Bob's Disney Trip 9/9 - 9/15/2001 About This Page:

[bobwerner]

Beth, you know I can't swear to it, but I think I remember the last scene. I remember that it was shut down due to technical difficulties.
You folks probably won't believe this, but I was on a payphone during the moment of silence and playing of God Bless America making my Mears reservations.
Thanks for making me remember that.

[Brant]

Congrats on getting in the hot seat! It just kills me that ya can only be in the hot seat once a month now, but I can definitely see why, there were a lot of people who I saw who kept showing up after they won, once you've had the taste of it, you want the whole cake [img]images/icons/smile.gif[/img]. Great job, waiting for the trip home report!

P.S., do ya remember the Pokemon question, don't give the choices, I just want to see if any of us can get it [img]images/icons/grin.gif[/img]

-Jose Carioca

[ 09-22-2001: Message edited by: Joe Carioca ]

[mcneal]

Great report! Sounds like you had a wonderful vacation. I think it is good that you went ahead and enjoyed yourself. I think traumatic events should make us all realize how short and precious life really is and that we better make the most of it. mary

[bfth]

Bob, so AA was up and running again later in the day? Did the show the last scene? Cause when we saw it (right after the moment of silence) it had "technical" difficulties.

[bobwerner]

No, I really don't remember the Pokemon question. It had something to do with a boromba? or something like that. The question was asked what is a combination of two things and gave a description of them. And boromba ? was the answer.
Anyway, on to the trip home:
9/15/01 Saturday AKA the trip home.
I have packed the night before, so all I've got to do after Mickey wakes me up is shower. After that, I head to the front of AS Sp to wait on Mears. Around 7:20, a van shows up and it has an extra seat, so I figure instead of waiting until 7:45, I'll just catch that one.
I board the van and we head to the airport passing the new Pop Century resort. This looks like a fun place to stay. I may have to try it once they finish it.
We get to the airport and I grab another one of the carts for $2. I head inside to see the longest line of my trip. There's a queue for US Airways just about going around the airport. Now, I didn't eat breakfast because I figured that I could grab something once I got done in line.
I get in line real close to 8am and do not reach a representative until 9:45. Almost two hours later. Where's the fastpass system when you need it? [img]images/icons/smile.gif[/img]
There's heavy security. I notice several signs saying "all toy weapons must be checked at counter" and "no knives of any kind past this point."
After getting my seat assignment, I grab some breakfast around 10am and head to the metal detectors.
I go thru and procede to the gate after taking the tram ride. I was scheduled to fly out at 12:50 on flight 57. After stopping in Charlotte, this flight is scheduled to go to San Fransisco. The gate attendants make an announcement saying that there are seats available on the flight leaving immediately before mine and it's only destination is Charlotte. I take the earlier flight. During this flight, after reaching altitude, a big burly man with a GI haircut got up and stood outside the pilot's door. He never moved from that position until the captain made the "we are now decending" announcement. He then sat down right were he came from. I never asked who he was.
My flight landed and I proceded to the gate for my last leg. This is a prop plane and we head back to Knoxville.
Landing on runway 5 left, the plane heads to the terminal and I exit. Baggage claim here is faster than at MCO, but that's probably because there's fewer people on this plane.
I grab another cart and head towards my car. $42 dollars for parking and I'm headed home.
As I am going home, I already miss Mickey. I really miss the Mickey wakeups.
I arrive home safe and sound after about an hour drive.
Tomorrow, I'll post my overall review including my thoughts on the Deluxe Passporter. Till then, good luck, phaser's on stun, Kirk out.

[ 09-22-2001: Message edited by: bobwerner ]

[tikibird]

Bob,

Thanks for the great trip report.

I think you may have actually stumbled upon a great idea - fast pass for airport checkin - now if only the airlines would catch on! [img]images/icons/smile.gif[/img]

[bobwerner]

Other things I may have forgotten and reviews:
I did the "leave a legacy" in Epcot. I'm waiting to find out where my picture will be. There is a $5 discount if you're a AAA member.

The Passporter:
I found this an invaluable tool. I really used mine throughout the entire trip. The passpockets came in handy to keep all my receipts throughout my trip. I could then compare them to my bill before I left.

The AS Sp Resort. I really like this resort. This is the longest period of time that I've spent at WDW. I will definately stay on-site from now on. This was my second stay at AS Sp, the first was for three days April '95.

What else can I say about WDW that I haven't already covered? I didn't realize how long it had been <6 years!> since I was there. I have to go more often.

Oh, I did answer my own question about hand stamps. I really didn't need one. Even though there are signs that say so. I got stamped the first day, and never had to show it. I just came and went as I pleased the rest of the week.

Videotaping:
The only time I couldn't video was on the Keys to the Kingdom tour. I never was asked to turn my camera off anywhere else except the Universe of Energy during Ellen's dream sequence.

Poncho's: I had mine from an earlier trip and I am glad I brought it. Around 3pm everyday it rained for around 30 mins and Friday was a deluge.

Refillable mugs: I didn't have any problems with my mug that I brought.

I had purchased a multipack of cereal before leaving, this saved me over $2 every day.

Finally, I want to thank all the folks on this board that answered my questions. You are the greatest. Jennifer and Dave, I really do wish I had heard of the Passporter years ago.

Other sites that helped alot were the Disneydollarless site, R.A.D.P., Pete Werner's site, wdwgolf.com and wdwig.com.

Until my next WDW vacation <I want to go for the 100 year anniversary.> TTFN

[bobwerner]

One last thing...
I spent less then $145 for the full week. I charged absolutely everything to my room.

I did purchase an E-ticket for tuesday, but due to WDW closing, they issued me a refund.

[CU Tigger]

Bob,

Great report! Please let me know how your video of Fantasmic! turns out. I really want to borrow or rent a video camera for my trip in 25 short days, but I still can't decide if it is worth taking it. If your video is good, I might have to!

Also, I'm traveling solo in Oct. I'm looking forward to touring at my own pace and having everything to myself more and more, but I'm still a little anxious. Can you comment a little on that?

[bobwerner]

Well, It's never bothered me to travel alone. This was my first vacation without my mother <she passed away on Dec. 28, 2000>. I met so many people. Disney is like a home away from home for me. You meet so many friendly people. It's like they've known you thier whole life.
Mingle, talk to someone in line. If you really want to get noticed, get some bubbles and blow them or make sheep noises while in line.
Most of all, let the kid in you out. Don't let your lost boy stay lost. <If you want to know the reference here, watch Peter Pan or Hook>.
I've always perclaimed that once I enter the gates to the MK, I turn six again.
If you want more info, just email me.

[All Ears]

Bob,
Thanks for sharing your report. I am glad you had a good time. Excellent tip re: meeting Mickey in MGM. I, too, thought this was just a sign -- not really a true "meeting place." I will check it out.
It sounds like you had a good time, despite all else that was going on in the world.