So, here’s my first go at a trip report. This forum is a fantastic community full of great people, and I’m glad I’ve gotten to be a part of it during the entire planning process. While I don’t post a whole lot, I do read (almost) everyday and have learned so much. Thank you everybody for your help and kindness.
[I thought I’d take a moment to explain my stupid screen name too, because when you look too quickly it looks like “terd”. When I joined TP, I did so because I bought the Unofficial Guide and I wanted access to the CCs and the TPs obviously. I never thought I’d post in the forum. So, now I’m kinda stuck with the username I chose. “Terp” is a reference to the mascot of my alma mater, Univ of Maryland, who’s mascot is the terrapin, or “terp” for short. Ok, just wanted to get that out there.]
My first trip ever was when I was 3 years old, when the only parks were MK and EP and the only resorts where the Contemporary and the Poly. Then, DW and I came a few times before kids and we realized we were both huge Disney fans. Now, DS1 and DS2 are in our lives and it’s time to raise a new generation of LIners! My parents are also coming along on this trip. Disney really is such a magical place, where 3 generations can all come together and have a trip of a lifetime!
Day 1: 6:00AM
We woke up to 19 degree temps in the mid-Atlantic at our home airport and were fully ready to shed the winter coats for some 70 degree days.! Even DS1, who is not a morning person, was wide-eyed and bushy-tailed at 6:00 AM.
We arrived at MCO around 11:00 AM to sunny skies, mid-70 degree temps, and a relatively uncrowded ME queue. There was a bit of chaos as rumors were spreading about an apparent death at the MCO Hyatt. Apparently, it was a TSA agent who fell to his death from a balcony at the hotel and, as chaos ensued, people were running, unchecked, through the screening area into the secure part of the airport. I’m seeing reports that there were over 100 delayed and cancelled flights in the afternoon. That was a really unfortunate occurrence, but fortunately for us, we must have missed the commotion, because we had no delays into or out of MCO. There were only about 15 people on our bus to the Poly and GF! The driver said it’s been a really slow weekend of passengers for him… which may be a good sign for us!
I’ve made no secret about it; I’m really disappointed they destroyed the Poly lobby by removing the waterfall. But, it’s still my all time favorite resort because the theming and the location cannot be beat. Just a little update on the AP procedures: I can confirm that you are able to upgrade to an AP at the reception desk. While checking in, it took about an extra 5 minutes for her to put in some info, and bam, instantly I could see the Platinum pass on MDE. She gave the little yellow pass holder’s card to get my in-park discounts and just like that I became an official owner of an AP.
A leisurely lunch at Captain Cook’s provided some time to adjust to being on Vacation time.
Since it was only 1:30 pm, our room was not quite ready, so off to Epcot we went. Check out that blue sky! I love this pic of DW and DS1. It has so many of my favorite things in 1 picture.
Then, off to Soarin’. With rider swap, DS1 and I got to ride twice! Here’s DS1 with nana and pop pop.
Then, a tame boat ride on Living with the Land. Again, there’s some mild disappointment with the removal of the “Listen to the Land” folk song and the CMs that used to be the live guides on the ride.
I’m so glad we kept Garden Grill for our first ADR. Some of you may remember, I was having real second thoughts about GG. But, DS1 had a blast with characters and the food was actually DELICIOUS! I really loved the pot roast, and I’m not even much of a red meat eater.
GG is really awesome for character interaction. It’s a much smaller restaurant (than say CP) and each character came around about 3 times while we were there, and they continued to interact on each visit. DS1 was absolutely in heaven.
We turned in early so we could finally get unpacked and rested for an early day at MK. As I’m writing this, it’s a little before 6:00 am, so gotta shower, get some food in our bellies and hop the monorail for RD! See you all later… I’ll keep you posted!