The Story So Far - Completed. 11/21-30/08

[DanMedix]

Before I begin, I want to thank a few people for making this trip report interesting, and making it possible at all:

- my inlaws, for being ignorant, bratty, and downright frustrating.
- my DW, for pandering to said inlaws
- Walt Disney, for being an influence in my life
- Mickey Mouse, for giving me a place to call home, when it's not really where I live
- And, of course, everyone on the DIS. Applaud yourselves, you rock!

_________________________________________

Let's get up to speed, shall we:

CAST OF MAIN CHARACTERS :
http://img146.imageshack.us/img146/6906/sc13ir8.jpg

top left...well, that's me. Your friendly neighborhood DanMedix. In all my glory (?). Paramedic/FF. during trip, stripped of the role of "Alpha Dog".

top right....DW. Doesn't post on here. Teacher/Librarian. Grown to like WDW...although I don't think she feels like I do about it. Oh well,... Doesn't want the role of "Alpha Dog", but somehow manages to take it over at spots.

bottom left, DD9....knucklehead extraordinaire. Silly and fun. Planning her own trip report for her class at school. Well behaved, but has her moments, as all 9 yr olds do. I just wish she'd clean her room!

bottom right, DS5...the closest thing to a pet monkey that law will allow. He's tall enough to ride most rides this year. Awesomely fun and sweet young man, but Influenced by Nephew when he's around him.

_________________________________

CO-STARRING.....

BIL - doesn't really want to be here, but also doesn't want his wife to disown him.

SIL - knows very little about how WDW functions. Loves to pretend she's always right. Comandeered the role of "Alpha Dog", although she knows very little, and keeps asking me about what's what. Calls herself a bible-thumper, although every other two word phrase out of her mouth is "G.D".

DNephew - just turned 5. Spoiled brat (and his parents are PROUD of this fact). Has a fixation with being ahead of YOU in line, even if he doesn't know where he's going. Starts crying LOUDLY if he's taking out of his usual "routine" (i.e. - if you take him to WDW).

....his parents are ok with this.

_______________________________________

and also in a "farewell role":

- my wits.

__________________________________________________ ______________
FRIDAY, 11-21-08


Somehow, I knew this was going to be a trip to try my patience, when the in-laws started fighting with airport security. Aparrently, they didn't listen when they were told NOT to bring the 10 oz bottle of cologne IN THEIR CARRY-ON.

.....welcome to my world.......


The almost 2 hours on AirTran were a bit turbulent, but otherwise uneventful. DME presents no problems in getting to POP. Since it's so late, we decide to forego doing a park, and instead choosing to explore more of POP, and show it to the inlaws. Dinner at Everything POP was everything I expected from last year, although both myself and a CM had a very hard time explaining the DDP to SIL, who "WAS OF THE UNDERSTANDING" that the standard plan included appetizers or additional sides, although the literature says otherwise.

We're in the 80's this time......a little different walk to the main building, but still not bad. As long as the bar still has those Captain's Mai Tai's we're good...



A bit cool to swim (tried today earlier...felt great IN the pool...but turned into a Dan-sicle when I got OUT of the pool). It's kinda cool becoming slightly disoriented by walking up and down the Rubik's cube staircases.

*PaulaSB12 asked :
Now come on Dan with information like this we REALLY need pictures!!!!!!


*My response....

Wow....and me without anyplace to put my camera




*OhMari Asked......You do know there are elevator's at POP?

*I answered......Yes, indeedy. But, here's something interesting and fun for those of you that haven't ever done it before....

on the 80's side, the stairwells are Rubik's Cubes, as many of you know. Next time you're there, do this: At night, walk downstairs, and look upwards, towards the inside of the lighted "cube", and not at your feet.....since the cube is kinda off-center, it will mess with your vision if you're not careful...

....a bit of free fun, indeed...

Anyways, it was nite nite time shortly afterwards.......Was looking forward to a busy Epcot day....

__________________________________________________ __________

[duckybelle]

Ah, I am going to have to sub to this one!!!!

[DanMedix]

Saturday 11-22-08

Good morning from POP 9321!

http://img237.imageshack.us/img237/103/dscf1029al9.jpg

After much coaxing, I tried to make my family, both extended and otherwise, that arriving to a park at rope drop IS A GOOD IDEA.

I haven't experienced POP as busy as this. Last year, we were here in October. This year's trip is gonna be busier......

SO, after trying to corral everyone, which was one of many exercises in futility, we make it to Epcot..

http://img386.imageshack.us/img386/2302/dscf1030jn7.jpg

At this point, I've almost had it, while trying to convince them to hit Soarin' first, then M:S and TT.

I quickly learn one new fact....SIL has a "phobia" of "simulators"

She barely handles soarin' but runs screaming (almost crying) from THE IDEA of M:S.

..to quote London Tipton......yay me. :headache:

__________________________________

now, WHY IS IT that I can convince NO ONE IN MY FAMILY except DD that WORLD SHOWCASE IS INDEED INTERESTING, FUN, AND A GREAT PLACE TO VISIT???

I believe the answer lies somewhere in the statement of "WE JUST WANNA RIDE RIDES"....


....god forbid you have a real cultural exchange, or a meaningful experience.

ANYWAYS, we head into WS, with the start of DN's first (of many) meltdowns. I convince them that "WE CAN EAT IN MEXICO". So, almost as if they were being dragged in, we go into the great pyramid at Mexico. While they're browsing, I secure TS at San Angel. The food there is as good as I remember it being....especially since this restaurant seems to be a place we always hit when we're at WDW.

After this, It's definitely downtime. SO, much to my dismay...BACK TO POP WE GO.

That evening, we hit DTD....which is WAY busy.

Well....it's a holiday week, and it's also Saturday. So, it stands to reason that it will be a bit crowded. No worries.

...except the inlaws have another "BRIGHT IDEA"......

....LET'S EAT AT THAT NEW DINOSAUR RESTAURANT!!!

Ummm, GREAT....except for a couple of things...

1 - the wait is about 2 HOURS
2 - they don't accept DDP
3 - the crowd in front of the restaurant looks like those videos of Tel Aviv from years ago.....chaos in large numbers.....

SO, I take this opportunity to introduce them to one of my favorite eateries in DTD: Earl of Sandwich....

....which is also PACKED, with a line OUTSIDE the door! But, things are moving fast, so no worries.....

I love their food. My family has loved them ever since last Halloween.
the inlaws were disappointed. Perhaps I could have persuaded them to make their sandwich in the shape of a dinosaur?.....

After a bit of shopping, it's back to POP, and off to bed.


_______________________________________--

MORE OF MY EXTENDED REPORT TO COME! STAY TUNED!

[ILuvCrush]

yay Dan!! I'm here! The extended version is even more fun than the live 'abridged' version:rotfl:

Still no Dan-cicle pics:confused3

Oh well....

Paula

[Disnsyncey]

..to quote London Tipton......yay me. :headache:


HAHAHAHAHHA I love that :)

[choirfarm]

Boy, I sure hope your in-laws, nephews parents etc. don't read this. I would be so incredibly mad at you if I were them!!! Just be careful... do you want them to read this... WOW.... My in-laws would be in tears...

[mitros]

What scares me is that we are arriving on te 6th of December, and it sounds like EVERYTHING is mobbed!....Some recession. :confused3

[DanMedix]

Boy, I sure hope your in-laws, nephews parents etc. don't read this. I would be so incredibly mad at you if I were them!!! Just be careful... do you want them to read this... WOW.... My in-laws would be in tears...

Perhaps I am being a bit harsh, but I call 'em like I see 'em. Trust me, these family members would certainly do the same to me if the roles were reversed...

..and have, in their own way. :laughing:

[DanMedix]

What scares me is that we are arriving on te 6th of December, and it sounds like EVERYTHING is mobbed!....Some recession. :confused3

Well, I'm wondering if the "recession" is going to have a greater impact on the 2009 bookings? I'm sure many of the folks that were there during the week I was there had already prepaid their trips. But, I am indeed curious as to how the 2009 trips will be affected...

[mitros]

Well, I'm wondering if the "recession" is going to have a greater impact on the 2009 bookings? I'm sure many of the folks that were there during the week I was there had already prepaid their trips. But, I am indeed curious as to how the 2009 trips will be affected...

I'm wondering that myself. The DVC arm of Disney is still going full tilt. Reservations are all up at each resort. I called about 2009, and was told that there is literally no slowdown in reservations whatsoever. I'm curious how things are for the rest of the non-DVC resorts next year. :confused3

Also, on a side note, your a stronger man then I am, going with all of those folks you are with. They sound like a hand full. Hope your having a good time anyway.....:thumbsup2

[Sleeping Becca]

Lovin your TR!

Thanks for writing!

I love the description of the cast! Very funny! If you can't insult your family, who can you insult?

I can blast away on the DIS because I know my relatives will NEVER see it! I'm guessing your situation is the same.

[Luv4Disney]

Subbing!

[DanMedix]

DAY THREE

11-23-08
about 230pm

The fam's napping, and I have a free moment for ya...

I was asked about the DDP..well.....

- my problems with the DDP (the standard plan) include:
*CM's who don't know what's included, or what to call a "dessert" or "snack"

*inconsistency with "adult/child" portions. Some restaurants enforce portion rules, some don't. This makes ordering a bit of a challenge sometimes.


Yes, the "Food and Fun Plan" was the one they had back in 1994, that let you have just about anything, anywhere. I'm absolutely sure WDW lost money on it. But, hey, at least it was easier for us to figure out..LOL


Today. MK so far...BUSY!!!!! Got there at rope drop, and LORD, was it crowded! (and the airline wouldn't let me bring my machete...AAAAGH!)

http://img211.imageshack.us/img211/4125/dscf1069xu6.jpg

But, lines aren't too bad, and are at the very least manageable. However, today, it seemed like I've run into a few particular park stereotypes..

- I've been hit, and almost run over, by an ECV! one lady going against the flow at the splash mountain exit who claimed she couldn't see me...

- my DD was almost knocked over by....what could possibly be..A BRAZILIAN TOUR GROUP (group of mid to late 20 yr olds..no flags or chants or anything, but thought DD(9) was a tackling dummy.

But, like I said, it's not bad so far. In Fantasyland, Dumbo could use a coat of paint, but at least it's up and running.





We had a great CM at Splash Mountain, who let us ride a 2nd time with no wait, because the photo people deleted our picture. Probably because of my inlaws....They thought it would be ok if the nephew (their son) sat on their lap during the ride. Apparently, this is a safety violation, and I can certainly understand. But oh well...



My DD and DS, not to brag, are doing quite well on this trip. DS even got picked today for Jack Sparrow's pirate tutorial!

http://img55.imageshack.us/img55/3695/dscf1130al3.jpg

Tonight is EMH.....I REALLY HOPE crowds aren't bad. If they are, we'll divert after dinner. (ressies at LTT)

The POP folks are still as friendly and helpful as ever. So far, this place still gets my vote....ALTHOUGH there are drawbacks - mostly with your bus pick-up location proximity. POP's is the FAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAARRRRTHEST from the park. My SIL did put it best....the first two letters of Pop Century are "PO"....and they keep us "po folks" in the back. LOL

oh well....almost time to rouse the fam before dinner tonight. As usual, I'll keep ya posted.



****LATER THAT NIGHT.....*******


Mkay. It's about 9pm EST, and we're in the room, ready for nite-nite time. Last night's EMH at MK wasn't bad. This was actually my first time to see SpectroMagic....not bad at all.

http://img83.imageshack.us/img83/1035/dscf1178wg4.jpg

Almost had a problem at LTT. Seems that my ressies somehow got screwed up, and placed for the night BEFORE we were there. but, thanks to a great CM named "Courtney D", we were able to get in, even though things were booked. (after all, we DID have ressies). But, after this experience, I had to call WDW Dining, and reconfirm my other ressies. The food at LTT was great as always. The beef was perfectly smoked....and I HAVE to find the recipe for the pineapple mustard that was used on the ham! I'm SO making that for Christmas this year!

http://img211.imageshack.us/img211/3906/dscf1150od6.jpg




The rest of the night wasn't bad. The crowds were still larger than I'd like, but still mostly manageable. Spent a good bit of time in Tomorrowland and Main Street. My first time doing TTA (a nice diversion). DS' first time on Space Mtn too, now that he's tall enough. He absolutely loved it!

Then it was time, once again, for my ever-so-famous TEACUPS PICTURE!
Yes, folks....when it comes to the teacups, I'm the one they warn you about! I can make the strongest of people turn green! I swear, if M:S breaks down, I'll be glad to help get the SPINNING on!! But, the best part about it is when you get great pictures of the people you're spinning....

...like this one...

http://img55.imageshack.us/img55/594/dscf1224hj1.jpg

DS also tried his hand at driving at INDY. Remind me to spend a little EXTRA time with him when it's his turn to get his license! LOL

http://img211.imageshack.us/img211/9694/dscf1232hv8.jpg

Next thing you know, I'm looking at my watch...and it's about 1AM!! GOOD LORD we've got to get to bed!!


SO, back on the bus, headed to POP.


*speaking of buses, btw, the buses are running ok throughout this trip. I just wish people would use deodorant*

___________________________________


NEXT PART COMING TONIGHT!

[Laneychris]

Great pics!

[3"Mouse"keteers]

subbing! Can't wait to read the rest of your report! popcorn::

[rosiep]

More Dan! I want more!
I think too that I should introduce my Mom to your in-laws.


http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2001869

[mitros]

Oh no! :scared: the Brazilians are there this week? :scared1: This is the absolute WORST group to be stuck with! Hope to God they are gone by next Saturday when we arrive......:sad2:

[DanMedix]

yay Dan!! I'm here! The extended version is even more fun than the live 'abridged' version:rotfl:

Still no Dan-cicle pics:confused3

Oh well....

Paula

Well...It's colder HERE AT HOME than it is in FL, and it's been a while since I've done a photo shoot like that.........teehee ;)

[DanMedix]

Lovin your TR!

Thanks for writing!

I love the description of the cast! Very funny! If you can't insult your family, who can you insult?

I can blast away on the DIS because I know my relatives will NEVER see it! I'm guessing your situation is the same.

I'm right there with ya ;)

[kirrrby]

Love the TR.
Subbing
You're almost making me regret wanting to go with my DBF's parents next march.
Also, here is a semi-close to the LTT Ham & Mustard Recipe.


click,click (http://www.epicurious.com/recipes/food/views/Glazed-Ham-with-Pineapple-Mustard-Sauce-238078)

[mitros]

Love the TR.
Subbing
You're almost making me regret wanting to go with my DBF's parents next march.
Also, here is a semi-close to the LTT Ham & Mustard Recipe.


click,click (http://www.epicurious.com/recipes/food/views/Glazed-Ham-with-Pineapple-Mustard-Sauce-238078)

Hurry up, you have 85 posts to go! :)

[kirrrby]

Hurry up, you have 85 posts to go! :)

haha, you're the first to comment on my goal. :goodvibes

[DanMedix]

Day Four
11-25-08

Today, we slept in because of the late night we had last night at MK's EMH.

But, no time to waste..we've got RESSIES at one of my favorite places!

SO, after trying to rouse the family (..and an even longer time trying to rouse the inlaws...), we're waiting on the bus to Epcot!

As soon as we get there, it seems like I'm the only one trying to GET to the restaurant. Everyone else wants to dilly-dally....especially the inlaws, who now think it's a good idea to get their son a stroller.....

SO, I try to check us in at TEPPAN EDO, where they tell me that the entire party must be present (...oh just stay tuned...this is the first of MANY times I'm told this during the trip) In the meantime, I'm able to get a few good pix of the Japan pavillion...

http://img78.imageshack.us/img78/5651/dscf1244bb0.jpg
http://img56.imageshack.us/img56/1405/dscf1242hj5.jpg
http://img262.imageshack.us/img262/8135/dscf1243cb3.jpg


Enjoyed lunch at Teppan Edo (this time was even better than before! I love that place) We had wonderful service, and a very entertaining chef (whose name was Kento, I believe). The one complaint I have is that some of the selections on the "kids menu" aren't cooked on the hibachi, but brought out on a bullet-train plate. But, the staff was great with the kiddos, and made sure they all got to enjoy everything.

After lunch, I figured that this would be a perfect opportunity to check out more of WS.....right?

.....then I remembered that my inlaws existed. (in a fit of euphoria from the meal, I'd forgotten they were with me.....bummer...)

One thing leads to another, and next thing ya know, we're hopping a boat....to DHS!.

CROWDED...plus the fact that the park entrance card/ticket reader system went offline.....creating lots of cranky people.

TSM? as they say in the northeast (and maybe some of you can help me with the exact pronounciation)...FUHGEDDABOUTIT!!!!!

RNRC? FUHGEDDABOUTIT!!!!! FastPasses were gone by the time we got there. We did ToT, which was cool....and..

...for the first time EVER........DS DID STAR TOURS!!!!! Of course, he loved it.

http://img262.imageshack.us/img262/9644/dscf1317za4.jpg
(I love this pic, with the sticker on the droid..*DUE FOR MAINTENANCE*)



If you want to do TSM, GET THERE EARLY AND DO IT FIRST THING..or you'll NEVER get to do it!

Anyways,

Off to MuppetVision we go! I always love doing this one with my kids, because it's a favorite of all of us. Plus, it makes people look at us funny when the kids and I recite the pre-show, each of us playing a role.

http://img56.imageshack.us/img56/2098/dscf1264ho8.jpg

Did GMR....not bad....had a "gangster" girl that I'd never seen before. Now I firmly believe that it helps when you're held captive at "gunpoint" by a cute girl ; )

After that, it was "get the heck out of the crowd" time. So, back to the bus (and about another four mile hike to the POP bus stop), and back to POP. Tonight's another dinner at Everything POP, which I dont' complain about. I rather like the way Everything POP is laid out. But, each day it gets more and more crowded.

Some recommendations on Everything POP's ever-changing menu include:

- Reuben Flatbread
- Shrimp Lo Mein
- Turkey Panini

...and a cheeseburger, if you absolutely MUST.....

__________________________________________________ _________

MORE TO COME!

[jkahne9]

Dan, love your trip report. I live in NY and we are going to WDW on 12/13. I am taking my kids out of school for a week and was wondering if you did the same or were schhols on vacation that week.?

[mitros]

Love your comment yesterday about the buses and lack of deodorant! :lmao:
But it is SO friggin' true!:sad2:
How much longer is your trip?

[DanMedix]

Dan, love your trip report. I live in NY and we are going to WDW on 12/13. I am taking my kids out of school for a week and was wondering if you did the same or were schhols on vacation that week.?

We took the kids out of school for 3 days (the mon, tues, and wed before thanksgiving), and got them out of school about an hour early on the day of arrival.

[DanMedix]

11-25-08


Before I begin tonight, there are many of you who are curious about the crowds. I'll start off like this:

I hate crowds.
I absolutely despise being in the middle of 18million stanky cranky people with no manners and no deodorant. (That's why last year's OCT trip was such a treat...I can surely remember days of NO crowds, and an almost empty Everything POP....)

I'm following TGM's advice. I was hoping it would make a difference.

...as we say in the south... "IT AIN'T".

I'll put it this way. The crowds grew larger and less manageable today as the first hour went on (and today was supposed to be the least busy park!). More on this topic later on in this post...just stay tuned....

Not that I dislike TGM's advice, because I certainly do. It's just that crowds are crowds, no matter how you slice through them.

Anyways,.....

http://img229.imageshack.us/img229/2105/dscf1286gb9.jpg

We did a full day at DHS...and went commando, at that. (for those that don't know, this means that we went without a break) We were walking off the bus right when they started to let people in the turnstiles.

We headed directly to TSM. By the time we got there......

http://img110.imageshack.us/img110/4282/dscf1287ny8.jpg

...there was a 60 minute standby wait....and an even longer line TO GET FASTPASSES!!! This makes absolutely no sense to me. Yes, we went in the standby line. Now, I liked the ride, don't get me wrong. But, it's seriously not worth the hassle of trying to fight rude crowds for over an hour...JUST TO GET A STINKING FASTPASS!!

But, the ride was fun, nonetheless...

http://img123.imageshack.us/img123/6660/dscf1296mu8.jpg

http://img229.imageshack.us/img229/2123/dscf1302oy6.jpg






Was able to do Star Tours again, which is now DS's favorite. Had to skip the Jedi Training Academy, due to the rain (which one particular CM seemed quite overjoyed about.. ) But oh well....After DD got her face painted, it was time for lunch at Pizza Planet. Wasn't bad there, and the food wasn't bad either. I've noticed that Pizza Planet is just about one of the best CS places in DHS, where you can get a decent pizza and salad for the price.

During the line for pix with Lightning McQueen and Mater, the photographer.....just.....left. Didn't say anything, didn't close the line.....she just.....left. I grabbed my own pic of DD with Lightning and Mater, and left.

DS did Jedi Training Academy when it ran later. He was picked...and he was SO serious about it, too!

http://img110.imageshack.us/img110/7643/sc2cho6.jpg
http://img229.imageshack.us/img229/4361/sc2esa9.jpg
http://img229.imageshack.us/img229/9049/sc15cn6.jpg

...well, we DO practice with our sabers at home....his dad (ahem...me) has had a little training in Kendo and Iaido.....yes, we have our own lightsaber classes at home.....yep, I know, I'm a geek. But oh well....


Then it was time for his own round of face painting......then more riding.....

....and noticing that the crowds (that started to briefly thin out during the little bit of rain) are starting to come back...

After a few rounds of RnRC and ToT, and chatting for a brief moment with one of the 'Streetmosphere' characters (who did bear a close resemblance so someone we all know (*COUGH*ADVENTURERSCLUB*COUGH*), I decided to do a futile check to see if any TS restaurants could fit us in. 50's couldn't, but Sci-Fi got us in at the tables in the back. Not bad food....and the milkshakes are on the DDP!

One more time to Endor, then it's back to POP for laundry.....and some seriously nice Captain's Mai Tai's at the pool bar! (definitely recommended)

NOW, on to the subject of the crowds.......
Things did indeed grow worse today, admittedly. But, when I was heading back to the room with mugs and mai tai's, my jaw dropped.....

not one, not two...but THREE...yes...THREE MAGICAL EXPRESS BUSES dropping NEW people off at POP.

Looks like the largest of the crowds has just begun...

....Guess Who's Coming to (Thanksgiving) Dinner?.......

____________________________________

but oh well.....what can I do? (except report to you guys and gals)

Tomorrow we have breakfast ressies at Ohana, so I'll keep you posted tomorrow night. In the meantime, it's bedtime for me.

night all!

[LittleBugsMama]

Dan, love your trip report. I live in NY and we are going to WDW on 12/13. I am taking my kids out of school for a week and was wondering if you did the same or were schhols on vacation that week.?

I live in Brentwood! We are neighbors and we will be in WDW December 10-17. See you there!:hug:

[Luv4Disney]

Oooo, which Adventurer's Club character? Hope we see him/her too!

[DanMedix]

Wednesday
11-26-08

Thanksgiving Eve...........




Before I begin my "halftime report" for today, I wish to address some of you who are quick to critique my methods for this particular trip.

I've received many messages who keep telling me that I'm "not truly following what TGM planned out", and that I should "not put down TGM", because his plans worked for them.

I'm guessing these people either:

- love going to WDW.....IN JULY OR AT CHRISTMAS
- don't go to WDW during a truly "OFF-PEAK" time
- Haven't experienced the "luxury" of waits UNDER 5 MINUTES!

Call me spoiled. Call me names. Just call me, dammit! LOL

Yes, I have had no choice but to deviate somewhat from TGM's park plans. While we've done our best to stay true to the listed "least crowded parks", I've had to forego TourGuideMike, in favor of the whims of TourGuideIn-Laws and TourGuideWifeAndKids. I don't have to deal with Mikey on a daily basis. The other people, however.....Well, you know.

See, the thing with TGM's plans, is that they don't allow for flexibility. They don't allow for when you're trying to rouse sleepy kids. They don't allow for your bus breaking down. They don't allow for the turnstiles computers' going down. They don't allow for ignorant family members who pretty much do their utmost to hijack your vacation, just because they get "an idea", or see something "bright and shiny".

But, don't think for a moment that I haven't been trying the plans. Sometimes, real life won't allow for strict plans, and we have to go with the flow....especially when it means not having to sleep on the couch for a week when I get home......


But, I digress. Onto today's mayhem.....

__________________________________________________ _

This morning, we had breakfast at Ohana, with Lilo, Stitch, Mickey, and Pluto. It was very nice. The food was good (especially the potatoes and the pineapple bread), and the characters spent as much time as they could with us, although they were kinda rushed (not their fault, tho). The price was indeed better than CRT from last year, and the kids seemed to enjoy the characters a bit more. Yes, while they were a little rushed, they certainly weren't as rushed as the Princesses were last year. It also seemed like the characters really did want to come and say hello, and have fun with everyone.

http://img100.imageshack.us/img100/2237/dscf1340ss7.jpg
http://img47.imageshack.us/img47/6875/dscf1336pc7.jpg
http://img241.imageshack.us/img241/3295/dscf1343ro9.jpg


Great views from the Poly, and I'd like to explore it a bit more. I totally want to stay there.

http://img47.imageshack.us/img47/1776/dscf1351pu3.jpg
http://img241.imageshack.us/img241/3376/dscf1575if5.jpg

On the monorail back, we passed the GF, where my DW said "I definitely want to stay there".

I totally agreed (and kept this in the back of my head for future trips.....teeheehee)

This morning wasn't too bad at MK. After doing POTC (yes, the hologram is still off-line), Jungle Cruise (with a pretty funny skipper whose name eludes me for the moment), driving the boats (..for $2..), Carpets of Aladdin (we already rode this....can you say "Dumbo"??), the Pirate Tutorial, Tiki Room (DS insisted), and having...my FIRST DOLE WHIP......we finally made it back to the room.

Today's crowds....not as bad as I expected. Still heavy, tho.

At this point, being outside of our original plans, I've pretty much abandoned TGM.)

Nighttime was interesting, to say the least.....

....First off, in a move that seemed rather silly to me at first, AK had night time EMH....until 11pm! Of course, the only things that were open were:

-Camp Minnie-Mickey (char. greetings, and FOTLK)
- EE
- Kali (although NO ONE was on it!...too cold!)
- DinoLand's attractions (including Dinosaur)
- ITTBAB

Yes, even though a sign said that Primeval Whirl would be closed, they had it up and running (with a 60 min standby time) tonight.

The park, although lit, is quite DARK at night, as my DS so eloquently pointed out "IT'S DARK OUT HERE!"



Oh, it got worse from there.

We were standing in the beginning of the outside line at Dinosaur, when I realized we were behind a guy who'd had a colostomy (yep...bag and all), and seemed to be having an issue. This "issue" made a smell. DS (who, I remind you, is 5 yrs old), eventually got sick of the smell, and kindly let us all know by saying...

"OKAY, WHO KEEPS POOTIN'?"

.....because of this, I found out that Coca-Cola does indeed burn when it comes out of your nose. I'm just glad we were near the entrance, and the trash can....



Also had a fun run-in with a CM. Near the end of the FP line, a female CM wanted to measure DS...who passed, of course. She said that he was considered "snack size" for the dinosaurs there, and that I would be considered "dinner". She went on to tell us that today the dinosaurs liked GREEN (I was wearing a green shirt). In a fit of not-thinking, I say "....and me, being so tasty....."

...both the CM and I look at each other at this point. She says "OH, there's so many ways I could go with this!"

....this is where DW grabs me by the neck, and drags me inside the building.....

Anyways, we ALMOST did lunch at the CS side of Yak and Yeti...until my family realized that they served chinese food. Needless to say, we headed straight to Restaurantosarus. I always enjoy the ambience in there. I like seeing the Dino Institute stuff on the walls (including the pics of Chester and Hester). If you haven't had a look, I recommend it.



As we left at about 9pm, I reveled in the fact that I had a brief moment on the bridge to Harambe.....and NOBODY ELSE WAS AROUND! I took a moment to lie on my back quickly, and then get up, to run back to my DW, DS, and DD, who had already disavowed all knowledge of who I was, and walking to the bus stop.

We hopped the bus to AKL, and took the DTD bus from there to do some quick shopping, and then head back to the hotel, with 2 sleepy kids.....

(YES, the inlaws didn't come with us on this leg. I don't know what they did......you can imagine my heartache....

...I need a hug....and sleep.....

...........in that order, would be best......)

Tomorrow is turkey day......Here's my plan:

AK in the AM

and, yes, we have a KAMIKAZE run into MK for thanksgiving dinner at CP.
(and yes, me without my machete)

keeping you posted as always.....

nitey nite

[OhMari]

Hey,
you are completed. It says in your title, "completed".
Hope you finish.
Mister.