Mistake?
- Thread starter Frozenfingers
- Start date
Frozenfingers
Mouseketeer
- Joined
- Apr 12, 2003
- Messages
- 275
Trip report is coming.. please be patient. Mom & Dad are in a nursing home, plenty of issues to deal with.. and unfortunately, my boss is demanding some of my time as well...
I'll be posting the report here...
Thanks for your patience..........
I'll be posting the report here...
Thanks for your patience..........
Frozenfingers said:
I would not push if I were you, sounds like they are struggling and have a lot on their plates and we need to remember each family has thier own sets of values and rules and that is their choice, maybe they go by the "no man left behind" philosophy...anyway the girl will be 18 soon and can make her own choices as an adult...maybe try again in the future??? I know you have good intentions but we can not understand why one parent would say something we might not agree with....
That being said....
my brother and I got to do a lot of things different growing up, we never did the same things however my dh and his brother were twins and never spent a day apart and cried when they got separated in school in first grade, so hard they sent them home every day for a week...anyway I was just thinking Disney is different than a school dance or something and I would not want to be the sibling left behind, knowing my bro was at WDW. I wouldn't want my kids to feel that tention and jealousy(naturally) towards each other and cause the "why can't our family afford to go to Disney" conflict...do you see what I am saying?? I think you are kind to do this but maybe I offer a different perspective...good luck!
Frozenfingers said:
OHHH DUUUHHH I am stupid, this thread is like WAAAY old, like a soap opera you can't miss a day!!
sorry about the late advice that is awesome they took the kiddies to Disneyland or maybe I should read on more before making more comments!!! 
Frozenfingers
Mouseketeer
- Joined
- Apr 12, 2003
- Messages
- 275
First, let me thank everyone for his or her patience. Unfortunately at my place of employment, we need to cover for each other when one or the other is off playing. My counterpart worked for me while we played, now she is off enjoying her family, so I have had a long, long workweek..(it will be over after the holiday). In addition, both my parents are in a Nursing Home, and my mommy missed me.
Now, where do I begin?
My brother and I are pretty close, and my niece graduated High School and my nephew graduated College this year, so we NEEDED to be there for their celebration. Fortunately, they were able to coordinate everything for the open house so we wouldnt have to change our plane tickets. Early Sunday morning, I packed the car while everyone was at mass, and we headed to Minneapolis almost on the designated time. This is a rarity for us to actually leave on time. Our first adventure was stopping in a little town called Freeport for lunch. For those of you in the know, or those that even remotely care, the village restaurant, Charlies Café, is really Lake Wobegon of Garrison Keller fame. One day the girls will get into Wobegon, and they will look back and say hey ! I know this!.. I BEEN there! But, for now they enjoyed looking at the memorabilia and asked Garrison who? , Lake Whatbegone?
We spent a pleasant afternoon with the family. It was great seeing all the rellies, old friends, and meeting new ones. The girls melted right in and were a great help serving the multitudes and had a good time letting the graduates beat them at badmitten. I hadnt realized it, but my sis in laws (and brothers) niece also graduated this year, so we had three graduates in celebration.
That evening we spent the night with my eldest son and his bride. Their child China is a Great Dane puppy, who has gotta weigh in about 140 pounds or so. I took great pride in getting her wound up and playing, what a monster!! Now, I love my son and daughter in law to death, but we only stay with them once a year if we can get away with it. Reason being, they love animals, but do not necessarily love what comes with the animals.. like keeping the place clean. And, they are smokers as well. So, between the dander from the dog and the ferret, and the smoke, the Mrs and me are usually ready to go on a respirator by morning. We usually survive though, and this night was no different, it just makes for a long next day because we seldom sleep. But, this time it was different, I was downright upset after making a call to confirm the flights for the next day.
Earlier in the Spring, a colleague shared with me that when she vacationed in St.Maartin, her sons and families took an earlier flight home, and unknown to them the airline changed their flights. To make a long story short, everyones flights were changed and the airline couldnt get them back home, so they rented a car and drove home from Minneapolis. Well, I called that evening to the same airline (AMERICAN) and they had changed our flights.. we were to leave and hour earlier to Florida, and 6 hours earlier returning to Minnesota. One one hand, I was grateful that I called, otherwise we would have missed the flight, but I got to thinking that they are pretty presumptuous screwing with our lives that way! I know they have seats to fill, but, I bought seats 7 months earlier and planned a wonderful vacation for some pretty special kids and I was angry they were screwing with it! Some folks I vented too say EVERY airline does it, but that hasnt been my experience. I just will not fly American again, I have other options. I think it was especially nice of them to call their customer and let them know their plans changed.
Im off on a tangent, sorry. I knew the girls didnt sleep either, mainly because I didnt have to wake them up. Everyone is showered and dressed and waiting in the driveway for #1 son to drive us to big bird at oh dark thirty. I really wanted to leave later, really I did.. a 6 am flight just doesnt do much for me. My daughter is awake, but not smiling.. she will be snoring on the plane for sure. Our guest isnt too talkative either, but she is kinda shy too.
Now, remember, DDs friend has not ever been in an airplane, large or small, much less had to deal with TAS. She stuck to us like glue. I had completely forgotten about her needing to take such things as needles and glass vials on board the aircraft. Fortunately, she had come prepared with a letter from her MD stating she was diabetic and needed the sharps with her. We didnt have a problem at all with security, but we were disappointed that no eateries open up till AFTER our flight leaves. So, we have a small snack from our stash for energy, and to ward of the diabetes demon of our guest. At Chicago we will need to grab some calories, but for now, we sit and wait.. We were trying not to watch, but it was a blast just watching her get more and more excited and nervous about the flight. When we finally boarded, and she took the window seat, the light was just dancing in her eyes this girl was PUMPED! I nudged the Mrs and whispered that me just gotta look at her during take off, and we were not disappointed, she beamed us the biggest smile I had seen in a long time. This was going to be a great trip!
The flight out went pretty smooth, considering we were dead tired. But, we are always dead tired leaving in the morning. Fast food in Chicago insured we could make it till Orlando, as long as the airplane did, and we landed right on time. We all got in lengthy naps and were really only conscious for the last hour or so. We had decided to hit the ground with feet a running, we had a lot to do and not much time to do it! We changed our attack plan because our friends, who would be joining us later, have a different style of vacationing, and we wanted to insure the girls would see what they planned to see. So, we were going to commando the first week, and then slow down the second week when they joined us. Boy, were we stupid! Like, vacationing in June is a whole lot different than vacationing in the fall.
No problems with the luggage, but Alamo was a lot slower than needed to be. Man, I have NEVER seen them that slow, and I figured that there must be something wrong.. Everyones reservations couldnt have been screwed up. When my turn finally came, for me, it was a real hard sell to get a minivan instead of the full sized car I reserved. I wondered why it was taking so long, and here she had searched every possible way to sell me the van the cheapest way possible.. only 12 dollars more a day.. In hindsight, I should have probably taken the deal.. Luggage was a lot tighter than I expected, infact, there wasnt room for my carryon after the girls took up the space.. Oh well, hindsight is 20/20, usually. After wasting almost an hour getting the car, it really didnt sound like a deal at the time. Oops.
Now, I would have driven to WDW via International Drive so the girls could see some of the sights, but because we took so long getting the car, we figured that we better get going directly. The air hits us like blast furnace as we exit the terminal to get the car, yup, it was a warm one today! By the time we walk to the car we all need to change shirts. Yup, we were definitely NOT in Minnesota amymore!
We get to the Beach Club and the guard checks us in and waves us through. I see a look of disappointment in DWs eyes, and sure nuff, He didnt welcome us home are the next words out of her mouth. She so looks forward to hearing it. Personally I dont care one way or the other, it can be overdone. But, It is nice to hear that on arrival. Our room isnt quite ready yet, but that is ok, we are hungry. The front desk makes a nice service recovery and gives us a nice "welcome home", and DW's day is made! Off to Beaches and Cream!! I think our guest just about breaks her neck trying to take everything in.. we havent even started yet, and already she is getting overwhelmed. Then she hears the commotion and sees her first kitchen sink God, she has big eyes! What a hoot to watch her! She doesnt know what to say, so she just giggles, which makes all of us giggle! DD of course wants to order one Nope, aint gonna happen, says I.
After a hugely satisfying meal, we waddle around Stormalong for a while, pointing out all the sights, MGM, Epcot, Boardwalk, Swan, etc . and everyone is ready to go! So, we check at the desk, and the villa is ready, so we haul up the luggage and the girls need to do whatever it is they do.. and then we are off to Animal Kingdom!
Stay tuned for part two!
[/IMG]
Now, where do I begin?
My brother and I are pretty close, and my niece graduated High School and my nephew graduated College this year, so we NEEDED to be there for their celebration. Fortunately, they were able to coordinate everything for the open house so we wouldnt have to change our plane tickets. Early Sunday morning, I packed the car while everyone was at mass, and we headed to Minneapolis almost on the designated time. This is a rarity for us to actually leave on time. Our first adventure was stopping in a little town called Freeport for lunch. For those of you in the know, or those that even remotely care, the village restaurant, Charlies Café, is really Lake Wobegon of Garrison Keller fame. One day the girls will get into Wobegon, and they will look back and say hey ! I know this!.. I BEEN there! But, for now they enjoyed looking at the memorabilia and asked Garrison who? , Lake Whatbegone?
We spent a pleasant afternoon with the family. It was great seeing all the rellies, old friends, and meeting new ones. The girls melted right in and were a great help serving the multitudes and had a good time letting the graduates beat them at badmitten. I hadnt realized it, but my sis in laws (and brothers) niece also graduated this year, so we had three graduates in celebration.
That evening we spent the night with my eldest son and his bride. Their child China is a Great Dane puppy, who has gotta weigh in about 140 pounds or so. I took great pride in getting her wound up and playing, what a monster!! Now, I love my son and daughter in law to death, but we only stay with them once a year if we can get away with it. Reason being, they love animals, but do not necessarily love what comes with the animals.. like keeping the place clean. And, they are smokers as well. So, between the dander from the dog and the ferret, and the smoke, the Mrs and me are usually ready to go on a respirator by morning. We usually survive though, and this night was no different, it just makes for a long next day because we seldom sleep. But, this time it was different, I was downright upset after making a call to confirm the flights for the next day.
Earlier in the Spring, a colleague shared with me that when she vacationed in St.Maartin, her sons and families took an earlier flight home, and unknown to them the airline changed their flights. To make a long story short, everyones flights were changed and the airline couldnt get them back home, so they rented a car and drove home from Minneapolis. Well, I called that evening to the same airline (AMERICAN) and they had changed our flights.. we were to leave and hour earlier to Florida, and 6 hours earlier returning to Minnesota. One one hand, I was grateful that I called, otherwise we would have missed the flight, but I got to thinking that they are pretty presumptuous screwing with our lives that way! I know they have seats to fill, but, I bought seats 7 months earlier and planned a wonderful vacation for some pretty special kids and I was angry they were screwing with it! Some folks I vented too say EVERY airline does it, but that hasnt been my experience. I just will not fly American again, I have other options. I think it was especially nice of them to call their customer and let them know their plans changed.
Im off on a tangent, sorry. I knew the girls didnt sleep either, mainly because I didnt have to wake them up. Everyone is showered and dressed and waiting in the driveway for #1 son to drive us to big bird at oh dark thirty. I really wanted to leave later, really I did.. a 6 am flight just doesnt do much for me. My daughter is awake, but not smiling.. she will be snoring on the plane for sure. Our guest isnt too talkative either, but she is kinda shy too.
Now, remember, DDs friend has not ever been in an airplane, large or small, much less had to deal with TAS. She stuck to us like glue. I had completely forgotten about her needing to take such things as needles and glass vials on board the aircraft. Fortunately, she had come prepared with a letter from her MD stating she was diabetic and needed the sharps with her. We didnt have a problem at all with security, but we were disappointed that no eateries open up till AFTER our flight leaves. So, we have a small snack from our stash for energy, and to ward of the diabetes demon of our guest. At Chicago we will need to grab some calories, but for now, we sit and wait.. We were trying not to watch, but it was a blast just watching her get more and more excited and nervous about the flight. When we finally boarded, and she took the window seat, the light was just dancing in her eyes this girl was PUMPED! I nudged the Mrs and whispered that me just gotta look at her during take off, and we were not disappointed, she beamed us the biggest smile I had seen in a long time. This was going to be a great trip!
The flight out went pretty smooth, considering we were dead tired. But, we are always dead tired leaving in the morning. Fast food in Chicago insured we could make it till Orlando, as long as the airplane did, and we landed right on time. We all got in lengthy naps and were really only conscious for the last hour or so. We had decided to hit the ground with feet a running, we had a lot to do and not much time to do it! We changed our attack plan because our friends, who would be joining us later, have a different style of vacationing, and we wanted to insure the girls would see what they planned to see. So, we were going to commando the first week, and then slow down the second week when they joined us. Boy, were we stupid! Like, vacationing in June is a whole lot different than vacationing in the fall.
No problems with the luggage, but Alamo was a lot slower than needed to be. Man, I have NEVER seen them that slow, and I figured that there must be something wrong.. Everyones reservations couldnt have been screwed up. When my turn finally came, for me, it was a real hard sell to get a minivan instead of the full sized car I reserved. I wondered why it was taking so long, and here she had searched every possible way to sell me the van the cheapest way possible.. only 12 dollars more a day.. In hindsight, I should have probably taken the deal.. Luggage was a lot tighter than I expected, infact, there wasnt room for my carryon after the girls took up the space.. Oh well, hindsight is 20/20, usually. After wasting almost an hour getting the car, it really didnt sound like a deal at the time. Oops.
Now, I would have driven to WDW via International Drive so the girls could see some of the sights, but because we took so long getting the car, we figured that we better get going directly. The air hits us like blast furnace as we exit the terminal to get the car, yup, it was a warm one today! By the time we walk to the car we all need to change shirts. Yup, we were definitely NOT in Minnesota amymore!
We get to the Beach Club and the guard checks us in and waves us through. I see a look of disappointment in DWs eyes, and sure nuff, He didnt welcome us home are the next words out of her mouth. She so looks forward to hearing it. Personally I dont care one way or the other, it can be overdone. But, It is nice to hear that on arrival. Our room isnt quite ready yet, but that is ok, we are hungry. The front desk makes a nice service recovery and gives us a nice "welcome home", and DW's day is made! Off to Beaches and Cream!! I think our guest just about breaks her neck trying to take everything in.. we havent even started yet, and already she is getting overwhelmed. Then she hears the commotion and sees her first kitchen sink God, she has big eyes! What a hoot to watch her! She doesnt know what to say, so she just giggles, which makes all of us giggle! DD of course wants to order one Nope, aint gonna happen, says I.
After a hugely satisfying meal, we waddle around Stormalong for a while, pointing out all the sights, MGM, Epcot, Boardwalk, Swan, etc . and everyone is ready to go! So, we check at the desk, and the villa is ready, so we haul up the luggage and the girls need to do whatever it is they do.. and then we are off to Animal Kingdom!
Stay tuned for part two!
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