Back...and wondering is it too soon to plan the next trip? update 2/23

[Tinkerbelle99]

I am sad to say that our trip has now come and gone...but we sure did have a great time. I am not the best story teller, but will do my best...here goes...

Saturday, February 12, 2005
Cast -
Me - one my way to being a disneymaniac, and loving everyone minute of it
DD - she is 5, believes she is a princess and recently discovered *love*, as in she has a crush on all the disney princes'
DSis - this trip is my treat to her; she is was the only sibling that hadn't expienced disney and the only one who had been a fan since childhood
DNephew - DSis's 3 month old, who will grow to be a disney fanatic

It was hard to believe that this day had finally come, I remember way back when making my room ressie and *hoping* i could make this trip a reality. And now it was finally THE day!! My sister and I are classic overpackers and this trip served to be no different, although I will say I was alot better than past trips. I did bring along our portable fridge, it fit in our large duffle and sure I got strange looks from family and friends, but hey...as much as i like to spend and buy; I didnt see why I should spend to rent one when i had it and it wasnt like i had to carry it on my back during the travel to and from. i guess its the bargain/budgeter in me trying to come out.

We rushed to Detroit Metro airport for our first ever journey on Independence Air. I am pretty laid back and easy going and will give just about anything a try once, airlines are no different. I heard good things about them and was willing to give them a try. although I will say that my mom was freaking out a bit about us taking this airline and i just let it roll off, but a few minutes before we boarded a little uneasyness did sink in. but it quickly vanished. We connected in Washington Dulles (less than a hour layover) and off we were to Orlando. One the first leg of our trip we had the first row and pilot started singing to DD "I wear my sunglasses at night" (she had hers on, but it wasnt night - go figure) and called her over into the cockpit. They chatted and she got a pair of wings...made for a great start to her vacation.

We loved Independence Air, the planes were neat with leather seats. The crew was fantastic, as was the service. We got drinks, snacks, warm towels and mints. Everyone also recieved a $20 certificate for their next flight. Cant beat that!!

We landed in Orlando at about 5:30pm, went down to baggage claim and met up with Anisa (our driver from Cartier) and gathered up all our luggage. I think poor Anisa was going to fall over when she saw all our bags (they werent large, just many!), but believe it or not we got all into the towncar, including my sisters monstorous stroller. Anisa was great and we enjoyed her conversation. We made a quick grocery stop at Publix and were on our way to Pop Century.

DD and I had stayed at Pop before and new what to expect, DSis was beside herself and loved the themeing. I checked us in and was hoping to get a ground level room, but the resort was booked solid. We got room 9358, in the 80's section. Maple Leaf Tickets had sent over our park tickets and they were waiting for us upon arrival. We made our way to our room, unpacked and geared up for MK the next day.

 

[goofylarry46]

WE were there in January and going back in may so it's not to early to plan your next trip. My DW plans most of our trips but i planned this one. Planning is the fun part.

 

[stich626]

I was looking into flying this airline out of Detroit as well. I was wondering how much leg room you had?? I dont really care about the airline as long as it gets me closer to WDW!!!

 

[off to neverland]

I love it that you brought your portable fridge! That makes me smile; it is SO something I would do!!

The planning is the fun part, especially after getting home and realizing all that you didn't do, did do. should have done, are glad you've done, etc. etc...............

Happy Planning for next one!!!

 

[Caitlin'sMommy]

Never to early to plan/book next trip. The day we got back (Saturday morning at about 2am) my DBF was so upset we had to leave he called and booked a trip for June 19-25! So I don't know maybe that's too early, I guess we could have waited a day or two.

 

[Tinkerbelle99]

Thanks for the responses!

Sunday, February 13, 2005

We add to the mix Cousin 1, with her three sons, 1a, 1b adn 1c and cousins sister (cousin 2) with her daughter 2a.

With the cousins coming in later this evening, I figured Dsis, the kids and I could check out MK ourselves for a bit. I warned DSis we would be getting up early, even though we were on vacation. She looked at me like I was the crazy one (she obviously didnt realize how much there is to see and do). But, the morning didnt start off too well. I was the one who woke up not feeling too well. Not sure what it was really, but it ended with me barely being able to get up from bed and becoming really close and cuddly with the toilet. I know, not the way to start the vacation. But, after that episode I did feel much better and we got a late start to Magic Kingdom.

I was worried how the 'green wall' would effect Dsis's first impression of Cindy's castle, but it didnt. It wasnt that bad at all and they had even put up some the gold accents on the castle turrets. it was really sharp. (my good friend was here in January and the gold accents werent up yet) My sister was in awe over the MK and Main Street USA. I got a little choked up myself, got caught up in all the magic. It was a great feeling. took lots of pictures and even had the photographers take some of us and managed to collect more of the disneyphotopass cards that I originally intended too on this trip!

We took the super leisure tour of MK, as I was still not 100%.Had lunch at Caseys and enjoyed the hotdogs, yum yum good! The weather couldnt be beat, all week it was over 80!! Barely a cloud in the sky, it was practically perfect!

When we were here last year in early March the weather was great for us (low to mid 70's - remember we are from Michigan) so having the 80+ during this visit was pleasant suprise. There also seemed to be more people this time around, but the lines for everything were managable and we fastpassed when we felt they were too long (20+ minutes), which was rare. We did notice alot of cheerleading groups in the parks, but not at Pop. I would imagine they were staying at a different resort.

We called it an early day and went back to our room, as I needed to help the cousins get checked in. They arrived later in the evening and we got them all settled and ready to begin our really big day on Monday.

Let me add this note about strollers and Disney transportation. My sister has a great stroller, a Graco Coachrider or something along those lines. Very nice, my little nephew was crusing the parks in style. I on the other hand almost decapitated several innocent bus passengers. That stroller is a monster. Yes, technically it does fold down. its funny that while it does fold down, it really doesnt get any smaller...uggghh...my upper arms got quite the work out during this trip. at one point I mumbled to my sister 'who advised you to register for this huge thing'...to which she looked at me and said 'why you did...laugh laugh laugh'...it wasnt funny at that particular moment.

Note to self: when going to disney with small children make sure they are old enough for the better umbrella strollers. no more graco coachrides at disney!! better yet, dont get stuck having to deal with it.

I got very good at waiting for the larger body busses; timing our wait to that we would be the first ones or or just letting others go ahead and wait for another bus...