ChisJo
Cause afterall, a dream that you wish, will come t
- Joined
- Jan 29, 2001
- Messages
- 2,303
Hey Everyone,
I got back this morning at 4am and am exhausted, but if I go back to sleep I know I won't be able to sleep tonight, so I thought I would do a trip report instead.
I headed out and have to say, I am not impressed with America West....Old planes and the staff were not the most interested in their job or customer service. The flight was delayed by an hour (really not that bad) but they didn't inform us until about 20 minutes to the scheduled departure which was kind of irritating, and offered NO apologies at any time. Also, the flight home, I didn't have a "zone" on my ticket (for boarding) so I waited for most people to get seated before I went up to get onto the plane, and they told me they had a weight restriction so I wsn't able to get onto the plane. Considering that was my connector flight, I was tired and just wanted to get home....oh, and it was the red-eye too, so I just wanted to sleep. They also said that if I didn't get onto the plane, pretty much, I had to wait for the next Edmonton bound plane which was to leave on Sunday night - AND I was responsible for the hotel, etc., for the night. Regardless, I was a little irritated but they got me on (they said it was because I was ravelling solo - otherwise, I would have been left with all the others).
Regardless, I got there and stayed at Celebrity resorts and spas, a timeshare resort off 192 in Kissimmee. WOW! This place was bigger then my boyfriends condo. Stunning and gorgeous. I got a kitchen in the suite and have to say I loved it! It was so convenient and it was nice to not have to pay for breakfast once throughout the trip (what a cost saver!).
I spent the first day at Universal studios and it was packed. I got the controversial Express Plus pass and cruised through both parks by 6pm. I ate at Mythos, and it was so-so. I didn't really like what I had ordered (the Oriental Chicken Salad) but, it wasn't what I was expecting. I was so tired, but I ended up going to the Adventurers Club to go meet a friend for some fun. I love this place. I was impressed that there were no children at the club, as they did have some pretty touchy topics.
Monday I went to the Animal Kingdom. I used Tour Guide Mike's quick guides for the first time, and it was a little outdated for this park, so I was a little bothered, but I was overall happy with the services from Tour Guide Mike. I got to ride Everest and I LOVED it! I then got stuck in the parade, which I wasn't really interested in seeing, but I literally couldn't get out of the park for a while. I was very tired (still getting used to the time change) and I suffer a bit from claustrophobia, so my heart was racing and I just wanted to leave. Finally, I escaped - thanks to a very helpful disney worker. Anyways, I love the Animal Kingdom. I always enjoy this park and I wouldn't miss it. Again, I was surprised at how busy the parks were - I didn't expect them to be this packed. Everest had a wait of 70+ min. at about 11am. Tonight I ate at a place called Bahama Breeze (it's on 595 and Vineland) and there was live reggae entertainment there. It was awesome. I really liked it.
Tuesday I went to MK - I have to say that I really don't like this park. I think it ranks last of all the parks. I think if I had children I would like it more, but otherwise, I don't find the rides to be enjoyable (more of a thrill seeker here). I did the major rides and found that space mountain and Big thunder mountain to be quite rough, but I did them none-the-less. I LOVED Mickey's Philharmagic - that was the BEST 3-d I have ever seen (and the smell of the cinamon apple pie was a nice touch too!) By noon, all I wanted to do was to get my photo with Cinderella, and when I went to Toontown, the wait was 80 minutes! I left the park at this point to come back later. I did see the coronation of Cinderalla, and that was quite cute, but didn't stay for the parade or fireworks. I went to Sandwich of Earl in DTD and got my Art of Disney pic for the trip, enjoyed the Christmas store and went to the hotel for a little pool time and relaxation. I went back later and got a great photo of Cinderella. Overall, the day was good.
Wednesday, I headed for Epcot and rode Soarin for the first time. What a cool ride. I got Concourse B, front row (the ultimate seat, I swear) and it was really well done. I got onto all the rides that I wanted to get onto by 11am and then headed for World Showcase, where, as is tradition for me, I got a margheritta at mexico, a beer in Germany, and a wine in France. I ate in China and had the Express Orange Chicken and Rice (yummy!) and thoroughly enjoyed my day. I got a couple photos with some characters today and headed out by 5pm. I went to Jellyrolls tonight, and was the first person to walk in the doors - I was there at 7:30. Next trip, I definately will not be there so early. Another thing about Jellyrolls, I felt really awkward being a solo traveller there. I had multiple tables coming up to me and asking me to join them because I looked all alone. It was really strange and I didn't really like it. It was nice the first time, but when more people kept asking me to join them, I got uncomfortable and left. The pianists were great and they involved me alot, but I left by 10:30. I would recommend this place to anyone!
Thursday was my free day - went to Florida Mall and visited Bath and Body works (if you go, you must sample the new Japanese Cherry Blossom lotion - OMG! Fantastic!), Victorias Secret, & Sephora. I relaxed by the pool, read some of my book, watched a movie and just took a breather for the day.
Friday was nice - it was MGM day, seriously my favoritist park! I LOVE the TOT, and rode it 3 times in the morning and once in the afternoon. I never waited for the ride (thanks to Tour Guide Mike) and really enjoyed my day. I realized that I don't like RnR coaster (too rough) and the Beauty and the Beast show was NOT my thing. Loved Indianna Jones (a little comedy to it) and the backlot tour was a waste of time, as was the great movie ride! I got a GREAT photo with Mickey and the entire gang from Toy Story, and had a great time here. I ate at the Hollywood Brown Derby - yeah, don't really know what the fuss is with this restaurant. I didn't think it was that great and it was completely overpriced! I also tried for lunch the 50's prime time Cafe. I ate at the bar, so I think I didn't get the whole ambiance of the place, otherwise, the restaurant was OK.
Saturday was a little more shopping at some of my favorite outlet malls and stores, and headed to the airport for the ride home.
I had a great time - but I don't think that I can do the parks solo again. This was my second time and I found it a little bit more lonely than I was expecting it to be. I also was able to complete the parks mostly by noon, so found that I had all this free time I wasn't expecting to have. Otherwise, I had a great time.
Thanks for all the help in planning....Now time to plan for our convocation trip in January!
Jo
I got back this morning at 4am and am exhausted, but if I go back to sleep I know I won't be able to sleep tonight, so I thought I would do a trip report instead.
I headed out and have to say, I am not impressed with America West....Old planes and the staff were not the most interested in their job or customer service. The flight was delayed by an hour (really not that bad) but they didn't inform us until about 20 minutes to the scheduled departure which was kind of irritating, and offered NO apologies at any time. Also, the flight home, I didn't have a "zone" on my ticket (for boarding) so I waited for most people to get seated before I went up to get onto the plane, and they told me they had a weight restriction so I wsn't able to get onto the plane. Considering that was my connector flight, I was tired and just wanted to get home....oh, and it was the red-eye too, so I just wanted to sleep. They also said that if I didn't get onto the plane, pretty much, I had to wait for the next Edmonton bound plane which was to leave on Sunday night - AND I was responsible for the hotel, etc., for the night. Regardless, I was a little irritated but they got me on (they said it was because I was ravelling solo - otherwise, I would have been left with all the others).
Regardless, I got there and stayed at Celebrity resorts and spas, a timeshare resort off 192 in Kissimmee. WOW! This place was bigger then my boyfriends condo. Stunning and gorgeous. I got a kitchen in the suite and have to say I loved it! It was so convenient and it was nice to not have to pay for breakfast once throughout the trip (what a cost saver!).
I spent the first day at Universal studios and it was packed. I got the controversial Express Plus pass and cruised through both parks by 6pm. I ate at Mythos, and it was so-so. I didn't really like what I had ordered (the Oriental Chicken Salad) but, it wasn't what I was expecting. I was so tired, but I ended up going to the Adventurers Club to go meet a friend for some fun. I love this place. I was impressed that there were no children at the club, as they did have some pretty touchy topics.
Monday I went to the Animal Kingdom. I used Tour Guide Mike's quick guides for the first time, and it was a little outdated for this park, so I was a little bothered, but I was overall happy with the services from Tour Guide Mike. I got to ride Everest and I LOVED it! I then got stuck in the parade, which I wasn't really interested in seeing, but I literally couldn't get out of the park for a while. I was very tired (still getting used to the time change) and I suffer a bit from claustrophobia, so my heart was racing and I just wanted to leave. Finally, I escaped - thanks to a very helpful disney worker. Anyways, I love the Animal Kingdom. I always enjoy this park and I wouldn't miss it. Again, I was surprised at how busy the parks were - I didn't expect them to be this packed. Everest had a wait of 70+ min. at about 11am. Tonight I ate at a place called Bahama Breeze (it's on 595 and Vineland) and there was live reggae entertainment there. It was awesome. I really liked it.
Tuesday I went to MK - I have to say that I really don't like this park. I think it ranks last of all the parks. I think if I had children I would like it more, but otherwise, I don't find the rides to be enjoyable (more of a thrill seeker here). I did the major rides and found that space mountain and Big thunder mountain to be quite rough, but I did them none-the-less. I LOVED Mickey's Philharmagic - that was the BEST 3-d I have ever seen (and the smell of the cinamon apple pie was a nice touch too!) By noon, all I wanted to do was to get my photo with Cinderella, and when I went to Toontown, the wait was 80 minutes! I left the park at this point to come back later. I did see the coronation of Cinderalla, and that was quite cute, but didn't stay for the parade or fireworks. I went to Sandwich of Earl in DTD and got my Art of Disney pic for the trip, enjoyed the Christmas store and went to the hotel for a little pool time and relaxation. I went back later and got a great photo of Cinderella. Overall, the day was good.
Wednesday, I headed for Epcot and rode Soarin for the first time. What a cool ride. I got Concourse B, front row (the ultimate seat, I swear) and it was really well done. I got onto all the rides that I wanted to get onto by 11am and then headed for World Showcase, where, as is tradition for me, I got a margheritta at mexico, a beer in Germany, and a wine in France. I ate in China and had the Express Orange Chicken and Rice (yummy!) and thoroughly enjoyed my day. I got a couple photos with some characters today and headed out by 5pm. I went to Jellyrolls tonight, and was the first person to walk in the doors - I was there at 7:30. Next trip, I definately will not be there so early. Another thing about Jellyrolls, I felt really awkward being a solo traveller there. I had multiple tables coming up to me and asking me to join them because I looked all alone. It was really strange and I didn't really like it. It was nice the first time, but when more people kept asking me to join them, I got uncomfortable and left. The pianists were great and they involved me alot, but I left by 10:30. I would recommend this place to anyone!
Thursday was my free day - went to Florida Mall and visited Bath and Body works (if you go, you must sample the new Japanese Cherry Blossom lotion - OMG! Fantastic!), Victorias Secret, & Sephora. I relaxed by the pool, read some of my book, watched a movie and just took a breather for the day.
Friday was nice - it was MGM day, seriously my favoritist park! I LOVE the TOT, and rode it 3 times in the morning and once in the afternoon. I never waited for the ride (thanks to Tour Guide Mike) and really enjoyed my day. I realized that I don't like RnR coaster (too rough) and the Beauty and the Beast show was NOT my thing. Loved Indianna Jones (a little comedy to it) and the backlot tour was a waste of time, as was the great movie ride! I got a GREAT photo with Mickey and the entire gang from Toy Story, and had a great time here. I ate at the Hollywood Brown Derby - yeah, don't really know what the fuss is with this restaurant. I didn't think it was that great and it was completely overpriced! I also tried for lunch the 50's prime time Cafe. I ate at the bar, so I think I didn't get the whole ambiance of the place, otherwise, the restaurant was OK.
Saturday was a little more shopping at some of my favorite outlet malls and stores, and headed to the airport for the ride home.
I had a great time - but I don't think that I can do the parks solo again. This was my second time and I found it a little bit more lonely than I was expecting it to be. I also was able to complete the parks mostly by noon, so found that I had all this free time I wasn't expecting to have. Otherwise, I had a great time.
Thanks for all the help in planning....Now time to plan for our convocation trip in January!
Jo
.
