Busch Gardens, VA a.k.a. Disney World It Ain't: A Trip Report

[Tink-in-Training]

Hello readers!

Sorry for the lack of, well, anything. It's been an, ummm...interesting weekend. Best laid plans and all that.

Well, the day's finally here and I'm mostly packed, still looking for my bathing suit and on an emotional recovery from a rough Saturday. Here's what's been going on...

Friday night I worked late (not unexpected) and on the way home stopped into Old Navy to ransack their tank top tables and shorts displays. I'm-not-going-to-tell-you-how-many-$-later I walked out with enough new stuff for this year's trip to BGW AND next year's October trip. (Shopping is so compulsive.) Made a quick stop by my brother's to pick up primer for the dining room chairs (which by the way will not see the love of the sand paper/primer/paint for reasons yet to be revealed in this here post until my return).

Saturday dawned. ::sigh:: NOT to be my day. I had 764 errands to run in the morning, had a lingering concern that there was something wrong with my gas gauge as the needle hadn't moved in, oh, 50mi and in general I was in low spirits (though the gas gauge is, in fact, fine). When, around 2pm, I finally resigned myself to just go with the flow (difficult for an overplanner with a to-do list that's waaaay too long). I would go home and finish what I could finish. I would relax and take a little nap. The BMAN and I would grab some grub and celebrate being on vacation. I could finally feel all the tension flowing out of my body as I drove home. (You know where this is going, right?) Then BAM!

Literally.

Not 2mi. from my house I was sideswiped by a guy on a motorcycle. Using smilies I will now relate for you the progression of my reaction:



Also, I don't know if I'll ever be able to use this smiley again:

Long story short (otherwise I'll never make it to BGW), we were both ok (he'd actually fallen off the bike) thank goodness. The damage to my car, while significant, is 100% cosmetic. THANK YOU GOD. (It's my car we're driving down.) Once I made it through those initial emotions, I tried to settle back into the 'I'm in relaxation-on-vacation' mode. BMAN and I met up with some friends and had a pretty good night. I'll just have to take time out to call my insurance agent on Tuesday morning while we're on the road to get the claim process going. Bleh.

Yesterday was my lil' bro's graduation. Did nothing but have a good time.

Today it's back to the to-do list inbetween two cookouts we've promised to stop in at. I also need to find time to sleep some more. My body thought it was absolutely ridiculous to sleep until 7am today so I'm going to need more zzz's before we go. I want to be ready in case BMAN gets unexpectedly tired.

That's where we're at at 7am EST on Memorial Day. Almost, but not quite, ready to go. If I can find my bathing suit, it'll be a much better day as I can cross off a trip to Target. The girls go to their grammy's this afternoon. I can't promise another update, and besides, I don't think there's much more of interest to say, but I'll surely be in touch (with lots of good stories) upon my return.

Have a safe, happy and healthy Memorial Day!

 

[Potus]

We usually take at least two trips to BGE per summer. (We live in Northern Central PA) We're planning on adding an October trip this year as well. We leave in a little less than three weeks so that's why I'm only slightly jealous.

Our second trip is usually in August but after seeing that Dennis DeYoung will be there in July for the start of the Summer Night Concert series, we decided to back it up a few weeks this year.

This is probably too late but I'm surprised that no one mentioned the Restaurant in the San Marco section of Italy, "Ristorante della Piazza". We usually like to have our evening meal there and catch what ever show is currently playing. I'm not sure if the Starlight Orchestra (big band era) is playing yet or not.

The Smokehouse IS good but probably the most expensive place to eat in the park. Generally a "sampler platter" (at several of the eating places) is enough for two people to split and this also gives you the opportunity to try more of the food throughout the park. This year we're experimenting with the meal ticket option to see how that works. It'll probably be a once a day thing just to see if it's worth it.

Use the in park transportation to your advantage and don't be in a hurry to leave at closing time. They won't lock you in and it's nice to walk out at a leisurely pace as everyone else rushes out and you can have at least a little time "to yourselves".

I'm rambling. I COULD go on for hours because BGE is our escape destination to get away from the real world. Hope you have a great time and looking forward to reading your trip report.

Jamestown 1607-2007 400th anniversary.

 

[pgsahm2]

HELLO???! Where's the trip report? I'm waiting......

I took my older boys to BG yesterday afternoon and we had a nice time. Although I think EVERY FLIPPIN' MIDDLE SCHOOLER WITHIN DRIVING DISTANCE WAS THERE ON A FIELD TRIP. OMG I have never seen so many middle schoolers.

 

[Potus]

Sadly, that's one of the drawbacks this time of year as theme parks. We made the BIG mistake of going one year (2001) the weekend after Easter. Apparently during spring break! UGH!!!! Never again! I'd rather put up with 90 degree heat! (And I hate it when it gets over 50)

 

[Tink-in-Training]

Hello all!

Yes, I'm back. And have been since late Thursday night, but unfortunately had to come back to some unexpected drama for BMAN and filling out oodles of info from the car accident before we left.

I'm hoping to get the first part of the TR up a little bit later today. I won't have any pics right away as the camera is still sitting on the desk looking longingly at the USB cable waiting for me to get them online.

I will tell you this - we did ride The Griffin and I will happily provide a first-hand report. Oh, and pgsahm2, let me tell you 'bout some middle schoolers! Details to come...

 

[Tink-in-Training]

It was a dark and stormy night...

Ok. It totally wasn't dark. Or stormy. Or night even. It was Monday afternoon (5/28/07 for all of you keeping score). Memorial Day. Two days after I was oh-so-unceremoniously sideswiped by Mr. Motorcycle Man. One day after the little bro commenced. And then convinced our mother to play Beer Pong (a.k.a. Beirut) at his graduation party. Priceless. But that's another story. For another time. Likely not on the Disboards.

In other words...

It was departure day. I was packed. BMAN was packed. And after last minute errands, a trip to the gym and showing our beautiful faces at two cookouts, we were at my house ready to get our sleep on before hitting the road. My original plan was to be in bed attempting to sleep by 4:30-5pm. I was not surprised when we slipped between the covers around 7:30pm. ::sigh::
We DID wake up on time, however, around 11:30pm and after slugging a Red Bull (ew) we were on the road with BMAN behind the wheel.

Quick aside: BMAN is not usually the driver. I drive us everywhere. It's the control freak in me. But I knew I wouldn't be able to do all 10 hours to Virginny, especially the nighttime driving. So we decided to split the driving. Which was very difficult for me. I was still unsure I would be able to stop myself from becoming the passenger-seat-driver of the century. I was worried I might be single by the time we made it to BG.

Anywho, once we were settled and we'd gone over the directions together, I decided it was in our best interest as boyfriend/girlfriend and travel partners that I go to sleep. Which I did. With one eye open. But only about half the time. I woke up fully to help navigate the mess that they call 'I-95 through NYC over the GW Bridge to the NJ Turnpike'. Did you know that there are 2 exit 6A's? Technically I'm sure it's just one exit with 2 signs, and thankfully we followed the right one, but DUDE! Seriously, for a while there, I was upset with the NY/NJ Highway Department for the small coronary I had. I then passed out for the long and boring drive down the NJTP.

One funny thing that happened while traversing NY...I was awake and manning our stash of toll booth dollar bills (kudos to the BMAN for thinking ahead for that!). We were somewhere just before the GW and there is a toll ahead. On the other side of the highway with no matching toll on our side. I didn't think much about it; I vaguely remembered this from a previous trip to/thru NYC. I glanced down at the directions and then look up curiously when I feel the car decelerating. There was NO traffic. What was going on? I look at BMAN and he's glancing at the other side of the highway, looking concerned. No sooner had the word "Honey?" come out of my mouth when he declares, "How do I get to the other side to pay the toll?" Mind you, it was about 3am. He was operating on about 4 hours of sleep and a Red Bull. I burst out laughing and he looked at me, confused anger all over that beautiful face I love so much, then realized the weight of what he'd said. I mocked him once for good measure, because I'M usually the flaky one.

We'd guessed about a 9 hour drive (because that's what the TripTik said) so come 4-4:30am I offered to take the wheel. My body was awake as this is about the time I get up for work. He declined and told me to get more sleep. I didn't think I needed anymore. We pulled into a rest stop as I had to pee like the dickens (what's a dickens, by the way?). I was distressed when we reached the restrooms. Propped up at the entrance to the Ladies Room was the dreaded "No You Can't Use It" sign. Then it had an arrow directing me to 'Use the next Rest Room'. Which of course was the Men's Room. Which of course had men in it. Go figure. I did the peepee dance while the BMAN went in with instructions to 'get everyone the heck out of there'. I contemplated rebelliously hurtling the Ladies' Room sign and using that one anyway. Just as I thought I was going to die, I turned my head left. And looked.

At the OTHER Ladies' Room. Twenty feet away. And open.

I waited (painfully) for BMAN's return so that he wouldn't think I'd run off with the lone Starbucks guy who stood there watching me the WHOLE TIME. Once I was 97lbs. lighter we got back in the car and agreed I sleep a bit more.

Finally, about a half-hour before DC, BMAN looked at me and said, "Your turn. My eyes don't want to work anymore." We pulled off the highway at a Hess Station, gassed up, I got a terrible coffee and the BMAN went to sleep. He's a very light sleeper, so I was concerned he wouldn't be able to get any substantial sleep in the car and we might have a really rough first day. My fears were alleviated, however, when I heard him snoring.

We made excellent time. It must have been around 6-7am when we hit DC. No traffic. I can't say as much for the miles of poor suckers heading north on 95 that morning. Good LORD was I glad to not be stuck in that. We were on 64 heading towards Williamsburg by 7:30. We were at the hotel by 8:30-8:45am.

I had booked us (a little nervously) into the Days Hotel on 199, directly across from Water Country and adjacent to Presidents Park. And they weren't kidding. We could've walked across the road to WC (if we'd then wanted to walk across the 7.68mi. of parking lot to the park entrance). I didn't think the room would be ready, but after a little confusion at the Front Desk, the Audit Manager came out and handed me some room keys. Yay! We could freshen up before heading out to find breakfast.

We drove to the side door, gathered our crap and headed to the elevator. As we got on, a family with a teenage daughter and two teenage sons got off. The son smiled at me. I smiled back. I said to BMAN, "That was nice." (Southerners are FAR more nice than us Yanks.) He agreed. We went up one floor. The doors opened. My brow furrowed. We were on 8, not 2. I reached to hit the button for the 8th floor and noticed every single button was lit. Every. One.

No wonder that brat smiled at me.

BMAN avowed to find him and wreak such vengeance as that boy has never seen. Then we went to the room. I swear, it took longer to go up 8 floors than it had taken me to travel the length of 64.

I'd booked a standard room, two doubles as according to the website only the deluxe rooms had kings. So, imagine my surprise when I opened the door to a deluxe room. Yay! It also had a mini-fridge (which we used) and microwave (which we didn't). Granted, it wasn't a room at the St. Regis, but it was clean. And away from the elevator and the ice machine, as I had requested.

We cleaned up, I called in to my insurance agency to get the accident claim process rolling and then we got our heads together and decided to head out in search of some pancakes.

Up Next: What happens when you don't consult with the front desk on where to find the restaurants.

 

[Lifelong_Dreamer]

Great start to the report. You really lucked out on the hotel room! I would have been fuming if it were me in that elevator. Can't wait to hear more!

 

[Tink-in-Training]

When we last left off, our two weary(ish) travelers were on the hunt for some morning nourishment before putting their bodies through the rigors of roller coasters. And the general public's basic hygiene skills. Or lack thereof.

At the hotel exit I said to BMAN, "So, which way do you want to go?"

He shrugged. "Left."

I nodded. "Sure. Left is good. Why not?"

Famous last words. Left was not so good in terms of breakfast. Left was pretty. Left was treed. Left was full of dappled sunshine and a brick bridge overpass thingy my architectural side was enamored with. But Left was not the home of pancakes. Left was not home to scrambled eggs with bacon. Heck, Left was not even Home of the Whopper, which we'd have taken in a pinch. Left WAS home to a Navy base we discovered. We wondered if they'd offer us breakfast. At a loss (and lost) we retraced our steps.

And went Right.

Right, just so you know, is also breakfast-less. So is Right, then another Right, then left at the fork.

Historic Williamsburg is pretty at 9am. And quiet. And closed and foodless, apparently.

At that point we threw our hands up in the air (well, BMAN did. I continued to drive safely, obeying the rules of the road) and decided to head to the park and fill our bellies there. (It was not until later that day did we learn of the bounty of restaurants that is Rte. 60.)

We got to the park in good time and got a parking spot in Italy 30. Which we immediately translated into Nana-speak as "Itly tirty". My beloved Italian grandmother who oft assaults BMAN's plate with about 6lbs of cooked pasta with gravy and meatballs would've been proud.

One quick tram ride and we were headed in. And I should note, we were sneaker-less. Yes, we were FLIP-FLOPPING IT!!! Imagine my surprise when BMAN looked down at our feet on the tram and said, "Shoot, we didn't change shoes." I smiled, gave him the innocent lash blink and said, "I'm sure we'll be ok." Inside I was doing the evil villain laugh. You know the one.

I'd printed our tickets off the web. On the tickets, clearly printed, it said, "These are your tickets. Proceed to the turnstiles" or some other such verbiage that means you can go right to the park gates. Well. Mr. Handy Dandy Busch Gardens Greeter saw me walking and unfolding said paper tickets and stepped into our path, pointing to the voucher redemption machines. "You can head right that way, ma'am." (GOD. MA'AM. I'm 27! Can't I be a Miss until I'm 30? Or beyond???) I looked down at my tickets and then back at Mr. HDBGG. "Um, they say to go to the turnstiles." He put his hands on his hips and spread his legs a little as if to say that he had the power to block all of humanity from entering his park with that stance and shook his head. "Nope. Ma'am you need to get your tickets first. Then proceed to the turnstiles." I think BMAN could sense my frustration as I do believe he started to look for a rock to hide under or behind when if I 'lost it'. I put on the saccharine sweet smile I reserve for those times when I simply KNOW I'm right and turned the tickets in his direction. "See, right here. It's directing me to proceed directly to the turnstiles. Because these are my tickets."

I wasn't cocky. I was just right. And, you know, I knew it.

He looked at the tickets. Back at me. At the tickets. Wiped his forehead. I swear to you we stood there with him looking at those tickets long enough for Paris Hilton to serve her jail sentence and for my insurance company to appraise, cut a check for and fix my car. So approximately 78 days.

Finally, he looked up at us, smiled and said (to my utter disbelief):

"You've got your tickets right here. Why don't you head on down to the turnstiles."

You think?

We trekked on down the hill and through the "I'm not carrying a bag" check. We were lucky enough to get in line with Mr. HDBGG's friend Turnstile Dude. I swear we sure know how to pick 'em.

Here's a quick little aside/rant: I HATE HATE HATE the finger scan things. Why? Because they never work. Even at Disney there are always back-ups because the scan doesn't work. So you have to wait while the 6 people in front of you go through the process of scanning the ticket, the finger, the ticket, the finger, the ticket, the finger, only to finally be carded and admitted into the park. And then it's YOUR turn.

I probably shouldn't rant without having a solution, but alas, I'm solution-less. But fortunately not finger scan-less. We only had to do the scan/scan process twice, though, so goody for us.

We grabbed a map, which felt so alien to me in comparison to entering the gates at any Disney park, and headed through England over to Ireland...or is it Scotland. Good Lord, it happened a week ago and I'm at a loss. At any rate, we got in line to ride the Loch Ness Monster. Without breakfast. Possible Mistake Numero Uno.

The ride was fun, but jerky. Great loops and dives, etc., but we both could've done without the sudden slowing down causing our heads to temporarily detatch.

Coming off the ride we decided to head back to England. I had seen a lone gentleman breaking Theme Park Rule #1. He was eating breakfast, at the park. A big waffle to be exact. And I wanted it. So we broke Theme Park Rule #1. I had a waffle. BMAN had a waffle. And a humongous piece of chocolate cake. (It's vacation. Don't judge my handsome chocoholic.) We split a water. $14 later we had full bellies and were ready to move on.

On our way back in, we stopped to see the big Bud horsies. One was sleeping. One was standing. And he was awake. And he was definitely a he. And awake. And he was standing very close to the bars. Kind of causing a scene among parents who had no idea what to say when they're children loudly asked, while pointing, "What is THAT?" Thankful we didn't have to answer that question, we moved on to what I'm pretty sure is Ireland. Where the Corkscrew Hill ride is. We skipped it as our newly full bellies weren't simulator-friendly. We poked around in a shop or two and then trekked uphill towards France.

Next time: BMAN spends some quality time with his jungle friends.

 

[Potus]

Good report so far.

I can understand the goofyness of I-95. We used to take a route that avoided that stretch of insanity for all but the Fredericksburg to Richmond bypass section. But the area around M/M-133 (Is that Falmouth?) has gotten to be such a nightmare with traffic tie-ups that we're going to try going all the way down I-81 to I-64. "Streets and Trips" says it'll take an hour longer but with the bottlenecks on I-95 and the Fredericksburg area, I think it'll be only a half hour. We might even break even, we'll see.

Looking forward to your next installment.

 

[Potus]

I no sooner posted than there's a new addition to the report!

Yes, you have it right England (Banbury Cross), Scotland (Heatherdowns) and then Ireland (Killarny).

I know, you didn't ask.

 

[Tink-in-Training]

For those of you who still remember you even started reading this with some vague interest...my apologies. The next installment deserves pictures and I've had a lot to deal with this week. My goal is to get them on the 'puter tonight.

 

[Potus]

Looking forward to it!!!! We leave for Williamsburg in nine days so I assume I'll have to catch up when we return.

 

[MotherofLandon]

Wow, it's intersting to know there are so many people on the boards from my area. And definitally interesting to hear an out of townies experience at BG. DH(to be) and I are taking Landon tomorrow after his pre-school graduation. Hoping to get him on some rides in preparation for Dumbo. If you ever head that way again you should drive about 30 mins more and check out VA Beach.

 

[Potus]

I think she gave up on us. Hope everything is okay.

 

[Tink-in-Training]

I didn't give up on you. I promise.

Life prior to vacation ceased as I knew it upon returning from vacation. Normally I have much more free time, but as of late all of that time has been clogged up with dealing with lots of unexpected drama.

However, here I am! I finally got some pics online last night, but was too tired to write the next part. It's in the works this morning and should be online shortly.

Thanks for sticking with me! It's amazing the way life just tramples you sometimes, no?

 

[Tink-in-Training]

Here's a pic I would've liked to have included on the last installment. The rather, ahem, happy pony before standing up and greeting the world with his, ahem, happines:

So, picking up where we left off, the BMAN and I were heading through Ireland and along the way I made BMAN pick this guy's nose (because I'm a nerd like that). Of course BMAN smiled after the pic was shot:

On our way through Ireland (which didn't have much except a store with some neat gargoyles and a simulator ride which I figured I'd save the BGW crew from having to spray down too early on in the day) and into France we met these guys:

A peregrine falcon

I think BMAN wanted to take her home to 'play' with the kitties

Bald eagles and a brown eagle (I don't know the specific name of the brown one)

Interesting tidbit if you didn't already know, but all of the eagles in BG are rescues and are there with the permission of some sort of national animal rights/protection group that is escaping me at the moment. The eagles are unable to fly as they all have some sort of wing injury (of the two that I can remember specifically, one was hit by a car and the other was trapped in barb wire ) They are truly beautiful (and big!) birds. The next day we saw one named Liberty a little more up close and personal, but I didn't get to snap a pic.

These guys were hanging in the shade - grey wolves

His partner in crime isn't in this pic. He was too busy gnawing on something that was once alive and was now just reduced to bones. Mmm.

At this point we came upon an innocent looking aviary. Lorikeet Glen, I think. It was like the aviary on the Maharajah Jungle Trek at AK, but decisively different. Because I think these birds wanted to come home with us...or BMAN at least:

(I'm not sure what I did when editing the pic, but while BMAN's face is gone, his torso still made it in the pic.)

I am not kidding you when I say that these birds LOVED him. And the cancer bracelets around his wrists. They would perch there, chewing on them, then walk up his arms, licking the whole way, until they were balanced on the back of his neck, chewing on the back of his visor. They would then walk down the opposite arm, again bathing him only to perch by his wrist and try to finagle the bracelet off.

There are no pics of me holding them because for some reason, I was a bit freaked at the idea of having them on me. I don't know why; normally I'm very good with animals. So, after spending a good amount of time with his jungle friends, we said hello to these guys and then washed our hands (literally) of the place and headed on.

I loved this little guy. He was very shy and wouldn't come close. He would just pace by the fence.

These two were my favorite. They were like a husband who couldn't be bothered and a pestering wife:

His feathers only did that when she started chirping at him or made a move to touch them. It was hysterical to watch. She'd start grooming him and slowly but surely his feathers would rise until they were standing straight up. But he'd never retaliate. He just sat there screaming 'HELP ME!' at us with his eyes.

Just outside we saw a few other more talkative feathered friends:

The teal guy was very uninterested in having his pic taken. He must not like the paprazzi.

I touched a snake. I'm your typical girl, afraid of all but 3 species of bugs (ants, caterpillars/butterflies, ladybugs), but snakes (and most rodents) don't bother me. This was a beautiful tawny colored specimen. I wish I'd written down the name, but I didn't and can't remembered. I expected it to be scaly and rough, like calloused hands (sorry for the icky comparison but welcome to being in my head!), but it was SOOOOO soft. Silky even. And beautiful.

I also touched this guy:

Also incredibly soft (by the tail, anyway). BMAN, Discovery and Animal Planet addict that he is, informed me it would've felt harder and more scaly the closer to the head that I got. He also then informed me that we should totally get one for the bathtub. I told him sure, right after I get that river otter I've always been wanting.

Having had our fill of the wildlife and just missed the Pet Shenanigans show, we headed on deeper into France. Where we saw The Griffin.

And kept walking.

BMAN's belly wasn't feeling 100% and we figured we'd either ride the 'big show' later or the next day. We weren't in a rush and the crowds were quite manageable.

We meandered our way through New France, stopping to smell the Smokehouse along the way. It wasn't quite hot enough to go on the flume and we weren't tired enough for a trip on the railroad at this point. We rounded a corner and went down a hill and came upon Germany.

And Alpengeist.

And the reason why we would not ride anything other than the train and Escape from Pompei for the rest of the day.

More to come! Promise!

 

[stepdisney]

We have passes to Busch Gardens this year. We love to stay next to WC at the Kingscreek Plantation (Hate the name by the way) but love the location. I know just where you are staying, the location is great. I started the report at the end so I don't know when you went or if you are still there but I hope you rode Appollo's Chariot. It is my favorite roller coster (after RRC of course). I also hope that you ate at that big smoke pit of a place with the crazy good apple pie thing in the skillet. When we can't get to Disney, doing Busch is great, I'm enjoying what I've read. Keep it coming!

 

[Tink-in-Training]

Where were we? Oh yes, BMAN and I were enjoying a hand-in-hand stroll along the covered bridge connecting New France and Germany.

ME: Hey! That's Alpengeist. Let's do it?
BMAN: I'm down.

We rented a locker for the camera and our flippies (for some reason I didn't even have the vaguest clue to sit on them instead) and we got in line.

Quick aside here about the lines. There were none. Either day. Either park. Aside over. =)

We were seated in the middle-ish portion of the coaster. And we were off. I can honestly say that in all my coaster riding experience I have never been on a roller coaster with THAT many twists, turns, corkscrews and/or inversions. Holy crapola! And it was great...until the last set of two turns. Our screaming and cheering came to an abrupt end as both BMAN and I fell uncharacteristically silent. I prayed it was the end. My prayers were answered. I prayed that the Belgian waffle in my belly would remain the Belgian waffle in my belly. My prayers were (barely) answered. When we pulled to a stop, BMAN was still quiet. I leaned forward to look around my restraint to see if he was suffering the same gastrointestinal drama I was. I prayed he wasn't. My prayer was not answered.

ME: How you doing?
BMAN: Not good. It was the last couple of turns. I need to get off here.

Even though my stomach had settled enough that I was convinced I wouldn't be revisiting breakfast, my head was a little spinny. We got off and BMAN walked with the determination of a man who does not want to be a (rather icky) spectacle. He was walking in front of me and talking and I can honestly tell you that I heard not a single word he said. I was too busy looking for the nearest trash can I could steer him to should the scene get ugly. When we were finally through the gate at the end, I asked him again if he was ok. He said he needed to sit. We retrieved the stuff from the $1 locker, put our flippies back on, and walked through the gates into the rest of the German area and ended up sitting on a bench under the gazebo near Oktoberfest for a bit. To be truthful, if it weren't for the threat of throw up, it would've been romantic.

That's me, finding the silver lining on the cloud of impending vomit.

While seated, we people-watched. We also decided that we were done roller coastering it for the day. The Griffon would have to wait until the next day. When BMAN's complexion returned to a healthy pink/tan from a rather washed-out olive color, we continued on. It was starting to get humid. I'd have to say the temp was probably mid to hi 80's, but the humidity was rising quickly.

We meandered past DarKastle. BMAN asked me what that was again. I mentioned that included a Spiderman-type simulation and I saw that green palor faintly around his eyes and he pulled me in the polar opposite direction. We never did ride it. I was curious, but not disappointed. BMAN was all set. He's really only got a weak stomach for things that spin (a.k.a. swings, tea cups, etc.) and straight simulators, like me. However, on a trip to the OTHER place in Orlando, he and his uncle rode Spidey and he literally walked off the ride, into the bathroom, and refunded lunch right back to the park. On a later trip he tried the ride again and was perfectly fine. He was not up to testing Fate on this trip apparently.

We got a look at Big Bad Wolf. And kept walking. Right over the pretty bridge on the river. The river with the boat ride. That we NEVER saw a path to get to. Upon entering Italy we found it dead. Completely. It struck me as kind of a waste of space. The shops were open. The restaurants weren't. I know it was still early in the season, but there was absolutely no scheduled entertainment at all.

At this point we came upon Escape from Pompeii. This ride had come HIGHLY praised from family that had ridden it. BMAN decided it was doable since it was only a large drop. And we figured being doused would have a pleasant cooling effect. We considered renting a locker, but instead BMAN took off his polo and we wrapped the camera in it. After waiting -0.25 seconds in the non-line we boarded a full boat in the front row.

I have to say this, I was both pleased and disappointed with this ride. Pleased with the effects (ESPECIALLY the sea of flames on the ceiling). The fire was H-O-T (made my contacts feel like they were crinkling in my eyes) and a couple of things even got me to emit a squeak and hug BMAN's arm. However it was far, FAR, FAR too short. About 30 seconds after entering Pompeii, we were leaving Pompeii. Down. And rather quickly. Like.

Though we had decided that WC was out for the day as the combination of sun and chlorine was sure to render our tired bodies immobile, water was apparently still in the cards for us that day. For we were drenched. Not just a little wet. We were 'I wished I had another pair of undies' wet. The camera, thankfully, wasn't. Upon squishing off the ride to the photo booth we found that the boat both before us and after us had pictures, but not our boat. Perhaps that picture is with all of Splash Mountains 'Washed Away' pictures somewhere. As far as I know we were all decent in the boat.

At that point I made the only logical suggestion. A trip on the train to dry off...and nap. I noticed that there is a much longer delay between trains here than there is at WDW. Is there only one train on the track? No matter. We settled onto a bench, BMAN put his arm around me and I struggled to keep my eyelids up. We decided, while riding the full park circuit, that we'd try the Smokehouse the next day for lunch because it just smells SOOO good. We also thought about doing an old-time picture. We lamented that the Sky Ride was closed. Probably the most important decision we made was that we were BEAT.

Once we made it back to the Festa station in Italy and I'd had the opportunity to nap for about 5 minutes, we backtracked our way through the park. In Germany we stopped in a candy store. And hit the jackpot.

If the jackpot is caramel apples.

I mean seriously, even at Disney, nary have I seen a caramel apple the likes of which they had here. I was thrilled because they were made with Granny Smiths (the only kind of apples I will eat). They had one that, easily, weighed 5lbs. It was covered in caramel, dipped in fudge, covered with crushed OREO and then drizzled with with white chocolate. The only thing that gave away the fact that there was even an apple in there was the stick. I think it cost $34.95 + tax. Seriously, it was as big as my head.

I had my eye on one that was caramel and chocolate dipped and then rolled in nuts. BMAN had his eye on one that was straight caramel dipped AND one that was caramel and chocolate dipped and drizzled with white chocolate. I mentioned something in passing about how we would have to come to get them. I kid you not, we made it about 20 steps from that shop and BMAN authoritatively turned around and advised me we were going back to get them. Now.

We also purchased some chocolate haystacks. Just to round out the already fattening purchase. Like I said, BMAN's a chocoholic. And I love to watch him eat it. It's a sweet sight on so many levels.

Once we'd made our purchases and I watched German Candy Girl struggle for about 8 minutes to fit the covered apples in those nifty plastic containers they have, we were back on our way.

We walked by Alpengeist and pretended it didn't exist.

We may or may not have held hands and skipped across the bridge to New France. May have because BMAN started it and it was silly-fun and garnered a laugh or six from the couples around us; may not have because BMAN's masculinity is at stake here.

We ducked our heads into the old time portrait place, but decided against it. We wanted to do a 'WANTED' type poster and they didn't seem to have that option. We were going to just have a peek at the Smokehouse menu. However, we were both awed and terrified by the line of people waiting. Some of them had camping gear. Others looked ready to eat their own young. We moved on.

In France we waved at the Griffon and bid it adieu until the morrow. BMAN gave a nod to his Lorikeet buddies and here is where for the first (and only) time did we feel the 'hilliness' of the park. Trying to leave. UP ALL THOSE HILLS. On a very basic level, it's soooo wrong.

I waved at the horsies, who were now all behaving like good animals of no partiularly obvious gender and we exited the park. Mr. Good-bye Gate Guy wanted to stamp my hand until he found out we had multi-day passes. After that he was all set with us.

The trip to the car was event-less, though we had to wait about a billion years to get IN said car. My car is black. The interior is gray. On that particular day Universal Studios called me up and asked if they could use it as a set for a scene taking place in the Saraha. Dude. SO HOT.

Our intent was to go back to the hotel and nap. We went back to the hotel and popped the apples into the complimentary mini-fridge. I showered. (Best. Showerheads. EVER. By the way. And the nice curved curtain rod.) BMAN flipped through the tube. We decided to go find the Adventure Golf place we'd picked up a brochure for in the lobby.

If you don't know about Adventure Golf, you should. It's specifically pirate-themed mini-golf. There is one in Orlando. There's also one in the Lakes Region in NH. That was where I had my mini-golf-losing-rear-end handed to me on a rather shiny platter. Just so you know, the official rule is that the loser of Adventure Golf has to take a 'Loser Picture' wearing a pirate hat. Here is mine from Summer 2006:

(Please excuse the horror that is my appearance. It was the end to a very long day. That included me losing. That I take less-than-gracefully.)

I think BMAN may make it a personal goal to visit every Adventure Golf location in the country. I think I may make it a personal goal to win AT LEAST once.
(And just as a point of reference, we enjoyed the NH version more than the VA version. More shade.)

It was on our search for AG that we found the plethora of eating/shopping/motel-ing that is Rte. 60. !!! Woohoo!!! BIG Score! We could actually eat breakfast at an IHOP tomorrow.

Has anyone else notice that Williamsburg has an immense number of "Insert-Your-Name-Here's House of Waffles and Pancakes" restaurants? Crazy.

I'm not going to say much about AG except that I lost. And I was hot. And itchy (hives from too much sun). And getting veeeery cranky. And a little hungry. I took it in stride, though, and BMAN only teased me for about 15 minutes. Since I'd lost I offered to spring for dinner. Across the street. At the GOLDEN CORRAL!!!!

I love Golden Corral. Fine dining it is not. Home of every comfort food we could ever want in an all-you-can-eat setting it is. And BMAN loves him some unlimited portions. And I love me unlimited desserts. And the closest one to us is over 3 hours away in Albany, NY. Needless to say we get to go there about 3 minutes after never. We ate and I drank about 3 sodas in under 4 minutes. I was FREEZING. I know I was a little red from the sun, as was BMAN, but I kid you not, they had the thermostat set to ARCTIC in there. After filling our bellies to bursting, we went back to the room.

It was probably about 6:30pm at this point. We turned on the telly and I got under the covers. For some reason I was freezing again.

I swear to you, one minute I was watching Ghost Hunters with BMAN on Sci-Fi. The next minute I was waking up in the dead of night needing to pee.

Our first day at BGW ended at approximate 7:15pm when we both fell into a completely exhausted and blissful sleep. For 12 straight hours.

Next Installment: UFC XXXVIII: Nikki and BMAN vs. The Griffon

 

[ncseric]

Just reading your report... your first post caught my eye.

I'm looking forward to CiCi's macaroni and cheese pizza

Even though Cici's commercials imply that adults shouldn't like this pizza, I really like it too. We've got Cici's here in the Indianapolis area... used to be a really cheap place to eat, now it's just somewhat cheap. You can still get out of there for under $5 if you don't get a soda.

 

[Potus]

Anyway...

There are two entrances (not that it will do you much good now) to the Rhine River Boat Cruise. One is in Rhineland just past the Carousel, which by your description you were near when you were recuperating from Alpengeist. The other is in Heatherdowns, Scotland just past (and to the left) of the entrance to the Loch Ness Monster. WARNING!!! It's about the biggest climb (either way) in the park and it sounds like you weren't to crazy about the "hillyness" of the terrain.

Also, and perhaps you already know this. About rides like Escape From Pompeii. If the boat is front heavy, (you said there was very little wait which could mean few if any people in the boat) you'll plow the water and get soaked. If the boat is back heavy, you'll hydroplane more and not get as wet.

For what it's worth.

Very much enjoying your report. Looking forward to the next part!