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

[scottny]

Hey! Where's my freakin' card! Jo lives in like Siberia and she's already got hers??

i was not offered one. i will wait till it is posted.

 

[Disneyolic]

Hey! Where's my freakin' card! Jo lives in like Siberia and she's already got hers??

Patience my dear ... patience.

Southern California sounds really good, lots to see and do there. We are probably sticking to Disney mostly for our vacations. But we are coming to NJ/NY for a week in June to visit all our family & friends , I can't wait. Probably won't want to come back though.

Good time to visit. Any earlier sucks.

Thanks Blue and Carrie. Hopefully I pass.

Ok back to DM now.....

Of course back me me!!!

I got mine,,,,

i was not offered one. i will wait till it is posted.

Oh yes you were! Everyone here was. I posted here telling anyone who would like a Christmas card from the Welch family to PM me with their addresses! Guess you don't read all my TR eh?

 

[scottny]

Of course back me me!!!

it is your tr. u r queen of this domain.

Oh yes you were! Everyone here was. I posted here telling anyone who would like a Christmas card from the Welch family to PM me with their addresses! Guess you don't read all my TR eh?

I looked back and I said I would wait. my bad.

 

[Disneyolic]

I looked back and I said I would wait. my bad.

You can still PM me if you want. I still have some cards left!

 

[Disneyolic]

Saturday, June 30...Orlando, JFK, & Syracuse International Airports
The Long Flight Home


We made it to the airport with no problems. It did feel great not to have to schlep a ton of luggage at that point. We just had our small umbrella stroller and my carryon stuffed full of junk.

We were the first to be dropped off and we made our way upstairs. We had plenty of time to mess around. We saw the NASA shop and decided that since we didn’t make it to Cape Canaveral this time that this was the next best thing. Evan is very interested in space right now so we went in to see what was offered - which was a bunch of expensive tee shirts and other crap like that. Thrilling. I did grab a pamphlet about what was offered at Cape Canaveral just in case we decided to make a Florida beach vacation next year. It sure has changed since Rob and I went there back in 1998. On our way I had a cute photo op ...

Not wanting to do any more airport shopping we decided to make our way through security. I ever so proudly led my family over to the security wait line and noticed what a large line it was. Ugh. We got in line and I looked up at an overhead board stating the airlines and I didn’t see Jet Blue. Hmmm ... I told my family to hold the place in line and I interrupted a security agent nearby. I showed her my ticket and she told me we were in the wrong line. My proud moment of leading my family quickly turned into a sheepish grin. “Uh, everyone! Over here! We’re in the wrong line.” I’m glad we really didn’t wait too long. I would say we were only in line about 3 minutes before I made the “discovery”.

We walked across to the other side and lo and behold! There was no line at all! Psych! We breezed through that security and made our way to the Jet Blue gate, staked out our seats, and I asked everyone if they wanted to get a smoothie. Evan and Alec wanted one so I took them over to get one. We all got different smoothies. Evan got a strawberry, Alec got an orange, and I got a raspberry. I would have to say that Alec’s was the best.

Our flight was not delayed at all and soon enough we were on the plane with our earphones on heading to JFK airport. As we neared New York City the boys looked out and saw the city. This was the first time they have ever seen it and they were amazed. They still talk about it to this day.

We made a nice landing and entered the ever so lovely Jet Blue terminal. This I have dubbed the most dirtiest terminal I have ever been to. I was totally disgusted even being there and we had a 2½ hour layover.

Note: When I first made our reservations for our return flight home with JB our layover was 1 hour. I thought that was great. Then a month later JB changed it to 1½ layover. Okay. I guess that was fine. Then, they changed it again to make it a 2½ hour layover. I was totally ticked at this point. We went from coming home at 10:30 pm to 1 am. Oh well, what could I do about it now?

We were starved by this time so we went over to the sucky food court and, of course, everyone wanted something different. So Rob and I split up and ordered for the kids. Then we took turns getting our own food. It wasn’t that great food and I didn’t expect to it be but we really needed to eat.

About 1 hour prior to our flight I thought we should make our way to the gate but when we got over there it was jam-packed with people. The area for the gates is ridiculous. Too many people. So we went back toward the food court area and just sat down there until we knew we really had to go back to the gate. And when we did, the gate area was still ridiculously packed. Our plane was getting ready for boarding. I still needed a gate check ticket for our stroller and when I went up to the Jet Blue agent, she quickly made out the ticket, looked at us, and said we could preboard because we had young kids. That was a total relief to us! And I thanked her very kindly.

The rest of the plane flight home was unremarkable. We landed safely and I turned on my cell phone to call my Dad. We all live about 20 minutes away from the airport (probably 15 minutes at 1 am) so whenever any of us land, we immediately call each other and then whoever is picking up heads out. That time is usually the amount of time it takes to get our luggage. Well, my Dad was restless at home so he had already came to the airport. He questioned me as to why there were police cars blocking off any cars from approaching the terminal. I had no idea. He told me he was going to park in the garage and come over to help with our luggage.

Then I remembered seeing the news that day that there was a terrorist attack at Glasgow Airport. I guess our airport was under extra security then too. Really stunk for us having to carry all the luggage through the garage. At least we had my dad to help and I had the kids roll their own little suitcases.

And then we were home. Very very late ... or should I say very very early Sunday morning, July 1st. The end of our vacation. Waaaaaaaaaaaa!


December 15...Liverpool, New York...Final Thoughts

 

[snowbell]

ooo.. I hate JFK airport. DBF and I are leaving for the Caribbean right after x-mas and we had to book out of that airport b/c it was the cheapest. Sometimes it is better to just pay the extra money. I am glad you finally made it home.

I must say, your trip report was very enjoyable. Thanks for writing it for us... and your children are absolutely adorable.

 

[DisneyJo]

Hey! Where's my freakin' card! Jo lives in like Siberia and she's already got hers??

How on earth is he in the air????

I showed her my ticket and she told me we were in the wrong line. My proud moment of leading my family quickly turned into a sheepish grin. “Uh, everyone! Over here! We’re in the wrong line.”

Whoops

This I have dubbed the most dirtiest terminal I have ever been to. I was totally disgusted even being there and we had a 2½ hour layover.

Not good and the changes to your delay

terrorist attack at Glasgow Airport. I guess our airport was under extra security then too.

Wow that effected you????

Can't wait for your final thoughts but I will be sad to see this end

 

[cmp1111]

I'm glad the flights home went pretty smoothly. I never want to leave a vacation, but once the process begins I just want it to be over.

Cute pic at the NASA shop!

 

[Montana Disney Fan]

We made it to the airport with no problems. It did feel great not to have to schlep a ton of luggage at that point. We just had our small umbrella stroller and my carryon stuffed full of junk.

Junk is gud. See, you missed the boat here. You could have had an entire chapter on what was in the carryon. Maybe you're just tired of the trippy. Me? My next chapter is entirely devoted to me trying to remove a stringy hunk of Starlight Cafe rib from between two teeth. Fascinating stuff.

We were the first to be dropped off and we made our way upstairs. We had plenty of time to mess around. We saw the NASA shop and decided that since we didn’t make it to Cape Canaveral this time that this was the next best thing.

I agree. We flew to Orlando once and didn't even leave the airport. We just went to the Disney Store located next to Chili's Too, purchased a bunch of crap, then flew home. Saved thousands.

On our way I had a cute photo op ...

It's all about the photo ops. Is he hovering magically in the air? Or are you secretly a witch?

Not wanting to do any more airport shopping we decided to make our way through security. I ever so proudly led my family over to the security wait line and noticed what a large line it was. Ugh.

Man Tip #1019: Schedule yourself to leave on Mondays before noon but after 8 am. The airport is empty. You're welcome.

We got in line and I looked up at an overhead board stating the airlines and I didn’t see Jet Blue. Hmmm ... I told my family to hold the place in line and I interrupted a security agent nearby. I showed her my ticket and she told me we were in the wrong line. My proud moment of leading my family quickly turned into a sheepish grin. “Uh, everyone! Over here! We’re in the wrong line.” I’m glad we really didn’t wait too long. I would say we were only in line about 3 minutes before I made the “discovery”.

That's not so bad. I once waited an hour for tickets to a Bronco Football game only to find out I was in line for the men's bathroom.

We walked across to the other side and lo and behold! There was no line at all! Psych! We breezed through that security and made our way to the Jet Blue gate, staked out our seats, and I asked everyone if they wanted to get a smoothie. Evan and Alec wanted one so I took them over to get one. We all got different smoothies. Evan got a strawberry, Alec got an orange, and I got a raspberry. I would have to say that Alec’s was the best.

You're obviously wrong. Raspberry is the best.

Our flight was not delayed at all and soon enough we were on the plane with our earphones on heading to JFK airport. As we neared New York City the boys looked out and saw the city. This was the first time they have ever seen it and they were amazed. They still talk about it to this day.

Leather seats? What airlines has leather seats in coach? Oh wait! You're rich and were in First Class. I forgot.

No really, does Jet Blue have all leather seats? Aren't these the guys who abandoned thousands of passengers at Kennedy out on the tarmac?

We made a nice landing and entered the ever so lovely Jet Blue terminal. This I have dubbed the most dirtiest terminal I have ever been to. I was totally disgusted even being there and we had a 2½ hour layover.

It's not the worst but a close second. AIA in Istanbul Turkey is the worst. After you wash your hands in the restroom, you wipe them on a musty old llama.

Note: When I first made our reservations for our return flight home with JB our layover was 1 hour. I thought that was great. Then a month later JB changed it to 1½ layover. Okay. I guess that was fine. Then, they changed it again to make it a 2½ hour layover. I was totally ticked at this point. We went from coming home at 10:30 pm to 1 am. Oh well, what could I do about it now?

Go postal with an Uzi. It'll get their attention.

We were starved by this time so we went over to the sucky food court and, of course, everyone wanted something different. So Rob and I split up and ordered for the kids. Then we took turns getting our own food. It wasn’t that great food and I didn’t expect to it be but we really needed to eat.

Again... at AIA, you're lucky to find a deep fried cockroach in your llama stew as it would be the only thing edible in the bowl.

About 1 hour prior to our flight I thought we should make our way to the gate but when we got over there it was jam-packed with people. The area for the gates is ridiculous. Too many people. So we went back toward the food court area and just sat down there until we knew we really had to go back to the gate. And when we did, the gate area was still ridiculously packed. Our plane was getting ready for boarding. I still needed a gate check ticket for our stroller and when I went up to the Jet Blue agent, she quickly made out the ticket, looked at us, and said we could preboard because we had young kids. That was a total relief to us! And I thanked her very kindly.

Score! See, even the airlines that leaves their passengers for dead out on the runway can sometimes care.

The rest of the plane flight home was unremarkable. We landed safely and I turned on my cell phone to call my Dad. We all live about 20 minutes away from the airport (probably 15 minutes at 1 am) so whenever any of us land, we immediately call each other and then whoever is picking up heads out. That time is usually the amount of time it takes to get our luggage. Well, my Dad was restless at home so he had already came to the airport. He questioned me as to why there were police cars blocking off any cars from approaching the terminal. I had no idea. He told me he was going to park in the garage and come over to help with our luggage.

Hmmmm... : I'm intrigued.

Then I remembered seeing the news that day that there was a terrorist attack at Glasgow Airport. I guess our airport was under extra security then too. Really stunk for us having to carry all the luggage through the garage. At least we had my dad to help and I had the kids roll their own little suitcases.

I don't remember that!

And then we were home. Very very late ... or should I say very very early Sunday morning, July 1st. The end of our vacation. Waaaaaaaaaaaa!


Coming up ... my final thoughts.

Awww...

 

[punkin413]

the end????? no!!!!!! i almost get just as sad with other people's reports ending as i do with my own! what's wrong with us?

we went to cape canaveral after disney and trust me....bad move. it was so UN-disney!!!! i actually got yelled at by a bus driver there because i tried to get off the bus before him. if you guys go next year go to cape canaveral FIRST because after disney everything else just stinks.

can't wait to hear the final thoughts!

 

[winkers]

What is it with all the gift shops at the airport? I think we parted with another 100 bucks at the disney store there. I guess we were afraid we had'nt given enough to disney.

Have you done any snow blowing lately???

 

[jcc0621]

Awww, DM your home Glad that the flights we uneventful, but a 2 1/2 hour layover

Looking forward to your epilogue

 

[scottny]

it is sad that it is up to the final thoughts. I have never flown from JFK and I live here. I just love LaGuardia.

I have picked Biff;s son and granddaughter up there and it was Jetblue and it was clean but that was earlier in the day.

Either way I HATE flying. scares me.

 

[blue_river]

Hey! Where's my freakin' card! Jo lives in like Siberia and she's already got hers??

I didn't get mine either and I'm only 3 hours away

What's up with that?

 

[blue_river]

Evan is very interested in space right now so we went in to see what was offered - which was a bunch of expensive tee shirts and other crap like that. Thrilling. I did grab a pamphlet about what was offered at Cape Canaveral just in case we decided to make a Florida beach vacation next year.

We thought about checking that place out but after reading DISUNC's TR, I changed my mind.

My proud moment of leading my family quickly turned into a sheepish grin.

Our flight was not delayed at all and soon enough we were on the plane with our earphones on heading to JFK airport. As we neared New York City the boys looked out and saw the city. This was the first time they have ever seen it and they were amazed. They still talk about it to this day.

Awww.....fun memories & moments

Note: When I first made our reservations for our return flight home with JB our layover was 1 hour. I thought that was great. Then a month later JB changed it to 1½ layover. Okay. I guess that was fine. Then, they changed it again to make it a 2½ hour layover. I was totally ticked at this point. We went from coming home at 10:30 pm to 1 am. Oh well, what could I do about it now?

Waiting is for the birds.

I still needed a gate check ticket for our stroller and when I went up to the Jet Blue agent, she quickly made out the ticket, looked at us, and said we could preboard because we had young kids. That was a total relief to us! And I thanked her very kindly.

Very nice

And then we were home. Very very late ... or should I say very very early Sunday morning, July 1st. The end of our vacation. Waaaaaaaaaaaa!

Waaaaaaaaaa! I'm crying with you

 

[Lifelong_Dreamer]

I love the photo of Evan "floating", very cool.

Good thing you noticed early on that you were in the wrong line, what a pain that would have been if you had gotten all the way to the front of the line and then been turned away.

After reading about your experience at JFK I will have to make a note to never fly out of there.

Too bad that you guys couldn't get picked up right at the front of the airport due to the extra security measures. When we arrived home on the 7th they had taken away the extra security, of course that wouldn't have effected us anyways because we were already parked in the garage.

 

[Montana Disney Fan]

I didn't get mine either and I'm only 3 hours away

What's up with that?

She's slacking, that's what!

 

[TEminnie]

Glad you had a great trip home! I remember thinking about you flying that day too and was glad it went well!

Tell Evan I like space stuff too. I've never been to Cape Canaveral but would love to go. We went to Space Center Houston twice and really liked it. DH's pretty sure if he lets me near Cape Canaveral that (after the tour), I would point the van west and not stop till I saw the mouse! So we haven't been yet.

 

[Disneyolic]

ooo.. I hate JFK airport. DBF and I are leaving for the Caribbean right after x-mas and we had to book out of that airport b/c it was the cheapest. Sometimes it is better to just pay the extra money. I am glad you finally made it home.

I must say, your trip report was very enjoyable. Thanks for writing it for us... and your children are absolutely adorable.

We could have paid more for a direct flight home. I really wanted to save the money, especially when we have 5 in our family. But next time, I'll pay for it! Thanks so much for the kind words!

How on earth is he in the air????

I did not notice this. I looked down and then was trying to figure it out. I had to call Evan over and he said he was balancing with his arms so he was "levitating".

Wow that effected you????

Yes it did! I think any terrorist plot, scare, whatever effects every airport here!

Can't wait for your final thoughts but I will be sad to see this end

Aw ... I may need to wait a few days for the final thoughts. I need to really gather them up ...

I'm glad the flights home went pretty smoothly. I never want to leave a vacation, but once the process begins I just want it to be over.

Cute pic at the NASA shop!

Rob is like that. He just wants to get home. I guess once I'm gone I want to be home too. But home just ain't Disney ...

 

[Disneyolic]

Glad you had a great trip home! I remember thinking about you flying that day too and was glad it went well!

Tell Evan I like space stuff too. I've never been to Cape Canaveral but would love to go. We went to Space Center Houston twice and really liked it. DH's pretty sure if he lets me near Cape Canaveral that (after the tour), I would point the van west and not stop till I saw the mouse! So we haven't been yet.

Rob & I went there in 1998 and had a good time. But it definitely is for older kids. We have a lot of it on video.

the end????? no!!!!!! i almost get just as sad with other people's reports ending as i do with my own! what's wrong with us?

we went to cape canaveral after disney and trust me....bad move. it was so UN-disney!!!! i actually got yelled at by a bus driver there because i tried to get off the bus before him. if you guys go next year go to cape canaveral FIRST because after disney everything else just stinks.

can't wait to hear the final thoughts!

Sad sad sad! Rob & I have been to Cape Canveral back in 1998. It was nice. No, it's not Disney but it is very interesting. But we definitely want the kids to be older when we go.

What is it with all the gift shops at the airport? I think we parted with another 100 bucks at the disney store there. I guess we were afraid we had'nt given enough to disney.

Have you done any snow blowing lately???

I don't spend any money at the gift shops there. No way! Are you crazy? We're just browsers ... No snowblowing here. It's all rainy now.

Awww, DM your home Glad that the flights we uneventful, but a 2 1/2 hour layover

Looking forward to your epilogue

Layover = sux.

it is sad that it is up to the final thoughts. I have never flown from JFK and I live here. I just love LaGuardia.

I have picked Biff;s son and granddaughter up there and it was Jetblue and it was clean but that was earlier in the day.

Either way I HATE flying. scares me.

I've been to JFK a couple of times but with other airlines. The JB restrooms were absolutely disgusting!!! I don't mind flying at all. I kinda like it, just not all the pains that go with it.