fabumouse
<font color=red>Maybe I should be less intimate wi
- Joined
- Oct 27, 2005
- Messages
- 3,309
WDW November 1 through November 9, 2005.
Cast:
Me, 36; DH, 35; DD, 4; FIL, 61; MIL, 57
Day One:
Bright and early on November 1, K and I head out the door to catch our flight to Orlando. K is freezing because we live in New Jersey and she is extremely tired, given that the night before was Halloween and we got lost and wandered about for about 30 minutes at the end of the night. It dawned on me during this nocturnal adventure that going to DisneyWorld, where we are going to walk for miles each day, on the day after Halloween, when my 4-year-old is already tired from walking, may not be the best planning. Oh well, too late to retreat, so I rally the troop.
We are extremely early for our flight, but Ive planned ahead with a brand new Little Pony and some games, so that keeps K busy. For about five minutes. Then she wanders about the gate area, chatting up other little kids who, surprise! Were also going to Disney World. The business travelers around us looked resigned to the mayhem.
We board the plane from back to front, so we board first. And I sit in sweaty anticipation to see if anyone is going to claim that third seat. K does not sit still for longer than 10 minutes, so corralling her in a single row is work enough. Please please dont take that third seat, where I am going to be called upon to play Little Pony for the next 3 hours. My hair is pink and beautiful My hair is purple and more beautiful Now the ponies are going to fight loudly and with lots of foot stomping. I really hate having an audience. And the most pleasurable words on the plane (besides we are beginning our descent, please return your tray tables to their upright condition) comes over the intercom: are we are shutting the cabin doors. And its blessedly just the two of us in the row. I tune out the people across from me staring as my Little Pony spends her time eating, sleeping and going to the doctor for flu shots. Yes, my pint-sized director of activities operates with a heavy hand. I am doing my best, as the airline chose Batman Begins as their family movie and there are parts that would distract from my Mickey Mouse vacation. Happy thoughts, think happy thoughts!
After 2.5 hours, we are touching down in Orlando and I realize that I dont really know where I am supposed to go, as we tagged our luggage with Disneys Magical Express tags, but their directions essentially say that we will be met upon our arrival by a Disney greeter. I know this is probably not true anymore, as Disney has been chastised by Airport Security. But when does the policy change? Hmmmm. We head downstairs and run into a bunch of other Mickey vacationers wandering around looking for the Magical Express bus. When we finally orient ourselves, we discover that all we needed to look for were the lines. Long, long lines. Upon reaching the first long line, the Greeter with the giant white Mickey glove says how many while looking at someone else. Who in the heck are you talking to? I quickly find out who, as I get all her attention now so she can bark HOW MANY? at me and direct me into the line with K. The people behind me are not so lucky, as they are a couple who would like to talk to each other while standing in line. Only ONE person per family she belts out, to them and to the groups behind them. While I understand the policy, the delivery could be worked on. Perhaps a gentle sign. But then I remember, these people are only impersonating Disney employees, which is underscored when we finally arrive at the front desk and I am told that I cannot go to the Animal Kingdom where the rest of my family is waiting, but must take the bus to the Beach Club, which is my hotel. No explanation, no apology, just NO. My husband has already checked us into our room, so thats taken care of. I really want to just meet everyone for lunch. But NO. I briefly consider taking a cab, but since the cab stand seems to be across the terminal from where we are, I meekly get in line to the Beach Club. And wait. And wait. And wait. Whoops, looks like I should have taken that cab.
We finally board our bus and K is beside herself with excitement. Which makes the promotional video a good idea, until they start with their sales pitch. The sales pitch for the Disney Vacation Club will become a ubiquitous and sometimes intrusive part of the next 9 days. Was this always the case, or am I just more aware that I have become a captive audience?
Finally, finally, we arrive at the Beach Club, where we are greeted by Art, who is just great! Big big smile, friendly attitude, so welcoming. I take a photo of my daughter and Art which makes him smile even more. Ahhhh, my Disney vacation may officially begin. In our room I find snacks that my husbands parents (the rents) picked up during their Tiffany Town car ride and I shed some of our extra gear.
We take a bus to the Animal Kingdom and meet the rents and husband for lunch. K stumbles a bit coming in, and finally looks up from her ankle at the shadow over her and its daddy! Back from an annoyingly long business trip. Hoorah! We all track to the Rainforest Café for lunch. I love that place. Ive been to ones that are not located in Disney and they arent nearly as well maintained. But this one delightful. Clean and fun and K takes terrible photos with her disposable camera. But it makes her happy, as does the macaroni and cheese she has for lunch. Unfortunately, as the vacation unfolds, we will discover that almost every single restaurant in the World has macaroni and cheese as a childrens choice. And at almost every single meal, except when she ate an entire plate of crab cakes, this was Ks choice. Our server is unbearably slow, to the extent that I finally just go get my own water refills at the bar. Happily this will prove to be the exception of the vacation I am just amazed at the service at the sit down restaurants in the World.
After lunch its time for the park! We walk out, trade in our vouchers for Annual Passes (now Im official I can live at WDW. My husband is less enthused) and start into AK. Only problem is, its raining and its starting to rain harder. No worries I packed a rain poncho for myself and K, along with umbrellas and plastic bags. I warned everyone before we went that it would be raining the first two days of our visit, so be prepared and dont let it affect our vacation. The good news is that the rents bought good ponchos, however the bad news is that they left the ponchos back at the Beach Club. Deliberately. My FIL somehow thought that he would magically transport back to his room during the day to pick them up. Now, even though they spent the morning at Epcot (yes, right next to the Beach Club) he did not make the poncho-retrieving event materialize at any point and he and my MIL are getting absolutely soaked. We head to the Kilimanjaro Safaris, where the animals are out enjoying the rain and the humans are running for the park exit. Hey! Where are you going? Its Extra Magic Hours Night! On the safari, we hear a new twist no photography allowed. Why? Because people have lost cameras due to the bouncing. I guess when a $500 camera goes overboard, guests are a bit loathe to leave it behind. Oh well, people take photos anyway, but at least theyve been duly warned. Our guide is a little lethargic on the whole poacher plot, but its a good trip overall, especially since the animals are closer to the truck than Ive ever seen. Maybe in the rain, humans dont smell so bad.
After our safari, we get caught up in the parade, which is still running even though its raining and afterward we race to Festival of the Lion King, as Ks favorite Disney character is Simba. She absolutely adores the show and pretends to be Simba for most of the rest of the trip. Not always convenient, but what can ya do?
After the show we follow the crowd outside. Did I say it was raining before? It was a mere mist. Now its raining. I mean, the sky has opened up and there is a deluge. So we do the sensible thing and decide to pack it in and try again tomorrow. Not! What are you thinking? Weve been waiting for 9 months for this trip, the rents are from Oregon and shrivel up without some decent rain and we havent seen much of my husband for months. Up go the umbrellas and I send my husband to get himself a poncho. In fact, get three. My FIL insists he doesnt want one. I finally get him to admit he doesnt want one because he spent so much on a good poncho and is annoyed with himself for not bringing it. One important rule of vacations is: dont ruin an expensive trip by failing to buy a $7 item that you really need. Whether its a poncho, that overpriced sun block, or the bottles of water attached to a foam fan, it just has to be done. So my husband springs for the ponchos and then we attempt to stay dry. Ha ha ha. Anyone who believes that doesnt know our family. We immediately dump off all extraneous items in a locker (those cameras arent waterproof!) and head to the Kali River Rapids. Hooowhee! We meet another crazy family from England, who are relieved that they arent alone and, as a group, we proceed to ride 4 times without getting out of the raft with my FIL joking youre going DOWN to all the children on board and then pointlessly trying to turn the raft for prime splashing locations. Do I even have to note that by the end, not one of us had a single dry article of clothing or shoewear? It was fabulous! I am just loving our family, especially my over-sixty FIL who swore hed never go to Florida. Too hot, too humid, too many damn hurricanes. Until his 4-year-old granddaughter wanted to see Mickey in person.
By the end of the four trips, we have to admit that we have taken enough punishment. The rents dont really have the energy to go back to the hotel, change, and then trek all the way back to our dinner reservations at the Animal Kingdom Lodge. So we move our plans around a bit and have dinner at Epcot, at the Teppanyaki place in Japan. Big disappointment. The food was way oversalted something to keep in mind the food is heavily salted in the World. If you prefer lots of salt, youre in luck. But if you dont, make sure you put your low salt requests up front. The chef at the table next to us was really entertaining, and he was underappreciated by his diners. So we were really looking forward to all this excitement at our table. Hmmph. Except for a cool volcano made of onions and vinegar, it was pretty lackluster. My daughter ate two platters of sushi and almost fell asleep at the table. The beds at the hotel were calling to all of us.
Cast:
Me, 36; DH, 35; DD, 4; FIL, 61; MIL, 57
Day One:
Bright and early on November 1, K and I head out the door to catch our flight to Orlando. K is freezing because we live in New Jersey and she is extremely tired, given that the night before was Halloween and we got lost and wandered about for about 30 minutes at the end of the night. It dawned on me during this nocturnal adventure that going to DisneyWorld, where we are going to walk for miles each day, on the day after Halloween, when my 4-year-old is already tired from walking, may not be the best planning. Oh well, too late to retreat, so I rally the troop.
We are extremely early for our flight, but Ive planned ahead with a brand new Little Pony and some games, so that keeps K busy. For about five minutes. Then she wanders about the gate area, chatting up other little kids who, surprise! Were also going to Disney World. The business travelers around us looked resigned to the mayhem.
We board the plane from back to front, so we board first. And I sit in sweaty anticipation to see if anyone is going to claim that third seat. K does not sit still for longer than 10 minutes, so corralling her in a single row is work enough. Please please dont take that third seat, where I am going to be called upon to play Little Pony for the next 3 hours. My hair is pink and beautiful My hair is purple and more beautiful Now the ponies are going to fight loudly and with lots of foot stomping. I really hate having an audience. And the most pleasurable words on the plane (besides we are beginning our descent, please return your tray tables to their upright condition) comes over the intercom: are we are shutting the cabin doors. And its blessedly just the two of us in the row. I tune out the people across from me staring as my Little Pony spends her time eating, sleeping and going to the doctor for flu shots. Yes, my pint-sized director of activities operates with a heavy hand. I am doing my best, as the airline chose Batman Begins as their family movie and there are parts that would distract from my Mickey Mouse vacation. Happy thoughts, think happy thoughts!
After 2.5 hours, we are touching down in Orlando and I realize that I dont really know where I am supposed to go, as we tagged our luggage with Disneys Magical Express tags, but their directions essentially say that we will be met upon our arrival by a Disney greeter. I know this is probably not true anymore, as Disney has been chastised by Airport Security. But when does the policy change? Hmmmm. We head downstairs and run into a bunch of other Mickey vacationers wandering around looking for the Magical Express bus. When we finally orient ourselves, we discover that all we needed to look for were the lines. Long, long lines. Upon reaching the first long line, the Greeter with the giant white Mickey glove says how many while looking at someone else. Who in the heck are you talking to? I quickly find out who, as I get all her attention now so she can bark HOW MANY? at me and direct me into the line with K. The people behind me are not so lucky, as they are a couple who would like to talk to each other while standing in line. Only ONE person per family she belts out, to them and to the groups behind them. While I understand the policy, the delivery could be worked on. Perhaps a gentle sign. But then I remember, these people are only impersonating Disney employees, which is underscored when we finally arrive at the front desk and I am told that I cannot go to the Animal Kingdom where the rest of my family is waiting, but must take the bus to the Beach Club, which is my hotel. No explanation, no apology, just NO. My husband has already checked us into our room, so thats taken care of. I really want to just meet everyone for lunch. But NO. I briefly consider taking a cab, but since the cab stand seems to be across the terminal from where we are, I meekly get in line to the Beach Club. And wait. And wait. And wait. Whoops, looks like I should have taken that cab.
We finally board our bus and K is beside herself with excitement. Which makes the promotional video a good idea, until they start with their sales pitch. The sales pitch for the Disney Vacation Club will become a ubiquitous and sometimes intrusive part of the next 9 days. Was this always the case, or am I just more aware that I have become a captive audience?
Finally, finally, we arrive at the Beach Club, where we are greeted by Art, who is just great! Big big smile, friendly attitude, so welcoming. I take a photo of my daughter and Art which makes him smile even more. Ahhhh, my Disney vacation may officially begin. In our room I find snacks that my husbands parents (the rents) picked up during their Tiffany Town car ride and I shed some of our extra gear.
We take a bus to the Animal Kingdom and meet the rents and husband for lunch. K stumbles a bit coming in, and finally looks up from her ankle at the shadow over her and its daddy! Back from an annoyingly long business trip. Hoorah! We all track to the Rainforest Café for lunch. I love that place. Ive been to ones that are not located in Disney and they arent nearly as well maintained. But this one delightful. Clean and fun and K takes terrible photos with her disposable camera. But it makes her happy, as does the macaroni and cheese she has for lunch. Unfortunately, as the vacation unfolds, we will discover that almost every single restaurant in the World has macaroni and cheese as a childrens choice. And at almost every single meal, except when she ate an entire plate of crab cakes, this was Ks choice. Our server is unbearably slow, to the extent that I finally just go get my own water refills at the bar. Happily this will prove to be the exception of the vacation I am just amazed at the service at the sit down restaurants in the World.
After lunch its time for the park! We walk out, trade in our vouchers for Annual Passes (now Im official I can live at WDW. My husband is less enthused) and start into AK. Only problem is, its raining and its starting to rain harder. No worries I packed a rain poncho for myself and K, along with umbrellas and plastic bags. I warned everyone before we went that it would be raining the first two days of our visit, so be prepared and dont let it affect our vacation. The good news is that the rents bought good ponchos, however the bad news is that they left the ponchos back at the Beach Club. Deliberately. My FIL somehow thought that he would magically transport back to his room during the day to pick them up. Now, even though they spent the morning at Epcot (yes, right next to the Beach Club) he did not make the poncho-retrieving event materialize at any point and he and my MIL are getting absolutely soaked. We head to the Kilimanjaro Safaris, where the animals are out enjoying the rain and the humans are running for the park exit. Hey! Where are you going? Its Extra Magic Hours Night! On the safari, we hear a new twist no photography allowed. Why? Because people have lost cameras due to the bouncing. I guess when a $500 camera goes overboard, guests are a bit loathe to leave it behind. Oh well, people take photos anyway, but at least theyve been duly warned. Our guide is a little lethargic on the whole poacher plot, but its a good trip overall, especially since the animals are closer to the truck than Ive ever seen. Maybe in the rain, humans dont smell so bad.
After our safari, we get caught up in the parade, which is still running even though its raining and afterward we race to Festival of the Lion King, as Ks favorite Disney character is Simba. She absolutely adores the show and pretends to be Simba for most of the rest of the trip. Not always convenient, but what can ya do?
After the show we follow the crowd outside. Did I say it was raining before? It was a mere mist. Now its raining. I mean, the sky has opened up and there is a deluge. So we do the sensible thing and decide to pack it in and try again tomorrow. Not! What are you thinking? Weve been waiting for 9 months for this trip, the rents are from Oregon and shrivel up without some decent rain and we havent seen much of my husband for months. Up go the umbrellas and I send my husband to get himself a poncho. In fact, get three. My FIL insists he doesnt want one. I finally get him to admit he doesnt want one because he spent so much on a good poncho and is annoyed with himself for not bringing it. One important rule of vacations is: dont ruin an expensive trip by failing to buy a $7 item that you really need. Whether its a poncho, that overpriced sun block, or the bottles of water attached to a foam fan, it just has to be done. So my husband springs for the ponchos and then we attempt to stay dry. Ha ha ha. Anyone who believes that doesnt know our family. We immediately dump off all extraneous items in a locker (those cameras arent waterproof!) and head to the Kali River Rapids. Hooowhee! We meet another crazy family from England, who are relieved that they arent alone and, as a group, we proceed to ride 4 times without getting out of the raft with my FIL joking youre going DOWN to all the children on board and then pointlessly trying to turn the raft for prime splashing locations. Do I even have to note that by the end, not one of us had a single dry article of clothing or shoewear? It was fabulous! I am just loving our family, especially my over-sixty FIL who swore hed never go to Florida. Too hot, too humid, too many damn hurricanes. Until his 4-year-old granddaughter wanted to see Mickey in person.
By the end of the four trips, we have to admit that we have taken enough punishment. The rents dont really have the energy to go back to the hotel, change, and then trek all the way back to our dinner reservations at the Animal Kingdom Lodge. So we move our plans around a bit and have dinner at Epcot, at the Teppanyaki place in Japan. Big disappointment. The food was way oversalted something to keep in mind the food is heavily salted in the World. If you prefer lots of salt, youre in luck. But if you dont, make sure you put your low salt requests up front. The chef at the table next to us was really entertaining, and he was underappreciated by his diners. So we were really looking forward to all this excitement at our table. Hmmph. Except for a cool volcano made of onions and vinegar, it was pretty lackluster. My daughter ate two platters of sushi and almost fell asleep at the table. The beds at the hotel were calling to all of us.
Isn't it great how a 4 yr old can get her gp's to do anything! 
