Cindy Durrett & Family - March 2007

Trip Report - March 18 - 23, 2007
Who: Cindy D., DH, DS#1 (10 y.o.) and DS#2 (9 y.o.)
Where: Old Key West, 1-BR Villa, Building 26, 2nd floor

Sunday, March 18th

We left home this morning where it was 32 degrees ... and we're in north FL. We tried the new route (toll road 429 off the turnpike) and can I tell you how wonderful that route is? No traffic, no stress, nothing but orange groves and pine trees! And the toll is just $1... which is just 50 cents more than if we'd gone our usual route of going down to I-4 and heading back. We just followed the signs and came in by Coronado Springs. We decided it's the best way to go -- I-4 nearly always involves too much traffic, a wreck or stalled vehicle to navigate around, or a near-miss. I much prefer having my family in a less-dangerous place!

We arrived at OKW and checked in around 12:30 p.m. Our room wasn't available yet, but we were going to be assigned to one of our preferred buildings (23 - 26). So we decided to go back out and get some lunch and head over to the outlet stores, gas up, and then make a quick Publix stop. We took the route out by way of Saratoga Springs and were fine traffic-wise until we turned on Vineland off 535 and all that traffic that has to merge - well, let's just say we've decided to go the long-way around next time (which would be to take 535 to 536 and loop back around). Less traffic, less stress, and actually a little less time.

Anyway, we ate at the McD's across from the outlet mall - it was clean, the order was fast (and RIGHT) and the kids ate well. The Outlet mall was pretty crowded - we checked out the Character Premier but didn't find anything we needed / wanted today, but will likely check back on Friday before we leave. We got gasoline at the Hess on 536 which was 2 cents a gallon less than the Hess on property (and right on the way back for us).

Our room still wasn't ready around 3 p.m. so we checked our cold items and hung out at Community Hall for a while. We really like how they rearranged it since our last stay - the air hockey table is in the back and the "little kids" area is closer to the front. Foosball and darts have also been moved to the back. We checked out Babes in Toyland on DVD which the boys are watching right now. I don't think they've seen it before.

About 3:30 we took the DVC Ferry over to Downtown Disney and back - about 45 minute round trip, and when we got back, our room was ready, so we got our cold stuff and walked up to our room (they had told us which building we'd be in, so we'd already parked the car there). We got settled in, fed the kids a sandwich and yogurt, and now are just hangin' out til the movie is over and we'll head over to MK which has EMH tonight which means the park is open til 2 AM - so you can see why we don't feel the need to rush out!

Now, about the villa. This is our first stay in a 1-BR and we immediately agreed that any time we come for more than 2 nights, we'll stay in a 1-BR rather than a studio if points / season permit. It's spacious and nice to not be on top of each other. DH is enjoying the balcony. We brought a queen-sized aerobed for one of the boys and there is enough room by the sleeper-sofa that we can put it there (just need to move a chair and lamp over) and that way the boys don't have to sleep together, and DH and I *can* sleep together

The boys are amazed at the bathroom, especially the tub! I think they will enjoy taking baths! I wish there was a "not through the bedroom" entrance into the bathroom (at least the toilet area) for night, but that's ok.

We brought food for some meals in the room - lunches and some dinners - which will save some $$ (and offset the cost of my HSIA) and also ensure that DS#1 eats a better balanced diet than he usually gets at WDW.

The weather - it's a cool 70-something with a slight breeze - I think it will get a little chilly tonight, but I'd rather be chilly than hot! The weather is supposed to get warmer each day that we're here.

We went to MK around 7 p.m. It was still pretty crowded when we got there, but being as MK-savvy as we are, we managed around the crowds. We took the train around to Fronteirland to check out Big Thunder Mountain but it was closed for a bit, so we hopped on the Liberty Belle and had a leisurely ride around, then headed for the Haunted Mansion - no wait. Crowds were gathering for SpectroMagic, so we skirted around to Fantasyland where we walked right into Mickey's PhilHarmagic and then the boys went on Snow White's Scary Adventures. Wishes was getting ready to start, so we went back over to check BTMRR situation but it was a 40 min. wait, so we decided to grab some snacks, found a seat outside Country Bears and watched the fireworks.

Next the boys went on Aladdin (only had to wait for the one ahead of them to go) and then we did Pirates - the line was 12 minutes. BTMRR was STILL 40 minutes (and DH wasn't digested enough from his hot dog) so we moseyed on over to Tomorrowland. Buzz Lightyear had a huge back-up, so we did what we always do - got on the TTA While on the TTA we noticed that the Laugh Club was open (or whatever it's called - the new thing) so we went over there next and had to wait for one show to finsh and another to go before we got in, but the kids enjoyed the show (it was just ok for adults, I would say). We have a family-thing about Roz -- my DH always uses a Roz voice to mimic me because ONE TIME at Sam's Club, I said "we don't need that DVD - put that DVD back" to him and the kids and that's all I ever hear! So of course it was great fun for them since Roz has a big role in the show.

The queue for Buzz was non-existent by then, so DH and DS#2 smoked me and DS#1. They both hit the 100,000 point Z multiple times. One more check on BTMRR (it was 11:30 by then) and the line still said 40 minutes but it was more like 15 minutes, so we went. By then, the boys said they had had enough (and DH and I agreed!) so we left.

Fortunately we had thought ahead and had set up the boys' beds before we left so all they have had to do was shower and crawl in bed -- although our aerobed has somehow gotten a pin-hole leak in it, so DH is working on the patch right now. One DS is zzz'ing and the other just went to lay down on the other bed.

Tomorrow is "split apart day" where one boy / one parent spend the day together. Not sure what's in store for either of us adults - we're leaving it to the kids to plan. Our only plan is to meet back at OKW in time to make dinner. Oh, and I"m cooking biscuits for breakfast in a few hours So nice to have a kitchen!

to be continued....

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