The Slonecker’s Holiday Trip to Disney-Arrival & Whispering Canyon(Part 2 of 10)

[Obsessed w/Disney in OH]

The Slonecker’s Holiday Trip to Disney-YIPPEE, we’re here!!, Arrival & Whispering Canyon(Part 2 of 10)

Slonecker Family:

Lisa-Obsessed w/Disney crazed planner; been planning this trip since last Christmas

Russ-DH, is a converted Disney-fan; read the Passporter this time

Holly-DD-15, even admits to her teenage friends that she loves Disney; future goal is to work at Disney as an architect and Imagineer

Emily-DD-12, spirited & creative–energy galore, happy to be out of school

Jana-DD-8, nothing holds her back–keepin’ up with the sisters; roller coaster rider

Trip:: 7 nights at Beach Club for our third family trip to WDW-first trip for Christmas activities. November 29-December 6

After a restless and short night, we rolled out of bed at 3:00 a.m.(did I even sleep a wink!?) to find a layer of snow outside! It was 32* and windy–how sweet it is to be heading to warmer weather! DH and I got everyone moving and left the house about 4:15 a.m. The roads were a little slick, but we proceeded with caution and arrived at an off-site airport parking garage. An energetic man zipped out in the blustery cold blowing snow to assist with luggage and then transported us to the airport.

We had 4 big suitcases, a cooler, and 6 carry-ons. DH and I began assigning duties for who was carrying what and who was pulling what suitcase. We have one particularly large suitcase which sits upright while being pulled with a leash-looking strap. Because of the poor design, if there are things in the side pockets, this bulky suitcase tips over quite easily. As we began assigning suitcase duties, Emily(always the wise-crack) piped up to say, “I’ll take any suitcase except the one you lead like a dog. That one is EVIL!!” We got quite a laugh out of that and that suitcase became her “dog” for the trip.

We arrived to a virtually empty airport and had no difficulties with check-in. New to us this trip was flying with AirTran. We have always had a seat assignment when we book our flights. However, AirTran waits until 24 hour prior and has internet check-in available. I got up early yesterday morning to check in and get seat assignments. I chose the seats I wanted, but then messed up. The screen said to print the boarding pass, but there was a box that said “Continue”. I went clicking on through the “Continue” boxes thinking it would lead me to where I clicked on “Print”. However, too late, I realized that I was supposed to print every page as I went along before I clicked “Continue”. DUH–why didn’t they tell me that?? Of course, it wouldn’t let me go back. Well, anyway–a lesson for those of you using this method in the future...print every page as you go along and then click “continue”!!We were checked in and had the seats I chose, but they had to print our boarding passes when we checked our luggage. It really was no problem, I was just frustrated with AirTran for the way their internet system is set up.

We also had never taken along a rolling, hard-sided chest cooler. For your future reference, do not fasten it shut or pack it tightly. They will inspect it and tape it shut for you after they are done inspecting. There is also regulations about what you can pack in it, but we packed snacks, most of which I had placed in ziplock bags so they could see inside it and we had no problems.

We proceeded through security without a glitch and the girls occupied themselves with eating some breakfast and doing some activity books we had brought. We loaded and sat on the runway while our plane was de-iced--a new experience for us! The flight was a little turbulent , but otherwise all went well.

Because of our de-icing, we were a little late, but FL Tours were there waiting for us with a shiny black van. We upgraded this year to a van(last trip to Disney, we had to have the trunk tied down and groceries stuffed around us while we scrunched in the back of a town car )–the van was a good choice! Our driver, (sorry I forget her name!) asked the girls what they wanted to watch and they quickly chose Finding Nemo and popped in the DVD. Russ, Holly and I zipped into Publix for bottled water and pop since we had brought the cooler of snacks. We arrived at Beach Club (HURRAH!!!!) and unloaded. Wow–there’s a bunch of stuff here!!!! But, this place is awesome!

WE’RE AT DISNEY!!

We went to check in and two very nice ladies assisted us at the check-in desk. One of them was “earning her ears” but she did a nice job and we didn’t mind her learning on us. We were very excited to learn that our room was ready and we were able to get some of our requests: non-smoking, 2 queens and daybed, and a full balcony. We proceeded to our room and was disappointed that the view was only a roof top out our balcony door, but oh well, it was nice to have the room ready so we could unpack and go explore. I had brought Christmas lights and Holly strung them on the bed heads and when the girls went to check out Storm Along Bay, I hung up the stockings I had brought to surprise them.

We went for a walk and over to the Boardwalk. Everyone was starving and we ended up at the Dolphin Fountain. The Build Your Own James Dean Burgers were good(do not order the Beach Boy burgers–miniature burgers that are paper thin), but the onion rings and Larry, Moe and Curly Fries were great.

We walked on the Boardwalk and decided to try out the Surrey Bikes. What a blast!! I drove and the girls giggled–the first loop around, we peddled up the inclines just fine. The 2nd time around the loop, Russ quit because it bothered his back and the girls and I absolutely could not make it up the hill! Holly and Emily had to get out and push it. We laughed and laughed. We also had a great time “racing” other surrey bike riders. It was fun, fun–but whew, we turned in the bike after 2 loops. We just couldn’t go anymore! This is a great fun experience–do it if you get the chance!

The air was quite cool and we opted not to swim. We also had been up since 3 a.m. and we decided to take a rest. The daybed did not have sheets on it and we called mousekeeping to get that done and get a coffee pot which was no problem. We rested a while and then took off for our dinner p.s. at Whispering Canyon. The bus took forever to arrive at BC to get to MK. The boat to TTC was at MK so we caught that and went on to WL. Just in time–only seconds to spare. I always forget how long it takes to get places in WDW. We were entranced by the decorations at WL. It was beautiful!! We had wanted to stay there for this trip, but we just couldn’t do it with the 5 of us.

We got right in for our p.s. and sat at a great table near the entrance. We got started on the cornbread and biscuits as a new hobby-horse ride started. It was fun to see the kids and we joined in with our napkins and cheering. Russ got the pork chops, Holly and Jana split the roast chicken, and Emily ordered the meatloaf. I ordered a plate because I knew there would be plenty! Russ ordered a huge beer which came in a very tall souvenir cup. We laughed at the lady next to us who order a large water and ended up with a bucket-size container of water on her table. The food arrived and indeed we had plenty. It was all delicious and we really enjoyed our meal.

The girls did get a pile of straws, and Emily a huge jar of Coke, and the girls finally convinced Holly to ask for the ketchup. Our waitress yelled very loudly to the crowd, “Excuse me, can I have your attention please. I need a 15 or 16 year old, good looking guy to bring some ketchup to this girl!”. Holly could have died, but we did get a chuckle out of that! Unfortunately, no cute 15 or 16 year old materialized, but we did get plenty of bottles of ketchup on our table! Later, a waiter came by to adorn the girls’ heads with different designs made out of napkins and they got a kick out of that.

We had to do dessert of course, and we shared the Moose Stampede Cake and the Apple Caramel Pie. They were delicious!!! We had an extremely enjoyable meal at Whispering Canyon. I would definitely return for a meal there. It was fun and yummy!

We explored WL–just so beautiful--and caught the boat to MK. We opted to ride outside in the front, but Brrr!–the night air of 49* coupled with the movement of the boat was a little chilly even for us Ohioans. However, the lights on the water were beautiful and we were sooooo excited to be in Disney!! At MK I activated my AP and the CM noticed that my birthday had been 2 day prior, on Thanksgiving. She wished me Happy Birthday and gave me a birthday pin and said I had her permission to wear it the entire trip. We admired the collection of Mickeys outside of the entrance and hopped on the monorail to GF to see the decorations and the gingerbread house.

We intended to stay for the Electric Light Parade on the water, but we were dead tired from a very early morning so we headed back to MK and caught the bus to dreamland in our comfy room at BC!

Stay tuned for “Will we ever get to MGM?? and fun at MVMCP”

 

[swankybeth]

Sounds like a fun way to begin your WDW vacation. Those surrey bikes always look like a blast!

 

[susy]

Sounds like a great night. We were staying at the WL at that time (we had dinner at Artist Point that night). Isn't WC a hoot? We ate there our first night and had breakfast there before we departed. If you end up at WL any time soon, do the surrey bike ride to FW. It's a nice path that ends up right at the petting zoo.