2004 VAN TRIP - part 3

VAN

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Joined
Feb 5, 2004
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Me – 49, Disney nut
DH – 49 (almost 50), “enjoys” WDW
DD – 18, Disney nut
DF – 18, hasn’t been in a few years

Tuesday, March 30, 2004 – R&R and MORE WALKING

Started the day with the paper, breakfast and pool time. It was in the 80’s today and we decided to go to the Premium Outlet mall that wasn’t too far away (on International Drive). Really neat place with lots of really upscale stores. We ended up purchasing DS a shirt at the Izod store. He had wanted a non-Disney shirt as a souvenir. We really didn’t find anything else to buy that we couldn’t live without.

That whole area (which is where Vistania Resort is located) is very upscale. We stopped at their upscale Publix store for some ice and groceries.

Once back at Ft. Wilderness we walked down to the Marina (about ½ mile) and took the ferry to the Magic Kingdom. Then we walked toward the Grand Floridian (over the engraved bricks) until we reached the end where there was a nice place to sit. I had to go to the bathroom pretty bad so we headed back. The guy at MK Security was nice enough to let me go through (not into the paid section) to use the restroom. We then proceeded to the Contempory to get on the monorail to the Polynesian for a look-see and then we took the boat over to the MK. Then the ferry to Ft. Wilderness. I think DH had had enough of boats for one day!

At Crockett’s Tavern we had Nachos and Spinach Dip ($20) and then back “home” and to bed.

Wednesday, March 31, 2004 – GOLF and DD & DF ARRIVE

Usual morning: USA Today, breakfast, pool, lunch.

We noticed that there were some people setting up on our loop with a dog and this was really bothering me because our loop is NOT a pet loop and I didn’t want to be stepping in dog poop in the middle of the night on my way to the bathroom. The 1600 loop, right next door, is a pet loop and there are little baggies for poop and signs reminding people where the dogs could be at the campground.

DH was going to drop me off at the Caribbean Beach Resort before he headed to Osprey Ridge. I’ve never been to this resort and thought it would give me something to do while he was golfing. Well, I was still bothered about that dog business and figured that I may as well report them before they got all set up. I went into the CBR lobby and anonomously phoned the front desk at Ft. W and inquired if 1500 was a pet loop – NO – well guess what! Those people got moved to a pet loop. I find it hard to believe that they didn’t report having a pet and didn’t know that pets had to be in certain places!!! Upon returning to the campsite later, I saw that they had been moved into a pet loop.

When I told my DD about this she jokingly said I was the “Neighborhood Watch Association” – I do find that those that stay for a week or more tend to settle in and become aware of the comings and goings just like a regular neighborhood. I suppose that’s a good and a bad thing. Anyway!!

Anyway, at the CBR I did a lot of walking around. It was nice and a bit secluded. At the food court/gift shop, I got a Mickey Ice Cream Bar and a postcard then took the bus to the Magic Kingdom and then the ferry back to Ft. W.

DH had a good time golfing and was there in time to hit a bucket of balls. Twilight rate for 18 holes was $80, bucket of balls $6 + tax = $91.59.

It was time to leave for the airport so we headed out and ate dinner at Burger King. DH was driving and it was dark. For some reason he seemed to be discombobulated and kept making the wrong turn, etc, etc (probably too much sun and it was pitch black out) – so I took over driving and we finally got to the airport.

We parked and went in to wait for the girls. Fortunately their plane was on time and they were ready for fun. We didn’t have to pick up any luggage because we had them give us their duffle bags before we left so they only had to bring last minute things in their carry-on.

DD had a story to tell about one passenger on the plane. Some woman who was behind her on the plane had her daughter with her and kept up a rather loud, babyish conversation … “Now we are going to put on our seatbelts.” “Okay, now the plane is taking off.” Etc. Well finally, when the woman said, “Let’s put your backpack away”, DD says loudly: “Okay.” Everyone around them laughed and the woman finally lowered her voice. I saw/heard people like this all during the WDW visit while waiting in lines, etc. Not sure what their reason is in making themselves the center of attention, but it can sure be annoying!!

Anyway, back to leaving the airport. I was driving and somehow missed the correct turn, realizing it when I had to pay an extra toll. Eventually we got back to WDW and the campsite and went to bed.

Thursday, April 1, 2004 – THE GIRLS ARE HERE – BOB JACKSON

It is a bit cooler today – only about 72 degrees. But we’re in Florida and on vacation. Usual morning routine of paper, breakfast and pool. After a shower and lunch we drove over to Port Orleans Riverside to double-check on the time for Bob Jackson’s show at the River Roost Lounge (8:30 pm). We then waited for the boat that took us to the French Quarter and then transferred to a boat for Downtown Disney. The boat captain gave us each a gold (plastic) doubloon when we got off. The Marketplace was busy but nothing like what we would experience once the weekend came around!! I spent $15 to join the Rainforest Café Safari Club (this got us a discount and a special not-so long to wait privilege). The girls each bought some jewelry and then we took the bus back to Port Orleans Riverside for our van and drove back to the campground for some chips and salsa.

We wanted to get to the River Roost Lounge in time to get a seat before Bob’s show because last year it was packed. That was really unnecessary because it wasn’t nearly as busy as last year. The menu had changed since last year in that they only had munchies (no sandwiches) but the waitress said we could get food from the food court to bring back. The girls both got cheeseburger baskets – total $12.86 at the food court. DH and I ordered Nachos ($5.99), 5 beers over the course of the evening ($3.50 each) and the girls soda ($1.89 each) – w/ tip & tax it was $35. We also tipped Bob Jackson $5.

Before the show, Bob came around and spoke with everyone at the tables to find out a little about them. In response to whether this was our first time at his show, I said “No, except for DF.” Well, he kept calling out to DF all night. It was the same routine as last year and still lots of fun!! We did the usually Conga Line and the teasing of people when they came in regarding where they were from …. Hey where are you from? Detroit? Well, I’m from Detroit! And then everyone woohoos! …. Oh well, I guess you just had to be there. Bob Jackson is one of the great secrets at WDW and I would have never know about him except for his loyal fans on the Disboards!
 
love your way of doing Disney on rest days.......this is the way to do some of it.......I am the neighborhood watch gal too......sort of runs in the family.......thanks again
 
Really been enjoying your reports. And especially appreciated this one. DH & I are staying for the first time at POR and I am curious about Bob Jackson. He sounds like someone we would really like. So thanks for adding all the details!
 






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