Author's note: I don't really have anything to say, but since I've started every trip report so far with an author's note, I almost feel obligated. Oh wait, I do have something...enjoy!
Me: 33, fifth WDW trip
DH Dan: 36, first-timer
Now you would think that by Day 6 my husband would know to just take the camera. Oh no. He is still asking me. The good news is, this will be the last day of the trip that he asks. And yes, hes still wondering if today is Blizzard Beach Day.
We walk to MK around 7:45 and wait outside the turnstiles with the other folks who have a breakfast PS. A cast member named Ray is keeping us entertained by answering questions and telling us Disney trivia before the park opens. This is when Dan and I find out that WDW is the second largest employer in the US, second only to the military, and we learn that it takes 55,000 cast members keep the resort running. And here is Ray, one of 55,000.
Dan asks me if were eating at the castle for breakfast. If there is one promise I kept, I said, its that I wont subject you to the Princess Breakfast. When Ray finally let us in the park at 8am, the masses head straight to the castle, we (and we alone) turn left toward the Crystal Palace. We were the first ones at the door. All of the hostesses greeted us with big smiles. What a beautiful building!
Our waiter Jud is awesome. He gives us the rundown of character rotation. One of the most impressive things about this place is how organized it is. We saw more characters more often than any other character meal on our trip. So Jud leaves the table and I run to the buffet. I come back with fruit, a made-to-order omelet, and the breakfast lasagna. Let me tell you something about this breakfast lasagna. It is no food item of any redeeming nutritional value whatsoever, but OH MY GOD is it yummy. Even as I type this trip report, some months later, I can still remember the flavor perfectly. When Jud returns to the table, he tells us how to make breakfast lasagna: layer ladyfingers and pastry filling and canned fruit and refrigerate it and bake it for half an hour at 375. Oh right, like Im going to remember this.
Tigger is just so excited because its this womans birthday at the next table. He runs over to her, takes her hand, and leads her to the front entrance. Then he starts bouncing. At first the woman doesnt look like shes joining him. Then she succumbs, and together they do the birthday celebration bounce. Rather amusing, especially for a thirty-something year-old.
When breakfast was over, we have a little time to kill so its back to the Haunted Mansion. Done. Oh, we still have time to kill. Okay, the Hall of Presidents then. The last time I saw this show, Jimmy Carter was the President and I was nine. So needless to say, its been awhile. I actually enjoyed the show, I think because this time I have a greater attention span.
The Presidents killed another twenty minutes, so its time to head back to the resort. Dan wants to know where were going. Nothing can be a surprise anymore because weve basically SEEN everything! He adds, except for Blizzard Beach. But were not going there because you didnt ask me to wear my bathing suit. Such a smart boy.
At the bus stop, I tell him to board the Typhoon Lagoon/Downtown Disney bus. Oh, he is confused now, and clearly disappointed since were not going back to the water park, we must be going shopping. We sit down at the front of the bus. A family next to us mentioned that they were going to Downtown Disney and the dad asked me what people do there. I said loud enough for Dan to hear, All the shopping youve ever wanted to do. Now Ive bummed out TWO husbands.
It had been a relatively uneventful bus ride, until No! Get your own (expletive ending in "ing") directions! Across the aisle, an overweight and agitated bald man is on his cell phone and apparently oblivious to the fact that we (and our children) are on our way to the happiest place on earth. The conversation continued. I dont give a (expletive)! I dont have the (expletive ending in "ing") directions! If the bus was quiet before, it became eerily silent now. The indignant man was sitting next to his wife and child who, unfortunately, did not look shocked, upset, or even seem to notice that this conversation was taking place. Dan and I quietly looked at each other and suddenly I wished the bus would stop anywhere and just let us off. Not that the word is completely foreign to us, mind you, it just doesnt seem to have any place on Disney property. Even Dan has noticed that our own use of expletives ceased since we arrived. Seeing that it is our sixth day here, it had been a record 6 days since last hearing it or saying it myself. Okay, now make that five minutes, thanks to Anger Management Boy across the aisle.
Downtown Disney! Get me off this bus! Dan and I sprint toward the doors and snake our way toward the West Side. Thats right. Weve got Ultimate Passes and were headed to DisneyQuest. Add this little building to the list of places Ive never been, so it will become a first for both of us. We hand over our tickets and jump on the elevator-thingy. We are greeted by Genie on the elevator mirror. Okay, this is freaky and weird.
The elevator-thingy opens and we head toward the Carpets of Aladdin. So we sit on these unstable, wobbly poles and put these heavy, oversized masks that roll around on your head because they dont quite fit right no matter how tight the CM pulls the straps and cuts off the circulation. I have attractive red dents on the side of my head but at least the headgear is on. Are my eyes supposed to cross like this? Oh, the game is starting wait, you never told us how to steer these big wobbly poles! I keep banging my carpet into the walls. And if Im not slamming into immobile objects, I cant stop my carpet from spinning in virtual circles. Like theres no forward or reverse on this thing. Perhaps thats just a symptom from having buggy eyes. Oh, and were supposed to communicate with the other cross-eyed wobbly pole riders about where we are finding jewels and stuff. Thats great, why dont I just stop spinning for a second and figure out where I am. The virtual nightmare couldnt end soon enough. Im sure its loads of fun for those that can keep their eyes uncrossed and their carpets from slamming into walls. DQ, youve got yourself one fun virtual carpet ride here.
Buzz Lightyear time. Dan and I crawl into the same vehicle (turns out this was a wise decision), figuring that Dan will drive around to pick up ammo (balls) and I will load the cannon and shoot the other cars. When the game begins, I shoot like Im still wearing the Aladdin headgear; balls are flying way over the other cars and into empty corners. What are you aiming for? he asks me. BAM! Someone fires a shot at our car and we spin around helplessly. Were getting creamed here! BAM! Another shot at us and we sit there in our idle car and wait for the effect to wear off. After eleven worthless firings from me, Dan gets irritated enough to take over the cannon. Now my job has been reduced to gathering balls and loading the cannon while Dan gets to drive and shoot. His aim is much better, but we still cant avoid the other players balls. We never did get the hang of it, and a few worthless minutes later the game is over and we have like 12 points. We didnt do very well, but I think we both enjoyed this game. Defeated and exhausted, we crawl out of our plastic prison and head to the next level.
Next is the virtual Jungle Cruise raft ride. Its like Aladdin without the headgear. We have about as much control, without the crossed eyes. Instead, we have oars with rollers. Were not so sure that theyre effective. Were not sure that we have any control over this game at all. We paddle and paddle and paddle and run into walls and down waterfalls and end up in Dinosaur Land this isnt good, lets head left. No wait, our rollers dont work, looks like were heading right. How did we end up at Aladdins castle?
Okay, another disappointment behind us. Lets try this virtual roller coaster Ive heard so much about! Sorry folks, this attraction is down for repairs will be running in about an hour, says Coaster Dude at the attraction. Thats exactly what I wanted to hear. Oh, well be back. Count on it.
Pirates of the Caribbean is next. Okay, this game completely rocks. The set itself is elaborate and cool, built like the bow of a ship, with four cannons and a big wooden steering wheel, surrounded by a 180-degree screen. Pirate Dan and I have acquired a third mate named Pirate Nigel and the two of them decide that I, Captain Wendybeard should steer the ship. A few minutes into the game all three of us are having a blast trying to shoot the other pirate ships while I steer us into cliffs and storms. Between all the laughing, cannon firings, and bad steering, we didnt score very well, but really enjoyed this little adventure on the high seas.
To kill some time before the roller coaster ride is up and running, we check out the Replay Zone. Ah, the Replay Zone. All the free games of Frogger, Q-Bert, Joust, Pac Man, and Kangaroo a girl could ever want to play. How freaking cool is this? I could spend hours here alone, but Dan seems to be getting antsy after awhile so we check on coaster ride (still down) and then check the top floor for veggie burgers. Guess what? DQ has all the top-of-the-line virtual game technology, but doesnt realize that either vegetarians exist, or that they eat. So we temporarily leave DQ and walk to Wolfgang Pucks for a margherita pizza. Mmm now thats good pizza.
As a side note, its a fairly blustery day. Sunny yet windy as anything, this is the weather we get for not being blessed with Hurricane Isabel. Knowing Isabel was on her way before we left home, I was pretty grateful that she decided to leave Florida alone completely.
Theres still one major attraction at DQ that we need to experience. Walking back we notice the spinning glass ball on the road in front of DQ. Its a life-size sample of the virtual coaster, and gee, doesnt it look like fun? Hey, how come we didnt notice this giant thing before? We find out from Turnstile Girl that the ride is still not working. Looking over our shoulder, we see the ball rolling around on its axis, teasing the crap out of us. Stupid virtual coaster game.
Since were here, lets go shopping. Not that either one of us are into it, but even to the less-than-enthusiastic shopper, you sort of have to admit that Disneys shops are pretty darn cool. Plus, we have souvenirs to buy. Dan and I spend a few hours walking around downtown and buying a few things for loved ones back home.
Being the rookie shoppers that we are, it wore us out and were too tired to go back to DQ so we head back to the resort. Back at the Contemporary, Dan and I relax for a few hours (these nonstop tourist things are catching up to us) before getting ready and heading back out to Fort Wilderness for a late dinner.
I only have a day or two of control left, so when I can I keep our plans a mystery. Dinner tonight is no exception. We have to board the ferryboats from the Contemporary to FW and Dan is naturally puzzled, but says nothing. I guess he knows better by now. At Pioneer Hall we have to wait outside in the mosquito-infected area for the 7:30 Hoop-Dee-Doo show to get out. What a ruckus in there! Much hoopin and hollerin and foot stompin and the like. I cant imagine what Dan is anticipating. But he does ask if we will get fed because its almost 9 and were both starving.
For our late show, there are about 10 tables for guests, some of them for just two people. Dan and I are front and center, just in front of the stage. Dan asks what I did to get such good seats. I was thinking that its because I asked for the late show and apparently it isnt very popular, but I tell him that I pulled some strings to make this a very special night for him. Is that wrong?
The last time I saw this show I was 15. I didnt realize that a) it would be the exact same show I saw 18 years ago, and b) that despite that, it would still be a very enjoyable and energetic show, even with just 10 filled tables. We both had a very good time, but by the time it was over we were beat.
Getting back was an adventure in itself. Not only did we discover that the ferryboats do not run that late, but by the time we walked to the bus stop, we found out our bus left without us. What was the word of the day again? Anyway, one of the bus drivers who were still there was kind enough to drive us straight back to the resort, even though it was not on his route. You gotta love Disney cast members.
Me: 33, fifth WDW trip
DH Dan: 36, first-timer
Now you would think that by Day 6 my husband would know to just take the camera. Oh no. He is still asking me. The good news is, this will be the last day of the trip that he asks. And yes, hes still wondering if today is Blizzard Beach Day.
We walk to MK around 7:45 and wait outside the turnstiles with the other folks who have a breakfast PS. A cast member named Ray is keeping us entertained by answering questions and telling us Disney trivia before the park opens. This is when Dan and I find out that WDW is the second largest employer in the US, second only to the military, and we learn that it takes 55,000 cast members keep the resort running. And here is Ray, one of 55,000.
Dan asks me if were eating at the castle for breakfast. If there is one promise I kept, I said, its that I wont subject you to the Princess Breakfast. When Ray finally let us in the park at 8am, the masses head straight to the castle, we (and we alone) turn left toward the Crystal Palace. We were the first ones at the door. All of the hostesses greeted us with big smiles. What a beautiful building!
Our waiter Jud is awesome. He gives us the rundown of character rotation. One of the most impressive things about this place is how organized it is. We saw more characters more often than any other character meal on our trip. So Jud leaves the table and I run to the buffet. I come back with fruit, a made-to-order omelet, and the breakfast lasagna. Let me tell you something about this breakfast lasagna. It is no food item of any redeeming nutritional value whatsoever, but OH MY GOD is it yummy. Even as I type this trip report, some months later, I can still remember the flavor perfectly. When Jud returns to the table, he tells us how to make breakfast lasagna: layer ladyfingers and pastry filling and canned fruit and refrigerate it and bake it for half an hour at 375. Oh right, like Im going to remember this.
Tigger is just so excited because its this womans birthday at the next table. He runs over to her, takes her hand, and leads her to the front entrance. Then he starts bouncing. At first the woman doesnt look like shes joining him. Then she succumbs, and together they do the birthday celebration bounce. Rather amusing, especially for a thirty-something year-old.
When breakfast was over, we have a little time to kill so its back to the Haunted Mansion. Done. Oh, we still have time to kill. Okay, the Hall of Presidents then. The last time I saw this show, Jimmy Carter was the President and I was nine. So needless to say, its been awhile. I actually enjoyed the show, I think because this time I have a greater attention span.
The Presidents killed another twenty minutes, so its time to head back to the resort. Dan wants to know where were going. Nothing can be a surprise anymore because weve basically SEEN everything! He adds, except for Blizzard Beach. But were not going there because you didnt ask me to wear my bathing suit. Such a smart boy.
At the bus stop, I tell him to board the Typhoon Lagoon/Downtown Disney bus. Oh, he is confused now, and clearly disappointed since were not going back to the water park, we must be going shopping. We sit down at the front of the bus. A family next to us mentioned that they were going to Downtown Disney and the dad asked me what people do there. I said loud enough for Dan to hear, All the shopping youve ever wanted to do. Now Ive bummed out TWO husbands.
It had been a relatively uneventful bus ride, until No! Get your own (expletive ending in "ing") directions! Across the aisle, an overweight and agitated bald man is on his cell phone and apparently oblivious to the fact that we (and our children) are on our way to the happiest place on earth. The conversation continued. I dont give a (expletive)! I dont have the (expletive ending in "ing") directions! If the bus was quiet before, it became eerily silent now. The indignant man was sitting next to his wife and child who, unfortunately, did not look shocked, upset, or even seem to notice that this conversation was taking place. Dan and I quietly looked at each other and suddenly I wished the bus would stop anywhere and just let us off. Not that the word is completely foreign to us, mind you, it just doesnt seem to have any place on Disney property. Even Dan has noticed that our own use of expletives ceased since we arrived. Seeing that it is our sixth day here, it had been a record 6 days since last hearing it or saying it myself. Okay, now make that five minutes, thanks to Anger Management Boy across the aisle.
Downtown Disney! Get me off this bus! Dan and I sprint toward the doors and snake our way toward the West Side. Thats right. Weve got Ultimate Passes and were headed to DisneyQuest. Add this little building to the list of places Ive never been, so it will become a first for both of us. We hand over our tickets and jump on the elevator-thingy. We are greeted by Genie on the elevator mirror. Okay, this is freaky and weird.
The elevator-thingy opens and we head toward the Carpets of Aladdin. So we sit on these unstable, wobbly poles and put these heavy, oversized masks that roll around on your head because they dont quite fit right no matter how tight the CM pulls the straps and cuts off the circulation. I have attractive red dents on the side of my head but at least the headgear is on. Are my eyes supposed to cross like this? Oh, the game is starting wait, you never told us how to steer these big wobbly poles! I keep banging my carpet into the walls. And if Im not slamming into immobile objects, I cant stop my carpet from spinning in virtual circles. Like theres no forward or reverse on this thing. Perhaps thats just a symptom from having buggy eyes. Oh, and were supposed to communicate with the other cross-eyed wobbly pole riders about where we are finding jewels and stuff. Thats great, why dont I just stop spinning for a second and figure out where I am. The virtual nightmare couldnt end soon enough. Im sure its loads of fun for those that can keep their eyes uncrossed and their carpets from slamming into walls. DQ, youve got yourself one fun virtual carpet ride here.
Buzz Lightyear time. Dan and I crawl into the same vehicle (turns out this was a wise decision), figuring that Dan will drive around to pick up ammo (balls) and I will load the cannon and shoot the other cars. When the game begins, I shoot like Im still wearing the Aladdin headgear; balls are flying way over the other cars and into empty corners. What are you aiming for? he asks me. BAM! Someone fires a shot at our car and we spin around helplessly. Were getting creamed here! BAM! Another shot at us and we sit there in our idle car and wait for the effect to wear off. After eleven worthless firings from me, Dan gets irritated enough to take over the cannon. Now my job has been reduced to gathering balls and loading the cannon while Dan gets to drive and shoot. His aim is much better, but we still cant avoid the other players balls. We never did get the hang of it, and a few worthless minutes later the game is over and we have like 12 points. We didnt do very well, but I think we both enjoyed this game. Defeated and exhausted, we crawl out of our plastic prison and head to the next level.
Next is the virtual Jungle Cruise raft ride. Its like Aladdin without the headgear. We have about as much control, without the crossed eyes. Instead, we have oars with rollers. Were not so sure that theyre effective. Were not sure that we have any control over this game at all. We paddle and paddle and paddle and run into walls and down waterfalls and end up in Dinosaur Land this isnt good, lets head left. No wait, our rollers dont work, looks like were heading right. How did we end up at Aladdins castle?
Okay, another disappointment behind us. Lets try this virtual roller coaster Ive heard so much about! Sorry folks, this attraction is down for repairs will be running in about an hour, says Coaster Dude at the attraction. Thats exactly what I wanted to hear. Oh, well be back. Count on it.
Pirates of the Caribbean is next. Okay, this game completely rocks. The set itself is elaborate and cool, built like the bow of a ship, with four cannons and a big wooden steering wheel, surrounded by a 180-degree screen. Pirate Dan and I have acquired a third mate named Pirate Nigel and the two of them decide that I, Captain Wendybeard should steer the ship. A few minutes into the game all three of us are having a blast trying to shoot the other pirate ships while I steer us into cliffs and storms. Between all the laughing, cannon firings, and bad steering, we didnt score very well, but really enjoyed this little adventure on the high seas.
To kill some time before the roller coaster ride is up and running, we check out the Replay Zone. Ah, the Replay Zone. All the free games of Frogger, Q-Bert, Joust, Pac Man, and Kangaroo a girl could ever want to play. How freaking cool is this? I could spend hours here alone, but Dan seems to be getting antsy after awhile so we check on coaster ride (still down) and then check the top floor for veggie burgers. Guess what? DQ has all the top-of-the-line virtual game technology, but doesnt realize that either vegetarians exist, or that they eat. So we temporarily leave DQ and walk to Wolfgang Pucks for a margherita pizza. Mmm now thats good pizza.
As a side note, its a fairly blustery day. Sunny yet windy as anything, this is the weather we get for not being blessed with Hurricane Isabel. Knowing Isabel was on her way before we left home, I was pretty grateful that she decided to leave Florida alone completely.
Theres still one major attraction at DQ that we need to experience. Walking back we notice the spinning glass ball on the road in front of DQ. Its a life-size sample of the virtual coaster, and gee, doesnt it look like fun? Hey, how come we didnt notice this giant thing before? We find out from Turnstile Girl that the ride is still not working. Looking over our shoulder, we see the ball rolling around on its axis, teasing the crap out of us. Stupid virtual coaster game.
Since were here, lets go shopping. Not that either one of us are into it, but even to the less-than-enthusiastic shopper, you sort of have to admit that Disneys shops are pretty darn cool. Plus, we have souvenirs to buy. Dan and I spend a few hours walking around downtown and buying a few things for loved ones back home.
Being the rookie shoppers that we are, it wore us out and were too tired to go back to DQ so we head back to the resort. Back at the Contemporary, Dan and I relax for a few hours (these nonstop tourist things are catching up to us) before getting ready and heading back out to Fort Wilderness for a late dinner.
I only have a day or two of control left, so when I can I keep our plans a mystery. Dinner tonight is no exception. We have to board the ferryboats from the Contemporary to FW and Dan is naturally puzzled, but says nothing. I guess he knows better by now. At Pioneer Hall we have to wait outside in the mosquito-infected area for the 7:30 Hoop-Dee-Doo show to get out. What a ruckus in there! Much hoopin and hollerin and foot stompin and the like. I cant imagine what Dan is anticipating. But he does ask if we will get fed because its almost 9 and were both starving.
For our late show, there are about 10 tables for guests, some of them for just two people. Dan and I are front and center, just in front of the stage. Dan asks what I did to get such good seats. I was thinking that its because I asked for the late show and apparently it isnt very popular, but I tell him that I pulled some strings to make this a very special night for him. Is that wrong?
The last time I saw this show I was 15. I didnt realize that a) it would be the exact same show I saw 18 years ago, and b) that despite that, it would still be a very enjoyable and energetic show, even with just 10 filled tables. We both had a very good time, but by the time it was over we were beat.
Getting back was an adventure in itself. Not only did we discover that the ferryboats do not run that late, but by the time we walked to the bus stop, we found out our bus left without us. What was the word of the day again? Anyway, one of the bus drivers who were still there was kind enough to drive us straight back to the resort, even though it was not on his route. You gotta love Disney cast members.
