Hettie
DIS Veteran
- Joined
- Jun 24, 2001
- Messages
- 507
Sorry that it's taken me so long to post Day 6. I've been pretty busy. I'll post Day 7 as soon as I have time to write it.
Dates: September 16-22, 2001
Resort: Animal Kingdom Lodge
Cast:
Heather (me)25Marketing Support Rep, Graduate student. Former WDW and
Disney Store Cast Member, obsessive vacation-planner.
Chad26Network systems programmer. Made fun of my obsessive vacation-
planning, but acknowledged the importance and appreciated the work.
Day 6 or Are they allowed in public?
September 21, 2001
Chad said the night before that there was no need to have Mickey wake us up since he would wake up early anyway. I think this was his ploy to sleep in because we didnt wake up until 8:30. We were feeling pretty lazy. After our usual coffee and Chads usual muffin we headed over to Epcot for not-so-early entry. Yahoo! The fountain was actually on today. I did a little dance of joy and made Chad take my picture. We just kind of wandered around Future World checking out the fountains. We went through one of the Innoventions buildings and were disappointed that the Playstation area was not open. I was thirsty so we went through Ice Station Cool again. Now that I look back on it, we really didnt accomplish much this morning, but we had a nice time being lazy. We did see Universe of Energy.
We decided we were starved and headed toward World Showcase. The first place we came to was Mexico and since we love it inside there, decided that we would try out the restaurant. The hosts were nice and were acting sneaky. I think they were conspiring to give us the best table in the place, because they certainly did. We were right on the river and it was awesome. We decided that even if the food was terrible that we were going to love eating there. We each ordered the house margarita and they were good. We decided to share the queso fundido as an appetizer and then share the tacos al pastor for our entrée. The queso was delicious. Your server brings it out in the skillet and fills and rolls tortillas for you. Our entrée was great too. It was chunks of pork in a sauce that was similar to barbecue in soft corn tortillas. This was another meal that I was expected to be disappointed by, but was quite good. We would definitely eat here again as well. Service was nice, but a little slow. There were quite a few diners though. The atmosphere was great and Ill make it a point to at least stop in for a margarita and the queso on future visits.
We were ready to head back to the resort for a swim. On our way out we stopped at a smoking area near the main bridge from Future World to World Showcase. I was highly entertained by all the birds hanging around there and then I decided that we had to sit there until the monorail came by so I could get a picture of Spaceship Earth with the monorail. So were sitting there and up walk the honeymoon couple that Chad knows. They were having an awesome time. WDW was a first for both of them and I have a feeling theyll be frequent visitors now. The groom had been less than excited about going to WDW, but now he is a convert. He was amazed at all there was to do. It was nice to see them having such a good time.
We had our final swim at the lodge (sniff!) and rested awhile before heading over to MGM, mainly to pick up a Star Wars mug that Chad wanted. We rode Tower of Terror while we were there. I walked by that candy store and of course the cotton candy smell poured out which made me knock down a few people to get in there. Chad talked me out of the cotton candy the first time. The second time we went by there was no hope. I couldnt figure out why he was trying to talk me out of the cotton candy, because Im actually pretty thin and work out frequently (wouldnt know it by the food Ive been eating, huh? But this was a vacation ). So when I figured out that he was trying to get me away from the cotton candy because he secretly loves it and would want to eat it all, I went right in the store and bought some (insert evil laugh). We went over to the Star Wars store and Chad pondered souvenirs while I happily munched cotton candy. While we were in there it started raining. We waited and it didnt slow much. If we were going to brave it I had to get a poncho. Chad thinks he is too cool to wear a poncho so he was soaked and I was nice and dry in my new 100 Years of Magic poncho.
We took the boat shuttle over to Epcot. There was lightning all around and it was freaking me out. I was happy to get back onto land and it had stopped raining. Originally I had reservations at California Grille for this evening, but believe it or not, we were tired of the big crazy gourmet meals. We skipped it and Im glad because I later found out the fireworks were cancelled anyway. So we got the greasiest fast food we could think of, fish and chips from United Kingdom. That and a couple of Bass Pale Ales made an excellent dinner. The English garden in the UK pavilion is a nice secluded place to rest. It was almost time for Illuminations and we decided to go ahead and leave since we had seen it already. Basically we went to Epcot for fish and chips. Now thats the life. So we start walking and simultaneously Chad turns to me and says, Did you see that girl? and I say, Is that Naomi Campbell? This tall, dark, extra leggy creature, with long flowing hair is doing a runway strut in front of us in a pink designer dress and platform sandals. Now, who wears that for touring Epcot? So we decide to catch up and see if its her, which was no easy feat. It was like trying to chase down a giraffe. So, we get close enough to really check her out, but I didnt see much because I was trying to be discreet. I did get a good profile glance and it was a very perfect profile. Chad heard the girls extra thick British accent, so we decided that it had to be Naomi Campbell. Now, I know celebrity sightings are supposed to be exciting, but let me tell you that five minutes after scarfing fish and chips and guzzling a big beer in your sloppy park-touring clothes, the last thing you want to see is a supermodel. I would honestly prefer to never see a supermodel. Id rather just imagine that its all lighting and airbrushing and that nobody is really that perfect looking. The whole experience was a little disheartening. I bet Naomi Campbell doesnt eat fish and chips.
So we walked (I trudged) out of the park. By the way, if youre carrying a water bottle around to fill, make sure and visit the ones just past Spaceship Earth to the left side (if youre entering the park). The water was actually cold which is a rarity. We had to run to catch our bus, but made it. I munched more cotton candy defiantly (I bet Naomi Campbell doesnt eat cotton candy). We visited Zawadi Marketplace back at the lodge so that I could get our two souvenir coffee mugs. What is it with us and only getting mugs for souvenirs? I couldnt decide between the two AKL mugs and decided to get them both. I also got a wine cork with a carved wooden leopard for my friend who was feeding our cats. Thats the extent of my shopping for the week. Im not too big on Disney merchandise. I had my fill when I worked at The Disney Store. I did look at the pins and decided that I must never buy one. I can see how they are highly addictive.
I packed what I could before bed. Chad refused to pack until the next day, which I thought was dumb, but kept my mouth shut. We went to bed feeling rather sad about having to leave the next day. We could have used a couple more days of vacation (who couldnt?).
Day 7 coming soon! Epcot again and departure.
Dates: September 16-22, 2001
Resort: Animal Kingdom Lodge
Cast:
Heather (me)25Marketing Support Rep, Graduate student. Former WDW and
Disney Store Cast Member, obsessive vacation-planner.
Chad26Network systems programmer. Made fun of my obsessive vacation-
planning, but acknowledged the importance and appreciated the work.
Day 6 or Are they allowed in public?
September 21, 2001
Chad said the night before that there was no need to have Mickey wake us up since he would wake up early anyway. I think this was his ploy to sleep in because we didnt wake up until 8:30. We were feeling pretty lazy. After our usual coffee and Chads usual muffin we headed over to Epcot for not-so-early entry. Yahoo! The fountain was actually on today. I did a little dance of joy and made Chad take my picture. We just kind of wandered around Future World checking out the fountains. We went through one of the Innoventions buildings and were disappointed that the Playstation area was not open. I was thirsty so we went through Ice Station Cool again. Now that I look back on it, we really didnt accomplish much this morning, but we had a nice time being lazy. We did see Universe of Energy.
We decided we were starved and headed toward World Showcase. The first place we came to was Mexico and since we love it inside there, decided that we would try out the restaurant. The hosts were nice and were acting sneaky. I think they were conspiring to give us the best table in the place, because they certainly did. We were right on the river and it was awesome. We decided that even if the food was terrible that we were going to love eating there. We each ordered the house margarita and they were good. We decided to share the queso fundido as an appetizer and then share the tacos al pastor for our entrée. The queso was delicious. Your server brings it out in the skillet and fills and rolls tortillas for you. Our entrée was great too. It was chunks of pork in a sauce that was similar to barbecue in soft corn tortillas. This was another meal that I was expected to be disappointed by, but was quite good. We would definitely eat here again as well. Service was nice, but a little slow. There were quite a few diners though. The atmosphere was great and Ill make it a point to at least stop in for a margarita and the queso on future visits.
We were ready to head back to the resort for a swim. On our way out we stopped at a smoking area near the main bridge from Future World to World Showcase. I was highly entertained by all the birds hanging around there and then I decided that we had to sit there until the monorail came by so I could get a picture of Spaceship Earth with the monorail. So were sitting there and up walk the honeymoon couple that Chad knows. They were having an awesome time. WDW was a first for both of them and I have a feeling theyll be frequent visitors now. The groom had been less than excited about going to WDW, but now he is a convert. He was amazed at all there was to do. It was nice to see them having such a good time.
We had our final swim at the lodge (sniff!) and rested awhile before heading over to MGM, mainly to pick up a Star Wars mug that Chad wanted. We rode Tower of Terror while we were there. I walked by that candy store and of course the cotton candy smell poured out which made me knock down a few people to get in there. Chad talked me out of the cotton candy the first time. The second time we went by there was no hope. I couldnt figure out why he was trying to talk me out of the cotton candy, because Im actually pretty thin and work out frequently (wouldnt know it by the food Ive been eating, huh? But this was a vacation ). So when I figured out that he was trying to get me away from the cotton candy because he secretly loves it and would want to eat it all, I went right in the store and bought some (insert evil laugh). We went over to the Star Wars store and Chad pondered souvenirs while I happily munched cotton candy. While we were in there it started raining. We waited and it didnt slow much. If we were going to brave it I had to get a poncho. Chad thinks he is too cool to wear a poncho so he was soaked and I was nice and dry in my new 100 Years of Magic poncho.
We took the boat shuttle over to Epcot. There was lightning all around and it was freaking me out. I was happy to get back onto land and it had stopped raining. Originally I had reservations at California Grille for this evening, but believe it or not, we were tired of the big crazy gourmet meals. We skipped it and Im glad because I later found out the fireworks were cancelled anyway. So we got the greasiest fast food we could think of, fish and chips from United Kingdom. That and a couple of Bass Pale Ales made an excellent dinner. The English garden in the UK pavilion is a nice secluded place to rest. It was almost time for Illuminations and we decided to go ahead and leave since we had seen it already. Basically we went to Epcot for fish and chips. Now thats the life. So we start walking and simultaneously Chad turns to me and says, Did you see that girl? and I say, Is that Naomi Campbell? This tall, dark, extra leggy creature, with long flowing hair is doing a runway strut in front of us in a pink designer dress and platform sandals. Now, who wears that for touring Epcot? So we decide to catch up and see if its her, which was no easy feat. It was like trying to chase down a giraffe. So, we get close enough to really check her out, but I didnt see much because I was trying to be discreet. I did get a good profile glance and it was a very perfect profile. Chad heard the girls extra thick British accent, so we decided that it had to be Naomi Campbell. Now, I know celebrity sightings are supposed to be exciting, but let me tell you that five minutes after scarfing fish and chips and guzzling a big beer in your sloppy park-touring clothes, the last thing you want to see is a supermodel. I would honestly prefer to never see a supermodel. Id rather just imagine that its all lighting and airbrushing and that nobody is really that perfect looking. The whole experience was a little disheartening. I bet Naomi Campbell doesnt eat fish and chips.
So we walked (I trudged) out of the park. By the way, if youre carrying a water bottle around to fill, make sure and visit the ones just past Spaceship Earth to the left side (if youre entering the park). The water was actually cold which is a rarity. We had to run to catch our bus, but made it. I munched more cotton candy defiantly (I bet Naomi Campbell doesnt eat cotton candy). We visited Zawadi Marketplace back at the lodge so that I could get our two souvenir coffee mugs. What is it with us and only getting mugs for souvenirs? I couldnt decide between the two AKL mugs and decided to get them both. I also got a wine cork with a carved wooden leopard for my friend who was feeding our cats. Thats the extent of my shopping for the week. Im not too big on Disney merchandise. I had my fill when I worked at The Disney Store. I did look at the pins and decided that I must never buy one. I can see how they are highly addictive.
I packed what I could before bed. Chad refused to pack until the next day, which I thought was dumb, but kept my mouth shut. We went to bed feeling rather sad about having to leave the next day. We could have used a couple more days of vacation (who couldnt?).
Day 7 coming soon! Epcot again and departure.
) 
