mikki.young
Knows Dreams do come true!
- Joined
- Aug 11, 2000
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Figaro's bunch of meets trip - *** UPDATED 15 November ****
- Thread starter mikki.young
- Start date
Beth__WDW23/6/02
<font color=deeppink>you can never mock anything u
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Fab photo
wilma-bride
<<This space intentionally blank>>
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Great photo Mikki 
mikki.young
Knows Dreams do come true!
- Joined
- Aug 11, 2000
- Messages
- 3,187
Sunday 30th September
We are off on our trip to Walt Disney World, which will include the Intercot 10th Birthday meet(this is the real reason we are going to WDW at all). We is my two humans, Mikki (dlpmikki) and Andrew and two toy cats (both Figaro: Floppy cat, who Mikki likes because he is big and soft, and me, the original Figaro). We should have had a third cat, my stunt kitten Travelling Beanie Figaro. We discover in a few days that he has been left behind. I dont know how I will explain this to him when we get back. I also dont know how we will take the tricky Wheres Figaro pictures. Am I going to have to do my own stunts?!
We set off about noon and get to Gatwick in less than 4 hours including a stop to eat and rest. We leave the car with the valet parking service. It was very easy and not much more expensive than the normal car park (although we have done better deals with parking in the past when booking early).
We are staying tonight at the Gatwick Hilton. We have a good deal because my humans shop at Tesco. I relax in the hotel while they check in the luggage at Virgin Atlantics Twilight Check-in That goes smoothly. They also bring back sandwiches and drinks from Marks and Spencer Simply Food. The store is located next to the Arrivals gate but it is useful for us too. Cheaper than any alternative and better quality than anything else in the terminal.
Monday 1st October
Andrew and Mikki have breakfast at the Hilton it was included in their room rate and we set off to the terminal. Mikki sees a long line crossing the Virgin check-in area and is glad we did ours last night. She sees another long line for security and is glad the check-in agent told us we could use an express line because we are flying premium economy.
Ah but the express security line is suspended at the moment and you guessed it that line across the Virgin check-in hall is just part of the regular line for security. Mikki is even more relieved that we never leave things to the last minute.
Boarding is a little delayed and we settle into our seats on the upper deck. The overhead locker space here is very limited but they have plenty of cupboard space for the bags. The trick is to separate out the things you know you want before boarding (like books, noise-cancelling headphones and toy cat). Departure was delayed about an hour.
It was our first trip through Orlando International Airport since you are able to take checked bags on the shuttle. The careful segregation of outgoing and incoming passengers causes minimal delay boarding the shuttle but we guess also explains why we no longer have a security check after clearing customs.
We collect our car from the airport. Mikki skips the line by using the electronic booking machine. This works well. We are on our way to WDW and Animal Kingdom Lodge. Check-in there is smooth (no warning of what is to come) and we find our way to our one bedroom vacation home at the far end of the 5th floor corridor. There are even giraffe outside the window.
The humans are tired by now (and the heavy rain finishes any thought they had for going for an evening hour or so in Epcot) so get a quick meal in The Mara (and are pleased to be given a new DVC discount).
We are off on our trip to Walt Disney World, which will include the Intercot 10th Birthday meet(this is the real reason we are going to WDW at all). We is my two humans, Mikki (dlpmikki) and Andrew and two toy cats (both Figaro: Floppy cat, who Mikki likes because he is big and soft, and me, the original Figaro). We should have had a third cat, my stunt kitten Travelling Beanie Figaro. We discover in a few days that he has been left behind. I dont know how I will explain this to him when we get back. I also dont know how we will take the tricky Wheres Figaro pictures. Am I going to have to do my own stunts?!
We set off about noon and get to Gatwick in less than 4 hours including a stop to eat and rest. We leave the car with the valet parking service. It was very easy and not much more expensive than the normal car park (although we have done better deals with parking in the past when booking early).
We are staying tonight at the Gatwick Hilton. We have a good deal because my humans shop at Tesco. I relax in the hotel while they check in the luggage at Virgin Atlantics Twilight Check-in That goes smoothly. They also bring back sandwiches and drinks from Marks and Spencer Simply Food. The store is located next to the Arrivals gate but it is useful for us too. Cheaper than any alternative and better quality than anything else in the terminal.
Monday 1st October
Andrew and Mikki have breakfast at the Hilton it was included in their room rate and we set off to the terminal. Mikki sees a long line crossing the Virgin check-in area and is glad we did ours last night. She sees another long line for security and is glad the check-in agent told us we could use an express line because we are flying premium economy.
Ah but the express security line is suspended at the moment and you guessed it that line across the Virgin check-in hall is just part of the regular line for security. Mikki is even more relieved that we never leave things to the last minute.
Boarding is a little delayed and we settle into our seats on the upper deck. The overhead locker space here is very limited but they have plenty of cupboard space for the bags. The trick is to separate out the things you know you want before boarding (like books, noise-cancelling headphones and toy cat). Departure was delayed about an hour.
It was our first trip through Orlando International Airport since you are able to take checked bags on the shuttle. The careful segregation of outgoing and incoming passengers causes minimal delay boarding the shuttle but we guess also explains why we no longer have a security check after clearing customs.
We collect our car from the airport. Mikki skips the line by using the electronic booking machine. This works well. We are on our way to WDW and Animal Kingdom Lodge. Check-in there is smooth (no warning of what is to come) and we find our way to our one bedroom vacation home at the far end of the 5th floor corridor. There are even giraffe outside the window.
The humans are tired by now (and the heavy rain finishes any thought they had for going for an evening hour or so in Epcot) so get a quick meal in The Mara (and are pleased to be given a new DVC discount).
mikki.young
Knows Dreams do come true!
- Joined
- Aug 11, 2000
- Messages
- 3,187
Tuesday 2nd October
The day started with a delicious breakfast at Boma. The humans enjoyed the succulent roast ham and many of the dishes offered but could not try everything. They did not need to eat for the rest of the day after they finished!
Next we wait in the room for Maintenance to come and fix the television in the living room. We cant turn it on. We mainly need it for the weather forecast in the morning. The maintenance man is philosophical. He has done this job before. The tv is a wall mounted flat panel and the power cable falls out easily. Once fixed the tv will not turn off only go to stand by. But this is only of concern to those who make a big thing about the environment, global warming and conservation. Such as, er, . . . .
They went shopping without me to start with to get a celphone for Mikki to use in the US and some basics for the room. When they got back they thought it was time to visit a park and headed for Epcot. It was so nice to see Spaceship Earth in its pristine glory!
By the evening, Mikki is starting to miss the Internet so tries to connect the Ethernet cable supplied by Disney. There is no result and after trying all she can Mikki calls the help line. Someone will be along in a few minutes. An hour later she rings again. The engineer has several calls to make and if he cant get to us by 8.30pm he will come tomorrow. The time now is 8.25. Nothing more tonight.
Wednesday 3rd October
Mikki tries the IT Help Line and is told the engineer was not actually tasked with our job yesterday. Well, Disney isnt the only place where Help Desk is just jargon and in no way a description of what happens. The engineer will call today sometime. Fortunately, we do not need to be here. We set out for the Studios.
Mikki has discovered Disneys current trick to encourage you to buy trading pins. For every $30 you spend on other pins, you can buy one special pin at $1. Naturally, there are different versions of the special pin for each park and Downtown Disney. I hate to tell you how many of the special pins Mikki got from Epcot yesterday but she added a similar number of the Studios ones today. We wander round the park including a trip to the Moon of Endor (where we were given dream fast passes for the studios) before moving on to the Marketplace. Could it be Mikki will soon have some of their special pins?
At the Marketplace, the humans wander round the shops and eat at the Earl of Sandwich. What was that the guy at the counter said? He couldnt understand Mikkis accent! What was the name on the door of this place? Jolly bad show chaps.
We return to Animal Kingdom Lodge. Someone has been in the room but the Internet connection still does not work. The Help Desk says the engineer has not been but this turns out to mean the job has not been reported done. We soon get another call from the engineer asking if he can come back with a colleague.
I lie quietly on the bed for the next few hours while the two engineers work on the problem. One is from Disney and the other from the IT provider. The man from the IT provider can get his PC to work so pronounces the fault in our PC. Fortunately, the man from Disney can not get his to work and Mikki declares majority rules. They discover some sort of fault on the line but declare it to be a documentation error only. Having run out of ideas they leave suggesting Mikki try the Help Line again. She does.
I lie on the bed listening to Mikkis side of the conversation. I dont know whether they did that. They didnt mention it. They just told me to ring you. That (why did they leave without finishing the job) is a good question. We are not surprised to get another call from the engineers a few minutes later asking if they can come back.
The man from the IT contractor is still trying to tell Mikki the fault is in her PC because he can get his to work but that record is getting a bit worn and even the Disney guy looks like his patience is running out. He opens up a second socket in the living room. He explains the unit was once two rooms so there were two sockets. He discovers his PC works in this socket and so does Mikkis. Well, it works until you accept all the terms and conditions but then locks you out because the server has been told there is no longer a room to charge on this socket. Mikki and the Disney guy work out a temporary solution is to use the wire and socket in the living room and for him to change things in the switch room downstairs so the server thinks that is the socket in the bedroom. It works and we have only spent one afternoon sorting it. It wouldnt have been so bad if a few animals had come and stood outside our savannah view window. As it is, the only wildlife you see on the balcony is the hundreds of love bugs.
This evening the humans are booked into Jiko. They shower and change quickly in the half hour left after the IT people leave. It is a couple of years since they have been but the food, service and overall atmosphere all remain delightful. Even the price doesnt seem too bad either but that may have something to do with the £/$ exchange rate at the moment.
The day started with a delicious breakfast at Boma. The humans enjoyed the succulent roast ham and many of the dishes offered but could not try everything. They did not need to eat for the rest of the day after they finished!
Next we wait in the room for Maintenance to come and fix the television in the living room. We cant turn it on. We mainly need it for the weather forecast in the morning. The maintenance man is philosophical. He has done this job before. The tv is a wall mounted flat panel and the power cable falls out easily. Once fixed the tv will not turn off only go to stand by. But this is only of concern to those who make a big thing about the environment, global warming and conservation. Such as, er, . . . .
They went shopping without me to start with to get a celphone for Mikki to use in the US and some basics for the room. When they got back they thought it was time to visit a park and headed for Epcot. It was so nice to see Spaceship Earth in its pristine glory!
By the evening, Mikki is starting to miss the Internet so tries to connect the Ethernet cable supplied by Disney. There is no result and after trying all she can Mikki calls the help line. Someone will be along in a few minutes. An hour later she rings again. The engineer has several calls to make and if he cant get to us by 8.30pm he will come tomorrow. The time now is 8.25. Nothing more tonight.
Wednesday 3rd October
Mikki tries the IT Help Line and is told the engineer was not actually tasked with our job yesterday. Well, Disney isnt the only place where Help Desk is just jargon and in no way a description of what happens. The engineer will call today sometime. Fortunately, we do not need to be here. We set out for the Studios.
Mikki has discovered Disneys current trick to encourage you to buy trading pins. For every $30 you spend on other pins, you can buy one special pin at $1. Naturally, there are different versions of the special pin for each park and Downtown Disney. I hate to tell you how many of the special pins Mikki got from Epcot yesterday but she added a similar number of the Studios ones today. We wander round the park including a trip to the Moon of Endor (where we were given dream fast passes for the studios) before moving on to the Marketplace. Could it be Mikki will soon have some of their special pins?
At the Marketplace, the humans wander round the shops and eat at the Earl of Sandwich. What was that the guy at the counter said? He couldnt understand Mikkis accent! What was the name on the door of this place? Jolly bad show chaps.
We return to Animal Kingdom Lodge. Someone has been in the room but the Internet connection still does not work. The Help Desk says the engineer has not been but this turns out to mean the job has not been reported done. We soon get another call from the engineer asking if he can come back with a colleague.
I lie quietly on the bed for the next few hours while the two engineers work on the problem. One is from Disney and the other from the IT provider. The man from the IT provider can get his PC to work so pronounces the fault in our PC. Fortunately, the man from Disney can not get his to work and Mikki declares majority rules. They discover some sort of fault on the line but declare it to be a documentation error only. Having run out of ideas they leave suggesting Mikki try the Help Line again. She does.
I lie on the bed listening to Mikkis side of the conversation. I dont know whether they did that. They didnt mention it. They just told me to ring you. That (why did they leave without finishing the job) is a good question. We are not surprised to get another call from the engineers a few minutes later asking if they can come back.
The man from the IT contractor is still trying to tell Mikki the fault is in her PC because he can get his to work but that record is getting a bit worn and even the Disney guy looks like his patience is running out. He opens up a second socket in the living room. He explains the unit was once two rooms so there were two sockets. He discovers his PC works in this socket and so does Mikkis. Well, it works until you accept all the terms and conditions but then locks you out because the server has been told there is no longer a room to charge on this socket. Mikki and the Disney guy work out a temporary solution is to use the wire and socket in the living room and for him to change things in the switch room downstairs so the server thinks that is the socket in the bedroom. It works and we have only spent one afternoon sorting it. It wouldnt have been so bad if a few animals had come and stood outside our savannah view window. As it is, the only wildlife you see on the balcony is the hundreds of love bugs.
This evening the humans are booked into Jiko. They shower and change quickly in the half hour left after the IT people leave. It is a couple of years since they have been but the food, service and overall atmosphere all remain delightful. Even the price doesnt seem too bad either but that may have something to do with the £/$ exchange rate at the moment.
mikki.young
Knows Dreams do come true!
- Joined
- Aug 11, 2000
- Messages
- 3,187
Thursday 4th October
Now she has the internet connected, Mikki starts the day with a session on her PC including setting up her new cellphone. Then she goes to meet friends who want her to ride “Tower of Terror while Andrew takes me round the Lodge taking pictures.
It is jolly hot and humid outside.
Mikki comes back from her “Meet” and reports she managed Tower of Terror once but declined the second trip and just took pictures.
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/dlpmikki/1920390175/" title="Photo Sharing"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2395/1920390175_47d6bd571e.jpg" width="500" height="357" alt="Big Drop Meet" /></a>
We then get the bus to the Magic Kingdom and arrive in time for lunch at Columbia Harbour House.
After lunch, we visit the Haunted Mansion where we are delighted to find a line only 10 minutes long. We are also delighted with the improvements inside. Mikki is specially impressed with the improved sound systems and the new room with lots of staircases above you that look like they move. Mikki thinks it reminds her of something but I am sure it is another Imagineering original and nothing to do with anything copyrighted by a woman who could make even Disney executives feel poor.
After the Haunted Mansion, we walk along the Frontierland shops and Mikki ponders on the big disappointment of this trip: Big Thunder Mountain Railroad is down for the duration.
At this point it begins raining and the humans make their way through shops and restaurants to get all the way to Pirates of the Caribbean under cover. It is a nice short wait on Pirates and the usual fun ride (I decide to stay in my carriage and not risk getting wet). We then make our way to Adventureland and decide to see what the line is like for Jungle Cruise. 5 minutes! As we progress through the line we spot a picture opportunity for me so after the ride come back and take it. The jokes are as bad as ever, if a little bit different from what the humans remembered last trip. The main distraction was that we were last on the boat (mainly because of people boarding at the back rushing to grab seats at the front) so had to sit on the wet steps where there is no covering awning. I’m glad I was still in my carriage.
The rain was coming back at this point so the humans headed for Main Street and got in Casey’s back entrance just in time. What a great excuse to look round the shops but no new Figaros to see this time.
Time for an afternoon nap at the hotel (purrrrr) and then Mickey tried out the pool as it was one you couldn’t pool hop to with DVC. Not very exciting was her conclusion. Cats don’t like any water! That evening we packed up the bags and the humans had another snack from the Mara.
Now she has the internet connected, Mikki starts the day with a session on her PC including setting up her new cellphone. Then she goes to meet friends who want her to ride “Tower of Terror while Andrew takes me round the Lodge taking pictures.
It is jolly hot and humid outside.
Mikki comes back from her “Meet” and reports she managed Tower of Terror once but declined the second trip and just took pictures.
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/dlpmikki/1920390175/" title="Photo Sharing"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2395/1920390175_47d6bd571e.jpg" width="500" height="357" alt="Big Drop Meet" /></a>We then get the bus to the Magic Kingdom and arrive in time for lunch at Columbia Harbour House.
After lunch, we visit the Haunted Mansion where we are delighted to find a line only 10 minutes long. We are also delighted with the improvements inside. Mikki is specially impressed with the improved sound systems and the new room with lots of staircases above you that look like they move. Mikki thinks it reminds her of something but I am sure it is another Imagineering original and nothing to do with anything copyrighted by a woman who could make even Disney executives feel poor.
After the Haunted Mansion, we walk along the Frontierland shops and Mikki ponders on the big disappointment of this trip: Big Thunder Mountain Railroad is down for the duration.
At this point it begins raining and the humans make their way through shops and restaurants to get all the way to Pirates of the Caribbean under cover. It is a nice short wait on Pirates and the usual fun ride (I decide to stay in my carriage and not risk getting wet). We then make our way to Adventureland and decide to see what the line is like for Jungle Cruise. 5 minutes! As we progress through the line we spot a picture opportunity for me so after the ride come back and take it. The jokes are as bad as ever, if a little bit different from what the humans remembered last trip. The main distraction was that we were last on the boat (mainly because of people boarding at the back rushing to grab seats at the front) so had to sit on the wet steps where there is no covering awning. I’m glad I was still in my carriage.
The rain was coming back at this point so the humans headed for Main Street and got in Casey’s back entrance just in time. What a great excuse to look round the shops but no new Figaros to see this time.
Time for an afternoon nap at the hotel (purrrrr) and then Mickey tried out the pool as it was one you couldn’t pool hop to with DVC. Not very exciting was her conclusion. Cats don’t like any water! That evening we packed up the bags and the humans had another snack from the Mara.
arieljasmine
<font color=magenta>Who says these things pass you
- Joined
- Apr 12, 2004
- Messages
- 6,098
Great start - apart from all the technical difficulties! Look forward to reading more.
Laur's
Laur's
natalielongstaff
<font color=deeppink>I need a cup of tea and a big
- Joined
- Apr 7, 2004
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- 80,430
great start mara sounds lovely
mara sounds lovely
florida sun
Mrs Christopher Eccleston wannabe!
- Joined
- May 2, 2004
- Messages
- 17,635
Great start, looking forward to more
mikki.young
Knows Dreams do come true!
- Joined
- Aug 11, 2000
- Messages
- 3,187
Friday 5th October
Today was not a good day for my humans. It starts with a (by now) familiar tale of the being told one thing by one person and another by another and ends with well, as I write on Tuesday it has not ended yet.
First thing: the express checkout has not worked and Mikki is asked to contact someone on the phone. She says the credit card company wanted to speak to the cardholder and since the cardholder was not about - refused payment. Can I speak to them now? asks Mikki. No. Give us a different card. I would rather not, the one you have is on a dollar account and I dont want to pay currency charges at the rate Visa gives. Can I come to the desk, let you put it through again and then speak to the company if they want me? Oh. Yes, I suppose so.
But down at the desk, it is a different story. The clerk, Chet, refuses to contact the card company or do anything. He insists Mikki must telephone the company (in England). He says he expects she is over her limit (quite offensive to put it mildly). Mikki comes back and dials our bank in England (Citibank). Fortunately, we have a calling card so do not have to pay Disneys outrageous international call charges ($10 a minute) but it is still a cost in time and money. Eventually, she gets past the succession of, for something you dont want please press 1; . . . and speaks to another human. There is plenty of money in the account but there is a record of a false PIN number having been entered. This is fascinating as the card does not use PIN numbers in the USA and nobody has asked us for one.
Now its both humans off to Reception. Chet swipes both Mikkis and Andrews cards and gets refusals. He rings the card company and is told they will not speak to us or give a reason for the refusal. After some time, a manager agrees they will mail a bill to us for settlement by cheque (no, itll be a $US one so itll be a check). Mikki rings England again. The automated system seems to show a reduction in available funds of about the amount of the Disney bill but the system cuts her off before she gets through to the human being again.
We all set off to a Zag n meet at Epcot. With all the frustration at Animal Kingdom Lodge, we are a little late but they have not yet left the meeting place. The humans start to eat (and for some, drink) their way round the world. As we reach The American Adventure, everyone discovers a strong need to go inside and listen to the Voices of Liberty (who are excellent). I do like the way Americans show their national pride like this. I think it was quite mean of my British humans to think the thunderstorm had anything to do with it.
We left the party as they went on round World Showcase as it was time for us to check into our next resort: Marriotts Sabal Palms. We are staying for a week in one of their two bdroom villas.
Sabal Palms is on the property of Marriott;s World Center Hotel. The first things we notice is the heavy traffic for the hotel (or for a convention that is in today) and the winding route past the parking garage. We think this is temporary during building works on extended convention facilities.
Like other Marriott resorts we have used, the accommodation is spacious and well equipped but the finishes are not quite to Disney standards. Sabal Palms is all two storey buildings with lovely views of a golf course. We are in a second storey villa. Each of these has its own staircase (so no elevators). Another notable feature for anyone used to Disney is that the (large) balcony is screened. As our native Orlandian friend once said, This is Florida. We have bugs.
Oh, another difference from Disney is that there is free wireless Internet (and it works, although you have to beware the pop-ups we suspect come from a local hacker). Mikki sends her first e-mail to her Citibank manager in London to try to get him to sort the card issues out.
My humans have hardly eaten today so they go to the Outback Steakhouse in time to catch happy hour. While eating round the world, they came to a stall claiming to be Australia and selling shrimp on the barbie. None of our group who tried it were impressed. The shrimp was steamed or microwaved, the vegetables were cold and the whole thing was tasteless. So, Mikki could not resist getting the real thing as her appetiser at Outback. She followed with a chicken griller while Andrew had a steak. Yum, yum.
Saturday 6th October
The humans drive up International Drive to see what has happened at the Prime (formerly Belz) outlets and in particular to check out the Rockport shoe outlet. This has been a source of their shoes for many years now. The new mall is open now although building work continues on a second phase. The Disney Character Warehouse is there: the new store is next to the food court. It opened six weeks ago and even some of the staff admit they are not sure where everything is.
Andrew and Mikki eat lunch at the food court. Its a pretty standard food court but they remember thats a big step forward on the old Belz.
The Rockport and Reebok store is temporarily located in the Designer Outlet Mall and Mikki and Andrew each find a pair of shoes they want.
In the evening, we are watching Fantasmic with Tour Guide Mike and users of his boards. We have a special viewing area and assemble in the courtyard of Rock and Roller Coaster. One guy looks slightly familiar and is introduced as Tour Guide Mike himself it was the photo from the website that he had looked like! I have my picture with him.
It seems the location for getting guests together has changed since he last did this so when what we thought was the due time had passed he went and checked the other location. We were in the right place but there had been confusion over the timing. When we were taken backstage to our patio it was a nice location to watch Fantasmic from and the seats were a lot more comfortable. Eating fruit and little cakes is also a super way to pass the half hour before the show. Just as well I got into my carriage though: the breeze was enough to carry spray back as far as us.
Today was not a good day for my humans. It starts with a (by now) familiar tale of the being told one thing by one person and another by another and ends with well, as I write on Tuesday it has not ended yet.
First thing: the express checkout has not worked and Mikki is asked to contact someone on the phone. She says the credit card company wanted to speak to the cardholder and since the cardholder was not about - refused payment. Can I speak to them now? asks Mikki. No. Give us a different card. I would rather not, the one you have is on a dollar account and I dont want to pay currency charges at the rate Visa gives. Can I come to the desk, let you put it through again and then speak to the company if they want me? Oh. Yes, I suppose so.
But down at the desk, it is a different story. The clerk, Chet, refuses to contact the card company or do anything. He insists Mikki must telephone the company (in England). He says he expects she is over her limit (quite offensive to put it mildly). Mikki comes back and dials our bank in England (Citibank). Fortunately, we have a calling card so do not have to pay Disneys outrageous international call charges ($10 a minute) but it is still a cost in time and money. Eventually, she gets past the succession of, for something you dont want please press 1; . . . and speaks to another human. There is plenty of money in the account but there is a record of a false PIN number having been entered. This is fascinating as the card does not use PIN numbers in the USA and nobody has asked us for one.
Now its both humans off to Reception. Chet swipes both Mikkis and Andrews cards and gets refusals. He rings the card company and is told they will not speak to us or give a reason for the refusal. After some time, a manager agrees they will mail a bill to us for settlement by cheque (no, itll be a $US one so itll be a check). Mikki rings England again. The automated system seems to show a reduction in available funds of about the amount of the Disney bill but the system cuts her off before she gets through to the human being again.
We all set off to a Zag n meet at Epcot. With all the frustration at Animal Kingdom Lodge, we are a little late but they have not yet left the meeting place. The humans start to eat (and for some, drink) their way round the world. As we reach The American Adventure, everyone discovers a strong need to go inside and listen to the Voices of Liberty (who are excellent). I do like the way Americans show their national pride like this. I think it was quite mean of my British humans to think the thunderstorm had anything to do with it.
We left the party as they went on round World Showcase as it was time for us to check into our next resort: Marriotts Sabal Palms. We are staying for a week in one of their two bdroom villas.
Sabal Palms is on the property of Marriott;s World Center Hotel. The first things we notice is the heavy traffic for the hotel (or for a convention that is in today) and the winding route past the parking garage. We think this is temporary during building works on extended convention facilities.
Like other Marriott resorts we have used, the accommodation is spacious and well equipped but the finishes are not quite to Disney standards. Sabal Palms is all two storey buildings with lovely views of a golf course. We are in a second storey villa. Each of these has its own staircase (so no elevators). Another notable feature for anyone used to Disney is that the (large) balcony is screened. As our native Orlandian friend once said, This is Florida. We have bugs.
Oh, another difference from Disney is that there is free wireless Internet (and it works, although you have to beware the pop-ups we suspect come from a local hacker). Mikki sends her first e-mail to her Citibank manager in London to try to get him to sort the card issues out.
My humans have hardly eaten today so they go to the Outback Steakhouse in time to catch happy hour. While eating round the world, they came to a stall claiming to be Australia and selling shrimp on the barbie. None of our group who tried it were impressed. The shrimp was steamed or microwaved, the vegetables were cold and the whole thing was tasteless. So, Mikki could not resist getting the real thing as her appetiser at Outback. She followed with a chicken griller while Andrew had a steak. Yum, yum.
Saturday 6th October
The humans drive up International Drive to see what has happened at the Prime (formerly Belz) outlets and in particular to check out the Rockport shoe outlet. This has been a source of their shoes for many years now. The new mall is open now although building work continues on a second phase. The Disney Character Warehouse is there: the new store is next to the food court. It opened six weeks ago and even some of the staff admit they are not sure where everything is.
Andrew and Mikki eat lunch at the food court. Its a pretty standard food court but they remember thats a big step forward on the old Belz.
The Rockport and Reebok store is temporarily located in the Designer Outlet Mall and Mikki and Andrew each find a pair of shoes they want.
In the evening, we are watching Fantasmic with Tour Guide Mike and users of his boards. We have a special viewing area and assemble in the courtyard of Rock and Roller Coaster. One guy looks slightly familiar and is introduced as Tour Guide Mike himself it was the photo from the website that he had looked like! I have my picture with him.
It seems the location for getting guests together has changed since he last did this so when what we thought was the due time had passed he went and checked the other location. We were in the right place but there had been confusion over the timing. When we were taken backstage to our patio it was a nice location to watch Fantasmic from and the seats were a lot more comfortable. Eating fruit and little cakes is also a super way to pass the half hour before the show. Just as well I got into my carriage though: the breeze was enough to carry spray back as far as us.
mikki.young
Knows Dreams do come true!
- Joined
- Aug 11, 2000
- Messages
- 3,187
Sunday 7th October
After the long evening at Fantasmic the humans had a quiet start today before heading in to Epcot at lunchtime. They went to explore the new Festival Centre in Wonders of Life (pity the rides could not have been open too!). Then it was time for the new Mexico ride. This adds the Three Caballeros to the old backgrounds and was quite good. The action was quite fast so Andrew could not follow it – but then he couldn’t see much of the old pictures anyway. It is worth another visit on another day. We also checked out the restaurant menu and thought it was worth another visit too.
Mikki then wanted to check some answers on World Showcase for the Intercot trivia quiz (no I am not going to tell you what or where – more than my fur is worth!). They then met up with a group of the TGM people for dinner at Le Cellier. Andrew was the rose amongst the thorns (who’s writing this for me?).
After dinner Mikki gave some of them a lift to Downtown Disney before she and Andrew headed home.
Monday 8th October
Today we have a Princess Breakfast in Norway. We get to Epcot around opening and decide to do Test Track while there is virtually no line. We ended up with just 3 of us in our car so we swiped our photopass card and hopefully have the picture. <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/dlpmikki/1920394131/" title="Photo Sharing"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2418/1920394131_2ffdcc3976_b.jpg" width="1024" height="731" alt="Test Track" /></a>
Then we went to (what is now) the Epcot Character Spot - which is far more popular since they moved things round so people can see the characters from outside. We were greeted like long lost friends by one CM who remembered us (well, one of us at least) coming when it was quieter.
There are fun backgrounds now and I am sure it is better that more people go to see the characters (Disney characters do like humans to make a fus of us). I had pictures with Mickey, Pluto (who let me sit on his head), Minnie, Chip and Dale and Goofy. Still, the quiet times were nice when we used to have Mickey wave us in when we looked in the window. The bus was great too because there were more characters. There was Pinocchio and Gepetto and they even had the cricket insect once.
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/dlpmikki/1920395227/" title="Photo Sharing"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2013/1920395227_49975cf1c6.jpg" width="357" height="500" alt="Pluto" /></a>
We had a good time (I had lots of pictures taken and a special cuddle from Minnie) but needed to head to Norway. Just as we got there the heavens opened (we hit that 20% chance of rain). Unfortunately the line for check-in and to see Belle was not undercover. Mikki braved the line for Belle for about 10 minutes without it moving but decided to give up when she was getting completely soaked. It wouldn’t have been quite so bad if someone had been willing to think outside the box enough to ask people to move up to fill spaces Mikki could see that were undercover.
Inside we were shown to a table. Mikki was puzzled – she could not see any princesses anywhere. Surely Belle was not the only one?
Meanwhile, our server offered coffee and juices. Mikki and Andrew both took orange juice and coffee. Ok, they were not at their best by now but they didn’t like either. The juice was probably about normal for what Disney serves these days but nothing like the glories of Florida orange juice as used to be common and as we still get from Publix to have in our room. The coffee tasted like it had been brewed far too long.
Breakfast comprised a cold buffet and a hot plate the server brought. The hot plate included scrambled egg, sausages, potatoes and bacon that was so good Mikki asked for more (which arrived after the bill).
Eventually, Jasmine, Aurora and Mulan appeared and worked the room. Mikki was intrigued by their route round the room – that seemed to avoid our table. They finally arrived almost on top of one another right at the end. Mulan managed a little conversation with me but the others were more offhand.
Mikki commented later that sometimes the characters at breakfasts treat you like don’t belong if you don’t have kids. We never did get to meet Belle.
Incidentally, if our server is reading and wondering why her gratuity was so small, it was not really the juice, the coffee or the bacon. It was because nobody could be bothered to think of simple things they could have done to avoid guests standing in the rain.
By the time we left, the rain had stopped and the day was sunny and dry. We walked round World Showcase to get some pictures for me and let Mikki check a few questions she had not checked already. We got back to Future World and I had pictures with Figment before we rode his ride.
After we left Epcot, we drove to the Marketplace and then to Crossroads. Mitzi’s Hallmark is one of the few shops that has been at Crossroads as long as we have visited. They always have interesting Disney things and today we saw some little statues of Mickey (based on the 75th birthday statues) and some little figures of Tinker Bell.
After the long evening at Fantasmic the humans had a quiet start today before heading in to Epcot at lunchtime. They went to explore the new Festival Centre in Wonders of Life (pity the rides could not have been open too!). Then it was time for the new Mexico ride. This adds the Three Caballeros to the old backgrounds and was quite good. The action was quite fast so Andrew could not follow it – but then he couldn’t see much of the old pictures anyway. It is worth another visit on another day. We also checked out the restaurant menu and thought it was worth another visit too.
Mikki then wanted to check some answers on World Showcase for the Intercot trivia quiz (no I am not going to tell you what or where – more than my fur is worth!). They then met up with a group of the TGM people for dinner at Le Cellier. Andrew was the rose amongst the thorns (who’s writing this for me?).
After dinner Mikki gave some of them a lift to Downtown Disney before she and Andrew headed home.
Monday 8th October
Today we have a Princess Breakfast in Norway. We get to Epcot around opening and decide to do Test Track while there is virtually no line. We ended up with just 3 of us in our car so we swiped our photopass card and hopefully have the picture. <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/dlpmikki/1920394131/" title="Photo Sharing"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2418/1920394131_2ffdcc3976_b.jpg" width="1024" height="731" alt="Test Track" /></a>
Then we went to (what is now) the Epcot Character Spot - which is far more popular since they moved things round so people can see the characters from outside. We were greeted like long lost friends by one CM who remembered us (well, one of us at least) coming when it was quieter.
There are fun backgrounds now and I am sure it is better that more people go to see the characters (Disney characters do like humans to make a fus of us). I had pictures with Mickey, Pluto (who let me sit on his head), Minnie, Chip and Dale and Goofy. Still, the quiet times were nice when we used to have Mickey wave us in when we looked in the window. The bus was great too because there were more characters. There was Pinocchio and Gepetto and they even had the cricket insect once.
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/dlpmikki/1920395227/" title="Photo Sharing"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2013/1920395227_49975cf1c6.jpg" width="357" height="500" alt="Pluto" /></a>We had a good time (I had lots of pictures taken and a special cuddle from Minnie) but needed to head to Norway. Just as we got there the heavens opened (we hit that 20% chance of rain). Unfortunately the line for check-in and to see Belle was not undercover. Mikki braved the line for Belle for about 10 minutes without it moving but decided to give up when she was getting completely soaked. It wouldn’t have been quite so bad if someone had been willing to think outside the box enough to ask people to move up to fill spaces Mikki could see that were undercover.
Inside we were shown to a table. Mikki was puzzled – she could not see any princesses anywhere. Surely Belle was not the only one?
Meanwhile, our server offered coffee and juices. Mikki and Andrew both took orange juice and coffee. Ok, they were not at their best by now but they didn’t like either. The juice was probably about normal for what Disney serves these days but nothing like the glories of Florida orange juice as used to be common and as we still get from Publix to have in our room. The coffee tasted like it had been brewed far too long.
Breakfast comprised a cold buffet and a hot plate the server brought. The hot plate included scrambled egg, sausages, potatoes and bacon that was so good Mikki asked for more (which arrived after the bill).
Eventually, Jasmine, Aurora and Mulan appeared and worked the room. Mikki was intrigued by their route round the room – that seemed to avoid our table. They finally arrived almost on top of one another right at the end. Mulan managed a little conversation with me but the others were more offhand.
Mikki commented later that sometimes the characters at breakfasts treat you like don’t belong if you don’t have kids. We never did get to meet Belle.
Incidentally, if our server is reading and wondering why her gratuity was so small, it was not really the juice, the coffee or the bacon. It was because nobody could be bothered to think of simple things they could have done to avoid guests standing in the rain.
By the time we left, the rain had stopped and the day was sunny and dry. We walked round World Showcase to get some pictures for me and let Mikki check a few questions she had not checked already. We got back to Future World and I had pictures with Figment before we rode his ride.
After we left Epcot, we drove to the Marketplace and then to Crossroads. Mitzi’s Hallmark is one of the few shops that has been at Crossroads as long as we have visited. They always have interesting Disney things and today we saw some little statues of Mickey (based on the 75th birthday statues) and some little figures of Tinker Bell.
mikki.young
Knows Dreams do come true!
- Joined
- Aug 11, 2000
- Messages
- 3,187
Tuesday 9th October
We have discovered the Citibank cards were also rejected here on Friday. We have given a different card to the front desk but plan to avoid actually charging anything. The e-mails with London have reached the point where the manager seems to recognise he should be doing something and has promised to contact his technical people.
Today is another non-park day so I relax in the room while the humans set off for the malls. First stop is Florida Mall where they get T-shirts from the Disney Store for about $5.00 each. They also find the Hallmark store has the little statues for less than the store at Crossroads. Mikki gets two Mickeys including her favourite, I speak for Mickey. Andrew gets one of Tinker Bell with the message, Yes, Im spoilt; and your point is? He says something about it should have been a statue of me. I dont understand. Is that what humans call a joke?
Next, its to Premium Outlets. Andrew bought some Bose headphones and they have broken. They are well out of warranty and he does not expect they can do anything but they offer an upgrade to the current model for $50. Andrew takes it as this is a much better result than he had hoped for.
Premium Outlets means another Character Outlet. Mikki stocks up on Christmas ornaments. In another store, she gets some Halloween T-shirts.
Their last stops are to re-stock with supplies at Publix and get salads from Subway for tonight.
In the evening, Mikki and Andrew decide to explore the main hotel. It is quite close: and very big. They walk further within it than to get to it. They walk round what they think is a reasonable pool before rounding another wing of rooms and coming across the main pool. Inside, the hotel is a large convention hotel: impressive in scale and price. If the people here play with toy cats they probably dont want to admit it while at their conventions.
Wednesday 10th October
This morning we are off to the Studios for some more rides and pictures.
We ride Star Tours and watch Muppet Vision 3D. Mikki then decides it is time for my picture with Mickey Mouse. Mikki has even put on a matching shirt with Mickey in sorcerer outfit for the occasion. Tragedy: the whole street is closed. We get a guide map. Sure enough, there is no alternative location for pictures with Mickey. We go the long way round to One Mans Dream. The humans eat pulled pork sandwiches at Studio Catering. Mikki notices the backlot streets are even more bare than before. The pile of newspapers has now gone. How are we supposed to take interesting pictures if Disney keeps taking away the interesting bits? I hope that when they finish the current building work some of these things, including Sorcerer Mickey will come back.
As we leave the park Mikki stops to check on our photo pass pictures only 65 so far but the Test Track one is there. We need more night shots she decides. We have one stop to make before going back to the hotel for a rest more cough sweets as Mikkis sore throat/cold seems to be getting worse.
After a nice rest we get a call from Ellen saying they have managed to get the early flight. This is great news! Mikki has been playing telephone tag with the hotel staff and tennis pros trying to arrange some tennis for Thursday morning when they supposedly have an option for 3 folks to join in a game with the pro. When Mikki finaly speaks to the Pro he says he cant remember the last time there were 3 people to play! Mikki decides to go for the one on one with the Pro option at the same time the 3 folks session would have been. With her cold she is not sure how sensible she is being but hopes the exercise might actually help!
While booking the tennis, Mikki picks up a leaflet a bout Reebok and Rockport outlets. It claims that there is a Rockport store with the Reebok outlet at the Lake Buena Vista Outlets. We are in the car without delay. The leaflet lied but at least there is another Disney outlet to look round.
We also take advantage of free internet access to check e-mail. The latest from Citibank is that an authorisation was given to AKL hotel but the account has not been debited. Citibank say the problem must be between the hotel and Visa. It is strange it was both Marriott and Disney hotels with a problem. Perhaps life was easier when humans did not expect computers to work magic and just relied on wishing on a star.
Soon it is time to go to the airport and pick up Ellen and her son, Ben. We manage to find the right way to the pick up point for Jet Blue and find we are rather early. We have just decided that we should go round in a big circle because this is not a waiting area when we get blocked in by other cars. OK, that makes the decision easy! Ellen and Ben arrive sooner than expected and we all recognise each other straight away. Ben cant stop talking about Dr Who all the way back to the room (with the odd bit of Disney excitement thrown in).
Ellen has been doing a huge amount of work for the Intercot meet. Back at the room, she has badges that still need cutting out and Ben has some maths homework. I am not sure how he does this with the TV blaring out in his room but then the world is still full of mystery and wonder. How does a toy cat type a trip report?
Just after midnight Andrew says time for bed. Mikki begins to regret her decision to play tennis even more!
We have discovered the Citibank cards were also rejected here on Friday. We have given a different card to the front desk but plan to avoid actually charging anything. The e-mails with London have reached the point where the manager seems to recognise he should be doing something and has promised to contact his technical people.
Today is another non-park day so I relax in the room while the humans set off for the malls. First stop is Florida Mall where they get T-shirts from the Disney Store for about $5.00 each. They also find the Hallmark store has the little statues for less than the store at Crossroads. Mikki gets two Mickeys including her favourite, I speak for Mickey. Andrew gets one of Tinker Bell with the message, Yes, Im spoilt; and your point is? He says something about it should have been a statue of me. I dont understand. Is that what humans call a joke?
Next, its to Premium Outlets. Andrew bought some Bose headphones and they have broken. They are well out of warranty and he does not expect they can do anything but they offer an upgrade to the current model for $50. Andrew takes it as this is a much better result than he had hoped for.
Premium Outlets means another Character Outlet. Mikki stocks up on Christmas ornaments. In another store, she gets some Halloween T-shirts.
Their last stops are to re-stock with supplies at Publix and get salads from Subway for tonight.
In the evening, Mikki and Andrew decide to explore the main hotel. It is quite close: and very big. They walk further within it than to get to it. They walk round what they think is a reasonable pool before rounding another wing of rooms and coming across the main pool. Inside, the hotel is a large convention hotel: impressive in scale and price. If the people here play with toy cats they probably dont want to admit it while at their conventions.
Wednesday 10th October
This morning we are off to the Studios for some more rides and pictures.
We ride Star Tours and watch Muppet Vision 3D. Mikki then decides it is time for my picture with Mickey Mouse. Mikki has even put on a matching shirt with Mickey in sorcerer outfit for the occasion. Tragedy: the whole street is closed. We get a guide map. Sure enough, there is no alternative location for pictures with Mickey. We go the long way round to One Mans Dream. The humans eat pulled pork sandwiches at Studio Catering. Mikki notices the backlot streets are even more bare than before. The pile of newspapers has now gone. How are we supposed to take interesting pictures if Disney keeps taking away the interesting bits? I hope that when they finish the current building work some of these things, including Sorcerer Mickey will come back.
As we leave the park Mikki stops to check on our photo pass pictures only 65 so far but the Test Track one is there. We need more night shots she decides. We have one stop to make before going back to the hotel for a rest more cough sweets as Mikkis sore throat/cold seems to be getting worse.
After a nice rest we get a call from Ellen saying they have managed to get the early flight. This is great news! Mikki has been playing telephone tag with the hotel staff and tennis pros trying to arrange some tennis for Thursday morning when they supposedly have an option for 3 folks to join in a game with the pro. When Mikki finaly speaks to the Pro he says he cant remember the last time there were 3 people to play! Mikki decides to go for the one on one with the Pro option at the same time the 3 folks session would have been. With her cold she is not sure how sensible she is being but hopes the exercise might actually help!
While booking the tennis, Mikki picks up a leaflet a bout Reebok and Rockport outlets. It claims that there is a Rockport store with the Reebok outlet at the Lake Buena Vista Outlets. We are in the car without delay. The leaflet lied but at least there is another Disney outlet to look round.
We also take advantage of free internet access to check e-mail. The latest from Citibank is that an authorisation was given to AKL hotel but the account has not been debited. Citibank say the problem must be between the hotel and Visa. It is strange it was both Marriott and Disney hotels with a problem. Perhaps life was easier when humans did not expect computers to work magic and just relied on wishing on a star.
Soon it is time to go to the airport and pick up Ellen and her son, Ben. We manage to find the right way to the pick up point for Jet Blue and find we are rather early. We have just decided that we should go round in a big circle because this is not a waiting area when we get blocked in by other cars. OK, that makes the decision easy! Ellen and Ben arrive sooner than expected and we all recognise each other straight away. Ben cant stop talking about Dr Who all the way back to the room (with the odd bit of Disney excitement thrown in).
Ellen has been doing a huge amount of work for the Intercot meet. Back at the room, she has badges that still need cutting out and Ben has some maths homework. I am not sure how he does this with the TV blaring out in his room but then the world is still full of mystery and wonder. How does a toy cat type a trip report?
Just after midnight Andrew says time for bed. Mikki begins to regret her decision to play tennis even more!
irongirlof12
<font color=blue><marquee>Am I the only one who lo
- Joined
- Nov 3, 2006
- Messages
- 5,587
what a nightmare with the cards and rude presuming staff! thankfully you rose about it all and set about having some fun!
mikki.young
Knows Dreams do come true!
- Joined
- Aug 11, 2000
- Messages
- 3,187
Thursday 11th October
The humans all have some lovely coffee thanks to Ellen bringing it from New York (OK, so originally it came from Costa Rica).
Ellen waits for Jeanne to take her to Old Key West while Mikki goes for her tennis. Ellen continues and finishes cutting out all the nametags. Mikki enjoys her tennis: she especially enjoys being able to report she had some shots the pro couldnt get back. She wasnt sure if it helped her cold.
We then go to the Caribbean Beach resort to collect prizes from Wendy and Nanci of Magical Journeys. They are incredibly generous and we come back loaded with nice things. There are useful rain-proof pouches that are their own gift. There are enough of these for everyone. They also give us lots of different things they have been given at various trade fairs and conventions.
Mikki takes them all back to our room and starts to sort out selections for each competition. She diverts on the way to get more things to try to control her cough. It is now afternoon and Mikki decides a rest would do her good.
In the evening, we re-join Ellen and Jeanne for dinner at Wolfgang Puck Express. It continues to amaze us how busy the Marketplace gets in the evenings. Does Disney not give these people enough chances to shop in the parks all day or are these the poor unfortunate souls who go to places outside Disney during the day? Anyway, Puck Express has good food and the line moved reasonably quickly.
At 9 pm, comes the purpose of our trip to the Marketplace: a meet for users of the JQ Board. We meet outside Ghiradellis but by now none of the adult humans has sufficient appetite for an ice cream. It was a great thrill for me as more people asked, Wheres Figaro?
Friday 12th October
Its Friday! The first full day of the Intercot anniversary meet coincides with our move to Old Key West. We wake early (very early!) and check out of Sabal Palms shortly after 7.00am. We drive to Old Key West and check in. Jeanne had claimed inside information that we would all be in building 14 but that they would have a studio on the first floor while our one bedroom apartment would be on the third (or as we British say, second floor).
Correct, but at check-in the helpful cast member notices there is a ground floor room available but not, of course, ready yet. We leave luggage for storage and set off to the Magic Kingdom.
We meet outside Caseys. Mikki hands out quizzes. Most people take one look and say it is too hard. Hey guys, one of the answers is staring you in the face (Crystal Palace). Isnt it wonderful: already there are people asking specially to see me!
We watch Captain Jack Sparrow teach pirating and then twelve of us ride Pirates of the Caribbean (after a little mix up over numbers).
We are back at Old Key West about 2 pm. Rooms are not guaranteed before 4 but the cast member this morning said we could ask again about 2. He had given us a number to call but we decided to be there in person just in case. The room still isnt ready so we go into Pappas Den where Mikki rests (Ok, she falls fast asleep). Half an hour later, Andrew goes back to Reception and finds the room is ready. We are in 1415: not adjoining Ellen and Jeanne but just 3 doors away.
Its evening and we are off to the Not So Scary Halloween Party Andrew and Mikki are in their shirts covered in skulls. I am going as a black and white cat but they insist on adding a pirates eye patch. Also, Mikkis cold has got so bad and she is so weak looking that our friends insist she rides a spare disabled scooter. This is the first time Mikki has tried one of these things. This party may turn out scarier than Disney think. The bus driver is wonderfully helpful at getting Mikki and Ellen on with their scooters.
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/dlpmikki/1920836753/" title="Photo Sharing"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2209/1920836753_3c6abd3205.jpg" width="375" height="500" alt="scooter" /></a>
First event is dinner at the Liberty Tree Tavern. There are several tables booked by Intercot people so by chance we almost take over one entire room. The food is fun and the characters, as always, excellent. Chip and Minnie Mouse both wanted me to stay with them. I think they were just playing. Minnie has her own Figaro curled up at home waiting for her.
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/dlpmikki/1634310115/" title="Photo Sharing"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2275/1634310115_31bb827811.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="IMG_0351" /></a>
We watch the fun as the characters visit all the Intercot tables. Some of the best fun at meals with characters happens when someone gets so engrossed in what is happening qt their table they do not realise a character is behind them (Ask Mikki to tell you about Andrew and Pluto: it goes back to before my time). Tonight, Carol has a chipmunk leaning over her for some time before she notices (and then jumps a mile!). The room erupts with applause as we were all watching!
After dinner, we go to Tomorrowland. We experience the new Monsters Inc comedy show.
This is a nice blend of live humour, audience interaction and animation. After that, we all ride the TTA. Thats quite fun in the dark when you get a very different view of the Kingdom.
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/dlpmikki/1635210800/" title="Photo Sharing"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2411/1635210800_e62e6b978c.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="IMG_0362" /></a>
We then split from the main party going to see some characters in Halloween costumes before the fireworks. The lines in the Toontown Exhibition Tent are prohibitive but we find the Mad Hatter and White Rabbit on the path back to Tomorrowland. The Queen of Hearts comes racing past us. It was very much in character but Im sorry she could not stop for a photo. We get some more with some of her playing card soldiers. I supposed they felt a bit more able to relax when the Queen wasnt watching them. One even recognised Andrew and Mikkis shirts as a design made by the factory where her uncle worked.
The group watches the fireworks from the Rose Garden. The fireworks are magnificent. There are some which seem to form the faces of the villains as they explode.
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/dlpmikki/1635223394/" title="Photo Sharing"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2205/1635223394_fc9cd35017.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="IMG_0379" /></a>
After the fireworks Mikki and Andrew decide that they both feel pretty awful and cant even wait long enough for the next Villains mingle in 45 minutes for me to have my picture taken again. Instead they say goodbye to folks and head for the bus and then bed.
The humans all have some lovely coffee thanks to Ellen bringing it from New York (OK, so originally it came from Costa Rica).
Ellen waits for Jeanne to take her to Old Key West while Mikki goes for her tennis. Ellen continues and finishes cutting out all the nametags. Mikki enjoys her tennis: she especially enjoys being able to report she had some shots the pro couldnt get back. She wasnt sure if it helped her cold.
We then go to the Caribbean Beach resort to collect prizes from Wendy and Nanci of Magical Journeys. They are incredibly generous and we come back loaded with nice things. There are useful rain-proof pouches that are their own gift. There are enough of these for everyone. They also give us lots of different things they have been given at various trade fairs and conventions.
Mikki takes them all back to our room and starts to sort out selections for each competition. She diverts on the way to get more things to try to control her cough. It is now afternoon and Mikki decides a rest would do her good.
In the evening, we re-join Ellen and Jeanne for dinner at Wolfgang Puck Express. It continues to amaze us how busy the Marketplace gets in the evenings. Does Disney not give these people enough chances to shop in the parks all day or are these the poor unfortunate souls who go to places outside Disney during the day? Anyway, Puck Express has good food and the line moved reasonably quickly.
At 9 pm, comes the purpose of our trip to the Marketplace: a meet for users of the JQ Board. We meet outside Ghiradellis but by now none of the adult humans has sufficient appetite for an ice cream. It was a great thrill for me as more people asked, Wheres Figaro?
Friday 12th October
Its Friday! The first full day of the Intercot anniversary meet coincides with our move to Old Key West. We wake early (very early!) and check out of Sabal Palms shortly after 7.00am. We drive to Old Key West and check in. Jeanne had claimed inside information that we would all be in building 14 but that they would have a studio on the first floor while our one bedroom apartment would be on the third (or as we British say, second floor).
Correct, but at check-in the helpful cast member notices there is a ground floor room available but not, of course, ready yet. We leave luggage for storage and set off to the Magic Kingdom.
We meet outside Caseys. Mikki hands out quizzes. Most people take one look and say it is too hard. Hey guys, one of the answers is staring you in the face (Crystal Palace). Isnt it wonderful: already there are people asking specially to see me!
We watch Captain Jack Sparrow teach pirating and then twelve of us ride Pirates of the Caribbean (after a little mix up over numbers).
We are back at Old Key West about 2 pm. Rooms are not guaranteed before 4 but the cast member this morning said we could ask again about 2. He had given us a number to call but we decided to be there in person just in case. The room still isnt ready so we go into Pappas Den where Mikki rests (Ok, she falls fast asleep). Half an hour later, Andrew goes back to Reception and finds the room is ready. We are in 1415: not adjoining Ellen and Jeanne but just 3 doors away.
Its evening and we are off to the Not So Scary Halloween Party Andrew and Mikki are in their shirts covered in skulls. I am going as a black and white cat but they insist on adding a pirates eye patch. Also, Mikkis cold has got so bad and she is so weak looking that our friends insist she rides a spare disabled scooter. This is the first time Mikki has tried one of these things. This party may turn out scarier than Disney think. The bus driver is wonderfully helpful at getting Mikki and Ellen on with their scooters.
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/dlpmikki/1920836753/" title="Photo Sharing"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2209/1920836753_3c6abd3205.jpg" width="375" height="500" alt="scooter" /></a>
First event is dinner at the Liberty Tree Tavern. There are several tables booked by Intercot people so by chance we almost take over one entire room. The food is fun and the characters, as always, excellent. Chip and Minnie Mouse both wanted me to stay with them. I think they were just playing. Minnie has her own Figaro curled up at home waiting for her.
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/dlpmikki/1634310115/" title="Photo Sharing"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2275/1634310115_31bb827811.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="IMG_0351" /></a>
We watch the fun as the characters visit all the Intercot tables. Some of the best fun at meals with characters happens when someone gets so engrossed in what is happening qt their table they do not realise a character is behind them (Ask Mikki to tell you about Andrew and Pluto: it goes back to before my time). Tonight, Carol has a chipmunk leaning over her for some time before she notices (and then jumps a mile!). The room erupts with applause as we were all watching!
After dinner, we go to Tomorrowland. We experience the new Monsters Inc comedy show.
This is a nice blend of live humour, audience interaction and animation. After that, we all ride the TTA. Thats quite fun in the dark when you get a very different view of the Kingdom.
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/dlpmikki/1635210800/" title="Photo Sharing"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2411/1635210800_e62e6b978c.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="IMG_0362" /></a>
We then split from the main party going to see some characters in Halloween costumes before the fireworks. The lines in the Toontown Exhibition Tent are prohibitive but we find the Mad Hatter and White Rabbit on the path back to Tomorrowland. The Queen of Hearts comes racing past us. It was very much in character but Im sorry she could not stop for a photo. We get some more with some of her playing card soldiers. I supposed they felt a bit more able to relax when the Queen wasnt watching them. One even recognised Andrew and Mikkis shirts as a design made by the factory where her uncle worked.
The group watches the fireworks from the Rose Garden. The fireworks are magnificent. There are some which seem to form the faces of the villains as they explode.
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/dlpmikki/1635223394/" title="Photo Sharing"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2205/1635223394_fc9cd35017.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="IMG_0379" /></a>
After the fireworks Mikki and Andrew decide that they both feel pretty awful and cant even wait long enough for the next Villains mingle in 45 minutes for me to have my picture taken again. Instead they say goodbye to folks and head for the bus and then bed.
mikki.young
Knows Dreams do come true!
- Joined
- Aug 11, 2000
- Messages
- 3,187
Saturday 13th October
Today is Epcot Day for the Intercot Meet. Mikki is off early to distribute more gifts and quiz sheets (this one is all about colours and should be easier).
Mikki no longer has the use of a scooter and comes home for lunch with us at Olivias.
Saturday evening sees the big meets for Intercot. This starts with a special reception in a private area called The Loft in Norway. We are going to meet the Big Cheese himself: Mister Mickey Mouse.
We join other Intercot members outside the church in Norway. As the due time arrives, we think we should at least wait near the right place so Mikki asks some of the cast where the Loft is. We are directed to a spot near the entrance to the Maelstrom. We are expected but need some wristbands to be allowed in. Once these are sorted out, we are among the first groups to go up. Andrew is carrying Mikkis suitcase of prizes so a Norwegian looking door is opened to reveal a metal elevator door behind. This takes us up to a lovely VIP suite. One room has a grand piano. Another has display cases of Norwegian art and crafts. And there he is waiting for us: Mickey Mouse in classic Park costume.
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/dlpmikki/1634366335/" title="Photo Sharing"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2384/1634366335_b680e4cda9_b.jpg" width="1024" height="768" alt="IMG_0423" /></a>
A line soon forms and everyone gets lots of pictures. This includes a group photo for Intercot Staff and Moderators. Mickey also strikes poses for pictures when he is on his own. Some of the other guests ask if I am having my picture taken for Wheres Figaro. Mikki says it would be a little unfair on those people who are not here. Exactly, comes the reply: we want a bit of an advantage. I can tell you some pictures were taken but I cant say if they will be used, or when, or whether there will be any clues.
After half an hour, Mickey waves goodbye and we start to move over to our special area for deserts and viewing Illuminations. There are new shirts for everyone and goody bags full of lots of things all of which seem to light up. We are certainly going to be noticed.
There was nice food and drinks but, sadly, few chairs. By now, Andrew is the one feeling tired but Mikki manages to find him one while she is going round distributing prizes for the Friday and Saturday competitions and giving out crosswords for the Animal Kingdom day. The highlight of the food is the Anniversary Cake. It is cut just before the Illuminations show. Fortunately, all the humans realise they should switch off their own lightshows once the real one starts.
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/dlpmikki/1635307574/" title="Photo Sharing"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2347/1635307574_9d21e09a7f_b.jpg" width="1024" height="768" alt="IMG_0452" /></a>
After Illuminations, we go home. Others are going to jellyrolls. They ask if I am going. Doesnt Figaro Drink? Well folks, its very nice of you to ask me but I dont drink. I dont eat; I dont scratch the furniture; and I can fly between the UK and USA without worrying about all the restrictions on live animals. I am a toy!
Sunday 14th October
The last big event of the Anniversary Meet is the Moderators Breakfast at Boma. It is a good breakfast and a much better day than when we were here early in our trip. Travel between resorts is the one tricky thing using Disney Transport early in the morning. We take Ellen and Ben in our car. Jeanne gets her scooter to Animal Kingdom later.
We have two long tables for breakfast. Its a great meal and great company. I sit at the end of one table but I have a feeling this does not mean Im the most important one there. John is in the middle of one side like the UK Prime Minister at Cabinet meetings.
After breakfast, we drive over to the Animal Kingdom park. The more adventurous humans set off for fast passes for Expedition Everest but find it is down. They get into the 10am Nemo show. We dont go. All those fish and I dont eat.
My humans look round the shops. Animal Kingdom have sold out of the special promo trading pins so Mikki is looking at every CMs lanyard to try to find one. The closest she gets is one who says he has it back in his office. She does find a third Tinker Bell Pixie dust pin 3 different blue colours and poses so far.
They work their way back to Nemo and the others and after some discussion the majority decide to go to Festival of the Lion King. My humans decide that somewhere comfy to sit would be good and also take the chance to take more pictures of me for the Wheres Figaro thread.
We then join up with the others for lunch at Flame Tree BBQ and Mikki marks the crosswords with some help from Rhonda. I am quite sure that who did the marking had no bearing on who actually won!
After lunch we still had the fast passes for Everest and Ben really wanted to ride this. Rhonda and Mikki went with him and really hoped it would not break down and leave them stuck in some of the really steep spots we had seen people stuck in earlier! There were calls for a group of 3 or less and they got on to the ride even quicker than expected. They didnt get stuck and had a fun time with the Yeti.
Sadly it was now time for Ellen and Ben to head back to Old Key West and catch the Magical Express. As Ellen now had the scooter they went to get a bus and we drove back (Ellen had left her hand luggage in our room). It was very sad to have to say goodbye after such a short weekend.
Mikki then decided her body needed an afternoon nap and had just got undressed when Jared knocked on the door for something Ellen had left with us. Andrew was still dressed so he went to the door and Mikki and Jared just shouted goodbye to each other.
By early evening the humans decide to go to Downtown Disney to see what the menu and wait is like at Captain Jacks. They decide the lunchtime menu is more attractive. They notice some outdoor seating at Rainforest Café. They think that might be more pleasant than the noisy indoor seating and decide to go to the podium and ask. As they are getting there, folks in front are being told it is a 30 minute wait. Then there is a call for a party of 6 for immediate seating. The family of 4 behind them ask if they would like to join up to claim the table. After a momentary hesitation they agree and we all go in for immediate seating. Fortunately it is in the slightly quieter area near the bar. Our companions hale from Alabama and so does our server. They drove down today about a 7 hour drive they say. It was a pleasant meal.
Today is Epcot Day for the Intercot Meet. Mikki is off early to distribute more gifts and quiz sheets (this one is all about colours and should be easier).
Mikki no longer has the use of a scooter and comes home for lunch with us at Olivias.
Saturday evening sees the big meets for Intercot. This starts with a special reception in a private area called The Loft in Norway. We are going to meet the Big Cheese himself: Mister Mickey Mouse.
We join other Intercot members outside the church in Norway. As the due time arrives, we think we should at least wait near the right place so Mikki asks some of the cast where the Loft is. We are directed to a spot near the entrance to the Maelstrom. We are expected but need some wristbands to be allowed in. Once these are sorted out, we are among the first groups to go up. Andrew is carrying Mikkis suitcase of prizes so a Norwegian looking door is opened to reveal a metal elevator door behind. This takes us up to a lovely VIP suite. One room has a grand piano. Another has display cases of Norwegian art and crafts. And there he is waiting for us: Mickey Mouse in classic Park costume.
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/dlpmikki/1634366335/" title="Photo Sharing"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2384/1634366335_b680e4cda9_b.jpg" width="1024" height="768" alt="IMG_0423" /></a>
A line soon forms and everyone gets lots of pictures. This includes a group photo for Intercot Staff and Moderators. Mickey also strikes poses for pictures when he is on his own. Some of the other guests ask if I am having my picture taken for Wheres Figaro. Mikki says it would be a little unfair on those people who are not here. Exactly, comes the reply: we want a bit of an advantage. I can tell you some pictures were taken but I cant say if they will be used, or when, or whether there will be any clues.
After half an hour, Mickey waves goodbye and we start to move over to our special area for deserts and viewing Illuminations. There are new shirts for everyone and goody bags full of lots of things all of which seem to light up. We are certainly going to be noticed.
There was nice food and drinks but, sadly, few chairs. By now, Andrew is the one feeling tired but Mikki manages to find him one while she is going round distributing prizes for the Friday and Saturday competitions and giving out crosswords for the Animal Kingdom day. The highlight of the food is the Anniversary Cake. It is cut just before the Illuminations show. Fortunately, all the humans realise they should switch off their own lightshows once the real one starts.
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/dlpmikki/1635307574/" title="Photo Sharing"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2347/1635307574_9d21e09a7f_b.jpg" width="1024" height="768" alt="IMG_0452" /></a>
After Illuminations, we go home. Others are going to jellyrolls. They ask if I am going. Doesnt Figaro Drink? Well folks, its very nice of you to ask me but I dont drink. I dont eat; I dont scratch the furniture; and I can fly between the UK and USA without worrying about all the restrictions on live animals. I am a toy!
Sunday 14th October
The last big event of the Anniversary Meet is the Moderators Breakfast at Boma. It is a good breakfast and a much better day than when we were here early in our trip. Travel between resorts is the one tricky thing using Disney Transport early in the morning. We take Ellen and Ben in our car. Jeanne gets her scooter to Animal Kingdom later.
We have two long tables for breakfast. Its a great meal and great company. I sit at the end of one table but I have a feeling this does not mean Im the most important one there. John is in the middle of one side like the UK Prime Minister at Cabinet meetings.
After breakfast, we drive over to the Animal Kingdom park. The more adventurous humans set off for fast passes for Expedition Everest but find it is down. They get into the 10am Nemo show. We dont go. All those fish and I dont eat.
My humans look round the shops. Animal Kingdom have sold out of the special promo trading pins so Mikki is looking at every CMs lanyard to try to find one. The closest she gets is one who says he has it back in his office. She does find a third Tinker Bell Pixie dust pin 3 different blue colours and poses so far.
They work their way back to Nemo and the others and after some discussion the majority decide to go to Festival of the Lion King. My humans decide that somewhere comfy to sit would be good and also take the chance to take more pictures of me for the Wheres Figaro thread.
We then join up with the others for lunch at Flame Tree BBQ and Mikki marks the crosswords with some help from Rhonda. I am quite sure that who did the marking had no bearing on who actually won!
After lunch we still had the fast passes for Everest and Ben really wanted to ride this. Rhonda and Mikki went with him and really hoped it would not break down and leave them stuck in some of the really steep spots we had seen people stuck in earlier! There were calls for a group of 3 or less and they got on to the ride even quicker than expected. They didnt get stuck and had a fun time with the Yeti.
Sadly it was now time for Ellen and Ben to head back to Old Key West and catch the Magical Express. As Ellen now had the scooter they went to get a bus and we drove back (Ellen had left her hand luggage in our room). It was very sad to have to say goodbye after such a short weekend.
Mikki then decided her body needed an afternoon nap and had just got undressed when Jared knocked on the door for something Ellen had left with us. Andrew was still dressed so he went to the door and Mikki and Jared just shouted goodbye to each other.
By early evening the humans decide to go to Downtown Disney to see what the menu and wait is like at Captain Jacks. They decide the lunchtime menu is more attractive. They notice some outdoor seating at Rainforest Café. They think that might be more pleasant than the noisy indoor seating and decide to go to the podium and ask. As they are getting there, folks in front are being told it is a 30 minute wait. Then there is a call for a party of 6 for immediate seating. The family of 4 behind them ask if they would like to join up to claim the table. After a momentary hesitation they agree and we all go in for immediate seating. Fortunately it is in the slightly quieter area near the bar. Our companions hale from Alabama and so does our server. They drove down today about a 7 hour drive they say. It was a pleasant meal.
arieljasmine
<font color=magenta>Who says these things pass you
- Joined
- Apr 12, 2004
- Messages
- 6,098
Enjoying your report so far, sounds like a very busy trip. Hope you were feeling better quickly, Mikki. And I hope you got your card sorted out.
Laur's
Laur's
mikki.young
Knows Dreams do come true!
- Joined
- Aug 11, 2000
- Messages
- 3,187
Monday 15th October
Its time for breakfast at Olivias. Andrew and Mikki are greeted like long lost friends and recognise several of the staff, including one who served them when they were here over Thanksgiving a couple of years ago (no, we wont be here for Thanksgiving this year).
The humans choose a (nearly) park-free day today and set off shopping. They go to Wall-Mart. Oh yes, they are there because they have seen some Disney things other people say they got there so the first stop is the Disney section.
After spending some time looking round the store, we come away with one pair of sunglass lenses for Mikki to clip onto her prescription glasses.
Next, its to Lake Buena Vista Outlets where Mikki had seen a very soft Mickey toy. They have similar things in baby colours in the parks but this one is in traditional black, red and yellow. There has been a lot of discussion whether a new cuddly toy will mean anyone is being replaced. No, Mikki will love us all.
The final shopping stop is Goodings at Crossroads. This is not the cheapest store but it is convenient and it sometimes has things others do not. We restock basics like milk and freshly squeezed orange juice.
We have a reservation at Le Cellier for 5.40pm. We arrive at 5.30. The two parties in front of us do not have reservations but they are taking walk ins and offer a table in 15 to 20 minutes. We are asked to wait and someone will be out to get you directly. Le Cellier has something of a reputation so we are not immediately concerned when nobody comes out to get us. We go in to wait. Other parties are called. 15 and 20 minutes pass. Surely, they came after us? Andrew wants to ask what is happening but we are British, we dont make a fuss. 6 oclock comes and Mikki lets him go. No, we dont have you on our list. Oh yes, we see your booking on our computer. There is some confusion and running into the restaurant to consult. No sir, we didnt lose you. We are having problems with our computer today. It has affected several of our guests. We are seated immediately and our server, Jason, works hard to make up for the problem. What leaves Andrew furious (even days later when I am writing this) is that the staff seemed to think it somehow excused them that it was the computer at fault and that other guests had been affected too. Hey fellah; whats your problem? Weve done this to lots of people tonight. The lesson for others: dont be nice. If youre British, act like youre from New York.
Once inside, Andrew had a perfectly acceptable fillet mignon and Mikki had salmon. The salmon at Le Cellier does not pretend to be the same as at Artist Point (and does not cost as much). Just as well.
Tuesday 16th October
Mikki is up early to go to a meeting at OKWs Community Hall about DVC points. Basically, it is a sales pitch particularly for the extension of term they are selling at Old Key West. They take a few question s but are not allowed to say anything about DVC at the Contemporary (which is not the same as denying it).
Then, we are all off to the Magic Kingdom. It turns out to be a lovely visit. The first treat is that Mikki notices the Dapper Dans standing on the back of the trolley in Town Square. By a small quickening of pace, the humans get the last two seats at the front. As we set off, a second cast member joins the driver to help clear the road ahead. So we drive up Main Street USA with the Dapper Dans serenading us and me getting my head stroked and tickled by a Disney cast member. Purrrr.
The castle is closed so we walk round by Sleepy Hollow to get into Fantasyland. There is no line on Snow White so we go in. The day must be brighter than they think, the humans see very little of the early scenes because their eyes have not adjusted. Fortunately, there is still hardly any line when we come out so we go straight back for another ride. Much better.
We collect Fast Passes for Peter Pan and head towards Toontown. Then we see the Queen of Hearts with Alice and the Mad Hatter near the teacups. They must have only just arrived, the line is still quite short. Seeing the Queen will make up for her rudeness last Friday night. We get some nice pictures but she is quite cross about me being the wrong colour. I guess her gesture at the throat translates as Off with his head.
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/dlpmikki/2034318389/" title="IMG_0529 by mikki.young@btinternet.com, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2281/2034318389_1c9a67c80b_b.jpg" width="1024" height="768" alt="IMG_0529" /></a>
In Toontown we see Minnie in her garden so rush through her house so I can have my picture with her. She gives me a special cuddle. We then go and join the line to see Goofy, Pluto and Donald (its only 15 minutes, it wont get any shorter says the CM). We see the line for the Princesses moving while ours stays stagnant for ages. Finally Goofy comes running out and the line starts moving. The humans suspect a special group had been meeting my friends. Still the wait in line has meant that we have seen me come up on the mystery character TV show F for Figaro!
Goofy and Donald are as nice as usual while Pluto is very clever and gets me to balance on his nose for the pictures. We then head back to Fantasyland to look in the shops. As we are about to enter Sir Mickeys, Mikki spots the Fairy Godmother so we of course stop for pictures.
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/dlpmikki/1921250128/" title="Fairy Godmother by mikki.young@btinternet.com, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2134/1921250128_c455b95452_b.jpg" width="731" height="1024" alt="Fairy Godmother" /></a>
We ride Peter Pan and then tour the Haunted Mansion. Mikki now wants to check the Frontierland Station. Sure enough, the wooden leg called Smith has disappeared from the Lost and Found shelf.
We go back to Fantasyland and catch Mickeys Philharmagic just as a show is going in: minimal wait and good seats towards the front.
The humans now think it is time to eat and we are just across the way from the Village Haus so naturally we head for the Figaro Room (I know, I have lots of pictures there and they are a bit easy but just one more please).
We decide we have had a successful visit and it is time to go. On the way out we spot Pinocchio in Town Square with a short line. Dear Me, cast member minder, I am Figaro: Cleo is the fish. We also have pictures with Mary Poppins. She is very good and can say that word backwards but thats taking things a little too far dont you think?
We all have a nice afternoon rest before going to the Marketplace in the evening. The line at Earl of Sandwich looks short so we had soup and salad and a sandwich.
Its time for breakfast at Olivias. Andrew and Mikki are greeted like long lost friends and recognise several of the staff, including one who served them when they were here over Thanksgiving a couple of years ago (no, we wont be here for Thanksgiving this year).
The humans choose a (nearly) park-free day today and set off shopping. They go to Wall-Mart. Oh yes, they are there because they have seen some Disney things other people say they got there so the first stop is the Disney section.
After spending some time looking round the store, we come away with one pair of sunglass lenses for Mikki to clip onto her prescription glasses.
Next, its to Lake Buena Vista Outlets where Mikki had seen a very soft Mickey toy. They have similar things in baby colours in the parks but this one is in traditional black, red and yellow. There has been a lot of discussion whether a new cuddly toy will mean anyone is being replaced. No, Mikki will love us all.
The final shopping stop is Goodings at Crossroads. This is not the cheapest store but it is convenient and it sometimes has things others do not. We restock basics like milk and freshly squeezed orange juice.
We have a reservation at Le Cellier for 5.40pm. We arrive at 5.30. The two parties in front of us do not have reservations but they are taking walk ins and offer a table in 15 to 20 minutes. We are asked to wait and someone will be out to get you directly. Le Cellier has something of a reputation so we are not immediately concerned when nobody comes out to get us. We go in to wait. Other parties are called. 15 and 20 minutes pass. Surely, they came after us? Andrew wants to ask what is happening but we are British, we dont make a fuss. 6 oclock comes and Mikki lets him go. No, we dont have you on our list. Oh yes, we see your booking on our computer. There is some confusion and running into the restaurant to consult. No sir, we didnt lose you. We are having problems with our computer today. It has affected several of our guests. We are seated immediately and our server, Jason, works hard to make up for the problem. What leaves Andrew furious (even days later when I am writing this) is that the staff seemed to think it somehow excused them that it was the computer at fault and that other guests had been affected too. Hey fellah; whats your problem? Weve done this to lots of people tonight. The lesson for others: dont be nice. If youre British, act like youre from New York.
Once inside, Andrew had a perfectly acceptable fillet mignon and Mikki had salmon. The salmon at Le Cellier does not pretend to be the same as at Artist Point (and does not cost as much). Just as well.
Tuesday 16th October
Mikki is up early to go to a meeting at OKWs Community Hall about DVC points. Basically, it is a sales pitch particularly for the extension of term they are selling at Old Key West. They take a few question s but are not allowed to say anything about DVC at the Contemporary (which is not the same as denying it).
Then, we are all off to the Magic Kingdom. It turns out to be a lovely visit. The first treat is that Mikki notices the Dapper Dans standing on the back of the trolley in Town Square. By a small quickening of pace, the humans get the last two seats at the front. As we set off, a second cast member joins the driver to help clear the road ahead. So we drive up Main Street USA with the Dapper Dans serenading us and me getting my head stroked and tickled by a Disney cast member. Purrrr.
The castle is closed so we walk round by Sleepy Hollow to get into Fantasyland. There is no line on Snow White so we go in. The day must be brighter than they think, the humans see very little of the early scenes because their eyes have not adjusted. Fortunately, there is still hardly any line when we come out so we go straight back for another ride. Much better.
We collect Fast Passes for Peter Pan and head towards Toontown. Then we see the Queen of Hearts with Alice and the Mad Hatter near the teacups. They must have only just arrived, the line is still quite short. Seeing the Queen will make up for her rudeness last Friday night. We get some nice pictures but she is quite cross about me being the wrong colour. I guess her gesture at the throat translates as Off with his head.
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/dlpmikki/2034318389/" title="IMG_0529 by mikki.young@btinternet.com, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2281/2034318389_1c9a67c80b_b.jpg" width="1024" height="768" alt="IMG_0529" /></a>
In Toontown we see Minnie in her garden so rush through her house so I can have my picture with her. She gives me a special cuddle. We then go and join the line to see Goofy, Pluto and Donald (its only 15 minutes, it wont get any shorter says the CM). We see the line for the Princesses moving while ours stays stagnant for ages. Finally Goofy comes running out and the line starts moving. The humans suspect a special group had been meeting my friends. Still the wait in line has meant that we have seen me come up on the mystery character TV show F for Figaro!
Goofy and Donald are as nice as usual while Pluto is very clever and gets me to balance on his nose for the pictures. We then head back to Fantasyland to look in the shops. As we are about to enter Sir Mickeys, Mikki spots the Fairy Godmother so we of course stop for pictures.
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/dlpmikki/1921250128/" title="Fairy Godmother by mikki.young@btinternet.com, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2134/1921250128_c455b95452_b.jpg" width="731" height="1024" alt="Fairy Godmother" /></a>
We ride Peter Pan and then tour the Haunted Mansion. Mikki now wants to check the Frontierland Station. Sure enough, the wooden leg called Smith has disappeared from the Lost and Found shelf.
We go back to Fantasyland and catch Mickeys Philharmagic just as a show is going in: minimal wait and good seats towards the front.
The humans now think it is time to eat and we are just across the way from the Village Haus so naturally we head for the Figaro Room (I know, I have lots of pictures there and they are a bit easy but just one more please).
We decide we have had a successful visit and it is time to go. On the way out we spot Pinocchio in Town Square with a short line. Dear Me, cast member minder, I am Figaro: Cleo is the fish. We also have pictures with Mary Poppins. She is very good and can say that word backwards but thats taking things a little too far dont you think?
We all have a nice afternoon rest before going to the Marketplace in the evening. The line at Earl of Sandwich looks short so we had soup and salad and a sandwich.
mikki.young
Knows Dreams do come true!
- Joined
- Aug 11, 2000
- Messages
- 3,187
Wednesday 17th October
After an extra lie-in Mikki decided it was time for us all to go on a car ride to the Florida Mall. She bought some new trousers because the ones she had were now too big for her. As a Toy Cat I dont understand how it can take so long to try all these clothes on and then end up with so few. One ribbon on my tail is more than enough, thank you.
When they got back to the room there was a phone message saying a Fedex parcel was waiting for us. Mikki went over to the front desk to collect it and it was the Visa pin of the Epcot 25th thank you Alex, you have made my human very happy!
Very soon it was time to head to Epcot for the last meet of the trip, this time with some folks from DIS UK - Scottish su, Grumpy and Roy. Rather strangely they were meeting at the Rose and Crown but as they included some more of my fans I didnt mind. The most shocking thing about the meet was the drinks prices and Mikki did not think about asking for the DDE discount until the second round yes you do get it in the pub too.
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/dlpmikki/2035155802/" title="IMG_0577 by mikki.young@btinternet.com, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2174/2035155802_6ac733e4e7_b.jpg" width="1024" height="768" alt="IMG_0577" /></a>
We left Epcot by the International Gateway so we could go to Downtown direct from the Beach Club. I was safe in Andrews backpack but the humans were not pleased that the first bus did not pick up passengers, although there was space at the back. Fortunately, it was not a full 29 minutes before the next bus came. We visited West Side but didnt find anything special or new.
Thursday 18th October
Were we really talking about using the Magic Kingdoms Magic Hour today? Its nearly 7am so we better get up. The humans rush to get ready and put me in the backpack. We just manage to get the bus that will get us there about opening time (thank you, driver).
We get a picture near the castle and then go into Fantasyland. Its a slightly unusual side view and today we get it without a lot of other people in the background.
We ride Peter Pan and head for Pooh but the ride is down while they replace a vehicle. We go to Tomorrowland and ride Buzz Lightyear. Neither Andrew nor I are allowed to disturb Mikki while she is concentrating on shooting. Some people say she is a little competitive but that is not true: she is very competitive. She scores nearly 300,000 but that is not enough so we ride again and again. Mikkis advice: for high scores take the left seat.
After that, we go back to Pooh, who is running. We then head for the Haunted Mansion. The line looks long but the sign says it is only a 5 minute wait. It turns out to be only a minute or two more. By the time we get out, the line is much shorter so we take a second trip round, getting in the first time the door opens.
By now it is about 10 am. We check out the Main Street Bakery because my humans have not been fed yet today. The line is huge. We leave the park very definitely against the flow. We go back to our room and nibble on caramel pecan clusters.
We spend the rest of the day up International Drive shopping: shoes from Rockport and clothes from Nike and Adidas (oh, yes and a pin or two from the Disney outlet). I spend a lot of time hiding out of sight in the car. Lunch in one of the malls is a disappointment so dinner is at the Outback during Happy Hour. We come home and Mikki connects the Internet so we can put up some more of my reports.
After an extra lie-in Mikki decided it was time for us all to go on a car ride to the Florida Mall. She bought some new trousers because the ones she had were now too big for her. As a Toy Cat I dont understand how it can take so long to try all these clothes on and then end up with so few. One ribbon on my tail is more than enough, thank you.
When they got back to the room there was a phone message saying a Fedex parcel was waiting for us. Mikki went over to the front desk to collect it and it was the Visa pin of the Epcot 25th thank you Alex, you have made my human very happy!
Very soon it was time to head to Epcot for the last meet of the trip, this time with some folks from DIS UK - Scottish su, Grumpy and Roy. Rather strangely they were meeting at the Rose and Crown but as they included some more of my fans I didnt mind. The most shocking thing about the meet was the drinks prices and Mikki did not think about asking for the DDE discount until the second round yes you do get it in the pub too.
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/dlpmikki/2035155802/" title="IMG_0577 by mikki.young@btinternet.com, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2174/2035155802_6ac733e4e7_b.jpg" width="1024" height="768" alt="IMG_0577" /></a>
We left Epcot by the International Gateway so we could go to Downtown direct from the Beach Club. I was safe in Andrews backpack but the humans were not pleased that the first bus did not pick up passengers, although there was space at the back. Fortunately, it was not a full 29 minutes before the next bus came. We visited West Side but didnt find anything special or new.
Thursday 18th October
Were we really talking about using the Magic Kingdoms Magic Hour today? Its nearly 7am so we better get up. The humans rush to get ready and put me in the backpack. We just manage to get the bus that will get us there about opening time (thank you, driver).
We get a picture near the castle and then go into Fantasyland. Its a slightly unusual side view and today we get it without a lot of other people in the background.
We ride Peter Pan and head for Pooh but the ride is down while they replace a vehicle. We go to Tomorrowland and ride Buzz Lightyear. Neither Andrew nor I are allowed to disturb Mikki while she is concentrating on shooting. Some people say she is a little competitive but that is not true: she is very competitive. She scores nearly 300,000 but that is not enough so we ride again and again. Mikkis advice: for high scores take the left seat.
After that, we go back to Pooh, who is running. We then head for the Haunted Mansion. The line looks long but the sign says it is only a 5 minute wait. It turns out to be only a minute or two more. By the time we get out, the line is much shorter so we take a second trip round, getting in the first time the door opens.
By now it is about 10 am. We check out the Main Street Bakery because my humans have not been fed yet today. The line is huge. We leave the park very definitely against the flow. We go back to our room and nibble on caramel pecan clusters.
We spend the rest of the day up International Drive shopping: shoes from Rockport and clothes from Nike and Adidas (oh, yes and a pin or two from the Disney outlet). I spend a lot of time hiding out of sight in the car. Lunch in one of the malls is a disappointment so dinner is at the Outback during Happy Hour. We come home and Mikki connects the Internet so we can put up some more of my reports.
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