sugabutt
Gimme Free Food!!
- Joined
- Aug 12, 2008
- Messages
- 82
The Almost Didnt Happen Trip
Before I start heres our family story I (the Mom) work full-time and am the DW planner, and I think I'm just reliving my childhood since I only went to Disney once as a child. DH has a few medical problems and is a Stay-at-Home Dad (not by my choice but we have to do what we have to do). He has problems with his feet and doesn't like to walk much, and doesn't like the heat, so Disney is not his favorite place. DD is 4 years old and loves her Princesses and the Cars movie - the real reason we go to Disney.
This trip was a kind of a last minute trip about 2 weeks before we planned it. I SO desperately needed a vacation, so we decided to take our DD to DW for a surprise trip. We told her we were going to the beach. We used our GAD passes, and stayed onsite for the first time at Pop. We planned on leaving Thursday at 3pm, right from my office. But, at about 10 am that day, my DHs father was having chest pains and was dizzy. They called 911 and paramedics took him to the ER. First scan showed a possible mini-stroke, so they then did an MRI . At this point my DH wasnt sure if we should go on the trip, which I totally understood. Finally at about 5pm the MRI results came back with an all-clear, no stroke, nothing wrong. And since he was feeling better, we decided to go on with the trip, so we were on the road at 5:30pm later than we had planned, but so happy to be going regardless.
We got to the POP at midnight. Check-in took a little longer than I thought it would. I had already done the online express check-in and got in that line. There appeared to be just 1 CM working the Online check-in line. He was helping someone that had not done the Online process, Im not sure why he was waiting on her there was 4 other CMs working the regular lines.
We were assigned to the 90s building, but I asked if we could be in the 50s and they were able to move us. Since DH has insulin-dependent diabetes, we asked for a fridge and they were able to get the fridge in the new room before we even got in there. Here's a pic of it - just in case anyone else wonder's how small they are...
DH dropped me and DD at the sidewalk with our luggage, since he had trouble finding a parking spot close to our building. As we were waiting, a nice older gentleman was walking back to his room and gave me an unused refillable mug they werent going to use it. Wow pixie dust early!
We went to MK the next day, and were there by 8:15. I didnt realize the busses took us right to the gate at MK I thought we would still have to take the monorail or boat, therefore we had lots of time to kill. We traded in our GADs for tickets, and bought DD one I fortunately had a Disney Visa Rewards Card with over $100 on it, so her ticket was free too! As we waited, I decorated DDs stroller.
After RD, we followed our Touring Plan and made a beeline to Dumbo, and even then there was a line already. DD starts freaking out because Dumbo goes up and down well duh! She had a blast once she got on it. Silly girl.
Then we went to the Teacups and saw Alice in the teacup taking a ride! We were the first people in for the next ride and went right over to her cup, hoping that Alice would ride again, but alas she didnt. My DD was so upset. She started crying huge tears! We had fun on the ride anyways, and got to meet Alice after the ride.
Then we went to the tent to wait in line for the other princesses (Cinderella, Sleeping Beauty and Belle). I was not impressed with this Belle she wouldnt even put her arm around DD. The others were fine though. The line for the Fairies was a lot longer and since DD isnt into them we skipped them.
We waited in line for Mickie & Minnie and got some good pics with them. We ate at Cosmic Rays at 11am, and used a 20% coupon they gave us at the gate (the coupon said it could only be used before 11:30, or between 2:30 and 4:30). We did more rides, and my DD went on her very first roller coaster - Goofys Barnstormer. She was scared in line beforehand, but I just kept reassuring her. We got on it, and she screamed a lot during the ride, then as the ride was coming to an end, she said she wanted to ride again! So great to hear! She couldnt figure out why she couldnt go again right then (um, cause dear, there are other people waiting to get on it). But she did ride again later in the day. While DD slept in the stroller we ate at the Harbour House and it was really good. We sat in there while DD slept. We used Fast Passes for Space Rangers, Winnie the Pooh, and Jungle Cruise so nice to use them. I cant believe the number of people waiting in line for these rides and not using FP! We saw the afternoon parade, fireworks and night parade. We made some friends while waiting for the fireworks - the girls even held hands - so cute!
We were so worn out after the parade! We headed out and had a short wait for the bus. The next day we slept in, and DD and I went to the POP food court for breakfast. I must say that I really did not like the way the food court is separated out. We got in the waffle line. There was a couple minute wait on the kids Mickey waffles. I got an adult waffle with strawberry/cream so yummy! I then got in another line for DHs food again had to wait for the croissant. Took him breakfast in bed (lucky guy!) then DD and I went swimming, and checking out the rest of the resort. I was finally able to drag my DH out of the room to join us by the pool. After lunch we went back to the room for a nap and slept til 6pm!!! I guess the day before really wiped us out. We then took the bus to Downtown Disney. We were the only ones on the bus, and the bus driver scared us to death he was such a bad driver, and kinda rude. Downtown Disney was really crowded, we ate at Cookes Irish Pub. Food was good. We got DD a pin lanyard and got her started on pin trading, so we went to the Pin store there and got a few more pins and did some trades.
The next day was check out day. We packed up the truck and went back inside the food court for breakfast. I was hoping the wait on the Mickey waffles the day before was just a fluke but nope today was even worse. I finally gave up and just got her an adult waffle. They really need to address this problem. We finally hit the road at 10am and had an uneventful ride home.
What I learned on this trip: I liked the POP resort (especially the kids pool), but it is really spread out a lot. I wouldnt mind trying out a different value resort next time. I knew beforehand from the Pop FAQ on this board that they do different activities during the day ride big wheels, do hula hoops, dance, etc at specific times but I couldnt remember the times. I asked 2 CMs what time these things happen, but they just said it was random during the day so unfortunately we didnt get to see any of them. Weird why wouldnt they have set times or if they do, why not tell the guests?
I also learned that we cant do another really long day at MK like that again. We had to do that on this trip because we only had a 1 day ticket, but I will try to avoid that again if possible.
We had fun and DD was surprised by the trip. Cant wait to go back again!
Before I start heres our family story I (the Mom) work full-time and am the DW planner, and I think I'm just reliving my childhood since I only went to Disney once as a child. DH has a few medical problems and is a Stay-at-Home Dad (not by my choice but we have to do what we have to do). He has problems with his feet and doesn't like to walk much, and doesn't like the heat, so Disney is not his favorite place. DD is 4 years old and loves her Princesses and the Cars movie - the real reason we go to Disney.
This trip was a kind of a last minute trip about 2 weeks before we planned it. I SO desperately needed a vacation, so we decided to take our DD to DW for a surprise trip. We told her we were going to the beach. We used our GAD passes, and stayed onsite for the first time at Pop. We planned on leaving Thursday at 3pm, right from my office. But, at about 10 am that day, my DHs father was having chest pains and was dizzy. They called 911 and paramedics took him to the ER. First scan showed a possible mini-stroke, so they then did an MRI . At this point my DH wasnt sure if we should go on the trip, which I totally understood. Finally at about 5pm the MRI results came back with an all-clear, no stroke, nothing wrong. And since he was feeling better, we decided to go on with the trip, so we were on the road at 5:30pm later than we had planned, but so happy to be going regardless.
We got to the POP at midnight. Check-in took a little longer than I thought it would. I had already done the online express check-in and got in that line. There appeared to be just 1 CM working the Online check-in line. He was helping someone that had not done the Online process, Im not sure why he was waiting on her there was 4 other CMs working the regular lines.
We were assigned to the 90s building, but I asked if we could be in the 50s and they were able to move us. Since DH has insulin-dependent diabetes, we asked for a fridge and they were able to get the fridge in the new room before we even got in there. Here's a pic of it - just in case anyone else wonder's how small they are...
DH dropped me and DD at the sidewalk with our luggage, since he had trouble finding a parking spot close to our building. As we were waiting, a nice older gentleman was walking back to his room and gave me an unused refillable mug they werent going to use it. Wow pixie dust early!
We went to MK the next day, and were there by 8:15. I didnt realize the busses took us right to the gate at MK I thought we would still have to take the monorail or boat, therefore we had lots of time to kill. We traded in our GADs for tickets, and bought DD one I fortunately had a Disney Visa Rewards Card with over $100 on it, so her ticket was free too! As we waited, I decorated DDs stroller.
After RD, we followed our Touring Plan and made a beeline to Dumbo, and even then there was a line already. DD starts freaking out because Dumbo goes up and down well duh! She had a blast once she got on it. Silly girl.
Then we went to the Teacups and saw Alice in the teacup taking a ride! We were the first people in for the next ride and went right over to her cup, hoping that Alice would ride again, but alas she didnt. My DD was so upset. She started crying huge tears! We had fun on the ride anyways, and got to meet Alice after the ride.
Then we went to the tent to wait in line for the other princesses (Cinderella, Sleeping Beauty and Belle). I was not impressed with this Belle she wouldnt even put her arm around DD. The others were fine though. The line for the Fairies was a lot longer and since DD isnt into them we skipped them.
We waited in line for Mickie & Minnie and got some good pics with them. We ate at Cosmic Rays at 11am, and used a 20% coupon they gave us at the gate (the coupon said it could only be used before 11:30, or between 2:30 and 4:30). We did more rides, and my DD went on her very first roller coaster - Goofys Barnstormer. She was scared in line beforehand, but I just kept reassuring her. We got on it, and she screamed a lot during the ride, then as the ride was coming to an end, she said she wanted to ride again! So great to hear! She couldnt figure out why she couldnt go again right then (um, cause dear, there are other people waiting to get on it). But she did ride again later in the day. While DD slept in the stroller we ate at the Harbour House and it was really good. We sat in there while DD slept. We used Fast Passes for Space Rangers, Winnie the Pooh, and Jungle Cruise so nice to use them. I cant believe the number of people waiting in line for these rides and not using FP! We saw the afternoon parade, fireworks and night parade. We made some friends while waiting for the fireworks - the girls even held hands - so cute!
We were so worn out after the parade! We headed out and had a short wait for the bus. The next day we slept in, and DD and I went to the POP food court for breakfast. I must say that I really did not like the way the food court is separated out. We got in the waffle line. There was a couple minute wait on the kids Mickey waffles. I got an adult waffle with strawberry/cream so yummy! I then got in another line for DHs food again had to wait for the croissant. Took him breakfast in bed (lucky guy!) then DD and I went swimming, and checking out the rest of the resort. I was finally able to drag my DH out of the room to join us by the pool. After lunch we went back to the room for a nap and slept til 6pm!!! I guess the day before really wiped us out. We then took the bus to Downtown Disney. We were the only ones on the bus, and the bus driver scared us to death he was such a bad driver, and kinda rude. Downtown Disney was really crowded, we ate at Cookes Irish Pub. Food was good. We got DD a pin lanyard and got her started on pin trading, so we went to the Pin store there and got a few more pins and did some trades.
The next day was check out day. We packed up the truck and went back inside the food court for breakfast. I was hoping the wait on the Mickey waffles the day before was just a fluke but nope today was even worse. I finally gave up and just got her an adult waffle. They really need to address this problem. We finally hit the road at 10am and had an uneventful ride home.
What I learned on this trip: I liked the POP resort (especially the kids pool), but it is really spread out a lot. I wouldnt mind trying out a different value resort next time. I knew beforehand from the Pop FAQ on this board that they do different activities during the day ride big wheels, do hula hoops, dance, etc at specific times but I couldnt remember the times. I asked 2 CMs what time these things happen, but they just said it was random during the day so unfortunately we didnt get to see any of them. Weird why wouldnt they have set times or if they do, why not tell the guests?
I also learned that we cant do another really long day at MK like that again. We had to do that on this trip because we only had a 1 day ticket, but I will try to avoid that again if possible.
We had fun and DD was surprised by the trip. Cant wait to go back again!
