Goofmeister
Mouseketeer
- Joined
- Oct 17, 2003
- Messages
- 213
A few notes:
These are long.
The trip was December 2002.
If you like, you can find the others here. Well, even if you don't, they're still here:
Part 1. Part 2. Part 3. Part 4. Part 5. Part 6. Part 7. Part 8. Part 9a. Part 9b. Part 10. Part 11.
Cast:
Sam (30) - the Planner, (1985,1987,2000) Trip # 4
Angie (30) - Eeyore nut and researcher, (2000) Trip # 2
Samantha (3.75) (2000) Trip # 2
Day 9, Saturday December, 7th 2002
Fantasmical
Weather: Sunny, cool in the evening
Plan: MGM and Hollywood and Vine, Fantasmic
Good day dear friends and loyal trip report readers. Sorry for the delays, but I have to work to keep up my expensive Disney habits. Im sure you understand. Without further ado
Im going to let you in on a little secret. I dont have any trip notes for the last few days. This is based on my memories, photos, videotapes, and embellishments.
Our original plan was to go to MGM for EE and then have lunch at Hollywood and Vine. This was just not meant to be. We were exhausted from our previous eight days and of course the best remedy for exhaustion is sleep and carbo-loading.
So thats what we did. After a healthy breakfast of cupcakes and chocolate ice cream we moseyed down to MGM. Somewhere along the way, either the cupcake or the ice cream founds its way down the front of Samanthas shirt. Being the Dad I immediately took charge, and declared it to be no big deal. This is exactly why I am not the Mommy. The correct answer according to the childs Mother was to purchase a new T-shirt. Being the Dad I immediately took action and did as I was told. Being stripped of decision-making authority I was regulated to watching the chocolate stained princess while the competent parent located a 100 years of Magic shirt. In reality she knew that I could never be trusted to buy clothes for anyone. The choices are too overwhelming, and I dont even know what size I wear let alone my daughter. Its pathetic I know, but I am comfortable with my limitations. Its not that I dont try to participate. They just dont appreciate my tastes.
We were a little early for our high noon luncheon at the Hollywood and Vine character meal. So we relaxed under an umbrella on the patio until our name was called. After we were seated, and had picked over the buffet, the characters came slowly by. Pluto licked me, and posed with Samantha. Dale stopped by for a photo and an autograph. Minnie came next, and posed with Samantha and her hotdog and Mac and Cheese lunch. Chip hugged Samantha while some guy in the background stared grumpily at us. Goofy was there, but never came to our table. Goofy and Minnie did a little show at the front of the restaurant where Samantha and some other kids danced. We had a fun, but not fantastic time at Hollywood and Vine. The food was just Ok, and the characters were too slow to come around.
Angie loves the Beauty and the Beast movie, so of course thats what we did first thing after lunch. The show was good as always, but it was a little different from the last time we saw it. It was still a nice show with all of our favorite songs.
Next was our first ever adventure on the Great Movie Ride. It was neat, but it wont be one of my favorites. Perhaps it was the deadpan guide, or the weird hi-jacking by the gangster that threw me off. The sets were neat, but didnt really look realistic. Maybe it was indigestion. Some of the animatronics were outstanding, however. Some were not. Was it the inconsistency that was bugging me? We will ride it again, but I was expecting more, especially with a name like The GREAT Movie Ride. Shouldnt it be GREAT and not just OK?
Following our journey through the movies we caught a family favorite, Playhouse Disney. After yet another uncomfortably long wait for this show, we were blessed with much better seats. I seem to be on a negative rant here, please dont misunderstand. Its not that I mind waiting. After all this is a popular show. However, it is hot even on a cool day because of the lack of a breeze. Children normally confined to strollers drive their parents nuts with their new found freedom. Tensions are high. Ugh its miserable. There is a sort of euphoria when you finally enter the cool dark theater. Again, do not sit in front if you want to see what is on the stage! Samantha danced, clapped and popped bubbles with joyful abandonment. Its a fun show. While the children are small we will keep coming back. It was worth the wait. However, I am excited about FP for this show. Ive heard it will start in October 2004. Woo-Hoo!
Speaking of FP, we didnt need one for the Little Mermaid next door. I really like this show. I find it ironic how they pack the pre-show area like sardines, but it really isnt that bad. After our undersea adventure we did a little shopping. Samantha used her own money to buy a Snow White miniature play set.
It was close to the parade starting time, so we grabbed a spot and waited. It turns out that we were invisible, at least thats what it felt like with all the pushing. Why doesnt anyone say, excuse me any more? The minor annoyance was quickly forgotten during the pre-parade. It was a funny (in a corny way) trivia game. The winners were awarded with a Lilo and Stitch DVD. The parade was well it was like watching a bunch of slow moving cars drive down the road. All that I really remember is that Samantha was mad at her new friend Alice (of in Wonderland) because she didnt stop and say hi. After all the time they spent together at the Tea Party the day before. Humph! If you love parades youll like this one. If you like parades this is Ok. If you tolerate parades for your family, like me, your time would be better spent doing something else. I was hoping for some magical interaction with Samantha, ala Share a Dream Come True, or some memorable music ala Spectromagic or TON. It has neither. Cute but once is enough.
We went to the theater and secured seats for Fantasmic. We had some snacks, and made some new friends. They were from Florida, and spent a lot of time in WDW, but this was their first visit to Fantasmic! We couldnt believe it. I cant tell you how glad we were that Samantha had bought a toy earlier. She and a little boy behind us played with it until just before the show started. It was fantastical. It was pretty windy that night causing the water screens to be a little blurry. The transitions between film and live action, music and pyrotechnics were very entertaining. We will see it again. It must have been a slow day because the theater didnt fill all the way up. Leaving was a nightmare; it was difficult to retrieve our stroller. Be prepared to wait, and realize that leaving is tough and youll have a better time than some of the grumps around us.
We browsed a little, and took some photos, and we were suckered into buying the souvenir photo from Cover Story.
When we returned to the lodge we had a mini-shopping spree. Which included our traditional snow globe commemorating our trip. In 2000 it was Pooh and Friends in A very Blustery Day. This year it was the Wilderness Lodge. Samantha selected a Minnie Mouse watch with changeable clothing and a new autograph book. Angie picked up some WL postcards, WL magnet and some potato head hats (Mickey ears and Sorcer Mickey Ears) for Christmas presents. All I got was a lousy WL T-shirt. All kidding aside I finally found THE T-shirt for the Lodge. I was quite happy.
We finished off the day with another low carb meal of Cheeseburgers and Chicken strips at Roaring Forks.
Highs: Fantasmic, Playhouse Disney
Lows: Pushy Parade Patrons, Grumps at Fantasmic
Tips: Take a mid-day break to keep the exhaustion away, do not sit close to the stage at Playhouse Disney, you dont need the Fantasmic DP in early December.
Part 13/14/15.
These are long.
The trip was December 2002.
If you like, you can find the others here. Well, even if you don't, they're still here:
Part 1. Part 2. Part 3. Part 4. Part 5. Part 6. Part 7. Part 8. Part 9a. Part 9b. Part 10. Part 11.
Cast:
Sam (30) - the Planner, (1985,1987,2000) Trip # 4
Angie (30) - Eeyore nut and researcher, (2000) Trip # 2
Samantha (3.75) (2000) Trip # 2
Day 9, Saturday December, 7th 2002
Fantasmical
Weather: Sunny, cool in the evening
Plan: MGM and Hollywood and Vine, Fantasmic
Good day dear friends and loyal trip report readers. Sorry for the delays, but I have to work to keep up my expensive Disney habits. Im sure you understand. Without further ado
Im going to let you in on a little secret. I dont have any trip notes for the last few days. This is based on my memories, photos, videotapes, and embellishments.
Our original plan was to go to MGM for EE and then have lunch at Hollywood and Vine. This was just not meant to be. We were exhausted from our previous eight days and of course the best remedy for exhaustion is sleep and carbo-loading.
So thats what we did. After a healthy breakfast of cupcakes and chocolate ice cream we moseyed down to MGM. Somewhere along the way, either the cupcake or the ice cream founds its way down the front of Samanthas shirt. Being the Dad I immediately took charge, and declared it to be no big deal. This is exactly why I am not the Mommy. The correct answer according to the childs Mother was to purchase a new T-shirt. Being the Dad I immediately took action and did as I was told. Being stripped of decision-making authority I was regulated to watching the chocolate stained princess while the competent parent located a 100 years of Magic shirt. In reality she knew that I could never be trusted to buy clothes for anyone. The choices are too overwhelming, and I dont even know what size I wear let alone my daughter. Its pathetic I know, but I am comfortable with my limitations. Its not that I dont try to participate. They just dont appreciate my tastes.
We were a little early for our high noon luncheon at the Hollywood and Vine character meal. So we relaxed under an umbrella on the patio until our name was called. After we were seated, and had picked over the buffet, the characters came slowly by. Pluto licked me, and posed with Samantha. Dale stopped by for a photo and an autograph. Minnie came next, and posed with Samantha and her hotdog and Mac and Cheese lunch. Chip hugged Samantha while some guy in the background stared grumpily at us. Goofy was there, but never came to our table. Goofy and Minnie did a little show at the front of the restaurant where Samantha and some other kids danced. We had a fun, but not fantastic time at Hollywood and Vine. The food was just Ok, and the characters were too slow to come around.
Angie loves the Beauty and the Beast movie, so of course thats what we did first thing after lunch. The show was good as always, but it was a little different from the last time we saw it. It was still a nice show with all of our favorite songs.
Next was our first ever adventure on the Great Movie Ride. It was neat, but it wont be one of my favorites. Perhaps it was the deadpan guide, or the weird hi-jacking by the gangster that threw me off. The sets were neat, but didnt really look realistic. Maybe it was indigestion. Some of the animatronics were outstanding, however. Some were not. Was it the inconsistency that was bugging me? We will ride it again, but I was expecting more, especially with a name like The GREAT Movie Ride. Shouldnt it be GREAT and not just OK?
Following our journey through the movies we caught a family favorite, Playhouse Disney. After yet another uncomfortably long wait for this show, we were blessed with much better seats. I seem to be on a negative rant here, please dont misunderstand. Its not that I mind waiting. After all this is a popular show. However, it is hot even on a cool day because of the lack of a breeze. Children normally confined to strollers drive their parents nuts with their new found freedom. Tensions are high. Ugh its miserable. There is a sort of euphoria when you finally enter the cool dark theater. Again, do not sit in front if you want to see what is on the stage! Samantha danced, clapped and popped bubbles with joyful abandonment. Its a fun show. While the children are small we will keep coming back. It was worth the wait. However, I am excited about FP for this show. Ive heard it will start in October 2004. Woo-Hoo!
Speaking of FP, we didnt need one for the Little Mermaid next door. I really like this show. I find it ironic how they pack the pre-show area like sardines, but it really isnt that bad. After our undersea adventure we did a little shopping. Samantha used her own money to buy a Snow White miniature play set.
It was close to the parade starting time, so we grabbed a spot and waited. It turns out that we were invisible, at least thats what it felt like with all the pushing. Why doesnt anyone say, excuse me any more? The minor annoyance was quickly forgotten during the pre-parade. It was a funny (in a corny way) trivia game. The winners were awarded with a Lilo and Stitch DVD. The parade was well it was like watching a bunch of slow moving cars drive down the road. All that I really remember is that Samantha was mad at her new friend Alice (of in Wonderland) because she didnt stop and say hi. After all the time they spent together at the Tea Party the day before. Humph! If you love parades youll like this one. If you like parades this is Ok. If you tolerate parades for your family, like me, your time would be better spent doing something else. I was hoping for some magical interaction with Samantha, ala Share a Dream Come True, or some memorable music ala Spectromagic or TON. It has neither. Cute but once is enough.
We went to the theater and secured seats for Fantasmic. We had some snacks, and made some new friends. They were from Florida, and spent a lot of time in WDW, but this was their first visit to Fantasmic! We couldnt believe it. I cant tell you how glad we were that Samantha had bought a toy earlier. She and a little boy behind us played with it until just before the show started. It was fantastical. It was pretty windy that night causing the water screens to be a little blurry. The transitions between film and live action, music and pyrotechnics were very entertaining. We will see it again. It must have been a slow day because the theater didnt fill all the way up. Leaving was a nightmare; it was difficult to retrieve our stroller. Be prepared to wait, and realize that leaving is tough and youll have a better time than some of the grumps around us.
We browsed a little, and took some photos, and we were suckered into buying the souvenir photo from Cover Story.
When we returned to the lodge we had a mini-shopping spree. Which included our traditional snow globe commemorating our trip. In 2000 it was Pooh and Friends in A very Blustery Day. This year it was the Wilderness Lodge. Samantha selected a Minnie Mouse watch with changeable clothing and a new autograph book. Angie picked up some WL postcards, WL magnet and some potato head hats (Mickey ears and Sorcer Mickey Ears) for Christmas presents. All I got was a lousy WL T-shirt. All kidding aside I finally found THE T-shirt for the Lodge. I was quite happy.
We finished off the day with another low carb meal of Cheeseburgers and Chicken strips at Roaring Forks.
Highs: Fantasmic, Playhouse Disney
Lows: Pushy Parade Patrons, Grumps at Fantasmic
Tips: Take a mid-day break to keep the exhaustion away, do not sit close to the stage at Playhouse Disney, you dont need the Fantasmic DP in early December.
Part 13/14/15.
