RSS Feed
Youtube
Will the rough start now turn into magical memories? I’m ready for an upswing. It is the first Memorial Day that I’ll be spending at Magic Kingdom.
The flight went off without any problems and now I’m in my favorite airport MCO. The terminal has a monorail which is a little bit of Disney pre show. It sparks my imagination. The elaborate iron and glass ceiling reminds me of the Crystal Palace in Magic Kingdom. I like taking in these details but I’m anxious to get to the resort and so I go directly to the monorail to catch the next one. Arriving at the second terminal, the gift shops for Disney, Universal, SeaWorld and more set the tone for fun.
MCO Airport upon arrival
Monorail Shuttle at Terminal and Baggage Claim
This is my second time using Disney’s complimentary Magical Express bus transportation to the resorts. Maybe it’s because I’ve only had one hour of sleep after a rough start or maybe it’s because I am rushing to get there but once again I can not find the Magical Express bus terminal. It would have helped if I had read the booklet carefully. After having wandered throughout Terminal A for 20 minutes, I figure out that I need to go back upstairs and cross over to Terminal B then go back down to the ground level. I wasn’t the only one unable to locate it as other people where confused and asking questions also. This is my second time using the Magical Express service. Eventually this route through the airport will become second nature.
Once I see the signs with the castle on it I know my vacation officially starts! I board the bus and relax. Last time the video on the bus was not working and the driver put on a Disney movie. I had read about the anticipation that the usual video creates as it takes you through a tour of the parks and attractions. I sit back and watch the video. It is better at creating the mood than the movie but damn I’m tired and I’m trying to keep my eyes open.
Disney's Magical Express in not located in Terminal A...
It is ground level of Terminal B
Trying to look alive
I’m heading to Saratoga Springs Resort. The bus first stops at Port Orleans Resort. I haven’t stayed there since it was called Dixie Landings. It was fun to see the entrance after 11 years!
Entrance to Port Orleans
Shortly after that the bus pulls up to Saratoga Springs Resort. I had driven through the property one time before on a bus headed back from Downtown Disney to the Dolphin on a previous trip at midnight. I remember it being an impressive and expansive resort.
But wow! This resort in the daylight really is gorgeous even though I still am not seeing it through rested eyes. I go to the check in desk. It’s about 10am and my room isn’t ready. I requested a room in the Congress Park section because it’s the closest to Downtown Disney and I want to be able to walk there at night. The person who checked me in was a very nice young guy from New Jersey. We bonded over talk of pizza from that area (I’m from NYC) and other things that he was slightly homesick over. He found me a room that was ready on the ground floor in the area that I wanted. Yes I’ll take it!
So far things are going well. I get on a tram with the concierge and he takes me directly to my room while giving me a brief explanation of the property and all it offers. This place is amazingly beautiful. I can’t believe how impressive it is. Golf courses. Fountains. Equestrian theme. Wonderful smell. Classical music throughout the grounds.
I get to my room and open my door. This is my view. Things are looking up indeed. Or should I say things are looking magical!
To be continued…
Incoming search terms:
- orlando international airport
Damn, no photo of that New Jersey Cast Member? You solo on this trip?
I may be taking a solo trip sometime during the Christmas holidays since i have still yet to experience the new lit up castle and new christmas parade.
Yes I went solo on this trip. The Jersey cast member was kind of cute and I’m guessing gay. No pic.
I haven’t been to WDW during Christmas either. I may do the MVMCP this year. I usually go to the Halloween party and Food and Wine but I’m going to Brazil this October so I may push Disney to December.
We may be there at the same time.
Possibly, I’m going this year during Halloween night! It’ll be my 2nd or 3rd Halloween Night at WDW’s Magic Kingdom. Shit I can’t remember how many times I’ve done the Halloween parties and trips during MNSSHP. It’s mostly due to the “free dining” packages that arrive during that time of the year.
I’m still debating whether or not to go during early December or New Year’s Eve. I’ve done New Year’s Eve and I’m thinking about doing it again this year. Can’t freakin decide!
I’ve done a few solo trips, about half solo, half with family in those number of trips in the past years. The freedom of doing what you want, when you want is just amazing. No one to hold you back or pull you back from doing something.
I remember a childhood trip where I first rode the Haunted Mansion and I was with my Uncle, his GF at the time and her son. He was scared of the HM but it was my first time riding it. I was ENTHRALLED with the ride so fucking much that I had to race off the ride, zip around the corner and get right back on. I did this about 5 to 6 times. They were “happy” enough to wait for me to re-ride the HM over and over again.
Being a kid or taking a solo trip is really the only way you can get away with this type of fun behaviour.
Glad you got close to Downtown Disney! We will have to ask for that area next time. We have never asked for a specific area at the Springs, but have enjoyed our visits there. Interested to find out how you found your stay.
Yes I walked to Downtown Disney a couple of times. Took 5 minutes. The problem is that not much was open by the time I got there because I went after the parks. Downtown needs to stay open later.