My Birthday Trip: 9/11 thru 9/15, 2007 **Updated 10/1** About This Page:

[ljjri]

My Birthday Trip – Sept 11-15, 2007

Those that went:
Me – (turning 34 on the 12th)
DM - she will be in a wheelchair for this trip - bad arthritis in her left knee. Will be having it replaced after the first of the year.

Mom and I are in Disney to celebrate my birthday and this is our annual mother/daughter trip (we take a different trip each year). Oh also I choose not to do the dinning plan. IMO I am not a fan of it.


Ok this is my first trip report so here goes…

Day 1 – September 11th


Arrive at airport in Milwaukee at 5:30am for a 7:30am flight. I know really early but I just don’t like rushing. The wait was long but Midwest changed our flight we went from their saver flight which is 3 seats and 2 seats in a row to 2 and 2 seat wide leather seats; much more room. Had a few unhappy fliers on the plane but that is to be expected I guess. They were complaining that they didn’t like being in the back of the plane, yea row 15 on a 30 row plane. Try complaining the people in row 30.

The flight was smooth no problems just a very talkative pilot. He let us now what city we were over all the time and a few other bits of information.

When we got to Orlando International we landed in terminal A this time and not terminal B like always. Come to find out that the airport switched a few airlines around. We were taking the Magical Express for the first time so since I landed in terminal A I was all turned around. But I managed to get us to terminal B. Oh I did forget to tell you that I had to find a wheelchair for my mom. She has arthritis in her left knee really bad and sometimes has a problem walking distances.

Anyway I liked not going to baggage claim to get the luggage. That eliminated some stress right there. Got to the Magical Express counter and checked in. Mom & I only had to wait 5 min to board a bus. When we did there were only 4 of us on that bus. Three of us were going to the Contemporary and the other was going to the Wilderness Lodge. That was a nice and relaxing ride. The dropped off of the Wilderness Ledger first then us at the Contemporary. I had booked a tower Magic Kingdom view using my DVC points. And I had always wanted to stay there so I was really excited. I should have known everything was going too smoothly.

When I checked in our room was ready, but they did not have the wheelchair that I had requested for my mom. They said I could get one at the park. That surprised me since when I have stayed at other resorts on property they usually have a wheelchair you can use for the duration of your stay. Ok I let that one go. As I was checking in the cast member wished me a Happy Birthday and gave me my birthday button.

Ok we go up to our room and I must say the view was amazing. To the left was the Polynesian, in front was the Grand Floridian and to the right was Magic Kingdom. It was beautiful. I knew they redid the rooms but I found them to be just ok. I will admit I am not a fan of the new room décor. It really lives up to their name the Cotemporary. Also it just didn't have that Disney feel to me like the others do.

The beds each had five pillows, which I loved. The bathrooms had 2 big square sinks that never did fully drain the water and between the two sinks was a little counter not big enough to hold a lot of your toiletries. There was separate “room” for the toilet. What I did like was the sliding doors in the bathroom.

Across from the bathroom or as you walk into the room is two closets that is separated by a counter with a refrigerator under it. The closest were small could not put any of my non hanging clothes away kept them in the suitcase in the corner of the room.

Anyway we decided to take it easy because of how hot it was. We ate in their Temp Grab & Go on the 4th floor. Good food and quick. After, we rode the monorail to Magic Kingdom then to Epcot.

We were back in our room about 2- 3 hours later and our luggage had already arrived. But the refrigerator died. Called maintenance and they came within 10 minutes. The two guys were very funny and nice.

What I had wanted to do the first night was watch the fireworks from the balcony so we did. They were amazing. Anyway when my mom went to take a shower one of the towels that she pulled of the towel rack was already dirty. Had a huge lipstick stain on it. That should have told me how the rest of my stay was going to go.

I decided not to call housekeeping but rather leave them a note the next morning.


So that ends night one. The next day- my birthday- mom and I had reservations fro the tea at the Grand Floridian.

I will post Day 2 later in the week.

[Colexis Mom]

Great start Jennifer Sorry you had so many issues at the CR At least you've got a great view from your room and got to see the fireworks

More please

[ilovedisney0_0]

Ewww, dirty towels...gross!! Hope things get better for you!

[ArielsMomto2]

Great start. Looking forward to more. Hopefully, no more issues for your magical vacation.

[Jookiba]

Sounds like things aren't gonna go very well......hope that's not the case!!

I'm anxiously awaiting your next report!

[Lemap760]

Sorry to hear the Contemporary is not up to snuff. Hope things get better. The least they can do is give you clean towels.

[MickeyMAC]

Sorry you were disappointed with Contemporary. Great start.

[DyanKJ130]

Great start! to hear you had problems at the CR, but it does sound like the view was amazing. Can't wait to hear more

[vfair]

Great start to your TR. Sorry about the difficulties. And belated Happy Birthday!

[ljjri]

Day 2: September 12 My 34th Birthday: I apologize if this day is long…


Mom & I woke pretty early we were going to spend the morning at the Magic Kingdom then head back to the resort around noon to freshen up before we head over to the Grand Floridian for the tea.

It was already at 7am really hot out. But the sunrise was really beautiful coming up over 7 Seas Lagoon with the resort lights still on and it just being quiet. Really peaceful. Mom gave me a card that dad had sent with her. Then we were off to Magic Kingdom. Because I was were my birthday button I was getting “happy birthday” from a lot of people that I passed.

While mom and I were waiting for the monorail we were talking to the cast member and he surprised me with asking if I would like to sit up front. At this point I still did not have a wheelchair for my mom so we were able to sit up with the driver. That was really cool. There was another couple up front as well. It was there first trip to WDW and they were doing the Land & Sea Cruise. They were having so much fun. Anyway we got to sit up front all the way to Magic Kingdom. The driver was really talkative and funny. When we got to Magic Kingdom the driver gave me a card that said I was an Honorary Monorail Driver.

Mom & I headed to Main Street Bakery for breakfast. While mom got a table I waited in line. When I got the front and got my order the cast member asked if it was my birthday. When I said yes, she then proceeded to hand me an 8inch round chocolate chip cookie. When I got to the table my mom asked where I got the cookie and when I told her she couldn’t believe it. Well neither could I.

After breakfast we headed over to Toon Town. Since Donald Duck is my favorite character I wanted to make sure I got my picture with him. So I got to see him and Pluto and Goofy. After that we just wandered at Magic Kingdom till about noon. Did a little shopping before heading back to the hotel. Once there we cleaned up and changed before heading to the Grand Floridian for the tea.

But image my surprise when I walked into our room see what was delivered. First there were balloon, a box and then a “cake”. The balloons were attached to a card and inside the card was an autographed picture of Donald Duck. The box was from the Contemporary and inside was chocolates that said Happy Birthday. The cake was from my parents. It looked like a cake but was actually a platter that had all the Mickey Mouse candy bars you can by down there taped together in a circle then on top was a stuffed Donald in his Million Dreams outfit. I was so surprised. I told my mom I was going to pack the cake and the cookie in the suitcase to take home. She thought I was crazy but said I could try. Anyway we finished getting ready and left for the tea.

I must say the tea was everything that I thought it would be and more. If anyone has the opportunity to do the tea do it. When we got there and checked in they wished me a Happy Birthday (I did not my button on) and handed me a rose. When we got seated it was really lovely. The tea is held in the Garden Room on the first floor of the lobby. It is at the opposite end of the check in desk. So we get seated and our waitress asked if had ever been there before. She then proceeded to big over a box that contained 12 bottles of different teas that we had to smell so we could decide what one we wanted.

Mom and I each had the Grand Experience and let me say it was grand. We started with a glass of champagne then our waitress brought out our teas. Mom had the Princess Breakfast Tea that had an aroma of strawberries. I had the tea that is mixed only for the Grand Floridian tea it is their signature tea. Moms came out in a big French press while mine came out in a teapot. Then a fruit and cheese platter was served. Also mom and I each had a plate served to us with five different tea sandwiches, a pate and an onion puff. The cheese platter had five different cheeses and the sandwiches were five different types. While mom and I enjoyed the food and the tea a few others came in as well as a group of 8 children (about 8 & 9 years old) and their mothers. One of them was celebrating her birthday. All I will say is if you bring your child to a place that uses fine china and is more of a grown up place then first, teach them manners and two watch your kids and don’t leave it up to the waitresses.

The next course was a warm scone with Devonshire cream and raspberry preserves and a raspberry tartlet. Talk about melting in your mouth. Following that course you are given a choice for dessert: strawberries and cream or English Trifle. Moms choose the strawberries and cream and I the trifle. Before the desserts were served the desserts our waitress came over to the table and announced that “everyday is special at the Grand Floridian but today is Jennifer’s birthday” with that she placed a crown on my head and gave me a cupcake with a candle in it and a chocolate Mickey head on top of the frosting. I was so surprised. I asked her if I could have the cupcake wrapped so I can take it with me. After she did that she then brought us our desserts. Mom & I were there for almost 2 hours but I could not have asked for a better time. I defiantly will do the tea again.

After we left we went back to the hotel to relax. I was and still am amazed how full we got. After resting for a bit we headed back to the Magic Kingdom. It was nice sending this much time at the Magic Kingdom. Usually I stay at the Boardwalk and go to Epcot most of the time since it is my favorite park but I loved the fact that I was spending this much time at Magic Kingdom. Anyway we went and then the rains started. Because mom was in a wheelchair and it started to rain we decided to go back to the hotel and watch the fireworks from the room. Let me say this because I am going back in January & May 2008 I knew I didn’t have to cram everything in on this visit.

While we were waiting for the fireworks to start it was still raining but I didn’t care I was in my room. When the fireworks did start I loved the fact that I was sitting on the bed in my pj’s eating my cupcake and watching Wishes. This was the best birthday ever and nothing could top it or put a damper on it…or so I thought. Day 3 and 4 to come.

[Colexis Mom]

Another great update! Glad you got so many surprises today !! And had a great time at the tea More please

[PrincessSharon]

Great so far! And I really enjoyed tea at the GF, and now I'm trying to think of a way to squeeze it in on my next trip.

[ArielsMomto2]

Great update. The tea sounds really great. I may have to work that in soon. Hurry back with more.

[ljjri]

Day 3 of my Birthday Trip



Before I go on with day three I need to amend something on my Day 1. I forgot to say that Mom and I had dinner reservations at The Concourse Steakhouse. When I heard that this place was closing I made sure we got reservations. Now each time I had eaten there I had a great time but this time, the food was good and so was the service but too many kids and parents not watching. After dinner the waitress asked if I could pick one dessert off the menu to have what would it be. Well of course I said the chocolate cake. Well image my surprise when she brought it out and said Happy Birthday. There was even a candle on it. I realized then that I had put my birthday button on it. Talk about yummy.


Anyway, onto day 3. Day three was Thursday and we woke to already very warm temperatures. Today we were going to Epcot. Since Epcot is my favorite park I could not wait to see Spaceship Earth without the stars or EPCOT on it. While on the monorail mom and I were amazed at how many cars were not in the Epcot parking lot. Now I have been there when the lots look full but this looked empty. Oh well that is good for me. When the sphere came into view I loved the “new” or should I say original look.

Mom and I got in the park with no problem. This was the first time I didn’t look for our tiles at Leave a Legacy. I figure next trip. Anyway we started at the Living Seas and did the Finding Nemo ride. I love this ride. It is a simple ride but just plain fun. I love going to the Living Seas because I get to see the manatee. This may sound weird but they are cute. Have to see them and get pictures each trip. I know I probably drive those with me crazy but hey we all have our quirks.

After we left we decided to hit the Coca Cola exhibit. Even though we have tasted the many country sodas it is always fun to watch those who haven’t. If you haven’t seen them taste Italy it is quite funny. My favorite is the one from Israel and my mom loves it as well. Let me get off topic for one second and say this. I have talked to our Coca Cola rep for the school I work for asking if I can maybe get that soda and he tells me when he can get the one from Germany then I can get the one from Israel. Oh well, I got my fill till the next trip.

Anyway, still didn’t do Soaring. I still cannot believe after all this time the wait time is still that long. I promised mom the next trip. Since this was my trip I got to pass on Test Track, but I swore I would do it the next trip in January.

We decided to go to World Showcase. We started with Mexico. I love the new the ride hosted by the Three Caballeros. Because the last time we were at the park, this past January, we wanted to make sure we ate at Lotus Blossom Café. After Mexico we headed straight for China. We were hungry. I have to say I love the new Lotus Blossom; we each got something different. I had the orange chicken and steamed white rice and mom had the dish with shrimp fried rice with and egg role. I also ordered a side of egg rolls. I wanted to taste them. Very good. We rested here for a bit, as did many others. We also did a little shopping in the pavilion. After China we took our time walking from country to country.

I can’t remember a trip where I bought this much water or PowerAde. But this was a first for me, not going to first aid for dehydration. Anyway enjoyed listening to the music in Germany & Italy. On our way to The America Adventure mom and I ran into some characters that we don’t normally see there. We had pictures taken with Gideon from Pinocchio, Pluto and Big AL & Wendell from Country Bears. We got some great photos. With it so hot I am surprised the characters where out that long. But we got a lot of photos with all of them.

Went to Japan and tried for the first time Kaki Gori. I had the strawberry and I loved it. Cannot wait to try another flavor. We sat and ate the Kaki Gori and listened to the drums in Japan. After the show we continued on. In Morocco saw Aladdin & Jasmine. They had a huge line. In France saw Belle and Beast and other huge line. AS you leave France and head towards United Kingdom there is a landing on the right side of the bridge. They had it blocked off and they were setting up for a wedding reception. Very pretty.

In United Kingdom we headed for the teashop. Let’s say I stocked up on my teas. After we decided to head back to the hotel. It was lat in the afternoon and the heat was miserable. We decided to rest then have dinner in Magic Kingdom. On the monorail back to the hotel we met this great couple. They were celebrating their 2 wedding anniversary and there families could not believe that Disney is where wanted to spend it. They were in their late 60’s maybe early 70’s and they gave mom and I a great idea for our next mom/daughter vacation next year. They live in Pigeon Forge Tennessee. And they gave us great tips and advice as to when to visit, the month of October for Fall Fest.

We got back tot the hotel and cleaned up and rested. We headed for Magic Kingdom. There must have been some problems with the monorails because after we left Grand Floridian we stopped. Stopped for about 10 minutes and in those 10 minutes we had a car full of people and some very not behaved children. One ended up kicking my mother in her knee and the parents did not say a word. The women next to me started freaking out because we were stopped and started saying the rosary and praying to god to not drop us. We were very happy to get to Magic Kingdom. I love the Halloween decorations as you walk in and on Main Street. We headed for Cosmic Rays. This was the first time we sat outside and I must say it was quieter then inside.


I have to say this trip I ran into so many more rude people that I was really tired of it. While I was getting to an empty table a father and son who already was saving a table nearby really did the unthinkable. The father sent his son over just as was getting to the table. I was within an arm length. The sad part after my mom and I moved on the son went back to his father and that is where they and the mom sat. So we ended up outside facing the castle. Much better. After we walked around and ended up at Pirates of the Caribbean. Mom and I love this ride. The people in the row behind us had mom and I laughing. They were a grandmother, her daughter and granddaughter who had to be about 18. The mom of the 18 year old and never ridden before and was telling her mother she cannot believe she tricked her own daughter. Well they kept telling her it is not scary or a roller coaster. Mom & I were in the front row and assured the mom that it was not scary. Well at that moment the boat in front of us had entered the tunnel and went down the “hill” and all you heard was screams. The mom was not happy and as we were getting ready to go down the grandmother said to her daughter pay back for the last ride. They were really quite funny. After we didn’t think we were going to see Spectromagic but we ended up with a great spot. And we stayed there for the fireworks.

I love Wishes, it always makes me happy. As we were leaving I was amazed at the amount of people in the park. I decided that I was not fighting the crowd to the monorail so we decided to walk back. That was a very nice walk. We even beat the monorail back. It was just pulling into the 4th floor concourse as we were getting off the elevator. The one ironic part of this. As we were walking into the lobby I actually run into someone I know. This was a first. Of all times I have gone at different times of the year I actually run into someone I know. Who do I run into but one of my ex-sister in laws. She was with her husband and her 3 sons. We came within about 2 feet of each other. Never said a word to her or vis versa. I spun my mother around (I borrowed a wheelchair from Magic Kingdom) and almost gave her whiplash. We both we stunned.

Well tomorrow is Friday and we are spending the morning at Magic Kingdom to ride Haunted Mansion before heading to Epcot. We have dinner reservations in Canada at Le Cellier Steakhouse.

[Colexis Mom]

Sounds like another great day