[Dana]

Warning - warning - this is going to be long and very detailed. lol

Trip dates : 1/21 - 1/27/05
Resorts : Animal Kingdom Lodge 1/21-1/24
Polynesian 1/24 - 1/27
Cast: Me (31), DBF (43), DD (10) and DBFDS (12)
Airline : United/US AIRWAYS
Towncar from home: Zarks
Towncar in Orlando: Quicksilver
Travel Agency : Mousketrips
Research Tools: DC (of course!), Unofficial Guide to WDW, Passporter the guide, Passporter the website, All Ears, disney.com, mousesavers, laughingplace.com, intercot.com, mytouringplans.com, mytripplans.com and good ol' fashioned experience and knowledge from past trips.

Prelude to a trip:
Upon returning from my Jan 04 trip, I knew immediately that there wasn't going to be a year and a half wait until the next one. I had an ideal trip and fell in love with WDW in January. I managed to hold out until mid-February before booking a new adventure. After hearing so many DCers rave about Mousketrips, I was sold on using them to book. An email and a few phone calls and I was booked for a stay at the Polynesian from 1/18-1/24. I purchased my AP's and paid a huge chunk of the trip off and had nothing left to do but plan it out and wait for discounts. Things change as we all know. I found out my twosome was turning into a foursome and that DBf and his DS would be joining us. One night out of the clear blue, John decided to come along. He decided to drive down and join us for our last three days. I was truely amazed. He had no interest in WDW and has watched me plan and go on many trips in the over nine years we have been together. I called Mouseketrips and added them to the reservation making the first of many changes. John and I decided we needed to take a night trip to the shore to see how the kids would do together...kinda get them used to being around each other over night. Well it didn't go as well as we would have liked...not at all. The bickering between the kids was enough to make me think I was making a huge mistake having them together for such a long time. They were already fighting over who was going on what attractions UGH! It came to me that the best way to solve this was compromise. I made yet another call to Mouseketrips and changed my dates so they boys were there for the first half of the trip and not the last half. My reasoning was simple: we could do what they wanted while they were there and then me and my DD had 3 1/2 days to do what we wanted. The dates were now 1/21-1/27. I am certain that Mouseketrips are the most patient people in the world. After settling the dates and such, I continued to plan and spend countless hours researching the perfect places to take the boys to. I booked the towncar and the airfare. John and I contined to put the kids together hoping for the best. I was blessed with excellent discount codes in October and found I owed nothing on the trip. In fact, they owed me money back and I asked that to be left on account in my room. In all this time I spent each pay week buying up vouchers on Hotwire to cover breakfasts and lunches. The only thing that was left were dinners to pay for. I had anywhere from 100 - 150 in Disney dollars for each day there to cover that. I only had spending money to save now. The bickering didn't stop between the kids and I was starting to dred the trip. If I heard one more debate on who slept where or who watched the TV when, I was going to cancel the stupid trip! It came to me one day at work. The solution was suddenly so clear. I would get a lesser expensive deluxe and get two rooms. This was the final change to my reservation and the best decision I made yet. I got this for a mere $3 more a night. In a matter of minutes, Mousektrips had me into the AKL from 1/21 - 1/24 with 2 guaranteed adjoining rooms. My DD and I would transfer over to the Polynesian the day they left and start a brand new adventure. We now had 4 beds, 2 TV's and two bathrooms and not a lot more to argue over. For the first time in months I was looking forward to the trip as a family. I tore into the rest of the trip plans like a woman on a mission. The PS's were made and by mid-November, I had nothing left to do but pull a link from our countdown chain and watch time slowly go by. The holidays came and went and the trip was here. There were so many bumps in the road and drama leading up to it that we all were reallly ready for a WDW trip!

[E&B's Mom]

Need to hear about the trip itself !!! Waiting . . . .

[rlander]

more more pictures pictures faster faster

[E&B's Mom]

Do you think she's typing as we speak?? I NEED MORE INFO!!!

[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.

[E&B's Mom]

Keep it coming . . . .

[E&B's Mom]

Just to explain myself - I'm stuck in a cold house covered with icicles and 4 ft of snow piled up outside. I need to live vicariously through your trip report and dream of my upcoming vacation - still a LONG way off!

[MissDisney]

"In all this time I spent each pay week buying up vouchers on Hotwire to cover breakfasts and lunches."
Dana... what is this about? Sounds liek a good thing!

Keep typing... we are dying to hear everything!

[Dana]

Day 2

I fell alseep easy enough which may had a lot to do with the 3am wak-up and alcohol. Staying alseep, however, was a different ball game all together. I woke-up no less than 5 times and finally gave up around 4:45am. I dressed, grabbed my postcards and handbag and went downstairs as to not disturb everyone. I wrote...and wrote and wrote some more and then headed to the Mara to grab some breakfast. After breakfast, I finished up some more postcards and then headed back to the room to see if anyone was up. DBF was up in bed watching TV wanting to know where I went. I filled him in on my "strange bed syndrome" and after he finished laughing, he got up0 and showered. He asked me to try and get the kids up...they wouldn't get up for him. I tried several times as did he when he got out of the shower. We decided to leave them sleep and headed down to the Mara to get him some breakfast. When we got back, the kids pounced us at the door swearing we were done "forever!" No, not forver...just long enough to go to DBF's car to get his cell phone charger and to get breakfast. I gave the kids each a voucher and told them to go get breakfast. These vouchers had a lot of plusses to them. I like handing them the voucher and not the cash. DBF and I both got the mug and it earned it's $11.99 in coffee by the time we left. When I finally got the kids dressed and ready to move, it was 11am.. I was hoping it was going to warm up, but it hadn't so no BB today., Instead we all headed to Epcot. We worked our way slowly around furture world and did everything. The kids were stopping every CM and trading. My Dd had more pins in my handbag then on her lanyard because she is trying to collect whole series now. It's not just a fun trading thing for her anymore..lol This is also where the kids rememered they didn't like each other...the bickering was ridicuous and over nothing. DBF got fast passes to take them on Test track and when we went back to ride...it broke down. We decided touring the countires at this point and started around the world showcase. DBF loved it here. WE stopped in America to grab lunch. The kids were still fighting over nothing and I had enough of it for the day. I called the day over and we all went back to meet the bus. The bus was a bit of a wait for some reason but we were back at the AKL soon enough. The kids and DBF changed and went to the pool. I stayed behind and tried to figure out dinner plans. They didn't want to go back for the Rose and Crown or Illuminations. I called for O'hanna and Whispering Canyon. Both were booked and not taking walk-ups. We ended up at the Concourse Steakhouse at the Contemporary. Good meal, fairly priced, but the restaurant is so small and loud. I didn't enjoy that part of it. We took a cab over there because we were short on time again, but on the way back, we walked over to MK and grabbed the bus. We got to see a little bit of Wishes as we waited for the bus. When we got back, DBF and I went down to the bar as the kids swam. We closed it and went and got more provisions at the gift shop. The bartender gave us a bucket and ice and we soon had a samll crowd hanging with us. All of our children were in the pool and all of us were shocked that a bar closed at 9 on a Saturday. The kids came over shivering saying they were going up and we joined them about ten minutes later. We all fell asleep around midnight. I fell alseep in minutes.

[boucher0911]

Gosh, I feel like I was right there with you! I'm so excited to go - only 2 weeks from today!!!! Can't wait for the rest of your report!!!

[Dana]

Day 3

Well, I slept a little more soundly but was up by 5:30. Me and DBf tried to get the kids up again for Boma but it wasn't happening. Me and him just left them there again and had a nice breakfast alone. It was freezing today and BB wasn't looking promising. We headed up after breakfast and tried to decide what we were going to do with them today. It had to be done by 2pm because the Eagles were playing and he wasn't missing that game. The kids got up finally and we gave them vouchers to go grab breakfast. We decded to take them to Disney Quest. We all called home to hear reports of tons of snow and said a silent prayer that mother nature held off until we left for our trip. We headed to DTD and this took forever. When we finally got there, we walked all the way down to DQ and paid for the kids tickets. I gave my DD my cell phone and set them on their way. We told them we would be back at 1:30 and would call them to come down. DBF and I continued on and broused the shops. The speciality shops kept us entertained for hours. We had lunch at Planet Hollywood and enjoyed it very much. After lunch, we headed back down toward DQ and then called the kids. They met us at the exit both fighting...again. I was getting ticked by this point and we all headed back to the AKL. I gave DD money for the arcade and DBFDS went to the pool to freeze his butt off. I went down to the front desk to arrange for express check-out the next morning. I then grabbed me and DD's dirty clothes and washed them....yes, I washed clothes at WDW! Something I never, never do. After finishing up the clothes, I grabbed my DD and her and I went to MGM leaving the boys to wath their football. The kids needed a break from one another so this worked out perfectly. DD and I did our favorites and then had dinner at Momma's. I love this place. Best dinner of the trip. After dinner, we did Muppets and the Great Movie ride...we had the gangster...again. On the ride, DBF called and I called him back when we got off. I was greeted to the EAgles chant and his total excitement. Me and DD made our way slwoly back the the buses shopping along the way. When we got back DBF was watching the second game and his DS was in the arcade. I gave DD money and sent her on her way. I began to pack up our stuff only leaving out the necessities. Now the kids were really going at it and I hit my boiling point. I went ballistic with my DBF backing me up. They were acting ridiculous and we had had enough! They went down to the game room after my flip-out. Me and DBf then argued over the kids, but quickly started laughing at how ridiculous we sounded. WE never fight over them fighting...it's stupid. We relaxed and enjoyed our last night there with the silence of no kids. The kids broke the silence soon enough, but were laughing and getting along so I was happy. DBF and his Ds packed up their stuff and we all headed to bed.

[EmpressJenny]

Dana I'm really enjoying your report so far. But I have a question - isn't it always the gangster on The Great Movie Ride? I didnt' know you could get anyone else.

[llama]

It's so great to have you back, Dana! I'm enjoying every word! Kids bickering over NOTHING???? How odd!! LOL LOL LOL No pressure, but is the rest coming soon?

[mickaholic4077]

Sounds great so far!! How did the transfer from resort A to resort P go?

[BuzzLightyear]

Great report Dana. Thanks for sharing.
Did you ever get to do the Rose&Crown Illuminations thing?