By Land and By Air....We're Back!!
- Thread starter MOmousefan
- Start date
MOmousefan
DIS Veteran
- Joined
- Mar 1, 2005
- Messages
- 1,054
Tuesday morning finds me up at 5:15 to shower and finish downloading the cards from Andy and my cameras. It is EMH for EPCOT, my favorite park.
The air is cool but we wear shorts and sweatshirts. The four of us arrive and we wait at the turnstiles for 8:00. I want to point out that one of my favorite souvenirs has been a name badge I get for each visit. Since there are no more badges, I wore my 2007 badge and lots of people would call me by name. Amy wore her 2005 badge and had gotten Bryan his 1st timer badge, but he wouldnt wear it since it wasnt cool. Oh well.
We proceeded with the crowd to Soarin, my all time favorite attraction.
We got FP which is from 8:50-9:50, and then rode with a 10 minute wait. We were on the left side and the film was very dirty. There were many black specks that detracted from the experience.
We next head for Test track which was a 5 minute wait. The drive outside was invigorating in the cool air.
Next up is Mission:Space which is a walk-on. We can get new FPs, so we get M:S passes. We have done the BIG 3 and it isnt even 9:00. Our Soarin FP are ready so we ride again, this time on the right and film is flawless. We do an old favorite Honey I Shrunk the Audience and then Imagination. Both were virtual walk-ons. The crowds are really low, even by EMH standards. We now do our M:S FP and laugh because we only passed 12 people in stand by.
We actually take some time to look around in Innoventions. Bryan is on a marathon to see how fast he can ride the rides. He cant even tell us half the attractions he has done, but this is what WDW is to him. It is 11:30 so we eat lunch in the Electric Umbrella. We have the standard fare of burgers and fries.
We have a 1:00 appointment for a resort Photopass shoot at the GF, so I want to take the Monorail to the resort. We ride to the TTC and switch to the resort line and proceed to the GF. This turns out to be great activity that you can read about on this post.
We try to impress Amy with our manly bods.
Now the fun starts. I want to send my other daughter a coconut from WDW and they say the Poly has them. So to get to the Poly, we ride all the way around the loop to get there. At the Poly I find out they are downstairs in the Bou-Tiki. Yes indeed they have them and they are $19 including priority mail. I wrote the necessary information on the painted surface of the coconut and gave it to the front desk to mail. The area in which you write the address is very rough and I hoped the post office can read the info.
So now we are ready to return to EPCOT, so we again take the Monorail around the TTC. When we arrive at the TTC we find out the EPCOT Monorail is stuck out on the track somewhere, so we take a bus back to EPCOT. We Left EPCOT around 12:00 and it was after 3:00 when we returned.
We now do SSE and I like the new features. We spend some time in the basement playing with exhibits. Next up is Universe of Energy and then we visit World Showcase.
We do Maelstrom and find the hidden Mickey in the load area.
We go to Japan and eat in the Yakitori House. We were a little disappointed and the quantity and quality. I finally get to see American Adventure and am glad I did as the sets were very impressive. It is getting very cool and as we were walking into the auditorium for AA, my wife calls and tells me it is snowing and in the 30s, so I dont feel quite so bad.
We stake out a spot for Illuminations by Mexico and some food in La Cantina while waiting for the show. It is cool enough that we stroll with the food through the Mexico exhibit to keep warm. Illuminations is again a great event, including the seasonal finale.
By now it is 40 degrees and we head shivering for the bus. PoP buses are as far as you can get from the exit and the line is long. It looked like 200 people were ahead of, but bus after bus shows up and we are in bed by 11:00. A long but fantastic day.
The air is cool but we wear shorts and sweatshirts. The four of us arrive and we wait at the turnstiles for 8:00. I want to point out that one of my favorite souvenirs has been a name badge I get for each visit. Since there are no more badges, I wore my 2007 badge and lots of people would call me by name. Amy wore her 2005 badge and had gotten Bryan his 1st timer badge, but he wouldnt wear it since it wasnt cool. Oh well.
We proceeded with the crowd to Soarin, my all time favorite attraction.
We got FP which is from 8:50-9:50, and then rode with a 10 minute wait. We were on the left side and the film was very dirty. There were many black specks that detracted from the experience.
We next head for Test track which was a 5 minute wait. The drive outside was invigorating in the cool air.
Next up is Mission:Space which is a walk-on. We can get new FPs, so we get M:S passes. We have done the BIG 3 and it isnt even 9:00. Our Soarin FP are ready so we ride again, this time on the right and film is flawless. We do an old favorite Honey I Shrunk the Audience and then Imagination. Both were virtual walk-ons. The crowds are really low, even by EMH standards. We now do our M:S FP and laugh because we only passed 12 people in stand by.
We actually take some time to look around in Innoventions. Bryan is on a marathon to see how fast he can ride the rides. He cant even tell us half the attractions he has done, but this is what WDW is to him. It is 11:30 so we eat lunch in the Electric Umbrella. We have the standard fare of burgers and fries.
We have a 1:00 appointment for a resort Photopass shoot at the GF, so I want to take the Monorail to the resort. We ride to the TTC and switch to the resort line and proceed to the GF. This turns out to be great activity that you can read about on this post.
We try to impress Amy with our manly bods.
Now the fun starts. I want to send my other daughter a coconut from WDW and they say the Poly has them. So to get to the Poly, we ride all the way around the loop to get there. At the Poly I find out they are downstairs in the Bou-Tiki. Yes indeed they have them and they are $19 including priority mail. I wrote the necessary information on the painted surface of the coconut and gave it to the front desk to mail. The area in which you write the address is very rough and I hoped the post office can read the info.
So now we are ready to return to EPCOT, so we again take the Monorail around the TTC. When we arrive at the TTC we find out the EPCOT Monorail is stuck out on the track somewhere, so we take a bus back to EPCOT. We Left EPCOT around 12:00 and it was after 3:00 when we returned.
We now do SSE and I like the new features. We spend some time in the basement playing with exhibits. Next up is Universe of Energy and then we visit World Showcase.
We do Maelstrom and find the hidden Mickey in the load area.
We go to Japan and eat in the Yakitori House. We were a little disappointed and the quantity and quality. I finally get to see American Adventure and am glad I did as the sets were very impressive. It is getting very cool and as we were walking into the auditorium for AA, my wife calls and tells me it is snowing and in the 30s, so I dont feel quite so bad.
We stake out a spot for Illuminations by Mexico and some food in La Cantina while waiting for the show. It is cool enough that we stroll with the food through the Mexico exhibit to keep warm. Illuminations is again a great event, including the seasonal finale.
By now it is 40 degrees and we head shivering for the bus. PoP buses are as far as you can get from the exit and the line is long. It looked like 200 people were ahead of, but bus after bus shows up and we are in bed by 11:00. A long but fantastic day.
MOmousefan
DIS Veteran
- Joined
- Mar 1, 2005
- Messages
- 1,054
Tuesday morning finds me up at 5:15 to shower and finish downloading the cards from Andy and my cameras. It is EMH for EPCOT, my favorite park.
The air is cool but we wear shorts and sweatshirts. The four of us arrive and we wait at the turnstiles for 8:00. I want to point out that one of my favorite souvenirs has been a name badge I get for each visit. Since there are no more badges, I wore my 2007 badge and lots of people would call me by name. Amy wore her 2005 badge and had gotten Bryan his 1st timer badge, but he wouldnt wear it since it wasnt cool. Oh well.
We proceeded with the crowd to Soarin, my all time favorite attraction.
We got FP which is from 8:50-9:50, and then rode with a 10 minute wait. We were on the left side and the film was very dirty. There were many black specks that detracted from the experience.
We next head for Test track which was a 5 minute wait. The drive outside was invigorating in the cool air.
Next up is Mission:Space which is a walk-on. We can get new FPs, so we get M:S passes. We have done the BIG 3 and it isnt even 9:00. Our Soarin FP are ready so we ride again, this time on the right and film is flawless. We do an old favorite Honey I Shrunk the Audience and then Imagination. Both were virtual walk-ons. The crowds are really low, even by EMH standards. We now do our M:S FP and laugh because we only passed 12 people in stand by.
We actually take some time to look around in Innoventions. Bryan is on a marathon to see how fast he can ride the rides. He cant even tell us half the attractions he has done, but this is what WDW is to him. It is 11:30 so we eat lunch in the Electric Umbrella. We have the standard fare of burgers and fries.
We have a 1:00 appointment for a resort Photopass shoot at the GF, so I want to take the Monorail to the resort. We ride to the TTC and switch to the resort line and proceed to the GF. This turns out to be great activity that you can read about on this post.
We try to impress Amy with our manly bods.
Now the fun starts. I want to send my other daughter a coconut from WDW and they say the Poly has them. So to get to the Poly, we ride all the way around the loop to get there. At the Poly I find out they are downstairs in the Bou-Tiki. Yes indeed they have them and they are $19 including priority mail. I wrote the necessary information on the painted surface of the coconut and gave it to the front desk to mail. The area in which you write the address is very rough and I hoped the post office can read the info.
So now we are ready to return to EPCOT, so we again take the Monorail around the TTC. When we arrive at the TTC we find out the EPCOT Monorail is stuck out on the track somewhere, so we take a bus back to EPCOT. We Left EPCOT around 12:00 and it was after 3:00 when we returned.
We now do SSE and I like the new features. We spend some time in the basement playing with exhibits. Next up is Universe of Energy and then we visit World Showcase.
We do Maelstrom and find the hidden Mickey in the load area.
We go to Japan and eat in the Yakitori House. We were a little disappointed and the quantity and quality. I finally get to see American Adventure and am glad I did as the sets were very impressive. It is getting very cool and as we were walking into the auditorium for AA, my wife calls and tells me it is snowing and in the 30s, so I dont feel quite so bad.
We stake out a spot for Illuminations by Mexico and some food in La Cantina while waiting for the show. It is cool enough that we stroll with the food through the Mexico exhibit to keep warm. Illuminations is again a great event, including the seasonal finale.
By now it is 40 degrees and we head shivering for the bus. PoP buses are as far as you can get from the exit and the line is long. It looked like 200 people were ahead of, but bus after bus shows up and we are in bed by 11:00. A long but fantastic day.
The air is cool but we wear shorts and sweatshirts. The four of us arrive and we wait at the turnstiles for 8:00. I want to point out that one of my favorite souvenirs has been a name badge I get for each visit. Since there are no more badges, I wore my 2007 badge and lots of people would call me by name. Amy wore her 2005 badge and had gotten Bryan his 1st timer badge, but he wouldnt wear it since it wasnt cool. Oh well.
We proceeded with the crowd to Soarin, my all time favorite attraction.
We got FP which is from 8:50-9:50, and then rode with a 10 minute wait. We were on the left side and the film was very dirty. There were many black specks that detracted from the experience.
We next head for Test track which was a 5 minute wait. The drive outside was invigorating in the cool air.
Next up is Mission:Space which is a walk-on. We can get new FPs, so we get M:S passes. We have done the BIG 3 and it isnt even 9:00. Our Soarin FP are ready so we ride again, this time on the right and film is flawless. We do an old favorite Honey I Shrunk the Audience and then Imagination. Both were virtual walk-ons. The crowds are really low, even by EMH standards. We now do our M:S FP and laugh because we only passed 12 people in stand by.
We actually take some time to look around in Innoventions. Bryan is on a marathon to see how fast he can ride the rides. He cant even tell us half the attractions he has done, but this is what WDW is to him. It is 11:30 so we eat lunch in the Electric Umbrella. We have the standard fare of burgers and fries.
We have a 1:00 appointment for a resort Photopass shoot at the GF, so I want to take the Monorail to the resort. We ride to the TTC and switch to the resort line and proceed to the GF. This turns out to be great activity that you can read about on this post.
We try to impress Amy with our manly bods.
Now the fun starts. I want to send my other daughter a coconut from WDW and they say the Poly has them. So to get to the Poly, we ride all the way around the loop to get there. At the Poly I find out they are downstairs in the Bou-Tiki. Yes indeed they have them and they are $19 including priority mail. I wrote the necessary information on the painted surface of the coconut and gave it to the front desk to mail. The area in which you write the address is very rough and I hoped the post office can read the info.
So now we are ready to return to EPCOT, so we again take the Monorail around the TTC. When we arrive at the TTC we find out the EPCOT Monorail is stuck out on the track somewhere, so we take a bus back to EPCOT. We Left EPCOT around 12:00 and it was after 3:00 when we returned.
We now do SSE and I like the new features. We spend some time in the basement playing with exhibits. Next up is Universe of Energy and then we visit World Showcase.
We do Maelstrom and find the hidden Mickey in the load area.
We go to Japan and eat in the Yakitori House. We were a little disappointed and the quantity and quality. I finally get to see American Adventure and am glad I did as the sets were very impressive. It is getting very cool and as we were walking into the auditorium for AA, my wife calls and tells me it is snowing and in the 30s, so I dont feel quite so bad.
We stake out a spot for Illuminations by Mexico and some food in La Cantina while waiting for the show. It is cool enough that we stroll with the food through the Mexico exhibit to keep warm. Illuminations is again a great event, including the seasonal finale.
By now it is 40 degrees and we head shivering for the bus. PoP buses are as far as you can get from the exit and the line is long. It looked like 200 people were ahead of, but bus after bus shows up and we are in bed by 11:00. A long but fantastic day.
MOmousefan
DIS Veteran
- Joined
- Mar 1, 2005
- Messages
- 1,054
Andy and I have breakfast in the Pop food court. There is no EMH, so we go to breakfast an hour later. What a difference an hour makes! There is a big crowd and they are out of breakfast pizzas, our favorite. We have the #1- the adult breakfast. It is very filling; in fact it is more than I care to eat. We have decided to go to DHS without Amy and Bryan as they re sleeping in. We arrive at the studios at 8:59 to a moderate crowd. Every time we come to DHS security removes both cameras from the bag unlike the other parks. They have a great pre-show with the Italian director and he revs up the crowd for rope drop.
We decide to do TSM as does 99% of the crowd. There are CMs everywhere along the route and everyone walks. The line is already long so we FP which by now is 10:45-11:45. They will be out of FPs by 11:30.
The park has a nice holiday atmosphere.
RnRC is a short wait and it is now Andys favorite attraction so we ride it twice.
We then have a 10-minute wait for ToT, another favorite. I been reading on other threads about the large crowds, but we have yet to encounter a long wait. On Monday nights MK late EMH we waited 40 minutes for SM, but that was the longest all week.
We are walking down Sunset Blvd minding our own business when this officer accosts me.
I plead my case and explain we are from Missouri and don't know how to act when we come to town. He is sceptical.
He finally gives in and allows us to proceed.
We now did our FP for TSM and Andy has beaten me every time. Thats his score on the right. We wonder how people can get a score of over 400,00.
We decide to have pizza at Pizza Planet. I wander into a nearby store just to see if name badges are available. I am told to go to the Prop Shop as they have them. They inform me that the name badges are in the 5&Dime at the entrance. So we plod back to the front of the park only to be told they havent seen badges since 2007. I am glad I got one last year.
Andy hasnt seen LMA, so we head to this show and get seats in the center in the upper section. It is 30 minutes to show time and Amy calls to say they are in the park and to hold them seats. Andy says yes, but is pessimistic about them making it on time. By now a crowd is arriving and a CM tells our row to slide down to make. This places us directly behind a pole. I am not happy giving up a good seat to a late arrival so we along with many others reclaim our previous seats. The show starts with no Amy and Bryan and it is a good show. Eagle eye Andy spots the backward driving cars front tires spinning and then the rear tires spinning and knows something is up.
This is an odd view of the hat from LMA.
We do meet up with Amy and Bryan after the show and do the Backlot Tour making sure Bryan is on the outside. He didnt get wet, but we had a good time anyway. We split up as they have their own agenda and we go to One mans Dream to see all of the neat models. I can remember as a kid visiting Disneyland and seeing Walt walking around the park talking to everyone. We ride the GMR for the last time this visit.
As we leave the park the Block Party is happening and it sounds great.
We return to PoP around 4:00. The kids are going to Margarita Ville tonight, so tonight I can do whatever I want. I have always wanted to get my pictures with the characters, so I head to EPCOT and get in line with all of the other kids and meet my favorite people. Mickey notices my Mickey shirt and we bond instantly. Goofy is being, well.. Goofy. Chasing kids all over the room. I have been editing my Photopass pictures and realize the Mickey pictures arent in the album. There is a place on the website to have them look for lost pictures, you supply as much information as possible and hope for the best. I also bought two tee shirts at Mouse Gear and got a $15 throw for Alison for Xmas.
I returned to PoP and talked to the wife. It is 37 degrees and flurries, so I am in the right place.
We decide to do TSM as does 99% of the crowd. There are CMs everywhere along the route and everyone walks. The line is already long so we FP which by now is 10:45-11:45. They will be out of FPs by 11:30.
The park has a nice holiday atmosphere.
RnRC is a short wait and it is now Andys favorite attraction so we ride it twice.
We then have a 10-minute wait for ToT, another favorite. I been reading on other threads about the large crowds, but we have yet to encounter a long wait. On Monday nights MK late EMH we waited 40 minutes for SM, but that was the longest all week.
We are walking down Sunset Blvd minding our own business when this officer accosts me.
I plead my case and explain we are from Missouri and don't know how to act when we come to town. He is sceptical.
He finally gives in and allows us to proceed.
We now did our FP for TSM and Andy has beaten me every time. Thats his score on the right. We wonder how people can get a score of over 400,00.
We decide to have pizza at Pizza Planet. I wander into a nearby store just to see if name badges are available. I am told to go to the Prop Shop as they have them. They inform me that the name badges are in the 5&Dime at the entrance. So we plod back to the front of the park only to be told they havent seen badges since 2007. I am glad I got one last year.
Andy hasnt seen LMA, so we head to this show and get seats in the center in the upper section. It is 30 minutes to show time and Amy calls to say they are in the park and to hold them seats. Andy says yes, but is pessimistic about them making it on time. By now a crowd is arriving and a CM tells our row to slide down to make. This places us directly behind a pole. I am not happy giving up a good seat to a late arrival so we along with many others reclaim our previous seats. The show starts with no Amy and Bryan and it is a good show. Eagle eye Andy spots the backward driving cars front tires spinning and then the rear tires spinning and knows something is up.
This is an odd view of the hat from LMA.
We do meet up with Amy and Bryan after the show and do the Backlot Tour making sure Bryan is on the outside. He didnt get wet, but we had a good time anyway. We split up as they have their own agenda and we go to One mans Dream to see all of the neat models. I can remember as a kid visiting Disneyland and seeing Walt walking around the park talking to everyone. We ride the GMR for the last time this visit.
As we leave the park the Block Party is happening and it sounds great.
We return to PoP around 4:00. The kids are going to Margarita Ville tonight, so tonight I can do whatever I want. I have always wanted to get my pictures with the characters, so I head to EPCOT and get in line with all of the other kids and meet my favorite people. Mickey notices my Mickey shirt and we bond instantly. Goofy is being, well.. Goofy. Chasing kids all over the room. I have been editing my Photopass pictures and realize the Mickey pictures arent in the album. There is a place on the website to have them look for lost pictures, you supply as much information as possible and hope for the best. I also bought two tee shirts at Mouse Gear and got a $15 throw for Alison for Xmas.
I returned to PoP and talked to the wife. It is 37 degrees and flurries, so I am in the right place.
MOmousefan
DIS Veteran
- Joined
- Mar 1, 2005
- Messages
- 1,054
Since I am by myself this is a good time to take lots of pictures AK is open late, so I take my tripod and head for the park at 7:00.
This park is DARK at night. I walked the entire area that is open and take 118 pictures. I am not that great a photographer, so I take lots and most turn out. I know we all take each others pictures when asked, and when someone asked me to take their picture I was happy to do it. What surprised me was they handed me their Photopass card. I guess the tripod and name badge convinced them I was a professional.
Camp Minnie-Mickey had some characters at it's entrance and there was a medium crowd present.
It was very quiet as I enteres Africa and the area around the Tusker House is deserted.
There are CMs at this point directing everyone towards Asia as this area is closed. It is almost eerie how quiet and lonely it is. (Can you ever ne lonely in a WDW park?)
EE looms spectacularly in the distance.
This is where the crowd starts to increase around EE.
As I head for the Dinosaur area I take a last look at EE as I cross over the bridge.
This area is well-lit and lots of people are having a good time.
As I head out of the park, I take one last look at a landmark:
I walked out the bus stop and the crowd for the All Stars was huge. Three buses arrived and eliminated the crowd. Our line started to build and no PoP buses showed up for 25 minutes. It wasnt the end of the world, I just wonder what the criteria are for a bus as two EPCOT buses came and there was no one in the line. When the bus showed up there was a cheer and we waited while two ECVs were loaded. The ECV was a little impatient and rammed the first as it went up the ramp. We started to load and as I approached the door a short oriental woman pushed to the front and repeated, we load now, we load now I had waited my turn like most others and wasnt in the mood for such behavior. I turned to her and realized she was standing by her daughter in an ECV. The driver had to stop us and get off to explain that the bus was filling and she would have to wait for the next one. She wasnt very happy, but did wait. I have always been impressed with courtesy shown on the buses and would give my seat to someone standing. I never did on this trip, as the opportunity never presented itself. The times I could I would be trapped behind a stroller or the person would decline.
I returned to the resort at 8:30and downloaded the camera card. Andy returned at 10:00 and was mad about how his sister and BIL behaved. He was sober driver and they were the ones acting stupid and embarrassed him. I trust Andy with the car, but I explained to him that it was our only way home. Later in the week they wanted him to take them into Orlando and Dad (me) said no.That's what Disney transportation is for. More this later!
This park is DARK at night. I walked the entire area that is open and take 118 pictures. I am not that great a photographer, so I take lots and most turn out. I know we all take each others pictures when asked, and when someone asked me to take their picture I was happy to do it. What surprised me was they handed me their Photopass card. I guess the tripod and name badge convinced them I was a professional.
Camp Minnie-Mickey had some characters at it's entrance and there was a medium crowd present.
It was very quiet as I enteres Africa and the area around the Tusker House is deserted.
There are CMs at this point directing everyone towards Asia as this area is closed. It is almost eerie how quiet and lonely it is. (Can you ever ne lonely in a WDW park?)
EE looms spectacularly in the distance.
This is where the crowd starts to increase around EE.
As I head for the Dinosaur area I take a last look at EE as I cross over the bridge.
This area is well-lit and lots of people are having a good time.
As I head out of the park, I take one last look at a landmark:
I walked out the bus stop and the crowd for the All Stars was huge. Three buses arrived and eliminated the crowd. Our line started to build and no PoP buses showed up for 25 minutes. It wasnt the end of the world, I just wonder what the criteria are for a bus as two EPCOT buses came and there was no one in the line. When the bus showed up there was a cheer and we waited while two ECVs were loaded. The ECV was a little impatient and rammed the first as it went up the ramp. We started to load and as I approached the door a short oriental woman pushed to the front and repeated, we load now, we load now I had waited my turn like most others and wasnt in the mood for such behavior. I turned to her and realized she was standing by her daughter in an ECV. The driver had to stop us and get off to explain that the bus was filling and she would have to wait for the next one. She wasnt very happy, but did wait. I have always been impressed with courtesy shown on the buses and would give my seat to someone standing. I never did on this trip, as the opportunity never presented itself. The times I could I would be trapped behind a stroller or the person would decline.
I returned to the resort at 8:30and downloaded the camera card. Andy returned at 10:00 and was mad about how his sister and BIL behaved. He was sober driver and they were the ones acting stupid and embarrassed him. I trust Andy with the car, but I explained to him that it was our only way home. Later in the week they wanted him to take them into Orlando and Dad (me) said no.That's what Disney transportation is for. More this later!
MOmousefan
DIS Veteran
- Joined
- Mar 1, 2005
- Messages
- 1,054
Today is the Magic Kingdom EMH, so I am up at 5:40 to get ready for the day. Andy and I have our breakfast pizzas in the food court and get on the bus at 7:25. I am standing in the front by the driver and I tell how I miss their spiels rather then the canned stuff now playing. As he pulls out he looks at me in the mirror and starts talking, he talks all the way to the park about various WDW trivia. As we arrive he says he doesnt like the new stuff either. He had a jacket on so I didnt catch his name, but whoever you are, thanks.
After a brief ceremony the park opens and we head for SM, an Andy favorite.
He got FPs and got into a 20 minute line, but was actually less time then that. We now have ridden both sides and I cannot tell the difference. We now head for Buzz and Andy anticipates beating at this just like has every time on TSM.
Somehow I hit a high-scoring target and this is the result: Andy is devastated.
We now head for BTMRR, but find out Frontier Land and Adventure Land are closed until 9:00. It is 8:50, so we do Philharmagic, a favorite of mine. Now we can do BTMRR and afterwards meet up with Amy and Bryan.
Guess who we see on the bridge?
Together we do JC, Tiki room, and the paddle wheeler.
Bryan thought the paddle wheeler was a white water type ride is the only reason he rode it. Dont ask why he thought this. We have lunch at Pecos Bills. I love the fixins bar.
We then walk through the Treehouse and ride through IASM.
Andy wants to go to the HM, Amy and Bryan have crossed this off their list, so we split up. HM had been re-done since our last visit and I the stairway room is the only change I could detect. Still a favorite though. We do Pirates again and on the way out get our picture taken fighting Hook. These pics have not shown up on the Photopass site and I sent a lost picture e-mail. I now want to treat Andy to his first Dole Whipand I am shocked that he chooses chocolate! His loss. I have a Dole Whip float and it is good.
It is 2:45 and we head over to the Studios and FP and ToT. RnRC is down, so we sat for awhile and watched the crowd. Somebody has had too much fun!
We FP ToT and head back to the resort at 3:30.
I went to the room and downloaded the cards while Andy used the arcade. The day is a sunny 75 degrees and the crowds were low, just great!
After a brief ceremony the park opens and we head for SM, an Andy favorite.
He got FPs and got into a 20 minute line, but was actually less time then that. We now have ridden both sides and I cannot tell the difference. We now head for Buzz and Andy anticipates beating at this just like has every time on TSM.
Somehow I hit a high-scoring target and this is the result: Andy is devastated.
We now head for BTMRR, but find out Frontier Land and Adventure Land are closed until 9:00. It is 8:50, so we do Philharmagic, a favorite of mine. Now we can do BTMRR and afterwards meet up with Amy and Bryan.
Guess who we see on the bridge?
Together we do JC, Tiki room, and the paddle wheeler.
Bryan thought the paddle wheeler was a white water type ride is the only reason he rode it. Dont ask why he thought this. We have lunch at Pecos Bills. I love the fixins bar.
We then walk through the Treehouse and ride through IASM.
Andy wants to go to the HM, Amy and Bryan have crossed this off their list, so we split up. HM had been re-done since our last visit and I the stairway room is the only change I could detect. Still a favorite though. We do Pirates again and on the way out get our picture taken fighting Hook. These pics have not shown up on the Photopass site and I sent a lost picture e-mail. I now want to treat Andy to his first Dole Whipand I am shocked that he chooses chocolate! His loss. I have a Dole Whip float and it is good.
It is 2:45 and we head over to the Studios and FP and ToT. RnRC is down, so we sat for awhile and watched the crowd. Somebody has had too much fun!
We FP ToT and head back to the resort at 3:30.
I went to the room and downloaded the cards while Andy used the arcade. The day is a sunny 75 degrees and the crowds were low, just great!
MOmousefan
DIS Veteran
- Joined
- Mar 1, 2005
- Messages
- 1,054
Tonight all of us are going to Fantasmic, so we eat at 5:00 and head for DHS. We arrive at the ampitheater at 6:10 and there are lots of good seats. We sit in the Pocahontas section and enjoy the 61 degree evening. By 6:45 most of the seats are gone. We sit back and enjoy fantastic Fantasmic.
After the show Amy and Bryan go to the Boardwalk while Andy and I head for the resort. Andy showers and hangs out in the room while I walk around the grounds taking pictures.
After the show Amy and Bryan go to the Boardwalk while Andy and I head for the resort. Andy showers and hangs out in the room while I walk around the grounds taking pictures.
MOmousefan
DIS Veteran
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- Mar 1, 2005
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- 1,054
Our last day
The four of us eat breakfast at PoP and head for DHS. While on the bus, Amy tells us of their adventure last night. When they wanted to leave the Boardwalk, they waited 45 minutes for a bus. They called someone to complain about the non-service (I dont know who). Anyway they had a good time.
Bryan agreed to RUN to TSM with our passes to get FPs. I told him there was no running, but what do I know. He was at the rope and ready to boogie at rope drop. We saw the same pre-show as previous, but it included the same woman who read the Christmas story at the American pavilion at WS.
At rope drop Bryan headed for TSM while we also headed that way, much slower. By the time we got there, Bryan was in line, 5 people ahead of him. He had the passes by 9:10 and they were for 10:10-11:10. I really enjoy this attraction, but wouldnt wait an hour to do it. The TSM FPs were gone by 11:00 every day.
We were walking by the prop Shop and I spied a Photopass CM standing there, so I wanted another photo. He stated he was there to take pictures with Sully and ? in 10 minutes, so we could wait. I looked at the sign and it said 11:00 not 10:00. He was a little confused as they told him 10:00. We left for the ABC Commissary for a snack and our FP time. We the did TSM again, for the last time this trip.
Bryan has a plan for the rest of the day: DHS until noon, go to the MK and do the three mountains, then AK for EE, THEN EPCOT EMH.
I didnt want to dampen his enthusiasm, but I explained the logistics of that much park-hopping and didnt think it would work. He had to think about it.
We FP TOT and then rode RnRC.
The sign said 20 minutes, but it seemed longer. We then did ToT and had lunch in the food area between the two Attractions.
Bryan had his first turkey leg and pronounced it a hit.
We all decided to head back to PoP and rest until EPCOT.
I did some last minute shopping at Everything POP while Andy did the arcade and the kids used the pool. There wasnt much 2008 merchandise available and a CM said I would have go to DTD to any. So at 2:20 I headed to DTD only to watch the bus leave. While waiting I watched a security vehicle drive down every lane in the front lot. I have read posts about car break-ins, but I have felt safe on all of our trips. At 2:35 the next bus arrived and I wandered around DTD taking lots of pictures and buying xmas presents.
The only 2008 shirt I found was a red xmas shirt, but I liked it. I also bought scrappbooking gifts for the girls. They are getting a Cricut expression for Xmas, so I bought some stamps and stickers. I also bought a grab bag at the $10 store and divided the contents among their stockings.
He looks so life-like.
On the way back to PoP I noticed elevated security booths in the Westside parking lots. I guess they are manned after dark.
When I get to the room, Andy tells me Bryan said we are in for a BIG SURPRISE! While waiting for the kids Alison calls me to say her surprise has not arrived. Remember the coconut? I had been teasing her since Tuesday about sending her something she has never had before. I thought with priority mail she would get it by now. I hope the PO can read the address. We are hauling Amys baggage home with us, so we take their luggage to the car and place them in the trunk. Bryan has an Armani bag that must sit by itself in the backseat. I say no way as this would be prime thief bait, so it goes in the trunk. It turned out to be a very expensive shirt.
We go the foodcourt for supper and Bryan is bursting with excitement. We set down to eat and get the big surprise. It seems that after their phone call about the late bus, they received four group Fast Passes. This means the four of us can ride four rides! I thought the big surprise might be something along the lines of me becoming a grandfather for the first time, or they won the lottery and bought me the Castle Suite. But this is still a neat way to spend the last night. Bryan plots the endless permutations possible with the FPs.
We get to EPCOT around 6:30 and FP Soarin, a 60 minute wait. We immediately FP it again, this time getting the left side with its dirty film. I have an elderly couple sitting next to me who are doing their first ride. It is so enjoyable to hear their oohs and aaahs and remember my first experience. We pass through Club Cool and watch Andy and Bryan try their first Beverly. We PhotoPass our way through the lights in the middle of the park and head for TT and use third FP.
There is a man at the turnstiles wanting any extra FPs. This is amazing to me considering there is a 90 minute wait. On to M:S which has a 5 minute wait, yes, 5 minutes. We save the last FP for another TT ride. We exit M:S as Illuminations ends and ride TT using the last FP.
We walk around the WS and sample various goodies. Amy and Bryan want to sample some adult beverages, so Andy and I head for the resort. We have another (Relatively) long wait for a bus. Once we load, the driver asks everyone to move farther back in the bus. No one moves, he looks in the back and says he can see space for 10 more people. No one moves, he goes to the back door and talks to someone and line move to the back and guess what? 10 more people get on. We arrive at the resort at 11:47, an hour after we arrived at the EPCOT to PoP bus stop.
We go to bed as we want leave early in the morning.
The four of us eat breakfast at PoP and head for DHS. While on the bus, Amy tells us of their adventure last night. When they wanted to leave the Boardwalk, they waited 45 minutes for a bus. They called someone to complain about the non-service (I dont know who). Anyway they had a good time.
Bryan agreed to RUN to TSM with our passes to get FPs. I told him there was no running, but what do I know. He was at the rope and ready to boogie at rope drop. We saw the same pre-show as previous, but it included the same woman who read the Christmas story at the American pavilion at WS.
At rope drop Bryan headed for TSM while we also headed that way, much slower. By the time we got there, Bryan was in line, 5 people ahead of him. He had the passes by 9:10 and they were for 10:10-11:10. I really enjoy this attraction, but wouldnt wait an hour to do it. The TSM FPs were gone by 11:00 every day.
We were walking by the prop Shop and I spied a Photopass CM standing there, so I wanted another photo. He stated he was there to take pictures with Sully and ? in 10 minutes, so we could wait. I looked at the sign and it said 11:00 not 10:00. He was a little confused as they told him 10:00. We left for the ABC Commissary for a snack and our FP time. We the did TSM again, for the last time this trip.
Bryan has a plan for the rest of the day: DHS until noon, go to the MK and do the three mountains, then AK for EE, THEN EPCOT EMH.
I didnt want to dampen his enthusiasm, but I explained the logistics of that much park-hopping and didnt think it would work. He had to think about it.
We FP TOT and then rode RnRC.
The sign said 20 minutes, but it seemed longer. We then did ToT and had lunch in the food area between the two Attractions.
Bryan had his first turkey leg and pronounced it a hit.
We all decided to head back to PoP and rest until EPCOT.
I did some last minute shopping at Everything POP while Andy did the arcade and the kids used the pool. There wasnt much 2008 merchandise available and a CM said I would have go to DTD to any. So at 2:20 I headed to DTD only to watch the bus leave. While waiting I watched a security vehicle drive down every lane in the front lot. I have read posts about car break-ins, but I have felt safe on all of our trips. At 2:35 the next bus arrived and I wandered around DTD taking lots of pictures and buying xmas presents.
The only 2008 shirt I found was a red xmas shirt, but I liked it. I also bought scrappbooking gifts for the girls. They are getting a Cricut expression for Xmas, so I bought some stamps and stickers. I also bought a grab bag at the $10 store and divided the contents among their stockings.
He looks so life-like.
On the way back to PoP I noticed elevated security booths in the Westside parking lots. I guess they are manned after dark.
When I get to the room, Andy tells me Bryan said we are in for a BIG SURPRISE! While waiting for the kids Alison calls me to say her surprise has not arrived. Remember the coconut? I had been teasing her since Tuesday about sending her something she has never had before. I thought with priority mail she would get it by now. I hope the PO can read the address. We are hauling Amys baggage home with us, so we take their luggage to the car and place them in the trunk. Bryan has an Armani bag that must sit by itself in the backseat. I say no way as this would be prime thief bait, so it goes in the trunk. It turned out to be a very expensive shirt.
We go the foodcourt for supper and Bryan is bursting with excitement. We set down to eat and get the big surprise. It seems that after their phone call about the late bus, they received four group Fast Passes. This means the four of us can ride four rides! I thought the big surprise might be something along the lines of me becoming a grandfather for the first time, or they won the lottery and bought me the Castle Suite. But this is still a neat way to spend the last night. Bryan plots the endless permutations possible with the FPs.
We get to EPCOT around 6:30 and FP Soarin, a 60 minute wait. We immediately FP it again, this time getting the left side with its dirty film. I have an elderly couple sitting next to me who are doing their first ride. It is so enjoyable to hear their oohs and aaahs and remember my first experience. We pass through Club Cool and watch Andy and Bryan try their first Beverly. We PhotoPass our way through the lights in the middle of the park and head for TT and use third FP.
There is a man at the turnstiles wanting any extra FPs. This is amazing to me considering there is a 90 minute wait. On to M:S which has a 5 minute wait, yes, 5 minutes. We save the last FP for another TT ride. We exit M:S as Illuminations ends and ride TT using the last FP.
We walk around the WS and sample various goodies. Amy and Bryan want to sample some adult beverages, so Andy and I head for the resort. We have another (Relatively) long wait for a bus. Once we load, the driver asks everyone to move farther back in the bus. No one moves, he looks in the back and says he can see space for 10 more people. No one moves, he goes to the back door and talks to someone and line move to the back and guess what? 10 more people get on. We arrive at the resort at 11:47, an hour after we arrived at the EPCOT to PoP bus stop.
We go to bed as we want leave early in the morning.
MOmousefan
DIS Veteran
- Joined
- Mar 1, 2005
- Messages
- 1,054
Dawn, time to head for home. While I am going to miss WDW, I look forward to sleeping in my own bed and seeing the rest of the family. It is 59 degrees here, 30 in the Ozarks as we leave PoP Century at 6:50 local time.
Can you tell how excited Andy is to go home?
Andy drives as I navigate Mickeys property looking for Western Way and 429 to the Florida Turnpike. Darned if I didnt have us end up on Osceola Drive. I hardly ever get lost, but WDW must have a strong magnetic anomaly throwing my internal navigation off. We loop around and finally are headed for Missouri.
When have a chauffer, you have time to goof around!
While there is a slight haze, the weather is great and we will miss this. We stop in Ocala for breakfast and gas and drive on to McDonough, GA for lunch at a Krystals, something we dont have at home. Summit Racings national HQ is here and we pass a huge car show in its parking lot. I know Andy would love to see this, but we 12 hours of driving ahead of us. I now drive and decide to stay on I75 through the middle of Atlanta rather then take the outer bypass. It is around noon on a Saturday, but the traffic is not bad. I love the scenery around Chattanooga and the drive through the mountains at Mont Eagle. There are icicles hanging on the hillsides, proof we are heading North.
Our final stop to eat in Cadiz, KY and our only other stop is for Gas in Rolla, MO, 75 miles from home.
We finally arrive home at 11:45 CST. It took 18 hours to drive the 1157 miles and I drive the last 12 hours. The car performed flawlessly and I dont regret the time driving versus flying. We spent $122 for gas vs $550 the kids spent on plane tickets. I used a trip expense program in June to compute estimated gas prices and the figure was around $400, so reduction gas prices really helped.
Here is the cargo we ended up with when we got home. This includes Amys luggage and their souvenirs.
Here is what we brought home for Mom:
Can you tell how excited Andy is to go home?
Andy drives as I navigate Mickeys property looking for Western Way and 429 to the Florida Turnpike. Darned if I didnt have us end up on Osceola Drive. I hardly ever get lost, but WDW must have a strong magnetic anomaly throwing my internal navigation off. We loop around and finally are headed for Missouri.
When have a chauffer, you have time to goof around!
While there is a slight haze, the weather is great and we will miss this. We stop in Ocala for breakfast and gas and drive on to McDonough, GA for lunch at a Krystals, something we dont have at home. Summit Racings national HQ is here and we pass a huge car show in its parking lot. I know Andy would love to see this, but we 12 hours of driving ahead of us. I now drive and decide to stay on I75 through the middle of Atlanta rather then take the outer bypass. It is around noon on a Saturday, but the traffic is not bad. I love the scenery around Chattanooga and the drive through the mountains at Mont Eagle. There are icicles hanging on the hillsides, proof we are heading North.
Our final stop to eat in Cadiz, KY and our only other stop is for Gas in Rolla, MO, 75 miles from home.
We finally arrive home at 11:45 CST. It took 18 hours to drive the 1157 miles and I drive the last 12 hours. The car performed flawlessly and I dont regret the time driving versus flying. We spent $122 for gas vs $550 the kids spent on plane tickets. I used a trip expense program in June to compute estimated gas prices and the figure was around $400, so reduction gas prices really helped.
Here is the cargo we ended up with when we got home. This includes Amys luggage and their souvenirs.
Here is what we brought home for Mom:
Nora03
DIS Veteran
- Joined
- Sep 15, 2007
- Messages
- 3,041
Great report Mike. I enjoyed reading it. I agree with Scotty - AK did look spooky in the dark!
You and Andy look so much alike. Didn't your DW want to go too? I wouldn't miss it.
Yikes - you had to bring a lot of stuff home in your car! My DH would have been having a fit. It just keep shopping. However we have to fly to Florida so I have to be careful about how much I buy. Those suitcases fill up fast and we don't want to pay for overweight bags.
That was so nice of you to take your kids to WDW.
Nora
You and Andy look so much alike. Didn't your DW want to go too? I wouldn't miss it.
Yikes - you had to bring a lot of stuff home in your car! My DH would have been having a fit. It just keep shopping. However we have to fly to Florida so I have to be careful about how much I buy. Those suitcases fill up fast and we don't want to pay for overweight bags.
That was so nice of you to take your kids to WDW.
Nora
All7OfUs
<font color=darkorchid>We too are so very NOT into
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- Dec 12, 2007
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Just finished your whole TR, and thought it sounded like you all had a really great time!! Just curious... you mentioned there was another time you had adult beverage woes with your kids. What happened??
MOmousefan
DIS Veteran
- Joined
- Mar 1, 2005
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- 1,054
OhMari - Thanks for reading the report. My wife wasn't laughing too much, but after 37 years of marriage we get over such things. I just returned from a week in Cabo San Lucas with my other daughter and I brought the wife just one basket of laundry.
Nora 03 - My wife won't go to WDW as a result of a bad trip we had in August 1995. The heat, crowds, tour groups made for a less then desirable trip.
BTW, the trip to Cabo was great!
We watched the whales from our balcony.
I really enjoyed the pool overlooking the Sea of Cortez.
We went on a whale-watching tour and saw a lot of whales.
Nora 03 - My wife won't go to WDW as a result of a bad trip we had in August 1995. The heat, crowds, tour groups made for a less then desirable trip.
BTW, the trip to Cabo was great!
We watched the whales from our balcony.
I really enjoyed the pool overlooking the Sea of Cortez.
We went on a whale-watching tour and saw a lot of whales.
MOmousefan
DIS Veteran
- Joined
- Mar 1, 2005
- Messages
- 1,054
Yesit did. miled i from the Poly o a Tuesday afternoon. I talked to my DD that evening and teased her that she would be recieving a unique gift in the mail later in the week. I called her the night before we left for home (Friday) and she had not recieved yet. It finally arrived the following Monday!
All is well.
All is well.
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