GaDisneyDad
06-28-2002, 09:38 AM
Cast:
Norm (me) (39); husband, father, trip planner, scribe and photographer
Robin (39); wife and mother with veto power over trip plans, wants a more relaxed Disney trip this time (Ha!)
Kent (14); teenage son, not interested if it’s not fast, loud, or scary (preferably all three)
Whitney (13); teenage daughter, into thrill rides like her brother, but will do the others with less complaining (usually)
Setting:
7 days at Port Orleans Riverside, plus 1 offsite at Islands of Adventure (son’s favorite, of course). This is our second straight year at POR, and third WDW trip in four years. Due to finding a discounted resort rate back in January, we decide to stay longer than our usual 4 or 5 days to have more time to “stop and smell the roses”.
Scene 4 – Monday, June 17 – “Up and at ‘em, pal”
Wake up call at 6:30 for an early morning walk. Still no Mickey. Walked about 30 minutes around the river. Clear blue skies; looks like a nice day, even though TWC is calling for rain later on. We didn’t know it yet, but the weather would only get worse as the week went along. Each day by 1:00 or 2:00, the rains moved in, sometimes staying only an hour or so – sometimes (like Thursday) staying the rest of the night. Thankfully, mornings continued to be clear. The only way we were able to get as much done as we did was by getting an early start. A word to the wise here - get and early start. You'll be glad you did!
A word here about ponchos. We did not shell out for the yellow Disney ponchos, instead opting to buy the cheap clear ones from the dollar store before we left. Yes, they’re thin, but they got the job done, and at 2 for $1 we could afford to bring several and just throw them away once they wear out. Starting today we always carried a set with us each time we went out. It’s a good thing we did, because we wound up pulling them out several times each day.
Got back to the room and walked over to the food court with Robin. Called guest services about the missing Mickey from my wake-up call, and they suggested waiting a few seconds before hanging up as sometimes it takes a while for the recording to begin. So I set another wake-up call for 30 minutes later. When it rang, I picked up the phone and waited. And waited. Finally after about 10 seconds, “Up and at ‘em, pal”. Mickey was back! Relieved, I could now relax and enjoy the rest of my vacation.
Finally managed to drag the kids out of bed and got to bus stop at 8:30 for AK. Still needing a hat, I bought a safari style hat from a kiosk just inside the park. My kids were totally embarrassed, but I liked it. I’ll post the pictures in a few days, so you can judge for yourself. Grabbed a FP for Dinosaur (really wasn’t necessary) and watched the Bug’s Life 3D movie. This has now passed HISTA as my favorite. My daughter still leans forward in her seat so she won’t feel the “stingers”, but I laugh hysterically through the whole thing. Next, we let the kids try out the new Primeval Whirl ride. Robin and I both love roller coasters, but neither one of us can handle spinning things, so we sit this one out. Kids gave it two thumbs up. Used FP for Dinosaur. This was Kent’s favorite ride at AK, but it seems more corny this time to the rest of us. Got FP for Kali River Rapids and then went to the Tarzan show for the first time. Hated it. After about 5 minutes we were all staring at each other thinking, “What are we doing here?” We thought about ducking out, but decided to sit through most of it. Finally with about 10 minutes left, we saw several other groups leave and decided to hit the exit with them.
Went for our FP for KRR. I really don’t like the “wet” rides, but part of my job as dad this vacation is to ride just about anything my kids want me to ride, so I go along on this one. My main concern is getting my camera case under the covered area in the middle of the boat – looks like plenty of room. Then the rest of the people in our boat start throwing in purses, bags, hats, socks, shoes (!), etc., until the cover will barely close. After the confusion of getting everything stowed away, Robin looks up to see a CM berating her for not having her seat belt fastened yet. “I’ve been trying to get your attention for several minutes”, she said. We all gave Robin a hard time the rest of the trip for getting in trouble.
I’ve already mentioned how I don’t like wet rides, so who do you think always gets the wettest? That’s right, I got soaked. But at least my camera stayed dry. Next we went to the Lion King show. I love this show. We got to sit in the Lion section for the first time and so got to make the lion roar rather than the silly giraffe and warthog sounds the audience is asked to make. Great time. Next we ate at Pizzafari, one of our favorites. I know all the Disney fast food (hamburgers, pizza, etc.) is the same, but we love to eat here. By now you’ve probably noticed we don’t really do any of the “sit down” restaurants. I’ve already mentioned my kids are only interested in the basics (cheeseburgers, pizzas, etc.), so we pretty much stick to the food court and counter service places. We did try the 50’s Diner a few years back and thought it was okay, but generally, we can’t justify the cost for the full-service restaurants. I know many of you love many of them, but that’s just our opinion.
At this point (1:00 or so) we split up, and Robin and the kids go back to POR, while I stay to wander down some of the trails to get some pictures of the animals. I hit the Pangani trail and got a few good shots (I think - haven’t gotten my pictures back from the lab yet) of the gorillas. Started down the Maharajah trail, but by now the skies are starting to look really bad, so I decide to bail and head for the bus stop. Good choice – it’s a downpour now. Got back to the room and checked our friend TWC again – looks like the rain is going to be here awhile, so we decide to do some laundry. Whitney gets everyone (except me; I’m too busy pacing, thinking about all the time we’re losing to the rain) hooked watching some dumb movie on the Lifetime channel. Finally about 5:00, it looks like it’s starting to clear, so we decide to head out.
Went to MK. Robin shopped along Main Street while I went out to watch the Flag Retreat. This was my first time seeing it - nice program, if you’ve never caught it before. Whitney came out and stood with me and listened to the band. At this point we’re standing right in the middle of main street, looking back at the flag pole, band, etc. and I’m taking pictures. Suddenly I see several doves released at the end of the program… and they’re heading right for us! I mean 5 feet off the ground right down the middle of the street where we’re standing. Whitney and I both ducked.
Next, we get FP’s for SplM and went over to Tom Sawyer Island to wait. This was our first trip over here, and both kids were skeptical. But by the time we were ready to leave, both of them wanted to stay longer. Walked over to Tomorrowland and checked out Buzz and SpcM wait times – 45 min. for Buzz and 60 for SpcM. Rode TTA (nice, relaxing ride while you’re waiting for something else) until FP came up and then got another for SpcM. Raining again now. Walked through Fantasyland – long lines for everything but It’s a Small World. Kent begged us not to make him go, but we wouldn’t give in. Told him this comes with being part of the family. The rest of us enjoyed it – it’s a classic.
Rode SplM. Still one of our favorites. I said earlier that I don’t like water rides, but this one has such a good story line, even I love it. Rain is starting to come down pretty hard now, but with our cheap, disposable ponchos, we’re about as dry as we can be. Went back to Main Street and found an umbrella table we could get out of the rain under at Casey’s and ate there. This is one of our favorite places as well, even though due to the rain, the guy playing the piano wasn’t there. Still nice. Went back to Tomorrowland to find that the FP machines for Buzz are down so we used our FP’s at SpcM and walked over to Liberty Square. Wanted to do HoP, but it closes at 8:00 so we rode the HM. Lots of fun. Came back to Tomorrowland for one more try at Buzz – lines are only 15 min now, so Kent and I jump in line, while Robin and Whitney go to grab seats for the 11:00 parade. Rain is letting up now, so we’re hopeful (9:00 parade we understand was cancelled). Kent and I rode twice. By the second time, the ride was a walk-on. I still beat him both times.
We caught up with Robin and Whitney for the parade and held the seats and let them go back for a couple of turns on Buzz as well. I should mention here that we relied pretty heavily this week on those small family radios that you may have, or have seen others using. The range on the cheap ones is not great, but they really come in handy. Lots of times I will run off to get FP’s for everyone while they do something else, and the radios help us find each other again. Anyway, we found each other again and watched the parade sitting on the curb. A late (and wet) night tonight, but a good one. In bed about 1:00.
Day four:
The best – Splash Mountain (finding Mickey on the wake-up call deserves an honorable mention)
The worst – the Tarzan show at AK
Norm (me) (39); husband, father, trip planner, scribe and photographer
Robin (39); wife and mother with veto power over trip plans, wants a more relaxed Disney trip this time (Ha!)
Kent (14); teenage son, not interested if it’s not fast, loud, or scary (preferably all three)
Whitney (13); teenage daughter, into thrill rides like her brother, but will do the others with less complaining (usually)
Setting:
7 days at Port Orleans Riverside, plus 1 offsite at Islands of Adventure (son’s favorite, of course). This is our second straight year at POR, and third WDW trip in four years. Due to finding a discounted resort rate back in January, we decide to stay longer than our usual 4 or 5 days to have more time to “stop and smell the roses”.
Scene 4 – Monday, June 17 – “Up and at ‘em, pal”
Wake up call at 6:30 for an early morning walk. Still no Mickey. Walked about 30 minutes around the river. Clear blue skies; looks like a nice day, even though TWC is calling for rain later on. We didn’t know it yet, but the weather would only get worse as the week went along. Each day by 1:00 or 2:00, the rains moved in, sometimes staying only an hour or so – sometimes (like Thursday) staying the rest of the night. Thankfully, mornings continued to be clear. The only way we were able to get as much done as we did was by getting an early start. A word to the wise here - get and early start. You'll be glad you did!
A word here about ponchos. We did not shell out for the yellow Disney ponchos, instead opting to buy the cheap clear ones from the dollar store before we left. Yes, they’re thin, but they got the job done, and at 2 for $1 we could afford to bring several and just throw them away once they wear out. Starting today we always carried a set with us each time we went out. It’s a good thing we did, because we wound up pulling them out several times each day.
Got back to the room and walked over to the food court with Robin. Called guest services about the missing Mickey from my wake-up call, and they suggested waiting a few seconds before hanging up as sometimes it takes a while for the recording to begin. So I set another wake-up call for 30 minutes later. When it rang, I picked up the phone and waited. And waited. Finally after about 10 seconds, “Up and at ‘em, pal”. Mickey was back! Relieved, I could now relax and enjoy the rest of my vacation.
Finally managed to drag the kids out of bed and got to bus stop at 8:30 for AK. Still needing a hat, I bought a safari style hat from a kiosk just inside the park. My kids were totally embarrassed, but I liked it. I’ll post the pictures in a few days, so you can judge for yourself. Grabbed a FP for Dinosaur (really wasn’t necessary) and watched the Bug’s Life 3D movie. This has now passed HISTA as my favorite. My daughter still leans forward in her seat so she won’t feel the “stingers”, but I laugh hysterically through the whole thing. Next, we let the kids try out the new Primeval Whirl ride. Robin and I both love roller coasters, but neither one of us can handle spinning things, so we sit this one out. Kids gave it two thumbs up. Used FP for Dinosaur. This was Kent’s favorite ride at AK, but it seems more corny this time to the rest of us. Got FP for Kali River Rapids and then went to the Tarzan show for the first time. Hated it. After about 5 minutes we were all staring at each other thinking, “What are we doing here?” We thought about ducking out, but decided to sit through most of it. Finally with about 10 minutes left, we saw several other groups leave and decided to hit the exit with them.
Went for our FP for KRR. I really don’t like the “wet” rides, but part of my job as dad this vacation is to ride just about anything my kids want me to ride, so I go along on this one. My main concern is getting my camera case under the covered area in the middle of the boat – looks like plenty of room. Then the rest of the people in our boat start throwing in purses, bags, hats, socks, shoes (!), etc., until the cover will barely close. After the confusion of getting everything stowed away, Robin looks up to see a CM berating her for not having her seat belt fastened yet. “I’ve been trying to get your attention for several minutes”, she said. We all gave Robin a hard time the rest of the trip for getting in trouble.
I’ve already mentioned how I don’t like wet rides, so who do you think always gets the wettest? That’s right, I got soaked. But at least my camera stayed dry. Next we went to the Lion King show. I love this show. We got to sit in the Lion section for the first time and so got to make the lion roar rather than the silly giraffe and warthog sounds the audience is asked to make. Great time. Next we ate at Pizzafari, one of our favorites. I know all the Disney fast food (hamburgers, pizza, etc.) is the same, but we love to eat here. By now you’ve probably noticed we don’t really do any of the “sit down” restaurants. I’ve already mentioned my kids are only interested in the basics (cheeseburgers, pizzas, etc.), so we pretty much stick to the food court and counter service places. We did try the 50’s Diner a few years back and thought it was okay, but generally, we can’t justify the cost for the full-service restaurants. I know many of you love many of them, but that’s just our opinion.
At this point (1:00 or so) we split up, and Robin and the kids go back to POR, while I stay to wander down some of the trails to get some pictures of the animals. I hit the Pangani trail and got a few good shots (I think - haven’t gotten my pictures back from the lab yet) of the gorillas. Started down the Maharajah trail, but by now the skies are starting to look really bad, so I decide to bail and head for the bus stop. Good choice – it’s a downpour now. Got back to the room and checked our friend TWC again – looks like the rain is going to be here awhile, so we decide to do some laundry. Whitney gets everyone (except me; I’m too busy pacing, thinking about all the time we’re losing to the rain) hooked watching some dumb movie on the Lifetime channel. Finally about 5:00, it looks like it’s starting to clear, so we decide to head out.
Went to MK. Robin shopped along Main Street while I went out to watch the Flag Retreat. This was my first time seeing it - nice program, if you’ve never caught it before. Whitney came out and stood with me and listened to the band. At this point we’re standing right in the middle of main street, looking back at the flag pole, band, etc. and I’m taking pictures. Suddenly I see several doves released at the end of the program… and they’re heading right for us! I mean 5 feet off the ground right down the middle of the street where we’re standing. Whitney and I both ducked.
Next, we get FP’s for SplM and went over to Tom Sawyer Island to wait. This was our first trip over here, and both kids were skeptical. But by the time we were ready to leave, both of them wanted to stay longer. Walked over to Tomorrowland and checked out Buzz and SpcM wait times – 45 min. for Buzz and 60 for SpcM. Rode TTA (nice, relaxing ride while you’re waiting for something else) until FP came up and then got another for SpcM. Raining again now. Walked through Fantasyland – long lines for everything but It’s a Small World. Kent begged us not to make him go, but we wouldn’t give in. Told him this comes with being part of the family. The rest of us enjoyed it – it’s a classic.
Rode SplM. Still one of our favorites. I said earlier that I don’t like water rides, but this one has such a good story line, even I love it. Rain is starting to come down pretty hard now, but with our cheap, disposable ponchos, we’re about as dry as we can be. Went back to Main Street and found an umbrella table we could get out of the rain under at Casey’s and ate there. This is one of our favorite places as well, even though due to the rain, the guy playing the piano wasn’t there. Still nice. Went back to Tomorrowland to find that the FP machines for Buzz are down so we used our FP’s at SpcM and walked over to Liberty Square. Wanted to do HoP, but it closes at 8:00 so we rode the HM. Lots of fun. Came back to Tomorrowland for one more try at Buzz – lines are only 15 min now, so Kent and I jump in line, while Robin and Whitney go to grab seats for the 11:00 parade. Rain is letting up now, so we’re hopeful (9:00 parade we understand was cancelled). Kent and I rode twice. By the second time, the ride was a walk-on. I still beat him both times.
We caught up with Robin and Whitney for the parade and held the seats and let them go back for a couple of turns on Buzz as well. I should mention here that we relied pretty heavily this week on those small family radios that you may have, or have seen others using. The range on the cheap ones is not great, but they really come in handy. Lots of times I will run off to get FP’s for everyone while they do something else, and the radios help us find each other again. Anyway, we found each other again and watched the parade sitting on the curb. A late (and wet) night tonight, but a good one. In bed about 1:00.
Day four:
The best – Splash Mountain (finding Mickey on the wake-up call deserves an honorable mention)
The worst – the Tarzan show at AK