Beth's Trip Report: Tragedy & Triumph About This Page:

[bfth]

Hi, wanted to get something up now that I am home.

Please have patience, it took us 27 hours to get home via train and we stayed 2 extra days at WDW because of the airline problems. Yes, it was cool to "get stuck" at WDW, but...

I will have lots to report when I manage to do it (unfortunately, I also have to go away to a wedding this weekend, so I won't have a lot of time to myself).

If anyone has questions on how Disney is handling the crisis, please feel free to ask me.

I saw some of the finest Disney moments on this trip. CMs who were amazing.

I also saw increased security, but it didn't make me feel so secure.

This 10-day turned 12-day trip to WDW is definitely one to remember and I don't think we'll be able to get back there for quite a long time (this one hit our finances hard, but I am not complaining...I've learned how precious life is).

I can tell you though, there is NOTHING like a hug from Mickey Mouse when you need it. I may be in my mid-30s, but I needed Mickey and pals and I think the CMs knew it.

I'll be back with tales of laughter and of sorrow as soon as I can.

[arielsmom]

Welcome home and can't wait to hear your story!!

[wdwlovers]

welcome home beth! This will be the trip you always remember, for more reasons than the Mouse. Glad Mickey could be there to comfort you! I would love to hear more about your trip when you can get to it. Also the added security. My DH was asking if anyone knew what WDW was doing about that. [img]images/icons/grin.gif[/img]

[bfth]

WDW upped security, but I don't think enough. Here's a brief rundown of what happened.

On Tuesday, around 11ish, the parks were closed. We were in MK. They started by having CMs tell people the parks were closing and moving from the back of the park to the front (we were in Frontierland). Once we got closer to the front, we heard the loudspeaker announcement. (funny emergency horn like noise): "Due to unforseen circumstances the Magic Kingdom is now closing." Then they said something about CMs will help you. Then "Plan A" and another emergency noise. Made me think. Obviously Plan A is the easy one, I'm thinking plan B is to get people out via the "backstage areas' and Plan C is probably utilization of the utilidors (though I don't know this for a fact).

The whole thing was done very calmly, very orderly and incredibly well. I did my best to tell the CMs that I thought they were doing a great job (believe me they were. When I can a letter is going out to compliment the WDW staff for the way everything was handled).

The parks were opened the next day with security checking bags upon entry. (I kept my little notice that was handed out -- there's one for the scrapbook).

However, the check was not very thorough. And someone could still very easily get in with a weapon in their pocket or even disguised in a bag.

More security needs to be done. Obviously not just at WDW, but every where. Yes, it does impede a bit on our freedom, but isn't our security just worth a little bit more?

[MickeyUK]

I am so glad you got safe and sound, I look forwards to hearing your trip report.

[AKLRULZ]

Beth, we're anxious to hear more. We leave in 47 days for our trip. Just bought the passes today, in fact. Any tips you can offer in the new day and age of terrorism in America?

GOD BLESS AMERICA!

[Aerobics]

Beth,

I'm anxiously awaiting your trip reports, but understand that it will take some time for you to get them written. Please know that we'll be right here waiting for you (umm, who let in Richard Marx? [img]images/icons/grin.gif[/img] )

Nate

[LilMarcieMouse]

Welcome home.I'll look for your report when I get back.

[CU Tigger]

Hi Beth!
Welcome back. [img]images/icons/smile.gif[/img] I'm looking forward to the rest of your trip report. I especially can't wait to find out what you thought of Wilderness Lodge. I'm sorry that tragedy peppered your vacation.

[bfth]

No promises, but I'm hoping to start on Day 1 today (I have my passporter notes in my office and everything!).

Some "teasers" for you:

-- Are you Beth?
-- The rain will let up in 10 minutes, I'm sure! Or why I left the ponchos in the suitcase.
-- Cuppy's continued viewing of The Disney Channel
-- Fantasmic in the rain?
-- 32,000...Points
-- Behind Future World Tour: Why do we know more than the guide?
-- Flag Family for the day: 9/11/01
-- Extending our vacation
-- A much needed Mickey Breakfast
-- The American Adventure: Friday, September 14th, 12:00
-- Gabrielle
-- Unexpected Spectro Magic
-- The Long Journey Home: Amtrak Adventure or Try to Think of This as One LONG Disney ride!