Mom & Gmax September 2006 w/Pics!

:dance3: Gmax, I am glad you are back! Great TR and pics, can't wait to hear the rest!
 
Day 2 Continued

This was our first full day in Disney World. We spent the day at EPCOT per touringplans suggestion.

After spending the first half of the day in Future World, and taking a break, we went back to EPCOT for dinner at Coral Reef. While on the bus going back to EPCOT, a British woman noticed the Mickey on my bag with my name and "DISboards" on it. She said that she is also on the site, but in the UK section. We chatted a bit, and yes, it did add a little more pixie dust to the trip!

When we get to the turnstiles, my Mother goes through, but I can not. They tell me that my ticket does not work. They take my ticket, and I wait for about 15mins for someone to comeback. They gave me a temporary ticket, and said to go to the front dest at my hotel (AGAIN) to get a new one.

We make it to The Coral Reef on time. When we went to the desk, something strange happened - no one greeted us. No smiles, no chit chat, they just continued busying themselves with whatever, and when they were finished, addressed us. (I know it harsh, but it IS Disney right?)

They seated us right by the aquarium.
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I found that the negative reviews about this place were true. The menu was rather limited, it is VERY loud, and the kids do squeeze through the tables to look at the fish in the tank. I DO understand that this is Disney World, and there will be alot of kids, but it was too loud for the type of restaurant it is. I'm thinking it would be a dining experience similar to Boma in AKL, and that there would be alot of seafood dishes to choose from. NOT! You know what I ended up ordering? Chicken. My Mother ordered a steak.

The highlights of the meal were, the pineapple upside down cake, and the conversation with the couple next to us.
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This cake was a bit warm on the inside - it was GREAT!

The couple next to us were from Canada. The wife frequents a Disney site called "tagreal" - I hope that's right. She said that they have meets anually in Disney World in December. So of course I was totally sucked in, and can't wait to get more info on this! She also gave me a great tip about using fast pass. She said that you can use it anytime after your window starts, as long as you use it by the end of the day. She said that's what they do all the time.

When we were leaving, it was POURING out! We put on all of our rain gear and headed out. We stopeed in Mouse Gear but it was a MAD HOUSE! We left, and went back to the room to get some sleep!

Lessons Learned
1. I will schedule 2 separate days for EPCOT. One for Future World, and the other for World Showcase. Even though we were free that evening, we were tired and it was raining, so we never made it to the World Showcase.

2. I will NOT eat in Coral Reef again. It was too noisy, too many kids, not enough choices on the menu.

3. Be aware that EPCOT can be confusing at night, because this park is not as well lit as others.

4. I will not rush to use a FP before it expires. I can use it for the rest of the day.
 
Day 3 - Sunday

I woke up at 6:30am and realized that it was Sunday. Since I noticed that the TV had BET I figured that we could watch TD Jakes' service while we got dressed. He comes on BET at 7am. Well, the TV only had BET Jazz - so no TD Jakes to start the day :(

We had muffins and tea in the room, and headed off to Animal Kingdom.
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I called my brother and asked him to pray for me because today was the day I had to ride Expedition Everest ALONE! I was so scared, but I had to ride it.

We got to AK in time for the rope drop, but there was an Asian interpreter yelling over the whole thing! And, I was trying to get video of it!
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As we were walking over to Everest, I told my Mother how she could stand in line with me but did not have to ride. She was totally silent. Which made me even more nervous. Finally we reach the mountain . . .
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I was smart enough NOT to look at it nor take pictures until AFTER I got off, so I would not chicken out!
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Now remember, I told my Mother about standing in line with me - especially since I heard they have a lot of artifacts to see. . .
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Well, when we get up to the train and they ask how many, she says TWO :eek: I'm speechless!!!!
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We board the train - we are in the next to last car. OH NO! I heard that the back is the fastest during the backwards part! But I don't say anything. I just pray (Jesus don't let us die or get sick). So the ride starts to go up the hill. I calm myself by saying, "now you've watched the ride video a MILLION times, pretend you're watching it". I even comment on how we will be able to see the other parks when we get to the top of the hill. The man behind us is spouting out a bunch of facts. Come to find out, he is the guy who has been on it over 500 times! One thing he said was that the ride is 9secs faster during the afternoon, because ot the heat on the tracks.

We get to the part where it's about to go backwards (Jesus, PLEASE don't let me get sick, Jesus, can you see me?). It starts out a little slow, ok, I can handle this . . . then it speeds up . . . I'm still okay . . . then it seems like its ending . . .GREAT! I surviv- AHHHHHHHH it's not over!!!!!! I feel my organs cease functioning. They are confused. However, I still have oxygen in my brain, so I'm able to think, even though I know I am clinically dead. At least no one will have to find my Mother after the ride to tell her I'm dead, because she is beside me - I'm comforted in that . . . I think I black out . . . IT STOPS!!!! Thank you JESUS!!!!! When we come out of the mountain, my eyes slam shut, my stomach drops a bit - but NOT LIKE ON TOWER OF TERROR - my butt comes out of the seat a bit . . . then we're going back into the mountain. I realize that the hard part is over. I try to smile, but realize there is NO spit in my mouth. So what! At least it's over.

We bought the picture. I was was wearing knee-length men's basketball shorts. In the picture, they look like Daisey Dukes! HA!
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We then head over to the Safari . . .
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It was only 10am, and it was hot! The animals were already in hiding :( Thank goodness I have a zoom lens.
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After the Safari, we did It's Tough Being a Bug, and Dinosaur.
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The park was not crowded at all, but it was CRAZY HOT and HUMID. We then went to Tusker House for lunch, and planned to leave afterwards. My Mother ordered the chicken salad.
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She said that the chicken was good when you could find it. I had the salmon, rice, string beans. For dessert, carrot cake. Everything I had was good!
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On our way out, I touched the top of my head, and it felt like I had either just gotten my hair straightened or blow dried - HOT! I'm looking for anything that says "exit". All of a sudden, I see a woman staring at me, I look at her, and she FOCKS ME!!! It's MickeyGirl! She's with Eeyore's Tiara! Iwas so excited to see them, but anxious to get out the park before I caught on FIRE!

Next, dinner at Boma!
 

After showering and changing, it was time to go to Boma at the Animal Kingdom Lodge for dinner!
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We waited about 10mins before we were seated.
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I was disappointed when the waitress told me that peanut rice was not on the menu that night. She talked to the head chef. He came over to the table and said how sorry he was that he was not able to provide it that night - it's only served on certain nights. Later on, he presented a bowl with a dessert in it to our table, and the one next to us. He said to eat it with our hands.
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It smelled good, but we did not know what it was. We bit into it, and it tasted like it had a bit of chocolate in it. I leaned over to the next table to ask what it was. It was . . . are you ready . . .
DEEP FRIED OREO COOKIES!!!! They were great! The chef even came back to see if we liked it! I could not believe, he gave us that much attention. I thought that was great! :thumbsup2

Next we went to Magic Kingdom for SpectroMagic and Wishes. . .
 
HA HA HA LOL!!!! :rotfl:

What a great time! What did your Mom think of Everest? I cant believe she went on!!! I cant believe you went on! I think we all need to see the picture they took of you. ( I think you might've encouraged me to do it- even with you clinically dead and all!)

Sorry but what does getting focked mean?

I am so glad you made it off Everest to bring us this awesome report.

THANK YOU
 
Day 3 Continued

Finally, we were in Magic Kingdom! We got there about 7pm and saw a nice spot on Main Street. As we were asking the woman sitting nearby if the space was available, a man in an electric scooter pulled up and said it was his spot - yeah right. Well, his ignorance worked in our favor because across the street was another spot which allowed the both of us to lean back.
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We were so comfortable, and I was excited because we were in a great area. Well, as we waited, the sky got dark . . .
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As the parade started we put on our rain gear . . . then it POURED! The parade ended early :( I did get some video though.

We walked over to Pirates, but the line was too long, so we went over to the Haunted Mansion. As we were comming out, Wishes had started. We were near Peter Pan, and could hear the puffs of air as the fireworks were being shot off. (Pooof! PooooF!) It was pretty cool. We then went in Peter Pan, then back to the resort.

Lessons Learned
1. Always arrive at Animal Kingdom as soon as they open. This park is too hot, and too humid to get there late. Also, wear a hat, and as much moisture-wicking clothes as possible.

2. Over estimate the time it will take to get to AK. The bus stops at Blizzard Beach first.

3. Take the time to look in the gift shop after the ride. I did not get an EE magnet because I thought we were comming back. No where else in the parks could I find one.

4. Get better rain gear. My dollar store poncho was yellow, and the color bled onto my new white shirt and khaki shorts :(

5. Try to get that same spot for the parade next year!
 
I need proof that you rode Ex. Everest young lady!!! :rotfl2:
 
Oh boy, my very first cameo on the DIS Trip Reports! :cool1: Thanks Gmax! I'm so glad we met you guys, and I love that you wore the glowy bracelets that night. It's almost as if I was there with you... :teleport: Here's what I love about 4 year olds: my DS was Mr. Shy-Don't-Want-to-Meet-Anyone that night, but kept asking "Where's Mommy's friends?" the next morning at breakfast. :confused3
You know, you have a cameo in my TR, too - take a peek! (Was that a shameless plug?? Naaaah....)

Loving your TR - you got some great pics. And I can't believe your Mom braved EE with you; you guys ROCK!

Could you even believe how hot it was Sunday? Let me assure you, the MK was NOT comfy either.

Looking forward to more! :thumbsup2
 
I am loving your report!! I keep imagining how relaxing it would be to have a mother/daughter trip to WDW!!

Oh, and I hope you don't mind, but my DD(3) was here while I was looking at your pictures, and she liked the one of the AK opening so much, I am using it as my wallpaper right now! :rotfl:
 
you really should do commentating, love your report!
i found a haunted mansion magnet right after that ride, i am hoping you can find an EE one.... :goodvibes
 
I am loving your trip report!!! I am so jealous at all of you that got to meet other DISers. I was there from 9/3-9/9 and didn't see a single one. I looked around and just didn't see one. I did try to "fock" one, but I think if I hadn't disappeared in the crowd, the lady would have gotten security to kindly escort me out!

Keep it coming.
 
Day 4 - Monday

This was our scheduled "Free-ish" Day. We woke up at 8:15am to get to breakfast at The Polonesian's Ohana. We took the bus to MK, then the boat over to the Poly. It was a beautiful ride. I was surprised that when we got off the boat that there wasn't a huge sign saying where to go. We just walked around until we found the main bldg.
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The food there was okay. But the atmosphere was fun, and our waitress "Kat" was really nice. She's been working there for 35 years. She made us feel so at home, that we almost forgot to pay.

After breakfast, we took the boat over to the Wilderness Lodge. Again, it was a beautiful ride.
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It was during the ride back that my Mother said the following . . .yes this is a real quote . . . "I guess I'd better start saving up now for next year". :faint: :faint:

After I limped off the boat, it was time to go back to the resort to get ready for a special event . . .
 
Day 4 Continued - A Special Event

After taking a "small-ish" break at the resort, my Mother and I went to the Grand Floridian.
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In the main lobby were 4 women, 2 were wearing Lime Green shirts. I walked up and said "Hello". The women were Cherokee Mama (the world's most cutest smile), Utah Mama (crazy like me), Mickey Girl76 (the one who "Focked" me in AK), and Eeyore's Tiara (The ring leader). We had all met there for tea.
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As I approached the table my eyes got REALLY big. What did I see? Only my favorite pattern by Royal Dalton, Old Country Roses. EVERYTHING was served on it. My Mother thought she would die, because she hates it. BUT! She did admit that in that setting, it did look nice.
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We had a great time. We exchanged little gifts, and ET bought everyone Tiaras. (Left: Mom Right: Gmax & Utahmama)
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We were having so much fun, that the host even presented us with bracelets.
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We had such a great time! And I felt as if UtahMama and I were old friends.
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Here's where it gets sad. You know how when you're with one of your friends and you know you're going to see them later, you don't say a big goodbye? Well that's what I did. I completely walked off after the tea. I didnt get to meet anyone's family. And I didn't even say goodbye to Utahmama! :sad1:

Well, after being devastated, my Mother and I did manage to look around the Grand Floridian. And I made sure to look for all the things that Samantha Brown pointed out on Great Hotels.
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It was a GREAT time. My Mother and I then headed for MGM . . .
 
OH.... MY.....HECK!!!!!

That's MY hand....I get royalties, ya know$$$$.

I can NOT believe you've gotten this far, missy!

YOU are the woMAN!

Wasn't that tea a blast! That was one of the hi-lights! All the lady's were SO wonderful!

You guys NEED to know that GlendaMax and her mother are adorable together! They play off each other so cutely!

You forgot to tell your readers about the "Smiling-Mean Lady"...so I will. Our server was just the nicest lady, with a perma-smile. BUT, when she was out of our "sights", Glendamax leaned over and whispered to me that she's probably one of those smiling-mean people! It took a second to fully register in my head but when it did, I about DIED laughing! We dont know if she was a smiling-nice person or not, but it was pretty funny.

Glendamax, I am SO enjoying this TR! I was at that short Spectro parade in the rain getting SOAKED to the bone but we were in Liberty Square. Those Spectro "clowns" FREAK me out!
 
Day 4 Continued- The Evening

My Mother and I went to see Fantasmic! I surprised her with glow bracelets/necklaces I bought from home. We got there at 7:15pm, and I wished I had a blow up seat cushion. Those bleachers are soooo hard!

Sitting a few rows below us was another Black woman, who danced to all the same songs I did, so I got a picture! See, there were other Black people in Disney too!
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Fantasmic was great! But I do miss all the boats comming out at the end with all the Disney couples.
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When we got to the bus stop for French Quarter, the line stretched for THREE stops . . . yes . . . I'll give you a moment to try to visualize that . . . okay . . . readay? So, when a bus gets there, a wheelchair has to load first, which took a long time. Finally, another bus came and started to load people. By the time we finally got on a bus, the driver was very friendly, and told some jokes on the way home.

It was a great day, even though I never said my proper goodbyes . . .

Lessons Learned
1. Schedule a LATE breakfast on a day when you're not going to a park.
2. Consider booking a Deluxe. It would not be a total waste of money since I take breaks now.
3. Visit more resorts during my "free" time.
4. Say goodbye to people who DO NOT LIVE IN MY STATE!

More to come . . .
 
UtahMama said:
You forgot to tell your readers about the "Smiling-Mean Lady"...so I will. Our server was just the nicest lady, with a perma-smile. BUT, when she was out of our "sights", Glendamax leaned over and whispered to me that she's probably one of those smiling-mean people! It took a second to fully register in my head but when it did, I about DIED laughing! We dont know if she was a smiling-nice person or not, but it was pretty funny.

Ok - This lady was one of those people who seemed nice, but probably wasn't. Like the mean Head Mistress of a girls boarding school who says mean things as she smiles . . . think about the Grandmother in Flowers in the Attic. . . . Now don't get me wrong, she didn't do anything mean, but still . . .

Ok guys, I'm signing off! I'm tired of sitting in this chair!

Thanks for all of your comments so far. I promise to repsond later on tonite, or tomorrow!

Smooches! Thanks for reading so far! :wave2:
 
That is so great that all you lovely ladies met for tea! Why do I have the feeling that the group was more raucous than sedate and ladylike?

It would have been a riot to be with you all! Loving your TR!!
 
Just a few words:
GREAT report :thumbsup2
and who wouldn't have fun
with you and that smile!
 
WOW!!!!! You were up early this morning. I love the pics, you took lots of them and they look great, you and your mom looked like you had such a great time. I wish I could get my mom to go, but she will only go to Vegas, which I can't stand.

Oh, and I really like your lessons learned, we can all learn from them.
 




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