CJK
DIS Veteran
- Joined
- Feb 5, 2001
- Messages
- 7,619
The Cast:
Goofy Gal (me) - Obsessive Disney Planner
Goofy Guy (my husband) - Tolerant of the Obsessive Disney Planner
Dapper Dad (my dad) - A fellow Disney lover!
Fanlover (my mom) - Fan of Disney, not fan of the heat
ToT Sis (my sister ) - Likes Disney, but Tower of Terror? Not so much...
Cocoa Bil (my bro-in-law) Likes Disney, especially their hot chocolate
Splashboy (my nephew) Never been to Disney, excited to try the big rides
Boomer (my nephew) Never been to Disney, age 4 going on 14
Dining Report
http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=901786
Introductory Report
http://www.disboards.com/showthread...721#post9815721
Day 1
Despite only getting 4 or 5hrs of sleep, I was up early and ready to go! My parents and sisters family were already in Florida enjoying the sights and smells of Cocoa Beach and the Kennedy Space Center. We, on the other hand, were still at home having had to attend two weddings the day before. Yes, were happy for our friends as they embark on married life together, yadda yadda yadda, but weve got a date with a mouse! Ya, that probably sounds a little harsh, but people ought to know by now that its dangerous territory getting between Goofy and me. Um, not my husband Goofy, - the other one.
Prior to the trip, my family agreed to arrive at Disney at the same time. Besides, I threatened to wrestle them all to the ground if they so much as glanced in Mickeys direction before we arrived. Good thing they didnt call my bluff I may have broken a nail. On our first night in Florida together, we were all staying at a little motel just outside of the Orlando airport. I was able to book all 3 rooms for us through priceline ($35 a night at the La Quinta). Our plan was to get up early the next day and check in at the All Star Movies Resort.
But, Im ahead of myself here. Right now, were still in Canada. Can you tell Im excited? We finished packing and waited for our friend to drop by to pick us up and take us to the airport. I was more excited than usual (if thats possible). On previous trips, we always drive to the closest international airport, drop the car off in park n fly, take the shuttle to the airport, wait 3hrs, etc No, we werent doing that this year! Our little local airport now flew to the United States. The best part is that you only have to be there 1hr prior to your departure! Woohoo! We arrived at the airport in good time. I have such wonderful friends. Not many people are willing to listen to someone babble incessantly about Disney when theyre not fans themselves. Gasp Yup, I have many friends who do not share my love of Disney. In my humble opinion, I think it is THEM who need the support group, not me.
Things were off to a flying (pardon the pun) start, right? Well, not quite. You see, our airline was Northwest Airlines. The mechanics had gone on strike the day before our trip. NWA assured us that flights would run on time, but we were concerned. Well, more like alarmed. I should probably say right now that I am considered somewhat of a Drama Queen. Im not entirely sure if thats true however. Doesnt everybody cry at Hallmark commercials and scream at jumping frogs who happen to cross your path?
I tried to be calm, really I did. We check-in at the airport and went through security. There were only about 10 people on our plane in total (it was a very small plane). I was the token female. Normally I would enjoy this men to woman ratio (grin..), but this time, however, I was the lucky recipient of the only body search at security. Ive had to take off my shoes before and have someone wave a wand at me, but never like this! The female officer patted me down with her hands, removed my shoes, and tucked her fingers inside my shorts around the waist. Is this normal? I wondered? I have a habit of giggling when Im nervous and since I was more than a little nervous to begin with, I was downright hysterical. The entire search was probably no more than 2 minutes, but it felt more like 60! I think my giggling made the security staff a little uncomfortable because Im sure I caught them sighing with relief when I left. Thatll teach you to put your hands down my pants lady!
We had never been on a propeller plane before so we were pretty excited. However, we failed to realize just how bumpy a little plane could be. I may be the Drama Queen in our family, but my husband, Goofy Guy, is the motion sickness King. Our flight was only 1 hr in duration, but I was beginning to think that Goofy Guy wasnt going to make it. I didnt know a face could turn so many different colours. It was kind of pretty now that I think about it.
Thankfully, we arrive in Detroit all in tact and with empty airsickness bags. We had 3hrs before our connecting flight so we decided to grab a quick lunch at A & W. I realized with a smile that this would be our last meal where wed have to actually give cash in order to receive our food. Ahh, gotta love free dining.
We reported to our gate and checked our flight status. Oh oh. Our flight is delayed a half-hour. The La Quinta only offered shuttle service until 11pm at night and our flight was now arriving in Orlando at 10:30pm. We were cutting it close. No problem. Just so long we are able to go to our family character breakfast the following day at the Polynesian Resort, I was fine. We were both starting to feel the effects of having only a few hours of sleep last night, so we decided to try to get a little sleep while we wait for our flight.
Half an hour later, I go check the schedule again. Our flight is now delayed an hour. That familiar sense of panic started to set in. Stay cool, stay cool I kept telling myself. I knew wed definitely miss the last shuttle to our motel, but we can always take a cab. I didnt want to ask my family to pick us up since theyd likely already be sleeping. Ten minutes later, the NWA employees at our gate made an announcement. They said that our plane was no longer available.
What do you mean not available? This must be a joke. Wheres the candid camera? Dont they know weve been planning this trip for 2 years? Move aside - Ill fly another plane, any plane, myself! Oh, where is Peter Pan when you need him! Goofy Guy poked me in the shoulder and said that while I was falling into the pit of panic (is this what Alice went through?), I failed to hear that they were sending another plane in its place. It was just going to take another hour or so. Okay, my heart resumed its regular beating pattern. Everything was going to be fine.
Just then, another announcement was made. The new plane they were sending was a smaller plane. They were asking for 40 people to volunteer to get bumped from this flight and go on a later flight that night. To compensate these people for their trouble, each person would get a round trip voucher for a future trip to anywhere in the U.S. or Canada. Okay, you would think I wouldnt even consider this bump since I was so desperate to meet up with my family wouldnt you? Well, not exactly. You see, traveling is my passion and the very thought of getting free vouchers for future trips meant that there would DEFINITELY be ANOTHER trip in our near future!
Oh decisions, decisions! I was so tempted. We had already been delayed a few hours, whats a couple more? Maybe while in Disney, the Disney magic would take over and it wouldnt matter that I havent slept? After all, it IS the happiest place on earth However, Goofy Guy is the voice of reason in this relationship. He reminded me how, ahem, cranky I get without sleep. He also reminded me of an earlier conversation where I said I would cry if I missed that first character breakfast with our nephews. Hmm, maybe Drama Queen isnt that inaccurate a description of me after all .
Even before we made our final decision, the decision was made for us. Forty other people had volunteered. We lost our chance. I must admit that theres still a little part of me that regrets not taking NWA up on their offer. But then the more logical side of me jumps in and says that our trip could not have been so magical had I been more sleep-deprived and there was no guarantee we would have made it to Disney in time or not. I guess things really do have a way of working themselves out.
Our flight to MCO was pretty uneventful. We were bumped to the exit row, which was an added bonus. Goofy Guy is 6ft tall so he welcomed the extra legroom. We never did get an explanation on what to do in case of emergency however. Hmm Im glad I didnt realize this omission on the trip or I may have panicked surprise surprise There were no televisions on board which was just as well since we tried to sleep most of the way. Tried is the operative word here considering all the snorers around me. Too bad I forgot my earplugs.
We arrived at MCO at 12:30am. Goofy Guy phoned our motel to make sure they were still holding a room for us. My parents had asked that we phone them at the motel as well to ensure we arrived okay. My dad insisted he pick us up at the airport, rather than have us take a cab. Did I mention before my dad is wonderful? Within minutes we were driving in my dads van back to the motel. We couldnt help but notice how hot it was even at 1am. It was definitely a sign of what was to come. Without incident, we check-in to the motel. I considered banging on ToT Sis room to let them know we had arrived, but I figured cranky children the next day would be too big a price to pay for the little bit of joy I felt the night before. My dad (I guess I should call him Dapper Dad) tells us that the plan was to meet downstairs of the motel at 7:45am for a light continental breakfast and leave for Disney at 8am. We werent eating at the Polynesian until 10:30am so we figured a light b-fast was in order to help tie us over. Wow we were going to have 2 nights of little sleep in a row. But, who am I to complain we made it and were in Disney. Complainers need not apply. We went to bed with visions of Mickey waffles dancing in our heads We had arrived!
Goofy Gal (me) - Obsessive Disney Planner
Goofy Guy (my husband) - Tolerant of the Obsessive Disney Planner
Dapper Dad (my dad) - A fellow Disney lover!
Fanlover (my mom) - Fan of Disney, not fan of the heat
ToT Sis (my sister ) - Likes Disney, but Tower of Terror? Not so much...
Cocoa Bil (my bro-in-law) Likes Disney, especially their hot chocolate
Splashboy (my nephew) Never been to Disney, excited to try the big rides
Boomer (my nephew) Never been to Disney, age 4 going on 14
Dining Report
http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=901786
Introductory Report
http://www.disboards.com/showthread...721#post9815721
Day 1
Despite only getting 4 or 5hrs of sleep, I was up early and ready to go! My parents and sisters family were already in Florida enjoying the sights and smells of Cocoa Beach and the Kennedy Space Center. We, on the other hand, were still at home having had to attend two weddings the day before. Yes, were happy for our friends as they embark on married life together, yadda yadda yadda, but weve got a date with a mouse! Ya, that probably sounds a little harsh, but people ought to know by now that its dangerous territory getting between Goofy and me. Um, not my husband Goofy, - the other one.
Prior to the trip, my family agreed to arrive at Disney at the same time. Besides, I threatened to wrestle them all to the ground if they so much as glanced in Mickeys direction before we arrived. Good thing they didnt call my bluff I may have broken a nail. On our first night in Florida together, we were all staying at a little motel just outside of the Orlando airport. I was able to book all 3 rooms for us through priceline ($35 a night at the La Quinta). Our plan was to get up early the next day and check in at the All Star Movies Resort.
But, Im ahead of myself here. Right now, were still in Canada. Can you tell Im excited? We finished packing and waited for our friend to drop by to pick us up and take us to the airport. I was more excited than usual (if thats possible). On previous trips, we always drive to the closest international airport, drop the car off in park n fly, take the shuttle to the airport, wait 3hrs, etc No, we werent doing that this year! Our little local airport now flew to the United States. The best part is that you only have to be there 1hr prior to your departure! Woohoo! We arrived at the airport in good time. I have such wonderful friends. Not many people are willing to listen to someone babble incessantly about Disney when theyre not fans themselves. Gasp Yup, I have many friends who do not share my love of Disney. In my humble opinion, I think it is THEM who need the support group, not me.
Things were off to a flying (pardon the pun) start, right? Well, not quite. You see, our airline was Northwest Airlines. The mechanics had gone on strike the day before our trip. NWA assured us that flights would run on time, but we were concerned. Well, more like alarmed. I should probably say right now that I am considered somewhat of a Drama Queen. Im not entirely sure if thats true however. Doesnt everybody cry at Hallmark commercials and scream at jumping frogs who happen to cross your path?
I tried to be calm, really I did. We check-in at the airport and went through security. There were only about 10 people on our plane in total (it was a very small plane). I was the token female. Normally I would enjoy this men to woman ratio (grin..), but this time, however, I was the lucky recipient of the only body search at security. Ive had to take off my shoes before and have someone wave a wand at me, but never like this! The female officer patted me down with her hands, removed my shoes, and tucked her fingers inside my shorts around the waist. Is this normal? I wondered? I have a habit of giggling when Im nervous and since I was more than a little nervous to begin with, I was downright hysterical. The entire search was probably no more than 2 minutes, but it felt more like 60! I think my giggling made the security staff a little uncomfortable because Im sure I caught them sighing with relief when I left. Thatll teach you to put your hands down my pants lady!
We had never been on a propeller plane before so we were pretty excited. However, we failed to realize just how bumpy a little plane could be. I may be the Drama Queen in our family, but my husband, Goofy Guy, is the motion sickness King. Our flight was only 1 hr in duration, but I was beginning to think that Goofy Guy wasnt going to make it. I didnt know a face could turn so many different colours. It was kind of pretty now that I think about it.
Thankfully, we arrive in Detroit all in tact and with empty airsickness bags. We had 3hrs before our connecting flight so we decided to grab a quick lunch at A & W. I realized with a smile that this would be our last meal where wed have to actually give cash in order to receive our food. Ahh, gotta love free dining.
We reported to our gate and checked our flight status. Oh oh. Our flight is delayed a half-hour. The La Quinta only offered shuttle service until 11pm at night and our flight was now arriving in Orlando at 10:30pm. We were cutting it close. No problem. Just so long we are able to go to our family character breakfast the following day at the Polynesian Resort, I was fine. We were both starting to feel the effects of having only a few hours of sleep last night, so we decided to try to get a little sleep while we wait for our flight.
Half an hour later, I go check the schedule again. Our flight is now delayed an hour. That familiar sense of panic started to set in. Stay cool, stay cool I kept telling myself. I knew wed definitely miss the last shuttle to our motel, but we can always take a cab. I didnt want to ask my family to pick us up since theyd likely already be sleeping. Ten minutes later, the NWA employees at our gate made an announcement. They said that our plane was no longer available.
What do you mean not available? This must be a joke. Wheres the candid camera? Dont they know weve been planning this trip for 2 years? Move aside - Ill fly another plane, any plane, myself! Oh, where is Peter Pan when you need him! Goofy Guy poked me in the shoulder and said that while I was falling into the pit of panic (is this what Alice went through?), I failed to hear that they were sending another plane in its place. It was just going to take another hour or so. Okay, my heart resumed its regular beating pattern. Everything was going to be fine.
Just then, another announcement was made. The new plane they were sending was a smaller plane. They were asking for 40 people to volunteer to get bumped from this flight and go on a later flight that night. To compensate these people for their trouble, each person would get a round trip voucher for a future trip to anywhere in the U.S. or Canada. Okay, you would think I wouldnt even consider this bump since I was so desperate to meet up with my family wouldnt you? Well, not exactly. You see, traveling is my passion and the very thought of getting free vouchers for future trips meant that there would DEFINITELY be ANOTHER trip in our near future!
Oh decisions, decisions! I was so tempted. We had already been delayed a few hours, whats a couple more? Maybe while in Disney, the Disney magic would take over and it wouldnt matter that I havent slept? After all, it IS the happiest place on earth However, Goofy Guy is the voice of reason in this relationship. He reminded me how, ahem, cranky I get without sleep. He also reminded me of an earlier conversation where I said I would cry if I missed that first character breakfast with our nephews. Hmm, maybe Drama Queen isnt that inaccurate a description of me after all .
Even before we made our final decision, the decision was made for us. Forty other people had volunteered. We lost our chance. I must admit that theres still a little part of me that regrets not taking NWA up on their offer. But then the more logical side of me jumps in and says that our trip could not have been so magical had I been more sleep-deprived and there was no guarantee we would have made it to Disney in time or not. I guess things really do have a way of working themselves out.
Our flight to MCO was pretty uneventful. We were bumped to the exit row, which was an added bonus. Goofy Guy is 6ft tall so he welcomed the extra legroom. We never did get an explanation on what to do in case of emergency however. Hmm Im glad I didnt realize this omission on the trip or I may have panicked surprise surprise There were no televisions on board which was just as well since we tried to sleep most of the way. Tried is the operative word here considering all the snorers around me. Too bad I forgot my earplugs.
We arrived at MCO at 12:30am. Goofy Guy phoned our motel to make sure they were still holding a room for us. My parents had asked that we phone them at the motel as well to ensure we arrived okay. My dad insisted he pick us up at the airport, rather than have us take a cab. Did I mention before my dad is wonderful? Within minutes we were driving in my dads van back to the motel. We couldnt help but notice how hot it was even at 1am. It was definitely a sign of what was to come. Without incident, we check-in to the motel. I considered banging on ToT Sis room to let them know we had arrived, but I figured cranky children the next day would be too big a price to pay for the little bit of joy I felt the night before. My dad (I guess I should call him Dapper Dad) tells us that the plan was to meet downstairs of the motel at 7:45am for a light continental breakfast and leave for Disney at 8am. We werent eating at the Polynesian until 10:30am so we figured a light b-fast was in order to help tie us over. Wow we were going to have 2 nights of little sleep in a row. But, who am I to complain we made it and were in Disney. Complainers need not apply. We went to bed with visions of Mickey waffles dancing in our heads We had arrived!
lol
I've written the next installment but so far, I haven't been able to post (I keep getting an error message). I'll keep trying!
