Winston's 2nd (hopefully) LIVE trip report from WDW
About This Page: This is a discussion on Winston's 2nd (hopefully) LIVE trip report from WDW within the Sharing the Adventure: Disney World Trip Reports, part of the PassPorter Community - Message Boards and Forums; Dates: July 12 through July 18, 2002 Travelers: Winston Chapman (27) and his mom (66), both WDW veterans who were ...

Winston · 07-10-2002, 03:15 AM

Dates: July 12 through July 18, 2002

Travelers: Winston Chapman (27) and his mom (66), both WDW veterans who were back for the first time in many years this past February

Resort: Disney's Polynesian Resort

Celebration: Summer vacation, and a surprise trip for my mom!

Prologue - 07/10/2002

Yet again, it's my intention to post my trip report live from Walt Disney World, adding a new installment at the end of each day. You've all been so kind and helpful over the past months, and I want to know if I can check out or look into anything for anyone while I'm at WDW. Please let me know by posting here, emailing to winstonchapman@hotmail.com, or AIM to BhamAL27 (buddy list me! - I'll probably be online each night after we get back to the Polynesian). I'd be more than happy to stop by a resort, ask questions of cast members, or (especially) have an excuse to eat someplace new!

I'd better lay down a little background for y'all before this trip gets underway. I went to WDW with my mom just this past February. We spent six nights at the Grand Floridian and had an amazing seven days of fun at a place that neither of us had visited in over nine years (over twelve years for my mom). This was my first trip to WDW without my dad, and my first real vacation with mom since we lost dad almost two years ago. As I said in my previous trip report, I can't totally convey the feelings of joy and nostalgia that I experienced on this trip. It reminded me why WDW was so special to me as a child, and it helped me rediscover a lot of good emotions and memories that had been dulled in the wake of my father's death. We spun in the teacups, we dropped in the Tower of Terror, we got spooked in the Haunted Mansion (and mom even rode Space Mountain with me!).

The February trip couldn't have been any better, with one exception. Starting with the day we left, and in the many days that followed, I was so depressed and sad. Can anyone else relate to the "Disney blues?" Well, that's what I had. In this respect, I really haven't grown up at all in the past two decades - I feel the same at 27 years as I did at 7 years. So, within a week of returning home and back to work and regular life, I booked another trip for July. Now, my mom isn't quite the WDW freak that I am, and I know that she wouldn't choose to return quite this soon, so I decided that this trip would be my treat (and surprise) to her. She's known for months that we're going somewhere, but she has no idea where. I told her when to be in Birmingham (where I live), and I told her when we were leaving and when we were returning. Beyond that, she knows nothing. To keep it a surprise, I've told one of her friends to drop the hint that we're spending a week at The Breakers in Palm Beach (one of our old haunts). I've also printed up a bogus confirmation letter from The Breakers (you should see it - letterhead and everything!) for her to find before we leave Birmingham. We're staying one night in Kissimmee, and (hopefully) she'll assume that we're headed to Palm Beach the next morning. I'll pull off some sort of drama before we leave the motel and then let the mouse out of the bag. She still won't know where we're staying until we pull up to the Polynesian (our old, original favorite from trips to WDW starting in the early 1970's).

In terms of mundane logistics, I booked six nights at the Polynesian with WDW central reservations using a published discount code for a rate of $199 per night (plus 11% tax - yuck!) in a standard garden view room. Since we're driving roundtrip from Birmingham, we're staying two nights on the road at a Comfort Inn in Kissimmee and a Red Roof Inn in Tallahassee (got good rates at both places on the internet). We're buying our Disney passes from Florida Orlando Tickets (www.floridaorlandotickets.com), a wholesaler located on US 192 just west of WDW. We purchased from them back in February and were very pleased. Their discount on Park Hoppers is better than the Disney Club, all passes are guaranteed, and they are members of the Better Business Bureau. Beyond that, this trip required very little planning besides making priority seatings and activity reservations. Of course, my 2002 Passporter has been invaluable throughout the planning process (thanks Jennifer and Dave!).

So that's the story so far, and I hope y'all haven't been horribly bored by it. I'm planning for this trip to be much more laid-back than our last one. We're eating at some great places, but skipping V&A's this time in favor of more casual and relaxed spots. I'm thinking that we may spend one or two days just lounging by the pool, walking around Celebration, or visiting other resorts. I've booked a trail ride at Fort Wilderness one morning, and we might spend part of a day at Big Tree Park in Orlando and Bok Tower Gardens in Lake Wales. I'm also hoping to meet up with Jennifer, Dave, and Deb Wills on July 12th's E-ride night (what a celebrity fest!).

I'm planning to write my next installment from the Comfort Inn Maingate West in Kissimmee, FL on Thursday night. If all goes according to plan, mom still won't know where we're going, we'll both be full of steak from dinner at Shula's, and I'll be trying to figure out some way of picking up our passes at Florida Orlando Tickets the next morning without her finding out! Wish me luck, and keep us in your thoughts and prayers for a safe drive from Birmingham to Kissimmee tomorrow.

Next post: Day 0 - 07/11/2002 - Birmingham, AL to Kissimmee, FL

tikibird · 07-10-2002, 06:43 AM

Winston,

Looking forward to this one!

Can't wait to hear all about the Poly - and have some pineapple at O'Hana for me, too! [img]images/icons/grin.gif[/img]

**MrsM** · 07-10-2002, 07:09 AM

I loved your last report, so I'm looking forward to your updates this time, too! I know what you mean about the "Post-Disney blues", my DH always calls it my withdrawl. The only cure is to start planning the next trip. Have a great time, I bet your mom will be thrilled!

Mel & Richard · 07-10-2002, 08:03 AM

I hope you have a really great time! I enjoyed your last report and am looking forward to this one.

Mel

Tara O'Hara · 07-10-2002, 08:18 AM

You have no idea, Winston, how near and dear to my heart the scenario you are describing is! I am very much looking forward to reading your report!

Tara

AKLRULZ · 07-10-2002, 08:31 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by Winston:
Starting with the day we left, and in the many days that followed, I was so depressed and sad. Can anyone else relate to the "Disney blues?" Well, that's what I had. In this respect, I really haven't grown up at all in the past two decades - I feel the same at 27 years as I did at 7 years.

<font size="2" face="Comic Sans MS, Arial">Are you my long lost brother?!? I can 100% relate to your feelings and at 34 I feel the same as I did at 7. I can't wait to hear about your trip! The Polynesian is fabulous.

TINKN · 07-10-2002, 08:39 AM

Your last TR was great! Looking forward to this one. Wish I could plan a surprise trip for someone!

2Princesses · 07-10-2002, 09:05 AM

Winston -

Wishing you & your Mom a truly magical trip!! Can't wait to keep up w/ your live trip report from the Poly. We will be staying there for the first time this November and it will be great to hear your descriptions of the resort! [img]images/icons/smile.gif[/img]

Jsbalcio1 · 07-10-2002, 10:06 AM

Have a great trip Winston!!

minnievoice · 07-10-2002, 10:34 AM

Can't wait for this report!! I remember reading about V&A from your last one!!! I love the live aspect!! Have a great time!! I am going to the Poly in Dec for the first time. Any info would be greatly appreciated!!

Irenaroo · 07-10-2002, 11:45 AM

Winston, I've got a bad case of the Disney Blues right now, which explains why I'm on the boards! Been home only 3 days, and am already Disney dreaming! Can't wait to hear about your trip and your mom's surprise. Have fun! [img]images/icons/grin.gif[/img]

Bert & Sully · 07-10-2002, 01:07 PM

Oh good another LIVE Winston Report [img]images/icons/grin.gif[/img] ! Bring on the restaurant reports [img]graemlins/yuma.gif[/img] !!!Hee hee

Elaine

AKLRULZ · 07-10-2002, 01:14 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by DisneyDude:
But DW and I have started talking about a possible 3 night stay in Dec. [img]images/icons/grin.gif[/img] [img]images/icons/grin.gif[/img] [img]images/icons/grin.gif[/img]

<font size="2" face="Comic Sans MS, Arial">Oh boy, that sounds familar! That is how this big surprise June 2002 trip started! WHOO!

MarieCW · 07-10-2002, 02:45 PM

I usually wait until all installments are in before reading a trip report - I hate to be left hanging But this is one I definitely want to follow day to day. My first trip to WDW in many years was the first vacation I took with my son, after his father and I had separated. I was pretty doubtful, not being a full "family" on a family vacation. It was magical [img]images/icons/smile.gif[/img] the best vacation I ever had! My son is much younger, but I can totally relate to the parent-child bond that WDW brings out. I wish you and your mom the most wonderful time. She must be one amazing woman to have raised a great son like you. Thank you, from all moms, everywhere [img]graemlins/love.gif[/img]

Dsnymom · 07-10-2002, 04:55 PM

How cool! I can't wait to get the play by play day by day. Hey look, I rhymed. [img]images/icons/grin.gif[/img]

07-10-2002, 03:15 AM	#1 (permalink)
Winston Community Rank: Traveler Join Date: Jul 2001 Location: Atlanta, Georgia Posts: 298	Winston\'s 2nd (hopefully) LIVE trip report from WDW Dates: July 12 through July 18, 2002 Travelers: Winston Chapman (27) and his mom (66), both WDW veterans who were back for the first time in many years this past February Resort: Disney's Polynesian Resort Celebration: Summer vacation, and a surprise trip for my mom! Prologue - 07/10/2002 Yet again, it's my intention to post my trip report live from Walt Disney World, adding a new installment at the end of each day. You've all been so kind and helpful over the past months, and I want to know if I can check out or look into anything for anyone while I'm at WDW. Please let me know by posting here, emailing to winstonchapman@hotmail.com, or AIM to BhamAL27 (buddy list me! - I'll probably be online each night after we get back to the Polynesian). I'd be more than happy to stop by a resort, ask questions of cast members, or (especially) have an excuse to eat someplace new! I'd better lay down a little background for y'all before this trip gets underway. I went to WDW with my mom just this past February. We spent six nights at the Grand Floridian and had an amazing seven days of fun at a place that neither of us had visited in over nine years (over twelve years for my mom). This was my first trip to WDW without my dad, and my first real vacation with mom since we lost dad almost two years ago. As I said in my previous trip report, I can't totally convey the feelings of joy and nostalgia that I experienced on this trip. It reminded me why WDW was so special to me as a child, and it helped me rediscover a lot of good emotions and memories that had been dulled in the wake of my father's death. We spun in the teacups, we dropped in the Tower of Terror, we got spooked in the Haunted Mansion (and mom even rode Space Mountain with me!). The February trip couldn't have been any better, with one exception. Starting with the day we left, and in the many days that followed, I was so depressed and sad. Can anyone else relate to the "Disney blues?" Well, that's what I had. In this respect, I really haven't grown up at all in the past two decades - I feel the same at 27 years as I did at 7 years. So, within a week of returning home and back to work and regular life, I booked another trip for July. Now, my mom isn't quite the WDW freak that I am, and I know that she wouldn't choose to return quite this soon, so I decided that this trip would be my treat (and surprise) to her. She's known for months that we're going somewhere, but she has no idea where. I told her when to be in Birmingham (where I live), and I told her when we were leaving and when we were returning. Beyond that, she knows nothing. To keep it a surprise, I've told one of her friends to drop the hint that we're spending a week at The Breakers in Palm Beach (one of our old haunts). I've also printed up a bogus confirmation letter from The Breakers (you should see it - letterhead and everything!) for her to find before we leave Birmingham. We're staying one night in Kissimmee, and (hopefully) she'll assume that we're headed to Palm Beach the next morning. I'll pull off some sort of drama before we leave the motel and then let the mouse out of the bag. She still won't know where we're staying until we pull up to the Polynesian (our old, original favorite from trips to WDW starting in the early 1970's). In terms of mundane logistics, I booked six nights at the Polynesian with WDW central reservations using a published discount code for a rate of $199 per night (plus 11% tax - yuck!) in a standard garden view room. Since we're driving roundtrip from Birmingham, we're staying two nights on the road at a Comfort Inn in Kissimmee and a Red Roof Inn in Tallahassee (got good rates at both places on the internet). We're buying our Disney passes from Florida Orlando Tickets (www.floridaorlandotickets.com), a wholesaler located on US 192 just west of WDW. We purchased from them back in February and were very pleased. Their discount on Park Hoppers is better than the Disney Club, all passes are guaranteed, and they are members of the Better Business Bureau. Beyond that, this trip required very little planning besides making priority seatings and activity reservations. Of course, my 2002 Passporter has been invaluable throughout the planning process (thanks Jennifer and Dave!). So that's the story so far, and I hope y'all haven't been horribly bored by it. I'm planning for this trip to be much more laid-back than our last one. We're eating at some great places, but skipping V&A's this time in favor of more casual and relaxed spots. I'm thinking that we may spend one or two days just lounging by the pool, walking around Celebration, or visiting other resorts. I've booked a trail ride at Fort Wilderness one morning, and we might spend part of a day at Big Tree Park in Orlando and Bok Tower Gardens in Lake Wales. I'm also hoping to meet up with Jennifer, Dave, and Deb Wills on July 12th's E-ride night (what a celebrity fest!). I'm planning to write my next installment from the Comfort Inn Maingate West in Kissimmee, FL on Thursday night. If all goes according to plan, mom still won't know where we're going, we'll both be full of steak from dinner at Shula's, and I'll be trying to figure out some way of picking up our passes at Florida Orlando Tickets the next morning without her finding out! Wish me luck, and keep us in your thoughts and prayers for a safe drive from Birmingham to Kissimmee tomorrow. Next post: Day 0 - 07/11/2002 - Birmingham, AL to Kissimmee, FL

07-10-2002, 06:43 AM	#2 (permalink)
tikibird Community Rank: Navigator Join Date: Apr 2001 Location: Pittsburgh, PA , USA Posts: 6,148	Re: Winston\'s 2nd (hopefully) LIVE trip report from WDW Winston, Looking forward to this one! Can't wait to hear all about the Poly - and have some pineapple at O'Hana for me, too! [img]images/icons/grin.gif[/img]

07-10-2002, 08:03 AM	#4 (permalink)
Mel & Richard Community Rank: Jetsetter Join Date: Apr 2002 Location: UK Posts: 2,487	Re: Winston\'s 2nd (hopefully) LIVE trip report from WDW I hope you have a really great time! I enjoyed your last report and am looking forward to this one. Mel

07-10-2002, 08:18 AM	#5 (permalink)
Tara O'Hara Community Rank: Legend Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: Newtown Square, PA Posts: 17,661	Re: Winston\'s 2nd (hopefully) LIVE trip report from WDW You have no idea, Winston, how near and dear to my heart the scenario you are describing is! I am very much looking forward to reading your report! Tara

07-10-2002, 08:39 AM	#7 (permalink)
TINKN Community Rank: Scout Join Date: Nov 2001 Location: VERMONT Posts: 4,281	Re: Winston\'s 2nd (hopefully) LIVE trip report from WDW Your last TR was great! Looking forward to this one. Wish I could plan a surprise trip for someone!

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07-10-2002, 09:05 AM	#8 (permalink)
2Princesses Community Rank: Adventurer Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: the Jersey Shore Posts: 824	Re: Winston\'s 2nd (hopefully) LIVE trip report from WDW Winston - Wishing you & your Mom a truly magical trip!! Can't wait to keep up w/ your live trip report from the Poly. We will be staying there for the first time this November and it will be great to hear your descriptions of the resort! [img]images/icons/smile.gif[/img]

07-10-2002, 10:06 AM	#9 (permalink)
Jsbalcio1 Community Rank: Trekker Join Date: May 2002 Location: Orlando, FL Posts: 1,287	Re: Winston\'s 2nd (hopefully) LIVE trip report from WDW Have a great trip Winston!!

07-10-2002, 10:34 AM	#10 (permalink)
minnievoice Community Rank: Adventurer Join Date: Jul 2001 Location: Baltimore, MD Posts: 706	Re: Winston\'s 2nd (hopefully) LIVE trip report from WDW Can't wait for this report!! I remember reading about V&A from your last one!!! I love the live aspect!! Have a great time!! I am going to the Poly in Dec for the first time. Any info would be greatly appreciated!!

07-10-2002, 11:45 AM	#11 (permalink)
Irenaroo Community Rank: Adventurer Join Date: May 2002 Location: Massachusetts Posts: 757	Re: Winston\'s 2nd (hopefully) LIVE trip report from WDW Winston, I've got a bad case of the Disney Blues right now, which explains why I'm on the boards! Been home only 3 days, and am already Disney dreaming! Can't wait to hear about your trip and your mom's surprise. Have fun! [img]images/icons/grin.gif[/img]

07-10-2002, 01:07 PM	#12 (permalink)
Bert & Sully Community Rank: Legend Join Date: Jan 2002 Location: Florida Big Bend Posts: 16,648	Re: Winston\'s 2nd (hopefully) LIVE trip report from WDW Oh good another LIVE Winston Report [img]images/icons/grin.gif[/img] ! Bring on the restaurant reports [img]graemlins/yuma.gif[/img] !!!Hee hee Elaine

07-10-2002, 02:45 PM	#14 (permalink)
MarieCW Community Rank: Day-Tripper Join Date: Apr 2002 Location: Maryland Posts: 6	Re: Winston\'s 2nd (hopefully) LIVE trip report from WDW I usually wait until all installments are in before reading a trip report - I hate to be left hanging But this is one I definitely want to follow day to day. My first trip to WDW in many years was the first vacation I took with my son, after his father and I had separated. I was pretty doubtful, not being a full "family" on a family vacation. It was magical [img]images/icons/smile.gif[/img] the best vacation I ever had! My son is much younger, but I can totally relate to the parent-child bond that WDW brings out. I wish you and your mom the most wonderful time. She must be one amazing woman to have raised a great son like you. Thank you, from all moms, everywhere [img]graemlins/love.gif[/img]

07-10-2002, 04:55 PM	#15 (permalink)
Dsnymom Community Rank: Adventurer Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: St. Louis Posts: 626	Re: Winston\'s 2nd (hopefully) LIVE trip report from WDW How cool! I can't wait to get the play by play day by day. Hey look, I rhymed. [img]images/icons/grin.gif[/img]

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