Our First Trip to the World and our Honeymoon - PassPorter - A Community of Walt Disney World, Disneyland, Disney Cruise Line, and General Travel Forums
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I'm about to tell you about an adventure of epic proportions. How ever this story begins months before.
It was in Janurary of 2007 when I met Sarah ( my now Disney Wife) at my brand new job, 3 days into my two week training process. It would not be untill Feburary till we started dating.
Several months went by and we both new that we were ment to be with eachother. I wanted to do something very special for her birthday. I planned and paid for our trip to California, so that she could meet my parents and see some of the sites. I knew that a trip to Disneyland was in order. She told me that she had never been to any of the Amusement parks affiliated with the Disney brand. This trip was going to be special, one for our memory books.
The time seemed to fly with the empending anticipitation of our arrival to Cali. We finally arrived at LAX and made our way north via. Compton and then through Hollywood. Surface streets are so much faster durring rush hour traffic in Los Angeles. While at my parents for the first day I showed her some of the sites of my hometown, which isn'tmuch since I live in the High Dessert. The second day we went to a winery and took a tour and sampled some good wine. Finally the Disneyland. We woke early and made our way so that we can be there when the park opened. Sarah was so giddy the whole day and kept thanking me throughout for such a memorable birthday. Watching her smile and slowwith glee all day was just worth millions.
Why did I tell you this. Simple. We now fast forward to 2008. After proposing to Sarah and setting the details for our wedding we had decided initialy on going to Hawaii for our honeymoon. Despite all our efforts we quickly realized that we would be able to make it to the islands and well thats where it would end. Having to my future wifes dreams being crushed was hard to swallow. On our way home the mood was somber and not much conversation was being said. About half way home we both looked at eachother and simultaneously as we have done so many other times before we shouted out "What about Walt Disney World?" We rushed home and started searching the websites for deals quickly. Time was of the importance so we can stay at the accomadations we wanted. After several days which seemed like a couple of weeks we decided on staying at CBR.
Our vacation was set for Oct. 25th through Nov. 1st. We planned on driving in two days to reach our destination.
The day finaly came and we left Friday night and made our way to Mobile Alabama to stop and rest for the night before we continued on the next morning. We left outreal early sunday morning and made it to WDW and our destination at the Customs House of CBR right on time at 4:00p.m. We were givin a room in Aruba which was nice since it was close to both Custom House and Old Port Royale. Our room location was great as well as it was close to the parking lot and a bus depot. After unpaking the truck and settling into the room we decided to head out to DTD and unwind abit from the drive and grab some dinner. We ate at Rain Forest Cafe which was just amazing. We window shopped and explored the area for awhile. We finally headed back to the room to get some much needed sleep and get ready for the next days adventure into the parks.
Stay tuned for the next installment of our Honeymoon adventure 2008
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Our First Trip to the World and our Honeymoon ...Part 2
If you missed part one here is the first part again:
I'm about to tell you about an adventure of epic proportions. How ever this story begins months before.
It was in Janurary of 2007 when I met Sarah ( my now Disney Wife) at my brand new job, 3 days into my two week training process. It would not be untill Feburary till we started dating.
Several months went by and we both new that we were ment to be with eachother. I wanted to do something very special for her birthday. I planned and paid for our trip to California, so that she could meet my parents and see some of the sites. I knew that a trip to Disneyland was in order. She told me that she had never been to any of the Amusement parks affiliated with the Disney brand. This trip was going to be special, one for our memory books.
The time seemed to fly with the empending anticipitation of our arrival to Cali. We finally arrived at LAX and made our way north via. Compton and then through Hollywood. Surface streets are so much faster durring rush hour traffic in Los Angeles. While at my parents for the first day I showed her some of the sites of my hometown, which isn'tmuch since I live in the High Dessert. The second day we went to a winery and took a tour and sampled some good wine. Finally the Disneyland. We woke early and made our way so that we can be there when the park opened. Sarah was so giddy the whole day and kept thanking me throughout for such a memorable birthday. Watching her smile and slowwith glee all day was just worth millions.
Why did I tell you this. Simple. We now fast forward to 2008. After proposing to Sarah and setting the details for our wedding we had decided initialy on going to Hawaii for our honeymoon. Despite all our efforts we quickly realized that we would be able to make it to the islands and well thats where it would end. Having to my future wifes dreams being crushed was hard to swallow. On our way home the mood was somber and not much conversation was being said. About half way home we both looked at eachother and simultaneously as we have done so many other times before we shouted out "What about Walt Disney World?" We rushed home and started searching the websites for deals quickly. Time was of the importance so we can stay at the accomadations we wanted. After several days which seemed like a couple of weeks we decided on staying at CBR.
Our vacation was set for Oct. 25th through Nov. 1st. We planned on driving in two days to reach our destination.
The day finaly came and we left Friday night and made our way to Mobile Alabama to stop and rest for the night before we continued on the next morning. We left outreal early sunday morning and made it to WDW and our destination at the Customs House of CBR right on time at 4:00p.m. We were givin a room in Aruba which was nice since it was close to both Custom House and Old Port Royale. Our room location was great as well as it was close to the parking lot and a bus depot. After unpaking the truck and settling into the room we decided to head out to DTD and unwind abit from the drive and grab some dinner. We ate at Rain Forest Cafe which was just amazing. We window shopped and explored the area for awhile. We finally headed back to the room to get some much needed sleep and get ready for the next days adventure into the parks.
We woke up early the next morning to get an early start as we headed to EPCOT to take advantage of the EMH's. We got ready and headed to Ole Port Royale via the path along the lake side and crossed over the bridge. This would become our daily ritual for breakfast. The colors of the buildings at CBR in the morning light as well as durring sunset are just an amazing view and great picture moments. After breakfast we caught the bus out front as we prepared ourselves for an all out blitz on the parks. (What were we thinking)
Finally after several months of waiting a 17 hour drive broken up into two days and one nights sleep we entered EPCOT. Our first ride of the day was Soarin. The wait time said 30minutes, however it was more like over an hour. While standing inline paranoia started to set as I thought to myself if this is what we are going to expect for the rest of the week this is going to be ONE LONG WEEK!!
After the ride was over I took a deep breath relaxed and let my experience of many trips to Disneyland and other Amusement parks kick in. Knowing how to walk through crowds and when and what rides to get fastpasses for is of vital importance to make a successfull trip to any amusement park even as one the expance the size of WDW. Lets just say that was our longest wait the entire week. We waited no more than just over a half hour the rest of the week. We enjoyed shows and other rides throughout the morning and made our way to Coral Reef for a midday lunch. CoralReefwas one of two ADR's that I could prior to our departure. (I wish I would have known the 180 day rule sooner) Lesson learned and wont make that mistake again. Anyway, Great atmoshere while enjoying a great lunch. After lunch we decided to explore the World Showcase. The Florida weather graced us withits daily thunder shower as many of you know can be fun. We made refuge under an Disney Vacation Club kiosk. While wewaited out the storm Sarah and I listened to the small presentation by the CM. I wish I could remember her name because I wouldthank her for the start of a great adventure ( more later) After the small presentation we both agreed to make anappointment and see if DVC was a good investment. The rain finally stopped and we purchased some poncho'sfor keep sake. Seriously we just didnt want everything in the pack pack to get soacked. A we walked the around Sarah and I partook in the many great wonders durring the Food and Wine Festival. A pint of ale here, a Guiness there, Pomegranate Champagne here, Sake over there and after that I forget what else we had. Oh yeah some German beer too. Any way I think we were somewhere near Mexico or Norway we again seeked someshelter under a friendly unbrella with a park bench beneath it. Feeling the effects of the fruits of the world we decided on a small nap. I first slept for an hour then Sarah. Still to this day we say it was just our bady saying relax after the long trip and full day a EPCOTbut we know better. Anyhoo,the nap was much needed as we waited for Illuminations to start. I am glad we found a safe haven in the park bench as we had an amazing view for the show. After the fireworks show we made our way back to the resort for a much need long good nights sleep.
Day two of our adventure lead us to DHS's. Upon our entrace I learned about Trading Pins. I wanted these neat little momentos as a reeminder of our vacation. Little did Iknow I would buy lots more throughout the rest of the week. While there I was an extra an on the Indiana Stunt Show. That was lots of fun. Again the early afternoon showers graced us with its wonders and this time we made our way under the iconic Magical Hat. Yes I bought a couple more pins for my lanyard. After the storm was over Sarah managed to find every rain puddle in the park and her shoes and socks were soaked and her feet were starting to hurt. After a double adventure of Rockin Rollercoaster and Haunted Hotel we found a side cart selling Crocs. Sarah quickly purchased a pair and switched out shoes. She loves them and bragged about them the rest of the week. The only things we were not able to do for the day was the Car Stunt Show and Toy Story game ride. However the day was so much fun. My ADR for the night was Mama Melrose. WOW!! Is all I have to say about that. Great large portions and amazing Italian flavor. We saved our dessert to have durring Fantasmic. Funny thing was everyone kept asking us where did we get out dessert. After the show was over we had one last rush on Rockin Rollercoaster to let the crowd thin out on the way out the park. Turned in for the night and rest up for DVC full presentation and AK.
Wednesday morning we didn't have the big rush to get moving so we were able to sleep in a little longer. WE did make our way to breakfast and the our van arived for a our pick up to SSR. Sarah and I were introduced to Marlene our DVC agent. She was amazing, and answered all the right questions we had concerning our doubts. The model of AKL@KV was just amazing. We loved the spacious MB suite and the huge connecting bathroom. Oh yeah the Savanah View to me was the deal topper. An offer was made which we could not refuse and proceeded throught the paper work and the signing of said such paperwork. After we were finished we were shuttled over to AK. It was early afternoon but with the 3 fast passes we made up time quickly. Again, Disney amazed me with its detail and imagination and creation of Asai and the Safari. Just beautiful scenery and breath taking picture taking areas. Oops! Almost forgot. Prior to leaving for SSR for the DVC presentation we asked the help desk for dinning plans for the rest of the week as we had none and we were not sure where to eat. The CM (again I wish I could remember her name) helpped us get ADR for Tusker House that evening and two more at CR and at Poly. We had dinner at Tusker House and I will be going back again on return visit. I definatly got my money worth there. I must have went back for 5 helpings. Okay, okay I can eat when I want too. Due to the EMH's that evening we must have rode Expedition Everest 5 times in a row. We even purchased one of those keep sake pictures and frames while we were there and it was not till we got back to the resort andlooked at it did we find a hidden mickey on Sarah's shorts from the rain. It was and still is too cool to look at.
We saved the best for last. Thursday morning was an even earlier morning than usuall as I wanted to be at Magic Kingdom very early and waiting to rush the ropes when dropped like a racer waiting for the gun to go off. We had such an amazing day getting to all the rides and shows we wanted. WE didn't watch any of the parades or the fireworks that night as we new we would be back the next day for a second visit and do some of the other stuff like more shows and the parades and fireworks. We ate at the Wave at CR. Another great meal! Back to the resort for more sleep.
Friday morning was kind of a sad day since we knew we would be leaving the next morning and did not want our honeymoon to end. Again our usuall walk to breakfast and a small blessing was bestowed upon us without realizing it. I guess we accidently used one of our quick service meals durring lunch at DHS back on Tuesday. No matter we payed for our breakfast out of pocket and quickly realized what an amazing value we recieved when we purchased DDP at booking. What we would have paid for, for just breakfast alone all week at $25.00 asitting was what we paid for the DDP all week. The snacks and dinners throughout the week we free and clear minus tips. Wow!! we were stunned and so thankfull for the DDP. WE saved somuch money as the dinners were an average of $65-75 dollars a night. Well worth it in my opinion. So off we went back to DHS to make up for missed attractions from earlier in the week. WE went straight to Toy Story Mania. I killed it there. the score was so lopsided betweem Sarah and I. After the first game Sarah's accuracy percentage was a lot hiigher than mine as I sprayed away to gather more points. At the last carnival game there was plate located just to my left that stayed there and I just blasted away pulling the cord as fast asI could possibly go. By the time Sarah figured out what I was doing it was way to late for to catch me points wise. We were laughing so hard others were watching us and laughing at our pleasure. It was to fun. The day was so nice that we were able to see the car stunt show and do the backlot tour. The car stunt show was awsome driving displayed by all drivers.
After that we made our way back to MK to enjoy Mickey's house one final time before we headed back home. Again a great day with and so much pleasure just being a kid. That night we were set up with dinner reservatin at Kona Cafe at Poly. We took the bost ride from MK over to Poly. If anyone has any doubts about this. I say just do it. We went right at dusk at the views of the resorts along the lake were just so romantical. Our dinner at Kona was agreat time. A couple sat next to us and we talked through out dinner. We learned that they too were DVC members and they also signed durring their honeymoon as well. They come back year after year. After that night we now knew this was the best decision we made. After dinner we sat on the beach just in time to watch the fireworks show from MK. We made a pact right then and there that we would come back every couple of years and take advantage of the many traveling opportunities that DVC is affording us. We went back to the resort to pack and get rest for a long drive back home to Texas.
Things that I learned on our trip. There are still great kind and generous people in the world. Yes we had our just married button on and our fist visit button. However throughout the parks we had lots of people come up to us and hand us fast passes on which they could not use so that we did not have to wait long at all. The second lesson learned is slow down. We went through like guns out blazing and paid for it every night. We went to bed exhausted every night wake up and do it all over again. on the next return trip back planned on a few extra days for rest and relaxation. Also for adaption if we change our minds and wanna do something else.
Thanks to all that read my story. Also If you leave feed back, can you tell me if you like my writing as i do like to write and with my obsession to planning and the likes of Disney I started my own guide book to help me plann as well as Passporter's and other sites to help feed my addiction.
Again thanks and God Bless
__________________
Mark & Sarah Apuan
Last edited by mark_apuan; 01-28-2010 at 06:01 PM..
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Mark...
Thanks for the trip report. Your honeymoon was very special. Knowing that you'll be able to spend many more anniversaries or other occasions there because you bought into DVC must be very satisfying.
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Your trip sounds so wonderful! You made me remember how we thought we'd just buy a few pins to help us remember our trip. And now 10 trips later, we have a super collection of pins for every trip. for sharing!
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. Seriously we just didnt want everything in the pack pack to get soacked. A we walked the around Sarah and I partook in the many great wonders durring the Food and Wine Festival. A pint of ale here, a Guiness there, Pomegranate Champagne here, Sake over there and after that I forget what else we had. Oh yeah some German beer too. Any way I think we were somewhere near Mexico or Norway we again seeked someshelter under a friendly unbrella with a park bench beneath it. Feeling the effects of the fruits of the world we decided on a small nap. I first slept for an hour then Sarah. Still to this day we say it was just our bady saying relax after the long trip and full day a EPCOTbut we know better. Anyhoo,the nap was much needed as we waited for Illuminations to start. I am glad we found a safe haven in the park bench as we had an amazing view for the show. After the fireworks show we made our way back to the resort for a much need long good nights sleep. 
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