You Load Fifteen Days, Whaddya Get? A Trip to Disney and a-deeper in debt??? complete, photos later
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graygables · 11-28-2006, 09:28 PM

Nov 2006 TR

Days 1&2:
Headed to WDW bright and early on a Monday morning with the necessary “I’m On My Way” from Brother Bear on the iPod/stereo. Overnighted in Orangeburg, SC and arrived uneventfully at WDW at about 3pm. It had rained much of the day, so Dds decided they wanted to shop rather than swim, so I had oldest take them to Old Port Royale while I carried in luggage and set up my cutting machines for work I’d left undone. Drove around to OPR to eat, take DD to karate, then on to the Florida Mall when she pointed out that my merchandise on the tray on the back of the van probably wasn’t very safe at the mall parking lot, so I drove back to the room to unload it. In the rain. In the toad-strangling deluge. Didn’t help that Mr. Monk Bungies a Load was playing before leaving home [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/rolleyes.gif[/img] and one of the bungie cords was actually TIED DOWN. [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/mad.gif[/img] I was drenched to the skin and had to completely change and reapply make up. To give you an idea, the clothes were still wet 3 days later…[img]/ubb/images/graemlins/ukid.gif[/img] Picked up Dds, took oldest to karate, and proceeded to scope out I-Drive and where the convention center/hotel was. I was also on the lookout for a Home Depot, but never found one. Drove by Wonder Works, which that building is so [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/cool.gif[/img] at night! Especially done up for Christmas. Did I get a photo? Heck, no. [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/rolleyes.gif[/img] Not b/c I didn’t WANT one, though. [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/foreheadslap.gif[/img] The Florida Mall trip was a necessity for me (I had a REALLY bad haircut that needed repair and nearly left me bald [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/ukid.gif[/img] ) and a wanna for Dds. They went to the Playmobil store, M&M store (BTW, my M&M “color” the computer chose for me was…TIE-DYE!!! [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/rofl2.gif[/img]) DD had “forgotten” her sneakers, so we went to Payless to get her some new ones. Bad move as we will see tomorrow! Ran out of the mall at 9pm and back to the CBR for some work for me, sleep for them.

Day 3:
Oldest took little Dds to the MK to pick up the VMK quest they needed while I headed to the airport to pick up DH. Spied a Home Depot along the way and dashed in for what I needed. Picked him up and drove for the AK, where we were to meet Dds. We ran a little late, but soon were heading through the turnstiles on a mission for Expedition Everest. DH and Dds rode and had a great time (he says he’s too old for these things now…) and we went to Tusker House for lunch. [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/yuma.gif[/img] Still my fave counter service and I hope they don’t mess with it. L We still had the F&WF to get to and oldest had to go to work, so she took off for the call center, and we set our sights on Epcot. DH was a bit bummed that I hadn’t included any MGM in our itinerary. We entered Epcot and went straight to Nemo at The Seas. (still miss the ‘living” part). Cute ride, it was nice to have it back, even though it’s been so long, I’ve forgotten the Sea Cab thing. Next was DH’s debut on Soarin’ and he LOVED it (it’s his new fave next to Mickey’s Phil). I loved the look on his face when we got off. It’s rare and I treasure those moments. After Soarin’, we went to Test Track and enjoyed Mom’s driving as usual. [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/grin.gif[/img] DD was complaining that her feet hurt, so she and I swapped shoes (we wear the same size :jaw drop: ) and decided to head over to MGM for ToT and RnR for Dds and DH. Took the boat and hoofed it back to ToT where I rode the NICE elevator while they took the mean one. 10yo didn’t want to ride RnR, but 8yo had a hissy, so DH took her while I went w/ 10yo to get me some new shoes [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/ouch.gif[/img] Bought some blinging flip flops and waited and waited. 45 minutes later, DH and DD emerged from RnR. DH *HATED* that ride, but he hates Aerosmith. He was mortified that DD was air guitaring to the music. So, back on the boat back to Epcot, hungry and with a whopping hour and a half to do the WS/F&WF. Yikes. The prices were much too high and most booths were incredibly inefficient. We were very disappointed. Started at Ireland and worked our way around to the American pavilion. By this time, 8yo was starving, since there wasn’t much for her to eat, so I got in line for a pretzel. They sold out just as I got there, so I settled for popcorn (and the last bit of that). DD was in meltdown mode, so I parked them at a fireworks spot and got in line for a funnel cake. I just knew they were going to close down before I got there, but thank goodness they didn’t. They could, however, only take cash or credit cards (no room key), so fortunately, I had some cash on me. DD was thrilled with the funnel cake, and we got to see Illuminations, but we missed all the F&WF booths around from the US to GB L Dds were tired, having done all 4 parks in one day, so we headed back to pack up and get ready for setting up at the convention center tomorrow.

Day 4-7:
Grabbed some quick breakfast and loaded up. Got to the OCCC at about 10am and finally found where we needed to be. Unloaded and started to set up. I went out at noonish to move the car and drive through McD’s for lunch and we spent the afternoon getting everything set up. I was pleased with how it went for the most part. We had ressies at Boma for 7pm, but DH wasn’t excited about it and wanted to cancel. It was our only chance this trip, so I insisted. After finishing our set up, we checked into the Quality Inn (oxymoron that is), unloaded there, and headed for Boma where DH said he never could find anything good to eat. Hmmm. In the middle of dinner, he says to me, “I don’t know why you don’t like this place. There’s lots of good stuff here.” [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/grin.gif[/img][img]/ubb/images/graemlins/rolleyes.gif[/img] whatever. We enjoyed our Boma meal and headed back into the wilderness. Our room faced I-4. That’s probably enough said, but I’ll add that the motorcycle racers were out in full force that weekend. [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/mad.gif[/img] Toss in full size beds and 10yo getting sick from the mold in the A/C and you have an unhappy stay. The show was busy and DH managed to get he and Dds on a shuttle and there when I needed him to. I taught 3 classes which was exhausting, but they were good (I hope!). 8yo made a sale and DH didn’t even know it. He was talking with a customer and I guess she just rang up an item and the lady had exact change. Bagged it up and gave her the receipt and everything! [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/rofl2.gif[/img] Everyone loved my kits and stuff, but I didn’t sell nearly what I’d expected to. L We did eat at Olive Garden on Friday night. Let’s just say that Friday night+convention crowd+Orlando+tourists=[img]/ubb/images/graemlins/eek.gif[/img] We waited a little over an hour for our table and it was a madhouse inside. We didn’t get out of there until after 10pm. Sunday at 3pm couldn’t come fast enough and we were outta there and on the road to AKL by 5pm. There was an incident with a guy on the loading dock that was really stupid, but was the closest I’ve ever come to going psycho on someone. DH and I had to take turns bringing stuff out b/c this idiot had threatened to slash our tires and DH told me later that he had finally freaked out on the guy while I was inside. He won’t tell me what he said, only that it didn’t involve obscenities or violence, but it wasn’t very Christian. He felt badly about it (and angry) for several days, which was a bit of a damper.

Finally arrived “home” (according to Dds) at AKL and checked in. Dds were so excited to see we had a savanna view (they thought we had a pool view [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/wink.gif[/img] ) Went to the Mara for our first ever DDP meal and it included Zebra Domes as a dessert. Heaven. Sheer, pure, heaven. Climbed exhausted into a queen-sized, COMFY bed and fell asleep, dreaming about how to convince DH we should buy DVC. [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/grin.gif[/img]

Day 8:
Had to be at DTD at 9am for Dds Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique appointments (gifts from oldest DD) and we couldn’t find the hairbrushes. [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/rolleyes.gif[/img] We were able to buy one at WoD and they went in for their makeover. They didn’t want us hanging around, so DH and I went to Ghiradelli’s for some chocolate and just wandered around a bit. Went back to BBB to check on Dds and they were just finishing up about 1030. They were so cute and it really was a fun experience. 10yo wouldn’t keep hers in for more than today, but 8yo’s “do” lasted until Thursday! [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/jawdrop.gif[/img] After being pixie dusted, we took them to the Lego store to stuff a cup (or two) with DH, then it was time for them to go to Disney Quest w/ DD1 while DH and I took the boat to SSR for our lunch at the Turf Club. We had a pleasant boat ride to SSR, up some stairs and there we were at the Turf Club. Very nice first impression. They weren’t open yet, so we wandered around for a bit, then had a seat in the ‘living room” area. DH wanted to shoot some pool, but wasn’t sure how kosher that was, so didn’t. The maitre d’ came out to where we were sitting and told us they were ready [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/jawdrop.gif[/img], the beginning of the superb service. We loved being on the dining plan and not worrying about what things cost for the first time. DH had calamari and I had crab cakes for appetizers. Very hot, fresh, and delicious. Entrees were steak for DH and a shrimp pasta dish with asparagus, artichoke, and more [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/yuma.gif[/img]. We both had chocolate lava cake for dessert…our perpetual fave after zebra domes [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/grin.gif[/img] The service was spectacular and we had a lovely view of the water/golf course. DH thought our sub-waiter (?) was very much like Seraph in the Matrix in voice and mannerisms. He was very pleasant and again, the service from both was excellent, so much so that I left an extra gratuity with a hand-written thank you. We decided to take the bus back to DTD to see a bit more of the resort and I had my chance to explain DVC to DH. I, of course, started with the standard amounts so that he could acclimate himself to seeing it as a pretty good value for a family who loves Disney as much as we do, and then sprung the whole cast member discount thing on him, which REALLY made him perk up! [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/grin.gif[/img] We didn’t take an official tour or sign anything, but it’s certainly on the radar now. [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/082502yes_prv.gif[/img] [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/woot.gif[/img]

Went back to AKL to rest for the afternoon before our 415 LTT MVMCP dinner. We changed into our matching Christmas tie-dyes and headed for the bus to the MK. We got TONS of comments about our shirts [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/grin.gif[/img] and Dds really hammed it up. I had many glimpses of “Italy” this trip (special needs parents know what I mean) and the shirts played a big role in that tonight. Started out the evening at LTT for dinner. Nothing special here, characters were fun, food was “eh”. We were still stuffed from lunch, so that didn’t help any. We headed for POTC, but I noticed Jungle Cruise was still open, so we went on that first (DH has never been). It was funny and he even laughed. Went to ride POTC, since DH has never been on it, either. He’s not real big into pirates (“the celebration of a criminal lifestyle“) He wasn’t impressed and wanted to get to Mickey’s Philharmagic and…brace yourselves…SMALL WORLD! I think I have the only husband on the planet who had IASW on his top 5 list! [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/jawdrop.gif[/img] [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/ukid.gif[/img] We start making our way around to Fantasyland and as soon as we get into Mickey’s Phil, I got sick and had to leave in a hurry. L Suffice it to say that I had to stay near a restroom for the next half hour or so. Still don’t know why I was sick, but 10yo was getting upset with me, even though I couldn’t help it. We made it on IASW and DH gave the rehab 2 thumbs up. Went to Tomorrowland and rode Buzz, Space Mountain, and the People Mover (TTA) and it was time to scope out our spot for Holiday Wishes. 8yo was getting cranky, she wanted her cocoa and cookie, but we stopped for a photo first. Parked Dds and DH and I made the cocoa/cookie run. We thought we had the perfect spot, but the Christmas tree was sorta in the way, which was a bummer. After the fireworks, we went back around to Mickey’s Phil so I could see it this trip, then over to Splash and BTMRR before getting a spot for the parade. We were able to sit on a stone wall in Frontierland and the parade was wonderful. Lots and lots of Italy moments for 10yo and I was in tears by the time it was over. They changed the parade route from last year, so it ended on Main Street (last year it started on that end), so getting out was a challenge, but we finally made it, being hurried along between the floats. 10yo declared it had been a “really good day” (rare for her) Back to AKL and happily exhausted to bed.

Day 9:

DH has to head home today, so I have to deliver him to the Swan for a Mears shuttle (long story) by 920 and get Dds to CBR for their Pirate Cruise by 930. A little hectic, a little chaotic, a wrong turn here and there and we finally made it all on time. Whew! Dds were a little apprehensive about the Pirate Cruise, but I need that time away from them, and they need to be away from me, too. Homeschooling is hard that way. So, while they were off, oldest DD and I went to SSR for a little tour and to check out the situation. I really liked it, plus with AKL coming on board as a DVC, I’m pretty much sold. The CM discount doesn’t break my heart, either, so now it’s a matter of turning DH to the “D Side”. [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/wink.gif[/img]

Had to pick Dds up at 1100 from their cruise and they had a great time. I’m so glad it went well for them! We went to DTD to do some final shopping there and DD1 had a problem with her cell phone. She freaks out at the slightest little thing and had to leave immediately, right then and there to go to wherever she accesses the internet to find out what was going on with her phone. I suggested it might be the battery, but no, it was something much worse and she had to find out instantly what it was. [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/foreheadslap.gif[/img] [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/rolleyes.gif[/img] This left Dds and I with no way to get to MGM for our dinner ressies other than the bus/bus or bus/boat route. 8yo has a stroller/wheelchair, plus all our bags (and the sweaters for the evening), so I wasn’t real happy w/ Disney’s decision to make it a 2-hop from DTD. [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/082502no_prv.gif[/img] We went for the Swan/Dolphin/BW/YC bus and waited and waited and waited. After 45 minutes [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/mad.gif[/img] the bus finally arrived and we schlepped all our stuff on board. DD’s chair is not a transport, so I have to fold it and carry it as well as help her negotiate the steps and manage an Asperger’s child plus our stuff. Not fun. First stop was the Swan, so we went in search of the boat dock, which was easy to find, thank goodness, but no room to sit on the boat. 10yo was wiped out already, but we had to soldier on! DD1 called to tell me that, hmmmm, it was her battery after all and she’d meet us at MGM. Grrrrr. We make it to our ADR (barely) and are seated fairly quickly. Our service here was very good for a buffet and the food was yummy. We were on the Fantasmic plan, btw. This was one of the first nights for Osborne Dancing Lights, so we went around to see those (awesome, beautiful, breathtaking!) and Dds wanted to ride ToT one last time, so we headed over there. I took the NICE elevator again and we made our way out to Fantasmic. I stopped at the main entrance and asked if we had to go all the way around to use our pass and was told that it was too late for us to use it anyway and to enter there. [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/confused.gif[/img]

Once to the end of the path (sheesh, it’s long), there was no handicapped seating left, so 8yohad to sit on my lap (she can’t manage the bench for long, and, quite frankly, neither can I [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/ouch.gif[/img] ) I’d forgotten why I don’t like Fantasmic and tonight reminded me. Sorry, fans, but to me, it’s entirely too dark and scary and too much emphasis on the villains. Yes, Mickey wins in the end, but it’s such a long, dark road to get there. Walt used villains, yes, but in smaller doses, with much less intensity, there was a respite and it didn’t go on too long, but Fantasmic really drags it out. 8yo was really disturbed by the shooting scene in the new world segment. L We left MGM with the masses and caught the bus to the AKL for another night of sleep (although 8yo did have some nightmares)

Day 10:
Our last day at WDW and my unofficial birthday, since we have to be on the road on my REAL birthday tomorrow. L Started at AK for FOLK, safari, and a preview of the Finding Nemo musical. FOLK didn’t have tumble monkeys which completely bummed Dds. The safari line was LONG and we got to Nemo just in time. It took about 1 ¼ hours from line to exit which was too long IMO. I’ve already written a review of it, but we weren’t all that impressed. We found the actors holding the puppets to be too distracting and while we know they can’t match voices, some were just too different, Nemo for one and I wanted to flush Dory by the time it was over (and I love her in the movie). Said our goodbyes to DD1 (she had to go to work) and had Flametree BBQ for lunch. Hmmmm. I’ll take Tusker House, thanks. Went back to AKL for Dds to play with some of their new stuff while I cleaned the car and packed/loaded some. Having 3 cutting machines isn’t working for me, I really need to find a way to consolidate my cutting so I don’t have so much to schlep in and out. Got freshened up and took some photos off our balcony. I had a terrible time pulling us all away from the view! [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/grin.gif[/img] Off to Epcot and a 730 dinner at Coral Reef. We had time to kill when we arrived, so we rode Spaceship Earth and Test Track before checking in for dinner. I told them we’d wait for a tank side table. We did get the first level, but not tank side L I was presented with a souvenir menu that said, “Happy 43rd Birthday, Dawn”, [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/ukid.gif[/img] only…it was my 42nd! [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/rofl2.gif[/img] Dds got a HUGE kick out of that one! I didn’t point it out, though, just enjoyed the giggle. I told Dds I’d have to come back next year and bring it with me! We had a nice meal and enjoyed the quiet time together. After, we decided to go on Soarin’ one last time and had a great time. Headed for the car and an early bedtime since we have an 8am breakfast with Mary Poppins and friends! I valeted the car b/c rain is coming and I didn’t want to mess with that again…

Day 11:

Up bright and early, dressed, packed, and sadly saying goodbye to the baby giraffe off our balcony. I’m not ready to go yet, it’s my birthday and I want to stay just one more day, but I have to be in Myrtle beach this afternoon to set up my next expo. My mom is supposed to fly into Charleston and I’m supposed to pick her up on the way. So, bell services loads up our stuff and we head out to the van. It is, indeed, pouring rain so I’m glad for the porte chorchere to load under! Dds are literally packed into the back seat and the bellman is amazed at how much stuff I can get in there! It was supposed to be a lot less, but sales weren’t what they were supposed to be, so the poor things have one more journey stuffed in the back. Arrive at GF and valet parked there, unpacked Dds and headed into breakfast. We were supposed to do this one last December on our last morning, but 8yo had food poisoning and was VERY sick, so we skipped it and went straight to the airport. They’ve been bummed all year, so this was a nice end to the WDW part of the trip. My mom was hacked off that we were stopping for breakfast and “leaving her to sit” at the airport, but I insisted for Dds. The place was nearly empty and we had a delicious breakfast and fun with the characters, esp since it was my birthday (and we all know about the Mad Hatter’s UN-birthday!) I was given a tiara and a placemat which are now in my office. After breakfast, we went around to the Gasparilla Grill and used our last 11 snack credits on Mickey rice krispie bars, bottled water, and pretzels for the road. Claimed the car, packed in the kids and hit the road. Just about to 95, my dad calls to tell me that it doesn’t look good for my mom to get on the Charleston flight (she’s flying standby). A few miles later, he calls to tell me that the flight was cancelled. [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/mad.gif[/img] So, we start trying to find where to send her. Guess what is the closest airport with availability??? MCO? [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/082502no_prv.gif[/img] JAX? [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/082502no_prv.gif[/img] ATL! [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/mad.gif[/img] Yep, Atlanta, folks. Did I have a map of the SE states??? [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/082502no_prv.gif[/img] So, I start flying blind toward Atlanta. My mom is still hacked off that we had breakfast and I’ve tried to explain that if we hadn’t, I’d be hundreds of miles in the wrong direction instead of just 50, but she doesn’t register that. So, we drive and drive and drive. Finally get to Atlanta, picked her up and turned east for Myrtle Beach. My mom does not like to eat in the car (I’m a drive through, let’s get there person), so we had to stop at KFC for dinner. Oh, and I’ve been fighting w/ DH all day about directions. I needed him to mapquest stuff for me and he kept fussing at me and I finally lost it. It didn’t help that he never told me happy birthday and this certainly was NOT what I had in mind for my day, but I was peevish, to say the least. We were supposed to be 8 hours from WDW to Myrtle Beach. It was SIXTEEN. *16* hours with Dds packed in the back, all my mom’s stuff, it was unreal. The last hour was horrible. We arrived, checked in and I got them settled in bed, since it was after 1am and I started to unload. I was able to get most of my displays/merch in before they closed down the convention center for the night, but nothing set up. I fell into bed about 3am and set the alarm for 630. L

Days 12:-15

Down to the CC by 7am and had to hunt someone down to let me in. Finished setting up and my mom arrived w/ Dds about 930. I was to start teaching classes at 3pm and one of the designs wasn’t even finished, much less kitted up (that was on yesterday evening’s schedule, not driving 16 hours) so my mom took over the booth while I went back to the room to finish designing the classes and kit them up. I also told my mom I was going to shower and she told me not to, to get back downstairs. [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/mad.gif[/img] The whole point of her being there was to watch the booth to give me breaks. I also had it set up so that we ran a tab system in case no one was there, so no biggie if she wanted to leave, but after yesterday and all the setting up, I needed a shower before teaching classes!

Finally got the work done for today’s classes and taught them. I’ve never taught at one of these weekends, so didn’t know what to expect, but classes were smaller than I’d anticipated. It worked out OK, though. My teaching schedule had me going from 3-830pm on both Fri and Sat, so that was exhausting. To make matter worse, my mom would just walk into the class to tell me she was taking the kids to dinner or whatever. SO ANNOYING! [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/mad.gif[/img] I’ve decided that unless they beg me (again), I’m not going to teach anymore. It’s a lot of extra stress/pressure and if the classes don’t book up, you’re left with unused kits that are sometimes hard to sell (and involved a lot of work putting them together.) I just plan to focus on the design/sales aspect of things. It was nice being in a small convention center w/ the hotel attached b/c Dds could go up to the room and nap, watch TV, or go on my laptop and not have to sit in the booth all day. We closed at 3pm Sunday and I proceeded to pack while my mom sat and played cards w/ Dds. When I asked them to help, I was informed that they were still playing. Got it all packed and loaded, then headed towards Charlotte, where my mom is flying out from tomorrow. On one of the gas stops, I got to hear her tell my dad how hard she worked and how I stood out by the car while she “carried heavy box after heavy box” out to me. [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/ukid.gif[/img] whatever. [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/rolleyes.gif[/img] Checked into a Holiday Inn Express and delivered mom bright and early to the airport before heading on home (Dds were doing [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/woot.gif[/img]:the wave: in the back seat). I was EXHAUSTED at this point and for the first time, ever, had a very difficult time driving. We made many more stops than usual for coffee, sugar, chocolate, string cheese, you name it. Had to go to the grocery store on the way home and finally pulled in the drive about 7pm.

Memos to self:
1. Convince DH we need DVC. [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/grin.gif[/img]
2. Doing it all myself is less stressful and less work than having my mom along. Dds are just going to have to suck it up if DH can’t join us.
3. STAY ONSITE (see memo 1 [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/wink.gif[/img] )
4. Take time to do just what the kids want to do. They’re only kids once and they will remember the day that you said, “OK, let’s do that next!”
5. Learn to make snicker doodles. That will be a fond reminder of the “Spirit of the Season”.

JaimeandChad · 11-28-2006, 10:14 PM

I don't know whether you had a good trip or not, but at least you took Dds out to breakfast. It was a great report and I really enjoyed it. What kind of classes do you teach and do you do any local ones?