|
Post by tazdev3225 on Jan 8, 2012 19:46:17 GMT -5
I know that's a lousy title. Seriously I cannot think of a better one.
Lousy title aside I decided to do a TR about the trip Kristel and I took in October. A little background. Ip Dip was being talked about. I wanted to go Jim didn't, she wanted to go. We didn't really want to go alone and then there was the cost of going alone. We chatted on FB. We texted back and forth and the plan was set in motion. We were going and were sharing a room. We picked the resort- ASMo, non-preferred room. We chose the dates - Oct. 20th to Oct 24th. Then we looked for deals. None were to be had. I booked the trip knowing we could always change it if a deal popped up. One never did.
That was the easy part. I let Kristel know and she paid her half off. Then I had to contact Disney again because they had her name all wrong. At one point I think we had 3 people booked, me and 2 Kristels. Airline info was provided to Disney, several times. All the little kinks worked out, we waited for our adventure to begin. I probably had more problems than she did leading up to the trip. I have kids. My kids are crazy. I had some fun conversations with my kids.
DD: Mom are you taking money? Me: No I plan to pay for everything with my good looks. Of course I'm taking money. DS: Mom don't take any money. Me: Again, I don't think they will let me buy things on my looks alone. DD: Mom you are getting old, somebody can knock you down and steal your money. Take ONE credit card. Besides you don't really know this woman she could steal it from you. (Kristel and I laughed over that one.) DS: Mom, I know what people do to old women, DON"T take any money. Don't forget dad and I deal with them every day.
I appreciated my kids concerns, I DID NOT appreciate being called old. In the end I took some of their advice. I carried a little cash and my credit cards. They had the numbers so when I was attacked I could cancel them.
Up next the adventure begins.
|
|
|
Post by tazdev3225 on Jan 8, 2012 20:15:48 GMT -5
Day 1 - Oct. 20th My day started early. I had the first flight out of Philly on SW, 6:30 AM. I had to be up and out a little extra early because my DH Jim was on the 6:00 shift so he had to get me to the airport and then get to work. We got to the airport around 5:45 AM. It should have given me more than enough time but I had to wait for someone to wheel me to the gate. I need a wheelchair because it is a LONG walk and my knees give out. I got through security quickly and arrived at the gate just before pre-boarding started. I was 3rd in line so not bad. I got a window seat and settled in with my tablet. I have a Samsung Galaxy with the Kindle app so I had a book on there to read. I love the ease of the tablet. I got a seat mate. I was not going to get much reading done. She was very chatty. Then the flight attendants asked for a volunteer to switch seats so that a mother and child could sit together. My hand shot up. I didn't even want the incentive of a free drink. My new seat mates were very nice. They were going to Disney for a long weekend to celebrate their anniversary. They had their 10 month old with them but left their other SIX kids home. They has 7 kids under 10. We chatted for a few minutes but then I read my book and they took a naap. The plane took off late but we still arrived at the original time. There were 6 wheelchairs lined up and 2 attendants. I was impatient. I was in Florida, Disney was too near to wait so I walked, OK hobbled, to ME. On the way I texted Kristel to tell her I had landed. She had an early flight from Indianapolis but had a layover in Cleveland. I landed about 9:10, she wasn't due in Orlando til after 11. Soon I saw I scored a front seat I was at ASMo around 10:15. I had the best ME ride ever. Our driver was so much fun. He stopped to look for alligators, he told jokes, he told stories. It was a great start. I was the last stop but that was OK I wasn't in a real hurry. The manager actually came over to talk to people in line at check-in and pulled me aside and personally checked us in. He also gave me a very good tip for the buses. I went to our room. It wasn't preferred. It was as far away as you could get. We were in the Mighty Ducks building, on the third floor around a corner and at the very end of the walkway. The managers tip was to use the bus stop at ASMusic, it was much closer. While I waited for Kristel I decorated my scooter. The musical LED pumpkin lights did not fit but the garland worked. It also left a trail the whole time we were there. Some pics of the room The room was nice and recently refurbished. I checked out how close the bus stop was and then headed over to the food court, I was hungry. My first meal Chili Cheese Fries, just enough to take the edge off of my hunger. I had a text from Kristel that she had landed and was on ME. She had a very slow driver. I take my camera everywhere and forgot to get a pic of her arriving. We took her stuff to the room and my luggage was already there. I was rather surprised by that. She got what she needed and we were off. Up next we hit the parks.
|
|
|
Post by tazdev3225 on Jan 8, 2012 20:38:09 GMT -5
When we booked the trip we debated PH's and decided to leave them off. On the ride to the park we decided to add them. A word of advice - do it at the hotel. We had to carry the room key for the DP and the paper PH ticket for the parks. Finally we were there. Kristel First ride - SE. I had a mission this trip. I brought down my DSLR. I was determined to get better pics with it. I did I forgot to turn the flash off. ;D The rest weren't as good but I love taking pics of the end probably the closest I will ever get to surfing We wandered out and I was thirsty Trying Beverly It's not that bad, I guess The cranberry bog Heading to World Showcase Finally our quest is over. We have arrived at the F&W festival but where to eat? I had shrimp on the Barbie Kristel had the Lamb Chop The shrimp was fantastic. A little sweet and some heat. Kristel really liked the lamb. It was a decent size for the money spent. A little less hungry we wandered on and rejected a lot of the other booths. We found Norway and The wait was over an hour so I took pics while Kristel got FP's. I don't know why buit in all of my trips I never noticed You can see the ride from outside. We moved along and then I had to stop and eat. We found Poland. My soul food. My grandmother was 100% Polish and I cannot pass up Kielbasa, Pierogies and Golabki. I was very happy. Kristel liked them too. Then we saw the Fife and Drums Just missed Miyuki And went back to Kristel posed and I took pics
|
|
|
Post by tazdev3225 on Jan 8, 2012 21:18:20 GMT -5
After Norway I wanted one thing - the Eat to the Beat concert. The Orchestra, formerly ELO was playing. Now I don't know why I thought it wouldn't be crowded. I was wrong! We stayed anyway. I loved ELO as did my DH Jim. I called him so that he could listen to the concert on my phone. Missing them was the only part of my trip he was upset about. The phone calls made him happy. The pics Kristel watching the concert Someone told me the only original member was the violinist. The others joined the group at different times. I didn't care. They were fantastic. The concert over we headed to Japan again. I got a pearl at some point. It is one of those weird traditions I have. I think at this point I have 10 or 12 pearls, none in a setting. One day. We went to Japan for a reason - dinner. We had ADR's at Teppan Edo. I was really looking forward to this as I had never eaten here before. One of our table mates took our pic chef at work onion volcano we both had the Asakusa- steak and shrimp dipping sauces - as you can see they were used and good! we both had the chocolate ginger cake for dessert I was so happy with this meal. The food was really good and the chef was very entertaining. Kristel and I both had a really good time here. I highy recommend the restaurant. We went to China We saw the movie, or I should say Kristel saw the movie I heard it. I have a weird problem where IMAX and those types of movies make me really dizzy and nauseous. I peeked on occasion but mostly listened. It got a thumbs up from Kristel. We headed toward the exit at this point with a quick stop in Norway for a potty break. I took pics, Kristel used the potty. ;D We headed to our next stop - DHS. First up my practicing was starting to work this was without flash I know the ride is predictable but I like it. It wasn't really crowded and we got the back row. A woman decided to sit with us. Ok there were more seats and she could have sat elsewhere but whatever. Then she took pics. WITH FLASH!!!! I swore I was going to be blind. It was really rude and annoying. I will take an accidental flash pic but correct it quickly. Kristel and I made comments to each other about how rude she was. She didn't get it or didn't care. I felt like doing the same to her but was good. LOL Next stop We ended our night with We had a fairly long wait but it was worth it. We got a second ride without exiting. Never ride 2 times in a row. My arm and shoulder were killing me. Kristel beat me both times but I had better accuracy. I will grasp at small victories. It was a long day. We were both up really early and were exhausted. So off we went to the room. We actually had a great routine worked out. I like to shower in the morning and she preferred the night. I got ready for bed and by time Kristel was out of the shower I was sound asleep. The first day was over and we had a great time.
|
|
|
Post by scott on Jan 8, 2012 23:40:34 GMT -5
woohooo sounds like a great first day. We went to Epcot several times and I never saw the cranberry bog. I would say the lady did not care who was taking pics. Inconsiderate people.
|
|
|
Post by tazdev3225 on Jan 9, 2012 9:32:28 GMT -5
It was a great first day. I was a little nervouse having never traveled alone or with non family before but we had a great time.
How did you miss the cranberry bog it was right in the middle of the walkway to WS? I can see that happening though because there are several ways to get to WS.
|
|
|
Post by scott on Jan 9, 2012 21:31:24 GMT -5
I think we turned right and took a path. ( The conversation with your daughter was funny. Did you count your cash after kristel arrived. LOL
|
|
|
Post by tazdev3225 on Jan 9, 2012 22:09:59 GMT -5
I think we turned right and took a path. ( The conversation with your daughter was funny. Did you count your cash after kristel arrived. LOL Actually I did not count my money. I trusted her well enough to think it was safe to not worry about my money. My daughter is very cynical and my son is a correctional officer so between the 2 of them I was going crazy. I think they were more worried about me having a large amount of cash because they know I usually travel with alot of money. It was much easier using the card and not having as much cash on hand. I think I will stick to that plan from now on. On a plus side I saved money using my card because the Disney Visa has some nice perks and I got more rewards points.
|
|
|
Post by scott on Jan 10, 2012 23:30:03 GMT -5
I think we turned right and took a path. ( The conversation with your daughter was funny. Did you count your cash after kristel arrived. LOL Actually I did not count my money. I trusted her well enough to think it was safe to not worry about my money. My daughter is very cynical and my son is a correctional officer so between the 2 of them I was going crazy. I think they were more worried about me having a large amount of cash because they know I usually travel with alot of money. It was much easier using the card and not having as much cash on hand. I think I will stick to that plan from now on. On a plus side I saved money using my card because the Disney Visa has some nice perks and I got more rewards points. They saved you money. I hardly ever carry cash, I always use plastic.
|
|
|
Post by TinkyKat on Jan 11, 2012 0:15:13 GMT -5
I'm so glad you are doing a TR!
Your kids were so funny about Kristel robbing you!~!!
It seemed like a great first day!
|
|
|
Post by tazdev3225 on Jan 11, 2012 8:33:21 GMT -5
Scott I am carrying less cash next trip. It is so much easier and I wasn't as worried about losing it.
Kat - Thanks, glad you're reading along.
My daughter was more concerned than my son. He had a general fear for my safety traveling alone. My daughter worries that I am over trusting of people. She never met Kristel or talked with her so she was a little worried. I told Kristel though and we got a good laugh about it. I wasn't at all concerned about sharing a room. I took their advice about the money more for the times I would be alone.
The first day was great even with the waiting due to different arrival times. I really took it easy this trip.
|
|
|
Post by tazdev3225 on Jan 11, 2012 10:58:24 GMT -5
DAY 2 - We have a date with animals and a special dinner. I am probably one of those rare people that cannot relax on vacation. As long as the day was with traveling and hitting the parks the day before, I was up by 7 AM. I tried not to wake Kristel when I got up. By the time I got out of the shower she was up anyway. Another early riser. I had brought a box of Entemanns cookies from home so that was my breakfast. Another thing about me is that I am very low maintenance, I shower, dry my hair and I'm good to go. I have never worn make-up so it was different waiting for Kristel who is a little more high maintenance. I made use of the time by checking the weather and news on my tablet and read a little of my book on the Kindle app. We stopped by the food court for my hot, brown caffeinated liquid, yes coffee, and we were off. There wasn't much of a wait for the bus and we actually made it to the AK before 9 AM. Kristel wanted to wait for the crowds to thin so I took pics. I evidently uploaded that one only but I love to take pics of the flowers. We headed into the park and first stop was a store for a special mission. I took a pic of this After getting an idea of what we wanted we headed to Kilimanjaro for a safari. That wasn't happening the wait times was long. We got FP's and went here instead Kristel wanted to look at the Colobus monkeys. Since I see them at the Philly zoo all of the time I went for an artsy pic Then I noticed this rock Now I have never seen buffalo on the trail but the warning was perfect for me. My dad LOVES buffalo. My poor mom has to deal with buffalo souvenirs, stuffed buffalo, buffalo pillows, etc all over her house. He even had buffalo poop on display at one time. I am going to frame this for her to hang in the entry of her house. Anyway we walked on. There were birds. I do not like birds. I do however like taking pics of birds. Kristel may have wandered on before she noticed I was missing but it was all good. She waited while I switched lenses on the camera and took pics. This was my favorite shot Then we found the gorillas. We both wanted to linger here for a bit as the baby was very entertaining. We walked on and saw this It was the size of a dinner plate. I was glad the spider was not there because truthfully I did not want to see the spider that made that. We finished the Trail and it was time for our safari This is supposed to be a rare sight I do not know why the birds were there but according to Jim they clean the hippo. A male elephant Mom, daughter and son. The little guy was born on Aug. 24th, my DGS's birthday. The medium sized elephant was about 18 months old Another rare sighting the cheetahs If you look in the background you can see that I caught the cheetahgoing potty. My kids think I am gross because I manage to catch potty breaks all the time. I think it's pure luck. LOL And I managed to actually get a decent shot of the sleeping lion I don't know if it's my imagination but I really think they have slowed the ride a bit so people can actually get a decent pic now and then. At this point we were a little hungry so food is up next.
|
|
|
Post by tazdev3225 on Jan 12, 2012 10:52:54 GMT -5
When I left off we were getting hungry. We also had plans to meet up with a fellow Ip Dip. While I took a quick potty break Kristel called Tracy. We planned to meet here. Tracy and Nova were already there waiting for us. Now for someone who always has their camera out I took no pics. We chatted a bit and then Tracy and Nova were off to Primeval Whirl and Kristel and I had a light lunch This is probably my favorite QS meal at all of the parks. We both had chocolate cake I believe and I had iced tea. Not sure but I think Kristel had a soda. I found tables while Kristel got the food. Our view while we ate We finished lunch and were off to see some prehistoric creatures. I had a first here. Since I have an ECV I always take the elevator down and board Dinosaur on the exit side. This trip I went this way. The CM had me leave the chair and go down the mobile side. He did ask if I could handle the stairs and I can go down much easier than up so I was OK with it. Getting off they wanted me to go up the stairs. That wasn't happening. After a quick explanation we took the elevator up. We browsed the shop, OK Kristel browsed the shop I tried to get out. The one bad thing with an ECV is that people do not move and you get trapped. Next up was Primeval Whirl, not. I told Kristel when we were planning the trip that I was not going on it. I had no problem waiting for her if she wanted to ride. I have my camera so I can explore and take pics. The wait was close to an hour so she passed. I did get a pic of this I never noticed that the plants were framed with license plates from different states. Indiana was in the pic. I never found one from Pennsylvania. Something to look for on my next trip. We moved on to meet a Yeti. The wait time was over an hour again so I suggested we take the single rider line. In line Kristel with getting ready to ride, I don't think she knew I got this Ride pic, you can see EPCOT and the Swan and Dolphin The dump shop. I saw this and was amused by it. Took me awile to realize I think it's mountain climbing shoes I will stop here and continue in a new post as photobucket is acting up again.
|
|
|
Post by TinkyKat on Jan 12, 2012 11:52:39 GMT -5
As someone who has had dinner with over 40 people (DISers & their families) at Beirgarten a few years ago and roomed with a girl I had never met, I get the family telling you that you were nuts LOL BUT i had zero problems with ANYONE I have ever met from the DIS And LOL Kristel is "high maintenance"
|
|
|
Post by tazdev3225 on Jan 12, 2012 12:22:49 GMT -5
Thankfully I had met Kristel several times before the trip so I was fine with sharing a room. My husband had also spent some time with her the previous year and knew it would be great for me. He is a very good judge of people.
I know what you mean though about the DIS. I feel like I have made some very good friends through the DIS and Enchanted.
|
|