21st Anniversary Trip- Day 4- MGM, Sci Fi Diner, DI massage, Ohana's, Pleasure Island

[Tarheel Tink]

21st Anniversary- Day 4 Wednesday 5/2/01 MGM Studios, Sci Fi Diner, Disney Institute Massage, Ohana’s,
Pleasure Island

We woke early to do a short morning at MGM Studios for a few attractions. We went directly onto Rocking
Rollercoaster with Aerosmith playing- love it! Earl rode it four more times while I went next door to do Tower of
Terror. Did I mention this is our 7th trip here? I just recently found out Earl does not like this ride and just went
along to keep me company because I enjoy it. What a sweetie! Likewise, I don’t care to repeatedly do R&R since I
weave drunkenly for a while afterwards. While going into TOT, I tried to read on the lobby marquee what the
fallen letters spell at on the bottom (due to line moving fast, I didn’t get to read all of the hidden mickey, but it
definitely spells out something- stop to read it!).

Together, we did the Great Movie Ride, played around at the Soundworks studio and pulled the rope at the well
outside of the Indiana Jones Stunt Show (by the Fastpass distribution)- so cool! I think it is John Cleese’s voice that
talks to you from the depths of the well. We did the Muppet 3D (the key IS under the mat as you enter just like the
sign on the box office says!), looked around in several shops and looked at the interior of Pizza Planet. We showed
up a bit early for our PS at Sci Fi Diner, our first time there but we wanted to experience the drive-in car tables and
the science fiction tacky movie clips. If you are Pooh-sized, the car tables will be a wee bit snug but doable. We
enjoyed the atmosphere and as recommended, stuck to the basics of burgers and shakes (the waiter seemed to
nudge us in that direction also). He did a good job and happily took our picture- the whole restaurant does give the
illusion that you are outside at night in a convertible at the drive-in in the fifties. Food is expensive but was good-
shakes good, burger large and fine, excellent onion rings for me and crinkle-cut fries for Earl. A fun experience
but doubt we will be back (a been there, done it kinda thing for us).

We had repeatedly seen and recently done most of the other attractions (favorites include the stage show of
Hunchback of Notre Dame, Star Tours, Animation Tour, Little Mermaid, and Drew Carey’s Sound show) we left
MGM and went back to the resort for me to rest and for Earl to drive over to the Disney Institute for a 50 minute
custom therapeutic massage with same masseuse he had last time. I had booked it for him the day before over the
phone and he returned extremely relaxed and happy. Not surprisingly, he forgot that they automatically add an
18% gratuity and tipped her again. Oh well, I sure she was delighted!

We went to the Polynesian resort to eat dinner at Ohana’s, greeted with Alohas by all , including our “cousins” at
the next table. Our “brother” sat us and our server “cousin” explained the menu that would be coming out. We both
got some tropical drinks and the starters arrived with bread. The starters are dumplings, salad, glazed chicken
wings, slaw, fried rice and stir fried vegetables. One of our servers showed up with skewers from the wood burning
grill- marinated pork loin, turkey, beef, and shrimp. All was good, the service prompt and friendly and
entertainment in a Polynesian singer who hosted children in a coconut rolling race using brooms and then later a
hula hoop contest that some adults joined in. We sat near a couple celebrating their 63rd Anniversary (wow!) and
also a wedding rehearsal dinner that was quite merry. Romance was in the air! The meal was finished off after
repeats of anything you wanted with sliced fresh pineapple with a warm caramel sauce for dipping- delicious
combination. By the way, the lovely singer kept repeating what a handsome man my husband was!

Before leaving the Polynesian, we did some shopping while I kept an eye out for Mel Gibson (having read this is
where he and his family stay when they are here). We took the monorail to Magic Kingdom then a bus back to our
resort to drop off our purchases before taking the boat launch to Downtown Disney to go to Pleasure Island. This
place is always hopping- just walking through is exciting but I could stay in the Adventurer’s Club all night. It is
never boring- improvisational comedy that we love! If there isn’t a show going on in one of the rooms, something
on the wall comes to life and starts conversing with the people. We reluctantly left eventually to catch the last boat
of the night back to Riverside to turn in for some much needed sleep.

Tomorrow- Animal Kingdom, Rainforest Cafe, Flying Fish for our Anniversary Dinner!

 

[pumba]

and have never thought of doing this dinner you guys did......I think we will think about it.......thanks so much for your day.......

 

[Jeafl]

I am really enjoying your reports! How fun it must be to be with just your husband, and not have to worry about anyone else! Sounds like you aren't missing a thing...on to the next report...

 

[swankybeth]

The letters at the Tower of Terror say, "evil tower, u r doomed" or something like that. Now the key under the mat, that's just something I can't seem to find. Is it right when you walk into Muppet Vision or is it when you walk into that room with the TV's for the preshow?

Massages sounded nice...I was thinking about doing that in the AKL for my trip. Do you mind sharing how much it cost?

--Beth