imported_PolyGirl40
02-20-2002, 01:12 PM
PolyGirl40’s Escape From New York; The 2002 Sequel -- Day One
Saturday; February 09, 2002
Cast of Characters
Carol -- PolyGirl40 -- Disney Vacation Commander in Chief
Tony -- Dear Husband & Dad -- Advisor on Fiscal Affairs.
Jeremy -- #1 Son (15)
Shayne -- #2 Son (7)
From New York to Africa in Three Short Hours
Today was our travel and arrival day. Everyone was extremely excited. The day had finally arrived. We’re going back to Disney World. :cool:
Shayne was a bit disappointed. His catechism class was having a morning breakfast before undertaking their first confessions. Shayne had gone earlier in the week - but still felt a little sorrow about missing the group participation. Once the bags were loaded into the car his smile quickly returned.
We stopped at a little dinner in Connecticut for breakfast. Boy did we time that well. We were not seated more then 5 minutes when a Hockey team arrived by bus and stormed the restaurant. It became standing room only. Tony laughed at the concept. He found it funny that we encountered long lines and crowds before even arriving in Florida.
We then made our 1-½ hour journey to Hartford, Connecticut. We like flying out of Bradley International. A lot less traffic and easier access than JFK. A quick trip through the parking lot and onto the tram with luggage in tow. The airport was very busy. It seemed as if the Delta line was the longest. However, they had many windows open to accommodate travelers. We checked more luggage then normal. I usually carryon several bags that fit the requirements. I did not want to mess with any added security. I took my purse and a small make-up case, while the boys shared a backpack for their games and music essentials.
We get to the x-ray machines and see our first sign of the military. They were very stoic. The attendant advised us to empty our pockets and remove our watches and place them in the basket. Shayne seem frazzled and yelled; “Wait” - as his Dad started to put the basket onto the conveyor belt. A nearby Soldier watched and listened intently as my little son removed his chapstick from his pocket and placed it into the basket for scanning. graemlins/laughing.gif I looked back at the Soldier as he smiled and winked at Shayne. Whew! He almost went through without emptying his pockets. ;) I think he thought he would be arrested or something.
Jeremy set the buzzer off. He was pulled aside and a male attendant with a scanning wand was summoned. They asked him who he was traveling with and proceeded to swipe over him with the wand. They even frisked him and had him remove his belt to ensure the buckle was the culprit responsible for the warning signal. I got a little annoyed when a airport staff member told me to leave the area. I piped right up and advised her I was not leaving my son until he got the all clear to enter the terminal. Tony took Shayne through - while I waited for Jeremy.
Once inside the terminal we people watched and waited to board. The flight was full. We had an uneventful journey along the coast and landed 15 minutes early, thanks to some tail winds. A quick trip via the monorail and it’s off to baggage claim. As we’re gliding down the escalator we spot an Ibex employee welcoming the Robert family. I thought for sure we’d have a wait as the plane was early - but Nope. Well - no wait for the car anyway. The luggage was a different story. They had 4 planes worth of travel gear loaded onto one conveyor. Of course our flight was last. It took almost 30 minutes to retrieve our baggage. Ugh! So much for landing early. I’m so *not* a patient traveler.
Amongst the wait our driver decided to bring the car around. He informed us where to meet him upon exiting the lower level. Within minutes of gathering our belongings we were on our way! We had a great conversation. Apparently business is picking up for February. There are a lot of conventions, groups and vacationers scheduled to be arriving throughout the month. Let’s hope so!
As Tony chatted about conventions and tourism - the boys and I soaked up the billboards. We got that tickly feeling one gets when they enter Disney property and start hitting all of the familiar purple signs. I knew we were getting close when we zoomed past Animal Kingdom. I paused to take a deep breath. I wanted to soak up the entire resort as we entered. Wow! Those thatched roofs are amazing! As we get in further we’re soon basking in the bounties of African splendor. They have little simulated fire pits as sidewalk lights. Way Cool! The Lodge is not massive upon driving up. I was surprised. It’s very deceiving. Once you enter the grand doorways the gates of vastness open. What a spectacular lobby.
I stood in the doorway and just gazed in awe. It’s impressive, to say the least. The woods are very dark in color - as the soft hues glimmer from the light fixtures. (Jeremy felt it was too dark.) It does take a minor adjustment for the eyes. We headed right over to the check-in counter. The line wait was pretty short. We had a wonderful staff member. We bonded immediately. Our room was ready. We obtained our 7-Day Park Hopper Plus Passes, received our maps, guides and general information and headed to our room.
I had requested nonsmoking, bunk beds, 3rd floor, close proximity to the Lobby, Arusha Savannah and the Zebra Trail. Every single one of our requests were met. What a perfect location. We had a viewing window on both sides of our hallway - right outside of our door. One overlooked the pool and the other the Savannah. We tossed our bags down on the floor and hightailed it to the balcony. I had heard so many rave reports about the animals. I had to see them for myself. We were not disappointed! There was a trio of ankole cattle drinking at the watering hole as zebra, gazelle and wildebeest grazed. What a spectacular sight. Tony sat on the balcony with the binoculars as the rest of us checked out the room.
Saturday; February 09, 2002
Cast of Characters
Carol -- PolyGirl40 -- Disney Vacation Commander in Chief
Tony -- Dear Husband & Dad -- Advisor on Fiscal Affairs.
Jeremy -- #1 Son (15)
Shayne -- #2 Son (7)
From New York to Africa in Three Short Hours
Today was our travel and arrival day. Everyone was extremely excited. The day had finally arrived. We’re going back to Disney World. :cool:
Shayne was a bit disappointed. His catechism class was having a morning breakfast before undertaking their first confessions. Shayne had gone earlier in the week - but still felt a little sorrow about missing the group participation. Once the bags were loaded into the car his smile quickly returned.
We stopped at a little dinner in Connecticut for breakfast. Boy did we time that well. We were not seated more then 5 minutes when a Hockey team arrived by bus and stormed the restaurant. It became standing room only. Tony laughed at the concept. He found it funny that we encountered long lines and crowds before even arriving in Florida.
We then made our 1-½ hour journey to Hartford, Connecticut. We like flying out of Bradley International. A lot less traffic and easier access than JFK. A quick trip through the parking lot and onto the tram with luggage in tow. The airport was very busy. It seemed as if the Delta line was the longest. However, they had many windows open to accommodate travelers. We checked more luggage then normal. I usually carryon several bags that fit the requirements. I did not want to mess with any added security. I took my purse and a small make-up case, while the boys shared a backpack for their games and music essentials.
We get to the x-ray machines and see our first sign of the military. They were very stoic. The attendant advised us to empty our pockets and remove our watches and place them in the basket. Shayne seem frazzled and yelled; “Wait” - as his Dad started to put the basket onto the conveyor belt. A nearby Soldier watched and listened intently as my little son removed his chapstick from his pocket and placed it into the basket for scanning. graemlins/laughing.gif I looked back at the Soldier as he smiled and winked at Shayne. Whew! He almost went through without emptying his pockets. ;) I think he thought he would be arrested or something.
Jeremy set the buzzer off. He was pulled aside and a male attendant with a scanning wand was summoned. They asked him who he was traveling with and proceeded to swipe over him with the wand. They even frisked him and had him remove his belt to ensure the buckle was the culprit responsible for the warning signal. I got a little annoyed when a airport staff member told me to leave the area. I piped right up and advised her I was not leaving my son until he got the all clear to enter the terminal. Tony took Shayne through - while I waited for Jeremy.
Once inside the terminal we people watched and waited to board. The flight was full. We had an uneventful journey along the coast and landed 15 minutes early, thanks to some tail winds. A quick trip via the monorail and it’s off to baggage claim. As we’re gliding down the escalator we spot an Ibex employee welcoming the Robert family. I thought for sure we’d have a wait as the plane was early - but Nope. Well - no wait for the car anyway. The luggage was a different story. They had 4 planes worth of travel gear loaded onto one conveyor. Of course our flight was last. It took almost 30 minutes to retrieve our baggage. Ugh! So much for landing early. I’m so *not* a patient traveler.
Amongst the wait our driver decided to bring the car around. He informed us where to meet him upon exiting the lower level. Within minutes of gathering our belongings we were on our way! We had a great conversation. Apparently business is picking up for February. There are a lot of conventions, groups and vacationers scheduled to be arriving throughout the month. Let’s hope so!
As Tony chatted about conventions and tourism - the boys and I soaked up the billboards. We got that tickly feeling one gets when they enter Disney property and start hitting all of the familiar purple signs. I knew we were getting close when we zoomed past Animal Kingdom. I paused to take a deep breath. I wanted to soak up the entire resort as we entered. Wow! Those thatched roofs are amazing! As we get in further we’re soon basking in the bounties of African splendor. They have little simulated fire pits as sidewalk lights. Way Cool! The Lodge is not massive upon driving up. I was surprised. It’s very deceiving. Once you enter the grand doorways the gates of vastness open. What a spectacular lobby.
I stood in the doorway and just gazed in awe. It’s impressive, to say the least. The woods are very dark in color - as the soft hues glimmer from the light fixtures. (Jeremy felt it was too dark.) It does take a minor adjustment for the eyes. We headed right over to the check-in counter. The line wait was pretty short. We had a wonderful staff member. We bonded immediately. Our room was ready. We obtained our 7-Day Park Hopper Plus Passes, received our maps, guides and general information and headed to our room.
I had requested nonsmoking, bunk beds, 3rd floor, close proximity to the Lobby, Arusha Savannah and the Zebra Trail. Every single one of our requests were met. What a perfect location. We had a viewing window on both sides of our hallway - right outside of our door. One overlooked the pool and the other the Savannah. We tossed our bags down on the floor and hightailed it to the balcony. I had heard so many rave reports about the animals. I had to see them for myself. We were not disappointed! There was a trio of ankole cattle drinking at the watering hole as zebra, gazelle and wildebeest grazed. What a spectacular sight. Tony sat on the balcony with the binoculars as the rest of us checked out the room.