3rd Part - Seeing Michelle Kwan, Doing EE & Oh Canada is Just as Good As Soarin!!

Bill From PA

Always do sober what you said you'd do drunk. That
Joined
Nov 8, 1999
Messages
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On to Day 3. Please note the title line is 'Seeing Michelle Kwan, Doing EE', not the other way around. We started the day with our Coffee/Bagel/Fiber breakfast and headed off to AK. It was a little chilly, by March in Orlando standards, but got hot in short order. Our theory is that the Safari is to be done early if you're going to do it at all, so we hustled there. For the third straight day we made it to rope drop, in AK it's just in front of the Tree of Life, where Mickey, etc., wave to the crowd from a double decker bus or something similar. The Safari, was, well, the Safari. We got the usual view of the livestock, pleasant enough but nothing out of the ordinary such as lions or hippos mating, things we've seen and filmed on past trips. They can't all be gems. After the Safari we went straight to the Panjani Forest Trail and had a pleasant stroll through. The primates were a little less shy that usual and were actualy moving around a bit, a fact I attribute to the cool temps that morning. We ended up doing the Maharaji Jungle Trek also, but I don't remember if that was before or after Expedtion Everest, but before I get to either of those, I'll bring in Ms. Kwan. Along the road to EE from Africa there's a wide spot where one can get a photo with EE as the backdrop. This was roped off this day, with elaborate camera gear and a full production crew in place and to top it all off, there was Michelle Kwan and some Central Casting kids filming a commercial or promo of some sort. I got some video of this and I'm sure Mary took some old-fashioned 35mm pics that I'll post later. There was a CM there to keep traffic moving so we couldn't dawdle, and I wouldn't have if we could. I'm not a celebrity hound, and the only reason I knew it was MK is that I overheard someone else sayng it.

ANYWAY, we soon discovered that EE lives up to its hype. I suppose the the standard description of it as a 'cross between BTMRR and R'R' is reasonably accurate. I'd describe it as BTMRR on Steroids as there are no loops or barrel-rolls as in RnR. I forget if we rode multiple time this day, probably not as there were other thngs we wanted to do at AK and we knew we'd be there twice more after the kids and grandkids arrived, only 24 hrs from now. So, we got in Dinosaur and found AK to be a little crowded for our tastes, and hoped to Epcot at 12:30. Once there, we saw Oh Canada, and I think if you see this 360 degree film shortly before or after Soarin, you can't help but see strong similarities, both as to content and to the feeling of actual motion. In fact, from now on if anyone asks me what Soarin is like, I'll refer them to Oh Canada, if they've seen that. In the early afternoon we were able to walk right in to the Biergarten in Germany where we had the buffet. While we enjoyed the meal and drinks, afterwards we agreed that the food was too heavy for the time of day and the activity level we wanted to maintain. It really lowered our energy level.

Since the kiddies were coming tomorrow, we decided to take one more crack at PI. Cindie-rella and hubby, Mazz arranged to meet us in or just outside the Adventurer's Club, but before getting there, we had time for another visit to Raglan Road and the Comedy Warehouse. I've REALLY grown fond of RR. There will always be a place in my heart, or liver, for the Rose&Crown, but RR has become my favorite spot to sit, have a few and maybe get some Pub Grub. I wish it were in Epcot, but I guess the Micks and Limeys just don't mix. Don't flame me, Mary traces both family lines straight to Ireland and I'm Welsh/English. We're allowed to poke fun at our own.

The CW show was a little lame, owing to the early hour and low blood/alcohol level of the audience. but we sat between two young couples who were first timers. They all enjoyed the show and, when asked about the other clubs at PI, I convinced them hit the AC next as the dance clubs would be slow early on anyway. I think they were all still at the AC hours later as we were leaving, so I guess the 'Got It' and had a good time. On entering the CW, I heard my name called and saw Tim/Hawk and wife from the previous day's DIR Meet at the R&C. I was jealous. They we're seated in our favorite section, on the top level, along the left, overlooking the stage. It's usually only used if the club gets filled and we've only been there once. As it was a way less than capacity crowd, I was surprised to see it being used. How much did you slip the CM, Tim? ;)

After the show, the 4 of us crossed the street to the AC, which was just then opening because of a private party being held there. We went straight downstairs and grabbed seats at/near the bar. I believe this was Cindie and Mazz's first time here although they're Disney Vets, Tim and his wife are members from way back. As with our PI visit on our first night, Mary had 'stool problems'. We ended up chatting so much we failed to get into the first Library show, The Balderdash Cup. The Tim/Hawks stayed near the door in order to make the next show while Mary and I and Cindie and husband continued to blather on and enjoy the atmosphere and goings-on in the AC lounge area. The 4 of us never did get into the Library that night. As midnight approached, we decided to roll down the hill and hit a club, Motions, I think, the one with the revolving dance floor. By this time the brain cells which harbored our sense of self-consciencousness had long since drowned, so 2 no longer young couples, Mary and I the oldest by more than a bit, took to the dance floor. I probably would have done so with out the Demon Run on board, because a sober view of the others already gyrating there would show that we 4 were far from the most lucicrous examples of the human species present.

All good things come to an end, and we finally had to surrender to the fun and abuse we subjected ourselves to. In addition to that, our SIL Brian, daughter Liz and granddaughters Sophia and Elise were arriving the next day, so we had to save a little something for that. Starting with the next report, I'll have more links to photos as Brian went crazy with his digital camera and the last 7 days are documented much better than the first 3.

Scott & Laurie's report:http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1062341

Our First Day:http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1061905

Our Second Day:http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1062960


Bill From PA
 
wow thanks so much for your ak and PI reviews........I have heard alot about the DTD restaurant......I think I need to try it out........thanks again for your report
 
I have to admit that PI and AC have become a thing of the past for me since Jellyrolls entered the picture, but I will make it back to AC one of these days!!!

Enjoying your trip immensely - can't wait for the next installment!! :teeth:
 
Enjoyed reading your report ~ Thanx for sharing.
 

So, you saw Disney's latest spokeswoman, eh? It's kind of neat seeing them film stuff, and watching it on TV later, though :)

Thanks for posting!
 
In 4 trips to WDW, I have never been to PI.

Thanks for the report---sounds like a fun time so far!!!
 
Hi Bill:

Great trip report so far! :thumbsup2 Just saying that we had an excellent time meeting with you and Mary, along with Cindie-rella and WDW LOVR and their spousal supporters. It is great to meet fellow DISers. I have to admit R&C is a great place and now one of our new true libation hang-outs. Bass Ale all the way! Raglan Road will come to be one of our new DTD watering holes as well. :drinking1 Sorry about butting in on your Comedy Club sightseeing spot. Lucky find for us. We enjoyed the show and will visit faithfully each trip. Sorry to hear you didn’t make it into the library. The best advice is to hang out near the door, unfortunately it seems like everyone knows that trick. Just being at the Club is a festive event. We hope to make it to Jellyrolls on the next go around, (We wish that every time, but never make it).

We are in the planning stages for the next trip. If the whole crew goes it will be same time frame of Feb/Mar 2007; possibly 14-18 of us. :grouphug: If not, then it will be in April 2007. I see you have been scouting BWV and outside arrangements for your next adventure. I may be doing the same if it ends up being a large group.

I think the weather this time treated us and you very well. It was a great trip. I hope your family had a great time. How did they like TOT? Will be talking at you in future posts.

What do you think of my new user title? :woohoo:

Tim/Hawk
 
I had forgotten to print out your last message and didn't realize we would be unable to get on our computer at the hotel so I was unable to get your number, I knew I'd forget something.

We were at Animal Kingdom the same day, we missed Michelle Kwan though, they were packing it up as we got there, and she had gone already. We had breakfast that morning and met my uncle who set us up for the day with VIP at FLK and a fist full of fast passes. :)

It was a fun week but I don't think I'll be bringing both sets of parents at the same time again, our poor daughter was overstimulated by grandparents. Poor baby got sick on that Thursday and she was pretty much done the rest of our stay.

Sounds like you all had a great time.

I can't tell you how badly we already want to go back, our daughter talks of nothing but Mickey and Minnie, well, I guess we do too.

Great report!
 
Christine,

Given the weather we had it would have been difficult not to have a great trip! I had my eye open for your crew in the R&C and on the 9th we had a Cindy's Breakfast shortly after your Crystal Palace thing. Before the breakfast we did 'Kiddie Stuff' Dumbo, Carousel Peter Pan etc., and afterwards we watched and filmed the Castle stage show, whatever it's called. I'm with you on wanting to get back, we've got a line on points for a BWV room in the 2/28 - 3/11 '07 range. In Easter Sunday I lock in the airfare. BTW, on Wed. my daughter got sick and on Fri my SIL got the same thing. They each only lost an afternoon, it was a stomach virus or food poisoning thing, came on fast, was violent, ended just as fast. I hear a lot of folks got the same thing that week.

Tim,

I've got a DVC member lined up to get us into a BWV, the only question is how many of the 9 days she can get for us. We're going for 11 days, from 2/28 through 3/11 but we're skipping one of the weekends at BW, the points necessary for Fri & Sat are crazy, we can get S/D for less. I managed to talk my 4 yr old granddaughter onto the ToT and, while she took it well, afterwards she said, "Pop, I don't want to do that EVER AGAIN.' SHe did enjoy Soarin', SpMtn, BTMRR and Test Track. I really hope our trips overlap next time, let me know when you lock the dates in.

More reports coming soon!

Bill
 
Bill:

BW surely appears a great resort. We have toured it a couple of times but have never stayed there. I don’t think it would be an option for us as we usually stay over two weekends and the better half doesn’t like to move once we’ve hunkered down. I think we are now at 12 adults and 5 kids as of today with the possibility of 2 more adults for the next adventure. I am looking into flights out of Burlington, VT for some and Manchester, NH for the remainder. Offsite may be a strategy for our large group, but my family is already giving me the evil eye. If we opt to stay offsite (I hope my wife isn’t reading this) we usually rent a vehicle and getting in and out of WDW is a breeze provided we are staying relatively close. I think we all favor POR and will attempt (hope) to get AP rates for multiple rooms. Most of us are PAP holders and we have received discounts every time. Should be fun planning over the next several months. :banana:

Sorry to hear about the negative repercussions of the TOT with the toddler. As I told you at R&C my 4 year old son will have nothing to do with it after his first ride at 3. He calls it the elevator ride and is quite apprehensive going into any regular elevator! He has no problem with any of the Mountain Rides at MK, Soarin, Test Track, Dinosaur or EE. He is too small for RRC and we have decided to wait on Mission Space for another year.

Looking forward to future posts. Now the fun begins again – planning! I don’t think I want to restart my countdown ticker for a few months.

Tim/Hawk
 
Michelle Kwan officially retired from competitive skating to be one of WDW new spokesperson. Can you imagine being hired from WDW. It is everyone's dream. (Well, mine anyways.).

Thanks for posting.
 
I need to check out Raglan Road next trip - when ever that it

thanks for sharing
 











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