BrerMama
DIS Veteran
- Joined
- Apr 4, 2000
- Messages
- 2,205
To read my prologue, click here
Cast of characters:
Kim , 33, trip planner, mom,etc.
Dan , 35, thrill rider
Brady, 9, almost 10, beginning to get a bit more daring, but still very cautious
Mykiah, 8, my go-to girl
Chesney, 4, everything is an adventure
Dates: June 2-11, 2004
Resort: Port Orleans Riverside
Day 1: The one where we become almost too familiar with airports
In preparation for our big day of travel, I sent the kids to bed early on Tuesday night. Unfortunately, I wasn't able to join them in an early bedtime because I had to stay up and see the season premiere of "Queer Eye for the Straight Guy." I love that show, and not just for the entertainment value. I learn from it and find myself paying more attention to details and trying new things. I know reality shows are flooding our televisions but I really love this one (and not just because I like looking at Kyan!). For a few hours before the premiere, they were showing reruns of previous episodes and it led to Brady and I having a nice conversation about the meaning of the word "queer"; it was just a nice conversation about diversity to be having with my son who would be 10 before the trip was over. Since we'd be visiting during Gay Days, it was particularly relevant.
I'm afraid my notes for this first day are pretty sketchy, but I'm thinking that we just left our alarm set for 5:45 am, which is Dan's usual wake-up time. Far too early in my opinion, but the man likes to get to work and get going and I'm done arguing with him. I believe that I actually woke up about 5:30 on our travel day and decided that rather than falling back asleep and potentially being awakened quite rudely, I'd just get up and get dressed. So I showered, then had Dan get in the shower while I got the kids up and dressed. The plan was to leave the house about 7 am and because we were so excited to finally be going, we got ready in record time. It was only 6:30 when we were packed and ready, so we decided to sit at the kitchen table and eat breakfast together, rather than eating in the van, which had been the plan.
Seven a.m. finds us in our van, headed south before we can turn north towards Kansas City. We haven't been to Kansas City since early 2001 and on that trip our transmission went out on our van quite unexpectedly, so the route doesn't exactly have good memories. We took the Kansas Turnpike (toll road) from a spot about a half hour north east of our house until just west of Kansas City. The cost was $5.80 and the trip took just over 3 hours. I love the KS Turnpike because it has nice rest areas with McDonalds and convenience stores that are just off the highway and you can get to them without paying a toll or really even getting off the highway. We stopped at the rest area in Topeka to switch drivers. I had been driving the first leg, but I'm much better at navigating than Dan and we were about to enter territory that wasn't as familiar to us. We got the kids some snacks and everyone grabbed drinks and we were off to KC. Dan and I were both thrilled with the drive because it gave us the opportunity to hear one of our favorite radio shows, "Johnny Dare and Murphy." It's a KC radio show, but had been syndicated in Wichita for a few years, then unceremoniously yanked in favor of "Imus in the Morning." Yawn. I hated the last month of school because I could never find a good radio show for the drive to work. It was nice to hear Johnny again on our way to a new adventure.
As we were quite early for our 1:15 flight when we arrived in KC, we debated stopping at Cabellas outdoor store on the outskirts of town. I eventually swayed Dan against it when I mentioned how awful it would be if we went in to look around and then came out to discover our van wouldnt start or there was horrible traffic or something else that would prevent a smooth trip to the airport. Our van has about 130,000 miles on it and although I have confidence in it, I didnt want to push my luck. Decision made, we headed on to the airport, with the kids practically bouncing out of their seats with excitement. I started doing reminders every 5 minutes, Kids, we are in traffic. Your dad needs to concentrate. Please be quiet. Even to my own ears, I sounded like a nagging mom.
Arriving at the airport about 10:15, we parked in the new economy parking lot at Kansas City International. I took a few moments to note the location of our van in the parking lot in my Passporter and then we pulled, pushed and otherwise struggled to get our mound of luggage to the bus stop. For our family of 5 for a 9 night stay, we had 2 extra large suitcases (at the upper limit of the allowance by the airline), 2 regular size suitcases, a large rolling duffel bag, a stroller, a collapsible cooler stuffed with snacks, a portable DVD carrying case and a backpack for every member of the family except Dan. Somehow we managed to get it on the bus, along with all of us, then into the airport and to the Air Tran counter, which was of course the furtherest from the bus drop off point. Air Tran service was wonderful! First, the security people were great with our kids. At KCI, the terminal is set up in a manner not really conducive to the heightened security. Instead of having a central security check point, you have individual security for every 2-3 gates. Before you can get there, however, your checked baggage goes through a security screen. The only bag that was hand checked was our collapsible cooler. That bag was originally supposed to be Dans carry-on because it was full of crushable snacks like homemade cookies and bags of chips, but he decided he didnt want to mess with it. Im sorry Sir, but Im afraid homemade cookies are not a FAA approved item. Youll have to leave those with me. The security guys were quite the comedians and had our kids laughing as they told stories about each other and Disney.
When our original flights had been changed from Wichita to KC, the customer service representative had gone ahead and made our seat assignments for us, something that normally we wouldnt have been able to do until 24 hours prior to the flight. I was very pleased to find out that we were in row 11 for our flight to Atlanta and row 14 for our flight to Orlando. I just like being at the front of the plane, especially when we need to make a connection.
With our bags checked and lots of time to kill, we went off in search of a place to get some lunch. It was only 10:30 in the morning, but it was 11:30 in Florida and shouldnt we start thinking on Florida time? After walking up and down the terminal, we decided there were no good choices and ended up in a small sports bar. No kids menu, of course, so we ordered 3 adult meals and split them. Originally I had ordered a sandwich called The Alpine Classic, otherwise known as a ham sandwich, to split with Chesney. We ordered 2 burger meals for Dan and the big kids to split. For some reason, this was the start of my kids problem with deciding what to order at restaurants. We didnt have any problem if there were hot dogs on the menu, but when that wasnt an option, the girls would debate and stew until I would just order for them. As soon as the waitress left, Mykiah started pouting because she didnt want a hamburger. I ended up having her share the fancy ham sandwich with Ches and I shared with Brady. Our total for this meal was $38.82, which is really outrageous for our family. This was the most overpriced, most inedible food of the trip. Nice to get that out of the way early.
After our meal, we sat outside the security area. I read, while the kids played Mr. Potato Head (I had bought a classic Potato Head set at KB Toys in anticipation of buying the box of parts at WDW) and Dan watched movies on his DVD player. I think they watched The Mask, which Chesney loves. Finally, we went through security at 12:30. Once you go through security at KCI, theres no access to bathrooms without going through security again. Brady is a compulsive bathroomer so we really tried to wait as long as possible. The plane arrived on time and we were able to preboard because we had small children and it looked like everything was going to go smoothly. I was thrilled to discover that Air Tran uses a funny numbering system so that we were actually in the 5th row of the plane.
Im settled in my seat next to Mykiah, looking forward to reading the latest John Sandford book, when I look up to find the pilot standing at the front of the cabin. This just cant be good. The first thing that flashed through my mind was September 11th and how there were people on planes getting ready to take off and how the pilots must have come out to explain what had happened. Luckily, it was nothing so dramatic. Atlanta was hazed over, which was wreaking havoc with air traffic control. We couldnt arrive at our scheduled time, but had been given a scheduled wheels up time when we would need to be in the air in order to be in Atlanta at the proper time. Instead of taking off at 1:15 pm, we would be taking off about 2:05 pm. Rather than sit at the gate and possibly getting stuck in a traffic jam on the route to the runway, the pilot had requested extra fuel for the plane. We then taxied out to the runway (I assume we pulled to the side so that other planes not going to Atlanta could get past) and he allowed us to get up and use the restroom, stretch our legs, etc. until about 15 minutes before take off. He did make it clear that once he put the seatbelt sign back on, we needed to have our bottoms in our seats or we would miss our scheduled time and be delayed another hour or so. I was prepared to physically help people back to their seats if needed because although we had a nice long layover in Atlanta, I didnt want to push it.
Clutching Mykiahs hand during take-off, I was pleasantly surprised to have a smooth flight that seemed to pass quickly. Im such a nervous flyer and I much prefer to have my nose stuck in a book throughout the flight than to consider the reality of where I am and what Im doing. Having a pilot who keeps his passengers updated and a great flight crew helps with that. We landed in Atlanta not much later than our originally scheduled time due to some nice winds helping us along.
Our main priority here was to get some food into our bodies. I had done some research on the Atlanta airport prior to leaving home and knew that Terminal B looked to be our best bet for a decent meal. Acting like the take charge person I am, I directed my family down to the terminal shuttle, where we took our first ride of the trip. TGI Fridays was just a short walk from the shuttle exit and we were seated within 20 minutes of arriving. What a switch from our lunch in Kansas City! Dan and I both had water to drink, so that helped keep the cost down, but having kids meals available really made a difference. I had a Cobb salad, Dan had a club sandwich and the kids had burgers. Dan apparently has never had a club sandwich because he expected it to be on a bun of some sort rather than bread, but he liked it. The kids ate everything on their plates and I enjoyed my first Cobb, even if it was huge and I gave a lot of it to the kids. Total for this meal was $23.45 plus a $5 for a great, efficient waitress. Still a great deal.
Arriving back in Terminal C, we discovered that our departure gate has been changed, as has the time. I cant remember now exactly how late we were taking off, but I know we landed an hour later than scheduled, so about 11 PM. Again, a smooth flight. I was sitting by Brady and Chesney; Chesney fell asleep as the plane backed away from the gate and I had to wake her up when we reached Orlando. Very nice for me not to have to worry about entertaining her, as she had begun to get cranky. Have I mentioned that I'm a nervous flyer? And that I think flight attendants, who fly daily for a living, are a bit insane? I appreciate them very much, but the pay could never be enough to convince me to fly multiple times in a day for money. I'll do it for a vacation, but not for money.
We walked into an almost empty Orlando airport and headed for baggage claim. Imagine my surprise to see our bags stacked up and waiting for us outside the baggage claim office, which was on the way to our carousel. There had been an earlier flight to Orlando from Atlanta, on which we hadnt been booked because it was full. Apparently they had room for our baggage, however, because it was there when we arrived. Im thrilled and grab my cell phone and call our airport hotel to get the shuttle moving. A Sky Cap walks up while were standing there and asks if wed like help. I have to admit that were not normally the type of people who use bell services in a hotel or a Sky Cap in an airport, but in this case, I was glad for the help. I tell Dan to start loading on luggage, only to have him interrupt my call to the hotel to tell me were missing a piece of luggage. And not just any piece of luggage... the suitcase with all the childrens clothing in it. The person in the baggage claim office says that it may be on our flight, so I tell Dan where to meet the shuttle and keep Chesney with me, while he takes the big kids and luggage to the parking spot to wait for the shuttle. I was scared to death it would arrive while I was waiting for the luggage and leave without us because the hotel had stressed that I wasnt to call until we had collected our baggage. When I called, I thought we did have our baggage, and little details always make me stress, so it was just better to send Dan ahead.
So Im sitting there stressing and trying to think how Im going to dress the kids for the next few days when the luggage from our flight starts coming around. Ches is playing and Im praying. The young woman across from me starts fuming because it looks like most of the luggage is out and her bag hasnt come out yet. I want to go, You aint the only one, honey, but just then out comes our bag, looking so innocent. Silly thing, causing me such worry. I grab the bag and grab Chesney and take off at a brisk walk for A34. Only two problems. One -- this bag is heavy and doesnt have wheels. Im carrying my super heavy carry on and trying to herd Chesney as well as carry the suitcase. Not fun. Two -- I have no idea where A34 is. Or what it is, for that matter. I call Dans cell phone and tell him that Ive got the bag, but cant find him. Turns out Ive got to go down a floor and find a parking space. Thank heavens for that Sky Cap or we never would have found it.
Even with all my panic and waiting, theres still no van at the designated spot. I think we waited about 10 minutes after I arrived, but it gave me a chance to calm down. When he finally arrived, the driver told us he had to pick up another passenger on the other side of the airport before he could take us to the hotel. I was exhausted by this time and a bit aggravated that only half the seat belts in the van worked, but what could I do. I put my kids in the seat with the working belt and tried not to worry too much. Dan tried to start up a conversation with the driver, but he clearly didnt know much English, so we just rode. The other couple we picked up had no luggage and were dropped off at a different hotel. It was just a few buildings down from the Sleep Inn and Suites, our destination.
We were quickly checked into our suite and dragged all our luggage up. Total bill was $92.30 for a suite that included two double beds and a pull out loveseat. For this first night, I wanted everyone to have their own bed so we could get a good night's rest. Looking back, I probably should have just reserved a cheaper room somewhere and slept with the two girls while Dan and Brady slept together, but at the time I was thinking we needed the bed space. The kids and Dan immediately liked the room, even asking if we could just stay here for the entire vacation. Our delight with the room vanished when I went to pull out the sofa bed and not only isnt it made up, but there arent even any sheets or pillows in the room for the sofa bed. So basically I paid extra for something thats not even available. I called the front desk and was told I could come down and get bedding. Excuse me, but when I pay for a suite, I expect to not have to make a bed. Brady ended up sleeping on the sofa without it being pulled out because I was just too tired to make it up and he didnt care.
I had thought ahead and packed a bag specifically for this night, so we only needed to get into one suitcase. Everyone changed into pajamas and crawled into bed by midnight. Alarm set for 6 am. Tomorrow there were definitely some big doins going on.
To read Day 2: The One Where We Discover Disney Magic, click
here
Cast of characters:
Kim , 33, trip planner, mom,etc.
Dan , 35, thrill rider
Brady, 9, almost 10, beginning to get a bit more daring, but still very cautious
Mykiah, 8, my go-to girl
Chesney, 4, everything is an adventure
Dates: June 2-11, 2004
Resort: Port Orleans Riverside
Day 1: The one where we become almost too familiar with airports
In preparation for our big day of travel, I sent the kids to bed early on Tuesday night. Unfortunately, I wasn't able to join them in an early bedtime because I had to stay up and see the season premiere of "Queer Eye for the Straight Guy." I love that show, and not just for the entertainment value. I learn from it and find myself paying more attention to details and trying new things. I know reality shows are flooding our televisions but I really love this one (and not just because I like looking at Kyan!). For a few hours before the premiere, they were showing reruns of previous episodes and it led to Brady and I having a nice conversation about the meaning of the word "queer"; it was just a nice conversation about diversity to be having with my son who would be 10 before the trip was over. Since we'd be visiting during Gay Days, it was particularly relevant.
I'm afraid my notes for this first day are pretty sketchy, but I'm thinking that we just left our alarm set for 5:45 am, which is Dan's usual wake-up time. Far too early in my opinion, but the man likes to get to work and get going and I'm done arguing with him. I believe that I actually woke up about 5:30 on our travel day and decided that rather than falling back asleep and potentially being awakened quite rudely, I'd just get up and get dressed. So I showered, then had Dan get in the shower while I got the kids up and dressed. The plan was to leave the house about 7 am and because we were so excited to finally be going, we got ready in record time. It was only 6:30 when we were packed and ready, so we decided to sit at the kitchen table and eat breakfast together, rather than eating in the van, which had been the plan.
Seven a.m. finds us in our van, headed south before we can turn north towards Kansas City. We haven't been to Kansas City since early 2001 and on that trip our transmission went out on our van quite unexpectedly, so the route doesn't exactly have good memories. We took the Kansas Turnpike (toll road) from a spot about a half hour north east of our house until just west of Kansas City. The cost was $5.80 and the trip took just over 3 hours. I love the KS Turnpike because it has nice rest areas with McDonalds and convenience stores that are just off the highway and you can get to them without paying a toll or really even getting off the highway. We stopped at the rest area in Topeka to switch drivers. I had been driving the first leg, but I'm much better at navigating than Dan and we were about to enter territory that wasn't as familiar to us. We got the kids some snacks and everyone grabbed drinks and we were off to KC. Dan and I were both thrilled with the drive because it gave us the opportunity to hear one of our favorite radio shows, "Johnny Dare and Murphy." It's a KC radio show, but had been syndicated in Wichita for a few years, then unceremoniously yanked in favor of "Imus in the Morning." Yawn. I hated the last month of school because I could never find a good radio show for the drive to work. It was nice to hear Johnny again on our way to a new adventure.
As we were quite early for our 1:15 flight when we arrived in KC, we debated stopping at Cabellas outdoor store on the outskirts of town. I eventually swayed Dan against it when I mentioned how awful it would be if we went in to look around and then came out to discover our van wouldnt start or there was horrible traffic or something else that would prevent a smooth trip to the airport. Our van has about 130,000 miles on it and although I have confidence in it, I didnt want to push my luck. Decision made, we headed on to the airport, with the kids practically bouncing out of their seats with excitement. I started doing reminders every 5 minutes, Kids, we are in traffic. Your dad needs to concentrate. Please be quiet. Even to my own ears, I sounded like a nagging mom.
Arriving at the airport about 10:15, we parked in the new economy parking lot at Kansas City International. I took a few moments to note the location of our van in the parking lot in my Passporter and then we pulled, pushed and otherwise struggled to get our mound of luggage to the bus stop. For our family of 5 for a 9 night stay, we had 2 extra large suitcases (at the upper limit of the allowance by the airline), 2 regular size suitcases, a large rolling duffel bag, a stroller, a collapsible cooler stuffed with snacks, a portable DVD carrying case and a backpack for every member of the family except Dan. Somehow we managed to get it on the bus, along with all of us, then into the airport and to the Air Tran counter, which was of course the furtherest from the bus drop off point. Air Tran service was wonderful! First, the security people were great with our kids. At KCI, the terminal is set up in a manner not really conducive to the heightened security. Instead of having a central security check point, you have individual security for every 2-3 gates. Before you can get there, however, your checked baggage goes through a security screen. The only bag that was hand checked was our collapsible cooler. That bag was originally supposed to be Dans carry-on because it was full of crushable snacks like homemade cookies and bags of chips, but he decided he didnt want to mess with it. Im sorry Sir, but Im afraid homemade cookies are not a FAA approved item. Youll have to leave those with me. The security guys were quite the comedians and had our kids laughing as they told stories about each other and Disney.
When our original flights had been changed from Wichita to KC, the customer service representative had gone ahead and made our seat assignments for us, something that normally we wouldnt have been able to do until 24 hours prior to the flight. I was very pleased to find out that we were in row 11 for our flight to Atlanta and row 14 for our flight to Orlando. I just like being at the front of the plane, especially when we need to make a connection.
With our bags checked and lots of time to kill, we went off in search of a place to get some lunch. It was only 10:30 in the morning, but it was 11:30 in Florida and shouldnt we start thinking on Florida time? After walking up and down the terminal, we decided there were no good choices and ended up in a small sports bar. No kids menu, of course, so we ordered 3 adult meals and split them. Originally I had ordered a sandwich called The Alpine Classic, otherwise known as a ham sandwich, to split with Chesney. We ordered 2 burger meals for Dan and the big kids to split. For some reason, this was the start of my kids problem with deciding what to order at restaurants. We didnt have any problem if there were hot dogs on the menu, but when that wasnt an option, the girls would debate and stew until I would just order for them. As soon as the waitress left, Mykiah started pouting because she didnt want a hamburger. I ended up having her share the fancy ham sandwich with Ches and I shared with Brady. Our total for this meal was $38.82, which is really outrageous for our family. This was the most overpriced, most inedible food of the trip. Nice to get that out of the way early.
After our meal, we sat outside the security area. I read, while the kids played Mr. Potato Head (I had bought a classic Potato Head set at KB Toys in anticipation of buying the box of parts at WDW) and Dan watched movies on his DVD player. I think they watched The Mask, which Chesney loves. Finally, we went through security at 12:30. Once you go through security at KCI, theres no access to bathrooms without going through security again. Brady is a compulsive bathroomer so we really tried to wait as long as possible. The plane arrived on time and we were able to preboard because we had small children and it looked like everything was going to go smoothly. I was thrilled to discover that Air Tran uses a funny numbering system so that we were actually in the 5th row of the plane.
Im settled in my seat next to Mykiah, looking forward to reading the latest John Sandford book, when I look up to find the pilot standing at the front of the cabin. This just cant be good. The first thing that flashed through my mind was September 11th and how there were people on planes getting ready to take off and how the pilots must have come out to explain what had happened. Luckily, it was nothing so dramatic. Atlanta was hazed over, which was wreaking havoc with air traffic control. We couldnt arrive at our scheduled time, but had been given a scheduled wheels up time when we would need to be in the air in order to be in Atlanta at the proper time. Instead of taking off at 1:15 pm, we would be taking off about 2:05 pm. Rather than sit at the gate and possibly getting stuck in a traffic jam on the route to the runway, the pilot had requested extra fuel for the plane. We then taxied out to the runway (I assume we pulled to the side so that other planes not going to Atlanta could get past) and he allowed us to get up and use the restroom, stretch our legs, etc. until about 15 minutes before take off. He did make it clear that once he put the seatbelt sign back on, we needed to have our bottoms in our seats or we would miss our scheduled time and be delayed another hour or so. I was prepared to physically help people back to their seats if needed because although we had a nice long layover in Atlanta, I didnt want to push it.
Clutching Mykiahs hand during take-off, I was pleasantly surprised to have a smooth flight that seemed to pass quickly. Im such a nervous flyer and I much prefer to have my nose stuck in a book throughout the flight than to consider the reality of where I am and what Im doing. Having a pilot who keeps his passengers updated and a great flight crew helps with that. We landed in Atlanta not much later than our originally scheduled time due to some nice winds helping us along.
Our main priority here was to get some food into our bodies. I had done some research on the Atlanta airport prior to leaving home and knew that Terminal B looked to be our best bet for a decent meal. Acting like the take charge person I am, I directed my family down to the terminal shuttle, where we took our first ride of the trip. TGI Fridays was just a short walk from the shuttle exit and we were seated within 20 minutes of arriving. What a switch from our lunch in Kansas City! Dan and I both had water to drink, so that helped keep the cost down, but having kids meals available really made a difference. I had a Cobb salad, Dan had a club sandwich and the kids had burgers. Dan apparently has never had a club sandwich because he expected it to be on a bun of some sort rather than bread, but he liked it. The kids ate everything on their plates and I enjoyed my first Cobb, even if it was huge and I gave a lot of it to the kids. Total for this meal was $23.45 plus a $5 for a great, efficient waitress. Still a great deal.
Arriving back in Terminal C, we discovered that our departure gate has been changed, as has the time. I cant remember now exactly how late we were taking off, but I know we landed an hour later than scheduled, so about 11 PM. Again, a smooth flight. I was sitting by Brady and Chesney; Chesney fell asleep as the plane backed away from the gate and I had to wake her up when we reached Orlando. Very nice for me not to have to worry about entertaining her, as she had begun to get cranky. Have I mentioned that I'm a nervous flyer? And that I think flight attendants, who fly daily for a living, are a bit insane? I appreciate them very much, but the pay could never be enough to convince me to fly multiple times in a day for money. I'll do it for a vacation, but not for money.
We walked into an almost empty Orlando airport and headed for baggage claim. Imagine my surprise to see our bags stacked up and waiting for us outside the baggage claim office, which was on the way to our carousel. There had been an earlier flight to Orlando from Atlanta, on which we hadnt been booked because it was full. Apparently they had room for our baggage, however, because it was there when we arrived. Im thrilled and grab my cell phone and call our airport hotel to get the shuttle moving. A Sky Cap walks up while were standing there and asks if wed like help. I have to admit that were not normally the type of people who use bell services in a hotel or a Sky Cap in an airport, but in this case, I was glad for the help. I tell Dan to start loading on luggage, only to have him interrupt my call to the hotel to tell me were missing a piece of luggage. And not just any piece of luggage... the suitcase with all the childrens clothing in it. The person in the baggage claim office says that it may be on our flight, so I tell Dan where to meet the shuttle and keep Chesney with me, while he takes the big kids and luggage to the parking spot to wait for the shuttle. I was scared to death it would arrive while I was waiting for the luggage and leave without us because the hotel had stressed that I wasnt to call until we had collected our baggage. When I called, I thought we did have our baggage, and little details always make me stress, so it was just better to send Dan ahead.
So Im sitting there stressing and trying to think how Im going to dress the kids for the next few days when the luggage from our flight starts coming around. Ches is playing and Im praying. The young woman across from me starts fuming because it looks like most of the luggage is out and her bag hasnt come out yet. I want to go, You aint the only one, honey, but just then out comes our bag, looking so innocent. Silly thing, causing me such worry. I grab the bag and grab Chesney and take off at a brisk walk for A34. Only two problems. One -- this bag is heavy and doesnt have wheels. Im carrying my super heavy carry on and trying to herd Chesney as well as carry the suitcase. Not fun. Two -- I have no idea where A34 is. Or what it is, for that matter. I call Dans cell phone and tell him that Ive got the bag, but cant find him. Turns out Ive got to go down a floor and find a parking space. Thank heavens for that Sky Cap or we never would have found it.
Even with all my panic and waiting, theres still no van at the designated spot. I think we waited about 10 minutes after I arrived, but it gave me a chance to calm down. When he finally arrived, the driver told us he had to pick up another passenger on the other side of the airport before he could take us to the hotel. I was exhausted by this time and a bit aggravated that only half the seat belts in the van worked, but what could I do. I put my kids in the seat with the working belt and tried not to worry too much. Dan tried to start up a conversation with the driver, but he clearly didnt know much English, so we just rode. The other couple we picked up had no luggage and were dropped off at a different hotel. It was just a few buildings down from the Sleep Inn and Suites, our destination.
We were quickly checked into our suite and dragged all our luggage up. Total bill was $92.30 for a suite that included two double beds and a pull out loveseat. For this first night, I wanted everyone to have their own bed so we could get a good night's rest. Looking back, I probably should have just reserved a cheaper room somewhere and slept with the two girls while Dan and Brady slept together, but at the time I was thinking we needed the bed space. The kids and Dan immediately liked the room, even asking if we could just stay here for the entire vacation. Our delight with the room vanished when I went to pull out the sofa bed and not only isnt it made up, but there arent even any sheets or pillows in the room for the sofa bed. So basically I paid extra for something thats not even available. I called the front desk and was told I could come down and get bedding. Excuse me, but when I pay for a suite, I expect to not have to make a bed. Brady ended up sleeping on the sofa without it being pulled out because I was just too tired to make it up and he didnt care.
I had thought ahead and packed a bag specifically for this night, so we only needed to get into one suitcase. Everyone changed into pajamas and crawled into bed by midnight. Alarm set for 6 am. Tomorrow there were definitely some big doins going on.
To read Day 2: The One Where We Discover Disney Magic, click
here
There's no way our family could have survived that. I had to take DS5 twice while we were waiting at our first gate.
