NomadFamily
Hi Ho, Hi Ho, Life's Good in Orlando!
- Joined
- Apr 22, 2003
- Messages
- 85
Trip Report - Day 0 of 12 (Travel Day)
This trip report includes the travels of:
Mom - Far from the WDW expert, but has been several times before. Mom is usually a "twice a year" Caribbean traveler/sailor and is skeptical about giving up her leisurely beach vacation for the hustle and bustle of WDW, but thinks that 12 days should provide a leisurely approach.
DS16 - thinks a WDW vacation will be fun, but would prefer Greece .but he'll go "because he likes Florida". (mom is "stumped" on that one lol)
DSF16 - (son's best friend who usually goes on the June vacation to St. John is now going to join us for WDW)
DD5 - The BIGGEST Princess fan alive and she is bringing her own suitcase JUST for her Princess gowns, shoes, gloves, crowns, etc. This is her first time in WDW.
Vacation Planning Background: vacation planning began in April 03 (spur of the moment) switched hotel plans 5X (All Star, CBR, Dolphin, Embassy Suites and Finally .Cypress Point - through Hotel Mart - 3 bed, 3 bath $86 nt)
Okay, so I stay up practically ALL night packing on Thursday, doing laundry and cleaning my house because I really like to come homes to a spotless home and no laundry. So, I finally went to bed at 4AM and woke at 7 to get everyone up and ready since Pop-pop (my dad) was going to pick us up at 7:45 to catch our 10:30 flight from Philadelphia on USAir.
The morning was uneventful. Everyone got up on time and was ready when dad showed up right on time. Gave dad instructions on how to feed our 2 guinea pigs (Snow White and Sleeping Beauty) while we are gone (Dad's only question: "Can they get out?"). Go to PHL airport .loooooong lines at check in ..we had E-tickets but needed to check bags, so we waited and listened to people moan and groan and yell at the gate agents about missing flights got to front and chatted happily with counter agent, after all, we're going to WDW, not on a business trip like most of these angry people who are whining and complaining about the lines. The gate agent immediately told me that the flight is oversold and is out of seats. FINE, GREAT!!!! How much money do we get and what time is the next flight? Hmmmm, not so fast, she needs to call up and make sure she can offer us money .well, there ARE seats after all, BUT they are all in FIRST CLASS ..so we are all upgraded to first class(pixie dust!). I made a comment to DS and DSF about the pixie dust starting early and they responded back with a comment about being me "corny". Oh well, at least I recognize the magic!
First class was great, but DD5 kept asking "are we there yet" and I was too self-conscious to order the bloody mary that I really wanted at 10:30AM so I stuck with Sprite. As the plane was taking off, DD5 (who flies quite a bit for a 5 y/o) asked " is this plane going to go down into the water?"..and after I shushed her and asked her why she said that she made a comment like "you know, if the bomb explodes". Okay, so now I am really paranoid thinking that she is having some kind of little person's premonition. (Gee, I REALLY want that bloody mary!). The flight was beautiful and we arrived in MCO ahead of time. We picked up our Alamo rental, received our meal voucher for using the Family Fun code ( I did not supply a copy of the ad) and picked out a red (the boys picked this out) Mitsubishi Outlander SUV (considered an intermediate) and priced at $108/wk. We drove to our resort (got lost a FEW times) but made it to Cypress Point in tactJ I went in to check in and learned that Hotel Mart had still not corrected my reservation (I previously posted my concerns about this) and the Cypress Point lady told me that she couldn't check me in until I got my ressie straight since the had me checking out 4 days earlier than my departure date. She told me that I had to go call Hotel Mart and get it straight and have them call Cypress Point. I have already tried this several times and got the "everything is fine" brush off from Hotel Mart. I must have given her the "I have been up all night and flew a long way and am NOT in the mood" look because she excused herself for about 10 minutes and came back to tell me that things were worked out and I was fine. But, I would up with a split reservations and was told that I would need to check out and check back in 4 days before my departure (and I was told this with a very "matter of fact" attitude by a man who finished my check in after the manager straightened out my ressie problem - I was not happy with his "tude") We were placed in the Grande Villas section / Turtle Cay... My opinion of Cypress so far? Great looking resort, HUGE rooms, no room problem so far, everything very neat and clean, the pools are great, there is a convenience store about 2 minutes from our Villa next to the pool and they sell everything we need in a pinch including pool gear and BEER! We had a 6PM PS at GF for the Cinderella dinner at Park Faire, so we unpacked, showered, changed (DD5 put on her Belle dress - not sure why since we were going to see Cindy - but who am I to argue) and we drove to GF. What a beautiful hotel!! We heard people moaning while we waited in line to check ourselves in. There was a 30 minute wait IF you had PS. Without PS, no chance! So, we took out little pager (to alert you when your table is ready) and went to the gift shop to buy My Pal Mickey. Then we played with Mickey until we were paged to come back for our seating. Cinderella was not in the room yet. But, Perla and Susie were (Cindy's mice) and there were GREAT!!!!! They came to our table and gave DD5 kisses and hugs and then proceeded to TORTURE DS16 and DSF16, who ducked each time Susie and Perla came by the table since S and P would attack them with kisses and muss their hair. Then the Prince came in and cam to talk to us. He's a little to "charming" for my taste ..and DS16 commented when he left "you have to watch out for people who smile that much!" LOL. Finally, Cindy came in and BOY did it take her a looooong time to make her way to our table, which was sheer torture for DD5 and turned into torture for me. It literally took Cindy about 1 hr and 15 minutes to reach from the time she came through the door ..and I made the mistake of appeasing DD5 by letting her eat gummie bears from the kids dessert table .she was "climbing the walls" after 15 minutes of waiting and I was climbing the walls by the time Cindy made it over for her 1 minute of interaction. She asked us where were from and if we arrived by pumpkin coach (cute). The food at this buffet was "okay" not really "good" surely not "great". The total cost for the 4 of us was about $108 with tip. Grade: C
We then went grocery shopping at the Super Walmart off of some highway that I can't remember the name of (was it John Young?) and loaded up. We got lost on the way back (a recurring theme with us here) and got back to Cypress in time a little TV watching and bed. DS16 and DSF16 are upset because they cannot figure out how to make their X-Box work on any of the TVs. I am glad they cant make it work since I feel that the yplay too many video games and should enjoy some outdoor time and the parks.
Up at 7am and off to MK for what should be a 1 day tour. DD5 (shopaholic) walked in, bought a visor ($15) and a water spraying fan bottle ($18.00) watched the Cinderella's Surprise Celebration and proclaimed "I don't want to ride anything, I just want to go shopping"..yeah "okay" not on this trip little Princess!!!! . By 11:30 I was hungry (I was the only one who didn't eat breakfast) and DD5 REALLY wanted to see the castle! So, we compromised .lunch in the castle! I had the ham and turkey club (good) and DD5 had the chicken fingers (also good). It was a really HOT and crowded day in the MK. I do want to make note that when we arrived (9am) the lines were really short and the park was enjoyable. But by noon, we were not feeling the magic and I was thinking that the advice about returning to your room for a swim and nap at noon is GREAT advice! And, although I really like Cypress Point, I don't feel like going to the monorail to get the tram to get the car to get to Cypress and then to do all of that to get back here. A monorail resort is the way to go and I vowed that I am going to stay at a monorail resort he next time I come! By 6pm we were exhausted and had only finished 1/2 of MK, so we decided to leave and return tomorrow. Just as we are waiting at the tram stop to get to the car, I get a text on my cell from DS. He was supposed top be on the ferry and would meet us at the car, but he and DSF got on the WRONG boat and at "Wilderness" hmmmm Wilderness what? Wilderness Lodge, Fort Wilderness? I His signal strength was weak, so talking was out, we had to text. They were tired and hungry, I was EXHAUSTED! Everyone was cranky and I was in no mood to go looking for "lost boys". I found them sitting on the sidewalk in from of Wilderness Loge. We exited WDW at the DTD area and went to the Olive Garden in Cross Roads for dinner. We returned to CP in time for swimming. We are staying in the Grande Villas and the pool here is sooooooo warm. We ventured over to the playground, checked out the miniature golf and then went to the main pool (volcano pool) so that DD5 could use the slides (though she cant swim, which made it interesting for me!!!)
Up at 7:30 and back to MK to finish the second half. Dropped off DS16 and DSF16 at MGM. Entered the MK at 9:30am. Why do people smack their kids in WDW? Why do people ride their babies in strollers without the canopy over them and the sun shining right on their little faces? Why do people exit rides without looking behind them to notice that they are slamming the metal gate on a 5 year old? Boy, you really do see it all when at WDW, dont you? Why do people videotape everything for looooong periods of time? Who is going to watch that stuff? Word for the day??? FASTPASS!!! I love these things walking RIGHT ON and passing tons of waiting people. We at lunch at Liberty Tree Tavern: I had the Louisiana Purchase (Creole shrimp and scallops; and DD5 had mac N cheese)We finished EVERY ride/attraction in MK appropriate for a 5 year old (including HM) and left the park at 8PM (after buying YET ANOTHER Cinderella dress since the one in Tinkerbell's shop looks different than the one she has at in the hotel closet cost: $55 ) and exited the park (feet are hurting a little). DD5 fell asleep in car and we returned to Cypress Point for a fun bath in the Jacuzzi tub and frozen pizza for me, mac n cheese and chicken nuggets for her. DS16 and DSF16 went out to play basketball on the Cypress Point courts. (heee heee - no X box).
Who we've met so far (autographs and pics) Snow White, Cinderella, Ariel, Jasmine, Genie, Perla, Susue, Mary Poppins, Minnie.
Next; EPCOT!!! (Today, Monday)
This trip report includes the travels of:
Mom - Far from the WDW expert, but has been several times before. Mom is usually a "twice a year" Caribbean traveler/sailor and is skeptical about giving up her leisurely beach vacation for the hustle and bustle of WDW, but thinks that 12 days should provide a leisurely approach.
DS16 - thinks a WDW vacation will be fun, but would prefer Greece .but he'll go "because he likes Florida". (mom is "stumped" on that one lol)
DSF16 - (son's best friend who usually goes on the June vacation to St. John is now going to join us for WDW)
DD5 - The BIGGEST Princess fan alive and she is bringing her own suitcase JUST for her Princess gowns, shoes, gloves, crowns, etc. This is her first time in WDW.
Vacation Planning Background: vacation planning began in April 03 (spur of the moment) switched hotel plans 5X (All Star, CBR, Dolphin, Embassy Suites and Finally .Cypress Point - through Hotel Mart - 3 bed, 3 bath $86 nt)
Okay, so I stay up practically ALL night packing on Thursday, doing laundry and cleaning my house because I really like to come homes to a spotless home and no laundry. So, I finally went to bed at 4AM and woke at 7 to get everyone up and ready since Pop-pop (my dad) was going to pick us up at 7:45 to catch our 10:30 flight from Philadelphia on USAir.
The morning was uneventful. Everyone got up on time and was ready when dad showed up right on time. Gave dad instructions on how to feed our 2 guinea pigs (Snow White and Sleeping Beauty) while we are gone (Dad's only question: "Can they get out?"). Go to PHL airport .loooooong lines at check in ..we had E-tickets but needed to check bags, so we waited and listened to people moan and groan and yell at the gate agents about missing flights got to front and chatted happily with counter agent, after all, we're going to WDW, not on a business trip like most of these angry people who are whining and complaining about the lines. The gate agent immediately told me that the flight is oversold and is out of seats. FINE, GREAT!!!! How much money do we get and what time is the next flight? Hmmmm, not so fast, she needs to call up and make sure she can offer us money .well, there ARE seats after all, BUT they are all in FIRST CLASS ..so we are all upgraded to first class(pixie dust!). I made a comment to DS and DSF about the pixie dust starting early and they responded back with a comment about being me "corny". Oh well, at least I recognize the magic!
First class was great, but DD5 kept asking "are we there yet" and I was too self-conscious to order the bloody mary that I really wanted at 10:30AM so I stuck with Sprite. As the plane was taking off, DD5 (who flies quite a bit for a 5 y/o) asked " is this plane going to go down into the water?"..and after I shushed her and asked her why she said that she made a comment like "you know, if the bomb explodes". Okay, so now I am really paranoid thinking that she is having some kind of little person's premonition. (Gee, I REALLY want that bloody mary!). The flight was beautiful and we arrived in MCO ahead of time. We picked up our Alamo rental, received our meal voucher for using the Family Fun code ( I did not supply a copy of the ad) and picked out a red (the boys picked this out) Mitsubishi Outlander SUV (considered an intermediate) and priced at $108/wk. We drove to our resort (got lost a FEW times) but made it to Cypress Point in tactJ I went in to check in and learned that Hotel Mart had still not corrected my reservation (I previously posted my concerns about this) and the Cypress Point lady told me that she couldn't check me in until I got my ressie straight since the had me checking out 4 days earlier than my departure date. She told me that I had to go call Hotel Mart and get it straight and have them call Cypress Point. I have already tried this several times and got the "everything is fine" brush off from Hotel Mart. I must have given her the "I have been up all night and flew a long way and am NOT in the mood" look because she excused herself for about 10 minutes and came back to tell me that things were worked out and I was fine. But, I would up with a split reservations and was told that I would need to check out and check back in 4 days before my departure (and I was told this with a very "matter of fact" attitude by a man who finished my check in after the manager straightened out my ressie problem - I was not happy with his "tude") We were placed in the Grande Villas section / Turtle Cay... My opinion of Cypress so far? Great looking resort, HUGE rooms, no room problem so far, everything very neat and clean, the pools are great, there is a convenience store about 2 minutes from our Villa next to the pool and they sell everything we need in a pinch including pool gear and BEER! We had a 6PM PS at GF for the Cinderella dinner at Park Faire, so we unpacked, showered, changed (DD5 put on her Belle dress - not sure why since we were going to see Cindy - but who am I to argue) and we drove to GF. What a beautiful hotel!! We heard people moaning while we waited in line to check ourselves in. There was a 30 minute wait IF you had PS. Without PS, no chance! So, we took out little pager (to alert you when your table is ready) and went to the gift shop to buy My Pal Mickey. Then we played with Mickey until we were paged to come back for our seating. Cinderella was not in the room yet. But, Perla and Susie were (Cindy's mice) and there were GREAT!!!!! They came to our table and gave DD5 kisses and hugs and then proceeded to TORTURE DS16 and DSF16, who ducked each time Susie and Perla came by the table since S and P would attack them with kisses and muss their hair. Then the Prince came in and cam to talk to us. He's a little to "charming" for my taste ..and DS16 commented when he left "you have to watch out for people who smile that much!" LOL. Finally, Cindy came in and BOY did it take her a looooong time to make her way to our table, which was sheer torture for DD5 and turned into torture for me. It literally took Cindy about 1 hr and 15 minutes to reach from the time she came through the door ..and I made the mistake of appeasing DD5 by letting her eat gummie bears from the kids dessert table .she was "climbing the walls" after 15 minutes of waiting and I was climbing the walls by the time Cindy made it over for her 1 minute of interaction. She asked us where were from and if we arrived by pumpkin coach (cute). The food at this buffet was "okay" not really "good" surely not "great". The total cost for the 4 of us was about $108 with tip. Grade: C
We then went grocery shopping at the Super Walmart off of some highway that I can't remember the name of (was it John Young?) and loaded up. We got lost on the way back (a recurring theme with us here) and got back to Cypress in time a little TV watching and bed. DS16 and DSF16 are upset because they cannot figure out how to make their X-Box work on any of the TVs. I am glad they cant make it work since I feel that the yplay too many video games and should enjoy some outdoor time and the parks.
Up at 7am and off to MK for what should be a 1 day tour. DD5 (shopaholic) walked in, bought a visor ($15) and a water spraying fan bottle ($18.00) watched the Cinderella's Surprise Celebration and proclaimed "I don't want to ride anything, I just want to go shopping"..yeah "okay" not on this trip little Princess!!!! . By 11:30 I was hungry (I was the only one who didn't eat breakfast) and DD5 REALLY wanted to see the castle! So, we compromised .lunch in the castle! I had the ham and turkey club (good) and DD5 had the chicken fingers (also good). It was a really HOT and crowded day in the MK. I do want to make note that when we arrived (9am) the lines were really short and the park was enjoyable. But by noon, we were not feeling the magic and I was thinking that the advice about returning to your room for a swim and nap at noon is GREAT advice! And, although I really like Cypress Point, I don't feel like going to the monorail to get the tram to get the car to get to Cypress and then to do all of that to get back here. A monorail resort is the way to go and I vowed that I am going to stay at a monorail resort he next time I come! By 6pm we were exhausted and had only finished 1/2 of MK, so we decided to leave and return tomorrow. Just as we are waiting at the tram stop to get to the car, I get a text on my cell from DS. He was supposed top be on the ferry and would meet us at the car, but he and DSF got on the WRONG boat and at "Wilderness" hmmmm Wilderness what? Wilderness Lodge, Fort Wilderness? I His signal strength was weak, so talking was out, we had to text. They were tired and hungry, I was EXHAUSTED! Everyone was cranky and I was in no mood to go looking for "lost boys". I found them sitting on the sidewalk in from of Wilderness Loge. We exited WDW at the DTD area and went to the Olive Garden in Cross Roads for dinner. We returned to CP in time for swimming. We are staying in the Grande Villas and the pool here is sooooooo warm. We ventured over to the playground, checked out the miniature golf and then went to the main pool (volcano pool) so that DD5 could use the slides (though she cant swim, which made it interesting for me!!!)
Up at 7:30 and back to MK to finish the second half. Dropped off DS16 and DSF16 at MGM. Entered the MK at 9:30am. Why do people smack their kids in WDW? Why do people ride their babies in strollers without the canopy over them and the sun shining right on their little faces? Why do people exit rides without looking behind them to notice that they are slamming the metal gate on a 5 year old? Boy, you really do see it all when at WDW, dont you? Why do people videotape everything for looooong periods of time? Who is going to watch that stuff? Word for the day??? FASTPASS!!! I love these things walking RIGHT ON and passing tons of waiting people. We at lunch at Liberty Tree Tavern: I had the Louisiana Purchase (Creole shrimp and scallops; and DD5 had mac N cheese)We finished EVERY ride/attraction in MK appropriate for a 5 year old (including HM) and left the park at 8PM (after buying YET ANOTHER Cinderella dress since the one in Tinkerbell's shop looks different than the one she has at in the hotel closet cost: $55 ) and exited the park (feet are hurting a little). DD5 fell asleep in car and we returned to Cypress Point for a fun bath in the Jacuzzi tub and frozen pizza for me, mac n cheese and chicken nuggets for her. DS16 and DSF16 went out to play basketball on the Cypress Point courts. (heee heee - no X box).
Who we've met so far (autographs and pics) Snow White, Cinderella, Ariel, Jasmine, Genie, Perla, Susue, Mary Poppins, Minnie.
Next; EPCOT!!! (Today, Monday)
