Simply Having a Wonderful Disneytime: Good, Bad & Ugly Trip Report! - PassPorter - A Community of Walt Disney World, Disneyland, Disney Cruise Line, and General Travel Forums
As of January 1, 2019, we have closed our forums. This is a decision we did not come to lightly, but it is necessary. The software our forums run on is just too out-of-date and it poses a significant security risk. The server software itself must be updated, and it cannot be without removing the forums.
So it is with a heavy heart that we say goodbye to our long-running forums. They came online in 2000 and brought together so many wonderful Disney fans. We had friendships form, careers launch, couples marry, children born ... all because of this amazing community.
Thank you to each of you who were a part of this community. You made it possible.
And a very special thank you to our Guides (moderators), past and present, who kept our forums a happy place to be. You are the glue that held everything together, and we are forever grateful to you. Thank you aliceinwdw, Caldercup, MrsM, WillCAD, Fortissimo, GingerJ, HiddenMickey, CRCrazy, Eeyoresmom, disneyknut, disneydani, Cam22, chezp, WDWfan, Luvsun, KMB733, rescuesk, OhToodles!, Colexis Mom, lfredsbo, HiddenMickey, DrDolphin, DopeyGirl, duck addict, Disneybine, PixieMichele, Sandra Bostwick, Eeyore Tattoo, DyanKJ130, Suzy Q'Disney, LilMarcieMouse, AllisonG, Belle*, Chrissi, Brant, DawnDenise, Crystalloubear, Disneymom9092, FanOfMickey, Goofy4Goofy, GoofyMom, Home4us123, iamgrumpy, ilovedisney247, Jennifer2003, Jenny Pooh, KrisLuvsDisney, Ladyt, Laughaholic88, LauraBelle Hime, Lilianna, LizardCop, Loobyoxlip, lukeandbrooksmom, marisag, michnash, MickeyMAC, OffKilter_Lynn, PamelaK, Poor_Eeyore, ripkensnana, RobDVC, SHEANA1226, Shell of the South, snoozin, Statelady01, Tara O'Hara, tigger22, Tink and Co., Tinkerbelz, WDWJAMBA, wdwlovers, Wendyismyname, whoSEZ, WildforWD, and WvuGrrrl. You made the magic.
We want to personally thank Sara Varney, who coordinated our community for many years (among so many other things she did for us), and Cheryl Pendry, our Message Board Manager who helped train our Guides, and Ginger Jabour, who helped us with the PassPorter-specific forums and Live! Guides. Thank you for your time, energy, and enthusiasm. You made it all happen.
There are other changes as well.
Why? Well, the world has changed. And change with it, we must. The lyrics to "We Go On" for IllumiNations say it best:
We go on to the joy and through the tears
We go on to discover new frontiers
Moving on with the current of the years.
We go on
Moving forward now as one
Moving on with a spirit born to run
Ever on with each rising sun.
To a new day, we go on.
It's time to move on and move forward.
PassPorter is a small business, and for many years it supported our family. But the world changed, print books took a backseat to the Internet, and for a long time now it has been unable to make ends meet. We've had to find new ways to support our family, which means new careers and less and less time available to devote to our first baby, PassPorter.
But eventually, we must move on and move forward. It is the right thing to do.
So we are retiring this newsletter, as we simply cannot keep up with it. Many thanks to Mouse Fan Travel who supported it all these years, to All Ears and MousePlanet who helped us with news, to our many article contributors, and -- most importantly -- to Sara Varney who edited our newsletter so wonderfully for years and years.
And we are no longer charging for the Live Guides. If you have a subscription, it's yours to keep for the lifetime of the Live Guides at no additional cost. The Live Guides will stay online, barring server issues and technical problems, for all of 2019.
That said, PassPorter is not going away. Most of the resources will remain online for as long as we can support them, and after that we will find ways to make whatever we can available. PassPorter means a great deal to us, and to many of you, and we will do our best to keep it alive in whatever way we can. Our server costs are high, and they'll need to come out of our pockets, so in the future you can expect some changes so we can bring those costs down.
Thank you, thank you, thank you for your amazing support over the years. Without you, there's no way us little guys could have made something like this happen and given the "big guys" a run for their money. PassPorter was consistently the #3 guidebook after the Unofficial and Official guides, which was really unheard of for such a small company to do. We ROCKED it thanks to you and your support and love!
If you miss us, you can still find some of us online. Sara started a new blog at DisneyParkPrincess.com -- I strongly urge you to visit and get on her mailing list. She IS the Disney park princess and knows Disney backward and forward. And I am blogging as well at JenniferMaker.com, which is a little craft blog I started a couple of years ago to make ends meet. You can see and hear me in my craft show at https://www.youtube.com/c/jennifermaker . Many PassPorter readers and fans are on Facebook, in groups they formed like the PassPorter Trip Reports and PassPorter Crafting Challenge (if you join, just let them know you read about it in the newsletter). And some of our most devoted community members started a forum of their own at Pixie Dust Lane and all are invited over.
So we encourage you to stay in touch with us and your fellow community members wherever works best for you!
Welcome! We're happy you've found the PassPorter Community -- the friendliest place to plan your vacation to Walt Disney World, Disney Cruise Line, Disneyland, and the world in general! You are now viewing the PassPorter Message Board Community as a guest, which gives you limited access. As our guest, feel free to browse our messages by selecting the forum you want to visit from the list below.
To post messages and ask questions, join our FREE community today and you'll get access to tools and resources not available to guests, such as our vacation countown timers, "living" avatars, private messaging system, database searches, downloads, and a special PassPorter discount code. Registration is fast, simple, and completely free. Just click the Join Our Community link.
If you think you've already joined, log in below now. If you don't remember your member name or password, please visit our Member Name and Password Recovery page. You are also welcome to contact us.
Simply Having a Wonderful Disneytime: Good, Bad & Ugly Trip Report!
Welcome to the actual report.
If you haven't read the pre-trip report...well what are you waiting for? You need to go back and read it now! Otherwise how else are you going to know what's going on? Do you walk in on a movie when it's already started? If so...then shame on you!
There, now we can start on our holiday journey. Don't forget to buckle your seatbelts and keep all forward facing tentacles inside the vehicle at all times.
Day 1: Saturday, December 4th
The day started early for me. I got up at 2:45 (which I believe was actually later than yesterday by 20 whole minutes!). Sds had toted the heavy bags downstairs the night before so all we had to do was pack up the last minute stuff. I got dressed in light pants and a Henley. We're going to Disney! Florida! Warm Weather! (you all know by now that this has been the coldest December in FL, right?? Too bad I didn't call Miss Cleo or the California Psychics -- maybe I would have been better prepared for what Florida had in store for us)
Sds was up by 4 and we got Jimmy up shortly thereafter. It's the only time the kid is actually ready to get out of bed! I managed to get a mini-muffin down the kid before bundling him up in his heavy lined sweatshirt with orange down vest over it (it was cold in NJ -- I near dreamed he'd be needing that and more in FL!).
Our ride arrived right on time -- 4:50 AM! The car was quickly loaded up with 3 checked bags, 3 carry ons, 1 stroller and a car seat was installed for Jimmy. We were on our way to Newark airport in no time at all. Got to LOVE Saturday morning traffic (and why can't I have this week days?)
I wish I could say that things went smoothly at the airport, but they didn't. Sds took our luggage and IDs and checked us in with the Skycap while Jimmy and I went inside (to stay warm). It took Sds forever to get this accomplished. Apparently a woman in front of him (or behind him) lost her glasses and this caused a major mess. He must have been out there for 10 minutes or more.
Then it was on to find our gate. Sds headed down the escalator and I attempted to go down with Jimmy. Jimmy is not fond of escalators (ok, neither am I) and trying to hold onto him and my stuff...well Jimmy ended up almost doing the splits, so I had to grab him and as I did so, his shoe came off (slide on). I yelled for Sds to grab it (as he was already at the bottom) and somehow by reaching for it, he ended up falling and doing a number on his knee. So by the time Jimmy and I got there he was really in a bad mood!
To top it off, for some reason (probably lack of sleep), we couldn't seem to find the gate for Jetblue. We walked and walked before Sds finally asked someone. We had passed it and had to trek all the way back. (And Sds was still mad and in pain).
We got through security without much trouble. I had expected more problems as Sds was carrying 2 Ipods and an ExoPC (a slate/computer -- it's brand new to the market and I thought it might cause some trouble), but we were good. So much for worrying about security!
Once at the gate, Sds went off in search of band aids (which I knew I had in my carry on...I just couldn't find it quickly enough for him). By the time he got back, I had dug out a big one that would fit perfectly (even though it had Spongebob on it).
We had plenty of time at the gate to relax. I gave Jimmy his first bonine and took one myself. The ground staff was on the ball and get our stroller tagged and we boarded quickly despite the fact that the flight was packed.
Our flight down was uneventful. Jimmy put on his headsets and watched Nick on the satellite TV -- happily The Fairly Oddparents and Spongebob were on which are favorites of his. I settled in with The Nanny on TVLand and Sds pretty much slept the whole way. We enjoyed our snacks (animal crackers for Jimmy and a Dorito party mix type thing for Sds and myself) and arrived at MCO by 9:20.
Once there we visited the restrooms and took our first monorail ride of the vacation to the main terminal. We avoided escalators this time and headed down in the elevator to find DME. There was a long line for our resort -- and for all the resorts! Boy, there sure is a difference between September and December! We have been spoiled in the past! Luckily we didn't have to wait too long (less than 1/2 an hour by my guess) before we boarded our bus. A plain old Mears bus, although it did have the DME TV screens so we could watch all the fun as we made our way to WDW.
It took about 20 minutes or so before we hit Disney property! We had finally arrived!
As planned, Jimmy and I got off at the first stop -- the Poly. Yes, he had taken the Bonine and all seemed well, but I wasn't taking ANY chances. I had 2 carry ons and Jimmy and entered the lush, tropical Polynesian. Now we are REALLY on vacation.
We took a quick break in the lobby so that I could call my buddy Dorothy who works in concierge at the Contemporary. She was not working that Saturday so she couldn't meet us, but she arranged for another cast member, Holly, to meet us at the monorail. I lug my two bags up the stairs (no waiting for an elevator for me!) and Jimmy & I head past O'Hana and Kona Cafe to the monorail stop. The stop was crowded, but we managed to get on the next monorail and Jimmy snagged a seat. (This was also the first photo op -- in Disney that is).
We head to the Grand Floridian and then get hung up at the Magic Kingdom for a while. No problem. We're in Disney! Jimmy's on the monorail! All is right with the world!
We finally head for the Contemporary! Hurrah! There's the big Mickey Mouse wreath hanging on the side of the building (last year when we were there in September, they were just putting it up! Now I finally got to see what it looked like). We get off and I see Holly in the distance waiting for us.
We take the elevator down to the 4th floor to wait for Sds. But SURPRISE! Sds is already there waiting for us. Guess the wait on the monorail at MK was longer than I thought! But no matter, we are here!
Holly gets us on another elevator and UP we go!
Sds mentions that they've changed the lounge area. I have to clue him in that we are on the 14th floor! In the past we've been on the 12th. The 14th floor lounge is much smaller, more intimate. The balcony is also MUCH larger.
Holly notes that our room is just being cleaned so it should be ready in less than an hour. We decided just to hang out in the lounge as we have no real plans for the day (and no park passes). Our room should be ready by noon or so. I settle Jimmy in with a cookie and he watched some cartoons on the wide screen TV. Sds reads a book on his ExoPC and I take notes and try to soak everything in.
When Jimmy gets restless, we go out on the balcony and take in the sights of the Magic Kingdom. The view is better than from the 12th floor. It seems to me (and it just may be me), that the higher up the more you can see. So the view is less parking lot and more MK and water (as we watch the boats leave the dock at MK and head over to the resorts).
Just as Jimmy was getting really antsy his luggage comes up and our rooms is ready. We are in 4913 which faces the Magic Kingdom. Now I had requested a BAY view because I love to sit out on the balcony and watch things, so I was disappointed. Holly said she'd see what she could do, but no bay view rooms were available that day. So I decide to let it go and take the room.
There are definitely differences between rooms on 12 & 14. Our room was HUGE! Much more drawer space. HUGE balcony! REALLY HUGE Balcony. HUGE bathroom with lots of room for toiletries. A separate area for the toilet with a sink. (I wish they would make the hair dryers removable because then I could have moved to the "toilet room" to dry my hair while Sds did whatever he had to do in the main bathroom). Honestly, the bathroom was probably double the size of the one we have at home. On the downside, I think the rooms could use some refurb and updating. The rooms on the 12th floor have a desk area, on the 14th they do not. They have a table and 2 chairs (which is great for sitting down with a mid-day snack and for coloring). There was so much room on the one side of the Queen sized bed (the one closest to the balcony) that we used the suitcase rack and a tray to set up a mini-table for Sds to use.
By this time, Sds was really hungry and Jimmy wanted to go exploring. (OK, what he really wanted to do was go ride the train at the MK...we could hear the whistle as it went around and that made him even more anxious). So, I suggested that we go back to the 4th floor and Sds could grab something to eat at the Contempo Cafe and Jimmy and I could explore the shops.
We get all our room keys (not just the one we had when Holly brought us to our room) and head downstairs just as my luggage is arriving. Jimmy and I explore all the shops. Jimmy immediately wants a pirate sword, which I have to nix...at least for the time being. I look around to see if there is anything "inexpensive" (I know...a word that does not belong in the Disney vocabulary) that I can buy and bring back to Jimmy's kindergarten class of 24. Lots of cute stuff, but nothing that satisfies my need.
We meet up with Sds who is finishing up his sandwich (and he wasn't too thrilled with it, but then we've never been big fans of the Contempo Cafe). I wanted Jimmy to take a nap (OK, I wanted to take a nap...it was probably around 12:30 by now and I was beat), but Jimmy wasn't into it. So I struck a deal. Sds would go up to the room and relax and I would take Jimmy on a monorail ride, after which he would lie down and rest (and hopefully take a nap).
Jimmy and I get on the monorail and enjoy our journey. I end up talking to a nice young guy who had park passes for the day that he was trying to sell. (Odd, I'd never run into that before). After our lap around, Jimmy and I went back to the room where Sds was resting. I get lay down with Jimmy and we try to rest, but Jimmy is too keyed up and excited to do sleep.
I put the TV on and start unpacking Jimmy's things and mine. By now it was after 2. We have 2 out of 3 bags. Sds is starting to get a little anxious about his suitcase. (Right around now I'm thinking I should have followed the advice I was once given of not putting all one person's clothes into one bag, but instead spreading it around a bit so that if one suitcase goes missing everyone still has at least one change of clothes in another bag). As it creeps closer and closer to 3, Sds is getting more and more anxious.
All right, so maybe anxious isn't the right word. ANGRY might be the right word. At this point, I'd like to remind everyone that I've been up for over 12 hours and Sds and Jimmy are not far behind me. Sds is stressed out to the max...and when he (or I or even Jimmy) gets stressed, it isn't pretty.
I have Sds go to the desk and talk to Holly. She says she'll see what she can find out,but sometimes it can take up to 6 hours to get the bags from the airport to the resort (I thought they said 3 or at least that was what they advertised).
Sds comes back to the room and fumes. Jimmy wants to go out to the parks. And I'm trying to calm both of them. It's a typical 1st day at Disney for us (when everyone is tired and stressed and not on their best behavior). And it's not exactly a Wonderful Disneytime...
Registered Message Board Members save 30% off PassPorter guidebooks! When you register you'll have access to a discount coupon good for 30% off the list price of PassPorter books in our online store.
Gosh, sounds like a stressful start to your vacation: hope it gets better for you. Oh, I would love to read your pre-trip report, but I don't know how to find it.
Sharon
PassPorter's Free-Book to Walt Disney World It’s hard to believe anything is free at Walt Disney World; but there are actually a number of things you can get or do for little to no cost. This e-book documents over 200 free or cheap tips to do before you go and after you arrive. You could save a considerable amount of money following these tips. Perhaps more importantly; you can discover overlooked attractions and little-known details most people whiz by on their way to spend money. Click here to see free sample pages from the e-book! Get this popular e-book free of extra charges when you join the PassPorter's Club for as little as $4.95. A club pass includes access to all our other e-books; e-worksheets; super-size photos; and more! This e-book is also available for separate purchase in the PassPorter Online Store for just $5.95.
PassPorter's Free-Book to Walt Disney World It’s hard to believe anything is free at Walt Disney World; but there are actually a number of things you can get or do for little to no cost. This e-book documents over 200 free or cheap tips to do before you go and after you arrive. You could save a considerable amount of money following these tips. Perhaps more importantly; you can discover overlooked attractions and little-known details most people whiz by on their way to spend money. Click here to see free sample pages from the e-book! Get this popular e-book free of extra charges when you join the PassPorter's Club for as little as $4.95. A club pass includes access to all our other e-books; e-worksheets; super-size photos; and more! This e-book is also available for separate purchase in the PassPorter Online Store for just $5.95.
Definitely a long, tiring travel day. Hope the suitcase comes soon so your DH can relax, I am sure after a good night sleep everyone will wake up in the Disney mood.
I'm going to be working on the next installment soon, but I will tell you that I expected the first day to be like it is. Seems like early morning travel makes us all Grumpies...and I expected some yelling and crying...it's part of the Disney experience!
I have to ask, and it probably is a stupid question and I'll hit myself when I see the answer, lol, but what does Sds stand for? I have a few guesses, lol, but I'm not entirely sure.
I have to ask, and it probably is a stupid question and I'll hit myself when I see the answer, lol, but what does Sds stand for? I have a few guesses, lol, but I'm not entirely sure.
Sds = Stupid, Dumb Sidekick! JUST KIDDING! (Love you honey!). It's just hubby's initials...
About This Page: 
Otherwise how else are you going to know what's going on? Do you walk in on a movie when it's already started? If so...then shame on you! 
Like
Thank
Pixie Dust
PassPorter Guide Author
(Love you honey!). It's just hubby's initials...
Linear Mode
