PamNC
DIS Veteran
- Joined
- Aug 19, 1999
- Messages
- 4,597
Day 1 Arrival Day, Saturday 7/2
Cast of Characters:
Me, the wife, 43
DH, a.k.a. Uncle Albert on the DIS, 35
A little background: We booked this trip just 6 weeks prior. What happened is we went to Southern CA in May on business, but we threw in some fun as well. We did DL and CA Adventure for 2 days. We were so amazed by the CMs in California. Not even up to snuff. The WDW CMs are far better. In 2 days we encountered more rude, un-Disney CMs than our 11 years of visiting the Florida property. Not only did one CM at a kiosk selling pineapple drinks roll her eyes and slam the drinks down, but she was arguing with her boss on the phone in front of all the guests. Thats just one example. I could give tons more, but thats not the subject of our trip report. Im only providing this background because it will become important throughout my trip reports for this trip to WDW.
Right off the bat, I goofed. I was suppose to set the clock for 4:00 a.m. so we could be on the road by 4:30. But, instead I set it for 4:30 p.m. The good news is I woke up automatically at 4:22, so we werent far off schedule. We managed to feed all the animals, leave the key for the sitter, and pull out of the driveway by 5:00 a.m. Its an 8.5 to 9 hour drive for us. We opted to drive this time because the fares were inflated for the 4th. We often drive, and its not that bad. I couldnt believe it, McDonalds was open at 5:00 in the a.m. so we went through the drive through and got coffee.
The ride was a smooth one until SC, which isnt saying much because we live in NC. There was an accident and it put us behind about 30 minutes. It was tight all the way into Florida. Once we got to Florida there were storms and as we approached Daytona I-95 became a parking lot. There was a race. Oh boy. We sat for about 30 minutes, but it managed to move on. This trip took 10 hours. I guess thats not too bad for such a heavy travel day. We were mentally prepared and knew it would be worse than usual.
Our first stop was DTD. We had to purchase our APs. They moved Guest Services. Its in the same building as Team Mickey. The line was pretty long. DH waited in line while I did what most women do, went to the restroom. After about 20 minutes or so we walked away Passholders. What a thrill that was. We had let ours lapse from February, even toyed with the idea of not getting one. But we couldnt resist.
Off to the Beach Club to check in. I decided to be cheap so I told my DH that since we had packed lighter than usual, I didnt think it was necessary to have them take our bags. He reluctantly agreed. We decided to check in and then come back for our bags. When we walked in we were greeted by Art, the famous greeter, you know the one from the Travel Channel?? He did his famous semi-salute and said to me, Welcome young lady. Another CM asked if we were checking in and said right this way. What a wonderful greeting. Check-in was smooth, only about a 5 minute wait and we had the cheeriest CM I think weve ever had upon check-in. We booked a standard room and I had sent in a fax request for a patio or full balcony and a nice view of something other than a parking lot. I asked the CM if our request could be granted and she said, yes, weve blocked a room just for you.
Boy did they. Room 4598. Its on the Epcot side and it was a king bed dormer room. The balcony was huge. The room was a corner room and it was larger than the regular rooms. We couldnt have been more pleased. The view, wonderful! We could see the tops of the pavilions @ World Showcase. Canada, France, Morocco and even America. The BCV was just to our right. As a special treat upon our arrival, the British Invasion was performing and we could hear it pretty well from the balcony. We were in heaven. We hoped to take a dip in Stormalong Bay before our 5:30 PS at Blue Zoo. But, we were so behind schedule there just wasnt time. We took quick showers and headed over to the Dolphin.
Let me tell you the Blue Zoo is fabulous. On a scale of 1-10, I would give it a 10+ for food and service. We had delicious salads with arugala and nectarines. DH got clam flatbread and I had the filet with green beans and mashed potatoes. I was starving!!!! The filet was cooked to perfection and delicious and my DH couldnt stop going mmmmmm as he ate his clam flatbread. Yet another great start to our vacation. As if the great room wasnt enough.
We went back to the Beach Club, by way of the candy kitchen. Thats my DHs saying when you take the long way around to get somewhere. Well, this time it was literal. We stopped by Seashore Sweets and got our favorites. DH loves the cashew nut cluster and I always get a peanut butter patty. I couldnt fit mine in my tummy, but my DH had no trouble. I ate more than him at dinner though. We shopped and strolled and then headed back to our wonderful room. We sat out on the balcony, drank soda and acted silly. Soon after, here came Illuminations. And, yes, we could see it from our balcony. There were a couple of trees in the way but it was a pretty good view. We couldnt have been more pleased.
Time for bed we had a PS in the a.m. @ Kona Café. So, I turn over after saying goodnight to my husband and he screams, honey, you have an awful rash. I couldnt believe it .I sure did. It was on my stomach, the back of my legs and my .uh .my rear. I sort of semi-panicked because I had been on an antibiotic so I assumed I was having an allergic reaction. I went to the marketplace and got some Benadryl, although they only had the childrens liquid. Let me tell you, if you have kids that you want to go to sleep, give them this stuff. I decided not to panic and to simply dream Disney dreams and pray my rash would go away. It wasnt itching, it was just ugly.
Stay tuned for Day 2 which is the MK and MGM extra magic hours.
PamNC
Cast of Characters:
Me, the wife, 43
DH, a.k.a. Uncle Albert on the DIS, 35
A little background: We booked this trip just 6 weeks prior. What happened is we went to Southern CA in May on business, but we threw in some fun as well. We did DL and CA Adventure for 2 days. We were so amazed by the CMs in California. Not even up to snuff. The WDW CMs are far better. In 2 days we encountered more rude, un-Disney CMs than our 11 years of visiting the Florida property. Not only did one CM at a kiosk selling pineapple drinks roll her eyes and slam the drinks down, but she was arguing with her boss on the phone in front of all the guests. Thats just one example. I could give tons more, but thats not the subject of our trip report. Im only providing this background because it will become important throughout my trip reports for this trip to WDW.
Right off the bat, I goofed. I was suppose to set the clock for 4:00 a.m. so we could be on the road by 4:30. But, instead I set it for 4:30 p.m. The good news is I woke up automatically at 4:22, so we werent far off schedule. We managed to feed all the animals, leave the key for the sitter, and pull out of the driveway by 5:00 a.m. Its an 8.5 to 9 hour drive for us. We opted to drive this time because the fares were inflated for the 4th. We often drive, and its not that bad. I couldnt believe it, McDonalds was open at 5:00 in the a.m. so we went through the drive through and got coffee.
The ride was a smooth one until SC, which isnt saying much because we live in NC. There was an accident and it put us behind about 30 minutes. It was tight all the way into Florida. Once we got to Florida there were storms and as we approached Daytona I-95 became a parking lot. There was a race. Oh boy. We sat for about 30 minutes, but it managed to move on. This trip took 10 hours. I guess thats not too bad for such a heavy travel day. We were mentally prepared and knew it would be worse than usual.
Our first stop was DTD. We had to purchase our APs. They moved Guest Services. Its in the same building as Team Mickey. The line was pretty long. DH waited in line while I did what most women do, went to the restroom. After about 20 minutes or so we walked away Passholders. What a thrill that was. We had let ours lapse from February, even toyed with the idea of not getting one. But we couldnt resist.
Off to the Beach Club to check in. I decided to be cheap so I told my DH that since we had packed lighter than usual, I didnt think it was necessary to have them take our bags. He reluctantly agreed. We decided to check in and then come back for our bags. When we walked in we were greeted by Art, the famous greeter, you know the one from the Travel Channel?? He did his famous semi-salute and said to me, Welcome young lady. Another CM asked if we were checking in and said right this way. What a wonderful greeting. Check-in was smooth, only about a 5 minute wait and we had the cheeriest CM I think weve ever had upon check-in. We booked a standard room and I had sent in a fax request for a patio or full balcony and a nice view of something other than a parking lot. I asked the CM if our request could be granted and she said, yes, weve blocked a room just for you.
Boy did they. Room 4598. Its on the Epcot side and it was a king bed dormer room. The balcony was huge. The room was a corner room and it was larger than the regular rooms. We couldnt have been more pleased. The view, wonderful! We could see the tops of the pavilions @ World Showcase. Canada, France, Morocco and even America. The BCV was just to our right. As a special treat upon our arrival, the British Invasion was performing and we could hear it pretty well from the balcony. We were in heaven. We hoped to take a dip in Stormalong Bay before our 5:30 PS at Blue Zoo. But, we were so behind schedule there just wasnt time. We took quick showers and headed over to the Dolphin.
Let me tell you the Blue Zoo is fabulous. On a scale of 1-10, I would give it a 10+ for food and service. We had delicious salads with arugala and nectarines. DH got clam flatbread and I had the filet with green beans and mashed potatoes. I was starving!!!! The filet was cooked to perfection and delicious and my DH couldnt stop going mmmmmm as he ate his clam flatbread. Yet another great start to our vacation. As if the great room wasnt enough.
We went back to the Beach Club, by way of the candy kitchen. Thats my DHs saying when you take the long way around to get somewhere. Well, this time it was literal. We stopped by Seashore Sweets and got our favorites. DH loves the cashew nut cluster and I always get a peanut butter patty. I couldnt fit mine in my tummy, but my DH had no trouble. I ate more than him at dinner though. We shopped and strolled and then headed back to our wonderful room. We sat out on the balcony, drank soda and acted silly. Soon after, here came Illuminations. And, yes, we could see it from our balcony. There were a couple of trees in the way but it was a pretty good view. We couldnt have been more pleased.
Time for bed we had a PS in the a.m. @ Kona Café. So, I turn over after saying goodnight to my husband and he screams, honey, you have an awful rash. I couldnt believe it .I sure did. It was on my stomach, the back of my legs and my .uh .my rear. I sort of semi-panicked because I had been on an antibiotic so I assumed I was having an allergic reaction. I went to the marketplace and got some Benadryl, although they only had the childrens liquid. Let me tell you, if you have kids that you want to go to sleep, give them this stuff. I decided not to panic and to simply dream Disney dreams and pray my rash would go away. It wasnt itching, it was just ugly.
Stay tuned for Day 2 which is the MK and MGM extra magic hours.
PamNC
