This is not Disneyland!

[Joyful19]

Cast of characters:
Me 44; DH 48; DD 9; DB 46; DSL ?; DN 9; DN 17
I really wanted to go to DIsneyland, but my DH who had already been twice wasn't that interested in going. I tried to get my DM to go with some of her DGC, but she wasn't interested. She in turn talked to my DB and mentioned it to him. After some discussion with DSL, they decided that they would like to go again. You might ask why Disneyland? Because we are West coasters and it is only a short flight. My DB went on line and found much to his surprise that his time-share didn't have anything less than two hours away from DIsneyland. But he was surprised that there was an opening at a Disney World resort for a week in Sept. He called me and I had to decide that minute or he was afraid he would lose it. (and not just his mind)
I had always wanted to go to DW but didn't think it would be a possibility, of course I wanted to go. As soon as he had it booked I went on line and looked at the resort. Old Key West, I looked at everything I could find on it and tried to keep my heart from jumping out of my chest.
WE WERE GOING TO DISNEY WORLD!
My DB being the obsessive sort, found a web site where we could get some info........ the DIS BOARDS. It wasn't love at first site (yes I do know how to spell - thats a pun). I told my DH about all these crazy people that marked off there trips and counted down to their next trip. However after reading some trip reports, I too wanted to count down to my own trip and have cute little characters at the end of my missives.
I went on line (and thats slow dial up) so often that I started eating my breakfast in front of the computer so I wouldn't miss anything.
Anyway after finding the Boards I started to plan my trip in earnest. I bought my tickets on-line, everything centered around my distant trip in September.
Finally Sept arrived. My DB and DSL were keeping the trip a secret from their DD, so talking about the trip was extremely hard. My DD who had been involved with everthing said that planning everything was a lot of fun.
I made all my plans to pack on the last day (I always do this) as I had the week of from work. I wanted to spend time with my DGS (10 months) so I offeered to babysit him that day. I figured I could pack and look after him. I also ended up looking after a neighbours daughter (4). I got my laundry done but no packing. My DGS stayed for 6 hours.
When DH got home he decides he would like to take the night ferry (we live on an island) instead of waiting for the 6 AM ferry. Well betweens us we managed to pack in 1 1/2 hours, without forgeting anything!
We went to an inexpensive (cheap) hotel between VIctoria and Sidney.
The clerk gave us our room key and off we went to "our" room. I put the key in and open the door, but it won't open because the security lock (that little metal hook you push over) is on. I think "How did they do that?" and am moving to try to open it with the card, when a voice says "Just a minute" I stop frozen and the door opens. A large young man in his boxers open the door. We return to the office laughing. At the next room we open the door more carefully, but no one is there.
The next morning we arrive early for our ferry to Port Angeles. It is a beautiful trip, the sun is shining and Victoria looks winderful. My DB & DSL tell DN that she is going to Disney World not to Seattle for the weekend. She is happy but they don't get the "HAPPY!!!!" that they wanted.
Our drive to Seatac is uneventful but very enjoyable as we have never been here before (and tommorrow we will be in Disney World). We get our wakeup call for 4:15 AM and before I get out of the bathroom everyone is up and dressed. We are waiting in the lobby for our shuttle to the airport, 15 minutes before it isto leave.
At the airport it seems that everyone is leaving at the same time with the same airline, it seems very busy. The security check is the worst part. The lines wind up and down a big big room and it takes us about 30 minutes to get through. They have reminders as you go along to remove your shoes, liquids and lighters (which makes my smoker DH upset - he should have packed his lighter!). Finally we are on our plane - with no breakfast and nothing but plane snacks to last for the rest of the day - 12 hours.
Part II #8
Part III #10
Part IV # 12
Part V #13
Part VI # 16

 

[Cass]

Looking forward to hearing more!

 

[Goofster57]

Living only a few miles from Disneyland we love it, but we would never pass up a trip to go to WDW. There is always next time for Disneyland.

 

[WebmasterMaryJo]

Great start to your report. I was taken back to our first trip to WDW, when I first discovered the DIS ... you see where this is going, right? Welcome to the DIS

Keith, what are you doing on this side of the boards!

 

[Goofster57]

Hey Mary Jo, just hanging out trying to make time go faster until our January trip to the world.

Are you flexing today?

 

[OhMari]

Wow, did it really take 12 hours to go from seattle to FL, I can see a 3 hour time difference, or did you have a layover?

Also, welcome to the DIS.

 

[Joyful19]

We had a lay over, and I counted the time it took to get through the security check. Plus the trip might have seemed longer with DH having no lighter and being unable to smoke anywhere, and it seemed like he hated to fly!

 

[Joyful19]

Were were finally in Florida! Even the airport seemed to be totally exciting, with all the Mickey merchandise in view everywhere. Too bad we were in a hurry to get to the World, I had money burning a hole in my pocket.
We made it down to the third level ( we knew where to go because the flight attendant told us - Wow!) and were quickly (10 minutes) on a Magical Express bus. I spent my time with Mr. Crabby (still no cigarette) looking out the window for alligators. Didn't see one, but for some reason the lady behind me kept counting the in ground pools in the back yard that were enclosed in mesh.
"oh, look there is another one. Thats three. Oh, they have one too. Thats four."
You get the picture, but even with that, we were unable to be anything other than Happy.
I watched for the big Mickey by the entrance (thanks fellow DIS'er). We were here. I couldn't believe how large the whole area was. I had seen it on maps but it's hard to comprehend the actual size. It is big! A very large town. When we pulled into our "resort" (it looks fancier that "way"). It was magical. The train was there, but it looked smaller than the pictures and the girls sat in front of the TV with their balloons, stickers and magazines (nice touch), while my brother registered and DH finally had his cigarette. I have to say that after our week there that the girl who waited on us was unbelieveabley slow. Four or five groups of people came and went and we were still there. Nothing was wrong, she was just new to the job and I think the country, but she was nice and soon we were on our way to our room.
We got a great room, it was on the third floor with an elevator, only minutes from the bus stop, the main pool and stores. The room itself was very pretty and comfortable, spacious (almost better than home). We relaxed and explored our room. My DSL discovered that the main door to the patio was not opening and promptly called the front desk to get them to fix it. We then headed out to dinner and fun at Downtown Disney.
We headed to the water (man made lake?) and boarded a boat. The Captain (what else would he be called?) told us he could only take us as far as Saratoga Springs as they were having the US Open Water Skiing tonight. We walked over and it was hard to move for people. Even though everything I had read said that Sept. wasn't a busy time I was unprepared for the number of people there that night (it was a saturday too) We tried restuarant after restuarant but they were all at least an hour or more wait, and as I had said we were starving. Thanks to a Trip report I had read, we headed to the Earl of Sandwhich, where I had really good sandwhich. Even the Earl was busy that night. After dinner we wandered a bit and then headed back home to see if our groceries had arrived.
Back in the room we had a couple of messages, one that our groceries had a arrived, and one from the girl who checked us in wishing us a "magical stay". I called Bell services to ask them to bring up our groceries. Our luggage still hadn't arrived, and the door still hadn't been fixed. As well DSL had discovered that the garbage disposal didn't work. So she got on the phone and told them in no uncertain terms what she expected. Soon there were people knocking on our door. The guy came to fix/replace the door handle , he was not having a magical day. It was already after 11 PM and here he was fixing a door. Then the luggage arrived. Then the groceries arrived. They all got tips except the poor door fixer, he left too quickly for me to grab him. You have to imagine me at the door with money in my bra (I had no pockets) accosting guys as they left, with money.
Finally it was time for bed, a very comfotable bed. Who would ever want to go home?

 

[Goofster57]

Another great installment, Thanks

 

[Joyful19]

My good nights sleep was interupted by a voice in my ear saying "Boring! Boring!". The voice (a 48 year old man - not a child) seemed insistant that I get up as it was already 7:30 and past coffee time. We headed to the Turtle shack to get our refillable mugs and enjoyed a beautiful morning in Florida. Now as I'll say again and again, I had been told it was hot and humid in Florida in September, and although I believed them, I was still taken by surprise by the heat and humidity. Thank God and whoever the inventor of air conditioning is. Even at 8 AM it was hot, the air was thick and it seemed to be hard to inhale fully at times over the week, however we did seemed to get more aclimatized as time went on.
It took us quite awhile to get the others up and out the door so we could get to a world, any world (and so I could start my shopping). Finally we were all on the empty bus. Empty, because everyone else was already out at the parks, even the pool was empty.
We arrived at EPCOT and had our bags searched (for what I am still not positive - because if you asked they just joked with you), put our fingers in the scanners. One of the best things we had bought that morning. A water proof card holder. DH would pull out the cards as needed and then return them to the safety of the container. It was waterproof and came with a loop to put it around your neck and held all our cards (room key cards and entrance tickets - perfect). Finally we were in front of the big golf ball, and as Mickey told DD and she told us everytime someone mentioned the EPCOT ball, you would have to be a mile tall to play with that golf ball. At first I wasn't sure what was on all the walls just passed the entrance to EPCOT, but then I remembered a trip report that had mentioned the pictures in Leave a Legacy. It was kind of neat, but I wish I had brought my glasses so I could read some of the tiny little pictures and words. To my poor eyes it looked like signs from Aliens (not that I really know how they write).
Our first ride was Spaceship earth, which although it was a lame ride was terrific as it was our first.

 

[deekaypee]

Looking foward to reading more. I like the amount of detail you're putting in.

 

[Joyful19]

We spent time looking around innovations and DD and DN both made the robot race and made a robot while DB and DH went and got our first fast pass for Test Track. We visited the living sea (sorry the Seas with Nemo and Friends)and enjoyed the Turtle talk with Crush. I have to say the answers to questions are terriffic, very impressed. We learned all about sharks, while waiting our turn for a photo op. with Bruce.
Test Track was fun. Even my leary of scary rides DD found that it was fun. I hadn't wanted to have the "Your going to get on this ride and have fun" while she cried dicussion with her, so I had (probably unfairly) made her promise me that she would try everything because "Disney is not scary". After test track we headed to Mission Space, were we divided into two groups. My DSL and both DN went on the intense version and the rest of us stuck to the less intense. It was fun. I love the way Disney does the whole make believe thing, from the cast member costumes to the story lines. My only complaint was that most of the rides have a male in the Dominant (?) role and the females are secretary sorts (menial labour types).( I'm talking about the pre-show movies). DD loed the whole Mission experience. Unfortuneately the eldest DN felt ill after her intense ride and ended up going back to the hotel for the rest of the day.
We headed over to Soarin next. Man, I really like this ride, which is funny because I'm sacred of heights. I was really scared but managed to keep it to myself (DH laughed when I tried to put on the baby harness) It was so peaceful and the audience loves it. We were really enjoying our day and the crowds were light so we were able to get on everything without more than a 5 minute wait.
By now it was getting late so we decided to head to the World Showcase for dinner.

 

[Joyful19]

On the way to dinner we stopped at "Honey I shrunk the Audience" which was entertaining.
Dh had been talking about Chinese food so we headed to that side of the World Showcase. DB and DSL didn't want Chinese so we left them and took the girls to China. It was still a little early for dinner, so we stopped and watched the acrobats, performing in an Asian style, just outside the restuarant. The were amazing and so young.
The chinese retsruant was one of my favorites meals. The food was well presented and very tasty. We had appetizers of Shrimp and Pork Spring Roll and Four Happiness Appetizer Medley. We all shared the appetizers which were very good. Half of the cold Medley plate was spicey which DN and I shared. The girls really like the Spring rolls, which were quite light for eggrolls. For the main course I had Sichuan Kung Bao Chicken. It was quite spicey and very filling but delicous.DH had the Stir-Fried Shrimp with Garden Vegetables. I tasted one of his shrimp and it was also good. The service was very fast and the childrens menu was good for both girls. We all left happy and FULL. It was also one of our more expensive meals at about $85 for the four of us, but as it turned out to be our only fancy dinner we were satisfied.
After supper we met up with DB and DSL and realized we wouldn't have time for Maelstrom if we wanted to get to Magic Kingdom before the fireworks adn extra Magic Hours. We hurried to the Monorail. The ride was entertaining but crowded as everyone was trying to get there at the same time. The fireworks started just as we were walking throught the gates. We got our wristbands and ran in to catch the last 5 minutes (we obviously need to manage our time better) but the last 5 minutes was pretty good. Then we fought the crowds to find our way to Frontierland. It was heartening to see so many people leaving the park, faster ride times for us.
DD was fascinated to see Cinderrella's castle and the lights in the tower.
"Is cinderrella really up there in her room?" Yes, of course she is. Where else would she be.
We made it to Splash mountain first. After walking past the big "Splash", DD was scared and didn't want to get on the ride (to be honest Mom was a little nervous too). Bad Mom pulled out the "You said you'd try all the rides" and forced her into riding. It is a really sweet ride and fun at the big splash and the song keeps playing in your head for hours. It is also hard to explain the stories of Brer Rabbit and Brer Fox etc. when you don't remember them yourself. Was there really a Brer Turtle? DB,DSL and DN wanted to go on Big Thunder Mountain but the two chickens and DH, who had stated he didn't do rides (we got him on almost everything) went off to find DH a smoking area.
Next we headed to Pirates of the Caribbean. It's fun seeing Capt.Jack everwhere, it adds a cuteness to the whole ride. The jungle cruise was next. The cast members on shift were all having a terrific time. Laughing and joking with the audience. Our "Captian" was a young girl who was amazing. She made the ride fun, envolving the audience and making good jokes. After that I was starting to get pretty tired so we felt it was time to start heading home. The girls saw the Carpets of Aladdin. As there was height involved DSL took the girls on it the first time. While we were sitting by the exit we kept feeling raindrops on our heads we looked up, nothing but stars. DH started laughing. The camels spray water at the riders and little bits drip down. The girls wenton the ride three times because there were so few people there. As we started heading to the exit I saw the Dole whip stand and having heard about it on the DIS i just had to have one. It was good but even though it was night it was almost half melted before I sat down to eat it. Yummy, very refreshing.
I had been worried about the bus ride home because I had read other trip reports that talked about the long waits. We walked to our bus stop the bus came, another family and ourselves got on and headed home. The only bad part was that our bus stop was last. Our sick DN was in bed sleeping, so we all headed quietly to bed.

 

[Goofster57]

Was able to catch up on your reports, enjoyed them, we can’t wait to get there, only 78 more days to go. Thanks for posting.

 

[Joyful19]

Today was the day for Animal Kingdom. We did manage to get started earlier this morning and we made it to the park by 10 AM. It is a beautiful place, very lush and green. Even the walkways remind you of ancient ruins. We went to the safari first and were quickly on a truck headed out. Here we were a little disappointed. Our driver said her lines, but she did it by rote, very boring. Also they move so quickly it was like, "There is a giraffe" You get your camera up to your eyeand then you've moved on to hippos, and all your camera shows is a tree. After the safari we saw a gorilla, lying in the grass by the waterfall. We followed the Maharajah Jungle Trek trail and saw the family of gorillas. They are so facinating, so much like us. I could have stood and watched them for hours, but the kids (DH) were getting hot and thirsty. The girls were also facinated by the Naked Mole Rat, just like the one from Kim Possible.
After a refreshing drink, we headed to Kali river rapids. What a fun ride. We got wet and I got very wet, but it was worth it. Animal Kingdom is the hottest of all the worlds.
We hit the It's Tough to be a bug. Disney really does a great job with the three-D movies. It was cute but having been forwarned I lifted my feet so I wouldn't feel bugs crawling on my feet. We also stopped along the way at all the different Kids discovery clubs which gives kids some hands on learning about animals and insects. There was also a tumbling acrobatic group performing. I don't know how they manage to put so much energy into their long performances in that heat. Amazing!
After that DH, DD and I headed out to get some lunch while the rest of them went on Expedition Everest. I was too chicken to try it, but I know wish that I had. We went to the Flame Tree BBQ, which we enjoyed. Their wings are good.
After our late lunch we watched the Parade adn then quickly headed back to the Kali river rapids, which were deserted. We got on a raft with some really nice people from England and a couple from California. We all enjoyed it so much that we stayed on for a second ride. The English Mom got the most wet as she always seemed to be where most of the water was. We all were pretty much soaked when we got off. I also discovered that it is not a good idea to wear dark blue underwear with a white akirt and then get wet!
as we headed out Mickey, Minnie, Goofy and Donald were at the gates for pictures and autograpghs. The two little girls were very excited. Then once again we got to the bus stop and right on our bus. Wonderful!D

 

[Goofster57]

Here we were a little disappointed. Our driver said her lines, but she did it by rote, very boring.

I have always felt that the driver makes or breaks this ride.

Disney really does a great job with the three-D movies.

Not sure about Captain EO

I also discovered that it is not a good idea to wear dark blue underwear with a white skirt and then get wet!

I think a lot of people have that revelation after getting off that ride.

Borrowed with out permission from Utahmama’s TR, have your copy write attorney call my infringement violation attorney; hopefully we can settle out of court, I’m thinking a case of a Pepsi product

Some people it isn't a revelation it is a fashion statement, and she didn't even have to get wet.

Thanks for posting more about your trip, we are enjoying it.

 

[Joyful19]

We had a delicous home cooked steak. When we enquired about the BBQ we found out that you took your meat (or whatever) down to the main pool and there were BBQ's there that you could use to cook your meat after you bought the charcoal etc. We cooked it under the broiler - tasted good. After dinner we quickly ran out and caught the bus for MGM for extra magic hours. The first stop was the Tower of Terror. In the dark it did look terrifying. After we waited in line DD decided she didn't want to ride and ducked out with DH. Was I ever mad. I wanted to be the one to duck out. I ran to try to catch up with them. I wasn't going to pretend that the height didn't scare me. I couldn't find the family so I wandered the shops until the ride was over.
We headed over to the Rock'n Roller coaster but the line up was too long and DD wasn't going on it either.
We headed over to the Muppets, those two old guys are the best part of the show. I can't say that I remember to much else about the movie, except Miss Piggy giving women a bad name.
Then we went on the Star Tours ride to Endor. Once again the young guy running our ride was very good in his part and took it relatively seriously making it seem more like a "real" trip. The girls loved it. We also enjoyed the gift shop. The two little girls had there picture done in a Star Wars scene. It turned out so well, we even put it up at home. Our last show was "Sounds Dangerous" with Drew Carey. It wa kind of silly. You spend most of the time in the dark listening to noises. I expected some examples of how noise was made or something. I don't recommend it.
On our way out DB and DSL bought a camera (almost everyone had left the park by the time they finished) as they were unable to charge theirs as they had left the cable at home and after numerous phone calls couldn't find a replacement.. Once again we headed out and within inutes our bus arrived and we got on. The only ones. This time we tolds the driver and he only went to our spot. Another late night.

 

[Joyful19]

We got up to another beautiful day. I love th little lizards (Geckos) that crawl all over the place. They are so cute. We have them at home but we only ever see them when they have been run over (definitely not cute). AFter a relaxing breakfast DB and DSL decided that they weren't happy woth the camera they bought. DH wasn't that happy with the digital camera we had. Due to progressive aging, we have trouble seeing the screen. It wa decided that older DN would take DD and DN to the magic Kingdom. The adults would take a taxi to a camerea shop and purchase a camera meeting at three o'clock by the haunted house. As we were starting out at 11 AM that seemed like lots of time to purchase two little camera's. Boy are we dumb!
We took a cab from the front office and when we arrived at the store, the taxi driver said as it was a quiet time and we only planned on being 1/2 hour he would wait for us.
As soon as we entered the shop we were convinced by the handsome camera guy (HCG) to purchase one that was better than the one we had seen in a flyer becasue we wouldn't be happy with it in the long run. He very easily talked us into a much better camera (boy we were a hard sell but DSl hadn't started on him yet) Unfortuneatly he didn't have any of those cameras in the store they were in his wharehouse. He would have to close the shop and drive over there to pick them up - 1/2 hour tops. He got us to send the cab driver away (he paid) told us he'd drive back to the World, locked his shop and sent us out for coffee. We went around the corner and found the best coffee we had had in a while. After our coffee and 1/2 hour we went back to find he hadn;t returned and his brother (who was supposed to open the shop) wasn't there yet. I thought it was hot in Florida but that is nothing to the heat in a strip mall. When his brother arrived and let us into the air conditioned room (already 3/4 of an hour later) we wandered around looking at merchandise, but little brother didn't know anything about any of the items. He diod tells us a little about his life in FLorida, which was interesting. After another 1/2 an hour we were becoming impatient, it was already just about 2 PM and we had three girls to meet. The HCG finnally showed up, he had gotten stuck in really bad traffic. AFter which my DSL proceeded to torment him into a good deal for both of us (we felt satisfied but uncomfortable). FInally by 2:45 he had processed both of our cameras and we were sitting in his Cadillac - pickup truck, driving faster than I am comfortable going in a vehicle driven by some man I don't know. We all belted up, but I think his driving was probably the norm for him. Soon I had directed my DSL's attention to the book on the console, "application for a concealed weapon". Remember that we are Canadians and although my DH shoots trap (and I am sorry to say the occassional edib;e animal) DSL has never even seen a weapon before that wasn't attached to a cop. After she questioned him he quite happily told us about the gun under the console, how he needed it to protect himself and his business. To say the least I think she was astounded.
As we drove throught the gates of Disney world big rain drops began to fall and by the time we arrived at the monorail the rain was falling thick and heavy. Of course it was at this time that I remembered the rain ponchoes I had bought before leaving home sitting back in our hotel room. DB ran ahead to meet the girls as we were already late. We couldn't see out the windows of the train as it was raining so hard. We ran down to the main entrance of the Magic Kingdom heading from one cover to another but at the bottom just before the entrance was the biggest deepest puddle with no way to go around it. We got soaked, but I did manage to buy three mickey mouse rain ponchoes. We covered up and were heartened to see throngs of people leaving (all the better to get on rides). When we reached the girls they were huddled under cover with hords of other people all trying to out wait the rain. Just then the rain stopped. and the sun tried to come out. I never did manage to dry out my feet there was too much humidity. We all ended up buying flip flops to replace our runners.

 

[dwheatl]

I'm enjoying your report. I grew up with a gun in the house (my dad and brother were cops) but they still really creep me out.
Was it my trippie where you read about the Earl of Sandwich? I wish I had one of those chicken, cheese, and spinach sandwiches right now!

 

[Joyful19]

The most amazing thing about the trip is the how different your kids behave. I mean here is my baby (at 9 years old she's still the baby which could be why she's a bit of a chicken, of course it probably doesn't help that her mother is a big chicken), going on rides that could be called scary and having fun. She went on big thunder mountain and on splash mountain. I am really proud of her. Of course she is also practically perfect (at least thats what people tell me and I agree), I'm sure I'll pay for it in the teen years but for now....
That night we had to wait for our bus nad there were lots of others waiting as well. Including some a very unhappy baby. When we all got on the bus it was still pouring and everyone was wet and uncomfortable. The windows were steamed up and traffic was heavy. I think it was the first night we left the park early. Well the baby kept crying, so with some insperation DD, DN and I started to sing, what else but "The wheels on the bus". Soon everyone was singing and the bus driver joined in with honking at the right time, a truely Disney moment, we loved it. We sang all the way back to OKW, I'd like to say that our singing kept the baby happy, but he only seemed to like our first song after that he went back to crying, but it was harder to hear with our singing. We spent the rest of the evening in the hot tub and having fancy drinks from the Gurgling suitcase. Delicous!