DisneyCP2002
<font color=deeppink>I always am excited when 7 pm
- Joined
- May 30, 2002
- Messages
- 6,996
Day four: Sunday December 14, 2003
The Plan: switch to Pop Century, MGM til 4, then switch to MK for Crystal Palace and MVMCP.
I think the day went wrong from the very start. I had asked for a ride from ASMu to Pop Century the night before and had explained that I had a schedule to keep for that day. Well when I hadn't recieved the call for transport by 8 I grabbed my bags and made my way down to luggage services. The guy that usually does the transport was running late so that was where the hold up was. Thirty minutes later I was finally on my way to Pop Century.
A complete review of Pop Century will follow later but I will give some thoughts as I write these next few days. The first view of the resort was impressive and the lobby was very nicely done up for christmas. I got in the line for check-in and was waited on almost immediatly. I should have double checked here when I was given my room key but of course this being a new resort and all I didn't think to ask where the room was in exact location. The CM circled the general area which looked to be close to where I had requested. I thanked them and followed the map to the 70's building. When I found my room it was on the very far end of the building closest to the lake! I had requested close to the main building and I know when I had talked to the CM she said it was. This room was at least a 5 minute walk from the main building and for me that just wouldn't work.
I put my stuff down and cried for a bit mad at myself for not asking point blank exactly where the room was located. I then called the front desk and explained the situation. I asked if they had a room closer to the entrance and they said they would check. I also explained that I was in a hurry and was there anyway they could transfer what little luggage I had taken to the room to my new room. They accomodated both requests and after making sure I had everything I would need for at least the morning I made my way to the bus stop.
The MGM bus was waiting for me when I got there, and I hoped on hoping I wouldn't be late. My first stop after getting inside was Indiana Jones Stunt Spectacular. Since it was raining they only did the very first scene which was okay but would have rather seen the whole thing. Also got to meet one of the new interpreter's name Summer here at this show. We chatted for a few and I got Indy's autograph and picture.
Next we were off to try Star Tours, but we couldn't get up the ramp with the power chair due to it being so rain slicked. We made the decision since we were in the area to do Muppet Vision instead. This was a riot as usual and we had really good seats. I really hope this attraction stays around for years to come because it's such a fun one.
By this time we were soaked, so we decided to do another inside attraction. We needed to be at Millionaire for the 12?? show but they were loading the 11?? show as we walked by so we decided to go ahead and do both of them. We were chosen to be in the ring of fire seats which was so neat. I got on the leader board twice but never in the #1 position. The show was fun and the host, Olga ??, was wonderful.
We went back outside and got back in line for the 12?? show. This time they only had available one seat in the ring set so I took that while Lisa went to sit over where the interpreter would be. I could still see her from my seat but not up close. I only made it on the leader board once this time and Lisa got up there either once or twice. This show was good as well.
We only had a little time between Millionaire and Backlot Tour so we made it to Backlot and waited for that to start. The water tank crew was a hoot and they hammed it up this day. This was the first time I had taken the tour since they tore down residential street and I must say it makes a interesting new tour. I did get a few good pics over the wall but nothing much. The tour made a few extra stops but nothing much added.
We had some time to kill before Animation so I suggested we do The Haunted Mansion tour. This was almost a waste of time because the leader of the tour couldn't be clearly understood. It was nice though to see the sets and look at some of the props. I just wish they had a better layout of it.
Now on to the Animation tour. This has also changed since I was last here. It used to be the Robin Williams thingy but now it's all about Mushu in the begining. It was interesting to see where Mushu came from but I do miss the old film. Next it was on to a talk by one of the people about the animation beginings and why the animators were on hiatus at the time. Next we went down the hallway where we saw some storyboards and such. The other new part is the drawn to animation academy. We were seated in rows with a drawing desk in front of us. The animator took us through the steps on how to draw Stitch. I did a fairly okay job but the gentlemen actually gave me his copy as a suviner to keep.
Since there was no signed parade today, I said goodbye to Lisa promising to meet up at MVMCP and headed back to the resort. This time I was presented with a key to room 0159 which was about as close as you could get to the main building from the 70's building. The new room was just as nice as the original but much closer. My luggage had also been delivered along with the things from my original room. I called the front desk to thank them for moving everything. I took a quick tour through the shopping/food court combo on my way to the bus for MK.
The food court is nicely setup and easily accesible. The shopping area is smaller than the food court but does have a wide variety of things to look over. I found that I would definetly be coming back here before the end of my trip to pick up a few things. Exited out of the shopping area and waited only a few moments for the bus to the MK.
Got to Mk and was directed to the line for MVMCP ticket holders. Got my wristband and headed into the park. After making a quick stop I headed directly for supper at Crystal Palace.
Checked in and was taken to the seating area almost immediately. I was given a nice table toward the back of the restaurant and the waiter took my drink order and told me about the buffet. Piglet was headed my way so I decided to wait on him but low and behold he made a 360 turn and walked off. No explanation, no nothing, off he went toward the other side of the restaurant. Same thing happened with Tigger and that really upset me. Waiter came and said oh they'll be back they needed to go over to the other side for now. He made some lame excuse that I had just gotten there and I would be around awhile.
Well, I decided to get some food and just go with the flow. I was still a little upset but I was like it'll work out. The characters finally made it back to my side of the room and were working their way past tables. Piglet was first making the rounds and did the two tables before mine and then skipped mine and continued on around. At this point I was beyond upset because here I had waited out Piglet and now he skipped me.
This pretty much set the tone for how my luck with characters would run this night. The manager did see this happen and made a point of telling Piglet that there was someone behind him that he missed. I was able to get a picture with him thanks to the manager. While I went after desserts the manager did two other nice things for me, he got me a front of line pass for use at Toontown fair and then also gave me a postcard with the pooh friends on it. I was able to get Tigger, Eeyore, and Pooh to sign the postcard. This did help lift my spirits a bit but it still hurt that I was actually skipped.
After waving good-bye to the almost bad experience I made my way to the front of the park in search of two things. I hadn't gotten my button for the night and I needed to find out where the line for the pins was at. I stopped first at the Exposition hall and found that this was where the previous nights pins were located. I got in line here and decided to wait it out. While waiting I struck up a conversation with the people in front of me. We talked about where we were from and I asked where they got their buttons. They said when they got to the TTC and I asked if we could get them anywhere else. I was informed that city hall had them so I asked if they would hold my place in line and I ran over and got mine.
When I returned they were showing the pin set and which pins would be available to buy there. The line moved at a snail's pace but I was able to purchase pins from all the previous nights except night 1 and 3. I then made a quick stop at the Emporium to pick up the night's pin.
Once that was done it was off to Goofy's country dancing jamboree holiday style. This is one show that I doubt I'll ever see again or at least see interpreted. They have the interpreter's on one side of the stage and with so much of the activity going on around the floor it was hard to watch them. The show was cute but definitely not something I'll make a point of seeing again.
Moved to Hall of President's area and got in place for the Christmas parade. I was looking most forward to this since the last time I saw it was during the daytime 2 years ago. I can't believe how beautiful it was during the nighttime. While waiting for it to start I made my way to Columbia Harbor House where they were serving Hot chocolate and cookies. Made it back to the spot with a bit to spare.
The music, the dancers, and all the characters made the parade so magical. I loved how they had the princess' riding either on a horse(s), horse drawn carriages, and other things to do with horses, it was just magical. My favorite though was Chip and Dale baking. They are my favorite characters of all time. Santa Claus bid us a merry Christmas and then it was time to make a decision.
I really wanted to get some more hot chocolate but I also wanted to get my picture made. I decided to head toward Small World and check out the line. What I found was about a 10 minute wait so I hopped in line. Got talking to other families and the wait passed quickly. Got my picture taken and made my way toward the front of the castle as wishes was going on.
Got a nice view of most of the fireworks as I made my way to the front of the castle to watch the 9:30 Celebrate the Season show. The show was wonderful and if you ever get the chance to see it then definitely go for it. I loved the music especially and the characters were great.
This was now the moment I had been waiting for. The next show on the schedule was Mickey's Twas the Night Before Christmas Show. I had heard such wonderful things about it and it was to be the last show of the night I would see. I was enchanted from the very first moment it began. The way the intertwined the classic story and what was happening on stage made the whole thing come alive again once more. I couldn't help but cry at some points because it was so enjoyable. This is a definite not miss on my list for years to come.
Since I still had an hour or so before the park closed I choose to go ride a few quick rides. Since I was close to Space Mountain I made a bee line for it first. Within 20 minutes I had made a quick trip through space and was making my way into Fantasyland.
First I made a stop in Mickey's Toontown to use my back door pass. I guess due to the time of night I really didn't need it since there was hardly anyone waiting in lines. I got a little sad when the Fairy Godmother had to leave before I got up to her but I knew that hopefully I would see her tomorrow. I did get my wish to see Cinderella in her holiday attire and got a wonderful group picture with some of the characters. Also spent a little time with Chip and Dale as well and they really did cheer me up too. Now it was time to go back to fantasyland to get a few last rides in.
The place was nearly deserted so I had my pick of the rides. My first stop was Dumbo since it was all decked out for Christmas. Then I made a quick trip to never never land which was the last ride of the night for me.
I slowly made my way to the front of the park stopping to enjoy some snow and the music. I made it to the bus stop and waited about 10 minutes for a bus to Pop Century. Got back to my room, made an early wake up call, and then went to bed.
Good Moment(s): Playing Millionaire twice and getting onto the board, New room location, Mickey's Twas the Night and Celebrate the Season
Bad Moment(s): This night it seemed I had no luck with characters but that would change, Original room location, and Slow transport
The Plan: switch to Pop Century, MGM til 4, then switch to MK for Crystal Palace and MVMCP.
I think the day went wrong from the very start. I had asked for a ride from ASMu to Pop Century the night before and had explained that I had a schedule to keep for that day. Well when I hadn't recieved the call for transport by 8 I grabbed my bags and made my way down to luggage services. The guy that usually does the transport was running late so that was where the hold up was. Thirty minutes later I was finally on my way to Pop Century.
A complete review of Pop Century will follow later but I will give some thoughts as I write these next few days. The first view of the resort was impressive and the lobby was very nicely done up for christmas. I got in the line for check-in and was waited on almost immediatly. I should have double checked here when I was given my room key but of course this being a new resort and all I didn't think to ask where the room was in exact location. The CM circled the general area which looked to be close to where I had requested. I thanked them and followed the map to the 70's building. When I found my room it was on the very far end of the building closest to the lake! I had requested close to the main building and I know when I had talked to the CM she said it was. This room was at least a 5 minute walk from the main building and for me that just wouldn't work.
I put my stuff down and cried for a bit mad at myself for not asking point blank exactly where the room was located. I then called the front desk and explained the situation. I asked if they had a room closer to the entrance and they said they would check. I also explained that I was in a hurry and was there anyway they could transfer what little luggage I had taken to the room to my new room. They accomodated both requests and after making sure I had everything I would need for at least the morning I made my way to the bus stop.
The MGM bus was waiting for me when I got there, and I hoped on hoping I wouldn't be late. My first stop after getting inside was Indiana Jones Stunt Spectacular. Since it was raining they only did the very first scene which was okay but would have rather seen the whole thing. Also got to meet one of the new interpreter's name Summer here at this show. We chatted for a few and I got Indy's autograph and picture.
Next we were off to try Star Tours, but we couldn't get up the ramp with the power chair due to it being so rain slicked. We made the decision since we were in the area to do Muppet Vision instead. This was a riot as usual and we had really good seats. I really hope this attraction stays around for years to come because it's such a fun one.
By this time we were soaked, so we decided to do another inside attraction. We needed to be at Millionaire for the 12?? show but they were loading the 11?? show as we walked by so we decided to go ahead and do both of them. We were chosen to be in the ring of fire seats which was so neat. I got on the leader board twice but never in the #1 position. The show was fun and the host, Olga ??, was wonderful.
We went back outside and got back in line for the 12?? show. This time they only had available one seat in the ring set so I took that while Lisa went to sit over where the interpreter would be. I could still see her from my seat but not up close. I only made it on the leader board once this time and Lisa got up there either once or twice. This show was good as well.
We only had a little time between Millionaire and Backlot Tour so we made it to Backlot and waited for that to start. The water tank crew was a hoot and they hammed it up this day. This was the first time I had taken the tour since they tore down residential street and I must say it makes a interesting new tour. I did get a few good pics over the wall but nothing much. The tour made a few extra stops but nothing much added.
We had some time to kill before Animation so I suggested we do The Haunted Mansion tour. This was almost a waste of time because the leader of the tour couldn't be clearly understood. It was nice though to see the sets and look at some of the props. I just wish they had a better layout of it.
Now on to the Animation tour. This has also changed since I was last here. It used to be the Robin Williams thingy but now it's all about Mushu in the begining. It was interesting to see where Mushu came from but I do miss the old film. Next it was on to a talk by one of the people about the animation beginings and why the animators were on hiatus at the time. Next we went down the hallway where we saw some storyboards and such. The other new part is the drawn to animation academy. We were seated in rows with a drawing desk in front of us. The animator took us through the steps on how to draw Stitch. I did a fairly okay job but the gentlemen actually gave me his copy as a suviner to keep.
Since there was no signed parade today, I said goodbye to Lisa promising to meet up at MVMCP and headed back to the resort. This time I was presented with a key to room 0159 which was about as close as you could get to the main building from the 70's building. The new room was just as nice as the original but much closer. My luggage had also been delivered along with the things from my original room. I called the front desk to thank them for moving everything. I took a quick tour through the shopping/food court combo on my way to the bus for MK.
The food court is nicely setup and easily accesible. The shopping area is smaller than the food court but does have a wide variety of things to look over. I found that I would definetly be coming back here before the end of my trip to pick up a few things. Exited out of the shopping area and waited only a few moments for the bus to the MK.
Got to Mk and was directed to the line for MVMCP ticket holders. Got my wristband and headed into the park. After making a quick stop I headed directly for supper at Crystal Palace.
Checked in and was taken to the seating area almost immediately. I was given a nice table toward the back of the restaurant and the waiter took my drink order and told me about the buffet. Piglet was headed my way so I decided to wait on him but low and behold he made a 360 turn and walked off. No explanation, no nothing, off he went toward the other side of the restaurant. Same thing happened with Tigger and that really upset me. Waiter came and said oh they'll be back they needed to go over to the other side for now. He made some lame excuse that I had just gotten there and I would be around awhile.
Well, I decided to get some food and just go with the flow. I was still a little upset but I was like it'll work out. The characters finally made it back to my side of the room and were working their way past tables. Piglet was first making the rounds and did the two tables before mine and then skipped mine and continued on around. At this point I was beyond upset because here I had waited out Piglet and now he skipped me.
This pretty much set the tone for how my luck with characters would run this night. The manager did see this happen and made a point of telling Piglet that there was someone behind him that he missed. I was able to get a picture with him thanks to the manager. While I went after desserts the manager did two other nice things for me, he got me a front of line pass for use at Toontown fair and then also gave me a postcard with the pooh friends on it. I was able to get Tigger, Eeyore, and Pooh to sign the postcard. This did help lift my spirits a bit but it still hurt that I was actually skipped.
After waving good-bye to the almost bad experience I made my way to the front of the park in search of two things. I hadn't gotten my button for the night and I needed to find out where the line for the pins was at. I stopped first at the Exposition hall and found that this was where the previous nights pins were located. I got in line here and decided to wait it out. While waiting I struck up a conversation with the people in front of me. We talked about where we were from and I asked where they got their buttons. They said when they got to the TTC and I asked if we could get them anywhere else. I was informed that city hall had them so I asked if they would hold my place in line and I ran over and got mine.
When I returned they were showing the pin set and which pins would be available to buy there. The line moved at a snail's pace but I was able to purchase pins from all the previous nights except night 1 and 3. I then made a quick stop at the Emporium to pick up the night's pin.
Once that was done it was off to Goofy's country dancing jamboree holiday style. This is one show that I doubt I'll ever see again or at least see interpreted. They have the interpreter's on one side of the stage and with so much of the activity going on around the floor it was hard to watch them. The show was cute but definitely not something I'll make a point of seeing again.
Moved to Hall of President's area and got in place for the Christmas parade. I was looking most forward to this since the last time I saw it was during the daytime 2 years ago. I can't believe how beautiful it was during the nighttime. While waiting for it to start I made my way to Columbia Harbor House where they were serving Hot chocolate and cookies. Made it back to the spot with a bit to spare.
The music, the dancers, and all the characters made the parade so magical. I loved how they had the princess' riding either on a horse(s), horse drawn carriages, and other things to do with horses, it was just magical. My favorite though was Chip and Dale baking. They are my favorite characters of all time. Santa Claus bid us a merry Christmas and then it was time to make a decision.
I really wanted to get some more hot chocolate but I also wanted to get my picture made. I decided to head toward Small World and check out the line. What I found was about a 10 minute wait so I hopped in line. Got talking to other families and the wait passed quickly. Got my picture taken and made my way toward the front of the castle as wishes was going on.
Got a nice view of most of the fireworks as I made my way to the front of the castle to watch the 9:30 Celebrate the Season show. The show was wonderful and if you ever get the chance to see it then definitely go for it. I loved the music especially and the characters were great.
This was now the moment I had been waiting for. The next show on the schedule was Mickey's Twas the Night Before Christmas Show. I had heard such wonderful things about it and it was to be the last show of the night I would see. I was enchanted from the very first moment it began. The way the intertwined the classic story and what was happening on stage made the whole thing come alive again once more. I couldn't help but cry at some points because it was so enjoyable. This is a definite not miss on my list for years to come.
Since I still had an hour or so before the park closed I choose to go ride a few quick rides. Since I was close to Space Mountain I made a bee line for it first. Within 20 minutes I had made a quick trip through space and was making my way into Fantasyland.
First I made a stop in Mickey's Toontown to use my back door pass. I guess due to the time of night I really didn't need it since there was hardly anyone waiting in lines. I got a little sad when the Fairy Godmother had to leave before I got up to her but I knew that hopefully I would see her tomorrow. I did get my wish to see Cinderella in her holiday attire and got a wonderful group picture with some of the characters. Also spent a little time with Chip and Dale as well and they really did cheer me up too. Now it was time to go back to fantasyland to get a few last rides in.
The place was nearly deserted so I had my pick of the rides. My first stop was Dumbo since it was all decked out for Christmas. Then I made a quick trip to never never land which was the last ride of the night for me.
I slowly made my way to the front of the park stopping to enjoy some snow and the music. I made it to the bus stop and waited about 10 minutes for a bus to Pop Century. Got back to my room, made an early wake up call, and then went to bed.
Good Moment(s): Playing Millionaire twice and getting onto the board, New room location, Mickey's Twas the Night and Celebrate the Season
Bad Moment(s): This night it seemed I had no luck with characters but that would change, Original room location, and Slow transport
