12 Days in Florida -- Disney World and Marco Island

[KatMark]

I'll make intros...although a lot of you know us.

Mark, age 56, and a huge Disney lover. Mark has been to Disney around 23 times (21 of those have been with me).

Kathy (that's me), age 51, and a huge Disney lover too. Mark and I first went to Disney together right after we got engaged.

This is our fifth visit to Disney without our kids. We love our boys, but both are in college and we REALLY enjoy these times together without having to go commando.

We were at Disney September 18 - 22, Marco Island, September 22 - 28 and then back in Orlando the 28th through the 29th.

The planning stages of our trip:

We had cancelled our 10 night stay in Disney due to finances. A lawyer where I work who our family has become good friends with outside of the office, offered us his two-bedroom condo in Marco Island any time we wanted it. With the miles for our airline tickets, we decided that this was something we could do that wouldn't cost a great deal of money. So we picked our week. Then Disney came out with a special at the moderates for $96 a night and I called Mark and said, how about getting a quick Disney fix and we'll go for three nights and have four days at the parks? He said if I could get the resort to go for it. So I called and I was able to get the Coronado (our "home away from home") for three nights.

Departure day was originally supposed to be on Saturday, the 19th. But I couldn't get our airline tickets with miles for that day unless we took a 3:00 p.m. flight which would have cut into our full day on Saturday at the parks. So I called Mark at work and said we can get a flight Friday night and I can get Coronado for the $96 rate so we decided to go a night earlier so as to not lose a full day at Disney.

Up next...departure day, Friday, September 18

 

[annnewjerz]

Signing on to hear all about your trip.

We'll be at The World for a long weekend at CSR in two weeks and I can't wait---hoping that reading your TR will help me get through 14 looooong days.

 

[KatMark]

Departure Day, Friday, September 18.

I got up super early...right after Mark left for work (unfortunately, he couldn't get the day off) around 7:00 a.m. I was hoping I'd make myself so tired that I'd sleep on the plane (I hate flying).

I puttered around a little on the DIS and then I went to the bank to cash in the money I'd been putting away--I had lots of coins ($152) and turned the $10's and $20's into hundreds so I wouldn't have such a huge wad of money. As I was leaving my bank, I saw all these police cars flying by and the bank across from mine with that "do not cross" police tape all around it. I turned on the radio and found out that a man had escaped prison and had stolen a car in a neighboring suburb and then robbed the bank right across the street from mine (he was robbing it while I was in my bank ). All the schools in the area were on lockdown. I drove to the salon to get my nails, pedicure and eyebrows done. I told the gals about the guy who escaped jail so they locked the doors since he was still on the loose. I spent 2-1/2 hours at the salon being pampered.

Once I was done, I went to stop by my mom's to say goodbye to her and oldest son, Andy, called to say they had caught the guy about a mile from our house. I asked Andy if he was done working and if he wanted to go to breakfast. So I met him at the local pancake house and we had breakfast together.

I got home around 1:00 and had some laundry left to dry (I did Andy's bedding and towels since I knew he wouldn't do them while we were gone). I played with our dog (Cookie) as I knew she would be miserable while we were gone.

(Cookie on Mark's lap -- she is DEFINITELY daddy's girl):

At 3:00, Andy and I left home to go pick up Mark to go O'Hare. Even though our flight was not until 7:20, we weren't sure how traffic would be on a Friday night or how security would be. We arrived at the airport at 4:45 and walked right through security--no line at all. We stopped at the Chili's in the airport and shared a burger and fries. We boarded our flight and took off right on time. The pilot said skies were clear and it should be a smooth flight all the way to Orlando. I tried to sleep but, of course, I couldn't...too excited to be going to Disney. I tried reading and that wasn't working either, so I just put my Ipod on and listened to my Disney music. Mark, on the other hand, was able to read 200 pages of his new book!

The pilot came back on to inform us that we were starting our descent and that we would be arriving in Orlando shortly. We weren't scheduled to arrive until 10:57 and it was only 9:15 when he made the announcement. At 9:35, we had landed and pulled up to the gate.

Mark and I got our luggage which came pretty quick for an airport and headed to the Alamo Car Rental location. We had done the online check in so we took our papers, walked to our aisle, picked up our red Impala and pulled into the booth to check out. We were on the road around 11:25 p.m.

At around 11:43, we saw this:

And at 11:50, we saw this:

We were home!

We walked into the lobby and there wasn't a sole around (but then it was almost midnight).

We walked up to check in and were greeted with, "Welcome Home, Mr. and Mrs. Schultz" from Jason when we gave him our names. He informed us that we would be in the Cabanas 9A and wished us a wonderful stay. He asked that we give him a minute so he could go get our keys and that he'd be right back. Jason came back and right behind him was Paul, one of the Assistant Managers. Paul greeted us, welcomed us back to the CSR, and presented us our card keys. He said if there was anything at all we needed during our stay to not hesitate to call him.

Mark and I went back to the car and drove around to the Cabanas section. We unloaded the car and found our way to our room for the next four nights.

We were in Room 9273--a corner room.

I took some pictures of the room:

We quickly unpacked our bags, put our valuables in the safe, set our alarm (I used my cell phone because I can't stand Stitch screaming in my ear) and went to sleep. We had an 8:05 a.m. date with Winnie the Pooh and Tigger.

Up next, our early arrival at the MK and a full day of fun, laughs and good food.

 

[Minnie&Nana]

I'm here!!! Great start, Kathy!! Terrific pictures.

 

[KatMark]

Saturday, September 19 -- Magic Kingdom here we come. I was up at 6:30 and showered, at the Front Desk to get our new key (we had two separate reservations) and then the Pepper Market to get Mark's coffee and my cappucino. By the time I got back to the room, Mark was just finished getting dressed. We collected the camera, money, park tickets (which we received as a gift from a fellow DISer -- one day tickets...which we then upgraded to four day hopper passes before we left the MK thanks to our son--an early Christmas present) and were off to the rental car to drive to the MK.

We arrived at the MK at around 7:30 and saw this -- my favorite sign:

We pulled in to our parking spot around 7:40 and had a front row parking spot. We walked to the TTC and decided to take the monorail to the MK.

We hopped on the monorail and were at the MK in no time. We walked to the line for breakfast reservations and walked into the MK.

We checked in and were seated not two minutes after we had given our name.

We sat down and our wonderful waiter (sorry...I don't remember his name) brought us orange juice and coffee and explained how the characters would come around to the tables, etc. Mark and I went up to the buffet and proceeded to fill our plates:

My plate:

Gosh, I love that puffed french toast. I went up a second time to get more of it.

Mark's plate:

Mark's second plate consisted of more of the same, plus a lot of fresh fruit--very fresh and tasty.

Then it was time to greet the characters. When Eeyore came up he was "playing" with Mark because Mark was wearing his Eeyore ears. This picture is a result of that:

Eeyore was giving me a hard time and motioning me to go away because I was wearing my "Tigger" ears. He then felt bad and came back to have a picture with me:

Mark also had his picture taken with Pooh:

Right after Eeyore and Pooh came by, they started their little "parade". We decided not to wait for Tigger and Piglet (we knew we'd see Tigger at the Book Store in the United Kingdom in World Showcase) because we wanted to get a start on the day and get on some attractions.

We paid the bill, walked through the Castle (after stopping for a couple of Photopass pictures) and waited for them to drop the rope.

Coming up...our fun filled morning at the MK.

 

[jlcd]

Joining in. Looking forward to hearing more about your trip!

 

[Elevationist]

Yay, Kat! I'm here and subscribed, can't wait to read more! Your pictures are wonderful!

 

[tinacaplan]

Subscribing! Great to hear about your trip, Kat!

 

[dizneeat]

Yeah! You're doing a trip report!! I am so in!!!!!!!!

 

[KatMark]

Signing on to hear all about your trip.

We'll be at The World for a long weekend at CSR in two weeks and I can't wait---hoping that reading your TR will help me get through 14 looooong days.

Welcome! I can't believe your trip is coming up so fast. Where does the time go?

I'm here!!! Great start, Kathy!! Terrific pictures.

Thanks, Christine, and welcome.

Joining in. Looking forward to hearing more about your trip!

Glad you are here.

Yay, Kat! I'm here and subscribed, can't wait to read more! Your pictures are wonderful!

I promise lots more pictures of CSR as we go along.

Subscribing! Great to hear about your trip, Kat!

Welcome and I hope you enjoy.

Yeah! You're doing a trip report!! I am so in!!!!!!!!

I'm so glad you are here. I'm going to type the next segment and then go check for updates on your dining review.

 

[KatMark]

We stopped on the way to walk through the Castle and got a few photopass pictures. The photographer also took a couple with our camera...here is one of them:

We also thought these were really neat and took a picture of one of these:

We walked through the castle and took this:

The first ride we do every time we arrive at the MK is Mark's all time favorite--Dumbo. He has loved this movie forever and we always ride it. He wanted us to both go in the same Dumbo. I had to explain to him that we were both a little "too hippy" to fit in the same Dumbo and we would have to ride separately. We got on the ride with the first loading:

From there, it was on to my favorite "character" ride...The Adventures of Winnie the Pooh (I love how the honey pots pounce like Tigger!

From there, it was off to Snow White:

I still think they could do so much more with the Snow White attraction. I just find it kind of dull.

Continued in next post.

 

[KatMark]

After we left Snow White and stopped in the store right outside of the ride, we headed over to the area of Peter Pan. The first order of business, however, was going to our favorite ride -- the "bathroom" ride. The older we get and the more water we drink, the more we spend on the bathroom ride.

We then went on Peter Pan as the line was only 15 minutes -- the lowest wait time I have ever seen (if it is longer than 30 minutes, we either do it with Fast Pass or first thing on an EMH in the a.m. -- I just don't find it worth waiting in line for over 30 minutes); sorry, didn't get a picture. From Peter Pan, I went in search of water because I was developing a headache (lack of sleep) and needed my tylenol, so Mark went and sat down to wait for me to come back:

I returned with my water, tylenol taken and we went to the Haunted Mansion.

From there, it was off to Frontierland to ride Splash Mountain and Big Thunder Mountain. Of course, Mark started whining...I don't want to get wet. I said it is 95 degrees...you'll dry in no time. Well, of course, we got in our boat, went through the first part of the ride and were approaching going back inside when the boats come down the big hill. Yep, you got it, we were there just as it came down and we were both drenched!

From Splash Mountain, off to Big Thunder -- one of my favorites:

We strolled over to Pirates of the Caribbean and got on this. Thank goodness we did...as soon as we got off it and we went through the shop (Mark keeps asking me to buy him a sword with this little kid face...I swear, one of these trips I'm going to get him one), people were going through to ride and they were told it was currently experiencing problems.

Jungle Cruise had a 25 minute wait and, to me, another ride that needs a rehab so I didn't mind skipping it. We walked over to the Enchanted Tiki Room and the show was about to start in two minutes so we hustled through and went in for the show (Mark wants to do this once a year, although he misses the old show a great deal).

We still had time before we wanted to head to Hollywood Studios so we decided to walk over to Tomorrowland and do a few things there. We were so happy that the Wedway People Mover (okay, I know it is now the TTA...but we like the old name better) was up and running again that we went on that first.

Here are some photos that I took of the work in/around Space Mountain. I believe I read that Space Mountain is supposed to open in November some time. From what we saw, I don't see how that is possible.

From there, we went to Buzz Lightyear. I told my DH that I wanted to get in last because he always gets in last and always wins. Hence, I wanted to be on the outside. Wouldn't you know it?!?! My darn gun was broken and he won again anyway.

Continued in next post. Will they or won't they get on Toy Story Mania this year?

 

[TigerKat]

Hello my friend!!!!!

 

[KatMark]

Hello my friend!!!!!

Hi, honey. Glad you came to join in the report (although I would imagine people get bored reading others trip reports).

I'll be updating after I feed Mark. He seems to think because he umpped three baseball games today that I should feed him? I cleaned house all day and did three loads of laundry. I think he should have cooked.

 

[ChelleinNC]

 

[ChelleinNC]

Curiosity is getting the better of me what was in the pretty package on your bed when you checked in?

I'm glad you got to go on Pooh Bear, it's one of my favorites

 

[KatMark]

Curiosity is getting the better of me what was in the pretty package on your bed when you checked in?

I'm glad you got to go on Pooh Bear, it's one of my favorites

The package was two Mickey wine glasses, a bottle of wine, cheese, crackers and lots of chocolates.

How can you not love Pooh?

 

[KatMark]

We finished with Buzz and decided to head over to the Studios. Mark and I are not friends of Stitch so that ride is never on our list, and after we've seen Laugh Comedy a few times, we don't mind missing it. Oh, and before I forget, we literally WALKED on to every single ride at the MK with the exception of the Peter Pan which was 15 minutes. I couldn't believe it...we walked on every ride...no waiting in line whatsoever.

On the way out of the MK, we saw these pumpkins...I'm not sure how clear they are, but you can see "ice cream cones or sundaes" carved into the pumpkins. The other photos are some of the windows at the Emporium.

We arrived at the Studios around 1:00. Rock & Roll Roller Coaster was about a 30 minute wait when we got there so we got a Fast Pass and walked over to Tower of Terror. Tower of Terror said a 20 minute wait but we walked right into the preview room and waited maybe five minutes in line to get on our elevator.

After TOT, we walked back to Rock & Roll Roller Coaster and got in the Fast Pass line. By this time, we probably could have gotten in the standby line because it looked to be the same amount of time -- about five minutes!
Okay, let me just say here and now that I will NEVER go back on Rock & Roll Roller Coaster as long as I live. I am just getting too old for these roller coasters. I couldn't wait until it was over and needed to sit down and drink a bottle of water to calm my head and my stomach down.

We headed over to Toy Story as we had missed this last year completely because we had gotten to the Studios around 5 in the afternoon and had a 5:30 dinner for the Fantasmic Package with our friends who had never been. So we really wanted to get on it this year. We got there and the Fast Passes were all gone (this was at about 2:50 in the afternoon...and the Studios were closing at 7:00 p.m.). The wait said 60 minutes; Mark and I decided to wait it out because so many people have told us how great this ride was and it is inside so it wasn't like we were standing out in the heat/humidity. We were through the line in 50 minutes. WHAT A GREAT RIDE! It was awesome and I am so glad we decided to wait in line. It is very similiar to the Men in Black ride at Universal Studios. We loved it.

From there, we strolled around and stopped in a few shops, took some pictures of the "streets" before heading over to The Muppets.

From The Muppets, we walked over to Star Tours:

We realized we had time to do The Great Movie Ride before our ADR at Sci Fi:

We chose Sci Fi this year because we had not done it since the last time both kids traveled with us -- which was nine years ago. Sports got in the way of our youngest traveling with us (whenever it was a good time for us to go, Mark had wrestling camp or a national wrestling tournament) and Andy was either working or coaching or something (he last went with us in 2004 when he graudated from high school with his then girlfriend). We always enjoyed Sci Fi and decided to give it another try.

Mark really wanted a Chocolate Shake, but I was as dry as could be and wanted a Diet Coke. At the suggestion of the food queen, MickeyNicki, we started with the onion rings:

Oh, we are so glad we did...they were out of this world.

Mark also took Nic's suggestion and went with the reuben sandwich. I wasn't impressed with the dinner menu--wasn't up to St. Louis Ribs and I knew I'd be eating a lot of fish in Marco Island, so I didn't want the Shrimp Pasta. What I really wanted was the cheeseburger and our great server, Kevin, said "if you want a cheeseburger, a cheeseburger is what you will have." Both sandwiches were huge and very good.

We were both too full for dessert...plus I wanted my first bucket of popcorn, so we paid our bill and left.

Oh, and Kevin took this picture of us before we left:

We went through a few stores and then got my popcorn and then went through a few more stores.
A few pictures on the way out:

On the way back, we stopped at the Hess Gas Station to get some water for the room so we didn't have to keep buying it at the parks (especially with not being on the dining plan).

We got back to the CSR and Mark decided to take a quick dip in the quiet pool while I took a shower. We had a DIS meet planned at 9:30 at the Laguna Bar at the CSR.

On my way back to the room to take my shower, I took a few pictures of the CSR:

We went over to the Laguna Bar just before 9:30. The bar was full but there were plenty of tables. Mark got a Blue Moon with an orange and I got a Pina Colada (sorry...no pictures) and we got a table. It was approaching 10:00 and no one was showing up; I said to Mark let's give them until 10:15 or so as they could have been caught up elsewhere. Just as I said that, Dayna (LaCrosseLady) arrived. We had a great time with her...a very sweet girl. RosieP and her husband also stopped by on their way back to their room from the Pepper Market. No one else showed up...but I understand that several got tied up at parks, etc. We talked with Danya for awhile. She was going to take a cab back to POP, but there were none in front of the CSR (unusual) so we drove her back rather than her try and wait for a cab.

Mark and I got back to the room and prepared for bed. Tomorrow (Sunday, the 20th) would be a long day: Epcot in the morning, back to the CSR to swim and then to MK for Extra Magic Hours...and, as it turns out, our first Disney bus ride at the CSR.

 

[TigerKat]

You guys are so sweet to give Danya a ride! Meeting DISers is such a fun part of our vacations!!!

 

[Minnie&Nana]

Kathy, your pictures are fabulous! Every single one is great!!

You are getting me very excited for my trip with Tracy! Gosh, it has been so long...2 yrs this December, almost to the day we arrive, since I was there last ~ waaay to long for a Disney nut.

Peter Pan - back in the '80's & '90's it was always a walk on, but the last several years it became so darn popular!

WedWay -will never be TTA to me either!

Sci Fi - always a favorite, even though the food can be hit or miss. Love that place!!

And dare I say...Stitch....let's just say I am very glad others enjoy him...but I never request a wake-up call anymore - that voice does not make a magical wake-up!

Can't wait for more...so nice you and Mark took some down time at CSR...sigh...what a perfect resort.

Very kind, and typical, for you and mark to give Danya a ride back to POP.

Later, sweetie!