Boo's First Trip to Disney - Part 2 About This Page:

[Boo's Nana]

2 - Where We Goin’, Nana?

Port Orleans-Riverside
November 5-11, 2001

Cast: Nana - “Disney” coordinator, 55 yrs old
Boo - Grandson, 2½ years
DD - Boo’s mama, 29 yrs old
DS - 25 yrs old

Day One - Monday, November 5, 2001


Hardly slept at all Sunday night - I was emailing my coworker at 3:00 am; then when I did get to sleep, I almost overslept - the alarm did not go off. Former DH came by on his way home from work Monday morning (3rd shift City police officer), to see the kids off and get any last minute info he needed since he would be checking on the house occasionally. By 7:45 we were on our way to the airport with Boo’s frequent comment, “Where we goin Nana? To Disney?” Didn’t I say earlier that I have an intelligent grandson.

Curbside check-in is back in force in Greensboro which made luggage handling a breeze. After passing through the first security checkpoint, I realized that Boo’s carry-on with his two backpacks was being more carefully scrutinized at another security desk. The security guard was a little hesitant to take everything out of the activity/toy bag, but that was what was triggering his sensor. I finally remembered everything I had packed (before September 11) which included a pair of children’s safety scissors and located them easily for the guard. Sure ‘nough - that was it. No problem - just keep them, but he called his supervisor who walked over and declared them safe and we could keep them. On the return trip, I packed all such items in checked luggage. DD’s very small nail clippers (for clipping toddler nails) were confiscated, though.

The 1½-hour wait was not too bad and the flight was easy. Boo did better on the flight than his mother and uncle. Asfar with Tiffany Town Car was there waiting and we were on our way to Publix for a few items and Port Orleans-Riverside. Asfar was great - very personable and easy to talk to during our ride.

Orlando weather on Monday was overcast and very, very windy. Got very cool that evening. Rest of week was sunny and warm, some cool evenings, but nothing uncomfortable.

I was glad we had some kind of schedule. While many changes were made, we at least had an idea of where we were going each day and we did make all our meal PSs.

PO-R is beautiful and we would definitely stay here again. Our room was ready and my building request had been granted: Magnolia Terrace. Better still was first floor (no hassle with stroller up and down stairs), facing Sassagoula River and almost in front of bridge over to Ole Man Island - perfect location. Lunch in the food court, buy refillable mugs. The magic began immediately - the chain had come loose from one of the poles in the food court and Boo “helped” the cast member fix it. DD and Boo turned to go only to have CM stop them and give Boo a Mickey Rice Krispie treat to thank him for helping. DD, DS and Boo shared the treat; DS pronounced it the best Rice Krispie treat ever and I think he had at least one every day for the rest of the week. On Saturday night DD found the super-sized one in the Main Street Confectionary; I bought it and gave it to DS when we got back home Sunday afternoon. Boo also found the Lego play table in the food court and would have been quite content to play for a while.

After luggage arrival at the room and getting basically settled, we were off to Magic Kingdom where we arrived on Main Street just as afternoon parade was finishing, so we stopped to view a while, then on to the train to Toon Town. I have to agree with joema - if the crowds are down, you can’t prove it by me. Main Street and Toon Town were packed. Boo just barely made minimum height requirement for Goofy’s Barnstormer and he loved it; then a quick tour through Mickey’s & Minnie’s houses. This was our first experience in Toon Town and probably will be our last. The crowds were too much for little ones really to experience M&M’s houses, so the only attraction Boo enjoyed was Goofy’s ride.

In Fantasyland, we made It’s a Small World (15-minute wait) and the Carousel (no wait); Pirates of Caribbean (about 15 minutes) in Adventureland and then to Liberty Tree Tavern for dinner. Boo immediately pointed out P’uto. The character interaction was wonderful - he loved all of them and was not afraid or hesitant at all - we saw and got autographs from Minnie, Pluto, Goofy, Chip and Dale. The food wasn’t much to speak of, but that was not our primary goal. Shopped a little after dinner, then caught the monorail to Epcot.

Spaceship Earth was first - no line. This was not one of Boo’s favorite rides and the rest of the week if we mentioned going to Epcot, his response was “I not want to ride Epcot ball.” He was tired by then (it was after 8:00 by then and his only nap was car ride from airport to resort), and once we started going backwards, he got very apprehensive.

We had the reserved seating at Morocco boat landing for IllumiNations (one of our package perks), didn’t make it quite that far, but did find perfect viewing just before there, right at the railing with no trees, etc. blocking the view. Boo had fallen asleep shortly after leaving SE and slept all the way through IllumiNations - still haven’t figured out how through all that noise.

Back to PO-R where I changed diapers on still sleeping toddler and put him to bed. DD & DS went in search of the hot tub spa; I went for a while later to soak my feet. Only was able to do this three nights, but it surely did make aching feet and sore calves feel better. Obviously I was not totally back in shape. We made notes about the day (the only day we succeeded in that task) and crashed to await Mickey’s call in the morning.

Park security was not difficult at all; thanks to trip reports from others who have been recently, we knew to have our bags/fanny packs opened so security could see all the way to bottom.