Why is it always over so fast? Vacation people, vacation!

[jusero]

I wasn't going to comment on the pic of the acrobat but couldn't help myself Otherwise it was a great photo (as well as all of your pics) I always seem to stumble upon these activities just as they are ending. Is there a certain time posted somewhere that shows when and where to locate them?

If you go to this page and click on the day you will be there, it will give you a list of the times for each of the country's entertainment. Helped me alot.

http://disneyworld.disney.go.com/parks/epcot/calendar/

I just HAD to post that photo. It's definitely good for a giggle or two ... and a LOT of bad puns.

 

[jusero]

Chapter six due out soon.

Looking forward to reading yours Kelly!

 

[buzzmom3]

Oh no! I don't know if I can live up to yours! I will report back on the the food at SOG.

 

[jusero]

Oh no! I don't know if I can live up to yours! I will report back on the the food at SOG.

Just have a great time and worry about us when you get back. Writing a TR really does help with the after Disney depression.

 

[buzzmom3]

I'm back and I didn't even miss a new chapter!

 

[jusero]

I'm back and I didn't even miss a new chapter!

Wow! Back already? I know I have been falling down on the job. I promise to have chapter six done and up this week.

Looking forward to reading all about your trip too.

 

[jusero]

Chapter Six: Wasted Days and Wasted Nights

OK, if you just sang that title … you’re old. Now, I can say that since I just celebrated my actual 50th birthday. I celebrated at Disney, but June 27 is my actual birthday. Got a call from my little brother first thing in the morning and … with no “hello,” “happy birthday,” or anything else … all he said was “you’re old.” Thanks little bro, but who is the one with all the gray hair? Nanner, nanner, boo, boo!!!

Anyway, I have been putting this chapter off long enough. It’s Wednesday and we are up and out early heading to Busch Gardens. We usually take our Wednesdays and go to Universal. But we wanted to do something different this year. And since I have already been to Sea World and didn’t care for it, I thought it would be a good idea to try BG.

Wow. Can you say underwhelming???? I mean, I don’t know what I was expecting, really. But it wasn’t what we found.

It was about an hour and a half or so drive and, after spending the last few days up early, out late and on the run all day in between, it was a long and sleepy drive. Other drivers were steering clear of me. Not because I was swerving or anything. But because I had the windows down, the music loud and head banging and dancing in my seat. And I was the one driving!

We made it to the park just at opening and the line into the parking lot was backed up out to the main road. However, there were two lanes to the left that were completely empty. Using my Disney thinking (don’t pass up a line just because there’s no one in it), I pulled over into one of the empty lanes. It went all the way up to the gates with only a couple cars ahead of us. Took just minutes to get in and we were able to park pretty close to the gates. I don’t know how long we would have waited in the other line. Just goes to show … always take a chance. You may come out ahead.

After getting into the park, we soon discovered that it is definitely not set up like Disney. There was no real central hub and it was pretty confusing getting around. We wanted to head to the safari first, again following Disney logic. However, after wandering for a while, we couldn’t find it. We did, however, find the train station, but the train was down for repair. Well, that’s one of very few rides there Leo can do that’s out.

On our way back through … still trying to find the safari ride … we accidentally found the sky thingy ride. We hopped on and rode to the other side of the park. Not really impressed with the views. And you can only go one way, so we had to get off the ride there.

Again, by accident, we found the tiger area. This is one of the main things I wanted to do there, so I was happy. But, even though the tigers are gorgeous and a lot of them, I was not impressed. The only places you can view them are through glass or a chain link fence. Not great for photos. And we never did find the spot where you can stick your head up into this glass box and right into the tiger’s lair. Bummer.

One really cool thing that did happen … and you are going to think I’m nuts (or nuts-er). But, if you know cats, you know that if you wink/blink at them, it’s a sign of affection and they like it. I thought, well, if it works at home with my cats (and, yes, I am a crazy old cat lady with three of them), maybe…

I tried it with one of the tigers that was slumbering over by the chain link fence. I looked him in the eyes and did the slow, two-eyed wink/blink a couple times. He actually raised his head and looked back at me with interest. I wink/blinked at him again and he meowed at me (or whatever you call a tiger meow, that’s not quite a growl) a couple times and wink/blinked back. Yes, he REALLY did this. Kinda freaked me out a bit because he then got up and pranced over to the fence kind of huffing and then started to rub up against the fence.

Of course, I also know the other habits of big cats, so I made sure I steered clear of his back end! But it was very cool. The highlight of my day.

Well, after my close encounter of the feline kind, we headed back out in search of the ever elusive safari ride. Two hours after starting the search, we found it. And there was no one in line. Weird. If you go to Animal Kingdom’s safari two hours after opening, there would be at least an hour wait. Oh well, off we go.

And three minutes later, we’re back. No exaggeration. THREE minutes!!
It felt like we drove around in a circle probably smaller than a football field and saw maybe a half dozen grazing animals, a couple elephant butts and one rhino. When we pulled back into the gate area, I was really stunned. I had read on various websites that BG’s safari is sooooo much better than Disney’s. Really??

I found out later that if you wanted to go on the “good” safari, you had to pay an extra $30 per person. Again … really??

We wandered a bit more, went to a 3-D Muppets show (that I fell asleep in) and took in a show with lunch. It was a 70s music revue. But not of the Disney level of professionalism. I mean, the kids (sorry, teens/20-somethings) did a good job, but it was just another amusement park performance.

The best part of the show was watching the group of 12-year-old boys on a school trip. Not only were they enamored with the pretty girls in the skimpy costumes, but they actually knew the words to all the songs … and were dancing all over by their tables. Cute.

And the food was so memorable, I don’t even remember what I had. Hmmm. It was … filling.

After lunch we took in the trained animals show. Yawn! I don’t know if it really was as boring as I thought it was, or if I was just in a peepee mood by this point. Anyway, after the show we were exiting across the front of the stage and they had some of the dogs out to meet and greet. I wasn’t even intending to stop, but as I walked up to one of the handlers and his black lab, the dog left both him and the family he was talking to (the handler, not the dog) and came, tail wagging, up to me and nuzzled my hand. How cute! I just had to stop and say hi. Even though the father of the family said, “Well, so much for us.” Sorry, I didn’t call him, he just came over. Can’t help it if I have an animal attraction.

So three hours, two rides and three shows later, I was bored and ready to go home. But would Leo give up and leave? Of course not! He was so convinced that we had to be missing something, he just wanted to wander around until we found it, whatever IT was. So we spent another couple hours wandering around in the heat trying desperately to find something to make the trip worth it.

Never did find it. The closest I got was watching this croc sneaking up on a turtle. But even that went ppppffffttt. He just stared at him for a while and swam away. Even the crocs are boring.

Now, I have to give credit where credit is due. If you like thrill rides, maybe this park would be better. I also found the park to be exceptionally clean and all the staff we ran into were helpful, cheerful and polite. I don’t want to discourage others from going. I just found the park boring to me. I guess I was expecting it to be better than the one in Virginia. I like the one in Virginia better.

Here are a few photos from throughout the park.

But, at least we tried it and now know we will be sticking with Universal.

Anyway, after finally convincing Leo to leave, we headed back to Disney at about 4 p.m. Thank you!

We made it back to Shades at about 5:30-6 p.m., grabbed a quick dinner in the room and just kicked back for a couple hours before heading down to the Poly to watch the fireworks from the beach.

We headed down the street at about 8:30 p.m. for the 9 p.m. show. Should have known to get there earlier. All the beach chairs were taken. But we still found a little patch of sand and settled in. I set up my tri-pod … yes I FINALLY remembered to bring the darned thing.

I was surprised at how far away the castle was from our perch. But it was still a nice spot and a LOT less hectic and crowded than being in the park. It was a fun and different experience. And we just happened to pick the right day because, after the castle fireworks, the Poly threw off their own little fireworks show and then the lights parade on the water.

However, Leo just had to make a potty run after the castle fireworks, not knowing there would be more. He missed the Poly fireworks as well as the light parade.

Now, by this time it was close to 11 p.m. and I sat for a while waiting for the crowd to thin out. I had told Leo I would meet him up by the lobby of the Poly, but that was quite some time ago so I thought he would probably get sick of waiting and head back to Shades.

I went to the meeting spot anyway and waited for about 15 minutes, just in case. I knew he had probably headed up since this was not one of his “take a magazine and guitar with him” bathroom breaks. And, of course, I had left my cell phone in the room.

By this time, there were literally no people left in sight anywhere. And it was really quiet. A little eerie in a way since it was, by this time close to midnight. I headed up the trail towards the path to Shades. The very dark, very quiet, very desolate trail winding through the bamboo groves. Have you ever heard the sound bamboo makes as it clicks against each other … in the dark? I was kinda relieved when I made it to the main street and crossed over to Shades property.

Now, on my way up the sidewalk to Shades, the automatic sprinkler system kicked on. How wonderful! I quickly tucked my camera under my shirt and ran like the dickens. Now, do you think I really ran? Of course not. I just tucked my head and got wet.

I finally made it to the room (quite damp) and found that Leo had been there for nearly an hour. Was he worried? Of course not. He was kicked back on the bed muchin’ out. I don’t know if I should be insulted or flattered that he knows I can take care of myself.

Anyway, another day comes to an end. Tomorrow: EMH at Magic Kingdom and my birthday dinner at the luau.

 

[buzzmom3]

Sorry Busch Gardens was so underwhelming! I have wanted to go there too but have never been able to convince myself to give up a Disney day.

 

[jusero]

Sorry Busch Gardens was so underwhelming! I have wanted to go there too but have never been able to convince myself to give up a Disney day.

Definitely not worth a Disney day. The only place I found so far worth giving up a Disney day is Universal. We might try NASA one of these days. Have you been there? I haven't heard anyone talk about it.

 

[rcsilverspring]

Definitely not worth a Disney day. The only place I found so far worth giving up a Disney day is Universal. We might try NASA one of these days. Have you been there? I haven't heard anyone talk about it.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

I agree. I've never had a desire to go to BG and we've never made it to Universal yet, either. Might try it now that the Wizarding World of Harry Potter is open as DD#2 (29) & I (61) are HUGE HP fans. Not sure if the rest of the group will be as enthusiastic as the 2 of us though. Got lots of time to decide.

We DID do the Kennedy Space Center years ago when we stayed a couple extra days off property. That is something that was worth seeing.

 

[jusero]

we've never made it to Universal yet, either. Might try it now that the Wizarding World of Harry Potter is open as DD#2 (29) & I (61) are HUGE HP fans. Not sure if the rest of the group will be as enthusiastic as the 2 of us though. Got lots of time to decide.

I love Universal, especially the original park. If you like thrill rides, you'll love both parks. There are a couple rides I just can't miss...even though I have to ride them alone: the Mummy ride at the original park and Spiderman in Islands of Adventure. But there are many rides good for everyone too. MIB is a good one too, bordering on the thrill ride edge. Leo can do it.

I better quit cuz I can go on and on and on...

 

[rcsilverspring]

I "borrowed" a couple of your beautiful fireworks pictures for my WDW 4th of July screensaver. Thanks for taking such amazing photographs!

 

[buzzmom3]

We haven't yet but I am thinking about it since my son is getting older. I think he would really enjoy it. I need about a 2 week trip to get in all the things I want to do! Good thing I am going back in December.

 

[jusero]

RM: Thanks for the compliment and feel free to "borrow" away! Making your plans yet?

Kelly: We are planning to do two weeks next year so we can do a park day and an off day, park day, off day so we are not as worn out by the end. Plus this will give us a chance to see more of the area and maybe even get out to a beach and visit a few of the communities we are looking at for when we move there ... if we move there.

 

[rcsilverspring]

RM: Thanks for the compliment and feel free to "borrow" away! Making your plans yet?QUOTE]

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Thanks, friend.

Only plans so far are in my head. (sigh) DD#1 won't know for sure when she can get away from the gallery for quite a while yet. DD#2 & I have been talking about ADR's already and have picked out most of the places we want to eat. She's more flexible getting vacation time than the one in NYC. Didn't book until Jan in 2008. (sighs again) It WILL happen, just not sure when.

 

[jusero]

Chapter Seven: YAY! Back to the World!

EMH at Magic Kingdom today and I’m lovin’ it! I could really live at MK. I already claim the castle as my home … even though the DGS keeps telling me, “Nooooo, Lola! That’s not your home. You silly!” Or, as he pronounces it … seehee.

Anyway, we’re up early with showers, breakfast, glucose numbers and meds done quick as can be. And I am pleasantly surprised that my numbers are good seeing the bad diet I have been following this week. Maybe all the walking is balancing it out.

At about 7 a.m., we head down to the Poly to catch the monorail, but decided to hop on the Shady Shuttle instead. This late in the vacation, the old dogs are starting to bark. Thank goodness for my Merrells.

We get to the gate a few minutes before the opening ceremonies and, this time, went beyond the turnstiles to watch the show. No matter how many times I see this show, it still makes me all giggly and giddy inside.

And with the wave of my main man’s hand, we are off on another day in MK.

This time we headed through the castle into Fantasyland and, surprise, surprise, took some photos of Leo at various places. I even got some rare shots of the castle with no crowds.

Have you ever seen the moat empty?

Once into Fantasyland, we jumped on a couple of the rides since there were no lines … and even found Peter Pan to have a five minute wait! Don’t see that very often, even during the EMH.

Here are some rare photos of the DH. He is sooooo camera shy.

 

[jusero]

OK, so this isn’t a photo of Leo after one of my PMS episodes …

Moving on, we headed into Tomorrowland and found no lines there either. We hopped on Speedway, the People Mover, Buzz and the Comedy Floor with no waits at all … all before the 9 a.m. park opening.

And I was even able to get some photos on the People Mover without getting the posts! That’s because Leo kept yelling, “CLICK” “CLICK” so I knew when one was coming. Team work at its best. And I didn’t even want to throw him out this time.

Here are my photos from Tomorrowland.

Tried to get a pic of my score since I, once again, creamed Leo. But, alas, no real proof since I didn’t really score 995,599 points. Oh wait, yes I did! I really did!

Now, I just have to fill you in on one of my more embarrassing moments this trip. It happened on the Speedway ride. Now, we nearly walked up and got on since there were no lines. I opted to let Leo drive so I could take some photos (none of which turned out … too close to DH).

After getting stuck out on the course for a little while because the car in front of us pooped out, we had smooth sailing. Until we pulled back into the gates. As you know, I am kinda Pooh sized and those cars are nearly on the ground. And with no steering wheel in front of me to grab on to to pull myself up and out, I was in a bit of a pickle. It was one of those comedy routines of up and down, up and down, trying to get my feet under me.

Then I felt Leo grab two handsful of my butt and nearly heave me face first out of the car and onto the walkway. After turning a lovely shade of red and having an instant of being really angry at being so embarrassed – with the help of Leo – I just started to laugh and just kept on laughing. Then when the laughing subsided, I just couldn’t help but to keep giggling for the next 30 minutes.

On our way across to Adventureland, we made a PP stop ... I guess all that laughing. Anyway, while in the bathroom, I noticed one woman had her cell phone on the floor between her feet. Eeeeewwwww. How can you put something that you put that close to your face on the floor of a public bathroom?

This was an eventful bathroom break because, also while there, I heard a couple ladies talking to each other. One said, “Remember when I said I didn’t think this trip was worth the expense?” The other lady said, “yes.” The first lady replied, “It’s worth it Madaline, it’s worth it.”

That made me smile. There are so many people I talk to who think the same thing but I know they would change their minds if only they gave it a chance.

Anyway, on to Adventureland. By this time, the gates are open to the general public, but the crowds still aren’t too bad. So we decided to do a few things we rarely do: the treehouse and the Tiki Room.

This duck was actually standing around in front of the Tiki Room like he was waiting to get into the show. Too cute.

Now, I can’t remember if it was this day or another, but we stopped in to try the Dolewhip. Well, I got one little bite. Leo had the rest. Although it was pretty good, I would not wait in a line for it. Kinda tasted like a cremesickle. I’ll stick with my funnel cake … which I still have yet to get this trip!

And, yes, Leo rinsed this cup and we took it home as a souvie.

From here, you will never guess to where we headed. Aww, you guessed it. We went to Pirates for another couple rides with very short lines and then on to the Mansion for another ride with just a short wait. The line didn’t go beyond the turnstiles, so it was just a couple minutes wait.

We also decided to ride the paddle boat, which we seldom do. Leo needed a nap, and this is a great chance to get a quick nap in. I took some photos along the way. I should have gotten one of Leo kicked back in the little “room” on the first deck, head back, mouth open and snorin’ away. OK, so he wasn’t really snoring … this time. But he was a favorite attraction as people walked by. An oddity to the kids, a look of contempt from the women and a look of jealousy from the men.

I have this sign for my scrapbook. A word of advice: if you see these signs, don’t hesitate to ask a CM if you can have one. A free and rare souvie.

 

[jusero]

By this time, it’s getting to be lunch time. Plus, we have to be on our way out of the park by 3 p.m. for our 5 p.m. luau ressies. So we cut over to the noodle station over by Tomorrowland. I like eating in this area because the noodle station is closed so there usually aren’t any people sitting in this area. Plus, it is out of the sun and in a cool, breezy dining area.

Leo grabbed a table with all our stuff while I headed off to Casey’s to get some hotdogs and free water. Another word of advice here: the free water throughout the parks usually doesn’t taste too bad. However, DON’T get the free water at Casey’s. Goodness sake, it tastes horrible!

And, yes, the French fry container and the hotdog bags came home with us too. Sheesh.

After lunch we relaxed for a bit and did a little people watching. It really is amazing how many hotel rooms there are in the Disney area that don’t have mirrors in them. Think about it…

We took a few more photos and then headed to Main Street where I bought my watch, did a little shopping and then stopped into City Hall before leaving. I dropped a postcard off and asked if Mickey could sign it for a friend’s daughter. I would have to come back the next day to pick it up. Aw, shucks, they are forcing me to come back to MK.

On our way, I just had to take a photo of some CMs putting down the “magic masking tape.” I don’t know if you have ever noticed this, but only at Disney World would large crowds of people, eager to see a parade and to get the best vantage point, actually stay behind a simple line of masking tape.

Could you imagine if you tried this concept at any other amusement park or along parade routes in any city? It’s pretty awesome when you think about it. Leo dubbed it the “magic masking tape.”

Back to the hotel to clean up and get ready for my birthday dinner.

The dinner was really great. The food was phenomenal … and, yes, I did actually get some food porn this time. And since we got there early (bad habit left over from the Army), we got seats right up front. Great seats … especially for hunk watching. Of course, I am sure Leo didn’t mind being that close to the grass skirts either.

The show was great and, even though I was a little concerned when a family with two small kids were seated next to us, our “neighbors” were great.

Here are some photos I took before, during and after the show.

While waiting to get in:

Hawaiian salad and pineapple bread:

Roasted chicken, Hawaiian rice, grilled veggies and BBQ ribs:

Chocolate volcano…not a big fan:

During the show. Sorry guys, I was in charge of the camera, so there aren’t many grass skirt shots. But ladies, you can thank me now … hubba hubba!

My fave hubba hubba. Sorry, I am old, not dead.

Some shots from after the dinner. I guess the stage hand was in a bit of a hurry to break the set down.

After dinner we spent some time wandering around the Poly grounds exploring and enjoying the sunset. We were going to go back to one of the parks, but decided to call it an early day and just go back to Shades and relax.

Day six closes and am looking forward to day seven. We were going to go back to Animal Kingdom, but decided to go back to Epcot instead.

 

[TinaElmerRh]

Great update. Makes me feel (well, maybe wish) I was there. Can't wait for more.

 

[luvindiz]

Hey mommy did you pack the man with the fire sticks in your suitcase to bring home to me?