** My First Trip Report ** Our Dream Vacation >> COMPLETED -- PLEASE READ

[jodilinton]

Here we go - this is my first trip report so hopefully it will be Magical!

This trip was to celebrate being alone. My husband and I have 5 boys. He has 3 and I have 2. They range in age from 13 to 7 and we do not get to spend much time alone. In August (2009), we took the boys to Disney and we spent most of the time apart. The husband would have 2 kids in one place, and I would have th reset somewhere else so we promised each other that we were coming back without kids.

A little bit about us:

My name is Jodi (34) and I am a Disney Junkie for sure. I dream in Disney all the time. I do all the Disney planning. I am currently laid off but attending college to finish my BA in Marketing. I have 2 boys and they live with us all the time. I also have a couple of horses and we have a dog - named Daisy!

Hubby is Kirk (36) and has became a Disney Junkie by association. He has become as bad as me. Kirk works some crazy hours at his job but loves it. He has 3 boys that come to our house almost every weekend.

Our DISNEY history
Jodi - First trip was in 2000 with my now ex husband - he has family that lives in the Orlando area so I could get him to Florida but he hated Disney. I did manage to get him to go back in 01, 02, 03 which my boys were born in 2000 and 2002. We always stayed with his family but atleast I got to go to the World....Kirk and I were married in 2008 and we Honeymooned in Disney World, then in 2009 we took all the boys.

Kirk - First trip was our Honeymoon in 2008. We then brought his boys for their first trip in Aug of 2009. This is his 3rd trip.

Coming up next will be our plans ---

 

[jodilinton]

When we left Disney World with all 5 of our boys in August. We started planning our ALONE trip right then. I knew Kirk and I would be going back in January. I had never been there in January but I had heard in crowds were low and the weather would be nice. So we decided on the dates of January 23rd thru February 1st. Now we live in Mid Michigan so any temp above 20 degrees would be nice so I was not concerned with the weather but I was looking for a good deal.

We had a rough time deciding on a resort. We knew we were going to stay on property but we also knew that we never spend time at the resort, we are park goers! When we took the kids, we stayed at Pop Century and we loved this resort so orginally that is where I booked it for but, when the buy 4 get 3 free came out we changed to the CARIBBEAN BEACH RESORT. This was the first time we had stayed here and I was excited. Thanks to the DIS boards I could see all the pictures of the resort and knew this was the place for us.

I started packing for this trip about a month before we left, Kirk thought I was crazy but I am a planner and I wanted to be sure I did not forget anything. I also counted down everyday.

** Just in case anyone was wondering, our children were fine with not going, Kirk's kids actually told us they really did not like Disney and my boys & Kirk and I are going back in September of this year so they were ok with it **

So - we had our flight booked with Airtran out of Flint to Orlando, staying at Caribbean Beach for 9 nights, 10 day park hopper passes, and daily ADR's were booked. I planned everyday. I am also a scrapbooker so I created a journal ahead of time with our schedule, budget, and journaling pages to carry so that I could write our trip report as we went.

We dropped my boys off at my mom's (which she lives on a farm so they loved it) along with our dog the night before we left. We said our goodbyes and back home to finish getting things ready.

Coming up next - DAY ONE

 

[tinkerbell48]

Joining in Can't wait for the rest of your TP

 

[tinkerbell48]

We are staying at CBR in November. Can't wait to hear all about it. That resort looks beautiful

 

[sbprincess]

Good start - can't wait to hear more!

 

[jodilinton]

Kirk and I left our house at about 3:30am so that we would arrive at Flint Bishop Airport around 5am. Our flight was scheduled to leave at 7am but we had our first magical thing happen of the trip **** we arrived at the ticket counter and they asked if we were willing to give up our seats on our non-stop flight to Orlando and take a connecting flight to Atlanta and then to Orlando which would have us landing at about the same time. Airtran offered us 2 free flights to use in the next year and to fly first class to Atlanta! Of course we said YES!

Once we checked in on the new flight they said we needed to hurry they were boarding now. So we checked our bags and ran to security. The airport was empty (Flint is a small airport). We were the last to board the plane but we sat in row 1, served drinks, and stretched out. It was great in first class.

We arrived in Atlanta and reboarded to Orlando right away and this time we were in coach...what a difference. But, we were on our way HOME so its ok.

The flights were pretty unexciting, which is good. Kirk and I both got DSi's so we played on those. Airtran also has free WiFi so we were on the internet. We landed in Orlando around 10am and we could tell it was warm as soon as we got off the plane. No more winter coats!! When we left Michigan it was about 20 degrees and in Orlando it was 65 degrees. Nice!

We unloaded off the plane, took the tram to the Disney Express counter and it seemed like they were waiting for us. We loaded onto a Disney Express Bus and off to Caribbean Beach Resort. Of course we love watching the video on the bus, it is our welcome home message.

As we pulled into the resort we knew this was the perfect place for the two of us. I had requested Jamacia building 44 or 45 ahead of time and we got building 44 Jamacia. It was so quick picking up our welcome packet, keys to the world, and jumping on the internal bus to our home for the next 10 days. The resort is so beautiful and tropical. After we checked out our room (pics to come later), we dropped off our carry on luggage, and we went to Ole' Port Royal for lunch. It was a short walk over the bridge and we were so hungry. We both had sandwiches and chips.

************* Next step ... Castle bound**********************

We walked out to the bus stop and hopped a bus to Magic Kingdom. We only waited about 5 minutes for the bus and I was so excited by this point that I kept tearing up. The bus ride was about 18 minutes and we walked through those gates -- I WAS HOME.

One thing I did not mention is that I have created a scrapbook that contains a page for every character in the park, I have printed off cards for the characters to sign (thanks to the designers on the DIS), and hubby & I are character stalkers So other then enjoying our alone time on this trip - we focused on collecting signatures. When we were at Disney World in August we collected 25 so we did not want to repeat those. We character dined and collected almost all of the main characters.


Coming up next......Magic Kingdom & finally some photos

 

[charming23]

Joining in. I loved staying at the CBR. It was so beautiful and relaxing.

Can't wait to hear more.

 

[Señor DonDuck]

Signing up.

 

[jodilinton]

After traveling all morning – we were finally HOME – Magic Kingdom. This is Kirk and I’s favorite park. My excitement heightened as I walked through the turnstiles. The first glance at the castle is amazing and breathtaking every time I see it. After a quick look around Main Street to see if there were any characters (which the only ones out were ones that I already had signatures for), we hopped on the train and went back to frontier land. Our first stop was going to be Big Thunder Mountain but the line was crazy long so we fast passed it and planned to come back later.

We decided to walk past Splash Mountain to see what they were doing to it. I knew it was being refurbished but I still had to look. It was completely dry. Kinda cool to see. Kirk and I just kept talking about how awesome the weather was. It was so warm and sunny. Completely different then what we left earlier that morning in Michigan. We were dressed in T-shirts and jeans and we were very comfortable. As we passed by Splash, we seen Donald Duck dressed up as an Indian and Goofy dressed as a cowboy. I do already have their signatures but I do not have photos with them in these outfits.

I knew Kody, my youngest son, would love this because he is a cowboy. He loves anything and everything that has to do with cowboys. I am sure we will be searching for these characters when we come back with my boys in September.

The park seemed to have a lot of people everywhere except when we waited in line for rides or attractions. We just walked on everything. We walked through the mobs of people to the Haunted Mansion. We walked right on, no wait at all. I love this ride. I am always amazed by the little details that are on this ride. Our hitchhiker at the end of the ride was a old bearded ghost. We did notice something new this time. At the end of the intro (the room that they pack people into), and the voice says that the only way out is his way, we always look for the opening in the wall and this time we looked up to see the body hanging from the ceiling. We have never noticed that. I bet I have rode this ride at least a dozen times and never seen it. Kirk and I laughed about this through the whole ride, we just kept saying it was cool that we seen something new.

After the spooks, we went back to BTM. We basically walked right on. No wait in the fast pass line at all. We rode in the front of the coaster and we have never been there. I did not like it. It seemed jerkier than normal. I love the ride but I just do not want to be in the front. Still a thrill.
We then walked over to the Hall of Presidents. I had not seen the new show since they added Obama to it. In August when we were here, Kirk and some kids went to see it and I had the other kids somewhere else so I wanted to see it this time. I loved the additions, the changes in the beginning, with Abe Lincoln, and Obama. It is amazing how the US Presidents have affected us and our history as a country. Kirk is a huge history nerd and he is very patriotic so he also loves the Hall.

After we left the Hall we jumped back on the train and headed back to Toon Town. It was so busy, I think every person in Magic Kingdom was in Toon Town. We had to walk through the town before construction started. Soon things will look very different back there. We went to the princess meet & greet since I had not gotten their signatures yet. We got to see Aurora, Cinderella, and Belle.

**When I packed for this trip, I brought my Disney tote bag to put our ponchos, sweatshirts, autograph books, journal, and other things in and it seemed like a good choice but my shoulder was killing me and so was Kirk’s so we decided to purchase a backpack. This was the best purchase ever. I wish I was one of those people who could travel in the park without a bag but, that is not me. **

We decided to pass on walking through Mickey and Minnie’s houses since we had done it a million times. I think the mob of people were in the houses anyways. So, then we walked back over toward Liberty Square.
Our ADR for Liberty Tree Tavern at 6:20pm and we had about an hour before dinner so we boarded the Riverboat. I am not sure why we always ride this, no thrill factor here but we always do. Kirk says it is because it is so relaxing. I loved the warm breeze and the sound of the water. We were really getting hungry at this point so we were glad it was almost dinner time.

Up Next - Day One - Dinner at Liberty Tree Tavern

 

[jodilinton]

We walked over to Liberty Tree Tavern and the place was packed, we checked in and in about 20 minutes we were seated. I will say while we were waiting to be seated I was amazed at the number of people who were ticked off because they could not walk in and be seated without a reservation. I know that not everyone knows that you need to make a reservation but some people were so awful to the CM’s. I felt bad for them.

We sat in the George Washington room. I had eaten here back in 2000 and I knew the food was good. I also knew that because Crystal Palace was under refurbishment that this was character dining. First of waiter brought out rolls and salad along with our drinks. I could have made a meal just off of that. The salad has a raspberry vingerette that was so awesome. The rolls were to die for as well. Our main course was turkey, ham, flank steak, potatoes, green beans, and mac & cheese. The food here is top notch and it is served family style, all you can eat. The kicker was dessert, apple cobbler with ice cream. Although we were both so stuffed, we forced down dessert.

The characters came to us at the table. First up was Minnie, I think she had a crush on Kirk.

Then Pluto….

Chip & Dale…

It was fun to watch the characters interact with other tables also but the funniest thing I ever saw during character dining took place at this meal. The table next to us had 3 couples and 5 kids at it and when Dale walked up to their table he says, “Hello Alvin”, Dale was upset. He walked away from their table shaking his head like he could not believe it. The kids at the table told the man that it was Chip (which it was Dale) and the man was apologizing and Dale came back. I was so funny, everyone in the area heard it and we were all laughing.

After dinner we trudged through the mobs of people who were getting ready for the fireworks show. We decided to skip the fireworks tonight since we had 9 more days. It was a great idea because we got to the bus and our bus was waiting for us. We were so tired from traveling that we needed some rest.


Up Next ………Day 2 – Magic Kingdom

 

[jodilinton]

Our day started at about 8:30am. We are normally early risers like around 6:30-7am but we were tired from the traveling. We got ourselves ready, grab the backpack and a couple of granola bars, and we were on our way to the bus stop. We put on shorts and t-shirts today because the high was going to be 75 degrees. It was a great call too because we were comfortable all day. Again we only waited about 5 minutes for a bus. I love the buses at Caribbean Beach.

We were headed to Magic Kingdom and first on my list was to see the Dream Along with Mickey Show that was in front of the castle. While walking down Main Street we hit every photopass photographer. I told Kirk we should get a couple of good photos. I love photopass!

I love the DAWMS. I like to see the Mickey (who is my favorite) dressed up in different outfits. Also loved the princesses and princes dancing together. I think this show is great. Here are some photos:

sorry - lots of pics so more of Day 2 up next

 

[DznyFan]

Great TR so far!
Alvin? Alvin????

 

[Rozz]

I'm loving the sounds of Disney World in January! Can't wait to read more about your trip. I love the photos of DAWM!

 

[jodilinton]

Once that show was over it was time for the Move It, Shake It parade. We stayed right where we were and watched that too. It’s an interactive parade that encourages everyone to get up and dance. They also grab kids to dance in the streets. Of course Mickey is in the parade but as a bonus so is Woody (my 2nd favorite character). Kirk and I had the song from this parade stuck in our heads for the whole trip.

Our next stop was to find Princess Tiana and Prince Naveen. They are the newest characters in the park so they were on our “must stalk” list. We found the gazebo where they were and the line was short, Kirk went to get us something to drink and when he got back it was our turn. The characters are always so nice and even though we did not have kids with us, they still made it magical for us.

After the photos and signatures we headed to Fantasyland and we got in line for the Snow White ride and Kirk spotted Peter Pan so we headed over towards It’s A Small World ride and there he was. I did not have his signature or photo so bonus! Then we headed back to the Snow White ride. It will be exciting to see how this ride will change when the refurbishment is complete.

When we disembarked from Snow White it was raining so we went back to where we had seen the Fairy Godmother and did the photo and signature thing. She told us when to catch the Stepmother and Stepsisters from Cinderella so we made a note so we could add them to our book. I am so excited to get new signatures from characters.

We walked over to the Mickey’s Philharmagic show and walked right in and got a seat – no wait again. This is one of the best shows at Disney World. Donald does a great job stealing the show. I would never miss this one – ever! Cinderella’s Carrousel was our next stop and we ended up riding in a bench because the horses were all full! Bummer

I did forget to mention lunch. We ate at Casey’s on Main Street. This is the first time we have ever ate here and it was great. Kirk had a hotdog meal with fries and I had the corn dog bites and fries. This was really great and I love the inside of this quick service.

Ok back to Fantasyland…Next up was Peter Pan’s Flight. I am still amazed by this ride every time I get on it. I love the way we jump into our Airship and get whisked above all the action. I think my favorite part is looking down over the city, such detail in this ride.

The last ride to complete was It’s A Small World. This is a CLASSIC and a must ride for us.

By the time we got off IASW we realized that we missed the 3pm parade and we had missed it the day before too but its ok we were coming back here another day too. We had done a lot so far today so it is ok. No worries!

Up Next - Day 2 The rest of the day

 

[jodilinton]

We are staying at CBR in November. Can't wait to hear all about it. That resort looks beautiful

Thanks for joining - CBR is awesome!

Good start - can't wait to hear more!

Thank you for joining - I hope you enjoy it!

Joining in. I loved staying at the CBR. It was so beautiful and relaxing.

Can't wait to hear more.

I agree....I think it is perfect for couples!

Signing up.

Thanks for joining - hope you like it!

 

[jodilinton]

Great TR so far!
Alvin? Alvin????

I know......it was the funniest thing that happened on the whole trip!

I'm loving the sounds of Disney World in January! Can't wait to read more about your trip. I love the photos of DAWM!

I told my husband that we need to come back every January, the week before we were there it was freezing so it worked out great for us!

 

[MEK]

I am really enjoying your TR. How great that you were able to take such a nice,long trip without your kids! I am sure you missed them, but what a nice time for you and DH to reconnect. I love your pictures at LTT and your morning MK pics.

 

[jodilinton]

Next up was Adventure Land. We noticed first that the Jungle Cruise had no wait at all. This ride has the dumbest jokes but again this a Classic. I remember reading that Walt loved this ride so I try to see past the puns and jokes. I did not get the greatest pics because of where I sat on the boat.

Next up Pirates of the Caribbean and this ride is AWESOME. Although this time, no Davy Jones mist and I love that part but I still love the way they added Captain Jack Sparrow around every corner and the last one looks so real. When we exited the ride we seen the live pirate show:

They were teaching kids to be pirates. The actor who played Jack did a great job.

We also went to the Tiki Room. This is another one of my fave shows. I have no clue way but I always love it. The music and the fact that every seat is a great one could be part of the magic. And we ran into Lilo & Stitch so it was time for signatures and photos!

It was now time for some shopping so we headed up to Main Street and walked through all the stores. Love these ears!

When we got to the Kodak building, we decided to have a seat in the theatre until dinner time. They were showing 3 Disney classic shorts, I watched and Kirk took a little nap until it was time to check in for dinner.

I thought we would try somewhere different for dinner so I booked the Plaza Restaurant. Neither of us has ever even seen the inside of this place so we were excited. Kirk & I love to try new things. The meal was great. Kirk had a burger and fries and I had a club with fries. It was really good.

We decided to head back to our home away from home and call it a day. We got on the bus to Caribbean Beach with one other couple. We chatted with them and it was such a relaxing ride. It was like having a private motor coach. We set out our clothes for the next day and got ready for bed. I fell asleep really quickly but Kirk stayed up to watch the football game. We were heading to Hollywood tomorrow.

Up Next – Day 3, January 25th 2010 Hollywood Studios

 

[Melknor]

Great TR! Can't wait to read more! DH & I did an adult only trip in September and it was wonderful!

 

[jodilinton]

I am really enjoying your TR. How great that you were able to take such a nice,long trip without your kids! I am sure you missed them, but what a nice time for you and DH to reconnect. I love your pictures at LTT and your morning MK pics.

I missed the boys like crazy by about the 3rd day but Kirk & I needed this time. He works swing 12 hour shifts and he works alot. Our lives are for our kids all the time so that is why WE needed this. Thanks for following!