imbe@aol.com
Mouseketeer
- Joined
- May 22, 2001
- Messages
- 371
We had a VERY early wake up this morning to start the trip - about 3 am!! LOL Crazy? Maybe, yeah! <g> But, in order to get to MCO from BWI at a decent time, on USAir, we had no choice! And I'd rather get up super early and spend the day in WDW than be home any time! LOL
Luckily, everyone was pretty quick, and we all got ready with a little time to spare. The driver was here a bit early, which was good, considering the number of bags he had to load in the car <g> We're not light packers, and had a lot of luggage. He managed just fine though, and was really a pleasure to deal with.
The company was Alpha Star Limo Alpha Star Limousine Service and I would highly recommend them to anyone in the MD, DC, VA area. I'm glad to have finally found a reliable company to use! For the past few years, I've gone through several others, and just not found one that was reliable, prompt, etc., til now.
Thankfully, the check in @ BWI airport went quickly - after my trip to the Caymans back in May, I was dreading the security lines! The flights (BWI- Charlotte and Charlotte to MCO) were uneventful, and we actually arrived a bit early in Orlando! The driver from Limocar Orlando was waiting, and he was excellent too. Prompt, pleasant, friendly without being TOO obnoxious! LOL and again, I will use them in the future. I didn't have to search around for him when we arrived - he was right at the bottom of the escalator like he said he would be.
I found this company online, and they had the best prices for a large limo (which we needed because of all the luggage! Lol).
Pulling into the Grand once more, I gave a VERY big "ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh I'm home!!" sigh -- boy it felt good! LOL As I keep saying, it is STILL my absolute favorite resort, even after all these years, and I don't see anything replacing it, especially after this trip!
We were met curbside by Rebecca, from concierge. As it turns out, she's the same Rebecca who I had many dealings with last summer when we were there on the Grand Plan!! I'd never gotten the chance to meet her then, so it was great to be able to do so now! She's a very nice person, and was once again a pleasure to deal with. Another thing was that she remembered me too - that's always a nice touch!
Our room wasn't ready .. though arriving at about 10 am, I didn't really think it would be. I did get the number -- 4319, a deluxe concierge room -- so when we returned later, we could just go right on in. We left our bags will bell services and headed right to the monorail, and our traditional "first stop" .. the MK!
Entering the park, walking (or should I say "skipping"!!) that first walk down Main Street each trip is truly one of my greatest pleasures! I WISH someone, somehow, could bottle that "Disney Smell" so I could have it here at home and spritz it around whenever I got to really missing "the World"! LOL The cookies from the bake shop .. the popcorn ... the smell of merchandise .. just all of it!
Actually, before we entered the MK, we had to get everyone but me (I've already got mine) an AP first. The line wasn't TOO long for that luckily. As I was waiting for Dave to finish up at our window, I couldn't help but overhear the man at the next window giving the CM there a really hard time. Seems he just *couldn't* understand why the tickets he bought .. on the side of the road as you're driving to WDW!!!!!! .. were no good! The person he bought them from *said* they were!! and he got SUCH a good deal! LOL :::rolling my eyes::: Whatever!! Takes all kinds I guess!!
To start off, I wanted to say that I found .. for the most part ... the ALL of the parks were less crowded, shorter wait times, than I have ever seen them in the summer!! I've been visiting in July for a long time, and I was shocked over by the lack of crowds. It wasn't empty by any means, but it was far less crowded than last year .. at least I think so!
With the traditional 'first skip down Main Street" with my son and I completed, we headed right to POC -- that too is pretty much a tradition! The line for this was only about 10 min., if that (and that turned out to be the case for our whole stay!), and before we knew it, we were 'sailing the high seas' in the Caribbean!
Luckily, we weren't in the boat with the SCREAMING (literally!) child in back of us! Though the wait was short, the entire time, a few people behind us, we could hear this kid .. a boy about .. 4 or 5 I guess .. yelling and crying and just screeching like mad to his parents that he DID NOT want to do that ride! But did they take him out of line? Heck no!! THEY wanted to ride, so the kid be damned! That just irrates the heck out of me when I see that happening, it really does!
After browsing quickly through the stores outside Pirates, we headed back around to the Splash/BTMRR area, and got FP's for BTMRR and had just a short wait for Splash. It figures too .. the one time I TRULY wanted to get drenched because it was SO hot out, and I barely got wet at all! LOL We walked over to see the lines for Tom Sawyer's Island, but they were a bit longer, and by the time we got back up, our BTMRR FP time had arrived, so we did that, and then headed into Liberty Square for lunch, at Liberty Tree Tavern*.
(* just a note - I will write up all of my dining experiences separately, and post them as soon as I can)
After lunch, we did some shopping around the area --I was a bit disappointed to find no really new Christmas decorations in that shop there. Either I have too many of them, or they are just slow producing new things! LOL ;o) Actually, the same can basically be said of the shop next to HOP too -- not a whole lot that was new since my last trip in Dec. I still like both stores however, and I suppose I'll end up being grateful there wasn't more to buy when the cc bills come in! ;O
We caught the HM at a good time, with barely a 10 min wait!, so after doing that and IASW, we continued on to Tomorrowland. The rest of the things in Fantasyland were a bit crowded, so we figured we'd skip 'em for now, and catch them later, or another day. We picked up a FP for Space, and while we waited for the time to come up, we did two perennial favorites -- COP, and the People Mover (sorry, but I just cannot call it something other than that! LOL) I know that to most people, neither of these are probably too "exciting" .. but they're just such sentimental favs with us that I try to never miss them. After a "trip through Space", BL had really no line, so we did that too. This IS really a fun attraction .. though I wish my son would let me ride alone sometimes! LOL so I could get a better score! <g>
By this time, it was about 4:30, and we were all TIRED -- after all, we'd been up since 3 am! LOL so we decided to call it a day in the MK, and start to head out. Of course we *had* to detour through the shops on Main Street <g> .. though I don't *think* we bought anything this time! LOL We caught the launch back to the Grand -- that's one 'new' thing (to me anyway) -- they've moved where the GF/Poly launch arrives/departs, from right next to the monorail over to beside the FW/WL launch. I'm guessing this is because of the newly rearranged security tables. BTW, security was a breeze, and it was never a problem, never created any sort of real delay getting into any of the parks. Truthfully, *I* think they should do a little better search of bags ... but I suppose it would cause an "uproar" ...
It was nice to go right to our room when we got back, since we'd been issued the key earlier when we checked in. As I said, we got deluxe concierge room 4319 this time, and .. while I know that technically, there are only 2 types of deluxe concierge room configurations, still .. this was different, and one I'd not had before. I'll get the pics up as soon as I can, but to try to describe it .. well, it's basically the more open floor plan, but I guess because of the rennovations, it's all arranged differently. The view from that particular room is looking directly out onto the 'quiet' pool area .. but it ain't quiet! LOL It wasn't horribly loud, BUT .. if you're a person who needs TOTAL silence, it might not be the room for you. What I was thrilled with was the absolutely PERFECT view of the MK fireworks!!!! No straining to see them or anything .. just relax with your wine and watch them! LOL
After unpacking, we took Melissa on a 'get reacquainted with the Grand" hotel walk. She's been several times with us, but it's been a few years, and with the new pool and such, I just wanted to show her around again. We came back up and relaxed, had some "girl talk" time while Dave and Evan went to the game room. We were all back in the room just in time for the BIG thunderstorm that came through though! It did cool things off a TINY bit, which was nice.
We had PS for dinner for the first night at 1900 Park Fare, and checked in a few minutes early, about 7:25. Well ... it was a good 1/2 hr wait! I understand maybe 10-15 min late .. they *are* a busy place, but I think 1/2 hour plus was a bit excessive. Luckily, it was just the start of the trip, so I wasn't too irritable yet <eg>.
After dinner, we strolled through the stores at the Grand, checking out the new GF logo merchandise (or I was anyway! LOL) I DO wish that they would offer some of the clothes in XS sizes .... it's just that so many things I like I cannot buy, because they're simply too big for me!
Evan and Melissa went for a quick swim, and got back in time for the fireworks - just awesome watching from your balcony like that! LOL I don't care how many times I've done it, it's STILL a thrill each time!
Day 2 coming soon .....
Luckily, everyone was pretty quick, and we all got ready with a little time to spare. The driver was here a bit early, which was good, considering the number of bags he had to load in the car <g> We're not light packers, and had a lot of luggage. He managed just fine though, and was really a pleasure to deal with.
The company was Alpha Star Limo Alpha Star Limousine Service and I would highly recommend them to anyone in the MD, DC, VA area. I'm glad to have finally found a reliable company to use! For the past few years, I've gone through several others, and just not found one that was reliable, prompt, etc., til now.
Thankfully, the check in @ BWI airport went quickly - after my trip to the Caymans back in May, I was dreading the security lines! The flights (BWI- Charlotte and Charlotte to MCO) were uneventful, and we actually arrived a bit early in Orlando! The driver from Limocar Orlando was waiting, and he was excellent too. Prompt, pleasant, friendly without being TOO obnoxious! LOL and again, I will use them in the future. I didn't have to search around for him when we arrived - he was right at the bottom of the escalator like he said he would be.
I found this company online, and they had the best prices for a large limo (which we needed because of all the luggage! Lol).
Pulling into the Grand once more, I gave a VERY big "ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh I'm home!!" sigh -- boy it felt good! LOL As I keep saying, it is STILL my absolute favorite resort, even after all these years, and I don't see anything replacing it, especially after this trip!
We were met curbside by Rebecca, from concierge. As it turns out, she's the same Rebecca who I had many dealings with last summer when we were there on the Grand Plan!! I'd never gotten the chance to meet her then, so it was great to be able to do so now! She's a very nice person, and was once again a pleasure to deal with. Another thing was that she remembered me too - that's always a nice touch!
Our room wasn't ready .. though arriving at about 10 am, I didn't really think it would be. I did get the number -- 4319, a deluxe concierge room -- so when we returned later, we could just go right on in. We left our bags will bell services and headed right to the monorail, and our traditional "first stop" .. the MK!
Entering the park, walking (or should I say "skipping"!!) that first walk down Main Street each trip is truly one of my greatest pleasures! I WISH someone, somehow, could bottle that "Disney Smell" so I could have it here at home and spritz it around whenever I got to really missing "the World"! LOL The cookies from the bake shop .. the popcorn ... the smell of merchandise .. just all of it!
Actually, before we entered the MK, we had to get everyone but me (I've already got mine) an AP first. The line wasn't TOO long for that luckily. As I was waiting for Dave to finish up at our window, I couldn't help but overhear the man at the next window giving the CM there a really hard time. Seems he just *couldn't* understand why the tickets he bought .. on the side of the road as you're driving to WDW!!!!!! .. were no good! The person he bought them from *said* they were!! and he got SUCH a good deal! LOL :::rolling my eyes::: Whatever!! Takes all kinds I guess!!
To start off, I wanted to say that I found .. for the most part ... the ALL of the parks were less crowded, shorter wait times, than I have ever seen them in the summer!! I've been visiting in July for a long time, and I was shocked over by the lack of crowds. It wasn't empty by any means, but it was far less crowded than last year .. at least I think so!
With the traditional 'first skip down Main Street" with my son and I completed, we headed right to POC -- that too is pretty much a tradition! The line for this was only about 10 min., if that (and that turned out to be the case for our whole stay!), and before we knew it, we were 'sailing the high seas' in the Caribbean!
Luckily, we weren't in the boat with the SCREAMING (literally!) child in back of us! Though the wait was short, the entire time, a few people behind us, we could hear this kid .. a boy about .. 4 or 5 I guess .. yelling and crying and just screeching like mad to his parents that he DID NOT want to do that ride! But did they take him out of line? Heck no!! THEY wanted to ride, so the kid be damned! That just irrates the heck out of me when I see that happening, it really does!
After browsing quickly through the stores outside Pirates, we headed back around to the Splash/BTMRR area, and got FP's for BTMRR and had just a short wait for Splash. It figures too .. the one time I TRULY wanted to get drenched because it was SO hot out, and I barely got wet at all! LOL We walked over to see the lines for Tom Sawyer's Island, but they were a bit longer, and by the time we got back up, our BTMRR FP time had arrived, so we did that, and then headed into Liberty Square for lunch, at Liberty Tree Tavern*.
(* just a note - I will write up all of my dining experiences separately, and post them as soon as I can)
After lunch, we did some shopping around the area --I was a bit disappointed to find no really new Christmas decorations in that shop there. Either I have too many of them, or they are just slow producing new things! LOL ;o) Actually, the same can basically be said of the shop next to HOP too -- not a whole lot that was new since my last trip in Dec. I still like both stores however, and I suppose I'll end up being grateful there wasn't more to buy when the cc bills come in! ;O
We caught the HM at a good time, with barely a 10 min wait!, so after doing that and IASW, we continued on to Tomorrowland. The rest of the things in Fantasyland were a bit crowded, so we figured we'd skip 'em for now, and catch them later, or another day. We picked up a FP for Space, and while we waited for the time to come up, we did two perennial favorites -- COP, and the People Mover (sorry, but I just cannot call it something other than that! LOL) I know that to most people, neither of these are probably too "exciting" .. but they're just such sentimental favs with us that I try to never miss them. After a "trip through Space", BL had really no line, so we did that too. This IS really a fun attraction .. though I wish my son would let me ride alone sometimes! LOL so I could get a better score! <g>
By this time, it was about 4:30, and we were all TIRED -- after all, we'd been up since 3 am! LOL so we decided to call it a day in the MK, and start to head out. Of course we *had* to detour through the shops on Main Street <g> .. though I don't *think* we bought anything this time! LOL We caught the launch back to the Grand -- that's one 'new' thing (to me anyway) -- they've moved where the GF/Poly launch arrives/departs, from right next to the monorail over to beside the FW/WL launch. I'm guessing this is because of the newly rearranged security tables. BTW, security was a breeze, and it was never a problem, never created any sort of real delay getting into any of the parks. Truthfully, *I* think they should do a little better search of bags ... but I suppose it would cause an "uproar" ...
It was nice to go right to our room when we got back, since we'd been issued the key earlier when we checked in. As I said, we got deluxe concierge room 4319 this time, and .. while I know that technically, there are only 2 types of deluxe concierge room configurations, still .. this was different, and one I'd not had before. I'll get the pics up as soon as I can, but to try to describe it .. well, it's basically the more open floor plan, but I guess because of the rennovations, it's all arranged differently. The view from that particular room is looking directly out onto the 'quiet' pool area .. but it ain't quiet! LOL It wasn't horribly loud, BUT .. if you're a person who needs TOTAL silence, it might not be the room for you. What I was thrilled with was the absolutely PERFECT view of the MK fireworks!!!! No straining to see them or anything .. just relax with your wine and watch them! LOL
After unpacking, we took Melissa on a 'get reacquainted with the Grand" hotel walk. She's been several times with us, but it's been a few years, and with the new pool and such, I just wanted to show her around again. We came back up and relaxed, had some "girl talk" time while Dave and Evan went to the game room. We were all back in the room just in time for the BIG thunderstorm that came through though! It did cool things off a TINY bit, which was nice.
We had PS for dinner for the first night at 1900 Park Fare, and checked in a few minutes early, about 7:25. Well ... it was a good 1/2 hr wait! I understand maybe 10-15 min late .. they *are* a busy place, but I think 1/2 hour plus was a bit excessive. Luckily, it was just the start of the trip, so I wasn't too irritable yet <eg>.
After dinner, we strolled through the stores at the Grand, checking out the new GF logo merchandise (or I was anyway! LOL) I DO wish that they would offer some of the clothes in XS sizes .... it's just that so many things I like I cannot buy, because they're simply too big for me!
Evan and Melissa went for a quick swim, and got back in time for the fireworks - just awesome watching from your balcony like that! LOL I don't care how many times I've done it, it's STILL a thrill each time!
Day 2 coming soon .....
We do have them on AirTran, and I'll be giving them a try for the first time ever for my November trip. As much as I like those USAir miles, I couldn't turn down the $125 r/t fare on Airtran!
