DH is a mailman...neither snow nor rain-Jan '11 TR (UPDATE 3/31)

[disneydreamingdebby]

This was our family's fourth trip to Disney, and each trip gets better and better.

Me (38) teacher, nerd, Disney geek:

DH (40) mailman, jeep lover, Disney lover:

Our twin daughters (9 in a week) 3rd graders, love thrill rides, yet sit on floor of ITTBAB:

As the title implies, our departure was not without obstacles...

Chapters (most recent first):
Trying to Delay the PTR - two more souvenirs
Souvenirs
Time to leave
Park Hop to ride one ride and back to MK
MK morning
Last day - Monorail ride and Poly Breakfast
Opinion of OKW
All that drawing, I'm hungry!
Still morning, more to do
Shopping at Keystone Clothiers
"Today's early morning was required - Hollywood Studios! (Not that we aren't early birds every other day!)"
Morning Adventures at HS (which really means three rides)
Day 2 OKW arrival
Day 2 - Part 3 AK
Day 2 - Part 2
Day 2 - Animal Kingdom
January 27 Evening
Swimming in January - Jan 27 afternoon
Memories with Chip and Dale
What could be better than waking up in Disney? Jan 27
Our Arrival Jan 26
Day before and day of departure Jan 25 & 26

 

[TinkerbellLuvr7]

I'm here! Can't wait to read!!

 

[disneydreamingdebby]

As many of you know, once reports of the rain moving into the area would actually be 5 to 10 inches of snow, I was able to change our flight. We were scheduled to leave at 6:40 pm on Wednesday night, and I was able to change our flight to 11:20 am. (We considered the 6:40 am flight, but the forecast was messy in the morning with a lull after rush hour before the evening storm.) I have to give credit to my friend's husband. He texted her to tell me that we were looking at a bad forecast. (His plan was to razz me...)


Jan 26

We woke up to snow and calls informing of school delays. We headed out to FIL's house for our ride to the airport. FIL's house is 30 minutes away from us and 15 minutes from the airport.

DH was driving my swagger wagon...commercial interruption that you MUST watch for a GREAT laugh! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ql-N3F1FhW4

road near our home:

local highway:

After about 2 miles down the road, we both considered that his 4 wheel drive jeep with suitcases on our laps would have been the better choice.

Not sure if we would make it to the airport...

Of course, I put the camera away and didn't get the shot of the car flipped on the side of the road.

We made it to the airport by 9:50. (Trip took 45 minutes longer than usual...not too bad all things considered!) Hopped into the line to check luggage inside because the curb side line was about ten deep and it was cold! Standing in line the airline board kept showing cancellations. The 1:20 to Orlando (with 1 stop) was cancelled. Southwest kept updating everyone on the cancellations. At one point, someone from Delta came on and said that most likely no one was going to get anywhere. UGH! We stood in line for an hour. With each announcement my stomach kept flipping. I felt like if we could just get to the counter, we would go. The employees reported major computer problems. Then, one employee began to update and said something to the effect of "Okay, go ahead and start crying now..." He wasn't being mean; he was trying to make light of the situation. I struck up a conversation with the man in front of me who was also traveling to Orlando. When he went up the person told him the connecting plane wasn't here yet, so he had plenty of time. We went up to the next person, and she said the plane was still on time. We checked bags and went up to security. Went through security with a brief hold up over one bag.

The terminal was pretty empty with the cancelled flights...

Finally, we went to the gate to find that we were boarding the plane (it was now 11:10.)

We boarded and found 3 and 1 seats together and sat.

The flight attendant came on and said we were waiting for a flight from Pittsburg to fill the plane. So, we sat for two hours. They finally boarded, we headed for de-icing. My daughters had an awful time while we sat, but as soon as we took off, they were perfect angels. I really wasn't aggitated. I knew we would make it to Disney.

Five hours later, we were at MCO!

 

[FairyGodmotherJen]

So glad you made it! Can't wait to hear more!

 

[NikkiLovesWDW!]

Wooo Wooot! You are tricky! We knew you went! Can't wait to hear about the relief that you felt once you were in the air and on your way!!

 

[MelMel11]

Have a great trip. Cant wait to hear more.

 

[TinkerbellLuvr7]

Great start!! The pics looking outside the window look a little scary! We have ice right now so it's not good at all! I thought the snow was bad..the ice is worse!

 

[mgsmom]

I'm here!

Can't wait to read about it! Looks like you guys were SO stressed on that drive! What were the girls doing???

 

[disneydreamingdebby]

I updated my post with the plane details and more pics... sorry that I didn't take care of it in one shot. I didn't realize the pics weren't uploaded.

So glad you made it! Can't wait to hear more!

We were so relieved! Welcome!!!

Wooo Wooot! You are tricky! We knew you went! Can't wait to hear about the relief that you felt once you were in the air and on your way!!

I didn't think I could fool anyone but I wanted to build some anticipation! I have to get caught up on your Sept PTR!

Have a great trip. Cant wait to hear more.

Welcome!!!

Great start!! The pics looking outside the window look a little scary! We have ice right now so it's not good at all! I thought the snow was bad..the ice is worse!

We had snow last week...tonight ice is forecasted! I hope to keep power!

I'm here!

Can't wait to read about it! Looks like you guys were SO stressed on that drive! What were the girls doing???

Hannah kept asking about the time...I told her she was making me nervous! Otherwise, I really don't know. They were quiet.

Hey - I saw a ticker!!

 

[Charleston Princess]

Here! Now, I am going back to read!

 

[Grumpy's Wife]

I've never had to experience delays for snow (living in Louisiana). I'm so glad y'all made it out of the airport without your flight being cancelled. Looking forward to hearing how sunny Orlando was.

 

[mgsmom]

Hey - I saw a ticker!!

Why yes, yes you did! Hoping to pull out another trip to the Fort! Our back-up is Pop just in case. It's about 1/2 the price to stay there as the cabins, sooo.... it all depends on if we get any discounts!

Sounds like the airport was a mess!!! I can imagine that the ONLY time I wouldn't mind sitting on the plane for 2 hours is if I knew I would be off to Disney!

 

[FairyGodmotherJen]

How's the weather treating you, Debby? Our winter storm warning expires this evening, but I'm pretty sure it's because it was headed in your direction. School's closed again today, and we'll see how we do tomorrow. I think I heard we got an inch and a quarter of ice to an inch and a half all together depending on which side of Indy you're on. But we never lost power! I hope you had the same luck!!!

 

[mgsmom]

Yes - how are you? The pictures on the news look just horrible!
I hope you guys have power, heat, and some Disney pics to look at!

 

[disneydreamingdebby]

Here! Now, I am going back to read!

Glad you're here!

I've never had to experience delays for snow (living in Louisiana). I'm so glad y'all made it out of the airport without your flight being cancelled. Looking forward to hearing how sunny Orlando was.

All of our friends were quite worried for us- the forecast called for rain for days. Then, bam! Ahhhh sun in Orlando; I miss that. The sun reflecting off snow just isn't the same!

Why yes, yes you did! Hoping to pull out another trip to the Fort! Our back-up is Pop just in case. It's about 1/2 the price to stay there as the cabins, sooo.... it all depends on if we get any discounts!

Sounds like the airport was a mess!!! I can imagine that the ONLY time I wouldn't mind sitting on the plane for 2 hours is if I knew I would be off to Disney!

I hope you can get a deal; I know how much you love the Fort! If not your DD will love Pop!

The line to check luggage was unbelievable after we checked in. Those poor people not only had a heck of a line, but it was a line to find a new flight no less!

How's the weather treating you, Debby? Our winter storm warning expires this evening, but I'm pretty sure it's because it was headed in your direction. School's closed again today, and we'll see how we do tomorrow. I think I heard we got an inch and a quarter of ice to an inch and a half all together depending on which side of Indy you're on. But we never lost power! I hope you had the same luck!!!

We've kept power, thankfully! We had a 2 hour delay and then a day off (power outages and closed roads).

Jen, how's the masters coming?

Yes - how are you? The pictures on the news look just horrible!
I hope you guys have power, heat, and some Disney pics to look at!

No worries, luckily, we kept power. I had six little girls playing school yesterday instead of going to school, though. I heard some instruction on fragments, so they continued right where they left off the day before!

 

[disneydreamingdebby]

Even though our flight took 5 hours total...we still arrived earlier than our original flight.

We left our house at 8:17. I packed a couple of snacks in the girls' backpacks: chips, pretzels, M&Ms, but nothing substantial. They also had some goldfish (shaped like planes) on the plane. Not knowing how long Magical Express would take, and knowing that the girls needed something- it was 5:40- we stopped and got them a smoothie and pretzels. I picked up a yogurt parfait at McDonalds and DH had a burger meal from McDonalds. (Really, almost at Disney and we are getting McDonalds?? )

On the practice monorail:

The girls changed into shorts (yes, it was too cold, but hey it's FL and it's 25 degrees warmer than home!)

First stop on ME and a picture for Jackie!!

Next, a stop at Pop... We've never seen Pop before so I was trying to take it in.

Finally, it was our turn: Jambo at Animal Kingdom Lodge (totally a pic from summer - I was getting tired!)

We checked in at Jambo with a bit of a wait - she had to seperate our reservation (the reason I couldn't do online check-in)- dropped our stuff in our room and off to Epcot! The bus was there when the girls walked up (they run ahead...and then we jogged to catch the bus...)

Sorry for the bad quality - I think I took it just to take it...

We started with Spaceship Earth:

Love DH's attempt at humor...

Then, we raced to ...

Followed by zooming to...

I don't want to ride orange, so Hannah rode green with me!

We needed to eat a meal, and off to Sunshine Seasons we went...

Grrr... I know I took pictures, but I can't find them anywhere!

The girls shared sweet and sour chix, broc and rice with chocolate brownie for dessert. DH and I shared a grilled vegetable sandwich and key lime pie (I let him have most of it...I am a chocolate girl.)

It was nearly nine, and earlier the wait for Soarin was 50 min. I believed it was a good time to head out...too tired for Illuminations (Sorry Nikki!!). We went by Soarin and it was 8:51 with a ten minute wait. YES!! We walked right on!

When we headed outside, it was into the mob of folks leaving after Illuminations. I suggested a visit to Mousegears to let the crowd clear. DH was on board...I'm thinking maybe Mousegears is a favorite of his too! (I did take some store pictures for everyone to do some preshopping before her trip

After a bit of looking, we headed out to catch our bus (and went towards tran, then went to buses.) Apparently, we had never been bussed to Epcot. We arrived at our bus station, loaded on the bus, and with very happy smiles headed to our room for a good night's sleep.

(This is where I will add that our one daughter raised heck about the uncomfortable pull out and her sister opted to sleep on the floor to not have to deal with her. UGH! I turned into preachy mom...do you know how many kids aren't as lucky as you...grrr. (BTW - I wasn't an appreciative child, and I am a very grateful adult...she is mini me, and we often have discussions about being appreciative!)

 

[mgsmom]

I would have stopped at the first sign of "real food" too! That's a long time without something substantial. DH says I don't get hungry... I get "hangry"

Love the girls in their shorts - and back into pants at Epcot! It's hard to imagine Disney in pants!

Looks like a great start!

 

[TinkerbellLuvr7]

great update!!!

I have to admit, Mousegears is my fav store too!!! I always think that you'll find things there that you won't at other parks! I know it's probably not true but it seems like it!

I haven't slept on the couch at AKL but from the one I slept on a SSR, I will be with DD on this one, it was awful I would have just went back to my condo at that point and slept in my own huge bed but I was with my college roomie and her family so I felt bad just bailing on them but I was super glad to be back in my bed when they left a few days later! It was after then that my aunt told me that they have egg crates that you can request I guess. I'm sure that would have helped! I guess you'll have to check into that for future trips but I would agree with DD!!

 

[NikkiLovesWDW!]

I know I've said it before but I have to say it again...your girls are so cute! I love twins! I may have already asked, but was it a surprise? Just by chance? We have two sets of twins and three sets of triplets in our 3rd grade this year, split among 4 classes! It's crazy! Luckily my grade level teams works really well together and it pretty much all doing the same stuff so it makes it easier on the parents. Anyway, I love it...I really kind of want to have twins.

It was nearly nine, and earlier the wait for Soarin was 50 min. I believed it was a good time to head out...too tired for Illuminations (Sorry Nikki!!). We went by Soarin and it was 8:51 with a ten minute wait. YES!! We walked right on!

Oh, you are forgiven! Arrival day and all...plus score for 10 minute wait on Soarin'! And I like your style killing time in MouseGear!

 

[disneydreamingdebby]

I would have stopped at the first sign of "real food" too! That's a long time without something substantial. DH says I don't get hungry... I get "hangry"

Love the girls in their shorts - and back into pants at Epcot! It's hard to imagine Disney in pants!

Looks like a great start!

I forgot about the pants...I MADE them wear them (or I wouldn't let them have ice cream bars...) They didn't wear a sweatshirt and I warned them if they complained then I would pick out their clothes all week. Needless to say, they ran, did jumping jacks, etc. to quietly stay warm.

great update!!!

I have to admit, Mousegears is my fav store too!!! I always think that you'll find things there that you won't at other parks! I know it's probably not true but it seems like it!

I haven't slept on the couch at AKL but from the one I slept on a SSR, I will be with DD on this one, it was awful I would have just went back to my condo at that point and slept in my own huge bed but I was with my college roomie and her family so I felt bad just bailing on them but I was super glad to be back in my bed when they left a few days later! It was after then that my aunt told me that they have egg crates that you can request I guess. I'm sure that would have helped! I guess you'll have to check into that for future trips but I would agree with DD!!

I think that Mousegears does have some items not found elsewhere...I did find a store on property that certainly had different goods...more on that in a future post!

DD isn't really bothered by the bed (I don't think - she soundly slept without complaint after that night), she is bothered by the idea of not having a bed...I think it makes her feel like a second class citizen. When I asked her about it for our summer trip, she would rather a fold out couch than being at OKW -she likes the convenience to everything...

I know I've said it before but I have to say it again...your girls are so cute! I love twins! I may have already asked, but was it a surprise? Just by chance? We have two sets of twins and three sets of triplets in our 3rd grade this year, split among 4 classes! It's crazy! Luckily my grade level teams works really well together and it pretty much all doing the same stuff so it makes it easier on the parents. Anyway, I love it...I really kind of want to have twins.

Oh, you are forgiven! Arrival day and all...plus score for 10 minute wait on Soarin'! And I like your style killing time in MouseGear!

Thanks! They were a surprise...no twins in the family. I was VERY sick and went to the doctor. They saw that I had lost 6 pounds and the doctor just decided to pull out the ultrasound machine. It was chaotic due to overbooking, and one nurse was complaining to another that I didn't even have an appointment. When the doctor saw the ultrasound she laughed! I started to think that maybe I wasn't pregnant... Then she said "No wonder you're so sick; there are two of them."

I always wanted to be a twin...I read all of the Sweet Valley High books, but I never thought about having twins.