Musings
an Online Journal of Sorts

By Alyce Wilson

If we didn't have a rental car to return on the last day of our honeymoon, we could have taken the Disney Magical Express to Orlando Airport.

But since we did, we simply checked our luggage through Disney and then got breakfast: sweet potato pancakes in Boatwright's Dining Hall at our resort, Port Orleans - Riverside. Too bad we couldn't pack some up and take them home: they were delish!

We probably wouldn't have left so early, except that we had to return the car by 10.

On the way, we topped off the tank at a gas station near Hertz Rental Car and discovered the prices were jacked up to above $4 a gallon. Fortunately, even so the total came in under the $40 fee for not filling the tank.

Once we arrived at the lot, we had a little confusion figuring out where to go but eventually saw the signs for returning the car. You pulled up into a lane and waited for someone from Hertz to check in the car. Then you could grab your stuff and go.

They offered a shuttle to the airport, which we took. Once there, we went through security with no problems. The line stretched into the lobby of the Hyatt Regency Hotel, which had a vaulted ceiling with terraces: very space age. I noticed that around us in line, many of the people were carrying Disney memorabilia.

Once through security, we had a couple hours to wait. We found a lobby and settled onto some chairs which were bolted down, probably so that they couldn't be moved and disrupt traffic patterns.

Sometime during our wait, I realized that I had hives on my upper arms. They weren't severe but they also weren't goose-bumps, and they wouldn't go away for several days. I'd only had such a reaction twice in the past. Once, when I was taking a supplement that included primrose oil. The other, when I tried a free perfume sample I got in the mail.

When I thought about it later, I figured it might be related to the scented air The Gryphon says they were blowing in the men's rest-room It's possible they were blowing it throughout the airport, and we spent several hours there. The Gryphon also did some research and suggested it could be stress induced or that it could be the combination of a number of factors. Guess I'll never know.

As it got closer to time for boarding, we got lunch at an Outback restaurant in the airport. I ordered a salad which looked fairly reasonable, since I was tired of all the rich food. Then we made our way down to the gate.

This time, we were in regular seats, not business class. We were seated next to a big, barrel-chested guy who seemed uncomfortable in his seat. He probably should have sprung for business class, where the seats are bigger. Across the aisle and one row up were his wife and children, and she threw him reassuring looks during takeoff. I don't think he was very comfortable with flying. Once we leveled off, though, he seemed fascinated looking out the window.

I was feeling a lot better than I had on the way down. Since I was bored, I listened to XM radio through the free headset. It was more interesting than watching the other passengers sleep.

When we arrived, unlike our trip to Disney, we had to collect our own luggage. The process seemed to take forever. Finally, we noticed that one of our suitcases, the green suitcase that The Gryphon was using, was sitting to the side, having come in on an earlier flight. While The Gryphon was checking around to see if my luggage had arrived early, as well, the violet bags popped up.

I bought the violet suitcase set from Target because they were on sale and because I figured the color would stick out. I was right; however, they certainly picked up dirt on the journey! I'll have to find a way to clean them before my next trip.

We flagged a cab to take us home. I was struck by how monochromatic and dirty Philadelphia looked after our time in Orlando. I joked that we ought to start a crusade to paint the buildings tropical colors. Maybe the Philadelphia Visitors' Center should look into that. Or at least into picking up some trash. And oh, yes, that pesky crime rate.

For the rest of the day, we took it easy, going out for dinner and then lounging around at home. Our kitty, Luke, was thrilled to see us. I don't think I got him off my lap for the next week.

And to sum up, here are some Tips for Travelers to the Orlando Area:

• If you're going to spend a lot of time outside in Orlando (i.e. walking around amusement parks), bring a brimmed hat and SPF 30 sunblock.
  
  
• Bring a small backpack or messenger bag where you can pack in snacks, lunches, water and other necessary items. All the rides at Disney could accommodate such a bag, and if you go to Universal, you can use the free lockers for the more intense rides. However, Universal does not permit outside food.
  
  
• Carry ponchos, which you can use during the periodic rain showers, especially in the fall. Also, bring a plastic bag to put the wet ponchos into before stowing them again in your backpack.
  
  
• At Disney, use the Fast Pass option for popular rides as often as possible to make better use of your time. At Universal, consider buying the Express Plus Pass to skip long lines.
  
  
• If you're celebrating a special occasion on your trip to Disney (birthday, anniversary, honeymoon, first visit), make sure to let them know. You'll probably get a pin and receive extra friendly greetings (and maybe other surprises) throughout your stay.
  
  
• AAA members should go through AAA for trip planning. We had an excellent experience. Also, AAA partners with Disney and therefore offers a lot of special deals for passes, et cetera, bought in advance.
  
  
• If staying on the Disney property, take advantage of the Disney Magical Express for travel to and from the airport.
  
  
• Those who enjoy fine dining should make reservations for Disney's fancier restaurants at least two weeks in advance.
  
  
• When visiting the Kennedy Space Center, plan on spending the entire day. Your pass is good for a free second day if you decide to return the next day to see what you missed.
  
  
• If you won't be leaving the Disney property during your stay, don't bother to rent a car. You can get around easily, at no expense, on a variety of Disney public transportation options.
  
  
• Disney's parks offer something for everyone, and each park offers enough entertainment for a full day. Thrill ride fanciers will enjoy Universal's Islands of Adventure, but Universal offers very little for young children.
  
  
• Pleasure Island at Downtown Disney offers great nighttime entertainment for adults 21 and over. The $20.95 pass is a great way to sample the different clubs. If you're just interested in going to one club, admission is $10.95.
  
  
• Bring comfortable shoes, as you will be doing a lot of walking. At Disney, parents can rent strollers for children, which can be parked in special areas for any of the rides. Those who have trouble walking can rent scooters for the day.
  
  
• At Disney, look for PhotoPass photographers throughout the parks. They can take digital pictures for you on a PhotoPass, which is basically a plastic card with a code on it. You can use that code to access, and order, the photos online or at special booths at the park. PhotoPass photographers will also take photos using your own camera.
  
  
• If you're staying on the Disney property, you can have your purchases in the park delivered to your hotel. Ask the store clerk for details.
  
  
• Disney gift stores at the hotels can mail packages home or to friends and family, for a surcharge based on the price of the items. They provide all packaging materials. If you want to mail non-Disney merchandise, you can mail them from the front desk of your hotel, but it needs to be ready to mail.
  
  
• While trip planning, in addition to the official Walt Disney World site, check out the excellent Disney trip sites MousePlanet.com and All Ears Net.

More Musings on Alyce's honeymoon:

Honeymoon Index

Copyright 2006 by Alyce Wilson

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