elgerber
DIS Legend
- Joined
- Feb 17, 2000
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Day 7, 10/23/04
The cast
Me, Erika, 35, Disney obsessed for as long as I can remember
Dh, 37, lucky for me, while not obsessed, also loves Disney
Ds, 11, much like dh
Dd, 8, much like me, Disney Obsessed
Today was our last full day in the World. I am never happy about this, but I must make the best of it. We are heading back to Epcot to catch what we missed and send the boys to Space for a second time. We actually made it to the International Gateway before park opening time for the first time this trip. I did not realize that they held you outside the turnstiles until Future World opened. I thought they would have at least let us in a few minutes before hand, as it seemed unfair that the guests at the front gate would be able to get to the attractions much faster, but I guess not. Finally right at 9 they let us in. Usually when we go in this way, we walk through England alone (which is so wonderful), but not this time. There were plenty of other people walking with us.
Once again, we did the single riders line after we grabbed fastpasses for Test Track. We have done this for the last two trips, and done it multiple times each trip, but this is the first time weve ever been questioned/cautioned about it. First the lady outside the line stopped us to tell us we could not ride together. I said I knew, we do this all the time. Then she asked us how old dd is. 8 I tell her, she then tells me 7 and under cant do this line. She sends us on our way, and we get right into the pre-show room (have I mentioned how much I hate the pre-show on this ride????) and then out into the line. When we get to the front the lady here also questions the fact that we have our kids in the single riders line and dds age. This lady was really nice though, and says she didnt see her grandkids too much when they were this age, so she is not good at guessing ages. We had a brief conversation about her grandkids (the boys were already in their cars) then dd and I were put in the same car for our ride.
After TT the guys went to Mission Space and dd and I went to do Spaceship Earth again. We are not used to doing this in the daylight and we actually had to wait in a short line. Probably 3 or 4 whole minutes. The family in front of us were just meeting up after splitting up for Mission Space. The mother said one kid told her shed love it and her other kid told her shed get sick, so she thought shed better skip it. We followed them up the ramp and into the loading area. Just after we entered the building their older teenage daughter jumped out of line, because Mission Space was catching up with her. Wow, too sick for Spaceship Earth, I knew there was a reason I will not ride MS!!!
We used our fastpasses for our last trip on Test Track and then headed over to Ellens Universe of Energy. I find this attraction fascinating, I love the way they designed it with the moving theater seats. Very cool. We had to re-assure the lady in front of us, she turns around and asks does this move?? LOL, we told her yes, but very slowly.
Enough moving for awhile, time to sit still and have lunch. Considering we have picky eaters the best place for us to eat is the Sunshine Food Fair at the Land, so thats were we went, again. Dd and I love baked potatoes so it doesnt bother us to eat her more than once. Oddly enough, even though it was Saturday, it was much less crowded in here than it was when we were here during the week.
After being in the land again, it was time for water, the kids wanted to go to the Living Seas. We havent been in here since they switched to the Nemo theme. I love the Nemo sculpture outside. The one reason we dont go here every trip, is because we dont like waiting in line, just to go walk around in a building. Once finally inside, it seemed like have the building was under construction. The room with the scuba suit and other hands on stuff is gone, and a lot of areas are boarded up. The Manatees were not coming out either, so another strike against us. No dolphins at this time either, not for another hour, so no luck here either. The Nemo area was cool, seeing all the fish from the movie, but their really wasnt much else to see here.
It seems weve finished in Future World, so its time to head back through the World Showcase. But first, ds has been promised he will be able to spend his money, since this is our last day. So, darnit, we have to go to Mouse Gears. I manage to find a couple of more things that I need and I am still trying to find a shirt for dd. DD is 8, but the girls shirt selection has been very disappointing this trip. Finally I decide just to look at the womens. She is pretty tall for her age, and most of the womens shirts are cut so incredibly tiny now, that I find her a cute shirt in a womens small and it is just about right. Ds has finally selected more monorail track (yeah, we needed more of that) and dd wanted the Haunted Mansion Clue game. I agree to these, only on the condition that we have the whole lot shipped back. Off to the registers I go (dejavu) with my arms full. I love this store!!! While in line I run into Karen and Pat (KrnB and Patabel) again. Seems Im not the only one that likes to shop.
We stroll toward the IG through the World Showcase and stop to check out the trains in Germany. Mickey keeps telling us there is a Hidden Mickey here, but we can never find it. Does anyone know where it is??? We get distracted from our search by lizards. They were climbing on top of the buildings in the town display in the train area LOL. It was the attack of the 50 foot lizards! We had to take some pictures of them, they looked so funny. Other people are watching and photographing the trains, but my family is photographing lizards LOL.
The family goes to the pool for the last time, and I run to the general store to return a couple of things. The kids mentioned they wanted goggles so I went up the store off the lobby and picked a pair up for each of them. I also noticed the BWV DVC shirt I bought when we checked in, is now in stock in an XXL. Normally I would not wear that size, but these shirts are cut so tight its ridiculous. I had bought it in an XL at check in, and then washed it part way through our trip. I did not dry it (I never dry my clothes except t-shirts) and it was way too tight. I was just going to buy a new one in and XXL, but while I was buying it, I mentioned it to the CM and he told me I could return it anyway, even though it had been washed already. Very nice! The kids were very happy to get their goggles and wasted no time perfecting their new underwater swimming skills, except now they can see!
After swimming for a little while, dd got a stomach ache. She and I went back to the room, while the guys stayed at the pool for awhile longer. She layed in her bed and watched TV while I starting getting things ready to pack. She had also done this yesterday, but only for a few minutes. Since we had been eating greasy stuff all week, I thought we should just eat in the room tonight. I made some mac and cheese for her and we got pizza from the Pizza window on the Boardwalk for us. Certainly not great pizza, but edible. I detest cooking, but it is nice to be able to just eat a relaxed meal without a wait person, once in awhile, thank you DVC!
While eating dinner I was cursing the fact that I saw a beautiful print of the Castle at MK at Epcot and I didnt buy it. Dh says, then go back and get it. Hmmmmmmmmm, why didnt I think of that LOL?? So, after dinner, I decide I will. He comes along with me for the walk and we let the kids stay in the room. We have cell phones if they need us, but we wont be gone long. So, back to Epcot we go. We are walking through the World Showcase heading for the print, and Andrew Dan Jumbo from TLCs While You Were Out walks right by us!!! Wow, my first celebrity sighting. Of course we didnt bring the camera with us, since we were only going to be here for a few minutes. OK, back to business. We find the booth we saw the print at, and discover its the actual artist selling them. Im sure other people have known about Larry Dotson, but this is my first exposure to his work. Wow, beautiful stuff, this will definitely not be my last purchase from him. I select the MK picture I want and he even signs it to me. We have to pay for it in the Food and Wine tent, and while in there, dh spots a pair of prints from the Food and Wine festival he likes. If dh likes something and suggests it would look good in our house, who am I to argue??? We wonder about the price and find they are sold as a pair, rolled in a tube for $12. $12???? Wow, this must be the best bargain on property.
So, now I have 3 new pictures for my walls and we need to get back to the hotel. On our way back, Andrew Dan Jumbo walks by again. Both times he has been on his cell phone and walking alone. He looks pretty happy, and doesnt seem bothered when people are stopping him briefly. He smiles and goes on his way. Man, I wish I had my camera.
We go back to the room and ask the kids if they want to go to the arcade. Hmmmm, what do I think theyll say?? Duh, of course they do, theyve only been begging to go all week. While they play, I get out my cell phone. If you read my arrival day report, you will remember my dilemma with recording the Vikings game instead of Desperate Housewives. I know the have been replaying it on Saturdays, but I do not have a TV guide here to check. So, I have been trying all evening to call my MIL who is staying at our house, or our neighbors, to find out if its on, so they can set my recorder up to record it. No such luck, I cannot find anyone at home to help. Oh well.
Enough with the games, time for a snack. Another trip to the Boardwalk Bakery is in order tonight. This time we get a chocolate layer cake and another Mickey cake to split between the 4 of us. Whoa, that layer cake is really rich. Almost too rich for me, and thats saying a lot. I think I have a new favorite treat in the Mickey cake though. I love the way its kinda crunchy under the frosting, like the old fashioned donut. As we are finishing Matt the Juggler starts setting up right by our table. Dd jumps up and runs over to be the first person in his audience. She runs up and yells Hi Matt, and he asks her if shes seen the show before. I think he was flattered. This show was pretty much the exact same show we saw the other day, but she doesnt care. She thinks he is so funny! She eats up every one of his bad jokes.
Ds still has $15 left to spend, so we go to store to let him buy a pin or two. I had been in this store the night before, and was talking to the most wonderful CM, named Britany. We were sharing our Disney shopping addictions and I told her that at home, The Disney Store CMs know me by name,and I told her my name. As I walked in with the family tonight I hear, Couldnt stay way could you Erika, and I turn and Britany is working again. I could not believe she remembered my name. We had another short conversation, and I went to see how the pin search was going. Of course, I found a couple of more pins for myself, and dd wanted one for her teacher. Dh wants to buy a gift for his mom for staying at our house with the dog. OK, so much for 1 pin LOL. Dh has already given me flack for shopping when he saw the printout I got at the front desk the night before. We pick out a mug and a Lilo and Stitch statue thingy that holds a picture. I also grab a little Lilo and Stitch bobblehead for myself. While getting this, we see the large character bobblehead. We bought a Sorcerer Mickey one the last trip, and he sits on our entertainment center in the living room. Much to my surprise Dh says we should get another one to sit with Mickey. Hee hee, you dont have to tell me twice!!! So we select Minnie. Then he says he wishes we got regular Mickey last time instead of Sorcerer, because Minnie would look better with him. Then he says next trip well get regular Mickey. Looks like we have the makings of a new tradition!
Now its time for my second least favorite part of the whole trip, packing! We head back to the room and let the kids watch some TV in bed, while we start to pack. This means its time to leave in the morning, so this never makes me happy. We also want to get out and take some nighttime pictures of the Boardwalk, since we havent done that yet, and we brought our tripod along just for this purpose. Still packing, at 10, I flip on ABC, and looky here, its Desperate Housewives!!!!!!!!! Now, we only pack during commercials LOL. I so love this show, its so much fun. Now the show is over, and we are as packed as we can get until morning, so we put the kids to bed, and tell them were going for a short walk. Its after 11, and now we are out taking pictures. Nothing like waiting until the last minute LOL. We had brought out new digital camera and I wanted to try some night shots, and the Boardwalk is so beautiful at night. I could just sit out there all night and just stare at it.
We take our last photo and call it a night. By the time we get in bed its about Midnight and we have to leave for the airport by 9. I set the alarm tonight, because with my luck, this will be the day we oversleep. Goodnight Boardwalk.
The cast
Me, Erika, 35, Disney obsessed for as long as I can remember
Dh, 37, lucky for me, while not obsessed, also loves Disney
Ds, 11, much like dh
Dd, 8, much like me, Disney Obsessed
Today was our last full day in the World. I am never happy about this, but I must make the best of it. We are heading back to Epcot to catch what we missed and send the boys to Space for a second time. We actually made it to the International Gateway before park opening time for the first time this trip. I did not realize that they held you outside the turnstiles until Future World opened. I thought they would have at least let us in a few minutes before hand, as it seemed unfair that the guests at the front gate would be able to get to the attractions much faster, but I guess not. Finally right at 9 they let us in. Usually when we go in this way, we walk through England alone (which is so wonderful), but not this time. There were plenty of other people walking with us.
Once again, we did the single riders line after we grabbed fastpasses for Test Track. We have done this for the last two trips, and done it multiple times each trip, but this is the first time weve ever been questioned/cautioned about it. First the lady outside the line stopped us to tell us we could not ride together. I said I knew, we do this all the time. Then she asked us how old dd is. 8 I tell her, she then tells me 7 and under cant do this line. She sends us on our way, and we get right into the pre-show room (have I mentioned how much I hate the pre-show on this ride????) and then out into the line. When we get to the front the lady here also questions the fact that we have our kids in the single riders line and dds age. This lady was really nice though, and says she didnt see her grandkids too much when they were this age, so she is not good at guessing ages. We had a brief conversation about her grandkids (the boys were already in their cars) then dd and I were put in the same car for our ride.
After TT the guys went to Mission Space and dd and I went to do Spaceship Earth again. We are not used to doing this in the daylight and we actually had to wait in a short line. Probably 3 or 4 whole minutes. The family in front of us were just meeting up after splitting up for Mission Space. The mother said one kid told her shed love it and her other kid told her shed get sick, so she thought shed better skip it. We followed them up the ramp and into the loading area. Just after we entered the building their older teenage daughter jumped out of line, because Mission Space was catching up with her. Wow, too sick for Spaceship Earth, I knew there was a reason I will not ride MS!!!
We used our fastpasses for our last trip on Test Track and then headed over to Ellens Universe of Energy. I find this attraction fascinating, I love the way they designed it with the moving theater seats. Very cool. We had to re-assure the lady in front of us, she turns around and asks does this move?? LOL, we told her yes, but very slowly.
Enough moving for awhile, time to sit still and have lunch. Considering we have picky eaters the best place for us to eat is the Sunshine Food Fair at the Land, so thats were we went, again. Dd and I love baked potatoes so it doesnt bother us to eat her more than once. Oddly enough, even though it was Saturday, it was much less crowded in here than it was when we were here during the week.
After being in the land again, it was time for water, the kids wanted to go to the Living Seas. We havent been in here since they switched to the Nemo theme. I love the Nemo sculpture outside. The one reason we dont go here every trip, is because we dont like waiting in line, just to go walk around in a building. Once finally inside, it seemed like have the building was under construction. The room with the scuba suit and other hands on stuff is gone, and a lot of areas are boarded up. The Manatees were not coming out either, so another strike against us. No dolphins at this time either, not for another hour, so no luck here either. The Nemo area was cool, seeing all the fish from the movie, but their really wasnt much else to see here.
It seems weve finished in Future World, so its time to head back through the World Showcase. But first, ds has been promised he will be able to spend his money, since this is our last day. So, darnit, we have to go to Mouse Gears. I manage to find a couple of more things that I need and I am still trying to find a shirt for dd. DD is 8, but the girls shirt selection has been very disappointing this trip. Finally I decide just to look at the womens. She is pretty tall for her age, and most of the womens shirts are cut so incredibly tiny now, that I find her a cute shirt in a womens small and it is just about right. Ds has finally selected more monorail track (yeah, we needed more of that) and dd wanted the Haunted Mansion Clue game. I agree to these, only on the condition that we have the whole lot shipped back. Off to the registers I go (dejavu) with my arms full. I love this store!!! While in line I run into Karen and Pat (KrnB and Patabel) again. Seems Im not the only one that likes to shop.
We stroll toward the IG through the World Showcase and stop to check out the trains in Germany. Mickey keeps telling us there is a Hidden Mickey here, but we can never find it. Does anyone know where it is??? We get distracted from our search by lizards. They were climbing on top of the buildings in the town display in the train area LOL. It was the attack of the 50 foot lizards! We had to take some pictures of them, they looked so funny. Other people are watching and photographing the trains, but my family is photographing lizards LOL.
The family goes to the pool for the last time, and I run to the general store to return a couple of things. The kids mentioned they wanted goggles so I went up the store off the lobby and picked a pair up for each of them. I also noticed the BWV DVC shirt I bought when we checked in, is now in stock in an XXL. Normally I would not wear that size, but these shirts are cut so tight its ridiculous. I had bought it in an XL at check in, and then washed it part way through our trip. I did not dry it (I never dry my clothes except t-shirts) and it was way too tight. I was just going to buy a new one in and XXL, but while I was buying it, I mentioned it to the CM and he told me I could return it anyway, even though it had been washed already. Very nice! The kids were very happy to get their goggles and wasted no time perfecting their new underwater swimming skills, except now they can see!
After swimming for a little while, dd got a stomach ache. She and I went back to the room, while the guys stayed at the pool for awhile longer. She layed in her bed and watched TV while I starting getting things ready to pack. She had also done this yesterday, but only for a few minutes. Since we had been eating greasy stuff all week, I thought we should just eat in the room tonight. I made some mac and cheese for her and we got pizza from the Pizza window on the Boardwalk for us. Certainly not great pizza, but edible. I detest cooking, but it is nice to be able to just eat a relaxed meal without a wait person, once in awhile, thank you DVC!
While eating dinner I was cursing the fact that I saw a beautiful print of the Castle at MK at Epcot and I didnt buy it. Dh says, then go back and get it. Hmmmmmmmmm, why didnt I think of that LOL?? So, after dinner, I decide I will. He comes along with me for the walk and we let the kids stay in the room. We have cell phones if they need us, but we wont be gone long. So, back to Epcot we go. We are walking through the World Showcase heading for the print, and Andrew Dan Jumbo from TLCs While You Were Out walks right by us!!! Wow, my first celebrity sighting. Of course we didnt bring the camera with us, since we were only going to be here for a few minutes. OK, back to business. We find the booth we saw the print at, and discover its the actual artist selling them. Im sure other people have known about Larry Dotson, but this is my first exposure to his work. Wow, beautiful stuff, this will definitely not be my last purchase from him. I select the MK picture I want and he even signs it to me. We have to pay for it in the Food and Wine tent, and while in there, dh spots a pair of prints from the Food and Wine festival he likes. If dh likes something and suggests it would look good in our house, who am I to argue??? We wonder about the price and find they are sold as a pair, rolled in a tube for $12. $12???? Wow, this must be the best bargain on property.
So, now I have 3 new pictures for my walls and we need to get back to the hotel. On our way back, Andrew Dan Jumbo walks by again. Both times he has been on his cell phone and walking alone. He looks pretty happy, and doesnt seem bothered when people are stopping him briefly. He smiles and goes on his way. Man, I wish I had my camera.
We go back to the room and ask the kids if they want to go to the arcade. Hmmmm, what do I think theyll say?? Duh, of course they do, theyve only been begging to go all week. While they play, I get out my cell phone. If you read my arrival day report, you will remember my dilemma with recording the Vikings game instead of Desperate Housewives. I know the have been replaying it on Saturdays, but I do not have a TV guide here to check. So, I have been trying all evening to call my MIL who is staying at our house, or our neighbors, to find out if its on, so they can set my recorder up to record it. No such luck, I cannot find anyone at home to help. Oh well.
Enough with the games, time for a snack. Another trip to the Boardwalk Bakery is in order tonight. This time we get a chocolate layer cake and another Mickey cake to split between the 4 of us. Whoa, that layer cake is really rich. Almost too rich for me, and thats saying a lot. I think I have a new favorite treat in the Mickey cake though. I love the way its kinda crunchy under the frosting, like the old fashioned donut. As we are finishing Matt the Juggler starts setting up right by our table. Dd jumps up and runs over to be the first person in his audience. She runs up and yells Hi Matt, and he asks her if shes seen the show before. I think he was flattered. This show was pretty much the exact same show we saw the other day, but she doesnt care. She thinks he is so funny! She eats up every one of his bad jokes.
Ds still has $15 left to spend, so we go to store to let him buy a pin or two. I had been in this store the night before, and was talking to the most wonderful CM, named Britany. We were sharing our Disney shopping addictions and I told her that at home, The Disney Store CMs know me by name,and I told her my name. As I walked in with the family tonight I hear, Couldnt stay way could you Erika, and I turn and Britany is working again. I could not believe she remembered my name. We had another short conversation, and I went to see how the pin search was going. Of course, I found a couple of more pins for myself, and dd wanted one for her teacher. Dh wants to buy a gift for his mom for staying at our house with the dog. OK, so much for 1 pin LOL. Dh has already given me flack for shopping when he saw the printout I got at the front desk the night before. We pick out a mug and a Lilo and Stitch statue thingy that holds a picture. I also grab a little Lilo and Stitch bobblehead for myself. While getting this, we see the large character bobblehead. We bought a Sorcerer Mickey one the last trip, and he sits on our entertainment center in the living room. Much to my surprise Dh says we should get another one to sit with Mickey. Hee hee, you dont have to tell me twice!!! So we select Minnie. Then he says he wishes we got regular Mickey last time instead of Sorcerer, because Minnie would look better with him. Then he says next trip well get regular Mickey. Looks like we have the makings of a new tradition!
Now its time for my second least favorite part of the whole trip, packing! We head back to the room and let the kids watch some TV in bed, while we start to pack. This means its time to leave in the morning, so this never makes me happy. We also want to get out and take some nighttime pictures of the Boardwalk, since we havent done that yet, and we brought our tripod along just for this purpose. Still packing, at 10, I flip on ABC, and looky here, its Desperate Housewives!!!!!!!!! Now, we only pack during commercials LOL. I so love this show, its so much fun. Now the show is over, and we are as packed as we can get until morning, so we put the kids to bed, and tell them were going for a short walk. Its after 11, and now we are out taking pictures. Nothing like waiting until the last minute LOL. We had brought out new digital camera and I wanted to try some night shots, and the Boardwalk is so beautiful at night. I could just sit out there all night and just stare at it.
We take our last photo and call it a night. By the time we get in bed its about Midnight and we have to leave for the airport by 9. I set the alarm tonight, because with my luck, this will be the day we oversleep. Goodnight Boardwalk.
