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- Aug 7, 2000
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The Cast...
DH-Closet Disney Freak...blames all our trips on me when he's just as bad
DSs- 9 (Cam) and 6 (Colt)-WDW & DL vets, not very adventurous and can be difficult at times
DM(Mother)- The one I got the "Disney gene" from She loves to come along on our trips since we can't get DF(Father) to go anymore, and she is a great help with the kids
DN(neice) 13- This was her 4th trip and we were so happy so could come along with us this time. Shes more daring than DS, but still a bit cautious.
And me....well, lets just say I love all things Disney and during this trip Cam referred to me as "Freaky Disney Person".
Friday September 1
This morning I began first (as usual) with a 5:15 wake up call. By 6:30 we were headed to the Food Court for breakfast and by 7:15 we were at the bus stop. Actually now that I think of it that was the plan, but we were running 5-10 minutes later this morning.
We did make it to the MK by the 8:00 opening for Little Ones Extra Magic Hour. Ok our little one is 6, but we still wanted to experience this. One thing I can say that really stood out about this was not only the rides were open but characters were everywhere! We started out on the Carousel by riding with Chip and Dale.
The kids then saw Stitch riding Dumbo and tried making a bee line for that, but Snow White was outside and stopped them to see if they wanted to play a game. They really didnt want to, but how can you ditch Snow White? So we all made a big circle and did the If you are happy and you know it song (along with If youre Grumpy, Sleepy, Sneezy ).
Ok the song was over so the kids bolted to Dumbo to see Stitch. We ended up having to wait 1 cycle of Dumbo and we just missed being the ones to ride with Stitch by 1 group. But the boys still got a kick out of being on the ride with him, although not in the same elephant.
Next it was on to ride Snow White and then IASW, both with no wait. It was almost 9:00 so we made a potty break before lining up for the rope drop near Liberty Square.
Right at 9:00 we were let in there were very few people lined up at that rope, maybe 20 tops, including us 6. DH ran (well, walked quickly) ahead to get FPs for Splash Mt while the rest of us headed to Thunder Mt. and we all met there. Finally a ride we were all going to ride with some convincing needed for DSs. They both like it, but like to drive us crazy more. This is DMs favorite ride but her neck had been hurting and she wasnt sure if she should ride it. She figured since the boys were she had to, LOL!
We walked on with no line. Oh heres a warning watch out for the gold/metal hooks that stick out from the posts in the queue for the chains to hang on. While walking through the queue area I wasnt looking where I was going (probably turning to talk to someone or get a kid who was lagging behind) and I walked right into one. 2 weeks later I still have a bruise on my leg.
We made it to the loading area and the CMs announced thanks for bearing with them but due to technical difficulties the ride will be delayed. A few trains entered the station and pulled away without anyone getting on. Then the CMs made an announcement. For dealing with this they would let us all ride twice!!! While most people clapped and cheered, DS in unison said Noooooooo!.
Just our luck.
After a few minutes they told us it had something to do with a sensor on a raft at TSI. I guess somehow these rides are affected by each other. Before long we heard the announcement #2 clear and we were on a train. We rode twice but DM got off with DSS when we pulled into the station, after the first ride.
Next we headed to the newly refurbished Pirates of the Caribbean.
I was a bit worried about this as I felt there is no way you can change the classic, POC, but I was pleasantly surprised. All the classic aspects of the ride are still there, along with a some new effects and of course, Captain Jack. We also had to spend a while in the gift shop here
as usual. 
We then went to the Haunted Mansion. We were there maybe 1 minute if that, when the door opened and we were let in. We were really hitting these rides perfectly.
It was now our Fast Pass time for Splash so we headed there. Only DH, DN and myself rode.
Now it was on to my most dreaded part of the trip Tom Sawyers Island. While I do love all things Disney this is one attraction that is pretty close to torture for me. It just always seems so hot and a long time on your (sore) feet. Yes, Im starting to whine like the kids, I'm entitled to my turn.
Before heading over DH ran to Buzz to get FPs for later and then DM & DN decided to skip TSI and went shopping.
We had planned to meet at Buzz at 11:30 since that was our FP time. So by the time we got a raft and made it over to TSI we didnt have much time. While there DM called us and said they were running late too. We didnt want lunch to be too late since we had a big dinner coming up at 5:00, so changed our plan and decided to meet at Caseys Corner at 11:45.
Our stay at TSI was brief. The kids spent some time in the forts they like to "shoot" the guns at the trains on Thunder Mt. We got them out of there by promising a longer visit in December (when its cooler, LOL).
About 11:45 we all met at Caseys and had a nice lunch there. We were lucky enough to get 2 tables inside as the ducks were out in full force near the outside tables.
We then made it to Buzz before our 12:30 ending time on our FPs. We also rode TTA one more time as that seems to be the routine, Buzz, then TTA. Wait times here amazed me. 12:30-1:00 on a Friday afternoon there were 5 minutes waits for Stitch, Buzz & Space. TTA was a walk on as it usually is.
We now head to Toontown to take a ride to Main St on the train, when the wind whipped up and the rain came pouring! I heard a CM joke this is Ernesto, 2 days late. It was really worse than anything we experienced with Ernesto.
So we pulled out the ponchos and hopped on the train when it arrived. While riding there were a few times when the rain would pour in the side of the train, but that was ok. We were hot so the rain felt good.
We made it to the Main St station and took a moment to regroup. We took a bathroom break and tried to wait it out for the rain to let up a bit. When it did we ran to the Emporium for some souvenir shopping.
By the time we were done there it had cleared up and we headed back to PC. There we needed to stop at the gift shop for a couple more souvenirs.
We then returned to our rooms and got ready for our evening. By 4:15 we headed out to MGM for our Fantasmic Dinner package dinner at Mama Melrose at 5:00.
We finished dinner about 6:20 and then DH, Colt, and myself went on Star Tours 1 more time before we all headed to the 7:00 showing of Indiana Jones. We did get to see this after all.
We needed to be at Fantasmic by 8:00 for the 8:30 show. The last time we had done this we arrived about 35 minutes in advance and almost didnt get seats. I wanted to make sure we got there well before the ½ hour mark this time. So we sort of ran out of Indiana Jones the second it ended. We also wanted to stop at the Tune In Lounge to get some Dads Electric Lemonades to go (for the adults of course) on our way.
We did so and then arrived at Fantasmic about 7:50. When we got to the stadium I was shocked there were PLENTY of seats. We got second row! We could have walked in at 8:20 and still gotten seats in the reserved section. I guess that is the difference between doing this in July and the end of August the crowd level. Or it could have just been the luck of the night.
After Fantasmic, DM took the kids back to the room while DH and I walked to the Boardwalk to spend some time at one of our favorite places, Jellyrolls.
While here and having a good time we decided our 10:00AM estimated time of departure, could be moved a bit later. We were having so much fun we hated to leave
and end vacation.
Finally about 12:30 we decided to pay our tab and head out. When we got outside we found it was now raining. We walked along the BW and cut through the lobby to the front of the hotel. Here we got a cab and were back at PC in 5 minutes (I noticed the time in the cab while we were in it, 12:40-12:45). Now we were tired, sad that vacation was over, and it was raining. We tried getting in our room and we could not. It seems DS put on the bolt lock and of course everyone was asleep in DMs room (connecting rooms).
We tried calling DMs cell phone but she didnt hear it. We hated to knock on the door and possibly wake everyone up, but we had to get in. Luckily we only woke DM and she let us in. We then crashed as we knew the morning was coming all too fast.
Saturday Sept 2
We woke this morning to Cam knocking on our door about 7:00. UGH! Sure, the kids are finally up early on their own this morning.
We then got ready and started packing up the room some. Once we were all ready we went to the Food Court for breakfast. Here we also picked up all our left over snacks and counter service items to take for the ride.
After breakfast we returned to the room. DH started loading up the car while I finished the packing. By 10:45 we were on the road not too bad considering we thought it would be around 11:00. We made good time, dropped DN off at her house by 9:45 am, exactly 23 hours later and we were home by 10:00.
Overall we had a wonderful time. The weather was great despite a few bumps in the road, the crowds were nonexistent and the Disney Magic was plentiful. I always highly recommend this week as a great week to visit WDW.
Im now counting down....12 & 14 weeks until my next trips!
DH-Closet Disney Freak...blames all our trips on me when he's just as bad
DSs- 9 (Cam) and 6 (Colt)-WDW & DL vets, not very adventurous and can be difficult at times
DM(Mother)- The one I got the "Disney gene" from She loves to come along on our trips since we can't get DF(Father) to go anymore, and she is a great help with the kids
DN(neice) 13- This was her 4th trip and we were so happy so could come along with us this time. Shes more daring than DS, but still a bit cautious.
And me....well, lets just say I love all things Disney and during this trip Cam referred to me as "Freaky Disney Person".
Friday September 1
This morning I began first (as usual) with a 5:15 wake up call. By 6:30 we were headed to the Food Court for breakfast and by 7:15 we were at the bus stop. Actually now that I think of it that was the plan, but we were running 5-10 minutes later this morning.
We did make it to the MK by the 8:00 opening for Little Ones Extra Magic Hour. Ok our little one is 6, but we still wanted to experience this. One thing I can say that really stood out about this was not only the rides were open but characters were everywhere! We started out on the Carousel by riding with Chip and Dale.
The kids then saw Stitch riding Dumbo and tried making a bee line for that, but Snow White was outside and stopped them to see if they wanted to play a game. They really didnt want to, but how can you ditch Snow White? So we all made a big circle and did the If you are happy and you know it song (along with If youre Grumpy, Sleepy, Sneezy ).
Ok the song was over so the kids bolted to Dumbo to see Stitch. We ended up having to wait 1 cycle of Dumbo and we just missed being the ones to ride with Stitch by 1 group. But the boys still got a kick out of being on the ride with him, although not in the same elephant.
Next it was on to ride Snow White and then IASW, both with no wait. It was almost 9:00 so we made a potty break before lining up for the rope drop near Liberty Square.
Right at 9:00 we were let in there were very few people lined up at that rope, maybe 20 tops, including us 6. DH ran (well, walked quickly) ahead to get FPs for Splash Mt while the rest of us headed to Thunder Mt. and we all met there. Finally a ride we were all going to ride with some convincing needed for DSs. They both like it, but like to drive us crazy more. This is DMs favorite ride but her neck had been hurting and she wasnt sure if she should ride it. She figured since the boys were she had to, LOL!
We walked on with no line. Oh heres a warning watch out for the gold/metal hooks that stick out from the posts in the queue for the chains to hang on. While walking through the queue area I wasnt looking where I was going (probably turning to talk to someone or get a kid who was lagging behind) and I walked right into one. 2 weeks later I still have a bruise on my leg.
We made it to the loading area and the CMs announced thanks for bearing with them but due to technical difficulties the ride will be delayed. A few trains entered the station and pulled away without anyone getting on. Then the CMs made an announcement. For dealing with this they would let us all ride twice!!! While most people clapped and cheered, DS in unison said Noooooooo!.
Just our luck. After a few minutes they told us it had something to do with a sensor on a raft at TSI. I guess somehow these rides are affected by each other. Before long we heard the announcement #2 clear and we were on a train. We rode twice but DM got off with DSS when we pulled into the station, after the first ride.
Next we headed to the newly refurbished Pirates of the Caribbean.
I was a bit worried about this as I felt there is no way you can change the classic, POC, but I was pleasantly surprised. All the classic aspects of the ride are still there, along with a some new effects and of course, Captain Jack. We also had to spend a while in the gift shop here
as usual. We then went to the Haunted Mansion. We were there maybe 1 minute if that, when the door opened and we were let in. We were really hitting these rides perfectly.
It was now our Fast Pass time for Splash so we headed there. Only DH, DN and myself rode.
Now it was on to my most dreaded part of the trip Tom Sawyers Island. While I do love all things Disney this is one attraction that is pretty close to torture for me. It just always seems so hot and a long time on your (sore) feet. Yes, Im starting to whine like the kids, I'm entitled to my turn.
Before heading over DH ran to Buzz to get FPs for later and then DM & DN decided to skip TSI and went shopping.
We had planned to meet at Buzz at 11:30 since that was our FP time. So by the time we got a raft and made it over to TSI we didnt have much time. While there DM called us and said they were running late too. We didnt want lunch to be too late since we had a big dinner coming up at 5:00, so changed our plan and decided to meet at Caseys Corner at 11:45.
Our stay at TSI was brief. The kids spent some time in the forts they like to "shoot" the guns at the trains on Thunder Mt. We got them out of there by promising a longer visit in December (when its cooler, LOL).
About 11:45 we all met at Caseys and had a nice lunch there. We were lucky enough to get 2 tables inside as the ducks were out in full force near the outside tables.
We then made it to Buzz before our 12:30 ending time on our FPs. We also rode TTA one more time as that seems to be the routine, Buzz, then TTA. Wait times here amazed me. 12:30-1:00 on a Friday afternoon there were 5 minutes waits for Stitch, Buzz & Space. TTA was a walk on as it usually is.
We now head to Toontown to take a ride to Main St on the train, when the wind whipped up and the rain came pouring! I heard a CM joke this is Ernesto, 2 days late. It was really worse than anything we experienced with Ernesto.
So we pulled out the ponchos and hopped on the train when it arrived. While riding there were a few times when the rain would pour in the side of the train, but that was ok. We were hot so the rain felt good.
We made it to the Main St station and took a moment to regroup. We took a bathroom break and tried to wait it out for the rain to let up a bit. When it did we ran to the Emporium for some souvenir shopping.
By the time we were done there it had cleared up and we headed back to PC. There we needed to stop at the gift shop for a couple more souvenirs.
We then returned to our rooms and got ready for our evening. By 4:15 we headed out to MGM for our Fantasmic Dinner package dinner at Mama Melrose at 5:00.
We finished dinner about 6:20 and then DH, Colt, and myself went on Star Tours 1 more time before we all headed to the 7:00 showing of Indiana Jones. We did get to see this after all.
We needed to be at Fantasmic by 8:00 for the 8:30 show. The last time we had done this we arrived about 35 minutes in advance and almost didnt get seats. I wanted to make sure we got there well before the ½ hour mark this time. So we sort of ran out of Indiana Jones the second it ended. We also wanted to stop at the Tune In Lounge to get some Dads Electric Lemonades to go (for the adults of course) on our way.
We did so and then arrived at Fantasmic about 7:50. When we got to the stadium I was shocked there were PLENTY of seats. We got second row! We could have walked in at 8:20 and still gotten seats in the reserved section. I guess that is the difference between doing this in July and the end of August the crowd level. Or it could have just been the luck of the night.
After Fantasmic, DM took the kids back to the room while DH and I walked to the Boardwalk to spend some time at one of our favorite places, Jellyrolls.
While here and having a good time we decided our 10:00AM estimated time of departure, could be moved a bit later.
We were having so much fun we hated to leave
and end vacation. Finally about 12:30 we decided to pay our tab and head out. When we got outside we found it was now raining. We walked along the BW and cut through the lobby to the front of the hotel. Here we got a cab and were back at PC in 5 minutes (I noticed the time in the cab while we were in it, 12:40-12:45). Now we were tired, sad that vacation was over, and it was raining. We tried getting in our room and we could not. It seems DS put on the bolt lock and of course everyone was asleep in DMs room (connecting rooms).
We tried calling DMs cell phone but she didnt hear it. We hated to knock on the door and possibly wake everyone up, but we had to get in. Luckily we only woke DM and she let us in. We then crashed as we knew the morning was coming all too fast. Saturday Sept 2
We woke this morning to Cam knocking on our door about 7:00. UGH! Sure, the kids are finally up early on their own this morning.
We then got ready and started packing up the room some. Once we were all ready we went to the Food Court for breakfast. Here we also picked up all our left over snacks and counter service items to take for the ride.
After breakfast we returned to the room. DH started loading up the car while I finished the packing. By 10:45 we were on the road not too bad considering we thought it would be around 11:00. We made good time, dropped DN off at her house by 9:45 am, exactly 23 hours later and we were home by 10:00.
Overall we had a wonderful time. The weather was great despite a few bumps in the road, the crowds were nonexistent and the Disney Magic was plentiful. I always highly recommend this week as a great week to visit WDW.
Im now counting down....12 & 14 weeks until my next trips!
