Crichton
Disney Fanatic
- Joined
- Jun 9, 2002
- Messages
- 128
Cast: Me - DH 25 & Her - DW 24
Date: Spring Break (March 17 - 24)
Well - it had seemed like an eternity since we last embarked on the wonderful journey that Walt Disney World entails, but there we were, back at Eppley Airport in freeeeezing Omaha, Nebraska. It had been (high) of about 35 - 40 degrees the last several days, so we were looking forward to the "climate shock" that Midwesterners generally go through when travelling to, well, anywhere else. The last time we went, we had booked on TWA and had to make several transfers & endure several layovers, resulting in about an 8 or 9 hour "airport" binge. This time we booked Midwest Express Airlines (both for the speed, champagne and the onboard meals that are supposed to be above par) and it was well worth the extra coin we dropped. In a little over 2 hours we were landing in sunny Orlando. A quick breeze through MCO - walk through large gate area, dodge slow walkers, try to tame excitement for WDW, jump on inter-terminal shuttle train, get to baggage claim - and we were greeted by our second nice surprise. I had surprised DW by forgoing Meers this time and booking a towncar. Much like our choice of airline, this paid off in time saved and comfort increased. Let me just say, it's amazing how much you learn between your first trip (last August) and your second.
With the towncar speeding towards our destination (the Carribean Beach Resort), we leaned back and enjoyed the 100 years of Magic themed billboards and the fact that we weren't in a shuttle bus with 8 other people. 20 minutes later we were at the check-in line of CBR. Since we had arrived earlier in the afternoon, before official check-in time, there were plenty of... you guessed it (thanks Disboarders!).. Martinique rooms available. We got a nice room in building 25 on the second floor. Wonderful room, nice view, great access to everything central. We debated about staying in our room for a bit and "aclimating", but decided that the best way to get used to the 40+ degrees we'd gained was to head to the parks. A short bus ride later and we were at MGM.
While we love MGM, DW thought something enjoyable to do would be to take the boat ride between MGM and Epcot Worldshowcase - this way we could be fairly leisurely and yet still do park related things. The boat ride was fantastic and the view was great. Although we are always envious when we ride past the "Big Pond" where the "Big Fish" get to stay ( BoardWalk & Yacht Club/Beach Club) - it's one of those things that we safely tuck away on our "next trip" agenda, to stay and enjoy the ability to be within walking distance of two Disney parks!
Worldshowcase was a blast - and we arrived just at "festival time". All the shows/characters for the individual countries were out, not to mention the Character Caravan! What a great way to start a trip!
We saw, France's living statues, the American Band, Chinese Acrobats, etc.. We even saw the boats coming out for Illuminations (carrying all the fireworks) and just got across the bridge when they roped it off ("You wouldn't want a cigarette butt to land on those boats, would you?" - CM). All I can say is, "Boom".
Finally - we couldn't stand our excitement anymore - we had to rush to our favorite ride, "The Land". There's just something about a Disney CM's enthusiasm for hydroponic plants that makes us want to ride it again and again. That, coupled with my fascination of all things growing in "nutrients rich sand" just puts a permanent smile on DW's face, and we all know that keeping a smile on our SO's face is what life is all about!
After the land, we jumped onto Spaceship Earth and enjoyed the ride much more this time (last time, the ride stopped mid-climb and we were suspended at a 45 degree angle in the dark for about 30 mins until a lightning storm passed). We bopped into the Disney Art store (always on the quest for the original Walt Disney sketch that may have been thrown in the CM's pile) and headed home for some dinner. We took it easy that night, watching the fireworks from CBR and relaxing.
Part Two soon.
Date: Spring Break (March 17 - 24)
Well - it had seemed like an eternity since we last embarked on the wonderful journey that Walt Disney World entails, but there we were, back at Eppley Airport in freeeeezing Omaha, Nebraska. It had been (high) of about 35 - 40 degrees the last several days, so we were looking forward to the "climate shock" that Midwesterners generally go through when travelling to, well, anywhere else. The last time we went, we had booked on TWA and had to make several transfers & endure several layovers, resulting in about an 8 or 9 hour "airport" binge. This time we booked Midwest Express Airlines (both for the speed, champagne and the onboard meals that are supposed to be above par) and it was well worth the extra coin we dropped. In a little over 2 hours we were landing in sunny Orlando. A quick breeze through MCO - walk through large gate area, dodge slow walkers, try to tame excitement for WDW, jump on inter-terminal shuttle train, get to baggage claim - and we were greeted by our second nice surprise. I had surprised DW by forgoing Meers this time and booking a towncar. Much like our choice of airline, this paid off in time saved and comfort increased. Let me just say, it's amazing how much you learn between your first trip (last August) and your second.
With the towncar speeding towards our destination (the Carribean Beach Resort), we leaned back and enjoyed the 100 years of Magic themed billboards and the fact that we weren't in a shuttle bus with 8 other people. 20 minutes later we were at the check-in line of CBR. Since we had arrived earlier in the afternoon, before official check-in time, there were plenty of... you guessed it (thanks Disboarders!).. Martinique rooms available. We got a nice room in building 25 on the second floor. Wonderful room, nice view, great access to everything central. We debated about staying in our room for a bit and "aclimating", but decided that the best way to get used to the 40+ degrees we'd gained was to head to the parks. A short bus ride later and we were at MGM.
While we love MGM, DW thought something enjoyable to do would be to take the boat ride between MGM and Epcot Worldshowcase - this way we could be fairly leisurely and yet still do park related things. The boat ride was fantastic and the view was great. Although we are always envious when we ride past the "Big Pond" where the "Big Fish" get to stay ( BoardWalk & Yacht Club/Beach Club) - it's one of those things that we safely tuck away on our "next trip" agenda, to stay and enjoy the ability to be within walking distance of two Disney parks!
Worldshowcase was a blast - and we arrived just at "festival time". All the shows/characters for the individual countries were out, not to mention the Character Caravan! What a great way to start a trip!
We saw, France's living statues, the American Band, Chinese Acrobats, etc.. We even saw the boats coming out for Illuminations (carrying all the fireworks) and just got across the bridge when they roped it off ("You wouldn't want a cigarette butt to land on those boats, would you?" - CM). All I can say is, "Boom".
Finally - we couldn't stand our excitement anymore - we had to rush to our favorite ride, "The Land". There's just something about a Disney CM's enthusiasm for hydroponic plants that makes us want to ride it again and again. That, coupled with my fascination of all things growing in "nutrients rich sand" just puts a permanent smile on DW's face, and we all know that keeping a smile on our SO's face is what life is all about!
After the land, we jumped onto Spaceship Earth and enjoyed the ride much more this time (last time, the ride stopped mid-climb and we were suspended at a 45 degree angle in the dark for about 30 mins until a lightning storm passed). We bopped into the Disney Art store (always on the quest for the original Walt Disney sketch that may have been thrown in the CM's pile) and headed home for some dinner. We took it easy that night, watching the fireworks from CBR and relaxing.
Part Two soon.
Krissy
