May with the Mouse...Final Thoughts***COMPLETE***7/11 About This Page:

[pparm]

SOunds great! Can't wait to read all about it.

Paula

[Nala]

Welcome home. Can't wait to read all about it.

[disneydani]

On our way….

5/26

We didn’t bother setting the alarm clock today; our flight wasn’t until mid-morning and we were certain we would be up in plenty of time. Sure enough, I started to rouse around 6am. Unfortunately, my ‘beginnings of a cold’, which many of you PP sent me pixies and home remedies, had decided to settle down…right in the middle of my chest. It felt like I had a burning ball of phlegm roughly the size of the Hope Diamond…sorry TMI.

Well, I had two choices…I could be sick at home OR I could be sick in Disney! I threw off the covers and hopped into a steamy, hot shower is hopes of clearing up a bit. By the time I was done, the rest of my crew was up and moving.

It was a beautiful day and it was an easy drive to BWI. Paul dropped us off and headed to park the car. I proceeded through security with two kids, one stroller, one car seat, and three carry-ons! It was a drag to arrive at the gate and learn the flight was delayed 20 minutes. On the up side, I met a nice family on their first trip to WDW for a vacation and a Disney wedding. I was more than happy to share some special tips. My son and husband, though, were completely embarrassed by my abilities to strike up conversation with total strangers.


38 minutes late, our flight took off. The pilot was super apologetic and said he found a ‘short-cut’ so we would only arrive 10 or 15 minutes late. As soon as allowed, my kids put on their I-pods while DH and I read. The flight was uneventful and true to the pilot’s words, we landed 10 minutes behind schedule. Pretty good, right? No such luck, because we were stuck off on the side waiting for an available gate. And, to add insult to injury, when we finally got to the gate….there was no one to hook the jetway up to the plane! So, we sat, for what seemed like forever, until someone came.

Determined not to lose another precious minute, I sent Paul ahead to settle up with the car rental while I waited for Izzy’s stroller to come off. I swear, it was the very last one and as you know, on any flight to Orlando, there are many! Oh well, I figured Paul would be all set by the time we met up and, thankfully, he was. Woohoo, I knew in less than a half hour, we would be driving under the magical arches of WDW!

[iamgrumpy]

Glad your on your way and in FL!

Sorry your flight was delayed and had issues with getting to a gate!

Can't wait to hear more!

[Colexis Mom]

Sorry for the delays But at least you're now almost there

[bsblady01]

more please.

[ArielsMomto2]

Great report.

[DyanKJ130]

Sorry about the plane delay, but glad you're almost there now! Can't wait to hear more!!

[disneydani]

5/26 Arriving at the GF/First Evening


We pulled up to the gates of the GF around 2pm, stopping at the gatehouse to check in. We were met at the car by Richard, who was the CM helping us get settled in. He was really delightful and of course, I struck up a conversation with him immediately. He works full time at the VA hospital but spends every Saturday at the GF from 8:30am-10:00pm! We were very excited to take the elevators up to the third floor, room 4303. This room is a bit unique as it is only one of six decorated in the original style of the GF. Next month, the GF rooms are all being completely redone and these rooms will no longer exist. The best thing about the room, though, was the view from the balcony! It is an amazing feeling to look out over the castle, I love waking up to that sight! Anyhow, Richard finished taking an imprint of our card and then left us on our own.




As I promised my DH, I would make sure to relax a bit each day and hopefully ward off any MS fatigue. With that, he left me to unpack and relax while the kids immediately turned on channel 96! Paul jumped on the monorail to pick up our temporary DDE from Epcot. While I was relaxing and unpacking, a knock at the door occurred. As I opened the door, I saw an amazingly gigantic gift basket. Apparently, Mickey and his Pals wanted to commemorate our 15th wedding anniversary and had quite a time filling up a treasure chest of treats for myself, DH and the kids. Of course, Paul was out at the time and the kids had to wait an excruciating 30 minutes before tearing into it! There was a porcelain Mickey and Minnie in wedding attire, a white Minnie Ears wedding headband for me, Mickey golf balls, golf towel, golf hat for DH, a pirates electronic game, pirates pencil case, pirate Goofy plush, and Mickey baseball hat for DS, and a Cinderella crown and wand, Cinderella doll, and princess back pack for DD!



About an hour later, he returned and we examined our basket before starting out on a little tour of the GF. After a time, we headed towards our dinner at Citricos.
It has been about two years since we ate here last. We were among the first seated and our menus had a special touch of “Happy Anniversary” with Mickey and Minnie in wedding dress on one side and two intertwined wedding rings on the other. Chef Philip quickly came out to discuss Izzy’s allergies and an appropriate meal for her while my boys oohed and ahhed over the menu. I settled on an appetizer plate of Mediterranean Tastes and main of Sherry Roast Breast of Chicken, DH chose the Arancini followed by Braised Veal Shank, and DS ordered Warm Onion Tart and then Grilled Sword Fish Provencal. Every morsel was fabulous and the DDE afforded us a nice discount of almost $28.


Bellies full and energy level still high; we hopped on the monorail over to the MK. People were already starting to stake out their pavement for Spectro and we decided this would be a good time to head into Fantasyland. Izzy had decided this was “my day” and therefore she would suggest (dictate) what rides we went on and in what order. That being said, I knew Pooh would be our first stop. We had an okay visit through the Hundred Acre Wood…our honeypot got stuck three times. Next was Peter Pan, which is probably one of my most favorite rides. The kids decided they wanted to fly over Neverland in their own ship which was fine for DH and I to follow behind them. Snow White was next followed by Philharmagic. This was a great time to be in Fantasyland as the waits were minimal!

Despite the fact there was still more to do here, Izzy proclaimed it was time to do the Laugh Floor. Now, my kids are somewhat addicted to this attraction, they enjoyed it four times on our last trip! I had a feeling this trip would be no different…We made our way into Tommorrowland and walked into the next showing. We giggled, although nothing too hysterical and we had heard most of the jokes prior but the kids still gave it high marks. I was itching to get on Buzz since a very nice PP, who shall remain nameless, shared with me the oh-so-secret-spot. Well, I completely missed the mark but took very good mental notes for next time. Score, a paltry 20,000 or so. It was getting late and I wanted to head out before the mass exodus after Spectro but Izzy was begging to go on the TTA and Andrew HAD to stop at VMK central. So, I took Izzy on TTA while Paul and Adrew headed to VMK. Now, I really love the TTA and it was such a beautiful evening that I was very glad we took this ride…it is a very different perspective from riding in the day.

Just as we were heading down Main Street to pick up the boys, I heard the first chords from Spectro. I figured it would be impossible to head out but surprisingly, there was plenty of space to head out. We grabbed the boat back to the GF and made our way to our room. Actually, Paul and Andrew headed to the lounge for some treats and I brought Izzy upstairs for a quick shower. How awesome was it, at 10pm, all of us in our PJ’s, me sipping my tea, while seating on the balcony for Wishes. A truly fabulous ending to our first day!

[disneydani]

Sorry about the photos...I am still learning!

danielle

[Colexis Mom]

What a great room Danielle And how great you got a special treat! Dinner sounded delicious And I'm glad you had a great time at MK

Who wouldn't want to come back to their room and watch Wishes every night

More please

[ArielsMomto2]

What at great looking room How relaxing to watch Wishes from it. Sounds like a great day at MK. Hurry back with more.

[DyanKJ130]

Sounds like a very magical first day!! Your room looks great, as does the gift basket. Do you know who sent it? DH? Hurry back with more!

[KandJluvdisney]

sounds like a great first day
your room looks awsome and the gift basket sounds awsome
hurry back with more please

[iamgrumpy]

What a view from the room and How cool that you got to stay in one of those 6 rooms before they are gone!

Awesome gift basket!

More please