Day 4 Monday 7/9/01 Let's keep moving
Cast of Characters:
Me - Now referred to as Spanky thanks to Cousin Dave at 50's Prime Time. 3rd trip.
Michelle - My lovely wife who has had to endure all the changes that I've thrown at her concerning this trip. Is now starting to understand my Disney obsession. 6th trip.
Devon - An eating machine. Just turned 15 but still my baby. 3rd trip.
Jordan - Loves to have things his way. Just turned 12. 3rd trip.
Camryn - A true princess. 3 almost 4 going on 25. Now also referred to as Sugar Booger. Also thanks to Cousin Dave. Willing to try anything once. 1st trip. She is so excited.
O.K. Before we start, I have to share the next big tip. On Sunday, our frozen water bottles were melted and starting to get warm by mid to late morning. Today I decided to borrow a couple of washcloths and wrapped each of my two bottles with a wash cloth and secured them in place with a couple of rubber bands before stowing them in my fanny pack. The condensation from the bottles made the washcloth damp and cool. Great for a quick refreshing wipe across the face or to wipe a dirty mouth. The ice did not completely melt until mid afternoon. We had cold drinks all day from this point forward. Just make sure you return the washcloths and grab a fresh set the next day.
Back to Devon's Day. I had tasked each of my boys with planning a day. I had been after them for months to choose parks, restaurants, etc Well here goes. Devon is kind of a fly by the seat of your pants kid. What else would you expect from a fifteen year old.
Breakfast. We grabbed some Danish's from the lounge are in the Dolphin. Blueberry muffins, ham and cheese croissant, coffee cake, milk and coffee for the whole gang. These were very good, quick and in-expensive. Total for gang came to $14.20 after the 20% discount with the DC card.
Off we head to MGM. We grab a boat and after a short ride we are bounding down Hollywood Boulevard. We head directly to the RNRR to grab FastPasses and then head to the Tower of Terror. I again try to convince Sugar Booger that she does not have to ride. For months she has been looking at the picture of us on the ride the last time we went without her and has been saying that she wants to be in that picture. There is no stopping this girl. So off we go. The new drop effects are great. I especially like the shaking before the last drop. If you haven't rode it for awhile, it gives a completely new feel to it. Well, Sugar Booger enjoyed everything but the drops. We add this to the list of rides that she does not want to do again.
It's now time to head to RNRR. Sugar Booger is not tall enough for this one so we decide to do a child swap. Problem Here. There is no child swap on RNRR. Get enough Fastpasses for your entire group so that when one group comes off you can wait for them in the gift shop while the next bunch goes through the line and rides. I have to admit that this is a great ride. First time I rode we were in the front row. What a feeling when the ride takes off and you accelerate to over 60 mph in a matter of seconds. This is one of the smoothest coasters I have ever been on. As we go to leave the gift shop area, the heavens once again decide to rain on our parade. OK, we will not be beaten. We breakout the ponchos. We of course have the most unique ponchos in all of Disney World. You know the ones I mean . The yellow ones with Mickey on the Back. Not another set like them anywhere. We do a couple of WooHoo's and make a run for it. I swear that this is the Disney version of the Pied Piper's call, because now there is a crowd chasing after us.
Off to Voyage of the Little Mermaid. Grab some Fastpasses and head for the Great Movie Ride. A place indoors where we can relieve ourselves of our ponchos for a little while and enjoy being dry. We had the gangster edition. Not much has changed on this ride from the first time we rode it for the first time 8 years ago. It is entertaining but one ride per trip is enough for us. As we exit, guess what ..the rain has stopped. Of course we are all still soaked but we are starting to get used to it. We quickly decide that we have time to ride Star Tours before heading to see Ariel. I've always enjoyed this for some reason. I know it also hasn't changed in years but the queue area especially is very well done. We travel to Endor and back and now must make a hasty return to see Ariel.
I have watched the Little Mermaid movie a hundred times but have never taken the time to see the show before today. This was one of Sugar Boogers must do's. We arrive just in time to immediately proceed into the theater and grab a seat. What an entertaining show. This will definitely be a repeat on future visits.
Now here comes the Commando Stuff. Devon has us planned to eating lunch at the Coral Reef. It is now getting close to noon and we have a 1:30 PS. So back to the boat. Head back to the Dolphin and change into dry clothes. Pack everybody backup and we are off to EPCOT. We decide to walk to the International Gateway. Not a bad walk. Lots to look at and a lot of shade. Just watch out for those mad drivers on their surrey bikes.
We arrive at the Coral Reef with no time to spare. But guess what. The place is almost empty. We ask for a table right next to the glass and are rewarded with a spectacular table. The view here always amazes me. Kind of makes you feel guilty as you are chowing down on some seafood to look up and see their cousin. O.K. now for some serious eating. I love my seafood. I had the MahiMahi in a thai sauce over noodles. It was spectacular. Devon had the Coastal Combination which consisted of Salmon, Shrimp, and I believe Halibut. All I know is that there was not any left and he didn't share. Michelle had a Caesar Salad and Lobster Bisque'. She said they were also very good. Jordan and Camryn have once again decide to partake of Chicken Fingers and French Fries. Total with tip came to $66.28.
As we make our departure, it is once again time to break out our trusted ponchos. Yes, today has blessed us with an abundant amount of rain. We quickly head toward Test Track in the hopes of snagging a coveted Fastpass. No luck. The ride is shut down and no passes are being distributed. Curses. Well since it is raining we decide to shop for awhile. The MouseGears store is almost as big as the World of Disney store downtown. We refrain from purchasing anything yet as we want to save that 10% by making our purchases downtown.
We decide to go ahead and head for Spaceship Earth. This is one of the few times all week where I have had people try as hard as they could to jump line in front of us. When I asked the group to please remain behind us in line, their response was " Are you speaking English to me?". So I just chalk it up to cultural differences and we make the most of it. Now I know I have eaten a lot so far on this trip, but after we are securely seated in our car and start to go up the first big hill, the ride begins to sputter and finally stops. I knew I shouldn't have had that last piece of bread at lunch. Although it was quite relaxing. We were in a reclined position, it was dark and cool. Wake me up in a while. They attempt to start the ride again and we move about 10 feet and it dies again. Now I'm starting to get paranoid. Is there a weight limit on this thing. We do eventually get moving and advance all the way to the ancient Egypt area before it dies one last time. After a couple of minutes we again take off and this time no more difficulties the rest of the ride.
It's not raining again. Time to head back to Test Track. I hear the cars running!!! There is a line a mile long and no more Fastpasses are being distributed today. Oh well, guess we'll try it some other time. After all this walking, it is time for some refreshment. Off to Ice Station Cool. I trick each and every one of my kids into trying Beverly. They each had a fit. I decided to try it myself since it looked like they were having such a good time making faces. Here is the sad part. I actually thought it tasted pretty good. I don't know if it was because I had just finished some of the Lemon soda, but I did not think it tasted bitter at all.
We quickly head to Norway and wait for a ride on Maelstrom. Did this ride get shorter? It seems that last time I rode it was much longer. We quickly departed and made it through the theater before they shut the doors. We had escaped and were free to explore World Showcase. We made it around the world and came to America just as Blast was starting to perform on stage. We watched for quite awhile and it is a very good show. We promised that we would come back and watch the entire show but unfortunately never did.
Around the rest of the World and out the Gateway. We decided to take the boat back because my feet were killing me at this point. We had traveled completely around the world and my feet were telling me about it. We headed back to our room to rest and refresh for a little while before heading off to dinner.
We caught the bus for Downtown Disney and got our name in at Rainforest Café. We had a long enough wait that Sugar Booger got a hairwrap done and we had time to look through a few stores. Jordan decided to buy the 2001 Collectors Edition Watch at the Disney Store. He had been eyeballing it all week but I kept telling him to wait until we got downtown so that he could get the discount. We had it shipped back to the hotel and it was now time to dine in the jungle. I had the Pot Roast. Michelle and Jordan split the Mogambo Shrimp. Devon had a pizza, and Sugar Booger decided to try the Chicken Fingers and Fries. Total after tip came to $63.10.
Time to head back and get some rest. Trust me we will need it for what lies ahead. Stay tuned .
Cast of Characters:
Me - Now referred to as Spanky thanks to Cousin Dave at 50's Prime Time. 3rd trip.
Michelle - My lovely wife who has had to endure all the changes that I've thrown at her concerning this trip. Is now starting to understand my Disney obsession. 6th trip.
Devon - An eating machine. Just turned 15 but still my baby. 3rd trip.
Jordan - Loves to have things his way. Just turned 12. 3rd trip.
Camryn - A true princess. 3 almost 4 going on 25. Now also referred to as Sugar Booger. Also thanks to Cousin Dave. Willing to try anything once. 1st trip. She is so excited.
O.K. Before we start, I have to share the next big tip. On Sunday, our frozen water bottles were melted and starting to get warm by mid to late morning. Today I decided to borrow a couple of washcloths and wrapped each of my two bottles with a wash cloth and secured them in place with a couple of rubber bands before stowing them in my fanny pack. The condensation from the bottles made the washcloth damp and cool. Great for a quick refreshing wipe across the face or to wipe a dirty mouth. The ice did not completely melt until mid afternoon. We had cold drinks all day from this point forward. Just make sure you return the washcloths and grab a fresh set the next day.
Back to Devon's Day. I had tasked each of my boys with planning a day. I had been after them for months to choose parks, restaurants, etc Well here goes. Devon is kind of a fly by the seat of your pants kid. What else would you expect from a fifteen year old.
Breakfast. We grabbed some Danish's from the lounge are in the Dolphin. Blueberry muffins, ham and cheese croissant, coffee cake, milk and coffee for the whole gang. These were very good, quick and in-expensive. Total for gang came to $14.20 after the 20% discount with the DC card.
Off we head to MGM. We grab a boat and after a short ride we are bounding down Hollywood Boulevard. We head directly to the RNRR to grab FastPasses and then head to the Tower of Terror. I again try to convince Sugar Booger that she does not have to ride. For months she has been looking at the picture of us on the ride the last time we went without her and has been saying that she wants to be in that picture. There is no stopping this girl. So off we go. The new drop effects are great. I especially like the shaking before the last drop. If you haven't rode it for awhile, it gives a completely new feel to it. Well, Sugar Booger enjoyed everything but the drops. We add this to the list of rides that she does not want to do again.
It's now time to head to RNRR. Sugar Booger is not tall enough for this one so we decide to do a child swap. Problem Here. There is no child swap on RNRR. Get enough Fastpasses for your entire group so that when one group comes off you can wait for them in the gift shop while the next bunch goes through the line and rides. I have to admit that this is a great ride. First time I rode we were in the front row. What a feeling when the ride takes off and you accelerate to over 60 mph in a matter of seconds. This is one of the smoothest coasters I have ever been on. As we go to leave the gift shop area, the heavens once again decide to rain on our parade. OK, we will not be beaten. We breakout the ponchos. We of course have the most unique ponchos in all of Disney World. You know the ones I mean . The yellow ones with Mickey on the Back. Not another set like them anywhere. We do a couple of WooHoo's and make a run for it. I swear that this is the Disney version of the Pied Piper's call, because now there is a crowd chasing after us.
Off to Voyage of the Little Mermaid. Grab some Fastpasses and head for the Great Movie Ride. A place indoors where we can relieve ourselves of our ponchos for a little while and enjoy being dry. We had the gangster edition. Not much has changed on this ride from the first time we rode it for the first time 8 years ago. It is entertaining but one ride per trip is enough for us. As we exit, guess what ..the rain has stopped. Of course we are all still soaked but we are starting to get used to it. We quickly decide that we have time to ride Star Tours before heading to see Ariel. I've always enjoyed this for some reason. I know it also hasn't changed in years but the queue area especially is very well done. We travel to Endor and back and now must make a hasty return to see Ariel.
I have watched the Little Mermaid movie a hundred times but have never taken the time to see the show before today. This was one of Sugar Boogers must do's. We arrive just in time to immediately proceed into the theater and grab a seat. What an entertaining show. This will definitely be a repeat on future visits.
Now here comes the Commando Stuff. Devon has us planned to eating lunch at the Coral Reef. It is now getting close to noon and we have a 1:30 PS. So back to the boat. Head back to the Dolphin and change into dry clothes. Pack everybody backup and we are off to EPCOT. We decide to walk to the International Gateway. Not a bad walk. Lots to look at and a lot of shade. Just watch out for those mad drivers on their surrey bikes.
We arrive at the Coral Reef with no time to spare. But guess what. The place is almost empty. We ask for a table right next to the glass and are rewarded with a spectacular table. The view here always amazes me. Kind of makes you feel guilty as you are chowing down on some seafood to look up and see their cousin. O.K. now for some serious eating. I love my seafood. I had the MahiMahi in a thai sauce over noodles. It was spectacular. Devon had the Coastal Combination which consisted of Salmon, Shrimp, and I believe Halibut. All I know is that there was not any left and he didn't share. Michelle had a Caesar Salad and Lobster Bisque'. She said they were also very good. Jordan and Camryn have once again decide to partake of Chicken Fingers and French Fries. Total with tip came to $66.28.
As we make our departure, it is once again time to break out our trusted ponchos. Yes, today has blessed us with an abundant amount of rain. We quickly head toward Test Track in the hopes of snagging a coveted Fastpass. No luck. The ride is shut down and no passes are being distributed. Curses. Well since it is raining we decide to shop for awhile. The MouseGears store is almost as big as the World of Disney store downtown. We refrain from purchasing anything yet as we want to save that 10% by making our purchases downtown.
We decide to go ahead and head for Spaceship Earth. This is one of the few times all week where I have had people try as hard as they could to jump line in front of us. When I asked the group to please remain behind us in line, their response was " Are you speaking English to me?". So I just chalk it up to cultural differences and we make the most of it. Now I know I have eaten a lot so far on this trip, but after we are securely seated in our car and start to go up the first big hill, the ride begins to sputter and finally stops. I knew I shouldn't have had that last piece of bread at lunch. Although it was quite relaxing. We were in a reclined position, it was dark and cool. Wake me up in a while. They attempt to start the ride again and we move about 10 feet and it dies again. Now I'm starting to get paranoid. Is there a weight limit on this thing. We do eventually get moving and advance all the way to the ancient Egypt area before it dies one last time. After a couple of minutes we again take off and this time no more difficulties the rest of the ride.
It's not raining again. Time to head back to Test Track. I hear the cars running!!! There is a line a mile long and no more Fastpasses are being distributed today. Oh well, guess we'll try it some other time. After all this walking, it is time for some refreshment. Off to Ice Station Cool. I trick each and every one of my kids into trying Beverly. They each had a fit. I decided to try it myself since it looked like they were having such a good time making faces. Here is the sad part. I actually thought it tasted pretty good. I don't know if it was because I had just finished some of the Lemon soda, but I did not think it tasted bitter at all.
We quickly head to Norway and wait for a ride on Maelstrom. Did this ride get shorter? It seems that last time I rode it was much longer. We quickly departed and made it through the theater before they shut the doors. We had escaped and were free to explore World Showcase. We made it around the world and came to America just as Blast was starting to perform on stage. We watched for quite awhile and it is a very good show. We promised that we would come back and watch the entire show but unfortunately never did.
Around the rest of the World and out the Gateway. We decided to take the boat back because my feet were killing me at this point. We had traveled completely around the world and my feet were telling me about it. We headed back to our room to rest and refresh for a little while before heading off to dinner.
We caught the bus for Downtown Disney and got our name in at Rainforest Café. We had a long enough wait that Sugar Booger got a hairwrap done and we had time to look through a few stores. Jordan decided to buy the 2001 Collectors Edition Watch at the Disney Store. He had been eyeballing it all week but I kept telling him to wait until we got downtown so that he could get the discount. We had it shipped back to the hotel and it was now time to dine in the jungle. I had the Pot Roast. Michelle and Jordan split the Mogambo Shrimp. Devon had a pizza, and Sugar Booger decided to try the Chicken Fingers and Fries. Total after tip came to $63.10.
Time to head back and get some rest. Trust me we will need it for what lies ahead. Stay tuned .
Sounds like you were hopping today. Busy but fun! 
Thanks for the water bottle and washcloth tip
