At 7pm, Im up and ready to take on the rest of the night. The nap was just the ticket. For a very brief moment on the way to my room earlier I thought I might actually be approaching Disney burnout. Say it isnt so. I had a twinge of being ready to go home, I was tired. The nap cured that completely. Im already ready to come back with the kids as soon as possible. These things pass quickly with me.
I head to the bus stop and Im on an Epcot bus again at 7:09. Less than 15 minutes later, Im walking into Epcot. As I pass Spaceship Earth, it looks like its pretty consistently open now. At 7:34, I need something to eat. I slip into the Land to get something at Sunshine Seasons. It must be past dinner time because all the lines are closed except the bakery, Asian Noodle and the Grill. I got the Garlic Chicken Noodle Soup, tabouleh and
you guessed it
crème brulee and Diet Coke. Now Ive never had tabouleh before. Something else new for this trip.
Unfortunately, I wasnt all that impressed with it. I thought it might be good in some kind of wrap though, just not by itself. Maybe warm. The soup looked quite ordinary but tasted great with a solid Asian flavor. At 8:00, I packed up my crème brulee and Diet Coke and headed for the World Showcase to stake out a spot for Illuminations. My last Illuminations view wasnt all that great.
My first choice was Showcase Plaza, the big concrete patch between the souvenir shops at the bottom of World Showcase. But they had it roped off for some sort of special event. I love watching the fireworks from here, you can really feel the heat from them. So I move on up toward Canada. As Im walking theres a line of businessmen being guided by CMs with little flashing wands
presumably to go down to my favorite spot that Im missing this trip. Theres oodles of these guys and Im jealous. Special treatment, bah humbug.
At 8:10 Im checking out another favorite place
down by the water at UK behind the Yorkshire County Fish Shop. Cant go down there either
another special event. Tables, chafing dishes, white tablecloths, the works. Ok, two spots gone. Moving on.
Now Im heading across the bridge between UK and France where the International Gateway is. That wonderful area down by the water is
you guessed it
all decked out for a special event. What is Disney thinking? They reserve all the best areas all on one night for all these special groups, I assume conventions of some sort. These people dont even look very interested in being there as far as I can tell.
Well, I give up. Three for three. I plop myself down at the rail of the bridge and I savor my dessert and drink. Theres no one here yet, so I just watch the people go by. Its still only 8:15 and Illuminations always starts promptly at 9. People begin to slowly fill in around me. After awhile, I find it prudent to stand up. People will pretend you arent there if youre sitting. Im very glad I brought my lightweight jacket with me tonight, its perfect for the weather. Even with the people around me, its quite peaceful here as well. By showtime, the crowd on the bridge is 4 to 5 people deep and there are at least 5 Illuminations Cruise boats below us.
Evidently this is where they watch the fireworks from. I always wondered about that, I figured they couldnt actually go out into the water during the show. So essentially, theyre paying the big bucks to get the exact same view Im getting by standing there. Granted they dont have to pay to get into Epcot and they dont have to deal with the crowds to get out. But, in my case, thats not a problem in the least. I like my way better (although, my way three ideas ago would have been even bettergrumble, grumble).
The show starts. The people standing on either side of me have never seen it. I like that. Maybe I feel superior or something but Ill never admit it. Its just neat to hear people when they see these things for the first time. I couldnt feel the heat from the fire here, but it was a very nice view anyway. I soaked it all in. This will be my last time to see Illuminations until I come back with my family. This is such a fabulous show, I just cant explain it. Its moving, its fascinating and its LOUD! The fire, the globe, all of it really gets to me. I get chills when the music starts, its wonderfully familiar. (Oh yes, and notice at the bottom left and right of the picture below... all those "special" guests that got the good spots.)
I must tell you though, I sincerely miss the Tapestry of Nations parade and its music. They always play a little of it after Illuminations as you leave the park. Very nostalgic for me.
At 9:14, the last boom goes off and the show is over. Another one bites the dust, so to speak. Now, Ive just got to ask
fireworks leave tons of casings behind, right? Are all those casings at the bottom of the lake in World Showcase? With this show going on 365 times a year, Ive got to think that the bottom of this lake has raised a few feet. Do they dredge the thing at all? Id love to know this little bit of trivia.
I decide to take the long way around World Showcase, toward Mexico. Now that group of snobby businessmen are following the little blinking wands from Showcase Plaza up to the International Gateway. Scum. (Im not bitter, no.)
Im feeling very good right now. That nap did the trick. I could walk all over Epcot. I sort of did. I called the kids on the way out. My son is working on his Cub Scout derby car and wanted to tell me all about it. I just might come back here tomorrow for some street performers. I must tell you, being in Epcot after Illuminations if fabulous. Hanging back behind all those people rushing to get out. I took a bunch of nighttime photos and took my time.
Its 9:52 and I still have not exited the park. I pass by the Epcot 25th anniversary exhibit. Im able to get into the hallway where the timeline is, so I look at that awhile, but I cant get into the exhibit room. Its closed up for the night.
Theres a good reason to make a trip back here tomorrow. Im quite disappointed they didnt make a much bigger deal out of the 25th anniversary of the park that Walt so badly wanted to succeed. This was his baby as I understand it. Magic Kingdom was just the means to this end
a way to get the cash to build his true dream.
At 10:04, I stopped in at The Art of Disney to drool over all the works there. I checked out the book section. I adore books on Imagineering and such. I took pictures of the books I want to get in the future. At 10:08, I left the park finally. At the bus stop a CM asks where Im headed and sends me to the Old Key West stop. They combine the bus stops this late at night. There arent very many people out here at all right now. The busses are few and far between. But Id much rather wait here late with a few people for a longer period of time than wait earlier with a ton of people for just as long. So much less stressful.
At 10:26, Im on a bus back to Pop. Twenty minutes later I was cruising the Pop gift shop and food court. I didnt feel like getting anything so I walked out toward the pool to get some night shots of the resort. Night time anywhere in Disney is just magical. Its my favorite time. Im a night person anyway. Getting up for rope drop is not an easy thing for me. Never has been. I walked out to the end of Generation Gap Bridge. Its really just a temporary end since they MIGHT open up to the Legendary Years someday. Possibly not in my lifetime though, I fear. I take pictures looking back at Pop from here. Now this is peaceful. Getting the theme of this trip now? Peaceful is the word. Just lovely.
So back to my room I go for my last sleep in a Disney bed for awhile. Yes, its a sad thing. Ive been sleeping very well here. I still wear earplugs though, Im a pretty light sleeper. You really can hear your neighbors through the walls.
Tuesday, January 10, 2008
Last day here. The cool thing is, though, that my flight doesnt leave until 9pm. Yep, I planned it that way. Arent I sneaky?
My main plan for today is the Wild By Design Tour at Animal Kingdom. After that, the day is open to do any of the things Ive missed so far this trip. Mickey calls me at 6:30am, but my backup alarm was evidently set for PM. Whew. Remember that backup guys! I quickly get cleaned up and Im out the door by 7:15short hair is a wonderful thing. Its very foggy. Evidently someone was conducting a controlled burn somewhere and it combined with the fog to cause a horrible 70 car pileup on the interstate. I was hearing about it all morning. The real world has encroached on my magical trip.
At 7:30, I checked my bags into Magical Express and got my boarding pass for my flight. Ive got an extra bag going home this trip. I had one crammed in my suitcase for the souvenirs I was planning to get. Definitely needed it. I didnt want to check my backpack and my laptop though. So I crammed my laptop into my backpack. I didnt really think about leaving it at Pop while I went to the parks. I didnt take into account that I would have to come back here anyway to catch the DME bus back to the airport. So I lugged that thing around with me all day for no reason. Live and learn.
When I left my room, they had not dropped off my room charges yet. So I headed back there to see that they finally had. I checked it, nothing unexpected except for the fact that I thought I had spent more than I did. Thats good unexpected. So it was off to the bus stop.
At 7:38, the AK bus was waiting for me. Off to my tour! At the AK entrance, I was subjected to my first bag check of the entire trip. Up until now, I had everything in my cargo pants pockets and it worked like a true charm. Wish I could do that in the summer, but you really need more stuff in the summer heat. But there I am, letting the guy rummage through my things. I had noticed that the AK Christmas tree was still up and it was LIT! The CM said it would be coming down tonight. Yeah, after Im gone of course.
The tour was to begin at 8:30am. Our guide is Aaron.
Sorry, lousy picture of him. We all get our nifty little earpieces and receivers. Did I tell you I really like these? Oh yes, I do. I duck out for a moment before the tour begins to check my backpack into a locker at the kennel area. I thought it was rather strange to have a kennel right outside Animal Kingdom. Locker prices have changed. They charged me $7. That sucks.
The Wild By Design tour guide was nowhere near as good as Matthew at the Keys to the Kingdom Tour but he was adequate. He was not nearly as entertaining or knowledgeable but I really enjoyed the tour anyway. He led us up toward Expedition Everest through an empty park (it wasnt yet open) pointing out various things.
I still learned a few new things. We all got to get EE fastpasses just before they let the general population into the park. We got to hear about various animals and their habitats from some of the keepers in the park. They really know their stuff and sincerely care about their animals and their work. They are wonderful to listen to. Makes you want to have their jobs.
At 9:55, were off down the Maharajah Jungle Trek. I had done the Pangani Forest trail earlier in my vacation and luckily didnt take the time for this one. How opportune! He showed us a bunch of Hidden Mickeys along the trail with the tigers. I took pictures of them, but I may not be able to find them again!
This tour really makes me want to take the Backstage Safari as soon as I can. Id love to see the animals behind the scenes. Disney is legendary regarding the care of their animals. Maybe I can sneak over here next trip with the family.
We had a quick continental breakfast at Pizzafari. Ive never cared for pastries and such for breakfast but they did have some very good fruit. I got my Diet Coke too. At 11:30, the tour was done. I got my pin, filled out my questionnaire and headed up to Asia to use my EE fastpass. Then I think Ill mosey over to the Magic Kingdom.
One thing I absolutely love about Animal Kingdom is the personal attention. If you want to know something about an animal or exhibit, theres almost always a CM somewhere around that can answer all your questions. You dont just read the signs
in fact you wont see many signs at all. Its really much more than a zoo. Its more of an experience than that. Sometimes the CMs will have something with them pertaining to the animal in question too, like a skin or skull. That really gets the kids attention.
Im up at Expedition Everest at 11:48 and the fastpass line is empty. I take my last ride and went back to the entrance via Dinoland. I briefly considered doing Primeval Whirl (I love that ride) but decided its much more fun with friends or family. I picked up my backpack at the lockers, got $5 back (what?) and headed out. That was a nice last visit to AK for this trip.
At 12:40, Im on a bus to the Transportation and Ticket Center so I can get to the Magic Kingdom. Im vacillating whether to go there or Downtown Disney. At least I have planned options! I decided on MK, so I got on the monorail at 12:51. Ten minutes later, Im off the monorail and on my way in to Magic Kingdom for the last time this trip. My plan is to go to Pinocchios Village Haus to try the Panini Ive heard so much about and take a look a those Figaro Fries. I dropped off my backpack at the locker rental (still fuming over the fact I brought it and am wasting time having to store it everywhere I go). I didnt get a receipt from the AK locker rental so they almost made me pay all over again. They had pity on the poor lady who must have been new to the system at AK, and on me.
Its pretty well packed at MK today. Its just a Tuesday. I decided on the Turkey Panini and passed on the Fries until next trip. They sound pretty out-there. On a side note, Ive seen quite a few tour groups roaming around with their little guides with their little flags. One group had about 20 to 30 people following one little lady. It would seem more prudent to get in groups of 4 or 5 like-minded people, make your plans and move around in smaller packs. They would get so much more done and probably have a much better time. Thats just my opinion of course. Maybe they like all being together, or someone is a control freak. I shouldnt talk, that would be describing me.
At 1:48, Im done eating. That was uneventful. I didnt care too much for the Panini, Id give it about a 5 out of 10.
Pinocchio's was horribly loud. I wish it had a second floor like Columbia Harbor House so that you could sit, eat and watch over the people in Fantasyland. Wouldnt that be cool? Now I want to head over to Epcot to see that exhibit. Im off.
I picked up my backpack at the lockers yet again (thank goodness you only pay once per day). At 2:04, Im on the monorail to the TTC again. I switched to the Epcot monorail at 2:15 and I took the long ride there. I guess Ive never done this because Id never ridden the monorail inside Epcot before. It loops around inside and then stops at the Epcot station. Either that or I just havent been very observant on previous tripswhich is entirely possible and highly probable. As I rode, I could still see the smoke from the controlled burn earlier this morning. At 2:24, Im getting off at the Epcot station. I stow my stuff yet again and head to the exhibit.
The Epcot 25th Anniversary exhibit is tucked away where its difficult to find and just not very prominent. Im very disappointed in Disney for that. However, I did enjoy it. Lots of old memorabilia and photos. I read everything. I did the same thing in the One Mans Dream exhibit on my last solo trip. I spent no less than 2 hours in there. Would have driven my kids out of their minds had they been with me. However, there was only enough stuff here to occupy me for about 30 minutes.
At 3:00, I happened to remember that Im just in time to hit the Disney Visa meet and greet again! THIS time I can get it right, AND I have my card with me as well. Woo hoo! Theres only one other family in line so I get in quickly. Im greeted by Mickey, Pluto and my hero Minnie. Shes a woman of the new millennium I tell you. Perfect! I did the whole picture thing with all of them but then I made double sure that I got two pictures with just Minnie and I. Turned out to be a photo shoot of like 15 photos. That guy shoots fast. I hung around the area for just a little bit, got my backpack out of the locker and then went into the camera shop to see if the photos had been uploaded yet. It was a pretty slow day for them, so they were already there 30 minutes after the session. I picked out the photo I wanted for my free 5x7 and stuck it in my backpack. With a laptop in it, that suckers heavy.
Ok, its 3:40 and I want to go to Downtown Disney one last time. The Earl of Sandwich is calling me. Of course, theres no direct route from Epcot to DTD. I pull out my phone and pull up the transportation wizard website. My best bet will be to go to Caribbean Beach Resort and hop a bus there to Epcot. It says that will take 45 minutes. I figured Id take whichever bus happened to show up first at EpcotPop or CBR. Turned out to be CBR after all. It was 3:47. I sat at the CBR Jamaica bus stop for what seemed an eternity and the DTD bus finally came. I arrived at DTD around 4:31. Wow. That WAS 45 minutes. Im impressed with the accuracy of that transportation wizard site.
At 4:48pm, Im sitting at my beloved Earl of Sandwich munchin on my favorite meal. Got that Cannonballs sandwich again. Today Im sitting out on the porch and I can see the Board Game Christmas tree from where I sit.
Very appropriate since I sell board games on eBay. Its still Christmas though and it irked me. My husband called to let me know our neighbor would be at the airport to pick me up since our kids would be asleep in bed when I arrive. I had bought some very yummy looking bread pudding at Earls so I wrapped it up and stuffed it into my backpack for later.
In the World of Disney, I bought a really big Imagineering book that I had seen before and wanted. Great for the plane trip home. Lots of great stuff in it. I love my little Imagineering Guides that Ive got on Animal Kingdom, Magic Kingdom and Epcot. The tour guide today said that the Studios dont have their own book yet because everything is still in flux. Name change, new attractions and such. Ill be buying that one as soon as it comes out too. I figured Id better beat feet back to Pop to be there in time for the DME bus. I hate the fact that you have to leave three hours before your flight but I know from experience that you need every minute of that three hours sometimes.
Looky here. Im at the DTD bus stop and a Pop Century bus is right there waiting for me. Twice in one trip? Oh my. I guess that was my dream come true this vacation. Since Typhoon Lagoon came out of refurbishment yesterday, its back on the bus route so we had to stop there on our way to Pop from Downtown. Cant wait to take the kids here. Theyve never done the water parks at Disney. Were always here in the colder months.
At 5:47, the bus pulled into Pop and I went through Everything Pop trying to trade off the last of my pins to get some Donald for my daughter and Stitch for my son. Donald was much easier than Stitch to find this trip so I ended up with more for her. I made my way out to wait for the DME bus but I waited more toward the entrance than toward the bus area. So I didnt hear some guy telling everyone that the Cruise Line bus was the one going back to the airport. I almost missed it altogether except that I tried to board a DME bus that was arriving. Close call there. The Beatles Penny Lane was playing and I thought of my daughter. It was 74 degrees here and freezing back in Dallas. Goody.
The ride back to the airport was solemn and quiet. No anticipation, no giggly people. Just people who needed a vacation from their vacation. I figure I accomplished at least 90% of the goals Id set for myself this trip. The only regret I had is not scheduling more free time at the Studios. I really want to see more of the street actors, so that gets put on the list for next time. I didnt get to see the Captain Jack that I really liked at the Pirate Tutorial. I didnt ride the Carrousel or get my eggrolls (not for lack of trying). I skipped the Behind the Seeds tour (the kids can do that one with me if we want.) I didnt go to the Boardwalk at night. But I did SO many things that I had intended to do that Im quite satisfied with this trip. I think it went even better than my first solo trip. Maybe this will become my every-three-year tradition for myself. So I guess my next solo trip will be in LATE January of 2011 (dont want to be there for the Christmas decorations after Christmas again).
I got to the airport at 7:00 and went straight to the security line. I always hate this part. The button on my cargo pants popped off a couple of days ago, so Ive relied on that army belt to keep my pants up. Well
you can figure this one out. The belt has to come off, as well as the shoes and everything out of the pockets. Ok, cargo pants, not good at an airport. Noted. Im holding up my pants with one hand while I try to get through the security line and gather my things with the other hand. What fun.
I had totally forgotten the layout of the airport because I got on the shuttle to my terminal only to find that theres nothing to eat or do out there. Poop. Back on the shuttle I go to the hub where life is a little interesting since I have to wait another 1 1/2 hours to get on my plane. The bread pudding in my backpack is whispering sweet nothings to me so I sit outside the
Disney Store and I savor that awhile. Ok, that took all of 10 minutes. Now what? I walk through some of the stores looking at stuff Ill never buy. Checked out some of the new books that have come out. I figure Id better get to my gate so I have to go disrobe all over again and do the no-button dance.
At 8:34, Im sitting at the gate talking on the phone to my kids before they go to bed. This, my dear, is the sad end to my vacation. There is no fanfare at the Orlando airport, no more anticipation, no more excitement. Just looking back over your shoulder. Its quite melancholy in some ways, but knowing that youll be coming back and having a whole different kind of Disney vacation to plan for is reassuring. Next trip is camping at Fort Wilderness, so thats a whole other ball of wax in the planning arena.
I board the plane and say goodbye to my happy place (WDWNOT Orlando airport!) Im pretty sure we had to taxi to Tampa in order to take off.
Turns out that my husband was waiting for me at the DFW airport. He put the neighbor in charge of the sleeping kids. I think he was anxious for the woman of the house to be IN the house. Its hard for a guy to work full time and get kids to all that they have to do and get them fed every day. Hes not used to that stuff. I think he was quite relieved to have me back. It only took a day or so to get back into the swing of things. Now I check the boards every day to see what the Pic of the Day thread has in store. It keeps me going. I try not to spend too much time there though, it can be depressing as well.
So until next trip
forget about your worries and your strife!
(fools), (best man duties for me) so nice to come back to some updates.
, keep it up.
I'd love to try it someday myself.
