Quick trip to the World and this time I am not nuts

[cj9200]

Pre-Trip

I spent the holidays (Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year’s) in the hospital. Not a season to remember. It started with a slight swelling in my right foot that in less than a week spread to both legs. They swelled two to three time’s normal size. Not a pretty sight and I headed to the hospital. Then things got complicated.

What should have been a week+ stay ended up at six weeks. For the first three weeks, I was on complete bed rest which atrophied my arm and leg muscles. They then started a regimen of physical and occupational therapy. Eventually was transferred to a rehab hospital to accelerate progress. Things are much better now. They still have to see me regularly to monitor things and I am not back to my fighting weight (I lost 25 lbs.). Fingers are crossed that everything will eventually pass.

OK, so now you are thinking is this a medical trip report? Well, no it isn’t. One of things I had to do when I got home was to bank my DVC points before the deadline passed. MS informed me that there were still points that were banked the previous year. I have no idea how that happened but they needed to be used by June or disappear forever. Like H-E-double hockey sticks I was going to let that happen. My mind went to work figuring out a scenario. Since I rarely use my mind, it took a little while but I came up with a plan.

Called MS and tried for a Studio or 1BR at any resort but SSR or OKW. No offense to anyone but they are my least favorite resorts. The only thing available was a Standard View 1 BR for Monday at BLT. Booked that and waitlisted for Tuesday. It came through but for a Lake View 1 BR. Called MS again and asked to be waitlisted for a LV for Monday. It did not come through but stay tuned.

Is my room ready yet? Every time we rode the Monorail I would take pictures of the construction progress. This will be the first time I stayed here. A bonus.

Notice that I said this will be the first time “I” stayed there. As originally planned part of the trip was to do some College shopping and visits to Universities of Florida and Central Florida. Maybe South Florida in Tampa. DD’s school had a surprise and she needed to do some work over break. So she and one of her friends we invited (the kid named 1 from the Sweet 16 TR) could not go. So it was either cancel or go it alone. The decision was difficult to make. Really, it was. OK, no it wasn’t. I did not plan on going to the parks but mostly sit back and enjoy the hotel. No other plans but to visit TOTWL for snacks and fireworks. Meals and other activities will be made on the fly.

DD and 1 from the Sweet 16 trip. Yes, they will both be seniors next year and heading off to college the following year. Time flies with kids. I imagine I will be singing, “Where is the little girl I carried…” from Fiddler on the Roof. As an aside, we saw this together when I lived in New York and she was visiting over the summer. Seems like just yesterday.

The Sweet 16 gang. It was a fun trip and I even survived.

Last Thursday they had a ceremony to hand out the class rings. Here are a few shots.

Welcome the Class of 2012.

DD after getting her class ring.

Sitting with the rest of the group. That is 2 sitting with DD and 1. No idea who the goober is sitting next to 2. I keep telling DD boys are goofy at that age.

Post ceremony picture with 1. They grew up fast.

Sorry they couldn’t make it but we still have the summer. So that is the plan. Does it work out? Stay tuned to find out. Not sure how entertaining this TR will be. Going solo with no teenagers to make fun of and very little (or any) time planned in the parks. This could be boring.

Up next: Day 1: Checking in

 

[kikiq]

Glad to hear you are on the mend, got to get back in Disney form. Waiting here, for the trip report. It will be interesting to see how you do solo, I'm so use to you being the best dad ever I'm living off of trip reports now, our next trip planned is for Dec 2012 unless my DH takes a real vacation, which was the point when we bought DVC.

 

[dopeygirl76]

can't wait for more!!! Glad you are feeling better!

 

[BigEeyore]

Good to see you back on the Dis, and glad you are feeling better! I love your TR's - looking forward to more!

 

[FreezinRafiki]

BLT is pretty high on our list "we really need to stay there next time" Can't wait to hear what you thought of the TOTWL

 

[DisDadDoc]

I'm in! Great start!

 

[dgaston]

lots of wishes for continued health improvement. I've been on all your *crazy* trip reports and feel a little like I'm watching your beautiful daughter and friends grow up. Senior year will just fly by for both of you.

I'm in a bit of nostalgia -- our daughter is expecting our first grandchild, and we're planning a trip with them in November. Seems like just yesterday she was 5 years old, quivering with excitement as Mickey came to our breakfast table at what was then the Empress Lilly.

So I expect those days will be in your future too, just not too soon!

 

[5forDiz]

Always enjoy your TRs & glad your back

Well you had me tearing up when you said 'seems like just yesterday' regarding your DD (especially since today I happened to look at photos of our family's 2006 trip & I couldn't believe how our have grown). I may need to get a copy of those lyrics from Fiddler on the Roof from you

May your health be better & stronger with each day
& look forward to hearing all about your BLT adventure

 

[DMKEDM]

Signing in/on...you're one of the best TR writers in our community!

So sorry to hear about your health challenges...do hope that they're pretty much behind you now...

One good thing: you don't have to carry the "leash of shame" this trip! No doubt, the "lightened load" will help your recovery (grin)!!!

Enjoy, and thanks for letting us enjoy vicariously with you!

 

[cj9200]

Glad to hear you are on the mend, got to get back in Disney form. Waiting here, for the trip report. It will be interesting to see how you do solo, I'm so use to you being the best dad ever I'm living off of trip reports now, our next trip planned is for Dec 2012 unless my DH takes a real vacation, which was the point when we bought DVC.

Best dad ever? Not really. Sorry to hear you won’t be back till 2012. Good time of year to go though. Happy planning. One of the things I decided when I left the hospital was if I can afford it and want to do it, I will. Make sure he takes that vacation.

can't wait for more!!! Glad you are feeling better!

Good to see you back on the Dis, and glad you are feeling better! I love your TR's - looking forward to more!

Thanks. Glad you both signed on again. You must be gluttons for punishment.

BLT is pretty high on our list "we really need to stay there next time" Can't wait to hear what you thought of the TOTWL

Barry, welcome to my little Odyssey. I don’t want to ruin the surprise but I liked BLT. How much, stay tuned.

I'm in! Great start!

Thanks Chris. Hopefully we will have a great finish. Have you noticed who is leading the tourney pool? I think I need U. Conn to lose and I am in.

lots of wishes for continued health improvement. I've been on all your *crazy* trip reports and feel a little like I'm watching your beautiful daughter and friends grow up. Senior year will just fly by for both of you.

I'm in a bit of nostalgia -- our daughter is expecting our first grandchild, and we're planning a trip with them in November. Seems like just yesterday she was 5 years old, quivering with excitement as Mickey came to our breakfast table at what was then the Empress Lilly.

So I expect those days will be in your future too, just not too soon!

One of the reasons I started TRs is to document her growing up through Disney. Great memories. Best wishes to your daughter and grandchild. For mine, not too soon is right.

Always enjoy your TRs & glad your back Well you had me tearing up when you said 'seems like just yesterday' regarding your DD (especially since today I happened to look at photos of our family's 2006 trip & I couldn't believe how our have grown). I may need to get a copy of those lyrics from Fiddler on the Roof from you

May your health be better & stronger with each day
& look forward to hearing all about your BLT adventure

Thanks. I don’t know all the lyrics but it is a great song for dads to hear. I am sure it is on the web somewhere. I would listen to the version of Tevye performed by Topel. He starred in a version of the Broadway production and was in the 1971 movie. I think the song is titled Anatevka, one of his daughters.

Signing in/on...you're one of the best TR writers in our community!

So sorry to hear about your health challenges...do hope that they're pretty much behind you now...

One good thing: you don't have to carry the "leash of shame" this trip! No doubt, the "lightened load" will help your recovery (grin)!!!

Enjoy, and thanks for letting us enjoy vicariously with you!

ONE OF? ONE OF? Just kidding, thank you for the compliment. No leash of shame but there were a few times I sent myself to the corner to wear a dunce cap.

Just got back from the Florida Keys. Nice trip. The TR will hopefully continue tomorrow.

 

[lisaviolet]

Since I rarely use my mind

Whatever.

Your attempt at humble so is so utterly transparent.

And I know I should be all positive since you've been through so much. But let me tell you six weeks in a hospital - OMG, that would be filed under absolute personal he!! for me. Just thinking about it makes me shiver.

 

[lisaviolet]

OMG. Priceless.

 

[Tinks "SS"]

yeah!! So glad you are on the mend! Even more glad that another TR has started. I agree, your TR's leave me The leash of shame was the best. Definitely waiting to hear more.

 

[Chellymouse]

Welcome back! Glad to hear you're on the mend! Hope things continue to improve for you! Hospitals suck! Have a great trip! Can't wait to read more! Can't belive how grown up your DD looks this year!

 

[cj9200]

Whatever.

Your attempt at humble so is so utterly transparent.

And I know I should be all positive since you've been through so much. But let me tell you six weeks in a hospital - OMG, that would be filed under absolute personal he!! for me. Just thinking about it makes me shiver.

You might change your thinking about my false modesty when you read the next installment.

Yes, it stunk (would use more descriptive words if this wasn't a family thread). I HATE, HATE, HATE hospitals and doctors. Some of the medications they give you are pretty good though.

yeah!! So glad you are on the mend! Even more glad that another TR has started. I agree, your TR's leave me The leash of shame was the best. Definitely waiting to hear more.

Thanks. Next installment should be up soon.

Welcome back! Glad to hear you're on the mend! Hope things continue to improve for you! Hospitals suck! Have a great trip! Can't wait to read more! Can't belive how grown up your DD looks this year!

Scary how fast she has grown.

 

[ajf1007]

YEAH! I too am your back and feeling better! I've followed all of your TR's and they just crack me up! I always look forward to them and am really excited for this one! I'm living vicariously through you as well, my next trip is a biggie with the whole family, Sept. 2012! I don't think I could do a trip report, it would certainly not be any match to yours! I'm just excited to see my niece's reaction to the castle for the very first time!!

But I digress.....I'm subing and can't wait for the next installment! Take care of yourself!!

 

[cj9200]

Day 1 Sunday, March 13: The drive up and the first day. AKA: Oops or how to turn a 2 day stay into 3 days.

It was Saturday night and I hit the sack at 10:00 pm. Eleven rolls around and not one second of sleep. The clock strikes midnight and still wide awake. This is pretty stupid so I decide to head out and sleep on the road. Well, not actually on the road hopefully but at rest stops.

Threw stuff in the suitcase and packed the car. For those that think I pack haphazardly, I say no. A great deal of thought went into packing. At least for the snacks. My priorities are in order of importance.

US 1 to I-95 and a debate in my head began. The Turnpike or 95? Got to the merge and decided on the Turnpike. Starting to feel a little tired and the rest stops on the Turnpike are nicer and more regularly spaced. The first potential place to stop was closed for refurbishment. Made it to West Palm where I pulled off to catch a few Z’s. After an hour of cat naps, I was reasonably refreshed and ready to go. One more stop along the way where I slept for another 4 hours before making it to I-4.

Pulled into the Contemporary a little before 10:00 am after accounting for springing forward for daylight savings time. Told the Security Guard I was checking in and gave my name. Usually this means a quick look at the list and a hearty “Welcome home.” A few minutes went by as he keeps flipping through pages on his clipboard. A few minutes more and instead of a Welcome home, I get, “Seems I don’t have you on the list. Could it be under another name?” “No.” “Well, we will just let them figure it out at check-in.”

I parked in Valet and Bell Services loaded my luggage. There was I am sure a confused look on my face. Practically no wait at check-in and Javier had the unfortunate luck of checking me in. I explained what the guard said and he played with the keyboard and confirmed that I did not have a reservation for that night. He then excused himself to go to the back and see what he could do.

For those of you that paid close attention to the previous details of the trip, you already know what happened. For those that didn’t, I’ll wait a minute for you to scroll back so you can figure it out.



OK, I’m waiting.



Still waiting.



I see the light bulb just turned on above your head. Just like when I finally figured it out. MY RESERVATION WAS FOR MONDAY AND TUESDAY, NOT SUNDAY AND MONDAY!!! While Javier was still in the back, I began weighing my options. It was not a big deal though. I am sure that I could find a room for the night at a reasonable price somewhere.

Javier eventually came back with a slight smile on his face. He gave me my options. I could have a standard view for tonight and a preferred view for Monday and Tuesday or I could have a preferred view for all three nights. No brainer, just more points spent, so I took the three night preferred view. No moving involved.

The room wasn’t ready and I was a little miffed. I mean, come on. It was 10 am., my room should be ready. I jumped up and down, swearing like drunken sailor. Actually you know I didn’t do that. I was extremely lucky and grateful and I let Javier know.

The only glitch was putting my info in the computer along with my credit card information. I was more than a little tired and my back was starting to bother me. He suggested I wait on one of their couches until he got everything worked out. It took about 30 minutes from start to finish.

Once I was checked in it was time to head to the monorail for a trip over to the Poly and breakfast at the Kona Café. When I walked into the Poly, I took a look at Ohana and they were packed. Never had breakfast there but when a group of us went for dinner I felt it was overrated. The meat for the most part was dry and overcooked. Service was mediocre. I also hate bread pudding and would like them to bring back the pineapple with caramel sauce. Kona also looked like a long wait.

A did not want to stand around waiting to get a table so I hopped back on the monorail on the way back to the Contemporary.

The view from the monorail station

The mandatory picture of Chef Mickey’s from the station

It was getting close to lunch so after reading a bit on the lobby couches (comfy) I wobbled over to the Contempo Café. For those that do not know, they do things a little different here. You preview the menu on screens near the entrance. Once you pick what you want, you go to a kiosk and place your order. From there you get any additional items like drinks and dessert and pay at the register. The cashier hands you a beeper. It was busy but not packed. I head to find a table and fill my coke. By the time I was done, the beeper flashed and lunch was ready. Pretty efficient and easy to do.

As an aside, I wasn’t sure how well I would be able to get around so I used the walker the first day. What a pain. After I moved into the room the walker was left there. Anyway, I pick up my order and it was comical balancing the tray and using the walker. The CM volunteered to bring it to my tale but I declined. Made it to my seat without incident.

Lunch was the “Stacked” sandwich. It is a ham sandwich with smoked, dill havarti and honey mustard on ciabatta bread. $7.39 plus tax. A very good sandwich. Plenty of meat and the bread was very tasty. Thumbs up. Sorry no pics.

I sat for a while at the table sipping my coke and reading. The only complaint was the chairs. With decidedly less meat on my Gluteus Maximus (look it up if you have to) I found that most chairs and benches at WDW were very uncomfortable. Sometimes even painful. After spending less time than I intended, I got half of the sandwich to go and went back to the lobby and their comfy couches.

I sat there for a while reading. At about 2:30 I went to Check-In and asked the CM if my room was ready. Sure enough it was. Even though they did not send a text to let me know it was available. I stopped at Bell Services and headed to the room.

That’s it for now. I promise more pictures in the next installment.

Bonus Pic time. Since there were not many pics in this installment, I decided to include some pictures from our weekend trip to the keys. DD took these when she went diving on Sunday

Caviar anyone? Fishes to be.

Flamingo Tongues. Why they are called that, I have no idea.

Up next Day 1 Part 2: My room.

(It may be a couple of days for the next update because I have friends visiting from out of town.)

 

[mckryan]

Glad to hear you are feeling better, even good enough for a trip to WDW! I enjoy your trip reports, so I'm looking forward to this one, even if you are throwing in pictures from Key West! LOL

 

[kid-at-heart]

Hey hey, welcome back mon (i.e., man in Jamaican English). I am sorry to hear about your medical issues. I hope you are on the mend now. Thanks much for writing a trip report. You are a funny guy, fun to read. Sorry your daughter is not with you on this trip. How dare she stay home to work on a school project! Good kid.

Looking forward to more entertainment.

Kate

 

[kikiq]

It's all the medication that's still circulating in your body I mean, really, that's some kind of anticipation of getting to WDW a day early. I know you can get that pineapple with caramel sauce at Ohana's, just don't know what my dad did to get it and the bread pudding when we were there last. And thanks for the side trip to the Keys, haven't ever been there...nice pictures.