I've been posting my trip report live on the TourGuideMiKE boards. I finally have a second to copy them here. Enjoy!
Ahoy Me Hearties on May 22, 2007, prepare yourselves for a three-day trip-report adventure unlike any that has been seen this side of the 7 Seas Lagoon.
Set yer' compass towards uncharted territories and brace the helm as ye' listen to tails of me journey into the unknown depths of the sea. I be on the look out for the Pirates of the Caribbean and the surprises and thrills that are lurking behind the dark and dreary coves of the Lagoon.
As you can tell, this is no ordinary trip. I know, I know..... when is it ever when it comes to me??? But this is a special trip as way back in January, I was one of the few who was able to book the Pirates of the Caribbean Adventures on 7 Seas Lagoon event. Didn't even know it was going on, did ya??? Well, here's a link to the package I purchased so that you can catch yourself up. Ye Swabs Itinerary
DAY 1 - Part 1
Plan for the day: Fly to Orlando, check in at the Contemporary, check in for the special event Pirates of the Caribbean Adventures on 7 Seas Lagoon, settle into room, dinner at River Country.
The day started out great... woke up at 03:51 quickly got ready and was out the door by 04:30 just as I had planned. Got to the airport and through security by 05:02. Grabbed a Tall Java Chip Frappachino and a plain croissant and headed for my gate. No big surprise, it's gate # 10. When you have a small airport with only 12 gates to begin with, you know it's going to be gate #10 for jetBlue.
Flights are rather uneventful, though I suddenly remembered what I was forgetting. MY ANNUAL PASS AND DISNEY DINING EXPERIENCE CARD!!!! Ack! Besides that sickening realization, I'm a little sleepy, but quickly become engrossed in my current book, Seventh Son by Orson Scott Card, only to be pulled away from that by a Stargate SG-1 rerun. Flight lands in Orlando one minute early at 10:48. Another less than amazing surprise is that Bob from Sunray is waiting for me at the bottom of the escaltor. Honestly, if you've booked with Sunray but never used them before, please don't worry. Don't fret one bit. They are simply amazing. Highy professional and wicked friendly.
Anyway, it's not too long before my suitcase pops out of the hole in the wall.... though there were funny goings on at the airport to keep me entertained in the meantime. We're off in the crazy clean SUV and I'm at the Contemporary, checked-in (room's not ready) and off on the mononrail to the Magic Kingdom. I call home at 11:48 to let them know I arrived safely and my mother is surprised that I'm already there AND on my way to Magic Kingdom. Neener neener neener.
A quick search through my disgustingly heavy backpack/carry on and it's off to Guest Relations. After about 7 minutes, I have a brandy spankin' new Premium Annual Pass ready to be used. I decide since I AM at Magic Kingdom and I AM here on a Pirate Adventure, the only plausible thing to do would be to go ride the Pirates of the Caribbean attraction. It's about a 20 minute wait - too long for me - but I suck it up and get in line anyway. What better way to kill some time.
Oh.... I forgot to mention.... it's H-O-T. At least for me it is. When I left the house this morning it was like 42 degrees out. It's nearly 80 by this time and my backpack is just weighing me down, big time.
After the ride, I do a tiny bit of shopping and head back to the Contemporary for the event registration. I quickly find my way around to the East Registration Desk (not easy to find, by the way) and grab all my stuff. Just what I need a huge folder and another bag. Then it's off to pick up my RSP Merchandise.
See, this is basically a collector's event and even though I'm not a 'real' collector, I have a thing for pirates, so I just HAD to do this. I basically instruct the CM's on what I'm there to pick up and walk off with ANOTHER bag of stuffs. A quick call and YAY!! my room is ready. I make my way to the elevator and hit floor 12. Yes folks, that's right, my stay for the event is on the 12th floor concierge of the Contemporary. No, I haven't checked out the amenities, except of course for the free internet I'm using right now, on their computer system in my room. Sweet.
So, that's about it for now folks. Time to hit the showers, check out the lounge, and perhaps catch a quick nap before dinner. OH.... and dinner tonight will be at Disney's River Country with Lee Arenberg who plays Pintel in the POTC movies. And of course, if it gets over soon enough, I'll be heading for the AC. If you thought I wouldn't, how silly of you!