Magic, Mayhem, Wifi and more; Our Return to Disney -- Arrival Day

Cast

Husband (Me) - 54
DW - 42
DD - 12
DS - 5

"A Soggy Beginning!

It has been more than three years since our last trip to Walt Disney World and the excitement was palpable. So many changes have transpired since then and we were dying to experience them all. We continued our tradition of staying at a hotel near the airport the night before. This time, the Hampton Inn. Room was immaculate. We had just eaten a fantastic dinner at Joe's Crab Shack. My DD12 says, "We can only eat at that Joe's Crab Shack the night before a Disney trip." I tease her all the time, saying, "We're eating at Joe's tomorrow."
"In ROBINSON???"
"No. The other one. No Disney trip yet!"
But this time it was for real and we talked about the next 11 days.

I woke at 2:50 a.m., showered and awakened the rest of the family. We arrived at Globe Transportation around 4:00 and were shuttled to the airport immediately. (I love it when a plan comes together.) This was our first time, using an off-site shuttle service so I was a bit anxious leading up to it. They were very professional.

Curb-side drop-off. Bags checked. Alternative security check-in. Short. Quick. Efficient. 5:15 a.m. and we were already on the other side of the terminal, eating breakfast. DD and I had McDonald's; wife and DS ate healthy.

After a few sardonic comments about how early we were, we made it to our gate. Boarding began at 6:30 a.m. and we were among the early passengers. Settled in. Video camera out, recording the take-off. My DD, who shares my Disney passion, was as "goofy" as I about our trip. DW and DS were a bit more subdued.

The plane landed at 9:15. Quick bathroom break, then our first taste of Disney -- put on the Magic Bands!!!! Something so small was so exciting. Normally, we are leaving gloomy, grey Pittsburgh in October for the sunny skies of Florida. This time, we went in early September (wanted a smaller crowd. didn't happen) and left gorgeous Pittsburgh weather. Three-quarters of the way to Florida and there wasn't a cloud in the sky. The sun was so bright, nearly every window on our side had its shade down. It was blinding. By Georgia, turbulence, then clouds -- thick clouds. As we descended, rain filled the skies. Prior to leaving, I checked the 10-day forecast and it predicted heavy rain for every day of the trip. My wife was skeptical of the prediction's accuracy, but on the plane, she became very sad.

As we made our way to Luggage Claim B for the Magical Express, we resigned ourselves we'd "power through" the rain. Press the Magic Band against the reader and the first rush of dopamine energized us. (Seeing the Mickey Icon light up green is a tiny rush.) Once on board, a different video played from the last trip. I was sad at first, because I was looking forward to Huey, Dewey, and Louie saying, "Are we there yet? Are we there yet?"

While heading to property, I received a text our room was ready - 1563 in the Alligator Bayou, Port Orleans Riverside. I love the Bayou!!! It was rainy and dreary and before I knew it, we were on property. Such an uneventful arrival. The past drivers have done a 10-second countdown to Disney property. This time, the bus was just driving along, passengers sort of vegging, and I caught the Mickey statue just as we passed. (I wanted to video the entrance.) Oh, well. Stay positive.

We were the last stop, grabbed our carry-ons, and started to our room -- a preferred location near the Riverside Mill. Quick stop at the Fulton's General Store for four ponchos ($49!!!!!) then on to our room. This will seem petty to some, but I disliked our room's location despite its proximity to the food court. I love being "Deep in the Bayou." I love being immersed! Totally immersed! Our room (second floor) overlooked a parking lot. I want to stay in the bubble. I don't want to see a parking lot. As I say, petty to some, but to me it was troublesome the entire trip.

We freshened up, crossed the parking lot (again, not liking that) to the bus stop, and waited for the Animal Kingdom parking lot. We passed through security 10 minutes before our ADRs at the Rainforest Cafe were due.

Our meal was great. Our service was great! The whole trip lies ahead! Rain wasn't going to dampen our spirits.

180 days out, I spent hours, figuring how long things would take - flight, Magical Express, check-in, bus rides -- which part of the park we'd be in, etc., before making ADRs. 60 days out, I did the same thing with FastPass+ reservations (as all of you have.) When we arrived in time for our ADRs, then walked straight over to Dinosaur and had active FPs, I was thrilled. "This is working exactly how the Disney officials hoped," I thought. When we exited, our Kilimanjaro Safari FPs would be active in 15 minutes, just enough time to cross the park and enter. Plan is definitely coming together. Unfortunately, KS was closed when we arrived. We were tired from early travel, so we hit a store on the way out and went back to our room for a "power shnooze!"

My DD and I have a saying: "Is this an out-of-suitcase trip? or an unpack-your-suitcase trip?" If you're doing a weekend getaway, you may leave your clothes in the suitcase the entire time. We were staying 11 nights and one of our favorite things is to stuff our drawers with our clothes and "move in" for a couple of days. We talked about it on the bus ride back to our room.

"Hope our luggage has arrived. I can't wait to unpack"

It did. We began unpacking when we noticed something: we had almost no dresser drawer space. We had a trundle bed, which left us with only three smaller-sized drawers. Now, in fairness to Disney, it is most definitely possible that upon filling out the on-line check-in form, I checked a box requesting a trundle bed. I may have, not knowing the ramifications. Or, I may not have. It may not even be an option. I really don't remember. But I do remember the sad look on my DD's face when she couldn't unpack her clothes into a dresser. She lived out of a suitcase for 11 days.

We slept for two hours, then called room service and requested 20 hangers for clothes, some extra pillows, and blankets. Then we dressed and went to the port for a boat ride to Downtown Disney. (They began making the transition to Disney Springs, during our stay.) This boat ride is always one of our favorite modes of transportation.

We ate at The BOATHOUSE. I don't have the lexicon to describe how good the meal was, but trust me, it was fabulous. Now you have to understand: I'm a meat-and-potatoes guy. I'll take a Vinnie Pie over a fancy meal most every time. When I book these dinners (for my DW & DD,) I rarely find something that agrees with my unrefined palate. I had the seared Ahi Tuna Steak and it was amazing. I'm thinking about it right now. Service was excellent, too.

We left and my DD & I went to Vivoli Gelato. A few minutes in, and our waitress from the BOATHOUSE taps me on the shoulder and hands me my iPhone. I left it on the table. Can you imagine a Walt Disney World trip WITHOUT your smartphone? You'd be lost. She saved our trip, finding me in another place of business. We were impressed.

We shopped at World of Disney. Actually, I had a margarita and the three of them shopped. More little shots of dopamine as they used the Magic Band for some purchases.

On the boat ride home, I made the mistake of teasing my DS5 about the "Swamp Monster" in the woods.

"Look for him. You can see is beady, red eyes, looking back!"

That's it. No more boat trips!!! Bus rides back at night!!!!

They predicted rain all night, but it never materialized. Truthfully, our time in Downtown Disney was very enjoyable.

Prior to any trip, I tell my daughter: "The trip is still perfect."

Reality set in. Rain. Bad Room locale. Inadequate dresser drawer space. Quit complaining!!! We're in Disney!!! Overall, the arrival day went very well. Everyone was excited and exhausted. Time for sleep. Early morning tomorrow.

Can't wait...