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Lisa's cruise portion of her trip.
Port Orleans Riverside - our resort
Journey back to the days when giant paddle-wheelers steamed up the river and Mark Twain was just a young boy. That's what you will discover at Disney's Port Orleans Riverside Resort.
Here, Southern mansions and two-story Southern country cottages line a picturesque Mississippi River-style waterway. On Ol' Man Island, near the hub of the Resort, you will find a stocked fishing hole and a country-style pool.
Day one: Travel & Epcot
We woke up at 5:30 am. I was so excited. I didn’t even hit snooze. We were dressed and we were ready by 6:00 am. My Dad picked us up and took us to the airport. Greg loves the airport and he was so excited. We were definably a bunch of kids. We got there very early. We were 3 hours early. We checked in and the greatness of the trip started. We got upgraded to first class. We had some Breakfast and went to wait to board the plane. Two hours later we were on board and taking off. It was a smooth flight and only took about 2 hours.
When we arrived at the airport in Orlando the Disney Cruise line representative greeted us. She walked us to our bus that was going to take us to our Hotel. Our luggage was retrieved by Disney and taken to our hotel separately. We were the last people on the bus to be dropped off and anticipation was growing. We pulled up to our hotel and it was gorgeous. We stayed at the Port Orleans Riverside Resort. We got in line and did our check in for both the cruise and our land stay. A half an hour later we were in our room. We didn’t get a room in the building I requested, but we did get a King sized bed in a nice building. Our building was right next to one of six quite pools surrounding the resort. There was a larger center theme pool also. We went to the room and got our stuff together for the parks. When we checked into the resort we were given a “Key to the World Card”. It was out key to our room, our park admission, and our key to our cabin once we boarded the ship.
We headed to the bus stop and waited for the bus to Epcot. It came fairly quickly and we were finally on our way. We arrived at Epcot and all Greg could do was talk about how pretty and well themed everything was. We had some pictures taken in front of the world famous Spaceship Earth ball. After that we went to the Leave a Legacy place. In our Dream Maker Package we got one option. We had a few things to choose from, but we ended up getting the Leave a Legacy. They take you picture and you are etched into a tile that is placed in front of Spaceship Earth and they mail you a certificate and the location and then every time you visit Epcot you can find it. It is there for at least 20 years. I thought that was really cool. After that we went to a bench and planned out route.
We were both starving by now so we decided we wanted Fish and Chips from Harry Ramsden in the United Kingdom. We headed right and stopped by Ice Station Cool. We tried all of the Soda’s from around the world. EWE! Thank god for American pop! Next we traveled through Canada. This is where Greg started getting very impressed! After our trip to Canada we were in the UK. We headed over and got two orders of fish and chips and one Soda to share. The Cost was $15.52. We met a squirrel while we were there and fed him. He came right up to us. Even crawled up Greg’s leg.
We crossed over the bridge into France and had a couple take our picture with the Eiffel tower behind up.
In France Greg got a piece of Cheesecake from Boulangerie Patisserie. The Cost was $3.96. In Morocco we
just took some photos and went right to Japan. We had to check out the huge coy pond and had our picture taken a few more times. I was getting so tired and my poor feet were killing me so in America we sat down for a few. I had gotten new shoes for Christmas and I didn’t think they would hurt my feet. Boy was I wrong. I was miserable most of the trip and in pain a good deal of it too. After a rest we hit Italy and watched the living statue. We were tempted to try some of the beers and ales in Germany, but were on a time crunch so after a few quick photos in the Outpost, China and Norway I rested in Mexico and Greg took a bathroom break. We did ride the boat in Mexico, El Rio del Tiempo, “River of Time”. That was the last of our world travels. It was getting dark so we needed some shots a crossed the lagoon of all of the lights.
After the World showcase we wanted so excitement so we got to Test Track and the wait was 90 minutes. We opted out of Test Track because we knew we only had time to stand in line for almost 2 hours for one ride and having to make the decision we choose Mission Space. Let me just tell you this was the coolest ride I have ever been on! I loved it so much. We stood in line for over an Hour and a half and that was the single rider line. We both rode with other families of 3.
By now we were famished again and wanted to go to Beaches and Cream at the Beach Club resort. We went to the busses, but couldn’t find one to the Beach club so we took a taxi. I think that the Taxi driver went the long way and it took us forever and we had a $10 taxi bill! We finally got there and we were on the wrong side of the resort so after much walking we made it to the Restaurant and it was a 90-minute wait. We waited and I am glad we did. We had great food and even better Ice Cream. We used out Quick and Casual Meal tickets here. I had bought 6 of them for $11 a piece months ago. We both had burgers and onion rings and sundaes and drinks. The total would have been well over $40, but we just used our tickets and walked out. Even the tip was included. We went to the bus stop and got a bus to the Magic Kingdom and transferred to the bus for Port Orleans and finally after midnight we were in bed! It was a great day.
Our total miles walked were 5.98!
Day Two: MGM-Disney Studios & Carriage Ride & Hoop Dee Doo Dinner show
We were up bright and early today. We got ready and left the hotel, got on the MGM bus and we were there within minutes. Soon as we got off the bus we seen Goofy and Chip and Dale. We waited in line for photos with them and then we took off. We went right towards the Tower of Terror. Greg went to get Fast Passes to the Rockin Roller Coaster and then we got in line for the Tower of Terror. It was wonderful. I love the feeling of falling. Greg was way impressed by this ride. After that we had like 15 minutes to kill before the RRC so we got some Orange Juice and Bananas. Cost $7.00. Then we went and walked right on to the Rockin Roller Coaster. I love this ride. No head banging and it is so fast.
When we were done in this section we went over to see the Muppets 3-D show. Then we did Star Tours. When Greg was a kid his only reason for wanting to visit WDW was to ride on Star Tours. I personally don’t care for that kinda ride. Greg really had fun though. We got fast passes for the Indiana Jones Show and went to have lunch while we waited. We ate at the Backlot Express, We had Chili Cheese dogs and fries and we shared a Sprite. Cost $19.00. After we finished eating it was just time to make the show. The show was wonderful as ever and Greg really enjoyed it! So now we finished that section also.
On the way to the Ride the Movies ride we saw the Monsters, Inc. door. It said that Mike and Sully would be appearing in like 15 minutes. We sat and waited and talked with a group of people who were staying in our same resort. I got t be fist to meet Mike and Sully! It was fun. After that we Rode the Movies and walked a round a bit more. We had to leave the park early so we could make it to our Carriage Ride and our Hoop Dee Doo Dinner show.
We went back to the Hotel and went swimming in the pool right outside of our room. Then we needed showers
and all. My feet were ready to fall off! The blisters were so big and sore by now. I had to wear Flip-Flops
to dinner. We took a walk up to the front of our resort and then got a cab over to fort wilderness. From
there we had to take a bus over to the Pioneer Hall area. We had reservations to go on our carriage ride
at 8:30pm. We were a bit early so we sat on the porch in some rocking chairs and waited for the horse and
driver to show up. It was so pretty. We got on the buggy and drove around for like 20 minutes. This is
where Greg proposed! He was holding me and told me he loves me so much. I told him not as much as I loved
him! Well then he said to me “I don’t know how to say this” (I hate when he starts off like this…it worries
me to death). Then it hit me what he was doing and he got on his knee in the carriage and I was like “Oh my
God” He told me he wanted to spend the rest of his life with me and then said “Lisa, Will you marry me?” He opened this white box up and there we were in the middle of the Forrest in the pitch black and a tiny light comes from out of the center of the box and shinned right on the ring. My response was “It’s not January 5th” (I thought he was going to ask me on the 5th since he had made hints and said stuff about the 5th) He looked at me like “Answer me!” I laughed and said of course. He got back on the seat and I hugged him and kissed him and started crying. Then he said “Here” and he put the ring on my finger! It is the prettiest ring ever! Then driver took our picture and gave up Champaign. I was so excited. When we got off the Carriage I called everyone I knew. I started with my sister! She told me she already knew! I can't believe she didn't tell me.
After all that excitement we had the Hoop Dee Doo Dinner show. Then waitress seen me looking at my hand and asked if we just got engaged. I said yeah and she told every waiter and waitress there. They were all congratulating us. Even the cast of the show. Then the cast pulled us up and they sang an engagement song and made us dance in the center. I was so excited and when the dance ended Greg leaned over and kissed me! It was wonderful. Our waiter gave us a certificate saying that we had shared a Magical Moment with Disney and it was made out to the future Mrs. and Mr. Schneider! How sweet!
After the show ended we went to the busses to get back home and when we walked into the hotel room there was a gift on the bed to Greg from his “Fairy Godmother” It was a goodie box I had gotten delivered. It had Champaign flutes, a Mickey Hat, finding Nemo Playing Cards, and lots of sweets. He was so excited. I think this was the best day of the trip!
Miles Walked 4.02
Day Three: Magic Kingdom
Today started put bright and early. I wanted to be at the Magic Kingdom when they opened the Park. We were a few minutes late. We got to meet Daisy Duck; I have never met her before. Then we jumped right in to rides. First we went to the Haunted Mansion and then head over to FantasyLand. We rode the Peter Pan Ride, It’s a Small World, met Ariel in her Grotto and seen Mickey’s Philharmagic, not to mention a phone call to Shannon all before our 10:00am reservation to have breakfast in Cinderella’s Castle, with all of the princesses!
Breakfast was wonderful. We met the Fairy Godmother, Cinderella, Belle, Aurora, Snow White and Mary Poppins. They also found out we were newly engaged and brought over two Champaign glasses that said Cinderella’s Royal table on them. We left there and stopped at the Christmas store. I got a purple Mickey head made out of bells and Ariel’s wedding dress to hang on my tree. Off to the mountains we went! We got Fast Passes for Splash Mountain and stood inline for Big Thunder Mountain Railroad. Soon as we got off BTMR it was time to ride Splash Mountain. I love Splash Mountain. Greg loved it too. At the exit of Splash Mountain is the Railroad depot so we took the Steam Train on to the front of the park and took the bus back to the Hotel to nap. That we did. We watched the beginning of the Raven’s game and we were still winning when we left to go back to the park.
Before going back to the Park we went to eat at the Riverside Mill, which was the restaurant in out hotel. I had a CheeseBurger and Greg had the Cheesesteak. With desert and a drink it would have been over $30.00, but we used two of our meal tickets and it was all included.
When we got to the Magic Kingdom we took the Steam Train around to Toon Town and we met Mickey, Pooh and Tigger. This is when I finally got a hold of Nikki. We also toured Mickey’s house. We went into a store and I bought Nikki and I a Minnie Pen with a vale and the Cast Member was talking to us about getting engaged and she was really nice. After we paid for our stuff I wanted to try on a Princess hat and have Greg take my picture. The Cast Member seen us and rushed over with a Bride and Groom hat. She took out picture for us. It turned out so cute. It was getting close to fireworks time so we found a great spot on the bridge between Tomorrow Land and the Castle and the new fireworks show was amazing.
My poor blistered toes were so sore by now, but I had to keep up pace so we could see it all. We headed to Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin. Greg beat me! After that we went to claim seats for Spectromagic. We got good ones in front of the Castle. Greg ran to buy some souvenirs for people and I saved out seats, and called Lisanne. Spectromgic was wonderful! Just as good as I remember.
It was already 11:00pm by the time that was over so we had time for one more ride. The Carousel of Progress. It is my favorite ride in all of WDW. Greg seemed to enjoy it too. After that we went and did some more shopping. I got a picture frame and a shirt. Greg got an Ice Cube Tray. We were beat and we started the journey back to the hotel. When we got there I took a shower and was out like a like immediately. Greg soon followed. We both decided that the Magic Kingdom was our favorite Park!
Total Miles Walked: 5.28
Day Four: Animal Kingdom & Travel to the Ship
Today we were so tiered the week was catching up to us. We woke up and finished our packing. We had to
stuff so much stuff into out suitcases and carryon bags. We should have brought an extra bag with us.
The Disney Cruise Line was picking up our luggage by 8:00am. They just come and get it right from your
room and when you get onto the ship it is waiting for you. Greg let me sleep in some while he went to
the front of the resort to get our packages that we had delivered the day before. If you are staying on
Disney Property they deliver your purchases right to your resort so you do not have to drag bags around
the park. When I got us I got showered and dressed. When we were all ready to go we headed out to the
bus. The Animal Kingdom bus came right away and within a few minutes we were there. We checked in our
carry on bags, that we wanted to take on the bus with us and got reserved seating for a show. The Disney
Cruise Line busses were picking us all up at the Animal Kingdom so we didn’t loose a day at the parks.
The buses were set to arrive at 12:30pm. As soon as we got into the park I could tell Greg loved it. We
ran into Lilo and Stich. I really didn’t feel funny about being the only grown up in line. We were very
excited to meet them. I still can’t figure out what they were doing in the Animal Kingdom, but oh well!
My feet were really killing me and I couldn’t take any medicine since I had not eaten yet. We took it all
very slow. We went back to the Safari in Africa and again Greg was majorly impressed with them theming.
It was great. We saw tons of animals. We then decided to skip the show we had gotten passes for since we
were getting hungry and we passed out show tickets off to a couple near by. The line for “It’s Tough to
be a Bug” was short so we watched that show. That show is so great. I loved seeing Greg jump during the special effects. By the time we finished is was already 11:00am so we went over to the Flame Tree BBQ. We shared a Ribs Platter and a Chicken Platter since we couldn’t decide. I like sharing better anyway, because every time someone gets something different it turns out to look better then mine. Both were great. We used up the last of our meal tickets. After that I found a seat and called my sister to say goodbye. Greg checked out the animals. We then retrieved our carryon bags from the holding area. It was time to go to the busses. We got on the second bus out of like 9 and I finally got a hold of one last friend, Rachel, before we got to the ship.
Lisa's cruise portion of her trip.
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