MARCH 2011 : My First Trip As A "Grown Up" ( now w/pics )

[jelloarms]

It is 11:00 at night and I am really tired right now and am struggling to keep my eyes open but I just had to come here and talk about this. I finally did it, I finally booked our flights! Woot!

I booked through United. Paid a little over $800 per ticket after taxes. Yes it is kind of high but a bit cheaper than what it has been these past few weeks. Plus, it's what I initially budgeted for when I first started planning this whole shindig. I read something that stated that flight prices are set to stay steady or rise. Still, I am NEVER going to check flight prices again (for fun) because I know if I find something cheaper I will just beat myself up over booking too early.

Travelocity did actually have the option of paying only about $600 a ticket but that would mean having to switch to a different airline and I just didn't want to take that risk of my luggage being lost in the transition from one airline to the other. I'm just going to stick with one company.

We leave Hawaii on Tuesday, March 15th at midday and get to LAX at 09:20 p.m. PST. At 10:35 we head for MCO and are set to arrive there at 06:18 a.m. EST.

I am a little worried about having only a 1 hour layover. Mom says that you should always give yourself at least 2 hours because you never know what can happen.

This is how I am trying to make myself feel better. Let's say Kris and I miss the connecting flight. I think that the 10:35 p.m. flight is probably the last one out for the day. Let's say United can't get us on another flight till 9:00 a.m. the next morning. I would still get to Florida on the same day, just at night. Our arrival day was never going to be a park day anyway so it's no big loss. Still, I am hoping and praying that it doesn't even come to that.

 

[jelloarms]

I am seriously considering bringing a flat-mom with us. You know...flats. Where you take a cutout picture of someone, somehow stick it to a stick and takes pictures with it. I've seen it done in various TRs such as in jordanyosh's, winkers, and um...I can't remember who else but there have been others. It seems like a really cool idea.

Check out the link to get a visual of what I am talking about:: They are pages from one of Jordanyosh's and winkers's old PTRS::

http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=34101333&postcount=1

http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=22589876&postcount=1854

The other night when I was buying the tickets, my mom kept looking at her planner, trying to justify coming with my sister and me. My mom is a teacher. From the 15th - 18th she would be on her spring break But once the 21st rolled around, she would have to be back in school. Hawaii used to have 2 week spring breaks but now it's only 1. She was seriously thinking of using some personal time off but then realized her classes have some big projects right that first week after the break so she reluctantly decided against coming.

On the bright side, she did say that she wants to go to Disneyland in 2012 or 2013, when California Adventure's construction is complete, to make up for not getting to go this time so at least there is a of Disney trip not so very far off. Disneyland is doable in a week trip. Disney World...NO. At least, not for the length of time that we like to stay.

So I am thinking of getting a silly picture of two of mom, getting it laminated, then sticking it to a craft popsicle stick. Then I'll take pictures of flat mom throughout the trip so it will be sort of like she's there. I think she will appreciate that.

I'm worried though, will TSA take away flat mom? Is a popsicle stick a weapon? Ugh, if the take her away I am going to be so mad! First they take away my water bottles and now they take away my mom! TSA HAS GONE TOO FAR!

Man, I am getting all worked up over something that hasn't even happened yet! Haha!

 

[Vwdiva93]

I've actually been lurking here on your PTR for awhile, but now I'm officially here!! I love the idea of a flat Mom, you should definitely do that! Hopefully TSA won't care, they have gone too crazy these days.

 

[jelloarms]

Hey boys and girls! It's time for part 5 of...

DISNEY...PAST...SATURDAYS!

(meant to be read in the slow sounding Muppets Pigs in Space voice)



But first, just a minor update. Last night my mom said that she would pay for half of my plane ticket as a birthday (t'was on December 2nd) / Christmas present....or BirthMas as I like to call it. Yay! $400 saved.


And now for your regularly scheduled Disney Past Saturdays.


These are some photos from our 1995 trip to Disneyland.

We were there during their 40th Anniversary.

My dad actually forked out the money to buy that Indiana Jones hat. We still have it actually! Anyway the Spirit of Pocahontas was basically a stage show of...Pocahontas. The part in Florida's Fantasmic with the Pocahontas scene is kind of like a clip from this show. I know some of you here have never been to Disneyland but in Disneyland's version (the original) of Fantasmic, instead of the Pocahontas scene, there is a Peter Pan fighting captain hook scene. I love Pocahontas but honestly I like the Peter Pan fight scene better. But anyway, The Spirit of Pocahontas was really good.

My family plus my aunty, uncle and cousin, all waiting for the Main Street Electrical Parade to start. This is one of my favorite photos ever.

 

[jmskinner]

My family plus my aunty, uncle and cousin, all waiting for the Main Street Electrical Parade to start. This is one of my favorite photos ever.[/SIZE][/COLOR]



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I was just about to say that I really like this photo when I saw your comment about it being your favorite.

Sorry haven't commented in awhile, been reading the email updates on my phone and kept forgetting to come out here in post.

Love the idea of your flat-mom coming on the trip. One of my Dis friends gets carried like that when she isn't able to make it. I've had my pic with her a few times. Couldn't you put it in your checked luggage, wouldn't think it would be a problem with TSA then.

Oh , sorry I'm so late. How nice of Mom to pay for the ticket. Sorry she can't make it.

 

[ash-n-brensmom]

Hi there, I am just joining in on your PTR. I am all caught up on your updates and look forward to reading more...btw love the idea of past WDW pics!! We will be in the World from March 3-10th...I just started a PTR as well..you're welcome to check in on our plans and try to make the waiting pass more quickly!!

 

[jelloarms]

I've actually been lurking here on your PTR for awhile, but now I'm officially here!! I love the idea of a flat Mom, you should definitely do that! Hopefully TSA won't care, they have gone too crazy these days.

Welcome! I'm a huge lurker too.

I was just about to say that I really like this photo when I saw your comment about it being your favorite.

Sorry haven't commented in awhile, been reading the email updates on my phone and kept forgetting to come out here in post.

Love the idea of your flat-mom coming on the trip. One of my Dis friends gets carried like that when she isn't able to make it. I've had my pic with her a few times. Couldn't you put it in your checked luggage, wouldn't think it would be a problem with TSA then.

Oh , sorry I'm so late. How nice of Mom to pay for the ticket. Sorry she can't make it.

That's a smart idea, putting her in the luggage. I think I'll do just that. And thanks for the birthday wishes!

Hi there, I am just joining in on your PTR. I am all caught up on your updates and look forward to reading more...btw love the idea of past WDW pics!! We will be in the World from March 3-10th...I just started a PTR as well..you're welcome to check in on our plans and try to make the waiting pass more quickly!!

Welcome! I will definitley check your PTR out.

 

[jelloarms]

So I made a Disney World survey just for fun. You guys should do it too! It keeps the Disney spirit alive when you you have done all the planning you could possibly do. Just erase my answers and copy and paste it into your own PTRs. Enjoy!




JELLOARMS's DISNEY WORLD SURVEY



1. What is your name?::

Kellie


2. When was the first time you went to Disney World?::

August 1992


3. When was the last time you went to Disney World?::

March 2008


4. When is the next time you will be in Disney World?::

March 2011



GETTING THERE


5. How do you usually get to to Disney World?::

Airplane. It's the only way I can get there what with the Pacific Ocean being in the way and all.


6. What do you do to pass the time while getting there?::

Attempt to sleep. With emphasis on attempt. The night before I leave on a vacation, I always pull an all nighter with the hopes that I will sleep in the plane but I can never seem to find a comfortable position and never sleep for more than 30 minutes without waking up. When I am not trying to sleep, I usually play my gameboy, listen to music, or read a book. Sometimes I will draw.


7. Do you have any particularly memorable or interesting experiences you can recall happening on your journey to Disney World?::

On our last trip, we had nearly 9 hour flight from Hawaii to our layover in Georgia. I sat by the window with my sister and my mom sat across of us in the aisle. There was a rather large man next to her and next to him on the other side was another person. He looked so uncomfortable but surprisingly, for the whole 9 hours, he never got up once to use the bathroom or stretch his legs. Currazzay!



LODGING

8. What is your favorite place you have stayed at and why? It does not have to be on property::

I guess I would have to say All Star Music. I know I know, you are all thinking what is wrong with me? Well I have never stayed at a mod or deluxe before. So yeah.


9. What is your least favorite place you have stayed at and why? (It doesn't necessarily have to be a bad place, it's just that maybe out of all your list of favorites, this would be your least favorite)::

In 1997 we stayed at a Holiday Inn. It was an okay hotel but the hotel-provided-shuttle to get to and from the parks stopped at 55,000 other hotels along the way and we were always the last to get dropped off.



MAGIC KINGDOM

10. What is your favorite attraction in the MK?

Haunted Mansion. It's a long ride and it tells an interesting "story." I actually prefer story rides over a generic fast coaster.


11. What is your least favorite attraction in the MK?

Ugh. Stitch's Great Escape or whatever it's called. Despite being from Hawaii, I never liked the Lilo and Stitch movie. Lilo just seems really whiny to me and Stitch is annoying. The attraction wasn't great either. Especially the part where he hops up and down on your shoulders! I was so afraid that it was going to give my mom shoulder pains because that thing pressed down hard! I would rather they had just left Alien Encounter the way it was.


12. Tell me a random memory you have involving the MK.

The first time I drove a car type ride by myself was on the Indy Speedway in 1997. I was 9 years old and honestly I was a little scared but the other girls in my tour group were going to be drivers too and I didn't want to feel left out. I was horrible. The car kept jerking me this way and that. My uncle in the passenger seat actually had to take over. I cried the whole ride. I remember getting off the ride, teary eyed, and saying that I was NEVER going to get my license ever. It wasn't until 2003 on a band trip to Disneyland that I realized that the cars jerked to keep you on the track. Even in 2005 when I already had my license for about 6 months, I STILL got jerked around.


13. What is your favorite place to eat in the MK?

I have never eaten in a sit down restaurant in the MK but there is this one place somewhere in either Liberty Square or Frontierland that has really good veggie chili.



EPCOT

14. What is your favorite attraction in Epcot?

Spaceship Earth. It's long and interesting.


15. What is your least favorite attraction in Epcot?

The China show. It's a bit boring and you have to stand.


16. Tell me a random memory you have involving Epcot.

Last time we were there, Kristina and I tricked our mom into tasting the Beverly. Her face was hilarious.


17. What is your favorite place to eat in Epcot?

Akershus in Norway. Of course the last time I ate there was 1997.


18. What is your favorite country in the World Showcase?

Norway. I love Malestrom and Viking culture just fascinates me for some reason.



HOLLYWOOD STUDIOS

19. What is your favorite attraction in HS?

Fantasmic

20. What is your least favorite attraction in HS?

Lights Motors Action. I am not into cars at all.


21. Tell me a random memory you have involving HS.

Last time we were there, mom commented that we hardly got any pictures of the day and 5 minutes after she said that, 67 trillion characters walked out for photo ops. Irony!


22. What is your favorite place to eat in HS?

I really enjoyed Hollywood and Vine last time. Of course majority of what I ate was chicken nuggets.


23. Do you watch the Citizens of Hollywood?

I've never gotten the chance but I have seen them on the Youtube. They look so entertaining! I hope to catch them this time around.



ANIMAL KINGDOM

24. What is your favorite attraction in the AK?

Kilimanjaro Safaris.


25. What is your least favorite attraction in the AK?

Triceratops Spin.


26. Tell me a random memory you have involving the AK.

It's not even anything really but I remember in 2001 the CM at the start of the queue for the Kilimanjaro Safaris said something like "This way to the Kilimanjaro Safaris! Just 2 short miles...just 2 short African miles..." And I remember thinking I wonder how long an African mile is?


27. What is your favorite place to eat in the AK?

The only place I have ever eaten in the AK was that McDonalds place in Dinoland U.S.A. so I would have to say there I guess.


OTHER DISNEY PLACES

28. Which water parks have you been to and which one was your favorite?

I have been to both Typhoon Lagoon and Blizzard Beach. I prefer the latter.


29. What was your favorite part about that water park?

Lazy River. I know I know...lame! But it's so relaxing!


30. Have you been to Disney Quest?

Yes. Although in 2008, it was not as good as I remember it being in 2001. Maybe I just got older?


31. What was your favorite thing about Disney Quest?

Virtual Space Mountain.


32. Have you been to the Wide World of Sports?

No.


33. What was your favorite thing about the Wide World of Sports?

N/A




EXTINCT DISNEY

34. What are some of your favorite attractions that are no longer around?

Horizons! It was such a good ride, Disney doesn't make rides like that anymore...y'know...slow moving relaxing vehicles that take you through a journey and tell a story.


35. Have you ever been to Discovery Island when it was still running?

No.


36. Have you ever been to River Country when it was still running?

No. I had the opportunity but I didn't want to go because the water looked dirty. It was green! Gross.


37. What was your favorite part about the now shut down Pleasure Island?

I have no memories of that place.


38. What is your favorite extinct show/parade?

Spectromagic. I realize it is only gone temporarily but I LOVE Spectro! Much more than the Electrical Parade, especially now since they took away the Blue Fairy and replaced her with Tinkerbell. I hate Tinkerbell, mostly because she tried to kill Wendy. Why does no one ever remember that? Wendy is one of my favorite characters.



RANDOMS

39. What is one thing you MUST do every time you go to Disney?

Take a picture in front of the castle.


40. What is one thing you MUST eat every time you go to Disney?

There is nothing that I must eat. Everyone raves about the Dole Whip floats though, maybe I should try one?


41. What is something you haven't done yet that you look forward to doing?

In general, just doing Disney without any authority figures looming over my shoulder.


42. What is something you have done and have no interest in doing again?

Stitch's Great Escape. NEVER AGAIN. Also possibly Mission to Mars. After riding that in the morning, I felt sick for the whole entire rest of the day. Maybe if anything I will make it the last thing I do so when I am done, I can just go back to the hotel and sleep off the sickness.


43. Who is your favorite Disney female?

Mulan


44. Who is your favorite Disney male?

Peter Pan


45. Who is your favorite Disney villain?

Gaston


46. Your earliest Disney Park Memory::

It was in 1992. I remember that Goofy was the first character I took a photo with and he kept unvelcro-ing my shoes.


47. What other Disney Parks have you been to outside of Disney World?

Disneyland


48. Have you ever had to explain your love for Disney to someone who just didn't "get" it?

I have. And I just get strange looks. Why in god's name would any young 20 something want to spend their vacation want to spend their vacation time in anyplace other than Las Vegas? WHAT IS WRONG WITH MEEEEEE!!!


49. Blasphemous I know, but where is your favorite place to travel outside of Disney?

I'm not sure it's my favorite since I've only been there once but I would like to go to New York and Washington again.


50. Which Disney character reminds you of you?

Mulan.

 

[Vwdiva93]

Love your survey! I'm going to use it in my PTR right now.

 

[jelloarms]

Love your survey! I'm going to use it in my PTR right now.

Cool! I look forward to reading it!

 

[jelloarms]

Hey boys and girls! It's time for part 4 of...

DISNEY...PAST...SATURDAYS!

(meant to be read in the slow sounding Muppets Pigs in Space voice)


But first another minor update. My dad said for my Birthday/Christmas (Birthmas) gift, he would pay for the other half of my ticket! So since mom is already paying for the first half for my Birthmas, I don't have to pay for airfare! Woot!

And now back to your regularly scheduled Disney Past Saturdays.



These pictures were taken at Disneyland in 2006. As part of the 50th Anniversary celebration, they had people send in photos of themselves at the parks and then they got all the photos together and made murals. Don't mind my wacky style of posing. I was getting tired of generically smiling in everything so I switched it up a bit. Haha!

 

[Lifelong_Dreamer]

Joining in! You are going to have so much fun on your first "adult" trip!

I love your Disney Past Saturday idea.

 

[jelloarms]

Joining in! You are going to have so much fun on your first "adult" trip!

I love your Disney Past Saturday idea.

Thanks! And yeah, I love my mom but I am definetley looking forward to not having some authority figure having the "final say."

 

[dolfan71665]

Congrats on your first "adult trip"

My only trip was an adult in 2008(my parents could never see spending that much money for any vacation), but I became a kid again, much to the embarassment of my teens. Now I am returning for my 2nd trip in march 20-26. DD, DM DD20 and DD16. I think I'm the most excited of the 4 of us! I would post a pic from the last trip but dont know how!

Have fun!!

 

[ronnmel]

Looks like you and your sister are going to have a great trip!

I too am going to use that little survey in my PTR.

 

[jelloarms]

Congrats on your first "adult trip"

My only trip was an adult in 2008(my parents could never see spending that much money for any vacation), but I became a kid again, much to the embarassment of my teens. Now I am returning for my 2nd trip in march 20-26. DD, DM DD20 and DD16. I think I'm the most excited of the 4 of us! I would post a pic from the last trip but dont know how!

Have fun!!

Thanks! I will.

Looks like you and your sister are going to have a great trip!

I too am going to use that little survey in my PTR.

Yay, you are doing my survey! That's awesome. I'll definetley check your answers out.

 

[jelloarms]

Hey boys and girls! It's time for part 7 of...

DISNEY...PAST...SATURDAYS!

(meant to be read in the slow sounding Muppets Pigs in Space voice)


Except it's actually Sunday. 4:50a.m. to be exact. I didn't go to bed yet though so I am still in "Saturday Mode." I hope you all had a great Christmas! I know I sure did. I spent it at a friend's house.

I have actually gone to Disneyland with this friend before. It was during Christmas of 2005. Here are some pictures from that trip.

Waiting for Honey I Shrunk the Audience.

Waiting in line for Space Mountain. Our feet were getting tired and the line kept coming to multiple standstills because the ride kept breaking. Here we are, taking a break mid line stand-still.

Here we are attempting to look beautiful and attract future husbands in the Space Mountain line by wiping the oil off of our faces with oil blotting paper.

And here we are on the Buzz Lightyear Ride.

 

[Lifelong_Dreamer]

Here we are attempting to look beautiful and attract future husbands in the Space Mountain line by wiping the oil off of our faces with oil blotting paper.

 

[jelloarms]

Some months ago, I posted a thread, asking people what they did when their shoes got soaked all the way through. You can check it out at the link::


http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2454971


One suggestion was to stuff your shoes with newspaper and more newspaper and more newspaper still until it's all dry. That one sounded pretty good but I wasn't sure if it actually worked.

Anyway flash forward to about an hour ago. My sister and I were taking a walk around the neighborhood when suddenly, the skies opened up. The rain rain rain came down down down. (If you understood which Disney movie I was referencing, you are awesome) We ended up running to a nearby grocery store and waited there for my mom to pick us up. By the time we got to the grocery store though, we were pretty darn soaked, shoes included. It didn't help that my shoes were "breatheable" in the sense that a portion of the top of the shoe is only made of a thin layer of fabric.

Now I am home and I think it is a perfectly good time to test out the newspaper theory. So after dinner, I will test out my theory and tell you guys how it went.




*** Edit: RESULTS ***


So I tested out the newspaper thing. It does work okay but you need to use A LOT of newspaper. And it doesn't get it 100% dry but it does get it dry enough. Again, you will need a LOT of newspaper. You have to crumple it, stuff the shoe, take out the wet crumple balls, crumple new balls, stuff em in the shoes, take the balls out, put new ones in... rinse and repeat.

I am definetley bringing some newspaper from home in my luggage. My mom thinks I'm crazy for doing this. She says to just buy newspaper in the lobby. But what if (heaven forbid) it rains hard every single day? If a paper is $2 and I stay for 10 days, that is $20 down the toilet. Umm...I think NOT.

 

[Lifelong_Dreamer]

I'll be interested to hear the results of your experiment.