MISSION POSSIBLE: Day 5 - Tinkerbell!

[Pugsly]

Pre-Trip Report
Day 1
Day 2
Day 3
Day 4

Day 5 - Wednesday, September 28th

Today we will use one of the days on our 14-day Sea World pass (it’s too bad we’re not going to be here for longer or better yet – that we can’t use our passes for the park in San Antonio). But first, there is sustenance in the form of fruit and trail mix in our room. (and if I’m being really honest, cokes too – because we are, after all, on vacation!)

On the way, we’ve spotted something I would think would be right at home in Austin (where the city’s unofficial slogan is “Keep Austin Weird”) – and in fact, I have seen cars like this – but couldn’t help but sharing (it has little stuffed animals and toys stuck all over it):

Upon entering the park, how can anyone resist a ride on Manta? Well … I guess you can if you’re prone to motion sickness and Keith, ever the gentleman, agrees to wait while I ride. Having grown up with a love for all things underwater, I have to say I love this queue and getting to watch the sea life in action. It wasn’t long (maybe 20 minutes) before we were being tilted forward. We’re in the second row, not that it matters much once the ride gets going. This is a completely different experience as I’ve always wanted to, but have never done, a coaster like this. Going up the big hill, it takes everything within my being to NOT look at the ground below me (surprisingly, I do have a fear of heights, but love most coasters). We twisted, we turned, we flipped one way and then the other; too many inversions to count. This was absolutely, without a doubt, one of my favorite things on this trip! I can’t believe I’m saying that about a non-Disney ride, and it’s probably the newness-factor in it all, but I really did like this coaster! WOW! The father and daughter who I rode with tell me that sometimes, the ride is run in the opposite direction (not running backwards, just running on the track in the other direction) and in fact, was running that way the week before. When I exit, Keith is right there waiting and says he’s ever-so-glad that he didn’t ride as he watched two guys come off (one right after the other), who barely made it down the stairs before they lost their breakfast! Thank goodness for a stable stomach (or … a stable inner-ear thing)!

While we stand and decide what to do next, we realize just how sweltering it is today. I don’t know what the temps were, I just know it was HOT!

We finally decide that our timing is good because the Shamu show, One Ocean, is due to begin at 12:00 and we have just enough time to make it to the stadium. We enjoy the show and I personally am amazed that at one point, there are 7 whales in the tank! I like the infused music, but could do without the forced dance moves by the trainers. I guess if they can’t get in the water, they can at least … dance!

This little guy surprised us all:

 

[Pugsly]

After seeing Shamu and friends, and on our way towards Kracken (which for some reason, Keith is adamant that I ride), we make a trip through Shark Reef, and the Penguin Enclosure, as well as a detour to the sea lions’ outdoor habitat.

The heat, in combination with the allergens, have resulted in one horrible headache (the only term I can think of here is boiling brains – and why not – Halloween is just around the corner) and so I put off Kracken as long as possible. The Clyde and Seamour show is just starting, so we make our way in to the theater. Corny is the name of the game and I guess it’s great fun if you’re a small child – or maybe an adult without a chisel barreling into your head.

The rest and some water help to reduce the intensity of the headache, so it’s on to Kracken, which appears to be a walk-on. Keith waits for me. There’s little monitoring here, in so much as counting the number of guests who are loading the ride. When it’s my turn to load, I step across to deposit my sandals in the bin and when I turn around, there are no more seats to be had! So … I must wait for the next train. All told, the wait wasn’t long – maybe 10 minutes – but it was aggravating that there wasn’t better crowd control, where loading the ride was concerned. As for the ride itself, it was a good one, if a bit dated. Those who don’t like inversions need not apply.

By now, it was nearing time for our ADR at Whispering Canyon Café. We arrive at the Lodge at spot-on 2:15 and waited just a short while for our table. Why we had to wait, when there were maybe a dozen tables seated in the whole place, is beyond me. I thought I had done well in terms of getting an ADR period, but as it turns out, it was nearing the end of the ‘lunch hour’ at Whispering Canyon, so the hijinks and excitement of the place had all but vanished. We started our meal with bottomless shakes – strawberry for Keith and vanilla for me. Yummo! The cornbread came next and was equally as good. Next up: the skillet! We enjoyed ribs, sausage, chicken, mashed potatoes, corn, and cole slaw. Suitably stuffed, we waddled to the lobby, where Keith admired the surroundings – he was particularly impressed with the 6-story totem poles.

We parked ourselves in a couple of the comfy chairs and as I soaked up the place, thought of Ranger Stan (RIP), the stories of those who have stayed there, and my own previous stay, and all of the details of the Lodge, Keith fell fast asleep. It wasn’t long before my eyes closed too. I’m not sure how much time had passed, but.Keith is convinced the drool on my chin must have woken me up, while I contend it was his snoring.

Seeing as I am female, it only makes sense that I find my way to the Mercantile for a look around. Once Keith awakes, he hands his man-card in to me before saying he’d like to look around the Mercantile also. He picks up an energy drink before we stroll outdoors, first to the deck where we enjoy some time in the rocking chairs, then make our way towards the pool (Keith loves waterfalls).

I’ve been in search of a reasonably-priced travel mug, but haven’t found one I like. I think perhaps buying one from Roaring Forks (even though we aren’t staying on property) might work, but there are none out – not sure if they are out or they simply don’t display them anymore (to be picked up and paid for at the cash register). As we depart Wilderness Lodge, Keith says if we come back, he could see staying here and just soaking up the Lodge while I play in the parks. I take this as a good sign. I wonder what he would make of Animal Kingdom Lodge.

This evening, we’re headed to the MK, with our primary objective being to watch Wishes! I can’t wait!

 

[Pugsly]

But first, a trip on BTMRR is in order and surprisingly, Keith does well (no motion sickness). He insists we ride Splash Mountain and those of you who know me, know exactly how much I detest walking around in wet clothes, and know this is never on my list of must-do’s (need I mention the Kali River Rapids drenching of 2001, Tam, Kev, Ev?). I decide to try and make the best of it and before I know it, we’re loaded and on our way after a brief 10-minute wait. Luckily, we avoid getting sprayed when rounding next to the big drop. And manage to get away with just a sprinkling – but certainly enough to further mess up my already-humidity-whipped hair.

Undaunted, we check the wait-times for Peter Pan’s Flight and are astounded to see it is still close to an hour. We promise to make a return trip over, just for this ride, later in the trip. My throat is killing me, so we stop for a couple of cokes at Mrs. Pott’s Cupboard. Keith can’t even bring himself to look at the tea cups as we pass and make our way to the hub. With 30 minutes or so before parade time, we park ourselves 3 rows off the curb and wait. And wait. And wait. A couple of the kettle corn packets help to pass the time. The wait is worth every minute when Baroque Hoedown starts up and I’m transported back to my youth (and MSEP is the parade that was running when I visited as a girl).

 

[Pugsly]

Afterwards, we move into the street and wait another 30 minutes or so for Wishes! But first, a surprise (as I only had a vague recollection of someone mentioning this), “The Magic, the Memories, and You!” Show of hands … who else has shed a tear with this one? I loved the effects on the castle and the pictures shown were just priceless!

By now, the wind has picked up, and the temps dropped (not to “I’m freezing my tail end off” kind of drop – just nice and cool) and there is lightning in the area. I’m afraid Tink won’t fly and I hate that Keith might miss this. I had shown him the flight-line and told him about Tink, and I don’t think he believed me.

When Wishes! begins and the spotlight shines on Tink, Keith’s gasp is clearly audible. Like every other kid (young and old alike), he adds “Tinkerbell!” and he watches her entire flight – for as far as he can see. Ah-ha – another glimmer of hope – Disney magic is in the air. I can’t help but wonder what his reaction would’ve been if I hadn’t warned him.

I lean into Keith throughout the show, choking down tears, as Evan has told me to picture him standing next to me on my other side. I sure do miss that kid.

Another tear later, and we’re bidding adieu to the Magic Kingdom for the night. There is only one word to describe the crowds attempting to get onto the monorail: madness. Thankfully, things move along rather smoothly, considering the space into which we are packed is akin to a sardine can (and considering the temps we experienced today, I don’t think it smelled much better than that, either). Once we’re on the monorail, we’re in a holding pattern due to a “medical emergency” with a passenger at the TTC. We’re stood at the MK platform (thankfully, inside the monorail with the air conditioning blowing on us) for a good 10 minutes before we leave.

Around 10:40, we pull into the resort, and lights are out shortly thereafter.

 

[Chilly]

Lovely day.

 

[Tammy Stringer]

Hey Sharon glad to see another day up and some lovely photos too

Sounds like you had a fantastic time. A few things struck me - I can't believe you don't like heights but can manage these roller coasters - wish I was the same.

Ha, ha I remember so well the great drenching of 2001 and still have the photos as a reminder!!! But good for you for going on the ride with Keith.

Love your reaction to Wishes and I have to say the odd occasion I have seen either Wishes or ROE without the girls have always made me even more emotional about the show.

Glad to see Keith is enjoying the "World".

Looking forward to the next instalment.

PS I owe you an email and will make amends tonight

Tam