Trip Report The countdown just hit zero - We’re in Disney right now!

Greetings fellow Disney lovers and welcome one and all to this happy place. As the title suggests I am in Florida right now, living the dream

Some of you will know me but for those of you who don't let's have a quick introduction as my 17 night trip has already started. Yes you read that right - 17 nights - whoooooo. Hoooooooo.


Me - Tracey - I absolutely love Disney, my house is covered in Disney - my first night in POR will see me spending 300 nights in my favourite place - I live in a bubble and the outside world frustrates me in terms of horrible, violent people but that's another story and not one for my trip report.


Chris - my husband, best friend and my rock. We've been married for 21 years and we still laugh and joke with each other. He never wanted to go to Disney but now his hooked - love me, love Disney!


We're in Florida from the UK for our 21st trip - I am fortunate to be able to afford this every year but I'm still jealous of all my American friends who can get cheap flights over regularly (and this who now live here) - this trip alone with overnight at a hotel before our flight, car parking, Disney, Kennedy and Universal tickets, car hire and hotel cost us in excess of £4000


It's a substantial amount of money but hey, the amount of memories we create we really don't mind and why we can afford it we will go......

Here we are last year.

This TR might be a little different from my last 3 - I’ve previously done daily updating every night which at times has seen me spending all day in the park and then writing till well beyond midnight. Those of you who have done TR’s will know the time they take (it’s certainly a commitment but we all do it to share our stories and our love of Disney so others can live through it all and help with Disney blues or countdowns to their own trips)

I’ve not had a holiday or break from work since March so I just need to chill!


That said since I’ve been here I’ve been writing every day (but not posted) - so our trip - so far - will be easy to post (as I’ll just copy and paste) and add photos of course!


After that though who knows as we’ll be into the Disney park part of our holiday (more about that shortly)

We’ll just see what happens and and I’ll update when I can for those of you who want to read it!


All aboard!

 

[Longers]

Thursday 2nd November - the day before we flew.

I had the normal long day at work, time seemed to stay still all day, the emails kept coming but 4pm came and I stopped - my boss told me to finish early and to enjoy my holiday - so I did all I could and then logged off.

We travelled to the airport (around 7.30pm) and stayed in the Premier Inn at Gatwick - the thought of missing this flight does not even bear thinking about so the cost of a hotel is well worth the peace of mind that I am at the airport.

we had a good nights sleep but was woken by someone upstairs at 5.30am who clearly wanted to walk very heavy footed backwards and forwards for over an hour!

We needed to be up by 6.15am anyway so I guess it didn’t really matter it’s just a little frustrating when people don’t consider others!


Friday 3rd November - travel day

Regardless of the comment above the alarm went off playing Shakira, Try Everything at 6am - this had me singing and waving my arms in a party style above the covers (whatever you are visualising is probably what was happening)

Finally the day I had waited for for a year had arrived........

We popped the cases in the car and made our way to the airport it was foggy outside so we hoped this wouldn’t affect our flight.

We hadn’t been able to check in yesterday as apparently I’d been chosen for additional screening at the airport - check in was easy though and we headed off to see all that the North terminal had to offer. Now travelling with Virgin several times as my passport proves (by several stickers all over the outside if it) we’ve always travelled from the South terminal but they now fly from the North terminal and I think we’ve only been there once.

We grabbed some eggs on toast, went for a wander and waited for the gate to get called.

And we waited........

There had been fog in the UK and things had been delayed slightly and apparently someone on the inward plane had needed emergency assistance on landing so that being done we departed 1 1/2 hours late - which I guess in the scheme of things wasn’t too bad. I hope whoever they are they are ok.


The flight was called and we made our way to the gate - We had to walk up the steps of the 747 plane, which was a pretty awesome experience as normally you have to walk down the mechanical arm thing that joins to the plane - sorry don’t know the name - but it was broken. The size of the plane from the bottom of the steps was just unbelievable - that’s a moment we’ll always remember and never forget.

The fog had lifted and it had actually turned out to be a really nice sunny day

The flight itself saw a teenager who was sitting behind me moving his legs so much they keep banging my seat which really got on my nerves but I’m too polite to say anything. Thankfully it didn’t continue for the who 8 hours 50 mins.

We watched a few films, had some home made sandwiches (as I hate airplane food) and the flight finally landed 6pm US time.

We grabbed what we thought was our hand luggage from the pile that had been put together from a cupboard - when you are on the upper deck of the plane a lot of the wheeled trolleys don’t fit in overhead compartments and they have a cupboard - the cabin staff put them all together in their serving place and you just grab them and go (and you guessed it - not ours). But we were already off the plane just outside the door!

They wouldn’t let us back on to get the right bag so we had to wait - thankfully someone else came back to the gate who had already got off with our bag so we just switched them over. Our travel day wasn’t going well.


At customs the queue was over 1 1/2 hours to get through and as it had taken so long our main bags had apparently been moved from the carousel to side walls - there were still others from our flight queuing at customs as we left the airport and bags everywhere - this was probably our worst experience ever at the airport.


Car hire picked up we were on our way to the Clarion Inn - this was to be our first ever night in Florida in a non Disney hotel - we had booked 16 nights in Disney and when the flights became available we added another night as we preferred the flight times and I for one are never going to say no to additional days. (We didn’t want to change our Disney reservation as we had quick service and $200 dollars spending money so it seemed sensible to leave the Disney booking alone) and we figured by the time we did arrive we’d only be going to sleep anyway. We settled on an this hotel, as loads of UK people seem to stay there and travel frequently so we thought this might give us options in the future - who am I kidding- but never say never - I was curious to see as its certainly cheaper.


We arrived at Clarion Inn and was told that there was work going on and they had moved us to a sister hotel - everything had been paid for, they would sort us free parking, a discount voucher for food and they were sorry (our vouchers all said the hotel was full to capacity?) - I guess as we were only staying 1 night we are easy to move - ok we’re off again - we weren’t getting into bed just yet!


Anyway off to the Rosen Plaza International drive we went (at this point we were glad our car had an onboard sat Nav - we had refused the option at the hire desk as we know our way around but we were both so tired I think this would have been a challenging journey without it) - I think the hotel is probably nicer than the Clarion Inn but we kind of wanted to stay there for future reference (more on that comment later) - I was beyond tired when we got to our room at 9.30 US time (1.30am UK - 19 1/2 hours awake,)

I took a few pictures and then literally fell into bed and fell to sleep very quickly indeed.

 

[Longers]

Saturday 4th November

I woke at 5am and couldn’t get back to sleep but that’s jet lag and excitement so I that’s not going to bother me. We both made a comment that we felt like we were in Vegas. The hotel, rooms, everything reminded us, now if Orlando added Casinos and built big hotels down international Drive this could be the best place to holiday ever and all in one flight!

We opened the curtains in our room and watched a beautiful sun rise, what a way to start a day!

The hotel was really nice, comfortable, very quiet, and clean there is a $13 charge for parking but that was waived because of our move of hotels. Overall a good hotel, we had no complaints and can now say we’ve stayed on international drive.

We tidied up our bits, re packed a few bits in the suitcase and were on our way in search of breakfast.

The hotel had a cafe so we decided to stop in there and because of our hotel move we’d been given 25% off so decided rather than running around trying to find somewhere to eat we would stop and eat. It was about 9am by this point and we sat chilling eating our breakfast including crispy bacon - wow I’ve missed the crispy bacon. It’s funny how little things like that make you smile.

We left the hotel around 10.15 and were on our way home - Port Orleans Riverside for 16 nights.

As we came up the road I had a tear in my eye as I spotted Epcot and then we turned the corner into POR again a tear, obviously tears of happiness, I had to pinch myself we were finally back, it had been so long but at the same time feels like only yesterday. This is just one of those sights I love to see!

We were told we were in block 24, which I had specifically asked not to be allocated in as I know dogs are now permitted and that is one of the allocated blocks. I don’t want this TR to get into a debate about that as there is a dedicated forum for that which was on 88 pages when we left.

But in brief I was cornered by a dog when I was younger and I have no desire to be in a room where a dog has been or with a dog next door. My sister has a dog so I’m not against them I’m just wary. The check in lady phoned to get another room allocated and told us they would see what they could do and would text when our room was ready. So we dropped our bags off and headed out.

Although we are staying for 16 nights we only have a 14 day Disney ticket, we did think of getting more days but we have other things planned so the only pain I’ll feel is being in the US for 3 days without stepping foot in a Disney park as I want to be in a Disney on our last day as it’s my birthday and I want to be in Magic Kingdom (where else would I want to be?). No answers needed on that one!

Today was to be our take it easy and break in gently day.

 

[Longers]

Our first stop was Disney Springs, as part of our booking we got $200, (as mentioned earlier) so we wanted to collect this early in the holiday (for obvious reasons)

We hopped on a bus to Art of Animation resort. There are talks in my family of everyone coming to Disney together in 2019 and I was asked to go and see what it was like.

 

[krause]

Following along! Wow 16 nights would be amazing! We are staying at POR in February so interested to see how it is for you - and how many dogs there actually are. I haven’t read your trip reports before, but I know from others that you love you some BTMR

 

[Longers]

We wandered around and then walked over to Pop Century and from there got the bus to Magic Kingdom, I stood wishing I could go in but alas no - so near yet so far - that has to wait until Tuesday.

We hopped onto a boat to Wilderness Lodge, just because I have always wanted to get a boat from MK but never have! We wandered around admiring everything, if I ever stop going to POR I may just end up staying there.

We then got a bus back to Disney Springs as we had left the car there and had to pick it up. Car collected we headed to Walmart for a few bits, chapstick, potato chips, and 36 bottle of water for $3.33 bargain! 4.46pm and the temperature was 86 degrees it had been a lovely, warm sunny day!

 

[Longers]

Still no text from POR so we just headed back there anyway to get some food. Food eaten (and an ice cream dessert). A few reading this won’t be surprised at that one as on holiday I eat ice cream normally at least 1 a day!

After eating we headed to the front desk to check on the room situation, it was now after 6pm - the room was ready despite not receiving a text.


The rooms have been changed since our last trip. There is now a wardrobe which is quite useful even though the ironing board is inside and that means you can’t hang clothes properly!

There is also no longer a screen to the wash basins they are now all together with the toilet behind a door. I hadn’t read anything about these changes so I don’t know if all rooms have been done or not?

The down side is no full length mirror but they do still look nice and all our clothes are away now so things are a little tidier.

 

[Longers]

Following along! Wow 16 nights would be amazing! We are staying at POR in February so interested to see how it is for you - and how many dogs there actually are. I haven’t read your trip reports before, but I know from others that you love you some BTMR

Thanks for following and you are right I love BTMRR and get to do that tomorrow! Absolutely can’t wait for that

And in terms of dogs we’ve seen 3 so far! And they are being allowed all over the hotel not just the designated blocks (just if you needed to know for allergies etc).

 

[Longers]

Sunday 5th November

I didn’t sleep too well -I was awake at about 3am and was just reading, and as Chris would say generally fiddling about.

I think I did drop back to sleep around 5ish but it was only drifting in and out - how can I be this tired and not sleep?

We got sorted and then headed to Kennedy Space centre - It was our first time there in 8 years - the last time was back in 2009 when we watched the last ever night launch from inside the Space centre complex - what a night that was

- we've been fortunate to see several launches both night and day and even a landing but since all that stopped we haven't been back - but Floridatix had an offer of adult tickets at children prices so we decided to go back.


Chris likes everything space related and as we can’t go into Disney just yet this seemed like a good year to re visit.

.

 

[Longers]

After a quick tour look around the rocket garden we headed to see the shuttle Atlantis.

They do a little film and then the reveal of the shuttle - this did send a chill down my spine and brought a lump to my throat. Atlantis was the last night launch we saw back in 2009 mentioned above

We looked around and sat in a mock up space shuttle

There was a slide to get you down from one floor to another to show you the angle that the space shuttles land so obviously we took the slide rather than the stairs

 

[Longers]

The question everyone wants to know was answered too

There was also info on how they sleep

There was also a touching exhibit on those who have lost their lives

We watched an imax movie all about the current plans for space and took a few pictures similar to those we had on our first visit here in 1996 just so we can compare them when we get home.

Probably a mile out of Kennedy I saw an alligator in the water which runs along the road and as we went over the water on the Long road between the mainland I saw a dolphin in the water both things were pretty neat to see, the alligator - just because .... and the dolphin because back on our first trip to Florida and first shuttle launch in 1996 we were in Kennedy overlooking the water towards the space shuttle and there were dolphins in the water then. It just bought all of those memories flooding back (not that they ever really left in the first place)

A quick ice cream before we left (it would be rude not to). And we were on our way back to POR

We dropped the car off and walked down to get the boat to Disney Springs for a wander, or should I say for me to do a shopping list of things I want to buy but need to prioritise before buying so I can work out what will fit in the cases!

We hopped on the bus back which stopped at French Quarter on the way back so we got off there for a quick service meal and then walked along the river in the warm Floridian air back home

 

[Longers]

Here are just a few other random photos of our Kenney Space centre day

 

[LisaBelle]

Yay Tracey! So happy you decided to start posting! Sorry your trip got off to a rocky start, but it seems like it’s all coming together. Your ice cream looks yummy! It is making me hungry! Looking forward to your park days and lots more ice cream! Enjoy the magic!

 

[Kiwiduck]

Looking forward to hearing about the rest of your holiday.
I'm jealous of the deals that you can get in the UK, I wish we could get them here in NZ

 

[Tuvalu]

Patiently awaiting BTMRR pics.....

 

[Longers]

Yay Tracey! So happy you decided to start posting! Sorry your trip got off to a rocky start, but it seems like it’s all coming together. Your ice cream looks yummy! It is making me hungry! Looking forward to your park days and lots more ice cream! Enjoy the magic!

Your profile post made me think maybe I should - but like I said this might not be daily as previous trip reports have been we’ll just see how it goes. I’m pretty confident there will be lots more ice cream. Glad your following.

Looking forward to hearing about the rest of your holiday.
I'm jealous of the deals that you can get in the UK, I wish we could get them here in NZ

Welcome aboard- it’s still pretty expensive from the UK bit i’m Guessing from NZ that’s going to cost a small fortune too. My sister in law and my husbands nephew live there.

Patiently awaiting BTMRR pics.....

Don’t you worry they are coming!

 

[LadyBelle]

What building are you in? My room at Riverside had the curtain last year. I’m curious to see which building I’ll get this year.

 

[Longers]

What building are you in? My room at Riverside had the curtain last year. I’m curious to see which building I’ll get this year.

Hi there - we are in building 34. I hadn’t seen anything about the changes so we were a little surprised but it looks nice and there is now a wardrobe which is useful for us as we are staying for a while

 

[Stacey LeDuc]

What an awesome trip you have planned. Cannot wait to read more.

 

[12in12]

I am so happy for you that you are back home. Have a lovely time and thank you for keeping us updated. The weather in London is anything but nice as the moment so enjoy that Florida sunshine.