The Family Trip that wasn't...

[rndmr2]

This is my first attempt at a TR so hope you all can bear with me. I am not the best writer but I will give it a shot. We got back a little less than a month ago and I have been meaning to start this a lot sooner but life got in the way (more on that later). I guess I should introduce myself and give you all a little background. My name is Danielle and I am 36 years old. I am a home health nurse and live in western NY (Near Rochester) although I am originally from Philadelphia. (GO FLYERS!! sorry, couldn't help it! LOL) My DH is Tim, he is 34 and works as a cleaner at the Racetrack near our home. We don't have any little ones yet but hope to at some point.

Here we are (sorry, I don't know how to make the pics smaller)

I guess I should explain the TR title and tell you how the trip came about. Last year my BIL (DH's Brother) had a cancer scare. He was diagnosed with a parotid gland (a salivary gland) tumor that was malignant, he had surgery (a pretty major one) and radiation and thank God all is well now (He was 100% Cancer free at his last check up! ) and at Easter last year my MIL and SIL and I were talking about how nice it would be to take a big family trip to celebrate this when he was finished with his readiation treatments. More discussion and it was decided to make it a trip to WDW. Well, to make a long story short and to fast forward a few months little by little it fell apart and it was looking like it wasn't going to happen. I told my DH all along that if it didn't happen we would go anyway (nobody was going to get me excited about Disney and then take it away!) So it became a trip for 2.

Next: Plans

 

[KYCruiseCrazy]

I love the size of the pics. You can see more of what was taken. I'm in for the TR

 

[rndmr2]

I set the dates for our trip (5/2/10 to 5/9/10) to coincide with DH's B-day and the Flower and Garden Festival as I had always wanted to go during that time of year as I heard it was really nice and not too crowded. It took some doing to pin my DH down to where to stay and we played around on the Disney site with various resorts. Then the Deal with the Disney Gift Card came out and I couldn't pass it up. I let DH pick the Resort since this was only his 2nd trip and it would be his Birthday and he picked POR. I made the ressies for a King Bed room and requested Magnolia Bend (since I had stayed in the Bayou before and wasn't crazy about the decor. We got the $500 gift card and decided to use that on food but then we started looking at all the restaurants and decided to use the GC for Table service and then we got the QSDP for everything else. (I didn't think it would be too much food as DH is a big eater) so I made ADR's at a few places that we had talked about wanting to try:
Sunday: Tony's
Tuesday: Biergarten
Wednesday: Mama Melrose
Thursday: Le Cellier (could only get Lunch)
Friday: Whispering Canyon
Saturday: Coral Reef

Sunday 5/2/10
DH's parents picked us up at about 1130 am and took us to the airport in Rochester, we had an Airtran direct flight that left at 2:30. We were pretty early but I had never been to this airport and wasn't sure how far things were and thought it was better to be safe than sorry as far as lines at Security, etc. (we also had 2 C-Pap's to deal with and didn't know how complicated inspecting them would be, it didn't turn out to be that much of a big deal, although DH didn't take his belt off or empty his pockets so his go through the metal detector was a headache (Men! ) On the other side of the security line was this

It is called the Clock of Nations and it used to be at a shopping center that closed down and was moved here since it is a well loved landmark in Rochester.

Here is our plane coming in:

Next: Honor Flight

 

[tksbaskets]

You are off to a great start! Your pictures look beautiful.

Can't wait to hear more

 

[rndmr2]

Warning: I didn't take a lot of pics for this part of the trip but there will be plenty to come in subsequent updates...

While we were waiting for our flight, there were a lot of men gathering at the gate wearing matching T-shirts and they made an announcement that there was an Honor Flight coming in from DC. If you haven't heard of that it's an organization that provides trips for Veterans to visit the memorials in Washington DC, mostly they are WWII vets (they were all WWII on this flight) and as they got off the plane they asked everyone waiting to stand and clap for them. Many of them were in wheelchairs and they introduced them one by one so it took a while but it was actually very moving, I'll admit to getting a little teary. It helped pass the time very well and before we knew it we were getting on the plane.


I will say these were the worst seats I have ever had on a plane!! We were in the last row of 2 seats (there were 3 seats across the aisle) which I thought would be a good thing and even turned down an offer by the bag check girl to move to another row. There wasn't even a window and you know how airplane seats are, it was Cramped with a Capitol C! DH and I are both Pooh sized (and he is very broad shouldered) as you can see from my first post and I wasn't looking forward to a 2 hour flight like this. Thank goodness not too long after we got our seats the 2 ladies across the aisle from us moved up to the middle and the flight attendant asked if Tim wanted to move across, which he did, it was nice to spread out some. Still didn't have much room in front but at least I had shoulder room. Made for a much easier flight. The flight was a little rough (turbulence) and the Pilot had to turn the seat belt sign back on a few times, but we landed safely and landed on time but we had to wait a few minutes out on the runway because the gate was occupied.

We got off the plane and went out into the terminal to find the ME bus. It was a long trek to get there but once we did there was already a bus waiting and it left not long after we got on. We were also the first ones dropped off, which was a pleasant surprise. I guess I should back up a little and add that for a while I was really nervous about our 1st day ADR's, I had made an ADR for Tony's at 6:50 but then our flight times kept changing (total of about 40 minutes difference from when I made the ressie) and the more time went on I was nervous that we wouldn't make it and actually started planning on NOT making it.

We got to POR and checked in - we did online check in and this is definitely the way to go, it was so quick! We got our room assignment and walked to our room, it was a nice little walk, it was actually a really convenient location and I was so glad we got the requested Magnolia Bend. Our building was Magnolia Terrace, which is the most convenient Magnolia Bend building to the main pool and Front Desk and Food court, etc. The resort was beautiful, I had been there before but it had been quite a few years so it was mostly all new to me.

Next: Our Room

 

[rndmr2]

Here are a few pics of our room just after we got there. It was room 8545.

After I took these I noticed the time-6:12pm! If we left right then we might be able to make our ADR! We walked to the bus stop behind our building and waited maybe 10 minutes for a bus to the MK. (I picked MK for our 1st night because they had PM EMH and I figured with the time getting there we could go to a park on the first day and see at least Spectro and Wishes so we could do rides during those the next day we went there) I had planned to switch everything over to my tote from my purse (I even had made a tag with a LGMH on it, but sadly, never got to show it off) but we didn't have time so I just took my purse. Let me tell you it was a pain to have to carry around and this was the last day we had any bag with us. Most of my previous trips I used a fanny pack (lame, I know!) and we had strollers or wheelchairs to hold stuff but didn't have one for this trip so I wasn't used to carrying anything with me.
We got off the bus and headed right to Tony's, we checked in at 6:52 and waited about 10 minutes. This was in the waiting room, thought it was kind of neat:

We were seated in the main room where the fountain of Lady and Tramp is, here is a pic of it that I took before we left.

Our waiter took a long time to come to our table and introduce himself and take our drink orders, etc. I think we waited about 20 minutes. There was some kind of issue with the table diagonal from us from what I could tell. When he finally got to us, he said his name was TJ and apologized for taking so long. We gave our orders and the food was brought out fairly quickly. My only problem was that we had ordered salads and then our main courses were brought minutes later. I hate when they bring courses out on top of each other. Thankfully this was not to be the pattern at other places. He did give us plenty of time to eat before coming over to ask about dessert and was pretty good at keeping the refills coming, so all in all he was a good waiter and we gave him a decent tip. We both had caesar salads, I had the Gnocchi, I think it was spinach, and DH had Chicken Parm (His fave). For dessert I had Tiramisu (this was really yummy!) and DH had the cheesecake. I think he had Lemonade to drink, I had Root Beer. Food was really good, I was pleasantly surprised by the gnocchi, they were very light. Don't have any food pics, my DH wouldn't let me, thought it was weird (don't worry I changed his mind eventually...) Used the GC but would have been $77 after Tip.

Next up: Spectromagic...

 

[rndmr2]

When we came out of Tony's it was about 8:05 or so and people were starting to line up for Spectromagic and there were some seats on the curb so we decided to wait. DH started to get antsy and wanted to move but I convinced him to stay put. They had some activities for the kids, which I think is a great thing, they had a hopscotch taped on the street and also some hula hoops and ring toss things. I took a few pics as we were waiting.

I love the light up balloons

Before too long, we were seeing these guys, They didn't turn out too great but I'll post them anyway.

Here are a few more of the parade, these are a little better:

Cinderella

Prince Charming

Next: Wishes

 

[DisGirl81]

So far so good. I am enjoying reading about your first day!

 

[rndmr2]

We got a fairly good spot for Wishes, only a little obstructed by a little girl on her Dad's shoulders but I could still see, so it wasn't too bad, as I'm pretty short. Here are a couple pics and a video, not sure if the video will work, (I've never posted a Video) but I'll give it a try.

 

[MousekaMaddi]

 

[KYCruiseCrazy]

Really enjoying the TR. Love the pics too

 

[rndmr2]

I love the size of the pics. You can see more of what was taken. I'm in for the TR

You are off to a great start! Your pictures look beautiful.

Can't wait to hear more

So far so good. I am enjoying reading about your first day!

I have readers!! Thanks for reading

 

[mousebymarriage]

Great trip report and pics so far, can't wait to hear more!

 

[rndmr2]

After Wishes we decided to make the most of the EMH and headed over to Tomorrowland to ride Buzz. showed our KTTW cards and got in line, waited about 10-15 minutes. I love Buzz it's so much fun I don't remember the scores but I do remember that I beat DH, I teased him about that one a few times!
Then we walked around Tomorrowland a bit, was disappointed to see the COP and the People Mover (I don't think I will ever be able to stop calling it that) not open for EMH and Tim is not a fan of SM so we headed over to Fantasyland and I convinced Tim to go on the Mad Tea Party! Neither of us is a fan of fast spinning so we just sat in the cup and it was fun! Here are a couple pf pics of us in the Teacup. You can see how hot we were, I couldn't believe how hot it was, we had long pants on too which wasn't fun. Not the best pics but here they are:

After the Teacups we went on Pooh where the CM checking cards at the entrance was giving out stickers, mostly to little kids but he gave one to Tim and I, they were cute, said Honorary Prince and Princess of the day and they had Cindy and Prince Charming on them. While we were in line, there was a couple in front of us that started waving to someone out of the line, waving them over, and then proceded to let them in line with them at one of the turns in the cue. Now I know line cutting is a sore spot for a lot of us and usually it doesn't bother me if it is one or two people like a 2nd parent with a kid, but this seriously was about 5 people! I really wanted to say something but I kept my mouth shut.

After Pooh, we went over to Mickey's Philharmagic and Snow white, and then Small World, which Tim had never been on since it was being refurbed last time we were there (in 04). Walked on both rides, waited a few minutes for Philharmagic (they had just started a show)

By this time we started to get a little hungry and wanted a snack, Pinnochio's was closed, we headed all the way over to Pecos Bill's but they were closed and by then the only thing open was Cosmic Ray's which was clear on the other side of the park. We were pretty tired out by the time we got there and they only thing they had were burgers and hot dogs, so I got a hot dog with the apple slices and Tim got a burger and fries, we used 2 CS credits and then took a rest and ate, I wasn't overly hungry but the hot dog hit the spot. We got chocolate cake for dessert and I took mine with me since we were going to head out of the park at this point.

I can't remember how long we waited for a bus but I do know we stood. Then we missed our stop and had to get off at the main building but it turned out to be about the same distance and this became the one we used most of the time anyway. We were beat by the time we got to our room and REALLY hot and sweaty! By this time it was about 2am and our suitcase was there waiting.


Up next: Animal Kingdom!

 

[tksbaskets]

Nice installment. I hear you about the hot and sweaty. My family went once in June. We coined a new term for the weather 'Africa Hot".

We love POR. Your room pics brought back good memories. Looking forward to Animal Kingdom!

 

[rndmr2]

Day 2: Monday, 5/3/10

We decided to go to AK this day since it was the only day we didn't have an ADR and the only park where we didn't have one.
Here are some pics around the grounds of the Hotel and the outside of our building on our way to the food court.

We had breakfast in the food court, which was busy but we didn't have a hard time finding a table. I had a ham and cheese omlette and Tim had the same but he had sausage too. I think we got potatoes too. then with the dining plan at breakfast you get 2 drinks so I got chocolate milk and Apple juice, Tim got 2 OJ's. 2 CS credits but the OOP cost would have been $25.

We arrived at Animal kingdom at about 11am.

Since Tim had no intention of going on Everest and for some reason doesn't love the Safari we decided to start with the Finding Nemo show and there was one starting not too long after we arrived so we didn't have to wait all that long, got really good seats, 1st row in the middle after the aisle. We hadn't seen this one yet, it was really cute. Here is a pic I took, I know we weren't supposed to take flash pics but I really thought I had turned it off, I was mortified when it went off!

Next Tim surprised me by wanting to go on Dinosaur! We waited about 20 minutes. I hadn't been on it the last few trips so it had been a few years and let me tell you it was a lot rougher than I remembered! I was also on the end in the front row, which probably had a lot to do with it, but you can tell I am holding on for dear life! Here are a couple pics from while we were in line and the ride pic.

This sign was near where the Bathrooms were, Tim used the Bathroom and I called my Dad (this was his Birthday)

Testing the Macro setting on my camera

Next was "It's Tough To Be a Bug", there wasn't much line, just however long it took to go through the trails then we waited in the little pre show area for the next show to open.

After this we headed over towards Lion King and made a few stops at various animal displays, we also had some ice cream and waters, I had a frozen pineapple bar and I think Tim had a mickey ice cream sandwich (maybe cookie and cream?) I forget what it would have been but used 4 snack credits.

Up next: Festival of the Lion King (Pics and video)

 

[rndmr2]

Nice installment. I hear you about the hot and sweaty. My family went once in June. We coined a new term for the weather 'Africa Hot".

We love POR. Your room pics brought back good memories. Looking forward to Animal Kingdom!

Africa Hot sounds right to me! Here I thought the weather would be more mild in early May, it's crazy but I have been in August a couple times and this was almost worse! Probably because of how we were dressed the material of that top was a little heavy.

 

[rndmr2]

Next we headed over to the Lion King show. We waited about 20-30 minutes or so for the next showtime, they had mister fans all around the waiting area, which helped make everything fairly cool. Here are a few pics, we had pretty good seats, we were in the "Warthog" section.

Here are a couple videos:







After FOTLK, we headed to Flame Tree for a late lunch since we had plans to have a late dinner at DTD. It was about 2 or 3p, by this time. After Lunch we were heading over to Kali River Rapids and then the Safari if there was time. I had the BBQ Chicken Salad and Tim had a Turkey Sandwich, we both had Chocolate Mousse for dessert. My Salad was really good, lots of chicken and the dressing was tasty. Tim liked his sandwich as well. The Chocolate Mousse was good. There were a few ducks wandering around and one even almost tried to peck (if that's what you call it with a duck..) at Tim's leg! The only thing I didn't like about it was that it is all outside seating and it was really hot, I walked what felt like all over creation to find the kiosk thing with the utensils, only to find that there was one right across from where we were sitting that I missed. 2 CS credits, would have been about $33.

By the time we were done with lunch it was looking like we were only going to have time for only one thing so we picked Kali. The sign said it was 60 minute wait and it seemed to take a long time but it kept moving, when I looked at the time it was really about 15 or 20 minutes. It was fun, we sat with a family that was in front of us in line the whole time, they were cute, 2 little girls and a little boy. The dad and I got SOAKED!! Tim got pretty wet too but it was a good ride. Here are a couple of Pics after we got off:

Afterwards we went to the Maharaja Jungle Trek, I like that one, the Tigers are really neat, there was only one there that I could see and I didn't get the best pic of him.

I forget what this guy was called:

Bat

Antelope (I think)

As close as I would get to Everest on this trip. Maybe I will get on it next time.

We left AK just before closing at 5p and headed back to POR. There was a bus there as we were approaching the bus stop but walked slowly because it looked like people were standing, then we were 1st in line for the next one that came about 10 minutes or so later. When we got back to POR we got off at the main building and went into the food court to pick up our refillable Mugs. We hadn't gotten them before now because we didn't have a chance to where we wouldn't have had to carry them around all day. With the Dining plan we really didn't need them but it was included with the QSDP so we got them, we got some drinks and took them back to the room to rest for a little while. Took about a 30 minute or so nap and then headed back out.

Next up: Carriage ride and DTD

 

[tksbaskets]

I loved the picture of your death grip on Dinosaur! If you can do that ride you can do Everest. I bet getting soaked on the rapids actually felt good I love your pictures of POR and AK. They made me think I was right there with you.

Can't wait for the next installment!

 

[rndmr2]

I loved the picture of your death grip on Dinosaur! If you can do that ride you can do Everest. I bet getting soaked on the rapids actually felt good I love your pictures of POR and AK. They made me think I was right there with you.

Can't wait for the next installment!

I really wanted to do Everest but DH was having no part of it! I thought I would be able to convince him after Dinosaur, too, but no such luck. I guess I will have to wait until we have other people with us to go on that one. There's a possibility that the "Family Trip" may happen next year but we'll have to wait and see...