College Program Drop off trip and more

[Traveliz]

Hi all,

Thought I would do a report this time as the trip is a bit different than others -- the cast (at the moment) is my daughter and myself. My daughter is 20 and I just checked her into the Walt Disney College Program this morning however we have been down here since last Friday so here is a recap of what has happened so far.

We left Central Illinois on Thursday at 6am stopping at a new Fairfield in Macon -- very nice hotel and I would stay there again definitely. The drive down was fine - we got to the hotel probably around 7:30ish. We stopped for gas only once! The car was stuffed to the gills but we still got great gas mileage (28.5) in my husband's Monetego.

We didn't 'get up at the crack of dark on Friday - I think we ended up leaving Macon around 8:15 am. Traffic was fine and we took the "new road" off the FL tollway ( I am thinking its 428 but I don't have my map here). The drive was smooth sailing.

Our first night was at the Courtyard on Palm Parkway and we checked in there first. I had added this night to the trip later and had been unable to find a value at Disney so I got this Courtyard for 74.00 if I paid in advance. We stayed here for one night a few years ago and actually I liked it better this time. I would definitely stay here again.

Friday night we drove to Downtown Disney to activate my annual pass (I had been able to pick up one on Tuesday at the Disney store before the prices went up). We also ate at Rainforest Cafe -- love love love that Safari card I have - we bypassed the line and were immediately seated. I also had a coupon for 5.00 off since its my birthday month.

Unfortunately (for me) I really didn't enjoy my meal. Chloe, on the other hand, really enjoyed hers! The salad I have always enjoyed in the past (the Bufflao chicken salad) is no longer available (and I knew that) so I ordered the Cobb Salad. It was very heavy on the eggs and the tomatoes. There was a sprinkle of bacon. a few slices of black olive and I tasted bleu cheese maybe once or twice. The dressing is also a vinagrette - I can't remember what kind at the moment -- and to be honest -- I was not expecting to really like the dressing but I did expect more from the Cobb Salad. Chloe had the Planet Earth Pasta (her way which is only the noodles and cheese) and proclaimed it the best ever.

We then walked through the stores Downtown and headed over to the West Side where she wanted to check out something at HOB regarding upcoming concerts.

Afterwards we went to Pleasure Island. I had contacted a frequent PI visitor regarding ticket options earlier in the week and she had mentioned the Dual AP - The person who holds the AP (whose name is on it) and another person are let in with the AP -- and its the AP holder and three other people on Friday nights. Since I have several more trips scheduled all with different people I figured this would be a great option for me and I got that.

We went to the first three shows of the night and they were great shows -- it has been awhile since I have been there but I did recognize two of the performers from before and enjoyed the others as well. I was really surprised though at the lack of crowd on a Friday night - there was room for more people in all three shows.

I am so tired now (after running up and down the stairs at the apt complex today) so I am stopping for now.

But coming up and I will just add to this thread is Outlet Shopping, Celebration, Pirate and Princess Party, and checking into the Disney College Program!

Liz

 

[ILMICKEY]

Hi! I'm in for this report.

This is my son's plan in 2 years when he graduates. Hopefully I will be able to get some insight from your report!

(actually it's my plan! I conned him into doing it so I can have the discounts! Mom's gotta visit her son right????????)

Can't wait for more.

 

[lovepurple]

I was just there last Friday picking up my son from the college program. I almost wish he had done this semester instead because fall is my favorite time to visit Disney. I don't think I can ever bring myself to go in August again.

 

[Traveliz]

Hey thanks for the messages -- it is hot here! But for some reason it isn't bothering me so much right now.

And I was hoping by doing this report I would catch some parents who had kids interested.

I am tempted to skip right to that part since the rest is just regular trip stuff but now that I know I have at least one reader I will keep on!

Liz

 

[Traveliz]

Saturday morning - we got up with the intentions of going to the outlets and Celebration.

We got off about 10 ish I think - stopped at McDs for a quick drive through and then started over to Celebration but I got turned around so we headed to the outlets first...at least I can roll with the punches.

We went to the ones at the far end of International Drive first - the last time we were there in March the number one outlet was being torn down and number two was still in operation. Today it appears that the new outdoor outlet is up and running...however looks are sure deceiving! The mall was open in that people were walking around however very few stores were open - -most were opening later next week or around Labor Day. The Disney Outlet was not open either although it appeared they were stocking the store. At any rate very disappointing.

The second building was all closed off -- not sure if they are going to demolish that or not. Liz Claiborne on the corner also closed and a new one with temporary shelving was open in the new outlet -- but NOTHING to choose from.

So that was a bust.

Next we moved on to the outlet just off Disney property and I have a way I always drive around the mall to park in the back - well that was all closed off so we had to turn around and drive around the mall to find a spot - it took forever -- honestly probably a half an hour or more -- we just couldn't believe our luck today. We did get a couple of things in the Disney Character Outlet and then headed toward Celebration.

There was a house we wanted to look at in Celebration so I had my directions and somehow we found it right away! Then we drove downtown to eat lunch - by now it was early afternoon and we were both very hungry. We looked at the menu at the Tavern and thought it was ok but then checked the deli -- that menu looked more appealing but there was quite a line to be seated so back to the Tavern. It was very nice inside....really a nice dining room atmosphere. Chloe had a hamburger and fries and I had buffalo chicken strips. There were so many I couldn't begin to eat them all and I left quite a few behind. By now we were cooled off and ready to go back out into the heat.

Time to check in at Movies so over there we went -- Chloe wanted to do the checking in as she has never done that before and will have to check us in when we come in November using her discount so she handled check in - including putting it all on her Disney Visa (for the points - -however she is going to let me pay the bill!

We had a preffered room in Movies - ended up in Toy Story sort of near the street -- actually the back of the service entrance of the food court backs up to where our room is -- to be honest though this is a great location for us -- not far from the buses walking along the street way - -easy to get refills, and the car isn't too far away either.

I don't mind not really having a few - I will say though in the early morning hours I can hear the beep beep of backing up vehicles delivering food - but its not really bothering me.

Saturday night was the Pirate and Princess Party - and this is why we we came down as early as we did. Chloe wore a sparkly Pirate tshirt from the Disney store and a tiara and I wore a Bibbity Boppity Boo tshirt. It was quite hot and that was a costumed as we were going to get!

We arrived about 5:30 and were let right in -- along the right side -- got our wristbands and party info and headed to Adventureland. Chloe really wanted to see Jack Sparrow and so we decided to have our wait time be ahead of the party. We went to Adventureland and despite conflicting reports were pretty confident of our location -- we sat and waited on a planter just past the bridge into Adventureland. There is a landing there and two doors -- the doors are actually where we entered. A few more people arrived around 6:10 and then a few more. A real crowd began to gather around 6:30 and a CM came out and we got him to tell us where to line up. We got in line and waited just a short time before they let us into the inside area. We didn't mind the wait because the couple in front of us were both on Professional Internships and had done the College Program before so we had a great chat with them.

Ok so we are let in and off we go through a winding black curtain yet nicely decorated area. In to see Jack Sparrow who did a WONDERFUL job -- took some pictures and also had Photopass take some and out into Adventureland we were -- at only 6:58!!

Over to POC where we showed our wristbands and basically walked on. Came out to POURING RAIN -- called home for a minute and then realized we get get across to the restaurant without getting wet so we went over there for dinner - really good timing. While there we had a bit of magic come our way as I had noticed on the menu they had Almond Ice Cream bars - I didn't know what that was exactly so didn't order it but when I arrived at the counter the CM was holding them and they were Haagen Daz -- I made a comment about them and she said -- well when is your bday? to which I replied Friday! So she gave me one as an early present and then I mentioned I would be at MK that day but alone as my daughter was checking into the CP on Wed - so she gave her one too!

About the time we were done the weather had cleared up and we spent the rest of the evening doing the following: the parade (we did the late one however we were on Main Street right before the first one and there was seating available). The parade though is AWESOME with an appearance by Tinkerbell! Did the fireworks - they were good too. Lined up to see the Stepmother and Stepsisters from Cinderella - they were hysterical!

We also did the Monster Laugh thing - that was good and CHloe was the first picture on the screen when we entered. Then we did Toontown hoping to see some princes - -unfortunatley there were none but the characters were in princess clothing. Probably we spent too much time there and should of done other things but all in all we had a great time.

It was then just about midnight so we went to the EXPO to see our photopass pics -- the only reason we did is there was a special for the party night only price wise that we wanted to take advantage of -- well this will be a comment on my upcoming survey because the line was MILES long - curved around through the store to the door - so we decided not to wait. It would have been forever to get through there and take advantage of the offer - frankly I think there should be a code or something that I can use to place the order online but whatever.

Back to the hotel and off to bed.

Sunday we go to Epcot.

Liz

 

[Joanna71985]

That's awsome! I just left my CP, and me and my dad did the first P&P party (I have a TR in the works). I am thinking about doing a photo TR from my CP.

 

[Traveliz]

Sunday morning -- Epcot

Sunday morning we decided not to be at Epcot at rope drop -- yes we know we should be but we come (too) often and Chloe will be here for months and I have return trips as well planned so we are really just taking it easy. Of course calling home and telling commando dad what we are (not) doing is really funny!

Ok so we got to Epcot 10 ish I think and went over to get an FP for Soarin - really the only thing we felt we had to do. So we got the FP and the return time was 3:30. The guy at FP was a CP so we stopped and talked to him for awhile too. Chloe has said before Soarin would be her dream job at Disney so it was fun to talk to him.

We noticed the wait at the Land boat ride was only 20 minutes so we got in line and did that. We then walked through MouseGears and walked over to Mexico to do the boat ride. OMG that ride is HORRIBLE. It was bad before and it is every bit as bad as before if not worse. We sort of laughed about that but now we know we don't need to do that on the big family trip in December.

We really like ESPN so we walked over there (that is a LONG walk going around the lagoon from Mexico). There was a line for the dining area but plenty of room in the bar and since there is no smoking in there any longer we found a booth and sat in there. Chloe had the kids macaroni and cheese - she really likes it there and I had buffalo chicken (again). Next time I am going to get the nachos - those look really good! Back out into the heat and we did some shopping along the Boardwalk before we headed back to Epcot.

We were a little early for our FP so I said if the line wasn't too bad we would upgrade her pass -- I had bought her a 6 day pass as part of a buy three days get three free on Undercover Tourist. I knew we might not hit the parks alot before she checked in but I didn't get the no exp until I saw she would have three days left (and she will need a pass when we pick her up in Jan) ... its hard since we have been used to APs - -ok so I asked and they told me it would cost only 69.00 to upgrade so I did that. That was well worth it to me.

Ok so now it was like ten minutes before our return time so we went to do Soarin - got in the front line! and enjoyed it. Walked out and caught a bus back to Movies for awhile before we head out for the evening.

Tonight we went to MK just for the parade and fireworks - And basically that was all we did -- we sat on the alley off Main Street before the fireworks and then we just stand on the street for the fireworks and then we always sit by the barbershop for the parade. It had rained earlier so we were there for the late parade and then back to the hotel - -oh gosh though - -we had about a half an hour wait for a bus. I was antsy and tired at that point.

Monday we are off to visit the Rosen College of Hospitality.

Liz

 

[Traveliz]

OK our only plans today are to visit the Rosen College of Hospitality.

This college is a part of University of Central Florida but has its own campus. I didn't totally understand it all before our visit but I do now and I really like the set up.

Chloe is interested in Hospitality Management and although some local schools have hotel mgmt much of what we are finding is a business degree with a few classes or something highly geared toward event or food management. In my googling I found this college and their wonderful tracks which include theme parks, golf resorts and timeshares, hotels and more.

Ok so after looking at their website we saw there was a tour on Mondays and Fridays at 1. They also have someone available to answer questions on IM and we did that to get some basic information. We set up this Monday we would be here as a time to visit. I could tell from the map this college is located near the Convention Center on International Drive but I couldn't put my finger on where it was exactly -- plus the directions put me on roads I hadn't travelled on before - no big deal but that just means I want to leave the hotel WAY EARLY. So we do leave here way early and literally get to the school in 15 minutes (so now we have established it has easy access to Disney). It is located on the near to the tollway end of Universal Blvd and is in an very nice area with very little nearby (although a Publix is being built across the street) and down the street a bit are apartments/condos.

Ok so we were early so we drove around the area some and found a Walgreens we stopped at and picked up a few items. We got back to the school a good fifteen minutes early and were met inside the doors by a representative. She led us to a room where another family was waiting.

We learned that the campus itself is only 3 and a half years old - it was made possible by Harris Rosen (a local hotelier) who approached University of Central Fl and asked why they didn't have a better presence as a hospitality program being located in Orlando and of course the answer was cash so Mr Rosen donated 18.2 million dollars. The school is located adjacent one of his resorts/golf clubs and is absolutely beautiful. It is small and that is perfect for Chloe -- size wise it reminds me of the Junior College she attends (or even a bit smaller) but oh my gosh the ammenities of this school are awesome. Many of the class rooms were "sponsored" by local names in hospitality. For example the Dining Room/industrial kitchen is the Disney Dining Room and has pictures from Beauty and the Beast all throughout.

The wine and beer tasting class room looks like tv set with the granite counters/360 degree cameras, screens, recessed lighting for looking at the wines, a wine vault with I think they said 1200 bottle of wine. It is sponsored by Anheuser Busch.

The auditiorim is the Darden Auditorium -- you get the idea.

The class rooms all are state of the art technology. The campus is wireless. It goes on and on.

There are also apts within walking distance and by this I mean VERY CLOSE -- that we also looked at - Each room has four rooms but only one student to a room and their rooms lock as well. They use a code to get into the apt and then there is a kitchen/living area. Again very nice.

The tour lasted about an hour and then we went back to the main area. The woman who did our tour was an admissions counselor (typically students give the tour but they were away this week) and she said we could go back to her office if we had more questions. I figured we needed to take advantage of this so we went back and got exactly what Chloe would need class wise to transfer and brought some more materials home with us.

I was ready to sign myself up now so I tried to keep quiet to see if Chloe liked it as much and she did - she called her dad and told him all about it -- of course the scary thing is out of state tuition but that will just motivate me to win LOTTO if it was only that easy!

After the visit to the school we drove down to International Drive where we had lunch at one of our favorites - Sweet Tomatoes -- and then stopped at the nearby bookstore and craft store.

Back to the hotel -- our plan tonight was to go to MK to hit a few rides.

To make a long story short - the visit to MK was a waste of Chloe's ticket - it was SOOOOO BUSY. We did the People Mover, BTMR -- we tried to go on POC but it was closed due to a technical glitch, walked past Mickey's Philarmagic (which btw add that to the list of things we did at the Pirate Party) -- but they were shutting down due to a problem as well and people were coming back out the front.

Space Mountain had a 110 minute wait - Splash was 30 and is my favorite but I just wasn't in the mood and Chloe doesn't really like it.

Back to the bus stop and ANOTHER long wait for a bus - two nights in a row -- we ended up on a charter coach bus though so it was a very nice ride home.

Into bed -- tomorrow meeting friends at MGM!

Liz

 

[The Bad Witch]

Liz, I'm enjoying your trip report! Great details!

 

[tinawv]

Looking forward to reading more.

 

[Traveliz]

Thanks - I am leaving here tomorrow for St Pete so should have time there to finish the report.

Been having a great time - been with Chloe a few times to help her pick up somethings -- today was my bday and I was out to the parks all day long.

See you all tomorrow or Sunday with more info!

Liz

 

[Joanna71985]

Yay! Can't wait!

 

[Traveliz]

Ok here is is Tuesday morning (for the report) and we were headed to MGM to meet long time internet friends. We were to meet at opening and would call them when we arrived. Of course this would be the one day the bus was not there when we walked up to the bus stop and we waited and waited and waited - finally a bus! We arrived at MGM just after it opened. We noticed today and another day later in the week that the buses were not going into the regular bus area but rather dropping people off where the chartered buses typically drop off. Our friends noticed that as well. A little annoying but oh well.

I called our friends and they were on Sunset Blvd and headed to TOT to get FPs and we should meet them at RnR. Their group consists of mom and two daughters 19 and 20 and a friend also 20. Dad was having back troubles today so he stayed behind. Of the group of four girls some would ride TOT and RnR, some would not so the group dynamics switched around some for the rides.

Ok once at RnR the group who wanted to got in line for walk on there while I took the leftover passes and went to RnR for later fast passes. The RnR group did that ride twice as standby and they got off with 8 minutes to spare before Beauty and the Beast so we headed there. We walked in as the accapella group was just finishing but right in time for the show.

Afterwards we went to Great Movie Ride and then back tracked to the food area across from Beauty and the Beast for lunch. The girls then used the FPs for RnR and TOT. By now its early afternoon so we decided on Muppets. That was the end of the day for Chloe and I as she wanted to do some laundry before tomorrow. It was great to see our friends though as it has been a while since we have seen each other in person - although we chat online almost daily!

I am totally drawing a blank on the evening - we might have stayed put but I am having a hard time believing that! If I talk to Chloe I will see if she remembers and that evening later!

Bad me...

Only took a minute and I remembered! We went to the Movies tonight! We went to Downtown Disney to see Becoming Jane. It was ok but they talked a bit soft and of course so fancy it was hard to hear/keep up some of the time. It was a good movie but I think would be more enjoyable to a big Jane Austen fan. It was getting dark as we drove over there and once inside Chloe went back out to rebutter the popcorn and when she came back in she said it was just pouring down rain - so I went out to look and it was raining very hard -- so it was a good choice for us to go to the movie. We then called it an evening after the movie.

Liz

 

[Traveliz]

Wednesday College Program registration.

Ok this morning was Chloe's day to report to the College Program. The official arrival times are 9-1 but I had read many arrived earlier and so we got there about 8:15. Everyone arrives at the Vista Way complex regardless of where they may end up staying. At the guard gate they gave me a one day parking pass and basically told me to follow the signs to the back of the complex. There I parked and Chloe began the registration process. Parents can follow an (old seen better days) painted blue line to the Friends and Family tent. There, there were tables with lots of Disney info on them, each family was given a folder of what to expect today and in the coming days, there were big coolers of Dasani water (complimentary) and a tent with cooling fans. Tours then left from there of the complex.

Students were told the check in process would take about 60-90 minutes. They went to check in stations, fingerprinting for back ground checks, The Disney Look, and I am not sure what else.

Former Disney College Program participants who now work for the Disney College Program in various capacities led the family and friends tour. The tour went into housing expectations, showed the bus schedule, the classroom area, the pools, and then left off at a "show" apartment where another two CMs took over.

In Disney fashion - everyone was polite and friendly and encouraged questions - -although our group didn't have many. Just as I finished the tour Chloe called and said she was done checking in so I met back with her and we found her apt.

It got a little weird here in that she was assigned an apt - and when we entered the apt we could tell it had been occupied for some time. Chloe was the only new program participant in the room and everyone else was asleep. Unfortunately we needed to keep moving her in and the girl in her room woke up. She told us that all of the girls in that apt were culinary and they were hoping to keep it that way. Chloe is in operations and as close to culinary as she gets is that she eats...

We continued moving her in and as the girls woke up they came in and welcomed Chloe. They were very nice but all of them had been in the program for some time - I think there was one that had only been there three weeks but the others had been there since May. I think that is my only complaint -- I just feel that they should have at least one other newbie in the apt. I will say though that CHloe could have prevented that by signing up for the new roommate notification program but she wanted to be in Vista due to the close walking distance of a Walgreens and a couple of other places she could get to without having to use a bus.

Jumping ahead though - Chloe was able to spend some time with a couple of the girls one on one and even though she isn't culinary and will continue to be a boring eater she thinks the apt set up will be fine.

Ok so next up is the mandatory housing meeting. Chloe's time was set for noon and the meeting was at The Commons (over by the Mary Queen Shrine Church --- sorry I know I am saying that WAY wrong!). In the parents tour they said NUMEROUS times the student would have a BRIEF housing meeting today and then would have time for shopping. Because we weren't done unpacking I told Chloe I would take her to the BRIEF meeting and just wait for her. The parents were also told they were welcome at the meeting but students had to be seated first and then parents could come in. I decided I really wanted Chloe to handle this all on her own and have the chance to meet some kids so I said I would wait in the car...and wait I did. Finally, in desperation to do something I pulled out the folder I had received that morning and was going through it again when I read that the BRIEF meeting lasts 2 hours and then the Vista Credit Union people would be available to set up accounts. By now we were an hour into the meeting and I didn't want to just up and disappear so I stuck it out. I did take a little walk around the property.

It was a little weird though because International Students are housed in this area and I was parked by the bus stop. Many passed me in costume on the way to work and it really irritated me that I would recognize the costume but couldn't put my finger on exactly where it was they worked.

Finally 2 hours and 20 minutes later (plus we were there a good half an hour early) Chloe came back to the car. We went back to the apt - all the girls were gone now - they were going to the park (and had invited Chloe but she had the meeting and stuff still to do) and we finished bringing stuff up. While in the apt her phone rang and it was the Dean of the Business dept at her college with some info on a change in how we were going to handle her credits...I can get into all of that later for any parents who might be interested. At any rate we ended up saving some money but getting the same number of credits but now she had to register online again and we are having trouble with that from afar GRRR.

We were both hungry now and I offered her a decent dinner but she really only wanted nachos from Taco Bell so we went there and then Walgreens for a lock for her locker, she also needed a lanyard and a key chain.

I took her back to her apt where she was able to carry up the last few things and I headed back to Movies. It was probably 5 by this time so check in really took all day (since I stuck out the meeting thing). I had sort of expected to be done sooner than that.

I was tired from all the up and down and back and forth. I had thought about going over to the Poly and watching the Pirate and Princess party fireworks but was too tired for that effort but I did make myself go out of the room and I took a walk down to Music.

They were having a "dive in" Movie being set up -- that was way cool and looked like a lot of people were going to take advantage of it. Back to the hotel room for me where I played online, watched my soap and called it a night.

More Later!
Liz

 

[Joanna71985]

Enjoying the TR. One thing I agree with you is how they do housing. I agree that they should not have put her in an apartment with that many people already moved in. I know I would have been uncomfortable. I hope everything works out for her.

 

[Traveliz]

Enjoying the TR. One thing I agree with you is how they do housing. I agree that they should not have put her in an apartment with that many people already moved in. I know I would have been uncomfortable. I hope everything works out for her.

Yeah thanks I guess we just assumed that she would have someone (anyone!) that was also new to the program. So where others at least had one person to go to the meetings and pool party with she had to go alone and she was a little shy about it but she went and met some people.

Liz

 

[Joanna71985]

Yeah thanks I guess we just assumed that she would have someone (anyone!) that was also new to the program. So where others at least had one person to go to the meetings and pool party with she had to go alone and she was a little shy about it but she went and met some people.

Liz

The same thing happened with our apartment this summer. 5 of us moved in the same day, but the 6th moved in a week later. I wish I was still in Disney. I would hang out with her.

 

[Traveliz]

Thursday

Thursday Chloe had a meeting at 8:30 am at which time she would find her placement and get her training schedule as well as fill out some more papers.

She didn't want me to announce specifically her placement but it is a Future World attraction and she is pleased. Me too - the hours at Epcot can be early and late but not nearly as early and late as the upcoming December hours at MK! OH MY - have you all seen that MK is going to be open some days from 7am to 5am THE NEXT MORNING!.

This meeting was definitely more brief and she called me to see about getting her shoes - I said I would be happy to take her so I picked her up and she wanted to go to the Florida Mall to the Sketchers store - she wanted to be sure her shoes were comfortable. It took us awhile to get there (I go a really LONG way there and need to change up the way I go). Once there we wandered a bit til we found the store but she found shoes she wanted and she got those and then we looked for black socks - first stopping for pretzels!

We ended up leaving the mall and going to Walmart for the socks and that was quite a production the way the road went trying to get in and out of the Walmart on Sand Lake.

Did that and then went to HOB because she doesn't have to work on Tuesday and she really wanted to see the Jonas Brothers (I know I know - she is 20 but she likes them). While there we went ahead and made dinner reservations for HOB for before the show.

Then went to Vista Credit Union to get her set up with an account. That took quite awhile as she had quite a spiritual and chatty account manager setting her up.

I got twisted around (about three times now on the same road!) getting her back to her apt and dropped her off. There is a pool party for the new kids this night and they were expecting 1000 kids I think they said.

I stopped at Downtown Disney on the way back to Movies to begin my Birthday Celebration - my bday is Friday! I started with a sundae from Ghiradelli's. Had done DTD earlier in the week so after the sundae I went back to Movies.

Chloe had called our internet friends to let them know her job placement and I had made tentative plans to meet the mom that night - they had an early dinner at Puck's and then she was going to call.

I went back to Movies and got online (or tried to). I had LOTS of trouble getting online/staying online at Movies this week and even though they have a number to call for trouble shooting it isn't always a convenient time. I figured since I had some time now I would call. It took awhile but they got me on and said it might be a pop up blocker or firewall that is keeping me from getting on - but whatever it is it is very annoying. 9.95 for 24 hours is too much to pay if you can't get on when you want to.

Ok so this is the time I started my trip report -- while working on it my friend called and said she was stuck DTD - their dinner had run really late so it didn't look like we would meet.

It was only 8ish now so I looked online and saw that Epcot was open late so I decided to start my bday now - I put on my bday button and headed to Epcot arriving there about 9. I got my bracelet and went to Soarin where the wait said 30 minutes - it was more like 40. I got in just a tad early as they were looking for a party of 5 and there were none so I asked the family of 4 ahead of me if they wanted to join me and be a party of 5 -- so we were able to get on a few minutes early.

Afterwards I walked over to Mexico where I was going to have some nachos and a margarita - it was ten and they were just closing the Cantina but the stand down the road was open so I got my margarita but nothing to eat

Back to Future World where I got some cheese fries to go with the Margarita - not exactly great but something.

While there I visited with a family and as I was walking away from them I noticed they had on Dis tshirts! So I went back and went to see who they were - I might get this wrong but it was wuvtigger and princess2dad.

I decided to go ahead and head back to the hotel now. Made it back in time for the midnight showing of Young and the Restless on the Soap channel. So it was well after one before I went to bed.

Liz

 

[Traveliz]

Friday Happy Birthday to me!

Today is my birthday - I knew I would be here alone today and have been mulling over what I would do all day -- thought about hitting all four parks and getting a picture at each one but honestly with this heat and my fear of the camera that idea was pretty much tossed aside.

Had a great day though.

Chloe had Traditions all morning and I did not expect to see her today - she had made some plans for the evening with new friends.

I slept in a bit and woke up just after 8 -- shortly after my husband called to wish me a Happy Bday and then Joanna (we call her our other daughter) called. I was still trying to figure out what to do when my good friend from home called and she was telling me her college housing woes (she has a son and they bought a condo in the town he goes to school at and four of his friends were going to room with him - well they didn't want to sign contracts and now they are down to two! For now!). The upshot was to make our November trip reservations cheap. I was waiting for Chloe's discount but decided to go ahead and get a value for a back up and since the AP discounts had just been released a day or so ago I decided to spend some time doing that.

First off I made a reservation for Tuesday (coming over from St Pete) for one night at Sports and then the week in November is at Movies - its an AP preferred rate of 91 plus tax and then we get the 20.00 dining card -- I don't think its that great of a deal but I went ahead and took it for now.

After the call I decided to take the bus to MGM -- once there I picked up the HSM2 pins for a couple of kids and then decided to do the BackLot tour since I have not done that forever. Really enjoyed it and am putting it on the list for the extended family trip in Dec/Jan.

Next I stopped for something to eat by there and watched the Power Rangers while I dined (what fun lol). While sitting there a niece called with birthday wishes so that was nice.

Jumped on the boat and went over to the Dolphin for a moment - needed to stop at a store there. On the boat a guy from London, England sat next to me and struck up a conversation - he loves to visit Disney and we talked about that.

Sat down in the lobby to make a phone call and while there Chloe called with a question about militarty time - good luck with that and her - she was making a conversion chart so she can keep her work hours straight.

A couple (mostly the guy) sitting next to me struck up a conversation - they were honeymooners from England and he had a zillion questions about the US, customer service expectations, schooling, college, how the police force works here - he was quite chatty. Eventually their coach arrived to take them back to the airport and he was off - but it was a very interesting talk.

I then walked to Epcot cutting through the Yacht and Beach Club (Lilo and Stitch were in the lobby there). Once at Epcot I decided to do something there I haven't done before so I went to see Crush - very cute show and definitely worth doing with the family. While walking in there a family broke into song singing Happy Bday to me -- how funny.

I then hopped the monorail to the TTC and walked over to the Poly GCH for a bit of lobby time. While cooling off a local family came in and sat down by me and again I had a great visit with them. They have APs and were doing the park and taking a break. The mom would like to move back to Chicago - come to find out she left there when she was 6 so not sure her recollections of the area are the same as they are today. She wants seasons - I don't -- we had that conversation.

I then took the monorail over to the GF and enjoyed the piano in the lobby for just a short while there and then decided since I was all ready all the way over here I may as well go to MK.

It was close to dinner time and I was hungry - I wanted tacos but that place was closed - walked through Pecos Bills and so many of the skillets were empty so I decided to go to Pinocchios. On the walk over Chloe called and wished me a happy birthday and told me what her plans were for the night.

I got the figaro fries (I admit I am eating terribly on this trip) and wanted to sit upstairs on the balcony but not open. Oh also there had been much talk earlier about how people were being seated at Pecos Bills and Pinocchio's but that was not the case today --- you could get your own table - whenever/however you wanted.

After this great dinner I called my friend at the Poly and she was in her room awake with the rest of family sleeping so I met her over there (took the boat over) and we visited for probably an hour. I filled her in more on Chloe's experiences thus far and she let me know what they had been doing.

We said our goodbyes and I headed toward the monorail to take it over to Epcot - love to do that when its dark --

I debated about staying in the area for the fireworks but I had been out almost 12 hours just wandering around today! Got the bus at Epcot -- oh btw the bus from Epcot this week (all three times I have been on it has been a Sports/Movies bus).

Back at the hotel I took my mug down to the food court for a drink and stopped at the concierge desk to ask about sending a fax. Talked to a great CM there who really wanted to get me a cake for my bday but I really didn't need the cake so I passed on it but still a really nice guy!

Off to bed.

Saturday I left for my inlaws empty condo in St Pete Beach for two weeks -- long story short - originally my husband and I were coming back mid Sept to see Chloe actually working but due to circumstances I need to be home Sept 9 so I was bringing her, turning around driving home, home ten days and driving back with Mark...lots of gas and wear and tear on me -- plus we would need two more hotel nights on the road (I won't drive straight through). Anyway we came up with a few different ideas (bringing someone with me, flying home and then both flying back while leaving the car here or finally the winning idea of me staying here!!!)

I am looking at this as a great opportunity-- I am going to do some shopping in this area, brought some reading, crafts -- going to do the pool every day -- I think -- and a trip up to Disney as well during this time - its not a bad drive at all.

Mark has a niece that lives about a half an hour away and she met me here to get things opened back up and then I took her out to lunch (actually had a salad!) and had a great visit with her. She is a University of Central FL graduate who had out of state friends so she told me about some of the different aid they received - very helpful.

I have mostly hung out around here tonight -- did laundry -- settled in a bit, drove around to see what is close.

I probably won't do a day to day thing from here but may pop in with an occasional update.

Meanwhile I can answer any questions.

Liz

 

[Joanna71985]

Eek!! I wish I could go see the Jonas Brothers! I am so jealous.