Disney Is in our DNA About This Page:

[DisneyLuv]

Whew! Just speed-read through 24 pages of "cliff notes". I love, love, love, your TR's!!!! You have such a great way of storytelling. Your nephews are sooo cute. Looks like you guys had a great time. Can't wait for the "real" TR!

[PrincessSharon]

Originally Posted by ilovedisney247

Woo Hoo! It sounds like I might get to see Sharon next month--we check in on the 17th! Where oh where are you staying?

You'll definitely see me! Even if I have to hunt you down!

Originally Posted by lauriep

Welcome home! Hope your suitcase makes it home soon. Glad the whole family had a great time and VERY glad they're done with off-site stays. Now, get settled in so you can start with the REAL report. And be nice to that camera .

I'm ashamed of how poorly I treat my camera, and it's so good to me.

Originally Posted by DisneyDana

(raising my hand) I have a question. Were they making people take off their fanny packs and put them in lockers too, or was it just loose bags?

They were making people put backpacks, hats and stuff in lockers. I'm not sure about fanny packs. But considering how annoying that place can be, I'm going to assume the worst!

Originally Posted by Principessa_di_Fata

10/14-18? Coinkidentally, that overlaps my trip!!! Maybe I'll be lucky enough to bump into you! I'll look forward to reading your plans so I can see if we'll be in the same place at the same time (I am, of course, assuming you'll be doing a PTR..., lol)!

Can't wait to read your TR!

I think it'll be easy to spot me. I'll be the one grazing around WS! But I'll send you a PM so we can work out something definite. That is, once I've worked out something definite.

Originally Posted by lauriep

It seems this is the week I SHOULD have gone.... Seems like so many people I'd like to run into will be roaming the parks. Then I arrive Nov 4.

Laurie, there's always the option of extending your trip!

Originally Posted by jennie622

Poop! You arrive the day after I leave. I'll get 'em all warmed up for ya!

Aww, man! I'll leave my cottage keys under the mat for you.

Originally Posted by angiek1024

Welcome Home! Can't wait until your report! We will be staying at AKV on October 15-22 so I hope we run into you! We are taking a family of newbies with us and can't wait to show them everything!

My goodness I didn't realize so many Passporters were going to around during that time! Is anyone attending MNSSHP on the 10/16? I mean, besides me? I'm also doing Chocolate Discoveries that same day. Those are all the plans I've made so far. I had other things to think about recently.

Originally Posted by BJ Wanlund

Welcome home!

Sorry you didn't get to do everything you wanted to do.

But, hey, that always leaves room for later trips, am I right?

Can't wait for the full TR!

BJ

There's always something on the list for next time!

Originally Posted by Cheeser

We are doing AKL in January so will miss you by a large span. Impatiently waiting on that first installment...7 days...22 hours to go...

You will miss me, but not by as large a span as you think.

Originally Posted by ilovedisney0_0

So glad you are home safe, and SOOOO glad you've changed your mind about WWOHP! Now, I have a question for you (and anyone else who has been)... do you think it is worth buying front of the line passes, if your whole objective is to spend maybe 5 hours at IOA, and mostly focus on WWOHP? Btw, I am ready for that part of your report .

You can't use the Express Pass for Forbidden Journey, so I don't think it would be worth it. Of course, I don't think it's worth it anyway, but that has a lot to do with being able to book a room onsite for about the same price as the express pass.

Originally Posted by dsteiny23

We arrive on Nov. 4 too. I keep missing Sharon by a couple of weeks.

Yeah, we gotta do something about that, Dawn!

Originally Posted by PamelaK

I don't arrive until Nov 23. (However, there is a little ship named the Dream that I will be sailing on immediately before my WDW arrival.) Sharon, are you sure you can't squeeze in a couple of days around Thanksgiving for another trip? It would be a blast to do Disney Princess Sharon style and get in all our favorite rides before high noon. LOL

I am disappointed that I will miss so many Passporters though.

It's funny you mention Thanksgiving. I was talking to my mother about it - having 4 days off in a row, and she was surprised I wasn't going to try to squeeze in a trip. I promised her I would spend that time scanning her old photos to put on her Facebook page.

Originally Posted by lindawdw

Welcome Home Sharon!!! I can't wait to hear all about your trip! What dates are you going to be at Disney next month? I'll be there with my DD from 9/29-10/4 and I would like to meet up to say hi if possible

I'll be at the Boardwalk 10/14 - 10/18, so I'll miss you.

Originally Posted by DisneyDana

That depends on what time of the year you are going. My friend and I went one year and the first couple of rides at the front of the park had really long lines in November, so we ran and added the Express pass, and dang if we didn't get to the very next attraction and there was no line! there were no long lines anywhere else but the front of the park! Apparently, everyone automatically goes to the first rides they come to and hops in line....no one had made it any further than that.

Because I always stay at one of the onsite hotels when I go there, I have front-of-the-line access, and when I go, I haven't really needed it. The waits don't get terribly long for anything but the gatebusters when I've visited (usually in the slower seasons).

Originally Posted by jennie622

The Express Pass is not valid for the Forbidden Journey ride and we didn't have any problems getting on anything else last October (and that was the weekend!) It seems everyone went to WWoHP instead.

Now if you plan to attend Halloween Horror Nights one evening the EP is a must. I did purchase it for that night and we saw every haunted house and ride in 4 hours no wait. Some of the houses posted a 2 hour wait each!!

Also, I would consider buying the express pass for Halloween Horror Nights (if I weren't too scared to do it again ).

Originally Posted by ilovedisney0_0

Thanks! We are going on Monday Dec 5th, and that is exactly what I needed to know.

I think on that day, you'll be fine!

Originally Posted by OhToodles!

Is the Cliff Notes version where I jsut read your posts to get caught up on 24 pages?1 From here on out I'll be reading everything. I'm glad to read about good experiences with a big family group as I'll be experiencing that is 9 days! Looks like you had an awesome time and I can't wait to read all the details!

I'm happy to have readers, Cliff Notes version or the whole enchilada! It wasn't bad with a big group, mostly because the kids usually got to ride what they wanted, and the grownups were happy to wait on benches when necessary. With only your two little guys, you should be just fine. You usually only have problems when everyone isn't on the same page.

Originally Posted by DisneyLuv

Whew! Just speed-read through 24 pages of "cliff notes". I love, love, love, your TR's!!!! You have such a great way of storytelling. Your nephews are sooo cute. Looks like you guys had a great time. Can't wait for the "real" TR!

[PrincessSharon]

Day One – Saturday, August 27
Escaping Irene

I usually sleep well the night before a vacation, but because Hurricane Irene was causing New York to practically close up shop, I woke up at 4 a.m. with my mind racing. I figured there was no point in trying to rest any more, so I just got up. I watched the news while I finished getting ready – they were planning to shut down all of the area airports later that day, as well as the entire NYC subway system and the Long Island Railroad! Yikes! Good thing our flight was early out!

I got ready and joined the rest of the group. Everyone was so excited even though it was still dark. Isaiah cracked me up (by the way, get used to hearing me say that – the kid is hysterical) saying “I don’t know about flying in the dark.” I assured him that by the time we got on the plane, the sun would be up, so he needn’t worry.

We were able to fit all the luggage and all of us in the car, which is a good thing. The boys were practically bouncing in their seats!


Isaiah may have literally been bouncing, since he couldn’t manage to keep still for the pic!

I wanted to leave for the airport earlier than we normally do. Our little airport is wonderful because usually you can sail right through it with short waits, but I knew every flight going out that morning was going to be full to the brim, so I made sure we allowed some extra time. Of course, we didn’t end up needing it! The airport was just as it usually is.

While we were checking our luggage, someone called a hello to Noah. It was his 2nd grade teacher! And now Noah’s already taller than she is! Daniel also had this same teacher last year, so it was fun for the boys to see her. Forgive me, but I don’t remember her name.

I’d paid for Early Bird Check In and the boys ended up getting lower numbers than I did (hey! ) without it. I figured it was something screwy with SWA’s system because of all the Hurricane Irene-related changes, but I asked the woman at the counter what was up. She wasn’t the sharpest tool in the drawer and I don’t think she really understood my point, but she did tell me I could write for a refund of my $10.

We were quickly through security, even with the big group. We arrived at our gate with nearly 2 hours before takeoff. Figures! If I hadn’t left extra time, it would’ve been a madhouse at the airport.

We spent the time relaxing at the gate. Our plane was already there, so we didn’t need to worry about it being delayed by weather somewhere.


Is it time to go yet?







Once that got boring (four minutes later), we did a little shopping and the boys got some breakfast. DM had cut up some watermelon and I ate that. Nobody else wanted any. Not even DM. The boys weren’t crazy about their egg sandwiches, but the watermelon was tasty!

Once everyone had eaten (eleven minutes later), the boys wanted to visit the gift shop! Isaiah suckered DM into buying him the same silly dog that rolls around and laughs that she bought him last year in the airport. Well, to be fair, it’s a different dog, but the same toy.

There was a flight leaving for Baltimore at 8:00, and I thought that might be a little close to where Irene was at the moment, but it did take off on time, so it helped put my mind at ease about our flight. My DM asked me to update her Facebook status that we were about to ditch the hurricane!

We managed to keep busy without going crazy, and soon it was time to begin boarding! I'd expected to be on first, but since the boys had lower numbers than I did, I asked the gate agent if it would be okay for me to board with them. She said it was fine (my number was about 20 behind them). Noah and Daniel fought about who should get the window seat so I allowed them both to take one. I took a seat next to Daniel and Isi.



The flight was completely full as I expected and we managed to take off 2 or 3 minutes early. Yay! I was a little worried about how bumpy the flight would be, though.

I had a bunch of stuff to keep the boys busy – my old iPod, my laptop and my iTouch. Even though Daniel and Isaiah were sitting next to each other, they didn’t want to watch the same thing so I gave Daniel the laptop and Isaiah got the iPod. Noah had earplanes in, so he just played a game on his DS. Isaiah was watching a movie when suddenly I looked over and saw this.



I had to wake him up as we were landing! The flight was bumpy the entire time, but the turbulence wasn’t bad. I’ve certainly been on worse flights! We landed a few minutes early at MCO, but our gate wasn’t ready. Daniel had to go to the bathroom, and it was his bad luck that he had to sit an extra 10 minutes with his eyeballs floating. As soon as the fasten seatbelt sign was turned off, I sent him up to pee. We were close enough to the front that he was able to make it to the bathroom before everyone stood up and got in his way.

Once we were off the plane, I was tempted to kiss the ground! But we were all happy to have made it out before the storm hit. It turned out that in my area, there wasn’t much damage at all, and from talking to my neighbors, we never lost power or anything. Of course, everyone wasn’t so lucky. to those of you who suffered damage from Irene!

We went down and collected our luggage, and then to the rental car counters. I was renting from Hertz and the other car was from Alamo, so we split up. It took longer for me (Hertz just seems to have a very long check in process ). I did score a free upgrade to a Ford Escape (I’d booked a mid-size). Of course that ended up costing me in the long run, but I’ll get to that in due time.

When we went to pick up our cars, we realized we had nowhere to meet. I saw that there was a cellphone lot, so I had Noah (he and Isaiah were riding with me) call and tell the other group to meet us there.

We met up easily there and I led the way to the timeshare. We were all kinda starving at this point, so we agreed to stop somewhere and get lunch. There was a Wendy’s not far from Mystic Dunes and everyone agreed that would be fine so that’s where we stopped. Because I had two kids in the car with me (not my kids, but that didn’t seem to matter) I had to pay for their meals. I’m not complaining really, but I didn’t budget for that and it happened at least four times over the course of the trip. And I usually got stuck with the older two, who are too big for kids meals. It’s not a lot of money, but still, it would’ve been nice of DSIL or DB (ha!) to offer to reimburse me, ya know?

After we left Wendy’s, it started to rain. We arrived at Mystic Dunes and DM went to check us in. She said a lot of people were in there trying to extend their stays because they couldn’t get home! Once she came out, we drove over to our villa (a three bedroom lockoff) and were escorted to our room. You might think this sounds like a special service, but it’s not. It’s just a chance for them to try to sell you stuff. DM told me she just complained about how they hadn’t redecorated the place in 12 years. Good for her! Where are those annual dues going anyway? The guy explained that they were just out of bankruptcy (way to sell stuff, guy! ) and that there was a brand new owner (the fourth, I think, since they purchased, so I suspect another name change isn’t far off) and things would be changing soon. We’ve heard that before.

Anyway, I stayed in the car for that part, and DM sent Daniel out to get me when it was safe. It took longer than necessary because the stupid keys didn’t work. I got the one bedroom section and the rest of the group were over in the 2 bedroom part. I can admit that I was happy to have a little quiet at the end of the day. There are three absolute chatterboxes in my family, but I won’t name any names! But I’ll give you a hint – Daniel isn’t one of them. I can’t tell you how many times I had to talk to two or three people at once. Not only are they chatterboxes, but they’re impatient chatterboxes!

I unpacked my stuff and figured it was time to get my Premier Passport (). I went next door to see who wanted to join. It turned out to be three chatterboxes and Daniel. But I’m not naming names. Of course, if you’re paying attention, you’ll find out exactly who they are – in the next update.

Up Next: Whole again

[Dlandmom2]

Wow, what a start! Glad you made it out of NY on schedule. I can't wait to read the next section...I have a guess as to the 3 chatterboxes, but I'm not sure I'm entirely right....

[mom2twingirlies]

So far, so good. Flight out on time - cute little napper on the plane. Car upgrade, and checked in. I'm glad you got the lockoff room. I have 2 chatterboxes of my own and I need time away sometimes so I can hear myself think. Looking forward to the next installment.
btw - I would have preferred the watermelon too.

[Cam22]

, Sharon! So glad your flight made it out of Hurricane Irene's path in time. Great pictures of your travel day! Love the excitement on the boys' faces! Disney Magic! We just have one chatterbox here, but it's nice in a one-bedroom villa to give her her space and us ours.

[lexiemom]

Your nephews are just too darn cute! Can't wait to find out who the 3 chatterboxes are. And I need to see a pic of that Premier Passport again as that is probably as close as I will get to one!

[coffeechef]

YEAH Here we go with the full trip report. The flight sounded easy enough and good thinking letting Noah and Daniel take window seats. thats what I love about SWA

There was a Wendy’s not far from Mystic Dunes and everyone agreed that would be fine so that’s where we stopped. Because I had two kids in the car with me (not my kids, but that didn’t seem to matter) I had to pay for their meals. I’m not complaining really, but I didn’t budget for that and it happened at least four times over the course of the trip. And I usually got stuck with the older two, who are too big for kids meals. It’s not a lot of money, but still, it would’ve been nice of DSIL or DB (ha!) to offer to reimburse me, ya know?

Yeah I have 3 nephews and by the time they were 6 and 7yrs old
they would eat a breakfast like they were heading out to the Logging Company to work... but lunches or Dinners..they would eat a $2.00 grilled cheese and fries....and then the day came.... when I would hear ..Aunt Deb.. can I order steak for lunch
Loving the photos and can't wait to hear about your first days in the Parks

[sc507]

Great start Sharon! Glad you were able to make it out ahead of Irene - you have some serious good weather mojo! Even the power to shift hurricanes out of your vacation path! LOL!

[dsteiny23]

Originally Posted by PrincessSharon

Yeah, we gotta do something about that, Dawn!

Yeah, next year you've got to scooch your fall trip to the first week of Nov You can still hit F&WF and the bonus is we'll be there! How could you resist??

We'll be leaving for the airport in the dark this trip too. 8:00ish flight out of JFK . But at least we get in early.
LOVE the picture of Isaiah sleeping. It astonishes me how and where little kids can sleep.

Wait...it actually RAINED while you were there??

[Principessa_di_Fata]

I am SO excited that you've started! YAY!!!

I'm glad you got out of Irene's path safely and quickly! Can't wait to read more!

[mcc0313]

I was so happy to see Eileen's post as I was so worried about you guys that morning. Jasmine had been listening to non-stop weather info (can we tell she is a bit obsessed about storms) and she kept yelling out (she started at like 6 am), they are closing JFK, they are closing LGA....

Glad that the turbulance wasn't too bad - as that is something I was thinking about as they showed the nice map of the storm that looked like it was clearing three states at once.

The boys looks totally excited...(but why wouldn't they, they missed the hurricane and they were going to WDW). Glad lunch did not bankrupt you...yet. It is really scary when you can't get out of a fast food joint without leaving at least $20 at the register...what happened to that good old $1 menu

[elisa1006]

Great start! So glad you had no problems getting out of New York. And I agree with you, had you not gotten there so early, you'd been rushed with issues.

Can't wait for more!!!!

[lauriep]

Wow, I'm amazed that your airport experience wasn't crazy that morning! I'd have been there way early, too. Glad you made it to Florida with your crew!

[cubfancolleen]

Great start! Can't believe the airport wasn't more of a madhouse.
But the biggest surprise?! Where's you weather mojo!!?!?? It was RAINING when you arrived?!?!?!