To start things off, this trip was to celebrate my (gasp) 30th birthday. It’s something I never thought I’d do because if falls at the end of August and we try to avoid going in the summer. But when I found out that a Star Wars convention was in town that was more than enough reason for me to book a Disney trip as well!
Ready everybody? ‘Cause here…we….goooo!
8.24 - DEPARTURE DAY Today was the day! Around 5 in the evening we loaded the suitcases in the car and were on our way. I slipped my WDW mix in the CD player and, with the original monorail loop playing in the background, we hit 95N. Needing a pre-flight meal we found an Arbys along the way and I must say that original roast beef hit the spot. The rest of the drive to Dulles was pretty uneventful. Once we arrived we didn’t have to wait long for the shuttle to pick us up and bring us to the main terminal. The only problem was Brandon and I had to walk clear to the other end of the ticketing area to check-in (oops.) Security was fast and easy. There was a lady in front of me who couldn’t get the concept of moving her bag down the line on the conveyor belt. So I tried to push it forward and got caught by the security guy. Heh heh. He said rather loudly, “You do not need to shove the bags.” My bad. Once it was my turn I got a little thrown off because a woman from the other line stepped in front of me with her kid. So the same security guy, who must have noticed my Star Wars hoodie, said to me: “Boba Fett, step over this way.” Thanks dude! Since it’s been a couple of years since I’ve flown I was curious if I’d get the pat-down or the scanner. The scanner won out on this one and it took a total of 10 seconds to do. Not too shabby. Once the shoes and belts were back on we caught the “mobile transport” across the tarmac to our gate. As we disembarked the transport I was hit with the lovely aroma of Dunkin Donuts coffee and knew I had to get some before I boarded the plane. Brandon and I settled in at the gate and I anxiously watched the clock.
Brandon busy with his PSVita
Waiting for a jet plane...
So…the flight landed and they deboarded the passengers but we were still sitting there waiting for a boarding announcement. As it turns out there was a maintenance issue they found after the plane had landed. Oh joy. At this point I called my aunt and uncle who were supposed to be picking us up in Orlando and let them know of the delay. I’m so lucky that they were cool with waiting up for us. Finally we changed gates and were given a boarding time: 11:40pm almost two hours after the scheduled time.This meant that we wouldn’t be in MCO until after 2am. Ugh.
Appropriate MST3K is appropriate "Here we're flying in another trumpet section."
We got on board and after cramming my suitcase in the overhead, I buckled up and was never more ready to take off. The good thing about having a delay that late at night is not having to wait in line on the runway. MCO - here we come! The flight was fairly typical. Once we landed and got the all-clear, Brandon and I retrieved our bags and blearily headed to the tram.
Yup, that's almost 2:30am.
It was so weird riding the tram at night.Every single time I’ve flown into MCO it’s been in the morning so needless to say I was tripping out a little at it being so quiet and well – dark!
Once we got to the main terminal it was strange not heading for Magical Express after we got down to the baggage claim level.Instead we went straight outside and looked for our ride. The trip to my aunt and uncle’s house was short and I thanked them profusely for picking me and Brandon up so late.We chatted for a little bit then it was time to hit the hay because in a mere four hours we’d be heading out the door for breakfast.
8.25 – STAR WARS CELEBRATION AND OUR MAGIC KINGDOM EVENING
It’s amazing how fast time flies when you’re really tired.I awoke to the chime on my phone and took a minute to realize where I was and where I’d be going today…Star Wars Celebration!
My aunt and uncle suggested Cracker Barrel for breakfast, which Brandon and I happily agreed to.I haven’t eaten there in forever…love me some grits!After a lovely meal and some great conversation it was time to head over to Coronado Springs to officially check-in!
Almost there!
We pulled into the drop-off area and said good-bye to my aunt and uncle.I really couldn’t thank them enough.Then Brandon and I made our way to the lobby.
Nothing compares to the first hit of air conditioning when you walk into a Disney hotel.I still haven’t figured out what makes the air so different but I wish I could bottle up that scent.I approached the Online Check-In counter and the CM quickly found my reservation.She stepped away for a moment and came back with my packet along with a Vinylmation. Hmm…very interesting.Turns out it was a gift thanks to the fact that I booked our room as a guest of Star Wars Celebration. Nice!Right before the CM finalized everything, I asked her if she had a birthday button.She smiled and put my name on one.It was ridiculous how happy I was to get that thing and I pinned it right on.We thanked the CM and left the lobby out the back doors to find our way to Casitas 2…our home for the weekend.
Ready everybody? ‘Cause here…we….goooo!
8.24 - DEPARTURE DAY Today was the day! Around 5 in the evening we loaded the suitcases in the car and were on our way. I slipped my WDW mix in the CD player and, with the original monorail loop playing in the background, we hit 95N. Needing a pre-flight meal we found an Arbys along the way and I must say that original roast beef hit the spot. The rest of the drive to Dulles was pretty uneventful. Once we arrived we didn’t have to wait long for the shuttle to pick us up and bring us to the main terminal. The only problem was Brandon and I had to walk clear to the other end of the ticketing area to check-in (oops.) Security was fast and easy. There was a lady in front of me who couldn’t get the concept of moving her bag down the line on the conveyor belt. So I tried to push it forward and got caught by the security guy. Heh heh. He said rather loudly, “You do not need to shove the bags.” My bad. Once it was my turn I got a little thrown off because a woman from the other line stepped in front of me with her kid. So the same security guy, who must have noticed my Star Wars hoodie, said to me: “Boba Fett, step over this way.” Thanks dude! Since it’s been a couple of years since I’ve flown I was curious if I’d get the pat-down or the scanner. The scanner won out on this one and it took a total of 10 seconds to do. Not too shabby. Once the shoes and belts were back on we caught the “mobile transport” across the tarmac to our gate. As we disembarked the transport I was hit with the lovely aroma of Dunkin Donuts coffee and knew I had to get some before I boarded the plane. Brandon and I settled in at the gate and I anxiously watched the clock.
Brandon busy with his PSVita
Waiting for a jet plane...
So…the flight landed and they deboarded the passengers but we were still sitting there waiting for a boarding announcement. As it turns out there was a maintenance issue they found after the plane had landed. Oh joy. At this point I called my aunt and uncle who were supposed to be picking us up in Orlando and let them know of the delay. I’m so lucky that they were cool with waiting up for us. Finally we changed gates and were given a boarding time: 11:40pm almost two hours after the scheduled time.This meant that we wouldn’t be in MCO until after 2am. Ugh.
Appropriate MST3K is appropriate "Here we're flying in another trumpet section."
We got on board and after cramming my suitcase in the overhead, I buckled up and was never more ready to take off. The good thing about having a delay that late at night is not having to wait in line on the runway. MCO - here we come! The flight was fairly typical. Once we landed and got the all-clear, Brandon and I retrieved our bags and blearily headed to the tram.
It was so weird riding the tram at night.Every single time I’ve flown into MCO it’s been in the morning so needless to say I was tripping out a little at it being so quiet and well – dark!
Once we got to the main terminal it was strange not heading for Magical Express after we got down to the baggage claim level.Instead we went straight outside and looked for our ride. The trip to my aunt and uncle’s house was short and I thanked them profusely for picking me and Brandon up so late.We chatted for a little bit then it was time to hit the hay because in a mere four hours we’d be heading out the door for breakfast.
8.25 – STAR WARS CELEBRATION AND OUR MAGIC KINGDOM EVENING
It’s amazing how fast time flies when you’re really tired.I awoke to the chime on my phone and took a minute to realize where I was and where I’d be going today…Star Wars Celebration!
My aunt and uncle suggested Cracker Barrel for breakfast, which Brandon and I happily agreed to.I haven’t eaten there in forever…love me some grits!After a lovely meal and some great conversation it was time to head over to Coronado Springs to officially check-in!
Almost there!
We pulled into the drop-off area and said good-bye to my aunt and uncle.I really couldn’t thank them enough.Then Brandon and I made our way to the lobby.
Nothing compares to the first hit of air conditioning when you walk into a Disney hotel.I still haven’t figured out what makes the air so different but I wish I could bottle up that scent.I approached the Online Check-In counter and the CM quickly found my reservation.She stepped away for a moment and came back with my packet along with a Vinylmation. Hmm…very interesting.Turns out it was a gift thanks to the fact that I booked our room as a guest of Star Wars Celebration. Nice!Right before the CM finalized everything, I asked her if she had a birthday button.She smiled and put my name on one.It was ridiculous how happy I was to get that thing and I pinned it right on.We thanked the CM and left the lobby out the back doors to find our way to Casitas 2…our home for the weekend.
