Lucky Bunny goes to WDW with photos!

[Thumper's Tara]

A few notes to start…I will be do my entire trip report in one thread. I have to apologize in advance. This is going to be long. I am using this report as an anti-depressant and as I write, I am reliving the whole trip.

One other note, I will also be writing a complete dining review as well. Here is the link for the Dining Reviews:
Lucky Bunny Eats the World

Cast of Characters:
Thumper’s Tara: Me – SWF, 30, Disney Goddess, mom to 3 bunnies and Trouble, the cat, currently accepting applications from SWM interested in becoming my personal Prince Charming. Oh wait, wrong boards… Anyway, here is a picture of Thumper and I from last year’s trip.

Lucky Bunny: A stuffed washcloth bunny, 8, who has been my personal good-luck charm since my senior year at university. Lucky Bunny has been with on all of my adventures, including grad school and a 15-month stint in Ukraine. Lucky Bunny bravely volunteered to be the mascot on my first solo trip to the world. Of course, we can’t forget a picture of Lucky Bunny.

Carebare05 – fellow DISer and DVC member

Various fellow travelers and cast members.

Maestro, A Little Background Music
In 2004, I was the lucky winner of 6 nights at a Grand Villa on the Boardwalk. My parents, my sister and I planned our trip for February 26 – March 5, 2005. My first adult trip to WDW was amazing. I fell in love with the magic. The most important part of the magic was being able to treat my family to this wonderful experience. I couldn’t believe how lucky I was.

On March 5, I left the World with a horrible case of post-vacation depression. To help eliminate the depression, I started to do some research on DVC. The more I researched, the more intrigued I became. There was one catch. Disney was really pushing SSR, not BWV. Hmm. As I read more, I became torn. Did I want to buy at the BWV, a place that I loved? Or, would SSR, with 12 additional years, work for me? Such a quandary! Clearly, this called for some additional on-site research…and so the idea of the Lucky Bunny trip was born.

After a bit of deliberation, I felt that the Lucky Bunny Trip would be done solo. As much as I loved sharing the World with my family, I felt the desire to be selfish. This trip would be all about me. It would be my opportunity to do exactly what I wanted while I was researching. I couldn’t wait. I didn’t have an exact date in mind, but I dreamed it would happen.

 

[Thumper's Tara]

As every DISer knows, planning a WDW vacation can be completely addicting. Before I even spent a dime, I spent hours planning. I reread The Unofficial Guide to WDW and I spent hours on DIS.

DIS became a priceless tool. Not only did it give me my daily fix, I was able to learn all about DVC and the best way to set up the Lucky Bunny trip. In September, I was browsing the DVC Rental boards when I spotted the perfect rental ad for me – it was offering 54 points at $9.50/pt with any additional points at $10/pt. Perfect. I knew that I needed 55 points for 5 Sunday – Thursday nights in January stay at SSR. The ad was the kick that I needed. I went from dream to actual vacation. A couple of PMs later, I was the proud renter of 5 nights at SSR.

After some additional research (it is my hobby after all), I decided I would book Saturday, January 21 at POP Century, transfer to SSR for Sunday – Thursday, and leave WDW on Friday, January 27 to visit friends and family elsewhere in Florida.

Park tickets, plane tickets, Magical Express booking and PSs quickly followed. Before I knew it, it was time to pack my bags, prep the fur-kids for the pet-sitter, and set the alarm clock for my early morning flight. Wooohooo! I was going to Disney World.

 

[pumba]

oh oh oh.......I can HARDLY WAIT.......thanks for the pre intro

 

[Thumper's Tara]

Brrrrrriiiiiiingggg said the alarm clock. Well, not really. I have a radio alarm clock, so some random song woke me up. I wish I could tell you what it was, but I don’t remember,

I am going to ramble briefly here, so feel free to skip ahead…why, oh why, is it so easy to get up for vacation? Normally, dragging my sorry behind out of bed is torture. I hit the snooze button over and over. Finally, at the last possible moment, I will drag myself out of bed, grumble my way to the coffee pot, and get the day started. Now, every morning of my vacation, I was up at the first ring of the alarm clock or before. In most cases, I didn’t even have coffee waiting for me. I just got up and started the day. I just don’t get it. End of ramble, now back to your regularly scheduled trip report…

The alarm started singing its song at 4:30 am. I quickly jumped out of bed, did the last of the packing and headed off to work.

To work you say? Yes, to work. Unfortunately, the airport shuttle service considers my house out of its normal service area. Mind you, the service area ends a block from my house, but alas Romeo, it is too far for the humble shuttle bus company to drive. So, I have to wake up even earlier and be picked up at work. No worries though – I was going to Disney World!

My trip to the office was uneventful and really quick. The roads were empty. Of course the roads are empty…it is so early Starbucks isn’t even open yet. Now, that is early. By 5 am, I am talking to the security guards at the office, wondering what time Starbucks opens, and waiting patiently for the shuttle to arrive. At 5:15 am, the shuttle arrived. The driver took my bags and I crawled into the van with 5 other sleepy passengers. Man, I wonder what time they had to get up? Luckily, I am the last stop and we headed directly to the airport.

At the airport, I used the handy dandy self-check in machines. I love these things. I gave the nice, not-so perky, baggage lady my bag with its little yellow Magical Express tag. I then said a brief prayer that nothing would happen to that bright little tag and my luggage would magically appear at POP later that night.

After checking in and going through security, Lucky Bunny and I smelled something wonderful. We follow the heavenly smell of fresh coffee to …you guessed it…an OPEN Starbucks. Hail the conquering hero! Coffee. I ordered a Pumpkin Spiced Latte and a bagel. I am quickly served and I wandered off to wait for my flight.

The flight, as all good flights should be, was unadventurous. There is one highlight that I need to mention though. As it was a Delta Song flight, I was able to enjoy Wallace & Gromit - The Curse of the Were-Rabbit. What a perfect start to the Lucky Bunny trip! I give the Curse of the Were-Rabbit Two Bunny Ears up . Does anyone know where I can purchase a Bun-Vac 6000?

Up next….The Magical Not-So-Express…

 

[Thumper's Tara]

After the flight landed, I gathered my belongings – being careful when opening overhead compartments because articles may shift during flight – and followed the herd off the plane. I sped my way to the A terminal, and once there, I looked anxiously around for big, white Mickey hands. No big white Mickey hands. Oh no. What now.

Finally, I spotted a woman dangling a Disney sign around. Initially, I thought it was for a Disney Cruise, but after closer inspection it proved to be the ME. She didn’t have white gloves, but I will forgive her for that. Anyway, she pointed me downstairs.

Downstairs, I was dismayed to find my first Disney line. The ME counter had a humongous line. After a brief sigh, I pulled out my book and got in line. Apparently, the ME computers had gone down and the CM were doing everything by hand. At this point, I didn’t have a watch, so I am not sure how long I was in line. As I was bouncing with excitement at this point, it seemed like a long wait. Upon reflection, it couldn’t have been more than 20 minutes.

After checking in, I was directed to another line to get on the bus to POP. I waited here for about 5 minutes and we were released. I do mean released. The CMs opened the front of the line and we were off. No directions to which bus, so I followed the herd (moooooo), handed over my carry-on, and found a seat on the bus. It was the right bus.

POP was the first stop. I quickly scooped up my bag and moooooved quickly. I wanted to be at the front of the herd when I reached check-in. Check-in already had a line, but several CMs were checking people in.

Here is a slightly blurry picture of the checkin

The wait was quick. I was given a room in the 50’s section and it was available immediately. I wandered over to my room, changed into my suit, grabbed my camera, a towel, and headed out.

 

[pumba]

I was wondering about the ME .....did it work for you and your luggage?
Thanks again

 

[Thumper's Tara]

I was wondering about the ME .....did it work for you and your luggage?
Thanks again

Pumba-

ME did work for me and my baggage. Only 2 things bugged me about ME: (1) the line because the computers were down and (2) the herd factor - I didn't really know which bus I was supposed to go to, so I followed the herd.

I arrived at POP around 11 am and left to go play around 2 pm. My luggage hadn't arrived by the time I left. I didn't get home until after 10 pm, but my luggage was waiting for me. I made sure to pack everything for day 1 in my carry-on. Actually, I learned to do that last trip. My parents luggage didn't arrive when we did! I learned to have what I needed for the first 24 hours with me on the plane.

Hope this helps!
Tara

 

[Thumper's Tara]

Some photos of POP:

 

[MagicForMe]

I'm loving this so far.

 

[Thumper's Tara]

After a brief swim in the bowling pin pool, I headed over to the pool bar for a margarita. I was quickly served my blue margarita and I headed back to the room. The plan was to enjoy my rita while reading through all the information they gave me at check-in. After that, I would take a brief nap, shower, and then hit the MK.

Reality was a bit different. First, Lucky Bunny and I enjoyed my ‘rita...

...then, took some pictures of the room...

From the front door...

the front door...

the vanity...

and the bath...

and finally, laid down for a nap.

I guess I was a little too wound up for a nap. I tossed and turned for a while. After a bit, I gave up. Here I was on my first day in Disney, and I was trying to take a nap. What was I thinking? Instead of torturing myself further, I decided to get up and get ready.

Up next...the case of the missing soap!

 

[TSM1993]

Where was Thumper located at? Going in Oct and want to get a pic with my son and him for my Grandma her 2 favorite characters.lol

 

[VanniGirl]

Off to a great start - looking forward to reading more

 

[tammyandtommy]

I know people have lives, but Im trying to live thru yours! LOL I need more!

 

[Thumper's Tara]

Where was Thumper located at? Going in Oct and want to get a pic with my son and him for my Grandma her 2 favorite characters.lol

Thumper was in front of Animal Kingdom last year in March. I believe that he was there because Bambi was being released that day. Being a huge bunny lover, I completely lucked out.

I think that Bambi II is coming out soon (saw signs on the buses), so maybe he will be out again! I hope he is there for you! I was so excited when I met him I was jumping up and down. My parents were locking at me like I was crazy

ttfn,
TT

 

[Thumper's Tara]

I know people have lives, but Im trying to live thru yours! LOL I need more!

Unfortunately, I do actually have to do some work at work! How else can I afford my Disney addiction.

I will try and finish the case of the missing soap before I leave though!

 

[Thumper's Tara]

When we last left off, our heroine had decided to make herself beautifull and hit the parks...

So, I jumped out of bed, grabbed my beauty kit, and headed to the bathroom. I stipped out of my jammies, turned the water on, and reached for the soap...

Ack! No soap.

Okay. No problem. I could just grab the facial soap and get some body soap later.

Ack! No soap on the vanity either.

Soap, soap, my Kingdom for some soap!

What to do? Well, I could just call mousekeeping and have them bring me some. Gawsh, I would have to get dressed for that one. I wouldn't want to scare the poor mousekeeper. Then I wondered how long it would take for them to bring me soap.

Now, I work in Quality and my life is all about doing things better, cheaper and faster. Was there anyway to get the soap faster? Calling mousekeeping would mean I would have to get dressed and wait. That didn't seem very fast or efficient to me...then it dawned on me. The connecting door had been open when I arrived. I hadn't heard anyone arrive next door. Would it be safe? It would definitely be quicker. After all, the water was already running!

I slowly opened the connecting door. I peeked in the room. Empty. I run, naked (all of you who are shaking your head at me - where's your sense of adventure?), into the room and steal the soap. I streaked back into my room, locked the connecting door and hit the shower!

So, if you were in the 50's section of POP Century on the night of January 21st and had no soap - sorry that was me

up next...my private limo to MK...

 

[Thumper's Tara]

When I was ready, I headed over to the MK bus stop. As I was walking up to the stop, the bus pulled in. Bonus, dude. It turns out that I was the only one interested in heading to MK! I got a private Disney "Limo" ride over. The CM was very nice. We had a great conversation about Disney. At a stop light, he even opened the doors to the bus so that I could get a picture of the entrance to POP.

My private ride to MK over, I picked up my tickets and headed into MK. As I walked through the entrance and Cinderella’s castle came into view, a giant smile formed on my face. I was finally at here. Nothing can compare to walking onto Main Street and seeing the castle for first time of the trip...

Unfortunately, I will have to leave our story here. I have a date tonight with a potential Prince Charming!

to be continued...

 

[Yardbird]

Love your report. Have fun with Prince Charming!

 

[stitchesmom]

I am loving your report. So far so good please do not keep us waiting the suspense is killing me. I have to wait 30 days until our trip and it's drving me crazy

 

[byoung]

Thanks.