I Can't Believe We're Here - Day 1

[w8ting4pooh]

This was our very first trip to Disneyworld. The family is
Me - the mom, planned everything
Husband - Grumpy, didn't want to go, did no planning
Daughter - 11, princess with a major attitude
Son - 10, very much like Tigger, always bouncing off the walls
Son - 7, middle child syndrome, excited about the trip
Son - 4, a junior Stitch, too curious for his own good

Our first day was long but an indication of our luck for the whole trip.

We parked the van and took the shuttle bus to the airport - 9 suitcases, a stroller, 4 kids, and 1 mom. It was awkward and exhausting but we managed to get all of our stuff on the bus without losing anyone. I've already started counting 1,2,3,4 to make sure that I have all the kids. We were at the ticket counter by 6:30 and were able to get confirmed for a nonstop. We'll be arriving 5 hours early! Yes!

We arrived in Orlando before lunchtime. A skycap found us - must have seen the lost look on my face. He took all the luggage to a taxi and off we went! The kids were shouting out all the rides listed on the billboards and my 4 year old wouldn't stop smiling.

Our room was not ready when we arrived at the Dolphin. We leave the luggage and start to wander around the hotel. Did anyone see a woman in black pants, black loafers and a big black purse by the pool? That was me.

We decided to go to Fort Wilderness to go on the pony rides while we wait for our room. We found the ponies just as they are being put away. The cast member mentions something about heavy rain coming. What rain? We head back for the boat launch - and it starts POURING! We keep walking...jogging...RUN for your life! The boat is arriving just as we are.

Back at the Dolphin - did you see a lady with wet loafers, a see through white tank sweater and clinging wet black pants in the lobby? That was me. Our room is ready. It's just a standard view room. Wait. What's that all the way to the right? That can't be Cinderella's castle? YES! What's that all the way to the left? The Tree of Life? WOW! What's that noise? The kids jumping on the beds shouting "I Can't Believe We're Here!"

We change out of our wet clothes and decide to go to Beaches and Cream for dinner. We spit two vouchers and also bought 2 kids meals. Our server Brian was nice and split the food for the kids. We had No Way Jose and the Mud Slide sundaes for dessert. They were awesome. Jr. Stitch falls asleep holding his cheeseburger.

We head back to the hotel to wait for Grumpy (dad) to arrive. Dad knocks on the door at 8:30 and we head for Epcot to watch Illuminations. At 8:50 we are just getting on the launch - oops. Guess we're not going to make it to Epcot. Let's get off and get a snack. We get off at the Beach Club (Yacht club?) boat stop and just as we climb out of the boat, Illuminations starts. It's right in front of us! We stood on the dock and watched the fireworks and then got into a boat to go back to the Dolphin.

Dad picks up a sandwich for his dinner and we get some snacks and head up to bed. The kids are out immediately as are the grownups.

Tomorrow - Chef Mickey's and OHanas!

 

[lisajl]

Awesome report! /Sounds like you had a great time!

I also think your little "Stitch", sounds a lot like my 6 year old!

Thanks for the report...now about the rest of your stay....

Let's hear it...

Lisa

 

[pumba]

trip......yours sounds a bit like ours was a year ago when we took the whole family......eight people .....mega luggage and the dolphin to boot......thanks so much for the report.......anxious for the rest

 

[Minniespal]

Thanks for sharing ~ Wonderful reviews!!!!

 

[jumpnjack]

I just read the first day and I can't wait to read the next. We are leaving in 9 days ahhhhhhhhh. We are also staying at the Dolphin. So how was your view really was it ok did you have a balcony? How did you get the vouchers. I am still not understanding that whole thing. Please let me know if I should get them or is it too late and tell me what I would need to do to get them. Thanks so much.
Nanny
Poppy
Jen

 

[w8ting4pooh]

I am glad that you enjoyed my first day. We sure did!

jumpinjack - the vouchers were purchased thru connections. there is info on the budget board about the company and the vouchers. it is not too late to order them. we received them 4 days after ordering them. they are a good deal if you choose carefully. our room was just a standard room - no balcony. I booked it thru dreams unlimited despite the swandolphin website showing no availability.

 

[jumpnjack]

Thanks for responding so quickly. First thing today I called Connections and was told that I am too late. I was so disappointed. We are leaving on Thursday and driving to Daytona and getting up driving the one hour in.
Thanks it sure will help for next time.
Jackie
7 more times to go to sleep and wake up before we are almost there in Daytona Beach...

 

[KatelynnsAuntie]

I just have to say that your post cracked me up!

Especially the "that was me"s!

You should write for a living!