wilma-bride
<<This space intentionally blank>>
- Joined
- Jul 13, 2005
- Messages
- 22,681
Before I start todays report, I would just like to share something with you all. Today I am tired and ratty. And the reason I am tired and ratty is because I only got 3 hours sleep last night. And the reason I only got 3 hours sleep last night was because of a fellow DISer yes, you, Carolfoy! Up until yesterday, I was gaily living my life, feeling under no pressure whatsoever to finish my trip reports. Until Carol decides to ask Jules (Saratogagirl) how long she thinks it will take me to finish my trippies. So poor Jules, put under the spotlight, says 2 weeks. So, of course, me being me, I now feel as though I have to finish them before that so as to prove her wrong. So, last night, when I should have been sleeping, what was I doing? I was sitting up typing my trip reports. So here you go Carol I hope youre happy 
Cast:
The same four people, staying in the same place, sleeping in the same rooms. The only difference is now there is only one of us left who is under 40
Happy 40th Birthday Gary
Finally, on my fourth trip to WDW, I have discovered the cure for my Orlando-based insomnia alcohol!!! Cant think why I havent tried it before. For the first time ever, I slept right through the night and didnt wake up until the alarm call at 6:45.
Christine appeared at the door shortly after, having made Gary a cup of tea using water heated in the coffee maker or some such method. I quickly showered and did my hair so I could lend her my straighteners seriously, if youd seen her hair, there was no way I was going out in public with her looking like that.
At 7:50, we were all ready and left the villas, walking along the boardwalk to Epcot. It was Extra Magic Hour this morning so the plan was to ride Soarin and maybe Mission:Space before checking in for our Segway Tour.
We stopped at Guest Services to get Gary a birthday button to add to the badges he was already wearing (my favourite was the one I got him which said Yesterday I was 39). We were allowed in straight away (surprisingly, we were not asked to show our room keys) and strolled over towards The Land, enjoying the early morning sunshine this is more like it. We were able to get on Soarin with no wait and managed to get into row 1, which was fantastic. Christine and Mark really enjoyed it and we both thought it was great, as usual. We were then going to head over and ride Mission:Space but I couldnt remember what time we had to check in for our tour (see what happens when you take me out of my comfort zone of being an obsessive-compulsive planner). It was almost 8:45 so Christine and Mark went off to explore the rest of Future World and we went to Guest Services to check in. We were extremely early, checking in at 8:50 when the tour didnt start until 9:30, so decided to go and get a drink and maybe a bit of breakfast while we waited. Not possible! For some reason, Electric Umbrella was not serving breakfast (in fact, it wasnt even open) not sure whether that is a permanent change. Nothing was open anywhere because, of course, the park wasnt even officially open to the general public yet. So we sat around and I smoked a cigarette (yes, I still had some pleasures in life back then) or 2, took a picture of the birthday boy and then headed back to guest services to meet the rest of our party.
There were 8 of us altogether (although 2 young lads were a bit late arriving and ended up having to catch up with us at Innoventions I swear they werent 16 either!) There were 2 CMs who were our guides. One was the instructor for the Segway orientation and the other would be leading us around the World Showcase later on, giving us some interesting facts about the various countries.
Over at Innoventions West, we watched a short film, got fitted with our helmets (or tit hats as Christine called them when she saw the pictures). We then had 30 minutes orientation, where we had to learn how to get on and off the segway (not as easy as it looks or sounds, believe me), move forwards and backwards and negotiate obstacles and hills. This all took place in the area where you can normally try out a segway in Innoventions. It was quite weird because loads of people were looking at us I dont reckon theyd ever seen a fat bird on a segway before
Once our guide was satisfied that we were confident enough and weren't likely to cause any significant harm to unsuspecting passers-by, we were let loose on the streets of Epcot. We rode in a line up through Future World and then on to World Showcase, where we were taken on little obstacle courses through some of the countries, given some information about some of the places and then ended up in China, where we had some free time and were able to take pictures and video.
Gary and I started to get a little bored of negotiating the cones and riding around in circles so we headed off to the little garden area opposite and were promptly told off by our guide. Apparently, the area we had entered was known as the Bermuda Triangle for Segways, because bad things happened to Segways over there. I felt like a naughty schoolgirl. All too soon, our time was up and we had to go back to Innoventions. We rode on through World Showcase, over the bridge by International Gateway, then back through Future World. It was an absolutely fantastic tour and I would recommend it to anyone. We would definitely do it again (especially as DVC members get a discount
) and Gary has informed me he wants a Segway for his 41st birthday.
Back at Innoventions, we bid farewell to our fellow tourers and walked over to Mouse Gear to meet Christine and Mark. It was 11:30 and Mark and Christine hadnt managed to ride Mission:Space earlier (Christine had chickened out) so we decided to head on over there and then go and get some lunch as we were all starving. We managed to persuade Christine to ride MS in the end and all really enjoyed it. By now, my stomach was beginning to think my throat had been cut and was protesting loudly so we walked up to World Showcase and UK, where we got fish and chips. We sat by the lake to eat them, the sun was shining, surrounded by the smell of chips and salt and vinegar, it was an almost perfect moment almost perfect because, unfortunately, the presence of some large, noisy and rather aggressive seagulls made it seem more like a summers day in Scarborough than a spring morning in Disney World but, hey, it was still lovely.
After wed devoured our fish and chips, leaving not a single morsel for the disappointed gulls, we wandered over to catch the end of the British Invasions performance. We had never seen them before and were very impressed. We sang along to Hard Days Night, Yellow Submarine and, finally, Follow the Sun. Unfortunately, this is what we should have done because just as they finished playing, it started to rain. We took shelter in the toy shop for a while but, when it became obvious that it wasnt going to stop, we decided to be brave and continue our tour of World Showcase. I must admit, I was really disappointed about the rain because, not only did it turn really cold, but I had planned for us to spend the afternoon wandering around the countries, having a few drinkies along the way, enjoying the sunshine, soaking up the atmosphere and generally trying to enjoy Epcot where we havent on previous trips. We really did try to make the best of it, bought a funnel cake in America (Mark didnt like it and Christine was undecided), rode Maelstrom in Norway (much better than I remembered). I told Christine how we had walked straight through the theatre at the end on our first trip, instead of stopping to watch the film and felt really guilty so we would probably have to stop and watch the film this time. However, when we got to the end of the ride, there was a sign up saying that the film wouldnt be showing due to technical difficulties what a relief!
We stopped at one of the shops at the entrance to World Showcase (cant remember what its called) where Gary bought me a massive Eeyore pyjama case and me and Christine made him try on a birthday cake hat.
(note the wet t-shirt look )
By this time it really was very cold, the rain had turned torrential and Christine had bought a poncho, I decided enough was enough and it was time to head back. Obviously, I had to take a picture of Christine, however she has asked me to point out that she may have looked stupid but she was warm and dry - so there!
Got back to BWV at 3:30 looking like a trio of drowned rats whove found a giant condom. I was disappointed that wed had to come back early as Id arranged for Garys birthday cake to be delivered at 4 oclock, thinking we would still be out at Epcot. We both got showered, turned the heating on (can you believe we had to put the heating on in Florida whats the world coming to???) and then lay on the bed, dozing. On the dot of 4, there was a knock at the door and the cake was delivered. It looked lovely and, although at first glance, it appeared small, even after wed had 4 slices out of it, there was still almost three quarters of it left. It tasted even better than it looked but it was very rich, with all the chocolate butter cream icing.
After wed had cake, we lay on the bed and must have fallen asleep because the next thing I knew, it was 7 oclock. Christine and Mark were hungry so we decided to go out to Bennigans for dinner. We got there just after 8 but it was fairly quiet so we were seated straight away. 2 beers and 2 diet cokes were ordered while we perused the menu. They have such a lot of choice; its one of the few places I have difficulty deciding what to have. The others didnt have any problems though and we ordered as follows (marks out of 10 shown in brackets).
Mark 10oz sirloin, fries and coleslaw (8 out of 10)
Christine 8 oz sirloin, fries and coleslaw (9 out of 10)
Gary Guinness glazed ribs (1/2 rack) and fries (7 out of 10)
Me chicken/steak combo and fries (9 out of 10)
Half way through the meal, our server bought us a couple of free beers as she had poured too many bargain! We finished our meals but were too full for dessert and we wanted to get back to the Boardwalk, planning to spend the rest of the evening at Jellyrolls.
Back at the Boardwalk we valet parked the car (we had discovered yesterday that DVC members could valet park for free even though we werent yet members it said DVC member on our room card and nobody questioned it). We walked down to Jellyrolls, singing 'Under the Boardwalk' on the way. When we got there, however, there was a massive queue to get in. By now, it was almost 10 oclock so we decided to head back to the Belle Vue Lounge, have a couple of drinks there and come back to Jellyrolls tomorrow night. After one or two 'pink things' for me and beers for the others we went up to our room where we had a few more drinks and chatted until about 1 am. Mark was almost falling asleep so they went off to bed, with instructions to be up and ready for 8 am tomorrow were off to Universal!
Cast:
The same four people, staying in the same place, sleeping in the same rooms. The only difference is now there is only one of us left who is under 40
Happy 40th Birthday Gary
Finally, on my fourth trip to WDW, I have discovered the cure for my Orlando-based insomnia alcohol!!! Cant think why I havent tried it before. For the first time ever, I slept right through the night and didnt wake up until the alarm call at 6:45.
Christine appeared at the door shortly after, having made Gary a cup of tea using water heated in the coffee maker or some such method. I quickly showered and did my hair so I could lend her my straighteners seriously, if youd seen her hair, there was no way I was going out in public with her looking like that.
At 7:50, we were all ready and left the villas, walking along the boardwalk to Epcot. It was Extra Magic Hour this morning so the plan was to ride Soarin and maybe Mission:Space before checking in for our Segway Tour.
We stopped at Guest Services to get Gary a birthday button to add to the badges he was already wearing (my favourite was the one I got him which said Yesterday I was 39). We were allowed in straight away (surprisingly, we were not asked to show our room keys) and strolled over towards The Land, enjoying the early morning sunshine this is more like it. We were able to get on Soarin with no wait and managed to get into row 1, which was fantastic. Christine and Mark really enjoyed it and we both thought it was great, as usual. We were then going to head over and ride Mission:Space but I couldnt remember what time we had to check in for our tour (see what happens when you take me out of my comfort zone of being an obsessive-compulsive planner). It was almost 8:45 so Christine and Mark went off to explore the rest of Future World and we went to Guest Services to check in. We were extremely early, checking in at 8:50 when the tour didnt start until 9:30, so decided to go and get a drink and maybe a bit of breakfast while we waited. Not possible! For some reason, Electric Umbrella was not serving breakfast (in fact, it wasnt even open) not sure whether that is a permanent change. Nothing was open anywhere because, of course, the park wasnt even officially open to the general public yet. So we sat around and I smoked a cigarette (yes, I still had some pleasures in life back then) or 2, took a picture of the birthday boy and then headed back to guest services to meet the rest of our party.
There were 8 of us altogether (although 2 young lads were a bit late arriving and ended up having to catch up with us at Innoventions I swear they werent 16 either!) There were 2 CMs who were our guides. One was the instructor for the Segway orientation and the other would be leading us around the World Showcase later on, giving us some interesting facts about the various countries.
Over at Innoventions West, we watched a short film, got fitted with our helmets (or tit hats as Christine called them when she saw the pictures). We then had 30 minutes orientation, where we had to learn how to get on and off the segway (not as easy as it looks or sounds, believe me), move forwards and backwards and negotiate obstacles and hills. This all took place in the area where you can normally try out a segway in Innoventions. It was quite weird because loads of people were looking at us I dont reckon theyd ever seen a fat bird on a segway before
Once our guide was satisfied that we were confident enough and weren't likely to cause any significant harm to unsuspecting passers-by, we were let loose on the streets of Epcot. We rode in a line up through Future World and then on to World Showcase, where we were taken on little obstacle courses through some of the countries, given some information about some of the places and then ended up in China, where we had some free time and were able to take pictures and video.
Gary and I started to get a little bored of negotiating the cones and riding around in circles so we headed off to the little garden area opposite and were promptly told off by our guide. Apparently, the area we had entered was known as the Bermuda Triangle for Segways, because bad things happened to Segways over there. I felt like a naughty schoolgirl. All too soon, our time was up and we had to go back to Innoventions. We rode on through World Showcase, over the bridge by International Gateway, then back through Future World. It was an absolutely fantastic tour and I would recommend it to anyone. We would definitely do it again (especially as DVC members get a discount
) and Gary has informed me he wants a Segway for his 41st birthday.Back at Innoventions, we bid farewell to our fellow tourers and walked over to Mouse Gear to meet Christine and Mark. It was 11:30 and Mark and Christine hadnt managed to ride Mission:Space earlier (Christine had chickened out) so we decided to head on over there and then go and get some lunch as we were all starving. We managed to persuade Christine to ride MS in the end and all really enjoyed it. By now, my stomach was beginning to think my throat had been cut and was protesting loudly so we walked up to World Showcase and UK, where we got fish and chips. We sat by the lake to eat them, the sun was shining, surrounded by the smell of chips and salt and vinegar, it was an almost perfect moment almost perfect because, unfortunately, the presence of some large, noisy and rather aggressive seagulls made it seem more like a summers day in Scarborough than a spring morning in Disney World but, hey, it was still lovely.
After wed devoured our fish and chips, leaving not a single morsel for the disappointed gulls, we wandered over to catch the end of the British Invasions performance. We had never seen them before and were very impressed. We sang along to Hard Days Night, Yellow Submarine and, finally, Follow the Sun. Unfortunately, this is what we should have done because just as they finished playing, it started to rain. We took shelter in the toy shop for a while but, when it became obvious that it wasnt going to stop, we decided to be brave and continue our tour of World Showcase. I must admit, I was really disappointed about the rain because, not only did it turn really cold, but I had planned for us to spend the afternoon wandering around the countries, having a few drinkies along the way, enjoying the sunshine, soaking up the atmosphere and generally trying to enjoy Epcot where we havent on previous trips. We really did try to make the best of it, bought a funnel cake in America (Mark didnt like it and Christine was undecided), rode Maelstrom in Norway (much better than I remembered). I told Christine how we had walked straight through the theatre at the end on our first trip, instead of stopping to watch the film and felt really guilty so we would probably have to stop and watch the film this time. However, when we got to the end of the ride, there was a sign up saying that the film wouldnt be showing due to technical difficulties what a relief!
We stopped at one of the shops at the entrance to World Showcase (cant remember what its called) where Gary bought me a massive Eeyore pyjama case and me and Christine made him try on a birthday cake hat.
(note the wet t-shirt look
)
By this time it really was very cold, the rain had turned torrential and Christine had bought a poncho, I decided enough was enough and it was time to head back. Obviously, I had to take a picture of Christine, however she has asked me to point out that she may have looked stupid but she was warm and dry - so there!
Got back to BWV at 3:30 looking like a trio of drowned rats whove found a giant condom. I was disappointed that wed had to come back early as Id arranged for Garys birthday cake to be delivered at 4 oclock, thinking we would still be out at Epcot. We both got showered, turned the heating on (can you believe we had to put the heating on in Florida whats the world coming to???) and then lay on the bed, dozing. On the dot of 4, there was a knock at the door and the cake was delivered. It looked lovely and, although at first glance, it appeared small, even after wed had 4 slices out of it, there was still almost three quarters of it left. It tasted even better than it looked but it was very rich, with all the chocolate butter cream icing.
After wed had cake, we lay on the bed and must have fallen asleep because the next thing I knew, it was 7 oclock. Christine and Mark were hungry so we decided to go out to Bennigans for dinner. We got there just after 8 but it was fairly quiet so we were seated straight away. 2 beers and 2 diet cokes were ordered while we perused the menu. They have such a lot of choice; its one of the few places I have difficulty deciding what to have. The others didnt have any problems though and we ordered as follows (marks out of 10 shown in brackets).
Mark 10oz sirloin, fries and coleslaw (8 out of 10)
Christine 8 oz sirloin, fries and coleslaw (9 out of 10)
Gary Guinness glazed ribs (1/2 rack) and fries (7 out of 10)
Me chicken/steak combo and fries (9 out of 10)
Half way through the meal, our server bought us a couple of free beers as she had poured too many bargain! We finished our meals but were too full for dessert and we wanted to get back to the Boardwalk, planning to spend the rest of the evening at Jellyrolls.
Back at the Boardwalk we valet parked the car (we had discovered yesterday that DVC members could valet park for free even though we werent yet members it said DVC member on our room card and nobody questioned it). We walked down to Jellyrolls, singing 'Under the Boardwalk' on the way. When we got there, however, there was a massive queue to get in. By now, it was almost 10 oclock so we decided to head back to the Belle Vue Lounge, have a couple of drinks there and come back to Jellyrolls tomorrow night. After one or two 'pink things' for me and beers for the others we went up to our room where we had a few more drinks and chatted until about 1 am. Mark was almost falling asleep so they went off to bed, with instructions to be up and ready for 8 am tomorrow were off to Universal!
great that the trippies are back on Joh.
Your 
