VailaTigger
DIS Veteran
- Joined
- Apr 29, 2009
- Messages
- 635
Cast:
Me 39 year old WDW addict
DF 42 year old, first time in WDW
DS12 DFs eldest, a big scaredy cat as it turned out
DS8 DFs youngest, complete daredevil!
Link to pre-trippy here, for background if wanted.
http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2208022&highlight=back+where
Day 1 Friday 2nd April 2010 Travel day at last!
Funnily enough, we were all awake relatively early this morning! Showered, breakfasted, and final packing done with at least half an hour to spare before the taxi arrived. Our taxi was driven by a lovely lady, called yup Minnie! The four of us, four cases, and all the hand luggage was safely stowed in the taxi, and we left on time at 10am, although we had to go back after 5 minutes of the journey because DS12 had left his phone on the coffee table! Off we set again. The journey to the airport was uneventful, and we found which check in desks we could use, and joined what seemed like the longest queue EVER. It was Virgins first flight of the year from Glasgow, and the poor staff were having to learn a system new to them, with a full flight but eventually we made it through, with the seats wed requested online. Stopped in Starbucks for coffee, juice and biscuits, and the two DSs bought magazines, then off to the upper level to find our gate. First port of call was the security check, which DS8 wasnt taking seriously until we told him these people could stop him going on the plane. All of us passed through without a hitch, although DF did have to have a further scan. Stopped on the way to the gate to look at the plane (WOW! SO HUGE! And it was Hot Lips we found out later), then on to the gate, and another security queue. Through this one quickly, then it was nearly boarding time! WHEE!
We got settled in our seats, eventually convincing DS8 that he couldnt empty his carry on bag there and then, he had to wait until wed taken off, and had lunch. The flight was good, we all were kept entertained by the films, plenty of food and drink coming round (which I had no complaints about, the food was fine), and the boys had lots of things with them to keep them amused when they stopped arguing with each other. DS8 found it a long flight, and the time difference a bit confusing, so was a little grumpy by the time we disembarked, but was doing really well. In fact we were all very tired.
We picked the SLOWEST immigration queue, although we were by no means last off the plane, we were last to get through immigration. However, or border guard was friendly and helpful, and I was glad I had all the right paperwork just in case as he did actually ask to see it! Needless to say it was easy to get our cases next as they were virtually the only ones left on the carousel Off to navigate MCO next, although at least Id been before, and knew to take our cases on the shuttle train with us, and roughly where Disneys Magical Express desk was. We sailed through the HUGE queue for rental cars (got our own back!) and were on the DME coach within about 15 minutes of getting off the shuttle train. Result!
So my fellow 3 travellers were about to see their first glimpse of Florida, although it was getting dark. DS8 sat next to me on the coach and completely ignored the Disney video playing, spent the whole time pointing out things to me that he saw out of the window. Fab! They all really seemed to be so happy to be there, which was a huge relief considering how tired they were.
It wasnt long before we arrived at Pop Century, and we trundled into the huge reception area with our cases. Our lady at check in was again so friendly and helpful, and we also got virtually the room we requested too. Once wed found that, it was a case of a quick unpack of the essentials (toothbrush, jammies) and crash out in bed! The long day and time difference had exhausted us all, even though it was barely 9pm Orlando time, it was goodnight for all of us. Roll on tomorrow!
Me 39 year old WDW addict
DF 42 year old, first time in WDW
DS12 DFs eldest, a big scaredy cat as it turned out
DS8 DFs youngest, complete daredevil!
Link to pre-trippy here, for background if wanted.
http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2208022&highlight=back+where
Day 1 Friday 2nd April 2010 Travel day at last!
Funnily enough, we were all awake relatively early this morning! Showered, breakfasted, and final packing done with at least half an hour to spare before the taxi arrived. Our taxi was driven by a lovely lady, called yup Minnie! The four of us, four cases, and all the hand luggage was safely stowed in the taxi, and we left on time at 10am, although we had to go back after 5 minutes of the journey because DS12 had left his phone on the coffee table! Off we set again. The journey to the airport was uneventful, and we found which check in desks we could use, and joined what seemed like the longest queue EVER. It was Virgins first flight of the year from Glasgow, and the poor staff were having to learn a system new to them, with a full flight but eventually we made it through, with the seats wed requested online. Stopped in Starbucks for coffee, juice and biscuits, and the two DSs bought magazines, then off to the upper level to find our gate. First port of call was the security check, which DS8 wasnt taking seriously until we told him these people could stop him going on the plane. All of us passed through without a hitch, although DF did have to have a further scan. Stopped on the way to the gate to look at the plane (WOW! SO HUGE! And it was Hot Lips we found out later), then on to the gate, and another security queue. Through this one quickly, then it was nearly boarding time! WHEE!
We got settled in our seats, eventually convincing DS8 that he couldnt empty his carry on bag there and then, he had to wait until wed taken off, and had lunch. The flight was good, we all were kept entertained by the films, plenty of food and drink coming round (which I had no complaints about, the food was fine), and the boys had lots of things with them to keep them amused when they stopped arguing with each other. DS8 found it a long flight, and the time difference a bit confusing, so was a little grumpy by the time we disembarked, but was doing really well. In fact we were all very tired.
We picked the SLOWEST immigration queue, although we were by no means last off the plane, we were last to get through immigration. However, or border guard was friendly and helpful, and I was glad I had all the right paperwork just in case as he did actually ask to see it! Needless to say it was easy to get our cases next as they were virtually the only ones left on the carousel Off to navigate MCO next, although at least Id been before, and knew to take our cases on the shuttle train with us, and roughly where Disneys Magical Express desk was. We sailed through the HUGE queue for rental cars (got our own back!) and were on the DME coach within about 15 minutes of getting off the shuttle train. Result!
So my fellow 3 travellers were about to see their first glimpse of Florida, although it was getting dark. DS8 sat next to me on the coach and completely ignored the Disney video playing, spent the whole time pointing out things to me that he saw out of the window. Fab! They all really seemed to be so happy to be there, which was a huge relief considering how tired they were.
It wasnt long before we arrived at Pop Century, and we trundled into the huge reception area with our cases. Our lady at check in was again so friendly and helpful, and we also got virtually the room we requested too. Once wed found that, it was a case of a quick unpack of the essentials (toothbrush, jammies) and crash out in bed! The long day and time difference had exhausted us all, even though it was barely 9pm Orlando time, it was goodnight for all of us. Roll on tomorrow!