puffkin
DVC Owner- SSR & AKV
- Joined
- Apr 30, 2001
- Messages
- 9,848
Buzz and Woody- Day One
(Don't miss the pre-trip report, read that one first!)
Buzz and Woody's Great Adventure - Pre-Trip Report
Cast:
Woody- planner, 21-year-old college student who has always wanted to go to Walt Disney World, second trip
Buzz- 22 year old fiancEwho has never been to Walt Disney World and isnt sure what to think of it
Dates: June 9th EJune 16th, 2001
Our story:
June 9th, 2001
After only 2 hours of sleep for me (Woody) and 5 for Buzz it was time to wake up and begin our much anticipated WDW trip. 4:00 am is awfully early, but I was wide-awake as the excitement and anticipation began to increase to an almost unbearable level. After showering, a quick bite to eat and loading of the car, we were on the way to the airport by 5:00.
We were at the ticketing counter by 5:30 and waited in a long line as many families in front of us did their business. You could tell most of the people were heading to WDW and everyone was remarkably calm and well behaved (even the kids). After saying good bye to the chauffeur (actually my mother) we waited at the gate for about 15 minutes before they boarded our flight. Buzz got a window seat, which made him happy since this was his first time flying (and only my second).
Our flight took off at its scheduled time (6:30) and off we were to the land of Magic. The 2 ½ hour flight was uneventful, and I tried to nap, with no luck. I must mention that I was very impressed with the in-flight snack offered by US Airways. I wasnt expecting anything except a drink for such a short flight, but we got a drink and a box with yogurt, nutri grain bar, and cheese danish. Very nice!
We landed in Orlando around 9:00 and collected our luggage and set off to find the Mears counter. I was a little skeptical about the Mears service after reading the DIS boards, but I really had nothing to worry about. After exchanging our vouchers for the tickets, they sent all the All Star resort guests to wait for a bus and it was loaded and heading towards the resorts in about 20 minutes. My only complaint was that the windows were had an advertisement on the outside and we could barely see anything as we drove to WDW.
We stopped at ASSp first, then ASMu and finally ASMo. I was thrilled. It looked like such a neat place and the theming was really cool. My enthusiasm quickly faded when I saw how long the check in line was. I hopped in line while Buzz watched the bags. For how long the line was, everyone was behaving exceptionally well, even the kids. I eventually sent Buzz off with some money to find the food court and purchase our refillable mugs (another great DIS tip). When I got closer to the front, I sent Buzz off to stand in the Guest Services line, which was also very long. Hopefully I could beat him through my line then head over there to arrange Fantasmic Dinner Package and E-ride tickets.
Check in went smoothly and we got everything we requested (and what my Buzz wanted) using the fax from the Passporter website (another great DIS tip). Buzz building, non-smoking room with a view of the courtyard and the giant Woody statue. I made it over to the Guest Services line just as Buzz was reaching the counter so I arranged a Fantasmic Dinner Package for Monday night at Hollywood & Vine. Even though it was only two days away, the lady said there were plenty of openings left. I also purchased our E-ride tickets for Tuesday night. Since our room wasnt ready yet, we put our bags into storage and used some time to eat lunch and get organized at the food court. All in all, it took us almost two hours from the time we arrived to check in and arrange our E-ride and Fantasmic packages.
I had set up our cards with charging privileges (which was such a great idea) so off Buzz went to buy us lunch. Buzz had chicken strips and French fries and I had a hot dog and fries ($11). The food was typical food court food. After lunch we explored our resort, then headed to the Magic Kingdom since our room still wasnt ready. We waited about 5 minutes for the Magic Kingdom bus.
Buzz and Woody arrived at the Magic Kingdom around 2:30. I couldnt wait to see the castle again, as well as seeing Buzzs face when he saw it for the first time. He was all smiles as we walked up Main Street and listened to the wonderful music and soaked up all the Magic. I really believe that he realized what Disney was all about at that moment.
We didnt have much time to spend here, so we just hit a few highlights. Its A small world (3 min), and Pirates of the Caribbean (no wait). The posted wait for the Haunted Mansion was 30 minutes, so we tried out Fast Pass for the first time. Very easy, just remember to put your card in upside down. Then we walked through Liberty Square and the Swiss Robinson family tree house (very enjoyable and relaxing) before we returned to the HM with our Fast Passes. We waited about 5 minutes and thoroughly enjoyed the ride. Then off to the Carousel of Progress, which was one of my favorite attractions from 1996. I knew that it was only running during the afternoons, and this was the only time we would be able to catch it (it runs daily from 11 am to 6 pm I believe). Very entertaining, but the last scene could use an update. Its a great big beautiful tomorrow, shining at the end of every dayE
By 4:30 it was time to head over to the Grand Floridian for our Villains Dinner at 1900 Park Faire. We took the resort monorail and were there in no time. I just love the monorail. It is so relaxing and such a neat way to travel. Hopefully we will be able to afford a monorail resort somedayE. Anyways, we checked in for our 5:15 PS and were seated right away for the very last Villains Dinner before it was replaced with Pooh Characters the next day. Prince John, Captain Hook and Governor Radcliffe made rounds, while the Queen of Hearts held court in the lobby. The characters interacted very well with everyone, and were especially careful around the scared children. We got plenty of pictures. The food was all right, nothing to complain or rave about. For two adult buffets, two sodas and tip, it cost about $50. Buzz was very impressed with the characters. They were not what he expected at all. Much larger and convincing than he thought they would be.
After dinner, it was time to head to Downtown Disney Westside for Cirque Du Soleil at 9:00. However, the Transportation Gods decided now was the time to show their evil side. We waited at the Grand Floridian for almost 45 minutes for a DD bus. I got sick of waiting so we decided to take the monorail to the TTC and catch a DD bus from there. Big mistake. There was a huge line waiting at the TTC for a DD bus as well. We waited for almost 25 minutes before 2 showed up at once. We still had to stand though and just barely made it to DD by 8:30 for the Cirque preshow. All in all it took us about 2 hours to get from the Grand Floridian to DD.
The Cirque tent was a very impressive structure and we had great seats for the show (first row of section 203). It took a lot of convincing to get Buzz to go to this show, but we both really enjoyed it. The cast is incredibly talented and the 1 ½ show went by very quickly. My favorite acts were the trampolines and the little girls who spun the spools. My only complaint is that some of the acts went on and on and the performers did the same trick again and again. A small, picky point though, I really enjoyed the show.
After getting stopped by a CM to take a quick poll about Cirque, we were off to the bus stop. Only a 5 min. wait and we were off to the resort. Our bags were waiting in our rooms when we arrived, a nice touch considering we were staying at a value resort. I was expecting to have to walk down and pick them up. We were both very impressed with the room. It is standard motel room size, but much nicer.
The details were really above and beyond what I expected. A very thick star patterned carpet, character adorned bedspreads, pop corn box light fixture, and Toy Story wall paper border were all very nice (and not tacky). The vanity and sink is large and outside of the bathroom, which also makes getting ready in the morning very easy. The bathroom was also very nice with nice tiling and a star adorned shower curtain. Buzz really liked the temperature control box, because typical hotel units are such a pain and he likes the room to be very cool. We were both very impressed with the detail, cleanliness and comfort of our room. For those who complain about the All-Stars, I believe they are great for the cost and were much nicer than I expected. We never had a problem with noise and were very satisfied.
After unpacking and a quick shower for Woody, it was time for bed (around mid night). A very busy day was over, and another one was about to begin!
Best and Worst of the Day:
Woody:
Best- Buzzs face as he saw the castle and Main Street USA for the first time
Worst- The transportation nightmare
Buzz:
Best- Cirque was very relaxing and a good way to end a busy and overwhelming day. Also enjoyed Pirates of the Caribbean and Haunted Mansion
Buzz and Woody's Great Adventure - Day Two
(Don't miss the pre-trip report, read that one first!)
Buzz and Woody's Great Adventure - Pre-Trip Report
Cast:
Woody- planner, 21-year-old college student who has always wanted to go to Walt Disney World, second trip
Buzz- 22 year old fiancEwho has never been to Walt Disney World and isnt sure what to think of it
Dates: June 9th EJune 16th, 2001
Our story:
June 9th, 2001
After only 2 hours of sleep for me (Woody) and 5 for Buzz it was time to wake up and begin our much anticipated WDW trip. 4:00 am is awfully early, but I was wide-awake as the excitement and anticipation began to increase to an almost unbearable level. After showering, a quick bite to eat and loading of the car, we were on the way to the airport by 5:00.
We were at the ticketing counter by 5:30 and waited in a long line as many families in front of us did their business. You could tell most of the people were heading to WDW and everyone was remarkably calm and well behaved (even the kids). After saying good bye to the chauffeur (actually my mother) we waited at the gate for about 15 minutes before they boarded our flight. Buzz got a window seat, which made him happy since this was his first time flying (and only my second).
Our flight took off at its scheduled time (6:30) and off we were to the land of Magic. The 2 ½ hour flight was uneventful, and I tried to nap, with no luck. I must mention that I was very impressed with the in-flight snack offered by US Airways. I wasnt expecting anything except a drink for such a short flight, but we got a drink and a box with yogurt, nutri grain bar, and cheese danish. Very nice!
We landed in Orlando around 9:00 and collected our luggage and set off to find the Mears counter. I was a little skeptical about the Mears service after reading the DIS boards, but I really had nothing to worry about. After exchanging our vouchers for the tickets, they sent all the All Star resort guests to wait for a bus and it was loaded and heading towards the resorts in about 20 minutes. My only complaint was that the windows were had an advertisement on the outside and we could barely see anything as we drove to WDW.
We stopped at ASSp first, then ASMu and finally ASMo. I was thrilled. It looked like such a neat place and the theming was really cool. My enthusiasm quickly faded when I saw how long the check in line was. I hopped in line while Buzz watched the bags. For how long the line was, everyone was behaving exceptionally well, even the kids. I eventually sent Buzz off with some money to find the food court and purchase our refillable mugs (another great DIS tip). When I got closer to the front, I sent Buzz off to stand in the Guest Services line, which was also very long. Hopefully I could beat him through my line then head over there to arrange Fantasmic Dinner Package and E-ride tickets.
Check in went smoothly and we got everything we requested (and what my Buzz wanted) using the fax from the Passporter website (another great DIS tip). Buzz building, non-smoking room with a view of the courtyard and the giant Woody statue. I made it over to the Guest Services line just as Buzz was reaching the counter so I arranged a Fantasmic Dinner Package for Monday night at Hollywood & Vine. Even though it was only two days away, the lady said there were plenty of openings left. I also purchased our E-ride tickets for Tuesday night. Since our room wasnt ready yet, we put our bags into storage and used some time to eat lunch and get organized at the food court. All in all, it took us almost two hours from the time we arrived to check in and arrange our E-ride and Fantasmic packages.
I had set up our cards with charging privileges (which was such a great idea) so off Buzz went to buy us lunch. Buzz had chicken strips and French fries and I had a hot dog and fries ($11). The food was typical food court food. After lunch we explored our resort, then headed to the Magic Kingdom since our room still wasnt ready. We waited about 5 minutes for the Magic Kingdom bus.
Buzz and Woody arrived at the Magic Kingdom around 2:30. I couldnt wait to see the castle again, as well as seeing Buzzs face when he saw it for the first time. He was all smiles as we walked up Main Street and listened to the wonderful music and soaked up all the Magic. I really believe that he realized what Disney was all about at that moment.
We didnt have much time to spend here, so we just hit a few highlights. Its A small world (3 min), and Pirates of the Caribbean (no wait). The posted wait for the Haunted Mansion was 30 minutes, so we tried out Fast Pass for the first time. Very easy, just remember to put your card in upside down. Then we walked through Liberty Square and the Swiss Robinson family tree house (very enjoyable and relaxing) before we returned to the HM with our Fast Passes. We waited about 5 minutes and thoroughly enjoyed the ride. Then off to the Carousel of Progress, which was one of my favorite attractions from 1996. I knew that it was only running during the afternoons, and this was the only time we would be able to catch it (it runs daily from 11 am to 6 pm I believe). Very entertaining, but the last scene could use an update. Its a great big beautiful tomorrow, shining at the end of every dayE
By 4:30 it was time to head over to the Grand Floridian for our Villains Dinner at 1900 Park Faire. We took the resort monorail and were there in no time. I just love the monorail. It is so relaxing and such a neat way to travel. Hopefully we will be able to afford a monorail resort somedayE. Anyways, we checked in for our 5:15 PS and were seated right away for the very last Villains Dinner before it was replaced with Pooh Characters the next day. Prince John, Captain Hook and Governor Radcliffe made rounds, while the Queen of Hearts held court in the lobby. The characters interacted very well with everyone, and were especially careful around the scared children. We got plenty of pictures. The food was all right, nothing to complain or rave about. For two adult buffets, two sodas and tip, it cost about $50. Buzz was very impressed with the characters. They were not what he expected at all. Much larger and convincing than he thought they would be.
After dinner, it was time to head to Downtown Disney Westside for Cirque Du Soleil at 9:00. However, the Transportation Gods decided now was the time to show their evil side. We waited at the Grand Floridian for almost 45 minutes for a DD bus. I got sick of waiting so we decided to take the monorail to the TTC and catch a DD bus from there. Big mistake. There was a huge line waiting at the TTC for a DD bus as well. We waited for almost 25 minutes before 2 showed up at once. We still had to stand though and just barely made it to DD by 8:30 for the Cirque preshow. All in all it took us about 2 hours to get from the Grand Floridian to DD.
The Cirque tent was a very impressive structure and we had great seats for the show (first row of section 203). It took a lot of convincing to get Buzz to go to this show, but we both really enjoyed it. The cast is incredibly talented and the 1 ½ show went by very quickly. My favorite acts were the trampolines and the little girls who spun the spools. My only complaint is that some of the acts went on and on and the performers did the same trick again and again. A small, picky point though, I really enjoyed the show.
After getting stopped by a CM to take a quick poll about Cirque, we were off to the bus stop. Only a 5 min. wait and we were off to the resort. Our bags were waiting in our rooms when we arrived, a nice touch considering we were staying at a value resort. I was expecting to have to walk down and pick them up. We were both very impressed with the room. It is standard motel room size, but much nicer.
The details were really above and beyond what I expected. A very thick star patterned carpet, character adorned bedspreads, pop corn box light fixture, and Toy Story wall paper border were all very nice (and not tacky). The vanity and sink is large and outside of the bathroom, which also makes getting ready in the morning very easy. The bathroom was also very nice with nice tiling and a star adorned shower curtain. Buzz really liked the temperature control box, because typical hotel units are such a pain and he likes the room to be very cool. We were both very impressed with the detail, cleanliness and comfort of our room. For those who complain about the All-Stars, I believe they are great for the cost and were much nicer than I expected. We never had a problem with noise and were very satisfied.
After unpacking and a quick shower for Woody, it was time for bed (around mid night). A very busy day was over, and another one was about to begin!
Best and Worst of the Day:
Woody:
Best- Buzzs face as he saw the castle and Main Street USA for the first time
Worst- The transportation nightmare
Buzz:
Best- Cirque was very relaxing and a good way to end a busy and overwhelming day. Also enjoyed Pirates of the Caribbean and Haunted Mansion
Buzz and Woody's Great Adventure - Day Two
