Chris & Jess's Birthday Trip

Day One

Okay, this is trip was for my 25th bday. It was me, and Chris (24) and as a little history, the first time I've celebrated my bday in years. So, anyway, the first day was Friday, August 2.

I was planning to get up at 7:00 am, and be out the door by 7:30, on our way to the "World", but it didn't happen quite that way. I have sporadic bouts of insomnia, and one of them struck the night before. Not even Benadryl would help me sleep. So, when the alarm went off and I looked at Chris and said,"Okay, eight it is" (he had been insisting the previous night that we'd never make it out when I'd planned to) The alarm went off the second time, and we got up and started to get ready. I had all the clothes laid out, and everything packed except the cell phone chargers, so after making the bed and throwing the chargers in the bag, we headed out.

It's about a 5-5 1/2 hour trip, so we took along an audio book, as usual. I drove for a few hours, until we got to the other side of Jacksonville, we stopped at Wendy's and grabbed some lunch. Then, Chris took over, and I promply went back to sleep.

We arrived at about 2:00 pm. We were checking into the All Star Sports for our first night. We had absolutely no interest in staying in this resort other than our desire to stay at all of the resorts. Sports was the last one we had to try. We were in line forever to check, but finally did and found out that our room wasn't ready yet. We purchased tickets for the e-ride night, and I asked if the monorails would still be running to the TTC at the end of the night. The CM called and found out that while the monorails would run, the trams wouldn't, so we opted to take the Disney transportation instead. Back to the car to grab the backpack and put on our sport sandals, and then we headed off to Epcot. After going through security we headed onto SE. (Chris insists he doesn't feel that he's in Disney until we've gone on it) After SE, we wandered around, out into the World Showcase. I wanted to see the Anne of Green Gables store in Canada, (it was my favorite book growing up) and I always have to go in the little shops in the UK. We kept wandering around until we hit the American Adventure where we settled on one of the planters, under a tree until we could get seating for Shockwave.

We had seen Shockwave on our previous trip, and loved it, this time there were some different people. The musicians were out in the audience more than the previous show, and unfortunately, the color guard was worse than the last time.

After Shockwave, we continued our sightseeing in the World Showcase ending up in Mexico. We went in to ride El Rio del Tiempo, but found a line and decided to skip it. Outside, Chris "discovered" that they had churros, so of course had to buy one. (He can't go through the place without one)

Then, we headed up into FutureWorld to go to Mousegear. I had told Chris that I wanted a tiara to wear for my bday trip, and although he tried, he was unable to find a place that could ship him one in time for the trip. So, I figured I'd find one at Disney. The tiaras were all too small for me, so I found a substitute. I ended up buying a pink sequined headband, with pink sequined mouse ears attached. Between the two ears was a mesh butterfly and in the center of the butterfly was a ribbon rose. Three mesh scarves hang down in the back. I was sold on it immediately, and proceeded to wear them everywhere the entire weekend.

Then, it was time to go back to the UK for our PS at Rose & Crown. We had a wonderful dinner. We split the fruit and cheese plate as an appetizer, then split the fish and chips for dinner. Then, for dessert we got the sherry trifle and the chocolate mousse and shared those too.

After we ate, we headed over to the MK, taking the monorail to the TTC, and the ferryboat to the MK. We went through security and into the park, where we exchanged our e ride tickets for wristbands. We then headed into Town Hall where I got my birthday button and a call from Goofy. They were getting ready for Spectro Magic, so we headed out to Adventureland, so Chris could ride Pirates. While he was on the ride, I checked out my feet, which were in bad shape. (I had been wearing the sport sandals at home without a problem) Now, I had blisters on the balls of both feet and huge ones on both heels. When he got off the ride, I asked him to take me to the first aid center.

We got to the first aid center, where I was given band aids and stickers. Chris got some extra band aids, in case I needed them later. I put my sandals back on and hobbled off to Liberty Square. We went on the Haunted Mansion, and came out just as SpectroMagic had passed the area. We wandered our way into Fantasyland where we rode It's a Small World. We rode in one of the wheelchair boats, which I thought was a little strange. Then we headed out to the hub to watch the fireworks.

After the fireworks, we sat in the hub for a bit waiting for people to leave. Then it was off to Casey's for some hotdogs and fries. We headed over to Tomorrowland because Chris wanted to ride Space Mountain. He told me to sit somewhere well lit, so I found a chair that was just hanging out in the middle of the road, in front of the ride, and put my feet up on the planter and pulled out my book. He came out and laughed.

Then it was off to Buzz Lightyear, where he throughly stomped me. At that point, it was after 11 and I couldn't take it anymore. We headed out, stopping at the bakery to get snacks and a drink before limping out to the bus. On the bus, I opened my Sprite, which then spilled out. The bus driver just sort of looked at me while all the other people were pulling out tissues and napkins to help me. It was strange.

We got back to ASSports and waited in line again to find out our room number. We had been assigned to the Touchdown building, as I had requested, on the third floor. We got the car, drove around and found our room. We had been given one of the disabled rooms. This was the first time we'd had a king size bed at Disney. We generally try to request them, but rarely get them. Anyway, the room has the table and chairs that the others do, a king size bed, two night stands, and the usual dresser cubes. The bottom left cube isn't drawers, it contains a small fridge. The sink is a little lower and I think a little smaller than the usual rooms, and there is an extra shelf in the closet area, a little lower, and the safe is only about two feet off the ground. The bathroom is much bigger, with a sliding door. And, the tub is lower and has a hand held shower head. After showering and rebandaging my feet, we settled into bed. Jessica



Day two

The phone rang with our wakeup call, so it was time to get up. It was Stitch again, so Chris was thrilled. I had arranged for Express check out the day before, so that we could just get up and go. We got ready, I put on my bday button and my mouse ears, and we threw the last few things into the bag, then headed out.

We got the car, loaded the bag into it, then drove over to the TTC. After getting off the tram, we headed past the ticket window, to find a group of CM's moving people over to one of the gates. We stopped them asked where to go for our PS, and they directed us to another gate. We were quickly through it and up on the monorail platform.

We took the monorail over to the MK, then went through security. Then, an incident that irritated me occured. They were not admitting most people, as it was just before opening time, but were admitting people with PS. We got into a line, and the people in front of us managed to take over 5 minutes trying to decide if they wanted to take the kids out of the stroller, or push them through the gate in the stroller. Then, as they were about to go through, another guy who was behind us, just pushed his stroller into me and as I started to step aside, he went ahead of us, and through the gate!!

Eventually, we were through, but by this time, we were now fighting the crowds that had been let into the MK for the day (and it was a Sat) so we were a little late by the time we got to the castle.

In any event, we were taken upstairs and seated, at the little table for two by the window. (we always seem to get that table) Breakfast was fantastic, as usual. I was given a certificate that all of the characters signed. We saw Belle, Cinderella, Aurora, Snow White and Prince Charming. There were some pictures taken, and then when Belle came over, the CM brought out a muffin with a candle, and the CM, Chris and Belle sang Happy Birthday to me. Belle is one of my favorite characters, so I was excited.

After eating, we headed downstairs, and went into the shop under the castle. There we found the lithograph of Cinderella and the Prince standing on the bridge. So, of course, I had to buy it.

Then, we headed out back to the Tinkerbell store. I like to watch Tink. There we found more lithos. This time we found Belle, Beast and the rose, and one with Ariel in it. So, as we were looking at those, the CM asked if I'd had any messages lately. I knew what was coming, but didn't have the heart to tell her I'd already gotten the call. So, again I got a bday call from Goofy, and afterwards told her how much I loved watching Tink fly around. Then she told me that if I had been in the store at 9 am, I could have woken her up. Apparently, they pick one person each day to "wake" Tink up. (usually a little girl- so if anyone has a daughter who loves Tink, try for this) This was sad news to me, but I'd been eating breakfast in the Castle, and there was nothing that could be done. We purchased the lithos and then decided to head out.

We took a slow trip up to the front of the park, stopping in a bunch of stores. I found something I liked in Arribas Bros, but wanted to sit on it for a while before I bought it. Chris wanted to look at pins in the camera center (they have a lot, it's air conditioned, and they usually have the special ones) And, afterward, I decided I needed a rest, so we grabbed two rocking chairs and sat down for a bit.

Afterwards, we decided to head over to the Polynesian to see if we could check in yet. I didn't just want to take the monorail (plus the crowds coming in from it were huge) so, we instead hopped on the resort launch. We then realized we'd have to get the car and that we wanted our first view of the Polynesian to be special, so we got off the launch at the Grand Floridian, headed to the Main building, and then got on the monorail. That, of course, took us right back to the MK, but we settled in and rode to the TTC. Then, it was a short tram ride to the car, and off to the Polynesian. (Note, if you're going from the TTC to the Polynesian, don't head left out of the parking lot) We ended up going back through the MK gates, and were quickly headed in the right direction.

We pulled up to the valets outside the Great Ceremonial House, and unloaded the car. The valets directed us to sit on a little golf cart, and we were soon zipping around the grounds to the Concierge check in. Upon arrival, we found out that they didn't have our room ready, and even though they tried, there were no others available at the time. So, we checked our bag with bell services, checked into the hotel and then headed up to the lounge to rest a bit.

The lounge is great. We got some cookies and sodas, and settled down in the upstairs seating area. After resting for a bit, and checking out the map and other info about the resort, we decided to walk back to the Ceremonial House and get the car. (When we planned this trip, we realized it was going to be hot and crowded. We go to Disney a lot, and have a trip planned in about a month, so decided that we wanted to see Shockwave and experience the Concierge. So, this wasn't a commando trip, and that's why we sort of didn't do too much)

The walk was great, the resort is so beautiful. We saw the volcano pool, and the beach, and then were awed by the Ceremonial House. We took some pictures, and then headed for the car.

Once we had the car, we headed off to Downtown Disney. I wanted to see the new Toy store, do some shopping and Chris wanted to build a pin. We parked and headed in. We quickly found Once Upon a Toy and wandered around in awe. We had purchased the monorail for our Christmas tree last year, and now they have the Contemporary, Spaceship Earth, Polynesian and Grand Floridian to go with it. They also have a castle you can put in the middle and various rides that you can hook up, to go off when the monorial passes. They even have a Haunted Mansion playset. I know what Chris wants for Christmas now. The store is just huge, with so many incredible toys. The main thing I brought Chris there for was the make your own Potato Head.

When you walk in the main entrance, in front of you is a circular table that has these huge bins on top of it. Sort of like bulk candy bins, the kind where you can get different flavored jelly beans by the pound. Well, in these tubes are potato head parts. You pick up a head and a box from the bottom of the table, and then pick your parts. You get all the parts you can fit in the box for 12.00. I don't think it's a bad price, especially for a personalized souvenir. A little tip- put the small parts into the head, and the box doesn't close flat, it's sort of arched like a happy meal box.

Chris picked out all sorts of parts, from an autograph book to a mickey ice cream bar. They have different noses and mouths, Peter pan hats, bowlers, baseball caps, a gas mask, flip flop feet, high heels, bunny slippers, sneakers and even a tea cup base. There's MM sunglasses, MM videocameras, earrings, etc. We ended up with too many accessories for one box, so I made a potato head, too. Then, we paid and headed out. We went over to the Pin place. As I said in another email, it's taken over the old toy store that didn't really have any walls. It's directly across from Once Upon a Toy.

We picked out some pins there, and then checked out the make your own. We each got a base, and some add ons. There are some that you can have engraved, too. We paid and watched while our pins were being made.

Then, it started to rain. We headed to the Gourmet Pantry to pick up a small bottle of wine and a wineglass. Then we checked out a few other stores, before deciding that it was time to head back to the resort. I needed to rest- my feet were killing me. We left passing through EuroSpain, where I got another look at the piece I was thinking about buying.

We left and drove through the rain back to the Polynesian. Again we dropped off the car with the valet and headed back to the Hawaii building. They had our room ready for us, so we went to check it out. I had been sort of hoping that we'd be upgraded, but it was pretty busy, so they were unable to. We had room 1520, first floor of the Hawaii building, garden view. Chris was thrilled, because as we peeked through the curtains, there were ducks wandering our patio.

The room itself was huge. Much bigger than any hotel room I've seen before. When you walked in the closet was on your right. Inside the closet was an iron, ironing board, shelves, an extra pillow and blanket and a free standing safe. On your left was the bathroom. When you walk into the bathroom, the toilet was in front of you, turned sideways and half hidden by a wall. The wall had the mirror on it, and the vanity in front of it. To the left of the mirror was the tub. The bathroom was large and very pretty. Continuing into the room, it opens up and on the left are two queen sized beds, with little bamboo things hung over them and a nightstand between them. On the right is a space for the luggage stand (in the closet) then the armoire for the tv, complete with a locking refrigerator in it, and then a large daybed. The entire back wall was windows, and a sliding door that led to the patio that had a table and two chairs. Also in the room were the usual table and two chairs.

We looked around in awe, and then settled in for a bit. Chris headed out to the lounge to get some drinks and check on where our bag was. Before he got back, the bell services guy was at the door with the bag. Luckily Chris showed up, as I had no cash on me to tip the poor man. We had our drinks, then settled down on the bed to rest. Chris napped off an on, then a phone call came. One of the guys in the Concierge lounge said he'd seen Mickey running down the hall giggling and thought he'd put something under our door. We checked and it was a birthday card for me.

We settled back down and ended up both napping. I got up and showered, then woke Chris up as it was time to see what the lounge had for hors deorves. They had some fruit and some chicken fingers. We just grabbed a drink and relaxed in the room a bit more until it was time to go back to the Ceremonial House for our PS at 'Ohana.

Chris hadn't really wanted to eat there, I sort of cornered him into it. He told me I could eat whereever I wanted on my bday and since we were already at the resort, I opted for 'Ohana. Plus, he sort of wanted to try it after Stitch repeating the saying in the movie.

So, complete with my button and mouse ears, we headed out again. We checked in and were given a pager. I decided to check out the stores on the upper level, but it didn't go so well, as the pager went out of range. Soon, though it was going off and we were seated.

I can't tell you how much we both enjoyed the place. The food was so good!!! For starters you get a little tray full of bowls. In them are fried rice, grilled veggies, shrimp wontons, salad with lime vinagratte, and honey barbeque wings. The wings are so good!! I don't like shrimp, so I didn't care for the wontons, but Chris loved them. Also, there is a fruit sauce, a barbeque sauce and a peanut sauce. Oh, and you're given some really good, sweet bread.

Then the other food comes around. There is steak, shrimp, turkey and pork tenderloin. My favorite was the tenderloin with the fruit sauce on it. Chris of course loved the shrimp and the steak. Although, if you get the first shrimp off the skewer, it may be a little dry according to him. Oh, and the pineapple was so good!!

After dinner, we checked out the stores in the Ceremonial House and then wandered around on our way back to the room. We picked up leis in the Concierge lounge, and also got some snacks. Then, it was back to the room to get the camera. We headed out to the beach and settled into a hammock in the far corner. We just lay there watching the sunset and talking. Then, we realized that we were under attack and should have worn bug spray. Chris ran back to get the bug spray, while I settled on some chaise lounges on the beach and he got back just at the start of the water pageant.

We were excited to see the water pageant, as we'd meant to do it on many trips before but never had gotten to it. Well, we were pretty disappointed with it. I know there are people who love it and see it over and over, but I just don't understand how they can stand it. Once was plenty for us. Then, we decided that we weren't going to be bug food for the rest of the night and that we'd check out the fireworks from the lounge. After all, we'd seen them the night before, so it wasn't a huge deal. We went in, grabbed some more dessert and some drinks and got a table by the window. We settled in for the wait.

The only thing I would change about the lounge is that I would add restrooms to it. As it stands, there aren't any, so you have to head back to your room. Otherwise, it was great. The family at the table next to us totally trashed the place. They let their kids throw food all over and then just got up and left. I couldn't believe that.

The fireworks started, the lights dimmed and the music began. The windows were a little foggy, but otherwise, it was a great view. After the fireworks ended, we headed back to the room and settled in for the night. We briefly debated skipping the PS we had for 1900 Park Faire the next morning and ordering breakfast in bed instead, but decided to go with the original plan. Then, it was off to bed for us. Jessica



Day three

The phone rang and it was Stitch waking us up. At that point, we decided that we didn't feel like getting up and that instead of a room service breakfast, we'd just hit the Concierge Lounge. So, we rolled over and went back to sleep until 10:00 am. (Oh, I forgot to mention that we had tried to request a late checkout, but they were unable to give us one, as the room was booked for the night)

At 10:00, Stitch called again, and we got up. Chris ran up to the lounge to get breakfast while I got ready and packed up the last of the stuff. He returned with food, cheese and apple danish, cinnamon rolls and english muffins. The food was good, and it was nice to have a quiet little start to our day. Then, we double checked to make sure we had everything, checked our express check out to make sure the bill was right and headed out.

(OOPS- I forgot to mention that when we returned from 'Ohana the night before there had been an envelope on the bed for me, containing another certificate for my birthday. There was a card from the Concierge Group and a chocolate picture of the Polynesian. Also, I didn't mention turndown service, which was great. The beds were turned down, we had little chocolates left for us, with a ton of extras, and all new towels for the evening. Plus, they turned some lights on so we weren't returning to a totally dark room. Back to Day 3)

We headed back to the Ceremonial House, and checked our bag with bell services, and got our car. We went to pay for the valet parking ($12.00, 6.00 per day) but were told that it had been marked prepaid and that they weren't going to worry about it. We knew we hadn't paid for it, so we tipped them $10.00 when they brought the car. Then, it was off to Downtown Disney.

While playing in the room the night before, we had discovered that I'm not so smart. When I put my potato head together, I had forgotten that it needed a nose. Also, I managed to get two right arms and no left arm. So, we had to get new parts for mine. Of course, Chris was heartbroken that we had to return to the toy store. And, we had a mascot who wanted to see the place. (I'm not going to say what Figment did, I'll let the pictures speak for themselves later on)

We got to Downtown and headed into World of Disney. I had found a ring I loved the night before but wasn't able to find one that fit. (I have fat fingers, even when I was a size 6, I wore an 8 1/2 ring, now I need a 9) It was a band with amethyst in it, and had a Mickey head in the center. (Also a side note, when I get my past present and future band (of course, we need a little more past first) I want to have it custom made. Instead of the three diamonds in a row, I plan to have amethyst, as I don't really like diamonds and it's Chris's birthstone. Also, instead of three round stones in a row, well, one is large and two are smaller, so what does that suggest to you? Yep, I'm having a Mickey head. So, this ring I found was close to what I later want) Anyway, I looked all over for it and couldn't find it. The people in the stores kept assuring me it was in a 9, but when I could only find an 8 at WoDisney, I knew I wasn't going to find it.

So, after WoD, we headed to Eurospain. I had decided that I needed to own the piece after all. My parents had sent me Disney Dollars for my bday, so this is what they bought me. (I called my mom later and told her what they got me. She said she must have good taste, I said yes, and you even got a discount) Anyway, I love Beauty and the Beast. We are planning a vow renewal with that theme. So, I buy whatever I can find as far as collectibles. This one was a crystal sculpture, sort of. I'll do my best to describe it, and I'll try getting a picture of it, but I'm not sure how it will turn out. It's on about a 4 inch rectangular clear glass base. In the upper left hand corner, set diagonally is about a 3 inch glass circle, standing up. On the circle is Lumiere, Cogsworth, Mrs Potts and Chip, etched into the glass. Under them is etched the Disney's Beauty and the Beast logo. Standing on the bottom right corner, is a crystal figurine of Belle and Beast dancing. We then had it engraved, with Chris and Jessica. I love it. Also, the CM did the engraving free hand. I was surprised at how well it turned out.

After leaving the instructions for the engraving, we set off to Once Upon a Toy. I picked up another box full of potato parts- I think we now have every piece they make for it. Then, we took some pictures. We headed back to Eurospain and picked up my piece. Chris walked around looking at the lego sculptures, while I rested under the trees. (Chris works in a plant that has no airconditioning, so he's more used to the heat than I am. I can't tolerate it at all.)

We got back in the car, and headed to the Polynesian. We again valet parked the car, and headed inside. I looked in the stores a bit more and found another ring I liked. This one had polished pieces of shell instead of stones. However, they made this in a 9, so we bought it, along with some gardenia perfume. Then, we decided to have lunch at Captain Cook's. Chris ordered while I got us a booth. We ate, and then wandered the Ceremonial House one last time. We took a few more pictures, and went to collect the car for the last time. We had already left our coins in the water.

We drove home, encountering four huge thunderstorms, but made it by about 7:30. We stopped and picked up some nasty fast food (one of our trip rituals) and ate when we got home. Then we went through the packages, showered and got ready for bed. As we got into bed, Chris picked up the phone. I looked at him, smiled and said," Honey, you can't call and get Stitch to wake us up tomorrow" Turns out he just wanted to check on work. Oh well.

That's about it, the trip in a not so small nutshell. I hope you've enjoyed the recaps as much as I enjoyed reliving the trip. Hopefully we'll have the pictures up by the end of the week for anyone interested.

Jessica