Deanna - Disneyworld??
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Are you guys still planning on going next month?
Unfortunately, we *might* have to cancel. It will depend on me. 
I was in the ER 3 weeks ago for my back and then saw the back doc the next day and had a gazillion injections, and it's continued to lock up about every 5-7 days, so I went back yesterday for more and different injections.
He did say that I *wouldn't be riding any rides* and possibly that amount of walking wouldn't be possible either.
So at this point, it's a wait and see thing - still have a little over 2 weeks to get better and make a decision, and I'll be so disappointed if we can't go. So I'm going to be a *very* good girl between now and then.
However - *if* we still can go, I would still like to meet up, even if just for coffee, if you're still up for it.
Oh Karen...I hope you can still go, regardless of us getting together! That's a bummer to have to cancel a vacation, so I hope it doesn't come to that, but it does sound like it would be hard on you.
*If* you get to go, I would love to meet up with you at some point if that's possible. I'm not sure if I'll have as long as coffee  ...we'll only be there for about 4 days. But it would be cool to have a meeting place if we could, even if just for a bit. I'd so love to meet you in person! I'm not sure what our daily plan is yet...I'm working on that this weekend hopefully, and starting to get things together.
Or maybe a lunch or something, if you don't mind fast food??
Well, if you're going to be there for 4 days, if you want to email me your itinerary, I can let you know if we're going to be in the same parks on the same days, etc., and maybe we can do that??
That sounds good. I'll let you know as soon as I do, LOL!
I know we'll be at MK on the 3rd, and probably the 4th, then we'll do AK and Hollywood after that, but not sure which first.
I was thinking that 4 days wasn't very long. I thought you were going to be there quite a bit longer??
I'm thinking it will be AK on the 5th, and HOllywood on the 6th. We'll be at MK for the MVMCP on the 4th as well. I've been reading on some of the boards that it is SO CROWDED at MVMCP - way more than during the day at MK! That's bumming me out. I hope not. Lots of complaints that Disney promotes it as a limited number of tickets, but they think it's too many "limited" tickekts. I'm reading that the rides are fairly short, but that you can't move in the streets (esp. Main Street) and can't appreciate the snow, lights, etc. I'm hoping it doesn't feel like a waste of money.
Since we are both staying at the same resort (CBR, right??), *hopefully* we can meet up, either for a fast food lunch in a park, or even if only just to say *Hi, I'm Karen, Hi, I'm Deanna, this is my DH, etc., This is Nat*. LOL
This is what we have scheduled for the days YOU will be there (and yes, we WILL be there longer, we have 7-day hopper tickets, did the meal plan thing, allowed for a couple of other days to either do nothing, but we also really wanted to go to Sea World and/or possibly visit a close friend about an hour out of Orlando):
We are doing MK on 12/3 all day, including a dinnertime meal res, and Spectromagic that night.
On 12/4, we haven't decided on any particular park - that was one of our *open* days - it's DH's b'day, we have dinner res and also are going to Cirque that night, those are our only *firm* plans for 12/4).
On 12/5, we are doing Epcot all day, have dinner res that evening, plan to see Illuminations @ 9:30 PM.
On 12/6, it appears we are again planning the same park - Hollywood, we do have dinner res @ Brown Derby @ 4 PM (EARLY but all I could get!!!!!) and then Fantasmic that goes along with those particular dinner res.
So, at least there are 2 days for sure that we will be in the same parks. I strongly suspect our schedule is much more flexible than yours, due to the fact that you are taking a child, after all, Disney *IS* mainly for the kids!
So, on 12/3 @ MK, or 12/6 @ Hollywood, if your day is going well and you want to meet up for a fast food type lunch, I will email you my cell phone number (and you can do the same if you choose - no offense taken if you choose not to ) and you can let me know if it's a good day/time to meet up.
Question: What are you guys planning to do about breakfasts?? Are you bringing stuff, eating in your room, eating on the run, meal plan, etc.???
RE: MVMCP - we had read the *best* nights to do that (according to Tour Guide Mike - and you all know MY feelings about him - and also according to one of the other Disney sights and our T.A. - we did not plan it for that night simply because it was DH's b'day and we love the Cirque shows and he wanted to do that for his b'day. We ARE doing MVMCP on 12/9.
I SO hope, for both of our families, that it's not an overcrowded disaster because I was really looking forward to the fun of it. ALSO - we had read that on certain days of MVMCP, Disney was doing filming of it, and I don't remember or have a clue which dates those might have been. All I *do* remember about the scheduling of the MVMCP date was that our TA had given us 3 or 4 dates to choose from where the tickets were slightly cheaper or something, there has been SO much that has gone into planning this Disney vacation, it was literally mind-boggling. Last year, we thought planning our trip to the Galapagos Islands was a lot of work - it was a piece of cake compared to planning a Disney vacation! LOL
So - let me know if you would like for me to email you my cell numbers, and if you want to do the same. I know your days are much more structured than ours, traveling with a child is MUCH different and more demanding than just traveling as a couple and I completely understand that. So, we're staying @ the same resort, looks like we'll be in the same park at least 2 days, I'll leave it up to you, OK?
You guys are making me jealous!
I can not wait to go back. It must be so fun to see the x-mas decorations!
I forgot you were staying at CB for some reason -that's also conveneient for meeting up! We are bringing food for breakfasts and eating in the room each day.
You'll love the Brown Derby and seeing Fantasmic afterward! I'm so excited about our trip, but I *am* envious of you going as a couple. Ahhhh...the freedom! LOL Maybe next year. We were Disney nuts before we had Nat.
That sounds great to exchange cell #'s. My email is reds 9298 at embarq mail dot com. I really would love to meet you, and it sounds like it might work out.
Deanna, I just emailed you.
We're leaving in a couple of hours. Hope to see you there!
have fun you two = )
We're here. Had a LOOOOONG day yesterday, between travel and getting checked in, unpacked and then hitting Downtown Disney. If anyone has NOT eaten there, I highly recommend Bongos Cuban restaurant on the west side - the food is EXCELLENT! Of course, we had no reservation for last night and were seated immediately. The food was SOOO good!
Getting a *late* start this morning, but doesn't matter for the park we're going to today. It's early hours for futureword @ Epcot but we're doing the World Showcase, have dinner reservations at a restaurant there tonight and are going to watch Illuminations.
Excited now!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Deanna, can't wait to meet you.
Is it warm there lol i only ask because when me and my mom went in april you would of thought it would of been decent but it was cold lol i had to buy a hoodie = ) lol...
Gosh Karen, I am SO Jealous!
I love the World Showcase! My favorite is Mexico, I love the little marketplace they have there. It's now a tradition for us to take pictures with sombreros on.
It's probably to late for this, but you've got to go on Soarin' in Epcot. It is in The Land pavilion. It's a ride but it's really gentle. You just sit in the chair, it rises into the air and you soar above the trees, orange groves, etc. It's great.
I bet Disney is just gorgeous with Christmas decorations!
Did I mention how jealous I am? LOL
Have a great time!
Sounds great Karen!! We're leaving to stay at the airport tonight, then our flight leaves bright and early tomorrow morning. We are BURSTING around here!! We're so excited. I'm so looking forward to this trip together. It will be a blast!
We're still working on Park Faire reserv. but got STorybook Dining for Friday morning first thing.
Karen- Looking forward to meeting you!
Deanna, remember to check for Park Fare each morning!! They DO get cancellations. Have fun!
Karen, if you can check in thruout your trip I'd love to hear about it 'live'!! Have fun!
Have a wonderful time Deanna. Natalie is going to be in HEAVEN!
Take lots and lots of pictures!!
BTW - the first 2 days/nights we were here it was FREEZING! I am not kidding, it was so cold, and we were not prepared, even though we checked the weather for 10 days out.
Our first day, @ Epcot World Showcase, it was really cold during the day, a lot due to the wind, but 3 layers were enough. HOWEVER - at night, I was wearing FIVE layers! I actually had to buy a Disney sweatshirt to wear under my leather jacket, which was over 3 more layers! And we were able to get free tickets for Illuminations to sit right on the water to watch - however, with me just getting over a cold anyway, and the wind coming off the water, I couldn't take it and we had to leave, I was shaking I was so cold. And I NEVER get cold!
We ate @ Teppan Edo that night - it was fantastic! Quite the experience, food was great, I highly recommend it.
Wednesday we did Magic Kingdom, ate @ Tony's Town Square for dinner (wasn't that good), but had a great spot for Spectromagic. Also had a great spot for the daytime parade, watched *some* of the fireworks but left because we are going back on 12/9 for MVMCP, etc.
Yesterday was DH's b'day, so we took it easy. Actually, we had to find a place to do wash and fold because we'd worn all our warm clothes! LOL We shopped at Downtown Disney so I got Jen and Mads something really adorable and got a couple Xmas ornaments and a coffee mug (I collect them), ate @ Capt'n Jacks which was delicious and saw Cirque.
We are now leaving for Epcot Futureworld, and have dinner reservations somewhere in World Showcase tonight and plan to stay for Illuminations again tonight.
So far, having a *magical* time!
I hope it warms up a bit for you!
I'm glad you are having a great time anyway!
Patti, we are having a wonderful time. Deanna and I have played phone tag, I'll call her again in the morning. We just got back and are EXHAUSTED! DH said we are too old to do Disney anymore. ROFL
We finally saw Illuminations tonight and I felt bad, because it would have been SO MUCH BETTER had we been able to stay the first night we were there with the special seating we were offered because we were wearing our anniversary buttons we got upon check in. Tonight, all those areas were booked for private parties, and Pop Warner is going on and they are EVERYWHERE! LOL So, at the spot we watched from, we realized we did miss a lot of stuff we would have otherwise seen.
We ate at the Coral Reef restaurant tonight. OMGOSH! What a place! The service, the food and the ambience were just incredible. We had a table just one table over from the aquarium. There were 6 or 7 divers in there doing some really funny stuff for the kids dining in the restaurant.
I'm telling you, I recommend this dining plan, it's working like a charm for us. We *might* end up with a couple snacks leftover, and possibly a counter service meal. But maybe not, we have 4 more days of parks to do and some are going to be LOOOOONG days!
Well, today is Hollywood. We decided not to rush out this morning because we have an early dinner res. @ the Brown Derby and then tickets for Fantasmic. We are just exhausted - too old. LOL And we *do* have a 7th hopper day that we have not yet committed to a park so we can go back there if we want to. Leaving now, will try to connect with Deanna, and update tonight!
Mmmm, the Brown Derby. I haven't been there in soooo many years. I remember the GROG drink I used to order there. :o)
Glad to hear you're having so much fun, even if you are completely exhausted!
Unfortunately, Deanna and I couldn't make our schedules work, so we didn't get to meet. But we did finally speak, and they were going to be heading back home, so we ran out of chances.
We had a blast today, Fantasmic was mesmerizing!
Marcia, ditto MMMMMMMMM on the Brown Derby! We ate there the last time we were here several years ago. So far, we have had only one disappointment in the restaurants, and unfortunately, we are eating there again next week - Tony's Town Square in Magic Kingdom.
It started pouring *just* as we were in line for the tram to the parking lots tonight. We actually came back to the room this morning for our rain gear - we are going to keep them in our backpacks from here on out.
We are taking a Disney break tomorrow and going to Sea World. And I think the weather is going to turn *cold* again for a couple days - at least the nights will be *cold*.
Omg. I love Shumu. I love Shumu rocks.
Tell him I said hey.
Karen- I sooo wish we could have met up. If Natalie hadn't gotten sick I think we would have because we would have been at the same parks on the same days!! I'm so glad you are having a great time!
We arrived home today after a later flight lastnight and spending the night with family. We had a WONDERFUL time! As usual, none of us wanted to come home, but honestly if we had stayed longer we would have spent Natalie's college $$$, LOL! Just kidding. We tried throughout our stay for Park Faire reserv. but couldn't get any. BUT...Cindy was the very first character we met, about 2hours after we arrived. It was wonderful! We met sooooo many characters and Natalie just had the time of her life. Of course, each and every princess and tons more, too. We ended up hitting every park, and we thought we would leave Epcot out originally. (Our favorite place, but didn't think it would be for Nat). Turns out there are lots of chracters there, so we went for that.
It was definitely a new experience after going so much without a kid and then now WITH one. We didn't eat well the entire time...all fast food mainly, so that was a big difference. DH and I always ate at such wonderful places when it was just the two of us, LOL!
Our only regrets, down sides were character meals. We had only done one character meal without kids previously, at Garden Grill, and it was great. We did the Akershus Princess breakfast and Liberty Tree Tavern dinner this time and thought they were both a HUGE waste of $$$. So much $$$ and ALL of our character interactions were so much better just in greeting lines than at either place.
Nat did so well with everything. She was sick to her stomach the morning of her princess breakfast (which turned out to be a $100 DUD, so it didn't matter too much), but I think it was lack of eating and being tired and the sun. She threw up water a few times, then laid in bed for an hour or two, then seemed to be fine. I was so relieved it wasn't more. We ran the parks for 4 solid days and she did great. We closed out MK on MVMCP day, leaving around 12:30am.
Karen-What do you think of Caribbean Beach? From our previous moderate resort stays, we won't choose that one again. Our room was kind-of run down, our fridge had issues, I think it's hard to get around within the resort and know where you're going, and the cleaning service wasn't that great. I just didn't think that one was worth the $ compared to Coronado Springs and Animal Kingdom Lodge. What do you think?
The MVMCP was wonderful!! Waaaay crowded, but still wonderful. I would do that again.
We had a fabulous time! I'll share some pics when I can and Karen...enjoy all the time without kids for me!!!! LOL The Brown Derby is so yummy. The best meal we had was the Cantina in Mexico in the World Showcase....yumm-o burritos. It's been almost 5 years since we have been, our longest run of not going since Nat was born, and it's still the most magical place!! Disney doesn't miss a detail, as always.
PS: All the tips from this board were great, so thank you. The Cindy dress in a gallon ziploc was a TERRIFIC idea, and the tips on character spots, too. Thanks a lot. We had a ball!!!
Karen- How are you feeling BTW?
We had our jackets, sweatshirts, plus our coats coming from colder weather (it's 22 degrees here and snow). The first night we were there was the coldest for us ( on Wed.). It makes it harder to pack when you're dealing with cool mornings, warm days, and cold nights. I felt like we took SO MUCH STUFF!
Are you using the PhotoPass often to get pics of the two of you? I'm anxious to see all of our photopass pics....but not the price. Anyone know what a whole CD runs, or individual pics? I'm trying to prepare myself, LOL!!
The PhotoPass CD was well worth it for us. I just pulled it up and we chose to buy the CD and not individual pics. It was cheaper and easier to just get them all, regardless of if we needed them all or not. Anyone else do this?
We do. I have also shared a photo pass with people I "know" from the DIS board who are going the same time- if you haven't ordered yet and Karen is doing the photo pass and hasn't ordered you could share and split the cost. One of you would just have to copy the Cd for the other. You have 30 days to enter all your photo pass numbers before they expire.
Never thought of that! I already ordered my CD, but what a great idea.
We are doing Photo Pass too, and we've actually come across a number of photographers who have offered to also take pics of us with our cameras, and really, I think it's because they wanted to play with them - our cameras are apparently nicer than many of the Disney photographers. LOL At least, that is what THEY told US. We had one guy who took pics with his Nikon, and then with both of our cameras, and was really having a ball with it.
As for CBR - this is our first time staying on grounds. We are in South Trinidad - which is the end of the road there. LOL We requested a ground floor room in advance - apparently that didn't make a difference; they originally had us elsewhere, I don't know where. The worst thing I can say about our room location is the noise because we are near a corner. And obviously, when there are kids on the upper floor, there's a lot of stomping, etc. To be expected. Honestly, the soundproofing in the rooms is practically non-existent. Yesterday morning around 5 AM, the couple next door was having *private time*, and I could hear it through the wall. EWWWWWWWWWWW!!! LOL The room has been clean, housekeeping has taken care of each little request we've had, but we would not stay here again either. DH says *No complaints about the cleanliness, but then, there's not a lot of room to clean*. LOL I have no experience with any of the other resorts at any level, but as a *moderate* resort, it's a little *less* than we expected. The layout of the room is weird - the internet cable is BEHIND the bed and you have to stretch it across the room, across the floor right in front of the doorway, to the computer on the table on the other side. We've tripped over it several times. Also, the internet is EXPENSIVE here - $10 a day, same price as The Embassy Suites, which is a MUCH nicer hotel. THAT is DH's main gripe - and he has to have internet access to stay in touch with his job while away. His words are *This is by far the worst hotel I have ever stayed in with internet rates that are this high.* He also is complaining about the towels. LOL He is saying the Hampton Inn is *far superior* to this. The safe key gets stuck and I have trouble locking or unlocking it. However, our room has been very clean. I DON'T like the resort layout though, it was very confusing at first. DH says he refuses to pay the ridiculous rates the premium resorts charge and if/when we come back, he would look into staying off grounds again since he is a Hilton Honors member and we get points there. The down side to that would be transport/parking.
And BTW - even though Disney has all manners of transportation available, we have driven our rental car to each and every park, and it's saved a ton of time for US. Not saying it's the way for everyone to go - you can park free if you stay on grounds. Obviously, you don't pay for the buses or monorail system, but depending on when we were coming or going and which park we were at, sometimes the lines were incredibly long at both the CBR AND the parks, people waiting for transportation. And the one night that it started raining, we had our car, and the downpour started just as we were getting ready to board the tram to take us to the car, and there were TONS of people behind us in line who I KNOW got soaked. We now take our Northface raingear in our backpacks every time we leave the room. LOL
DH was also complaining about the outdated TV in the room. ROFL! I told him Disney is not concerned with having great TV's in the rooms because people aren't here to STAY in the rooms! However - we are *older - we have found that being 50-somethings (DH turned 56 last week while we were here) and with my health issues, we just don't have the stamina to get out as early and stay until the parks close, so I suspect we spend a bit more time in the room. A huge PLUS was purchasing the refillable mug the first day @ CBR (for a whopping $12.50 each), that you can refill with coffee, tea, sodas, etc. as many times as you want while staying there. THAT paid for itself by day 2! We drink a lot of coffee, I like to drink tea, and we stop by there several times a day to refill our mugs, in between coming and going to the parks.
Sea World was GREAT! There were some really positive things about it, but I was disgusted that it wasn't as well laid out as the Disney parks. LOL It was hard to find bathrooms at first (signage was nowhere near Disney's), and they were certainly not kept clean like all the Disney park bathrooms I've been in over the past week. At the dolphin show with acrobats, etc. @ Sea World, there was a mime who was seating people, they started seating 30 minutes or so before showtime. He was HYSTERICAL! That alone was worth going there. I haven't laughed so much in a long time!
We were supposed to do Animal Kingdom yesterday, and had planned to get there for the extra morning magic hour, but we were so exhausted, we ended up sleeping late and then heading back to Hollywood and really had a great time. Last night we went to eat @ LeCellier Steakhouse in Canada in the World Showcase @ Epcot. I was disgusted. They were running about 30 minutes behind reservation schedule - not the first place we've had reservations @ Disney that was running behind. BUT - once we were finally seated, our waiter was HORRIBLE. I asked several times for lemon for my tea and butter for our bread - we never saw it. He kept forgetting to bring DH's coffee, but sure did remember to refill his beer. I was ready to walk out. He spent WAY too much time chatting up the customers and not enough time actually doing his job. Then the steaks *finally* came. OMGosh! It was THE best meal we've had here with the WORST service. The bathroom in the restaurant was filthy too. I was shocked. All the Disney park bathrooms I've been in since we've been here have people in them constantly cleaning, refilling paper towels, etc. The bathroom in this restaurant was a pigsty. Then, when we left, I told DH the reason they were running so behind schedule is that there were 5 or 6 tables all around us where people had left gradually as we were at ours, waiting and eating, and no one had even begun to clean and reset them! And there was still a loooong line of people waiting to get in there and eat. Something is not right there, DH was actually going to complain to the manager AND our waiter about the poor service, but he decided not to. LOL
Also, we did the basic meal plan. I am thinking it was very worth it. I've sort of been keeping track of the meal costs in my mind, and I think we really came out ahead in doing the meal plan. We have the basic meal plan, which allows one snack, one counter service meal and one sit-down type restaurant meal per day. It's been PLENTY of food! I don't remember what we paid for it (Have to check that when we get home), but I think we saved a lot in doing that - I noticed that lunch each day would run between $25 and $30 for the 2 of us, but it's on our meal plan, so we don't pay anything. Dinners, we have to pay tips, and anything we order such as DH's nightly beer, that's not covered on it. I think it's saved us a lot.
Today we are getting another late start, will go back to Magic Kingdom, and tonight MVMCP. Deanna, what was Mickey's party like??? I have no clue what to expect! LOL
Glad you guys had fun, and I'm really sorry we couldn't meet up, as well. I would have loved to meet you guys.
Karen, you would have probably much preferred the Coronado Springs resort....it's a moderate, but it's much newer and has a lot more amenities, such as central air instead of those clunky wall air conditioners. It has a great food court with 'stations' boasting different ethnic foods. It's a convention hotel so it's more 'stuffy' and adult like. Also, Wilderness Lodge and Animal Kingdom Lodge are deluxes, however they are really 'lower' deluxes and cost less. So they are between the mods and the deluxes really....they would be another option. They run around $240 a night and they are larger and have queen beds, AND big flat screen tvs.
Glad you're having fun!
We went to CBR about 5 years ago. I agree that the lay out of the resort was confusing. I never had a clue as to where we were. The mugs were well worth the $12.00 though! We just got one and shared it.
We had a normal hotel room and didn't think it was as bad as you do, but we only slept in it. The rest of the time we were going and going and going! Although I didn't have any real complaits about the place, I would not stay there again. I just was not impressed with it I guess.
And EEEWWWW that you could hear the other couple having *private time* I mean, it's DISNEY for crying out loud. It's a good thing you didn't have kids with you. LOL
We LOVE Coronado Springs and have stayed there several times. We would have stayed there again but we booked too late and there was no availability. The food there is WONDERFUL!!!! We also stayed at AK Lodge once with a savannah view and it was very nice, BUT different. It went up instead of out and I think I like the spread out resort feel better. (Hence C. Springs)
We didn't do the meal plan and I'm glad we didn't because for us it would have cost more. We always ate like kings when we went alone, but we did mostly fast stuff this time with DD, of which she shared a meal with us since she eats so little. We spent roughly $50/day on food, so the meal plan in our situation was more expensive.
Karen- I agree on the noise. Although it was fairly quiet in our area, when there was noise even the slightest thing was loud. DH said that next time we'll ask the photogs to use our camera, LOL, so it's cheaper! They took over 200 photos of us though, and lots of family pics, plus my pics from the Xmas party didn't turn out well since I don't have a great camera, so they picked up the slack for us there which is nice.
We had the most bus trouble ever out of CBR. Have never waited for buses to come like we did this time, so that was disappointing. We didn't have any trouble FROM the parks or between parks, just from CBR to a park, so not sure what was going on there. Once another person called the desk from the stop because we had waited so long for an AK bus it was ridiculous. Not happy needless to say, but it worked out in the end. This was the first time we actually thought maybe driving to/from the parks wouldn't be so bad, but we'll still probably never do it.
Karen- the Xmas party is great! VERY CROWDED on Main Street!!!!!!!!!! Like not moving crowded. Once you get away from that it's nice. Lots of Xmas gear, music, and snow. The parade is fabulous, so get a good spot for it!! We went to the 10:30 parade. The fireworks are very good, too, but of course not Illuminations so hopefully it's not a let down, LOL. Have fun! Take advantage of the hot chocolate and cookies for us because we didn't get to them! We rode rides with NO ONE on them, which was kind of cool.
You know, we STARTED to book Coronado Springs based on recommendations from moms here, and changed our minds at the last minute (I am wondering *why* now!). DUH! Woulda coulda shouda....LOL
Yesterday felt like THE longest day. We actually left Mickey's Xmas party as the fireworks were going off. The crowd was RIDICULOUS! It was more crowded last night than on any other day or night in any other park, you could not move. We saw tons of people without the bracelets, even though the cast was making an effort to check people for them - but they appeared to only be checking near bathrooms and the *shortcuts* from one area to another. It was actually sort of like waiting for a Mardi Gras parade, only in much tighter quarters. LOL
But we found a spot last week in Frontierland (I think it was....) where we could sit or stand on a ledge around a tree, so we went there again. It was great - right near a bathroom (for me!), near coffee, and we had a great view of the parade.
But again, the crowd was awful, you could not move, I think that's why we decided to leave when we did. Plus, today is our last day, and we are going to Animal Kingdom. YAY! And we are eating @ The Contemporary tonight, California Grill. Then in the morning, we are outta here!
I need a vacation from my vacation. My biggest disappointment is I can no longer ride roller coasters (neck and back issues) so I feel like I missed a lot of stuff that I'd have LOVED to do. But not risking my health to do it.
Also, all the constant standing and walking in combination with the amount of salt they seem to season ALL the food with has given me cankles - my legs and ankles look like balloons! ROFL
Onward to the last park!!!!!!!
Karen...I've been thinking about you guys. We so wish we were still there!!! Isn't the Xmas Party ridiculous with the crowds??? They need to check wrist bands more or they are just selling too many tickets for it, IMO.
Animal Kingdom is great...have so much fun! Don't miss the Lion King show - it's fabulous.
Interesting, Deanna....I HATE spread out resorts and much prefer the streamlined Contemporary and Wilderness Lodge style. When you need food or a gift shop it doesn't matter what the weather is doing when all you have to do is ride an elevator up and down and stay inside! And I know someone who experienced a hurricane while at Wilderness Lodge and they pointed out how they were so much better able to get information and food and help, being all enclosed, instead of like at Caribbean Beach or the Poly or Grand Floridian, etc.
That being said, I do like the Poly...but much prefer a building right next to the lobby building.
I guess you could say I am LAZY and I like my climate to be controlled at all times, such as when walking for food.
Who me?? High maintenance?? Pshaw! ;o)
We are home. FINALLY! UGH! The WORST travel day. It SNOWED in New Orleans today! Can you believe that??? So many flights were delayed flying into the airport here because it was closed this morning - this area is in NO WAY prepared for snow/ice conditions under any circumstances, so it really just shuts things down while it's happening.
Anyways, our flight leaving Orlando was jam packed - only left 30 minutes late but we had overflow from 2 earlier flights and there were still tons of people who couldn't make it on that and the next flight out to N.O. That wasn't the worst part (for us) though. Landing in New Orleans, there were SO many travelers who were stranded here trying to fly OUT, the lines for one airline's checkin actually wound round and round all the way to the security checkpoint! Amazing...... and I felt so sorry for those people, they were tired, livid, confused, overwhelmed.....I totally understand that feeling! But for us, the worst part was, all 3 pieces of our checked luggage were absolutely, totally soaked. I mean the things inside were dripping wet, literally - so it was all very heavy, very cold, very wet. Now I'm having to rewash the clean clothes we came home with, and the *clothing* type souvenirs I brought a few people - well, not sure what to do about those.....should I wash them as well???? I've hung up backpacks and laid out shoes and luggage to dry out - I am just thankful we both were wearing our leather jackets and I was wearing my leather boots - I would have been *really* upset had those been sitting for hours, wet, in wet luggage.
Anyway, we didn't stay in Animal Kingdom as long as we'd thought we would yesterday. It was very muggy/humid, intermittent sprinkles of rain, really crowded, and I guess basically we were just Disney'd out by then, and exhausted.
So we left around 2 PM, went back to the CBR and packed, and ate @ The California Grill @ The Contemporary last night and watched the Magic Kingdom fireworks from the observation deck @ The Contemporary. OMGOSH! What an incredible view - AND meal!! They had our table decorated since I had told our booking agent we were celebrating our anniversary and DH's b'day on this trip. (I even kept the confetti from the table! LOL ) Took a picture of the chocolate and raspberry dessert with the edible chocolate *Happy Anniversary from The California Grill* standing next to the actual dessert - and accidentally deleted it when deleting bad fireworks pics. Our waiter did take a digital photo of us together there and took my email addy and said they do that for guests celebrating events. I hope he does email it to me. The Contemporary looks like a great place to stay - out of my budget though. LOL
All in all, a wonderful - but VERY exhausting trip.
I did think of one other complaint about CBR too - the lighting in the room was HORRIBLE! It was very dim and we literally had to turn every light in there on, including the bathroom light, to really see what we were doing in there.
But complaints aside, our night-time meals, with one exception, were very enjoyable, some were excellent and above, we had a great time in the parks, we enjoyed Sea World a LOT too, and it was a great trip. Now I just have to deal with 10 days of wet and dirty laundry! LOL
Wow, Karen, WHY was your luggage soaked??
I'm glad you had a good time!
It was pouring in Orlando. The only thing we can figure is the luggage for our flight was sitting on the tarmac in the rain. I don't mean just the luggage itself was damp or wet, everything inside was soaked, even things I put into little plastic bags......my sneakers are soaked, my hoodies, I don't know if my hairdryer works......it's one I use just for travel, so I'll have to be sure to check it out tomorrow.
I imagine everyone's luggage was soaked. It's bad enough having to deal with it but at least *we* were coming home. I feel really bad for the people who were flying out of Orlando heading somewhere for vacation, etc., I'm sure theirs was soaked as well.
But.........we STILL had a great time!
Karen, what a pain in the butt! I can't believe your luggage was soaked. Why????? Sounds like you had a nice anniversary/birthday dinner though. Ditto on the lighting at CBR. We felt the same way.
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