MsPennieLane
<font color=660099>Self-confessed Disney addict<br
- Joined
- Dec 28, 2003
- Messages
- 904
Days 0 & 1 The Ones With all the Traveling
The day before I was due to take off, hubby and I traveled to London together. He wanted to see me off at the airport and my mum and her partner Jez live after half an hour from Gatwick airport so we were staying with them over night. We headed straight for Gatwick first as I had read that I could check in the day before for my flight and I wanted to make sure I got a window seat. We got there and I was told I had to pay for this service which I wasnt told. It was 10.00 but in my opinion, it was worth every penny. The queue for First Choice was incredibly long and as checking in the day before is considered a premium service, I got to go straight to the premium services queue and not queue up with the 300+ people stood there, result! I was given a window seat in row 18 so I was happy.
From here, we went straight to pick up my mum and we drove the 30 minutes to Croydon to see my brother. We picked him up and went to Frankie & Bennys for lunch, which was yummy. We then spent a couple of hours at my brothers flat before heading back to my mums. We had a nice relaxing evening together. My plan was to stay awake all night so that I would be exhausted enough to sleep on the plane on the way. I lasted until about 4am, looking online and posting, then I went downstairs to watch Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs.
Hubby came down at 5.30am to find me slumped on the sofa snoring. We got ready to leave for about 6.30 as he wanted to take me to breakfast first. I closed the door of my mums house and then realized that Id left my handbag in the kitchen which had all my medication and money for the airport in doh! Luckily my mum heard my subtle noises and let me in to get them.
We got to Gatwick about 7.15. We parked up at South Terminal and headed to Frankie and Bennys for breakfast. Breakfast was really lovely but I had nervous knots in my belly and I couldnt eat much at all, I really didnt feel hungry. Hubby had the New England breakfast which was 2 eggs, 2 bacon, sausage and hash browns, and I had the cheese and tomato pannini, of which I only managed half. With toast for hubby and large drinks each, the cost was just over 16.00. We then took the monorail over to the North terminal. As I had checked in the day before, all I had to do was let them know I was there and they made sure my luggage was put on the plane. Andy left me going through security but stood by the glass waving at me constantly. I felt really tearful but just about managed to keep myself together hes since told me that he was the same and he stood there for about 10 minutes in case he saw me go through, which he didnt. The excitement started to build up once I got past security, where I had no problems at all. I had a look around some of the shops. I bought hubby some cigarettes in the duty free shop and bought myself a watch as both of mine had decided to stop working before I left and I forgot to buy a battery. I then bought some after sun lotion and sun screen for my face in Boots, together with a bottle of water.
The gate had already been announced so I went and sat down. On the way, I decided to call hubby just to say I was ok and he was so glad to hear from me. We spoke for 5 minutes and I promised to ring him as soon as I got to Pop Century. Within a minute of arriving at my gate, I was paged so I went to find out what they wanted. I was asked if Id consider moving so someone else could have my window seat. I refused, stating that I had specifically requested a window seat as Im a nervous flyer and can get claustrophobic so they didnt have a problem.
We boarded soon after but I dont think they allowed enough time for us all to get on. We were supposed to leave around 10am but we ended up missing our 10.05am window and had to wait around for a bit. Luckily they soon found a spot for us and we were on our way. Take off was ok and Im very proud that I managed to keep my cool. Our seats on the plane were 2, 4 then another 2. We hardly had any room so it was very cramped. I ended up with a man sat next to me who was traveling for the first time with his young daughter. My only annoyance with the flight out was the fact that I had requested a window seat, which Id gotten only I wasnt next to a window, I was next to a huge panel in between 2 windows so I couldnt see a thing. Still, the panel came in handy as I was able to rest my head against it. I managed to sleep on and off but not for very long periods of time. We didnt have much turbulence thankfully, it was a very smooth flight. The films shown were 50 First Dates, Loony Toons and Starsky & Hutch. We were provided with complimentary headphones and were told to keep them for the return journey otherwise wed have to pay for another pair. They had 2 pins so you cant use your own headphones, unless you dont mind hearing out of one ear only. I listened to my iPod most of the way and found it helped me to relax.
The food was reasonable. Lunch was beef casserole with potatoes. Initially there was a choice of chicken or beef but the chicken went very quickly so everyone else was left with beef. Also on the tray was a roll and butter, cheese and 2 crackers and some white chocolate and passionfruit dessert which was absolutely vile so I hardly touched it. We were offered tea, coffee or squash to drink. They only came round with the drink and snacks trolley twice but luckily Id taken a bottle of water with me so I drank that. 3 hours before landing, we were offered ice cream and an hour and a half before, we were served breakfast which consisted of a ham and cheese ciabatta with a chocolate cake bar.
The flight was very quick in my opinion and certainly didnt feel that long. Even though we took off half an hour late, we still arrived on time. The descent and landing was awful and incredibly bumpy, something I had never experienced before and dont particularly want to again! It put great pressure on my head and I hated it, I felt very nauseous. We got off the plane and walked through to the immigration hall, which seemed like miles away considering that Sanford is quite a small airport. The lines were huge apparently 7 flights including ours had arrived within about half an hour or so. The lines moved ok and within 25 minutes, Id been seen and I was off to collect my luggage. Everything went smoothly and I wasnt searched. My luggage appeared quickly which I was very grateful for.
I walked through to the Welcome Center to find out where I had to get my coach from. American Coach have a hatch just passed the Travel City Direct office so I didnt have far to go. I enquired about the coach transfer and the woman said you wouldnt happen to be Mrs Freeman would you? Actually yes I would! I paid for my round trip transfers which cost $40 and was given my ticket. I was also told when I would be picked up the following week. Coaches were waiting so I went to the podium to find out which one I was on. However, I spotted some drink machines and a small café on the way and grabbed a nice cold bottle of diet pepsi wow was that needed! I was then pointed to my coach and the driver put my case in the baggage compartment for me and told me what bay it was in. I climbed into the air conditioned coach and sat in luxury for half an hour. Apparently 2 coaches had broken down so they had to condense 6 coaches into 4. My coach was still quite empty though. The half hour went quickly and we were on our way. Our driver was Luke and he was very funny. I was pleased to discover that Pop Century was only the 2nd stop woohoo!
Caribbean Beach was the first stop. As soon as the bus turned into the entrance, you could smell all the beautiful flowers and plants that had been planted on both sides of the road, it was lovely. I took a few photos and must admit I really like the look of this resort. Ill definitely have to explore it in more detail, it looked beautiful.
Five minutes later, we pulled into the Pop Century entrance. I was the only one who got off here.
I tipped the driver and headed into Classic Hall. At this point, my smile was huge I felt like I was home. Check-in took about 15 minutes due to the queue length. There were loads of CMs behind the desk though so it wasnt too bad. I was hoping to be put in the 70s section as its quite close to everything but by the time I was checking in Id forgotten to ask for it and I wasnt asked if I had a preference. I was lucky though, I got the 70s Building B on the ground floor, room 0128, so I was chuffed to bits. It was near to the ice and vending machines and only about a 2-3 minute stroll from the food court and bus stops so it was ideal.
I charged to my room at full speed as I was desperate for a shower. First, I called hubby and then my mum to let them know Id arrived safely. Then I had a nice cold shower. It was much needed and I felt soooo much better! The temperature outside was 33 degrees! Thank god for air conditioned rooms eh?
I tried to decide what to do as it was 6.30pm. I was exhausted and hungry so I decided to head to the food court to grab some food. It hadnt changed much in the 6 months since my last visit, and neither had the menu. I had a double cheeseburger and had a couple of refills in my Pop Century mug. I then wandered around the shop. I was excited to see that they had the purple monorail set. This has been added to my souvenir list! I bought a Tinkerbell pen and some postcards to send home. I got back to my room and decided that I was too tired to venture out. Jet leg was starting to affect me and I felt dizzy and disorientated. I wrote up my trip report while watching George of the Jungle on the Disney Channel. I then unpacked and headed back to the food court for more refills, before calling it a night around 10pm.
The day before I was due to take off, hubby and I traveled to London together. He wanted to see me off at the airport and my mum and her partner Jez live after half an hour from Gatwick airport so we were staying with them over night. We headed straight for Gatwick first as I had read that I could check in the day before for my flight and I wanted to make sure I got a window seat. We got there and I was told I had to pay for this service which I wasnt told. It was 10.00 but in my opinion, it was worth every penny. The queue for First Choice was incredibly long and as checking in the day before is considered a premium service, I got to go straight to the premium services queue and not queue up with the 300+ people stood there, result! I was given a window seat in row 18 so I was happy.
From here, we went straight to pick up my mum and we drove the 30 minutes to Croydon to see my brother. We picked him up and went to Frankie & Bennys for lunch, which was yummy. We then spent a couple of hours at my brothers flat before heading back to my mums. We had a nice relaxing evening together. My plan was to stay awake all night so that I would be exhausted enough to sleep on the plane on the way. I lasted until about 4am, looking online and posting, then I went downstairs to watch Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs.
Hubby came down at 5.30am to find me slumped on the sofa snoring. We got ready to leave for about 6.30 as he wanted to take me to breakfast first. I closed the door of my mums house and then realized that Id left my handbag in the kitchen which had all my medication and money for the airport in doh! Luckily my mum heard my subtle noises and let me in to get them.
We got to Gatwick about 7.15. We parked up at South Terminal and headed to Frankie and Bennys for breakfast. Breakfast was really lovely but I had nervous knots in my belly and I couldnt eat much at all, I really didnt feel hungry. Hubby had the New England breakfast which was 2 eggs, 2 bacon, sausage and hash browns, and I had the cheese and tomato pannini, of which I only managed half. With toast for hubby and large drinks each, the cost was just over 16.00. We then took the monorail over to the North terminal. As I had checked in the day before, all I had to do was let them know I was there and they made sure my luggage was put on the plane. Andy left me going through security but stood by the glass waving at me constantly. I felt really tearful but just about managed to keep myself together hes since told me that he was the same and he stood there for about 10 minutes in case he saw me go through, which he didnt. The excitement started to build up once I got past security, where I had no problems at all. I had a look around some of the shops. I bought hubby some cigarettes in the duty free shop and bought myself a watch as both of mine had decided to stop working before I left and I forgot to buy a battery. I then bought some after sun lotion and sun screen for my face in Boots, together with a bottle of water.
The gate had already been announced so I went and sat down. On the way, I decided to call hubby just to say I was ok and he was so glad to hear from me. We spoke for 5 minutes and I promised to ring him as soon as I got to Pop Century. Within a minute of arriving at my gate, I was paged so I went to find out what they wanted. I was asked if Id consider moving so someone else could have my window seat. I refused, stating that I had specifically requested a window seat as Im a nervous flyer and can get claustrophobic so they didnt have a problem.
We boarded soon after but I dont think they allowed enough time for us all to get on. We were supposed to leave around 10am but we ended up missing our 10.05am window and had to wait around for a bit. Luckily they soon found a spot for us and we were on our way. Take off was ok and Im very proud that I managed to keep my cool. Our seats on the plane were 2, 4 then another 2. We hardly had any room so it was very cramped. I ended up with a man sat next to me who was traveling for the first time with his young daughter. My only annoyance with the flight out was the fact that I had requested a window seat, which Id gotten only I wasnt next to a window, I was next to a huge panel in between 2 windows so I couldnt see a thing. Still, the panel came in handy as I was able to rest my head against it. I managed to sleep on and off but not for very long periods of time. We didnt have much turbulence thankfully, it was a very smooth flight. The films shown were 50 First Dates, Loony Toons and Starsky & Hutch. We were provided with complimentary headphones and were told to keep them for the return journey otherwise wed have to pay for another pair. They had 2 pins so you cant use your own headphones, unless you dont mind hearing out of one ear only. I listened to my iPod most of the way and found it helped me to relax.
The food was reasonable. Lunch was beef casserole with potatoes. Initially there was a choice of chicken or beef but the chicken went very quickly so everyone else was left with beef. Also on the tray was a roll and butter, cheese and 2 crackers and some white chocolate and passionfruit dessert which was absolutely vile so I hardly touched it. We were offered tea, coffee or squash to drink. They only came round with the drink and snacks trolley twice but luckily Id taken a bottle of water with me so I drank that. 3 hours before landing, we were offered ice cream and an hour and a half before, we were served breakfast which consisted of a ham and cheese ciabatta with a chocolate cake bar.
The flight was very quick in my opinion and certainly didnt feel that long. Even though we took off half an hour late, we still arrived on time. The descent and landing was awful and incredibly bumpy, something I had never experienced before and dont particularly want to again! It put great pressure on my head and I hated it, I felt very nauseous. We got off the plane and walked through to the immigration hall, which seemed like miles away considering that Sanford is quite a small airport. The lines were huge apparently 7 flights including ours had arrived within about half an hour or so. The lines moved ok and within 25 minutes, Id been seen and I was off to collect my luggage. Everything went smoothly and I wasnt searched. My luggage appeared quickly which I was very grateful for.
I walked through to the Welcome Center to find out where I had to get my coach from. American Coach have a hatch just passed the Travel City Direct office so I didnt have far to go. I enquired about the coach transfer and the woman said you wouldnt happen to be Mrs Freeman would you? Actually yes I would! I paid for my round trip transfers which cost $40 and was given my ticket. I was also told when I would be picked up the following week. Coaches were waiting so I went to the podium to find out which one I was on. However, I spotted some drink machines and a small café on the way and grabbed a nice cold bottle of diet pepsi wow was that needed! I was then pointed to my coach and the driver put my case in the baggage compartment for me and told me what bay it was in. I climbed into the air conditioned coach and sat in luxury for half an hour. Apparently 2 coaches had broken down so they had to condense 6 coaches into 4. My coach was still quite empty though. The half hour went quickly and we were on our way. Our driver was Luke and he was very funny. I was pleased to discover that Pop Century was only the 2nd stop woohoo!
Caribbean Beach was the first stop. As soon as the bus turned into the entrance, you could smell all the beautiful flowers and plants that had been planted on both sides of the road, it was lovely. I took a few photos and must admit I really like the look of this resort. Ill definitely have to explore it in more detail, it looked beautiful.
Five minutes later, we pulled into the Pop Century entrance. I was the only one who got off here.
I tipped the driver and headed into Classic Hall. At this point, my smile was huge I felt like I was home. Check-in took about 15 minutes due to the queue length. There were loads of CMs behind the desk though so it wasnt too bad. I was hoping to be put in the 70s section as its quite close to everything but by the time I was checking in Id forgotten to ask for it and I wasnt asked if I had a preference. I was lucky though, I got the 70s Building B on the ground floor, room 0128, so I was chuffed to bits. It was near to the ice and vending machines and only about a 2-3 minute stroll from the food court and bus stops so it was ideal.
I charged to my room at full speed as I was desperate for a shower. First, I called hubby and then my mum to let them know Id arrived safely. Then I had a nice cold shower. It was much needed and I felt soooo much better! The temperature outside was 33 degrees! Thank god for air conditioned rooms eh?
I tried to decide what to do as it was 6.30pm. I was exhausted and hungry so I decided to head to the food court to grab some food. It hadnt changed much in the 6 months since my last visit, and neither had the menu. I had a double cheeseburger and had a couple of refills in my Pop Century mug. I then wandered around the shop. I was excited to see that they had the purple monorail set. This has been added to my souvenir list! I bought a Tinkerbell pen and some postcards to send home. I got back to my room and decided that I was too tired to venture out. Jet leg was starting to affect me and I felt dizzy and disorientated. I wrote up my trip report while watching George of the Jungle on the Disney Channel. I then unpacked and headed back to the food court for more refills, before calling it a night around 10pm.
Enjoyed reading your report. Thanks.
