Welcome to the Cheap Seat...or how I decided to go to Disney in a day for a day.

[MagiKitty]

I was thoroughly embarrassed in front of a herd of school-aged children and their chaperones. I just wanted a darn seat! With some reshuffling amongst the group, I found myself sitting in the first row, behind the driver. At least I didn't have to face anyone, just stare ahead at the toll road.

The driver announced that we would be at the hotel in 25 minutes. Yeah.

What seemed like an eternity later, we drove under the arch that welcomes all to Walt Disney World, and soon we were heading to the All Star Resorts. First stop: All Star Music.

Since I was sitting in the first row, I got up to let my seat partner out (yet another chaperone) and stood near the driver's seat to let everyone pass. And I mean EVERYONE! As the bus emptied out, there was just me and the bus driver left.

I felt bad tha the bus driver just had to drive me, so I asked if the Movies resort was within walking distance. He told me, "uh, no not really. What, you don't want a private bus?"

We laughed and the bus pulled out to take me and my overnight bag to All Star Movies.

I've stayed at Pop and All Star Sports in the past, but for one night, I was very excited to stay at a new resort. Once the bus and my bus driver, Ricardo (a transplanted NYer himself) dropped me off, I entered lobby, called Cinema Hall. I had checked in online the night before, so I went to the designated area.

Even before I opened my mouth, the CM greeted me with "one night?". Not not, "Welcome to Disney All Star Movies" or "Hello, how can I help you?". Absolutely creepy...I should have guessed that Disney tracked its guests using the system. But wow!

I received my welcome packet and was directed to my room in the Herbie buildings. I really, really had the cheap seat (or in this case, room) this time! I walked past the pool, past the Fantasia buildings, past the front of the Herbie buildings....back, back, back. I was in the room furthest possible!

But I didn't let that stop me....

I guess you could say that my room was in Herbie's tailpipe....I was nowhere near here!

Enjoying the Florida sunshine!

 

[jwwi]

How absolutely fun, can't believe you got your flight for 36.00. Wow, you better be reporting on the budget board too.

 

[MagiKitty]

jwwi, I was on the Transportation board on Monday. there was one other Diser who was flying from Buffalo for the day too!

The budget board is deadly for me....

Wait until you see what the total expenditure for my trip was!

 

[TokyoDina]

It happens but that's cool you got a "private bus ride" Can't wait to read more!

 

[JanetMom]

What a great thing to do!

I'm totally jealous of the magic drawer with the one day pass and gift card.

I'm headed to CSR next week for work, but will only have one afternoon to myself so it is not worth paying the park admission. I would love to have a one day pass laying around.

It is so fun to be spontaneous!

 

[MagiKitty]

Hi Janetmom! The magic drawer also had two prepaid Visa cards from redeemed rebates too....you'll meet them later.

 

[hsembrick]

Okay this is just getting better and better! I told my DH about your airfare and was then instructed to sign up for jetblue emails!!! He said he would do Vegas in a day!! I said "VEGAS HELL!! I'M GOING TO DISNEY!!"

 

[MagiKitty]

That JetBlue sale was amazingly insane. From my tiny airport, there were $10 fares to Orlando, Fort Lauderdale and Santo Domingo! Can you imagine?! Next time I'm aiming for Puerto Rico---and there WILL be a next time!

 

[mousetravel]

I'm enjoying your TR! Can't wait for more pics, and the grand total of your micro-vacation!

 

[Sukie]

WOW~ I am so glad that you had the time to just get out there and enjoy yourself. I can't wait for the next installment. Hope to see it soon.

 

[ilovediznee]

I went to the JB site and couldn't find the place to sign up for emails. Can someone tell me where exactly to go?

Thanks - Diane

 

[MagiKitty]

Try this....http://promo-app.jetblue.com/profile/signup.cfm

 

[D&DDisney]

Living vicariously through you!

Ya gotta type more!!!

 

[MagiKitty]

After a quick change of Upstate NY clothes to Disney-wear, I headed back to Cinema Hall to catch the bus to EPCOT.

Quickly remembered to take some shots as proof I was really here!

Walked through the lobby and out to the bus stop...where I saw the EPCOT bus pulling away. Drat.

Being the amazing weather that it was, I stood in the shadow to avoid unnecessary freckling. I figured I had to wait about 15 minutes for the next bus. I was entertained by the wailing of a small boy who was afraid of FLIES! His exasperated parents tried to calm him down, but this kid was going over the edge. Something would fly by and he would just melt down all over again and start running. I felt for the kid, I have irrational phobias too. Eventually the threat of going back to the room calmed him enough to get online for the Hollywood Studios bus. Good luck, kid.

My day with the school group and the fly-phobic child really did not bode well for any further encounters with the underaged. But all was redeemed when a small "excuse me, ma'am?" from a fellow EPCOT traveller came into view. It was a little man, about 12 years old, I'd guess. He wanted to know if this was the right line for EPCOT. I told him, yes it was, but where was his family? Turns out my little companion wasn't feeling well that morning and his family had left him to recover in the room while they went on to EPCOT.

When the bus arrived, I told my little friend that to just get on the bus ahead of me and I'd make sure he made it ok. I also asked if he had a cell phone to call ahead and find out where his family was. He said "yes ma'am" (HOW CUTE!) and off we went...

Upon arrival at the bus drop-off, I walked slightly ahead of the boy just to make sure he was going to the right direction but not make it look like I was worried about him--male egos are so fragile at any age. We went through bag check and I made sure that he got through the turnstiles ok. Once within EPCOT property, he forgot all about me and hightailed it! I do hope he found his family ok...

And this is why I chose EPCOT for my mere hours on Disney property...

Transportation and parking: free
Park admission: free
Day total so far: 0.00

 

[MagiKitty]

Now, fellow Cheapies, this is where the going gets good. But it is also where you really need someone to help document your adventures.

I walked quickly past Spaceship Earth and headed straight for Innoventions. I got on line for the Disney Visa Character greet. Free photo! It was the usual big five characters and although I got some great pics with them, I wasn't about to buy a photopass this trip. But I did have my opportunity to flirt with Goofy, which has become somewhat of a tradition in my life.

From there, I went to go try the Segway, something I've always wanted to do. Its really hard! You really have to put your trust in the machine, something I've found difficult to do since watching Terminator as a child. But just a little leaning here and there and I was able to finangle the course. Victory!

I was getting hungry at this time, the Terra Chips and Animal Crackers courtesy of JetBlue all but forgotten by this time. So I headed for the lagoon, intent on catching a ferry to get to Morocco and where I had decided to get lunch. I decided on the falafel platter: a falafel, some couscous and a lentil salad accompanied by some lemonade.

It was yummy and just perfect for a warm afternoon. Not really too into the lentil salad, its a bit bitter for me, but the couscous and falafel were perfect.

Photopass picture: free (ordinarily 12.95)
Lunch: free (came up to 11.41 before gift card)
Day total so far: 0.00

 

[ibela]

I saw the e-mail come through and did a quick check on flights from Newark to see I could abandon work, DH, and both kids for a quick solo overnight since nothing WITH them is quick but Newark was non-participating. So glad I didn't check your airport otherwise I'd have to hide gloating to dd4 that I went to MK by myself and had a blast.

It's awesome to see a trip report from someone that did it and I love your writing style, post some more!!

 

[MagiKitty]

Thanks for visiting ibela and keep your eyes open for more sales! And also remember that White Plains also has JetBlue service, just in case Newark doesn't have any availability...

 

[DL55]

A whole bus full of kids going to Disney..who would of guessed. At least you got a private ride for a few minutes.
I'm impressed with your spending(0.00)
You are making me smile too much..I'm supposed to be jealous.

 

[MagiKitty]

(hugs) DL55...I enjoyed my trip a little TOO much I think. But you know, I was beginning to feel my age and I needed to do something a little crazy just to feel like I still got it!

I should have totally gotten a picture with my bus driver and my private bus!

 

[gabrismom]

I find myself checking this thread constantly to see if you have added to your report. What an awesome adventure. I love your writing style. You are very talented.