Only Disney magic saved us from.... {May 2012 TR} (UPDATED 10/19)
- Thread starter kansasdisneygal
- Start date
kansasdisneygal
Mouseketeer
- Joined
- Jul 26, 2011
- Messages
- 387
I'm joining! There's nothing like the feeling of going to sleep knowing that you'll be on a plane headed for Disney in the morning
Hi!!! 
Glad to have you here!!! You are so right! I think it is one of the best feelings in the world!
Glad to have you here!!! You are so right! I think it is one of the best feelings in the world!
kansasdisneygal
Mouseketeer
- Joined
- Jul 26, 2011
- Messages
- 387
Chapter 2
“Think of all the joy you’ll find when you leave the world behind and bid your cares Goodbye!” –Peter Pan
My phone alarm went off at 3:30 in the morning. “UGHHHHHHHH….” was my first thought.
My second thought was “Why is someone in the shower at this time?”
My third thought was “HOLY MOLY I’M GOING TO DISNEY TODAY!!!!”
Even though my mind was excited, my body was less than thrilled to be pulled out of bed at this ungodly time. I surprisingly got out of bed and dressed rather quickly. I mean, I only had half an hour to be ready to head out the door. Sam had taken her shower already and was also getting ready.
I’d written on a notepad by my bed before I went to sleep the things I needed to throw into my suitcase before we left. These consisted of: Cell charger, toothbrush and toothpaste, hairbrush, and deodorant. Once Sam and I had thrown in these last few necessities, I dragged our very heavy
suitcase upstairs. My mom was somewhat awake and ready to take us to the airport.
We left my house at 4:03am. It takes 10-15 minutes to get to the airport from our house. As we were driving I had to remind my mom to drive the speed limit. It is 40mph pretty much the whole way there but in her sleepy state she was going about 30mph and it was driving me nuts! After a few reminders she did okay. We arrived at the airport at 4:16am, said bye to my mom, and lugged the suitcase into the terminal. For those who didn’t read my PTR, I will now tell you that the Wichita airport is TINY. We checked our bag, went through security and were at our gate in a matter of 15 minutes. NO JOKE.
Sadly, none of the very few shops past security were open yet because I needed some ibuprofen but had no drink. I could feel a headache coming on. Luckily, one opened at 5am. Sam bought a chocolate milk and was kind enough to let me have a sip to take some meds. Soon enough we were being told how we’d walk onto the tarmac and out to the plane. I knew we’d have a puddle jumper. UGH.
The plane was actually larger than I thought it would be but it was still NOT big. I was thankful I am short because I could stand upright without ducking my head. Several gentlemen on the plane were not so lucky. The plane had two seats on one side of the aisle and a single seat on the other side. We hadn’t been able to select our seats beforehand so I was kind of nervous that we’d be separated.
But, we were TOGETHER! Yay! Here we are at about 5:20am on the plane. The picture is from my phone so I apologize for its blurry-ness.
It’s kind of crazy how excited we were that early in the morning!
This flight to Chicago was uneventful, thankfully. Puddle jumpers always make me nervous. Once in Chicago, we were both hungry for breakfast and stopped at McDonalds. I got a Sausage, Egg, and Cheese McMuffin and a Diet Coke. Sam got a hash brown and a Diet Coke, too. We had about a 2 hour layover and played Phase 10 and colored in our Disney coloring books while we waited. (I won Phase 10, just fyi) Soon enough we were on our way to Charlotte, NC.
Once we landed in Charlotte, we were both starving for lunch but had very little time. With about a 45 minute layover we also had to change terminals. Needless to say WE BOOKED IT! As we were running, we both said we needed food. We stopped at a Burger King that didn’t have much of a line, grabbed our food and continued the sprint to our gate, which of course was at the very end of the terminal.
Once we got there they’d started 1st class boarding, we sat down and with no shame, stuffed our faces.
I really didn’t care who was watching, I was starving! We boarded once we finished eating with plenty of time to spare.
We were really excited once we got on the Charlotte flight. Why? Because we were going to be at MCO very soon!!!!
We landed at 2:30pm and were almost jumping out of our seats with excitement. After 3 years, we were FINALLY back in Orlando and heading to our happy place. We practically skipped to the Fake Monorail.
It wasn’t crowded at all!
I was so happy to see the Fake Monorail. Here we are on it. (Excuse the lack of makeup
)
I’m glad to say we found the Magical Express area with very little trouble and as a good DISer, I had my packet ready to go!
The lovely cast member directed us to this line.
How cool is it to see The Art of Animation resort already on there. Obviously it wasn’t open yet, so that’s not where we were staying. So, if you didn’t read my PTR can you guess which resort we were heading to? Caribbean Beach or Pop Century??
We got to the front of the line and we were behind 1 family. Literally, within 2 minutes we were being directed to our bus! Can you say pixie dust?!?!
I was hoping we wouldn’t get a plain old Mears motor coach. And we didn’t!
We got a lovely, beautiful, inviting Disney’s Magical Express bus.
Not the best picture, but you get the idea! Our driver was nice but somewhat hard to understand with his accent.
The bus already had some groups on it so we did not get the front row seats to get the glorious entry sign.
Oh well. We settled in and enjoyed the movie. It always brings tears to my eyes. I was so happy to just be there. After all the planning and excitement, we were finally almost there. 
Love this movie!!
I got a side view of the glorious sign as we entered Disney World.
And that was it. I cried. Not a loud, obnoxious cry, but a silent, “I can’t believe I’m finally here” cry. It didn’t last long because I started seeing the signs for rides and the parks. I was so excited!! We saw the Tower of Terror ride and squealed like little girls. It is our FAVORITE ride!!
Soon, we were getting close to Caribbean Beach, which is the first stop and Pop Century was the second stop. So what do you think? Do we get off the motor coach now or stay on for the ride over to Pop??
Continued in Next Post
“Think of all the joy you’ll find when you leave the world behind and bid your cares Goodbye!” –Peter Pan
My phone alarm went off at 3:30 in the morning. “UGHHHHHHHH….” was my first thought.
My second thought was “Why is someone in the shower at this time?”
My third thought was “HOLY MOLY I’M GOING TO DISNEY TODAY!!!!”
Even though my mind was excited, my body was less than thrilled to be pulled out of bed at this ungodly time. I surprisingly got out of bed and dressed rather quickly. I mean, I only had half an hour to be ready to head out the door. Sam had taken her shower already and was also getting ready.
I’d written on a notepad by my bed before I went to sleep the things I needed to throw into my suitcase before we left. These consisted of: Cell charger, toothbrush and toothpaste, hairbrush, and deodorant. Once Sam and I had thrown in these last few necessities, I dragged our very heavy
suitcase upstairs. My mom was somewhat awake and ready to take us to the airport.
We left my house at 4:03am. It takes 10-15 minutes to get to the airport from our house. As we were driving I had to remind my mom to drive the speed limit. It is 40mph pretty much the whole way there but in her sleepy state she was going about 30mph and it was driving me nuts! After a few reminders she did okay. We arrived at the airport at 4:16am, said bye to my mom, and lugged the suitcase into the terminal. For those who didn’t read my PTR, I will now tell you that the Wichita airport is TINY. We checked our bag, went through security and were at our gate in a matter of 15 minutes. NO JOKE.
Sadly, none of the very few shops past security were open yet because I needed some ibuprofen but had no drink. I could feel a headache coming on. Luckily, one opened at 5am. Sam bought a chocolate milk and was kind enough to let me have a sip to take some meds. Soon enough we were being told how we’d walk onto the tarmac and out to the plane. I knew we’d have a puddle jumper. UGH.
The plane was actually larger than I thought it would be but it was still NOT big. I was thankful I am short because I could stand upright without ducking my head. Several gentlemen on the plane were not so lucky. The plane had two seats on one side of the aisle and a single seat on the other side. We hadn’t been able to select our seats beforehand so I was kind of nervous that we’d be separated.
But, we were TOGETHER! Yay! Here we are at about 5:20am on the plane. The picture is from my phone so I apologize for its blurry-ness.
It’s kind of crazy how excited we were that early in the morning!
This flight to Chicago was uneventful, thankfully. Puddle jumpers always make me nervous. Once in Chicago, we were both hungry for breakfast and stopped at McDonalds. I got a Sausage, Egg, and Cheese McMuffin and a Diet Coke. Sam got a hash brown and a Diet Coke, too. We had about a 2 hour layover and played Phase 10 and colored in our Disney coloring books while we waited. (I won Phase 10, just fyi) Soon enough we were on our way to Charlotte, NC.
Once we landed in Charlotte, we were both starving for lunch but had very little time. With about a 45 minute layover we also had to change terminals. Needless to say WE BOOKED IT! As we were running, we both said we needed food. We stopped at a Burger King that didn’t have much of a line, grabbed our food and continued the sprint to our gate, which of course was at the very end of the terminal.
Once we got there they’d started 1st class boarding, we sat down and with no shame, stuffed our faces.
I really didn’t care who was watching, I was starving! We boarded once we finished eating with plenty of time to spare. We were really excited once we got on the Charlotte flight. Why? Because we were going to be at MCO very soon!!!!
We landed at 2:30pm and were almost jumping out of our seats with excitement. After 3 years, we were FINALLY back in Orlando and heading to our happy place. We practically skipped to the Fake Monorail.
It wasn’t crowded at all!
I was so happy to see the Fake Monorail. Here we are on it. (Excuse the lack of makeup
)
I’m glad to say we found the Magical Express area with very little trouble and as a good DISer, I had my packet ready to go!
The lovely cast member directed us to this line.
How cool is it to see The Art of Animation resort already on there. Obviously it wasn’t open yet, so that’s not where we were staying. So, if you didn’t read my PTR can you guess which resort we were heading to? Caribbean Beach or Pop Century??
We got to the front of the line and we were behind 1 family. Literally, within 2 minutes we were being directed to our bus! Can you say pixie dust?!?!
I was hoping we wouldn’t get a plain old Mears motor coach. And we didn’t!
We got a lovely, beautiful, inviting Disney’s Magical Express bus.
Not the best picture, but you get the idea! Our driver was nice but somewhat hard to understand with his accent.
The bus already had some groups on it so we did not get the front row seats to get the glorious entry sign.
Oh well. We settled in and enjoyed the movie. It always brings tears to my eyes. I was so happy to just be there. After all the planning and excitement, we were finally almost there. Love this movie!!
I got a side view of the glorious sign as we entered Disney World.
And that was it. I cried. Not a loud, obnoxious cry, but a silent, “I can’t believe I’m finally here” cry. It didn’t last long because I started seeing the signs for rides and the parks. I was so excited!! We saw the Tower of Terror ride and squealed like little girls. It is our FAVORITE ride!!
Soon, we were getting close to Caribbean Beach, which is the first stop and Pop Century was the second stop. So what do you think? Do we get off the motor coach now or stay on for the ride over to Pop??
Continued in Next Post
Nermel9
DIS Veteran
- Joined
- Mar 18, 2009
- Messages
- 7,114
I always have the same thought when I wake up at 2:30 or 3:30 to get an early flight, but then I think "I'm going to Disney!" and I forget about being tired! 
I love the fake monorail, it's so much fun!
YAY you're in Disney! I cry when I see the entrance sign too, I always SO happy to be there!
Can't wait to read more!
I love the fake monorail, it's so much fun!
YAY you're in Disney!
I cry when I see the entrance sign too, I always SO happy to be there! Can't wait to read more!
marDgreen88
DIS Veteran
- Joined
- Sep 3, 2011
- Messages
- 3,925
OH man, I didn't realize they were called puddle jumpers, but I don't like those planes either. They're SO LOUD. Ugh. 
HOORAY for arrival! So exciting. Happy tears, of course!
I know where you're staying!!
HOORAY for arrival! So exciting. Happy tears, of course!
I know where you're staying!!
RachelNinja
Sometimes I'd rather live in VMK than in real life
- Joined
- Jul 16, 2007
- Messages
- 3,533
Wow, that's a super quick to the airport and through security! Haha, that must be nice to not have to stress about that. Ooo, but I wouldn't have been happy with the small plane. I've never heard the term puddle jumpers before!
Yay for finally arriving at MCO! How exciting it must have been after a 3-year separation!
Yay for finally arriving at MCO! How exciting it must have been after a 3-year separation!
MEK
DIS Legend
- Joined
- May 8, 2005
- Messages
- 20,088
OMG - I have no idea where you guys are staying, but I love both those resorts so whichever you picked will be awesome.
I think I would hate having to take 3 flights to get to MCO, but its still better than driving.
for arriving on Disney property and ME mojo!
I think I would hate having to take 3 flights to get to MCO, but its still better than driving.
for arriving on Disney property and ME mojo!
Grumpy's Wife
Dollar Tree gal here
- Joined
- Jan 28, 2005
- Messages
- 26,988
Joining in. 
JayhawkFans
DIS Veteran
- Joined
- Aug 25, 2010
- Messages
- 537
Can't pass up the chance to read a trip report written by fellow Kansans. I grew up in Ellsworth and have relatives living in Wichita. 
Our little airport in Branson is WONDERFUL. Security is practically non-existant. Could do without the 2 hr layover in Atlanta but it certainly beats the 35 minute layover we had last year with little time to make our connecting flight. Yikes .. that was NOT fun.
Love your nails!! I'm going to have to check Pinterest for ideas.
Looking forward to reading more updates!
Our little airport in Branson is WONDERFUL. Security is practically non-existant. Could do without the 2 hr layover in Atlanta but it certainly beats the 35 minute layover we had last year with little time to make our connecting flight. Yikes .. that was NOT fun.
Love your nails!! I'm going to have to check Pinterest for ideas.
Looking forward to reading more updates!
kansasdisneygal
Mouseketeer
- Joined
- Jul 26, 2011
- Messages
- 387
Yay, you're on your way! It would be hard for me to have that level of excitement at 5 a.m., too
It was tough to get up! Its amazing how Disney can make me have that much excitement so early in the morning!!
I always have the same thought when I wake up at 2:30 or 3:30 to get an early flight, but then I think "I'm going to Disney!" and I forget about being tired!
I love the fake monorail, it's so much fun!
YAY you're in Disney!
Can't wait to read more!
Same here!! I'm tired but I really don't care cause I'm going to Disney! haha!
I love the fake monorail when I get to Orlando, I really dislike it when I'm leaving.
Glad I'm not the only one who crys.
I love the fake monorail when I get to Orlando, I really dislike it when I'm leaving.
Glad I'm not the only one who crys.
OH man, I didn't realize they were called puddle jumpers, but I don't like those planes either. They're SO LOUD. Ugh.
HOORAY for arrival! So exciting. Happy tears, of course!
I know where you're staying!!
Maybe its more of a west coast term, but I've always called them puddle-jumpers. They are really LOUD.
Happy tears, for sure!!
Happy tears, for sure!!
I always have that little list of last minute things to pack too!
I am not a fan of those little planes either.
for getting on that Magical Express bus---I know where you're going!
I love lists! They help me not forget things!!
I just love Magical Express!!
They help me not forget things!!I just love Magical Express!!
I love that it takes such little time to get through our airport. Makes traveling a lot less stressful. I'm thinking puddle jumper may be more of a west coast term, but thats what I've always known those small planes as.
3 years was wayyyy too long!
3 years was wayyyy too long!
Yay for small airports It makes traveling so much less stressful!!
It makes traveling so much less stressful!!OMG - I have no idea where you guys are staying, but I love both those resorts so whichever you picked will be awesome.
I think I would hate having to take 3 flights to get to MCO, but its still better than driving.
They are both good resorts!! You'll have to wait and see!!
The 3 flights were not fun but it was the best deal we could find.
I was soooo happy to finally be there!!!!
The 3 flights were not fun but it was the best deal we could find.
I was soooo happy to finally be there!!!!
kansasdisneygal
Mouseketeer
- Joined
- Jul 26, 2011
- Messages
- 387
Joining in.
YAY!!!! Welcome! So glad to have you here!!!
Welcome! So glad to have you here!!!Can't pass up the chance to read a trip report written by fellow Kansans. I grew up in Ellsworth and have relatives living in Wichita.
Our little airport in Branson is WONDERFUL. Security is practically non-existant. Could do without the 2 hr layover in Atlanta but it certainly beats the 35 minute layover we had last year with little time to make our connecting flight. Yikes .. that was NOT fun.
Love your nails!! I'm going to have to check Pinterest for ideas.
Looking forward to reading more updates!
Hello fellow Kansan!!! Rock Chalk! I do live in Wichita right now but moving to Great Bend for my new job in about a month.
I haven't been to the Branson airport before but I love Branson Glad to hear you have a nice airport there.
I LOVED my nails!!!! I got so many compliments.
Thanks for being here!!!!
I haven't been to the Branson airport before but I love Branson
Glad to hear you have a nice airport there. I LOVED my nails!!!! I got so many compliments.
Thanks for being here!!!!
MickeyMinnie22
Earning My Ears
- Joined
- Jan 7, 2012
- Messages
- 20
Subbing! Your TR sounds a lot of fun! And I LOVE your nails! 
x
x
beachphotog
Pass me a margarita
- Joined
- Nov 10, 2009
- Messages
- 497
I flew on a puddle jumper, once... Those things can be nerve-wracking
!
And 3 planes? Just to make it to Disney is quite the commitment (but one I'm sure we Dis-er's are willing to make!)
!And 3 planes? Just to make it to Disney is quite the commitment (but one I'm sure we Dis-er's are willing to make!)
kansasdisneygal
Mouseketeer
- Joined
- Jul 26, 2011
- Messages
- 387
Subbing! Your TR sounds a lot of fun! And I LOVE your nails!
Wohoo! So glad you are here Thank you! I loved my nails! I was so happy with the way they turned out!!
Thank you! I loved my nails! I was so happy with the way they turned out!!I'm going to guess you stayed at Pop Century!
We will see....
I flew on a puddle jumper, once... Those things can be nerve-wracking
And 3 planes? Just to make it to Disney is quite the commitment (but one I'm sure we Dis-er's are willing to make!)
Oh my goodness they are super nerve-racking, especially when there is turbulence and the take-offs and landings are so rough most of the time.
Yep, 3 PLANES. I know its crazy but it was the best deal. Plus, out of Wichita you most always have to get at least 1 connecting flight somewhere unless its Denver or Chicago.
Yep, 3 PLANES. I know its crazy but it was the best deal. Plus, out of Wichita you most always have to get at least 1 connecting flight somewhere unless its Denver or Chicago.
Happy Duck
Mouseketeer
- Joined
- May 18, 2012
- Messages
- 462
Hi Jenn! I'm so excited to read about your trip! It sounds like it's off to a great start! I've only been on the ME once (when I went 10 years ago, it didn't exist yet) but I know what you mean about watching that video. Ahhhhhh. It makes me misty just thinking about it. And congrats on getting your first teaching job! I just got my first as well, teaching Pre-K to 8 music!
kansasdisneygal
Mouseketeer
- Joined
- Jul 26, 2011
- Messages
- 387
Hi!!! I'm excited that you are here! It was an amazing trip!
Yes, that video is AMAZING!! Makes me teary just thinking about it!
Congrats on your first teaching job!!!!
Are they are hard to come by where you are as they are here? I've been searching and interviewing for 2 years. I finally got one! Bless your heart for working with the little ones! They would drive me crazy, . But I teach middle school, so maybe I'm just as crazy! 
Yes, that video is AMAZING!! Makes me teary just thinking about it!
Congrats on your first teaching job!!!!
Are they are hard to come by where you are as they are here? I've been searching and interviewing for 2 years. I finally got one! Bless your heart for working with the little ones! They would drive me crazy, . But I teach middle school, so maybe I'm just as crazy! -
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