Debi
<font color=teal>I go to WDW 2,179,872 times a yea
- Joined
- Aug 19, 1999
- Messages
- 10,792
Debbies Watermelon Trip Report Day One Arrival, DIS Meet and Epcot
Cast of characters: Debbie (Me), 21
As most of you will remember from my pre-trip report, the term Watermelon is an expression of joy for me, so youll find random Watermelon shouts of joy during this trip report.
Okay, now on to day one. J After a sleepless night last night, I awaken to my alarm clock at the ungodly hour of 2:30AM. Yes, thats 2:30 in the morning! Because of new security regulations, I have to be at the airport 3 hours ahead of my flight, which means I have to be at the airport at 4:00AM. Im not a happy camper at this early hour but Im going to WDW, so I dont complain too loudly. J
I get to the airport about 3:45AM, and there is already a crowd forming. I get in line, and one the Atlantic City airport opens at 4:00, were on our way. It took about 20 minutes to get to the check-in counter, and once there, I was met with a rather unpleasant employee. She first told me that I was not the passenger listed to fly, as my photo ID did not match me. Because I had gotten my hair cut since my drivers license photo was taken, she had assumed that I was presenting false ID. Grrrr! After getting through that, she proceeded to tell me that my carry-on was too large, and it needed to be checked. First off, I triple checked the measurements of this piece of luggage before purchasing it, and I knew it was well within Spirits regulations. Secondly, I had a laptop computer, prescription medication (for an underactive thyroid) and a video camera inside, and I am not about to risk losing any of that. So, she measured the carry-on, and sure enough, it wasnt too big!
I was finally issued my boarding pass, and I then headed over to security. This was the most frustrating experience of the trip, and I was glad to have it over with. When I put my carry-on on the conveyer belt, I was told I had to remove my laptop and have it screened separately. Not a problem, and I do just that. After having my laptop returned to me, I am then told that I have to have my shoes screened. Apparently, it is Atlantic Citys rule that anybody wearing sneakers must have their shoes screened. Okay, not a problem. I just wish I would have been told this when I initially went through security! So, my shoes go through the screener. As I sit down to put my shoes back on, the security guard comes back to me and tells me that the ankle brace that Im wearing (I have an ankle brace for a bad ankle I have I have to wear it anytime I walk long distances, or Im in trouble!) has to be screened as well. My patience is really wearing thin as it is very early in the morning, and I wasnt too pleased with all of this screening going on.
So, after having my ankle brace scanned, Im finally off to my gate! After an uneventful flight, I arrive 10 minutes early to MCO. I rush to baggage claim, excited to finally be in WDW. At baggage claim, I was met by TTC driver Greg, who is a great guy and very professional. After picking up my luggage, it was straight to the Dolphin. My first Watermelon thought of the day!
I arrived at the Dolphin shortly after 10:30AM, and I was greeted by CM Joe. Joe had remembered me from my previous visits to WDW, and I was excited that he remembered. With my past experiences with the Dolphin, I never had my room ready before 3:00PM, and I was completely expecting to not have my room ready. So, my second watermelon experience occurred when Joe told me that my room was indeed ready. Hooray! I was handed two keys and a mini bar key, and sent to room 7015.
What a room! Watermelon experience number three for the day! I have a king size bed (something I didnt at all expect since Im traveling alone), corner room, and a double view of Epcot and the Swan. Whats more is that in addition to the double view, I have two balconies! One is directly inside the front door, to the right. The second is off one of the windows. So, I have two windows (one with a connecting balcony) and an additional second balcony. Thank you Dolphin!
I quickly unpacked and headed over to Epcot. I didnt have much time to spare, as I was meeting some other DISers for lunch at 1PM at the Dolphin Fountain. So, after arriving at Epcot at 11:30, I walked around for an hour and returned back to the Dolphin.
I arrived outside the Dolphin Fountain a few minutes early and waited for fellow moderators Disney Daniel and PatrickIL. Daniel showed up at 1:00 on the dot with his parents, Darryl and Debbie (nice name, Daniels mom! J). We grabbed a table while waiting for Patrick.
Sodas, sandwiches and salads all around, we had a great meal! Just before our food arrived, Patrick and his DW, Ellen arrive. They ordered ice cream and joined us while we finished lunch. We had an incredible time!
Patrick and Ellen left just before 2PM, and Daniels family and I stayed to square up our respective bills. After our bills had been written, Daniels mom had ordered a cup of tea and a cookie. Our waitress (whose name escapes me) told us that because the bill had already been written, consider the cookie and tea on the house. What a CM! J
Shortly after 2PM, we left the Dolphin Fountain. Daniel and his family left to spend some time at the pool, while I went back to pick up my camera and head back to Epcot.
I arrived back at Epcot at 3PM and walked towards Italy, where I have some CM friends that perform in the show there. If you havent seen this show, please do its a really cute (and fun!) show. And no, I wasnt paid to say that! J
After Masquerade, it was off to Test Track. The standby line was 70 minutes, and Fastpasses were being issued for 6-7PM. Since I am here solo and the other two options were definitely out of the question, it was off to the Single Rider line. Timing was perfect they were just loading the Single Riders, so I had literally no wait. Watermelon!
Getting tired now after being on the go for 12+ hours, I was in search of a place to relax. I was too tired to walk back to the hotel, and I was afraid that I wouldnt make it back in time for the 6:30 ToD (my #1 favorite in all of WDW you can find me there nightly).
So, what to do? Some quick thinking reminded me of the new AP lounge in the Land Pavillion, so it was off to check that out. The AP lounge is on the third floor of the Land, and it really nice. They have sodas and water there, as well as hot coffee and tea. I got a drink and sat down in this very comfortable chair and started talking to the couple that was there. The AP lounge has a few rooms in it, so I just walked in to the first one I saw with an empty seat. It turned out really well!
After sitting in there until about 5:15, I felt refreshed and ready to move on. So, I started to walk slowly over to Germany for ToD. I stopped to watch the Living Statues all I can say is wow! These people are great! They are very talented, and this is another recommendation on my list.
I got to Germany at 6:00 and met up with some ToD CMs on their night off as well as some other ToD fans, so we chatted until the parade started. I love that parade! J
At that point, I was starving, as all I had to eat was part of a salad at lunch. So, I walked to the American Adventure and got a fruit salad for dinner. Can you tell Im on a diet? J Im determined to stick to it while in WDW, but somehow I doubt I will!
After eating, it was back to Germany and caught the second passing of ToD. I left as soon as the parade was ending, as I wanted to catch Illuminations from my balcony. As I was leaving, I caught a wedding party coming out of America the couple had just gotten married and were headed to their reception somewhere in Epcot.
After congratulating the bride and the groom, I walked very quickly back home. I just made it back to the room as the show was starting! Aaah, now this is life! J After the show ended, I realized I had a second wind, so here I am writing my first days trip report! Am I dedicated or what?!?! J
Up next: Morning undecided and PM Epcot. J
Cast of characters: Debbie (Me), 21
As most of you will remember from my pre-trip report, the term Watermelon is an expression of joy for me, so youll find random Watermelon shouts of joy during this trip report.
Okay, now on to day one. J After a sleepless night last night, I awaken to my alarm clock at the ungodly hour of 2:30AM. Yes, thats 2:30 in the morning! Because of new security regulations, I have to be at the airport 3 hours ahead of my flight, which means I have to be at the airport at 4:00AM. Im not a happy camper at this early hour but Im going to WDW, so I dont complain too loudly. J
I get to the airport about 3:45AM, and there is already a crowd forming. I get in line, and one the Atlantic City airport opens at 4:00, were on our way. It took about 20 minutes to get to the check-in counter, and once there, I was met with a rather unpleasant employee. She first told me that I was not the passenger listed to fly, as my photo ID did not match me. Because I had gotten my hair cut since my drivers license photo was taken, she had assumed that I was presenting false ID. Grrrr! After getting through that, she proceeded to tell me that my carry-on was too large, and it needed to be checked. First off, I triple checked the measurements of this piece of luggage before purchasing it, and I knew it was well within Spirits regulations. Secondly, I had a laptop computer, prescription medication (for an underactive thyroid) and a video camera inside, and I am not about to risk losing any of that. So, she measured the carry-on, and sure enough, it wasnt too big!
I was finally issued my boarding pass, and I then headed over to security. This was the most frustrating experience of the trip, and I was glad to have it over with. When I put my carry-on on the conveyer belt, I was told I had to remove my laptop and have it screened separately. Not a problem, and I do just that. After having my laptop returned to me, I am then told that I have to have my shoes screened. Apparently, it is Atlantic Citys rule that anybody wearing sneakers must have their shoes screened. Okay, not a problem. I just wish I would have been told this when I initially went through security! So, my shoes go through the screener. As I sit down to put my shoes back on, the security guard comes back to me and tells me that the ankle brace that Im wearing (I have an ankle brace for a bad ankle I have I have to wear it anytime I walk long distances, or Im in trouble!) has to be screened as well. My patience is really wearing thin as it is very early in the morning, and I wasnt too pleased with all of this screening going on.
So, after having my ankle brace scanned, Im finally off to my gate! After an uneventful flight, I arrive 10 minutes early to MCO. I rush to baggage claim, excited to finally be in WDW. At baggage claim, I was met by TTC driver Greg, who is a great guy and very professional. After picking up my luggage, it was straight to the Dolphin. My first Watermelon thought of the day!
I arrived at the Dolphin shortly after 10:30AM, and I was greeted by CM Joe. Joe had remembered me from my previous visits to WDW, and I was excited that he remembered. With my past experiences with the Dolphin, I never had my room ready before 3:00PM, and I was completely expecting to not have my room ready. So, my second watermelon experience occurred when Joe told me that my room was indeed ready. Hooray! I was handed two keys and a mini bar key, and sent to room 7015.
What a room! Watermelon experience number three for the day! I have a king size bed (something I didnt at all expect since Im traveling alone), corner room, and a double view of Epcot and the Swan. Whats more is that in addition to the double view, I have two balconies! One is directly inside the front door, to the right. The second is off one of the windows. So, I have two windows (one with a connecting balcony) and an additional second balcony. Thank you Dolphin!
I quickly unpacked and headed over to Epcot. I didnt have much time to spare, as I was meeting some other DISers for lunch at 1PM at the Dolphin Fountain. So, after arriving at Epcot at 11:30, I walked around for an hour and returned back to the Dolphin.
I arrived outside the Dolphin Fountain a few minutes early and waited for fellow moderators Disney Daniel and PatrickIL. Daniel showed up at 1:00 on the dot with his parents, Darryl and Debbie (nice name, Daniels mom! J). We grabbed a table while waiting for Patrick.
Sodas, sandwiches and salads all around, we had a great meal! Just before our food arrived, Patrick and his DW, Ellen arrive. They ordered ice cream and joined us while we finished lunch. We had an incredible time!
Patrick and Ellen left just before 2PM, and Daniels family and I stayed to square up our respective bills. After our bills had been written, Daniels mom had ordered a cup of tea and a cookie. Our waitress (whose name escapes me) told us that because the bill had already been written, consider the cookie and tea on the house. What a CM! J
Shortly after 2PM, we left the Dolphin Fountain. Daniel and his family left to spend some time at the pool, while I went back to pick up my camera and head back to Epcot.
I arrived back at Epcot at 3PM and walked towards Italy, where I have some CM friends that perform in the show there. If you havent seen this show, please do its a really cute (and fun!) show. And no, I wasnt paid to say that! J
After Masquerade, it was off to Test Track. The standby line was 70 minutes, and Fastpasses were being issued for 6-7PM. Since I am here solo and the other two options were definitely out of the question, it was off to the Single Rider line. Timing was perfect they were just loading the Single Riders, so I had literally no wait. Watermelon!
Getting tired now after being on the go for 12+ hours, I was in search of a place to relax. I was too tired to walk back to the hotel, and I was afraid that I wouldnt make it back in time for the 6:30 ToD (my #1 favorite in all of WDW you can find me there nightly).
So, what to do? Some quick thinking reminded me of the new AP lounge in the Land Pavillion, so it was off to check that out. The AP lounge is on the third floor of the Land, and it really nice. They have sodas and water there, as well as hot coffee and tea. I got a drink and sat down in this very comfortable chair and started talking to the couple that was there. The AP lounge has a few rooms in it, so I just walked in to the first one I saw with an empty seat. It turned out really well!
After sitting in there until about 5:15, I felt refreshed and ready to move on. So, I started to walk slowly over to Germany for ToD. I stopped to watch the Living Statues all I can say is wow! These people are great! They are very talented, and this is another recommendation on my list.
I got to Germany at 6:00 and met up with some ToD CMs on their night off as well as some other ToD fans, so we chatted until the parade started. I love that parade! J
At that point, I was starving, as all I had to eat was part of a salad at lunch. So, I walked to the American Adventure and got a fruit salad for dinner. Can you tell Im on a diet? J Im determined to stick to it while in WDW, but somehow I doubt I will!
After eating, it was back to Germany and caught the second passing of ToD. I left as soon as the parade was ending, as I wanted to catch Illuminations from my balcony. As I was leaving, I caught a wedding party coming out of America the couple had just gotten married and were headed to their reception somewhere in Epcot.
After congratulating the bride and the groom, I walked very quickly back home. I just made it back to the room as the show was starting! Aaah, now this is life! J After the show ended, I realized I had a second wind, so here I am writing my first days trip report! Am I dedicated or what?!?! J
Up next: Morning undecided and PM Epcot. J
