Travelers: Me (40), DH (41), DS (6)
Disney Land/Sea Package 6/19/2003 thru 6/26/2003
Day 2: Animal Kingdom /Hoop-De-Doo Review
Today was early entry day at Animal Kingdom. My plan was to hit Captain Cooks early catch the first bus and make use of that extra hour. Slight change in plans We forgot to check in at the extra cruise desk yesterday, and they were only going to be available today from 8:00 to 11:30, so we hit Captain Cooks (under protest from DH who thought this was like eating at the 7-11). It was ..OK. $26 (dont remember what we had). We were at the cruise desk at 7:55 and someone was there to take care of our one outstanding issue. We walked outside and only had to wait about 15 minutes for a bus to Animal Kingdom. Made it to Animal Kingdom around 8:40 so we still made it in a little ahead of the crowds (Hint: there is a separate entrance to the left for hotel guests and people with early PS). Weather was cloudy, but not yet rainy, and not too hot. We did the safari with just a 15 minute wait. DS loved this and we saw lots of birds and animals. We took the train to Rafikis planet watch, and DS did the petting zoo. I probably wouldnt do this again. You dont see much during the train ride, and the petting zoo only had goats. Because of the way the small paths ramble from the train to the petting zoo area, it bottle necks a bit and we probably really wasted some time here. After finishing up at the petting zoo we took the train back and headed to Its Tough to be a Bug - 20 minute wait. I liked it and the effects were cute but its pretty short wouldnt have been happy if I waited a really long time for it). We did lunch at Flame Tree BBQ. I thought the food was very good, and they had a lot of covered, quiet outdoor seating. After lunch we headed to Dinoland. DS LOVED the playground like area with all of the slides etc.. We spent some time there, and then the clouds grew threatening, we started to head as quickly as possible toward the exit (everything is a bit of a hike at Animal Kingdom), but not quickly enough it began to thunder, then the lightening started and it began to POUR rain. By the time we made it to the bus stop we were totally drenched. (Hint: Make sure to pack extra sneakers if you travel to Fl during the rainy season DSs first pair never dried out, and began growing mold by the time we left for the cruise portion of our trip) Luckily we only waited about 10 minutes for the bus back to the hotel.
We changed into some dry clothes and then wandered around the GCH a little more, and picked up some souvenirs. We then went to the lounge area DH and I each had a tropical drink and DS had lemonade. DS watched the Disney cartoons playing and DH and I just talked and watched the RAIN .
Back to the room to rest and freshen up for dinner. We had a 7:15 PS for Hoop-De-Doo Review, and had been advised to check in 30 minutes early. Luckily, the sun came out just before we set out for Fort Wilderness. Based on advice from the boards we took the monorail to Magic Kingdom, and then took a boat to Fort Wilderness. We only had to wait about 5 minutes for the boat to arrive. The boat brings you much closer to Pioneer Hall where the review takes place. (DH had asked the cast member standing at the Polynesian Monorail Station for directions and he told us to go to the TTC and get a bus to Fort Wilderness this would have been a big waste of time, and would have required that we take another bus from the main entrance to Pioneer Hall Luckily I had read the correct advice on the boards!) We arrived early, walked around a bit and DS enjoyed some video games. Then we spent some time resting in the rocking chairs and then it was time for the show. They were doing photos of each family once youve checked in (check in takes place in front of Pioneer Hall), but by the time it was our turn . guess what it was raining again. I had made this PS arrangement in January, and we had a table right next to the stage / piano player. DS really enjoyed this dinner/show. Its a little corny, but we all had a good time. Food was OK you start with warm bread, and a bucket of salad (salad was actually very good), this is followed by ribs, beans, fried chicken, and corn. The corn was mixed with peppers and onions (which I love but may not be enjoyed by everyone). Dinner included soft drinks, beer, wine or sangria as well as coffee/tea and strawberry shortcake for dessert ($122.82 for 2 adults and 1 child). By the time we were done with dinner we were all pretty tired. We ended up on a boat to the Contemporary and then took the monorail to the Polynesian. This involves a bit of walking since the dock is a bit away from the entrance to the hotel, then you have to get up to the 5th floor (I think) for the monorail station.
Next up: Day 3 Is that the sun?! / Pool time/ Disney Quest / BOMA
Disney Land/Sea Package 6/19/2003 thru 6/26/2003
Day 2: Animal Kingdom /Hoop-De-Doo Review
Today was early entry day at Animal Kingdom. My plan was to hit Captain Cooks early catch the first bus and make use of that extra hour. Slight change in plans We forgot to check in at the extra cruise desk yesterday, and they were only going to be available today from 8:00 to 11:30, so we hit Captain Cooks (under protest from DH who thought this was like eating at the 7-11). It was ..OK. $26 (dont remember what we had). We were at the cruise desk at 7:55 and someone was there to take care of our one outstanding issue. We walked outside and only had to wait about 15 minutes for a bus to Animal Kingdom. Made it to Animal Kingdom around 8:40 so we still made it in a little ahead of the crowds (Hint: there is a separate entrance to the left for hotel guests and people with early PS). Weather was cloudy, but not yet rainy, and not too hot. We did the safari with just a 15 minute wait. DS loved this and we saw lots of birds and animals. We took the train to Rafikis planet watch, and DS did the petting zoo. I probably wouldnt do this again. You dont see much during the train ride, and the petting zoo only had goats. Because of the way the small paths ramble from the train to the petting zoo area, it bottle necks a bit and we probably really wasted some time here. After finishing up at the petting zoo we took the train back and headed to Its Tough to be a Bug - 20 minute wait. I liked it and the effects were cute but its pretty short wouldnt have been happy if I waited a really long time for it). We did lunch at Flame Tree BBQ. I thought the food was very good, and they had a lot of covered, quiet outdoor seating. After lunch we headed to Dinoland. DS LOVED the playground like area with all of the slides etc.. We spent some time there, and then the clouds grew threatening, we started to head as quickly as possible toward the exit (everything is a bit of a hike at Animal Kingdom), but not quickly enough it began to thunder, then the lightening started and it began to POUR rain. By the time we made it to the bus stop we were totally drenched. (Hint: Make sure to pack extra sneakers if you travel to Fl during the rainy season DSs first pair never dried out, and began growing mold by the time we left for the cruise portion of our trip) Luckily we only waited about 10 minutes for the bus back to the hotel.
We changed into some dry clothes and then wandered around the GCH a little more, and picked up some souvenirs. We then went to the lounge area DH and I each had a tropical drink and DS had lemonade. DS watched the Disney cartoons playing and DH and I just talked and watched the RAIN .
Back to the room to rest and freshen up for dinner. We had a 7:15 PS for Hoop-De-Doo Review, and had been advised to check in 30 minutes early. Luckily, the sun came out just before we set out for Fort Wilderness. Based on advice from the boards we took the monorail to Magic Kingdom, and then took a boat to Fort Wilderness. We only had to wait about 5 minutes for the boat to arrive. The boat brings you much closer to Pioneer Hall where the review takes place. (DH had asked the cast member standing at the Polynesian Monorail Station for directions and he told us to go to the TTC and get a bus to Fort Wilderness this would have been a big waste of time, and would have required that we take another bus from the main entrance to Pioneer Hall Luckily I had read the correct advice on the boards!) We arrived early, walked around a bit and DS enjoyed some video games. Then we spent some time resting in the rocking chairs and then it was time for the show. They were doing photos of each family once youve checked in (check in takes place in front of Pioneer Hall), but by the time it was our turn . guess what it was raining again. I had made this PS arrangement in January, and we had a table right next to the stage / piano player. DS really enjoyed this dinner/show. Its a little corny, but we all had a good time. Food was OK you start with warm bread, and a bucket of salad (salad was actually very good), this is followed by ribs, beans, fried chicken, and corn. The corn was mixed with peppers and onions (which I love but may not be enjoyed by everyone). Dinner included soft drinks, beer, wine or sangria as well as coffee/tea and strawberry shortcake for dessert ($122.82 for 2 adults and 1 child). By the time we were done with dinner we were all pretty tired. We ended up on a boat to the Contemporary and then took the monorail to the Polynesian. This involves a bit of walking since the dock is a bit away from the entrance to the hotel, then you have to get up to the 5th floor (I think) for the monorail station.
Next up: Day 3 Is that the sun?! / Pool time/ Disney Quest / BOMA
