Heading to Walt Disney World

2015 Walt Disney World Trip

April 4 – Edmonton

Who's on the trip....myself, my husband Phil, son Jeff, mom Jo, cousin Robert, friend Suzanne

Cab left our house at 7:05 am. Our driver was a pleasant East Indian gentleman who was leaving for Ottawa the following week. He was going to support his brother who was running in a federal by election after a career in the RCMP. I wish I had asked for names so I could have followed the election to see if he won.

Suzanne and her husband picked up Robert at 6:30 am.  After getting rid of their checked luggage, they went through security and waited for us at the departure gate.

Our plane left at 11:30 am. Since there was sleet and snow, the plane had to be de-iced. We had Plus seats which we were told allowed us to board early. I asked at the desk if we could bring Robert's carry on with us. Three of us would not be using the overhead storage for our bags so there would be plenty of room for his. The WestJet staff invited Robert to join us for the early boarding. Unfortunately when boarding was called, they called for people with children and needing assistance to board first (which was more than half the plane – it was going to Orlando after all – everyone had kids). They never did call for the Plus seats to be boarded early. So we got into the line with the families.

Apparently Plus seats also allows us to have the snacks that others pay for at no extra cost. Wish we had known that. We didn't find out until almost the end of the flight. No wonder the golfers seated around us were ordering so many drinks. Guess we subsidized their intake. Too bad....they were starting to get a bit obnoxious by the end of the flight.

We arrived at Orlando (MCO) at 6:30pm. Temperature 31C. Instead of going to the B section of the airport before looking for Magical Express (which we did know we should do), we tried section A, first floor. There is no connection for the public between sections A and B on that level. So back up to the 3^rd floor, across to section B, then back down to level 1. Low and behold....there is the Magical Express. Can you hear the sigh of relief?

As soon as we saw the Pop Century sign on the corner of the property, we started looking for the signs: “Are we there yet?”, “Air Conditioned Rooms”, “Colour TV”. Not sure why, but we get a kick out of spotting these signs.

I had used Touring Plans room view and fax option to make room requests for Mom, myself, Phil and Jeff. Touring Plans had sent the room request 5 days prior to our arrival. Will we get our preferred rooms?

Not only did we get our preferred rooms. They are connecting! Added bonus. We are in the 70's, Building 6. Next to us is Goofy with his surf board and fancy red car. Across from that is the smoking spot for Mom. Phil and Jeff have 6306 while Mom and I are in 6307. 

Yeah....3rd floor. Would have preferred 4^th, but we're happy. We access the elevators right under the Mickey holding the phone icon. Closer to our room is a stair case which is really close to the smoking spot and Classic Hall where the food court, shop and buses are located.

Next concern is where are they going to put Suzanne? Touring Plans only lets subscribers use their faxing service so I couldn't put in a room request for her. The cast member (CM) who assisted us had Suzanne come up with us while she took care of our check in. Suzanne was put in the same building, second floor. Not facing the fun statues, but very very close to the elevators. Room 6224.

Now, did Robert get to where he was staying for the next two weeks with no issues? Yep....Next Plus app is working for text messaging. There is a message from Robert that he is in his room and heading off for groceries.

Unfortunately, NextPlus is not working for the phone calls. So we are unable to call Suzanne's husband, Robert to let him know we got there safely and that Suzanne's room is close to ours.

We ate at Everything Pop and picked up our refillable mugs. This time we each were able to get different colours. Then we walked over to Art of Animation for Jeff to see it for the first time. Not sure he was as taken with the resort as Phil, Mom and I are.

Our luggage arrived at 1:20 Sunday morning. Kind of a late night. But we knew this was a possibility and we had the option of picking up our luggage and bringing it with us on Magical Express. I'd rather wait and let Magical Express take care of it.