Hubby & Me & Jimmy Make Three: It's Time to Remember the Magic - PassPorter - A Community of Walt Disney World, Disneyland, Disney Cruise Line, and General Travel Forums
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Hubby & Me & Jimmy Make Three: It's Time to Remember the Magic
The magical vacation is over But the memories will live on. And as they said at Disney (at least when hubby and I first visited on our honeymoon); It’s time to remember the magic (remember the magic!). And, miraculously, there was PLENTY of Disney magic to be had during our April vacation.
For those of you who skipped the pre-trip, here's the scoop in a nutshell: Three of us: Me, Hubby (Sds) and son (Jimmy) were headed to WDW for spring break (which was late for our school district which I was hoping would work to advantage). It was Jimmy's 4 trip and 14 for Sds & I together. We are staying at our usual haunt, The Contemporary Resort (We've been too spoiled by the Atrium Club to give it up. It means spending a year or more saving, but for us it's worth it). Our plan was to head out Friday, April 20th (Jimmy would miss one day of school) and come back on Saturday, April 28th. We had plenty of ADRs and a plan for every day. And that's the quick pre-show review! ;-)
On to the actual trip...
Day 0, Thursday, April 19th
It didn't start out too well. The afternoon before our trip, I got a call from Sds at the office (where I was trying to cram as much work in as I could). His grandfather had passed away. It is important to note that his grandfather was really a father to Sds so even though this was not unexpected (although I didn't think it would happen quite so soon); it was still extremely painful and upsetting for Sds. And since we were going on vacation the next day, I couldn't walk out of work and just go home. However, since this wasn't completely unexpected, Sds and I had already discussed what we would do if the situation arose. We had a 6 year old boy who had been counting down the days to Disney since the day after Christmas and even though we had vacation insurance we felt we should not cancel or reschedule our vacation. We also decided we would NOT tell Jimmy until we came back. We would just go with the flow as best we could.
So Thursday evening (April 19th), we had usual dinner and packed up the rest of our stuff. Got Jimmy to bed at the usual time and Sds and I spent the night making sure we had everything we needed and doing some private and quiet grieving. Sds' mom (the MiL who has been with us on 2 prior Disney trips) decided the funeral would be on Sunday. Sds decided that when we returned we would make a plan to go out to the cemetery (which is out on Long Island and 1-1/2 hours away from our house) and say our goodbyes. For now it was just try to move on.
Day 1: Friday, April 20th
I had my alarm set for 4:13. No surprise that I was up before then. And so was Sds. Got dressed and ready and did all the last minute things that you have to do. We got Jimmy up at 5. There are only two things that will get Jimmy up and moving in the early morning: a trip to the NJ shore (my parents have a house there so we do many weekend trips in the summer and usually leave before 6:30 in the morning) or the promise of Disney!
Our ride was in the driveway before 5:30 and traffic was light enough that we got to the airport in approximately 20 minutes. (We are less than 15 miles away from Newark Liberty). We did curbside check in and went through security with no problem. We were at our gate a little after 6 AM (for an 8 AM flight).
Needless to say, Jimmy was pretty bored while waiting at the gate. I did a little reading to him. Both Jimmy and I took a bonine a little after 7. The plane began boarding around 7:30 and the flight was not full and we were able to push back from the gate early (probably 10 minutes before 8). However, then we and to sit and wait. And wait. And wait. We didn't get into the air until 8:30.
Despite the delay, our flight down was pretty good. Our all male flight crew was a blast (one of our attendants, Joseph, even took a family photo of us on the plane). Jimmy was able to watch Nickelodeon on the way down while I flipped around watching the morning news channels.
When we were landing, Jimmy wasn't feeling too well. We thought he was a little overheated so as soon as we could, we took off his shirt and had the air vent blow directly on him. Also gave him some water and turned his pants into shorts (I specifically had him wear these pants as they unzip at the knees and become shorts). By the time the plane had taxied to the gate he was feeling better. And upon getting off the plane, Sds took him right to the men's room and got some cool water for his face.
We rode our first monorail (does the airport one really count?) with our flight attendant staff. They were so funny...they said they'd escort us all the way to Disney!
Made it to DME with no trouble (for the first time ever...no falls, cuts, scrapes, etc). And when we got to our line, there was no one there, so we assumed we just missed the bus. WRONG! The bus was just about ready to go and they saw us and we quickly got on and then we were off! (We were all the way in the back, but luckily we were ok).
Since we didn't have much in the way of carry ons (no stroller!), we all got off at the first stop (Poly). We went in and went straight upstairs to the monorail. Ok, maybe we stopped for a few moments to enjoy the atmosphere (how can you not at the Poly with all its tropical beauty?).
Once on the monorail, I called my buddy (and cast member extraordinaire), Dorothy. She was off work that day, but called another cast member, Holly, to make sure that we would be taken care of.
Our monorail ride was quick, but enjoyable. We got off at the Contemporary (and I breathed in deeply...there is just a wonderful "contemporary" aroma) and went down to the 4th floor (concourse) and then to the 2nd (Convention area) where Holly was. Holly got all our paperwork together and cut our keys for us (even though our room wasn't ready). She tried to take us up to the 12th floor, but for some reason our keys didn't work. So she had someone (I believe it was Mary...we met so many wonderful CMs on the 12th floor I hope I can remember all their names because they were all noteworthy) come down and take us up.
Up on 12 we relaxed in the lounge for a bit and had a few snacks. Jimmy got a bit restless (especially since he'd seen a model of a Disney cruise ship down on the 4th floor by the elevators. Jimmy is a model ship lover -- and he's obsessed with the Titanic, but that's another story). So I took him down to 4 and we looked around the shops (so many good things...so little money!) and checked out the model again. We also went down to the first floor and checked out the pool area. (Jimmy doesn't swim yet, although we've been trying with lessons and have a belt that keeps him afloat). Jimmy was definitely enamored with the "interactive water feature" (that's what they call it folks!): AKA: Child play area. He also wanted to check out the beach and the dock area.
And then in started to rain! So we ran back to the hotel. We didn't get too wet, but it was enough for me!
Our new keys did get us back to the 12th floor. And that's where I found Sds in conversation with CM, Paula (when we'd left he was doing some work on his tablet). Paula checked on our room and said it was still going to be a while. So we decided it was time to take action (especially since the rain had let up). Armed with a bag of gummy bears from Paula, we went down to the first floor and checked our carry ons (although we didn't have much we still didn't want to drag them through the Magic Kingdom). Then we went back up to 4 and took the monorail to the Magic Kingdom. (Not the fastest way to arrive since it's a quick walk from the Contemporary to MK, but it's always good to arrive in style upon entering MK for the first time during a vacation. Also, we didn't know how Jimmy would handle all the walking. As you'll see if you keep reading, my boy is a champion walker!).
I had a definite plan as we entered the Magic Kingdom for the first time. But before I go there, I just want to say for the first time ever we bought our tickets from someone other than Disney. (We usually buy a package when we travel to WDW, or in the days of yore when it was just two of us, we often had APs). However, we had gotten a great room rate from Dorothy and needed to buy park tickets separately. After doing research and getting feedback from my fellow Passporters, I bought three 8-day hoppers from Undercover Tourist. And I have to say I was very pleased. Although I did not save a bundle (how can you when it comes to park tickets?), I did save. The tickets came quickly (even though I didn't need them right away) and they worked just fine (my biggest fear because I am a chronic worrier). No problems and savings! That's good in my book. Thank you Undercover Tourist -- we will use you again!
Once inside the Magic Kingdom, I put my plan into action. Yes, I wanted family photos, but it was a Friday afternoon and the park was quite crowded. We soaked up some Main Street atmosphere all while heading towards the right side of the park. Being the obsessive planner that I am (although I did take it down a notch or two on this trip due to the circumstances...I am truly trying to learn how to relax!), I knew that the last thing we did (at least park-wise) when we were last in WDW (December 12, 2010 -- and I still I have my trip report notes!) was Monster Laugh Floor (and it was our first time doing this). After all he'd been through; I thought Sds needed/deserved some corny jokes and a little laughter. So that's where I led the boys (and with a wait time of only 10 minutes how can you go wrong?).
The waiting area was crowded, but the 10 minutes went by rather quickly and Jimmy was giggling during the pre-show. Once inside we ALL laughed...which is what we needed. It was the perfect way to start off our vacation. Silly jokes, giggles and general foolishness. Sds agreed that this was a good idea.
Next up...the TTA Peoplemover. It's a family fave. (And definitely a cool way to relax).
We decided to roam into the "new" Fantasyland area. That was JAM PACKED! Barely room to move. There were threatening clouds so we thought we'd take the train around the park, but it was not running. New plan needed. Storm was on the way and we needed a way to stay out of the impending downpour. We needed a place to hang for a while, so...
We hoofed it out of "new" Fantasyland and through "old" Fantasyland and into Liberty Square where the HoP would be starting a new show in 5 minutes. Talk about timing!
I know some people find this a bit boring, but we love it. Especially Jimmy! (No kidding). The kid likes History. So we enjoyed our time in the HoP.
But then we came out. And there was a jam at the doors. Because it was coming down in torrents and obviously had been for some time because the walkways were flooded! We dashed across to the gift shop, which was wall to wall people.
New plan! I had two Dollar Tree ponchos. That would work, sort of. It was coming down so hard that nothing was going to keep you dry. Jimmy and I put on the ponchos and Sds took off his glasses (they weren't going to do much good). And then the three of us dashed off from Liberty Square with the resort monorail being our destination!
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Day 1, Part 2: The Rain!
Amazing how the park clears out when the deluge comes! We didn't have to worry about the crowds as we made our way from Liberty Square to the front of the park. We did have to worry about ankle deep water! (Okay, we didn't worry about it, we just trudged through it). Ponchos, umbrellas, you name it wasn't going to help keep you dry. (Ok, maybe fishing waders). We all stuck together and made our way to the resort monorail. We were all pretty wet, but it could have been worse. And we were on our way back to the room to change (I had gotten a text at 2:47 saying our room was ready). We just hoped that our luggage had made it!
We were glad that the Contemporary was just one short stop away. Then it was just an elevator ride up and we made our way to our room, 4810, bay view which is EXACTLY what I wanted (I'm a Bay Lake View kind of woman..Actually we're a Bay Lake View Family. Jimmy loves to end his day by watching the Electrical Water Pageant). And our luggage had arrived (except for what we had left at bell services which was quickly brought up after a phone call).
We dried off and Sds had the perfect solution to soggy sneakers. Stuff them with newspaper (his preference was USA Today) and I have to say that they dried out pretty well over night. I unpacked most of our clothes. (I've done something smart every year by putting outfits together for Jimmy for every day of our trip and then a few extra. I put them into Ziploc bags [wish I could remember what size because the bags are starting to get old after 3 years and I could stand to purchase more]. It makes unpacking easy and keeps everything together. I also keep a "bag" in my bag/backpack so that if Jimmy ever gets wet/dirty/whatever I have a quick change for clothes no matter where we are).
And then it was time to head over to the Poly for our dinner at the Kona Cafe.
I thought it might take a little longer than usual due to the weather, but it didn't. We had time to browse the shops before our ADR. Sds found a Hawaiian shirt that was specific to the Polynesian Resort that he wanted (and I would purchase for him later during our vacation), but while I saw a lot that I liked, there was nothing that screamed "buy me right now!" (Although that was not the case with Jimmy...he saw plenty that he wanted. But isn't that always the case).
We checked in at the Kona Cafe at our appointed time (5 PM) and noted that my food allergies were NOT on the ADR. Not good, but luckily Disney is well prepared when it comes to food allergies.
We were quickly seated and Chef Tony came to the table to speak with me about my allergies. I love the Kona because there are so many good things that I CAN eat and it's hard to decide what I want. After much deliberation, I decided on the Coffee Rubbed Pork Chop with mashed sweet potatoes. Along with a Tropical Macaw, I was set. Of course Chef Tony did have to "talk" me into having the fondue for dessert. (which I probably shouldn't have...it was ALOT of food and this is coming from a woman who likes to eat!). Jimmy had the standard hamburger (which he devoured) and Sds had the pot stickers to start and I can’t' remember what else he had (but he did have a tropical adult beverage and dessert as well...which came back to haunt him late that evening...I can say no more and you don’t' want me too!).
When we were fuller than full, we managed to heft ourselves out of our chairs and head back to the resort. Initially we were going to stop at the Grand Floridian and do some shopping, but we were so full, so tired and it was raining on and off, so we decided to give it a pass for the night (we had a dinner ressie at Narcoossees the next evening any way so there would be plenty of time for shopping then).
Once back at the resort, Sds did some unpacking and although it was early I got Jimmy ready for bed. He watched some TV (the Duffy bedtime story) and was tucked in at approximately the same time he would have been if we'd been at home (around 8ish...which is actually late if you consider how early we were all up).
Sds and I stayed up a little later, but not much. Sds had a bit of a restless night (overindulging at the Kona will do that to you) and there was another big rain/thunder storm that blew through during the night. Overall, not a great night for sleeping, but we'd manage to get enough rest to tackle DHS the next morning.
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Yeah, it was a bit more rain than I'd like to see in WDW (experience it before in 2004 in July where there was a torrential rain storm for about an hour. Sds showed up for dinner at Spoodles drenched and the staff had to give him towels!).
It is my opinion that Kona Cafe is definitely a gem in Disney Dining. It may not be a "top tier" (ala California Grill or Citricos), but we have consistently gotten good food and great service there (and we've been going at least once a trip since 2000). The only "down" side is that now more people are discovering how good it is! Used to be able to just walk in, not the case any more (although I did see a few walk ins on the night we were there; back in December 2010 it was so busy at lunch that we decided not to use our ADR).
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But the memories will live on. And as they said at Disney (at least when hubby and I first visited on our honeymoon); It’s time to remember the magic (remember the magic!). And, miraculously, there was PLENTY of Disney magic to be had during our April vacation.
And that's where I found Sds in conversation with CM, Paula (when we'd left he was doing some work on his tablet). Paula checked on our room and said it was still going to be a while. So we decided it was time to take action (especially since the rain had let up). Armed with a bag of gummy bears from Paula, we went down to the first floor and checked our carry ons (although we didn't have much we still didn't want to drag them through the Magic Kingdom). Then we went back up to 4 and took the monorail to the Magic Kingdom. (Not the fastest way to arrive since it's a quick walk from the Contemporary to MK, but it's always good to arrive in style upon entering MK for the first time during a vacation. Also, we didn't know how Jimmy would handle all the walking. As you'll see if you keep reading, my boy is a champion walker!).
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