Friday July 21
*sadly, no emoticons because my pix max out the limit-my words will have to stand alone*
I was excited about MGM. Almost all the attractions are wheelchair accessible so we could do a lot. We got to the park a little later then I wanted-I believe between 11:00/12:00. I noticed that the longer we were on vacation, the longer it took us to get going. One thing we always did was eat on the way in the car to save money and time.
A tip I got from the disboards bathroom thread was that the bathrooms outside the park entrance were always practically empty. No one was in the bathroom! And the wheelchair stall was huge! About the size of a Companion bathroom-complete with sink. It gets Christamae’s seal of approval.
After our obligatory first attraction we entered the park. The older gentleman who passed us through the turnstiles stopped us to give us congratulations pins. Maybe he thought we deserved it just for being there. We are quite a sight. I figured driving 6000 miles was quite a feat and he told us to wear them…so I put one on.
First we headed to Indiana Jones Epic Stunt Spectacular. We all love this show. The CMs at the entrance told us to be back 30 minutes before the next show.
Now I know the next attraction gets a lot of bad rap…but we love it!
Sounds Dangerous, baby.
A show that sends tingles down your spine and puts you in the action. Who can deny that your heart rate accelerates when the bees escape? Or checking the length of your hair in the barbershop scene?
A word of warning: this is NOT for children. There were several groups with small kids and the CM repeated no less than 6 times that the show had intense scary scenes in complete darkness and may not be appropriate for some guests. Within 5 minutes of the show, several guests left…
But not I! I like a little thrill.
And then
a new chapter in my life and legacy born…I purchased a beginning lanyard set and
became a pin trader. I also bought this pin:
After dutifully and proudly putting on said lanyard, we were off to Indiana Jones. A family favorite. On our last trip (before my trach, vent, feeding tube), Dad was chosen to be an extra. This showing would have even better memories.
The CM asked us if we wanted to sit up front…Up front-there are wheelchair seats up front? For shame that I –master planner and disser-didn’t already know this.
We excitedly accepted. A new perspective. And especially nice for Grandma since she is blind in one eye and greatly impaired by wet macular degeneration in the other.
On the way to our seats, we chatted with the friendly CM asking how things were. “Things have been crazy…in one word-Brazil. These huge tour groups come in at different times in smaller groups-and then want us to put them all together in the best seats and make other guests move. And two weeks ago, a group from Argentina was here and I guess Argentina and Brazil have some bad blood because there were several fights between them…But so far, today has been pretty good…Have you guys seen the show before? (Yep, every trip-one of our favorites)…Have you ever met Indy? (…No…) Well, stay in your seats after the show and I’ll make sure you meet him and he might have something for you…
Cool!!
The show was very good with great special effects, stunts, and some humor thrown in. Sitting up front definitely increased the ability to see details like expressions and movement. And I could feel the heat from the explosions.
Some pictures of the show:
First we met the ‘bad guy’ from the show.
The guy was really funny and friendly.
Dad asked some technical questions. Like, did you know that the show has the largest moving set in the world? And it weighs…a lot. I can’t remember the exact number.
Then Indiana Jones himself.
He was very nice. He has worked for Disney doing this show on and off for 16 years. He really enjoys working for Disney, “Disney takes good care of its entertainers.” And we were presented with Indiana Jones hats!
Danielle perched her hat on her head and the ‘bad guy’ said teasingly,
“You know I usually beat up people that wear that hat.”
After a little more visiting, Indiana excused himself to take a shower and prepare for the next show. We were off to Backlot Restaurant to eat.
I like all the props and exploring the room helped ease my impatience while waiting for everyone to eat. The bathroom was okay. I barely fit inside the stall-but I fit. The one complaint I had about MGM was that the Companion Bathrooms were hard to find and very few and far between.
Herbie:
With bellies full and bladders empty, we were off to Muppet Vision 3D. This is one of Dad’s favorites. All of us enjoy the quirky humor and wit. I had forgotten some parts like when the character comes on stage looking for Bean…A cute, fun show
Time to cool off and have fun under the sea with Voyage of the Little Mermaid.
This show is a great place to cool off. I love the underwater special effect! My only wish is that it was longer. The movie scenes make it seem a bit disjointed.
We sped ourselves over to Lights, Motors, Action Extreme Stunt Show. This show was new for us. Dad was pretty excited. The wheelchair seating was really good. There are actually three different levels-very front, middle, back. We were in the middle section. A nice CM from France took us up the elevator to the wheelchair seating in the middle. This was where I wanted to sit. Nice fans helped combat the heat. The beginning line was ironic,
“Bonjour! How y’all doin’?”
The stunts were pretty spectacular. I found the detailed explanations of the build of the car and engine size, special mechanics, etc. a little prolonged…The family loved it-especially Dad. I thought it was good but not my favorite. Definitely worth seeing at least once.
Some pictures:
After the show, another CM took us back down the elevator. Everyone had to use the bathroom and there were excellent bathrooms right outside the show entrance. Very nice Companion Restroom. Since I have been complaining of rude restroom users, I will share this nice story. A Dad was sending in his three girls (oldest looked about 9, youngest 5) but when he saw me and Dad waiting to get in, he told his girls to let us in and sent them to the women’s restroom. My only complaint about this Companion Restroom was that it was only accessible from inside the show area-a pretty big set back to one of a handful Companion Restrooms…
Our plan was to leave at this point (grabbing food before we left) since we were planning on getting up early to hit Animal Kingdom. On the way out we passed Star Tours which had…a 5 minute wait!
Change of plans. Seize the day!
This is one of Mom and Dad’s favorite rides. The plan was for Dad to ride while Mom stayed with me (she can suction-with difficulty in public areas), then for Dad to help Mom on the ride, Mom and Grandma ride, Dad helps Mom off ride. Danielle and I have never experienced Star Tours.
As we were explaining our plan to the CM, the kind older gentlemen asked, “Would you young ladies like to ride?”
We explained that Danielle and I couldn’t transfer.
“Well, have you ever done the non-motion ride?”
My ears perked up, “There’s a non-motion option? The floor doesn’t move or anything?”
“Would you like that?”
“Yes!”
“Let me get these folks off and then we’ll put you in number 5.”
Wow. I think I had a grin permaplastered to my face. This was a complete-very nice surprise. While we waited our turn, Danielle and I did a bit of pin trading. Danielle scored a Cast Member award pin that can’t be bought! I was a little green but before my jealousy could take full effect we were spirited away to our ship.
The CM flipped a little switch before we entered. The maneuvering was pretty tight. As I was squeezing in a turn, I heard a little snap. My vent door came off. Oops. Not a big deal. It’s mostly aesthetic-covering the lights from the control panel. Besides I was off to Endor!
It was fun to experience the peril and humor. I could definitely see why Mom loved Star Tours. It was fun to talk about the ride together. It took about thirty minutes for everyone to ride.
Our Star Tours ‘ride’ was a classic example of Disney going above and beyond.
After our harrowing journey, Danielle, Mom, and Grandma all had to use the bathroom. We used the bathroom outside the park-again empty.
Our Star Tours flight (and rest stop) put us home an hour later than planned. But demonstrated a lesson to every super planner.
Sometimes a change in plans can yield the most unexpectedly magical moment.
Next update on Saturday June 30, Animal Kingdom: feelin’ hot, hot, hot (Saturday July 22)
AK: Very Warm Yet Wonderful- Page 21, Post #313 and #314
The only thing I could do was cringe at each passing scene of history and knew the ending was in sight. I really need to give the AA another try.
All the frustrating experiences faded behind the magic. I like helping people-wish I could do more. There are places that I would love to volunteer and I would love to go t college-but I need a nurse...Know any nurses in California??? 
But there were a lot of unmagical things...still I am loyal to Disney!
Just think what the world would be like if everyone passed on kindness and thought of others...One of the reasons I love Disney is because it strives to be that Utopia.
Epcot can be fun for kids...I am glad yours enjoyed it.
I have been checking back everyday, hoping all has been well for you and your family.
