Daniel's Overview of Day One, September 1, 2008
So far, so good
SO MUCH MORE TO DO!!!
Day One of our trip has come and gone. Despite the fears of Monica (along with both our mothers), our flight from San Antonio to Orlando went very smoothly. Hurricane Gustav did nothing to impede our journey and for that we are thankful. Our arrival at the Orlando Airport was tricky, as our Disney Magical Express bus pickup was pretty much on the opposite side of the property and really didnt have any signage that would help us ignorant vacationers. We did eventually find our check-in, and embarked on the journey to our home away from home: The Disney All Star Music Resort.
Outside of the resort
Decor
Curtains
(More pics in Monica's review)
After a brief bus ride, Monica and I arrived at the ASM Resort. Check in was a breeze, and the staff was very helpful. Monica also managed to pull some strings and snagged us a king room. Instead of having a room by the pool with two double beds, we were granted a more private room, away from the noisy pool section. So, after checking our room, we boarded a bus to the Disney Hollywood Studios Park, formerly Disney MGM Studios. The place was massive! Before even entering the gates, we could see the infamous Tower of Terror. Sure enough, Monica wanted to go on it. Now, Im an admitted pansy when it comes to theme park rides. Ive never liked them. But it goes beyond dislike. It has plagued me as a completely irrational fear. Granted, most fears are irrational, but hey, its something thats always bothered me. However, en route to Orlando, I thought to myself: If Im not afraid of flying on an airplane ABOVE A HURRICANE, why should I fear some park rides? Hence, I made it a point to try to keep an open mind to trying out the attractions at Disney, partially for the sake of Monica, as I did not want her to be the lonely rider, and for myself as well. Conquering a fear such as this would be a big accomplishment for me. And when it comes down to it, is there really anything scarier than being a newlywed?
Kiddie ride? I think not.
The line for the Tower of Terror was surprisingly brief. The cooling park mist did little to disguise the stench of the foliage decorating the path of the ride, and I was relieved to finally enter the Hollywood Tower Hotel, the backdrop for the demented amusement ride. Upon entering, we were treated to a cheesy video clip explaining the story behind the attraction. This cheese was completely ruined by rude, thoughtless people. ITS DISNEY! I WANT THE CHEESE! Please be quiet so us 1st time riders can hear!!! We were able to get the gist of the video. At this point, Monica was looking for the chicken exit so that I can leave and meet her at the rides end. We saw no chicken exit. I was stuck. We entered an odd contraption of rows and buckles and hand grips which would serve as our elevator cart for the Tower of Terror. The weirdo escorting us into the right bid us farewell as the lights went dim and my breakfast began to come up. As the ride began, we were met with some creepy hologram images. The images invited into the ride, and our cart proceeded forward into a backdrop of space. As we crept closer to the starts, our cart made a sharp drop, and then rocketed up, and then dropped several stories, and then shot up a dozen more, and then dropped some
oh you get the picture. But the point is, I did it! Sure, the little kid next to me was laughing at me, but I did it! I wont go so far as saying Im ready for the Rockin Roller Coaster, but we did go back for seconds on the Tower of Terror, and Monica was the frightened one. I just laughed and tried to breathe.
I also got tricked into riding another attraction called Star Tours. It was a ride themed after Star Wars, go figure. Monica told me it was a Jedi training simulator or something, and that sounded interesting to me given that I am a nerd. Im not necessarily a Star Wars nerd, but I am a fan of the trilogy and it sounded like something we could both enjoy. Jedi training simulator, my butt. That ride was an attack on the senses from all angles. It actually reminded of the turbulence we felt on the plane, only magnified and seemingly handled by a chimp for a pilot. I was indeed duped (she denies it, but she knew), but I found myself laughing through the ride in delight and was disappointed when it was over.
Other attractions for the day included The Great Movie Ride (pass on it or ho if you need a nap), The Muppet 3-D something or other (must see!), something about Narnia (pass on it- it's a commercial and 15 minutes of your life that you won't get back), and something featuring Drew Carey (pass on it, majorly boring to me). We did get to ride the new Toy Story attraction, and while the wait was long, the fun was worth the wait. Tomorrow were headed to Epcot and the Magic Kingdom. Who knows what is in store for us next?
Note from Monica: Before you all think I am an evil wife, I really had no clue what Star Tours was.
Oh, and I also didn't see a chicken exit on the Tower of Terror. <insert evil laugh>
Up next....Monica's review and recap of day 1!
out and sit back and relax cuz this is going to be one fun trip!! That old 
can wait!!! 
