S
SpottyDog
Guest
Four Go Wild In Florida
Previous drivel
1.The Plan and The Flight
2.We get off the plane
3.Discovery Cove
4."Walk this w..a...yyy!" MGM & Reflections
5.An unusually quiet day- Universal & Jungle Jims
6.Where's the Plan? !! (EPCOT)
7.The safe key incident
7 ½ .MGM
7 ¾ . Reflections With Janice
8. SeaWorld
Four Go Wild in Florida Day 8 Oh, what a circus !
PLAN Animal Kingdom then Typhoon Lagoon then Cirque Du Soliel
CHANGES TO PLAN None
MISSED FROM PLAN TO DATE - E Night(MK), Pleasure Island , Blizzard Beach, Wet n Wild, Downtown Disney, Fantasmic, IoA, Seaworld (Clyde & Seamore,Pets on Stage) & Walmart.
So me Stranger, after an uneventful day yesterday, lets see what we can find to amuse ourselves about today.
Alarm set for 6am, I was awake at 5.50 still figuring where Walmart must be.
I reckoned it was a waste of time trying to stir the family till the last minute, as we were all noticeably flagging for some unknown reason every day! Coffeed and showered, I started to raise the living dead. The kids just turned over whenever I shook them. Ahh,Bless ! Should we scrap all our plans for today and let them sleep? Youre jokin arent yer? A wet cold flannel to their faces and they were soon up no problem!
We were at the car for 7.30 and waiting at the AK gates for 8am opening. No time to pass pleasantries with the characters, we headed straight for Kilimanjaro Safaris, grabbing four cookie ice creams for breakfast on the way. Only ten minutes to board, we were soon on our way. We had a South African driver and his sister must have been behind me coz she sounded South African too. The driver spoke a little too fast for me ,and the lady behind a little too loud. She had a toddler son and insisted in shouting out to him at every point of interest - in that way you do when youre speaking to children.
Oh look, a giraffe.
Oh look, an elephant.
Oh look, the man in fronts glaring at me.
Between them I couldnt understand a word that was goin on!
Apart from the running commentary, which ruins me otherwise lovely video of the event, the safari was very good. Much better than 99, when we made the mistake of riding mid-afternoon, and there were no animals to be seen. This was much better and I think we saw everything there was to see. The lady behind me certainly identified every jungle animal I ever knew. We even rescued a baby elephant which was nice.
Next we took the kids to Dinoland USA where we left them to explore The Boneyard while me and V went to ITTBAB. Gaz didnt want to do this and Julie decided it was way too scary for her. With my recent track record of recommending things shed like, I left her to play in the sand. If its not broke, dont fix it.
Only a ten minute wait in the ITTBAB foyer, and we were in. The show was much more in your face than I remembered and we decided J was right to avoid this. I was genuinely nervous at the hornet attack.
We regrouped with the kids and me and G headed for Dinosaur, leaving V&J in the Boneyard. Four fastpasses and we were soon in the loading bay for the next ride. Straight back on to use the last FP and then we rejoined the girls. We liked Dino. I thought it was a bit too rough but Gaz was thrilled so its a must do for us.
Tarzan Rocks was soon to start (10.30) so we headed there next. V, G & J made for seats in the middle but I stayed at the back to stand and video the show. The film is Js current favourite Disney video, so she was excited to see it. As it is a rock show with only a tenuous link to the story, she was a bit disappointed on the day though she now counts the video as one of her favourites from the trip. I enjoyed the Band but the audience participation bits were a bit overdone for me. We all agreed that it wasnt a show wed make a point of seeing again.
On the way out, a CM saw Js tabard and asked her to trade. She was thrilled to make her first swap.
Next, we took the kids to Asia so they could ride the Kali River rapids while we set of for the Festival of the Lion King Show (11.15). We just made it before they closed the rope and were standing at the back. This was ideal for me to video without worrying about getting in anyone elses eye line. We enjoyed the show, though we both agreed that the lead singers werent as good as last we saw them. Still, we agreed this is a must do every time show. 10/10 feel good factor, until you try to get out!
We missed the Pocahontas 11.55 show by seconds, so headed back to the rapids to find the kids. We got 4 FPs and all rode together when they appeared. V is scared of all rides but manages to get round the rapids with a smile on her face. We left the kids with our UMPs to get more FPs and me and V ran back to Pocahontas for the next show and we nearly missed it again. At the back for the video, we agreed this was really a tots show but J will enjoy the animals etc.
Back to Asia and we stood on the bridge waiting for our very own drowned rats to jump ship. Theyd ridden 6 times in 2 ½ hours and were soaked to the skin. The joy on their faces was a treasure for the camera.
Now theres no indication in me notes of any food, so I think this is an indication of the daily routine of bein too busy to eat while in the parks. I do remember getting our first frozen lemonades, as it was so hot the weather, not the lemonade. The boards were right; these were the most thirst quenching drinks on offer.
Off to Pangani Forest trail next, stopping at a pin station for J on the way.
Can I charge something, Dad? J was so enjoying the whole trading and buying thing I couldnt say no.
Got to say the whole Pangani trail was a great disappointment. The murky underwater areas were a shocking comparison to Busch. (Have I ever mentioned Im a Busch fan?) Wont be doin this again nuff said.
We left AK at 2.20 and headed straight for Typhoon Lagoon. We made camp near the slides for the kids and were in the lazy river for 3ish. Me and V chilled out, while the kids went on the slides, and I had me last can of IceHouse in shaded tranquility perfect.
We left TL just before 5 to avoid the rush and get back to ASMu for lunch before we set off for the circus. Leaving the car park was a nightmare as three parking areas converged into one narrow lane of traffic.
We eventually got out and made it home and to the foodcourt for burgers for me and V and Pizzas for the kids. 2 bottles of bud for Dave from the shop and I resolved to find Wal-Mart tomorrow as Id now run out of beer supplies.
We were booked for the 9pm Circus show and planned to get there for 8ish as the tickets said arrive at least 30 minutes before the show. As this was another proper night out we decided to dress up a bit and take the bus so I could have a couple of beers to help me forget it had cost $254. The bus to DTD took an odd meandering route.
While we bump along, Ill explain just how I came to be goin to the circus in the first place. I had no real fancy for it at all as you might have guessed, me perceptive stranger- I dont do circuses.
On our first trip, in 99, V had mentioned every time we passed the tent that shed like to go to the circus. Luckily we were too busy then and couldnt fit it in so I had no trouble bypassing the expensive tent show with ease. As she started planning our return trip (on the plane home), V said she definitely wanted to do the circus the next time we come to Orlando. We decided it was something that maybe the girls could do while me and the boy whoop it up on an E night or something. And thats how it stayed for over a year.
From March 99 to December 2000, she plotted and planned. She found this Disney message board group in America and by January shed found UKDis. I stopped lurkin and started planning I got bitten by the bug and had planned our holiday by the hour within two weeks of getting onboard.
Mikes reports melted the padlock on me credit card and DC (a struggle to agree to for cost alone) was booked. I posted the good news on the board and sat back to enjoy the brownie points Id just earned.
Now we just need to pick a night for Cirque.
She never gives up!
So, overcome with the enthusiasm the board gives you, I accepted defeat and asked for the telephone number to make the reservations. How much is it? she told me it was $71 for her and $41 for J. Well I decided me and the boy werent missin out , even though I dont like circuses so were in for our $112 too. Oh no, Gaz is full price, thatll be $254!
So here we are. $254 lighter as we get off the bus and walk towards the tent. This had better be good. Its just after 8 and its getting chilly as the suns long gone down. Lets get inside and get a beer. Im on a night out, you know.
Its shut!
The tent that is, not the bar. The foyer is up some stairs outside the tent, but there are chains across the accesses keeping the public at bay.
"Hey, thats ok. Ive only paid $254."
"Would have paid more to gain entrance to the bar as well!"
Now I know why I dont do circuses.
A man was walkin about bein clever with one of them Diablo thingys oh very impressive NOT! Circuses are for the kids. Jugglers and clowns and all that.
What am I doin here?
Should have stuck to me guns.
At last, at 8.30, the CMs take down the chains and we all make a mad scramble for the bars. A glass of Bud later and alls well with the world. Even better when I find you can take your drinks into the tent. Got to say, I was immediately impressed with the auditorium. Our seats are left of central, 5 rows up from the walkway and seem very nice.
Now I dont want to describe the acts etc and spoil the overall tedium that is the circus. If you have $254 to burn, you should be made to make up your own mind!
I will comment on the odd thing that struck me for the benefit of those that have been, and might have enjoyed bits of it, and coz I like the sound of me own voice.
First reaction was that the hall was far too hot. Probably a marketing tool to make you drink more. Not wanting to seem unsupportive, commercially, I rushed back to the bar to get a beer to last me through the circus acts. Well, I am on a night out, remember. (yawn) God, circuses are boring even before they start!
Two clown gadgies come along the walkway carrying boxes. They were very funny. I like clowns. Its just the borin stuff I dont like about circuses. They even stopped their pre-show half way through to help some latecomers find their seats which was nice for us!
The lights went down and the circus began. One of then smart clowns gold jumpsuit and pointy hat- came along the walkway playing a slow tune on his trumpet. A procession of odd circus types followed him, confirming me worst fears. Circuses are bad enough but French/Canadian circuses are odd! Then darkness again.
A cleaner walked onto the stage, presumably to clean up after the pre-show clowns, and then it all started to get a bit surreal. Haunting music. A man riding a bike upside down and a train set running across the stage. Too much beer ,Dave! Well, it is a night out.
Oh great! Dancers. I dont do dancers.
But the rhythm and pace of their routine is like nothing Ive ever seen before.
Impressed to hear a live band I DO do live bands I was pleasantly surprised. All right, the first bit was good then.
Them the gadgies in big wheels came on. I dont do specialty acts. But they were quite good.
All the time the dancers were doin their stuff and other things were goin on all over the stage. I couldnt keep me eyes still but thats probably the beer.
Oh no ! A fella on a BMX came on. Oh, this is awful. $254 for a trick cyclist! Another biker joined him and they were very good too.
Now this WILL be boring high wire. I definitely dont do high wire. Yet I cant keep me eyes off the fella all the way up there and the haunting songstress in the background.
Heat, beer and tranquility. Careful, Dave! Youre nodding.
Should have let meself drift off. Ballet next ! Its never been high on me prorities of things to see. Whats goin on now? The stage is liftin and theres those little girls Kev enthuses about. Oh how sweet! Theyre playin with those Diablo thingys. Luckily, the tempo lifts and brings me back from me nodding dog routine. What a performance !
Now I DO like little oriental girls twirling those Diablo thingys. The crowd erupted.
Next was the man that was goin to swing from the curtains. Id seen this done at Seaworld yesterday. Im not a great curtain swinging person meself, Ive got to say. The melody throughout this section was nice though and the ladies that wrapped themselves up in the curtains and then dropped from the ceiling were good.
Now Im definitely not a fan of men balancing on chairs, no mater how high, so I took the opportunity to catch forty winks here. V said he was very good though and the applause woke me up.
Trapeze next, so I went back to sleep ( I was getting up before 6 every morning remember and it was very hot in there and I was on a night out). V tells me they were very good and the audience clapping alarm brought me back to semi consciousness.
I was struggling now, the heat ,beer and heavy eyelids calling me into the deep sleep I needed so badly.
The finale started. It was so busy, I just had to fight to stay with it. No one should describe this to you. I dont do trampolines but this was unbelievable. Such grace and timing. Movement all around, beyond belief. Brilliant.
The cast came back to stage to take their well deserved standing ovation.
What a show. What a night. What a pr*tt (but it was a night out).
V had been right all along. It was worth every penny and was the most fantastic show Ive ever seen. I dont think anyone whos been can do it justice in trying to explain it to you. And they shouldnt. Its an experience youve just got to have for yourself.
I loved it, despite me beer-induced drowsiness.
V loved it, as she knew she would.
Gaz must have enjoyed it as he just smiled and nodded when asked no grunts.
Julie?
Slept through the whole thing from the moment the dancers took to the stage. She looked so tired and peaceful, we didnt have the heart to disturb her just for a circus!
Home by 11.30, we collapsed in heaps in our beds.
Was the circus worth it?
You bet! sweet dreams, Stranger.
Previous drivel
1.The Plan and The Flight
2.We get off the plane
3.Discovery Cove
4."Walk this w..a...yyy!" MGM & Reflections
5.An unusually quiet day- Universal & Jungle Jims
6.Where's the Plan? !! (EPCOT)
7.The safe key incident
7 ½ .MGM
7 ¾ . Reflections With Janice
8. SeaWorld
Four Go Wild in Florida Day 8 Oh, what a circus !
PLAN Animal Kingdom then Typhoon Lagoon then Cirque Du Soliel
CHANGES TO PLAN None
MISSED FROM PLAN TO DATE - E Night(MK), Pleasure Island , Blizzard Beach, Wet n Wild, Downtown Disney, Fantasmic, IoA, Seaworld (Clyde & Seamore,Pets on Stage) & Walmart.
So me Stranger, after an uneventful day yesterday, lets see what we can find to amuse ourselves about today.
Alarm set for 6am, I was awake at 5.50 still figuring where Walmart must be.
I reckoned it was a waste of time trying to stir the family till the last minute, as we were all noticeably flagging for some unknown reason every day! Coffeed and showered, I started to raise the living dead. The kids just turned over whenever I shook them. Ahh,Bless ! Should we scrap all our plans for today and let them sleep? Youre jokin arent yer? A wet cold flannel to their faces and they were soon up no problem!
We were at the car for 7.30 and waiting at the AK gates for 8am opening. No time to pass pleasantries with the characters, we headed straight for Kilimanjaro Safaris, grabbing four cookie ice creams for breakfast on the way. Only ten minutes to board, we were soon on our way. We had a South African driver and his sister must have been behind me coz she sounded South African too. The driver spoke a little too fast for me ,and the lady behind a little too loud. She had a toddler son and insisted in shouting out to him at every point of interest - in that way you do when youre speaking to children.
Oh look, a giraffe.
Oh look, an elephant.
Oh look, the man in fronts glaring at me.
Between them I couldnt understand a word that was goin on!
Apart from the running commentary, which ruins me otherwise lovely video of the event, the safari was very good. Much better than 99, when we made the mistake of riding mid-afternoon, and there were no animals to be seen. This was much better and I think we saw everything there was to see. The lady behind me certainly identified every jungle animal I ever knew. We even rescued a baby elephant which was nice.
Next we took the kids to Dinoland USA where we left them to explore The Boneyard while me and V went to ITTBAB. Gaz didnt want to do this and Julie decided it was way too scary for her. With my recent track record of recommending things shed like, I left her to play in the sand. If its not broke, dont fix it.
Only a ten minute wait in the ITTBAB foyer, and we were in. The show was much more in your face than I remembered and we decided J was right to avoid this. I was genuinely nervous at the hornet attack.
We regrouped with the kids and me and G headed for Dinosaur, leaving V&J in the Boneyard. Four fastpasses and we were soon in the loading bay for the next ride. Straight back on to use the last FP and then we rejoined the girls. We liked Dino. I thought it was a bit too rough but Gaz was thrilled so its a must do for us.
Tarzan Rocks was soon to start (10.30) so we headed there next. V, G & J made for seats in the middle but I stayed at the back to stand and video the show. The film is Js current favourite Disney video, so she was excited to see it. As it is a rock show with only a tenuous link to the story, she was a bit disappointed on the day though she now counts the video as one of her favourites from the trip. I enjoyed the Band but the audience participation bits were a bit overdone for me. We all agreed that it wasnt a show wed make a point of seeing again.
On the way out, a CM saw Js tabard and asked her to trade. She was thrilled to make her first swap.
Next, we took the kids to Asia so they could ride the Kali River rapids while we set of for the Festival of the Lion King Show (11.15). We just made it before they closed the rope and were standing at the back. This was ideal for me to video without worrying about getting in anyone elses eye line. We enjoyed the show, though we both agreed that the lead singers werent as good as last we saw them. Still, we agreed this is a must do every time show. 10/10 feel good factor, until you try to get out!
We missed the Pocahontas 11.55 show by seconds, so headed back to the rapids to find the kids. We got 4 FPs and all rode together when they appeared. V is scared of all rides but manages to get round the rapids with a smile on her face. We left the kids with our UMPs to get more FPs and me and V ran back to Pocahontas for the next show and we nearly missed it again. At the back for the video, we agreed this was really a tots show but J will enjoy the animals etc.
Back to Asia and we stood on the bridge waiting for our very own drowned rats to jump ship. Theyd ridden 6 times in 2 ½ hours and were soaked to the skin. The joy on their faces was a treasure for the camera.
Now theres no indication in me notes of any food, so I think this is an indication of the daily routine of bein too busy to eat while in the parks. I do remember getting our first frozen lemonades, as it was so hot the weather, not the lemonade. The boards were right; these were the most thirst quenching drinks on offer.
Off to Pangani Forest trail next, stopping at a pin station for J on the way.
Can I charge something, Dad? J was so enjoying the whole trading and buying thing I couldnt say no.
Got to say the whole Pangani trail was a great disappointment. The murky underwater areas were a shocking comparison to Busch. (Have I ever mentioned Im a Busch fan?) Wont be doin this again nuff said.
We left AK at 2.20 and headed straight for Typhoon Lagoon. We made camp near the slides for the kids and were in the lazy river for 3ish. Me and V chilled out, while the kids went on the slides, and I had me last can of IceHouse in shaded tranquility perfect.
We left TL just before 5 to avoid the rush and get back to ASMu for lunch before we set off for the circus. Leaving the car park was a nightmare as three parking areas converged into one narrow lane of traffic.
We eventually got out and made it home and to the foodcourt for burgers for me and V and Pizzas for the kids. 2 bottles of bud for Dave from the shop and I resolved to find Wal-Mart tomorrow as Id now run out of beer supplies.
We were booked for the 9pm Circus show and planned to get there for 8ish as the tickets said arrive at least 30 minutes before the show. As this was another proper night out we decided to dress up a bit and take the bus so I could have a couple of beers to help me forget it had cost $254. The bus to DTD took an odd meandering route.
While we bump along, Ill explain just how I came to be goin to the circus in the first place. I had no real fancy for it at all as you might have guessed, me perceptive stranger- I dont do circuses.
On our first trip, in 99, V had mentioned every time we passed the tent that shed like to go to the circus. Luckily we were too busy then and couldnt fit it in so I had no trouble bypassing the expensive tent show with ease. As she started planning our return trip (on the plane home), V said she definitely wanted to do the circus the next time we come to Orlando. We decided it was something that maybe the girls could do while me and the boy whoop it up on an E night or something. And thats how it stayed for over a year.
From March 99 to December 2000, she plotted and planned. She found this Disney message board group in America and by January shed found UKDis. I stopped lurkin and started planning I got bitten by the bug and had planned our holiday by the hour within two weeks of getting onboard.
Mikes reports melted the padlock on me credit card and DC (a struggle to agree to for cost alone) was booked. I posted the good news on the board and sat back to enjoy the brownie points Id just earned.
Now we just need to pick a night for Cirque.
She never gives up!
So, overcome with the enthusiasm the board gives you, I accepted defeat and asked for the telephone number to make the reservations. How much is it? she told me it was $71 for her and $41 for J. Well I decided me and the boy werent missin out , even though I dont like circuses so were in for our $112 too. Oh no, Gaz is full price, thatll be $254!
So here we are. $254 lighter as we get off the bus and walk towards the tent. This had better be good. Its just after 8 and its getting chilly as the suns long gone down. Lets get inside and get a beer. Im on a night out, you know.
Its shut!
The tent that is, not the bar. The foyer is up some stairs outside the tent, but there are chains across the accesses keeping the public at bay.
"Hey, thats ok. Ive only paid $254."
"Would have paid more to gain entrance to the bar as well!"
Now I know why I dont do circuses.
A man was walkin about bein clever with one of them Diablo thingys oh very impressive NOT! Circuses are for the kids. Jugglers and clowns and all that.
What am I doin here?
Should have stuck to me guns.
At last, at 8.30, the CMs take down the chains and we all make a mad scramble for the bars. A glass of Bud later and alls well with the world. Even better when I find you can take your drinks into the tent. Got to say, I was immediately impressed with the auditorium. Our seats are left of central, 5 rows up from the walkway and seem very nice.
Now I dont want to describe the acts etc and spoil the overall tedium that is the circus. If you have $254 to burn, you should be made to make up your own mind!
I will comment on the odd thing that struck me for the benefit of those that have been, and might have enjoyed bits of it, and coz I like the sound of me own voice.
First reaction was that the hall was far too hot. Probably a marketing tool to make you drink more. Not wanting to seem unsupportive, commercially, I rushed back to the bar to get a beer to last me through the circus acts. Well, I am on a night out, remember. (yawn) God, circuses are boring even before they start!
Two clown gadgies come along the walkway carrying boxes. They were very funny. I like clowns. Its just the borin stuff I dont like about circuses. They even stopped their pre-show half way through to help some latecomers find their seats which was nice for us!
The lights went down and the circus began. One of then smart clowns gold jumpsuit and pointy hat- came along the walkway playing a slow tune on his trumpet. A procession of odd circus types followed him, confirming me worst fears. Circuses are bad enough but French/Canadian circuses are odd! Then darkness again.
A cleaner walked onto the stage, presumably to clean up after the pre-show clowns, and then it all started to get a bit surreal. Haunting music. A man riding a bike upside down and a train set running across the stage. Too much beer ,Dave! Well, it is a night out.
Oh great! Dancers. I dont do dancers.
But the rhythm and pace of their routine is like nothing Ive ever seen before.
Impressed to hear a live band I DO do live bands I was pleasantly surprised. All right, the first bit was good then.
Them the gadgies in big wheels came on. I dont do specialty acts. But they were quite good.
All the time the dancers were doin their stuff and other things were goin on all over the stage. I couldnt keep me eyes still but thats probably the beer.
Oh no ! A fella on a BMX came on. Oh, this is awful. $254 for a trick cyclist! Another biker joined him and they were very good too.
Now this WILL be boring high wire. I definitely dont do high wire. Yet I cant keep me eyes off the fella all the way up there and the haunting songstress in the background.
Heat, beer and tranquility. Careful, Dave! Youre nodding.
Should have let meself drift off. Ballet next ! Its never been high on me prorities of things to see. Whats goin on now? The stage is liftin and theres those little girls Kev enthuses about. Oh how sweet! Theyre playin with those Diablo thingys. Luckily, the tempo lifts and brings me back from me nodding dog routine. What a performance !
Now I DO like little oriental girls twirling those Diablo thingys. The crowd erupted.
Next was the man that was goin to swing from the curtains. Id seen this done at Seaworld yesterday. Im not a great curtain swinging person meself, Ive got to say. The melody throughout this section was nice though and the ladies that wrapped themselves up in the curtains and then dropped from the ceiling were good.
Now Im definitely not a fan of men balancing on chairs, no mater how high, so I took the opportunity to catch forty winks here. V said he was very good though and the applause woke me up.
Trapeze next, so I went back to sleep ( I was getting up before 6 every morning remember and it was very hot in there and I was on a night out). V tells me they were very good and the audience clapping alarm brought me back to semi consciousness.
I was struggling now, the heat ,beer and heavy eyelids calling me into the deep sleep I needed so badly.
The finale started. It was so busy, I just had to fight to stay with it. No one should describe this to you. I dont do trampolines but this was unbelievable. Such grace and timing. Movement all around, beyond belief. Brilliant.
The cast came back to stage to take their well deserved standing ovation.
What a show. What a night. What a pr*tt (but it was a night out).
V had been right all along. It was worth every penny and was the most fantastic show Ive ever seen. I dont think anyone whos been can do it justice in trying to explain it to you. And they shouldnt. Its an experience youve just got to have for yourself.
I loved it, despite me beer-induced drowsiness.
V loved it, as she knew she would.
Gaz must have enjoyed it as he just smiled and nodded when asked no grunts.
Julie?
Slept through the whole thing from the moment the dancers took to the stage. She looked so tired and peaceful, we didnt have the heart to disturb her just for a circus!
Home by 11.30, we collapsed in heaps in our beds.
Was the circus worth it?
You bet! sweet dreams, Stranger.
