wannabee princess
DIS Veteran
- Joined
- Jan 31, 2003
- Messages
- 652
Thursday, July 15 - The trip down to FL
After making a fairly early (6:15) stop at in-laws (they are the early birds who had actually overslept!) to take our sweet little pooch, Wrigley, for the week, we returned home to load up the SUV and once we got gas, we were on the road by 8:30.
We made good time driving on I-75 to Knoxville, where we stopped for lunch to meet up with friends on their way home from Atlanta. We wasted a precious hour (I would have been fine driving through McD's and eating on the road so we could end our day earlier, but the things we do to have friends
!) eating and chatting, before getting back on the road. We hit Atlanta around 4:30 dreading the rush hour traffic, only to find it not so bad! We took this as a perfect beginning to our vacation
We continued on to Valdosta, only to find the hotel we wanted (but I was silly enough not to book in advance) had no openings. We went to a second hotel, got a room and decided to have a fast food dinner since we had a sit-down for lunch and no one was really that hungry. We called it a night and hit the sheets. Already our plans for the trip have been changed, and it won't be the last time!
Friday, July 16 - Arrival at the most MAGICAL place on Earth!
Youngest ds up at 6 and in the shower - he was definitely ready to get to the World! We grabbed a quick coffee and bite of continental breakfast at the hotel and hit the road again by 8:30. Not wanting to bypass the official Ocala Disney stop(a tradition), we used it as our stop for the morning, checking out the store, picking up both park and DD maps. On the road once more, and an hour later we are looking at AKL from the road.
Since it was so early, I decided that we should just go to DD and pick up some of the items on my shopping list, let the kids burn off some energy walking around before heading to lunch at ESPN at the Boardwalk. The traffic was not so pretty on the main drag, so we decided to take Sherberth Rd. as a shortcut (of course, this means you don't get the pretty signs that welcome you to Disney World
).
We found a parking spot at the Marketplace and headed to The World of Disney! Oh, the pleasure that store brings to a soul! I was on a mission to find the Monorail magnet, and youngest ds found it right away! Dh found me the 2004 coffee mug and Christmas ornament - I love them because they seem so festive! I found the football helmet Mickey ears T-shirt for ds, and a great Grumpy football T for dh (he is head coach). Youngest ds had been talking about wanting "Mickey feet" to go with his gloves and hats, and we found them easily too! The CMs were great, even though the store was swamped, and I was directed to the cell phone antennae topper that has the Sorcerer hat that lights up, when I was wondering why on earth I couldn't find it! We added a few other items (like a dog bowl for Wrigley) and finally got in the check-out line.
The CM that checked us out was awesome, thankfully asking me about the preorder of Aladdin. Since I had forgotten to pack a lanyard for ds, it seemed fate that the free gift was a lanyard with a pin to keep and one to trade! So, of course we bought it! Now when it arrives in Oct, it will be another reminder of our wonderful trip. It also was funny that when I told ds's to pick out a couple of VHS tapes for the time at Vero Beach, youngest ds had chosen Aladdin!
We left WoD and walked down to Once Upon a Toy to get our Mr. Potatohead box of parts. Now, I cannot believe the amount I crammed in that little box - 32 pieces including the Buzz Lightyear ride vehicle! The only bad thing was, I had not remembered to bring a Mr. Potatohead along - bad Mom I know! The CM thought I did a pretty good job of getting every little space filled in, and still able to get the box sealed - I felt like a good Mom then!
We had to make a pitstop at the Pin Traders (even though we had picked up a handful of pins at WoD!) and I realized I had to go over to get our birthday buttons from Guest Relations after I bought a birthday pin with Mickey and Minnie (told dh it was to represent the two of us!). We walked over to GR, and when it was our turn, I asked about the birthday button. The CM asked whose birthday, and when I told her both dh and I, she was so sweet. She told us to wait a minute, picked up the phone, and let us listen to Goofy wishing us a Happy Birthday.
By this time, the ds's decided they were starving, so we headed back to the parking lot, and drove (there was a light rain now) to Boardwalk. We walked down to ESPN on an empty boardwalk. We were seated right away, and Brandon was prompt in getting our drinks and taking our order.
Now, we are all four sitting in the restaurant, playing with the Mickey Mouse head trivia game that youngest ds wanted at WoD. We are laughing and finding some of the answers really tough, when a man approaches our table. He asked if we were on the Gold Plan, and when I said no, he said Then I want to pay for your meal! We sat there practically speechless. He explained that his family was leaving the next day, he had over 100 credits left and they had decided to start treating others so they didn't waste them! He told us to eat whatever we wanted - on him!!!!! We were soooooo grateful and esctatic over such a kind and generous thing!!!!!! He talked to Brandon to make the arrangements, and I grabbed my camera and asked if he minded if I took a picture of his family. I told them that we were so tickled and that because it was dh and my birthday on Saturday we were looking at this as an early birthday gift! We were so thrilled!! We had already ordered our meal, which was delicious - and maybe it even tasted better because of the wonderful kindness of a stranger! I had the Club Wrap, dh had a burger, ds had the wings and youngest ds had mac and cheese. All received thumbs up!
After eating, we went into the ESPN Club, to get oldest ds some souvenirs - his favorite store by far! We walked back to the exit of Boardwalk, stopping in the Bakery and Seashore Sweets. I snapped a picture of ds's facing Y&BC since dh has decided he wants to stay there on our next trip!!!!! (WOOOOHOOOO - I finally think I have converted him to being a Disney fan!!!)
We made our drive to AKL - feeling like we were returning to an old friend's! Just driving up gives me such a rush! We got in line for guest services (wow! What a change from Concierge! ) There wasn't a wait however. When I am given a map showing my room assignment, I expressed my dismay - we were not on the Savannah view of Arusha! I specifically had requested this view, although the CM said she saw no note of it, and that there were no rooms available with that view!! She suggested I go to the room and look at the view and if I still was unhappy to call back down. Well, we went to the room, I about started crying when I saw the view - it was not at all what I had been wanting. I called back to the front desk, told them I really did not like this view and really had requested the Arusha view. I was put on hold for a couple of minutes, was then told that a "smoking optional" room on Arusha was available if I was willing to take it. I said YES!!!!
We made the hike to the complete opposite side of the resort, after I stopped at GS to get the room keys exchanged. I walked into a fantastic view of a watering hole and Arusha savannah. We spent a long time just watching the animals, until I realized I hadn't called bell services for our luggage (another change from Concierge). We ended up with a FANTASTIC bell person! She was so awesome, and I regret that I don't have her name to share. She couldn't believe that we had not looked out of the exits to see the views on our trip in Dec., so she took us to see them! We couldn't believe we had never known about this!
We hung out in the room for a little while, I unpacked, ds took a roll of film of the animals, we animal watched, and just relaxed enjoying our view. It was then time to get everyone dressed and ready for our evening entertainment ---The Hoop Dee Doo Revue!! We dressed - and I didn't even think about it at the time, but we all dressed in white tops (which turns out to be a good thing!) and made our way to the bus stop, after a stop at the front desk.
When I had checked in, the CM said I could get our tickets after we finished the check-in, but in my disappointed state with the room assignment, I had walked off without doing so. When I went to get the keys exchanged, I had forgotten in my delight to get to our new room. So, we left our room a little before 6 so we could get our tickets on the way out. Well, now we found it was too late to get the tickets at the hotel, and we would need to get them at FW. Oh well, as long as we could get them!
As we walked up to the bus stop, there was a bus waiting to go to MK!! Just where we were headed! We jumped on, and we were on our way! The magical feeling of knowing you are at the MK (even though you are not going inside) is not easy to describe! I was totally happy just being outside of this place! I sent dh and ds's to get in line for the FW boat, and was going to get birthday pins at Guest Services, so we wouldn't have to make a stop in the morning, but I saw the boat heading in, and took off to catch up with them. We got seats in front, and sat back to enjoy the view!
When we arrived at FW, we made the trek to The Settlement. I took care of the tickets, checked in and got in line for pictures. We had one taken of the four of us and one of the two boys alone. When the doors opened to the hall, we made our way in, were taken to a table in the middle of the room about halfway to the stage.
We had Alan as our server, and his sense of humor fit dh to a tee! The food was delicious! I think I could have eaten an entire chicken myself, it was so good! The corn was not on a cob, and I didn't see mention of baked beans (which Alan kept trying to sell the boys on! ) which I really liked. The sangria - that I had read was terrible - was fine to me!
Now, as to the entertainment! We loved it!!!! It was a great way to start our trip! I don't think I would go every trip - only because dh would probably not go happily (he loved it, but is not one who thinks you have to repeat everything every trip--- ). I loved seeing the looks on my boys' faces! They thoroughly enjoyed everything (especially when they realized that they would not be singled out). This was definitely a highlight for us!
When we were brought our pictures to look at, I was thrilled at the looks of both of them, and had to buy both packages! (eeks that $170 meal just because a $225 meal! that alone may keep dh from letting me go back too soon!
) The white shirts were awesome with the green tree backdrop! I have never been so pleased with a picture package at Disney!
We were sad when the show ended, and were amazed that they do this 3 times every night! WOW! It is definitely a well-working crew to get all of those people in and out and fed every night! Disney continues to amaze! We had to stop at the trading post to pick up a couple of pins (yes, we are addicted!) since I had to have a HDDR one to help commemorate our first visit!
We decided to go ahead and take the launch back to MK instead of waiting for the EWP (original plan) since we were all starting to feel that 6am wake-up, and knowing that we would be doing the same the next day. We actually did see the beginning of the barges on our ride back, but didn't get to enjoy the EWP except for about 2 minutes. When we got back to MK, I decided to see if we could get our birthday buttons, and I was able to walk right up to the window, get the two buttons, and make our way to the bus stop.
When we got to the bus stop, there was quite a line in front of us (MK was just about to close) and we thought about letting the bus go and getting the next one. We decided the 20 minute wait was not worth getting a seat, so we jumped on - this turned out to be a great thing!
Dh started to chat with the bus driver, Frank. He chatted the entire ride back to AKL, and it was one of the nicest conversations - dh thoroughly enjoyed it!
Back at AKL, we made a pit stop at Mara to get a late night treat for dh (he didn't eat the strawberry shortcake at HDDR) before making our way to the room to check on the animals and to get to bed so we would be up and at 'em in the morning.
After making a fairly early (6:15) stop at in-laws (they are the early birds who had actually overslept!) to take our sweet little pooch, Wrigley, for the week, we returned home to load up the SUV and once we got gas, we were on the road by 8:30.
We made good time driving on I-75 to Knoxville, where we stopped for lunch to meet up with friends on their way home from Atlanta. We wasted a precious hour (I would have been fine driving through McD's and eating on the road so we could end our day earlier, but the things we do to have friends
!) eating and chatting, before getting back on the road. We hit Atlanta around 4:30 dreading the rush hour traffic, only to find it not so bad! We took this as a perfect beginning to our vacation We continued on to Valdosta, only to find the hotel we wanted (but I was silly enough not to book in advance) had no openings. We went to a second hotel, got a room and decided to have a fast food dinner since we had a sit-down for lunch and no one was really that hungry. We called it a night and hit the sheets. Already our plans for the trip have been changed, and it won't be the last time!
Friday, July 16 - Arrival at the most MAGICAL place on Earth!
Youngest ds up at 6 and in the shower - he was definitely ready to get to the World! We grabbed a quick coffee and bite of continental breakfast at the hotel and hit the road again by 8:30. Not wanting to bypass the official Ocala Disney stop(a tradition), we used it as our stop for the morning, checking out the store, picking up both park and DD maps. On the road once more, and an hour later we are looking at AKL from the road.
Since it was so early, I decided that we should just go to DD and pick up some of the items on my shopping list, let the kids burn off some energy walking around before heading to lunch at ESPN at the Boardwalk. The traffic was not so pretty on the main drag, so we decided to take Sherberth Rd. as a shortcut (of course, this means you don't get the pretty signs that welcome you to Disney World
). We found a parking spot at the Marketplace and headed to The World of Disney! Oh, the pleasure that store brings to a soul! I was on a mission to find the Monorail magnet, and youngest ds found it right away! Dh found me the 2004 coffee mug and Christmas ornament - I love them because they seem so festive! I found the football helmet Mickey ears T-shirt for ds, and a great Grumpy football T for dh (he is head coach). Youngest ds had been talking about wanting "Mickey feet" to go with his gloves and hats, and we found them easily too! The CMs were great, even though the store was swamped, and I was directed to the cell phone antennae topper that has the Sorcerer hat that lights up, when I was wondering why on earth I couldn't find it! We added a few other items (like a dog bowl for Wrigley) and finally got in the check-out line.
The CM that checked us out was awesome, thankfully asking me about the preorder of Aladdin. Since I had forgotten to pack a lanyard for ds, it seemed fate that the free gift was a lanyard with a pin to keep and one to trade! So, of course we bought it! Now when it arrives in Oct, it will be another reminder of our wonderful trip. It also was funny that when I told ds's to pick out a couple of VHS tapes for the time at Vero Beach, youngest ds had chosen Aladdin!
We left WoD and walked down to Once Upon a Toy to get our Mr. Potatohead box of parts. Now, I cannot believe the amount I crammed in that little box - 32 pieces including the Buzz Lightyear ride vehicle! The only bad thing was, I had not remembered to bring a Mr. Potatohead along - bad Mom I know! The CM thought I did a pretty good job of getting every little space filled in, and still able to get the box sealed - I felt like a good Mom then!
We had to make a pitstop at the Pin Traders (even though we had picked up a handful of pins at WoD!) and I realized I had to go over to get our birthday buttons from Guest Relations after I bought a birthday pin with Mickey and Minnie (told dh it was to represent the two of us!). We walked over to GR, and when it was our turn, I asked about the birthday button. The CM asked whose birthday, and when I told her both dh and I, she was so sweet. She told us to wait a minute, picked up the phone, and let us listen to Goofy wishing us a Happy Birthday.
By this time, the ds's decided they were starving, so we headed back to the parking lot, and drove (there was a light rain now) to Boardwalk. We walked down to ESPN on an empty boardwalk. We were seated right away, and Brandon was prompt in getting our drinks and taking our order.
Now, we are all four sitting in the restaurant, playing with the Mickey Mouse head trivia game that youngest ds wanted at WoD. We are laughing and finding some of the answers really tough, when a man approaches our table. He asked if we were on the Gold Plan, and when I said no, he said Then I want to pay for your meal! We sat there practically speechless. He explained that his family was leaving the next day, he had over 100 credits left and they had decided to start treating others so they didn't waste them! He told us to eat whatever we wanted - on him!!!!! We were soooooo grateful and esctatic over such a kind and generous thing!!!!!! He talked to Brandon to make the arrangements, and I grabbed my camera and asked if he minded if I took a picture of his family. I told them that we were so tickled and that because it was dh and my birthday on Saturday we were looking at this as an early birthday gift! We were so thrilled!! We had already ordered our meal, which was delicious - and maybe it even tasted better because of the wonderful kindness of a stranger! I had the Club Wrap, dh had a burger, ds had the wings and youngest ds had mac and cheese. All received thumbs up!
After eating, we went into the ESPN Club, to get oldest ds some souvenirs - his favorite store by far! We walked back to the exit of Boardwalk, stopping in the Bakery and Seashore Sweets. I snapped a picture of ds's facing Y&BC since dh has decided he wants to stay there on our next trip!!!!! (WOOOOHOOOO - I finally think I have converted him to being a Disney fan!!!)
We made our drive to AKL - feeling like we were returning to an old friend's! Just driving up gives me such a rush! We got in line for guest services (wow! What a change from Concierge!
) There wasn't a wait however. When I am given a map showing my room assignment, I expressed my dismay - we were not on the Savannah view of Arusha! I specifically had requested this view, although the CM said she saw no note of it, and that there were no rooms available with that view!! She suggested I go to the room and look at the view and if I still was unhappy to call back down. Well, we went to the room, I about started crying when I saw the view - it was not at all what I had been wanting. I called back to the front desk, told them I really did not like this view and really had requested the Arusha view. I was put on hold for a couple of minutes, was then told that a "smoking optional" room on Arusha was available if I was willing to take it. I said YES!!!! We made the hike to the complete opposite side of the resort, after I stopped at GS to get the room keys exchanged. I walked into a fantastic view of a watering hole and Arusha savannah. We spent a long time just watching the animals, until I realized I hadn't called bell services for our luggage (another change from Concierge). We ended up with a FANTASTIC bell person! She was so awesome, and I regret that I don't have her name to share. She couldn't believe that we had not looked out of the exits to see the views on our trip in Dec., so she took us to see them! We couldn't believe we had never known about this!
We hung out in the room for a little while, I unpacked, ds took a roll of film of the animals, we animal watched, and just relaxed enjoying our view. It was then time to get everyone dressed and ready for our evening entertainment ---The Hoop Dee Doo Revue!! We dressed - and I didn't even think about it at the time, but we all dressed in white tops (which turns out to be a good thing!) and made our way to the bus stop, after a stop at the front desk.
When I had checked in, the CM said I could get our tickets after we finished the check-in, but in my disappointed state with the room assignment, I had walked off without doing so. When I went to get the keys exchanged, I had forgotten in my delight to get to our new room. So, we left our room a little before 6 so we could get our tickets on the way out. Well, now we found it was too late to get the tickets at the hotel, and we would need to get them at FW. Oh well, as long as we could get them!
As we walked up to the bus stop, there was a bus waiting to go to MK!! Just where we were headed! We jumped on, and we were on our way! The magical feeling of knowing you are at the MK (even though you are not going inside) is not easy to describe! I was totally happy just being outside of this place! I sent dh and ds's to get in line for the FW boat, and was going to get birthday pins at Guest Services, so we wouldn't have to make a stop in the morning, but I saw the boat heading in, and took off to catch up with them. We got seats in front, and sat back to enjoy the view!
When we arrived at FW, we made the trek to The Settlement. I took care of the tickets, checked in and got in line for pictures. We had one taken of the four of us and one of the two boys alone. When the doors opened to the hall, we made our way in, were taken to a table in the middle of the room about halfway to the stage.
We had Alan as our server, and his sense of humor fit dh to a tee! The food was delicious! I think I could have eaten an entire chicken myself, it was so good! The corn was not on a cob, and I didn't see mention of baked beans (which Alan kept trying to sell the boys on!
) which I really liked. The sangria - that I had read was terrible - was fine to me! Now, as to the entertainment! We loved it!!!! It was a great way to start our trip! I don't think I would go every trip - only because dh would probably not go happily (he loved it, but is not one who thinks you have to repeat everything every trip---
). I loved seeing the looks on my boys' faces! They thoroughly enjoyed everything (especially when they realized that they would not be singled out). This was definitely a highlight for us! When we were brought our pictures to look at, I was thrilled at the looks of both of them, and had to buy both packages! (eeks that $170 meal just because a $225 meal! that alone may keep dh from letting me go back too soon!
) The white shirts were awesome with the green tree backdrop! I have never been so pleased with a picture package at Disney!We were sad when the show ended, and were amazed that they do this 3 times every night! WOW! It is definitely a well-working crew to get all of those people in and out and fed every night! Disney continues to amaze! We had to stop at the trading post to pick up a couple of pins (yes, we are addicted!) since I had to have a HDDR one to help commemorate our first visit!
We decided to go ahead and take the launch back to MK instead of waiting for the EWP (original plan) since we were all starting to feel that 6am wake-up, and knowing that we would be doing the same the next day. We actually did see the beginning of the barges on our ride back, but didn't get to enjoy the EWP except for about 2 minutes. When we got back to MK, I decided to see if we could get our birthday buttons, and I was able to walk right up to the window, get the two buttons, and make our way to the bus stop.
When we got to the bus stop, there was quite a line in front of us (MK was just about to close) and we thought about letting the bus go and getting the next one. We decided the 20 minute wait was not worth getting a seat, so we jumped on - this turned out to be a great thing!
Dh started to chat with the bus driver, Frank. He chatted the entire ride back to AKL, and it was one of the nicest conversations - dh thoroughly enjoyed it!
Back at AKL, we made a pit stop at Mara to get a late night treat for dh (he didn't eat the strawberry shortcake at HDDR) before making our way to the room to check on the animals and to get to bed so we would be up and at 'em in the morning.
