Pre trip and Day One of the "Ham-bone" family trip

luvsTink

DIS Veteran
Joined
Dec 18, 2003
Messages
1,543
The Family:
Me, Anne – 39
DH, Brian – 39
DD, Alex – 16
DD, Jordan – 6
DD, Taylor – 4

The Background: I have been to Disneyland (circa 1992), Alex has been to Disneyland and California Adventure (last year), Brian has been to Epcot (or so he says, he has no real memory of it) This is actually the first trip to the world for ALL of us.

Pre-day 1: Alex severely broke her femur in August of last year. She was hospitalized for 5 days and had a titanium rod and a couple of pins but in her leg. This event traumatized the entire family. During the 6 weeks she was in a wheel chair, I told my husband that he and I would need to get away for awhile to recuperate. As I began looking into cruises and Hawaii a song started playing through my brain: “Zip-a-dee-do-dah, zip-a-dee-ay, my oh my, what a wonderful day. Plenty of sunshine coming my why, Zip-a-dee-do-dah, zip-a-dee-ay!” And I realized that a better choice would be to take the whole lot of us to “The World”. Brian was in agreement so I started planning. Luckily, I came across this and another very helpful site. I learned about the “secret” world of PS making and EMH and Resort choices and many many other tricks of the trade. I agonized over our choices of resorts and narrowed it down to two: 2 rooms at Pop Century or a cabin at Fort Wilderness. The idea of a brand new resort themed around pop culture that would include TWO bathrooms won out. I then agonized over airlines. The lure of “first class style seating” and fresh baked chocolate chip cookies on every flight helped me to choose Midwest Express, even though it would mean a very long lay over in the Milwaukee airport. PS’s were made, itineraries were scribbled and rescribbled. Bags were packed and the dog was shuttled off to grandmas house.

Day 1: Left for the airport around 10:30 am. Plane departed at 1:30. It was the first time flying for the little girls and they were so excited! Luckily, since it was there first time they didn’t realize that the seats were NOT the size of first class, however they were leather and we did indeed get warm chocolate cookies during the flight. Unfortunatley, leather seats and warm cookies could never make up for the THREE and a half hour lay over in Milwaukee. At least they had a play area for the kids. But that was three very very long hours. Finally, we were on our way to Orlando! Upon arrival at the airport we picked up our rental car. I was very happy with the efficiency of the pick-up….of course it was 10:30 at night so traffic was a bit light. At last we were on the road to Pop Century. Before we knew it, there was the exit, and there was the turn, and THERE was the sign for POP!! Woo Hoo! I was sooo excited I could barely contain myself. The teenager still seemed unimpressed until we rounded the corner and saw the main building. That is when I heard her say…wow! Check in was pretty smooth and luggage assistance met us before we even stopped the car. Our luggage was in our room before I returned from parking the car. We were in the 70’s section, 1st floor. We did not have a king in one of the rooms, but Hey! Who cares! We are at Disney!!!! It was difficult to get the girls to sleep and it was even harder for me to go to sleep. All I could think about was the tree of life, because in the morning we were headed to the Animal Kingdom!
 

Can't wait to read the rest. What a long day you had. I'm sure seeing the Animal Kingdom for the first time made up for it though. It's my favorite park next to Epcot.:D
 





New Posts










Save Up to 30% on Rooms at Walt Disney World!

Save up to 30% on rooms at select Disney Resorts Collection hotels when you stay 5 consecutive nights or longer in late summer and early fall. Plus, enjoy other savings for shorter stays.This offer is valid for stays most nights from August 1 to October 11, 2025.
CLICK HERE













DIS Facebook DIS youtube DIS Instagram DIS Pinterest

Back
Top