TurnR@TheMouseHouse
Mouseketeer
- Joined
- Mar 17, 2005
- Messages
- 232
Cast: Myself (56 young female who finds planning Disney trips almost as much fun as the trip itself) DF (77 young and first trip to the Parks since 1975 who had no idea what a great time he was going to have) DB (50 young and first time to the World with a planner and introduction to Fast Pass)
Ulterior Motive: To get my DF back into life again since my mothers passing and show him this safe and magical place that can be his for the price of a Fl resident season pass and a short drive up the road. He also loves Christmas lights and I had been telling him no one does Christmas like Disney! I had peaked his interest in 2004 while we were holed up at the POR waiting for Ivan to choose his target. Since it was not us we spent the time marveling over the resorts and indulging my father in his newly discovered pastime of finding Hidden Mickeys. Unfortunately it was during the resort hoping that my DF took his first and proclaimed last ride on the monorail. Stopping on the big curve between the GF and CT, for what seemed like eternity, scared him. I mean scared him. He is not fond of heights. No more monorail for him.
The Plan: The idea for a 2005 Christmas trip was first hatched in July and the planning began. First was where to stay. In the best interest of DF and to the dismay of me I had to admit that this was going to have to be and off site stay. Facing the expense of the pass and having talked him (repeatedly) into renting an ECV he was not crazy about 5 days of expensive restaurant food. (Which I am happy to report he not longer holds to) I also felt, for his comfort level, a little more living space was in order. So I bit the bullet and started searching. His resistance to the ECV was feeling embarrassed. As it turned out this feeling was quickly replaced with feeling like a VIP once he started tooling around the parks and going on attractions. He would not let us ride it once.
Settled on a 3 BR/3 Bath Town Home in Windsor Palms. DF and DB promised there would be no side trips to stores and travel would only be straight up Formosa Gardens to Shurberth into the World and back. So I felt if I could keep my experience in the real world to a minimum I could step out of my on site comfort zone. The place was perfect. Clean and shiny, fully appointed, high speed Internet, plenty of space, quiet, excellent price. We opted out on the pool heating because Floridians do not go in pools in Dec. We sit by them. The drive was short and easy and I did not have to look at too much of 192 before we were on property. I have to admit we were very comfortable.
Day 1 (Thurs 12/8): Rain! I drove in from East FL, DF S Central, DB N Central. Arrived at 2PM, picked up Key as were all settled in by 3 PM. Randys mobility delivered the ECV. More Rain! Plans to head over to Epcot for tree lighting were scrapped. We spent the evening talking about what we were to see and do in the days ahead and decided rain or cold we would make the best of it. We would adjust to the weather and be brave! It turned out to be a mix of cold and rain but we made the best of it. I knew planning a trip in Dec was gamble weather wise, so we all decided early on we would take it in stride and be prepared. The ECV turned out to be an added bonus in this area and having, what my DB and I affectionately referred to as the pack mule made the lifting and hoisting worth it. Umbrellas, ponchos, and coats all took their turns riding with DF in the parks. What a marvelous thing!
Coming soon: DF gets teary eyed, DB wishes Sorin were a continuous loop, I discover my DF is more adventurous than I thought he was.
Ulterior Motive: To get my DF back into life again since my mothers passing and show him this safe and magical place that can be his for the price of a Fl resident season pass and a short drive up the road. He also loves Christmas lights and I had been telling him no one does Christmas like Disney! I had peaked his interest in 2004 while we were holed up at the POR waiting for Ivan to choose his target. Since it was not us we spent the time marveling over the resorts and indulging my father in his newly discovered pastime of finding Hidden Mickeys. Unfortunately it was during the resort hoping that my DF took his first and proclaimed last ride on the monorail. Stopping on the big curve between the GF and CT, for what seemed like eternity, scared him. I mean scared him. He is not fond of heights. No more monorail for him.
The Plan: The idea for a 2005 Christmas trip was first hatched in July and the planning began. First was where to stay. In the best interest of DF and to the dismay of me I had to admit that this was going to have to be and off site stay. Facing the expense of the pass and having talked him (repeatedly) into renting an ECV he was not crazy about 5 days of expensive restaurant food. (Which I am happy to report he not longer holds to) I also felt, for his comfort level, a little more living space was in order. So I bit the bullet and started searching. His resistance to the ECV was feeling embarrassed. As it turned out this feeling was quickly replaced with feeling like a VIP once he started tooling around the parks and going on attractions. He would not let us ride it once.
Settled on a 3 BR/3 Bath Town Home in Windsor Palms. DF and DB promised there would be no side trips to stores and travel would only be straight up Formosa Gardens to Shurberth into the World and back. So I felt if I could keep my experience in the real world to a minimum I could step out of my on site comfort zone. The place was perfect. Clean and shiny, fully appointed, high speed Internet, plenty of space, quiet, excellent price. We opted out on the pool heating because Floridians do not go in pools in Dec. We sit by them. The drive was short and easy and I did not have to look at too much of 192 before we were on property. I have to admit we were very comfortable.
Day 1 (Thurs 12/8): Rain! I drove in from East FL, DF S Central, DB N Central. Arrived at 2PM, picked up Key as were all settled in by 3 PM. Randys mobility delivered the ECV. More Rain! Plans to head over to Epcot for tree lighting were scrapped. We spent the evening talking about what we were to see and do in the days ahead and decided rain or cold we would make the best of it. We would adjust to the weather and be brave! It turned out to be a mix of cold and rain but we made the best of it. I knew planning a trip in Dec was gamble weather wise, so we all decided early on we would take it in stride and be prepared. The ECV turned out to be an added bonus in this area and having, what my DB and I affectionately referred to as the pack mule made the lifting and hoisting worth it. Umbrellas, ponchos, and coats all took their turns riding with DF in the parks. What a marvelous thing!
Coming soon: DF gets teary eyed, DB wishes Sorin were a continuous loop, I discover my DF is more adventurous than I thought he was.
