Nala and pride the "Are we CRAZY?" trip... the trip home.... About This Page:

[Nala]

OK, so I think both Grumpy and I are nuts! I still can’t believe we are doing this!


It all started when………

About a month ago Allegiant Air announced that it would extend its service from Peoria to include a direct flight to Orlando. I hadn’t heard anything about this until Grumpy told me and added that there was a picture of Mickey in the local paper that day and he had flown in to Peoria to kick off the new service. I was crushed that Mickey had been in Peoria and I had missed him and Grumpy offered to bring home a copy the paper with the picture of the event in it if they still had it at work the next day. When I went to work the following morning I found the previous days paper in the garbage, pulled it out and found the article. It was in fact not THE Mickey, but someone in mouse ears with some face paint on. I laughed and threw it back in the garbage and didn’t give it a second thought. After all, the news really didn’t affect me as I don’t fly and had no interest in the service.

Jump to two weeks later. Central Illinois was blessed with some unseasonably warm weather and Grumpy and I took advantage of it to get a head start on our yard work. We would work for a bit and then sit down to take a break and enjoy each others company while we watched our DD, Kiara, play on her new swing set. Somehow the conversation came around to the new airline flying direct to WDW. But I don’t fly so it was a moot point. But Grumpy, being full aware of my fear of flying and my love of WDW, kept talking about it.

All I remember is he kept saying “Just think, we could be in WDW Memorial Day weekend. You wouldn’t have to wait until next January to get your next fix”. And he added that he would be willing to explore different resorts like WL, AKL or even the GF. And he kept adding fuel to the fire with the thought of not just going to WDW once a year but maybe two or three times. But I don’t fly. Keep talking. And he did. I found myself online later that night checking out Allegiant. The seed was planted.

The next day was Monday. I went to work and all I could think about was going to WDW. But I would have to fly. Putting myself and my baby on a plane was something I swore I would never do. But I couldn’t stop thinking about it. It was a crazy idea. Just for fun, I checked out Expedia to see what the rates were for Disney resorts at that time. It was all in fun as I would never do it because I don’t fly. Knowing full well I would never get an AP rate this late in the game, I figured out how much it would cost us. And which resort would we stay at? Which one would be the best for us IF we did do this. I figured out a budget, picked out a resort and had fun with what was my silly fantasy. It would never happen because I don’t fly. But it was fun to think about.

So in my fantasy, I had decided that we would have to stay at a MK resort. For a short weekend trip most of our time would be spent at MK as that is Kiara’s favorite. Plus, my favorite restaurant in all of WDW is ‘Ohana and I would HAVE to eat dinner there. FTW cabins were out as that is where we spend our week long trips at WDW and we wanted to try something else. So that left me with WL, Poly, GF and the Contemporary. Three of the four were out of the budget and one held the greatest appeal. Wilderness Lodge. We could afford it, it was woodsy , had a great pool and was close to the MK. So if I could get on the plane, that is where I would want to stay. I came home that night and discussed it with Grumpy and told him the rates we could expect to pay at WL and he said “So do it”. And then he added “Oh, that’s right, you don’t fly”. I then heard him muttering something about being shocked that anything would keep me from my beloved happy place.

For the next few days I fought an internal battle. I wanted to go to WDW. But I don’t fly. The crowds would be huge. It would cost too much money. And I don’t fly. But every time one of those thoughts popped into my head it was pushed out by something else. YOU COULD BE IN WDW NEXT MONTH! And when I thought about being in my happy place my emotions got the better of me. So I sent a quote request to my TA. As I have one of the best TA in the world, she responded to me the next morning with what was available. The only AP rate she could find on property was at AKL. A deluxe pool view or a two bedroom suite. For a brief, insane moment I considered the suite. While the room at AKL sounded great we really wanted to be at WL. I advised her of this and she came back with a courtyard view at WL at rack rate. No AP discount available. No big deal. I hadn’t expect her to find anything at an AP rate there or anywhere at all considering the timing. I told her to book the room and confessed I fully expected to pay rack rate. So it was done. We had our room. Now all I had to do is book the flight. And get on the plane.

After I got home from work I made the really big step. I booked the non refundable airfare to Orlando. It was official. We were going. In a little over a month I would be in WDW. But I had to fly.

In the next few days I attempted to curb my anxiety of flying by making PS. I really didn’t expect anything to be available but made the call anyway. I wanted ‘Ohana for dinner on the day we arrived (Friday) and CP for dinner on Sunday night. I was shocked to get them both. So we were set. I had the room, the flight and the PS I wanted. But I still have to get on the plane.

A few days after I had given my CC# to my TA I received an email from her that she had found a standard view room at a savings for the three nights of $204. I’ll take it. While the courtyard view would have been nice, for a $204 savings I can look at the parking lot. It is only for three nights and how much time will we really spend looking out the window of our resort? And we are still at the WL and that is all that really mattered to us.

My next challenge was finding transportation from Sanford International Airport to the WL. After weighing the options of a rental car and a town car and the great advise of a fellow Passporter, I booked Happy Limo to take us to WDW.

So with all the major details taken care of all I have to do is wait (and finish my last trip report). And read this board and every other Disney web site. My original plan was to do AK on Saturday and MK on Sunday. But then I realized the Flower and Garden Festival was going on at Epcot! This was something Grumpy and I had said we had to do one of these days. So now we could. So I changed the plan. Epcot on Saturday, MK on Sunday. I would not get to see FOTLK and I hoped Kiara would forgive me for missing her beloved Emma ride (Triceratops Spin). But Dumbo was open ( we missed it last trip due to rehab) so she should be happy.

When we told Kiara she was going back to WDW the first thing she said was “Buzz Lightyear?” So there is no doubt that is a must do. Good thing it has a fast pass!

Three weeks later……

And the clock keeps ticking down. And I still have no idea how I will survive the flight. I keep telling myself that it will be ok and once I am on board it will only be a few short hours until I am in my happy place. Something I didn’t expect to happen again until January of 2006. This has to be a good thing.

One thing I know for sure. Grumpy will not sit next to me on the flight or let my hands anywhere near his arms. While he recovered physically from the wounds my nails inflicted on his arm when we flew to Vegas to get married eight years ago, the mental image is fresh in his mind. I will never forget him saying he should have worn long sleeves!

So guys, I am sure I will be hitting you up for flying pixie dust. I know I have been joking about this but it truly is a phobia and one that merits professional help in the form of therapy or prescription drugs. But that would involve facing my other phobia……Doctors! I know, I’m a freak. I just have to keep focused on what is at the end of the flight. My happy place!

Besides my crippling fear of flying there are several other reasons I think we are crazy to do this. Grumpy and I both HATE crowds which is why we go in January. It is not a fear of them, just something that makes us both uptight. One of the reasons I had such a hard time getting him to go to WDW the first time is he hated the crowds when he went as a kid some almost thirty years ago. So we are going to go on a holiday weekend? And lets not even talk about the cost! Rack rate…..ouch! But I know seeing the F&GF and the look of excitement on Kiara’s face as she is about to get on Buzz will make it all worthwhile. And since we have been there a time or two before and have plans on going back, it won’t break our hearts to leave the parks and head back to the WL for a swim. In fact I fully expect pool time to be a favorite activity for Kiara.

In just six days I will be in my happy place.

[lauren-roxy]

You are going to have a wonderful time Nala!! I promise the flight will not be that bad, have someone slip you a Xanax!! Can't wait to read about your trip!!!!

[LuvMinnie]

Oh just look at your little Princess...you know it will be
well worth it. How very brave of you. You will be just fine
and remember its not a long flight. Your "Happy Place" awaits
you & WL is a wonderful place to land. This is a trip you are meant to take.
Why else would it have been on your mind
like that & everything fell nicely into place. You even
got a deal on the resort.
Relax (I know its easy to say) but try. Save all that energy
for the parks. Don't worry about the crowds..go early, hit
all your favorite rides, then sit back & people watch or take
the Princess to the pool. Have a wonderful trip. I'm
showing this to my brother. He won't fly either. I hope
your courage inspires him. Here's a bit of pixie to help you!

[DrDolphin]

Nala - I am SO impressed!!! You are such a brave and strong lady to put your daughter's joy in front of your fears - which is why I know you will do fine!!! Have a fantastic trip!!

[GATechGal]

Check out Karen's (BritDisFan) report. She's a nervous flyer too and she came through with flying colors all the way from England. I know you can do it!!

[Colexis Mom]

You're going to have a great time Nala I'm sure you'll be fine........you're going to your happy place after all

Best of luck to you

[Cinderbrella]

You CAN do this! Have a fantastic time!!

[luvnwdwgal]

Nala, you'll be fine! I swore I'd never get on a plane too, but I finally did in '02 to get to WDW! Took 40 years but I finally did it! DH said I flew like a pro! The thought of flying to WDW doesn't bother me at all anymore cause I'd much rather be there in 2 hours than drive for 18!

[Jillybean]

Nala!

I am so proud of you! You will be amazed at how big a difference flying down makes! I predict that this will be the first of many trips!

Why don't you treat yourself with a glass of wine on the trip down - - it doesn't involve a trip to the doctor!

Have a great time!

Jill

[zacksmom_1993]

Lots of 's to you for the flight down! I am an extremely nervous flyer because of my fear of heights. I try to always get the aisle seat, have a glass of wine before take-off, and then close my eyes and count to 120 on take-off. It's worked to the point where I no longer dread the flight. I think you're going to do just great! Have a great time!

Karen

[Annabel]

Sending lots of for the flight and well done for trying to conquer your fear. I too hate flying - I hate turbulence and we normally get a little as we fly over Ireland but I just try to think about what's waiting for me once I arrive. You can do this! If you get a chance, have a look at www.fearofflyinghelp.com - I took their online course and it explains everything about your flight. I read it a week or so before I fly and it settles me a bit, who knows you might find it useful. Can't wait to hear all about your trip, you're going to have a blast!

[Nala]

First of all I have to say thanks to all of my fellow Passporters who sent me pixie dust for a safe flight. It worked. And I am back safe and sound to tell my tale. And maybe ready to do it again!

The morning of the dreaded flight

Somehow the night before our flight I did manage to sleep rather well which was surprising considering my nerves were frazzled. I managed to wake up without the alarm which is also surprising since I seldom do that on a work day. Funny how that works. I got myself ready, then Kiara and spent the rest of the morning pacing and gagging. Seems my nerves had taken their toll on my stomach and it took everything I had not to throw up. Grumpy, although he would never admit it, I think was getting a slight kick out of this. And I have to admit, it was kind of funny. I was the epitome of a long tail cat in a room full of rockers.

Time ticked by way too slow but soon it was time for us to head to the airport. Kiara was still unsure of the prospect of getting on a plane so Grumpy resorted to comparing it to a big, long, magic carpet ride. When our plane came in Kiara squealed with glee that Jasmine and Aladdin had arrived. We did our best to explain that they were not on this carpet ride but she would be in WDW soon and maybe get to see them. Her apprehension melted away and mine grew. But I HAD to hide it from her. We found our seats, tucked our bags overhead and strapped ourselves in. I gave Kiara a piece of gum and told her it would help her ears. She took the gum and held it next to her ear with a puzzled look on her face. I realized what she was thinking and told her not to PUT it in her ears but to CHEW it. The woman in front of us heard our exchange and looked back at us with a huge grin. Kiara popped the gum in her mouth and it was time for take off.

Take off……. the worst part.(besides landing, turbulence, and being thousands of feet in the air) As we made our turn down the runway and the engines began to roar I felt a hand grab mine. It was Grumpy’s. Brave man that he is, and willing to endure a little discomfort of my nails digging into him, he was kind enough to offer me his support. I closed my eyes and forced myself to breathe in through my nose and out through my mouth and within seconds I felt the plane lift. We were up and on our way to my happy place.

The flight attendants couldn’t have come around fast enough with the drink cart. Even though I had survived take off, there were still several hours of flight time to endure and I was still a nervous wreck. A Bloody Mary was in order. Once the flight attendants, who were all male and quite the trio of eye candy had I not been to nervous to notice, were done with the drink round they decided to entertain the passengers. Since we were Orlando bound it seemed fitting to do a round of Disney trivia. I looked at Grumpy and grinned. We were told that the first person who hit the call light with the correct answer would win a free drink or cocktail of their choice. I told him to put his finger on the button and push it when I said go.


The flight attendant started the question. “What was Walt Disney’s middle……” and I told Grumpy to hit the button “….name?” Several lights came on but the first was our row. The flight attendant came back to us and asked for the answer which I proudly stated “Elias”. We have a winner! Kiara and Grumpy were set on drinks so I accepted another Bloody Mary. This was shaping up to be a good flight. Grumpy then confessed he didn’t know the answer to that one and I looked at him like he was from another planet.

The flight was smooth and Kiara was entertained by a small coloring pad with crayons that I had picked up at the Disney Store before we left. And after two Bloody Marys, I too was not minding the flight. I was not enjoying it, but I was no longer the nut case in seat 21D. Grumpy, who had the window seat, told me he was seeing the red clay of Georgia, so we were getting close. Woohoo!

As we talked about the scenery, Kiara was no longer satisfied with the middle seat and wanted to look out the window. Much to my dismay, Grumpy traded seats with her. She loved her view! It seemed she had taken a liking to flying.

After a few minutes she needed to go to the bathroom and Grumpy was kind enough to take her. I was left alone and since I knew full well we had to be close to Florida I slid over to the window. Ok, so someone explain this one. I HATE to fly, but I love to look out the window?????? By the time they came back from the bathroom I was certain I was seeing swamp land. We must be over Florida!

When they returned, Kiara didn’t fight me for the window seat and as I looked out the window I thought I saw the ocean. I told Grumpy what I was seeing and he tried to look out the window to verify. He couldn’t see anything but land and stated it couldn’t be the ocean. Just as he said that the captain came over the intercom and told us not to worry. We were not going to the Bahamas but had to fly out over the ocean to circle around for a landing. We both laughed and got a kick out of Kiara seeing the ocean for the first time. Even though it is a lot different from the air than from the ground, it was still her first time.

Within a few minutes I felt the telltale signs of our plane coming down (I’m melting, I’m melting) and soon I was relieved that we were safely on the ground. The plane erupted in cheers and clapping and trust me, I was the loudest! I had survived the flight and was on my way to WDW!

Up next ……. Can you say upgrade? And, did you also say upgrade?

[CRCrazy]

Yay!!! Nala - you did it!!!! And you didn't lose your breakfast!!!

I am soo proud of you!

Okay - now get on with - upgrades????? This is sounding pretty good!

Glad you guys made it there and back safe and sound. Can't wait to read all about it.

[SuperKate]

Alright! You did it! Can't wait to hear the next part.

[lauren-roxy]

Yeah Nala!!!!! I knew you could do it!! You might end up liking flying better than driving-maybe! Kiara is so cute, especially about the gum in her ear!! Can't wiat to read more!! You must be so proud of yourself!! Yeah!!