"So what do you want to do next?" An April '10 TR...final thoughts 8/2 p. 63

[MHTeacher]

YIKES! Turbulence! I think I'd rather sit and wait for a 20 minute refueling, than have to deal with rough skies! I'm a nervous flyer!

 

[leamom2princesses]

Sarah, you are much braver than I am. I would be freaking out for sure. I have anxiety when things are smooth let alone some drama like you and your Dad experienced.

 

[wisblue]

Emma will use them to go to FL in the summer to see Harry Potter.

Unfortunately, they aren't transferable so only Mom, Claire, and I can use one each.

 

[wisblue]

That would get me completely annoyed. I am like Tracy. Let me sit in the terminal and wait for you to refuel before letting me on that confined plane.

I'm glad the weather was so fabulous for opening day. It was almost like a preview of what was to come.

I have an unproven theory about that that I developed while we spent 7 hours sitting in the Orlando airport in January waiting for our flight to be boarded. With flights at the gates around us, the AirTran gate agents got really testy with the passengers as the departure time approached. They would be telling people that the flight could still have an on time departure if they would have their boarding passes out and ready and get their butts moving to get their luggage stored. (OK, they didn't exactly use those words.) They'd also tell people from our flight that they couldn't be bothered with their silly questions because they were busy trying to get other flights out on time.

I think the airlines get evaluated on their percentage of on time departures, and the gate agents probably have incentives to meet those times. From their perspective, as long as they get the plane boarded, they've done their job. If the plane can't be fueled because of weather... not their problem. If the plane can't take off because of other airport traffic... not their problem. I think that's why planes often push back 10 feet from the gate and then sit there for long periods. They get credit for "departing" when they leave the gate, and aren't responsible if weather or airport traffic holds them up because that's out of their control.

It's just my theory, but I'm sticking with it until proven otherwise.

 

[OhMari]

Unless Sarah tells me to stay away, I'm going to follow her report and add some commentary and perspective of my own.

One of the main reasons I told Sarah that this was her opportunity to do what SHE wanted is that there are usually at least 3 of us on a trip, and that usually leads to some difference of opinion about what to do. This was my third trip in less than a year because I accompanied Sarah and her youngest sister last August, and my wife (Sarah's Mom) and other (middle) sister in January. So, I've done all of my favorite attractions several times over in the last year, and just enjoy the overall atmosphere of being at WDW as much or more than the attractions anyway.

Ah, what a nice dad and I enjoy hearing another side to Trip Reports.

We saw a lot of Brewers shirts and hats on our trip, obviously because most schools in Wisconsin had their spring breaks last week. I got several comments whenever I wore Brewers, Packers, or Marquette stuff. Later on Wednesday we were at DD and someone saw my Brewers shirt and kindly told me that the Brewers had won that day.

We also saw a lot of apparel for Michigan (one of my alma maters) and the Detroit Tigers and Lions. Our favorite was a shirt that said "Detroit Lions...Rebuilding Since 1957". (That's the last year they won a championship.)

It's funny when people read your sweatshirts or shirts. First they look surprised, then they think about saying something. I wore my sons UW-Oshkosh sweatshirt last time and I had people from Green Bay talking to me. Finally I asked if an airline from Green Bay had a deal on flights, that I was meeting so many Green Bay people.

I have an unproven theory about that that I developed while we spent 7 hours sitting in the Orlando airport in January waiting for our flight to be boarded. With flights at the gates around us, the AirTran gate agents got really testy with the passengers as the departure time approached. They would be telling people that the flight could still have an on time departure if they would have their boarding passes out and ready and get their butts moving to get their luggage stored. (OK, they didn't exactly use those words.) They'd also tell people from our flight that they couldn't be bothered with their silly questions because they were busy trying to get other flights out on time.

I think the airlines get evaluated on their percentage of on time departures, and the gate agents probably have incentives to meet those times. From their perspective, as long as they get the plane boarded, they've done their job. If the plane can't be fueled because of weather... not their problem. If the plane can't take off because of other airport traffic... not their problem. I think that's why planes often push back 10 feet from the gate and then sit there for long periods. They get credit for "departing" when they leave the gate, and aren't responsible if weather or airport traffic holds them up because that's out of their control.

It's just my theory, but I'm sticking with it until proven otherwise.

You sound a lot like my dh, he is always people watching and tell me this theories and scenarios when he people watches at the airport. My dh is a very nervous, when he has to fly and he hates turbulance. Me, I'm a roller coaster person, so it doesn't affect me at all. But he also flies for business more than me, and he has had his share of cancelled flights and delays.

 

[jwwi]

Sarah, I loved your pictures from opening day. I was sad that I couldn't get off work that day, but I did go to the first winning home game on the 6th. I ended up going to 3 games during the first home stand. So happy to be back at Miller Park.

It really is frustrating to be on the plane, and then just have to wait. I usually have good luck with Airtran, and unfortunately more problems with Midwest. I wonder how it will change now that they are Frontier? Airtran seems to have great flight times to MCO, I'm sure if your DS does the CM program your parents will find a use for their vouchers.

I love how you wear all your team shirts, we were at WDW during Mardi Gras and I couldn't figure out why everyone seemed to be from New Orleans. I finally asked a family, did you know that the schools in that area are closed for a week at that time of year? Just something to keep in mind if you ever visit during that week. Kinda like Jersey week I guess.

 

[meeko_33785]

Gotta love air travel. Delays can be pretty annoying. At least it doesn't sound like you were delayed forever, but I understand what you mean about feeling like it's taking away park time. I hope things got much smoother for you when you get to Orlando.

 

[OhioDisneyLover]

I'm here.

I don't think that there is anything as frustrating as sitting on a plane that isn't moving.

I can't wait to hear more!

 

[onelilspark]

I have an unproven theory about that that I developed while we spent 7 hours sitting in the Orlando airport in January waiting for our flight to be boarded. With flights at the gates around us, the AirTran gate agents got really testy with the passengers as the departure time approached. They would be telling people that the flight could still have an on time departure if they would have their boarding passes out and ready and get their butts moving to get their luggage stored. (OK, they didn't exactly use those words.) They'd also tell people from our flight that they couldn't be bothered with their silly questions because they were busy trying to get other flights out on time.

I think the airlines get evaluated on their percentage of on time departures, and the gate agents probably have incentives to meet those times. From their perspective, as long as they get the plane boarded, they've done their job. If the plane can't be fueled because of weather... not their problem. If the plane can't take off because of other airport traffic... not their problem. I think that's why planes often push back 10 feet from the gate and then sit there for long periods. They get credit for "departing" when they leave the gate, and aren't responsible if weather or airport traffic holds them up because that's out of their control.

It's just my theory, but I'm sticking with it until proven otherwise.

Not totally a theory, they do push back 10 feet just so they can say they left the gate on time. I wish I'd get that kind of credit with my job

 

[wdwgirl03]

YIKES! Turbulence! I think I'd rather sit and wait for a 20 minute refueling, than have to deal with rough skies! I'm a nervous flyer!

Yeah, I'm fine with flying but when there's turbulence that lasts for more than a couple minutes...that's when I get nervous.

Sarah, you are much braver than I am. I would be freaking out for sure. I have anxiety when things are smooth let alone some drama like you and your Dad experienced.

Oh boy, that is kind of how my mom is...if we are not at the gate atleast 2 hours beforehand she is afraid we'll miss our flight. Ohhhh mom...

Unfortunately, they aren't transferable so only Mom, Claire, and I can use one each.

DARN.

It's funny when people read your sweatshirts or shirts. First they look surprised, then they think about saying something. I wore my sons UW-Oshkosh sweatshirt last time and I had people from Green Bay talking to me. Finally I asked if an airline from Green Bay had a deal on flights, that I was meeting so many Green Bay people.

I was wearing a Marquette shirt one day and this one CM at the Magic Kingdom asked me about it. He told me he always sees a lot of MU shirts but never knew where it was exactly.

Sarah, I loved your pictures from opening day. I was sad that I couldn't get off work that day, but I did go to the first winning home game on the 6th. I ended up going to 3 games during the first home stand. So happy to be back at Miller Park.

It really is frustrating to be on the plane, and then just have to wait. I usually have good luck with Airtran, and unfortunately more problems with Midwest. I wonder how it will change now that they are Frontier? Airtran seems to have great flight times to MCO, I'm sure if your DS does the CM program your parents will find a use for their vouchers.

I love how you wear all your team shirts, we were at WDW during Mardi Gras and I couldn't figure out why everyone seemed to be from New Orleans. I finally asked a family, did you know that the schools in that area are closed for a week at that time of year? Just something to keep in mind if you ever visit during that week. Kinda like Jersey week I guess.

Cool you got to see them win atleast! Wow, 3 games already. I think our next game is next Saturday. Against the Cubs. I hate going to Cubs games...

Oh, I'm sure if my sister does the CP we will be going atleast twice. haha!

I had no idea the NO schools close for Mardi Gras. Crazy!

Gotta love air travel. Delays can be pretty annoying. At least it doesn't sound like you were delayed forever, but I understand what you mean about feeling like it's taking away park time. I hope things got much smoother for you when you get to Orlando.

Oh yeah, once we got there everything was much better.

I'm here.

I don't think that there is anything as frustrating as sitting on a plane that isn't moving.

I can't wait to hear more!

Hi Sophia!

It was so annoying. And then since there were all the trucks outside the window I thought they hadn't loaded the luggage yet and we'd have to wait even longer. Ugh.

 

[wdwgirl03]

Not trip related, but I just wanted to say...

HAPPY 23rd BIRTHDAY *DISNEYDREAMER! (aka my sister )

 

[MHTeacher]

Happy Birthday DISNEYDREAMER (Sarah's sister) !!!!

 

[BigDogHU75]

Hi Sarah! I am so glad I found your TR. Can't wait to read more. Happy Birthday to your Sister!

 

[dismagiclover]

Hi Sarah! I made it over. We went to opening day but in Washington at the Nationals stadium and boy was it hot! It really did feel like summer which is strange for early April. Can't wait to hear about your trip

 

[wdwgirl03]

Hi Sarah! I am so glad I found your TR. Can't wait to read more. Happy Birthday to your Sister!

Hi Marsha! I am so glad to have another reader!!

Hi Sarah! I made it over. We went to opening day but in Washington at the Nationals stadium and boy was it hot! It really did feel like summer which is strange for early April. Can't wait to hear about your trip

Yay, glad you made it over!

That is cool you got to go to opening day too. Sounds like good weather all over!

----------------------
WOW, so many comments already...page 4?! I guess I better get going on my next installment. Thanks everyone for reading!

 

[wdwgirl03]

Tuesday, April 6, 2010 cont'd (part 2)

Once our flight arrived in Orlando, it was time to head off to the Magical Express! But not before grabbing some lunch first. Any guesses as to where we decided to go? Yes, that's right, Chick-Fil-A! That has sort of become our traditional arrival day lunch. We're always so hungry by the time we get there after being up so early and since it usually takes atleast an hour then to get to the resort we need some food to give us some more energy!

I also made a comment to Dad about stopping in the Universal store to see if they had any Harry Potter merchandise yet. We are all Harry Potter nerds (my sister Emma in particular!) and can't wait until our next trip so we can go over to check out the Wizarding World of Harry Potter. Since Emma was sad she couldn't come along, and even more sad that we couldn't wait until summer to go see WWOHP, I thought if we found something it might be a nice little surprise for her. Sadly, they didn't have anything. BOO! Next time though.

After grabbing our lunch we made our way to the ME terminal. Yippee!! When we got there we were surprised at how dead it was there! I don't know about Dad but I definitely was not expecting that, seeing as it was still spring break time. Oh well, not going to complain though. Maybe we just hit a lull in the middle of the day. There were a few people waiting around but nobody was in line. So we got to hop right into this line:

We were able to get on the bus pretty quickly and enjoyed our lunch. You know what is so strange? It seems every time we take the Magical Express we always get one of the cruise line buses! Not that it really makes a difference but I want one of the "real" ME buses, you know, the blue ones with the characters on the back, like the ones you can see in the picture below. We only had to wait a few more minutes for some more people to join us on the bus. I think it was only about half-full. Before long we were on our way!! Good-bye, Orlando International Airport!

One of the things I enjoy most about the ME ride is getting to stop at some of the other resorts. I really don't mind if we are last because it's fun seeing what the other resorts look like, even if it is just a quick glimpse. Our driver told us we'd be stopping at Caribbean Beach, Pop Century, and Coronado Springs before finally making our way to Kidani Village. There was just one disappointment of the ride. We have had a lot of really cool ME bus drivers...they'll tell jokes and give us little trivia tidbits about WDW. This time our driver didn't really say much at all. Ohhh well. It didn't matter too much because we had the ME video to keep us entertained before we passed through these wonderful gates:

Don't you just love seeing that sight? You know I do!

So like I said, our first stop was Caribbean Beach. I remember stopping at CBR when we stayed at the Beach Club a couple years ago. It looks like a cool resort.

Next up was Pop Century.

Dad and I got a kick out of the little road signs they have as you drive in advertising the AIR CONDITIONED ROOMS! and CABLE TV! haha There was a little boy who was enjoying seeing all of the oversized icons which was cute. He was asking his mom if they could come and swim in the bowling pin pool (there is a bowling pin pool there, right?).

Then it was off to Coronado Springs. I don't really know what this picture is supposed to be, I guess us driving in.

By the time we let the people off at those resorts, we were the only people left on the bus! It was like we had our own private ride to Kidani.

Just a couple more random shots of CSR:

After making stops at all of those resorts we had seen quite a bit of the WDW grounds. And since there was nobody left on the bus I decided to move up to the front so I could get some better pictures of our journey toward AKL.

Getting closer!

And then we could finally see that majestic lodge. WOO HOO!!!

up next: Check-in and time to get my Annual Pass!

 

[dismagiclover]

for Chick Fil A! I eat there at least once a week Such a tease stopping right before you get to Kidani. I want to hear about it! We are staying there for a night in October.

 

[tinkgurl]

Aw.. Pop!!

 

[RachelNinja]

Mmm, Chick-Fil-A! I only remember having it once, but I know that it was so good! And at that age, I really didn't like any sort of chicken, but I loved the sandwich I ate. Yummy.

One day I'm determined to watch that ME video! Even if it's only once in my life, I want to experience Magical Express and passing under the arches because I'd actually be staying on property!

Oh cute! The print on the seats is adorable!

 

[Brave teacher]

I love Chic-Fil-A. It is my favorite!

I got so excited watching the ride, especially as you got closer to Kidani. I love that place so much. More please....