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- Feb 6, 2000
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Day 5 - Jan 9th - NASA
Today was slightly warmer and we set off to Kennedy Space Center shortly after breakfast
at Perkins. Security at the space center very tight. They actually dumped out the contents
of the ladies purses, and we not allowing any backpacks into the complex. Mom had to
surrender some manicure scissors and a blunt, rounded end nail file. Finally, they allowed
me to take those items to the car, I also had to turn on my digital camera to prove it was
operational. This whole process took nearly an hour. Now the odd thing is they didn't
say a word about Mom having a 5" crescent wrench in her purse (we use it to adjust the
w/c), even though we didn't use the chair at NASA. Really, it was a little silly. If anyone
wanted to commandeer a tour bus, simply whack the driver in the head with some ladies
heavy purse!! After all, if anyone wanted to do some damage to the complex, they
wouldn't submit to the security search anyway, they'd drive full speed through the gates
where the busses come through. The tour was interesting, but didn't?t include the
international space station mock-up and testing building (security again). As we were
leaving, there was a security agent (dressed all in black) at the exit in full armament,
including what looked to be a machine gun. Now, I understand that NASA is supposed to
be a civilian agency, but do you really think a civilian security company would have guards
armed with machine guns? Of course he was military, but not in a traditional uniform. It
was a little unnerving to think that they felt they needed so much security at a visitor
complex in the middle of swampland. Supper that night consisted of hot fudge sundaes
for Mom & me and a butterscotch sundae for Flo, from Ghiradelli followed by some
shopping at DTD.
Day 6 - Jan 10th
After a hearty breakfast at Olivia's, we decided that it should be wash day, so we went to
the facilities near the Miller's Rd. pool. Most of the day we spend relaxing and reading
books. We had ressies at Jiko at AKL for dinner at 6pm. We all started off with the
Autumn Field Greens salad, the carrot buttermilk is outstanding. Mom and I both ordered
the steak over macaroni and cheese, it was wonderful. Flo had the shrimp wrapped in
banana leaves, she really enjoyed it, too. Flo and I had an African chardonnay, Mom had a
specialty drink. For dessert we split a seasonal turnover (it was rhubarb-cranberry) and
pistachio creme brulee, and enjoyed Kenyan AA coffee. Both pastries were to die for, but
that turnover was just lucious. Don?t miss this restaurant if it is in your budget, it has been
added to our "must do" list, along with Liberty Tree Tavern. Menu Link: Jiko Menu
After dinner we enjoyed shopping the
resort?s store. Flo bought a beautiful caftan robe. We talked about returning to AKL to
dine at Boma if we had the time to squeeze it in.
Day 7 - Jan 11th
We decided to try Rainforest Cafe at AK for breakfast. I was very good, and fairly
reasonable for resort food. We browsed in the shop, I purchased a beautiful suede jacket
that was marked down to $99, and with my DVC 15% discount it was $85, now it is
rarely cold enough to wear a heavy jacket in Texas (or Florida for that matter), but for
that price I'll get my wear out of it in a few years. We entered AK, but were just a little
late for the first Lion King show, so we meandered over to ITTBAB, then got into the
next Lion King. They?They've added heavy drapes to the Lion King show arena, blocking the
bright sun and making the show much more intense. One of the best Lion King shows
we've seen. Then we headed of for the safari. No lines, and we saw more animals than
we'd ever seen, I guess because of the cooler weather. After the safari we wandered
down one of the trails and saw the gorillas, birds and fish. Next it was on to Dinosaur, Flo
didn't do too well on this ride, so we headed back to the room afterwards. After getting
rested, we took a bus to MK and had supper at the Plaza (ice cream parlor). Flo had a
turkey sandwich, but didn't care for their potato salad. Mom had soup and salad, which
she enjoyed. I had a Rueben sandwich, very tasty. Mom and I both had sugar free
chocolate malts (hint to chocolate lovers - the sugar free ice cream has a better chocolate
flavor than the regular ice cream.) Then we headed over to the w/c area for SpectroMagic
and the fireworks.
Day 8 - Jan 12th
After breakfast in our room, we decided that this was studios day. We drove over and
parked in the handicap lot. It looks like they are getting ready to move the bus stops and
handi-lot. I hope not, they are so convenient at this park, I wonder if they want them
further away for security? Anyway, after entering the park, the first show open was B&B,
they have changed the show slightly from last year, leaving out the bats, and changing
some other elements. I think it is better. While we were waiting for the show, I left to see
about getting a PS at Prime Time for lunch. It was closed for rehab, Hollywood and Vine
was a character meal, so I decided to get a PS at Brown Derby. After B&B, we were able
to make the next HoND show. Then we backtracked to MV3D and the great Movie
Ride. It was then time for our PS at Brown Derby. The service and meal were wonderful.
We all split a shrimp appetizer. Mom & I each had a cobb salad, and Flo had the grilled
salmon. She said her fish was excellent, but the marinated veggies were too vinegar-y. We
all had coffee. I had the chocolate macadamia nut cake for dessert, Mom had the 100
years of Magic cheesecake. Flo had a butterscotch sundae. We all thought ours was the
best. Note: Flo said the butterscotch sundae at Brown Derby was better than the one at
Ghiradelli.
After lunch, we walked through Walt Disney - One Man?s Dream, to us this was a very
interesting presentation. It brought back many memories and emotions for me of growing
up near Disneyland, where I saw Walt on my 8th birthday, driving his little yellow car
along Main Street USA. Since the parks are on short winter schedule, we chose this over
WWTBAM. We were able get right into Voyage of the Little Mermaid. Then we made
our way over to Indiana Jones. After the stunt show it was time to be seated for
Fantasmic! With the shorter hours, it will take 2 days to do everything at the studios.
Too bad we won?t have the time, since we want to finish up EPCOT WS instead. Disney
really needs a 6-day park hopper without the water park/PI/DQ options. We had a day we
could have gone a half day (Mom & I have APs - Flo had a 5-day hopper)
Today was slightly warmer and we set off to Kennedy Space Center shortly after breakfast
at Perkins. Security at the space center very tight. They actually dumped out the contents
of the ladies purses, and we not allowing any backpacks into the complex. Mom had to
surrender some manicure scissors and a blunt, rounded end nail file. Finally, they allowed
me to take those items to the car, I also had to turn on my digital camera to prove it was
operational. This whole process took nearly an hour. Now the odd thing is they didn't
say a word about Mom having a 5" crescent wrench in her purse (we use it to adjust the
w/c), even though we didn't use the chair at NASA. Really, it was a little silly. If anyone
wanted to commandeer a tour bus, simply whack the driver in the head with some ladies
heavy purse!! After all, if anyone wanted to do some damage to the complex, they
wouldn't submit to the security search anyway, they'd drive full speed through the gates
where the busses come through. The tour was interesting, but didn't?t include the
international space station mock-up and testing building (security again). As we were
leaving, there was a security agent (dressed all in black) at the exit in full armament,
including what looked to be a machine gun. Now, I understand that NASA is supposed to
be a civilian agency, but do you really think a civilian security company would have guards
armed with machine guns? Of course he was military, but not in a traditional uniform. It
was a little unnerving to think that they felt they needed so much security at a visitor
complex in the middle of swampland. Supper that night consisted of hot fudge sundaes
for Mom & me and a butterscotch sundae for Flo, from Ghiradelli followed by some
shopping at DTD.
Day 6 - Jan 10th
After a hearty breakfast at Olivia's, we decided that it should be wash day, so we went to
the facilities near the Miller's Rd. pool. Most of the day we spend relaxing and reading
books. We had ressies at Jiko at AKL for dinner at 6pm. We all started off with the
Autumn Field Greens salad, the carrot buttermilk is outstanding. Mom and I both ordered
the steak over macaroni and cheese, it was wonderful. Flo had the shrimp wrapped in
banana leaves, she really enjoyed it, too. Flo and I had an African chardonnay, Mom had a
specialty drink. For dessert we split a seasonal turnover (it was rhubarb-cranberry) and
pistachio creme brulee, and enjoyed Kenyan AA coffee. Both pastries were to die for, but
that turnover was just lucious. Don?t miss this restaurant if it is in your budget, it has been
added to our "must do" list, along with Liberty Tree Tavern. Menu Link: Jiko Menu
After dinner we enjoyed shopping the
resort?s store. Flo bought a beautiful caftan robe. We talked about returning to AKL to
dine at Boma if we had the time to squeeze it in.
Day 7 - Jan 11th
We decided to try Rainforest Cafe at AK for breakfast. I was very good, and fairly
reasonable for resort food. We browsed in the shop, I purchased a beautiful suede jacket
that was marked down to $99, and with my DVC 15% discount it was $85, now it is
rarely cold enough to wear a heavy jacket in Texas (or Florida for that matter), but for
that price I'll get my wear out of it in a few years. We entered AK, but were just a little
late for the first Lion King show, so we meandered over to ITTBAB, then got into the
next Lion King. They?They've added heavy drapes to the Lion King show arena, blocking the
bright sun and making the show much more intense. One of the best Lion King shows
we've seen. Then we headed of for the safari. No lines, and we saw more animals than
we'd ever seen, I guess because of the cooler weather. After the safari we wandered
down one of the trails and saw the gorillas, birds and fish. Next it was on to Dinosaur, Flo
didn't do too well on this ride, so we headed back to the room afterwards. After getting
rested, we took a bus to MK and had supper at the Plaza (ice cream parlor). Flo had a
turkey sandwich, but didn't care for their potato salad. Mom had soup and salad, which
she enjoyed. I had a Rueben sandwich, very tasty. Mom and I both had sugar free
chocolate malts (hint to chocolate lovers - the sugar free ice cream has a better chocolate
flavor than the regular ice cream.) Then we headed over to the w/c area for SpectroMagic
and the fireworks.
Day 8 - Jan 12th
After breakfast in our room, we decided that this was studios day. We drove over and
parked in the handicap lot. It looks like they are getting ready to move the bus stops and
handi-lot. I hope not, they are so convenient at this park, I wonder if they want them
further away for security? Anyway, after entering the park, the first show open was B&B,
they have changed the show slightly from last year, leaving out the bats, and changing
some other elements. I think it is better. While we were waiting for the show, I left to see
about getting a PS at Prime Time for lunch. It was closed for rehab, Hollywood and Vine
was a character meal, so I decided to get a PS at Brown Derby. After B&B, we were able
to make the next HoND show. Then we backtracked to MV3D and the great Movie
Ride. It was then time for our PS at Brown Derby. The service and meal were wonderful.
We all split a shrimp appetizer. Mom & I each had a cobb salad, and Flo had the grilled
salmon. She said her fish was excellent, but the marinated veggies were too vinegar-y. We
all had coffee. I had the chocolate macadamia nut cake for dessert, Mom had the 100
years of Magic cheesecake. Flo had a butterscotch sundae. We all thought ours was the
best. Note: Flo said the butterscotch sundae at Brown Derby was better than the one at
Ghiradelli.
After lunch, we walked through Walt Disney - One Man?s Dream, to us this was a very
interesting presentation. It brought back many memories and emotions for me of growing
up near Disneyland, where I saw Walt on my 8th birthday, driving his little yellow car
along Main Street USA. Since the parks are on short winter schedule, we chose this over
WWTBAM. We were able get right into Voyage of the Little Mermaid. Then we made
our way over to Indiana Jones. After the stunt show it was time to be seated for
Fantasmic! With the shorter hours, it will take 2 days to do everything at the studios.
Too bad we won?t have the time, since we want to finish up EPCOT WS instead. Disney
really needs a 6-day park hopper without the water park/PI/DQ options. We had a day we
could have gone a half day (Mom & I have APs - Flo had a 5-day hopper)
