The one before Graduation ... FINISHED + all pictures updated

[tink2020]

Trip: December 14-19, 2005
Cast:
- Jennifer, 22 – Obsessive Planner, DDA
- Kyle, 25 – loving husband who thinks Jennifer is “cute” and “not at all
nuts” when it comes to Disney planning
- Allen, 41 – the One who might not like the World all that much
, but is going along because he’s a darn good Daddy
- Lisa, 41 – the Mom who does it all… and seriously deserves a vacation
- Cassi, almost 13 – quite excited for her first flight, first trip to the
World, and especially excited about seeing Stitch!

Saturday, Pre-Trip

It was a dark and stormy night….

No, actually it was pretty nice out. Chilly, but nice. In fact, we had just returned from Minnesota to find that Cincinnati had SIGNIFICANTLY more snow, and it looked beautiful! That’s about all that went right that night

For months we had kept secret from my sister the fact that we were not driving, but flying to Disney World (and subsequently staying two extra days since travel is faster, spending more time at parks, etc).

The trip was originally planned because it’s coming down to the last few months that DH and I are going to be in town before moving for his medical residency. Also, my parents and sister are so involved with the youth group at church, family stuff, etc … and my mom made a decision to stay home with my sister (11 years ago), so they don’t often have time or money to take these trips. DH and I decided to take them to WDW since it’s, of course, the best place to take someone if you are taking them anywhere
However, DSis turns 13 in the middle of the trip, and so it’s sort of turned into a birthday trip. Hence, the reason we also bought the plane tickets. She’s never flown, so keeping our excitement for her for the last 8 months was quite difficult!

DH and I get picked up at the airport, and as soon as my sister is out of the way DMom says “Jen, I might have blown it”. Apparently, my sister was trying to tell my mom that Disney World is SO not in Orlando, but that it’s in Lake Buena Vista, FL. (What can I say, we’ve had weekly trivia, newsletters, movie viewing etc…. the girl knows her stuff! ) So anyway, my mom says flat out: “Well we’re flying into Orlando!”. Seriously Mom, we’ve been in MUCH worse predicaments, and you let it slip NOW?! After some ridiculous backtracking (and I imagine quite a bit of blubbering), my mom is “sort of sure” that Cassi doesn’t know. But “it’s a good thing we’re telling her tonight”.

So anyway…. After a series of unfortunate events during dinner planning (including my dad being stuck away from home, Cassi having a friend over that wouldn’t leave (and Cassi obviously was no help since she was in the dark), and several food debates, the dinner was underway.

When the family came back to the table, they found stuffed animals, luggage tags, Disney Dollars, etc… and in Cassi’s stack, and announcement that we were flying to the World.

I’ll spare you some of the details, but there are some pictures here:
http://photobucket.com/albums/c96/tink2020Trip/

When she got to the ‘announcement’, she just set it aside. Just like that. So my mom says, “Cassi – what’s that, I don’t think I got one of those”. So Cassi sort of sheepishly smiles and holds it up…. Still nothing. I’m more than a little bewildered at this point.

My mom says, “So are we flying to Disney or what?” … now being borderline obnoxious. Still not much response. As we sit waiting for what seemed like forever, Cassi timidly says,

“I don’t know. At first I thought we were, but I think it might just be a shirt design”.

I promptly pulled out the airline confirmation, and then it sunk in. She went NUTS! In the midst of flipping out, she said, “Well, I just didn’t want to say anything in case I was wrong. I didn’t want you to feel bad for getting my hopes up if it wasn’t true. But it would be ok if it weren’t true!” (She's pretty sweet).

“But I’m FLYING! In 4 days!!!!” (THERE was the excitemet I was looking for)

The rest of the night was fun. Disney movies, Disney games, Mickey shaped everything…. Good family fun. And a 12 year old that couldn’t stop bouncing around the house

:thewave:

 

[julia & nicks mom]

can't wait to hear all about your trip!!!

 

[LightBurnsBlue]

I'm looking forward to this one! It will be nice to read one from someone my same age! I'm 21 and am going with my boyfriend (24) and mom and my two best friends next month. I, too, am doing all the planning! Can't wait to read more.

 

[MazdaUK]

I can't wait to read the rest! You're a great big sister

 

[Cinerama]

Great start--I'll be looking for more!

 

[dumby]

You family is so lucky to have you. Can't wait to hear more about you trip. Have a wonderful time.

 

[tink2020]

Wow! People are actually reading!

Tomorrow is it! We're making shirts all day today, then we're off to be (sort of) early to get up before the sun.

Thanks for your comments!

 

[rosiejo]

Can't wait to read your report Jennifer - love your photos BTW - esp your hidden Mickeys :0)

 

[tink2020]

We're back! Have lots to share, but I have a root canal in an hour. Talk about back to reality!

I'll work on everything as soon as I get home!

 

[tink2020]

Here is a link to pictures of our tee shirts for the trip

http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?p=10909378#post10909378

 

[tink2020]

Wednesday

When the alarm went off at 4:30am, even Cassi was ready to jump out of bed. After double- and triple-checking IDs, tickets and other necessities, we were off to the airport! We arrived in Dayton and parked the car, just as the shuttle drove up to our stop – perfect timing! Cassi was galloping through the lot, full of excitement…. Daddy was half-asleep, and my mom was half-way yelling at my sister for wearing shorts “even if it IS going to be warm when we get there”. We checked in and checked luggage with no difficulty, and trekked down to the farthest gate possible. Yes! Free internet. We forgot to set our fantasy teams….

Back on track. They called for boarding, as Cassi and my mom were brainstorming what they think it would be like on the plane. We boarded, rearranged seats so Cassi and Mom got windows, and picked out stations on our XM headsets. Of course, Cassi and mine were on Radio Disney – what else?! The flight was very smooth… Mom and Cassi were thrilled to watch out their windows …. And in 1 hour and 54 minutes, we were in the land of the Mouse!

As we gathered our bags and headed to National’s Emerald Aisle, my mom could not get over the beautiful area. Cassi couldn't get over the weather. She kept saying, “I am going to think it’s September the whole time we’re here. Mom, I TOLD you I wouldn’t need any long pants”.

Kyle and I just smiled, because they were already having the trip of a lifetime.

 

[tink2020]

Wednesday, cont'd...

When we got to the National lot and found Emerald Aisle, we were shocked to see only a few midsize cars, and rows full of Saturn Vues and Pontiac Vibes! We selected a beautiful blue Vue (but not because it rhymed), and drove on out of the lot pain-free.... just like the DISers said we would!

In about 25 minutes we arrived at Pop Century to check in. This first hour would prove to be our ONLY complaints about PC. We have heard fantastic things about their check-in. Well, not so much with this experience. It took just over an hour to check in and pick up Candlelight Processional tickets, as it seemed that NOBODY working the front desk that shift really had a clue what was going on The rest of the crew, however, found the arcade..... so they didn't mind

We were in the first floor of building 10 (70's decade), so we were VERY convenient to both Classic Hall and our parking lot. How lucky! AND, we had connecting rooms! Cassi LOVED this We explored the resort a bit, bought refillable mugs and headed out.

 

[tink2020]

Wednesday, cont'd...

First stop was a little fast food, since we hadn't eaten since 5am. Even the McDonald's had my family in awe It's so much fun to see the World through the eyes of newbies.......

Then we were off to the TTC, taking our time to explore some of the World along the way. We took the Epcot monorail loop (just for fun, and I guess a little sneak preview ) (Ok, admittedly -- it was mostly to hear those magical words Cassi had waited so long to hear "in person", since she received a magnet a few years back: "Por favor, manténganse alejado de las puertas." ) As a bonus, with absolutely NO trouble at all, four of us got to sit in the front! What a great view, but we did have a slightly (ok, a REALLY) annoying driver. Then finally, the ferry to the Magic Kingdom.

Even approaching the MK and seeing the Castle, situated behind the train station, the family was pretty excited. We got there just in time to see the Share a Dream Come True parade, during which Cassi got a LOT of attention because of her birthday shirt and button. What a great way to start the trip! We then walked up and explored main street, picked out our ears , and spent a couple of hours in Adventureland (to hopefully make more time to relax on Friday).

Around 6, we found a spot for Spectromagic -- the sole reason for coming to the MK this afternoon. My dad, the one who I dreaded bringing as I (and everyone I know) figured he would be MISERABLE in WDW, said "I doubt it can get much better than the first parade we saw [Share...]. That was pretty awesome". And when Spectro was over, "Ok, I was wrong. That was at least as good, if not better". And even he appreciated the details, details, details that we know and love about Disney. If HE was having a good time, there was NOTHING this trip planner was worried about

 

[tink2020]

Wednesday, cont'd....

After Spectro we took the monorail to the Contemporary for a late dinner at Chef Mickey's. We were seated pretty quicky, after getting our photo taken (which would have been awesome, except that the "photographer" stuck my sister's had right in front of my mom's face. sweet.). The food was very good, despite poor reviews from some. (I know, I know... that is a highly debated statement with arguments on both sides. Well, we enjoyed it.) Mickey was HORRIBLE, and I was a little bummed since I had made him a shirt But the other characters certainly made up for it.

The first time Goofy came by, he pulled me out of my seat and danced with me in the middle of the seating area for a good 3 minutes. It was SO much fun (and he was a fantastic dancer!). When I got back to the table, Kyle said the batteries in our camera had died, and he had no pictures. I definitely cried (well, almost anyway). I know, I'm 22 years old. But still.... it had pretty much come VERY close to ruining my night.

While I was up for food, though, we had some good old fashioned Disney magic. As I came back from the buffet, Chip was sitting in my seat messing with my family. He handed me my camera, and gestured for me to get pictures of the goings on. Before I could explain that we had no batteries, I looked and saw that they had been replaced. Apparantly someone had been sent to fix the problem

So now Chip wanted pictures. He had evidently poured out my sisters drink into her ice cream, and was demanding the waiters attention to get her a refill. After a waitress came with the drink, he proceeded to pour out Kyle's drink into another cup, and began POUNDING the cup on the table to get the waiters attention. This continued for about 3 more rounds, until NONE of us had anything to drink. Chip made Kyle try the concoction of drinks he had mixed together...... the events went on and on.

Next, Goofy came back around and posed with me for another picture. I thanked him for my dance and second chance for a picture, and he bowed to me and blew me a kiss. Who knew that even 22-year-olds can have a Belle day!?!!!?!!!?!!!?!!!!

Donald came with the waiter and brought Cassi a birthday cupcake and placemat, we all danced and twirled our napkins for the characters a few more times, and we left Chef Mickeys INCREIDBLY satisfied -- both physically and emotionally

A quick stop at the Grand Floridian on the way back to the car would end the evening. We all fell asleep pretty quickly, ready for what the rest of the vacation had in store...

 

[tink2020]

PICTURES from Disney Dinner, Day 1, Share a Dream Come True, and SpectroMagic

http://photobucket.com/albums/c96/tink2020Trip/​

 

[KMH1]

Jennifer, welcome home!!! I was thrilled to log on the computer this morning (we just got back from Christmas in Huron, OH) to find the start of your trip report and pictures!

And it's so great to finally "see" you! (Honestly, I don't remember ever seeing a picture of YOU posted before! )

That was so sweet of Goofy to make sure you got some new batteries. Twice, we've had memory card "issues" at WDW and I know that sick feeling of "oh no, no pictures!"

Can't wait to read more! Hope you're recovering quickly from your root canal too.

Amy

 

[lmartin2711]

Welcome Back Jennifer!!!! Great trip reports. I can't wait to hear more. It is nice to see that even us adults can have a "Belle Day". Waiting for more info........

Lynn

 

[tink2020]

Jennifer, welcome home!!! I was thrilled to log on the computer this morning (we just got back from Christmas in Huron, OH) to find the start of your trip report and pictures!

And it's so great to finally "see" you! (Honestly, I don't remember ever seeing a picture of YOU posted before! )

That was so sweet of Goofy to make sure you got some new batteries. Twice, we've had memory card "issues" at WDW and I know that sick feeling of "oh no, no pictures!"

Can't wait to read more! Hope you're recovering quickly from your root canal too.

Amy

Oh boy! Well, there WERE pictures posted before (a long while back when we were all posting pics of ourselves), and they were MUCH better than any taken on this trip! I might just have to post them again to redeem myself

ETA: I'm recovering, as well. My mouth is a little sore, but mostly in the places the hygienist slashed my lips, gums, bottom of my mouth, etc with the suction and other random devices .... she was the WORST! But thanks for asking

 

[MazdaUK]

Fantastic reports - can't wait for the rest.

 

[tink2020]

BTW, here are our photopass photos. For some reason, there are two of each.... so there are really only half as many to look through as indicated!

https://disneyphotopass.go.com/DPI/0/0/.TOP.System.Guest.SlideShow.aspx?sub=2289&iId=337294406