Return of the Old Folks' Van - A May 2013 Trip Report - Updated 11/18

[Bridora]

Return of the Old Folks' Van - A May 2013 Trip Report.


Hi! Welcome to my May 2013 Trip Report. Im Bridget and I hope youll enjoy reading along!

Our trip to Disney World happened back in May. May 22 - 31, to be exact. Ive been itching to start my Trip Report, but Ive been super busy since getting back and just now have the time to get started. Ill go ahead and get introductions out of the way and then give you a little insight into the planning stages of this vacation.

Like I said above, Im Bridget: Wife, Mom, and Math Teacher hopeful. And thats whats been keeping me so busy since we got back. Things have slowed down for now, so hopefully I can keep up with this trip report!

Here I am with my husband, Davis at the Big River Grille and Brewing Works on the Boardwalk:




We've got two kids, Allison (13) and Luke (11).





This year we brought along one of Allisons friends, Jess. It was her first time to go Disney and our first time to take a guest. Needless to say, the girls were super excited about going to Disney World together!





Ill save this spot for chapter links and continue on with the planning below!​

Pre-Trip Details:
Planning: An Overview (right below this one!)

Travel Days:
Hittin' the Road
Party at Downtown Disney!

May 24
Checking in at Old Key West!
World Showcase Welcomes us Back!
Agent P's World Showcase Adventure and other Tales of Epcot fun.
Good's Food to Go and Will we Ever Make it to the Magic Kingdom?

 

[Bridora]

Planning: An Overview​

Since wed have a total of 5 people with us instead of just 4 this year, we had to make a few adjustments.

We called up my father in law and asked to borrow their van again. Thats where the title for this TR comes in. If you read my TR from last year (link is in my signature), youll remember that we borrowed the van from my in-laws, but Allison was embarrassed to be seen in it, due to the fact that, only old people drive vans!. Luke, however, loved every minute of it and is still trying to convince us to buy one for ourselves.

We also had to make sure we booked rooms that could sleep 5, both in Disney and on the way down there. Since we are DVC owners, that part wasnt too hard, and we booked a 1 bedroom at Old Key West. Finding a Comfort Suites on the way to Disney wasnt any problem either, so we checked that one off our list. We also planned to stay one night in the Downtown Disney area off-site before checking in at Old Key West. We found a pretty great looking place from an ad that we saw on DIS boards, (I think!) - Buena Vista Suites.

Our biggest dilemma this year didnt have to do with our extra person, it had to do with my (fingers-crossed) career change.

When we first booked our stay at Old Key West our dates were May 27- June 2. I found out about a mandatory orientation that was to take place on May 30, right in the middle of our dates, so we would have to reschedule.

The kids last day of school was May 22, so after a lot of deliberation (because I didnt want them to miss school!) we changed our dates to May 20 - 27.

Then we found out that the girls had semester tests that last week of school and we wouldnt be sure if they would be exempt or not until the Friday before (May 17 - too short notice to reschedule if they werent!)

So we weighed our options. At that point there were two:
Leave right after school got out on the 22nd, our Disney dates being May 24 - 31 - meaning I would have to get a darn plane ticket and fly home early to make it to orientation; or wait until after the orientation and go the week between orientation and the start of 3 straight weeks of classes - meaning I would be off work for 4 solid weeks, possibly 5.

Now, I have a great boss who works with me on making up hours if I need to, but I didnt know how hed take it with me being gone for such a big chunk of time all at once. We ultimately decided to book at Old Key West for May 24 - 31, with me flying home on the 29th.

Sounds easy, but Id never flown before and I dont like the price of those airline tickets. Finally, I had my flights booked and Magical Express scheduled to pick me up.

Allison had the cutest countdown/packing list up in her room:











Meanwhile, on April 27, they made the announcement that on May 24, Magic Kingdom would be open for 24 hours. I cant explain the excitement that that caused! I think I may have been the one who was most excited for it -- I mean, the park was not going to close - we didnt have to leave until we were ready - awesome!

In the midst of all that, there was the little matter of making a few ADRs.

We knew it would be near impossible to get in at Be Our Guest, but we tried anyway. We didnt get a dinner reservation, but held out hope that we might swing by for lunch one day. Ohana was also booked up except for a spot so close to 9:00 pm that we passed on it.

We came away with 2 ADRs: a Rose and Crown Pub lunch on our check in day and a Whispering Canyon Café dinner on the 26th.

With our dates set and all necessary reservations made, we were ready to go!

I got my (Un)Magical Express luggage tags and instruction packet in the mail on May 3. We had ordered and received our park tickets through AAA, (a first for us) because we heard you also get a preferred parking pass when you do so.

I made sure to keep all those important travel documents together in a safe spot. And by that I mean that I kept them in the same envelope on top of my dresser and checked every day to make sure they were still there, because I'm sure you all know those tucked away safe spots are really just portals into a black hole!

We also finally got around to putting some Mickey head paint samples that we've had for a few years to use:





Up next: Hittin the road!

 

[princess_momma]

YAY another trip report!! I'm SO excited! Can't wait to hear all about it. I LOVE LOVE LOVE OKW!

 

[wiigirl]

Following along.

 

[Bridora]

YAY another trip report!! I'm SO excited! Can't wait to hear all about it. I LOVE LOVE LOVE OKW!

Hey Kimmy - I'm excited you're here! We really enjoyed OKW too!

Following along.

Glad to have you!

 

[mickeystoontown]

I'm here! I'm here! Now, I'm going back to catch up!

 

[tinkgurl]

Looks like we were there the same time!

 

[mickeystoontown]

All caught up now. It's hard as heck planning around "real world" things when planning a trip to Disney World. I've never flown commercially before so I would have no clue what to do. Maybe I can learn some tips through you.

I giggled at Allison's packing list. Notice that money was on the end of the list? Oh sweetie, she's got a lot to learn.

 

[Goofy442]

Joining in!!!

 

[emmysmommy]

Whew! Glad you worked out your dates and all the planning.

Your DD's packing list is so perfectly stated with the phone & charger!

The Disney quotes on the countdown calendar are awesome including the stand clear of the doors - one of my favorites!!

I'm looking forward to reading more!

 

[Bridora]

I'm here! I'm here! Now, I'm going back to catch up!

Woo hoo! Glad you're here!

Looks like we were there the same time!

You'll have to look for yourself in my pictures, lol! I'm going to have to read your TR too!

All caught up now. It's hard as heck planning around "real world" things when planning a trip to Disney World. I've never flown commercially before so I would have no clue what to do. Maybe I can learn some tips through you.

I giggled at Allison's packing list. Notice that money was on the end of the list? Oh sweetie, she's got a lot to learn.

I know it, that "real world" sure has its own agenda!

Booking the flight really was no problem. I used one of the big booking websites, plugged in my dates, and found the departure time I was happy with. I had to find one that didn't in too late, since my parents were going to picking me up at the airport, but I wanted to find one that left Disney as late as possible because Magical Express picks you up 3 hours prior to your departure time: great for having plenty of time to go through security, but not-so-great because you're leaving Disney!

I loved Allison's packing list and made sure I got a picture of it. (when she wasn't in her room, of course!) Yes, right now it's just that easy to add money to the packing list, but she had been saving up for the trip!

Joining in!!!

Welcome! I'm so glad you're here!

Whew! Glad you worked out your dates and all the planning.

Your DD's packing list is so perfectly stated with the phone & charger!

The Disney quotes on the countdown calendar are awesome including the stand clear of the doors - one of my favorites!!

I'm looking forward to reading more!

Me too, we actually had to wait list our final dates! I was worried about availability switching so close to our dates. We were able to get 4 or 5 nights at OKW, but would have had to stay the other nights at Saratoga Springs had the whole stay not opened up at OKW. Luckily, we were able to book them all at OKW, but our worst-case wouldn't have been that bad.

The packing list was her very own idea, down to the quotes! I was so proud of her! She also designed our countdown calendar!

 

[Bridora]

Hittin’ the Road​

The plan was to leave as soon as I got off work on Wednesday, May 22.

That was the kids’ last day of school. Davis had taken that day off, so he was in charge of picking the kids up from school and getting the van loaded.

We had everything packed and ready the night before, except for those things that can only be packed last minute. Jess’s parents would be dropping her off shortly after school got out. I think the girls were able to leave that day after their last test, and since there was only one test that day, they were able to leave well before lunch. I’m pretty sure Luke got checked out early – every kid’s dream!

Once I got home and took care of all those last minute things, we were ready to hit the road!

The time:



4:27


Considering I got off work at 3:00, that’s not quite as early as I’d hoped to leave! This was also either right before or right after we had to stop and re-close the door to the very back of the van; our first stop, and only two houses up from ours!

We had to make 2 stops before we’d be officially on the open road, one being Wal-Mart and the other being one of Davis’s customers houses. He’d left his work iPad over there while on a call; can't lose that! The house is about 30 minutes from our town, but luckily we pass right by it on our way to Disney!



The backseat.



Excited to finally be on the road!



This is what it looks like when everyone has at least one device charging, lol!

Our destination for the night was Tupelo, MS. Not quite half-way, but far enough for one night, especially since we got a bit of a later start.



Home for the night; the girls had one bed and Luke had the pull-out.


The next morning, Thursday, May 23, we were up bright and early to go downstairs for breakfast.





I don’t know about you, but I’m a fan of free breakfast on vacation! Davis isn’t so much of a fan of it, but he puts up with it! The kids love to make waffles, and I can have my orange juice and a bagel, or yogurt and a banana – or, hey, all of them because it’s vacation and it’s free!




We left the hotel at 8:00 am – I was so proud!

When we’re stopping overnight on the way to Disney we pack one overnight bag with everything we’ll all need for the next day to save time and effort and repacking the whole van. We pack our shoes in a separate bag, and I’d left it in the van overnight, so I just wore the same shoes I’d worn the day before.



Allison didn’t approve, lol!


From then on, we kept an eye out for nice potential places for Davis and the kids to stop on the way home. Most times we drive straight back on the way home, but they’d be stopping this year, since Davis would be on his own.


We stopped somewhere and picked up these yummy snacks:



I was a little let down when I discovered that they were actually pomegranate flavored fruit snacks and not actually real pomegranate fruit. But they still tasted good!





If only I’d read the small print...

Nah, I’d have probably bought them anyway!

Who knows where we had lunch, but we eventually reached the Florida Turnpike where we paid $3.00 to get on and $0.75 to exit at I-4.

I don’t remember exact amounts from other years, but it seemed like we paid less this year. I seem to remember stopping at toll booths along the way, which we didn’t have to do this time.

Anyway, finally we saw it. Those wonderful, beautiful, highly-photographed gates:



Blurry, but beautiful!


This was the night we had reservations at an off-site hotel, and after checking-in, we made a bee line for Downtown Disney, arriving around 9:00 pm.

Yes, it was late, but we had delayed our dinner that night because we wanted to dine at Earl of Sandwich!





Did you know if you’re a AAA member you get 15% off at EOS?

It was still pretty crowded, even at 9:25. Luckily, it was a nice night and we were able to get a table out on the patio.





There was a dance party going on right in front of us, and it made for quite the entertainment while we waited for our food to be ready.





Up next: Party at Downtown Disney!

 

[Goofy442]

Great start!! I have bought Brookside Pomegranate before and didn't like them. Your USB port looks like ours when we go away.

 

[Bridora]

Great start!! I have bought Brookside Pomegranate before and didn't like them. Your USB port looks like ours when we go away.

Thanks! I'm sure they would have been better if they were actually dried fruit or something. I mainly like them for the chocolate part! Davis bought that adapter especially for the trip because he knew we'd have lots of devices that needed charging! Amazing that we went anywhere as kids without all these electronics, isn't it?

 

[Bridora]

Party at Downtown Disney​

(Click below for video)

Who else has Vine? Love that app dont use it much, but its fun!

When last I left, we had arrived at Downtown Disney and were waiting on some delicious sandwiches.

I was so happy to be back in Disney with some Earl of Sandwich in front of me! You all know the feeling Im talking about; blue skies, unicorns, and rainbows everywhere!




Lets unwrap it!


Sorry, its not the clearest picture!


Davis and I both ordered the Hawaiian BBQ. I also noted that our order included a Tuna Melt and a Cannonballs Sandwich, both of which sound like something Luke would order, not Allison. Hmm.


Cannonballs - meatballs, mozzarella and parmesan cheese and marinara sauce

Tuna Melt - albacore tuna salad and Swiss cheese

Hawaiian BBQ - roasted ham, grilled chicken, Hawaiian BBQ sauce, Aged Swiss cheese and fresh pineapple

(food descriptions from allearsnet.com)

Ok I just asked the kids about it, Allison did have the Cannonballs, but didnt like it. Dont take that as the sandwich was bad, though, shes a pretty picky eater! I'm pretty sure Jess had been snacking and wasn't hungry. I wonder if that's foreshadowing?

Once the kids were finished eating they ran right back out to stand on the outskirts of the dance party until someone finally convinced them to give dancing a try. Davis and I finished up, cleared the table, and made our way over to where the kids were standing.

Click for video.



After a while, we were able to pull them away from the excitement and walk over to World of Disney for a look around. We also had to stop and admire the Lego sculptures on the way, Jess was impressed!

Davis wanted to take a look around in the Fuego by Sosa Cigars store, so we made our way there.


Raglan Road is still on my list to try.


While Davis was in the cigar store, it began to rain a tiny bit. The kids and I took shelter under the entrance to Apricot Lane Boutique which was right across the way.








The girls went inside for a look around while Luke and I waited outside, but eventually I had to have a peek inside, myself.






They had lots of cute stuff in there! I had forgotten that the new Disney/Vera Bradley line doesnt come out until the Fall, and was hoping they would have it. They had Vera Bradley, but none of the Disney line, of course!





Davis showed up soon, with a little something for himself:



Hmmm, dont recognize this. Anyone? I cant tell if its a sign or just lights!




By that time, it was nearing 11:00 and we were ready to head back to the hotel. Gotta get that sleep before we hit up Disney World!




It just gets better! and I cant wait!




Our key to the right-outside-the-world!

This room was pretty awesome! There were basically two separate areas.

Here are the girls in the front area, on the pull out:





Also in that front room was the coffee maker, mini-fridge, and a tv. All that stuff is on the left side of this next photo.




It also had a desk:




The doorway you you saw on the left in the first picture of the pull out bed, leads into the other room, which had two beds and another tv.




Heres the view from the bedroom looking into that first room. The door between the two actually closes, but Im not sure if it locks or not.







The vanity area was in between the two rooms, with the bathroom being right across the hallway from the vanity:




And heres what was outside the window:




I set my phone alarm for 6:45, thinking I could snooze it until 7:00 or so, if I wanted to.

Just how early will we get started the next morning?

Up next: Checking in at Old Key West!

 

[Goofy442]

We love Earl of Sandwich too and had to eat there every time we were at DTD. Now they have opened one not too far from us and it's good but wish I was eating at DTD.

 

[Bridora]

We love Earl of Sandwich too and had to eat there every time we were at DTD. Now they have opened one not too far from us and it's good but wish I was eating at DTD.

That's too bad! I'd love to have one here, but I'm sure it wouldn't be the same. I guess the good thing about that is that now you can find another "must eat" to replace it!

*********************************************************

If you weren't able to the see videos on my previous post, go back and take another look at them. Davis informed me that when he clicked on the link it wanted him to sign in. I'm not real sure how to post them any other way using Flickr, so I just uploaded them to Photobucket, which I know how to use! Grrr.

 

[princess_momma]

YUM!! I love EoS...what a perfect first meal to have in Disney!

Can't wait for OKW pics...as I said, I love it!


(P.S. How was your trip over in my neck of the woods?!)

 

[mickeystoontown]

Yeah baby.....you've arrived! Did you know that in all of our trips to WDW, we've never tried Earl of Sandwich? The sandwiches always look so good in pictures.

The dance parties at DTD must have been going on a lot during both of our trips 'cause we saw them many times. The kids looked like they were having a good time in the video. No better way to start a trip to Disney than doing a little dancin' and jumpin'

I meant to go back to your first post and see where it was that ya'll stayed offsite. The rooms looks really roomy.

 

[Bridora]

YUM!! I love EoS...what a perfect first meal to have in Disney!

Can't wait for OKW pics...as I said, I love it!


(P.S. How was your trip over in my neck of the woods?!)

We usually try to eat EoS for our first meal. We really didn't want to break tradition this year, which is why we waited until we got there, even though it was late, to eat! We'd be going to the parks the next day and just couldn't bear to start out without our Earl!

Our trip to CO was awesome! We do a reunion with that side of the family every other year, so it was great to see them all again. We're pretty spread out all over the country so we don't generally see most of them other than reunions. Man, what a beautiful part of the country to live in! Here's a few pictures:


Riding horses through Garden of the Gods.


We had early morning pictures made overlooking Garden of the Gods. The sun was so bright and, of course, we were facing it for pictures!


Pikes Peak was beautiful!

Yeah baby.....you've arrived! Did you know that in all of our trips to WDW, we've never tried Earl of Sandwich? The sandwiches always look so good in pictures.

The dance parties at DTD must have been going on a lot during both of our trips 'cause we saw them many times. The kids looked like they were having a good time in the video. No better way to start a trip to Disney than doing a little dancin' and jumpin'

I meant to go back to your first post and see where it was that ya'll stayed offsite. The rooms looks really roomy.

You really should try Earl of Sandwich. I'm pretty sure they have a pizza one that Hunter might enjoy, of course, it's probably on the kids menu!

The dance party was pretty fun! There were a couple of people who were really great dancers and were really putting on a show!

Our offsite room was in the Buena Vista Suites. It wasn't too far offsite, but further than those "Downtown Disney" area offsite hotels, you know those that are within walking distance? This one wasn't in walking distance, but was pretty nice and fairly priced. Having that suite was important for this trip since we had an extra person and this hotel was perfect for that!