To Infinity and Beyond *UPDATED July 5*

[mdsouth]

To Infinity and Beyond
WDW Trip May 2005

Cast:
Myself (one who the thought of just planning makes me weak in the knees)
DH – Big Lug (a cheapskate at times – always looking for the best deal, one who loves his sleep and can’t figure out why anyone sane would want to get up early on their vacation)
DS (8) – Rand McNally (Our own home version of GPS – has most of the US atlas memorized and loves to give people directions)
DD (2) – Princess in the making (quite the Drama Queen at times and so sweet the rest of the time)

Chapter One: A Dream is a Wish Your Heart Makes

It all started with my wish to go back to WDS under the pretense of taking our kids for the first time. I don’t know what it is about WDW and Mickey but I just love it. I have now been to the world three times my whole life (twice now as an adult and once as a thirteen year old).

I started working on my DH back in 2003 to get him to agree to plan a trip to WDW. His ONLY previous trip was as an adult with me, when we were newly marriage, and DINKS (Double Income No Kids). He liked it okay but did not fall in love with the place like I had hoped. This was probably due to my role as Commanding General as we toured the parks COMMANDO style! He likes to remind me that when he first stepped into the Magic Kingdom, he wanted to just walk slowly and look around Main Street but instead, I grabbed him by the hand and told him we had to rush over to Splash Mountain before the crowds got there and my Dramamine wore off!

Needless, to say, I wish that I had taken into consideration his nature, and how he likes to take things slowly, and deliberately. Then maybe he would have found the magic and been more willing to go on additional adventures to the world with me.

Anyhoo… I REALLY, REALLY, wanted to stay on site this time. It would be my first time to “Stay in the Magic”. Due to our slooooow hook-up to the Internet and my lack of experience surfing the web, I began by just going to the official Disney World website to check out the offers and the prices.
I, being one that is always on the hunt for the best price, noticed the link to the Early Summer deals and went directly there. I had no idea that people by the mass, watched and waited for the very deals that I was checking out. I had never heard of or even fathomed there was such a thing as Rack Rate or CODES!

“WHAT???!!”, you say! How can it be? Someone unfamiliar with CODES actually stumbling upon them by themselves without the help of fellow DISers? Unbelievable! Incredible!

Since I originally planned the trip to include my mother-in-law, the economy resorts were not an option. It would either have to be a moderate or a deluxe.

When I think of a vacation, I think of the beach, so naturally I was drawn to the idea of the staying at a resort with a beach theme. I would have loved to stay at the Poly just like my mother always wanted too. However, the price is not something I can afford so for one who has Ghirdelli tastes and a Hershey Bar budget, I immediately fell for the Caribbean Beach Resort. So I devised a plan and then set about convincing my DH that we could indeed afford to go to Disney and stay on-site. I remember talking about it with him, and even letting him catch me as I dreamed about going for several days, before he caved and finally told me to go ahead and book it.

I couldn’t believe it! My DH, a Cheapskate to the depths of his heart, agreed to not only taking a family trip to Disney but to also staying on-site! Woo Hoo! I had won the Lottery! I made a mad dash inside to log onto the computer.

But, ALAS, it was not to be! The dates were unavailable! I had waited too long! There was no room at the inn. I frantically typed trying other weeks, and other combos to no avail. It was not to be. I had to finally give up and realize that we would not be going to Disney that year (2004).

I moped for weeks. I took it hard. My dream of going to Disney with our kids and staying on-site, had been lost.

Next up: Chapter Two
Discovery of a Whole New World - DISboards
Chapter Two and Chapter Three are on page one, post ten
Chapter Four - page 2
Chapter Five - page 3
Chapter Six - page 3
Chapter Seven - Magic Kingdom coming soon - Monday, July 10th

 

[heaven2dc]

Enjoying your report so far! How disappointing the CBR wasn't available for you then - now I can't wait to find out what happens next

 

[mdsouth]

Thanks for reading and responding to my report. It is nice that I have an audience. I appreciate your encouragement. I am putting the final touches on Chapter Two today and will post it later tonight or first thing tomorrow.

 

[Dina]

Love it!! Hurry back for more please!!

 

[PaulDavid's mom]

I'm hooked! Can't wait for more.

 

[FSUMARCHIEF]

Nice MD - I'm not sure how we ever survived and had as much fun at DIsney before the DIS. But sine then, we have found the magic in ALL things Disney. Looking forward to the rest of yout TR

Blessings!
Markymark

 

[Disneynutbsv]

Can't wait to read the rest! Its great so far!

 

[ohboyx3]

Your husband sounds like mine, a cheapskate and "a sleeper inner!" I can't wait to hear what happens next. My dh is just as hooked as me now. Thank goodness!

 

[roberrl187]

Great start. I'm in.

 

[mdsouth]

Chapter Two
Discovery of a Whole New World - DISboards

After several months of misery, I began to dream again. We decided to try planning for a Spring Break vacation March 2005.

During this time, I somehow discovered the DISboards along with AllEars.net. EUREKA! A trip planner’s paradise! I couldn’t believe it!! I actually had found a place where there are millions of people like me, who not only love the Mouse but were planning or taking trips to WDW and sharing their discoveries with each other. I was once what is known as a lurker, a peeping Tom on other people’s conversations. I loved reading through all the suggestions and descriptions of the resorts, restaurants, and parks. It was also here among my own that I learned the hard truth that the Special Offer that I had found on the Disney website on my own was the coveted CODES! It was also then that I learned what it was like to wait and wait for the CODES to come out.

I could hardly think or talk of anything else but the CODES! My husband soon learned about them second-hand. It was that or not hold a conversation with me (which of course was very tempting on his part).
A good day would be when I would call the reservation number and ask for about any deals and the CM would tell me not at the present time, but that they were expecting something soon! How that one phrase could sustain me. That same phrase also would cause quite a flare on the boards.

Finally, the CODES returned and I was able to book us ROOM-ONLY at CBR for March. I do not remember a day before this in which I was so giddy!
It was so much fun to call the reservation number and say “BOOK IT, Dano!”

It wasn’t long before the magical countdown number of 90 days was here, and I was once again on the phone making my dinner plans. Thanks to AllEars.net for providing copies of the menus. It was such fun pouring over the menus, checking the Extra Magical Hour days and actually planning our itinerary. Is being a travel agent for a living this much fun?

Unfortunately, my happy anticipation would not last. Our plans were once again foiled, this time due to the illness of my husband’s aunt. She had been in and out of the hospital with heart problems and we just didn’t think it was the right time to go to Disney. So, forty-five days out, I was again on the phone to Disney, this time to cancel our reservations.

Next: Chapter Three – A Little Pixie Dust


Chapter Three: A Little Pixie Dust
We now began making plans for an early summer trip. Only this time we were planning a vacation for four instead of five since my mother-in-law would not be going with us after all. My mother-in-law’s dog, a poodle, was fifteen years old was beginning to show signs of old age. Up until now, he had still acted and behaved like a puppy. My mother-in-law had also been having second thoughts on the amount of walking and endurance a family vacation to the world would take.

Once again I was watching and waiting for a CODE. This time, the CODES never materialized so I had to give up and become a member of the AAA just for the room/package discount.

A Shower of Pixie Dust …

We had planned to drive down, until I came across a totally unexpected airfare rate from Southwest that was too good to be true! I could book us tickets from Chicago Midway to Orlando for $39.00 a piece! As Dick Vitale would say, “Unbelievable Baby”!
I called up my hubby at work and told him the news. He couldn’t believe it!
He just had to check for himself! He quickly booked our flights. It came to $45.00 each way including all the taxes and fees! Holy Cow! We would have spent that much or more driving down for gas and a night’s lodging on the road. Instead of enduring a long car trip over twenty-four hours on the road in a minivan with two kids, we would be in Orlando after a short car trip to Chicago (two and a half hours) and a two hour plane ride. Our luck continued when Disney announced the introduction of Magical Express starting in May. Hurrah! I quickly talked to Disney again to let them know that we would be using the magical express option!

Next: Chapter Four: - Heigh-Ho, Heigh-Ho, It’s off to Disney we go!

 

[mdsouth]

Thank you for all tuning in!
I appreciate your encouragement, and to read that one of you has a husband with similiar traits as mine.

 

[MagicMe]

Great start - can't wait to hear how everything went when you finally get there!!!

 

[missmun52]

nice report, i cant wait to read more!

 

[Master Gracie]

Oh, mdsouth, what have you done.

Don't you realize that if everyone finds out about the Codes then there may not be availability for me when I decide to book a last minute trip. And you mentioned them, not once, but 8 times!!!

You have left me no choice. Pay no attention to the black suburban with black tinted windows that is pulling up in your driveway at this very moment.

Seriously, though, you have the beginnings of a great report here.

Keep up the good work.

 

[mdsouth]

Oh my! There seems to be a contract out on me! Oops!
Thanks for the laughs Master Gracie!

I am currently working on the next installment. Let's just say there is something that involves the airport security...

 

[krismom]

codes? what's a code?


more please?!

 

[mdsouth]

Whoo Hoo (Did I spell that right?)

Thanks to you: krismom, Master Gracie, missmun52, MagicMe, roberrl185, ohboyx3, Disneynutbsv, FSUMARCHIEF, PaulDavid'smom, Dina and heaven2dc
my trip report has officially become a multi-page report! Modest ain't I?

I just love having people to communicate with that truly understand my need to "talk" and share our experiences with each other!

And my extended family thanks you all as well! Now, they won't have to hear me as often try to bring the conversation around to Disney whenever possible.

PS: I am working on my next chapter.
I just needed a creative break, checking into the various trip reports out there. I am also going to try to add a few photographs in the next chapters. Hopefully, I can get them to work right.

 

[mdsouth]

Chapter Four: - Heigh-Ho, Heigh-Ho, It’s off to Disney we go!

The morning of our departure, May 21 finally arrived!
Of course, I was up early even before the birds. The anticipation and nervousness associated with traveling always gets to me. As usual in our household, I had to rustle my husband and kids out of bed. What chaos! Scrambling to get ourselves and the kids feed and dressed was a major ordeal! And my dear sweet husband had most of his packing left to complete. I on the other hand, was frantically trying to finish all the little details that had escaped my attention the days before. I wanted to make sure that our vital records and insurance information along with the house was in decent shape just incase, the unforeseeable happened and we died or were incapacitated. Did I mention that I tend to be somewhat of a worry-wart? Oh, all right, a downright honest to goodness worry-wart! Yea Gads!

Somehow, we finally got everything loaded into the minivan and were on our way to the airport. After a short uneventful, two and half hour road trip, we arrived at the airport and found a place to park. Our dear son, whom we affectionately call Rand McNally, was disappointed that the road trip ended so soon. He would have rather traveled all the way to Florida by car. He also was quite anxious about his first plane ride. He takes after his mother and is a little worry-wart.

My husband and I loaded ourselves down like pack mules with our luggage for the walk to the tram stop. It was at this time that we decided that we couldn’t manage the stroller AND all our luggage, so we would just rent one at Disney.
(And so the debate on the boards continues… whether or not it is best to take or rent a stroller. You will read my thoughts on this later once we are at the parks.)

Finally it was our turn to go through the security checkpoint. I went first holding our daughter with our son following me. The three of us made it through just fine. It was my DH that had trouble. He set off the alarms when he went through. He went back through a second time and set the alarms off again.

At this time, I was hopping around on one foot, holding our daughter, while trying to get my own shoes back on. I realized that he still was not through security. I couldn’t believe it. The security officer had to pull him out of line. In my mind I was thinking, “Oh no! Are they going to have to do a body check? Gross!”

I couldn’t see much of what was going on, only that he went through a third time and it still beeped. I could see him standing there with the security officer, but could not hear a word that was being said. My son, was asking me lots of questions and was starting to worry. I tell you it doesn’t take much to get him worried or me either.

FINALLY after several long and anxious minutes my husband successfully went through the gates. He just laughed it off. As he gathered up his belongings, he showed me a wadded up package of chew (tobacco) he had in his pocket. The package had some foil in it and it had set off the alarm. OH BOY! His disgusting habit almost caused him to have to undergo a body cavity search. I have been trying for nineteen years to break him of it. GAWSH! Maybe if he had had the body search, it would have put a stop to his bad habit!

Luckily, Southwest boarded families first, so we were able to get three seats together on one row and one seat across the aisle. I sat between the two kids and DH sat across the aisle. Our dear daughter decided at this time to put on a performance for the whole plane, in order to make sure that our fellow travelers knew that they were in the presence of a Drama Queen. She started crying loudly. She also proceeded to wiggle out of her seatbelt, TWICE! At this point I was frantically trying to get her buckled back into her seat, while also trying to calm my son’s nerves. I look over and my husband was just sitting there. “Quick, get her cup of milk for me will you?” I called to my husband. He first gave me his standard “WHAT?, you want me to look for something?!” look. This is the look that he gives me because he just absolutely hates to venture into my purse or diaper bag for anything! What is with the guy? He finally managed to pull out the sippy cup with milk! My daughter spied the cup in his hand as grabbed on to it. I am sad to say that I also had to resort to my off-key singing in order to calm her down. I would like to take this time to apologize to my fellow passengers. I try hard not to expose anyone to my singing but sometimes that is all that will work to sooth her. The combination worked just as the plane began rolling down the runway.

As the plane was lifting off the ground, the pilot exclaimed “TO INFINITY AND BEYOND!” It was perfect! My son loved it! The entertainment did not stop there, the steward and stewardess put on quite a show with their safety introduction. I leaned over to my husband and said, “I didn’t realize that we had booked the Comedy Central flight!”

During the flight, Rand McNally tried to catch snatches of all the highways below him. He was still bummed that we didn’t take the journey by car! Unbelievable! Maybe when he is grown and has children of his own will he truly understand how my sanity was saved with our plane trip.

The flight was wonderful, and our pilot made the landing just as memorable as the takeoff. He called out, “Whoa boy, Whoa, Whoa” along with accompanying horse sounds as the plane landed and slowed to a stop.
I can not say enough about how the entire crew made the beginning of our trip so much fun! Thanks Southwest!

My daughter in the meantime had fallen asleep during the initial moments of the flight and slept peacefully the entire trip. I had to wake her upon our arrival after taxiing to the gate.

Once at the airport, I wanted to immediately head to the friendly staff member waving the big white Mickey hand and get aboard the Magical Express. My husband had another idea. He wanted to grab a bite to eat at the airport because he and our boy were famished! And wouldn’t you know it – there just happened to be the old familiar arches to conquer their hunger pains! I HAD SO MUCH wanted to take a break from eating there!


Eventually, we did make our way down to the Magical Express gateway.
Our stop for a bite to eat actually worked in our favor, because the lines were minimal. We quickly got on a bus. I chose seats that had a good view of the television screens, thinking that Disney would be entertaining us with their own promo show along the way. The televisions never came on our entire trip, so we just sat back and watched the scenery.
My dear son was in heaven! He read us each and every road and traffic sign that we passed. In his eyes, the trip from the airport to our resort was way to short!

Next Up: Chapter Five: Caribbean Beach Resort (CBR)

 

[missmun52]

I have also stopped eating Fast food. After renting the movie super size me from blockbuster me and DH cannot touch fast food. Too gross! Maybe if your DH watched it he would not want it anymore

 

[mdsouth]

I haven't watched this movie. Sounds like it might be a "good" rental for this weekend. Thanks for sharing.