Ginger Family Getaway: 8/30-9/6 Trip Report DAY 7 & 8 UPDATED 10/2

Day 8 (September 6)

I forgot to mention that we received our dreaded Magical Express envelope under the door on the night of Day 6. I had to show it to Granny and, yes, I almost cried. Well, not really, but I faux cried. Our flight was scheduled to depart at 11:30AM, and our Magical Express pick-up time was for 8:45AM.

Sorry – no photos from our last day – too much craziness to have the camera out.

Anywho… we woke bright and early on Saturday, Sept. 6 – I believe around 5:30AM. So many people to shower, dress and feed. We first took our luggage to the baggage check-in desk outside the Polynesian – there was no line and we were quickly processed. Then we went over to Captain Cook’s for a speedy breakfast. We still had 2 counter service credits to use, and we split 2 breakfast platters and also ordered an extra side of potatoes. Our bellies full and spirits defiitely lowered, we made our way to the Magical Express bus stop in front of the Polynesian – my goal was to make it there by 8:40AM, and we succeeded. There were several empty benches, and we grabbed one. It wasn’t that long of a wait, thankfully. Jon pushed Aubree around as we waited, and we reflected on our fun vacation. While we were sad to leave, we were also somewhat looking forward to our return home. Granny had been gone over her birthday and also her 52nd anniversary, so she was definitely looking forward to getting home to my Dad.

Our Magical Express bus arrived right around 8:45AM, and we made our way to the line that had formed. The driver put our carry-ons and stroller under the bus, and we boarded finding out that there were barely any seats left. Jon and I made our way to the back with Aubree hoping to find more seats – no such luck, except for 2 seats near the very back. We took those with Aubree sitting on Jon’s lap and motioned to Granny to grab 2 in the middle – they were able to get 2 near each other, but I did feel bad that Barry didn’t get to sit next to Granny. He was fine and Granny was only one seat away from him. Still – it just kinda puts a bitter taste in my mind about riding Magical Express if your small 5 person group can’t get seats together enough for an adult to sit directly next to a child. I know that there were probably other people separated, and it could have been worse, so I’ll stop venting about that now. Thankfully, we were the last resort stop, and we were soon departing for the airport. Granny later told me that a little boy vomited near them, and a fellow passenger helped clean it up with some paper towels she had with her. I didn’t even notice that this happened. I’m glad I didn’t - Granny said it was pretty stinky! LOL

We needed to get off at Terminal B, but it really didn’t take too long to finally get there after dropping off the other passengers.

Our kind driver gathered our bags for us, and we tipped him accordingly (I also did this on our trip to the resort). We had 4 bags plus the stroller, so it was well worth stowing them under the bus. All in all, I am still a big fan of the FREE Magical Express service.

After a quick restroom stop, we headed to the security checkpoint. I was very nervous after seeing the lines when we landed in Orlando the previous Saturday. We had our IDs checked and were told to head to the last line on the right – upon getting there, I realized it was the family line. I felt much more at ease knowing I wasn’t holding up anyone in this dedicated line. The whole thing was painless, and we soon had Aubree back in her stroller. Our gate was the very last one at the end – after we found seats, Jon and Barry went off to get juice and my Diet Pepsi.

Can I just say, how much I LOVE the red gate check bag I have for the stroller? It was great. It kept the stroller clean, and we didn’t have any trouble with it. I simply attached the gate check tag (obtained from the gate agent) to the handle so it was visible from the top of the bag. Then we made our way down the jetway (I think that’s the word?) and deposited our stroller before boarding the plane. Very quick and easy.

Our flight left on time and was great – no problems using the CARES safety device. Since our flight left around our typical lunchtime, we munched on some snack mix and cookies purchased in the Polynesian’s gift shop. I’ll have to get more when we go back – both were very good. We arrived in Indianapolis about 20 minutes early, grabbed our luggage and called the ACE valet service number to be picked up. Then we lugged all of our suitcases and carry-ons, plus the stroller with Aubree in it to the designated pick-up location. It really wasn’t that far, but man – we had way too many bags! Our ACE van was there in a few minutes. The driver loaded our luggage, and we were soon on our way. He actually received a phone call before we left the airport grounds – a previous passenger has left a Blackberry in the van. He asked us to look around, and it was right next to me on the seat. Then he asked if we minded going back to the terminal so he could drop it off. We didn’t mind at all – and you could tell that the passenger was relieved – and acted extremely grateful. We took off and were back at the ACE parking lot in minutes, where Granny’s vehicle was parked with the trunk open and ready to be loaded full of our luggage.

After the driver unloaded our luggage, he helped us load our vehicle while Granny went inside to pay for our parking. After tipping the driver and getting everyone settled, we were on our way home. Of course, Aubree spotted a McDonald’s, so we stopped for some fries and drinks.

What a wonderful trip… now we’re planning our return over Thanksgiving 2009. As I mentioned in previous posts, Jon, Aubree, and I are wanting to go back – and we’re taking Barry and his mom (my sister, Amy). We have a reservation at All-Star Music in one of the family suites, and it looks like we’ll be driving. I love road trips, and this is a great vacation to look forward to.

Thanks to those who have kept tuning in for my report!
 
I truly enjoyed your report Betsy! You daughter is darling and it seems like you had a lot of fun, but who does not have fun in WDW?
 
The last day is always so hard! The picture of Aubree with Pooh is precious! That will make a great Christmas card.:santa: I really want to try CP. I have heard a lot of good things about it. Great update!:thumbsup2

Thanks! I ordered the photo cards from Walgreens and was very impressed with how they turned out. I would highly recommend Crystal Palace. :thumbsup2

Your CP pictures are so cute! Aubree looks like she had fun! Hannah loved seeing Pooh and friends when we went in 2006! That last day is so hard, it is so hard to head home!

Thank you! I can't believe how much Aubree keeps talking about our trip - she tells me which characters she met, and really goes on and on about the rides she experienced. Our next trip will be so much fun! :banana:

I truly enjoyed your report Betsy! You daughter is darling and it seems like you had a lot of fun, but who does not have fun in WDW?

Aw, thanks! I have enjoyed reading yours too. I get the biggest kick out of your little Em. She is a hoot! :goodvibes
 
Sounds like you had a wonderful trip! What a special gift for Granny's birthday! Aubree is such a cutie! Sounds like she had a great time! Hannah loves to look at the pictures from our trip and relive it! I wonder how much she really remembers, but she keeps asking to go see Mickey again! I guess that means she had a good time!
 

"You have a little Pooh on your shirt"......:rotfl: :rotfl: :rotfl:

That is AWESOME!!! I'm totally using that one!!!

I can't believe your wonderful TR is over. Thanks so much for sharing your stories and your wonderful pictures... and, of course, your lovely little GINGER!!

The thing that got me the most from your TR is the number of character meals you did. What did you think of that? Was it too many? Or were you all just as excited at each one? We've only ever done one per trip. But our next trip will involve a Princess meal and a Character meal. Just wondering your thoughts on that.

Have fun planning your next magical adventure! See you on Facebook!!!
 
"You have a little Pooh on your shirt"......:rotfl: :rotfl: :rotfl:

That is AWESOME!!! I'm totally using that one!!!

I can't believe your wonderful TR is over. Thanks so much for sharing your stories and your wonderful pictures... and, of course, your lovely little GINGER!!

The thing that got me the most from your TR is the number of character meals you did. What did you think of that? Was it too many? Or were you all just as excited at each one? We've only ever done one per trip. But our next trip will involve a Princess meal and a Character meal. Just wondering your thoughts on that.

Have fun planning your next magical adventure! See you on Facebook!!!

I really did like the character meals. Not only the characters, but the food. I think Jon and I were excited at each one to see Aubree's reaction, and she was a hoot!

That said, we're planning on eating mostly quick service meals on our next trip. No dining plan. Although DH does want to have at least 2 character meals for DD. What's funny is, when I tell him to decide which 2, he starts saying he wants to eat at other table service restaurants too (which defeats the notion of us eating mostly quick service meals!). So I guess we'll truly decide as it gets closer, and depending on how much money we save up before then! :rotfl:

See you on Facebook!! :thumbsup2
 
I don't know how I missed your last two installments! Luckily I am all caught up now - your post about CP has me wanting to try that restaurant now! Aubree looks so happy with the characters. Cute! :cutie:
I'm bummed your trip is over - I hope you'll be going back soon! Thanks for a great read.
 
I don't know how I missed your last two installments! Luckily I am all caught up now - your post about CP has me wanting to try that restaurant now! Aubree looks so happy with the characters. Cute! :cutie:
I'm bummed your trip is over - I hope you'll be going back soon! Thanks for a great read.

She is STILL talking about the characters she saw. We're both surprised at what she remembers. The next trip should be even more fun! :cheer2:

Hopefully, we'll be able to swing our trip for Thanksgiving 2009. The deposit's made, and we're saving for it.

I really enjoyed your report! Your DD is adorable. :goodvibes

Aw, thanks! I'm glad you liked the report. :goodvibes
 
We are planning our 1st trip this May with our 4 year old daughter and 1 year old son. Your entries have really helped us out. We now have some idea what to expect and are loving all your information. Thanks for taking the time to write all this out! :grouphug:
 
We are planning our 1st trip this May with our 4 year old daughter and 1 year old son. Your entries have really helped us out. We now have some idea what to expect and are loving all your information. Thanks for taking the time to write all this out! :grouphug:

I'm glad I could help. Hope you have a wonderful trip! :hug:
 












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