Originally Posted By MOLLYSMOM Cast of characters... Me (49) obsessed Disney freak DH (47, but will turn 48 on wednesday) DD (12) Obsessed Disney freak in training The half-wits called at 1:30 a.m. this morning to say that they had just arrived at their hotel. The train was a bit late, but the big problem was the taxi van from the station to the CCI. The first vehicle they sent was a car...not good with 7 people and 10 suitcases. The second vehicle they sent was an SUV...still no good. Finally, they sent over 2 cars, and off they went. The taxi company was told all along how many people there were, and how much luggage, so I don't really know what the deal was there. Apparently, the taxi company is run by half-wits. After 2 days of lounging in the pool and working on our tans, the wits are finally at day 0. I couldn't sleep, so I was up at 4:00 a.m. I brew up a pot of coffee. DH is snoring away, and DD is belly up in her bed. I put a splash of coffee in my mug of Bailey's Irish Cream and proceed to get ready. I have nothing else to do this morning, but wake my family up. I loaded the luggage in the car last night, and made sure the feeders for DD's critters were all full. At 5:30 a.m., I take a cup of coffee to DH and turn on the tv so he can watch the news. He gets up at 6:00 for his shower. I go into DD's room to awaken her at 6:15, but she appears to still be sleeping soundly. As I approach her bed, she flings back the covers, laughing like a lunatic from the state mental hospital. She is fully dressed and ready to go. I go change my shorts, and then I am ready to go. One last check before walking out the door at 7:00... Matching Disney t-shirts...check Belly packs firmly attached to bellies...check Pet the cats...check Pet the rabbit...check Kiss and hug the dog...check Lock the doors...check The housesitter will arrive later today to keep an eye on things. Our housesitter is 21, and the son of DH's best friend. I have the fridge fully stocked with food and beer. We are now on the road for our trip to the airport extended parking lot. Once there, we pick a spot, and as we are unloading our luggage, the shuttle arrives to take us to the airport. While on the shuttle, we are offered Starbuck's coffee. Had I known this, I would have brought along my bottle of Bailey's. It takes less then 10 minutes to get to the airport and our Alaksa Airlines gate. Time stamp...8:00 a.m. Our flight leaves at 9:30. As we sail through security, DD is asked if we are going to Disneyland. Let's see...three people in matching Disney t-shirts, DD in a Tinkerbell hat, pin lanyard around her neck, Disney watches, 22 Disney keychains dangling from DD's belly pack, 12 Disney charm bracelets dangling from my wrists, Disney carry-on bags, Disney decals on our freshly painted toes and nails...good call, security. The skyways are safe. After announcing our arrival to the nice lady at the Alaska Airlines desk, we wave goodbye to our luggage, and say a silent prayer that it will arrive safely with us at SNA. We head to the waiting area. DD goes to the window to watch planes, DH takes a cat nap, and I head for the bar and a Bloody Mary. I select one that has the cucumber spear and stalk of celery since I have not yet had breakfast. Our flight number is eventually called, and the theme music from "Jaws" starts resounding in my ears. I turn to look behind me, slug DH in the arm, and tell him to "knock it off." He is laughing, and pretty pleased with himself for thinking of doing that. As I walk across the tarmak to our wimpy Horizon Airlines plane, I feel like a Death Row inmate headed for the electric chair. Once seated, I start to fiddle with the stuff in the seat pocket. Old airline magazine, barf bag, fishy cracker wrapper...I guess we're getting fishy crackers this flight. I look foreward to biting the heads off of each and every one of them. The engine fires up, and I realize that my riding mower sounds more powerful than this toad. We are all going to die. As we taxi down the runway, I assume the crash position, which I will retain until we reach our cruising altitude. Thankfully, our flight to Seattle is a mere 45 minutes, and then I can get off this rattle trap and onto the "big boy" plane. Once the plane starts to land, I again assume the crash position, and remain there until the plane comes to a complete stop. DD then taps me on the shoulder and tells me that I am alive. Get me off this plane!!! We have a 1 hour lay-over at Sea Tac. I must say, thet Sea Tac has a wonderful food court, and several nice spots to grab a quick beer. DD and DH head for giant muffins, and I head for a giant beer. Before I know it, we are back on the plane, and I am praying like a cloistered nun that we land safely. I have 2 beers while in flight, and I am feeling a bit better about the possibility of crashing. I am not a fan of John Wayne, but once we land, I head for his statue so I can kiss his feet. DD and I head for the luggage carousel, and DH heads for the car rental desk to retrieve our ride. Red and black luggage, come on down!!! We realize in short order that red and black luggage are the most popular colors of luggage. Eventually, we find our 4 pieces, and return the luggage we had previously removed from the carousel (believing it to be ours) to the travelers giving us nasty looks. We let out a "whoop" and give high-fives to each other, and head out to find DH. Thank you, Thrifty car rental! For a mere $84.00 a week, they have bestowed upon us a burgundy 2007 Ford Mustang!!! Ya, baby!!! We load the trunk, and don our sunglasses so we look as ultra cool as our car, and head for the hotel. Heading down the freeway, we realize that we must again drive like maniacs or die. Before we know it, we are throwing our stuff in room 358 of the BWPPI, and racing for the gate. Time stamp...3:30. Just as we reach bag check, DH taps me on the shoulder and says, "look", and points to...the half-wits. What are the odds of that encounter? They have spent the day at Downtown Disney, and are now headed back to the CCI because they are tired. Sis 2 looks at us oddly and asks if we will be wearing matching t-shirts all week. I guess they think it's stupid. We ditch the half wits, and ask them to call us when they get to the park. I remind them that if they want to use their early entry, the next day is the only day they can use it with their schedule. I advise them that with only 3 days in the park, they will find that early entry is a great advantage. DH has been dying for a margarita, and asks if we can go to CA first and get one, and then maybe ride Soarin'. That's fine, so that's where we head first. We grab a 'rita at Rita's, and sit for a spell, taking in the sights and sounds. We then grab another 'rita and head over to Soarin'. It's a 30 minute wait. The ride is awesome as usual. We head for DL and the first churro cart we see. DD also wants popcorn. Since we are here for 6 days, we have the luxury of leisurely strolling through the park, so that is exactly what we will do. We wander down Main Street and window shop, and happen past a great spot to watch the 6:30 parade. We loved the parade, and got tons of pictures. Now, for our first ride in DL. I get to go on my favorite...POTC. I don't normally care for changes to things that are familiar to me, but the new pirate ride is pretty cool. For whatever reason, DH wants to go on the Matterhorn next. Indy is his favorite ride, so I am a bit confused...whatever. After the Mattterhorn, we head for Buzz. I scored a whopping 28,000 points, shattering my previous record of 12,000. I really stink at this, but I get so involved with gawking around that I forget to shoot. We decide to stake out a spot for fireworks. Beautiful as always. When DD sees Tink fly, she starts to cry. Aaahhh...the Disney Magic hits. After the fireworks, we hit BTMRR, Splash, Indy and Jungle Cruise. I have screamed my head off, and am already hoarse. I'm a screamer...it's what I do. Off to Hungry Bear for burgers. We hang out there for a bit, and say hi to the Disney ducks. When I die, I want to be a duck at Disneyland. It is now 11:50, so we decide to head towards Main Street for an ice cream. We get big waffle cones, and head for the hotel. It was hard to go to sleep, so we decided to order in food. There's a Chinese place that will deliver until 2:00 a.m. We ordered, got out food at 1:00 a.m., and crashed out at about 2:00. End of day 1. I know you're waiting for the stupid stuff, but remember...the half-wits weren't with us today.
Originally Posted By sherrytodd <<<End of day 1. I know you're waiting for the stupid stuff, but remember...the half-wits weren't with us today.>>> No, this is great. It put into perspective what happens once the Halves join. It's kind of the control group of the vacation days.
Originally Posted By Disneyma Yes, it gives insight into the control group on your trip I can't wait for Day 2!!
Originally Posted By Tiggirl MOLLYSMOM... the great thing about flying Horizion Air is they give you FREE beer or wine in the flight. ) WOO HOO! Though they may not have been serving it that early. ~Beth
Originally Posted By Tinkerbell819 The report is even more awesome than I expected! Look out, Janet Evanovich, Mollysmom is ready for the NYTimes Best seller list! (Janet E. writes the Stephanie Plum novels, MollysMom makes me laugh as hard as she does!)
Originally Posted By MOLLYSMOM Correct you are, Tiggirl. We got the free beer on the way home, but not on the way there. They apparently didn't care that I had been hittin' the bottle since 4:00 a.m. On to day 2, and our first experience with the half-wits......as soon as I do a little bit of work.
Originally Posted By wonderingalice Excellent reading! (And NICE car for the week! It's Redfire, btw... same color as mine! ;-) Can't wait for Part 2!
Originally Posted By DLTheo Great report, I wish I was there! Only 109 days to go! How is the attendance? Thanks for letting us all live vicariously through you!
Originally Posted By SoThisIsLove You're very much a more-irreverent Erma Bombeck, I think....you really are hilarious, and well-written. I have several favorite parts of this report (DD fully clothed....the airline vignettes...) It's a joy to read your work.
Originally Posted By MOLLYSMOM DLTheo...it was very busy while we were there, but I never minded the crowds...I think it adds to the fun. I'll bet 3 months from now when you go, it will be less busy.
Originally Posted By amazedncal2 Heading to buy waffle cones at 11:50 pm! YES! The best way to end a day at Disneyland
Originally Posted By debtee Thanks for coming back and taking us out of the misery of waiting. LOL Can I please ask...How do u get the chinese food? Can they deliver to the GCH? We have never had chinese food in America and I would like to see how it differs from ours in Oz. Also we also see those little white pots that the food comes in on your TV shows and they look so cool. Ours does not come like that.
Originally Posted By Steph-n-Kev Hey debtee My hubby and I ordered in chinese @ the HoJos in 2005 from Panda Express. Good food, but no white boxes :O( I want those too!! LOL There was a magazine at the hotel counter that listed all the takeaway places......
Originally Posted By MOLLYSMOM I don't remember the name of the restaurant, but we found it in a brochure in our hotel room.
Originally Posted By mickeymeg it sounds like you enjoy flying as much as I do. I have not tried the alcohol technique, but I have over dosed on gravol or over the counter sleeping aides just enough to make sure I am dopey enough to care less =)
