Even more magik for the MagiKitty!

[MagiKitty]

Oh goodness, you need to move fast on here. A few days and bumped to page 2 already! Thanks so much for the encouragement, dear readers. It really means so much to me.

Time: Saturday, November 10. 8am

Finally! Departure day! I had spent the days leading up to this prepping: paying bills, getting supplies for the pets, packing, packing, and repacking. I tried to get all my stuff into one bag, fully knowing that I'd probably return with two. I packed a spare duffle in that case.

I had decided to go with JetBlue this trip. Ordinarily, I try to fly US Airways for the mileage, but their fares were way expensive. That narrowed it down to JetBlue and AirTran. JetBlue was $10 more, but non-stop, and surely I could spend $10 during a layover in Atlanta if I took AirTran! I checked my flights, everything was on schedule. My Thifty reservation was still valid, no increase in price. Good, good, good.

I woke up bright-eyed and bushy tailed. And what do I see?

Holy patootie! Where did all that come from? We had gotten nearly three inches on snow overnight.

Here's my cat trying to figure it out:

He looked like I felt. While overjoyed to be getting out of the snowbelt, that meant I had to leave earlier than planned for the airport. While 45 minutes away, its all two lane road, and who knows what condition that was in?

Made it to the airport ok, marvelling at the beautiful snow conditions, even happier that I didn't have to drive in it for the next week. We hadn't gotten snow this early in the year since I was a kid.

When I got to the airport, apparently it was cruise season. Lots of multi-generational families in bad hawaiian shirts and flip flops. I scurried to the JetBlue check in kiosk ahead of a particularly argumentative family. Checked in no problem and went to wait for my flight to be called.

I hadn't used JetBlue before so I was unfamiliar with the relaxed attitude of it all. I fly to Asia often, and the approach to service on trans-pacific flights are reserved and respectful. JetBlue was like a party bus. My flight was quite empty, and I had the three seats on my side all to myself. I was offered a variety of snacks, and encouraged to take as much as I wanted. I enjoyed the DirecTv and went over my paperwork for the rental car and hotel.

Arrived in the glorious sunny world of Orlando earlier than expected! Practically ran to baggage claim, where Jeremy was already waiting. His flight had gotten in an hour earlier. He, of course, had a single bag that I couldn't fit my toiletries in. Or rather, OUR toiletries. He just brings his razor and a toothbrush, entrusting me to bring everything else, which I would do anyway.

Got my bag and found our way to the rental shuttles downstairs. Found where to wait for the Thrifty bus, and there was one already waiting, but nearly full. We decided to wait for the next one. It was twilight, the Orlando skies turning dusky pink, but still amazingly warm. It was so good to be outside in a tee shirt in November!

Second Thrifty bus arrived and we took the quick jaunt over. I had signed up for their elite club, Blue Chip, a few months ago, so I went to the Blue Chip counter to get my rental information. I had reserved something called a Wild Card, and NOW I was getting nervous. What if I got a lemon? The last one picked in the bunch? Some horrible puke green contraption with no radio or air conditioning? The lady was kind and informed me that a Commander was available. I really had no idea what she meant. A military man was coming? Was I in trouble? Had they figured out that I wasn't really an elite renter, just pretending to be one?

No, she said, a Jeep commander. Oh yeah, feigning vast car knowledge. Ok, so I understood it was a car, but still had no idea what that meant. I supposed as long as it ran and the windows rolled down, it would be fine. I could claim my car in slot 254, around the back of the building.

Jeremy and I schlepped behind the building and looked for the car. Only it wasn't a car, it was a tank! I doubled checked my reservation, this was it, according to the license plate. All of this for $100 a week?!

Jeremy worried if I could drive it. Of course! I had driven my brother's Expedition plenty of times. We just had to avoid going in reverse and it would be fine.

This was a cool car, and I know the employees at the lot were appraising if I could get out of the parking space without incident. It took some adjustments of the seat and the mirrors, but I got it. And off we went to find our hotel. I could tell I had won that admiration of the guys there. I could handle the big car.

As long as we didn't go in reverse.

 

[DL55]

"avoid going in reverse" That is my motto for driving.

 

[Shmu]

I tried to get all my stuff into one bag, fully knowing that I'd probably return with two. I packed a spare duffle in that case.

That is so smart. I need to do that next time.

When I got to the airport, apparently it was cruise season. Lots of multi-generational families in bad hawaiian shirts and flip flops.

Some horrible puke green contraption with no radio or air conditioning?

Hey, maybe lime green and you can paint DIS on the side.

The lady was kind and informed me that a Commander was available. I really had no idea what she meant. A military man was coming? Was I in trouble? Had they figured out that I wasn't really an elite renter, just pretending to be one?

That sounds like something I would do. Just ask my family. I knew I liked you.

Jeremy worried if I could drive it. Of course! I had driven my brother's Expedition plenty of times. We just had to avoid going in reverse and it would be fine.

When my DH makes fun of me and my driving, I tell him to squat down to my level (5 ft. 2) Then he laughs even more.

This was a cool car, and I know the employees at the lot were appraising if I could get out of the parking space without incident. It took some adjustments of the seat and the mirrors, but I got it. And off we went to find our hotel. I could tell I had won that admiration of the guys there. I could handle the big car.

As long as we didn't go in reverse.

Go girl Go. Drive that tank. Just dont' back up.

 

[whgrn]

As long as we didn't go in reverse.

OOOOH, sounds like a bit of foreshadowing here! Do I detect some future problems? Doooo do. Dooooo do. Doooo do. (pitiful attempt at theme music from Jaws)

 

[magsnden]

SO, where have i been????
just found this today, i don't know what's wrong with me... maybe you started this while i was away, and i skimmed over it while trying to catch up. i don't know, but i'm on board now and subbing!!!
keep it up!

 

[mrsksomeday]

I woke up bright-eyed and bushy tailed. And what do I see?

Holy patootie! Where did all that come from? We had gotten nearly three inches on snow overnight.

Here's my cat trying to figure it out:

Great pictures, pretty to see and great to know you were leaving it behind!!

The lady was kind and informed me that a Commander was available. I really had no idea what she meant. A military man was coming? Was I in trouble? Had they figured out that I wasn't really an elite renter, just pretending to be one?

I wouldn't have had a clue either. I love your writing style!!

Jeremy and I schlepped behind the building and looked for the car. Only it wasn't a car, it was a tank! I doubled checked my reservation, this was it, according to the license plate. All of this for $100 a week?!

It cracks me up that you call it a tank. I bet you drove it just fine.

As long as we didn't go in reverse.

I am also wondering if this is forshadowing ?

Great installment, I can't wait to hear more .

 

[MagiKitty]

By the time we made it to the Beeline, it was fairly dark. I thought I was prepared as I left the lot, I had gotten the quarters out for the Tolls, I had gotten the maps out. I had forgotten to look for the headlights. Now the Commander has lots of buttons and knobs, and I tried half a dozen before I actually found the right one.

Jeremy's style is laid back (read: SLOW), and I'm a true NYer. I drive fast, aggressively, and change lanes. He's learned just to lay back and let me go. Beeline met I-4 and I unhappily drove by the exits for Downtown Disney, EPCOT, and MGM Studios. I perked up a bit when I saw that my exit was the one for the Magic Kingdom.

Mapquest told me to go 8 miles once off the exit. I had to memorize the directions because Jeremy is a horrible navigator and I have no patience. After mile 5, things got to look a little sketchy, barren. Not the busy hustle and bustle of I-Drive or 535, where I had stayed on previous trips. Still recognizable landmarks: Walgreens, Publix, 7-11. My cue was 8 miles off the exit, a right at 7-11. Was beginning to get nervous when my 7-11 was spotted. Make note of the 7-11, a good place for snacks.

Pulled into the gate of Like Tiki Village. Or at least tried to. There were speed bumps. Unfamiliar to the working of Commander, I slowed to go over the bump. I made it halfway before rolling back. Commander couldn't make it over the hump.

Tried again and successfully made it over the pitiful the 5 inch nub in the road. By this time, the gate keeper was fully grinning. He asked, "Doing ok tonight?" in full sarcasm. I told him "apparently not, its been a bit bumpy". He laughed and gave me directions to check in.

Check in was easy and was fully prepared for the time-share sell. Told them that we weren't morning people, so please don't call us early in the morning to invite us to a time-share informational breakfast. Asked for pizza delivery and chinese food delivery numbers. Got the map of the resort, the room keys, and off to our home for the next week.

Drove round and round the resort, not for a joy-ride, but to find our building, 1400. Could not find it for the life of us. Drove round and round, looking for places to turn around without hitting reverse. Finally stopped a golf cart employee and was escorted to our building.

Jeremy has a handicapped tag for the car, and was I grateful for that! There was no way I would be able to finagle Commander into a spot between two cars. I worried how we were going to get out in the morning. The handicapped spots were clear, and thankfully near the elevators. Unloaded the car and proceeded to our room.

Our room was gorgeous! Upon entering, there was a fully stocked kitchen to the immediate right, with a dining area ahead and a living room beyond. There was a bedroom with two double beds, a bathroom. One close contained a full sized washer and driver. The master bedroom was off the living room with a master bath. To the back was a fully screened patio. Both bedrooms and the living area had flat screen tvs and DVD players.

Immediately, I called for chinese food delivery. I had planned to go out for dinner our first night, but frankly, I didn't know if I could get Commander out of the spot again! I had seen a few restaurants that would be a good meal, but I was tired and looking forward to our first day at the parks.

All worries about the cleanliness and safety that I had read about Liki Tiki were thrown out the window. Our suite was beautifully decorated, amazingly clean and comfortable. It felt like too much for two people.

A few months back, I had offered free lodging to Jeremy's sister and her family. I knew that they were interested in going to WDW and we had plenty of space for her, her boyfriend, and her two little girls. I also figured taking the little girls would be a great experience for all of us. Sadly, they couldn't get the time off.

Waiting for the food to arrive, I asked Jeremy what his plans for the next day were. He said, "I don't know, we'll see". This sort of uncommited, open ended answer DRIVES ME CRAZY. We only have a few days, and lots of things to do. I wanted to show him as much as possible. Ok, so it was either Universal Studios or Islands of Adventure. He decided Universal Studios because he had old memories of the park as a child. He had never been to Islands of Adventure. Ok, good. Took my planner out and saw that the park opened at 9am. 12 hours away.

Food arrived and while we ate leisurely on the patio (outside eating in November!) I finally took the time to relax and enjoy being with my sweetie, some amazing Kung Pao chicken, and being in Florida. I was so happy.

 

[marsh0013]

that's so funny about the speed bump!

i'm glad you found your place and it was nice and clean and big. that's always a good thing!

can't wait to read more

 

[mrsksomeday]

Great installment, but where are the pictures of suite??? I wanna see, I wanna see , . It's ok if you don't have any, I will live if you didn't take pictures .

Can't wait to read the next installment.

 

[MagiKitty]

Oops, I forgot to take pictures of the darn place. I should have, just to prove that Liki Tiki wasn't a dump like some people said. I'll just have to do it next time.

Tracy, I TOLD you I wasn't good at taking pictures like you are!

Tks for reading Marcia and Tracy. I have pictures for the next one.

 

[DL55]

Funny about the jeep, we always forget to look for headlights and wiper switches too. Glad you didn't circle the parking lot all night.

 

[MagiKitty]

One of the perks of staying in a timeshare is the fully equipped kitchen. That's the theory anyway. But when you wake up fully famished and there's a fully equipped EMPTY refridgerator, its just annoying.

Woke up bright and early in anticipation of our first day at the parks. Watched the morning news to see the weather forecast--a lovely 82 degrees! Definitely tee shirt and capri weather. Had to narrow items to bring to the park down, enough to fit in my slouch bag. Creatively get camcorder and spare tape, digital camera, lip gloss, tissues, sunglases, sunblock and car keys all into a bag some 12 inches square. Challenge. Wheedle down the wallet to money, license, ATM card, credit card. Good to go.

Since we had ordered our Universal tickets online, we still had to pick them up at customer service. We had to claim our passes with the same credit card that we had purchased them with. I nagged Jeremy about this over and over again. Once I felt that he had reassured me enough, we took off.

Put Commander in reverse for the first time. Terribly nervous. The blind spots on that bad boy were monstrous! Told Jeremy to roll down the window and stick his head out just to make sure I wasn't running over anyone on the way out. Pulled out VERY VERY SLOWLY and got out of the spot without incident.

Took I-4 to the Kirkman road exit and into Universal. The parking garage is quite far from the park entrances, even the handicapped spots. In order to go to either Universal Studios or Islands of Adventure, you have to pass through CityWalk, Universal's after hours entertainment complex.

We saw Bubba Gump restaurant and I made Jeremy sit for a picture. Forrest Gump is one of his favorite movies.

We finally made it to the entrance for Universal Studios. For Jeremy's pass, he could go to the self-service kiosk to the left, and I went to ticket windows to the right. I was nearly at the window when I saw Jeremy waiting for me to the side. That's when I got my confirmation email out and my credit card. THE WRONG CREDIT CARD. All the nagging to Jeremy and I had left my credit card at the hotel. I began to sweat, calculate. If I had to go back to Liki Tiki, it would take over an hour. Damn, I was stupid.

Got to the ticket and girl looked at my email and card and handed me my annual pass no problem.

I wanted to get tickets for Blue Man Group later that afternoon, so I went to their ticket office to see if there were any left. As an annual pass holder, there was 20% discount for that night's show. Their handicapped seating were so close to the stage! I was very excited to see them later that night.

After all this, we finally made it into Universal Studios. Since it had been a while since we'd both been there, we just kinda wandered about for a while, soaking the atmosphere in.

The Simpsons is one of Jeremy's favorite shows. He was disappointed that the Back to the Future ride was closed, as they renovate it for the yet unopened Simpsons ride. But the souvenir shop was already open! I just told him that we'll have to return when both the Simpsons's ride and the Harry Potter area opens!

We enjoyed a slow pace around the parks. We managed to go on a few rides: E.T., Men in Black, Shrek. Shrek was by far my favorite. I kept watching the time, because the show was at five, but we needed to be there by 4:30.

We wandered over to the theater around 4:30, and there were two lines going on. Quite confusing. One line along the fence seemed to be composed mainly of young men wearing lots of black clothing, boots, and chains. Not the audience I'd expect for Blue Man Group. No, those touristy looking persons were on the other side of the waiting area, next to the park benches.

I found out that the younger scary group were on line for the live wrestling matches being taped that night at the Studios. Something called RAW. Definitely not something I was interested in. We went to wait with our fellow tourists for the BMG show.

 

[pepperw23]

Hi!!!

Just letting you know I am enjoying your TR!!! I didn't know you went to Universal (of course our TK thread has gotten so long I may have missed it haha)

 

[dreamin in pa]

Hey MagiKitty!

Just checking in. Your trip report is great so far. Can't wait to read the rest especially on Universal from a Disney fan's perspective. I want to go someday but till then, I'll have to live through your trip report.

 

[buffalogirl]

Hi MagiKitty!

Loving your trip report! You're so funny! Love your adventures with the commander . Can't wait to read more.

 

[Jrabbit910]

JUMPING on board!! Love the tr... pics are great... Snow picture is pretty but I can do w/o it when thinking about traveling!!! Cant wait to read more!

 

[marsh0013]

ooh, leaving us hanging on the blue man group show, can't wait to hear how it was!

 

[DL55]

for backing up and NOT running over somebody.
Great that you didn't have a problem with the annual pass. That would be something my DH would do also.

 

[mrsksomeday]

YAY for you on putting the the Commander in reverse!!

You are just like me to go on and on about the right credit card then not having it myself .

Loved the "Forest Gump" picture .

The paragraph about the young men in black, boots and chains cracked me up. RAW is WWE wrestling. My son used to like it .

Can't wait to read more .

 

[MagiKitty]

Our first day at Universal was perfect. We had gotten into the parks without incident, the park wasn't too crowded, the weather was gorgeous. We went to watch the Animal Planet show, watched the 80's Dance show, rode E.T., Men in Black.

One note about Men In Black: they do not allow you to bring items on to the ride. You have to use their locker system. The locker is free for a limited period of time. You put your stuff in the locker, go ride, claim your stuff. Its supposed to be easy. But people don't really understand the code to unlock and it can cause some chaos.

We strolled through the quaint New England "town" where Jaws could be found, walked down "New York" (with no snow) and watched the 50's band (who were very good). We rode Shrek, which I think is the most charming ride in the world.

But my big excitement was saved for Blue Man Group.

I gripped my tickets tightly as I battled the crowd to get into the theater. This I don't understand: if you have designated seats, why the rush? Why push people out of the way? With Jeremy using crutches, I'm very aggressive about protecting him. People push too much and I get angry. Can't they see he can't hurry any faster? Do they want to push him over?

Our seats were amazing, just out of the splash zone.

We were about six rows back. Jeremy didn't know what to expect from the show, and I had a difficult time explaining it to him. He's not one for arts and culture, but I assured him that he would enjoy it. He saw the people in front of us putting on their panchos and began to worry. It'll be fine, I told him, and secretly worried if that was going to be true.

The theater darkened and things began to glow fluorescent. The floor began to thump with bass. The Blue Man Group came out and all sorts of mayhem ensued. There was colorful spitting, pipe banging, paint throwing, societal commentary. And lots of fun. At one point, the Blue Men go out into the audience and walk on the seats. Then the toilet paper begins. And continues. And overflows. There is full audience participation.

Here's what the theater looks like by the end of it.

What fun! I highly recommend this show. Its appropriate for all ages, and just so entertaining. What a great end to the day!

I had heard about this great place for sweets near Universal, a place recommended by fellow Disers called the Dessert Lady. It a few lights down the road. I went inside and got their sampler: six half-portions of their most popular treats. There was carrot cake, cheesecake, flourless chocolate torte, key lime pie, pecan pie. Their half-portions were enormous! And the prices were so reasonable. If you have a chance, you must go to the Dessert Lady! Its literally the best cakes I've ever had (and I am a dessert connaisseur!).