‘Why yes, I AM smokin' the GOOD stuff!’ 22 - 29 August 2007 Trip Report - Page 3 - PassPorter - A Community of Walt Disney World, Disneyland, Disney Cruise Line, and General Travel Forums
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You know, I'm applying to be a part of your family for the next trip. I've already got a Princess name! Hope your trip was completely magical, and can't wait to hear all about it!
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Mickey's so happy to see me back, he can barely contain himself!
‘Why yes, I AM smokin' the GOOD stuff!’ 22 - 29 August 2007 Trip Report - Day 1(AM)
The ‘Why yes, I AM smokin’ the GOOD stuff!’ Trip Report
22 August – 29 August 2007
Trip report --> Day 1 (AM) –The Journey and Hotel Check-In
After finally decompressing from the trip and all of the First Day Of School preparations, its back to working on this trip report. I took a slew of pictures with my new Pink Olympus camera so I’ll probably post more photos than words. Anyways, back to the trip report. J I was supposed to post our touring plans and stuff like that but like the best laid plans…I laid them somewhere and forgot ‘em.
Up Before The Sun
I got a sum total of 20 minutes of sleep before I had to wake up, shower and then rustle up the troops. The kids didn’t fall asleep until around 1am and I didn’t go to sleep until around 4am. The airport shuttle service was picking us up at 5:45am—a time I classified as the ‘butt crack’ of dawn. The kids jumped up out of bed, got washed up and dressed into their Von Trapp Family outfits and were ready by the time the airport limo picked us up. 5 people, 8 pieces of checked baggage and 8 carry-ons---that poor driver must have had an aching back! None of the kids were able to sleep on the way to the airport like I thought they would. My daughter and godsister are seasoned travelers while this was my nephews first time flying. If they were nervous they hid it very well. We did curbside check-in, (a godsend if you have kids with you) got our boarding passes and headed to the security checkpoint.
Some folks think wearing the same outfits is weird but let me tell you, everyone at the PHL knew we were together and this helped out in the most important place: the security checkpoint. The TSA folks could see I was the only adult with all of these kids so they were extra patient in getting us through the checkpoint safely and thoroughly. Before we went through, I made sure no one had any liquids except me (turns out my nephew had his acne topical medication so he got a bag for that). One TSA worker joked as I herded everyone through, “You’re not losing any of them, are you?” I said, “No ma’am!”. LOL! Shortly we were at our AirTran departure gate.
“When do we leave for Disney World!” The kids waiting at our PHL departure gate.
PDD Note --> I made sure Avery had plenty of small Disney trinkets and coloring activities to do. She wanted to watch a DVD with her godsister but it was good to have those things available anyway.
Our flight was slightly late due to delayed aircraft but not by much. Since I have Elite status on AirTran, all the kids got to board with me in Group ‘1’. This was very nice in that I could get the kids settled and their bags stowed before the majority of the other travelers got onto the plane. We had an entire row to ourselves so we were quite comfortable. The 1st time flyers adjusted rather quickly after take-off, and everyone kept themselves busy either sleeping, playing videogames or watching The Muppet Show on my laptop. Before we knew it, we’d landed at Orlando International Airport on time! Woo hooo!
After a short bathroom stop, we headed towards Airside B for Disney’s Magical Express. We got quite a few good-natured comments about our outfits. One Cast Member said, “Hey, I want a shirt too!” Another Cast Member said, “Let me guess…you’re staying at the Polynesian?” We sure were! After checking in at the Magical Express counter, we headed into line for our bus. The Polynesian shares a ME bus with the Grand Floridian which usually means very little to no wait in the ‘holding tank’ to board. As soon as we got into line a Cast Member showed us the way to our bus. We gave our carry-ons to the driver (except my laptop—that puppy remained with me) got on the bus and we were on our way! It took probably 30 minutes from landing at OIA to getting on the Magical Express and that was delayed due to the ‘potty break’.
There’s No Place Like Home (arriving at the Polynesian)
If the kids were excited from seeing the video on the bus and going through the purple gates, I was excited to see that sign that said, “Disney’s Polynesian Resort’.
Our Magical Express drop-off point at the Polynesian.
This Disney ‘home’ is where my heart is.
The kids were really impressed with the waterfalls, tiki statues and plants that led up to the Great Ceremonial House. For them it was like stepping into another world. That’s how it always is for me when I arrive at the Polynesian so it really touched me that they were so impressed. Once inside the GCH, they were even more impressed by the 32” flat-screen TV in the kid’s area. I sent them over there leaving my godsister in charge while I checked us in.
The waterfall inside of the GCH.
I waited in line about 10 minutes before being helped. This may seem long but I didn’t mind as both front desk CMs were checking in other guests and there was no one in front of me. When it was my turn I said a hearty, “Aloha!” to the cast member and proceeded to show her my documentation and ID. She started the process and after a few moments told me (in a low voice) that my requests were granted but the room wasn’t ready yet. Turns out I was very lucky to get it. In my mind I’m yelling, “Oh yeah! 1st floor Samoa facing the Volcano Pool! Oh yeah! It’s my birthday!” I told the cast member how thankful I was as this was my nephews and godsister’s first trip here and it would mean a lot to them. I almost started crying. I know, I’m such a sap! She gave me a card and told me to call that number after 4pm to find out if my room was ready.
After explaining to me how the dining credits worked and attaching a credit card to my room for room charges ($1500? I’ll blow through that in 3 days!) I went to gather the kids. Avery saw a towel ‘doll’ that was really cute and almost absconded with it. She did know that towel animals in that area were okay for guests to take (we learned this from our December stay at the Polynesian). I told her to ask Auntie Kaui if it was okay. So she did and got the ‘go ahead’. She was so happy!
I told the kids we had to check our carry-on bags at valet services since our room wasn’t ready. We did that outside at the valet stand. The process was quick and painless. DN8 asked what we were going to do next. I told him we were going to Captain Cooks to eat and then it was off to the Magic Kingdom. After lots of hoorays and worship of me, we headed back into the GCH. The same CM who checked me in passed by us and told the kids, “You’d better thank this woman! It’s because of her you guys are going to have such a great stay.” LOL!
Up next --> My first foray into using the DDP at Captain Cooks and storming the Magic Kingdom!
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Trish (AKA Mum to 'Princess Avery')
Hittin' WDW since Space Mountain was 'Coming Soon'
So far so good.... the shirts are working out well. Those lucky kids are in for such a treat! I can't wait to hear more!!!
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Tanya
Every click helps feed .6 bowls of food to rescued animals. Give a quick click every day and help animals in shelters! www.theanimalrescuesite.com
Sounds like a wonderful start! I'm glad everyone was patient with you & your party of children at the airport. I the matching outfits!!! Can't wait to hear more!
Great start, Trish! Glad you made it safely, and on time too! I'm really starting to think that the Poly will be the next resort I book. Can't wait for more!
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Mickey's so happy to see me back, he can barely contain himself!
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Hope your trip was completely magical, and can't wait to hear all about it!
PDD Note --> I made sure Avery had plenty of small Disney trinkets and coloring activities to do. She wanted to watch a DVD with her godsister but it was good to have those things available anyway. 
More please 
the matching outfits!!! Can't wait to hear more!
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