A Brit Chick in Orlando: D23's Destination D 2011 - Day 1

**missbounce** · 05-29-2011, 12:47 PM

Thursday 12th May 2011

After months of waiting and counting down the days on my calendar, it was time to bid farewell to my hubby and fly out to Walt Disney World for a few days of ‘research’ (to use Lou’s words!) and attend D23’s Destination D event at the Contemporary Resort.

I caught a train to London Gatwick airport and without too much hassle or stress, boarded my Virgin Atlantic flight to Orlando International which left at 1pm. The 8 ½ hour flight went by without any problems (watched ‘The Dilemma’ on the seatback, which was pants by the way!

) and the food was actually not bad. I had beef hot-pot with lemon mousse for dessert. Best of all, I had nobody sat beside me for the whole trip, so I got to spread myself out and get really comfy for the journey – nice!

Upon arrive at Orlando International Airport, I got through US immigration within an impressive 15 minutes, straight over to collect my suitcase and was at the Magical Express check-in counter just 30 minutes after I got off the plane – if only every journey ran this smoothly.

I got on the Magical Express along with a full-load of guests who were staying at the All-Star Resorts, Pop Century and Coronado Springs. Before long, we were off and heading towards the Walt Disney World Resort. First stop was Pop, followed by Coronado and then finally, my resort – the All-Stars. I got off at the Sports stop.

There was no queue at check-in and once again ,was surprised by how quickly and efficiently everything was going so far. It was still only about 7pm by now, so I had plenty of time to throw my bags in my room, have a shower and then grab some dinner at the hotel food-court. After a quick freshen up in my ‘Surf’s Up’ room, I did a quick tour of the resort (this was the first time I’d stayed at Sports) so I could take some photos and video and then it was off to grab some food.

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I wasn’t hungry enough for anything too substantial, so just went for the good old Chicken Breast Nuggets and fries – can’t go wrong with those babies!

After I’d finished dinner, I headed outside and caught the next bus to the Magic Kingdom, which was open later tonight to schedule Wishes and the Main Street Electrical Parade.

I hadn’t, however, allowed for the crowds. It was absolutely rammed inside the park and even though I was fully prepared to have to hunt high and low for a decent spot to watch the parade, I didn’t expect it to be quite so hectic. There wasn’t even room for a little one like me to squeeze in anywhere!

After around half and hour, impatience, jet-lag and a lack of acclimatization to the Florida heat got the better of me and I found myself changing my plans and deciding to head back to the hotel. I was more tired than I realized and it was clear that I was probably going to pass out if I didn’t get some sleep soon. So reluctantly, I bid a premature farewell to the Magic Kingdom and caught a bus back to the hotel.

Just because I was cream-crackered (completely exhausted for those of you not fluent in Cockney rhyming –slang… LOL), it didn’t mean I had no time for shopping. I managed to squeeze a quick trip in at the souvenier shop and grab my first (of many as it would turn out) Vinylmation and pin purchases of the trip and some girlie jewellery to sport for the rest of the holiday.

Eventually back at my room, my head barely hit the pillow before I zonked out!