Let The Vacation Begin!

Yesterday as I rode the Tragic Express (aka the Magical Express-but let me tell ya, there's nothing Magical on the bus ride back to reality.) back to the Orlando International Airport, I couldn't help but think of how each one of my trips to Walt Disney World has been different. Sure, every time I do some of the same things, but there are so many things I haven't done yet. This trip was filled with many firsts-which I will be blogging about for quite awhile! 

Here's a list of some of my firsts:

1. Just my husband and I went 

2. Keys to the Kingdom Tour

3. Ballyhoo Tour

4. Resort hopping (Boardwalk Villas, Saratoga Springs, and Beach Club Villas)

5. Car rental from the Dolphin

6. First time Magic Band user

7. Went off site

8. 1900 Park Fare

9. Made an ADR 90 minutes before we needed to be there! (Trail's End)

10. Hollywood Brown Derby

11. Top of the World Lounge

12. ESPN Zone

13. Boardwalk Bakery

14. Big River Grille

15. ABC Commissary

16. Biergarten

17. Not going to the parks every day-the first day being one of them!

18. Freezing while in Florida

And...who knows what else I'll remember. The days all start to blur together after awhile. ;-)

 

For now I'll leave you with what I always consider the first part of a Disney Vacation. Being in line for the Magical Express. (And it IS the Magical Express-when you arrive!)

Snowpocalypse!

I couldn't help but think of a tropical escape when the winds were howling and Mother Nature was busy throwing white fluffy hate at us for over 12 hours yesterday. There's nothing quite like winter in the Midwest to get one thinking of a getaway.

But what happens if you're on your way to your way to palm trees, blue waters, and umbrella drinks and Mother Nature gets all crazy? You bags are packed and you're ready to go. Except...flights are starting to be cancelled and you're not sure what to do.

First off, if you haven't left your house yet (lucky you because who wants to spend extra time at the airport?), keep checking on your flight. You can check your flight status online or by calling the airline. Most airlines also have apps that will keep you up to date on things. If you're already at the airport, get in line at the ticket counter and see what can be done. While you're waiting in line, you can call the airlines and see if you get through that way quicker. With so many people needing to reschedule a flight and only so many spots available, you'll want to get rescheduled as soon as you can.

If you're like me, you purchased travel insurance. I don't like tempting fate, so I always purchase it. I like to think of it as purchasing insurance so I don't need to use insurance. I know as soon as I don't, Mother Nature is going to bust out a freak snowstorm on MY travel day, and I don't want that happening.

So, where was I?

Oh! Your travel insurance. Call the company your policy is with and have them help you out as much as they can. That's what you bought it for, right? Right. They can advise you on what your coverage is and how much they'll pay out based on your policy and circumstances. Insurance can help make a bad situation a little less stressful.

And no matter what, remind yourself that everyone wants to be on their way as fast as possible. There's bound to be cranky people around you. Don't let them pull you in to that world of grumpiness. Even Mother Nature has to sleep, and eventually everything will pass and you'll be on your way.

Now, let's all hope that Mother Nature feels like making it nice and sunny for my departure next week. My groovy suitcase is ready to head to my HappyPlace! I have lots of firsts coming up on this trip!

Stay tuned!