Part 15 I get shot at MGM!!
Saturday December 13, 2003
Well its finally here; our final day to visit the parks. We went to sleep last night knowing that today was it. No more chances after this. We were sad, but happy and excited at the same time. Disney World does that to you.
Firstly though, a word about our Epcot experience.
We now have a new saying, that covers all those times you let your hopes and expectations get the better of you, and for whatever reason you get let down when things dont go according to plan and you feel like you need a margarita! thats when we say Im having an Epcot day!
Now Ill be the first to admit its our own fault and not that of the park, its layout, content or anything else, that made our experience what it was.
But dont get me wrong, the park, its layout, content and other things did play a part just not very large.
Back to MGM
Our plan today is to visit MGM (EMH) and stay until after the Stars and Motor Cars parade. How we fill those hours is still up for discussion, but a few things are a given:
Not that were scared or anything (well, okay, maybe just a little) but were passing on ToT and RnR. I want to ride RnR, and I will next time (you have to save something in order to make the trip a necessity right?) but not today DS will meet Lilo and Stitch today even if he doesnt know it yet!
Up at 6:00 (for the last time this trip) and were trying to finish all the snacks and goodies weve managed to stash in the room all week, and wash them down with the last of the OJ, milk, and juice boxes. Hit the bus stops at 7:15 see? The troops have this trip-stuff down to an art. Too bad its the last day
Bus shows up at 7:25, and again no stops at ASMu, or ASMo, so its straight to MGM for 7:35. This morning is the first time that its been mentioned that resort ID may be needed for EMH not that anyone did actually check but they mentioned it. Makes me wonder if non-resort guests could take advantage of EMH in early December? Hmmmmm
They let us in by 7:50, not as much fanfare as at MK during the wait, mind you, so we got our stroller and maps etc, and waited up Hollywood Blvd at the rope for the countdown to 8:00. The CMs holding the rope played up their roles, and got everyone into the Disney-mood, which was refreshing change from yesterday.
We are in the minority here today since were not riding ToT or RnR, but that suits us fine, it gives us newbies a chance to look around, absorb the surroundings, and appreciate the details of MGM. We make our way around Echo Lake, past Indy and head for our two attractions this EMH, Muppets and Star Tours!
Auntie K, like me, was a huge Muppets fan back in the day and shes like a child again in the courtyard on front of Muppet Vision 3-D! Shes laughing and pointing, everything is new, the sight gags are fun on a different level, and once we enter the queue area, the puns are silly, cute and Muppet humor-funny! I sure hope everyone takes the necessary time to appreciate the genius around this pre-show area!
I think there were ten of us in the theatre for the show!
Can you say December?
Sure it was dated, the effects not as spectacular as any of the other 3D shows, but it was fun nonetheless! And more importantly, DS had a blast laughing at characters hes never seen before! Auntie, DW and I loved the Muppet Show nuances, especially Stadler and Waldorf! And Fozzy and Gonzo etc. Ah memories
After our nostalgia trip, we backtracked to Star Tours. DS has watched parts of Star Wars, and enjoyed it, and Ive ridden similar rides in the past, so Im sure that hell be okay on the ride. The line is non-existent, so we miss all the details along the queue, as we walk directly to the next-boarding Starspeeder.
DS is a little wary of the ride, but not as much as DW! I can tell shes putting on the brave face for his sake, but shes not a big motion-ride fan, so shes already holding on tightly to the arm rests! I love these simulator types! During the ride DS is watching everything and enjoying the dips and turns, and near-misses. DW has her eyes closed! Auntie K is woo-hooing this one too!
Afterward DW looks a little worse for wear, but DS is fine and says That was great! On the way through the very well placed gift shop / exit, DS and DW examine the Fisher-Price Star Wars X-Wing sets. Hes figuring this whole Disney World experience out.
See the ride, ride the ride, buy the merchandise from the ride
We manage to escape the Death Star of stores without any packages in hand and none being sent back to the room either since well be long gone tomorrow before the goodies get shipped to the resort!
Crossing by the Hat we see the usual characters out for autographs, no one new here today, so we stop and enter the Great Movie Ride. Interesting, but not a personal favorite. We had the gangster ride, which was neat. DW enjoyed this one shes more of a classic movie buff than me DS was non committal. He liked the curse of the mummy though!
From here we check out Walt Disney: One Mans Dream were killing time before Playhouse Disney at 10:00, but I could have stayed here much, much longer! Wow I love all the scale models, and artifacts, and the movie was really interesting. I learned some things, and DS is still talking about this experience today.
Weve reached our critical time of 10:00, so its over to the Animation Courtyard, for Playhouse Disney. We know DS is at the upper end of the intended age-range for this show, but he wants to see it, and thats what matters. Hes got way too many years ahead of him to be older, for today hes a kid, so lets let him enjoy it!
Having said that, once we get seated on the floor, its obvious that the kids will not be able to see terribly well. Yeah I understand the characters are puppets. We cant have the magic revealed to children this age. No problem. And yes I know part of the show involves music and getting the kids up and dancing and moving No problem here either.
But DS is 5 and wants to be able to see better but hes shy enough to not want to get up on his own, and when the precious little girls in front of us cant keep still because theyre having sooo much fun with their favorite Playhouse Disney friends, and keep getting up and dancing etc,
Well, you can fill in the rest of the story.
Lets just say he felt older and maybe a little self-conscious, so he didnt enjoy this show as much as he could have.
Since weve been back, his memory of the show is a good one, but I sense he remembers not being able to see at certain points. Odd what you choose to remember
I had some inside information on the whereabouts of the 2 most anticipated characters in Disney World for a certain little boy in our group. And the timing was almost perfect after Playhouse Disney for a visit across the courtyard to the Magic of Disney Animation building, where outback,
blue alien footprints guided visitors toward a photo op straight from
'the Big Island.'
As we approached the short line, the CM let us know that Lilo and Stitch were about to take 5, but that theyd be right back. DS was giddy! He dressed this morning in his Stitch t-shirt, brought little Stitch with him, just saw Lilo and Stitch, and within moments would meet Experiment 626!!
This is why we came!
After their break, Lilo and Stitch posed with the family in front of us, and then it was our turn! DS and DW approached from the right as Lilo and Stitch said goodbye to the previous family looking left. When they turned back to face DS and DW, both became very animated when they spied DSs little Stitch! Stitch threw out his arms to hug little Stitch, and proudly showed him to Lilo, who took little Stitch in her arms and hugged him, and kissed him, and then kept pointing back and forth between the two Stitches! I think this was one of DSs proudest moments!
After getting our pictures,
Lilo and Stitch 1
Lilo and Stitch 2
Lilo and Stitch 3
Lilo and Stitch 4 and autographs, we stopped back around the corner to the courtyard so Auntie K could find a restroom you know these women and their bathroom breaks and as we wait for her to return we witness a mother and her son, maybe 10, walking towards the washroom area. She wants him to follow her; he wants to call dad. She tells him to come here; he still wants to call dad.
Now shes about 52, and hes a little taller, and somewhat heavyset. Her not so much. Hes defiant, but not obnoxiously, and is trying to explain why hes not coming with her something about talking to dad.
Well she snaps.
Shes chasing him around this area, zig zagging, bopping and weaving, hes running from her, just enough to stay away from her, kinda playing almost, not realizing shes lost it. His shoes come off in the chase and shes not letting up.
Shes hell-bent on catching him. And corners him along the back wall! Shes on top of him now, hitting him and throwing his shoes at him!
We look at each other with our jaws open!
What was that?
The mother has had enough and fed up heads for the washroom. Junior meanwhile, is dusting himself off, and putting his shoes back on
I look at DW.
Therere not feelin the magic!
We fill Auntie K in on the disturbing details as we walk over to the ABC Commissary for lunch, where we grab some Cuban Sandwiches for DW and Auntie K, and some fish and chips for me and DS.
After a quick but satisfying bite, DW hears some commotion just down from our table outside. Its coming from the Monsters Inc doorway!
Mike and Sully! They both get a huge kick out of little Stitch, who by this time has been wrapped with a load of paper ribbons left over from Playhouse. Sully just rocks back and forth laughing at Stitch! Another great memory.
Its coming up on noon, so its time for Indiana Jones! We all enjoyed the shaded break from walking around, and loved the pre-show what hams!! DS really liked the special effects here, and loved the explosions! Exiting the theatre took some time however.
As a treat, and a cool break, we get our daily dose of ice cream, and check to see what the wait is like back at Voyage of the Little Mermaid. Its a wait, but were allowed in to get the last seats. WOW! What great effects! The puppetry and staging are very well done. This was a family favorite for sure! Ariel did a fantastic job! Its always nice to be able to watch live talent, and bask in the abilities of the human spirit!
We leave Animation Courtyard for a walk back down Commissary Lane, and peek down New York Street on our way to Als Toy Barn and the Toy Story gang! The wait for pictures isnt too long, but it is a wait, so Auntie K checks out the Muppet gift shop while we hold our place in line. Auntie K has become the videographer for the character greetings, since DS has asked DW to join him for the meet and greets. She promises to return before its our turn.
We meet the Gang and they fawned over Stitch too. DS is proud again! Lucky boy.
We stroll down Washington Square, but renovations are in progress, so theres not much to see between here and the Studios Backlot Tour. As we enter the queue ramp, they have just taken in the next load of guests for the pre-show. Were stopped at the top of the ramp. The group beside us is stopped by a CM who takes one man from the group and asks him to step out the side door.
The CM returns. Alone.
The mans group is laughing and looking at the CM strangely, wondering if hes just arrested one of their family! The CM approaches a woman in the group and asks her, point-blank You think that was funny?
She stops laughing, and is whisked out the same door! The remaining members of that group look at each other oddly.
The CM in front of us, an older gentleman, explains that they need extras for the pre-show segment, and asks me if Id like to be included. I look at my family for guidance, and they look at me for my reaction.
I think hes picked me because Im wearing my Santa Mickey hat.
What do I have to do?
You dont have to speak, just follow the assistant directors instructions, thats all.
What the hey! Im at Disney World! Wave goodbye to the wife and son.
Now I get led out the secret side door! And meet the previous two volunteers who are getting into very wet rain suits, and even wetter rubber boots!
What have I gotten myself into?
Were met by the fourth member of our group, who was volunteered by his wife and child. Hes about 5 10, 240lbs, and very concerned looking. Were given our roles.
Yes, were the crew of the PT Boat. The first 2 are the deck hands (the comic relief.) I am the captain (the ruggedly good-looking leading man, no doubt ) and the last is the mechanic (the dupe?)
His instructions couldnt be more easy.
1. Pick up the phone and tell the captain the engines have been hit.
2. Reach over and move the lever (something like that, I wasnt really paying attention, I was nervous about this really wet rain suit )
3. What ever you do, DONT LOOK LEFT!
You should have seen his face!
Hes not sure about that last one. Im not sure if he really understood why he wasnt supposed to look left
Hey bud, think really wet rain suit!
We get our instructions theyre to mop the deck and scream like school girls, Im to scan the sky for enemy aircraft, talk to the engine room, and wheel my boat out of harms way.
Walking to the set were introduced, wave to the crowd, and are led to the boat. Our mechanic is secreted away in his engine room set, and were given the inside scoop. Hes going to get wet. Really wet. Some obscene amount like 400 gallons, wet!
What a hoot! I really enjoyed my moment in the spot light until we took on enemy gunfire!
Hey! Im getting wet!
Theyre shooting at me!!!
Too soon, its all over, we take our bows, wave goodbye to our fans, and check out how soaked the poor mechanic got
Ill bet his wife and son are really popular about now
The rest of the back lot tour was really interesting, and we enjoyed the glimpses into the behind the scenes shops and departments along the way. The props and graveyard areas were neat, but the tour is too quick to linger over details.
Once we got into Catastrophe Canyon, all bets were off. I saw the water on the seat when we got in. So did DW, but she decided to sit on the left hand side anyway! She nearly drowned when all that water came rushing down! Well, she sounded like it anyways! DS was laughing out of control at all the water! He enjoyed these effects! Auntie K, hidden from the water on the right hand side, thoroughly enjoyed DWs discomfort and flailing about the truck, trying to hand off the video camera before the deluge hit!
Anything to make you laugh Auntie K!
We leave the wetness and excitement of the backlot tour behind and make our way back to the Muppet store, where Auntie and I shop while DS and DW visit Star Tours to buy the X-wing toy DS had seen this morning. As luck would have it there was only 1 left when they got there (there had been 5 this morning.) Someone was happy!
We joined up in the Muppets store, and I snuck out to Star Tours to play Santa for one little boy. The Fisher-Price Millennium Falcon set was soon hidden in a Mickey bag and safely concealed from view. I had a nice chat with one of the CMs (Roger I believe) in the Star Tours store who loves his job, and was a pleasure to meet. Its the little things
Reunited, we find a spot in front of Sounds Dangerous! to watch the parade. It is very well done, and the Hollywood premier style motorcade is a perfect touch. We had an excellent view, and got more great pictures!
After the parade we knew the end of our magical journey was nearing, and with some heavy hearts, and a touch of sadness we made our way to the exit. Returning the stroller for the last time, we felt the call of home for the first time all week. We had been resisting the inevitable, but it was getting closer.
We got back to the hotel, packed, snacked, and relaxed.
I took some pictures around the hotel.
DS watched Lilo and Stitch and drew in his notebook. DW and Auntie got supper from the foodcourt, while I ventured out to gas up the rental car. The actions are becoming less Disney-like and more mundane now.
Auntie reads stories to DS while DW and I slip out to the giftshop for some last minute shopping and some quality alone time. We reflect, and absorb what we still can, knowing in 24 hours well be back home.
Maybe a Mickey ballcap and a coffee mug will prolong the dream
Maybe
Link to Part 16...
Saturday December 13, 2003
Well its finally here; our final day to visit the parks. We went to sleep last night knowing that today was it. No more chances after this. We were sad, but happy and excited at the same time. Disney World does that to you.
Firstly though, a word about our Epcot experience.
We now have a new saying, that covers all those times you let your hopes and expectations get the better of you, and for whatever reason you get let down when things dont go according to plan and you feel like you need a margarita! thats when we say Im having an Epcot day!
Now Ill be the first to admit its our own fault and not that of the park, its layout, content or anything else, that made our experience what it was.
But dont get me wrong, the park, its layout, content and other things did play a part just not very large.
Back to MGM
Our plan today is to visit MGM (EMH) and stay until after the Stars and Motor Cars parade. How we fill those hours is still up for discussion, but a few things are a given:
Not that were scared or anything (well, okay, maybe just a little) but were passing on ToT and RnR. I want to ride RnR, and I will next time (you have to save something in order to make the trip a necessity right?) but not today DS will meet Lilo and Stitch today even if he doesnt know it yet!
Up at 6:00 (for the last time this trip) and were trying to finish all the snacks and goodies weve managed to stash in the room all week, and wash them down with the last of the OJ, milk, and juice boxes. Hit the bus stops at 7:15 see? The troops have this trip-stuff down to an art. Too bad its the last day
Bus shows up at 7:25, and again no stops at ASMu, or ASMo, so its straight to MGM for 7:35. This morning is the first time that its been mentioned that resort ID may be needed for EMH not that anyone did actually check but they mentioned it. Makes me wonder if non-resort guests could take advantage of EMH in early December? Hmmmmm
They let us in by 7:50, not as much fanfare as at MK during the wait, mind you, so we got our stroller and maps etc, and waited up Hollywood Blvd at the rope for the countdown to 8:00. The CMs holding the rope played up their roles, and got everyone into the Disney-mood, which was refreshing change from yesterday.
We are in the minority here today since were not riding ToT or RnR, but that suits us fine, it gives us newbies a chance to look around, absorb the surroundings, and appreciate the details of MGM. We make our way around Echo Lake, past Indy and head for our two attractions this EMH, Muppets and Star Tours!
Auntie K, like me, was a huge Muppets fan back in the day and shes like a child again in the courtyard on front of Muppet Vision 3-D! Shes laughing and pointing, everything is new, the sight gags are fun on a different level, and once we enter the queue area, the puns are silly, cute and Muppet humor-funny! I sure hope everyone takes the necessary time to appreciate the genius around this pre-show area!
I think there were ten of us in the theatre for the show!
Can you say December?
Sure it was dated, the effects not as spectacular as any of the other 3D shows, but it was fun nonetheless! And more importantly, DS had a blast laughing at characters hes never seen before! Auntie, DW and I loved the Muppet Show nuances, especially Stadler and Waldorf! And Fozzy and Gonzo etc. Ah memories
After our nostalgia trip, we backtracked to Star Tours. DS has watched parts of Star Wars, and enjoyed it, and Ive ridden similar rides in the past, so Im sure that hell be okay on the ride. The line is non-existent, so we miss all the details along the queue, as we walk directly to the next-boarding Starspeeder.
DS is a little wary of the ride, but not as much as DW! I can tell shes putting on the brave face for his sake, but shes not a big motion-ride fan, so shes already holding on tightly to the arm rests! I love these simulator types! During the ride DS is watching everything and enjoying the dips and turns, and near-misses. DW has her eyes closed! Auntie K is woo-hooing this one too!
Afterward DW looks a little worse for wear, but DS is fine and says That was great! On the way through the very well placed gift shop / exit, DS and DW examine the Fisher-Price Star Wars X-Wing sets. Hes figuring this whole Disney World experience out.
See the ride, ride the ride, buy the merchandise from the ride
We manage to escape the Death Star of stores without any packages in hand and none being sent back to the room either since well be long gone tomorrow before the goodies get shipped to the resort!
Crossing by the Hat we see the usual characters out for autographs, no one new here today, so we stop and enter the Great Movie Ride. Interesting, but not a personal favorite. We had the gangster ride, which was neat. DW enjoyed this one shes more of a classic movie buff than me DS was non committal. He liked the curse of the mummy though!
From here we check out Walt Disney: One Mans Dream were killing time before Playhouse Disney at 10:00, but I could have stayed here much, much longer! Wow I love all the scale models, and artifacts, and the movie was really interesting. I learned some things, and DS is still talking about this experience today.
Weve reached our critical time of 10:00, so its over to the Animation Courtyard, for Playhouse Disney. We know DS is at the upper end of the intended age-range for this show, but he wants to see it, and thats what matters. Hes got way too many years ahead of him to be older, for today hes a kid, so lets let him enjoy it!
Having said that, once we get seated on the floor, its obvious that the kids will not be able to see terribly well. Yeah I understand the characters are puppets. We cant have the magic revealed to children this age. No problem. And yes I know part of the show involves music and getting the kids up and dancing and moving No problem here either.
But DS is 5 and wants to be able to see better but hes shy enough to not want to get up on his own, and when the precious little girls in front of us cant keep still because theyre having sooo much fun with their favorite Playhouse Disney friends, and keep getting up and dancing etc,
Well, you can fill in the rest of the story.
Lets just say he felt older and maybe a little self-conscious, so he didnt enjoy this show as much as he could have.
Since weve been back, his memory of the show is a good one, but I sense he remembers not being able to see at certain points. Odd what you choose to remember
I had some inside information on the whereabouts of the 2 most anticipated characters in Disney World for a certain little boy in our group. And the timing was almost perfect after Playhouse Disney for a visit across the courtyard to the Magic of Disney Animation building, where outback,
blue alien footprints guided visitors toward a photo op straight from
'the Big Island.'
As we approached the short line, the CM let us know that Lilo and Stitch were about to take 5, but that theyd be right back. DS was giddy! He dressed this morning in his Stitch t-shirt, brought little Stitch with him, just saw Lilo and Stitch, and within moments would meet Experiment 626!!
This is why we came!
After their break, Lilo and Stitch posed with the family in front of us, and then it was our turn! DS and DW approached from the right as Lilo and Stitch said goodbye to the previous family looking left. When they turned back to face DS and DW, both became very animated when they spied DSs little Stitch! Stitch threw out his arms to hug little Stitch, and proudly showed him to Lilo, who took little Stitch in her arms and hugged him, and kissed him, and then kept pointing back and forth between the two Stitches! I think this was one of DSs proudest moments!
After getting our pictures,
Lilo and Stitch 1
Lilo and Stitch 2
Lilo and Stitch 3
Lilo and Stitch 4 and autographs, we stopped back around the corner to the courtyard so Auntie K could find a restroom you know these women and their bathroom breaks and as we wait for her to return we witness a mother and her son, maybe 10, walking towards the washroom area. She wants him to follow her; he wants to call dad. She tells him to come here; he still wants to call dad.
Now shes about 52, and hes a little taller, and somewhat heavyset. Her not so much. Hes defiant, but not obnoxiously, and is trying to explain why hes not coming with her something about talking to dad.
Well she snaps.
Shes chasing him around this area, zig zagging, bopping and weaving, hes running from her, just enough to stay away from her, kinda playing almost, not realizing shes lost it. His shoes come off in the chase and shes not letting up.
Shes hell-bent on catching him. And corners him along the back wall! Shes on top of him now, hitting him and throwing his shoes at him!
We look at each other with our jaws open!
What was that?
The mother has had enough and fed up heads for the washroom. Junior meanwhile, is dusting himself off, and putting his shoes back on
I look at DW.
Therere not feelin the magic!
We fill Auntie K in on the disturbing details as we walk over to the ABC Commissary for lunch, where we grab some Cuban Sandwiches for DW and Auntie K, and some fish and chips for me and DS.
After a quick but satisfying bite, DW hears some commotion just down from our table outside. Its coming from the Monsters Inc doorway!
Mike and Sully! They both get a huge kick out of little Stitch, who by this time has been wrapped with a load of paper ribbons left over from Playhouse. Sully just rocks back and forth laughing at Stitch! Another great memory.
Its coming up on noon, so its time for Indiana Jones! We all enjoyed the shaded break from walking around, and loved the pre-show what hams!! DS really liked the special effects here, and loved the explosions! Exiting the theatre took some time however.
As a treat, and a cool break, we get our daily dose of ice cream, and check to see what the wait is like back at Voyage of the Little Mermaid. Its a wait, but were allowed in to get the last seats. WOW! What great effects! The puppetry and staging are very well done. This was a family favorite for sure! Ariel did a fantastic job! Its always nice to be able to watch live talent, and bask in the abilities of the human spirit!
We leave Animation Courtyard for a walk back down Commissary Lane, and peek down New York Street on our way to Als Toy Barn and the Toy Story gang! The wait for pictures isnt too long, but it is a wait, so Auntie K checks out the Muppet gift shop while we hold our place in line. Auntie K has become the videographer for the character greetings, since DS has asked DW to join him for the meet and greets. She promises to return before its our turn.
We meet the Gang and they fawned over Stitch too. DS is proud again! Lucky boy.
We stroll down Washington Square, but renovations are in progress, so theres not much to see between here and the Studios Backlot Tour. As we enter the queue ramp, they have just taken in the next load of guests for the pre-show. Were stopped at the top of the ramp. The group beside us is stopped by a CM who takes one man from the group and asks him to step out the side door.
The CM returns. Alone.
The mans group is laughing and looking at the CM strangely, wondering if hes just arrested one of their family! The CM approaches a woman in the group and asks her, point-blank You think that was funny?
She stops laughing, and is whisked out the same door! The remaining members of that group look at each other oddly.
The CM in front of us, an older gentleman, explains that they need extras for the pre-show segment, and asks me if Id like to be included. I look at my family for guidance, and they look at me for my reaction.
I think hes picked me because Im wearing my Santa Mickey hat.
What do I have to do?
You dont have to speak, just follow the assistant directors instructions, thats all.
What the hey! Im at Disney World! Wave goodbye to the wife and son.
Now I get led out the secret side door! And meet the previous two volunteers who are getting into very wet rain suits, and even wetter rubber boots!
What have I gotten myself into?
Were met by the fourth member of our group, who was volunteered by his wife and child. Hes about 5 10, 240lbs, and very concerned looking. Were given our roles.
Yes, were the crew of the PT Boat. The first 2 are the deck hands (the comic relief.) I am the captain (the ruggedly good-looking leading man, no doubt ) and the last is the mechanic (the dupe?)
His instructions couldnt be more easy.
1. Pick up the phone and tell the captain the engines have been hit.
2. Reach over and move the lever (something like that, I wasnt really paying attention, I was nervous about this really wet rain suit )
3. What ever you do, DONT LOOK LEFT!
You should have seen his face!
Hes not sure about that last one. Im not sure if he really understood why he wasnt supposed to look left
Hey bud, think really wet rain suit!
We get our instructions theyre to mop the deck and scream like school girls, Im to scan the sky for enemy aircraft, talk to the engine room, and wheel my boat out of harms way.
Walking to the set were introduced, wave to the crowd, and are led to the boat. Our mechanic is secreted away in his engine room set, and were given the inside scoop. Hes going to get wet. Really wet. Some obscene amount like 400 gallons, wet!
What a hoot! I really enjoyed my moment in the spot light until we took on enemy gunfire!
Hey! Im getting wet!
Theyre shooting at me!!!
Too soon, its all over, we take our bows, wave goodbye to our fans, and check out how soaked the poor mechanic got
Ill bet his wife and son are really popular about now
The rest of the back lot tour was really interesting, and we enjoyed the glimpses into the behind the scenes shops and departments along the way. The props and graveyard areas were neat, but the tour is too quick to linger over details.
Once we got into Catastrophe Canyon, all bets were off. I saw the water on the seat when we got in. So did DW, but she decided to sit on the left hand side anyway! She nearly drowned when all that water came rushing down! Well, she sounded like it anyways! DS was laughing out of control at all the water! He enjoyed these effects! Auntie K, hidden from the water on the right hand side, thoroughly enjoyed DWs discomfort and flailing about the truck, trying to hand off the video camera before the deluge hit!
Anything to make you laugh Auntie K!
We leave the wetness and excitement of the backlot tour behind and make our way back to the Muppet store, where Auntie and I shop while DS and DW visit Star Tours to buy the X-wing toy DS had seen this morning. As luck would have it there was only 1 left when they got there (there had been 5 this morning.) Someone was happy!
We joined up in the Muppets store, and I snuck out to Star Tours to play Santa for one little boy. The Fisher-Price Millennium Falcon set was soon hidden in a Mickey bag and safely concealed from view. I had a nice chat with one of the CMs (Roger I believe) in the Star Tours store who loves his job, and was a pleasure to meet. Its the little things
Reunited, we find a spot in front of Sounds Dangerous! to watch the parade. It is very well done, and the Hollywood premier style motorcade is a perfect touch. We had an excellent view, and got more great pictures!
After the parade we knew the end of our magical journey was nearing, and with some heavy hearts, and a touch of sadness we made our way to the exit. Returning the stroller for the last time, we felt the call of home for the first time all week. We had been resisting the inevitable, but it was getting closer.
We got back to the hotel, packed, snacked, and relaxed.
I took some pictures around the hotel.
DS watched Lilo and Stitch and drew in his notebook. DW and Auntie got supper from the foodcourt, while I ventured out to gas up the rental car. The actions are becoming less Disney-like and more mundane now.
Auntie reads stories to DS while DW and I slip out to the giftshop for some last minute shopping and some quality alone time. We reflect, and absorb what we still can, knowing in 24 hours well be back home.
Maybe a Mickey ballcap and a coffee mug will prolong the dream
Maybe
Link to Part 16...
