11 Day WDW trip w/photos (1/22/06)

[dairyou]

January 22, 2006:



We head for the airport at 10:30 pm. We are taking the red eye out of Sacramento. The first leg was to take off at 12:15 with a stop to Houston. Everyone was tired, but we weren't comfortable enough to sleep My oldest son, Danny went to winter camp the week before and came back sick, so I was most concerned for him because I didn't want him to relaps. (spelling?) I slept better the second leg, youngest son - Jordan didn't sleep but one hour the entire flight. Husband Keith didn't do any better. We land at MCO at 11:30, pick up our rental car (a Trail Blazer...because of Keith and Danny's golf clubs) and arrive at Old Key West (OKW) at 12:00pm. We try to check in and there is a room ready (in building 23), but Keith wanted to wait for a room in building 64. We figure we will eat lunch at Earl of Sandwich, go grocery shopping at Winn Dixie and the room should be ready. After we eat our sandwiches we shop around and end up at Goofy's Candy Store. I don't know what the real name is..that's what we called it Call at 2:30, not ready. Danny is coughing and Jordan is fading fast. We call again at 3:00...still not ready. We try to decide if we will wait or not and decide we might as well because it will only be another 1/2 hour to 45 minutes. We go to the Community Hall to rent movies and play pool and checkers. We find "Waterboy" and "Young Frankenstien". Our room is ready at 3:45. The bellhop Diego was nice enough to store our luggage and keep our groceries refrigerated We get to our room 6423. Building 64 has an elevator and is very close to the theme pool and Community Center. It has a perfect view of the 7th hole!

These are of the second bedroom

Closet of the second bedroom, very spacious!

The master bath

A view from our balcony

We put our groceries away, eat our frozen lazagna, watch our rented movie and then off to bed!

What we spent today: $115.00 at Winn Dixie, $6.00 at the Goofy Candy Store. Total $121.00


Day 2...Day at the parks...coming soon

Happy reading! Deb

 

[OurDogCisco]

Great Review... I love the pictures.

P.S. I live in Sacramento too.

 

[TLinden16]

Wow. Great information and great pictures. OKW is one of the few resorts I have yet to stay in.

 

[byoung]

Thanks for the report

 

[fizz13]

Looks like a very spacious villa, like the decor and view too. thanks for posting,

Claire xx

 

[MOMOFMNM]

your pics are great and OKW looks really spacious and nice!!


can't wait to see more!!

 

[dairyou]

Day 2

Keith and I wake up at 7:30. We let the boys sleep because we know they are behind with the airplane ride. I make myself
a cup of tea and Keith has a cup of hot chocolate. As we sit outside
we see the maintenance crew come to the green. They make a new
whole in a different part of the green. Since I'm golf illiterate, I'm pretty impressed by it. Keith says
"Of course they change the whole around". Hmmm..okay,
I didn't know they did that. Around 9:00 we are still
waiting for the boys to wake so we leave a note and walk to the
General Store. We take a look to see how much the water mice are
to find out they only go 5mph. Not fast enough for the boys after
riding them in the lagoon near MK which goes around 25. We purchase
a few forgotten grocery items and head back to the room. They are still sleep.
We play a game of cards on the balcony and watch more golfers.
Finally at 10:45 we check on them (to make sure they are still alive )
and they are starting to stir and we tell them to wake up. We eat
lunch on the balconey (can you tell we love it out there?). Danny
and I have chillie cheese nachos, Keith and Jordan have sandwiches.
We finally get to MGM at 12:00 noon

Warning! My family hates to take pictures.
When we cruise with DCL the only photos I make them take is the
lifestyle pictures and they still grumble So look past their
goofy smiles and grumpy looks

We head over to Drew Carey's Sounds Dangerous.
This is a first for us and we enjoy it. Time is just ride to see the
Indiana Jones show next.

We walk to Light's Camera Action! This is also
the first time we get to see this show. It's awesome! We try
to see it again later in the week, but can never get back
to it.

If you look closely at this picture you'll see
they are driving on only 2 wheels!

The boys love Star Tours, so of course we have
to ride this while we are at MGM. We have never been on the Great
Movie Ride, so on we go...

Poor Keith he has a family of chickens with him.
He rides Rockin Rollercoaster on his own. We shop in the gift shop.
Everyone is starting to get hungry so Keith and Jordan have a Mickey
Bar, Danny and I have a Strawberry Fruit Bar. As we start to head
out we notice a show. It's the Dating Game. Oh my gosh, the 3
characters were soooo funny! She ends up picking number
3 which is the person with the hat on the right of the photo.

One more picture before we head to the car.

Back to OKW where we make meatloaf,
bake potatoe and corn for dinner. While it was cooking the
boys watch "Godzilla" which they brought from home.


We finish dinner and head out to Epcot. I
thought it was EMH but it had changed. That's okay..we're on
vacation and go with the flow.

We ride Soarin' twice in a row. A walk on
each time. Danny, Keith and Jordan ride Mission Space.
They like this ride! I'd like to try, but I get so motion sick, I
better not. We miss Illuminations, but we will catch it another day.
We head back home...make some rice crispy treats, watch a
few episodes of Season 2 - 24 we brought from home.
(Yes, I'm just starting to watch this awesome show). Everyone
is tired and we head to bed.

What we spent today: $17.00 on a Tigger
charm for my bracelet, $10.00 on Mickey Bars. We do end up
cooking alot on this vacation. It's one of the reasons we
purchased into DVC. Though it's not for everyone, I don't mind
it at all. It resembles a homey enviroment on vacation.
Plus, we get tired of eating park food 3x's a day and we don't
care to spend $150.00 per sit down meal. So, I leave our
spending for those who would like to go on a budget. It
can be done

Coming soon...Day 3 Happy reading everyone!

 

[OurDogCisco]

Great review.... I can't wait to read the rest. I love the pictures & you have a beautiful family.

Tina

 

[dismom9761]

Great pistures and reviews.Looking forward to reading more.

 

[dairyou]

Great Review... I love the pictures.

P.S. I live in Sacramento too.

Hey Tina,

I remember when you posted about purchasing DVC. I see you're going to WDW also. Did you buy your airfare yet? For this trip we only paid $189.00 per person. Pretty reasonable! I hear it rained alot while we were gone, but no flooding like during New Years Eve...whew!

Glad everyone is enjoying the report. I'll try to do more later in the day

Deb

 

[bscs]

GREAT PICTURES!

 

[dairyou]

Day 3:

Keith and I wake up around 8:30. The boys continue to catch up on sleep and wake up at 9:45...Now I know some of you think it's crazy to not hit the parks at the opening, but we've given up on the commando thing We eat brunch, but really a lunch meal at 10:00. We have leftover meatloaf, so we have meatloaf sandwiches and chips. This is the first time the boys wonder around the park on their own. We have our Nextels so we can walkie talkie each other at any time. On the way over to Festival of the Lion King we stop for a few photos

This is the first time we have even seen Festival of the Lion King. Boy, we missed out on that one. We loved this show, but the boys would have thought of it as "okay"...which is a standard response for Danny since he is a "teenager"

We meet up with the boys at Primeval Whirl. One of Jordan's favorite rides. Danny and I, chickens that we are watch from the side. Now, Danny and I have been on this ride, just not enjoyable for us faidy cats

(Another first time seeing a show) We force the boys to see Birds of Flight..they actually enjoy it. Keith was picked to donate some money . You hold your hand out with a dollar bill and the bird flies to snatch it out of your hand. Of course they bring it back to you.

Here are a few more photos of this show

We walk to the train ride (sorry I forgot what it is called) and on the way we spot this

She was very unique to say the least. She kinda drags her legs along the ground.. hard to describe. Boys thought she was creepy! But again, they are creepy teens

We arrive to the train and it is a longggg wait. Especially since we have been spoiled just walking on a ride. We get to the end of the destination and there is a petting type zoo, an display of butterflies fluttering all around. We go into a room and hear about the rain forest. I try to convince Jordan to touch a bearded dragon..he said he would pass.

We are near Kiliamanjaro (spelling?) Safari. The boys rode it while they were on their own, but wanted to do it again. Danny could ride this all day. Don't ask me why In teenage language it rates better than "okay". The line stops for a while because one of the wilderbeast is in the pathway. They wait for it to move and then the line starts moving along again.

Everyone is starting to get hungry again, so time for the Mickey Bars and snacks. Jordan loves Mickey Bars. He ate one everyday on the Repo cruise in August. We are just about done at Animal Kingdom so it is time to ride Kali Rapid Falls. We know we'll get a little wet, so we save it for the end of the day. We'll I end up getting the most wet, with my jeans soaked and my blouse damp. I trudge along to the exit when one of the surveyors ask Keith if he'd be willing to participate. The surveryor takes one glance at me and says, "That's okay, you probably want to go and change your clothes".


We return back to OKW at 4:30 and I start to make roast chicken, rice and frozen corn. We have a nice dinner together and head off to Magic Kingdom. Danny tries Space Mountain for the first time. Our rule is to try one new scary ride a visit. We have to try to expand ourselves. If we didn't do this, he would never know he liked Mission Space Space Mountain seats single by cars of 3. Jordan is in position 1, Danny 2, and me 3. Keith ends up in the next car. In line I tell Danny if he is scared, close his eyes. Keith says, "No, keep your eyes open". As we get seated Jordan decides to position himself to number 2. Danny sits in seat 1 and he can see all the dips and turns coming up. He was soooo mad at Jordan. Well, Keith and I were mad too. I ask Danny did you close your eyes? He said, "No, dad said not to". This is one of those instances you laugh about later in life


We time it so we catch Wishes 10 minutes before it starts. We had a good view and could see the castle clearly. Keith and Danny run to get some ice cream. Rootbeer floats and Wafflebowl sundae. Keith and I are in a debate about Tinkerbell. He thinks its a real person going down a zip line, I think it's not. Anyone have an answer?

We head home for the night. Here is the cost for today: $17.00 while at Animal Kingdom and $12.00 for ice cream and Magic Kingdom


Coming up next, Day 4...golfing and Disney Quest

Enjoy

 

[OurDogCisco]

Hey Tina,

I remember when you posted about purchasing DVC. I see you're going to WDW also. Did you buy your airfare yet? For this trip we only paid $189.00 per person. Pretty reasonable! I hear it rained alot while we were gone, but no flooding like during New Years Eve...whew!

Glad everyone is enjoying the report. I'll try to do more later in the day

Deb

No we haven't bought our airfare yet. Who did you fly with? And, how far out did you book? YOur fare price is awesome. I think the cheapest I ever got to Orlando was $220 (tax included). Any advice would be great. We are staying at BCV. I thought about switching at the 7 month mark but I think we like our home resort. Maybe next time I'll stay somewhere else.

Tina

 

[MinnieMe67]

Keith and I are in a debate about Tinkerbell. He thinks its a real person going down a zip line, I think it's not. Anyone have an answer?

I actually thought the same as you until our trip this past December. Tinkerbell is DEFINITELY a real person! We stood directly under her wire and got a perfect view of her flight. To say the least, I was suprised! My DH laughed and said he knew she was real all along!

And thanks for your report, I am really enjoying it!

 

[shellbelle]

I'm really enjoying your report. Love your pictures,too! OKW looks really nice.

 

[dairyou]

No we haven't bought our airfare yet. Who did you fly with? And, how far out did you book? YOur fare price is awesome. I think the cheapest I ever got to Orlando was $220 (tax included). Any advice would be great. We are staying at BCV. I thought about switching at the 7 month mark but I think we like our home resort. Maybe next time I'll stay somewhere else.

Tina

We flew with Continental but booked through Travelocity. We book 3 months in advance (scarey for a planner like me), but it seems that is when it was the cheapest.

We are contemplating BCV in November. When we stopped by there (Beaches and Cream..report to come later) we were wondering how you load and unload your stuff. At OKW its condo like and you park right out your door. Is it the same at BCV?

Deb

 

[OurDogCisco]

We flew with Continental but booked through Travelocity. We book 3 months in advance (scarey for a planner like me), but it seems that is when it was the cheapest.

We are contemplating BCV in November. When we stopped by there (Beaches and Cream..report to come later) we were wondering how you load and unload your stuff. At OKW its condo like and you park right out your door. Is it the same at BCV?

Deb

Well, when we stayed there in May which was our first time we arrived at 8 am (we took a red-eye flight). So the bell service held our lugguge until check-in time. Then, bell service delivered it to our room. The walk from the lobby to the DVC units can be far depending on how much stuff you have. I wonder if they let you use the lugguge carts. Might be a good question to ask on the DVC board. We had groceries plus 6 bags and 2 little kids so we weren't about to do it ourselves.

Tina

 

[dairyou]

Day 4:

Today is a non park day for us. Keith and Danny wake up at 7:30 to get ready for golfing. They make their sandwiches and head over to Saratoga Springs which is where Lake Buena Vista Golf course is. They orginally planned to golf at The Palm, but since the Lake Buena Vista is in our backyard they switch so I can come watch them for a few holes. Jordan is old enough to stay home by himself for a little bit. Their tee time is 9:56. Jordan and I eat brunch and then I meet Keith and Danny at the 4th hole. As you look at the pictures I try to get as many shots in as possible so you can see the beautiful landscaping

When we reach this hole, we scope out our Old Key West resort map and find out where we want our room next time. We are switching resorts on Friday, coming back Sunday.

Here is the hole that stops in front of our balcony.

When we get to our balcony I walkie talkie Jordan to come out. I tease him by saying "Rupunzel, Rupunzel, let down your hair". He doesn't think is it very funny I think it is

Danny needs tissue (because he is allergic to grass) and they forgot their water. So Jordan runs in to get tissue and water for them and tosses it over the railing

Here is a picture of our balcony which is on the second level.

I return to the room and let Keith and Danny continue on. Jordan and I head over to Disney Quest which opens at 11:00. We thought we would take the Friendship Ferry to Downtown Disney, but it only stops at the Market Place so we take the bus. I forgot to take my camera so no pictures of Disney Quest...sorry! We have a great time playing video games together. He plays the old Donkey Kong and I play Q-Bert. After spending a couple hours with him, I tell him I will wait on the 4th floor for him. They have free internet there and I check my email and the DisBoards. I post a quick message and Jordan comes to let me know he is hungry. He gets a burger and we share the fries. We ride the virtual raft ride together. We try Aladin's Magic Carpet, but I get too motion sick..that one is not a repeat for me. We head for home at 5:30. We stop by the Candy Caldron and pick up some goodies for everyone.Keith and Danny finished golfing at 3:00 so they are just relaxing. It is left over night so everyone heats up their own meal. After dinner the boys decide to stay in the room and Keith and I shop around Downtown Disney. I buy some bath salt at Bison. Head back to the room and get ready to switch to Port Orleans French Quarter. We are trying to save on our DVC points. I'll let you know my feelings on that at the end of the report.

Here is what we spend for the day: Candy Caldron - $11.00, Eating at Disney Quest - $11.00, Bison - $6.00, Lego Store - $2.00 (Lego Remover). Golfing cost $238.00 for both Keith and Danny. This includes the DVC membership which entitles them to a year of membership. Unfortunately this mean they will golf again on our trip in November Actually I love to watch them have fun, so it is not unfortunate. Everyone works hard and should splurge on what makes them happy The DVC membership saves them $10.00 this time around.

Next, Day 5 - Kennedy Space Center


Happy reading! Deb

 

[dairyou]

Well, when we stayed there in May which was our first time we arrived at 8 am (we took a red-eye flight). So the bell service held our lugguge until check-in time. Then, bell service delivered it to our room. The walk from the lobby to the DVC units can be far depending on how much stuff you have. I wonder if they let you use the lugguge carts. Might be a good question to ask on the DVC board. We had groceries plus 6 bags and 2 little kids so we weren't about to do it ourselves.

Tina

Wow how did you get a redeye flight out of Sacramento that landed at 8am? The earliest we could find was 11:30. After taking a red eye, I'm not sure if my family would do it again. I think we would just because you don't waste a day. How did you guys fare?

Deb

 

[OurDogCisco]

Wow how did you get a redeye flight out of Sacramento that landed at 8am? The earliest we could find was 11:30. After taking a red eye, I'm not sure if my family would do it again. I think we would just because you don't waste a day. How did you guys fare?

Deb

It was a delta flight. You fly from Sacto to Atlanta. That flight is done every night at 11 pm or so. It arrives in Atlanta around 6 am. Then, you leave around 7 am to Orlando and arrive around 8:15 am. It is a great flight because you don't have a layover in Denver or Salt Lake where you might have to worry about the weather. The kids did okay but they were able to sleep they were only 4 and 7 1/2 at the time. I did okay. My dh hated but he can't sleep with noise or light. We liked the flight because you don't lose a day. On our next trip since we don't want to leave Christmas night we are doing an all day flight on the 26th. The time before that we did 3 pm flight and arrived in Orlando around 10 pm or so. We didn't like that flight because you loss the first day by time you get to bed at 2 am and then, up at 7 am for the parks. I think we finally have come to the conclusion that you will always lose a day going to Orlando.