you just LOVE people like that!!

Looking forward to seeing your pics, once you figure them out. When i first started posting pics, i didn't realize that my link started with http:// when i copied it.... so when i used the little add photo button, the http:// was already there, so it doubled it and messed up the whole thing!! Now I just backspace and blank out the window, then paste my link. haven't had a problem since, but I use smugmug, not photobucket.... i don't know if the links are set up the same

Paula

 

[Stacybaeasm]

I'm in

Come on whadd-ya eat. just a little hint........... pleeeeeease (in my best Roger Rabbit voice)

Oh, no fair trying to get advanced knowledge. Do you skip ahead to the last page of a book? (Umm...to be fair, I do sometimes.) I'll leave you with this knowledge, I accomplished most of my list Stick around to find out more!

 

[lauren_elizabeth]

Subbing! Can't wait to read more!

 

[Stacybaeasm]

Subbing! Can't wait to read more!

Welcome aboard! I can't wait to write more. I have to remind myself that work is for work. (Well, not right this minute of course) Glad you came along to join the adventure.

 

[robwthomas]

You didn't post more, yet? How am I supposed to re-live my vacation vicariously through your trip report if it's not done?!

And B, why didn't you tell me when I signed up for the dis boards that I was supposed to have a cutesy Disney name?!

You got some splainin to do!

Rob

 

[Mickeefan]

I'm looking forward to more!

 

[Stacybaeasm]

You didn't post more, yet? How am I supposed to re-live my vacation vicariously through your trip report if it's not done?!

And B, why didn't you tell me when I signed up for the dis boards that I was supposed to have a cutesy Disney name?!

You got some splainin to do!

Rob

I would have thought that if you had spent ANY time on the Dis before, you would know what kind of name to pick. Silly Rob.

I'm looking forward to more!

More is coming tonight. I promise! I'd do it now but A) I am allegedly working and B) my notes are at home.

 

[joech]

Keep up the good work. Love your report.

 

[Stacybaeasm]

Once through the lovely front gates, it was quick service to Port Orleans – French Quarter. What a gorgeous hotel!

I hadn’t stayed here before, but I felt like I had found a great new home walking into the lobby. Check in was a breeze, although I’m not sure the front desk person appreciated the banter between Rob and I about whether he could have charging privileges. We only made a quick trip to the room to drop off my carry-on and Rob took a quick (I mean 1 minute) power nap.

The only place to start a Disney vacation, in my opinion, is at the Magic Kingdom. And, luckily for us, evening extra magic hours for tonight! That means, even though we weren’t getting there until 4:00pm, we basically have a full day in the park. Rob kept my eyes covered as we came around the corner to get a view of the castle. He says it was to keep me from crying too early. (Just a side note, I am not, by nature, a person who cries a lot. However, Disney reduces me to tears on a regular basis. Tears of joy can appear at any moment for any reason. I embrace it. It means I am at the right place for my vacation.) I say he just wanted to see the castle first. We quickly found a photopass person to take our picture

and then, off to Casey’s for dinner! Yep, my first taste of Disney food was mini-corn dogs, fries, and of course, a diet coke! Yummmm. Oh, sorry. No food porn. I didn't take a single picture of food. Rob doesn't come to the Dis much and I think that might have freaked him out.

After stuffing our faces, it was time to get our ride on. We followed our normal pattern and headed into Tomorrowland. It was more crowded than I had anticipated, but not unreasonable. First up, the laugh factory. A great way to warm up to Disney and remember what it’s like to hear all those kids laugh. We stopped by Buzz and Space Mountain but the lines were too long. We’ll come back during EMH. We continued on to Fantasyland where we found more lines. But one of our favorites, Mickey’s Philharmagic, had no wait! Woo hoo! I love that “attraction.” There was a kid next to us who reached for everything. That just touches my heart.

Haunted Mansion came next. Rob and I could ride that forever! Pirates came next and it was almost a walk-on. A quick glance at the time confirmed it was time to get a spot for Spectro and Wishes. But what would Spectro be without a Dole Whip? Oh, soooo good.

Now, I ordered the root beer float Dole Whip. The lovely CM, who we had a nice chat with, prepared a Pineapple Dole Whip. Is that a problem? Nope. Delicious is delicious. Pineapple, root beer, what do I care? It’s a Dole Whip in the Magic Kingdom while watching Spectromagic and the pretty castle.

Life doesn’t get better. Wishes followed Spectro and I had tears streaming down my face. Rob turned to me after it was over and said “You are a hot mess right now.” Too be clear, that is not the only time during this vacation I would hear those words from him.

We decided to eat again while we waited for people to get out of “our” park. (I know, we've eaten half of the MK already. But Disney makes people hungry). We shared a double cheeseburger at Cosmic Rays. Quality control wasn’t great at old Rays that night. Right after we order, a very nice man brought his burger back because, although he had ordered a double cheeseburger, there was no cheese to be seen anywhere. Rob and I laughed about this until we sat down. That’s when we noticed our double cheeseburger had 3 patties. Bonus!!!! Rob ended up with a double cheeseburger (and about 3 pounds of mushrooms) all to himself while I ate the rest.

Extra Magic Hours started and I wondered how it would be without the wristbands. I’ll have to say, it was pretty hit and miss. Some CM’s really examine the KTTW cards while some barely spare it a glance. Oh well. It didn’t seem to impact a lot. Splash, Big Thunder, Space Mountain, and Buzz Lightyear were basically walk ons. We did it all and then decided it was time to head back to the resort. Our goal was to make early extra magic hours at Animal Kingdom the next morning. Of course, by the time we got back to the resort and got ready for bed, it was 2:00am. The last question Rob managed to ask was “What time does Magic Animals start tomorrow?” Umm…Magic Animals? I LOVE it! And of course, that is what Animal Kingdom will be called in my world from now on.

Up next: Did we make am magic hours at Magic Animals?

PS - Sorry about the picture size. I tried for 2 hours to make them smaller. Seriously, this cold medicine is messing with my brain functions.

 

[jwhtewolfd]

My DBF took one of those 1 minute power naps when we got to the room too! I like the picture size. Too tiny hurts the eyes. Nice pics, btw.