Our happy traveling crew:
Me, 34yrs old, die-hard WDW fanatic. I would go there anytime
DH- 35 yrs old-prefers WDW only in the colder months and no crowds (this trip was perfect for him, more about that later!!)
DD- 11, inherited the Disney-crazy gene from me, but hates the make-up work from school.
I have to tell you all first hand that my trip report will be a little different because we did not stay on property. We stayed with DH's parents in Celebration. For those who don't know what Celebration is, it's Disney's planned community that borders (somewhat) the park property. It's an actual town, with churches, school, post office, stores, etc. If you get a chance on your next trip, take a ride through. It's really cool.
OK... With all that said, let's do a trip report!!!
Day 1-Departure day, Thursday, January 23
Busy, busy day!! All packing, loading of the truck, banking, pet arrangements. Maryland was unbearably cold!! We kept a careful eye on the weather, as the WC was calling for snow in VA, NC, SC. We were not worried, we have a 4wd suv and nothing would keep us from heading south. We left home at 3:00 and headed to DD's school to pick her up and drive on. You guys should have seen the envious stares from the teachers and other parents as we drove off in our loaded vehicle. We were off!!! We drove the rest of the afternoon and evening, stopping for supper in Norfolk, VA. So cold! Windsheild wipers and fluid froze! Not good, but nothing would dampen our spirits and we plodded on. The roads were a little icy, so we took our time to stay stay safe
We finally stopped for the night in Selma, NC 10:45. We were so exhausted and cold.
Day 2-OOOOOooooo, I'm driving my life away....Friday, January 24
I wake up bright and early, 6 am. The other 2 travelers are so zonked I think I need to check their pulse. We FINALLY leave the motel around 7:45, a little later than I planned (sigh). It's a bright, sunny day but still very, very, cold. Everythings going along pretty well. Traffic's not heavy, although we did run into some construction delays. Then... DH announces he is not feeling good. Apparently, something from the delightful free breakfast buffet is NOT setting well. UH-OH. Luckily, we brought along some medicine. He felt terrible most of the morning and afternoon. While he slept, I drove and DD & I argued over radio stations. Ahhh! The joys of family travel. By mid afternoon we're in GA! The temperature rose and we were all in better spirits. Thank heavens, DH is feeling better. Travel around JAX is a breeze. We were sailing along until we hit rush hour traffic on I-4 around Orlando. Traffic is crawling. Are we EVER going to get there? Yes, finally around 6 or 7 we pulled in front of inlaw's home. So tired, hungry, and thankful to have arrived safely!! After a good dinner and a good nights sleep were ready for tomorrow. MGM!!
Day 3-MGM Here we come! Sat. Jan. 25
We woke up to sunny skies, but temps a little chilly. That's Ok, nothing could be as bad as the weather we escaped in freezing cold MD. DD & I wore jeans and light jackets. Crazy, hot-natured DH wore shorts and short sleeve shirt. He couldn't figure out why people were staring at him. LOL. The drive to the park was quick and painless. We breezed through security and the ticket turnstiles. We stopped for a few seconds onthe street just to take in the view and the sounds of the park. I love the big band music they play throughout the park. Off to RnR & TT. NO Wait times. We walked on both rides! Unbelieveable! TT was incredible. I love how they change the program so you don't know when it's going to drop. RnR was great too, we came home with yet another picture. DD wanted to do both rides twice, but we said no, we need to go on, you never know when the deluge of crowds will show up.LOL. Onto GMR, which is another favorite. Curiously, the entrance room was about 1/2 full and we did have to wait about 10 -15 mins to board the trams. We were entertained with the "western" outlaw. From there, we did the WD 100yr exhibit which I had seen last January. I cried. Again. We stopped to make PS for lunch at BD and then we went onto the Backlot tour. The stunt/special effects portion was cancelled due to the cold water temps. That was just as well, as our time was getting tight. Castastrophe Canyon was cool as ever. DD was mad because she didn't get wet. Kids! On to lunch. We had a terrific meal (mostly cobb salads) and a super, duper waiter who was not the least bit miffed that we didn't order the high dollar entrees and beverages. He was so nice and attentive. We left very happy and full. RnR anyone? Just kidding!
We move on do a little shopping. After lunch settles we do star tours, then Muppet 3-d. DD is a little old and big for this, but she loves the HISTK playground. We let her go in alone, while the rest of us nurse our aching feet. She comes out about 15 mins. later, grinning, sweaty, and loving life, and I suddenly come to the realization that she won't be this way much longer. I get a little choked thinking about it. Time for the parade, which we enjoyed immensly. By now we're all getting very tired and my poor MIL's back is killing her due to an excersize injury. We decide to call it a day and head back to the house. Tonight, we have dinner ressies for Vito's Chop House on I-DR. I have to tell you this is one of the nicest restaurants in the Orlando area. It is really a cut above everything else. Dinner was fabulous. We came home and collapsed into bed, exhausted and furiously anticipating tomorrow-Magic Kingdom!!
Will post more later...
Me, 34yrs old, die-hard WDW fanatic. I would go there anytime
DH- 35 yrs old-prefers WDW only in the colder months and no crowds (this trip was perfect for him, more about that later!!)
DD- 11, inherited the Disney-crazy gene from me, but hates the make-up work from school.
I have to tell you all first hand that my trip report will be a little different because we did not stay on property. We stayed with DH's parents in Celebration. For those who don't know what Celebration is, it's Disney's planned community that borders (somewhat) the park property. It's an actual town, with churches, school, post office, stores, etc. If you get a chance on your next trip, take a ride through. It's really cool.
OK... With all that said, let's do a trip report!!!
Day 1-Departure day, Thursday, January 23
Busy, busy day!! All packing, loading of the truck, banking, pet arrangements. Maryland was unbearably cold!! We kept a careful eye on the weather, as the WC was calling for snow in VA, NC, SC. We were not worried, we have a 4wd suv and nothing would keep us from heading south. We left home at 3:00 and headed to DD's school to pick her up and drive on. You guys should have seen the envious stares from the teachers and other parents as we drove off in our loaded vehicle. We were off!!! We drove the rest of the afternoon and evening, stopping for supper in Norfolk, VA. So cold! Windsheild wipers and fluid froze! Not good, but nothing would dampen our spirits and we plodded on. The roads were a little icy, so we took our time to stay stay safe
We finally stopped for the night in Selma, NC 10:45. We were so exhausted and cold.
Day 2-OOOOOooooo, I'm driving my life away....Friday, January 24
I wake up bright and early, 6 am. The other 2 travelers are so zonked I think I need to check their pulse. We FINALLY leave the motel around 7:45, a little later than I planned (sigh). It's a bright, sunny day but still very, very, cold. Everythings going along pretty well. Traffic's not heavy, although we did run into some construction delays. Then... DH announces he is not feeling good. Apparently, something from the delightful free breakfast buffet is NOT setting well. UH-OH. Luckily, we brought along some medicine. He felt terrible most of the morning and afternoon. While he slept, I drove and DD & I argued over radio stations. Ahhh! The joys of family travel. By mid afternoon we're in GA! The temperature rose and we were all in better spirits. Thank heavens, DH is feeling better. Travel around JAX is a breeze. We were sailing along until we hit rush hour traffic on I-4 around Orlando. Traffic is crawling. Are we EVER going to get there? Yes, finally around 6 or 7 we pulled in front of inlaw's home. So tired, hungry, and thankful to have arrived safely!! After a good dinner and a good nights sleep were ready for tomorrow. MGM!!
Day 3-MGM Here we come! Sat. Jan. 25
We woke up to sunny skies, but temps a little chilly. That's Ok, nothing could be as bad as the weather we escaped in freezing cold MD. DD & I wore jeans and light jackets. Crazy, hot-natured DH wore shorts and short sleeve shirt. He couldn't figure out why people were staring at him. LOL. The drive to the park was quick and painless. We breezed through security and the ticket turnstiles. We stopped for a few seconds onthe street just to take in the view and the sounds of the park. I love the big band music they play throughout the park. Off to RnR & TT. NO Wait times. We walked on both rides! Unbelieveable! TT was incredible. I love how they change the program so you don't know when it's going to drop. RnR was great too, we came home with yet another picture. DD wanted to do both rides twice, but we said no, we need to go on, you never know when the deluge of crowds will show up.LOL. Onto GMR, which is another favorite. Curiously, the entrance room was about 1/2 full and we did have to wait about 10 -15 mins to board the trams. We were entertained with the "western" outlaw. From there, we did the WD 100yr exhibit which I had seen last January. I cried. Again. We stopped to make PS for lunch at BD and then we went onto the Backlot tour. The stunt/special effects portion was cancelled due to the cold water temps. That was just as well, as our time was getting tight. Castastrophe Canyon was cool as ever. DD was mad because she didn't get wet. Kids! On to lunch. We had a terrific meal (mostly cobb salads) and a super, duper waiter who was not the least bit miffed that we didn't order the high dollar entrees and beverages. He was so nice and attentive. We left very happy and full. RnR anyone? Just kidding!
We move on do a little shopping. After lunch settles we do star tours, then Muppet 3-d. DD is a little old and big for this, but she loves the HISTK playground. We let her go in alone, while the rest of us nurse our aching feet. She comes out about 15 mins. later, grinning, sweaty, and loving life, and I suddenly come to the realization that she won't be this way much longer. I get a little choked thinking about it. Time for the parade, which we enjoyed immensly. By now we're all getting very tired and my poor MIL's back is killing her due to an excersize injury. We decide to call it a day and head back to the house. Tonight, we have dinner ressies for Vito's Chop House on I-DR. I have to tell you this is one of the nicest restaurants in the Orlando area. It is really a cut above everything else. Dinner was fabulous. We came home and collapsed into bed, exhausted and furiously anticipating tomorrow-Magic Kingdom!!
Will post more later...
