Iamgrumpy does MOA a Trip Report! Updated 10/29 Pictures Added! For Sure! About This Page:

[iamgrumpy]

Okay So now that I have time and am rested I can post my trip report! Hope you all Like it and I had a blast on my trip!


Pre Trip:

While Cruising the boards I noticed there was a meet at The Mall of America on a weekend that I was free in September. The thought of going on a trip there was always in my mind and now I had a really good excuse to go So I checked around for airfare as that would be the most cost in my mind. I checked Southwest who wanted close to $400 roundtrip from Hartford to Minneapolis. Hmmm I could do better I am sure of it. So I tried Orbitz and they posted fares for the same rates on other carriers. So I put it out of my mind for a day. Then it was close to 3 am one night and I was up and decided to check American Airlines but on their own website. I found my flight was going to cost me $189 with tax Round Trip! SOLD! So now let the planning begin!

I went to every website I could to research hotels and the mall and the area. I found a few I might want to stay at but then Jana (Troianrae) mentioned she was at the Hilton Garden Inn Bloomington so I figured I would stay there so I would know someone at the hotel. Well I booked for $99 a night at first. Lisa (Elbug10) mentioned she might go and then booked her fare. She booked the Hilton Garden Inn as well but mentioned she found a rate for $89 including Breakfast and a coupon book. So I modified my rate and got the same deal! This was really shaping up and it was only June! Wow how would I pass the time!

Well things happen and life goes on I had a few things happen at home and I needed to pay some unexpected bills and the trip was looking kinda rocky for me but I did not give up I needed the break from home, work, and I wanted so much to meet everyone. My mom stepped in and was able to pay my hotel for me and I really appreciated it and owe her big time! Thank you Mom! Well with that settled I just had to save spending money and since I wasn’t planning on checking bags I knew I would be limited on what I bought as I was just carrying on my bags. So my big expense would be eating.

I passed the time by working and doing small things like fairs and going with my folks camping and Finally the week of my trip and I was so excited. I had to work Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday so by 8pm Wednesday I was so excited!!

Thursday I spent the day finishing my packing up for good, went to the bank and did my pre trip checklist of things to do and I was in bed by 10pm after lurking on the boards as I couldn’t stay away okay so I was feeding my addiction but having to get up at 4 am to be at the airport I really should have gone to bed earlier then 10pm.

Up Next : What do you mean you want a can of Sprite??



Amy

[lauren-roxy]

Great start Amy!! You got some really great rates! We always try to stay at a Hilton Garden Inn, they are such a nice hotel! Can't wait to read more!!

[debsta922]

Can't wait to hear more!

[iamgrumpy]

Friday September 30th 2005


So my alarm goes off …Geez what time is it ? Ugh 4 am ..OH WAIT! Its time to fly to MOA! I jump up and get dressed and ready to go and go to get my mom up and she has been up since 2 am with a backache.. Sorry Mom but you got to take me to the airport. We load the car and hit the road by 5 am its only an hour to the airport so I will have plenty of time to check in and get through security for a short 2 hour wait! We get to Windsor Locks and I realize I have a rumbly in my Tumbly I need breakfast so we stop at McDonald’s and get a greasy breakfast sandwich Well with that packed in my bag for the airport we drove to departures. Mom and I said our goodbyes and unloaded my suitcase and my personal item bag. I went in and attempted to do self-check in doesn’t go well since I am not sure to say without bags, with bags or just bags. I know I should have known but it was only 6 am and I don’t function till NOON!

The American Airline associate came over and was nice enough to help me and in no time I was checked in for my flights and now the Security check point. Well there was a huge line for security took me 45 minutes to get through the line was like a mile long. Finally get up to the front and wow could they have been any ruder ok buddy I know I have to take my shoes off I don’t move fast or easily; yes I plan on putting my bag up there give me a minute. They did not understand the concept of disability and needs a bit more time to move around. Hope this isn’t a theme for this trip Finally made it through security and down to my gate. Watched planes take off for a bit and then talked to the gate agent who was very nice and let me pre-board. Easier when you don’t move easily to load bags and sit if you don’t have to do it around other people. They boarded right on time and I had an aisle seat and was settled before they let others on.

My Seat Mate was an older lady named Peggy who was going to a reunion in Portland Oregon and was connecting in Chicago as well. She was very nice and we had a good flight as we chatted the whole way to stay busy. Well we pushed back from the gate right on time if not a few minutes early. The flight attendants were very nice and it came time for Beverage service …well since my funds were limited and I had paid money for this flight I decided to ask if I could have a can of Sprite and a glass of OJ as I could save the Sprite for Chicago to drink on my layover. The attendant asked “a Can of Sprite?” I giggled and said “yeah I don’t need ice or a cup just the can of sprite” she nodded and gave it to me. It definitely through her for a loop. We made it into Chicago right on time and I was off the plane by 9:47. Well my original connection was at 12:15 but there was a 10:15 flight to Minneapolis that was boarding…I wonder if? ….


Up Next …Do I make the 10:15 connection?? Or am I stuck in Chicago …

[KrisLuvsDisney]

Great start! I can't wait to read more!

Did you take photos and are you going to include them?

[chezp]

Great start Amy - I can't wait to read more!

[iamgrumpy]

I took pictures but I have to develop them and then figure out how to post them... but eventualy there will be photos

Amy

[lauren-roxy]

Great update Amy!! Sorry security was so rude to you. Can't wait to read more!!!!

[iamgrumpy]

Friday September 30th Continued..

Where did we leave off… oh yes my attempt at connecting at 10:15. So I check the monitors and see the earlier flight is leaving from H16...where am I now?? OH man K17. I will have to run if I want to make this flight…ok feet don’t fail me now… later I promise you can go on strike For me running is a very slow jog and well by the time I made it to H16 my knees were grapefruits my ankles were the size of two baseballs and I couldn’t walk another step.. Please oh Great gate agent please tell me you have room for a standby passenger on this flight! (My original connection was leaving from K17 so it would be back to original gate if I couldn’t) She checks the computer and hands me a new Ticket! I Made it!!! So onto the plane an all the way back to the last row of the plane but I have my own seat!! Cool! My legs are done for I couldn’t move another inch without rest! It was worth it!

I quick call home to let them know of the change and then off the phone goes as we push from the gate. I was happy to get the earlier flight but I won’t try that again without asking for a ride as my body is still recouping from that and all the walking at the mall. We get into the air and I laugh as I realize I never drank that sprite but figure its ok I can ask for another one and have them for the hotel room. So beverage service on the flight is quick as its only 1 hour and 20 minutes to Minneapolis from Chicago. They ask what I would like and again I ask for sprite in a can and OJ. The attendant asks again “just a can?” I snicker and just nod they don’t like giving up cans I guess but they knew I had run and was out of breath so I think that set of attendants took pity on me. I packed that can with the other and was happy when we set down in Minneapolis as I was so excited to be there. Well we get off the plane and how do I get to Hotel Shuttles?? I need a map wait I can’t understand maps boy this is an adventure in itself. I hobble to Burger King and have lunch before moving onto the shuttles. A whopper combo with Sprite. (you betcha I was saving those cans for an emergency now)

I found a guy driving a golf cart through the airport! Wow Hartford doesn’t have that at least I don’t think so? I could be wrong but still cool! He brings me to an escalator and I attempt to go down with my bags that was awkward but I made it after going down two floors under the highway and then back up one floor...crossing the road would be jaywalking there Geez like I need that hassle! I call the hotel shuttle and I wait… and wait…and wait!

Finally it arrives and we take off for the hotel, the driver was an older gentleman reminded me looks wise like my father but older. Maybe I was just tired. He pointed out the mall and I was in awe it was Huge but later First I had to check in! We arrived at the hotel and he unloaded my bags.

Up Next: Am I a toddler now.. I need my nap!

Amy

[whoSEZ]

Amy, what a trip!! I'm so glad you were able to come -- and I hope next time, we get to talk for more than a few minutes!

Looking forward to hearing what you, Lisa, and Jana did when we weren't all together.

[mestitch]

Glad you made it on the plane!!

[DawnDenise]

You made it!!!

[TroianRae]

[ QUOTE ]

Up Next : What do you mean you want a can of Sprite??


[/ QUOTE ]

[b] <font color="blue"> I know what's coming, but I'm still .

Glad you're posing a TR, Amy!! Jump into mine anytime I miss something!!

[loobyoxlip]

Amy!! You are too funny Aren't American Airlines employees just the best? I hate to say it, but I love flying on them, b/c they are WAY nicer than my own airlines employees

[Colexis Mom]

Great updates Amy