Planes, Trains & Antitussives, Alaksan Wonder Cruise - All done! Complete 11/21

[bcwife76]

Good point (re:Christmas). There was a LOT more food while we were there. Had we gone with slim pickin's I would not be a happy camper I'm actually bummed they weren't able to secure it again for this years Christmas party so we're skipping it and having a date night

 

[franandaj]

What a day... First you get evicted from the ship then a cab driver throws your crap on a sidewalk and leaves you standing there. Awesome.

Wow! When you put it that it sounds even worse!

That really is a weird thing to have happen. Sorry you had to go through it, but I'm glad that it wasn't actually a fire and nothing was permanently damaged. Definitely needed a good cleaning, but not damaged.

Yeah in hindsight, it sucked, but no one ended up getting hurt, and everything came out OK in the end.

We'd be quite a touring duo, then.

What a morning. Holy crap! I can't even imagine the work of trying to get that nasty stuff off of...well, everything. The packing looks just grueling! I had to do the same ordeal on our way home as well with breakable purchases and all.

It doesn't help that Fran brings more clothes than she will possibly wear and every gadget under the sun as well.

Glad you made it to the hotel- but, dang, not table at the BJ for two.

I was a little bit surprised that it was so busy on a Monday night, but during the day I kind of expected that we might find one, but nope.

Holy moly, what a day! Ouch, I cannot imagine being like your parents and flying out on the same day as disembarking from a major cruise. I need to have time to get my head back together before facing the real world.

I know what you mean. If we do the EBPC cruise though, we will have to go right back to the airport and fly out. Being a two week cruise that will be too long to be gone from the kitties to take a day to recover.

We stayed a couple of extra days in Vancouver after our Alaska cruise (2015) thinking we would want to knock around the city some more before heading stateside. We were so tired from our "vacation" that we ended up taking a very long nap the first day off the ship. We did venture out in the evening for dinner and a short walk-about but in reality, we were so tired that all we really wanted to do was lay around the hotel and veg. We plan to do the same for our next Alaska cruise, stay an extra day and take a long, long nap.

I think that is a smart plan!

HOLY CHIT! Smoke?! Now I need to go back and read the rest. I'm glad no one was hurt even though it was such a pain in the butt.

Not much too this one, just a lot of eating and sleeping, pretty much.

So sad that the cruise is over but it looks like you had a nice time.

What a taxi ride! And then he just left you two on the side of the road!?

Yeah, can you believe it?

The pantsless twosome.

 

[Malia78]

Did you stay in Richmond?

Yep

Michael and I are more thinking westbound

I was thinking Westbound as well

I'm hoping to book this when it comes out.

Well, maybe I should just plan on it on booking day!

It seems I'm just swimming upstream when it comes to coordinating trips --I would like to do the westbound as well but I think I will wait a couple years and attach a Disneyland Paris trip on the front end. Pretty sure I will be booking the eastbound on opening day--have one more onboard booking to put to use.

 

[franandaj]

Good point (re:Christmas). There was a LOT more food while we were there. Had we gone with slim pickin's I would not be a happy camper I'm actually bummed they weren't able to secure it again for this years Christmas party so we're skipping it and having a date night

They did say that dinner was BBQ so they would have added ribs and some other stuff, but also we didn't want to spend $25+ or whatever they were charging unless they were serving lobsters or crab legs! Too bad the Christmas party is elsewhere this year.

 

[franandaj]

Yep

It seems I'm just swimming upstream when it comes to coordinating trips --I would like to do the westbound as well but I think I will wait a couple years and attach a Disneyland Paris trip on the front end. Pretty sure I will be booking the eastbound on opening day--have one more onboard booking to put to use.

You probably did stay right near where we were. I'll have to get Fran onboard with this whole plan. I guess we better get working on that old house!

 

[franandaj]

Day 12


This going to bed early thing seems to work out for me as I seem to wake up somewhat early (for me) when I do. It was just after 7AM when I woke for good and I decided to take a bath. We had a nice deep tub and as far as I know Richmond BC is not experiencing a drought so it sounded like a good idea.

Fran started to wake up at that time and so we started to discuss our plan for exiting. Our plane left at 2:10 which meant that the 11:00 check out time was just perfect. I cooled off from the bath while Fran got dressed and then we jettisoned all the non essential items from her carry on. I won't tell you them all, but the jar of peanut butter made the cut as did several vitamin supplements and bottles of liquid over 3oz. We packed them into the suitcases and as hard as I tried, not one weighed under 50 lbs. Thank goodness for the 70 lb business class limitation!

Once we were both dressed and the suitcases packed, I went down to the coffee place. I got an Americano and a Hot Chocolate for her. I also got a Bacon and cheese scone (no mixing sugar and caffiene!) for me.



An almond croissant for her.



Then we waited in the room for a bellman to take our bags.

The cab was waiting for us when we got downstairs and this time I took a very active role in directing the loading. I now know how to load a H/A cab. First you fill the spot where they think the scooter should go with your suitcases laying flat. This way you have a flat surface on which to place the disassembled scooter. Then fill in the rest of the cab with the other suitcases so the scooter can't fall out if things shift in transit.

We got to the airport and the cabbie didn't believe us that we could get our bags without the use of a cart. We started to head towards the gate, but a nice porter met us as asked if we wanted help. He said it would be $12. Great! This up front pricing is pretty cool. It doesn't leave you wondering how much to give them, but if you want to be generous you are more than welcome. He got us all the way through baggage check. We have to see a gate agent with the scooter as they need to ask us questions about the battery and that just makes it easier in the long run. After our bags were tagged, he let us sit down while he dropped them off. We gave him one of our unopened waters and $20 CDN, which depleted our stash of Canadian money. On our way to the gate we saw the area where folks were coming into Canada. Lines were worse on the day we came into the country.



Security and customs were easy and soon we had over an hour to kill. Neither of us were expecting to eat on the plane so we went to the sit down restaurant in the terminal just across from our gate.



I got a glass of wine since I wouldn’t be driving for a while.



I ordered the tomato soup with a grilled cheese sandwich.



Fran got the French Dip, but halfway through we both traded.



She didn't finish the French Dip and cut up the meat so that we could give it to our "band kitty". Normally we bring her a can of cat food, but we forgot to grab one on our way out the door. This way we didn't have to stop and buy one.

After lunch we admired this collection of Disney figures that a Canadian gentleman had donated for display at the airport.





















I wonder if Canadians think that all of the US is Disney adjacent and that is the thing that defines all of the US.

We waited about 20 minutes before they started boarding, and soon we were on our flight home. It was uneventful. Maybe a bit more turbulence than I would have liked, but nothing too bad. Normally I don't get out my computer but we boarded well ahead of the rest of the passengers so I got it out and worked on this TR, choosing pictures and working out the prose from my cryptic notes that I took in the heat of the moment.

We arrived right on time but it took a while for the scooter to arrive. Because we were in the remote terminal we had to take a bus back. Instead of terminal 4 where we usually end up, we were in terminal 6 which was weird. Plus when we got to terminal 6 we had to walk this crazy route to get to the Accessible entrance. I didn't feel like whipping out my camera to take pictures I was so exhausted but trust me it was crazier than backstage at Disney!

Our luggage was in the abandoned luggage section so we grabbed it and headed outside. I just missed a bus for my parking lot, but another one came in less than 10 minutes. By 6:10 I was on the way to the lot and at 6:20 I was in the car. However it cost me twice what Lot C charges!

Fran had totally planned on going to band and we had actually left our horns at the rehearsal hall, but she asked as we left the terminal “Do you want to go to band??

“Do you want the honest answer?” I asked.

I think you all know what we chose!

So finally we were on our way home and once we arrived, the cats were so happy to see us it was Crazy! My little Tesla (who I also refer to as my “potty cat” as that is his favorite spot for me to pet him), looked at me when I came in the door. He ran towards the bathroom looking back over his shoulder to make sure that I was going to be following him and we were going to have lovey dovey time now that I was finally back.

Re-entry was uncomfortable but not as painful as previous trips. It did take me forever to unpack the suitcases and put them away.

It was a great trip and nice to spend some time with my parents, but we also were able to have some of our own time as well. There were beautiful sights, great meals, exhilarating experiences, there’s not much more that one could ask for on a trip. I didn’t write up my final thoughts within a reasonable time frame of the trip, so I can’t comment on a lot of specifics, however I will say this. If I was going to take another Alaskan cruise, I would not hesitate to do it again on Disney, as a big Disney fan, it had everything that I could have wanted. Would I have had a great time on another line? Probably. But as long as Disney continues to offer itineraries that can take me to new places, I’ll continue to consider them. With the Panama Canal next year, possibly a Transatlantic (which sounds like I have quite a few friends considering!) and a Canadian Cruise out of NYC, I’ve still got a few itineraries that would be fun!

Thanks for reading everyone! I’ll be back on this board in March when we return from our first cruise on the Fantasy!

 

[bcwife76]

Have really enjoyed your TR, thank you so much for all the fabulous details!!

 

[dgbg100106]

Day 12


This going to bed early thing seems to work out for me as I seem to wake up somewhat early (for me) when I do. It was just after 7AM when I woke for good and I decided to take a bath. We had a nice deep tub and as far as I know Richmond BC is not experiencing a drought so it sounded like a good idea.

Fran started to wake up at that time and so we started to discuss our plan for exiting. Our plane left at 2:10 which meant that the 11:00 check out time was just perfect. I cooled off from the bath while Fran got dressed and then we jettisoned all the non essential items from her carry on. I won't tell you them all, but the jar of peanut butter made the cut as did several vitamin supplements and bottles of liquid over 3oz. We packed them into the suitcases and as hard as I tried, not one weighed under 50 lbs. Thank goodness for the 70 lb business class limitation!

Once we were both dressed and the suitcases packed, I went down to the coffee place. I got an Americano and a Hot Chocolate for her. I also got a Bacon and cheese scone (no mixing sugar and caffiene!) for me.


An almond croissant for her.

Breakfast looks good. Whew glad you had the extra baggage allowance. That always helps.

Then we waited in the room for a bellman to take our bags.

The cab was waiting for us when we got downstairs and this time I took a very active role in directing the loading. I now know how to load a H/A cab. First you fill the spot where they think the scooter should go with your suitcases laying flat. This way you have a flat surface on which to place the disassembled scooter. Then fill in the rest of the cab with the other suitcases so the scooter can't fall out if things shift in transit.

I take there were no issues this time, and you got a chance to prove to him you knew what you were doing.

We got to the airport and the cabbie didn't believe us that we could get our bags without the use of a cart. We started to head towards the gate, but a nice porter met us as asked if we wanted help. He said it would be $12. Great! This up front pricing is pretty cool. It doesn't leave you wondering how much to give them, but if you want to be generous you are more than welcome. He got us all the way through baggage check. We have to see a gate agent with the scooter as they need to ask us questions about the battery and that just makes it easier in the long run. After our bags were tagged, he let us sit down while he dropped them off. We gave him one of our unopened waters and $20 CDN, which depleted our stash of Canadian money. On our way to the gate we saw the area where folks were coming into Canada. Lines were worse on the day we came into the country.

Oh the immigration lines are awful, I swear they are getting worse.

Security and customs were easy and soon we had over an hour to kill. Neither of us were expecting to eat on the plane so we went to the sit down restaurant in the terminal just across from our gate.

I got a glass of wine since I wouldn’t be driving for a while.

I ordered the tomato soup with a grilled cheese sandwich.
Fran got the French Dip, but halfway through we both traded.
She didn't finish the French Dip and cut up the meat so that we could give it to our "band kitty". Normally we bring her a can of cat food, but we forgot to grab one on our way out the door. This way we didn't have to stop and buy one.

The food looked good, and kitty leftovers is not bad!

After lunch we admired this collection of Disney figures that a Canadian gentleman had donated for display at the airport.

I wonder if Canadians think that all of the US is Disney adjacent and that is the thing that defines all of the US.

There were some very unique looking Disney figurines in there.

We waited about 20 minutes before they started boarding, and soon we were on our flight home. It was uneventful. Maybe a bit more turbulence than I would have liked, but nothing too bad. Normally I don't get out my computer but we boarded well ahead of the rest of the passengers so I got it out and worked on this TR, choosing pictures and working out the prose from my cryptic notes that I took in the heat of the moment.

We arrived right on time but it took a while for the scooter to arrive. Because we were in the remote terminal we had to take a bus back. Instead of terminal 4 where we usually end up, we were in terminal 6 which was weird. Plus when we got to terminal 6 we had to walk this crazy route to get to the Accessible entrance. I didn't feel like whipping out my camera to take pictures I was so exhausted but trust me it was crazier than backstage at Disney!

Our luggage was in the abandoned luggage section so we grabbed it and headed outside. I just missed a bus for my parking lot, but another one came in less than 10 minutes. By 6:10 I was on the way to the lot and at 6:20 I was in the car. However it cost me twice what Lot C charges!

Airport adventures, I think you and Fran could write a book on all the different escapades you have been thru.

Fran had totally planned on going to band and we had actually left our horns at the rehearsal hall, but she asked as we left the terminal “Do you want to go to band??

“Do you want the honest answer?” I asked.

I think you all know what we chose!

So finally we were on our way home and once we arrived, the cats were so happy to see us it was Crazy! My little Tesla (who I also refer to as my “potty cat” as that is his favorite spot for me to pet him), looked at me when I came in the door. He ran towards the bathroom looking back over his shoulder to make sure that I was going to be following him and we were going to have lovey dovey time now that I was finally back.

Re-entry was uncomfortable but not as painful as previous trips. It did take me forever to unpack the suitcases and put them away.

It was a great trip and nice to spend some time with my parents, but we also were able to have some of our own time as well. There were beautiful sights, great meals, exhilarating experiences, there’s not much more that one could ask for on a trip. I didn’t write up my final thoughts within a reasonable time frame of the trip, so I can’t comment on a lot of specifics, however I will say this. If I was going to take another Alaskan cruise, I would not hesitate to do it again on Disney, as a big Disney fan, it had everything that I could have wanted. Would I have had a great time on another line? Probably. But as long as Disney continues to offer itineraries that can take me to new places, I’ll continue to consider them. With the Panama Canal next year, possibly a Transatlantic (which sounds like I have quite a few friends considering!) and a Canadian Cruise out of NYC, I’ve still got a few itineraries that would be fun!

Thanks for reading everyone! I’ll be back on this board in March when we return from our first cruise on the Fantasy!

Thanks for a great TR and letting us live with you on this adventure. It was a great trip.

 

[Pinkocto]

It was not far at all, and very easy to access. Are you and your mom traveling as self contained passengers? What I mean is can you easily control all your own luggage? If so, I would highly suggest that you stay somewhere downtown within walking distance of the Port. The Pan Pacific is way too expensive (but we did it because of convenience and Fran needing to be close like that). The Fairmont is right across the street and very easy to get to the Port, and there were a few other hotels right there as well.

The reason that I suggest staying within walking distance of the port is that you can catch the Streetcar (I know they don't call it that, but it's the word that comes to mind, that Bostonion in me coming out) directly from outside of baggage claim/customs right to the terminus where the Port is located. It's inexpensive (unlike everything else in Vancouver) and very easy to use. There is plenty of public transportation (for able bodied folks) and a lot of the city is in walking distance from what I know of you and your mom. Even if you only fly in the day before, it will make your life easy to stay near the port so that you can just walk there instead of hassling with cabs and other such transportation. But I highly suggest you go a few days early and check out the sights. That is going to be one VERY LONG trip! I hope your puppies remember you when you get home!

Thank you so much for all this info. Yes, I think we can handle the bags. They all have 4 wheels and we can each handle 4 with the back to back. I think it will be a 2 1/2 week trip with both cruises and DL

Well, maybe I should just plan on it on booking day! Remind me when the dates come out. I am horrible with remembering these, even with all my FB groups and such. I can always cancel if we don't want to do it, but the HA rooms are all booked up by the day that Silver members can book.

How FUN would that be!!! I'll let you know when the dates come out

 

[Pinkocto]

What a fabulous trip, wow! Last morning seemed like it had good timing and no rushing. That's my kind of last day. Fran's croissant looked huge!

That figurine collection is too cool.

Thanks so much for sharing this trip with us.

 

[PrincessInOz]

That was one heck of a mess over your stuff with the extinguisher. I hope there was no lasting damage.
The Chinese food in Richmond looks great. Exactly what I would have ordered.

Thanks for sharing this trip! It's on my bucket list....I hope I make it out to Alaska one of these trips.

 

[pkondz]

This going to bed early thing seems to work out for me as I seem to wake up somewhat early (for me) when I do.

"somewhat early" I know you. You're "somewhat early" is most people's "crazy early".

It was just after 7AM when I woke for good

Well..... that's more reasonable than your usual 4:00am.

We had a nice deep tub and as far as I know Richmond BC is not experiencing a drought so it sounded like a good idea.

We've got more water than we know what to do with.

Thank goodness for the 70 lb business class limitation!

Nice perk right there.
Then again.... if you fly econo, you pack for 50 lbs and hope to stay under. Do you pack for 70 and hope to stay under?

I got an Americano and a Hot Chocolate for her.

I had to read that twice. You got an Americano and a hot chocolate for Fran? What did you get?



oh.

First you fill the spot where they think the scooter should go with your suitcases laying flat. This way you have a flat surface on which to place the disassembled scooter. Then fill in the rest of the cab with the other suitcases so the scooter can't fall out if things shift in transit.

Prevents the setting off of extinguishers.

We started to head towards the gate, but a nice porter met us as asked if we wanted help. He said it would be $12. Great! This up front pricing is pretty cool. It doesn't leave you wondering how much to give them,

So normally they leave you in the dark until after? Is that the norm? (Never used a porter.)

I got a glass of wine since I wouldn’t be driving for a while.

Not a good move. If the pilots became incapacitated, you'd have to jump in and land the plane.

After lunch we admired this collection of Disney figures that a Canadian gentleman had donated for display at the airport.

I saw that! We flew from the same general gate area.

I wonder if Canadians think that all of the US is Disney adjacent and that is the thing that defines all of the US.

No.

and working out the prose from my cryptic notes that I took in the heat of the moment.

That's the hard part, isn't it? "Ummm.... I wrote 'lol remember man with hat'. What the heck is that?"

Our luggage was in the abandoned luggage section

Cobwebs? There were cobwebs on them, right?

By 6:10 I was on the way to the lot and at 6:20 I was in the car. However it cost me twice what Lot C charges!

Why???

Fran had totally planned on going to band and we had actually left our horns at the rehearsal hall, but she asked as we left the terminal “Do you want to go to band??

“Do you want the honest answer?” I asked.

I think you all know what we chose!

Band. You chose band, right?


Right???

So finally we were on our way home and once we arrived, the cats were so happy to see us it was Crazy! My little Tesla (who I also refer to as my “potty cat” as that is his favorite spot for me to pet him), looked at me when I came in the door. He ran towards the bathroom looking back over his shoulder to make sure that I was going to be following him and we were going to have lovey dovey time now that I was finally back.

Aw! That's so cute! "Get in here and pet me!"

Thanks for reading everyone! I’ll be back on this board in March when we return from our first cruise on the Fantasy!

Thanks for the TR!

 

[dhorner233]

Great trip report! I'm glad your parents came with you and they had a good time.

Glad you made it home safely with all of your stuff! Thanks for taking the time to share with us!

 

[afwdwfan]

Thanks for sharing! And I'd have skipped band too. Really, who has the energy after that trip back home?

 

[Captain_Oblivious]

Just catching up...

About two blocks out from the hotel, the cab started to fill up with a smoky haze. Immediately the cab driver pulled over and jumped out, Fran did too. I tried to open my door and it was jammed, it wouldn't open! My lungs were feeling weird and the limo drivers for the hotel we stopped in front of grabbed the door and yanked it open. I jumped out with my purse and envisioned our luggage and everything going up in flames.

Wow! That sounds terrifying!

Turns out the fire extinguisher had gone off when a piece of luggage fell on it. With all our luggage out of the car, the cab driver just took off!

A) Yuck. That sounds like a mess.
B) He just left you? Whiskey Tango Foxtrot???

The limo drivers tried to get us another cab and the first one left because he didn't want to deal with the scooter. Another guy with an accessible cab showed up but I told him how I wanted it loaded and I didn't want to do it like the last one.

What a mess. That must have been so aggravating.

When the cabbie opened up the back of the van the chassis of the scooter fell out and on to the pavement.

Fran laid down while I cleaned off the scooter, the luggage, our beverages and everything else. That s*** got everywhere!

Can't believe the mess.

She promised me a trip to Vegas so that we could feed our Blackjack habit. Just when that will be I have no idea!

But I thought you guys weren't allowed to travel anymore?

I cooled off from the bath while Fran got dressed and then we jettisoned all the non essential items from her carry on. I won't tell you them all, but the jar of peanut butter made the cut as did several vitamin supplements and bottles of liquid over 3oz.

This sounds like a story in and of itself!

I wonder if Canadians think that all of the US is Disney adjacent and that is the thing that defines all of the US.

I wish I was Disney adjacent.

Fran had totally planned on going to band and we had actually left our horns at the rehearsal hall, but she asked as we left the terminal “Do you want to go to band??

“Do you want the honest answer?” I asked.

Can't blame you there.

My little Tesla (who I also refer to as my “potty cat” as that is his favorite spot for me to pet him), looked at me when I came in the door. He ran towards the bathroom looking back over his shoulder to make sure that I was going to be following him and we were going to have lovey dovey time now that I was finally back.

This just tickles me!

If I was going to take another Alaskan cruise, I would not hesitate to do it again on Disney, as a big Disney fan, it had everything that I could have wanted.

Good to know! I desperately want to see Alaska. I'm sure doing it the Disney way would be a lot of fun!

Thanks for the TR!

 

[franandaj]

Have really enjoyed your TR, thank you so much for all the fabulous details!!

You're welcome!

Breakfast looks good. Whew glad you had the extra baggage allowance. That always helps.

Especially for Alaska! I had no problem keeping our bags under 50 going to Orlando in October, but with all those cold weather clothes it was tough.

I take there were no issues this time, and you got a chance to prove to him you knew what you were doing.

I like to think other people are competent and on vacation I hate to have to engineer solutions, but clearly I can't be complacent as I know better than others.

Oh the immigration lines are awful, I swear they are getting worse.

I'm glad we don't do a lot of international traveling right now.

The food looked good, and kitty leftovers is not bad!

Our kitties ended up benefitting instead of the kitty who lives at the church where the band rehearses.

There were some very unique looking Disney figurines in there.

Some were really old, the characters looked a little creepy back then.

Airport adventures, I think you and Fran could write a book on all the different escapades you have been thru.

I'm not sure anyone would read it!

Thanks for a great TR and letting us live with you on this adventure. It was a great trip.

You're welcome!

Thank you so much for all this info. Yes, I think we can handle the bags. They all have 4 wheels and we can each handle 4 with the back to back. I think it will be a 2 1/2 week trip with both cruises and DL

I think it should be an easy trip for you two and very economical. 2 1/2 weeks! That sounds lovely!

How FUN would that be!!! I'll let you know when the dates come out

Cool! Fran is OK with booking this cruise so that half the battle!

What a fabulous trip, wow! Last morning seemed like it had good timing and no rushing. That's my kind of last day. Fran's croissant looked huge!

That figurine collection is too cool.

Thanks so much for sharing this trip with us.

I was glad that we weren't rushing that day. The previous day started out really stressful, so it was nice not to stress on the last day.

That was one heck of a mess over your stuff with the extinguisher. I hope there was no lasting damage.
The Chinese food in Richmond looks great. Exactly what I would have ordered

No lasting damage, but really annoying. I would really love some dumplings and fried rice today!

 

[dolphingirl47]

At 7AM pre ordered picture packages we available to be picked up.

That is one thing I don't miss. On Royal Caribbean, you pick them up the last evening.

It turns out they had Fran's first name and my last name. Since they couldn't identify us as a passenger on the ship, they didn't make my CD.

What a pain.

They told me to come back before breakfast to pick up the CD. They said that it would be ready in 15-20 minutes. Back in the room, I set a timer on my phone, but within 10 minutes I got a call asking if we were still in the stateroom and they brought the disk to the room.

I am glad that they got it sorted and even delivered it.

Customs was a breeze and we were through in no time.

When we did the Alaska cruise, we did not go through immigration/ customs. We could have disappeared in Canada and nobody would have known we were there.

About two blocks out from the hotel, the cab started to fill up with a smoky haze.

That sounds scary.

Turns out the fire extinguisher had gone off when a piece of luggage fell on it.

I am glad that this was the reason rather than having a fire.

With all our luggage out of the car, the cab driver just took off!

I can't believe he did that.

When the cabbie opened up the back of the van the chassis of the scooter fell out and on to the pavement.

This was really not your day.

The bellmen tried to clean up the luggage for us before taking it up to the room.

How nice of them to do that.

What a mess.

After lunch we admired this collection of Disney figures that a Canadian gentleman had donated for display at the airport.

This is really neat.

Thanks for sharing. I really enjoyed reading along.

Corinna

 

[franandaj]

"somewhat early" I know you. You're "somewhat early" is most people's "crazy early".

No, that's still crazy early for me. I try to lay down and go back to bed whenever I get up that early.

Well..... that's more reasonable than your usual 4:00am.

Sometimes I even get up and get dressed when I wake at 7AM. Sometimes.

We've got more water than we know what to do with.

Thanks. Just rub it in. They did announce that 12% of the state is no longer in a drought. My part is still in what they call "Exceptional" which is beyond "Extreme".

Nice perk right there.
Then again.... if you fly econo, you pack for 50 lbs and hope to stay under. Do you pack for 70 and hope to stay under?

No, I still pack for 50. Remember I have to lift these at home, whether it's into or out of the car. Plus we usually don't get help from a Porter at the end of the trip either.

I had to read that twice. You got an Americano and a hot chocolate for Fran? What did you get?



oh.

Yes I know, the importance of punctuation.

Prevents the setting off of extinguishers.

That too.

So normally they leave you in the dark until after? Is that the norm? (Never used a porter.)

In the US, there is no requirement to tip the porters. I am assuming that by the nature of how "not light" that we travel, that we leave from the same airline terminal, and that Fran is very generous with her tips, those are the reasons that the porters at LAX remember us. What we found at YVR was that the "required tips" were probably lower than we would have freely given them, so when they presented themselves saying, "Hi can I help you? I'm only going to request CDN$8 for my services." and Fran was prepared to give them a US 10 spot, well they sold themselves!

Not a good move. If the pilots became incapacitated, you'd have to jump in and land the plane.

We're all going to die.

I saw that! We flew from the same general gate area.

I'm guessing that's where they put everyone flying to the states.

No.

That's refreshing.

That's the hard part, isn't it? "Ummm.... I wrote 'lol remember man with hat'. What the heck is that?"

Most of mine are easily deciphered. When I first started taking notes (about a year ago when I realized my memory was starting to slip), they were cryptic. I have to stop myself from writing the entire TR there on my phone, and try to smaller down the text, otherwise I spend the whole trip on my phone talking about what I just did, rather than doing!

Cobwebs? There were cobwebs on them, right?

No, but the dogs, and the guards with semi automatic weapons trained on them were a little disconcerting.

Why???

Lot C at LAX is the Airport-run bargain basement parking lot. It's $12 per day and it's a huge flat lot under the flight path for landing. There are buses that run periodically and they drop passengers throughout the lot, make their way back to the depot and then back to airport first to drop off departing passengers, then down to the lower level to pick up the arriving passengers, and round and round. There are quite a few buses, but not a ton. A couple years ago, I missed the bus and had to wait for the next, it was almost 35 minutes until the next one came. So we decided to look into the "private parking lots" as their buses came by much more frequently than the airport sponsored buses.

We had a coupon for "the Parking Spot", and I tried to get us a spot for the Naked Jim trip, but they were all booked up, so six months in advance I booked them for a test for the Alaska Cruise. They were charging $16.95 per day for uncovered parking and I had a 25% off coupon, so that made it comparable to Lot C. However, if you read back to the first post, we were rerouted, not allowed to drop off on the correct level and then I took a 5 mile detour around the airport because I got lost on the way to the parking structure. When I got I got there, I discovered that the elevator did not go all the way to the top of the structure, so I gave up my thriftiness and I took the first space I could find. Looking at their website, they are quoting $20.95 for covered parking.

So that's almost double what we would have paid in the other lot. We went back to Lot C for the last trip. Remember the bathroom toilet overflowing story?

Band. You chose band, right?


Right???

Yeah right. For next week.

Aw! That's so cute! "Get in here and pet me!"

Now he has taken to doing that all the time. Even when I've been home for six weeks!

Thanks for the TR!

You're welcome!

Great trip report! I'm glad your parents came with you and they had a good time.

Glad you made it home safely with all of your stuff! Thanks for taking the time to share with us!

Thanks! It was a lot of fun and nice to have folks along to chat with and have dinner and all that good stuff.

Thanks for sharing! And I'd have skipped band too. Really, who has the energy after that trip back home?

You're welcome. I never intended to go to band, Fran always has the best of intentions, but doesn't seem to be able to wrestle timing and reality in her head. She always thinks we can do three days worth of stuff in 8 hours!

 

[franandaj]

Just catching up...

That's currently my line!

Wow! That sounds terrifying!

Yes, and being a survivor of a vehicle fire almost 30 years ago, it was even more terrifying!

A) Yuck. That sounds like a mess.
B) He just left you? Whiskey Tango Foxtrot???

I know! I would have loved to get his taxi information, but then again I'm pretty sure the dispatcher himself told the guy to leave, so he probably wouldn't have gotten in any trouble anyways.

What a mess. That must have been so aggravating.

What was even worse was being dumped on the side of the road!

Can't believe the mess.

I think I might have ruined one of the washcloths in the hotel room trying to get the scooter cleaned up.

But I thought you guys weren't allowed to travel anymore?

Technically, I can't "book" any new trips. Our last trip before the moratorium was placed is coming up this February. We're going to Vegas the week after the apartment gets cleaned out! Unless of course we're going to the Caribbean that week. If that's the case, we will go the week after @pkondz visits.

This sounds like a story in and of itself!

Nah, we just took them out of the carry on and put em in the suitcase. 70 lb limit and all.

I wish I was Disney adjacent.

You know, I'm 350 miles away and I'm having separation anxiety as I'm seeing all my "friends" on FB post about being there. Even though I would never want to be there this week.

Can't blame you there.

Exactly, why would you not want to go home to your own comfy bed after a long and slightly difficult trip?

This just tickles me!

He is such a little cutie with a HUGE personality!

Good to know! I desperately want to see Alaska. I'm sure doing it the Disney way would be a lot of fun!

Thanks for the TR!

I would love to do a land only trip, but from what I've learned they are very cost prohibitive as flights are very limited and quite expensive. Add meals and lodging and the cruise works out to be a bargain.

That is one thing I don't miss. On Royal Caribbean, you pick them up the last evening.

On the newer ships, and supposedly the reimagined Wonder, now you can have pictures taken up until the last evening.

What a pain.

Completely. No idea how that happened.

I am glad that they got it sorted and even delivered it.

Me too. It was a pleasant surprise.

When we did the Alaska cruise, we did not go through immigration/ customs. We could have disappeared in Canada and nobody would have known we were there.

That's pretty funny since you are harmless. Not so much if you think about terrorists.

That sounds scary.

It really was.

I am glad that this was the reason rather than having a fire.

It was definitely better than a fire, but such a pain to clean up. I was finding that stuff on the scooter months later.

I can't believe he did that.

I know. I think even the dispatcher told him to ditch us.

This was really not your day.

No. It really wasn't.

How nice of them to do that.

They were trying to be helpful, but that stuff stuck to everything.

What a mess.

This is really neat.

Thanks for sharing. I really enjoyed reading along.

It was quite a collection of characters, some were very old. I'm glad you enjoyed the report.

 

[pkondz]

No, that's still crazy early for me. I try to lay down and go back to bed whenever I get up that early.

I've noticed that actually.

Thanks. Just rub it in.

I believe I just did.

They did announce that 12% of the state is no longer in a drought. My part is still in what they call "Exceptional" which is beyond "Extreme".

Whoa.

No, I still pack for 50. Remember I have to lift these at home, whether it's into or out of the car. Plus we usually don't get help from a Porter at the end of the trip either.

Good point.

Yes I know, the importance of punctuation.

Thank you!! Every time I write "blah, and blah" it feels... weird. Now I know it's okay.

In the US, there is no requirement to tip the porters. I am assuming that by the nature of how "not light" that we travel, that we leave from the same airline terminal, and that Fran is very generous with her tips, those are the reasons that the porters at LAX remember us. What we found at YVR was that the "required tips" were probably lower than we would have freely given them, so when they presented themselves saying, "Hi can I help you? I'm only going to request CDN$8 for my services." and Fran was prepared to give them a US 10 spot, well they sold themselves!

We're all going to die.

Nah. I have faith in you.



Don't mind the parachute I'm wearing.

I'm guessing that's where they put everyone flying to the states.

Could be.

Most of mine are easily deciphered. When I first started taking notes (about a year ago when I realized my memory was starting to slip), they were cryptic. I have to stop myself from writing the entire TR there on my phone, and try to smaller down the text, otherwise I spend the whole trip on my phone talking about what I just did, rather than doing!

No, but the dogs, and the guards with semi automatic weapons trained on them were a little disconcerting.

eep!

Lot C at LAX is the Airport-run bargain basement parking lot. It's $12 per day and it's a huge flat lot under the flight path for landing. There are buses that run periodically and they drop passengers throughout the lot, make their way back to the depot and then back to airport first to drop off departing passengers, then down to the lower level to pick up the arriving passengers, and round and round. There are quite a few buses, but not a ton. A couple years ago, I missed the bus and had to wait for the next, it was almost 35 minutes until the next one came. So we decided to look into the "private parking lots" as their buses came by much more frequently than the airport sponsored buses.

We had a coupon for "the Parking Spot", and I tried to get us a spot for the Naked Jim trip, but they were all booked up, so six months in advance I booked them for a test for the Alaska Cruise. They were charging $16.95 per day for uncovered parking and I had a 25% off coupon, so that made it comparable to Lot C. However, if you read back to the first post, we were rerouted, not allowed to drop off on the correct level and then I took a 5 mile detour around the airport because I got lost on the way to the parking structure. When I got I got there, I discovered that the elevator did not go all the way to the top of the structure, so I gave up my thriftiness and I took the first space I could find. Looking at their website, they are quoting $20.95 for covered parking.

So that's almost double what we would have paid in the other lot. We went back to Lot C for the last trip. Remember the bathroom toilet overflowing story?

I do. And.... Now I know.