The Grand Fiesta 10th Anniversary Trip Report - THREAD 1 Updated 9/11 About This Page:

[Colexis Mom]

<font color="blue"> This is the beginning of the actual trip report (THREAD 1) [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/woot.gif[/img] If you've followed along with the pre-trip and planning, then you're up to speed [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/waytogo.gif[/img]

If you haven't been following along, then here's a link to the pre-trip report The Grand Fiesta 10th Anniversary Trip - Pre-trip Final Update 8/10

And here's a link to THREAD 2 The Grand Fiesta 10th Anniversary Trip Report - THREAD 2 Day 8 Part 2 Updated 9/28

Here's the link to THREAD 3 The Grand Fiesta 10th Anniversary Trip Report - THREAD 3 REPORT COMPLETE Updated 11/6

Here's the link to THREAD 4 The Grand Fiesta 10th Anniversary Trip Report - Cruise Part THREAD 4 COMPLETED Updated 10/18

The Travelers:
Marnie: Age 37, 13th trip to Disney (hopefully not unlucky 13), 1st Disney Cruise
DH Matt: Age: One Month Shy of 40, 7th trip to Disney with me, 1st Disney Cruise
DD Alexa: Age 7, 6th trip to Disney, 1st Disney Cruise
DS Colin: Age 4, 6th trip to Disney, 1st Disney Cruise

Day Zero…….Travel Day – August 10, 2006

As mentioned in the last installment of the pre-trip report, we woke up this morning to see that there was a major move on the terrorist front, and most airtravel out of Great Briton had all but stopped. This of course carried over to the US, and all the carryon bag requirements were changed as well. Not really what I had wanted to hear on the day that we were due to fly. But we weren’t going to let us stop that from our magical vacation.

Matt and I were both due to work full days, but of course that changed with the thoughts of having to repack and to increased security delays at the airport. We’re lucky enough that Bradley is still a somewhat small airport, so hopefully we wouldn’t see the magnitude of problems and delays that were plaguing the much larger airports. Matt left work around 1:15, as he had more than an hour drive home and he didn’t want to take any chances. I left work after a hectic day at 2:20. I figured that was close enough [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/wink.gif[/img] I picked up the kids and rushed home to find Matt already there rearranging the luggage. Daycare said Colin hadn’t napped today as he was too excited. GREAT!! We had repacked, weighed the bags, and were on our way just after 3:30. It was a 45 minute drive, so that give us about 2 hours before our flight after we got there! Hopefully that would be enough.

There were no issues dropping off the car off at the valet, other than the attendant not hearing me and not taking out one of the strollers. Thankfully Matt caught up with them just as they were taking the car away. Crisis averted. On the short bus ride to the airport, a woman was putting on Chapstick. Another woman and myself told her she better put that in her carryon or security would take it. She was aware of the liquids ban, but didn’t think Chapstick was included [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/082502yes_prv.gif[/img] We got to ticketing and were amazed that there was hardly anyone there. It was 4:30 by now so maybe they’ve already gotten thru the glut of the day. Most people traveling now should have heard the warnings about what you can’t bring on board. Once we got the luggage checked, we headed over to security.

Again the lines were no worse than any other time we had flown. The only thing that seemed different than last week when I flew was they were using the air chamber to check people as they went thru. I didn’t have to have that done, as I took the kids thru the other walk thru detector. I pulled out Alexa’s amoxicillin and showed it to the TSA agent and put it in the basket to go thru the machine, but that was it. No one opened the bags, or asked us any questions [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/confused.gif[/img] I did have to show Alexa’s boarding pass to coincide with her prescription but that was it. I forgot that I had left the pressed penny quarters in the carry on (which we get stopped for every time if I don’t take them out) and not a word [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/confused.gif[/img] After going thru x-ray, Matt started opening up the bag, assuming they were checking everything, but nope. NADA. Very odd if you ask me, and it was really no different from any other day. So much for the hype.

Now we’ve got 2 hours before the flight. Dinner was calling. It was McDonald’s for the kids and Matt, and I had a buffalo chicken wrap from Fresh City. I should have split it with Matt, as it was huge. The kids amused themselves with their Polly Pocket and Hummer toys from their Happy Meals, and then we made our way to the gate. Remember Colin didn’t take a nap? Well he was running on nervous energy or something, because he was a constant jabbermouth. Ugh. Constant questions, what time was it, when was the plane coming, yada yada yada. I was exhausted [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/snore.gif[/img]

Earlier I had checked to see where our plane was coming from that we’d be on, and it was coming from Vegas, had left on time, so we shouldn’t be delayed. Shouldn’t was the key word there. [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/082502yes_prv.gif[/img] The plane arrived 5 minutes early [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/woot.gif[/img] and then everyone deplaned. And nothing. Nothing. Nothing. [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/whistling2.gif[/img] It’s now 6:20 and we’re due to leave in 5 minutes [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/shameonyou.gif[/img] Finally an announcement. The plane is on ground hold, and can’t leave until 7, whatever that means. Then they rolled over the portable x-ray screener to the gate. We were able to preboard about 6:45, and didn’t get screened again, but not sure if anyone else did either. The flight was also quite full which was surprising as even last week they still had cheap fares available. I wonder if some of these people missed the earlier flights due to the increased checks earlier in the day.

We finally pulled away, but then had to wait another 10 minutes out on the airstrip. With more questions from Colin [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/foreheadslap.gif[/img] Finally at 7:05 we were in the air. The captain let us know it was a balmy 92 degrees in Orlando. At 7 PM. Ugh. It was a bumpy flight. Very bumpy. So bumpy, they delayed handing out drinks until halfway thru the flight. So much for that extra beverage service since you couldn’t bring drinks on anymore [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/082502no_prv.gif[/img] Alexa fell asleep and then finally Colin [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/woot.gif[/img] [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/woot.gif[/img] For only an hour though. He woke up and didn’t know where he was. He thought we were on the ground and hadn’t taken off yet. And then the questions started again [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/ukid.gif[/img] The fasten seatbelt sign went off for maybe 20 minutes, tops. Finally we made our descent down, and me and Colin tried to wake up Alexa. She rallied and we were walking thru the gangway just 20 minutes late. Not bad!!

Now here’s what I was dreading :breakingnews: Renting from Alamo. All the horror stories, insurance pushes, but I was ready for them (and informed Matt as well since his name was on the ressie). Luggage collected we headed to the counter. And there was not a soul there. No one. Score one for me [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/woot.gif[/img] After a few minutes of the workers standing around gabbing with their backs to us, they finally decided they were ready to actually help a customer. [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/rolleyes.gif[/img] Rajan called us down and started taking our info. We handed over credit cards, a license or two (I had to remind him that the contract said we got a free extra driver [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/082502yes_prv.gif[/img] ) and then it came. The insurance push. I said no, we’re covered. He said that wasn’t enough coverage. I said it was, and I didn’t want extra. Finally he gave up. Then came the next push. How many bags do you have ma’am? I said 4. Well ma’am, that’s not really going to fit into a mid-size SUV. I think you should consider upgrading. No thanks, we’ll be fine. Are you sure? Yes. Finally, with contract in hand, we got to walk across to the garage.

And a long walk it was since Alamo is at the very end. No matter. A friendly worker (imagine that) asked us what we were looking for, I told him, and he directed us to the last row [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/rolleyes.gif[/img] There were 2 cars left, a Toyota RAV4 and a Saturn Vue. I asked Matt which one he wanted, and he shouted TOYOTA immediately. Sorry, we’re a Japanese car family [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/082502yes_prv.gif[/img] And it was big. And NEW. And full of space [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/woot.gif[/img] [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/woot.gif[/img] Score another one for me [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/082502yes_prv.gif[/img] Matt loved the car, Colin loved the car, and Alexa, well, she didn’t like the car because the headrests were too hard. I guess you can’t please everyone. As we were loading it up, another group came up behind us, and started saying (joking although serious at the same time) hey, they took our car, make them get out. Apparently Matt heard them say they weren’t taking the Saturn, as it was junk [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/ukid.gif[/img] Sorry, you were 5 minutes too late (or we were luckily 5 minutes early)!! The luggage was stowed (and it fit quite nicely) and were were off to the hotel.

The past few trips we have stayed offsite at the Hampton Inn Maingate West. It’s right on the corner of 192 and Sherberth Road (which leads to AKL). Great location, good rooms, excellent breakfast [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/082502yes_prv.gif[/img] Well, in July, I checked our ressie online, and it was there, but the hotel was gone [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/eek.gif[/img] Apparently it was no longer a Hilton, and had been sold to the Meridian Palms (I guess they have another property further down on 192). I called to make sure my ressie was still valid, and at the same rate (it was) and just decided to keep it. We knew where the hotel was, and it was convenient. Well, we pulled up and there was hardly a car at the hotel. This place was always packed when we’ve stayed there. Non-stop people. Not anymore [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/082502no_prv.gif[/img] We checked in and headed up to the room. It was no different from our stay in December, other than they had added Bath and Body Works toiletries [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/waytogo.gif[/img] It was clean, and we were soon hitting the sack, exhausted from the days affairs. Tomorrow we were checking into the Lodge [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/woot.gif[/img]

Coming up next………..What happened to Breakfast? And did the fax do the trick?</font>

[Coinbeach]

Yea, you started your report. I have been waiting for this. Glad that airport wasn't too bad and that you got a good car... Can't wait for more!!!!!!

[karmic]

Great start,Marnie! Thanks for starting this so quickly. Hurray back with more.

[WishIwasinDisney]

Woohoo, the trip report has begun! Can't wait for more! [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/woot.gif[/img]

[SHEANA1226]

How odd no cars there!??! Great start waiting for the next update!

[katspjs]

Great update. Glad you didn't have any trouble getting through security. Love your new sig picture.

[dsnytina]

Wow, what a day!
Glad you're to the hotel...can't wait for more!

Tina

[Disney_Scarlett]

Yay! [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/thewave.gif[/img] The Report's started! Sounds like so far so good. More soon I hope! [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/grin.gif[/img]

P.S. Your kids are tooooooooo cute!!! [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/laugh.gif[/img]

[debsta922]

Can't wait to read all about your trip Marnie! I love the new sig pic!

[my2girls]

[img]/ubb/images/graemlins/thewave.gif[/img] The TR has started!!! What a busy 1st day of travel you all had. Glad to hear that the airport check in wasn't nearly as bad.

[lauren-roxy]

Great start Marnie!!! Colin sounds just like my little boy when he doesn't get a nap!! [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/grin.gif[/img] By the way, I love your new sig pic!! I can't believe how much your kids have grown, especially Colin!! Can't wait for more!!

[disneydani]

Great start to what I hope was a magical trip. So glad the terror alerts and added security didn't adversely affect your travel. Waiting for more, please! [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/grin.gif[/img]

[Caldercup]

Guess you finished the laundry!!

Great start, Marnie -- that was a busy, stressful day. Hope it's the last of those and congrats on scoring the great car.
[img]/ubb/images/graemlins/waytogo.gif[/img]
Eileen

[mom2mudmonsters]

Great start to your report. Can't wait to hear more. Your Colin sounds much like my little spitfire, Wyatt. This trip should be interesting!!!

[DrDolphin]

Yeah Marnie has started her report!!