We Finish Each other’s Sandwiches: A Bromantic February 2016 Getaway (also featuring me)

[thksphoenicians]

In the immortal words of the citizens of Main Street, U.S.A.:
Hi there! Good to see you!

Hello?

Welcome?

…is this thing on?

Well, hopefully there will be somebody out there to say hello to eventually!

I've spent almost a decade of my life reading trip reports on various Disney messageboards and, since I've just recently decided to get more active on the Dis, I figured there's no time like the present to try writing one myself.


Who:
The Three Amigos

thksphoenicians (Center)
Me! An American girl in London, still trying to "figure things out" at 29.
So, basically a female version of this guy:

My husband (Left)
The BFG (Big Friendly Giant/Ginge). He's half English, half German and loves to cook when he's not out in the world working hard. His first reaction to seeing Cinderella Castle from afar was to comment on the make and model of the infamous photoboming crane. Nerd alert!

My Dad (Right, Always.)
He's from Michigan and, at 71, is still a pretty major workaholic. Possibly because he sometimes gets to read the x-rays of his favorite NHL players. He loves fishing, never stops learning new things, and has successfully motivated himself to stay mobile despite debilitating arthritis. I'm almost 30 and I still genuinely believe he's a magical wizard who can fix anything.


What:
The subtitle of this TR comes from my VERY TRUE AND ACCURATE belief that my Dad only hangs out with me so he can spend time with his most beloved child, DH. The title, I hope, is self-explanatory to all those who believe that no food (or bad joke) should go unshared with loved ones!
Speaking of our eating habits...I don't think any of our meals survived this family-style approach to be photographed. I know, I know. Just don't say I didn't warn you.


Why, When, and Where:
We planned this vacation as a last hurrah family trip before DH & I start focusing on selling our apartment, moving closer to his parents (who are amazing world-traveling ex-hippies -- not Disney people!), and starting our own family. Except, oops, we’re now postponing the stress of buying/selling real estate for another year and will be returning to WDW for a last last hurrah in Feb. 2017.

Anyway! I am overly-sentimental and wanted to make some memories with DH and Dad in places where I made loads of important family vacation memories growing up, so we all blocked out two weeks on our calendars: Feb. 20th-March 5th, 2016. I handled the research/reservations while the guys sorted out vacation time, and we ended up booking a 1-BR villa at Old Key West for the first week and a condo on Sanibel Island for the second.

Don't worry, unless there's unprecedented demand for 900 pictures of the same sunset, this TR will only cover our time in The World.

Index
Travel Day (Nope'ing Across the Atlantic)
Day 1 (NoSpace Mountain)

 

[thksphoenicians]

Travel Day: February 20th, 2016

Calling myself a “nervous traveler” is a gross understatement. When I was a little girl, the airport was a place of adventure and excitement. I was always looking forward to pinning on my plastic pilot wings, drinking Pawberry Punch, and reading/coloring at 30,000 feet.

However — and it’s a BIG however — the older I’ve grown and the more long-haul flights I’ve endured, the more hysterical thoughts about how humans weren’t meant to fly (to say nothing of mechanical failure, terrorism, the Bermuda Triangle, and that monster who kept harassing William Shatner on the Twilight Zone) have taken over.

I try to take a lesson from everyone’s favorite Nordic attraction-invader, Queen Elsa, and let it go.
Which really means that I sit on the plane thinking, “WELL, IF THIS IS YOUR LAST FLIGHT EVER, ENJOY IT! YOU’VE LIVED A GREAT LIFE!”

So hopefully that explains why I chose not to document our journey too extensively.

Or at all.

Moving right along!

DH and I were flying direct from London Gatwick airport to MCO, departing around 11:30AM, which gave us plenty of time to rise at a semi-reasonable hour, lug our massive suitcases down from our second floor walk-up (okay, to be honest, I was already freaking out at this point, so poor old DH did most of the suitcase lugging), down into the tube station, through Victoria station and onto the train to the airport.

Thanks to my anxiety and general concern about punctuality, we had to stand around the Virgin Atlantic check-in desks trying to amuse ourselves for a good 15-20 minutes before we could drop our bags and print out boarding passes. DH really puts up with a lot on travel days. And on all other days.

We had a smooth flight and a speedy run through U.S. customs in Orlando, thanks to an extremely sweet employee who, when faced with our U.S. citizen/U.K. citizen combo marriage, kindly ushered us over to the shortest line.

Then, the highlight of our day: not riding the Fauxnorail, but finding Dad!

We also managed to find Michael Ian Black and his family! DH and I are fans of the movie Wet Hot American Summer, so we thought our sighting was pretty great, but neither of us are the type to bother somebody on their vacation, so we just whispered excitedly at each other and continued on to the Magical Express.
Please tell me about your own Disney-related celebrity sightings if you’ve had any!

When we arrived at Old Key West, energy and enthusiasm (at least from those of us who’d travelled 3,500 miles) were flagging. But there’s nothing like being welcomed home to your Disney resort!

(Picture Credit: DVCRentals.com) ​

As Sanibel-Captiva vacation veterans, Dad and I were instantly pleased with the low key look/vibe of Old Key West. DH had no complaints, but he’s definitely still attached to the more heavily-themed lodge-style resorts.

After check-in, a friendly bell services CM speedily whisked us, our luggage and provisions away to Building 42 — so speedily that a couple of us left our stomachs behind at Hospitality House!

We returned to Hospitality House to ask a few questions at concierge and grab dinner from Good’s Food to Go (My first Disney chicken nuggets of 2016! The men made less pedestrian choices. If you want to get specific, I believe they both had the Jerk Chicken Pita and enjoyed it. And yes, true to my TR title, I did pass on a few of my precious nugs to the fam).

It was great to chat, unwind, and soak up some Floridian atmosphere by the water while also trying to prop our jet-lagged eyelids open until a normal bedtime hour.

Nothing like being exposed to scores of happy, tanned people in cute outfits while you’re still wearing the sweatpants you put on several time zones ago. Er…NOT THAT I WOULD KNOW.

Now, the moment absolutely nobody has been waiting for...the only picture I took on our travel day!

The Good Doctor in his un-natural habitat!

Once back in our room, Dad tried to insist that he should sleep on the pull-out couch. Reminding him that 1) we are not terrible people (or at least not THAT terrible!) and 2) he has some serious issues with his neck, back, arthritis literally everywhere, etc. etc. wasn’t enough. What convinced him to relent was explaining that DH and I would be up for rope-drop every day — he would have been totally okay with spending 7 days in extra pain, but conceded that he didn’t want to listen to us clattering around in his makeshift bedroom eating breakfast at 6am every day.
Priorities, guys.

I swear there will be images that aren’t ironic flashing GIFs in the next update.

 

[thksphoenicians]

Day 1: February 21st, 2016

While we’d planned for a relaxed morning to avoid a repeat of Jet-Lag Incident ’14, this picture of our lovely view attests to the fact that we still managed to get up pretty early.

We had requested a ground floor room due to Dad’s mobility challenges and we ended up in a great location to watch wildlife while we enjoyed our first Disney breakfast. We got to see a beautiful Great Blue Heron fly across the water and land in a high treetop just next to our building.

As we were standing on our porch, I spotted some ducks all the way across the little lake and they spotted us right back!
Like true Disney ducks, they swam over to our side of the lake and came straight up to us, quacking demandingly.

The pushy duck ringleader.

The ducks were looking downright portly, so we ignored their begging for food.

Fortunately for us, they were way too fat to come through the fencing around the porch, but they were definitely making a good attempt!

Once Dad was up and about, it was time to do the Must-Do!

After some debate, we decided to head to MK for lunch at Thksphoenicians Family favorite, Columbia Harbour House. This is my Dad’s & my spot. We totally sat on the second floor and people-watched before it was the cool thing to do, guys! (I may be overstating things the teeniest, tiniest bit, but what can I say? It’s just one of those Magical Memories spots for me. With the added bonus of those ol’ reliable QS chicken nuggets!)

DH took this super flattering snap of Dad and me on our short walk to the bus stop:

The Backside of Tourists, ladies and gentlemen!!

Once we made it into MK, we headed into our favorite land and made a bee-line for our favorite attraction — Pirates!

Again with the backside of tourists. I think we may need to invest in a Photography 101 class. Or at least a Photography for Dummies book!

PotC is the only Disney attraction I vividly remember experiencing with both parents when I was little, so it was wonderful to experience it as an adult with my two favorite people. My Dad, who is typically Mr. Stoic, even got into the spirit and sang out a couple of “Yo Ho”s along with the animatronics. Amazing.

After Pirates, we headed into Liberty Square to grab lunch as planned. As usual, I chose something befitting someone half my age with double my metabolism (NUGS) while the gentlemen went for a healthier option (the Anchors Aweigh tuna sandwich). Thrilling stuff, folks.

At this point I grabbed what was left of my soda to-go and ditched the menfolk. DH had an appointment with all three MK mountains and I had a 2pm appointment at Senses for a manicure and pedicure. The best way to relax when you’re an over-planner at heart is to over-plan your relaxation. Makes sense to me!

It was a hot day, so the boat ride to GF felt pretty darn grand. Eh? Eh? (Maybe I also need to invest in Humor for Dummies)
I befriended a lovely grandma who was on babysitting duty for her tiny granddaughter while Mom & Dad were attending a conference somewhere on property. After we reached the dock, I helped unload and set up their stroller and then quickly disappeared off like an awkward Fairy Godmother.

Senses was chockablock with ladies who had participated in a RunDisney event earlier in the day, but I found a perch in the waiting room and began relentlessly texting the guys to see what they’d been up to since I left them. Friends, THEY WENT ON HAUNTED MANSION WITHOUT ME. Fortunately I had about 2.5 hours to recover from this news while I enjoyed my mani/pedi. There wasn’t a great deal of Disney flair to the treatment room, but it was a suitably pampering experience and my polish lasted all week!

(When you want a picture of the chandeliers but you also don’t want to be scolded for taking pictures in a spa.)

Probably the best thing about visiting Senses happened after I left; sitting on their porch while waiting for my nails to dry, taking in the pseudo-Victorian scenery on a gorgeous, sunny day and watching the monorail pass overhead. Quiet moments of reflection at Disney can be few and far between, so it was wonderful to have the time to think “I’m really here!” and be truly grateful.

MEANWHILE:

MAXIMUM KNEE PAIN

This was DH’s first ever ride on Space Mountain.
It was also his last ever ride on Space Mountain.

Fortunately Splash, which had been down for refurb on DH’s first visit to the parks in 2014, was a bigger hit.

At some point, the men disclosed that they had also ridden the TTA/PeopleMover without me.

Like any rational human facing this kind of ultimate betrayal, I headed straight for the bar.

And, to be honest, also to the shops.

But let’s be real, I’m neither the first nor the last adult to be drinking at Mizner’s with a shopping bag full of stuffed animals and Minnie-Ear headbands. Own it, I say!

Eventually I hopped on the resort monorail to meet up with DH and Dad at the Polynesian. We sat and enjoyed the atmosphere on the beach until it was time for our reservation at ‘Ohana.

Dinner at ‘Ohana was a totally new experience for us, so again I’m short on pictures due to being lost in the food and/or the moment.
Although somehow in between all my "living in the moment," I was subtly called out for being That Jerk on Their Smartphone by the Entertainment CM who sings beautiful Hawaiian songs/plays ukulele. She got a good view of my friend’s baby shower pictures (all while singing “I Lava You”) and the guys thought it was hilarious!

We loved the whole experience and enjoyed the food, but the unbeatable combo of bread pudding, ice cream and a great view of Wishes stands out as a perfect magical moment.

In all our awkward glory.

At least DH got the Front Side of Tourists this time.

 

[absolutmey]

subbing. I LOL'd at your pesky, pushy, portly ducks

 

[thksphoenicians]

subbing. I LOL'd at your pesky, pushy, portly ducks

Thanks so much -- thrilled to have you reading! And I love your Ackbar avatar.

 

[KnK]

DH and I are fans of the movie Wet Hot American Summer

I started laughing to myself as soon as I read this.....whats not to like about the movie or the TV show.

 

[thksphoenicians]

I started laughing to myself as soon as I read this.....whats not to like about the movie or the TV show.

Documentary footage of my husband being asked to do anything he doesn't want to do:

 

[HomeSweetDisney]

I'm in!!! I am cracking up reading your TR...love your sense of humor! I am also fond of using an inordinate amount of gifs and memes, so we have this in common
Also, your dad is SO cute!

Can't wait to read more!

 

[missangelalexis]

Joining in to read about your trip Your intro totally drew me in right away! Love your writing style, so enjoyable to read.

Sounds like your trip is off to a good start! I'm sure the men couldn't wait for you to go on your own so they could get some bro time in

 

[thksphoenicians]

I'm in!!! I am cracking up reading your TR...love your sense of humor! I am also fond of using an inordinate amount of gifs and memes, so we have this in common
Also, your dad is SO cute!

Can't wait to read more!

Thanks so much for reading! I'm very flattered to have a prolific poster/fellow GIF fan all up in my thread!
(And obviously I totally agree that my Dad is the cutest pocket-sized weirdo around, but I'm biased)

 

[thksphoenicians]

Joining in to read about your trip Your intro totally drew me in right away! Love your writing style, so enjoyable to read.

Sounds like your trip is off to a good start! I'm sure the men couldn't wait for you to go on your own so they could get some bro time in

Ahh, thank you!! I really appreciate the kind words about my writing style (or lack thereof)!
My Dad's entire relationship with me is now based on waiting for me to leave the room/pass over the phone so he and DH can enjoy hockey talk and long, manful silences. He might deny this, but you and I know the truth...

 

[HomeSweetDisney]

Thanks so much for reading! I'm very flattered to have a prolific poster/fellow GIF fan all up in my thread!
(And obviously I totally agree that my Dad is the cutest pocket-sized weirdo around, but I'm biased)

Why thank you!

And yes, gifs make everything better!!

Not sure why I posted that one other than it always makes me laugh

 

[thksphoenicians]

@HomeSweetDisney

Thank YOU so much for bringing crazy Shia into this thread.

 

[KathyM2]

Hey...following along! Great TR so far!

 

[thksphoenicians]

Hey...following along! Great TR so far!

Thank you!

 

[TheLittleKatie]

I'm late but I'm here!

In the immortal words of the citizens of Main Street, U.S.A.:
Hi there! Good to see you!

We're already off to a GREAT start.

So, basically a female version of this guy:

Errrrrrrrm can we be best friends?

His first reaction to seeing Cinderella Castle from afar was to comment on the make and model of the infamous photoboming crane. Nerd alert!

I mean at least he.. put a good spin.. on the crane..? Maybe just a regular spin. NONETHELESS I admire his Disney crane enthusiasm!

He loves fishing, never stops learning new things, and has successfully motivated himself to stay mobile despite debilitating arthritis.

He sounds GREAT.

Except, oops, we’re now postponing the stress of buying/selling real estate for another year and will be returning to WDW for a last last hurrah in Feb. 2017.

A great decision.

DH really puts up with a lot on travel days. And on all other days.

OMG these made me LOL I have not seen these kinds of photos in YEARS. I do hope they will continue....

We returned to Hospitality House

How?! Can you rent little golf buggies at Old Key West?

Nothing like being exposed to scores of happy, tanned people in cute outfits while you’re still wearing the sweatpants you put on several time zones ago. Er…NOT THAT I WOULD KNOW.

Ahhh arrival day problems.. we've all been there

I swear there will be images that aren’t ironic flashing GIFs in the next update.

Boooooo.........

Once Dad was up and about, it was time to do the Must-Do!

FINALLY! Did it really take you ~12 hours to watch Stacey??!!

After some debate, we decided to head to MK for lunch at Thksphoenicians Family favorite, Columbia Harbour House.

I looove this place

As usual, I chose something befitting someone half my age with double my metabolism (NUGS) while the gentlemen went for a healthier option (the Anchors Aweigh tuna sandwich).

You definitely had the better experience

It was a hot day, so the boat ride to GF felt pretty darn grand. Eh? Eh? (Maybe I also need to invest in Humor for Dummies)

MEANWHILE:

He does not look impressed!!! How come he didn't ride Space again? I mean did he dislike the ride or was it just super uncomfortable for him ?!

We loved the whole experience and enjoyed the food, but the unbeatable combo of bread pudding, ice cream and a great view of Wishes stands out as a perfect magical moment.

What a great first night!!!

Owww you guys

Yay I'm enjoying already, excited to hear more

 

[amberdc1987]

Yay! I can't wait to read more. We are going in Feb 2017 also. We can't wait. It will be our girls first trip. Keep it coming.

 

[wvgoofyfan]

I hope this TR is not permanently interrupted! I would like to read more!

 

[dlavender]

I judge every TR by how many Buster GIFs are used....

So far, yours is #1.

 

[elcmum]

I judge every TR by how many Buster GIFs are used....

So far, yours is #1.

I agree. And I'm the mother of a #nevernude, so any reference to the show makes me consider someone a kindred spirit.

Can't wait to read more.