We are long time DIS'er, have been going to WDW since 1999, and have been DVC members since 2001.
We have been doing Disney cruises for the last 3 - 4 years, so it has been several years since we were at "the World".
I had some banked DVC points that were expiring at the end of this month. Also, both our "kids" are in college now here at the University of Iowa, and their winter break is a month long - they don't go back until after MLK day, so back in the summer, I booked us a week at OKW for January 12 -19.
So, we are:
DH - has thoroughly converted to being a big Disney fan. Wanted to make sure we met up with his 2 cousins who live near Orlando - one in Kissimee, the other in Sorrento.
Me - DIS'er and trip planner
DD 22 - graduating college senior this year
DS 18 - college freshman this year, both at Iowa
We do not do the Disney Dining plan, but instead use our DVC membership for discounts at as many restaurants and other things as possible.
Also, I purchased 5-day Hoppers without expiration at our local AAA office in advance (AAA gave me a $21 discount per Hopper), and added them to the MDE account before we left.
Sunday, January 12
Super early flight from Cedar Rapids, Iowa - 5:40 AM! Woke at 3, left the house at 4. I deliberately booked the early flight, because they were cheaper and more importantly, if they get canceled (always a possibility in this weather), there would be more chances of getting a later flight.
No problems checking in, cleared security, got on board, and waited about 20 minutes for de-icing. Luckily, we had 1 hour 45 min layover in Chicago O'Hare, so no problems making the connection. We flew on United.
Arrived at Orlando International around 12:20 pm. Magical Express worked smoothly, and OKW was the first stop on our bus. Checked in by 1 pm, and were happy to find out that our room was ready! We were in 4021, near the Turtle Pond bus stop. We booked a 1 bedroom villa, and got our requests of upper floor, near transportation, and 2 entrances to the bathroom. Very spacious, and liked having the 2 pull-outs in the living room. I purchased some groceries at the OKW gift store, and we all crashed and took a nap! Luggage was delivered by around 3 pm.
Didn't realize until we checked in that this was the day of the WDW Marathon. DH used to run this regularly, but has had hip problems and had a total hip replacement last year. His orthopedic surgeon told him no more running at all. Seeing all those runners coming back when we were checking in with their happy, post-race glow, wrapped in those silver wraps with their medals around their necks gave DH a twinge of jealousy and regret, but also gave him the idea of trying to walk the entire 4-race program next year.
Woke up and met DH's cousin and his wife for dinner at Olivia's Café there at OKW at around 7:30 pm. I was surprised at how small Olivia's is, for such a large resort, but food there was good and service was great. DH forgot to bring his DVC card, so for the rest of the trip, I had to use mine for the DVC discounts. Had a great time visiting with DH's cousin, who he had not seen for about 8 years. Cousin used to work for Disney (cruise line), and gave us some inside info and tips. Had a great time, then said good-bye to them and off to bed.
We have been doing Disney cruises for the last 3 - 4 years, so it has been several years since we were at "the World".
I had some banked DVC points that were expiring at the end of this month. Also, both our "kids" are in college now here at the University of Iowa, and their winter break is a month long - they don't go back until after MLK day, so back in the summer, I booked us a week at OKW for January 12 -19.
So, we are:
DH - has thoroughly converted to being a big Disney fan. Wanted to make sure we met up with his 2 cousins who live near Orlando - one in Kissimee, the other in Sorrento.
Me - DIS'er and trip planner
DD 22 - graduating college senior this year
DS 18 - college freshman this year, both at Iowa
We do not do the Disney Dining plan, but instead use our DVC membership for discounts at as many restaurants and other things as possible.
Also, I purchased 5-day Hoppers without expiration at our local AAA office in advance (AAA gave me a $21 discount per Hopper), and added them to the MDE account before we left.
Sunday, January 12
Super early flight from Cedar Rapids, Iowa - 5:40 AM! Woke at 3, left the house at 4. I deliberately booked the early flight, because they were cheaper and more importantly, if they get canceled (always a possibility in this weather), there would be more chances of getting a later flight.
No problems checking in, cleared security, got on board, and waited about 20 minutes for de-icing. Luckily, we had 1 hour 45 min layover in Chicago O'Hare, so no problems making the connection. We flew on United.
Arrived at Orlando International around 12:20 pm. Magical Express worked smoothly, and OKW was the first stop on our bus. Checked in by 1 pm, and were happy to find out that our room was ready! We were in 4021, near the Turtle Pond bus stop. We booked a 1 bedroom villa, and got our requests of upper floor, near transportation, and 2 entrances to the bathroom. Very spacious, and liked having the 2 pull-outs in the living room. I purchased some groceries at the OKW gift store, and we all crashed and took a nap! Luggage was delivered by around 3 pm.
Didn't realize until we checked in that this was the day of the WDW Marathon. DH used to run this regularly, but has had hip problems and had a total hip replacement last year. His orthopedic surgeon told him no more running at all. Seeing all those runners coming back when we were checking in with their happy, post-race glow, wrapped in those silver wraps with their medals around their necks gave DH a twinge of jealousy and regret, but also gave him the idea of trying to walk the entire 4-race program next year.
Woke up and met DH's cousin and his wife for dinner at Olivia's Café there at OKW at around 7:30 pm. I was surprised at how small Olivia's is, for such a large resort, but food there was good and service was great. DH forgot to bring his DVC card, so for the rest of the trip, I had to use mine for the DVC discounts. Had a great time visiting with DH's cousin, who he had not seen for about 8 years. Cousin used to work for Disney (cruise line), and gave us some inside info and tips. Had a great time, then said good-bye to them and off to bed.