It's now 10:10 as we arrive at port. I see loads of cars, lots of people! Oh no!
Now while I did promise I would not be aggressive about snagging a great boarding number, that it was more important to relax and enjoy the day, who was I fooling?
The check in booths in the driveway by the ship took so long! They checked identification and asked questions. Inside, I was yelling "HURRY!". Outside I was attempting for the cool as a cucumber model.
The chief muttered several times "I'm really trying to get us there dear, hang on". How did he know I wasn't really as smiling and serene as I was attempting to appear?
He pulled up at the terminal and a couple of porters hurried over to the car. The quickly unloaded our luggage as we slapped the luggage tags on that
DCL had sent with our itinerary and hauled them off. DH was instructed to drive the car over to Montana to park it.
Ok, the parking lot was not in Montana, but it was pretty far away, and arranging the parking fees and such took a while. Then, the Princess remembered forgetting a few things she needed the Chief to retrieve from the car....a few times. So it was a while before we saw the Chief again.
We walked into the terminal. Most of the crowd was heading to the escalator to the right, so the kiddos and I broke away and went to the sweet, smiling CM on the left empty escalator. She handed me this:
The planets aligned, global warming resolved, peace reigned on the planet in an instant!
Stunned, I said "Haven't handed many out yet this morning"
To which my amazing magical WONDERous CM stated "Oh, they have, but I just got here".
Did you hear something that sounded like thunder coming from Florida on March 1, 2007? That was the sound of my heart leaping out of my chest in joy!!!
Here it is again in case you didn't catch it the first time:
Yep, that's one souvenir I'm keeping!!
We floated up the elevator into the terminal. What a beautiful sight! Gorgeous inlaid flooring, great windows, and this:
and we moved closer
closer
and to the side
and the OTHER side
I saw a couple of people line up over by the check in area, so I hauled the kiddos over with me to get in line too. We were about the 4th group in line, but I am glad we lined up when we did because CMs started to cordon off the area to form the weaving line thing Disney is so famous for at attractions. There were a lot of people there and it was only 10:45. I called the Chief on the cell and told him to kick his Tribbles in high gear to the terminal. I was worried I'd need him with me to check in. Yikes!
The line starts moving ahead. gradually, steadily more and more CMs start appearing out of the woodwork opening check in stands. We move to the front of the line and I cannot see the elevators over the sea of heads behind me. Do I let the people behind me go ahead? If I do, will the people behind them expect it as well? What about the people behind THEM? What would I start?
Fah gett about it! It was our turn and we stepped forward to our check in desk. I handed my paperwork and passports over to the CM. He checked us in!!! Just as we finished, the Chief hurried up. Whew!
We then made our way over to get the kids checked into the clubs and were assigned our pager for the cruise. In my sweaty, trembling hands were four Key the the World cards, now to be referred to as KTTW cards. Disney did this oh so right! Even the name of the cards. Wow!
Minnie was in the terminal now being photographed with kids. Since most people were in the check in line, the line for Minnie was pretty short. The Princess got her autograph and picture with Minnie and gave her a big hug. The Princess may be 8, but she's still under the thrall.
We headed over to some tables where CMs had laid coloring pages and pencils and planted our cabooses there.
Enough already. We were already oh so over it.
We figured we'd just leave.
Or did we?
Now I know you didn't believe THAT one, while you may likely have fallen for it a few times before in this report.
Out through the windows by the tables was the WONDER!!!
and a view of the gangplank (isn't that what its called?)
just one more:
The Chief and Prince had run off to the little sailor's room and returned, which made me realize DD and I should go too, since once we boarded we had a plan of attack that potty breaks did not fit into!
DD and I skipped (Yes, those of you in the terminal on March 1st at about 1115 may have witness this phenomenon) to the restrooms.
Oh man! Something not so Disney was smoking out of that restroom!
Someone call Tinkerbell! We need pixie dust aromatherapy deodorizing dust in there. The Princess turned her big, brown puppy dogs eyes to me and said "Do we HAVE to?"
I debated for a minute. Ok, just a sec as it smelled like something died in there.
Yes! I instructed the princess to hold her nose and try to just use one hand for her potty duties. Which we both did. Taking big breaths and holding it while we washed our hands, we dashed out without drying.
So sue me, but that was SO bad!
We made it back to the Chief and the Prince just in time to gather our belongings and get in line to board!
The called Boarding Pass #1 to board!
Here we go!!
love: ) when we move to Florida. LOL
