Trip Report - Saturday, August 30th - Departure Day! Part One

Hello, everyone! Today I am starting the Trip Report of my latest Disney World / Disney Cruise Line adventure. I arrived at Disney World on August 30th, was there until September 4th and then departed for a 3 night cruise on the Disney Dream.

On Saturday the 30th, my day started bright and early; I was on the road to Minneapolis about 5:30AM. I had an afternoon flight but a meeting with a friend beforehand, and so I got there a bit early.

After my meeting, I made my way to the airport - I was ready to get this trip started!

When I did my online check in for the flight, I saw there were quite a few First Class seats available. I checked at the Delta counter and they told me it would be about $280 to upgrade - um NO thank you! However, about 2 minutes before we were set to board, they announced they were doing upgrades for $100 to First Class.  I hightailed my tush over the desk, and got my 1st class upgrade.  I was ready to start this trip in style!

I have flown First Class before, but it had been a few years.  Wow, was it nice!  The seats are nice and roomy, and we even got a lunch onboard, which was actually pretty good. Wine was complimentary, but as it was 2:00PM I decided to forgo the glass of vino and had soda instead.

It was an easy flight to Orlando, and we touched down about 5:15. After making my way to Magical Express (and sitting on the bus for about 30 minutes), we were on our way!

My Free Dining stay was at Coronado Springs, but I flew in the night before and so needed just one night somewhere else.  There was an awesome annual passholder rate at Pop, so that's what I chose.

Check in at Pop took a surprisingly long time, seeing as how I had done the online check in.  But come to find out, the system was saying my room was not ready, when in fact it was, and that was delaying me. The cast member couldn't have been nicer, however, and after a quick call to her boss, I was on my way.

I had intentions to go to Hollywood Studios this night, and eat at Brown Derby.  However, waking up at 4AM was taking its toll on me and so I decided to instead stay at Pop for the night, relax and take a swim in the pool.  My room for the night was *right* next to the pool in the 90s section, so it was super easy to take a quick dip before heading out to Everything Pop to get some dinner.

Coming up in Part Two: Everything Pop is all decked out for Halloween, and I show you my room for the night!

Have a magical day, and a great weekend!