Holy Buckets! It's A Solo TR, 3/8-15/09 **5/1/09 Vids & Pics Done**

[jenseib]

I didn;t realize this was your first visit! Wow! Sounds like a good first day. I don;t think I could just relax though like you did. LOL! I need to jump right in and get to the parks. I would love to see the water parade sometime though. We did see part of it a few different times when taking boats from different MK resorts at night.

 

[MyMuse]

Monday
Day 2, Part 1 – Animal Kingdom

I wake up at the alarm at 6am; but get out of bed at 6:15am.

Fell asleep pretty quickly last night. It’s still dark and a little cold now. I eat a fruit bar that came down with me, some almonds and start getting dressed. Even blew-dry the hair and straightened it a bit. Out to the bus station at 7:30am and did wait a bit for the bus. I thought the busses might be running a little more since it was EMH morning.

The bus came and dropped us at AK at 7:53am, according to the bus clock. Went through bag check & turnstiles and was called “Princess”. Awwww. I completely forgot about the show at Rope Drop or completely missed it. ?? I didn’t see it. I also did not see any Photopass CMs; I guess it was too early.

I headed for It’s Tough to Be a Bug for a Fastpass (FP) before hitting Kilimanjaro Safari. A very nice CM named Mark told me FPs are not available for EMH and not really needed.

I asked how to get to Kilimanjaro Safari & took his advice where to go, very nice convo with him and didn’t mind my stupid questions. I got to Kilimanjaro Safari but the line was allllll the way down! As it turns out the ride was not open until 8:30am. So, I got a FP & went on the Pangani Trail.


My touring plan with RideMax pretty much gets dumped. While on the trail at the gorilla exhibit, I got my first ‘Happy Birthday’ from CM Katie. I told her and thanked her, we chatted a bit and I moved on. This was a nice trail and very walkable. The gorillas were cool and the theme-ing excellent. I think this is where I saw some pretty cool birdhouses.

I exited and decide to head to Bug since I had time before my FP for Kili Safari at 9:18am. As I walk to Bug, I encountered Trishka, who was the 2nd CM to wish me a Happy Bday. We chatted for a minute and I asked if I could take her picture since she was the 2nd CM. She said yes and seemed so pleased to do so. I should have taken one of Katie, but I didn’t think of it and it was a little dark where we were.

I continued for Bug and said hello to CM Mark again and we chatted for a minute. He asked me to hold the ‘red card’ while in line for the standby chart. I said sure and that I would not let him down. I should have taken his picture too. I did go through the line a little slow since I was taking pictures of animals in the Tree and it was basically a walk on. I made sure to get David Graybeard & Jane Goodall. Of course, in so doing, I missed the show and was the first one to wait until the next show. See a theme happening here? LOL.

So, I took pics of the funny posters along the wall & was asked to take a pic of other people. They did not offer to take a pic of me. What, I don’t want a pic of me in those funny bug glasses? I guess people don’t think solo people want a picture of themselves. Anyway, this 3D show is so cute! I can see where it might be little scary for little ones, but it is almost darling cute.

I went to do my FP for Kili next, but I was taking pics along the way, so I wasn’t in a rush. I got there just at 9:18am when my FP starts, how odd was that? An hour in the park, and I’ve been almost all over it! The people in front of me were very nice and we chatted, they ended up giving me their extra FP! Talk about magic. I am sooo taking advantage of going again. It would be rude not to, right?

We talked about what their favorite rides were, suggestions about other rides and we found out we both be at Rose & Crown at Epcot later that night, just an half hour apart in reservations. We parted ways once we hit the jeeps and I was placed in another line. The wait wasn’t long, so our convo was rather quick. I waved good-bye, since they were still waiting and I hope to see them later.

I liked the Safari a lot and tried to take decent pictures. Sports mode really does work in a roving jeep. We had to stop for an ostrich crossing the road. Our tour guide had to stop her spiel to let homebase know, she was backed up a minute or two. It was a good safari with good spotting of animals and I enjoyed the ride & its show.

I was going to go to the 10am showing of Nemo, but it is 10am now and I don’t think I’m going to make it. I do walk that way, just to see it and I can see the doors are shut. I continue on to Expedition Everest, not to ride, but to check out the Little Temple to see if I can line it up with Big Everest. I do but can’t seem to exactly line it up. Another group of people ask me to take their picture but didn’t reciprocate. Argh. And I have yet to see a Photopass photographer.

I walk around, take pics, get lost a little and decide to do the Maharajah Jungle Trek. It was so good! Better than the Pangani, I think. This has tigers, so maybe that was it. I did spend some time here, not only because of the animals, but the theme-ing is so cool. So, I take quite a few pictures here as well. I’m sure I missed a bunch of hidden mickeys as well.

I exit, but I do get turned around a bit since it exits you next to Kali River Rapids. Incidentally, FPs were not available this week for Kali, Bug and something else I can’t remember. So, no Kali for me for today. I was bummed, since this was a ride I definitely wanted to go on.

As I pass Expedition Everest, I find my first Photopass photographer! Yay! I get my picture taken and get my card.
(picture coming when I get my Photopass CD.....)

I continue to Dinoland for the Finding Nemo – The Musical show. I get there at 10:45am for the 11:30am show. Perfect timing since it says to get there 45 minutes early. I’m one of the first there, but since I didn’t know where to go and the CMs were way too busy talking to help anyone, I followed people who came after me to a line sort of around the corner from where the CMs are standing, still not helping anyone. Not 10 minutes later, the line is quite long. I wrote in my journal as I waited and relaxed.

We enter the theater and I take a seat 4 or 5 rows in by the walkway; everyone has to scoot down to the end. I chatted with the couple in front of me until the show started. People were not supposed to save seats but it was done anyway. The show was really very very good. The puppets and the people match perfectly! It’s hard to describe unless you see it. I would see this over and over. It was so well casted and costumed for each puppeteer to the character. I enjoyed it so much.

My seats turned out to be a good one, since when the performers went up the ramp, they wave the puppets to the people in the closest seats. So, I got Nemo's dad, the shark right to me.

Since I had the second FP for Kili, I decided to use it. I know that late FPs are usually accommodated (this FP ended at 10:18am) and it had to be somewhere around 12:20-30-ish by now. The CM had every intention of refusing me, but saw my Birthday pin and waved me by. Wow!

This time, I got the wheelchair section upfront, which means I had my own ½ row. I was also able to see both sides of the jeep with no obstruction (since there was not a wheelchair on this ride). The driver announced my birthday onboard and where I was sitting. It was very nice. It was the same show, but I did get to see different animals. This ride was around 12:30pm-ish vs. the earlier 9:20am-ish ride. I took more pictures. The ostrich eggs are funny.

I exited at 1pm, so I decide to book it to catch Festival of the Lion King for the 1:30pm show. Boy, is this theater buried in the back of Camp Minnie Mickey. I got there while there was still a line, so the doors had no yet opened. I waited not long, got in a quick phone call, then the doors opened shortly thereafter. I was directed across the open floor and sat in about 3 or 4 rows. It turns out it was the ‘Lion’ section.

While waiting for the show, our ‘camp leaders’ went through a little hand routine while announcing a just married couple to each section. I think before the show, a few performers picked on a few park guests; very funny. It was the show before the show.

This is also a good show, one of thisclose to the performers. It certainly has a lot of action between the dancing, singing, tumblers, and the guys on stilts that made me nervous. Please do not stick your feet out, you may trip the performers. The kids trying to do animal sounds are always fun to hear.

After the show, I decide to head for Epcot. It is around 2:15pm-ish.

Up next: Epcot!

 

[KatGarcia]

You got a ton done at AK, more than I usually end up doing. I need to change that next time tho! I LOVE the Nemo show! I wish they made it into the Broadway show instead of Mermaid!

 

[MyMuse]

Monday
Day 2, Part 2 – Epcot

So, Nemo is over & I’m heading out of AK to get to Epcot. I must have just missed a bus since I walk up and I’m 5th in line and a bus came nearly 20 minutes later. Driver was totally silent, not a peep out of him.

I enter Epcot, went through bag check and went to the turnstiles. There was a security guard there on a Segway. I started to chit-chat that I was coming back later to go on the Segway tour. He said I will have fun. We finish and off I go.

I pull out the RideMax plans and realize I have the wrong park! Argh. So, I decide to start at Soarin’ (RideMax didn’t let me place that ride on there since I would not have time) and see what I can do. My plan was to get a FP, then some food.

I start walking there (takes some time!) and as I pass the electronic billboards along the way had FP times at 6:09, then changed to 6:18 and finally 6:21 by the time I hit the FP area at Soarin’ from the time I entered the park. It must have been all of 10 minutes. All the FP machines were busy & it is 3pm! I pick a machine and lo & behold there was a very slow learner in front of me and another machine a person had a bloody STACK of them. This is why within 10 minutes the FP went up by nearly ½ hour. Argh.

I decided to forgo food (I had my stash of almonds on the bus on the way over) and do standby. Standby was at 55 minutes, but it was more like 45 minutes. Not too bad. There are several interactive (Wii-type) games on the screens for all to enjoy once you move up in the standby line and keep everyone quiet and occupied. Smart Move. I start chatting with the people behind me after the ‘first’ wait line. They are several wait lines after you make it into the ride area portion.

Finally on the ride & have a prime seat at B2. The guy next to me at the pre-show explains to this all to me that I am in the middle section in the middle row at the middle of the row thereby the best seats. He is obviously a very big fan of the ride and was a font of information. The ride is awesome and we all lifted our legs each time a tree came by. I even smelled the oranges and the pine trees. I loved this ride and would go on it over and over. This ride deserves the waiting time! Awesome, awesome, awesome.

After this, I decide to hit the big attractions and headed for Test Track. I really have to pysch myself for this one since I’m a little scared of it. I go onto the Single Rider Line and it had 10 minutes, but it was definitely more. Perhaps 15-20 minutes. It did not help that everyone on the Single Rider Line was not Single Riders. The CM was doing his best to discourage it, but saying you will be separated. Even made a joke about it, which was really quite funny, but I can’t remember it! There was also a bunch of elderly people waiting on the SR line, which meant that if they can ride it, I can. Geesh. I get placed in the back row and we head out.

The first half is fine and fun. It’s the last few minutes that were way too roller coaster-y for me. My Photopass picture has my hair completely behind me. That was funny! This is the limit I can do for rides. The last part really did get to me. The ride hit 64 mph!

[place photopass pic here when rec'd!]

I exit and head to the pictures since I knew Photopass participated in this one. I could not find me and headed for the desk, so the CM can find it manually. The CM at the pictures once you get off the ride said sometimes it skips pictures. The desk found it easily enough, though it took me awhile to find them. You have to exit the ride and go through GM land to get to the desk. The CM at the desk places it on my Photopass. This also reminds me that I did not see any Photopass photographers so far at Epcot.

From Test Track, I head to Mission: Space and there was practically no wait – the standby was 5 minutes. Sweet! I went for the wimpy version (green). The launch ticket is so cute. I took a picture. The wimpy version is a simulator ride only. I am not sure what the intense version is like. The family with me was so adorable. The little boy actually saluted and stood up super straight as we got our placements inside our spaceship. He was so proud to be the pilot.

Next is the “Globe” or otherwise known as Spaceship Earth. Way too many rides with Space and Earth in the titles. This is also a walk-on. Yay! I also get another Happy Bday. Yay! This is a totally relaxing & slow ride with animatronics as you ride by the history of the world. It also takes your picture for use for later. It barely feels like you are going up. To get back down the globe, the car turns backward and you get to see pretty stars. And that picture you took at the beginning comes to haunt you. The game console turns on, and asks a bunch of questions and they make it into a Jetsons-like video to entertain you as you are distracted on the way down. It is very cute. I took a video of mine. LOL!

Upon exit, your photo is on the big screen to play an interactive game and it is placed on the globe where you reside. Again, very cute. I stay for a minute to see my face go to the northeast america and leave since there were quite a few people playing the games.

After this, I go to both Innovations East & West, in which I could not seem to locate West from East. I got completely turned around for some time. The signs on the building are exactly the side with multiple entrances. In between, I take pics of the future Flower & Garden Festival displays. Again, I got asked to take a picture of a family, but they don’t reciprocate. I’m done with taking pics of other people! Grr. Still no Photopass people either.

I finally stop to eat & have a pineapple frozen bar (tasty!) & a light lemonade. They went well together.

Previously, I did Innovations East and checked out the experiments and wanted to see the Velcro frogs. They were a bit flimsy and clearly it was for children only, so I left frog-less. Then, I finally figure out where West was & check out Storm Struck. My sister is a science teacher and would have loved these exhibits. Storm Struck was all about how to make your house stronger, was an interactive weather 3D show. It’s not long & it is in a very tiny space. I thought it would be more like ‘Twister’, but it was far more educational. Afterwards, I sent home a Certificate to myself via their interactive program outside the show.

I walked around the rest of the exhibits (waste management, fire safety, etc) and came across Segway Central. I watched for a few moments but since I was doing this Wednesday, I moved on. I think this might be the $35 Segway tour thing?

At this point, I still had a little time before my ADR at the Rose & Crown. I decided to check out “The Seas with Nemo & Friends” clam-mobile ride since the story was fresh in mind from the musical at AK. It was a walk-on and took only a few minutes. I would have been on it earlier if I wasn’t behind 4 of the slowest people that ever lived! The people finally realized they were holding up not only me but all the people that gathered behind me, so they moved to the side to let the crowd through. I didn’t think this ride was much in demand, but it has the longest walk line I have ever seen! It was LOOOONG! This was a very cute ride.

Afterwards, I thought I would go and see if I can catch “Turtle Talk with Crush” since my buds at Kili Safari at AK said this was one of their favorite things to see. It is now around 6:40pm, since I remember thinking I have 20 minutes before check-in for my ADR and everything else was going at a pretty fast clip. The CM kept saying 5 minutes, so I checked out the stingrays, the shrimp and the jellyfish.

It is now heading at 7pm and the CM is still saying 5 minutes and she was nowhere to be seen, so I left. I was cutting it a little too close to check-in for my ADR, if I stayed any longer. I did stop to take a picture of the outside with all the Nemo characters & walked onward to the World Showcase.

I stopped along the way since I saw more F&G displays, even though they were behind very big bushes. Donald Duck & Pluto on a playground!

I finally got to the UK at 7:10pm, a little faster than I thought, so I watched British Invasion (Beatles tribute group) do a couple of songs – Strawberry Fields was one of them. I back over to check in at the Rose & Crown for my 7:30pm ADR. I got a hand-held and went back to watch more of British Invasion.

My hand-held buzzed a few minutes later, right on time for my 7:30. I got a small table inside next to a window looking out to the patio area. The Dining Room is very pretty with the blue curtains and the dishes lining the ceiling.

My server is Mark, who was from Bournemouth, which I have visited! I order the Welsh Dragon (Peach Schnapps, pineapple, etc) along with water. I decide to also order an appetizer, since I don’t think I ate properly all day. I decide to order things I never had and got the Smoked Scottish Salmon on a potato cake which was excellent. During this time, Chef Amber comes out to talk with the people at the next table. To my surprise, she then came to mine.

I thought she knew the other people and they wanted to compliment the chef. She asked how the meal was and since I was currently working on my appetizer, I told her, so far, it was excellent. She asked what I ordered; I said the lamb, which I have never had before. She was very nice, we chit-chatted some more. She asked how my day was at the park, that this was my “bday” dinner and I tell her that I planned this around R&C, the reviews were so good; I also ask about Illumination and if I can go outside and watch. It was really very personalized and she did spent quite a few minutes with me. She said there is a private VIP area to for patrons and she’ll take care of it. I thought that was very nice of her.

I never once felt uncomfortable dining alone and both my server Mark checked on me a bit and Chef Amber did spent time over by me. I also took some time to write in my journal.

The food does come out quickly and it is indeed delicious, though the lamb is very small. The two pieces are smaller than the palm of my hand. LOL! Even the onion jam was good and it didn’t sound like it would. It also came with a portion of shepard’s pie. I completely forget to take photos!

I order Sticky Toffee pudding and coffee for dessert. Delicious again. I get my bill at 8:45pm and was able to use my gift card. I was out by the roped off ‘VIP viewing area’, escorted by Mark, at 8:49pm. It was a perfect clear night and a perfect view. Illuminations started prompted at 9pm. I did not see my buds from earlier in the day, though they knew I would be there solo, which is a lot easier than trying to find a family.

Illuminations was absolutely beautiful and I enjoyed seeing it. Perfect weather, clear night, can't ask for much more. It ends & I book it to the park entrance. I mean really really book it. I zig. I zag. Transportation Karma is back with me, since as soon as I get to the bus area, I board a bus and off we go. Though peeps did try to ‘cut’ the line and that was quickly stopped once they ‘saw’ the line. LOL!

Arrival at POFQ was 8 minutes later and I was in my room by 9:45pm. Holy Buckets!

And I got a wonderful surprise my sister and niece. There were presents in my room! THREE of them! I got a bouquet of flowers in a Mickey cup with mini mickey ears in the flowers; Mickey ears with my name heavily embroidered on the back with a bow and a photo album, cookies, candy bar inside the ears!; and a tote bag with my name heavily embroidered filled with snacks, fruit, candy, even crackers and spreads!

Holy Buckets!!!

I called my sister to thank her. I was out at the parks all day so I didn’t see it until just then. She even said there was something else! Holy Buckets!!!!

What a day! I think it was a fairly good one for a first day. I finally come down from , take a shower, eat a few snacks, finish journaling and get ready for tomorrow. I’m really tired now, since it is 1:30am, so I’m going to leave packing my bag until tomorrow morning. I’m going to bed with a Harry Potter movie.

Up next: Hollywood Studios!

 

[jenseib]

Just read the AK part. We were in the lion section too when we went. Just a few rows back. Claire was asked to come out with them at the end and she refused. UGH! Thats why I tried to sit close. She said she had laready danced in the HS block party, so she didn't need to dance anymore. LOL!

I'm surprised they almost refused your second fast pass. Usually you can get on anyride later than the time with FP's.
Now gotta go read the Epcot part!

 

[MyMuse]

Tuesday
Day 3, Part 1 – Hollywood Studios

I was up at 7:30am (no EMH AM today), got dressed and packed my bag that I was too tired from the night before. I should have done it last night though, it took up precious minutes in the morning. I finished, ate in my room and got to the bus stop.

I didn’t wait too long and the time on the bus read 9:05am, so I did miss the park opening. This was a very entertaining bus ride and the driver, Lenny, was just hysterical. What a way to begin a morning! He even sang Happy Birthday to me on the bus and was generally magically silly. I even got his picture as a souvenir. The bus dropped us off at HS at 9:15am.

After entering, I spotted a Photopass and got myself a picture in front of the sorcerer hat first thing, but there was also 3 more Photopass CMs along the street. I didn’t have to worry here that I would not find any. I was going to do another one, but the CM sort of walked away, so I didn’t bother.

[place Photopass here as soon as I get them!]

After this, I head for Star Tours per RideMax. There was no wait, total walk-on. I think this park had EMH PM the night before, so the crowd is light. The line had memorabilia that looked cool, but I didn’t stop. The ride is cute, complete simulator, seems a bit outdated now. The CMs had absolutely no magic at all; they seemed to allow you on the ride begrudgingly. It was a little odd.

Next to Muppet Vision 3D, since it was next door. Also no wait and there is a very funny pre-show that’s decently long. The theater was excellently themed; almost beautiful in fact. I would go through this show again just to see the theater. The 3D show was also good, definitely should be seen.

I also checked out where Mama Melrose was, since I have the Fantasmic dining there tomorrow.

I take pictures of interesting things as I go along. I head to the Great Movie Ride at Mann’s Chinese Theater. There was only a 10 minute wait. Whoo-hoo! The ride is in a tram car and had a gangster shoot-out, cowboy shoot-out and an alien attack. Very fun and enjoyable.

I head over to check out Toy Story Mania, but I guess I should have done that first thing. The wait is 50 minute and the FP times are for 2:40pm, which is over 3 hours away. I do take pics of the outside, very cute with all the toys. I really don’t have any leanings one way or the other for this ride. I’m really not into it.

I continue to Streets of America and did my pressed penny. Cheapest souvenirs ever! The Backlot Tour is closed, which bums me out. I continue taking pics of NY, San Fran. I tried to get a pic of the raining umbrella but people were already there and there was no Photopass CMs, so I moved on. One of the last good pics of my mother was under this umbrella, so it is quite special to me.

I wander back down to see about One Man’s Dream and pass by TSM, standby was now at 35 minutes. I debated but I want to do One Man’s Dream and hit the 12:15pm Beauty & The Beast show. The crying kids sealed the deal and I was out of there.

One Man’s Dream was really very nice, the displays and history really give you a good feel of how Disney started and evolved. The movie was also very good. I would see this again. And it’s a nice break and you appreciate the place a bit more.

Next up, is the Beauty & Beast show. I do stop to watch some street actors – the Blue Lady and a couple of others. I love watching, it’s just great!

I arrive at B&B theater is a little early, around 11:50-55am-ish. The theater was almost completely empty, so I choose a prime spot center, 3rd row. Good timing, since it less than 10 minutes, there was quite a rush and the seats filled quickly. The show is very nice, very live and the actors really got into it. I don’t know if it was live voices, but it certainly sounds like great singing voices. “Be my guest” was in my head for the rest of the day. No fancy 3D or lighting here, just an outside theater and actors acting.

After I exit, I make sure I knew exactly where Fantasmic was (since I have the dining package for the next day) and decided to have lunch at Toluca Legs Turkey Co. I had the Toluca Salad, which was very good with iced tea, but it turned out to be unsweetened. I grabbed quite a few sugars. LOL! It is now 12:50pm. I located an empty table, and reviewed my touring plan, which I pretty much changed. Halfway through my lunch, I was joined by a couple of older ladies, who teenaged kids where riding Tower of Terror and they got FPs for later. We chit-chatted a little, they were nice. As I left, the rest of their family showed up.

As I walked back up Sunset, I watched another street actor, a lady practicing her lines. It was hysterical and I was there longer than I thought. I loved it.

I continued on and walked around a bit visiting some side areas I bypassed before. I get more Photopass pics taken and I take bunches more. I also stopped to watch street actors get overrun by Japanese girls. They are really good at their jobs!

I stopped again to watch another street skit. This time is was competing talent agencies, Blue Hat Lady and the other talent agency owner. It was highly entertaining. I also noticed there was at least 3 watchers for every skit. Probably making sure the talent did their jobs.

I decide to head out and almost made it, but a Researcher got me. I did the survey about my food choice. I exit and head for Magic Kingdom. It is now 1:40-50pm-ish.

up next: Magic Kingdom!

 

[KatGarcia]

It's awesome you got to soak up so much atmosphere from the street performers- i love them! Sounds like a great morning! But I would def have tried out TSM!

 

[MyMuse]

It's awesome you got to soak up so much atmosphere from the street performers- i love them! Sounds like a great morning! But I would def have tried out TSM!

I could watch the street performers all day; I would never see the rest of the park!

I really did debate it, but....TSM does nothing for me. This probably helps me out with touring plans.

 

[forest]

can't wait for the next installment. I am impressed by you - I have been to WDW about 7 -8 times and I am going on my first solo trip in a few weeks!

 

[MyMuse]

can't wait for the next installment. I am impressed by you - I have been to WDW about 7 -8 times and I am going on my first solo trip in a few weeks!

Thanks! I was a little apprehensive about it, but it was great freedom.

 

[jenseib]

We were there that day too.

We were at the 12:15 show too I beleive. You didn't see us by chance? LOL!

As we were leaving someone asked how Claire liked the show, and I replied she loved it.....then I got to thinking after the lady had passed...How the heck did she know her name? I wondered if it was someone from Dis who recognized her. So far no one has said anything to me yet though.

We did get FP's for TSM. I was so ahppy they even ahd any left. The CM said it was really rare to have them that late in the day. (I think it was after 11) We loved it. I think it was one of Claire's favorite rides. She loved al lthe shooting at the carnival type games. I would not wait in a super long line for it though. But I won't wait for much of anything these days. LOL!

The park was great that day. Alot of rides had very low wait times. I was so happy.

 

[MyMuse]

We were there that day too.

We were at the 12:15 show too I beleive. You didn't see us by chance? LOL!

As we were leaving someone asked how Claire liked the show, and I replied she loved it.....then I got to thinking after the lady had passed...How the heck did she know her name? I wondered if it was someone from Dis who recognized her. So far no one has said anything to me yet though.

We did get FP's for TSM. I was so ahppy they even ahd any left. The CM said it was really rare to have them that late in the day. (I think it was after 11) We loved it. I think it was one of Claire's favorite rides. She loved al lthe shooting at the carnival type games. I would not wait in a super long line for it though. But I won't wait for much of anything these days. LOL!

The park was great that day. Alot of rides had very low wait times. I was so happy.

You were at the same B&B show? I didn't think to look around me. Though, both sets of parents next to me decided to wait and I couldn't get out for awhile. Argh. I was in the center, about 3rd or 4th row.

Maybe that lady heard you say her name and just repeated it.

I think the wait times were low because that was EMH the night before. I just don't think I wouldlike TSM; for me, it holds nothing. I have ridden Men In Black at Universal and I assume, it's the same type ride.

 

[jenseib]

I think I was at that show. My camera shows the first picture of the show at 11:20ish and I didn't reset the time on it, so I would assume it was 12:20ish. LOL! We sat pretyy much in the exact middle. I don;t know if that lady sat near us or not, but when she said it, she was coming from a different direction than we were.
TSM is kind of similar to Buzzlightyear. I never did the MIB one before. It's been about 10 years since I've been to Universal. They were just build IOA when I was there last. I would like to go, but I have such a hard time braking away from Disney. Maybe next year we can do a day or 2 over there, and do more relaxing at Disney and less parks. Just to try something different. LOL!

 

[OhMari]

I found you this morning,
hope you are having a great time.
I am moving you over to our regular boards.
OhMari

 

[MyMuse]

I found you this morning,
hope you are having a great time.
I am moving you over to our regular boards.
OhMari

Oh, thank you! I didn't know who to PM to move me over.

 

[MyMuse]

Tuesday
Day 3, Part 2 – Magic Kingdom

So, I finally get to MK. The granddaddy of the parks!

I arrived from HS, shortly after 2pm. I entered & walked down Main Street, took pics, took notice of all the windows and found a Photopass CM. Yay! They are probably the easiest to find here than anywhere else, thankfully.

I headed off to Adventureland for Jungle Cruise. The wait was not long, so I did not FP it. This is a very slap stick boat ride and totally worth it. Our captain was Angela and she was very entertaining and even sang to us & I got my very own birthday song. LOL!

Next up was Pirates of the Caribbean, and the wait here was also practically a walk-on. I did go left in the line. I was a little apprehensive of the ride, but I knew it was just one drop and it was not very steep. It was no problem. The ride was pretty much in low light, but the ride was fun. I like Johnny at the end.

I then decided to backtrack to Aloha Isle to get myself another Dole Whip. When I get to the window (long line!), I upgraded to a Pineapple Float. It was darn good and my receipt says it is now 3:38pm. I sat near Swiss Family Robinson and gobbled that sucker up.

I then cruised through the Swiss Family Robinson Treehouse; nice views from the top. Good picture-taking moments.

I then head off to Frontierland to check out Splash Mountain and for some reason, I get seriously turned around. I must have looked completely confused, since CM Jose, who is cleaning, asked if I needed help. Nothing was labeled as entering a different land, so I was not sure if I was heading in the correct direction. I got directions, thanked him and off I went.

I see the outside drop of SM and nope, no way, not going to happen. I have seen the ride on YouTube in HD, so I know inside is cool, but that drop is very off-putting. Reminds me way too much of Atlantis at SeaWorld (?), which terrified me.

I find my way to Liberty Square via the boardwalk (nice!) and go on Haunted Mansion. The wait was not long. The ride was very easy and almost slap-sticky-Harry-Potter-ish. I don’t know why I was so apprehensive! It was really quite neat. Right before entering, CM Ian was very entertaining. He said in this low, butler-intoned voice that he was doing nothing at all and ice cream was free within MK. It was very funny. The pre-show was the Stretching Room and it did just that; the ceiling stretched. The ballroom scene during the ride was awesome and the ghost in the mirror was funny. Not one single scary moment.

After HM, off to Fantasyland to “it’s a small world”. The line here was actually a bit long, but probably not more than 30 minutes. The bummer to this fun ride was that I couldn’t stand the people behind me.

There was no control over their kids and the “wheelchair teenager” with them becomes not wheelchair bound when the CM didn’t let them use the wheelchair entrance. I saw him running to get FPs for something else, then ended up behind me online. I don’t get that. Why would you ‘fake’ being handicapped when you are clearly not? Just to cut the lines? Ok, rant over.

Anyways, small world was very cute and adorable. I enjoy this ride, even though it doesn’t have much. I even checked for the rocking horse to have a hidden mickey as a shadow and didn’t see it.

Off to Mickey’s PhilharMagic. I don’t think there was much of a line, since I didn’t make note of it. It was just wonderful, what a great 3D show. I would see this one over and over as well.

I skipped Peter Pan’s Flight since wait time was 45 minutes. Either FPs were out or it was too far ahead for me. So, I checked out Cinderella’s Carousel and located her gold-ribboned horse. It was difficult to locate since the thing was in motion and lots of people there. I managed to get a quick picture of it.

I skipped Snow White’s Scary Adventures and Winnie the Pooh rides. I skipped Toontown Fair all together. Can you tell that I’m not a kiddie kid person?

I do stop at the Teacup ride and get a picture of Randy Pausch’s sign. And I like the theme here as well.

I head into Tomorrowland and briefly consider Speedway and decide against it. I do locate the hidden mickey lamppost but I do not see the shadow, so I take a pic of the lamppost.

I check out Space Mountain to pysch myself out for it. But the wait time was 40 minutes, no FPs and it was getting late.

So, I go for Tomorrowland Transit Authority. I loved this ride! It was like taking a train ride through all the other rides in Tomorrowland, high up above people’s head. A nice break too. I liked seeing the inside of Space Mountain and Buzz Lightyear! There was also a few lovely views of the Castle. It was no wait, a complete walk-on.

Next up was the Carousel of Progress, which was worth seeing once. You are in a circular theater and your seats move and not the set. I also did locate the picture of Walt in the 1940’s daughter’s room. And they have this song…..

Next was Monsters, Inc Laugh Floor and it was cute. There was a bit of a wait, since there was a pre-show, but nothing horrible. I sat in the last row. We did fill up the canister (shocking I know) and it was very interactive.

At this point, it was close to 7pm, so I decide to backtrack to Space Mountain to check on lines since Wishes was at 8pm. The standby sign did decrease to 30 minutes, but people were still a big line outside the building.

I did still want to walk through Cinderella’s Castle to see the mosaics and ride the Railroad.

I head out of Tomorrowland and catch another Photopass CM and did the cartoon thing. He is a very nice CM and even takes a photo with my camera. I asked where the Photopass CMs were in Epcot since I barely saw any. He said there are 2 roving ones and mostly in the countries. I didn’t hit the World Showcase portion of Epcot as of yet.

I went off to the Castle but it was closed for the fireworks (I did not know at this point that there was a back way in, I thought you had to walk through the forecourt). I continued to walk down Main Street heading for the Railroad.

I stop at one shop on a side street and I found the same glass as I saw in Venice! Holy buckets! I text a friend that was on the Italian trip. All that travelling and here it is in Magic Kingdom. It was too funny.

I walk up to the Railroad and find it “not operational at this time” due to the fireworks. Argh.

So, I head for the park exit, and see the train leaving with people on it! So much for not being operational. Double argh!

Now, this starts my Transportation Karma gone horribly horribly wrong. I take the monorail to the TTC, which was the wrong thing to do. All I needed to do was take a bus back to POFQ, but I got turned around since this is how I got to MK this afternoon from HS. But I did not consult my Transportation Cheatsheet I had with me and got all turned around.

As soon as I walk to the buses at TTC, I realize I did something wrong, so I go to bus information booth and inquire. CM Grumpy Pants tells me to take the ferry back, then transfer to a bus “somewhere”. I explain I got mixed up since I park hopped and he didn’t give a 2 hoots.

In any case, at this point, I am tired, now upset that I made a mistake and obviously looked it. I finished with Grumpy Pants and another kind hearted CM runs out and tells me it would be much faster to take the bus from TTC to HS, then transfer to POFQ. I thanked him and explained what I did to Grumpy. He said with 360 buses and 4 hubs, it does get a little confusing. Even they don’t have it all mapped out until that day what buses are going where. That’s why there’s no hand-helds (cell phones) or PDA for visitors to check since it is minute to minute. I thanked him again and went over to wait for a HS bus. I wish I got his name.

Thinking back, why didn’t he just tell me to take the monorail back to MK? Or maybe, if I did take the ferry, I probably would have seen the fireworks? Then I would have hit the mad rush out of the parks, so I think this is was the 2nd CM was trying to have me avoid.

The bus to HS comes quickly enough and I double-check with the driver where to find the POFQ stand. Even he had to check his notes! So, I didn’t feel too bad about getting a bit lost. I find the stand to find out, it is shared with Riverside. POFQ is the first stop, so I did end up back fast enough.

I decide to stop at the food court and order some dinner. I tried the Grilled Chicken this time and pick up water & juice. It wasn’t the greatest, it was bun and chicken but it was made fresh since I had to wait awhile. The time is 8:31pm from my receipt.

I reach my room to find another surprise from my sister. It is a $50 giftcard in a box with a chocolate mickey box with balloons. Holy Buckets!! It was such a nice ending to this day. And I now have $250 in giftcards certainly helps on the trip.

Closer look at my Mickey hat and Mickey ears on my flowers:

I call her as I make some Italian hot cocoa (direct from my trip to Italy) after brewing water twice since I don’t know how long the coffee maker has been sitting there.

It’s now midnight (journaling took awhile! LOL!).

Up Next: Segway Day at Epcot!

 

[jenseib]

What kind of cartoon photopass did you take? I aksed on our way in on Monday and all they offered was tinkerbelle. That is all they offered me at EPCOT too. I thought EPCOT has one where you could sit next to stitch, but they never did it. But I didn't ask if they could either. We did Stitch coming out of the ground at HS, tinkerbelle at MK and Epcot, and Simba at AK. I so wanted to find the one with Captain Hook fighting you at MK. Supposedly it is around Pirates, but never saw a Photopass guy there.
At Epcot I didn;t find alot of photopass guys either. That construction spot just on the other side of the ball was where several were last year. But since that wall would block the view of Spaceship earth I suppose they didn't put any there. I didn't see any in the world showcase either, except for ones at characters.
DH thinks I'm nuts that I want to stpo at all the photopasses. LOL!

 

[MyMuse]

What kind of cartoon photopass did you take? I aksed on our way in on Monday and all they offered was tinkerbelle. That is all they offered me at EPCOT too. I thought EPCOT has one where you could sit next to stitch, but they never did it. But I didn't ask if they could either. We did Stitch coming out of the ground at HS, tinkerbelle at MK and Epcot, and Simba at AK. I so wanted to find the one with Captain Hook fighting you at MK. Supposedly it is around Pirates, but never saw a Photopass guy there.
At Epcot I didn;t find alot of photopass guys either. That construction spot just on the other side of the ball was where several were last year. But since that wall would block the view of Spaceship earth I suppose they didn't put any there. I didn't see any in the world showcase either, except for ones at characters.
DH thinks I'm nuts that I want to stpo at all the photopasses. LOL!

The same things - I know I did Stitch coming out of the ground, I know i have a few tinkerbelle and the Simba one at AK never showed up.

I did refuse the first couple of times. I got more Photopass CMs the next time at Epcot.

I think the Photopass is great! Stop and do it as many times, it's already paid for and you never know what you are going to get.

The only time I got annoyed was in front of the train station at MK. The Photopass woman wanted my friend and I to hold hands. I told her we are best friends not together. But she wasn't listening. Then I thought, maybe there will be a cartoon character but there wasn't. But I did get other shots than that.

 

[MyMuse]

Wednesday
Day 4, Part 1 – Segway Day at Epcot

Today ends my solo days. A friend of mine, Jennifer, is joining me at the parks for the next 2 days (which is why I was park jumping all over the place). She lives in FL with her husband and little daughter (my goddaughter Miranda). She used to live right in Orlando (Azlea Park) until last summer and has never been to Disney, though she lives at SeaWorld and has gone to Universal a couple of times.

So, when I booked the Segway tour, Jennifer decided she wanted to as well. This meant she had to get to me super-duper early at POFQ. I got up a bit early and Jennifer calls me from the road at 7am. She is making good time and probably will get there a little earlier than planned. Yay!

I eat an apple in my room and Jennifer calls that she is parking. I go and meet her at check-in, around 7:45am-ish. I can’t find her and figure she’s probably in the restroom. She is, we say hello, and go get the bus to Epcot. The bus clock reads 8:01am. The Segway tour is booked for 9am and have to check-in at 8:45am.

The bus stops at Riverside, which I never had before! However, we are so early that I refuse to worry about it.

We get to the park entrance and exchange Jennifer’s receipt for her FL ticket to a real one. We then head for guest relations. There is no one around! No waiting in lines! But this guest relations is the wrong guest relations, we need the other one by Spaceship Earth.

We enter the turnstiles by the “guy with the clipboard” who checked our names and we head to the correct desk. We sign into the Segway tour and still made it there at 8:40am. We hit the restroom since we had some time and wait for the tour to begin. Our tour leader is CM Ann and she comes to get us on a Segway and we walk to Segway Central at Innoventions (I forgot whether it is East or West). We train with CMs Ann & James (who actually is a VIP tour guide!), who is very nice.

I was nervous and a bit stumbly for about 10 minutes until I got the hang of it, then I got it and operated it like a pro! We do training, how to get on and off, how to turn, how to steer it, go around cones and up & down hills and around a race track for the first hour. CM James was great and took care of me.

Then it was time to get out in the world (literally! LOL); Future World was already open but not overly busy. The leaders made way and we make our way to World Showcase which is not yet open. We visited China, Italy, Germany, UK and Morocco and each got a mini-VIP talk and some challenge courses (going through gardens and winding around columns, etc). It was great!! You really got to see it in a different light with no one there and riding instead of walking.

During the tour, we stopped to take photos, video and do some free riding at Italy. CM James also doubles as a photographer.

This was a great tour and I was just whizzing around like an expert. My friend Jennifer, at this point, after visiting Italy, just completely loses all control of her Segway and has to be towed in for the most part for the rest of the tour. She tops the scale at barely 100 pounds, so that could be the reason. And she wasn’t interested in bending her knees, so it may have contributed to her legs hurting.

It was back to Segway Central at 11am, where we also got neat pins. My friend Jenn definitely did not have a good time, but she did persevere! I would do this again and again, but she definitely would not.

After Segway, we start off to World Showcase (I did Future World already & Jenn had no interest in it) and hit the countries in counter-clockwise order. Jenn did Kidcot in almost every country to bring back to Miranda (she had an autograph book with her instead of using the masks) & I did pressed pennies. We were like 2 little kids. LOL!

We ate lunch at American Pavilion at 1pm. I really wanted to see American Adventure, but we didn’t have time, but I was able to walk through the Heritage Gallery, which was really nice. I was also able to see the band performers with the drums and flutes. Very Cool.

We took a bunch of pictures as we went along and did not go on the rides in Mexico or Norway nor see the films. I bought a lovely perfume bottle in Germany. I also got a Grand Marnier Orange slushie at France; the Grey Goose one was lemon, which isn’t my favorite.

I wasn’t planning on it, but we did end up having pictures taken with Snow White & Aurora (I forget which countries). This was the only time I saw Photopass CMs in the countries. Jenn gets her book signed for Miranda. We were chatting with one at Aurora (at this point, I just got my Grand Marnier slushie) and he said that Mary Poppins was in the UK. We rush over there, slushie in hand!, to find her walking back into the store and disappears. She will not be out again for another hour or two. Ah well.

[photopass pics TBA...]

We head for the park exit and was able to take Photopass pictures, in front of Spaceship Earth and some of the Flower & Garden displays. It is now around 3:30pm.

Up Next: Hollywood Studios!

 

[KatGarcia]

We were like 2 little kids. LOL!

Love it!!

I also got a Grand Marnier Orange slushie at France; the Grey Goose one was lemon, which isn’t my favorite.

I am with you on that one! LOVE the grand marnier one!

We were chatting with one at Aurora (at this point, I just got my Grand Marnier slushie) and he said that Mary Poppins was in the UK. We rush over there, slushie in hand!, to find her walking back into the store and disappears. She will not be out again for another hour or two. Ah well.

Didn't the CM tell you to go into the store? She's usually in the store in the very back taking her pics?!