Why do we have to stand in all these lines?...a TR by DM w/lots of PIX...Completed!

[Montana Disney Fan]

I set the alarm for 6:30 am. I figured that was early enough to call the front desk to ask for a late checkout. Well, it wasn’t. Checkout time was 11 am for us. Oh well. I reset the clock for 8 am and tried to go back to sleep. I think I succeeded for a while but I did start to get anxious about getting ready and getting everything packed. I got up and took a shower and then started the crappy job of packing up everything. Rob got up soon afterward and did the same thing.

I do the same thing. Get anxious as the time draws near to leave. It sux, but it has to be done and you want it to go smoothly.

We were all packed and ready to walk out the door at 10:30 am. We all had to roll our luggage to the main building for DME checkin. It felt awful walking through the food court ready to leave and looking at all the people still staying. Oh well. We rounded the corner into the lobby and saw a HUGE line for DME. Ugh! In the line we went. I asked Rob if he wanted to take the kids swimming while I waited for check-in. He said no way. He was all ready and it was too hard to watch 3 kids in the pool. I kinda agreed with him but felt bad for the kids. I had hoped they would be able to have their last swim.

Watching three kids WOULD be difficult. When I used DME for the first time in October, there was not line when we arrived. Lucky I guess.

The line for DME was ridiculous. A couple of CMs came over to all the kids in line and pulled them over to the chairs and tables in the lobby. They gave them crayons and printed Disney coloring pages. I thought that was nice. Slowly we creeped forward. I asked Rob how long we had waited already. He looked at his watch and told me 45 minutes. At that point, he took the kids out for a walk to the playground while I handled the rest of the wait.

Friggin Brutal!

I started to talk to a family in front of us. They turned out to be from Rochester, New York. Small world. But even smaller ... When I told the father of the family that we were from Liverpool, he said that he had competed against Liverpool in his swim meets in high school. I asked him what years he was on the swim team. He laughed and said too old but then told me. I laughed because Rob was on the swim team at Liverpool during the same years. We wondered if they ever competed against each other ...

It's amazing how often this happens. This is why I like to chat it up with anyone near me. Never know who you might meet.

Rob returned with the kids and was shocked to see that I had just reached the front of the line and was being checked in. Our check-in at that point went very smoothly. Total wait time for DME? One and a half hours!!! It was the longest wait on our entire trip.

I would have wanted to hurt someone.

We then headed back over to Riverside Mill to get our last counter service meals of the trip. Know what? I can’t even remember what we got that time but I am positive it was the same ole same ole. We tend to get the same things all the time. We still had some snack credits left too so we went over to the gift shop and found some cookies and junk and used up the credits. I bought a couple of souvies for my parents and then we had some time to kill.

Don't worry. We're the same. Once we find what we like to eat, we keep on ordering it over and over and over...

Time was after 2 pm at that point and we still had 1½ hours until our DME bus. Well, actually less than that as they say they want you there 15 minutes early. Okay. I was tired. We went into the lobby for a bit and sat on the comfy couches. I think I almost nodded off. But that didn’t last long. Kids weren’t having that. So, we took a final stroll around just taking it all in.

The grounds at POR are beautiful and perfect for strolling. I think I'll go stroll them when I finish this post.

Just past 3 pm came very quickly. We thought we would just go out and sit on the benches near where DME picks up. I thought that was a good idea to get there early so we would be able to sit on the benches and not end up standing there. We were very wise. Quite a few people showed up. I then got a bit worried about not getting seated on the bus. I’ve heard stories of that happening. When the DME pulled up I made sure we were the first ones on the bus.

I can see you fighting your way through the throng to the front of the line.

And so the journey to the airport began. As we pulled away from POR we all (all except Rob because apparently he is too cool) said goodbye to Disney World. That pit feeling was definitely in my stomach. I also knew it would be a long evening back home ...

*snif snif* It's always sad to say goodbye.

 

[Crazy Kanga]

Hey Krazy Kanga!!! Good to hear from you again! I read your TR a few months back,,the one with your MIL...OMG The funniest thing I`ve ever read! Obliviia?! Right?!

Yep. That's me. Truth is definitely stranger than fiction. Oblivia is living proof. We're goin' over to her house tomorrow for BIL's B'day dinner. Should be interesting. She is the worst cook ever!
Sorry to hijack you trippie DM.

 

[DisneyJo]

The grounds at POR are beautiful and perfect for strolling. I think I'll go stroll them when I finish this post.

Just you rub it in

 

[Montana Disney Fan]

A few shots:

 

[babieemelly]

Oh no, how could it all be coming to an end already?! I've loved your trip report so much. It was one of my favorites and I'll definitely miss it. At least we all have one last installment to look forward to!

 

[Disneyolic]

How ridiculous was that queue We have to take our luggage on ME but the queue at the airport was good only about 10 minutes

I couldn't believe that line. It sucked really and wasted our morning. But the rest of the entire DME experience is great.

That last day is a pain isn't it, it's so hot in Florida that you really can't do much with out getting all icky and you don't want that for the flight home!!!!

True, kinda. No swimming for me. I can't get ready as fast as you can Jo. I don't take that long but I do like my hair to air dry somewhat before finishing it off.

So this things nearly done We really need TE to start her PreTR and HS to get back from her trip already

Good one Jo! TE is a good writer and that should prove interesting.

What a sad day. That line for ME is scary, can't believe it was that long.

Yes it was. No exaggeration. Very sad but DME really is a good thing.

Hey DM!!! I have been very absent lately, but just dropped by to say Hi and Merry Christmas!!!
Love Ya,
CK!

Who is this stranger?? Glad you're here to see me finally finish off my report ...

 

[Disneyolic]

I can't believe that wait for ME. Did they only have one CM doing the checkin In August when we checked out of POP and went to my parents we couldn't get a luggage cart to take our stuff to the car. That is the one thing I am not looking forward too this year. We shall see how it goes

Yup. Horrible wait. But still I like the whole advantage of DME, it being free and all ...

Wow the End is near...

I hate the last day at Disney...

DisneyMom said when we got there you can always tell the arrivers & the Leavers by the looks on their Face...

I have been reading sorry I have not posted much...

BUt I guess I know how that feels

Anyway I am sad it is coming to an end...I loved the walks thru Disney you took us on...By Virtue of your maps...I wish you would come over to My Thread & tell me how ya do it..(sorry selfless..promotion!)....

see ya later gator!!!

You show up! Wow! Thanks. I'm sorry I haven't been over to your TR in a long time. It just really got so crazy and out of hand with the chatting that I couldn't keep up!

Wow, you must be special DM. Disneydad visited your TR. He doesn't visit us at TFW anymore

Of course I'm special!

It's slushie and vanilla flavored. They usually have whipped topping on them. So they must be good, right?!

I am LOVING ALL of your presents!!!! You have got to be the bestest virtual gift giver ...

Love the goats milk soap!
But Jo, you naughty girl! Ya know, if you search for panties, it's not very interesting at all. But knickers is another story apparently! (and I still think of knickers as little golf pants!)

I went back and found some gifts that Mo wanted to send you!
You're running out of room under the tree!

Me too. Or hot chocolate even better.

I loved them knickers. I think they would look awesome on my virtual body ...

I have lots of room under my tree if you want to leave some more wonderful presents. Or if Tragos and uhm uhm uhm the other goat wants to leave one too.

 

[Disneyolic]

Hey Krazy Kanga!!! Good to hear from you again! I read your TR a few months back,,the one with your MIL...OMG The funniest thing I`ve ever read! Obliviia?! Right?!

Hijacker!

Oh boy,,the last day,, Bummer about the DME lines, I thought you`d hit a park in the A.M... What are we going to do now?
Oh yea! you and Heidi still have one going! and Buzz will always have one going.. thats if we all dont get banned first!

No park days left on our passes. I knew we wouldn't do a park anyway. I'd be too anxious about making the bus. I get really stressed out with those kinds of things. Not pretty.

OH-OH-OH! I`ll take the pet rock!

You can keep your cherry from HSMomma!

You can have the pet rock. I will definitely keep my fruit ...

I know that feeling when you have a couple of hours left but not enough time to do what you really want... so it is like you are just waiting and waiting.... to leave the best place. and it is sooooo sad when you are on the DME bus. I hate the ride back to the airport.

It is sad but I still would rather leave later than earlier. I hate being rushed in the morning, unless, of course, we're going TO Disney World.

So would you use DME again? I've never tried it cause lately we have been driving.
When we flew from TX, I used Tiffany Town car and loved it. We felt like royalty when the lady met us at the airport (with a sign ), carried our bags, put in a Town car. and whizzed us to the World. Same person picked us up on time too. I think it cost around $75 then round trip, but I would use them again.

What are you doing today???

Did u notice I started a PTR?? (that's not a subtle hint! )

We had a hired minivan back in 2003 that our driver met us in the luggage area. It was great as we went to Publix before going onto the YC. But I would rather have free over spending $100 plus tip. And DUH! I have been to your PTR. You should feel honored because I am not really doing PTRs right now ...

 

[Disneyolic]

Thanks carrieannie, at least someone appreciates my gift

What? Come on and leave me another gift ... please?

Another English word for you to use

DM where are you to reply to our replies????

I was busy ... and that's all I have to say about that.

I do the same thing. Get anxious as the time draws near to leave. It sux, but it has to be done and you want it to go smoothly.

I'd still rather leave later than earlier any day. But the wait really sucked.

Watching three kids WOULD be difficult. When I used DME for the first time in October, there was not line when we arrived. Lucky I guess.

I think our mistake was arriving near checkout time. And the line got even longer!

It's amazing how often this happens. This is why I like to chat it up with anyone near me. Never know who you might meet.

Oh yes. I have a story about that one that's pretty funny if you're interested ...

Don't worry. We're the same. Once we find what we like to eat, we keep on ordering it over and over and over...

Sometimes better that way ...

The grounds at POR are beautiful and perfect for strolling. I think I'll go stroll them when I finish this post.

They are! Really they are. I'd say they're my 2nd favorite, the YC being my absolute favorite strolling area.

I can see you fighting your way through the throng to the front of the line.

Ha! There was no throng. I just made sure we were already standing there first. I hate rude people.

*snif snif* It's always sad to say goodbye.

Yup.

 

[Disneyolic]

Yep. That's me. Truth is definitely stranger than fiction. Oblivia is living proof. We're goin' over to her house tomorrow for BIL's B'day dinner. Should be interesting. She is the worst cook ever!
Sorry to hijack you trippie DM.

No problem. Just hope you'll be back to say "bye" at my ending ...

A few shots:

Your sister is very pretty. Rob asked me how old she was and I told him I think she's younger then I slammed him in the gut. Kidding.

Nice! I remember that well ... sigh*. Thanks for posting the pix.

Oh no, how could it all be coming to an end already?! I've loved your trip report so much. It was one of my favorites and I'll definitely miss it. At least we all have one last installment to look forward to!

Sadly it is. Thank you so much for your kind words! It really makes me feel so good. And make that 2 installments. One for the rest of our way home and for my final thoughts ...

 

[kaysmommie]

I hate check out day. Especially when all I see all the lucky families arriving who are just started thier vacation. Can't believe your trippie is almost finished.

 

[Tanya90210]

Awww... my DH never says goodbye either... silly men!!

1.5 hours... quite a wait... but extended the Disney a little more...

 

[tnmomof4]

The last day is really sad. I like to draw it out as long as possible.

I can't wait to read your final thoughts!!

 

[Disneyolic]

I hate check out day. Especially when all I see all the lucky families arriving who are just started thier vacation. Can't believe your trippie is almost finished.

I know I can't believe it's almost over too. But I'm ready for it to be finished, kinda sorta maybe ...

Awww... my DH never says goodbye either... silly men!!

1.5 hours... quite a wait... but extended the Disney a little more...

Some men think they're too cool. But I think it's cool to say goodbye!

The last day is really sad. I like to draw it out as long as possible.

I can't wait to read your final thoughts!!

Hey Sarah! You should have chimed in on my "trying to reach you" at the MK ... Tell everyone your side of the story!

 

[SingingMom]

I know I can't believe it's almost over too. But I'm ready for it to be finished, kinda sorta maybe ...

[/COLOR]

WhatEVER will you do with all that free time?!

 

[scottny]

WhatEVER will you do with all that free time?!

she will come over and read my pre tr and then my tr after I go.

 

[Montana Disney Fan]

she will come over and read my pre tr and then my tr after I go.

You have a pre-trip?


I really need to pay better attention.

 

[scottny]

You have a pre-trip?


I really need to pay better attention.

yep I do. not much happening on it now as I have finals for the next 2 weeks.

 

[Miz Diz]

You had such a great final night at MK. No lines!

But that line for DME - yuck!

 

[blue_river]

I asked Rob if he wanted to take the kids swimming while I waited for check-in. He said no way. He was all ready and it was too hard to watch 3 kids in the pool.

I don't blame him.

I asked him what years he was on the swim team. He laughed and said too old but then told me. I laughed because Rob was on the swim team at Liverpool during the same years. We wondered if they ever competed against each other ...

That's cool!

Total wait time for DME? One and a half hours!!! It was the longest wait on our entire trip.

I hate waiting.

And so the journey to the airport began. As we pulled away from POR we all (all except Rob because apparently he is too cool) said goodbye to Disney World. That pit feeling was definitely in my stomach. I also knew it would be a long evening back home ...

Always a sad moment