Four Go Wild in Florida (March 2001) 15. (Day 14) Sad,wet and dejected

[SpottyDog]

Four Go Wild in Florida (March 2001) 15. (Day 14) Sad,wet and dejected

PLAN –Mk early entry, Animal Kingdom & Reflections
CHANGES TO PLAN MK(Early entry) -CoP ; Epcot-OffKilter,BritInv & Livin Seas ; Cirque 6pm ; Epcot- Ton & Reflections (Perfect end to a perfect holiday)
MISSED FROM PLAN TO DATE - Pleasure Island , Seaworld (Clyde & Seamore, Pets on Stage), Epcot ( ToN, Off Kilter and British Invasion).


Stranger, I’d like to tell you I was up bright and early, bright eyed and bushy tailed. But I wasn’t. Maybe it was the last full day blues. Maybe the overpowering need to sleep after 14 days of early morning risin – but I think it was the beer! Sorry to say it was 6.20 before I woke and the day’s half gone now ! I managed to bully the family into getting up – they know better than to let me get a strop on on the last day of me holidays (anywhere) so were up and headin for the bus to MK at 7.15. We’d just missed a bus but another was soon picking us up and we arrived at the gates for 7.30 – military precision, nice one!

Straight up Main Street (for the last time) and through the castle (for the last time) and straight onto Pooh (no! we did this twice). Snow White to wave to Dopey (for the last time) and Peter Pan (twice to get a better video angle). The kids ran off to the Indy Speedway (for the last time) but shouted at me to stop reminding them that everything we were doin was for the last time before they went. V had a ride on the Carrousel, for the first time this holiday and we walked down to meet the kids at the Speedway and were both quite sombre as we walked out of Fantasyland. There are better rides all over, and better theming too, but nowhere captures the heart of the magic and the overall feelgood factor for us like Fantasyland.

Into Tomorrowland, it was almost as if the title gave us a sign. Don’t dwell on tomorrow, enjoy today. Don’t spoil yer day mopin – the weather will soon do that for yer. I strode into Tomorrowland like a man on a mission. This was MY day and nothing was gonna spoil it.
Oh,you fool ! You just keep opening yer mouth don’t yer?

We got four FPs for Buzz and V&J used the first two. Me and the boy did Space Mountain after a 20 minute wait. He likes SM, it’s just the loops and dangly ones he’s scared of. Back to V outside Buzz (Julie had sat her down where we would find her) J had gone back into Buzz on her own with FP and Gaz used the last FP for a ride on his own. We all went on the Tomorrowland Transit Authority – I still like this, even though me feet don’t dangle and you don’t have to get strapped in like a fighter pilot, and I was goin to finish off with Alien but the line to get yer head bitten off in the back row was far too long. I only wanted to video Slinky in the preshow, so decided to see what the line was like later when we come back for Carousel of Progress.

Just gone 9, so we rushed back through Fantasyland – now this IS the last time – and into Frontierland. 4 FPs for Splash – coz this is now J’s second favourite ride after BTMR – and we three (not V) were soon ‘comin round the mountain when she comes’. The kids put their Splash FPs to good use and I went to find brunch while V stood where we put her on the bridge counting logs as they passed the top of the mountain.

Peco Bills had taken me fancy and I noticed they did chicken wraps with fries and a drink for around $12 so I got two for me and V, figuring the kids’ would be cold when they got out of the Briar Patch and they might prefer something else anyway. The wraps were much bigger than I expected and I’d recommend them to anyone (who likes peppery chicken stuff) for a snack between two. I even got me and V coffees instead of pop as it was our last day and nearly time to get back to civilised picnicking at home. On the bridge, V had filmed the kids go by once and again at the top of the mountain so was now countin logs as they fell into the Briar Patch, so she would know when the kids screamin faces would be in view for the camera. We moved to the side where there were some barrels which we used as a table for me tray. The wraps were superb. The best food we’d had in the parks.so that’ll be the last day then Dave.
I enjoyed the coffee as a change as well and was feelin very happy with life.
Will you shut up, Dave? – you just had to think that didn’t you?
It started to spit on to rain. As V'd already video'd the kids’ first pass we went down to the exit area partly to shelter and partly to get a photo of their ride photo (Mean Boys have more beer money!).

So we're standin and it’s dark, but not rainin, when the voice came over the tannoy saying they were expecting severe weather and may have to close the
ride. Now I knew such a public announcement wasn't good, and expected thunder
etc but wasn't prepared for what we got. Valerie doesn't like storms so got nervous straight away. You might remember poor Julie is afraid of any loud
noises so I had visions of her screamin the place down if she was outside the mountain while this was going on. So it started to rain and the thunder &
lightning was quite loud and very bright. The kids came straight out, more or less, and had been inside all the time. While J was obviously frightened due to the warning she was non the worse for wear - until the first thunder clap that was. Poor kid was terrified. V was becoming more anxious and I thought I was going to have to slap them both as they were makin each other hysterical. After a few minutes the rain stopped and the thunder was goin away. V didn't want to move but I said, as it was going, we should get over to Tomorrowland to finish MK while we could then head for Epcot. We got as far as Splash bridge and the storm saw us coming - you'd think it was attacking us personally, at least V & J looked like they were Marines under fire on a beach the way they raced back to the cover of
the Splash entrance ! So we stood with a hundred or so people under the station
watching the rain like never before and J shying from every thunder crack and
flash of lightning. We stood for a good half hour and it didn't ease off. I said we should go as it was 'in for the day' but the ladies wouldn't budge. I thought we're really goin to be here all day. A CM (only doing her job but a proper jobsworth had no regard for the situation in hand) kept moving anyone who stood in the fastpass section (half of this covered area is where the FPs are located). The stupid girl told anyone standing around the machines or towards the front of the entrance that they were blocking the way for other guests who might want to use the facility!(It was closed, remember) She wouldn't take No for an answer and saw all and sundry off with her constant monologue of why they had to move back to the already crowded other half. We'd secured a position just to the side of the machines so V & J could sit on the small wall and I knew I was just on the perimeter of her territory. Every time she moved a new contingent - new people were rushing in all the time, probably seeing the only spare piece of cover that was now left in the park thanks to this ladies diligence! - she would glance at me ;
"Don't even think about it, Pet!" I thought.
I must have very fierce eyes 'cause she left me as I was.

The rain kept comin and the drains couldn't cope so the area started to flood, as it's on a camber. People on the periphery of the 'legitimate' area were havin to evacuate their havens (though none had the courage to try to get back over the FP line!) which made the sheep pen area she had created even more congested. One by one, people gave up and waded back into the storm - the puddles were by now covering shoes as they left. I finally persuaded the girls to leave as the thunder and lightning was going away again and we couldn't get any wetter once we'd been in it for a minute. A bolt of forked lightning nearly stampeded them back to the Lady of FastPass but I hung on to them and almost dragged them through Frontierland into Adventureland towards Tomorrowland. Valerie declined my offer of an ice cream float on the way passed - which was a result- and we decided to head for Carousel of Progress as we couldn't get any wetter.
If I was gonna choose an appropriate last ride in MK this would have been it, so things turned out well in that way anyway. I love the history and humour of CoP and the stories circulating when we got back, that it’s under threat, made braving the thunderclaps and lightning all the more worthwhile.

We were so wet, we decided to go ‘home’ and get changed before braving Epcot. Off the bus at ASMu we took the short cut through the shop. “Should we get ponchos, Dave ?” V asked – she must be really sick of getting wet to ask me to spend money on clothes at this point in the holiday! So we bought the tasteful yellow macs to wear to the theatre tonight. Wouldn’t care, me and the kids have got lovely SAFC ones at home (given out when the roof was off our stand for refurbishment last season). Now there’s tasteful – bright red with Club Crest on the back. Would have brought an air of sophistication to the footy shirt debate.

V was dyin for a pork sandwich at the food court so we let her break from tradition, as it was the last day. We three ,of course, got our burger and fries.

As it was so wet, we decided to drop Epcot (the shows would be cancelled anyway) and try Disney Quest. But so did everyone else, so that was just a waste of time - drivin down there, parkin up, getting wet then getting back into the car soaking. Back to Epcot then – might as well get wet there and finish the pavilions.

To try to salvage something from the day, I parked at Boardwalk so we could get a boat into Epcot – my lot love boat trips. The rain wasn’t easin off by the way, it was getting worse – how ????
The captain was, as they all are, very informative and was answering some tourists questions. Us bein locals – we had our ponchos on- kept quiet but made mental notes of all the snippets of information gleaned. A lady asked about the likelihood of Reflections bein on.
‘Please!? It’s absolutely hoyin it down and the sky’s blacker than night- this is not stopping today so there’s no way me favourite show is goin on tonight – and it’s me last night too.’
I’d had a heavy heart ever since we came out of CoP as I realised me last night special was goin to be cancelled. I always knew when I planned it in that it would be tough watchin the finale coz I would probably go to pieces as it really would be the finale to me holiday, but now I was goin to pieces coz I was goin to miss it – the fact we had Cirque tickets was no consolation at the time.
“The only time they would cancel Reflections would be during an electrical storm. Rain, no matter how heavy, wouldn’t stop it – only lightning. There’s a good chance the storm will be over by then.”
I could have kissed him. There was hope. It’s hours yet to the show and all I need is the lightning to stay away. It was still monsoonin , but no lightning for an hour or so. Dave’s plan back on track(ish) we strode into Epcot and headed for the Living Seas.
We enjoy the ride under the sea but the day was too far gone and we just went through the motions of looking at the tanks and that. We decided it would be better to let the kids while away the last hour or so in the Sega room so we left them there and just wandered around the pavilion. Everyone looked so cold and wet – no one smiling. We’d had some poor weather this trip but the day we met Astrid at Universal was a shower compared to the storm today. We had been planning November for our next trip, to see the Osborne Lights, but both agreed the wet, cold days had really taken the edge of the holiday this time so we wouldn’t risk it bein like this later in the year. We felt so flat and I honestly could have sat on the floor and sobbed me heart out, the day was so ruined.

4.30, and time to make a move towards Cirque. We walked back through International Gateway (we just walked out – no turning back to get one final glimpse of the lagoon) and waited for a boat to take us back to the Boardwalk – it was still torrential. When we disembarked our Gary ran up the gangplank to the Boardwalk. Turns out he’s been scared of the lightning all day (quietly, not like his sister who leaves you in no doubt) and figured that metal gangplank, with it’s long walk, was the last place we should be takin him today of all days! He did get on the boat very quickly the first time, come to think of it. We were outside the tent at 5.20 waitin for the CM to come and take the chains down at 5.30. It was easin off. Well, only rainin hard now. Hope yet. We got into the tent and shook the rain of our evening dress coats. I got a beer – one would be safe coz it was me only one today. The audience was a mix of folk who’d got all dressed up and ruined their best clothes and tourists like us who just dripped in their every day attire. Settled in our seats, we could really start to look forward to the show. I’d been excited since Sunday. To see this show once was a highlight but to be here again so soon was special. I was so pleased I’d booked in view of the way the day had turned out. A sort of contingency finale, just in case. Just hoped Julie enjoys it, as it was her I was usin to justify the cost.

Another couple from the front came in late but the clown gadgies were very helpful. Then them circus bods got lost in the auditorium again and the fella in the jump suit and pointy hat played his trumpet again. I love that tune now, everything was so much better the second time , probably coz it was familiar, but, havin seen the main focus, you could take in more ‘around the fringes’ and appreciate how the whole show comes together.

I enjoyed the music the first time but the band just rocked tonight. Now I’m getting into the last night swing (but can’t see the keyboard for tears).

The Urbanites strode onto the stage and frightened the life out of the cleaner. The pace and beat of that first number is a highlight of the show for me.

It’s ok, Stranger, we’re not goin through the show again – I want to leave you something to see for yourself – just settin the mood. The specialty acts were superb – again – and I marvelled at the high wire all the more by bein wide awake this time. I even saw the man on the chairs – which was a first.

Then me little girls ! Would have paid the whole $254 for that – a perfect way to celebrate me last night. I was one of the first to me feet – marvellous, bravo and all that.

Wanted the trampolines to go on and on but, sadly, they finished their synchronised missin each other and left the stage.

Think you’ll be able to guess the mixed emotions I was goin through at the curtain call, Stranger. For once I’ll leave it unsaid – think you know me well enough by now. Was smiling though. Julie’s face was a picture, she’d loved it. Even Gaz said he’d enjoyed it. This show is not to be missed. If it can raise me spirits today of all days it must be special.

Outside in the rain, me worst fears were realised. Flashes in the sky to the west. No point riskin Reflections – will only get disappointed and we were so sick of bein wet and cold it might tarnish me whole image of the show, even if it did go on. Missed Tapestry of Nations altogether – the only WDW show/parade we’ve not seen. So we added dejected to our mood and squelched to the car.

When I’d gone to Crossroads yesterday, I’d popped into Jungle Jim’s to see if it might be viable to book a table after Reflections to end the holiday in some sort of style. The guy had said we had to be in by 10 and I figured that might be pushin it by the time I got through the traffic from Epcot. Course if I’d thought to park at Boardwalk, I’d have been able to make it if V ran from International Gateway, along the Boardwalk and back to the car. Nah, V doesn’t run. So I decided to head to JJs and finish our holiday there – at least they were used to us turning up like drowned rats. Out the car to get wet, and not a chance. The place was bouncing. It’s only now as I type this, Friend – not a Stranger anymore, that I realise if I’d booked the table anyway (like a PS) we’d have been guaranteed a last night feast – what a pr**tt.
We tried the Perkins over the way but didn’t bother getting out of the car. Obviously, every one else had had the same day and had written it off and gone out to make a night of it. Surely there should be a special place just for last nighters so they can have a nice meal and sit mournfully looking at each other wonderin which one’s gonna burst into tears first.

9pm and I drove into Ponderosa on the 535/536 junction – at least Julie was over the moon. It was dead. Probably coz there’s only that nice pink resort opposite and no real passing trade on a night like this. The lack of atmosphere just added to the mood. Me and Julie got steaks, V chicken and Gaz fish (it’s about all he likes on the entrée menu – no burgers). The two servers were more bothered about their conversation than us so I had to keep askin for ketchup, coffee, refill please, that sort of stuff.
Now it’s probably me mood but these are the two most inattentive, couldn’t care less, servers I’ve ever encountered. But when he started sweepin up around our feet ! Yes it was nearing 10 o clock and, judging by us bein the only ones there, they probably close at 10, but please ! I assume it had been a quiet shift, given the night and it’s location, and having finally got customers maybe he was disappointed to find his final tip opportunity of the day were fat, wet Brits but there was no need for him to spoil the last image of me otherwise perfect (!) last day. Well if it was his expectation of British tipping ignorance that prompted him to ruin me last supper, I wasn’t gonna let him down.
NOWT.
I know ,I know. The debate has raged and I always leave something no matter how bad the service, but this fella was unbelievable. How he got away without a piece of me mind instead of the tip should have been gratuity enough.

Back to the room for 10.15 we went to sleep.

<font color=red>Dave (SD)</font>

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 Jim’s

6.Where's the Plan? !! (EPCOT)

7.The safe key incident

7 ½ .MGM

7 ¾ . Reflections With Janice

8. SeaWorld

9 . "Oh, what a Circus!"

10. Another day ; another early entry

http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?s=&threadid=226073]11. Parades,Pet lips and Pageants[/url]

12. Busch and a mad dash to MGM

13. IoA “What? One of my plans go wrong? Nah!”

14. MK,BB & FiTS
“Ah luv it when a plan comes together”

 

[KayleeUK]

Lots of time at MK here

 

[Minniespal]

Thanks for sharing - Wonderful review!!!