July 10 - Flight and Arrival Part II
Distance Walked - approx 7.3 km (4.5 miles)
When we arrived in Toronto, we were 10 minutes early. Unfortunately, there was another plane at our gate and we had to sit on the taxiway for a while until that plane left. We then got off the plane and were met by our next WestJet rep. I'm very very sorry, but I have forgotten her name. That's very unfortunate, because she helped us through the most difficult part of the trip!
(Aside: Because of the depression and ECT, my memory does not work nearly as well as it used to, and I try to take notes of things I need to remember. I thought I had recorded her name, but it doesn't seem to be there.)
Pearson Airport is a veritable maze especially while it is under construction, and I am sure we wouldn't have found the door to go from domestic arrivals to International check in. But our rep knew the way, and ushered us through to our next security check point. Here again, none of us were selected for the pat down, but I was swabbed for drugs. I should also mention that while I didn't have to take off my shoes and belt in Ottawa's security screening, here I had to do so. After we went through this screening, we had the second biggest problem on the trip.
You see, one of our checked bags had gone missing. And US Customs policy is that you cannot board the plane until they have inspected your checked baggage. In other words, we were stuck. Even more so because the bag had been processed under Samuel's name. I think that if it had of been in my name, the others could have gone on while I waited. But because it was Samuel, we couldn't really do anything.
But our Rep could! She was quickly talking to the other WestJet staff, and the security agents, urging them to track down the bag quickly. All of the staff was helpful, but she went above and beyond to get it done. Fortunately, the bag was located, and we went through the rest of the Customs stage quite quickly. We then dashed off to what seemed like the other end of the airport, arriving in time. I suspect they would have held the plane for us, but it wasn't necessary. We thanked our rep, and took our seats. We had a whole row on this plane, seats 8A, B, C, D, E, F. They are just behind the plus seats. Since we were rushed (and stressed) they gave us free headphones, and several bottles of water.
After we pushed back from the gate, they announced Samuel as a special guest, and had everyone on the plane clap for us. They had done that on the flight from Ottawa to Toronto as well, but I forgot to mention it. Like on the previous flight, the cabin crew was very friendly, and provided us with extra attention, including free food. This was a very good thing, as we had originally planned to eat in Toronto while waiting for our connecting flight. My advice to people with connecting flights: DON'T EXPECT TO EAT IN BETWEEN FLIGHTS. We had something like an hour and forty minutes, and even without the suitcase incident, there wouldn't have been enough time.
Anyway, this flight wasn't as smooth as the previous. We ran into some unexpected turbulence, which was strong enough that the flight crew not only turned on the 'fasten seatbelt' sign, but ordered the cabin crew to strap in. Fortunately, it didn't last too long -- about 15 minutes, I think. But it did mean that I felt rather queasy for the rest of the flight. Because of that, and not being able to reach the window, I didn't take any inflight pictures on this leg of the trip.
When we landed, however, the flight crew invited us to visit the cockpit once again. And since the flight was over, Sam and Rachel (and Anna, as it turns out, we able to SIT in the Pilot's chairs. Here is Captain Samuel
and First Officer Rachel:
Anna got to sit in the First Officer's seat as well:
And lastly, Samuel and Anna as the Captain and First Officer:
Thank you very much again to Jamie (Captain) and Nadar (First Officer) and the whole flight crew!
We got off the plane and made our way through the automated shuttle to the main building where we were met by out Give Kids the Word guide. Again, I don't remember the name! Grrrr. He helped us get our luggage, and showed us where to go to get the rental car. Our company was National, and they told us that everything was covered, including extra insurance. We had a full tank of gas, and were told to return it as near as empty as possible. If we did need to buy gas, to only buy $5.00 or so. Just enough to get us by.
On the back of the welcome sign were the directions on how to get from Orlando International Airport to Give Kids the World Village. The directions were clear, and we had no trouble navigating. It was getting close to 3:00 om by this time and we were all getting very hungry again, as well as tired, so it was just as well that Give Kids the World instructed us to park, and come in and eat something. It was rather a shock to the system to have so many volunteers offering to do so much for you. Including getting your food and/or drink, or carrying your tray. Dare I say it, they were almost 'too' helpful.
Once we had eaten we were taken to our villa, and given a tour of the resort as well as our villa. Our guide also sat down with Anna and I, and did the orientation with us. It seems that they have been doing it individually on arrival for a year or so, but the Make A Wish groups still tell their clients that there are two a day, which they need to attend on the first day. It was a lot of information to take in, but it was very helpful to know. It included the procedures for each park, and how to claim the tickets from Universal. There was information for Seaworld as well, but we skipped over that, since we weren't planning on visiting that park.
After the orientation, we unpacked, and then took a little break. I think that we might have gone to the pool or splash pad, because it was so hot, but there was a major thunderstorm going on, and everything was closed.
Later on that evening, we went to the Hallowe'en Party -- one takes place every week -- and then on to dinner. The parking area was full, so I ended up driving everyone over, driving back to the villa, and then walking back. There is a shuttle service in GKTW that we used to get home, but I didn't know about it for going over for dinner the first night. Not only did they have trick or treating, but they had several activities for the guests to do. Here is Samuel doing the Archery:
And here is Rachel's turn:
Then we went over to the Dining area to eat:
Alicia's first GKTW meal:
And last but not least, Samuel at the GKTW dining hall:
The next posts will be our first park day, Magic Kingdom!