First timers trip report...Update pg2 #26 Pandemonium *Fixed the PICS LINK!!!!!!!*

[medicgirl_911]

OK I had been lurking on the boards for a while before our trip. Posted a few here and there, but there were so many answers already to questions I had that I really didn't need to post a lot. I also subscribed to TGM (LOVED IT!)
A little background on us--
Me- Tif, 30, ER Nurse, extreme fear of flying, never been to Disney, my parents were the ones who always said "one of these days we are taking you kids to disney but one of those days never came. I have ALWAYS wanted to go. Married for 9 1/2 years. Not a thrill rider
DH-- 32, pipefitter, just got back from Iraq in Feb. Before he deployed to Iraq in 10/04 we told our daughter when daddy came home we were celebrating with a trip to WDW. Checking on stuff for Disney came a passtime for me and an inspitration dreaming of when my family would be complete once again. My husband was injured in an explosion, the soldier with him died. My husband has some probs with PTSD (flashbacks, sudden loud noises freak him out, starts getting really shaky and anxious in large crowds now) He really was not looking to forward to WDW now like he had before. Also not a thrill rider
DD-- 6, in kindergarten, very much daddys girl, kind of princess/pirate mix LOL Basically this trip is all about her.
Some of the upcoming plans we had... Wonderland Tea Party, Bibbidy Bobbidy Boutique, several character meals, Hoop-dee doo revue.
Well lets begin.....
12 hours before our trip its time to start packing for our trip. YIKES! Now I know some of you pack months ahead, but that is so not me. We were out of town the weekend in Chicago for my daughters state tumbling meet, I can only deal with packing and stress for one thing at a time.
We left out of Moline International Airport in Illinois (International LOL it has like 2 terminals hehehe we are small town hicks!) We didnt fly out til 1:30 which was nice since we arent naturally early risers (I work 12 hour nights)
Now up until the moment the plane started moving I was fine. The memory of my mild panic attacks flying to visit DH at the hospital was a distant memory. (kind of like childbirth, you forget those painful moments in favor of the more pleasant ones, or else you would never go through it again).
The plane begins to move.
I grab my husbands arm, apparently quite hard because he looks like it actually hurt him.
We are moving faster.
What is wrong with you?? he asks
I want off this plane now, I don't care about Disney, I want off! And I begin to cry, real tears, gripping tighter to his arms, please let me off the plane I beg him.
He is trying to be rational to me, that isn't possible he says.
My DD is looking at me like I am a crazy person.
OMG we are in the air, why is the plane feeling like it is dipping up and down, omg we are going to crash I just know it.
Apparently my nails are really digging into my husbands arm, he is trying to remove his arm from him and comfort me at the same time. I cry and hyperventilate until we get stable in the air.
Now once in the air I am ok. No matter what I will not get up and actually move in the plane mind you, I dont care how bad I may have to pee, I aint moving.
My daughter seems relieved that I appear to be her calm, cool mother once again. Thank goodness it was a direct flight to Orlando, I dont think I could have done so well again (lol) My husband couldnt believe that I freaked out so bad, we had never flown together before, never had a honeymoon or anything like that. The flight was uneventful, my daughter watched her fave movie on her portable DVD player....which would be the Disney Planning DVD. The people sitting behind us were also going to WDW and I noticed their son was watching her DVD from between the seats. I had her take the headphones out so he could hear as well. Then the lady sitting across the aisle began making noises like it was driving her crazy to hear it so we had to cut that short. The ohter boys mom asked where we got the video. "Didnt you get the planning video when you booked your trip?" "Oh we got somehting in the mail about planning but never opened it. What is there to know about planning??" Umm ok. "So have you made any dinner reservations?" I ask. "No we will figure that out when we get there, but I did hear that resteraunt at Cinderellas castle is nice, we may try that one out." "Ummm goodluck with that" I think. But I say Oh yeah I heard that too. Hate to burst her bubble ya know. So before I know it we are getting ready to land. This one goes a bit better, I am again clawing at my DH arm again He is being reasuring and telling me its all going to be OK. A bit of panic starts to set in, he tells me its OK sweety everything will be just fine. Now keep in mind I have headphones on trying to use the XM radio to help sooth me, and apparently I said much louder than I ever intended....."Fine??Fine?? We are hurdling towards the Earth at a thousand miles an hour and you think thats fine?!?!?! That is just not natural!!!!!"
What looks like the entire 20 seats around us is now turned around looking and cracking up laughing at me. At least I wasnt crying this time. We of course landed safely on the ground......WOOHOOO WE ARE HERE IN SUNNY FLORIDA!!!!!!
More to ocme in hte AM but I got to hit the hay!

 

[AmyBWV99]

We are from Davenport, I have to agree with that whole International thing I mean where does anything go internationally????? My husband and I have tried figuring that one out for years! 2 years ago we were flying out Memorial Day weekend to WDW and we were in the west side of the airport waiting for our flight to take off 6:30am mind you (yuck) and they kept delaying the take off time. We knew there were storms anticipated but had no clue how close we turned looked out that huge bank of windows to see Milan being struck multiple times by lighting. Then once the worst passed they boarded us and sent us to Chicago, sounds easy enough but you can't get that high going that short of a flight I guess; so we thumped around all the way there, I was freaking out. The over head bins were opening and things were falling out. I was determined to walk back to Davenport once they put us back on the ground. But my husband convinced me otherwise, after waiting for 5 hours due to weather delays in Chi, and a few cocktails i managed to force myself back on.....you so have my empathy.....

 

[fizz13]

Good start, will have to read it all to see how you handle the flight back now
Claire xx

 

[MomofCKJ]

Subscribing! Can't wait to hear the rest of your story! And oh I hear you on that lady behind you. Some people don't get it and it just boggles my mind. I guess we just aren't all born planners!

Allyson

 

[medicgirl_911]

Yaaay! We are safely on the ground, I finally look out the airplane window expecting to see Palm Trees and Orange Groves as far as the eye could see... what the heck, it looks like...like...like an airport. OK I guess Orlando Airport is not interested in creating magic for me on my arrival LOL, I really need to get over myself.
We are herded off the plane, it seems as if a lot of people must be going to WDW as well, because a really happy excited buzz has consumed the plane. Inside myself I want to just jump and down and shout YIPEEEEEEE!!!!!! It doesn't seem possible that we are finally here! The entire pre trip planning I kept waiting for the worst to come and that we would have to cancel our non refundable trip. It never happened and I can't believe it, my life usually does not work out this way.
First stop , well after the bathroom-- I wouldn't get up to use the restroom during the 2 1/2 hour flight remember, was Disneys Magical Express. Passed by the disney earport store, and fought my daughter that we were not going in there because we will see all that stuff when we are actually at WDW. After reading some of the reviews here about this I was a little nervous about it. Found Magical Express pretty simply and proceeded to our bus. Nicely, it wasn't crowded and it left about 10 minutes after we boarded. The video was entertaining to my daughter but I was busy gawking out my window waiting for the first glimpse of any sign of WDW. My DH was just content to be sitting in a more comfortable seat than the one on Airtran. The driver had everyone cheer for which resort they would be going to, POP (us) or ASMo, ASSp or ASMu they were all meager responses, but he got everyone really fired up and the next round we were all cheering for our approiate resort choice. I have to remember that I don't have to be my usual reserved, quiet self here. I leaned over and told my DH that POP would be the first drop off. "The driver didn't say that" he says. "I know he didn't say that, but we will be" I reply He kind of half rolled his eyes at me like Ok whatever.
I start seeing THE SIGNS!!!! Oh man we are almost there!!!!!! I am gaping out the window just trying to take it all in. I expected to see the Castle as we began our approach but no such luck, (LOL no laughing at the newbies ok!) My closest related theme park experience was Six Flags Great America in Chicago when I was in highschool and you can see the coasters from a ways out.
The driver announces we will first be stopping at the Pop Century. I shoot my husband a knowing look and he just laughs at me. Score 1 for the Dis! We are let out and have a good look at our surroundings. The theming is just like in the pics, it really is pretty cute. There are people waiting to catch Magical Express and there are cast members drawing on the pavement with chalk and hula hooping with some of the kids. How cute is that! Convince our DD that she does not need to show off her hula hooping skills at this time and walk in the door. Before seeing it I tell my husband "Why don't you take Mackenzie to watch a movie in the kids area, I will get us checked in" He gives me a weird look, we turn the corner and right there it is! "See honey, right there it is" I point out. Another weird look. Score 2 for the Dis!! It really isnt very crowded, I only had to wait about 5 minutes in the check in line
The CM is givng me instructions, explaining EMH to me, hey I already know this stuff, I am beginning to feel very confident now. Then she explains the dining plan we had bought, hey I know this stuff too! Then she explains to me (as I posted under the dining plan forum) how Disney does not differentiate between child and adult credits, so by all means pay for your childs meals out of pocket and use the extra credis for more adult meals!!!! I really did think I was having an audible hallucination at that point after catching a few of the debate threads on the Dis about this subject. Eventually we are given our keys and off to find our room. We exit near the Hippity pool and look around. WOW, this place is huge. I should explain that we are from a very small town in a rural part of Illinois. Our town has 2500 people in it and really just one stoplight, so I was a little in awe at all the people and the thought of how many people must be in this resort alone. There are more people in this resort than the town I live in.
I remembered when checking in that I had forgot to fax in a room request, and I am curious about what fate has dealt us so we go to check out our home away from home for the next 5 days. Room 3140. It is in the 50's section first floor. UH OH I had heard bad stories about the first floor. It is off by the lake almost the last room in building 3. The front looked out onto a little grassy area with trees that obscured a lot of the view. It seemed very peaceful actually. Turn to the left you could see the walkway to the pools, etc, to the right a gorgeous view of the lake. to the front, the mini forest as I began calling it. ( fast forward a bit, this area remained quiet and peaceful our entire trip, no kids running by screaming, on a rare occasion we would hear another toilet flush if we were in the bathroom at that time never heard any noise overhead or next door to us at all!! It was a great location, a bit of a walk but worth it!)
Opened the door to the room...it was ok. Not spectacular or anything. We had just stayed the weekend at a super nice Hilton that had pillow top mattress, huge TV in a gorgeous armoire, granite countertops in the bathroom, chocolates on the pillow, etc. Sat down on the bed. It was sooo hard, it was like I just sat down on a bench! There is no way I will ever be able to sleep here. The room seemed small compared to our luxurious stay over the weekend. But who the heck cares we are at DISNEY!!!!! It's 6:00pm and we should have rested of course but we were taking our newbie butts to the MK!!!
Stay tuned!

 

[averill94]

You took the words out of my mouth- flying in an airplane is just not natural!
The whole idea makes me sick blech! My husband keeps saying that I should learn how an airplane works and that will put me at ease. No thanks!
My last trip I called the Dr. and he came me a prescription just for the plane and it worked well- got me on the plane and off. Sorry you had such a cruddy flight- cant wait to read more!

 

[bbump]

Love the report sofar,

Can't wait to hear more.......
Hope you had a fantastic time!!

 

[medicgirl_911]

Ok so its about 6:00 and we head to the MK! YAAAAAY!!!!!
DO the bus transportation tho the park, there are just a few people in line, no biggie, I dont know what the fuss was all about from the things I had read. This was quite nice and easy. We get dropped off, and are told to make sure we note the number of the stop for our return, number 18. Last bus stop I notice. I get this slight twinge of feeling like a 3rd class citizen, you know one of the ones aboard the titanic, who had those lower rooms, but hey we are at DISNEY! We begin our trek toward the gates. It is really so beautiful, I can't believe it. By about bus stop number 15 DD is wanting to be carried, by about the boat launch she is up on DH's shoulders. We had talked about renting a stroller for our DD, my husband had said Oh she is too old for one of those things, by the front gate he is asking where the stroller rental is LOL. Now my DD is not a big girl by any means, she weighs 40 pounds. But I think my DH knew what the future held from that point. So we get in and get a stroller, definetly opting for the length of stay rental and saving two bucks a day. DD is thrilled with her new means of transportation and jumps in for her chaffuered cruise through the MK.
We emerge and there she is in all of grandeur....Cindys Castle....Gasp...Stare...We stand for a few minutes and gaze down main street, bustling with people, the castle looming in the distance, the tears welling up in my eyes. It is so indescribable, it is just like every picture I have ever seen, everything I had always envisioned in my head, it is just such a perfect moment. The tears are streaming down my face at this point and my DH hugs me and I tell him how happy I am and I just can't believe we are actually here!! Out of the front pipes up DD "So are we going to keep sitting here or what??" LOL Ok moment over!
We planned this night to be just to wander around catch some sites, if we see a ride with a minimal line we will hop on, I really wanted to try Columbia Harbour House for dinner. By this time its 7:30 I must have been wrong about the time we left the hotel, stupid time change I had forgot to reset my watch LOL. Tonite is Spectromagic I reminded my husband. Oh ya, the firework thing right? SIGH I explain Wishes/Spectro AGAIN. I had went over our itinerary like every day with him, changes I had made, where we would be eating, what parks and events we would be doing.....HELLO?!?!?!?
So we wander about looking at sites on our way to Columbia Harbour House real relaxed like. My hubby on our way down Main Street: "What are all these people sitting on the curb for?" Me: Hello?? The Spectro parade remember?? DH: Already they are lining up for it, I thought you said it started at 9:00?? Hmm guess he ws listening a little bit. Me: Yes they are already lining up for it. DH is starting to look a little freaked out. DH: Where are we going to be??? Me: Don't worry honey remember that Tour Guide Mike thing you couldnt believe I spent 20 bucks on, it listed some great places to watch Spectro from. My hubby isn't as easily convinced. We get to Columbia Harbour House and it is closed Darn! The area is actualy looking a little congested and I see the Diamond Horseshoe & Jesse and Woody are there! We go in and have like a 3 minute wait to meet them, MY DD was so excited, this was her first set of characers, she was thrilled!! We got some great pics her autograph book signed and wandered back out. Went to Pecos Bills, WTH it was closed too Well I had always wanted to try a turkey leg so we each got one of those and my DD only wanted popcorn. So we head to the spot recommended by TGM and have a seat on a large planter. LUVIN THE TURKEY LEG, but man is it messy and hard to eat! DD isnt eating her popcorn now she wants a pretzel. OK so DH goes to get a pretzel and we stay put. DH sits back down and this older gent comes up and stands beside us, we are still working those turkey legs. A few minutes later his wife joins him. They are standing right next to us so I can't not hear her remarks. "Why are they sitting there??" OK now I am actually really paying attention. Are we doing something wrong I am wondering? She continues on to her hubby. "Well were they there when you got here?" Him "yes dear they were" Now she is just really pissy and making a big to do about sitting on the side facing part of the planter. Keeps sighing and acting really huffy. "I can't believe they were here before you got here." I now decide I am in love with Tour Guide Mike, these must be good seats. Her: "Well you know there are going to be people ending up standing in front of us now." Him: "Its fine dear, we will still have a great view." More huffing and puffing from Her. The area is defiently getting mroe crowded now and they have CM out in front of us having kids doing jumprope and hula hoop. I ask my DD if she wants to join in. Nope. And she is not eating her pretzel. I lean in to give her a kiss on the cheek. Crap she has a fever. She started with an ear infection on Thursday and has been on an antibiotic since Friday (its Monday), she seemed to be doing better. Her fever doesnt seem to be too high, as judged with the MOMS INSTA-THERMOMETER --my lips and hand. She says he feels OK and doesnt want to leave, badmom doesnt fight her on the issue, besides they are making the announcment about Spectro starting in a few minutes. "Her" is still maintaing her huffing and puffing, DD isn't feeling well and isn't eating, I realize she hasnt ate since 1130 on our quick trip through McDOnalds on our way to the airport. She is drinking water and has been drinking all day though. She decides she wants a funnel cake. Well I can see the super huge funnel cake line from here, and they do look supergood, but I say no because A. she probably wont eat it anyway like the pretzel and popcorn. B. OMG the line is huge and C. Spectro is about to start. DD starts to cry, "Her" is still huffing and puffing with "Him" trying to placate her and Hubby is oblivious chomping away on the popcorn. The balloon--I forgot the balloon is bouncing away smacking everyone else in the face, which may be contributing to "Her" huffing and puffing.
Relax, Breathe, Tie the balloon up better (why did no one at the Dis tell me not to buy a balloon??) A little peaceful feeing sweeps over me I offer "Her" my seat and scoot the stroller over as much as I can and plop my butt down on the hot concrete. Pull my daughter onto my lap and give her hugs and kisses so she will stop crying. Then it happens, the lights go dark, the music starts, and here it comes!!!!!!!!!!
We are clapping and cheering,the spectro clowns are a little on the creepy side IMO. It all happened so fast now it seems, that I cant remember which characters came in what order, but it was awesome. It seemed as if each one was waving directly to my DD. One of the fairy godmothers gave her a special wave and tip of the magic wand, I just know it was meant specifically for her LOL! The look on her face and DH face was so priceless. The whole thing was just so incredible, the music the lights the characters, guess who was all teared up again LOL!
Too soon spectro was over. Now me and the huby are smokers We go to the appropriate space over near by the Crystal Palace hte area is a mad house, yes there are quite a few smoking, a lot of people are using it as a shorcut as well. it really is a madhouse. We are standing at the ashtray out of the way as best we can. CRASH!!!!! I am slammed into by a fast moving stroller. The lady backs up, does not apologize, and makes a big to do about coughing and loudly exclaiming to everyone in her party how disgusting, this is so nasty, and rude, etc. Ok now by this time I have had my fill. Let me first state that I always use proper smoking areas, I do not throw my ends on the ground, yada yada yada. Everything is so crowded that she is basically stalled right in front of me. Again I have had my fill, I rather loudly state "What I think is rude is crashing into someone with a stroller and not apologizing," and as she is now shooting me a very mean look as she is walking away "and if you dont like smoke, you probably shouldnt go into the smoking area." OK OK OK not my finest Disney moment but I was going on 3 hours sleep here. Not an excuse I know.
Time to pick up DD from school, but I will add more tonite. Hopefully with PICS!!!!! Yaay!

 

[spokanemom]

Very good report. I especially like the moment standing in front of the castle with tears falling down your face and your daughter wanting you to get a move on. That would be me and my boys. Tender moments don't get to happen for very long.

I am excited to read the rest of your journey.

 

[Quinn222]

I rather loudly state "What I think is rude is crashing into someone with a stroller and not apologizing,"

OMG you accosted a stroller nazi! My hero!!! People use those strollers like weapons and they never seem to care that they've plowed right into you or shoved you off a path.

 

[fizz13]

I am definately feeling the magic from your report, am tearing up everytime you say you're tearing up, Spectro was a brilliant way to spend your first night, for a beginner I'd say you're doing ok
Claire xx

 

[medicgirl_911]

Ok here are a few pics I was able to get gathered up, Keep in mind I am not a photo pro, with just a standard digital camera, but I think there are some good ones. I have a bunch more, and will be adding, but I just got called into work so gotta go get ready, if it is a slow nite in the ER I will add some more to my report!
Here is the NEW link!!!!

Oh ya, no laughing at me with my still wet hair and no makeup!

5/11 OK ALL Sorry about the mix-up, I fixed the link!!!!

 

[2infinity&B-ond]

Loving it so far!!!

Please tell your DH thank you for serving our country. What unbelievable sacrifices you must all have made to keep us all safe and free. My DH was in the Marines and was ready to go to Kosovo...luckily he never had too. And thanks to you and your DD for being part of a military family. I only had to do it for 4 years...and when my DH deployed he wasn't headed anywhere too dangerous...I hated when he was deployed, or even in the field for more than a few days...you must be one strong woman...so thank you!

 

[vital]

Great report! I'm going in June as a newbie with DS6. You sure sound like me, a former ER nurse, in what go on your nerves. The huffing and puffing woman and the stroller lady would've teed me off also! I'm trying to psych myself up for the rudeness and try not to say anything to the people!

 

[wdwr]

Ok here are a few pics I was able to get gathered up, Keep in mind I am not a photo pro, with just a standard digital camera, but I think there are some good ones. I have a bunch more, and will be adding, but I just got called into work so gotta go get ready, if it is a slow nite in the ER I will add some more to my report! Here is the link!

Oh ya, no laughing at me with my still wet hair and no makeup!

I was all excited to see your pictures and then the link asked for a password. I just couldn't think like you to guess your password. Guess I'll have to wait.

BTW, I have to tell the truth...I did laugh at the newbies. Sorry. It was the comment about seeing the Castle from the ME bus.

I'll be back to check on your report.

 

[FSUDisneyGirl]

Fun trip report!

I tried to look at your pictures, and it said that I needed a password. Can you give us any help with that?

Looking forward to reading more!

 

[dismom9761]

Great report!!Looking forward to reading more. I would also like to look at the pictures.

 

[spookyuki]

yes!! Please give us the password!

 

[awesomepinktink]

love the trip report so far , could we please have the pasword

 

[fizz13]

Yes, what is the magic word? Pixiedust....castle....spectro....please fill us in
Claire xx