*Marty_Mouse_House*
Earning My Ears
- Joined
- Jun 17, 2004
- Messages
- 60
Vacationers:
Husband - early 40s
Self - early 40s (college sweethearts - married 20 years)
Son - 15
Beagle - 9
Active Cat - 3
Sunday, June 6, 2004
7:15 a.m. The phone rings. It's Mickey. "Up and at 'em," he says. "There's gonna be big doin's today so let's get started."
We get up and decide to take the walkway to the Magic Kingdom to see in the daytime what we missed last night. Several things didn't open until 10:00 so we did the Aladdin Magic Carpet Ride. We especially enjoyed getting in the way of the spitting camels. The Jungle Cruise didn't open until 10:00 so we got fast passes and continued on to the Swiss Family Robinson Treehouse - a must-see for me every time we are in the Magic Kingdom. I like taking pictures of the scenic views below. By now the Jungle Cruise had opened up and we boarded using our fast passes. The boat captain makes the comment, "This is the only place in Disney that you will see the back side of water" and my husband later makes it a game to comment on where else we have seen the back side of water in Disney (such as the waterfall at the Dolphin pool). Next was Pirates of the Caribbean, then the Shootin' Gallery (a must-do for our 15 year old). It was coming up on lunchtime and we hadn't eaten breakfast yet so we decided to take the boat launch to the Polynesian to eat at an old tried-and-true - Capt. Cooke's. Now this is how a food court should be! Lots of windows and light, a nice selection of refrigerated items as well as made to order hot things, lots of tables to sit down, and a beautiful view while eating. Thankfully, there are no arcade games anywhere nearby. Here's what we paid: can of soda - $1.79, Chicken Salad Wrap Sandwich - $6.29, Vegetable and Cheese Plate - $3.59, Chicken Tenders meal with fruit (whole banana, apple or orange) - $6.79, soda cup - $1.89, tuna salad bowl - $4.29, ice water - free, Total: $26.25. We love the Polynesian, and even though we don't want to spend that much to stay in the rooms, we try to eat at the various restaurants at least a couple of times on each vacation.
We took the monorail back to the Contemporary and decided to wander down to the dungeon (I mean the food court) to see what desserts they might have. We selected the cheesecake - $3.59, Chocolate Cake slice - $3.59, and jello cup - $1.39, total - $9.13. We returned to the room to work on e-mail and took pictures by the beach.
We fell out the Garden Wing door and got in the car (parked in the 2nd space) for the first time since arriving to ride to Epcot. We drove to the Hess gas station (by the Boardwalk and Dolphin) and were surprised that gas here was less than we paid on the way down. Also, there was a sign that you could buy 2-12 packs of Coke products for $5.00. This seemed really reasonable to us and would have eliminated us lugging all of our drinks in the car on the way.
We were making our way to Epcot and were anxious to see how the AAA Parking Pass worked. I had received it when we bought a 5 day park hopper at the AAA office (price: $232.00). It is a little piece of paper with the date 2004 stamped on it, but there's no expiration date. The AAA office gave us 5 parking passes for buying the 5 day park hopper. We were wondering if the parking attendant would confiscate the parking pass each time or what. We pulled up to the pay booth at Epcot and showed him the pass. He didn't take it and told us to follow a certain color line on the road which would lead us to the preferred parking. There was no parking lot attendant here to guide you in so you just wandered around in the first or second row to find a spot. We parked in the 3rd spot. We walked in and looked at the faces in the Plaza on the granite slabs - my brother just had this done but it takes 4 months for your face to appear. Then we sent more video cards from Innoventions, and continued on to Honey I Shrunk the Audience. The mice get me every time, and the snake gets my teenager. We scream happily. We go into the Land and notice that they are working on the entrance to Soaring - a new attraction which will open in Spring 2005. We ride the Land Boat Ride using a fast pass which continues to be interesting every time we ride it. We continued to Journey Into Imagination and thankfully the skunk smell was not overpowering this time. This was the last day of the Flower and Garden show so we took in some of the gardens, especially at United Kingdom. Our son wanted to try the fish and chips shop so he ordered while we found a table around the corner. Total: $6.70 for a huge plate of fish and chips and free ice water. It was starting to rain but the big umbrella over the table kept us dry. After the rain stopped, my husband and I wanted to eat at the Yakitori House in Japan so we make our way over there. First we walked through the Japan pavilion and saw the tin toy exhibit. There were some Godzilla toys which interested DS. We were not super hungry so I ordered 2 kids meals each of which included 3 pieces of teriyaki chicken, rice, a succotash vegetable mixture and a small drink, total: $7.44 for 2. We love everything we've ordered at the Yakitori House and definitely eat there on every vacation. The Lovin' Spoonful was playing again tonight and we were walking past the American Pavilion during their show. From what we heard, it was exactly the same as last night's show from the song selection to the jokes. These guys were pretty entertaining.
We already knew that British Invasion wasn't scheduled to play tonight so we made our way around to Mexico for another trip through the "Rio de Bote". My son and I knew what to look for, but my husband kept denying that there was anything to see. He said he thought he saw the female dancer wearing colored underwear. I said, "I don't know where you were looking but there was definitely no colored underwear to be seen." The only way to clear up this debate was to circle around again for another ride. This time we insisted that DH sit on the left side of the boat to be sure to get a good look. We got to the crucial point of the ride. He says, "It's a bodysuit." No mention of colored underwear this time. My son and I looked skeptically at each other. I guess it Could be a bodysuit.... but we doubted it. I'll have to take DH to the eye doctor when we get home.
Back to the car we went and I had an idea of where to stop next. Some of my relatives made reservations at Shades of Green for later this year and never having been there before, they were a little nervous about what to expect. I suggested that we drive over there and get a brochure to send them so that they would know that it was going to be nice - being on Disney property and all. We pulled up to the guard gate and explained that we wanted a brochure. The guy at the guard gate said that we were absolutely not allowed to go through even to just get a brochure. This irked us a little bit but there was nothing we could do about it. We noticed that they pizza delivery car behind us was waved through with no problem!
Back to the Contemporary, through our own guard gate (who did not automatically wave us through without closely inspecting our parking pass) we parked in spot 2 right outside the door. We took the walkway to the Magic Kingdom again and noticed all of the engraved stepping stones. We had this done in the early 1990s but have only seen it once due to its location. It is located way beyond the main entrance of Magic Kingdom almost to the end of the sidewalk near Grand Floridian. We definintely have to trek out there to see it again next time.
We did Philharmagic - the theater was full this time. Next we got a fast pass to Peter Pan. Meanwhile, Dumbo had been closed due to the weather but as we were walking by, they were starting to open it up again so DS and I jumped in line - no wait! We did Buzz Lightyear (5 minute wait even though the sign said 30 minutes) and obviously my gun wasn't working again because I only got 5,000 points. We rode the Peoplemover and it was extremely busy. The teacups had no line so we decided to ride that for the first time in about 20 years. I made it a condition that there would be no spinning, but DS and DH got a gleeful look in their eye and during the last 2 minutes of the ride, I couldn't see straight. (Husband's comment, "This ride a lot faster than I remembered it.") We used the fast pass on Peter Pan, then walked to Haunted Mansion and there were only about 10 of us in the "waiting room". We took the wooden path to Big Thunder and walked right on the ride because SpectroMagic was finishing up and people were watching that. It seemed like Big Thunder was a lot shakier than usual, and as we were sitting in the 1st and 2nd rows, I was watching that "steam engine" just in front of us with an eagle eye. (Husband's comment: "That ride seemed a lot faster than usual.) We walked right on Splash Mountain and were one of the last people to get on. During the picture you couldn't see me - I was practially under the seat. We came out and the fireworks had started so we watched them with a handful of people in front of Splash Mountain.
We stopped at the Main Street Bakery to take a little something back to the room - apple turnover - $1.89, cupcake - $1.89
and cinnamon roll for breakfast tomorrow for DS - $2.89. He was starting to complain that he wasn't getting his breakfast which he required. The size of this cinnamon roll would probably take care of the next 3 breakfasts.
--------------------------------
Previous Trips: 30 plus trips in 32 years
Since being married we have stayed at: Fort Wilderness Campground, Fort Wilderness Cabins, Yacht Club, Caribbean Beach, Polynesian, Beach Club, Swan and Dolphin, All-Star Sports, All-Star Music, Port Orleans Riverside, Contemporary Resort
Husband - early 40s
Self - early 40s (college sweethearts - married 20 years)
Son - 15
Beagle - 9
Active Cat - 3
Sunday, June 6, 2004
7:15 a.m. The phone rings. It's Mickey. "Up and at 'em," he says. "There's gonna be big doin's today so let's get started."
We get up and decide to take the walkway to the Magic Kingdom to see in the daytime what we missed last night. Several things didn't open until 10:00 so we did the Aladdin Magic Carpet Ride. We especially enjoyed getting in the way of the spitting camels. The Jungle Cruise didn't open until 10:00 so we got fast passes and continued on to the Swiss Family Robinson Treehouse - a must-see for me every time we are in the Magic Kingdom. I like taking pictures of the scenic views below. By now the Jungle Cruise had opened up and we boarded using our fast passes. The boat captain makes the comment, "This is the only place in Disney that you will see the back side of water" and my husband later makes it a game to comment on where else we have seen the back side of water in Disney (such as the waterfall at the Dolphin pool). Next was Pirates of the Caribbean, then the Shootin' Gallery (a must-do for our 15 year old). It was coming up on lunchtime and we hadn't eaten breakfast yet so we decided to take the boat launch to the Polynesian to eat at an old tried-and-true - Capt. Cooke's. Now this is how a food court should be! Lots of windows and light, a nice selection of refrigerated items as well as made to order hot things, lots of tables to sit down, and a beautiful view while eating. Thankfully, there are no arcade games anywhere nearby. Here's what we paid: can of soda - $1.79, Chicken Salad Wrap Sandwich - $6.29, Vegetable and Cheese Plate - $3.59, Chicken Tenders meal with fruit (whole banana, apple or orange) - $6.79, soda cup - $1.89, tuna salad bowl - $4.29, ice water - free, Total: $26.25. We love the Polynesian, and even though we don't want to spend that much to stay in the rooms, we try to eat at the various restaurants at least a couple of times on each vacation.
We took the monorail back to the Contemporary and decided to wander down to the dungeon (I mean the food court) to see what desserts they might have. We selected the cheesecake - $3.59, Chocolate Cake slice - $3.59, and jello cup - $1.39, total - $9.13. We returned to the room to work on e-mail and took pictures by the beach.
We fell out the Garden Wing door and got in the car (parked in the 2nd space) for the first time since arriving to ride to Epcot. We drove to the Hess gas station (by the Boardwalk and Dolphin) and were surprised that gas here was less than we paid on the way down. Also, there was a sign that you could buy 2-12 packs of Coke products for $5.00. This seemed really reasonable to us and would have eliminated us lugging all of our drinks in the car on the way.
We were making our way to Epcot and were anxious to see how the AAA Parking Pass worked. I had received it when we bought a 5 day park hopper at the AAA office (price: $232.00). It is a little piece of paper with the date 2004 stamped on it, but there's no expiration date. The AAA office gave us 5 parking passes for buying the 5 day park hopper. We were wondering if the parking attendant would confiscate the parking pass each time or what. We pulled up to the pay booth at Epcot and showed him the pass. He didn't take it and told us to follow a certain color line on the road which would lead us to the preferred parking. There was no parking lot attendant here to guide you in so you just wandered around in the first or second row to find a spot. We parked in the 3rd spot. We walked in and looked at the faces in the Plaza on the granite slabs - my brother just had this done but it takes 4 months for your face to appear. Then we sent more video cards from Innoventions, and continued on to Honey I Shrunk the Audience. The mice get me every time, and the snake gets my teenager. We scream happily. We go into the Land and notice that they are working on the entrance to Soaring - a new attraction which will open in Spring 2005. We ride the Land Boat Ride using a fast pass which continues to be interesting every time we ride it. We continued to Journey Into Imagination and thankfully the skunk smell was not overpowering this time. This was the last day of the Flower and Garden show so we took in some of the gardens, especially at United Kingdom. Our son wanted to try the fish and chips shop so he ordered while we found a table around the corner. Total: $6.70 for a huge plate of fish and chips and free ice water. It was starting to rain but the big umbrella over the table kept us dry. After the rain stopped, my husband and I wanted to eat at the Yakitori House in Japan so we make our way over there. First we walked through the Japan pavilion and saw the tin toy exhibit. There were some Godzilla toys which interested DS. We were not super hungry so I ordered 2 kids meals each of which included 3 pieces of teriyaki chicken, rice, a succotash vegetable mixture and a small drink, total: $7.44 for 2. We love everything we've ordered at the Yakitori House and definitely eat there on every vacation. The Lovin' Spoonful was playing again tonight and we were walking past the American Pavilion during their show. From what we heard, it was exactly the same as last night's show from the song selection to the jokes. These guys were pretty entertaining.
We already knew that British Invasion wasn't scheduled to play tonight so we made our way around to Mexico for another trip through the "Rio de Bote". My son and I knew what to look for, but my husband kept denying that there was anything to see. He said he thought he saw the female dancer wearing colored underwear. I said, "I don't know where you were looking but there was definitely no colored underwear to be seen." The only way to clear up this debate was to circle around again for another ride. This time we insisted that DH sit on the left side of the boat to be sure to get a good look. We got to the crucial point of the ride. He says, "It's a bodysuit." No mention of colored underwear this time. My son and I looked skeptically at each other. I guess it Could be a bodysuit.... but we doubted it. I'll have to take DH to the eye doctor when we get home.
Back to the car we went and I had an idea of where to stop next. Some of my relatives made reservations at Shades of Green for later this year and never having been there before, they were a little nervous about what to expect. I suggested that we drive over there and get a brochure to send them so that they would know that it was going to be nice - being on Disney property and all. We pulled up to the guard gate and explained that we wanted a brochure. The guy at the guard gate said that we were absolutely not allowed to go through even to just get a brochure. This irked us a little bit but there was nothing we could do about it. We noticed that they pizza delivery car behind us was waved through with no problem!
Back to the Contemporary, through our own guard gate (who did not automatically wave us through without closely inspecting our parking pass) we parked in spot 2 right outside the door. We took the walkway to the Magic Kingdom again and noticed all of the engraved stepping stones. We had this done in the early 1990s but have only seen it once due to its location. It is located way beyond the main entrance of Magic Kingdom almost to the end of the sidewalk near Grand Floridian. We definintely have to trek out there to see it again next time.
We did Philharmagic - the theater was full this time. Next we got a fast pass to Peter Pan. Meanwhile, Dumbo had been closed due to the weather but as we were walking by, they were starting to open it up again so DS and I jumped in line - no wait! We did Buzz Lightyear (5 minute wait even though the sign said 30 minutes) and obviously my gun wasn't working again because I only got 5,000 points. We rode the Peoplemover and it was extremely busy. The teacups had no line so we decided to ride that for the first time in about 20 years. I made it a condition that there would be no spinning, but DS and DH got a gleeful look in their eye and during the last 2 minutes of the ride, I couldn't see straight. (Husband's comment, "This ride a lot faster than I remembered it.") We used the fast pass on Peter Pan, then walked to Haunted Mansion and there were only about 10 of us in the "waiting room". We took the wooden path to Big Thunder and walked right on the ride because SpectroMagic was finishing up and people were watching that. It seemed like Big Thunder was a lot shakier than usual, and as we were sitting in the 1st and 2nd rows, I was watching that "steam engine" just in front of us with an eagle eye. (Husband's comment: "That ride seemed a lot faster than usual.) We walked right on Splash Mountain and were one of the last people to get on. During the picture you couldn't see me - I was practially under the seat. We came out and the fireworks had started so we watched them with a handful of people in front of Splash Mountain.
We stopped at the Main Street Bakery to take a little something back to the room - apple turnover - $1.89, cupcake - $1.89
and cinnamon roll for breakfast tomorrow for DS - $2.89. He was starting to complain that he wasn't getting his breakfast which he required. The size of this cinnamon roll would probably take care of the next 3 breakfasts.
--------------------------------
Previous Trips: 30 plus trips in 32 years
Since being married we have stayed at: Fort Wilderness Campground, Fort Wilderness Cabins, Yacht Club, Caribbean Beach, Polynesian, Beach Club, Swan and Dolphin, All-Star Sports, All-Star Music, Port Orleans Riverside, Contemporary Resort
