wilma-bride
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- Joined
- Jul 13, 2005
- Messages
- 22,681
Fred and Wilma Second Time Around 19-26 Sep 05
CAST
Me Joh (32) Chief (well, only) planner, lover of thrill rides, impatient and exciteable
DH Gary (38) Chief photographer, also lover of thrill rides and mad about Tigger!
Day 3 22 Sep 05 Magic Kingdom, a bit of park rage, Pop Century and a late night
We were up bright and early this morning at 6am. My eye is still sore but much better, thanks to the ointment, and I managed to get a few hours sleep last night. I am really excited for two reasons first, we are going to Magic Kingdom today and second, we are staying at Pop Century tonight.
After the usual stop in the lobby, for a cup of tea for DH, we make our way outside to wait for the bus to Magic Kingdom. Dead on 7:20, it arrives and we hop on. DH has met a guy called Steve in the lobby, who is keen to chat so I doze while they talk about their plans for the day. Steve and his wife had been to Epcot the night before to see Illuminations and thought it was brilliant. DH tells him we are looking forward to seeing Wishes tonight.
We arrive at the TTC shortly before 8 and catch the monorail up to MK. I ask if we can sit up front but, apparently, someone is already there. Never mind! On arrival at MK, we walk up to the turnstiles, surprised to see they are letting people in so early apparently, though, it is only those who have early breakfast ADRs. Obviously, we havent but we decide to see if we can get in anyway. Crafty, I know, but they let us in and dont even ask if we have an ADR booked. We go to get a locker for our overnight bag and are assisted by a really helpful Cast Member called Tom. He tells us all about the Extra Magic Hours at Epcot tonight and explains that we can get a bus straight to Pop from just outside MK, which I hadnt realised (I thought we would have to go back to the TTC). Tom asks if we are staying for Wishes and we explain that we are and are really looking forward to it.
We say goodbye and walk up Main Street. Its fabulous there is not a single soul around and the whole of Main Street and the area round the Castle is deserted. As usual, my first glimpse of the Castle takes my breath away and, being so quiet, we could easily be the only people in the whole park. We take advantage of the lack of people and get some photos of the Castle in all its beauty DH has plans to create a montage of pictures so is pleased to get some people-free shots. We stroll around the Castle area, just relishing in the peace and quiet, and get chatting about the weather to another Cast Member. He explains that theres only a 20% chance of rain today, which we both agree is good as that means theres an 80% chance that it wont rain!
After a slow wander round the gardens, taking yet more pictures, its coming up to 9am and we decide to take up position at the entrance to Tomorrowland. We wait behind the ropes and are shortly joined by a small crowd of people. Stitch wanders out in front of the entrance to Stitchs Great Escape and starts gesturing to the CM by the ropes to let everyone in. The CM is saying No, its too early and Stitch is stamping his feet and pointing at an imaginary watch. Its really very funny. The rope drops and we head, along with about a dozen others, to Stitchs Great Escape. I really didnt know what to expect from this but I was quite disappointed. I also have to admit I had been forewarned about the chilli dog bit and I did hold my nose when I realised it was coming. I didnt find it at all scary or particularly entertaining it was just nothing really. My Uncle was a big fan of Alien Encounter and, the way he described it, I thought it sounded brilliant so its a shame it had to be replaced.
After Stitch, we head towards Buzz Lightyears Space Ranger Spin. DH got a strop on because I was spinning the car and he kept missing the targets and didnt get as good a score as me so we had to ride again, with him spinning this time. Of course, he won this time so everything was right with the world again. After this, we went to Space Mountain. Last year, after a 50 minute wait, I didnt rate this ride much but this year we walked straight onto it 3 times in a row and we both thoroughly enjoyed it.
Next, it was over to FantasyLand for my favourite 3D show Philharmagic. The sign outside tells us that there is a 15 minute wait until the next show just time to do a little bit of shopping. We buy a Hawaiian Stitch shirt for our nephew, Adam, a tinkerbell locket each for my DDs (they are really lovely and have their birthstones on as well) and a LIME GREEN Mickey wristband. We pay with a TC ($61.77 with the tax) and request package pick-up.
Then its back to Philharmagic. After a short wait outside, the doors open and we enter the theatre. This, unfortunately, is where we now experience our first ever park rage. The CM was saying the usual spiel, 'If people are behind you, keep moving down the row'. So, looking behind me I see that the doors are closing and there are only 6 people behind me and DH so I stop about 3/4 of the way down the row. This woman behind DH suddenly starts screaming at me 'Are you deaf, he said move all the way down', so I reply 'He actually said if there are people behind you - there are only about 6 so I'm gonna stop here'. She then proceeds to barge past me and DH, together with her rather large family (in size, not in number) and starts swearing at me in the middle of the theatre. Using the 'F' word as well. So I just say 'Please don't use that language in here, when there's kids about' so she starts shouting about me and complaining loudly to her family, who are all calling me and DH names. Meanwhile, the 2 other people in our row are looking sympathetically at me and DH. I was so embarrassed I wanted to leave. It was awful. Not only that but she was muttering the whole way through the show and then, when we left, she started shouting abuse at us again. I have to say, I was really shocked and upset but I learned a valuable lesson. In future, I will ALWAYS move all the way down the row, regardless of how many people are behind me
DH and I now decide its time for another first our first ever funnel cake. We order one to share, with cinnamon and powdered sugar. It arrives piping hot and is absolutely yummy, if a bit messy. DH does his usual trick of trying to eat more than his fair share so I have to resort to cutting it down the middle. Funnel cake eaten, we head round to AdventureLand. Time for Big Thunder Mountain Railroad and Splash Mountain we did BTRM on our last trip but not SM so Im really looking forward to both. BTRM was great and only a 10 minute wait. We waited slightly longer for Splash (about 15 minutes but still better than the advertised 25 minutes). I really enjoyed Splash, particularly the big drop at the end. I didnt get very wet but DH was soaked (I didnt laugh much, honestly!) We then wandered back round to the Castle and caught the end of Cinderellabration. This is a great show what I wouldnt give to be up on that stage, parading around in a party frock like Cinderella. After Cinderellabration, we decided we would head over to Pop Century and check in, then go over to Animal Kingdom for the afternoon and come back to MK later for Wishes. However, like most plans, this went out of the window shortly after DH decided we should have lunch at MK before we leave. Having read good things about Columbia Harbour House, we head there and get 2 fish and chicken combo meals. Very nice and definitely filled the small gap left after the funnel cake. Then we head for the exit, stopping to collect our parcels from package pick-up, view our pictures (taken earlier as we were wandering around - I had specifically asked for one with Tinkerbell, which we then buy) and pop over to the Town Hall, to buy some Disney Dollars for the girls. $100 lighter, we retrieve the overnight bag from the locker and leave the MK, to catch the bus to Pop. We find the stop without a problem (DH wonders if its the furthest away because its the cheapest I suspect thats probably the case), wait for about 10 minutes before a bus arrives and we all hop on.
At Pop, we check-in at reception and receive our room key, which Im strangely excited about (Its got my name on, you know!), then wander off to find our room. We were given a room on the ground floor in the 70s building, which I was quite happy about. As were walking along, I am amazed by the theming. I had seen pictures before but couldnt begin to imagine what it was like to actually be there. It was really exciting I know it sounds daft but I really felt like I was on a Disney film set or something. The room was clean, cool and spacious enough for the 2 of us. I spend a few minutes, searching the room for anything that has Mickey Mouse on (I find shower gel, shampoo and soap which somehow find their way into my wash bag). DH then decides it would be nice to have an afternoon nap as weve had a busy couple of days and were planning on staying at MK late (well, its late for us) for Wishes tonight. So, we decide to give AK a miss and settle down for a nap. However, I am too excited to sleep so I leave DH to it and set off to explore. I wander round and take loads of pictures, buy a drink from the food court and settle down by the pool for a little while, although its very overcast so not really sunbathing weather. Then, I have a good look round Everything Pop and then head back to the room. DH is awake, so we shower and change, then decide to head back to MK (its now about 4 pm).
Back at MK, we head straight for Tomorrowland, just as it starts to rain, having stopped at the Plaza Restaurant to make an ADR for 7:30. Deciding to get out of the rain, I suggest we go on Carousel of Progress. OK, so this is really outdated but I actually really enjoyed it (to start with anyway it was getting a bit tedious by the end). And, by the way, am I the only one who finds this song even more annoying than Its a Small World I found myself singing it all afternoon. It was still raining when we came out so we went on the TTA, which was also enjoyable. Another trip on Buzz was called for now, on which we both scored really badly. We then spent a highly enjoyable hour just wandering around taking in the sights. It was really nice not to be racing to try and get on the rides, having done the ones we wanted to in the morning. We did pop into Philharmagic again, though, just to have a sit down and because I love it so much. At 7:15, we head off to the Plaza Restaurant, a little bit early, for our ADR. After a 5-minute wait, we are called in as our table is ready. We have a little table by the window, with a great view of the castle.
The meal is lovely I have a chicken club sandwich (are you sensing a theme here) and DH has the burger. After a recommendation from a woman at the next table, I then order the Apple Pie a la mode for dessert and DH opts for the banana split, which is absolutely huge!!! Overall, a highly enjoyable meal in a great setting, with a wonderful view and excellent service we will definitely come here again.
As its now 8:30, unfortunately weve missed SpectroMagic. We decide to go and find a spot to watch Wishes from. We head right, towards the Tomorrowland Plaza Pavilion and stop at the top of some stairs, leading down to a reserved area. We have a great view of the castle in all its lit-up beauty and DH takes a few pictures. Finally, Jiminy Cricket announces the start of Wishes in just 5 minutes and now Im getting really excited. I am not disappointed. The fireworks are absolutely fabulous and put our pitiful English fireworks displays to shame. We even managed to get a shot of Tinkerbell flying (see below, although it's hard to tell it's her!!!) The music is great and the whole thing just makes me want to cry, although I manage to hold my tears. DH is busy taking pictures throughout and I think he misses the magic of it so we agree we definitely have to come back next year and see it again. We stand around for a while after it finishes, to let the crowds disperse, and then wander down to the Castle to take some close-ups of the lights.
Then, we wander slowly back down Main Street towards the exit. This is when something strange happens although we are both tired with aching feet, we somehow decided that it would be a good idea to head to Epcot for EMH. How did that happen? After the magic of Wishes, I think we were both so exhilarated that we didnt want the day to end so we get on the monorail Epcot, here we come.
We arrive at Epcot, show our room keys and pick up our wristbands. Then theres only one place we want to go Soarin!!! We head for The Land (note, its quite difficult to find your way around in the dark and Id forgotten just how huge Epcot is). The wait time is showing at 50 minutes but I tell DH its going to be worth it and we join the line. I must admit, by now, just standing around, we were both feeling tired but I was geared up for Soarin and that kept me going. We finally get to the loading bay and were both excited about this new ride. We are not disappointed I truly feel that this is one of the best rides at Disney now. I wont write too much, so as not to ruin it for those who havent yet had the pleasure, but it really was sensational. We exit and then head straight back for another go. This time, we only wait for about 30 minutes and it was just as good. The only thing that disappointed me was that, both times, we were in the bottom row so we could see peoples feet but it definitely didnt ruin the experience I would like to see what its like in the top row though.
Feeling as though weve achieved what we came for, we decide to head back to Pop its 11:00. We catch the bus to Pop and are in bed by midnight.
I fall asleep straight away and dream of a big fat woman pelting me with oranges.
CAST
Me Joh (32) Chief (well, only) planner, lover of thrill rides, impatient and exciteable
DH Gary (38) Chief photographer, also lover of thrill rides and mad about Tigger!
Day 3 22 Sep 05 Magic Kingdom, a bit of park rage, Pop Century and a late night
We were up bright and early this morning at 6am. My eye is still sore but much better, thanks to the ointment, and I managed to get a few hours sleep last night. I am really excited for two reasons first, we are going to Magic Kingdom today and second, we are staying at Pop Century tonight.
After the usual stop in the lobby, for a cup of tea for DH, we make our way outside to wait for the bus to Magic Kingdom. Dead on 7:20, it arrives and we hop on. DH has met a guy called Steve in the lobby, who is keen to chat so I doze while they talk about their plans for the day. Steve and his wife had been to Epcot the night before to see Illuminations and thought it was brilliant. DH tells him we are looking forward to seeing Wishes tonight.
We arrive at the TTC shortly before 8 and catch the monorail up to MK. I ask if we can sit up front but, apparently, someone is already there. Never mind! On arrival at MK, we walk up to the turnstiles, surprised to see they are letting people in so early apparently, though, it is only those who have early breakfast ADRs. Obviously, we havent but we decide to see if we can get in anyway. Crafty, I know, but they let us in and dont even ask if we have an ADR booked. We go to get a locker for our overnight bag and are assisted by a really helpful Cast Member called Tom. He tells us all about the Extra Magic Hours at Epcot tonight and explains that we can get a bus straight to Pop from just outside MK, which I hadnt realised (I thought we would have to go back to the TTC). Tom asks if we are staying for Wishes and we explain that we are and are really looking forward to it.
We say goodbye and walk up Main Street. Its fabulous there is not a single soul around and the whole of Main Street and the area round the Castle is deserted. As usual, my first glimpse of the Castle takes my breath away and, being so quiet, we could easily be the only people in the whole park. We take advantage of the lack of people and get some photos of the Castle in all its beauty DH has plans to create a montage of pictures so is pleased to get some people-free shots. We stroll around the Castle area, just relishing in the peace and quiet, and get chatting about the weather to another Cast Member. He explains that theres only a 20% chance of rain today, which we both agree is good as that means theres an 80% chance that it wont rain!
After a slow wander round the gardens, taking yet more pictures, its coming up to 9am and we decide to take up position at the entrance to Tomorrowland. We wait behind the ropes and are shortly joined by a small crowd of people. Stitch wanders out in front of the entrance to Stitchs Great Escape and starts gesturing to the CM by the ropes to let everyone in. The CM is saying No, its too early and Stitch is stamping his feet and pointing at an imaginary watch. Its really very funny. The rope drops and we head, along with about a dozen others, to Stitchs Great Escape. I really didnt know what to expect from this but I was quite disappointed. I also have to admit I had been forewarned about the chilli dog bit and I did hold my nose when I realised it was coming. I didnt find it at all scary or particularly entertaining it was just nothing really. My Uncle was a big fan of Alien Encounter and, the way he described it, I thought it sounded brilliant so its a shame it had to be replaced.
After Stitch, we head towards Buzz Lightyears Space Ranger Spin. DH got a strop on because I was spinning the car and he kept missing the targets and didnt get as good a score as me so we had to ride again, with him spinning this time. Of course, he won this time so everything was right with the world again. After this, we went to Space Mountain. Last year, after a 50 minute wait, I didnt rate this ride much but this year we walked straight onto it 3 times in a row and we both thoroughly enjoyed it.
Next, it was over to FantasyLand for my favourite 3D show Philharmagic. The sign outside tells us that there is a 15 minute wait until the next show just time to do a little bit of shopping. We buy a Hawaiian Stitch shirt for our nephew, Adam, a tinkerbell locket each for my DDs (they are really lovely and have their birthstones on as well) and a LIME GREEN Mickey wristband. We pay with a TC ($61.77 with the tax) and request package pick-up.
Then its back to Philharmagic. After a short wait outside, the doors open and we enter the theatre. This, unfortunately, is where we now experience our first ever park rage. The CM was saying the usual spiel, 'If people are behind you, keep moving down the row'. So, looking behind me I see that the doors are closing and there are only 6 people behind me and DH so I stop about 3/4 of the way down the row. This woman behind DH suddenly starts screaming at me 'Are you deaf, he said move all the way down', so I reply 'He actually said if there are people behind you - there are only about 6 so I'm gonna stop here'. She then proceeds to barge past me and DH, together with her rather large family (in size, not in number) and starts swearing at me in the middle of the theatre. Using the 'F' word as well. So I just say 'Please don't use that language in here, when there's kids about' so she starts shouting about me and complaining loudly to her family, who are all calling me and DH names. Meanwhile, the 2 other people in our row are looking sympathetically at me and DH. I was so embarrassed I wanted to leave. It was awful. Not only that but she was muttering the whole way through the show and then, when we left, she started shouting abuse at us again. I have to say, I was really shocked and upset but I learned a valuable lesson. In future, I will ALWAYS move all the way down the row, regardless of how many people are behind me
DH and I now decide its time for another first our first ever funnel cake. We order one to share, with cinnamon and powdered sugar. It arrives piping hot and is absolutely yummy, if a bit messy. DH does his usual trick of trying to eat more than his fair share so I have to resort to cutting it down the middle. Funnel cake eaten, we head round to AdventureLand. Time for Big Thunder Mountain Railroad and Splash Mountain we did BTRM on our last trip but not SM so Im really looking forward to both. BTRM was great and only a 10 minute wait. We waited slightly longer for Splash (about 15 minutes but still better than the advertised 25 minutes). I really enjoyed Splash, particularly the big drop at the end. I didnt get very wet but DH was soaked (I didnt laugh much, honestly!) We then wandered back round to the Castle and caught the end of Cinderellabration. This is a great show what I wouldnt give to be up on that stage, parading around in a party frock like Cinderella. After Cinderellabration, we decided we would head over to Pop Century and check in, then go over to Animal Kingdom for the afternoon and come back to MK later for Wishes. However, like most plans, this went out of the window shortly after DH decided we should have lunch at MK before we leave. Having read good things about Columbia Harbour House, we head there and get 2 fish and chicken combo meals. Very nice and definitely filled the small gap left after the funnel cake. Then we head for the exit, stopping to collect our parcels from package pick-up, view our pictures (taken earlier as we were wandering around - I had specifically asked for one with Tinkerbell, which we then buy) and pop over to the Town Hall, to buy some Disney Dollars for the girls. $100 lighter, we retrieve the overnight bag from the locker and leave the MK, to catch the bus to Pop. We find the stop without a problem (DH wonders if its the furthest away because its the cheapest I suspect thats probably the case), wait for about 10 minutes before a bus arrives and we all hop on.
At Pop, we check-in at reception and receive our room key, which Im strangely excited about (Its got my name on, you know!), then wander off to find our room. We were given a room on the ground floor in the 70s building, which I was quite happy about. As were walking along, I am amazed by the theming. I had seen pictures before but couldnt begin to imagine what it was like to actually be there. It was really exciting I know it sounds daft but I really felt like I was on a Disney film set or something. The room was clean, cool and spacious enough for the 2 of us. I spend a few minutes, searching the room for anything that has Mickey Mouse on (I find shower gel, shampoo and soap which somehow find their way into my wash bag). DH then decides it would be nice to have an afternoon nap as weve had a busy couple of days and were planning on staying at MK late (well, its late for us) for Wishes tonight. So, we decide to give AK a miss and settle down for a nap. However, I am too excited to sleep so I leave DH to it and set off to explore. I wander round and take loads of pictures, buy a drink from the food court and settle down by the pool for a little while, although its very overcast so not really sunbathing weather. Then, I have a good look round Everything Pop and then head back to the room. DH is awake, so we shower and change, then decide to head back to MK (its now about 4 pm).
Back at MK, we head straight for Tomorrowland, just as it starts to rain, having stopped at the Plaza Restaurant to make an ADR for 7:30. Deciding to get out of the rain, I suggest we go on Carousel of Progress. OK, so this is really outdated but I actually really enjoyed it (to start with anyway it was getting a bit tedious by the end). And, by the way, am I the only one who finds this song even more annoying than Its a Small World I found myself singing it all afternoon. It was still raining when we came out so we went on the TTA, which was also enjoyable. Another trip on Buzz was called for now, on which we both scored really badly. We then spent a highly enjoyable hour just wandering around taking in the sights. It was really nice not to be racing to try and get on the rides, having done the ones we wanted to in the morning. We did pop into Philharmagic again, though, just to have a sit down and because I love it so much. At 7:15, we head off to the Plaza Restaurant, a little bit early, for our ADR. After a 5-minute wait, we are called in as our table is ready. We have a little table by the window, with a great view of the castle.
The meal is lovely I have a chicken club sandwich (are you sensing a theme here) and DH has the burger. After a recommendation from a woman at the next table, I then order the Apple Pie a la mode for dessert and DH opts for the banana split, which is absolutely huge!!! Overall, a highly enjoyable meal in a great setting, with a wonderful view and excellent service we will definitely come here again.
As its now 8:30, unfortunately weve missed SpectroMagic. We decide to go and find a spot to watch Wishes from. We head right, towards the Tomorrowland Plaza Pavilion and stop at the top of some stairs, leading down to a reserved area. We have a great view of the castle in all its lit-up beauty and DH takes a few pictures. Finally, Jiminy Cricket announces the start of Wishes in just 5 minutes and now Im getting really excited. I am not disappointed. The fireworks are absolutely fabulous and put our pitiful English fireworks displays to shame. We even managed to get a shot of Tinkerbell flying (see below, although it's hard to tell it's her!!!) The music is great and the whole thing just makes me want to cry, although I manage to hold my tears. DH is busy taking pictures throughout and I think he misses the magic of it so we agree we definitely have to come back next year and see it again. We stand around for a while after it finishes, to let the crowds disperse, and then wander down to the Castle to take some close-ups of the lights.
Then, we wander slowly back down Main Street towards the exit. This is when something strange happens although we are both tired with aching feet, we somehow decided that it would be a good idea to head to Epcot for EMH. How did that happen? After the magic of Wishes, I think we were both so exhilarated that we didnt want the day to end so we get on the monorail Epcot, here we come.
We arrive at Epcot, show our room keys and pick up our wristbands. Then theres only one place we want to go Soarin!!! We head for The Land (note, its quite difficult to find your way around in the dark and Id forgotten just how huge Epcot is). The wait time is showing at 50 minutes but I tell DH its going to be worth it and we join the line. I must admit, by now, just standing around, we were both feeling tired but I was geared up for Soarin and that kept me going. We finally get to the loading bay and were both excited about this new ride. We are not disappointed I truly feel that this is one of the best rides at Disney now. I wont write too much, so as not to ruin it for those who havent yet had the pleasure, but it really was sensational. We exit and then head straight back for another go. This time, we only wait for about 30 minutes and it was just as good. The only thing that disappointed me was that, both times, we were in the bottom row so we could see peoples feet but it definitely didnt ruin the experience I would like to see what its like in the top row though.
Feeling as though weve achieved what we came for, we decide to head back to Pop its 11:00. We catch the bus to Pop and are in bed by midnight.
I fall asleep straight away and dream of a big fat woman pelting me with oranges.
people
at nice people like you. They will get theirs. Probably at the local A&E with heart attacks!!!
