DAY 5 WEDNESDAY 25th OCTOBER 2006
The Cast:
Heather the trouble and strife er, I mean my dear wife (mad about Winnie-the-Pooh)
Daniel my 15 year old son (mad about Jack Skellington)
Rhiannon my 13 year old daughter (mad about Tinkerbell)
El Tel Me, so old I need to be carbon-dated (just mad in general)
Dining Reviews for this day can be found here:
http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?p=15812819#post15812819
My original plan for today was to go back and complete a tour of Disney MGM Studios (we had already gone there in the evening on Day 3 for the Fantasmic Dining Package and Extra Magic Hours). I decided to re-plan when my son started getting interested in a career in the space industry (in the UK?!?) rather than law (that dashes my hopes for a cushy retirement) and the news that there was to be a rocket launch at Cape Canaveral today. We therefore agreed to move Disney MGM Studios to Day 12 to allow Daniel and me to go to the Kennedy Space Center for the day. Heather and Rhiannon decided to stay at WDW and do their own thing (Animal Kingdom and Epcot as it turned out). We find that this is one of the big advantages of staying at a WDW resort the family isnt tied to me and my driving.
Daniel and I got up fairly early (well it was for him) to ensure we got to KSC around opening time. The weather was sunny and clear but there was still a slightly chilly wind that was noticeable in the shadows.
On arriving at Kennedy, we noticed that there was a dine with an astronaut option. This sounded interesting and may be inspiring to Daniel, so I got tickets for that too. It was only $22.99 extra (about £12.77) so it seemed good value. The security here was a bit tighter than Disney more like airport security.
The first thing we did was get breakfast to save time we had left Orlando without eating. We downed a muffin and coffee whilst we waited for the first Imax presentation.
The Imax show we decided to watch was Magnificent Desolation: Walking on the Moon 3D. It was narrated by Tom Hanks, who seems to have cornered the market in such things. I must say this was a truly excellent film. It brought back nostalgic memories of when I avidly followed the moon-shots as a kid, but most impressively it gave a real impression of how small, isolated and insubstantial the astronauts and their craft were. I recommend you see it.
We then had a look around the rocket garden. The Gemini/Titan rocket had been removed for a clean-up but most other types were there. Daniel was amazed at the size of the capsules he couldnt believe that astronauts could spend days and days cooped up in the things.
By now it was 12:30 so we then headed over to Early Space Exploration building to have our lunch with an astronaut. The astronaut for the day was a veteran from the Apollo era, Bill Pogue, who was the pilot on the Skylab 4 mission. Even though he left NASA many years ago, he is still a keen promoter of space exploration. We were sat with another family from the UK who had already visited KSC on their vacation and had met a different astronaut. The meal was pretty good 2 courses buffet style, plus coffee, but had the added bonus of a slideshow and presentation from Bill Pogue. He also took plenty of questions from the diners. We all got a signed photograph as part of the deal and the opportunity to have our photograph taken with him. All in all, good value for the extra cost.
We then watched a brief presentation on the mission associated with the launch that evening (STEREO - Solar TErrestrial RElations Observatory). It was the launch of twin satellites that would view the sun from different positions that would allow scientists to create 3D photographs of the sun. These would be used to research and monitor coronal ejections from the Sun helping to predict and warn of solar storms that can be hazardous to space crews and satellites.
We then did the coach tour taking in the LC-39 Observation Gantry and the Apollo/Saturn V Center (we skipped the International Space Station Center stop as we have seen it before and were running late by the end of the tour). The big draw on this tour is the Apollo/Saturn V Center one of the very few places you will see a real Saturn V rocket. Big is not the word!!! Also on the large side was the Vehicle Assembly Building. To give you some idea of the size, the US flag on the side is the size of an American Football field. The trip to KSC gave me a few nostalgia kicks and seemed to make Daniel think, so it was mission accomplished.
We headed back to the visitor centre to pick up our photographs and do a bit of shopping for souvenirs. The shop was packed. By the time we got out it was not worth going over to the Astronaut Hall of Fame which was included on our Maximum Access Tour. KSC would not be open for the rocket launch so we had to drive down to Port Canaveral / Cocoa Beach - we had been advised to get there early. We headed off (without the aid of a map) to try and find a suitable viewing site. Well, without the aid of a map, I passed straight through Cocoa Beach and out the other side there was no obvious viewing point. I turned round, headed back and passed through it again. It was getting dark and I was getting frustrated. Then, as I was crossing the Banana River I notice an RV with a large antenna next to it. A number of cars were parked up alongside it, so I pulled in too. It turned out to be the local CB-band radio club (or something like that). They had set up TV and radio coverage of the launch at a great viewing point.
We waited there and watched the sun go down it was a fantastic sunset.
Even though the launch progressed well, the launch was delayed to the end of the launch window (20:52) for range safety reasons (minimise the risk of toxins to the townsfolk of Port Canaveral, or something). The launch itself was a spectacular sight (and sound). The Delta 2 rocket lit up the horizon as it left the pad and streaked skyward. Within seconds it had reached the speed of sound and was still accelerating. It was a great experience and one you dont get very often (if at all). As I video taped the launch, I havent got any photos myself, but here is a link to the NASA site, so you can get some idea of what we saw (but they cant do it justice): http://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/stereo/main/index.html
It took a while to get out of the parking area because it had filled up with numerous sightseers I dont know, all these tourists, huh!!!
We decided we would eat back in Orlando, and Daniel wanted to go to Walmart, so headed back on the 528. I intended to drop down to the Walmart at Kissimmee on 192 but I did a fairly good job of getting lost. We ended up in Celebration before I managed to get my bearings and find the 192.
Daniel and I had a fantastic day, and I had at last seen a rocket launch one of my childhood dreams (if only I could have seen a Saturn V launch, sigh!).
Not to forget the girls
They had a little lie in followed by breakfast at Mara (no change there). They then headed over to Animal Kingdom. He first thing they did was get a fastpass for Expedition Everest. Whilst waiting for the fastpass, they decided to have a shower by riding Kali River Rapids. They then rode Kilimanjaro Safaris. There was an hour-long queue but it turned out to be worth it. Rhiannon got lots of nice photos of the animals.
The fastpass was ready so they headed over to Everest to ride it. Unfortunately it had broken down again (that stopped us riding it as a family on Day 2). They waited 45 minutes before it was running again but it was worth it, as their ride photo shows. In the end, due to a combination of ride breakdowns and unexpected events, I was the only member of the family who didnt ride Expedition Everest boo! hoo!
Heather and Rhiannon bought an ice cream and then left AK pausing for a photopass photo on their way out near the Tree of Life. They went back to the hotel and had a pizza for lunch at Mara (surprise, surprise). After lunch they had a swim in the excellent pool at AKL. After that Rhiannon had a caricature portrait done of her by one of the artists in the hotel lobby. She was really pleased with this.
They then headed over to Epcot for the evening fireworks. They rode Spaceship Earth when they entered the park, as there was still some time beforehand. They then watched Illuminations from a vantage point in the Mexico area. Whilst watching they munched on some very nice pastries bought at the Kringla og Café in Norway before the show started. Rhiannon loves this show she has been playing the music and singing along for ages prior to our holiday. The show was slightly different from the ones we saw in 2000 and 2002. Some of the fireworks seem to have been upgraded to the more colourful ones used in Hallowishes.
They then called it a night and headed back to AKL.
Day 6 Universal Studios
< Back to Day 4 Magic Kingdom & MNSSHP
http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1284540
The Cast:
Heather the trouble and strife er, I mean my dear wife (mad about Winnie-the-Pooh)
Daniel my 15 year old son (mad about Jack Skellington)
Rhiannon my 13 year old daughter (mad about Tinkerbell)
El Tel Me, so old I need to be carbon-dated (just mad in general)
Dining Reviews for this day can be found here:
http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?p=15812819#post15812819
My original plan for today was to go back and complete a tour of Disney MGM Studios (we had already gone there in the evening on Day 3 for the Fantasmic Dining Package and Extra Magic Hours). I decided to re-plan when my son started getting interested in a career in the space industry (in the UK?!?) rather than law (that dashes my hopes for a cushy retirement) and the news that there was to be a rocket launch at Cape Canaveral today. We therefore agreed to move Disney MGM Studios to Day 12 to allow Daniel and me to go to the Kennedy Space Center for the day. Heather and Rhiannon decided to stay at WDW and do their own thing (Animal Kingdom and Epcot as it turned out). We find that this is one of the big advantages of staying at a WDW resort the family isnt tied to me and my driving.
Daniel and I got up fairly early (well it was for him) to ensure we got to KSC around opening time. The weather was sunny and clear but there was still a slightly chilly wind that was noticeable in the shadows.
On arriving at Kennedy, we noticed that there was a dine with an astronaut option. This sounded interesting and may be inspiring to Daniel, so I got tickets for that too. It was only $22.99 extra (about £12.77) so it seemed good value. The security here was a bit tighter than Disney more like airport security.
The first thing we did was get breakfast to save time we had left Orlando without eating. We downed a muffin and coffee whilst we waited for the first Imax presentation.
The Imax show we decided to watch was Magnificent Desolation: Walking on the Moon 3D. It was narrated by Tom Hanks, who seems to have cornered the market in such things. I must say this was a truly excellent film. It brought back nostalgic memories of when I avidly followed the moon-shots as a kid, but most impressively it gave a real impression of how small, isolated and insubstantial the astronauts and their craft were. I recommend you see it.
We then had a look around the rocket garden. The Gemini/Titan rocket had been removed for a clean-up but most other types were there. Daniel was amazed at the size of the capsules he couldnt believe that astronauts could spend days and days cooped up in the things.
By now it was 12:30 so we then headed over to Early Space Exploration building to have our lunch with an astronaut. The astronaut for the day was a veteran from the Apollo era, Bill Pogue, who was the pilot on the Skylab 4 mission. Even though he left NASA many years ago, he is still a keen promoter of space exploration. We were sat with another family from the UK who had already visited KSC on their vacation and had met a different astronaut. The meal was pretty good 2 courses buffet style, plus coffee, but had the added bonus of a slideshow and presentation from Bill Pogue. He also took plenty of questions from the diners. We all got a signed photograph as part of the deal and the opportunity to have our photograph taken with him. All in all, good value for the extra cost.
We then watched a brief presentation on the mission associated with the launch that evening (STEREO - Solar TErrestrial RElations Observatory). It was the launch of twin satellites that would view the sun from different positions that would allow scientists to create 3D photographs of the sun. These would be used to research and monitor coronal ejections from the Sun helping to predict and warn of solar storms that can be hazardous to space crews and satellites.
We then did the coach tour taking in the LC-39 Observation Gantry and the Apollo/Saturn V Center (we skipped the International Space Station Center stop as we have seen it before and were running late by the end of the tour). The big draw on this tour is the Apollo/Saturn V Center one of the very few places you will see a real Saturn V rocket. Big is not the word!!! Also on the large side was the Vehicle Assembly Building. To give you some idea of the size, the US flag on the side is the size of an American Football field. The trip to KSC gave me a few nostalgia kicks and seemed to make Daniel think, so it was mission accomplished.
We headed back to the visitor centre to pick up our photographs and do a bit of shopping for souvenirs. The shop was packed. By the time we got out it was not worth going over to the Astronaut Hall of Fame which was included on our Maximum Access Tour. KSC would not be open for the rocket launch so we had to drive down to Port Canaveral / Cocoa Beach - we had been advised to get there early. We headed off (without the aid of a map) to try and find a suitable viewing site. Well, without the aid of a map, I passed straight through Cocoa Beach and out the other side there was no obvious viewing point. I turned round, headed back and passed through it again. It was getting dark and I was getting frustrated. Then, as I was crossing the Banana River I notice an RV with a large antenna next to it. A number of cars were parked up alongside it, so I pulled in too. It turned out to be the local CB-band radio club (or something like that). They had set up TV and radio coverage of the launch at a great viewing point.
We waited there and watched the sun go down it was a fantastic sunset.
Even though the launch progressed well, the launch was delayed to the end of the launch window (20:52) for range safety reasons (minimise the risk of toxins to the townsfolk of Port Canaveral, or something). The launch itself was a spectacular sight (and sound). The Delta 2 rocket lit up the horizon as it left the pad and streaked skyward. Within seconds it had reached the speed of sound and was still accelerating. It was a great experience and one you dont get very often (if at all). As I video taped the launch, I havent got any photos myself, but here is a link to the NASA site, so you can get some idea of what we saw (but they cant do it justice): http://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/stereo/main/index.html
It took a while to get out of the parking area because it had filled up with numerous sightseers I dont know, all these tourists, huh!!!
We decided we would eat back in Orlando, and Daniel wanted to go to Walmart, so headed back on the 528. I intended to drop down to the Walmart at Kissimmee on 192 but I did a fairly good job of getting lost. We ended up in Celebration before I managed to get my bearings and find the 192.
Daniel and I had a fantastic day, and I had at last seen a rocket launch one of my childhood dreams (if only I could have seen a Saturn V launch, sigh!).
Not to forget the girls
They had a little lie in followed by breakfast at Mara (no change there). They then headed over to Animal Kingdom. He first thing they did was get a fastpass for Expedition Everest. Whilst waiting for the fastpass, they decided to have a shower by riding Kali River Rapids. They then rode Kilimanjaro Safaris. There was an hour-long queue but it turned out to be worth it. Rhiannon got lots of nice photos of the animals.
The fastpass was ready so they headed over to Everest to ride it. Unfortunately it had broken down again (that stopped us riding it as a family on Day 2). They waited 45 minutes before it was running again but it was worth it, as their ride photo shows. In the end, due to a combination of ride breakdowns and unexpected events, I was the only member of the family who didnt ride Expedition Everest boo! hoo!
Heather and Rhiannon bought an ice cream and then left AK pausing for a photopass photo on their way out near the Tree of Life. They went back to the hotel and had a pizza for lunch at Mara (surprise, surprise). After lunch they had a swim in the excellent pool at AKL. After that Rhiannon had a caricature portrait done of her by one of the artists in the hotel lobby. She was really pleased with this.
They then headed over to Epcot for the evening fireworks. They rode Spaceship Earth when they entered the park, as there was still some time beforehand. They then watched Illuminations from a vantage point in the Mexico area. Whilst watching they munched on some very nice pastries bought at the Kringla og Café in Norway before the show started. Rhiannon loves this show she has been playing the music and singing along for ages prior to our holiday. The show was slightly different from the ones we saw in 2000 and 2002. Some of the fireworks seem to have been upgraded to the more colourful ones used in Hallowishes.
They then called it a night and headed back to AKL.
Day 6 Universal Studios
< Back to Day 4 Magic Kingdom & MNSSHP
http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1284540
Great photos
