Patrick IL.
Dis Poster
- Joined
- Jan 7, 2001
- Messages
- 6,661
I have been encouraged by some friends to do a trip report so here goes. Let me preface by saying this was my third trip to WDW this year. I went with my whole family in May, I went solo in December for Discon. This time, we had the opportunity to go on an Adult trip just my DW and I.
I had a few goals in mind this trip. I wanted her to see the Swan Dolphin where I stayed in December. We stayed as a family at the Polynesian. I also wanted to spend more time at the World Showcase, we barely saw that as a family. Foremost I was in search of the ever coveted and illusive photo of myself with Donald Duck, it is a little quest of mine.
We had a 7 AM flight so left home at 4:30- with snow on the ground in Chicago. Perfect flight and there is nothing in the world to compare getting off a plane in 80 degree weather. We used Tiffanys for the third time now, impeccable service as always. A short stop for some groceries and we arrived at the Beautiful Swan. She was overwhelmed as she had not seen this end of the property yet. The Hotel is gorgeous! The staff was incredible and our room was outstanding- a balcony with a view of the grotto pool facing west! We were thrilled.
We were hungry so we headed across to Tubis in the Dolphin- IMHO the best Cheeseburgers on sight- Of course use the Disney Club Card while dining anywhere at Swan Dolphin for a 20% discount {except Shulas}. After lunch a quick dip in the grotto pool and a long soak in the hot tub, perfect! Now I am anxious to get to the parks- of course my favorite is MK so load on the bus in front of the Swan and we are off.
We arrived at MK, nothing like the sight of the castle down Main Street. Her trip so I asked her which ride first, she choose Aladdin, so be it, I tried to get her lined up with the spitting camel but missed LOL! Next my two favs- HM and of course Big Thunder. Now Spectromagic was running that night, neither of us had ever seen it so we made off early to get there. We sat on the curb of Main Street and were totally awed at this parade, it blew me away and I actually felt a lump in my throat, incredible! Afterwards a quick stop at Tommorrowland café for a pizza and pop and over to the tomorrow land bridge for Fantasy in the Sky- I wanted her to be right under Tinker bell, which we were. One last suggestion from a friend, we wandered over and waited for the Kiss Goodnight at the Castle while the crowds cleared. It was worth the wait.
Back to the bus and home to the swan, a long but wonderful day indeed. The only problem, no Donald Duck sighting except in the parade but I still had three full days left! Stay tuned for part two.
I had a few goals in mind this trip. I wanted her to see the Swan Dolphin where I stayed in December. We stayed as a family at the Polynesian. I also wanted to spend more time at the World Showcase, we barely saw that as a family. Foremost I was in search of the ever coveted and illusive photo of myself with Donald Duck, it is a little quest of mine.
We had a 7 AM flight so left home at 4:30- with snow on the ground in Chicago. Perfect flight and there is nothing in the world to compare getting off a plane in 80 degree weather. We used Tiffanys for the third time now, impeccable service as always. A short stop for some groceries and we arrived at the Beautiful Swan. She was overwhelmed as she had not seen this end of the property yet. The Hotel is gorgeous! The staff was incredible and our room was outstanding- a balcony with a view of the grotto pool facing west! We were thrilled.
We were hungry so we headed across to Tubis in the Dolphin- IMHO the best Cheeseburgers on sight- Of course use the Disney Club Card while dining anywhere at Swan Dolphin for a 20% discount {except Shulas}. After lunch a quick dip in the grotto pool and a long soak in the hot tub, perfect! Now I am anxious to get to the parks- of course my favorite is MK so load on the bus in front of the Swan and we are off.
We arrived at MK, nothing like the sight of the castle down Main Street. Her trip so I asked her which ride first, she choose Aladdin, so be it, I tried to get her lined up with the spitting camel but missed LOL! Next my two favs- HM and of course Big Thunder. Now Spectromagic was running that night, neither of us had ever seen it so we made off early to get there. We sat on the curb of Main Street and were totally awed at this parade, it blew me away and I actually felt a lump in my throat, incredible! Afterwards a quick stop at Tommorrowland café for a pizza and pop and over to the tomorrow land bridge for Fantasy in the Sky- I wanted her to be right under Tinker bell, which we were. One last suggestion from a friend, we wandered over and waited for the Kiss Goodnight at the Castle while the crowds cleared. It was worth the wait.
Back to the bus and home to the swan, a long but wonderful day indeed. The only problem, no Donald Duck sighting except in the parade but I still had three full days left! Stay tuned for part two.
Thanks for sharing your trip with us.
Off to part two...
