[leslieh]

Well, I have finally committed to writing a TR. Since joing MB almost 4 years ago, we have taken about a dozen trips. So, I have been remiss and I apologize for my laziness

Anyway, we arrived home tonight from a fast, five day trip. As the title implies, we decided to try new things on this trip. This was our 5th visit since last January, and my intuitive 12 year old suggested that we take this one with a different approach.

The cast:
me
DS 7
DS 12

Just us three- we left DH home. He can only handle one trip a year...

A short list of new experiences on this trip include a couple of behind the scenes tours, new restaurants (for us), Miyuki the candy lady, pearls at Japan, split reservation (Pop Century and Animal Kingdom Lodge), and concierge club at AKL. I promise to elaborate as the TR goes on.

It's funny how so many little things happen on a trip that you don't want to forget to include. My brain is spinning!

[iluvwdw]

Leslieh! Welcome back! I can't wait to hear all about it! Were one of your kids chosen to get the candy from Miyuki in Japan? I can't wait to hear about your AKL portion of the trip since that's where we are staying in November! We stayed at POP last year for 10 days and really loved it! I think DS is going to be crushed we're not staying there again this year.

[leslieh]

DAY 1-

Part of what makes going to WDW so much great is that my kids are so funny and such good sports. But I have to say that when they bicker and push eachother's buttons, it drives me crazy! So I wasn't in the mood as I watched the weather report the morning of our departure day and snow was predicted! It rarely snows here in Charlotte, so I was pretty concerned.

Our flight was at 1:50. It started snowing around 12 noon. I drove leisurely to the airport in a light drizzle and we had no issues parking in long term ($3 a day) and getting thorugh security was a breeze. I had to laugh- usually those TSA guys don't have too much of a personality. But the guy who searched our stuff said that we looked like we were on our way to Disney World. I asked how could he tell? He said that we looked too happy to be going anywhere else.

We didn't check any bags, as I have a rule: If it doesn't fit in a carry-on, it doesn't go So, we pack just what we need and nothing extra. It's a great system (and easy since I have boys). We got to the gate very early- and already there were cancelled flights appearing on the board. I seriously thought that if our flight was cancelled, I would pay my $3, collect my car from long term parking and drive the 10 hours to WDW.

Fortunately, we took off about 2 hours late after the green de-icing stuff (which I haven't seen since I left NY...) was sprayed all over us. The snow was getting thick and there was slush on the wings before they de-iced, so we were one of just a few planes to actually take off.

The flight was uneventful and we landed just before 5:00. We went down to Magical Express check in and HOLY COW! The line was LONG! I almost started to regret going MLK weekend. The line moved very quickly, and we soon got to the red carpet! After a few minutes, the bus loaded and there were only two seats left (we are three), so looking on the bright side, we then became the first people in line! After exactly 17 minutes (notice my excitement), another bus came, loaded up, and we were at Pop Century check-in by 6:00.

[leslieh]

Originally Posted by iluvwdw

Leslieh! Welcome back! I can't wait to hear all about it! Were one of your kids chosen to get the candy from Miyuki in Japan? I can't wait to hear about your AKL portion of the trip since that's where we are staying in November! We stayed at POP last year for 10 days and really loved it! I think DS is going to be crushed we're not staying there again this year.

Thanks, Kim! Yes, Miyuki made us an animal It's a secret until day 3... The boys love Pop also, but really enjoyed AKL as well. I'll fill in the AKL details on days 4 and 5.

Some things I don't want to forget to mention later on: strange places to change diapers and the baby ducklings. Very odd, I know. But two really crazy stories...

[Dopey]

OH wow all is forgiven, in the lazy department, now that you are bringing us this wonderful report.

I am very excited to hear about AK concierge. I have booked myself into that for November

[dznygrl]

Welcome back Leslie!! What a great start to the TR...I can't wait for the rest!

[leslieh]

Originally Posted by Dopey

OH wow all is forgiven, in the lazy department, now that you are bringing us this wonderful report.

I am very excited to hear about AK concierge. I have booked myself into that for November

Thanks, and happy birthday! It was very exciting carrying the gold room key! I think my 12 year old was even more thrilled with the whole concierge concept The CMs told my boys to leave their plates, garbage, etc on the table, but of course I was telling them to clean up after themselves (like I expect them to do at home).

[Jennatrz]

Welcome Back Leslie! Can't wait to read the rest of the TR!!!!!

[leslieh]

Originally Posted by dznygrl

Welcome back Leslie!! What a great start to the TR...I can't wait for the rest!

Thanks! You might be the only person left awake- it's after 11:30 here on the east coast!

[dznygrl]

Originally Posted by leslieh

Thanks! You might be the only person left awake- it's after 11:30 here on the east coast!

I know, I really need to start getting on here earlier...there's never anybody around! Usually I start seeing lots of people by the time I go to bed (early AM West Coast time) because they're all starting their day!

[leslieh]

DAY 1- continued;

You know, at the end of our first day, I was thinking "this is the worst day I ever had at WDW"... trying to become more self-aware, I really explored this feeling I had:

1- We landed late (losing 2 precious hours of WDW time )
2- We "missed" the first ME bus (not really, but that's how it felt at the time)
3- Pop was CROWDED and full (I never seem to get to go during "slow" times)
4- There was a monsoon when we arrived at MK for our first night (well, not a monsoon really, but a serious sideways raining thunderstorm)
5- No amount of poncho layering could possibly make the MK at all do-able in said storm
6- Our server at Chef Mickey's gave us the wrong bill

But really, I was wrong. Simply, our first day was different than I had anticipated. It didn't make it a "bad" day- just not what I had planned. I turned each negative thing around and started to think-

1- We were able to get out of Charlotte before the snow cancelled our flight
2- We were able to sit in the front seats on the ME bus, and met a nice family who sat behind us. (I told them about MB)
3- Pop was crowded, but everyone was pleasant and check-in went very quickly. The best part was our room location- we were in building 1 (1950's) in a great location!! Ground floor, right next to Lady- close to the food court and the buses.
4- Even though it was raining sideways, , we made it to Chef Mickey's on time for our first dinner of the trip.
5- We were tired from travelling, so we needed to sleep instead of staying out late at MK that night.
6- Chef Mickey's was very good, and even though the service could have been better, I ordered a very delicious mango margarita.

So, day 1 was a great day in retrospect. I'll attempt to post some photos...

[leslieh]

Something I have never seen before at WDW- the walkways in front of MK (outside of the gates) were flooded- during the "monsoon", it was many inches deep. You couldn't get to the park without submerging your feet completely up to at least your ankles if you were coming from the buses or boats. It was insane! If this picture attaches correctly, you will see my 7 year old walking on the curb and grabbing the railing to keep from falling in...

[tiggerlover1971]

Leslieh sorry about your first day but it sounds like you still had a great time

[tinkerbelle24]

Sure a great TR so far. I cant wait to read more!

[smee57]

Cool. A TR.

I love how you turned the crummy day into a great day!!

Um, I'm ready for more (plus photos, of course) . . .