meeko_33785
<font color=teal>Surrounded by characters<br><font
- Joined
- Oct 20, 2000
- Messages
- 5,491
Continuing this mini trip report, we flashback to 1999 for more of a previous Dixie Landings (aka Port Orleans Riverside) stay.
Day Three:
It was Surprise Morning day at EPCOT (now redubbed Extra Magic Hours- name change #5), and our main priority for the morning was Test Track. This was the first time we had been to WDW since the attraction had opened. It was originally scheduled to open in spring 1997, but for about two years, every time we went to EPCOT, the attraction just sat there claiming it would open “soon” while rumors of technical difficulties floated around. Now, EPCOT’s first big thrill ride was finally open, and we were curious to try it.
When we got to the EPCOT, we headed straight to Test Track where got into what would be our longest wait for a Disney attraction to date- and perhaps for all time. We got in line during early entry morning and waited… and waited… and waited… and waited. Two hours and a few ride breakdowns later, we finally got on the ride. Despite the long line, we enjoyed the ride. Ironically, weeks later, Fastpass was introduced to selected attractions and by the end of the year, most E-Ticket rides, including Test Track, had them. Thanks to Fastpass, we’ve never had to wait that long for a ride since. If only it had been added a little earlier.
Before heading to World Showcase, we checked out Innoventions, but most of the pavilion was under refurbishment getting ready for the Millennium Celebration, so we passed on it. Spaceship Earth was also getting ready for the Celebration was well. Cranes were at work placing the decorative stars and would by park of the giant wand that would make its premiere in a few months. By now, it was about time for World Showcase to open, so we headed over there.
We started our World Showcase visit in Canda by doing a little exploring and to a bagpiper there (of the traditional variety, not Off Kilter). We checked out the UK next before heading to France. We had lunch at the Boulangerie-Patisserie there. I know that this place is mostly known for its pastries, but it had some nice sandwiches and quiche that is perfect for a little meal when added with their fruit and cheese plate and a pastry for dessert.
After France, we headed to Morocco where we took the “Treasures of Morocco” tour. I’m not sure if they still do this or not, but at least at this point, they offered free 45 minute tours of the pavilion. It was really an interesting tour and gave us a lot more insight on the country and the details of the pavilion. Our tour guide even brought the group inside the Restaurant Marrakesh, which at the time we had never been to before, to see part of the show there. After Morocco we headed to Japan to see the drummers and, according to my notes from 10 years ago, Mexico, though I’m not sure if that’s true since the very next thing we did was get in line to see the show at the American Gardens Theater. Seems like Mexico would be pretty out of the way, but whatever.
The show at the American Gardens Theater that summer was “The Best of Michel Flatley’s Lord of the Dance” which is a 30-minute abbreviated version of the Lord of the Dance step dancing show. We all really enjoyed it. Fantatic dancing and music! I kind of miss bigger shows like this coming to EPCOT in the summer. Seems now all they get are cover bands. I guess they only do the big acts during the Flower and Garden and Food and Wine Festivals. Italy was next. We looked around here for a bit and listen to some of Rondo Veneziano, which was a fantastic band that used to play in that pavilion.
We continued through World Showcase stopping in Germany complete with a visit to the miniature Railway Garden (always a must-see), China where we saw their “Land of Many Faces” exhibit and saw a bit of entertainment, Norway, and Mexico (again or for the first time?) for dinner at the Cantina and watching a bit of the Mariachi band.
On our way out of the park, we saw a bit of Cast in Bronze, which is the only musical act in the world that features the carillon. They were at EPCOT for a number of years, usually at Christmastime, but this was the only summer that I remember them being there. I didn’t get any pictures back then, but Buzz and I actually saw Cast in Bronze recently performing at Busch Gardens in Tampa and got a picture there:
Cast in Bronze’s shtick has changed a little since EPCOT. Back then it use to have more of a rock band vibe like Off Kilter or MoRockin complete with live backup band and occasionally live singers. At Busch Gardens, it was just the carillon player performing with pre-recorded band accompaniment. The costume and mask he’s wearing are also new since EPCOT. Apparently they do a lot of Renaissance fairs now, so I guess that helps them fit in more. The songs are just the same though. We really enjoyed them. Dad even bought their Christmas album back when they were at EPCOT and we still play it every year.
Day Four:
Our final theme park day of the trip would be spent at Disney’s Animal Kingdom. This would be our second time visiting the park and the first since they opened Asia. First though, we began our day in Africa with a ride on Kilimanjaro Safaris and seeing the animals on the Pangani Forest trail. Next, we headed to the Theater in the Wild to see the new Tarzan Rocks show. It seems like this show has gotten somewhat of a bad rap over the years, but I thought it was fun. Not as good as "Finding Nemo: The Musical" that’s there now, but still enjoyable. Unfortunately though, it was not enclosed and had no air conditioning back then. Perhaps that would have made the show even better.
We headed to Asia next to check out the Maharajah Jungle Trek. The tigers weren’t very active this time around, but it was still fun. We passed on Kali River Rapids and headed back to Africa for some lunch at Tusker House (this was back when it was still a counter service restaurant instead of a buffet).
We headed to Dinoland USA to ride Countdown to Extinction (now DINOSAUR- name change #6) since we hadn’t done it the previous year. I’m not sure how much they changed the ride when they changed the name. It seems just the same to me. I think they lowered the height restriction a little when they did though so they must have changed something. By now, it was beginning to rain, so after the ride we ducked into the Dino Jubilee tent. This was roughly where the entrance to Dino-Rama is now and featured displays of dinosaur skeletons and information. There were also some steetmosphere performers who were supposed to be Dino Institute grad students who were giving a tour of the exhibit which was a lot of fun. Once the rain let up, we headed over to take the Wildlife Express to Conservation Station (now Rafiki’s Planet Watch- name change #7).
The last attraction of the day was the Radio Disney River Cruise, which was a reworked version of the original River Boars attraction that use to take guests along the Discovery River around Safari Village (now Discovery Island- name change #8). The only differences between the original and the Radio Disney version were that 1) the boats were painted brighter colors, 2) they played different songs as you passed by the different areas of the park like “Eye of the Tiger” as you’re passing Asia and “Hakuna Matata” as you’re passing Camp Minnie-Mickey and 3) a narration featuring Radio Disney DJs was added. The attraction lasted another couple months and the boats were gone for good by the end of the year. After that , we checked out a few of the shops and animal habits on the way back to the bus stop to head back towards the resort.
That evening, we had dinner at Boatwright’s Dining Hall, which was nice. Amusingly, the thing I remember most about it was our waiter trying to chit-chat with us. He asked what we had done that day and we said we went to the Animal Kingdom. He asked if we went on Kali River Rapids today, and we responded, “No”. We asked about the Lion King show and It’s Tough To Be A Bug and we had to say we hadn’t done those either. A little aggravated he finally blurted out “Well, what did you do all day?!” Pretty much every other attraction in the park!
It was a nice meal, and afterwards we explored the resort a little before heading back to the room.
Next: Downtown Disney and more.
Day Three:
It was Surprise Morning day at EPCOT (now redubbed Extra Magic Hours- name change #5), and our main priority for the morning was Test Track. This was the first time we had been to WDW since the attraction had opened. It was originally scheduled to open in spring 1997, but for about two years, every time we went to EPCOT, the attraction just sat there claiming it would open “soon” while rumors of technical difficulties floated around. Now, EPCOT’s first big thrill ride was finally open, and we were curious to try it.
When we got to the EPCOT, we headed straight to Test Track where got into what would be our longest wait for a Disney attraction to date- and perhaps for all time. We got in line during early entry morning and waited… and waited… and waited… and waited. Two hours and a few ride breakdowns later, we finally got on the ride. Despite the long line, we enjoyed the ride. Ironically, weeks later, Fastpass was introduced to selected attractions and by the end of the year, most E-Ticket rides, including Test Track, had them. Thanks to Fastpass, we’ve never had to wait that long for a ride since. If only it had been added a little earlier.
Before heading to World Showcase, we checked out Innoventions, but most of the pavilion was under refurbishment getting ready for the Millennium Celebration, so we passed on it. Spaceship Earth was also getting ready for the Celebration was well. Cranes were at work placing the decorative stars and would by park of the giant wand that would make its premiere in a few months. By now, it was about time for World Showcase to open, so we headed over there.
We started our World Showcase visit in Canda by doing a little exploring and to a bagpiper there (of the traditional variety, not Off Kilter). We checked out the UK next before heading to France. We had lunch at the Boulangerie-Patisserie there. I know that this place is mostly known for its pastries, but it had some nice sandwiches and quiche that is perfect for a little meal when added with their fruit and cheese plate and a pastry for dessert.


After France, we headed to Morocco where we took the “Treasures of Morocco” tour. I’m not sure if they still do this or not, but at least at this point, they offered free 45 minute tours of the pavilion. It was really an interesting tour and gave us a lot more insight on the country and the details of the pavilion. Our tour guide even brought the group inside the Restaurant Marrakesh, which at the time we had never been to before, to see part of the show there. After Morocco we headed to Japan to see the drummers and, according to my notes from 10 years ago, Mexico, though I’m not sure if that’s true since the very next thing we did was get in line to see the show at the American Gardens Theater. Seems like Mexico would be pretty out of the way, but whatever.


The show at the American Gardens Theater that summer was “The Best of Michel Flatley’s Lord of the Dance” which is a 30-minute abbreviated version of the Lord of the Dance step dancing show. We all really enjoyed it. Fantatic dancing and music! I kind of miss bigger shows like this coming to EPCOT in the summer. Seems now all they get are cover bands. I guess they only do the big acts during the Flower and Garden and Food and Wine Festivals. Italy was next. We looked around here for a bit and listen to some of Rondo Veneziano, which was a fantastic band that used to play in that pavilion.

We continued through World Showcase stopping in Germany complete with a visit to the miniature Railway Garden (always a must-see), China where we saw their “Land of Many Faces” exhibit and saw a bit of entertainment, Norway, and Mexico (again or for the first time?) for dinner at the Cantina and watching a bit of the Mariachi band.
On our way out of the park, we saw a bit of Cast in Bronze, which is the only musical act in the world that features the carillon. They were at EPCOT for a number of years, usually at Christmastime, but this was the only summer that I remember them being there. I didn’t get any pictures back then, but Buzz and I actually saw Cast in Bronze recently performing at Busch Gardens in Tampa and got a picture there:

Cast in Bronze’s shtick has changed a little since EPCOT. Back then it use to have more of a rock band vibe like Off Kilter or MoRockin complete with live backup band and occasionally live singers. At Busch Gardens, it was just the carillon player performing with pre-recorded band accompaniment. The costume and mask he’s wearing are also new since EPCOT. Apparently they do a lot of Renaissance fairs now, so I guess that helps them fit in more. The songs are just the same though. We really enjoyed them. Dad even bought their Christmas album back when they were at EPCOT and we still play it every year.
Day Four:
Our final theme park day of the trip would be spent at Disney’s Animal Kingdom. This would be our second time visiting the park and the first since they opened Asia. First though, we began our day in Africa with a ride on Kilimanjaro Safaris and seeing the animals on the Pangani Forest trail. Next, we headed to the Theater in the Wild to see the new Tarzan Rocks show. It seems like this show has gotten somewhat of a bad rap over the years, but I thought it was fun. Not as good as "Finding Nemo: The Musical" that’s there now, but still enjoyable. Unfortunately though, it was not enclosed and had no air conditioning back then. Perhaps that would have made the show even better.

We headed to Asia next to check out the Maharajah Jungle Trek. The tigers weren’t very active this time around, but it was still fun. We passed on Kali River Rapids and headed back to Africa for some lunch at Tusker House (this was back when it was still a counter service restaurant instead of a buffet).

We headed to Dinoland USA to ride Countdown to Extinction (now DINOSAUR- name change #6) since we hadn’t done it the previous year. I’m not sure how much they changed the ride when they changed the name. It seems just the same to me. I think they lowered the height restriction a little when they did though so they must have changed something. By now, it was beginning to rain, so after the ride we ducked into the Dino Jubilee tent. This was roughly where the entrance to Dino-Rama is now and featured displays of dinosaur skeletons and information. There were also some steetmosphere performers who were supposed to be Dino Institute grad students who were giving a tour of the exhibit which was a lot of fun. Once the rain let up, we headed over to take the Wildlife Express to Conservation Station (now Rafiki’s Planet Watch- name change #7).

The last attraction of the day was the Radio Disney River Cruise, which was a reworked version of the original River Boars attraction that use to take guests along the Discovery River around Safari Village (now Discovery Island- name change #8). The only differences between the original and the Radio Disney version were that 1) the boats were painted brighter colors, 2) they played different songs as you passed by the different areas of the park like “Eye of the Tiger” as you’re passing Asia and “Hakuna Matata” as you’re passing Camp Minnie-Mickey and 3) a narration featuring Radio Disney DJs was added. The attraction lasted another couple months and the boats were gone for good by the end of the year. After that , we checked out a few of the shops and animal habits on the way back to the bus stop to head back towards the resort.
That evening, we had dinner at Boatwright’s Dining Hall, which was nice. Amusingly, the thing I remember most about it was our waiter trying to chit-chat with us. He asked what we had done that day and we said we went to the Animal Kingdom. He asked if we went on Kali River Rapids today, and we responded, “No”. We asked about the Lion King show and It’s Tough To Be A Bug and we had to say we hadn’t done those either. A little aggravated he finally blurted out “Well, what did you do all day?!” Pretty much every other attraction in the park!

Next: Downtown Disney and more.