Disney less than a dream come true???
Ok so when I thought of Disney magical, unbelievable and amazing are the adjectives that came to mind. In my dreams I expected my kids to be head over heals excited to find out we were flying there, like America's Funniest Home Videos 10,000 winner excited. Next, I pictured from the moment we stepped foot on the ground again every step would be spectacular and momentous. NOPE! My bubble was burst before it even started as my kids were less than emotional. Really, the anticipated we were renting a car so turning to the airport equalled that. When they determined a plane was involved they looked more dumbfounded then anything else. It wasn't until I stated my expectation that #2 in her total girl way let out a fake scream. *sigh*
Next a good surprise was a gift from Aunt Net and Aunt Linda. Thanks to their generosity combined with faraway bestie the kids had money to spend and we had money to cover the many "get ya's" Disney had in store for us along the way.
#1 was VERY nervous about take off so keeping this under wraps allowed for little time to fret. Southwest does not have assigned seats so we boarded during family boarding time midway through. We sat near the back of the plane girls on one side, boys on the other. #1 got the boys window seat but in his fear he asked for Daddy to sit in the middle rather than little brother. #2 sat by the window with me in the middle. Funny enough littlest was the most giddy of all kids for her flight. She made my heart swell thrilled to have spent the $$. Once in air the 100 mile an hour wind kept the pilot from turning seat belt sign off, following by a very bumpy ride the entire time till we landed. #1 seemed content with the experience and was fine at that point too. #4 fell asleep midway through the flight until we disembarked the plane and I carried her.
Husband and I did our only bickering in Orlando attempting to locate the Magical Express (bus ride to the resort). I informed him an Amazing Race entry was not in our future LOL. With ease we rode the bus and arrived. Sadly the online check in that was supposed to be completed was not done causing an extra amount of time with anxious travel weary kids. Then in our room it seems we were connecting but one with a King size bed and another with double beds. Aggravated I marched back downstairs to discuss to no avail (well with the offer of bringing up another bed). In the end though it seems this works best because the kids sleep in one room and hubby and I in our own room. Huh, go figure our own room traveling with kids 11 and under.
The next bomb was the cost 9.95 for 24 hours of Internet using a Ethernet to the laptop, basically no pool side leisure for me on my nook. Seriously Disney? We weren't going to do the Internet at all but well I wanted to jot this stuff down while still fresh and get my fix, hubby his too. After 2 days of running from park open to park close #4 needed a nap. I think we all needed some down time AND swimming time too. The pool however is open till midnight.
Next we went to dinner at our resort. Having the meal plan is a good option Deluxe NOT necessary for sure regular plan is enough. Understanding you have to pick a dessert and drink every time even if you do not want it or have your refillable mug at a quick service meal. Food allergies are interesting too since some places have the book readily accessible and others do not. This first place took a minute frustrating me tired as I already was. We all didn't figure out how to order, where to find things and on easily. Asking questions left us with more since many people who work here are not native to America and speak with an accent. That is another question I have...how is it there are so many people from other countries working here?
After losing a refillable mug and choosing not to spend 14.99 to replace it we went back to the rooms. Settling in we headed to swim, the kids that is as it was a bit too chilly for me. #1 urged me to play Wii soccer because in his words "You are an expert at it Mommy!". It was fun and I did well, and made him proud to call me Momma in public too. #4 still happiest of all ran from big pool to little pool in glee.
To bed at 9:30 Disney time and hour ahead of our time seemed pretty easy from our travel. We set the alarm for 6:30 am (can that be right on vacation???).
I never dreamed I would get up earlier on vacation than at home. BUT Disney is not a place to sleep in. Course that is something to write about next time. The trip got better for half of us the next day and all of us the remaining time. Off to the pool we head before the kids attack in impatience :)
Next a good surprise was a gift from Aunt Net and Aunt Linda. Thanks to their generosity combined with faraway bestie the kids had money to spend and we had money to cover the many "get ya's" Disney had in store for us along the way.
#1 was VERY nervous about take off so keeping this under wraps allowed for little time to fret. Southwest does not have assigned seats so we boarded during family boarding time midway through. We sat near the back of the plane girls on one side, boys on the other. #1 got the boys window seat but in his fear he asked for Daddy to sit in the middle rather than little brother. #2 sat by the window with me in the middle. Funny enough littlest was the most giddy of all kids for her flight. She made my heart swell thrilled to have spent the $$. Once in air the 100 mile an hour wind kept the pilot from turning seat belt sign off, following by a very bumpy ride the entire time till we landed. #1 seemed content with the experience and was fine at that point too. #4 fell asleep midway through the flight until we disembarked the plane and I carried her.
Husband and I did our only bickering in Orlando attempting to locate the Magical Express (bus ride to the resort). I informed him an Amazing Race entry was not in our future LOL. With ease we rode the bus and arrived. Sadly the online check in that was supposed to be completed was not done causing an extra amount of time with anxious travel weary kids. Then in our room it seems we were connecting but one with a King size bed and another with double beds. Aggravated I marched back downstairs to discuss to no avail (well with the offer of bringing up another bed). In the end though it seems this works best because the kids sleep in one room and hubby and I in our own room. Huh, go figure our own room traveling with kids 11 and under.
The next bomb was the cost 9.95 for 24 hours of Internet using a Ethernet to the laptop, basically no pool side leisure for me on my nook. Seriously Disney? We weren't going to do the Internet at all but well I wanted to jot this stuff down while still fresh and get my fix, hubby his too. After 2 days of running from park open to park close #4 needed a nap. I think we all needed some down time AND swimming time too. The pool however is open till midnight.
Next we went to dinner at our resort. Having the meal plan is a good option Deluxe NOT necessary for sure regular plan is enough. Understanding you have to pick a dessert and drink every time even if you do not want it or have your refillable mug at a quick service meal. Food allergies are interesting too since some places have the book readily accessible and others do not. This first place took a minute frustrating me tired as I already was. We all didn't figure out how to order, where to find things and on easily. Asking questions left us with more since many people who work here are not native to America and speak with an accent. That is another question I have...how is it there are so many people from other countries working here?
After losing a refillable mug and choosing not to spend 14.99 to replace it we went back to the rooms. Settling in we headed to swim, the kids that is as it was a bit too chilly for me. #1 urged me to play Wii soccer because in his words "You are an expert at it Mommy!". It was fun and I did well, and made him proud to call me Momma in public too. #4 still happiest of all ran from big pool to little pool in glee.
To bed at 9:30 Disney time and hour ahead of our time seemed pretty easy from our travel. We set the alarm for 6:30 am (can that be right on vacation???).
I never dreamed I would get up earlier on vacation than at home. BUT Disney is not a place to sleep in. Course that is something to write about next time. The trip got better for half of us the next day and all of us the remaining time. Off to the pool we head before the kids attack in impatience :)
Wayne and I also are not at our best during the transition between landing and ground transportation. Way to power through though. Glad Disney was (for the most part) good to you.
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