[Dana]

Day one

Our wake-up call was 3am. I was so tired! I heard that alarm and almost pressed snooze until I remembered why I was up. The reality of the situation kicked in and I flew from the bed. It's Disney day!!! After waking up my DD, I fired up the computer and started to get myself ready for my 4:15am pick-up. All of the bags were by the door, me and DD were dressed and ready. I found myself way ahead of schedule, so I stopped in on DC to say a final goodbye. I checked my flights and all was on schedule so far. The driver showed up promptly at 4:15. The driver started with my 2 big bags and I followed him with the rest of my gear. I am just not a prima donna and hate when people have to do stuff like that for me. I would make a terrible rich person..lol After a quick goodbye to my Mom and dog, I was in the car and ready to go. We made it to the airport in record time. I did the curb-side check-in and found it efficient and much easier than trying to drag all this stuff and a DD into the airport. We headed upstairs to the security area and were greeted with a long line of people who were not moving. Apparently the "ticket checker" failed to show up on time and we couldn't go through security without them checking our ticket. Finally 15 minutes later, she graced us with her precense with an attitude like you have never seen. Whatever...I didn't even pay her mind. I was going to WDW and she was stuck in Philly..punishment enough. We went through security with no problem and found our gate with ease. Everything was still on time and I was really pleased they hadn't screwed it up yet. We boarded the plane at 5:45 am for a 6:15 take-off. We waited....and waited....and waited. still not moving. Waited....6:15 came and went...as did 6:30 and 6:45. They announced a technical issue that the mechanic is checking. This makes everyone nervous and casues my DD to cry...unreal! They suck..enough said. I hate Us airs. Take off came at 7am and we were only 45min behind schedule. The rest of the flight was perfect and we arrived in Orlando a little after nine. I was suppose to be at the AKL at 10am to meet DBF and figured I could still probally make or be just a little late. The towncar driver was waiting for us at the baggage claim and after collecting our bags in record time we were off. On the ride to the AKL, my cell phone rang. It was DBF wanting to know when I was getting there. He was at the AKL and waiting. I told him to have a seat on one of the couches and I'd be there in a few minutes. We arrived and in the lobby I see DBfds's running toward me. I walk over to where they are and see a very tired DBF on the couch...sleeping...or so I thought. His eyes were just shut. He said he needed a shower desperately and cannot wait to see the rooms. I let him hang there while I went over to check-in. I was crossing fingers for an early check-in for his sake. We got rooms immediately (10:30am) and were upgraded to savannah rooms on the Zebra Trail. Our rooms were #'s 4548 and 4550 overlooking the savannah to the furthest right. The kids rooms had one set of bunk bed that my DD claimed quickly. DBFDS really didn't care...bunk beds were to uncool...lol I called for the bags and got moved in. We let the kids do their own room and then made a vow not to go in there...it was going to be a pig sty...lol The weather was gorgeous and we all changed into shorts and lighter clothes. I took the kids to MGM while DBF went to the pool to find a chair to sleep off that drive. He was beyond tired. Me and the kids headed to the bus stop after stopping in the gift shop (already) to check out the pin book. The bus was there quickly and we were off to MGM. As soon as we got there, me and DD activated our AP's. This was quick and easy. I like how they check your finger prints or whatever they do now to identify you. We headed right to RnR of course and the three of us were practically running down the street to get there. We walked right on with no wait and was watching the preshow in a matter of minutes. I got my favorite seat in the very back and the kids were directly in front of me. We were loaded and were soon listening to Mr.Tyler do the countdown. The trip had officially begun as soon as we hit the first loop. The look on DBFDS's face when we got off was priceless. He loved it! We ran right around to the front to do it again. After a few tours of RnR we headed to the ABC Commisionary to eat some lunch. We were all starved. This was also my first experience using the vouchers. I was expecting confusion or complications, but was thrilled to see that the vouchers were a no-brainer for this CM. The kids both got fish and chips and I got the burger. It came with dessert and a large soda...no one could finish this.. After lunch we headed to Star Tours and did that. We saw zero characters and I ws a bit surprised. MGM always has tons of them by the hat. We all agreed to head back to the resort. The kids were tired and hot and wanted to swim. I was just tired. We waited only a few minutes for our bus and were back at the AKL in no time. The reason we only got in a few attractions was because the kids were pin trading machines. WAlking a mere 5ft could take 20 minutes if there were CM's and pins around. I was so thrilled to see them enjoying something together that I didn't even care. Anyhoo...back on track. We headed to the room and changed clothes. DBF was not there so I assumed he was still hanging at the pool. We all headed down to the pool and still no DBF. I grabbed a seat at the bar with the kids stuff and made up with the Captain. We had a nice moment together..lol Finally, DBf shows up with this big smile from ear to ear. I asked him "what's up?" He replied " babe, this place is beautiful" I actually welled up at that moment. I was so happy to see him so at peace and relaxed. Apparently, he found the hot tub and was in love with it. He now swares he will die a happy man if he gets one in his house..lol We hung out at the bar for a bit and I headed up to dress for dinner. He stayed and played in the pool with the kids. It's amazing how refereshed a simple shower can make you feel. I was feeling much more myself and ready to do something. He came bak up with the kids soon enough and I had to get them all moving. We had a 6:30pm PS at Boma and we were getting short on time. I had no idea how hard it would be to get the three of them motivated. I sat on the balcony enjoying my animals and waited.....an waited. Finally they were done and we headed down to chekc-in at Boma. Everyone helped themselves and we all enjoyed a great meal and a few beers..lol for the adults of course. Total bill $128. I just got my first reality check for how much things costs when traveling with four. Not that I thought it was overpriced...just more than what it costs me and DD. After dinner, I took the kids to the gift shop for more pins, postcards and beer for me and my DBF. We headed up and the kids were going back to the pool. Me and DBF stayed back in the room. After an hour or so, I got nervous and went to see what havoc these two were creating. I found them in the pool and also found DD's girlfirend from school and her parents. Small world indeed. We all hung out at the bar and waited for the kids to finish up their fun. I pulled them out kicking and screaming and we all went up to the rooms. DBF was sound asleep when I got back and I silently crawled into bed and fell alseep.