CandleontheWater
Forever in love with Hathaway Browne
- Joined
- Mar 5, 2007
- Messages
- 3,399
Sept 25th- What exit is the airport again?
Prologue- I really thought that time around was going to be the trip that clicked in Everetts head. I mean, the kid had been seven times, surely he would understand what were going to Disneyworld meant, right? I was really hoping to have a partner in crime with the whole overly excited bit.
So, the day before we leave, DS and I were driving to a playdate, and I decide to start prepping him for the adventure to come- it went something like this:
Me: Everett- do you know where we are going tomorrow?
Everett: Music class?
Me: Well, actually were skipping music class this week, because WERE GOING TO DISNEY WORLD!
Everett: *silence*
Me: Isnt that exciting, what ride do you want to ride first at Disney?
Everett: I go Natalie and Catlins house
Me: Well, thats where we are going to right now, but what ride do you want to ride tomorrow?
Everett: (with escalating volume) I GO TO MUSIC CLASS!
Me: Ummm arent you excited to go see Mickey Mouse?
Everett: (bordering on hysterical) NO, NO Mickey Mouse, I GO SEE Natalie and Catlin!
Me: (acknowledging defeat) Okay, yes, that is exactly where we are headed and well be there really soon!
Lesson learned- Dont mess with your very literal two year old.
So it was with some trepidation that I entered DSs room at 5am the next morning- waking him up and saying Were going to Disney World- right now!
DS pokes up his sleepy head and says Ummm Okay. Ill take it!
Im really lucky in that Everett has no problems being woken up early in the morning. In fact, I think he was thrilled that I was actually sanctioning him being up so early, as opposed to begging him to go back to sleep like I usually do.
I got him changed and dressed in the Disney clothes I had laid out weeks ago, and then turned on some TV while I got last minute things together. It was so early that Disney Junior wasnt even on yet, and Everett was forced to suffer through Phineas and Ferb (which I think he actually enjoyed).
Meanwhile my Mom was getting ready, and I was mildly concerned when I saw she was just getting into the shower, but wasnt starting to panic yet. I got Everett some milk and a fruit bar and lined my suitcases and carry-on up by the front door.
The plan was to leave the house by 6 am- 6:15 at the latest, and by 5:45 me and Everett were both ready, coats and shoes on and waiting by the front door. I hadnt seen or heard anything from my mother, so I peaked in her room to see how things were going. She was drying her hair. Umm, Mom, almost ready to go? Well, I have to finish my hair, and put on my makeup, and then get some stuff together no problem, Ill be done soon.
At this point I began to get mildly concerned. You see, my mom is all things awesome, but punctuality has never been her strong suit. When I was a kid I used to have to tell her that all my activities started an hour earlier than they actually did, that was the only way I actually be on time.
Everett and I continued to wait,
6am- rolled around- nope not ready yet
6:15- just a few more minutes
6:30- at this point Im glad my Dad decided not to join us because hed be having a coronary
6:40- OK, actually progress, Mom is ready, and were headed out to the car
6:45- and were off, like a herd of turtles
At this point Im more than a little concerned, were a ½ hr off schedule and we still have to contend with rush hour traffic around Hartford. I took a deep breath and reminded myself that in all the traveling Ive done with my Mom, we havent missed a flight yet. Thats not saying weve never been running for the gate as they are closing the doors, but once youre on, youre on, right?
Well, I settle in for the drive, obsessively double checking that I have everything I need (I cant be the only one who panics about things like forgetting my drivers license, right?). Luckily for us traffic is very light, even around Hartford, and we breeze right through. At this point Im starting to relax and dream of Disney and Im truthfully not paying much attention as we approach the airport.
The next thing I know were driving by an exit, and my Mom asks me Was that the exit for the airport?
WHAT??!! Im not the one driving, I wasnt paying attention. Not to mention that my Mom has driven to this airport hundreds of times, and Ive only been there a handful.
We quickly determine that we in fact did drive by the correct exit, but no problem according to my mom, well just get off the next one and figure it out from there. I pull out the GPS and frantically try to get it to pull up the airport, but the dumb thing is searching for satellites and in the meantime thinks were in Maine and is attempting to direct us to the Portland airport.
Now things are starting to look bleak, were late, were lost, and we still have to park the car, check in and make it through security, with a toddler!
Somehow we miraculously make it back toward the airport (no thanks to you stupid GPS!) and found some signs that pointed us in the right direction. I guess were not the first people to miss the exit!
We pull up at departures and I quickly get Everett out of the car, while my mom unloads the suitcases and then speeds off towards long term parking.
While we waited for my mom to return, I located the skycap desk (no time for waiting in line inside!) and snapped a quick picture of Everett, meanwhile praying that security lines would be short.
My mom made it back to us from the parking garage in record time, the skycap processed our luggage, and we were on our way to security.
I do have an ace in the hole when it comes to airport security and that is that military members and their travel companions are often allowed to use the employee screening line, and I was fully prepared to take advantage of that perk if we were cutting it very close. Each airport has their own rules, but I know for sure that they allow it in Orlando (which is where we first learned about it) and at DCA.
This time, however, the security lines were deserted and we made it through very fast, even with all our stuff. We made up so much time that we actually had a FULL HALF HOUR until our flight left. This may not seem like much to other people, but thats a lot of time when you are traveling with my mom.
At this point we split up, with my mom heading to McDonalds to grab a very healthy breakfast for us, and I went to get DSs stroller gate checked. We boarded the plane with 10 minutes to spare folks- whoo-hoo!
We ran into a slight snafu when we realized that someone was sitting in our seat, and they proceeded to take FOREVER to get their stuff gathered up on out of our way. The flight attendant started to get a little snippy with me and my mom, asking us to get seated, but there was really nothing we could do with someone else in our seats.
FINALLY that woman was out of our way, I threw DSs car seat into the window seat, buckled it up, got him in and we were on our way to Orlando.
We ate our super-healthy breakfast while we ascended to cruising altitude, and then I pulled out the Ipad for DS, and I got out my reader to start my new book, The Light Between Oceans. DS was an angel on the flight, and was completely entertained with watching Princess and the Frog and Lion King with no volume.
Once we got off the flight, DS was apparently trying to make up for his previous good behavior and was acting completely batty. I know he was really excited and was having a hard time controlling himself, but he still managed to earn two time outs before we even made it down to collect our luggage.
Once we collected all of our belongings, we proceeded down to the rental car area to pick up our rental. I had signed up on line to be an Alamo insider, the main attraction being that I could use a kiosk to check out, instead of waiting in line. That ended up being a really smart move, because despite having to switch kiosks twice do to them malfunctioning, we still were in and out before the line moved even one person.
Once outside I attempted to find the line for the standard cars, since that is what I rented, but I kept getting confused by long rows of minivans. I ended up asking someone where the standard isle was, and he pointed me back to the long row of minivans, telling me to pick anyone in that line I would like.
This seemed very strange to me, but I had read on the trusty DIS that they sometimes stock minivans in other isles, if they run out of the car type you rented. My mom was really skeptical, but I figured wed ask again on the way out, and proceeded to load all our stuff into the van, which, of course I did not get a photo of.
I know that most people would have been thrilled with this turn of events, but I wasnt completely enthusiastic, both because of the gas mileage, and because I knew that I would be driving it at least once and Im miserable at driving larger vehicles, but with no other choice, off we went.
There is one thing I did really love about the minivan, and that is the button that auto-magically opened the doors of the car. Not having to struggle with a kid and open a door at the same time- genius! Now I just need to get my 2000 Honda accord retrofitted with that technology.
After a quick stop at the gate and another affirmation that it was indeed OK to take a minivan, we were on our way out of the airport and off towards good old 417. I got my quarters and dollars bills out and ready in advance of the tolls and did my best to make sure my mom was going in the right direction. After living in Florida for years I am very familiar with 417, and after the navigational challenges of the morning, I wasnt about to miss another exit.
Before long this lovely sight came into view, and all the stress and anxiety of a difficult travel morning melted away and we were officially on vacation!
Up next: Meltdown mayhem and upgrade magic!
Prologue- I really thought that time around was going to be the trip that clicked in Everetts head. I mean, the kid had been seven times, surely he would understand what were going to Disneyworld meant, right? I was really hoping to have a partner in crime with the whole overly excited bit.
So, the day before we leave, DS and I were driving to a playdate, and I decide to start prepping him for the adventure to come- it went something like this:
Me: Everett- do you know where we are going tomorrow?
Everett: Music class?
Me: Well, actually were skipping music class this week, because WERE GOING TO DISNEY WORLD!
Everett: *silence*
Me: Isnt that exciting, what ride do you want to ride first at Disney?
Everett: I go Natalie and Catlins house
Me: Well, thats where we are going to right now, but what ride do you want to ride tomorrow?
Everett: (with escalating volume) I GO TO MUSIC CLASS!
Me: Ummm arent you excited to go see Mickey Mouse?
Everett: (bordering on hysterical) NO, NO Mickey Mouse, I GO SEE Natalie and Catlin!
Me: (acknowledging defeat) Okay, yes, that is exactly where we are headed and well be there really soon!
Lesson learned- Dont mess with your very literal two year old.
So it was with some trepidation that I entered DSs room at 5am the next morning- waking him up and saying Were going to Disney World- right now!
DS pokes up his sleepy head and says Ummm Okay. Ill take it!
Im really lucky in that Everett has no problems being woken up early in the morning. In fact, I think he was thrilled that I was actually sanctioning him being up so early, as opposed to begging him to go back to sleep like I usually do.
I got him changed and dressed in the Disney clothes I had laid out weeks ago, and then turned on some TV while I got last minute things together. It was so early that Disney Junior wasnt even on yet, and Everett was forced to suffer through Phineas and Ferb (which I think he actually enjoyed).
Meanwhile my Mom was getting ready, and I was mildly concerned when I saw she was just getting into the shower, but wasnt starting to panic yet. I got Everett some milk and a fruit bar and lined my suitcases and carry-on up by the front door.
The plan was to leave the house by 6 am- 6:15 at the latest, and by 5:45 me and Everett were both ready, coats and shoes on and waiting by the front door. I hadnt seen or heard anything from my mother, so I peaked in her room to see how things were going. She was drying her hair. Umm, Mom, almost ready to go? Well, I have to finish my hair, and put on my makeup, and then get some stuff together no problem, Ill be done soon.
At this point I began to get mildly concerned. You see, my mom is all things awesome, but punctuality has never been her strong suit. When I was a kid I used to have to tell her that all my activities started an hour earlier than they actually did, that was the only way I actually be on time.
Everett and I continued to wait,
6am- rolled around- nope not ready yet
6:15- just a few more minutes
6:30- at this point Im glad my Dad decided not to join us because hed be having a coronary
6:40- OK, actually progress, Mom is ready, and were headed out to the car
6:45- and were off, like a herd of turtles
At this point Im more than a little concerned, were a ½ hr off schedule and we still have to contend with rush hour traffic around Hartford. I took a deep breath and reminded myself that in all the traveling Ive done with my Mom, we havent missed a flight yet. Thats not saying weve never been running for the gate as they are closing the doors, but once youre on, youre on, right?
Well, I settle in for the drive, obsessively double checking that I have everything I need (I cant be the only one who panics about things like forgetting my drivers license, right?). Luckily for us traffic is very light, even around Hartford, and we breeze right through. At this point Im starting to relax and dream of Disney and Im truthfully not paying much attention as we approach the airport.
The next thing I know were driving by an exit, and my Mom asks me Was that the exit for the airport?
WHAT??!! Im not the one driving, I wasnt paying attention. Not to mention that my Mom has driven to this airport hundreds of times, and Ive only been there a handful.
We quickly determine that we in fact did drive by the correct exit, but no problem according to my mom, well just get off the next one and figure it out from there. I pull out the GPS and frantically try to get it to pull up the airport, but the dumb thing is searching for satellites and in the meantime thinks were in Maine and is attempting to direct us to the Portland airport.
Now things are starting to look bleak, were late, were lost, and we still have to park the car, check in and make it through security, with a toddler!
Somehow we miraculously make it back toward the airport (no thanks to you stupid GPS!) and found some signs that pointed us in the right direction. I guess were not the first people to miss the exit!
We pull up at departures and I quickly get Everett out of the car, while my mom unloads the suitcases and then speeds off towards long term parking.
While we waited for my mom to return, I located the skycap desk (no time for waiting in line inside!) and snapped a quick picture of Everett, meanwhile praying that security lines would be short.
My mom made it back to us from the parking garage in record time, the skycap processed our luggage, and we were on our way to security.
I do have an ace in the hole when it comes to airport security and that is that military members and their travel companions are often allowed to use the employee screening line, and I was fully prepared to take advantage of that perk if we were cutting it very close. Each airport has their own rules, but I know for sure that they allow it in Orlando (which is where we first learned about it) and at DCA.
This time, however, the security lines were deserted and we made it through very fast, even with all our stuff. We made up so much time that we actually had a FULL HALF HOUR until our flight left. This may not seem like much to other people, but thats a lot of time when you are traveling with my mom.
At this point we split up, with my mom heading to McDonalds to grab a very healthy breakfast for us, and I went to get DSs stroller gate checked. We boarded the plane with 10 minutes to spare folks- whoo-hoo!
We ran into a slight snafu when we realized that someone was sitting in our seat, and they proceeded to take FOREVER to get their stuff gathered up on out of our way. The flight attendant started to get a little snippy with me and my mom, asking us to get seated, but there was really nothing we could do with someone else in our seats.
FINALLY that woman was out of our way, I threw DSs car seat into the window seat, buckled it up, got him in and we were on our way to Orlando.
We ate our super-healthy breakfast while we ascended to cruising altitude, and then I pulled out the Ipad for DS, and I got out my reader to start my new book, The Light Between Oceans. DS was an angel on the flight, and was completely entertained with watching Princess and the Frog and Lion King with no volume.
Once we got off the flight, DS was apparently trying to make up for his previous good behavior and was acting completely batty. I know he was really excited and was having a hard time controlling himself, but he still managed to earn two time outs before we even made it down to collect our luggage.
Once we collected all of our belongings, we proceeded down to the rental car area to pick up our rental. I had signed up on line to be an Alamo insider, the main attraction being that I could use a kiosk to check out, instead of waiting in line. That ended up being a really smart move, because despite having to switch kiosks twice do to them malfunctioning, we still were in and out before the line moved even one person.
Once outside I attempted to find the line for the standard cars, since that is what I rented, but I kept getting confused by long rows of minivans. I ended up asking someone where the standard isle was, and he pointed me back to the long row of minivans, telling me to pick anyone in that line I would like.
This seemed very strange to me, but I had read on the trusty DIS that they sometimes stock minivans in other isles, if they run out of the car type you rented. My mom was really skeptical, but I figured wed ask again on the way out, and proceeded to load all our stuff into the van, which, of course I did not get a photo of.
I know that most people would have been thrilled with this turn of events, but I wasnt completely enthusiastic, both because of the gas mileage, and because I knew that I would be driving it at least once and Im miserable at driving larger vehicles, but with no other choice, off we went.
There is one thing I did really love about the minivan, and that is the button that auto-magically opened the doors of the car. Not having to struggle with a kid and open a door at the same time- genius! Now I just need to get my 2000 Honda accord retrofitted with that technology.
After a quick stop at the gate and another affirmation that it was indeed OK to take a minivan, we were on our way out of the airport and off towards good old 417. I got my quarters and dollars bills out and ready in advance of the tolls and did my best to make sure my mom was going in the right direction. After living in Florida for years I am very familiar with 417, and after the navigational challenges of the morning, I wasnt about to miss another exit.
Before long this lovely sight came into view, and all the stress and anxiety of a difficult travel morning melted away and we were officially on vacation!
Up next: Meltdown mayhem and upgrade magic!
I have never heard that before, and I seriously laughed out loud! 
at Everett's reaction to Disney!! I guess you won't be filming any "we're going to Disney" surprise videos anytime soon! 
Drives me insane! 
Did he get excited once he saw the Disney arches? He surely wasn't going to show any excitement the day before leaving. 
