Annie&Hallie'sMom
<font color=deeppink>Things turn out best for peop
- Joined
- Oct 26, 2001
- Messages
- 3,054
Starring:
Me: Most folks call me Beth, some call me Liz and when Im in serious trouble Im Elizabeth. Disney-holic. Been planning this trip for what seems like eons.
SDS: Dearest husband and best friend. Disney-holic.
Co-Starring:
M&A: Good friends from the other side of the pond. DVC owners at the OKW Resort. If they had not invited us to stay with them, this trip would not be happening.
With (Probable) Cameo Appearances By:
Em: Friend from GA who is going to be there during the same time period. Havent seen her since our last trek to WDW.
Ken: Friend of SDS (and me too I guess) who lives in the area. No matter what time we agree to meet him, hell show up ½ late. (But we love him anyway). Have no idea when or where well meet him, but we will.
Other assorted friends and acquaintances who will be in the world while we are there and will most likely meet up with us some time.
Very Special Appearance By:
Dan Murphy (Insert major applause here): Am planning to meet up with the legend for a couple of hours on Saturday, December 6th.
And now the Pre-Trip Report
Once upon a time everything was good and well in the land of SDS and myself. We went to WDW for our honeymoon in 1996 (although we had both been to the MK before, this was our first real trip) and were instantly hooked. We returned the following year for our first anniversary, then (sadly) skipped a year before a triumphant return in 1999 (where we got to experience MNSSHP and the Food & Wine Festival). By 2000 we were really cooking and bought AP s (not bad for a couple from NJ). We had a wonderful 10 days in September and then returned for a long weekend in December (where we got a brief taste of what the holidays in WDW are like). Things started to go awry in 2001 when we did another extended weekend in May. Im thinking its because we stayed in the AKL (before its big grand opening) and didnt touch that lucky space in the entrance way (which I didnt know about and Im going to make darned sure I find it and touch it this time around). As we were leaving AKL, SDS made that fateful phone call to his office and found out his boss had been fired and that his days were numbered. Our charmed life started to crumble around us.
We made one final voyage to the world of Disney in September of that year. SDS was still unemployed, but we had planned this trip and paid for most of it already. We were confident he would find a job quickly (no comments here please) and wanted to finish out our AP s. I dont need to tell you that September 2001 was NOT a good time in WDW (or anywhere else in the US for that matter). It wasnt much of a vacation (despite Disneys best efforts) and our journey home via Amtrak took nearly 29 hours.
I wish I could say that things have greatly improved for us since then, but they havent. Life has been pretty rough since May 8, 2001 (thats the day it all started to fall apart for us). SDS is still unemployed (which is not only a financial killer, but a mental and spiritual killer as well) and with the economic climate (and the actual climate as well since the weather affects the business I am in), my employment seems to be tettering. As much as I want/need this vacation (and believe me, we both NEED it desperately), I fear what might happen when we get home. Will I have employment when I get home? Over the past 2 years we have also been dealing with infertility/adoption issues which has definitely put a strain on us. I am looking forward to a stress free vacation full where I dont think or worry about anything. Hopefully this time Pixie Dust will rain down upon us and not only will we have a fabulous vacation, but return home and have life take a turn for the better.
With all that history behind us, heres the plan. (And I AM a planner).
12/4: Arise at 4:30 (can one actually do that). Have dad take us to the airport. (He owes me I took him and mom back in May). Our flight is scheduled at 7:30, so I figure we should get there around 5:30 or so. SDS and I have not flown since early September 2001, so we are a bit apprehensive I still call it Newark Airport, instead of Newark LIBERTY Airport. For the first time I do not have tickets just confirmation numbers and bits of paper printed off my computer. At the early hour, hopefully checking in will be relatively easy. Getting through security is also a bit of an issue. Although it has not effected us in the past (remember all this was before 9/11), SDS has a metal plate and several pins in his Frankenstein foot (shattered his ankle back in 1995). Will this set the sirens off? Will all of Newark security descend upon us to observe his scarred foot?
Assuming that we make it this far, we will anxiously await for our flight on Song. I will down several Dramamine (or Bonine I have some left over Dramamine, but needed more and went with Bonine instead because you can take them without water). Hopefully and uneventful flight will plop us down in a WARM Florida (let the weather Gods smile upon us. I am packing for all seasons, but shorts and t-shirts would be my dress of choice and I would love to come back with a tan!). Upon landing, I will phone M&A who will leave the cozy confines of their one bedroom home at OKW and head towards MCO. Meanwhile we will ride the monorail (which means we MUST really be here) to the terminal and go search for our luggage. I figure by the time we find it and head outside, M&A will be making their first round around the airport. Their rental car pulls up; we throw our luggage in the trunk and hop it. Simple (Ha, ha, I know ). We to the happiest place in the universe possible grocery stop or outlet shopping depends on the will of M (the driver).
Arrive at OKW before noon with tears in our eyes. (or at least in mine). We are here! The game plan for the day is to unpack and relax before heading over to AK in the afternoon to activate our AP s (hopefully this year the finger scanner thingy will like me better than it did in the past. I could NEVER get the darn thing to work for me!), catch the parade (which SDS & I have never seen) and enjoy the park at a slow pace. Knowing me though, I will be throwing down my luggage and heading out the door. Once Ive hit Disney property I gotta go, gotta go, gotta go (just like those annoying incontinence commercials). (And you thought Commando Nikki was bad in Delswifes reports.) I will be in WDW, MUST SOAK UP ALL PARKS NOW!
After park closing at AK, we will be heading over to the Poly for dinner at the Kona. (Hopefully Chef Bubba will be on duty. Background on this. I am the Queen of Allergies. Honest & for true. I have more deadly food allergies than you can shake a stick at. Eggs, poultry, shellfish, lentils, beans, peas do I have to go on? Needless to say, we [which means I] have planned out the dinning experience in great detail. PS have been made with special notations, calls will have been made 7 days prior to dining to alert the staff and I WILL be talking to chefs and assorted restaurant staff to ensure my safety. I had one incident back in 1997, and while Dan and Dan of the Reedy Creek Paramedics were nice guys, I really dont want to see them in an official capacity again. Any way, in both 2000 and 2001, I had the pleasure of meeting Chef Bubba at the Kona. He did a great job getting a meal together and is a heck of a nice guy to boot). After dinner it there will be a monorail hotel tour to soak up the holiday decorations. Depending on how exhausted we all our, the tour may be extended to WL and some other resorts (I really would like to check out the CBR as my brother & his intended will be staying there in July for their honeymoon). Day ends with us collapsing on the sofa bed at OKW (hopefully the mattresses are good).
12/5: Sleep in which means sleeping past 7:30. SDS& I will be heading to Epcot for the day. I know M&A have plans for some Mouse meets. Soak up all of Epcot. Will I be daring enough to try Mission: Space or will I just sit back and wait for SDS? Wander around WS and try to get photos with all of the holiday talent and listen to all their tales (this is probably aimed at kids, but I am a big kid at heart even if I am leaning towards 40). We will eat at Akershus for lunch. SDS loves this restaurant. I am hoping that with the new set up, I will be able to eat more and speak with a chef (we had a really bad experience with a server by the name of Mia back in 1999 or 2000). The menu sounds yummy to me, I just want to be able to feel comfortable eating! Around 3:30 or 4, we will meet up with M&A and get on line for the 1st showing of the CP. I KNOW we will enjoy this and am sure Rita Moreno will be a fabulous narrator. Afterwards, we will stroll leisurely over to Canada where we have PS for Le Cellier at 7:20. I KNOW this meal will be good. And hopefully we will also be able to run out and view Illuminations. I love Illuminations and am sure to cry throughout (just call me a sap).
12/6: Up early for EMH at MGM (I still call it EE). SDS & I are on our own again. I WILL try RnRC this time around, although ToT is doubtful. Ive done it with the lap bar and didnt like it all that much. How can I manage with just a seatbelt?? We will meet up with the FAMOUS DAN MURPHY around 9 and soak up the sights of MGM. Muppets, WWtbaMPI, One Mans Dream are musts. Will have lunch at Sci Fi (first time hoping that they will be able to prepare one heck of a hamburger for me without any cross contamination). After lunch we will probably head back to OKW to rest and meet up with M&A. Will be heading over to MK (which I know will be crowded who knew they were going to be doing the holiday parade when I planned our meals). I would like to see the flag retreat again (saw it back in 2001 and it was very moving) before heading to Tonys for dinner. After dinner, we would like to catch Wishes and Spectromagic.
12/7 Up and atem for EMH at MK. Since we wont have been able to do much the evening before, this is our chance for all 4 of us to enjoy. Will have 2+ hours of fun there before taking the boat over to WL for a late breakfast at WCC. I had a wonderful breakfast experience here back in September with Chef Stephan making me a very special breakfast skillet. Hopefully something similar will be available this time around. After breakfast, we have no set plans (gasp!) until we head over to MGM for a very early dinner at the 50s Prime Time (ummm pot roast insert Homer Simpson drool here). Wow! Too playful restaurants in one day! M says shes going to ask for ketchup at WCC, I think Ill keep my elbows on the table at the 50s PT. Have to have the FULL experience! Afterwards we will wander and then head up to see Fantasmic at 7. I will definitely need to bring the tissues for this one. I cant even think Some imagination huh? without getting teary (and yes I needed a tissue just writing that)..
12/8: NO PLANS!!!!! Can you believe it??? Well I do have 2 PS. One for lunch at Olivias and then another for dinner at Boma. (This will be my chance to find the lucky spot at AK and hopefully change my luck. Disney Gods and Pixie Dust please pour down!). This might be a good shopping day at DtD or another Epcot day.
12/9: More MK or possibly Epcot or maybe even more AK (see how things tend to get easier as the week goes along). We have lunch scheduled at the Concourse Steakhouse and definitely want to be in MK in the afternoon. We have a PS for dinner at the Liberty Tree Tavern and this is the day that we will definitely be joined by buddy Em (we probably will meet up sooner, but shes definitely joining us for dinner and then MVMCP). Hopefully the turkey in the restaurant wont bother me too much (yes, I am affected by food scents too sometimes) and they will be able to feed me! Cant wait to have a character meal (need at least one per trip. I love it; SDS tolerates it). After dinner, a wonderful evening at MVMCP. We did this before during our long weekend back in 2000, but didnt get to see everything (hey we flew in and then just went it was way too long of a day). Want to soak up all the Merry-ness!
12/10: Off for one last look at Epcot. M&A head for the annual meeting of DVCers (or some such thing). We head out of Epcot through the back door and over to the Beach Club for breakfast at 10 at Cape May Café. The Epcot resorts are ones we have never really explored (weve never seen the Boardwalk at night either). I am hoping that a final character meal will take the sting out of the knowledge that we will be heading home soon. After breakfast, we will meet up with M&A (when or where has yet to be determined). In the early afternoon we will head back to OKW to gather up our belongings. M&A will give up a ride to the airport around 3ish. We have a 5:40 (or there about) flight back to Newark Liberty Airport. Hopefully there will be no security issues and with a good dose of Bonine, the flight will be easy. Arrive at Newark, gather our bags (at the only working carousel which will have bags from 5 different flights all arriving at the same time). With heavy bags (and hearts) step out into the cold of NJ and search for dad (what color is his Buick?). Head home. Force myself NOT to deal with laundry (I know, I know this will not happen) and head up for a warm shower, a Tylenol PM and some sleep. (Hopefully the house will be warm too. In both 1999 and 2000 when we got home the boiler had crapped out on us. Not a trend I want to continue. I will make sure the temperature is set low and that the boiler has plenty of water in it before we leave).
12/11: No happy Mickey voice to get me out of bed at 5:30. I head to work which has hopefully picked up and everyone is full of holiday cheer. SDS head to the basement to do laundry and then back to the computer room to look for jobs where hopefully he will find an employer for 2004. Vacation is over .but hopefully another will be on the horizon (stay tuned for more on that).
So there you have it, my friends. My long awaited, much anticipated pre-trip report. Obviously I have a plan. Do I think things will go as planned? No. But as long as the Disney Magic and Pixie Dust coats me thoroughly, I will be a happy camper. I hope to return and write a long, full trip report full of holiday highs. Until then May your life be full of Disney Magic!
Me: Most folks call me Beth, some call me Liz and when Im in serious trouble Im Elizabeth. Disney-holic. Been planning this trip for what seems like eons.
SDS: Dearest husband and best friend. Disney-holic.
Co-Starring:
M&A: Good friends from the other side of the pond. DVC owners at the OKW Resort. If they had not invited us to stay with them, this trip would not be happening.
With (Probable) Cameo Appearances By:
Em: Friend from GA who is going to be there during the same time period. Havent seen her since our last trek to WDW.
Ken: Friend of SDS (and me too I guess) who lives in the area. No matter what time we agree to meet him, hell show up ½ late. (But we love him anyway). Have no idea when or where well meet him, but we will.
Other assorted friends and acquaintances who will be in the world while we are there and will most likely meet up with us some time.
Very Special Appearance By:
Dan Murphy (Insert major applause here): Am planning to meet up with the legend for a couple of hours on Saturday, December 6th.
And now the Pre-Trip Report
Once upon a time everything was good and well in the land of SDS and myself. We went to WDW for our honeymoon in 1996 (although we had both been to the MK before, this was our first real trip) and were instantly hooked. We returned the following year for our first anniversary, then (sadly) skipped a year before a triumphant return in 1999 (where we got to experience MNSSHP and the Food & Wine Festival). By 2000 we were really cooking and bought AP s (not bad for a couple from NJ). We had a wonderful 10 days in September and then returned for a long weekend in December (where we got a brief taste of what the holidays in WDW are like). Things started to go awry in 2001 when we did another extended weekend in May. Im thinking its because we stayed in the AKL (before its big grand opening) and didnt touch that lucky space in the entrance way (which I didnt know about and Im going to make darned sure I find it and touch it this time around). As we were leaving AKL, SDS made that fateful phone call to his office and found out his boss had been fired and that his days were numbered. Our charmed life started to crumble around us.
We made one final voyage to the world of Disney in September of that year. SDS was still unemployed, but we had planned this trip and paid for most of it already. We were confident he would find a job quickly (no comments here please) and wanted to finish out our AP s. I dont need to tell you that September 2001 was NOT a good time in WDW (or anywhere else in the US for that matter). It wasnt much of a vacation (despite Disneys best efforts) and our journey home via Amtrak took nearly 29 hours.
I wish I could say that things have greatly improved for us since then, but they havent. Life has been pretty rough since May 8, 2001 (thats the day it all started to fall apart for us). SDS is still unemployed (which is not only a financial killer, but a mental and spiritual killer as well) and with the economic climate (and the actual climate as well since the weather affects the business I am in), my employment seems to be tettering. As much as I want/need this vacation (and believe me, we both NEED it desperately), I fear what might happen when we get home. Will I have employment when I get home? Over the past 2 years we have also been dealing with infertility/adoption issues which has definitely put a strain on us. I am looking forward to a stress free vacation full where I dont think or worry about anything. Hopefully this time Pixie Dust will rain down upon us and not only will we have a fabulous vacation, but return home and have life take a turn for the better.
With all that history behind us, heres the plan. (And I AM a planner).
12/4: Arise at 4:30 (can one actually do that). Have dad take us to the airport. (He owes me I took him and mom back in May). Our flight is scheduled at 7:30, so I figure we should get there around 5:30 or so. SDS and I have not flown since early September 2001, so we are a bit apprehensive I still call it Newark Airport, instead of Newark LIBERTY Airport. For the first time I do not have tickets just confirmation numbers and bits of paper printed off my computer. At the early hour, hopefully checking in will be relatively easy. Getting through security is also a bit of an issue. Although it has not effected us in the past (remember all this was before 9/11), SDS has a metal plate and several pins in his Frankenstein foot (shattered his ankle back in 1995). Will this set the sirens off? Will all of Newark security descend upon us to observe his scarred foot?
Assuming that we make it this far, we will anxiously await for our flight on Song. I will down several Dramamine (or Bonine I have some left over Dramamine, but needed more and went with Bonine instead because you can take them without water). Hopefully and uneventful flight will plop us down in a WARM Florida (let the weather Gods smile upon us. I am packing for all seasons, but shorts and t-shirts would be my dress of choice and I would love to come back with a tan!). Upon landing, I will phone M&A who will leave the cozy confines of their one bedroom home at OKW and head towards MCO. Meanwhile we will ride the monorail (which means we MUST really be here) to the terminal and go search for our luggage. I figure by the time we find it and head outside, M&A will be making their first round around the airport. Their rental car pulls up; we throw our luggage in the trunk and hop it. Simple (Ha, ha, I know ). We to the happiest place in the universe possible grocery stop or outlet shopping depends on the will of M (the driver).
Arrive at OKW before noon with tears in our eyes. (or at least in mine). We are here! The game plan for the day is to unpack and relax before heading over to AK in the afternoon to activate our AP s (hopefully this year the finger scanner thingy will like me better than it did in the past. I could NEVER get the darn thing to work for me!), catch the parade (which SDS & I have never seen) and enjoy the park at a slow pace. Knowing me though, I will be throwing down my luggage and heading out the door. Once Ive hit Disney property I gotta go, gotta go, gotta go (just like those annoying incontinence commercials). (And you thought Commando Nikki was bad in Delswifes reports.) I will be in WDW, MUST SOAK UP ALL PARKS NOW!
After park closing at AK, we will be heading over to the Poly for dinner at the Kona. (Hopefully Chef Bubba will be on duty. Background on this. I am the Queen of Allergies. Honest & for true. I have more deadly food allergies than you can shake a stick at. Eggs, poultry, shellfish, lentils, beans, peas do I have to go on? Needless to say, we [which means I] have planned out the dinning experience in great detail. PS have been made with special notations, calls will have been made 7 days prior to dining to alert the staff and I WILL be talking to chefs and assorted restaurant staff to ensure my safety. I had one incident back in 1997, and while Dan and Dan of the Reedy Creek Paramedics were nice guys, I really dont want to see them in an official capacity again. Any way, in both 2000 and 2001, I had the pleasure of meeting Chef Bubba at the Kona. He did a great job getting a meal together and is a heck of a nice guy to boot). After dinner it there will be a monorail hotel tour to soak up the holiday decorations. Depending on how exhausted we all our, the tour may be extended to WL and some other resorts (I really would like to check out the CBR as my brother & his intended will be staying there in July for their honeymoon). Day ends with us collapsing on the sofa bed at OKW (hopefully the mattresses are good).
12/5: Sleep in which means sleeping past 7:30. SDS& I will be heading to Epcot for the day. I know M&A have plans for some Mouse meets. Soak up all of Epcot. Will I be daring enough to try Mission: Space or will I just sit back and wait for SDS? Wander around WS and try to get photos with all of the holiday talent and listen to all their tales (this is probably aimed at kids, but I am a big kid at heart even if I am leaning towards 40). We will eat at Akershus for lunch. SDS loves this restaurant. I am hoping that with the new set up, I will be able to eat more and speak with a chef (we had a really bad experience with a server by the name of Mia back in 1999 or 2000). The menu sounds yummy to me, I just want to be able to feel comfortable eating! Around 3:30 or 4, we will meet up with M&A and get on line for the 1st showing of the CP. I KNOW we will enjoy this and am sure Rita Moreno will be a fabulous narrator. Afterwards, we will stroll leisurely over to Canada where we have PS for Le Cellier at 7:20. I KNOW this meal will be good. And hopefully we will also be able to run out and view Illuminations. I love Illuminations and am sure to cry throughout (just call me a sap).
12/6: Up early for EMH at MGM (I still call it EE). SDS & I are on our own again. I WILL try RnRC this time around, although ToT is doubtful. Ive done it with the lap bar and didnt like it all that much. How can I manage with just a seatbelt?? We will meet up with the FAMOUS DAN MURPHY around 9 and soak up the sights of MGM. Muppets, WWtbaMPI, One Mans Dream are musts. Will have lunch at Sci Fi (first time hoping that they will be able to prepare one heck of a hamburger for me without any cross contamination). After lunch we will probably head back to OKW to rest and meet up with M&A. Will be heading over to MK (which I know will be crowded who knew they were going to be doing the holiday parade when I planned our meals). I would like to see the flag retreat again (saw it back in 2001 and it was very moving) before heading to Tonys for dinner. After dinner, we would like to catch Wishes and Spectromagic.
12/7 Up and atem for EMH at MK. Since we wont have been able to do much the evening before, this is our chance for all 4 of us to enjoy. Will have 2+ hours of fun there before taking the boat over to WL for a late breakfast at WCC. I had a wonderful breakfast experience here back in September with Chef Stephan making me a very special breakfast skillet. Hopefully something similar will be available this time around. After breakfast, we have no set plans (gasp!) until we head over to MGM for a very early dinner at the 50s Prime Time (ummm pot roast insert Homer Simpson drool here). Wow! Too playful restaurants in one day! M says shes going to ask for ketchup at WCC, I think Ill keep my elbows on the table at the 50s PT. Have to have the FULL experience! Afterwards we will wander and then head up to see Fantasmic at 7. I will definitely need to bring the tissues for this one. I cant even think Some imagination huh? without getting teary (and yes I needed a tissue just writing that)..
12/8: NO PLANS!!!!! Can you believe it??? Well I do have 2 PS. One for lunch at Olivias and then another for dinner at Boma. (This will be my chance to find the lucky spot at AK and hopefully change my luck. Disney Gods and Pixie Dust please pour down!). This might be a good shopping day at DtD or another Epcot day.
12/9: More MK or possibly Epcot or maybe even more AK (see how things tend to get easier as the week goes along). We have lunch scheduled at the Concourse Steakhouse and definitely want to be in MK in the afternoon. We have a PS for dinner at the Liberty Tree Tavern and this is the day that we will definitely be joined by buddy Em (we probably will meet up sooner, but shes definitely joining us for dinner and then MVMCP). Hopefully the turkey in the restaurant wont bother me too much (yes, I am affected by food scents too sometimes) and they will be able to feed me! Cant wait to have a character meal (need at least one per trip. I love it; SDS tolerates it). After dinner, a wonderful evening at MVMCP. We did this before during our long weekend back in 2000, but didnt get to see everything (hey we flew in and then just went it was way too long of a day). Want to soak up all the Merry-ness!
12/10: Off for one last look at Epcot. M&A head for the annual meeting of DVCers (or some such thing). We head out of Epcot through the back door and over to the Beach Club for breakfast at 10 at Cape May Café. The Epcot resorts are ones we have never really explored (weve never seen the Boardwalk at night either). I am hoping that a final character meal will take the sting out of the knowledge that we will be heading home soon. After breakfast, we will meet up with M&A (when or where has yet to be determined). In the early afternoon we will head back to OKW to gather up our belongings. M&A will give up a ride to the airport around 3ish. We have a 5:40 (or there about) flight back to Newark Liberty Airport. Hopefully there will be no security issues and with a good dose of Bonine, the flight will be easy. Arrive at Newark, gather our bags (at the only working carousel which will have bags from 5 different flights all arriving at the same time). With heavy bags (and hearts) step out into the cold of NJ and search for dad (what color is his Buick?). Head home. Force myself NOT to deal with laundry (I know, I know this will not happen) and head up for a warm shower, a Tylenol PM and some sleep. (Hopefully the house will be warm too. In both 1999 and 2000 when we got home the boiler had crapped out on us. Not a trend I want to continue. I will make sure the temperature is set low and that the boiler has plenty of water in it before we leave).
12/11: No happy Mickey voice to get me out of bed at 5:30. I head to work which has hopefully picked up and everyone is full of holiday cheer. SDS head to the basement to do laundry and then back to the computer room to look for jobs where hopefully he will find an employer for 2004. Vacation is over .but hopefully another will be on the horizon (stay tuned for more on that).
So there you have it, my friends. My long awaited, much anticipated pre-trip report. Obviously I have a plan. Do I think things will go as planned? No. But as long as the Disney Magic and Pixie Dust coats me thoroughly, I will be a happy camper. I hope to return and write a long, full trip report full of holiday highs. Until then May your life be full of Disney Magic!
Dosing myself with vitamin C and trying to get some rest (I honestly think this is the result of NOT getting enough sleep since last Wednesday night/Thursday morning. Last night I TRIED to get to sleep early, but my body just wasn't willing...laid there till nearly midnight...not good when I get up at 5:30)
