WDW or Bust! About This Page:

[fluffcake]

Cast of Charictors:
Marty 50+ gram'me, 2 trips
Amy 32 year old daughter - numerious times
Betsy 50+ mother in law of Amy -numerious times
Susan 29 year old daughter -1 trip

Trip idea was born in January at a restuarant. Susan was having problems at home, and mentioned that she wished she could just get away. A flash of light lit above my head, and I said. "Let's go to WDW!"
Susan had a 3 day certificate for a free stay at one of the higher end hotels. She had gone to a conference in Atlanta, and her stay was a nightmare. They decided that she should have 3 free nights to make up for the horror she put up with.
So she looked at them and found that they were going to expire by the middle of March...We had to hurry! Meanwhile we decided that her sister and mother in law should go.
Everyone scurried around, nailing down reservations, vacation time, and babysitters for the grandkids. This was going to be a big girl trip without husbands or kids. WE Needed a break from reality!
We decided on March 11-14th. The hotel resort in Orlando grudingly accepted the certificates. Vacation times were set, the oil in the car was changed. I got busy, and set up some pixie dust surprises. Now for the trip!
We decided to drive down from NC. Amy suggested that we leave on Friday night, and drive all night. They were coming in from Chapel Hill, which would put us on the road about 10pm. I was wondering who would drive after midnight, as all of us go to bed before 12...
I grabbed the extra set of car keys, stopped by Wallyworld for batteries and snacks. I was at Susan's just after they arrived. Ready to go. I reached into my pocket for the extra key...and it wasn't there. Lost! We retraced my steps quickly, and decided WDW was more important than lost keys. So off we go into the night.
I started the drive with Susan as co-pilot. Betsy and Amy's conversation lasted the first 83.5 minutes, and they fell asleep. For some reason, I was so pumped, that I drove for 4 hours. Susan was busy watching for deer. They were all along the interstate, munching on the dewy grass. We traded off driving. At the Florida boarder, our excitement ran out. It was approaching 4 am. Amy and Betsy took over the front seat, and Susan and I fell into blissful slumber..zzzzzzzzzzz....I woke about 7 am in the thick of Orlando traffic. Signs of Disney got me pumping again.
We did an early check in at the Resort, and then decided to head for AKL. Our first day would be breakfast and tour of AKL and Downtown Disney. We ate at Boma's and wandered around the lodge.We spent the afternoon at DTD...then to the resort to crash.
Amy was going over all the papers that she copied about the MK. She planned out all the rdes and attractions she wanted to do. I let her go on for awhile, and then sprung my first surprise. I signed her and Betsy up for the "Keys to the Kingdom" tour. They had been many times, and I thought they should see it from a different angle.
The next morning I gave everyone glittery stick on nails for the Magic Kingdom. They wouldn't wear crowns or silly t shirts...but the nails were enough sparkle. I also told everyone to pack a nice outfit, as we were eating at the California Grill thaat night.
Betsy and Amy left us at the gate for the tour. Susan and I hopped on the train for Frontier Land. This trip I was going to be a kid. NO sitting out on rides. I was going to go with whatever rides Susan would go on. She is our daredevil...so I was in for a fun trip. We did everything except Pirates...which is closed..sniff..
Then we headed for Fantasy Land. (forgot to mention that I snagged a Birthday pen for Susan.) She was greeted many times with "Happy Birthday". We enjoyed the tea cups (she did..I locked my eyes with hers, and prayed for the end). Philhermagic, Snow Whites, and some window shopping led us to the castle. We admired the story walls, and marveled at the wonders of the gift shop. I wish I had $$$$ for some of the lovely things, but I enjoyed the day dream.
As we came out, I remembered the restuarant inside the castle. It was booked up 6 months ahead, but I asked the doorman if Susan an I could just go in andd take a peek...it being her birthday and all...Our wish was granted, and we went in. Cinderella was entertaining the young princesses and getting photos. Very cute. Then we tiptoed upstairs and looked at the wonderful dining room. If you were a six years old, you would be enchanted. The grown up reality was enough for me. On the way down, we spotted the ladies room...quick stop! Then we resumed our tour with the other serfs.
Amy and Betsy's tour included lunch, so we grabbed a huge pretzel and shared it. yum! We did the race track and did a foot tour of Adventure land. It was packed with kids.
Susan and I waited at the flag pole, and people watched. The tour was long overdue. We shopped, and went to the barbershop for pixie dust. They were busy, so we watched others get sprinkled.
Amy and Betsy finally showed up. Thier tour guide was doing his last tour. He was going off to graduate school, so he had given them an extra 1.5 hours. They were just filled with fun facts. Amy was excited with her golden key an certificate. We told them about our special time in the castle..."We peeded in the Castle!" [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/grin.gif[/img]
We had 1.5 hours to do Fantasy Land before dinner. WE were trying for the Small World, but it broke down aafter a long wait. They gave us fast passes to any other attration, and we chose Snow White again.
Next: Dinner over the World!

[angiek1024]

Great start to your report! Sounds like you a off to a fun start. So glad you got to go in the castle. There is something truly magical about it.

Can't wait to hear more!

[heather2148]

Sounds like you were having a great time! Would love to hear more.

[Lady]

Excellent!

[Colexis Mom]

Great start Marty [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/zwavin.gif[/img] More please [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/laugh.gif[/img]

[PrincessSharon]

Great start! Sounds like fun so far! Looking forward to more.

[CindyD]

More please! You are off to a great start!!

[Eeyoresmom]

This is shaping up to be a great trip report!

[DrDolphin]

Great start!! Can't wait to read more!

[fluffcake]

Did I mention that the weather was perfect. The low 80's and the bluest skies! The middle of March is a great time to visit Disney.
We had a 6:10 pm reservation at the California Grill, so we caught the monorail over to the Contemperary. Sense we were still in our play clothes, we ducked into the ladies room and dressed for dinner. As soon as we were presentable, we checked in at the 2nd floor podium. A CM escorted us up to the 15th floor.
The dinning room was bathed in the last bright rays of the setting sun. We were seated near the Chef prep area. I suppose we could have asked for a more scenic view, but it was fun to see an active kitchen.
Betsy and I thought about the wine...but it was a bit expensive...so decided to put the funds to better use. She ordered the Pork Medalions and maranated beet salad. I had the Beef Tenderloin, scalloped potatos and brocolli. Emi was more adventurious, and ordered the Sushi sampler. Susan is the picky one in the crowd, and opted for the salad. The food was very good, the waiter was very attentive, and the sunset was amazing. Susan's birthday was rewarded with a peice of chocolate cake with a thin bar of chocolate wth Happy Birthday from the California Grill written n white frosting. We shared, and it was Yummy.
After dinner, we went out on the observation deck and looked at the Magic Kingdom lit with wonderful colors. Just like the old 60's commerciaal on tv...I am showing my age here..."Color, color, color"...It was still alamost 2 hours before fireworks time, so we ran into the very classy 15th floor ladies room and put back on our play clothes. There was still time to get in a trip to "It's a Small World".
Amy and Susan opted for Adventure Land, and we headed back to Fantasy land. We were going to meet under Tink's zip line for the fireworks...except everyone else in the park decided that would be the best spot...so it was a bit crowded. As it turned out, the girls were still in line for Buzz Lightyear, and didn't see my most favorite event at the park...I just love Magic Kingdom, and sob like a two year old when Jimminy starts his speech. Wishes is my favorite!

we ended with Stitch's adventure, but none of us were impressed.
Time for a little Pixie Dust on Susan!

[fluffcake]

I was waiting to give Susan her surprise at Wishes, but she didn't make it for my magic moment. I waited till we were driving out of the park. She was snuggling down in the backseat, when I told her about what I had planned for the next day. I signed her up for the "Epcot's Aqua Seas Tour" for the next afternoon. (She and her dad used to dive in her young teens). It was her 29th birthday, but she was so excited. You would have thought I had told her she won the Lottery.
Betsy and Amy planned on the AK. It is the one park they have never seen. (they caught the park transportation). Susan and I went to Epcot. I was still in an adventurious mood, so after renting a locker...(BTW...a locker is the best spent money of the trip. $7. a day/w $2. refund at key return). We decided to do the race track. We got fast passes, and then got n the single rider line. It sped by, and we got in two rides. We gave our fast passes to an old couple. Probubly the fastest ride they had been on in years! It was fun.
Then we still had an hour before her date with the fishes. We got in the singles line for the Space Ship ride...and got stuck for 45.8 minutes. We were going to forget it, but the bay doors opened just n tiime. Alright folks. I get motion sick pretty easily...but didn't want to disappoint Susan ...although she was in a different rocket..I could have ducked out...but I decidded I wasn't going to pass on anything. Yikes! I landed at the Mars Station, but my tummy was caught in a time warp...We now had 5.7 mnutes to run to the locker for her suit, potty and get to Guest Services for check in...there are 2 guest services...but we made it just in time at the front gate. Susan disappeared with her group of divers, and I hiked all the way back to the Living Seas Observation deck. She pinned me with her birthday button, so I was greeted numerious times. I hadn't celibrated my Birthday in 30 years..so it was fun.
I watched them feed the fish and turtle, and pcked out a spot to film the dive. Before long the divers came through the crowd at the observation deck, and went upstairs. A few minutes later the instructor gave them directions, and then...there she was...Susan and the 450 lb turtle! (this was actually the snorkling dive. They were using regulators, but they weren't weighted down. It was a surface dive.) Susan swam across the aquarium and waved at the diners in the oposite side. The turtle still thinking she brought lunch with her. She floated very still, and he lost interest in her. She told me later that they were warned about the Federal Law protectiing sea turtles. If she had touched him, she would have been in trouble and out of the tour...and fined...No one told the turtle though. He was stalking her! She posed for pictures and explored the aquarium for nearly an hour. She tryed to avoid the other divers, as they were splashing too much, and the fish were staying well away from them. If you swim slowly, the fish will swim over for a visit.
While she was getting showered, I visited the gift shop. I found a Mickey Diving pen and several other goodies. While I was checking out, the CM wished me a happy birthday. I said thanks...then she said, "You had a phone call..." Alrighty then...she was really into the birthday thing, and dialed up Goofy (Amy's Favorite Charictor). He sang HB to me. Before I knew it, the CM pulled out a birthday certificate and gave it to me...It is one of those times when your on the spot...do you fess up or play along? I thanked her, and fessed up...but she said everyday was someone's Very Merry Unbirthday. Today was mine!
So I met up with Susan, took somemore pictures, and headed out to the World for lunch...did I mention I was prone to loosing things..keys in Charlotte...and now my perscription sunglasses! We wer on the boat headed for Japan, and Susan was starving...so I decided to go back later to the gift shop. (my sister would say it was Karma for the birthday fib.)
We ended up eating lunch in China. Amy and Betsy found us headed to our meeting spot under the golf ball...They arrived an hour early, and had dessert in France. We shopped, took a boat ride through "The Land" and shopped somemore. II did make it back to the gift shop...but the glasses were long gone. I checked guest services, and they showed me a bin filled with hundreds of glasses. I wasn't the only one...only mine weren't there...lost in Epcot.
We ate in Land cafeteria, and then watched the fireworks. I wasn't as impressed with them. Wishes is still the winner n my opinion.
The magic was over. We made our way back to the car, and headed back to the resort. Tomorrow it would be a long drive home...back to Reality.
We had a wonderful time. No kids! Lots of freedom, good times, Pixie Dust, and wonderful food. WDW is the happiest place in the world.
I will take my granddaughters when they turn 6 and 7...(4 more years!
Wishes!

[PrincessSharon]

Great update! Dinner at CG sounds wonderful! [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/yuma.gif[/img] Glad you were able to squeeze in some play time after dinner, too! Can't wait for more!

[Colexis Mom]

What a great time [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/zwavin.gif[/img] Thanks for sharing it with us [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/thanx.gif[/img]

[luvnwdwgal]

Sounds like you gals are having great time!!! [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/smile.gif[/img]

[bsblady01]

sounds like you had a great time at the world.