So the time had finally come to get on a plane and fly our little asses right down to MouseLand itself…Disney. Now usually one would be excited to finally be leaving for vacation, but not me. I spent the whole night tossing and turning because I’m petrified of flying. Yeah, I know that planes are the safest way to travel….but there’s something just unnatural about being in the air, having your fate rest in hands of one guy and it freaks me out.
Despite that, we got our happy asses up before sunrise (3 AM…yuck) and drove off to Midway where we left my little baby (Steve the Pontiac G6) in a parking lot for the next 7 days.
Travel Tip: Midway Park, Ride and Fly are absolutely awesome! Visit their website and get 10% off. So for seven days, I spent only $76 including the evil Chicago city tax. Yeah me.
The little short bus from MPRF dropped us off promptly at Southwest’s gate where we waited, waited and waited. Apparently Southwest doesn’t begin to check you in until 5 AM. This incited the elderly crowd who was up in a tizzy because they may miss their flight (golf game, retirement seminar, Matlock) to Arizona.
Once the lynch mob of retirees settled down, it was smooth sailing forward. Luggage check, security, and boarding were all easy peasy. I was surprised considering I hadn’t flown since 2001 and heard horror stories of the nudie scanners.
The plane ride was uneventful save for the lingering smell of poopy kids (must’ve crapped in excitement for Mickey) and a couple freaking out over a lady traveling with her chihuahua (“we’re allergic” = soulless dog haters). I’m also a sucker for freebies…who can resist Lorna Doones and orange juice? My day just got better!!
Amazingly, my mom had never been on a plane before. But she handled it like a trouper! She was calmer than me and I had flown before. I kept saying “Oh Lordy” every time the plane jolted while she looked out the window in amazement. See that’s why she’s the adult.
Touchdown in Orlando was pretty nice. It’s amazing to go from cold Chicago (30s) to hot Orlando (80s). Once we disembarked there was no stopping us. We were off and running! First order of business, find the Disney Magical Express.