Day 18 (17 Aug 12) Final Day Blues
Day 19 (18 Aug 12) Were Home
Trip Intro/Index here.
Our final day. Having done most of the packing last night, a lie in was in order as the plan was to visit Disneyquest (another first for us) to pass some time before our late evening flight. A few days ago, we had tried to gat a late check-out from OKW but nothing doing, so we booked a room at the Clarion on Palm Parkway for £30 so that we could all grab a shower, get changed and repack cases etc.
We finished off as much of the breakfast food we had in the room, then dropped off our luggage with Bell Services before calling at the Hess garage to fill up the car, then over to DTD and Disneyquest.
Not having been before, we werent too sure what to expect, and struggled at first to find our way around. We soon got used to it though, and went on several of the interactive rides (Pirates of the Caribbean was especially good) as well as the more traditional games. It was noticeable that there were a lot of British accents around I suspect a lot of people visit on their last day to keep out of the heat. We also used up some of our remaining CS credits at the café, including some final fruit cups.
As time rolled on, we had to decamp from Disneyquest, go and pick up our luggage from OKW Bell Services, then head off to the Clarion to get ourselves sorted for the flight. Not sure if the receptionist thought we were a little strange as we had requested an earlier than the usual 4pm check-in as we wanted to be away for 5:00 at the latest, but we room had our room and only needed to take up two pieces of baggage with us (together with all of our gifts, photos etc). We repackaged our gifts in our cabin suitcase, changed a few bits around to make sure the cases werent over 23kg (fingers crossed), and at 4:45 were on our way to drop off the car at MCO.
Drop off went without a hitch, no additional costs to pay, and we arrived at the AF check-in desks somewhat earlier than usual (at around 5:30). However, when they were processing our passports (having checked in the previous night and managing to snag one of the sets of two seats at the rear of the plane), it looked as if things may be unravelling. The lady at the check-in desk spent some 10 minutes trying to find some missing information had I needed to do API for the return journey as well????
Eventually, it transpired that we had a stretcher being carried on board which was taking up all of the double seats along one side of the aircraft, but very kindly, we were give two extra legroom seats at no extra charge and an aisle seat behind (for myself!!). With that sorted out, tension was then rising over the weight of the cases although we had only bought a few tee shirts this year and no additional trainers, the cases felt heavier than the outward journey. First case on 23.4kg. Our new best friend at check-in just smiled and sent the case on its way. Second case 22.8kg (phew) with third a paltry 15kg.
With cases sorted, time to face the chaos of security. MCO really do need to get Disney in to help them with their queuing systems six separate queues merging into one. Even the man checking passports seemed embarrassed about it!! However, we managed to get through in about 25 mins, then on the train over to our departure gates, where we had something to eat and a nose around the few shops. We eventually wandered down to our gate (83) where somewhat cruelly, the VA direct flight to Manchester was departing from gate 81!!
Boarding was completed fairly quickly, and we had an on-time departure at 8:45. Joanne and Alex were sharing their row with a girl who had just been to the Disney University, so had a good chat with her. I was fortunate enough to have the seat next to me unoccupied, so at least a little more room to spread out. An uneventful flight, with the food served early and the lights turned out soon after to give everyone the best chance of sleep. Arrival at CDG was dead on time, and it was only a short transfer to our departure gate for the Manchester flight.
The short hop to Manchester was on-time, so after another 14 hours, we were finally back on home soil. The car pick up with VIP Meet and Greet was extremely simple, and we were back home for a proper British cuppa and a start on the mountains of washing.
Thanks to everyone who has read our trip reports, and let the planning commence for next year!!!
Day 19 (18 Aug 12) Were Home
Trip Intro/Index here.
Our final day. Having done most of the packing last night, a lie in was in order as the plan was to visit Disneyquest (another first for us) to pass some time before our late evening flight. A few days ago, we had tried to gat a late check-out from OKW but nothing doing, so we booked a room at the Clarion on Palm Parkway for £30 so that we could all grab a shower, get changed and repack cases etc.
We finished off as much of the breakfast food we had in the room, then dropped off our luggage with Bell Services before calling at the Hess garage to fill up the car, then over to DTD and Disneyquest.
Not having been before, we werent too sure what to expect, and struggled at first to find our way around. We soon got used to it though, and went on several of the interactive rides (Pirates of the Caribbean was especially good) as well as the more traditional games. It was noticeable that there were a lot of British accents around I suspect a lot of people visit on their last day to keep out of the heat. We also used up some of our remaining CS credits at the café, including some final fruit cups.
As time rolled on, we had to decamp from Disneyquest, go and pick up our luggage from OKW Bell Services, then head off to the Clarion to get ourselves sorted for the flight. Not sure if the receptionist thought we were a little strange as we had requested an earlier than the usual 4pm check-in as we wanted to be away for 5:00 at the latest, but we room had our room and only needed to take up two pieces of baggage with us (together with all of our gifts, photos etc). We repackaged our gifts in our cabin suitcase, changed a few bits around to make sure the cases werent over 23kg (fingers crossed), and at 4:45 were on our way to drop off the car at MCO.
Drop off went without a hitch, no additional costs to pay, and we arrived at the AF check-in desks somewhat earlier than usual (at around 5:30). However, when they were processing our passports (having checked in the previous night and managing to snag one of the sets of two seats at the rear of the plane), it looked as if things may be unravelling. The lady at the check-in desk spent some 10 minutes trying to find some missing information had I needed to do API for the return journey as well????
Eventually, it transpired that we had a stretcher being carried on board which was taking up all of the double seats along one side of the aircraft, but very kindly, we were give two extra legroom seats at no extra charge and an aisle seat behind (for myself!!). With that sorted out, tension was then rising over the weight of the cases although we had only bought a few tee shirts this year and no additional trainers, the cases felt heavier than the outward journey. First case on 23.4kg. Our new best friend at check-in just smiled and sent the case on its way. Second case 22.8kg (phew) with third a paltry 15kg.
With cases sorted, time to face the chaos of security. MCO really do need to get Disney in to help them with their queuing systems six separate queues merging into one. Even the man checking passports seemed embarrassed about it!! However, we managed to get through in about 25 mins, then on the train over to our departure gates, where we had something to eat and a nose around the few shops. We eventually wandered down to our gate (83) where somewhat cruelly, the VA direct flight to Manchester was departing from gate 81!!
Boarding was completed fairly quickly, and we had an on-time departure at 8:45. Joanne and Alex were sharing their row with a girl who had just been to the Disney University, so had a good chat with her. I was fortunate enough to have the seat next to me unoccupied, so at least a little more room to spread out. An uneventful flight, with the food served early and the lights turned out soon after to give everyone the best chance of sleep. Arrival at CDG was dead on time, and it was only a short transfer to our departure gate for the Manchester flight.
The short hop to Manchester was on-time, so after another 14 hours, we were finally back on home soil. The car pick up with VIP Meet and Greet was extremely simple, and we were back home for a proper British cuppa and a start on the mountains of washing.
Thanks to everyone who has read our trip reports, and let the planning commence for next year!!!
