Marla Hellwig
I'm not lost, it's called creative exploring
- Joined
- Mar 25, 2000
- Messages
- 16,020
Two Gals from Ohio take on the World!
This is a repost of Kara's and my trip last summer from the old boards by request!
CAST:
Marla - mom age 43, 3rd trip & DL numerous times
Kara - daughter age 9, 2nd trip & DL twice
INTRODUCTION:
I am a single mom with one daughter and here is our fun filled report of our wonderful visit with the head mouse and all of his friends.
After much decision making on my part in late 1999, I booked this trip January 7, 2000. Booked through Magic Kingdom Travel, receiving a Magic Kingdom Club Card (MKCC) discount on room at Contemporary (CR) Tower. With summer schedules and room availability, ended up booking trip for the second half of July. This is not the best time of the year to go weather wise, but you gotta go when you can go! By arriving on the 16th even saved more than $ 400, as it was after the 4th, and we even havent left yet!
I started planning this trip by using every guide book I could get my hands from our local library. Mid March I FINALLY got Internet access and wow - a Whole New World Opened up to me. After countless hours of reading, surfing, and posting questions, here is our trip.
Now, I didnt tell Kara about the trip until about one week before we left. I had kept it a secret for almost 7 months. But when I told her about the trip, I didnt tell her about any of the PSs I had made or the special events she or we were signed up for. On the way to the airport, I told her that mommy had at least one Surprise for her each day. So, each morning, she would ask "do I have any surprises today" and I would answer with the appropriate number. A few times she would start begging to know what surprise was but I didnt bend or break and tell her. So, I have made a note of Surprise for something Kara didnt know about.
THE TRIP:
Day 1 Part 1 - Sunday, July 16: - Travel Day, Flying, Checking In, and Shopping:
Planes, shuttles, vans, monorails, buses and cabs, oh my - and we even hadn't made into a park yet!
After a sleepless night, I kept thinking did I pack everything, finally gave up and surfed and played on the computer. Climbed into the shower around 3 a.m., and Kara woke up around 3:30. My lucky parents, who were driving us to the airport, arrived at 4:30 and we loaded up their car and was on the road minutes later. Arrived at Dayton International Airport at 5 and had luggage checked in and boarding passes in just a couple of minutes. Delta from Dayton to Atlanta.
Proceeded to gate and waited about 35 minutes. They started loading the plane, and we left the gate at 6:05 and was in the air by 6:11. This flight just served drinks and bag of mix, but Kara was carrying the breakfast of champions and travelers - pop tarts! "YUM"! This flight was so cold, everyone on the plane was complaining how cold they were. They even didnt have enough blankets for everyone. I finally got one from the first class section that we could share. Those blankets arent that easy to share. If we had only known that this was the coolest we would be for the next 11 days!
We touched down on the ground in Atlanta at 7:05 arriving at gate B33. Our connecting flight to Orlando, Delta, was leaving from gate A1. We had quite a hike and our first "monorail" shuttle ride of the day.
We left the gate at 8:40. We did leave 70 international guests behind according to our pilot, first we waited for them, but they were having trouble getting out of customs, so our pilot came back on and said we werent waiting any longer and Delta would find them another flight later. Sorry fellow travelers! We were in the air at 8:57. Another snack and drink and I snoozed for a little awhile. I did change from the pants I was wearing into shorts. Let me tell you this was not an easy task in that little stall on the plane! I held up the blankets and Kara changed into her shorts right at her seat. This flight was hot - I figured out later it was to start your body adjusting to the heat in Orlando.
At 9:50 we had a very bouncy landing. Was Tigger flying the plane? We pulled up to our gate at 10:00 a.m. and by 10:45 we had our 2nd "monorail" ride, a potty stop, our luggage, and was leaving the airport in the Mears van.
I figured we might be in trouble with the tour groups from South America when we got to the luggage area. There was a large group of teens lying on the floor all around the luggage carrousels. They didnt seem to want to move, and everybody was stepping over them or around them. I know I "banged" a couple of them with my luggage. They were finally moved by airport security.
We got to see the Boardwalk, Swan, Dolphin, Yacht, and Beach Club resorts while Mears dropped off our fellow passengers with wishes of a good time as each party got out of the van and then we arrived at the Contemporary (CR).
On the trip to into WDW, we did see some of the fire damage. Was interesting to see one tree would be burned and the next one o k. Driver said the plan was to leave the area alone until next spring to see what would grow back. Some of the fire damage was right next to the highway.
Our luggage was checked (at 11:30) into the storage area at the CR straight from the unloading area at the front of the resort, and got right into line to check in. Had about a 5 - 10 minute wait. Our CM was very nice and friendly. It did take awhile to check in. They were having printer problems. The other thing that slowed us down was that our CM accidentally sent our refrigerator to the wrong room. But she fixed it by changing our room to the room that the refrigerator went to and reprinted out our Unlimited Magic Passes. Also bought our E Night tickets for Tuesday, July 18th.
I very nicely asked if any upgrades were available and we got upgraded to the 8th floor. Not quite the upgrade I was hoping for, but I just smiled and thanked our CM.
Our room was ready and we went straight to it - # 4446 was our home for the next 11 days. You add the first two numbers of room number together to get your floor number. Our luggage was waiting for us when we got there and our refrigerator was coming down the hall as the luggage was being unloaded.
Our room had a balcony with a MK view. We were at one end of the building. Our room overlooked most of the shops, and at the other end from Chef Mickeys and the Concourse Steakhouse restaurants which are on the 4th floor.
As you walk into the room, the bathroom was immediately to your right. There was a large tub with shower head and large counter top with sink in the middle. A large mirror over the sink and top and it was well lighted. There was a hair blow dryer mounted on the wall to the left of the mirror. The toilet, another sink, counter top, lights, and mirror are in a small room connected with a door within the bathroom. The bathroom is black and white tile and was very clean upon arrival.
Across from the bathroom was a very large closet with 2 siding doors. There was ample storage space within with a full size ironing board and iron in the closet. Also, the safe is on the floor. Seemed to be about 10 wooden hangers that you could remove from the rod to hang stuff up on. There were 2 luggage racks in the closet.
We had 2 queen size beds plus a couch / day bed. We didnt use it as a day bed but as a couch to sit on or dump stuff on. Table between the beds with phone. There was a light over each bed with light switches over the table for each light.
In the corner by the glass sliding door was a chair, foot stool and a floor lamp behind it. There was a small end table at one end of the couch with a phone and phone books on the shelf below. There was a large storage unit that ran from the closet to the couch that had drawers and shelves for whatever. The television sat on top at the left end of this unit. Had a good size table lamp at the other end that even had a electrical plug in it that worked great for recharging the camcorder batteries every night. The whole room was very clean and bright. The room looked new and didnt see any "worn" spots or areas. The colors were a little strange at the beginning but after a couple of days didnt even notice them.
From our balcony, we overlooked the Magic Kingdom. We could see Space Mountain, the Castle, Main Street Train Station, Splash Mountain, and Big Thunder Mountain. We could even see the flashes of the pictures from Splash! Also, we could see the Seven Seas Lagoon, the GF, part of the P and the monorail tracks. Our room also was over the front of the resort. More on this later.
As this was our travel day didnt plan on going into a park right away, but wanted to go to an outlet. The original plan was to go to Beltz, but after talking to CMs at the front desk, the plan was quickly changed to the Orlando Premium Outlets that are closer to Downtown Disney. After a quick change of shirts and the unloading of the fanny packs, we were off! Yes these are 2 gals who love to shop!
From the CR, we caught the bus (the bus stop is to the right of the building as you come out. Dont go out the front door, there is a door just to the left of the Bell Services desk that leads you to the bus stop. It is a totally covered walkway. Waited about 5 minutes for bus and caught Bus # 4 which goes to Typhoon Lagoon and Downtown Disney. This was where we had our only transportation miscommunication for the whole trip was after getting off bus at the Market Place. Bus driver told us you couldnt get a cab from the Market Place but had to get a cab at Pleasure Island. Back on another bus to Pleasure Island. Caught a cab in about 3 - 5 minutes and we were off to Orlando Premium Outlets.
This outlet is very new and clean. But was very crowded, and hot!. We only did the Character store here but did spend about 2 hours looking every thing over. Made out like a bandit here.
Caught cab and cab took us directly back to the Market Place. Spent a little time at the World of Disney, made a few purchases with the MKCC discount, and with several large bags, we ended up heading back to the CR shortly. We will be back never fear!!
Back in the room to dump our bags and back down to the Food / Fun Center on the 1st floor to purchase our refillable mugs. One of the best purchases I made. We used the mugs a lot. There were 2 choices of mug handle colors red and purple so we each got one. Back to our room to relax with cold drinks and change into thongs for dinner.
Next - Dinner at Chef Mickey's and the Magic Kingdom!
This is a repost of Kara's and my trip last summer from the old boards by request!
CAST:
Marla - mom age 43, 3rd trip & DL numerous times
Kara - daughter age 9, 2nd trip & DL twice
INTRODUCTION:
I am a single mom with one daughter and here is our fun filled report of our wonderful visit with the head mouse and all of his friends.
After much decision making on my part in late 1999, I booked this trip January 7, 2000. Booked through Magic Kingdom Travel, receiving a Magic Kingdom Club Card (MKCC) discount on room at Contemporary (CR) Tower. With summer schedules and room availability, ended up booking trip for the second half of July. This is not the best time of the year to go weather wise, but you gotta go when you can go! By arriving on the 16th even saved more than $ 400, as it was after the 4th, and we even havent left yet!
I started planning this trip by using every guide book I could get my hands from our local library. Mid March I FINALLY got Internet access and wow - a Whole New World Opened up to me. After countless hours of reading, surfing, and posting questions, here is our trip.
Now, I didnt tell Kara about the trip until about one week before we left. I had kept it a secret for almost 7 months. But when I told her about the trip, I didnt tell her about any of the PSs I had made or the special events she or we were signed up for. On the way to the airport, I told her that mommy had at least one Surprise for her each day. So, each morning, she would ask "do I have any surprises today" and I would answer with the appropriate number. A few times she would start begging to know what surprise was but I didnt bend or break and tell her. So, I have made a note of Surprise for something Kara didnt know about.
THE TRIP:
Day 1 Part 1 - Sunday, July 16: - Travel Day, Flying, Checking In, and Shopping:
Planes, shuttles, vans, monorails, buses and cabs, oh my - and we even hadn't made into a park yet!
After a sleepless night, I kept thinking did I pack everything, finally gave up and surfed and played on the computer. Climbed into the shower around 3 a.m., and Kara woke up around 3:30. My lucky parents, who were driving us to the airport, arrived at 4:30 and we loaded up their car and was on the road minutes later. Arrived at Dayton International Airport at 5 and had luggage checked in and boarding passes in just a couple of minutes. Delta from Dayton to Atlanta.
Proceeded to gate and waited about 35 minutes. They started loading the plane, and we left the gate at 6:05 and was in the air by 6:11. This flight just served drinks and bag of mix, but Kara was carrying the breakfast of champions and travelers - pop tarts! "YUM"! This flight was so cold, everyone on the plane was complaining how cold they were. They even didnt have enough blankets for everyone. I finally got one from the first class section that we could share. Those blankets arent that easy to share. If we had only known that this was the coolest we would be for the next 11 days!
We touched down on the ground in Atlanta at 7:05 arriving at gate B33. Our connecting flight to Orlando, Delta, was leaving from gate A1. We had quite a hike and our first "monorail" shuttle ride of the day.
We left the gate at 8:40. We did leave 70 international guests behind according to our pilot, first we waited for them, but they were having trouble getting out of customs, so our pilot came back on and said we werent waiting any longer and Delta would find them another flight later. Sorry fellow travelers! We were in the air at 8:57. Another snack and drink and I snoozed for a little awhile. I did change from the pants I was wearing into shorts. Let me tell you this was not an easy task in that little stall on the plane! I held up the blankets and Kara changed into her shorts right at her seat. This flight was hot - I figured out later it was to start your body adjusting to the heat in Orlando.
At 9:50 we had a very bouncy landing. Was Tigger flying the plane? We pulled up to our gate at 10:00 a.m. and by 10:45 we had our 2nd "monorail" ride, a potty stop, our luggage, and was leaving the airport in the Mears van.
I figured we might be in trouble with the tour groups from South America when we got to the luggage area. There was a large group of teens lying on the floor all around the luggage carrousels. They didnt seem to want to move, and everybody was stepping over them or around them. I know I "banged" a couple of them with my luggage. They were finally moved by airport security.
We got to see the Boardwalk, Swan, Dolphin, Yacht, and Beach Club resorts while Mears dropped off our fellow passengers with wishes of a good time as each party got out of the van and then we arrived at the Contemporary (CR).
On the trip to into WDW, we did see some of the fire damage. Was interesting to see one tree would be burned and the next one o k. Driver said the plan was to leave the area alone until next spring to see what would grow back. Some of the fire damage was right next to the highway.
Our luggage was checked (at 11:30) into the storage area at the CR straight from the unloading area at the front of the resort, and got right into line to check in. Had about a 5 - 10 minute wait. Our CM was very nice and friendly. It did take awhile to check in. They were having printer problems. The other thing that slowed us down was that our CM accidentally sent our refrigerator to the wrong room. But she fixed it by changing our room to the room that the refrigerator went to and reprinted out our Unlimited Magic Passes. Also bought our E Night tickets for Tuesday, July 18th.
I very nicely asked if any upgrades were available and we got upgraded to the 8th floor. Not quite the upgrade I was hoping for, but I just smiled and thanked our CM.
Our room was ready and we went straight to it - # 4446 was our home for the next 11 days. You add the first two numbers of room number together to get your floor number. Our luggage was waiting for us when we got there and our refrigerator was coming down the hall as the luggage was being unloaded.
Our room had a balcony with a MK view. We were at one end of the building. Our room overlooked most of the shops, and at the other end from Chef Mickeys and the Concourse Steakhouse restaurants which are on the 4th floor.
As you walk into the room, the bathroom was immediately to your right. There was a large tub with shower head and large counter top with sink in the middle. A large mirror over the sink and top and it was well lighted. There was a hair blow dryer mounted on the wall to the left of the mirror. The toilet, another sink, counter top, lights, and mirror are in a small room connected with a door within the bathroom. The bathroom is black and white tile and was very clean upon arrival.
Across from the bathroom was a very large closet with 2 siding doors. There was ample storage space within with a full size ironing board and iron in the closet. Also, the safe is on the floor. Seemed to be about 10 wooden hangers that you could remove from the rod to hang stuff up on. There were 2 luggage racks in the closet.
We had 2 queen size beds plus a couch / day bed. We didnt use it as a day bed but as a couch to sit on or dump stuff on. Table between the beds with phone. There was a light over each bed with light switches over the table for each light.
In the corner by the glass sliding door was a chair, foot stool and a floor lamp behind it. There was a small end table at one end of the couch with a phone and phone books on the shelf below. There was a large storage unit that ran from the closet to the couch that had drawers and shelves for whatever. The television sat on top at the left end of this unit. Had a good size table lamp at the other end that even had a electrical plug in it that worked great for recharging the camcorder batteries every night. The whole room was very clean and bright. The room looked new and didnt see any "worn" spots or areas. The colors were a little strange at the beginning but after a couple of days didnt even notice them.
From our balcony, we overlooked the Magic Kingdom. We could see Space Mountain, the Castle, Main Street Train Station, Splash Mountain, and Big Thunder Mountain. We could even see the flashes of the pictures from Splash! Also, we could see the Seven Seas Lagoon, the GF, part of the P and the monorail tracks. Our room also was over the front of the resort. More on this later.
As this was our travel day didnt plan on going into a park right away, but wanted to go to an outlet. The original plan was to go to Beltz, but after talking to CMs at the front desk, the plan was quickly changed to the Orlando Premium Outlets that are closer to Downtown Disney. After a quick change of shirts and the unloading of the fanny packs, we were off! Yes these are 2 gals who love to shop!
From the CR, we caught the bus (the bus stop is to the right of the building as you come out. Dont go out the front door, there is a door just to the left of the Bell Services desk that leads you to the bus stop. It is a totally covered walkway. Waited about 5 minutes for bus and caught Bus # 4 which goes to Typhoon Lagoon and Downtown Disney. This was where we had our only transportation miscommunication for the whole trip was after getting off bus at the Market Place. Bus driver told us you couldnt get a cab from the Market Place but had to get a cab at Pleasure Island. Back on another bus to Pleasure Island. Caught a cab in about 3 - 5 minutes and we were off to Orlando Premium Outlets.
This outlet is very new and clean. But was very crowded, and hot!. We only did the Character store here but did spend about 2 hours looking every thing over. Made out like a bandit here.
Caught cab and cab took us directly back to the Market Place. Spent a little time at the World of Disney, made a few purchases with the MKCC discount, and with several large bags, we ended up heading back to the CR shortly. We will be back never fear!!
Back in the room to dump our bags and back down to the Food / Fun Center on the 1st floor to purchase our refillable mugs. One of the best purchases I made. We used the mugs a lot. There were 2 choices of mug handle colors red and purple so we each got one. Back to our room to relax with cold drinks and change into thongs for dinner.
Next - Dinner at Chef Mickey's and the Magic Kingdom!
I recognize this trip. Can't wait to read about you meeting some nice folks from Mississippi!!!
Those ##### buses kept us in limbo for so long we missed it!!
Really enjoyed meeting you afterwards though and going to Beaches and Cream. Also loved meeting Harry and his family from Scotland there. 
Keep the trip report coming!!
inkbounc 
