We drove all night..........

[kellyla]

Got back yesterday morning after driving straight through.We had a great time.I am happy that we went a week before Christmas so that we could do just about everything we wanted before the crowds hit.We were at MK on Christmas Day(just for the morning)we were able to do Buzz afew times,Speedway,Teacups,Pooh,Wedway,Space Mountain.The crowds were getting incredible.We checked on Buzz again(we walked on 2x in a row)the wait was upto 45 minutes.We decided to do a trip on the railroad.Main Street was backing up so we decided to leave the Magic Kingdom behind.We got on the resort monrail and got seats up front.When we reached the TTC the line ups were huge.There had to have been a few thousand waiting for both the monorail and ferry.We continued onto the Poly and the cars were lined up from the toll booths at the MK all the way out to where you can see ToT at MGM and still more cars were coming to join the line up.We ended up at AK for the day(which wasnt too bad)They ended up closing MK around 11am.
On Christmas morning there was a bag on each door that contained a card and some chocolates,candy canes and cookie bars in it(I havent let the kids touch them yet,LOL)From Christmas on you really had to decide what rides and shows you wanted to see as the line ups were huge(although I did hear comments from CM's that it was not as busy as they have seen it before on CHristmas week)We went to EPCOT on our last day in the parks(the 27)We walked through the gates at 9:05 and we were able to ride both Test Track and Mission Space by 10:15.After me and my youngest got off SPace(we went single rider line and walked right on)The wait time was up over an hour.After doing this ride that is about all I would wait for it.

The weather started out a little chilly when we got there(around 62 during the day and 30's at night)it warmed right up to the mid 70's.

Time to go and get some laundry done.

 

[maryliz]

Welcome home! Glad you had a nice trip. I cannot imagine being in MK on Christmas Day. Sounds like you did the right planning as far as dates for your trip!

Mary Liz

 

[Snowwark]

Welcome home, Kelly!! Glad you made it back safe and sound.

Wow, sounds incredibly busy. Don't know how well I'd handle that...not the most patient person in the world..lol.

How did you like Mission Space? Did you feel weird after riding it?

Nice touch with the Christmas bags!

 

[kellyla]

The only wierd feeling I got on Mission Space was when you were taking off and the force on your restraint had me catching my breath a little but once you are "in space" to me it was just like any of the other simulaters except the "views"are incredible.I think they have over hyped this experience to the point where alot of people are going to think they cant handle this ride when in reality they can.Alot of people are going to miss out on a great ride.I didnt see anybody had a problem after they got off this ride.Although after our ride we saw a few people who "chickened out"(they give you several opportunites to sign up for "mission control duties")

I will get together a more detailed report in the next few days.I just went to the mail and there was our picture from MVMCP.Makes me want to get out and get my 13 rolls of film developed.

 

[bunnyfoo]

Welcome back I loved Mission Space as well ... I think it's pretty cool and I have to agree that the only intense part of the ride is the take-off. I love all the activities they have after the ride!

When I got home, my MVCMP pictures were waiting for me as well ... Unfortunately, we got the wrong photo I'm still hoping they're going to send us the correct photo (my fingers are crossed)

 

[sammi]

Welcome home Kelly! You sound like you all enjoyed yourselves despite the crowds. I envy you your patience as DH and I would never have been so tolerant with all the crowds. The latest to Christmas we went to the parks was Dec 22 and it actually wasn't too bad but I guess from Christmas Day on it's hectic!

Again welcome back to "reality" and Happy New Year!

 

[TimNDansMom]

Hi Kelly, Welcome back! I was thinking about you yesterday and wondered if you got back safely. Wow, that sounds like an incredible amount of people lined up to get into MK on Christmas Day! I think I would have turned around if I encountered that. Glad to hear though, that you had an enjoyable morning there. How did your stops in NC and Daytona go?

Looking forward to seeing all your pictures!

Happy New Year!

 

[from Canada]

Welcome back! Sounds like you had a great vacation. I was wondering how long it took you to drive straight thru, and which route you took? We're driving for the first time in Feb.
Thanks
Karen

 

[cottontail]

Hi Kelly, welcome back.

How was the drive, did you go thru the Virginia's 77/79 or hwy 75? Also you mentioned that you drove straight thru how long did it take? Nice reporting, I enjoy the trip reports.

Deb.

 

[tigercat]

I would like to know as well which route you took. We are leaving after my dh gets home from work which will be about 4 p.m. and driving for several hours before stopping. The next day we hope to really get pretty far down and then that would leave a smaller drive for the last day. Coming home we will have 2 days do get back.
tigercat

 

[kellyla]

Sorry it has taken so long to reply to you guys.We took the Virginia route(77/79/95)It took us about 22 hours to drive straight through(we left about 9am).We stopped 3 times for gas(we drive a 2001 Grand-Am 4 cylinder)Going down we stopped in Mooresville,NC(we left at 3am) as my son wanted to visit some of the NASCAR places.We started on our way to Orlando by 1:00 and we arrived there about 9PM.We stayed at a hotel right around the corner from the world's largest Mc'Ds for the night and then drove the 15 minutes or so to Disney.We waited about 3 minutes for a CM to check us in and our room was ready right away(just before 9am,never had this happen before)room7361 in Touchdown at the Sports resort.After unpacking the car and going down to the food court so DH could have some breakfast we were on the bus to Downtown Disney by 10:20 am.

I wouldnt hesitate to go back at this time again but we would do the same thing we did this time.Go a week before to make sure that you able to ride and see everything you want to see before the crowds really start to appear.after that you really have to pick and choose what you want to see.We were at MK on Dec 24 and we had to find a place for the afternoon parade by 1:30 in order to find a spot.So we just ordered our hotdogs,fries and drinks at Casey's and sat out on MainStreet.Then of course you get the people who decide 15 minutes before the parade starts to try and find a spot on the curb and get upset at you because you wont shove over so their whole family can sit down.We had actually given up some of our space to a family from Hamilton(the father recognized my youngest son from soccer)so there was no room for anybody else at the inn,LOL.

Julie, all the film has been developed except for two rolls which I had to take to Black's because Walmart couldnt get them to go through their printer.I pick them up on Tuesday.So lots of pictures for our next lunch.Then I can start my first attempt at scrapbook with all of hte materials that I bought at WDW.

One last thing.Pal Mickey was a laugh.He sure knows alot and those corny jokes of his kept us and the kids around us occupied while in lines.

Any more questions?

 

[DisneyLisa]

Welcome back Kelly.

Sounds like you had a great time...I thought of you often...down there with Mickey Mouse during the holidays. I'm looking forward to hearing about it the next time we meet (sorry I wasn't able to make the last meeting).

 

[disneyvacationmom]

Welcome home Kelly. Check your pm's. Talk soon.