My first solo -- Well almost solo trip!
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Donald is #1
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Well, out of my 12 day trip, this was the only day that I spent off-site. In planning this trip, it dawned on me that it has been 20 years since my last (& only) visit to Kennedy Space Center (KSC). So when I extended my trip by a few days, I decided to add on a day at KSC. Prior to my trip, I had gone on to the KSC website and I was able to book both my admission ticket plus my ticket to the Up Close Tour. Since I only booked a few days before my trip, I had them hold my tickets at the ticket booth for me.
I got up early (6:30) so that I could get an early start for KSC in case there was traffic. I had a quick breakfast at Mara and then headed out for KSC. I had printed out directions on line but I found that everything was well signed. For my trip to KSC, I took I-4 to the Beeline. From the Beeline, I just followed the signs. For anyone planning on driving from WDW to KSC, I ended up paying $2.75 in tolls for my trip out. The traffic really wasn't that bad through Orlando and it ended up taking me about 70 minutes to get there. I arrived at KSC just about 9 AM when it was opening. By the way, listening to the radio on the drive out, I heard that the shuttle was in the process of being moved to the launch pad!
When I got to the ticket booth, I found that they had slightly changed the time of my tour (to about 20 minutes earlier 10:00 versus 10:20). Apparently, they had called to tell me, but I had already left for Florida. (I had a message on my answering machine when I got home.) So if you sign up for any of the special tours, make sure that you arrive early. Anyways, I was early enough that the person at the ticket booth was able to move me up to the first Up Close Tour of the day! After I got my ticket, I probably had about a 5 minute wait before they opened the doors. Next everyone had to go through security. The security check here was more intensive than the ones at WDW. I had to turn on my cell phone and my cameras for them.
I looked around the entry building a little while and then I wandered outside and into the gift shop. I had about 20-30 minutes before my tour started so I didn't want to go into an attraction that was going to take too long. Probably about 10 minutes before my tour, I got in line for the bus. They had separate buses for people taking the normal tour that comes with admission and the up-close tour. While you are waiting for your bus, they have photographers set up taking your picture against a backdrop. (I didn't even go to look at mine. So I can't tell you how it came out.)
I believe that the normal tour has 4 stops: the visitor complex, a view area for the launch pads, the Saturn/Apollo building, the International Space Station Building.
The Up Close Tour starts at the visitor complex, goes to a viewing area (different from the one in the normal tour) that is across the inlet from the launch pads (from here you can also see some of the missile launch pads), goes to a viewing area that is in between pads A & B (still some distance away but the closest that you can get) goes to the Vehicle Assembly Building (outside only), and then drops you off at the Saturn/Apollo building where you pick up the normal tour.
OK, now that that is out of the way, as soon as everyone on my tour gets on the bus, the tour guide tells us that since the shuttle is almost on the pad, we can go to the closest view yeah.
Throughout the tour, they have short videos that they show on the bus. So here we go, at our first stop, we got out of the bus and were able to stand on some of the VIP I think, viewing stands. You really get an appreciation for the size of the complex from this spot.
Next we went to a viewing area between the 2 shuttle pads. As the bus drove to this location, we could see the impression that the platform carrying the shuttle made. It drives on a stone roadway and the weight of the platform plus the shuttle just crushes the stones! The viewing area that we went to is so close that no one can be there during a launch! It was so amazing to see the shuttle (Atlantis) on launch pad A!
Launch pad A with Atlantis:
Another disclaimer: although this is the closest viewing point, it is still some distance away. I used a 300 mm lens for the closest shop. I took more pictures of the shuttle from here than you can believe!
After we left this viewing area, the bus drove very close to pad B. The bus didn't stop, but we got a really good view!
Next we stopped at the VAB (Vehicle Assembly Building). THis building is where the shuttles are prepared for launch. We only saw the building from across the parking lost. But the building is so large, that each stripe of the flag is as wide as a bus! (At least that is what I was told years ago.)
VAB:
Our next stop was where the Up Close Tour ended. We were dropped off at the Saturn Apollo building. This building is really nicely done. Now, I am old enough to remember watching the moon landing at my grandmother's house in Worcester. I remember everyone being around the TV including my uncles watching. I don't remember if this was the first moon landing or maybe the second. (PrincessPower when you read this I am sure that you won't remember since I think that you were too young.) So when you go into the Saturn Apollo building, there is a short video, and then you enter a room over looking mission control! Then audio starts with lights illuminating the equipment. This audio is the transmission from mission control jsut before the first moon landing!! So cool! After this presentation ends, you walk into a huge room that has lots of exhibits and a Saturn 5 rocket on its side! Hanging from the ceiling are the symbols of all of the Apollo missions!
By this time it was about 12:30 or 1. So I was getting very hungry. There was a cafe (Moon Rock Cafe) in this building, so I had lunch there. The food here is very expensive and only so-so.! It is much mroe expensive than Disney and there are not many choices. I had a chicken salad, soda and chips and it cost me $15! Also in this building is a recreation of the moon landing itself. A lot of people skipped it because they either didn't see it or it was very cold in the room, but to me it was definitely worth it. Here they plan the audio of the capsule actually landing including a model of the capsule coming down from the ceiling! I actually teared up a little here!
Well, at this point, the Up Close Tour is over (actually it ended right when they dropped us off at this building) and you just pick up one of the regular circulating buses. The next stop is the international space station exhibit. In the main room here, they have some exhibits and if you want, you can walk over to the second (or third) floor of the next building and you can over look the actual testing of modules for the international space station!
International Space Station section under test:
I'm an engineer (electrical) so I thought that this part was really neat! When I was ready to leave this exhibit, for some reason, there was a very long line for a bus. So I had to wait over 30 minutes for a bus. The next stop was the visitor complex. At the visitor complex there are many exhibits! I went to look at a full size shuttle replica, the rocket garden and then I went to one of the IMAX 3-D movies. They have 2 IMAX theatres. Unfortunately, the times of the movies aren't really aligned to allow you to go to both movies one right after another. I went to the movie on the International Space Station because that was the one that was starting the soonest. The movie was nicely done. The 3-D was a bit strange though mostly because it is not constantly 3-D. There are just some scenes in 3-D and some not. But overall I really liked it. But this point it was about 4:00 and I didn't want to wait another 30-45 minutes for the other movie. I went to the robot exhibit, but I thought that it was a bit corny. By this time, I was tired and I decided that it was time to start the trip back.
First I stopped at Ron Jon's in Cocoa Beach to buy a T Shirt for my oldest nephew. Then I started the drive back. For some reason, the on drive back, I decided to take the Beeline to the 417. This route actually had more tolls ($3.75) and the last toll was actually an exact change only one. Luckily, I had some coins with me. So my recommendation would be to take the I-4 route.
I got back to the AKl at about 6:30 and guess what.. Yes there were giraffes outside my room!
For dinner tonight, I had an ADR for Raglan Road. I took the bus to DTD and I found it very crowded! Normally, I go to DTD in the morning or the afternoon, so the crowds at 7:30 at night caught me a bit my surpirse. I wandered around the shops a bit and then went a little early to Raglan Road. I was seated in a few minutes. When the hostess was bringing me to my table, I mentioned how I couldn't wait for the entertainment. Well, it ends up that she was bringing me to a table in the room off to the side. So she found me a new table. I ended up with a table in the second row from the stage! Now, my ADR had been for 8:30 because I wanted to hear the band. But I was hungry and I ended up getting there about 8:00. So this meal was my slowest meal all trip! I ate very slowly so that I could stretch it out until the band started!
My meal here was excellent! I had the scallops for an appetizer, the fish & chips for my entree, and the bread & butter pudding for dessert! The scallops were excellent! They were nice & juicy. The serving was 6 large scallops. Actually the serving was a bit large for 1 person! They also give you soda bread with a dipping sauce. This bread was so good that I ate too much. (this would impact my dessert later) The fish & chips were also excellent! I had to slow myself down so that I didn't finsh them too soon. By now I was full but I had heard so much about the bread & butter pudding that I had to order it. About this time the band started. See I told you that I stretched out my meal! It took me an hour to eat my appetizer and entree! That never happens!
Well the Bread & Butter pudding is everything that people have said! It was so good!!! I could only eat about 1/3 but next time, I am definitely going to have to save more room!
I really enjoyed the band! I ended up listening to them for about an hour. By that point, I was getting tired and I decided that it was time to head back to AKL!
Again, another awesome day!
I got up early (6:30) so that I could get an early start for KSC in case there was traffic. I had a quick breakfast at Mara and then headed out for KSC. I had printed out directions on line but I found that everything was well signed. For my trip to KSC, I took I-4 to the Beeline. From the Beeline, I just followed the signs. For anyone planning on driving from WDW to KSC, I ended up paying $2.75 in tolls for my trip out. The traffic really wasn't that bad through Orlando and it ended up taking me about 70 minutes to get there. I arrived at KSC just about 9 AM when it was opening. By the way, listening to the radio on the drive out, I heard that the shuttle was in the process of being moved to the launch pad!
When I got to the ticket booth, I found that they had slightly changed the time of my tour (to about 20 minutes earlier 10:00 versus 10:20). Apparently, they had called to tell me, but I had already left for Florida. (I had a message on my answering machine when I got home.) So if you sign up for any of the special tours, make sure that you arrive early. Anyways, I was early enough that the person at the ticket booth was able to move me up to the first Up Close Tour of the day! After I got my ticket, I probably had about a 5 minute wait before they opened the doors. Next everyone had to go through security. The security check here was more intensive than the ones at WDW. I had to turn on my cell phone and my cameras for them.
I looked around the entry building a little while and then I wandered outside and into the gift shop. I had about 20-30 minutes before my tour started so I didn't want to go into an attraction that was going to take too long. Probably about 10 minutes before my tour, I got in line for the bus. They had separate buses for people taking the normal tour that comes with admission and the up-close tour. While you are waiting for your bus, they have photographers set up taking your picture against a backdrop. (I didn't even go to look at mine. So I can't tell you how it came out.)
I believe that the normal tour has 4 stops: the visitor complex, a view area for the launch pads, the Saturn/Apollo building, the International Space Station Building.
The Up Close Tour starts at the visitor complex, goes to a viewing area (different from the one in the normal tour) that is across the inlet from the launch pads (from here you can also see some of the missile launch pads), goes to a viewing area that is in between pads A & B (still some distance away but the closest that you can get) goes to the Vehicle Assembly Building (outside only), and then drops you off at the Saturn/Apollo building where you pick up the normal tour.
OK, now that that is out of the way, as soon as everyone on my tour gets on the bus, the tour guide tells us that since the shuttle is almost on the pad, we can go to the closest view yeah.
Throughout the tour, they have short videos that they show on the bus. So here we go, at our first stop, we got out of the bus and were able to stand on some of the VIP I think, viewing stands. You really get an appreciation for the size of the complex from this spot.
Next we went to a viewing area between the 2 shuttle pads. As the bus drove to this location, we could see the impression that the platform carrying the shuttle made. It drives on a stone roadway and the weight of the platform plus the shuttle just crushes the stones! The viewing area that we went to is so close that no one can be there during a launch! It was so amazing to see the shuttle (Atlantis) on launch pad A!
Launch pad A with Atlantis:
Another disclaimer: although this is the closest viewing point, it is still some distance away. I used a 300 mm lens for the closest shop. I took more pictures of the shuttle from here than you can believe!
After we left this viewing area, the bus drove very close to pad B. The bus didn't stop, but we got a really good view!
Next we stopped at the VAB (Vehicle Assembly Building). THis building is where the shuttles are prepared for launch. We only saw the building from across the parking lost. But the building is so large, that each stripe of the flag is as wide as a bus! (At least that is what I was told years ago.)
VAB:
Our next stop was where the Up Close Tour ended. We were dropped off at the Saturn Apollo building. This building is really nicely done. Now, I am old enough to remember watching the moon landing at my grandmother's house in Worcester. I remember everyone being around the TV including my uncles watching. I don't remember if this was the first moon landing or maybe the second. (PrincessPower when you read this I am sure that you won't remember since I think that you were too young.) So when you go into the Saturn Apollo building, there is a short video, and then you enter a room over looking mission control! Then audio starts with lights illuminating the equipment. This audio is the transmission from mission control jsut before the first moon landing!! So cool! After this presentation ends, you walk into a huge room that has lots of exhibits and a Saturn 5 rocket on its side! Hanging from the ceiling are the symbols of all of the Apollo missions!
By this time it was about 12:30 or 1. So I was getting very hungry. There was a cafe (Moon Rock Cafe) in this building, so I had lunch there. The food here is very expensive and only so-so.! It is much mroe expensive than Disney and there are not many choices. I had a chicken salad, soda and chips and it cost me $15! Also in this building is a recreation of the moon landing itself. A lot of people skipped it because they either didn't see it or it was very cold in the room, but to me it was definitely worth it. Here they plan the audio of the capsule actually landing including a model of the capsule coming down from the ceiling! I actually teared up a little here!
Well, at this point, the Up Close Tour is over (actually it ended right when they dropped us off at this building) and you just pick up one of the regular circulating buses. The next stop is the international space station exhibit. In the main room here, they have some exhibits and if you want, you can walk over to the second (or third) floor of the next building and you can over look the actual testing of modules for the international space station!
International Space Station section under test:
I'm an engineer (electrical) so I thought that this part was really neat! When I was ready to leave this exhibit, for some reason, there was a very long line for a bus. So I had to wait over 30 minutes for a bus. The next stop was the visitor complex. At the visitor complex there are many exhibits! I went to look at a full size shuttle replica, the rocket garden and then I went to one of the IMAX 3-D movies. They have 2 IMAX theatres. Unfortunately, the times of the movies aren't really aligned to allow you to go to both movies one right after another. I went to the movie on the International Space Station because that was the one that was starting the soonest. The movie was nicely done. The 3-D was a bit strange though mostly because it is not constantly 3-D. There are just some scenes in 3-D and some not. But overall I really liked it. But this point it was about 4:00 and I didn't want to wait another 30-45 minutes for the other movie. I went to the robot exhibit, but I thought that it was a bit corny. By this time, I was tired and I decided that it was time to start the trip back.
First I stopped at Ron Jon's in Cocoa Beach to buy a T Shirt for my oldest nephew. Then I started the drive back. For some reason, the on drive back, I decided to take the Beeline to the 417. This route actually had more tolls ($3.75) and the last toll was actually an exact change only one. Luckily, I had some coins with me. So my recommendation would be to take the I-4 route.
I got back to the AKl at about 6:30 and guess what.. Yes there were giraffes outside my room!
For dinner tonight, I had an ADR for Raglan Road. I took the bus to DTD and I found it very crowded! Normally, I go to DTD in the morning or the afternoon, so the crowds at 7:30 at night caught me a bit my surpirse. I wandered around the shops a bit and then went a little early to Raglan Road. I was seated in a few minutes. When the hostess was bringing me to my table, I mentioned how I couldn't wait for the entertainment. Well, it ends up that she was bringing me to a table in the room off to the side. So she found me a new table. I ended up with a table in the second row from the stage! Now, my ADR had been for 8:30 because I wanted to hear the band. But I was hungry and I ended up getting there about 8:00. So this meal was my slowest meal all trip! I ate very slowly so that I could stretch it out until the band started!
My meal here was excellent! I had the scallops for an appetizer, the fish & chips for my entree, and the bread & butter pudding for dessert! The scallops were excellent! They were nice & juicy. The serving was 6 large scallops. Actually the serving was a bit large for 1 person! They also give you soda bread with a dipping sauce. This bread was so good that I ate too much. (this would impact my dessert later) The fish & chips were also excellent! I had to slow myself down so that I didn't finsh them too soon. By now I was full but I had heard so much about the bread & butter pudding that I had to order it. About this time the band started. See I told you that I stretched out my meal! It took me an hour to eat my appetizer and entree! That never happens!
Well the Bread & Butter pudding is everything that people have said! It was so good!!! I could only eat about 1/3 but next time, I am definitely going to have to save more room!I really enjoyed the band! I ended up listening to them for about an hour. By that point, I was getting tired and I decided that it was time to head back to AKL!
Again, another awesome day!
DisneyClay
Mouseketeer
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Thanks so much for the disney fix. Your photos are amazing.
Princess Power
Earning My Ears
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This trip report is amazing. 
I wish that I had kept notes like yours when we went back in October! I can't wait to hear the rest. You make me want to go back to WDW again! 
Oh, by the way,
I wish that I had kept notes like yours when we went back in October! I can't wait to hear the rest. You make me want to go back to WDW again! Oh, by the way,
DreaGirl
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Great installment! My Aunt retired from KSC a few years ago. She used to take us to work with her and get the real behind the scenes tour. It was very cool. Of course, that could never happen now...too bad.
It sounds like you are having a great time. It sounds nice to be able to choose your own schedule and eat where you want. You are putting ideas in my head!
I have said it before, but your pictures are wonderful!
It sounds like you are having a great time. It sounds nice to be able to choose your own schedule and eat where you want. You are putting ideas in my head!
I have said it before, but your pictures are wonderful!
Sue88
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- Oct 13, 2004
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I have done several solo trips and had a great time. There is nothing like doing exactly what you want at Disney!
I am impressed that you eat out by yourself so much. I am a bit intimidated to eat at the nice restaraunts when I am solo. Also I always get a towncar service to transport me so I am impressed that you feel comfortable driving in a somewhat unfamiliar area.
I really like the castle and fireworks photos.
Thanks for the nice report!
I am impressed that you eat out by yourself so much. I am a bit intimidated to eat at the nice restaraunts when I am solo. Also I always get a towncar service to transport me so I am impressed that you feel comfortable driving in a somewhat unfamiliar area.
I really like the castle and fireworks photos.
Thanks for the nice report!
Donald is #1
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I'm really enjoying your trip report. I love the way you write and your pictures are GREAT!
very much! very much!This trip report is amazing.
Oh, by the way,
Although I have taken notes on some of my previous vacations, this is the first time that I have actually used the notes. I normally take the notes during lunch, dinner, or when I stop for a break and sit on a bench. 
Now that I have bought into the DVC, I am sure that you will have the opportunity for more WDW trips. Even if we do some long weekend trips.Great installment! My Aunt retired from KSC a few years ago. She used to take us to work with her and get the real behind the scenes tour. It was very cool. Of course, that could never happen now...too bad.
It sounds like you are having a great time. It sounds nice to be able to choose your own schedule and eat where you want. You are putting ideas in my head!
I have said it before, but your pictures are wonderful!
That must have been so cool to be able to go behind the scenes at KSC with your aunt!
If you have a chance, definitely try a solo trip! It really is great to be able to go where ever you want when ever you want. That being said, I have been on WDW trips with other adults, separately with each of my sisters and their kids, and by myself, for the most part, on this trip and I can honestly say that I have loved each one. The dymanics are different under each condition and you do/see things differently whether you are by yourself, with other adults, or with kids. I think that is one of the reasons that I love WDW so much. There are so many things to do, that you can approach each trip differently depending upon who, if anyone, you are with.I used to be intimidated eating out by myself. But for the most part, it doesn't bother me now. I think that between eating out at lunch on Saturday's when I am running my errands at home and being on business trips by myself, I have gotten comfortable eating out on my own. That being said, I normally have something to read with me while I eat out.I have done several solo trips and had a great time. There is nothing like doing exactly what you want at Disney!
I am impressed that you eat out by yourself so much. I am a bit intimidated to eat at the nice restaraunts when I am solo. Also I always get a towncar service to transport me so I am impressed that you feel comfortable driving in a somewhat unfamiliar area.
I really like the castle and fireworks photos.
Thanks for the nice report!
I actually enjoy having a rental car. For some reason, if I don't have a car I always feel trapped even if I don't need to go any where.
Again, I think that I don't mind driving in an unknown area because of my business trips where you don't have any chioce. If you want to try renting a car, my advice is if you have AAA, stop at your local AAA office and get the maps for the area that you are going to be visiting. If it is a major city, then also ask if they have a city map (there is one for Orlando.). I always bring AAA maps with me plus I get the small free map that the rental car company has. I also normally have driving directions that I printed out at home.
Goofydiane
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Your Photo's are amazing! I wish I could take pictures that good. I usually go solo and really enjoy it - everything on your own timetable.
Sounds like you are having a great time!
Sounds like you are having a great time!
Donald is #1
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I really love to take pictures but most of the time, as Princess Power (my sister) can attest to, I don't do too much with them. 
I really need to start printing them out (I have the printers and paper for it) and start putting them up on my walls! It's great to meet another solo fan. When I first started thinking about a solo WDW trip a year ago, I got great encouragement from these boards. I am definitely glad that I tried it. I had an awesome time and I will definitely be doing more solo WDW trips (along with others with friends & family interspersed).
Donald is #1
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I just found your trip report today and it's awesome! I love all the pictures and the details! Can't wait for more.
Donald is #1
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On this day, I decided to go back to EPCOT. As usual, I was up early. Waking up early only happens when I am on vacation. As soon as I got up, I looked out my windo but I didn't see too many animals on the savannah. Again, I ate breakfast at Mara's. As luck would have it since I was up early, the EPCOT bus came just as I got to the bus stop. So I was at EPCOT by about 8:40. Again, since I was early, there were no lines at security and the lines at the turnstiles weren't too long. Once inside the park, I headed to the plaza between Innovations where the ropes are. Since I was planning on heading to Soaring first, I got in line in the second row on the small area to the right near where the seating/garden area is near Innovations (I never remember which one is east or west, but basically the one on the same side as the Land.). I waited there until the park opened. They had some construction walls up, so I couldn't see if there was any real ceremony to the opening of the park.
Aside here: I am not sure if I mentioned this earlier, but I really like the way that they open the parks now (at least EPCOT & AK, I haven't been at park opening at MK or MGM for a few years). For anyone who hasn't been at park opening, they have many of the CMs at the rope. When the rope drops, the CMs then lead the crowd to the major attractions. This method minimizes teh running and pushing at park opening. There is still a little of it but it is nothing like it was years ago when everyone make a made dsah to their favorite attractions.
OK back to the story, I ended up near the front of the crowd heading to the Land. They directed everyone entering the land to the right adn the CM's lead us down the stairs & escalator. As we walked towards Soaring, there were CM's lining the walk with big Mickey gloves waving to us! I was able to walk right onto Soaring and I think that I was on the first ride of the day; if not the first, then it was the second. As soon as I got off, I got a FP for Soaring. Now, what to do until my FP? Well, I have never done the Circle of Life, so I decided to watch that. I thought that it was just OK. After the Circle of Life, I still had some time to kill, so I walked out and wandered over to the pin station to buy more pins that I don't need!
Finally, it was time for my FP so back to the Land and onto Soaring again! After Soaring, I headed over to Test Track and was able to walk on using the Single Rider Line. By this time, it was almost time for the WS to open so I made my way over towards Canada.
I really like the pirate themed topiaries at the entrance to the WS.
After taking pictures of the topiares, I went over to Canada & wandered around the garden there.
From Canada, I slowly wandered my way around the WS going into each of the shops doing some window shopping and pin trading. The topiaries in the UK, focused on Winnie the Pooh and friends!
Today's focus in the WS was really on just taking my time, going through the shops and really just enjoying the ambiance and theming of each country.
Hidden Mickey in Morroco:
I decided to have lunch today at the counter service place in Japan (Yakitori House). I hadn't eaten at this restaurant since my first trip to EPCOT 20 years ago. Normally, I eat at the Tappanyaki restaurant but it was closed for renovations. My lunch here was just OK. Somewhere between a 2.5 and 3 out of 5. I got a combination meal with Chicken & Beef (Tonosama Combo maybe?) and it was OK but un-inspiring. The tempura that came with it was very disappointing. I have had much better tempura before.
So everyone, do you remember what happens after I get a disappointing meal? Yes, I had to stop somewhere for dessert. So I stopped in America to get a funnel cake! (OK, we need a food equivalent to the drinking smilies!) The funnel cake was very good but since I had just eaten lunch, I only ate about 1/2. Of course even just eating 1/2, I was covered in powered sugar!
I continued my way around the WS stopping at each country and just enjoying my day.
For some reason, EPCOT was not crowded at all. I had been there a week before (see day 2) and although not crowded there were definitely more people around than today. However it was extremely hot! Since this was my third time at EPCOT this trip, by 2 PM I was hot and I decided to head back to AKL.
When I got back to my room at the AKL, there were a lot of animals outside my room. (Giraffes, wilderbeast, zebra, etc.) I took pictures from my balcony for a while and then I decided to head off to the other viewing areas.
I spent a good deal of time talking to one of the CM's at the viewing area near the pool. He was from South Africa and he had just started his 1 year stint at WDW. He was really excited to be at WDW and this was his first time outside of South Africa. We must have talked for at least 30 minutes! By now my feet were really tired and I decided that the hot tubs looked good. So back up to my room to change and then back down to the pool area. I spent about 15-20 minutes in the hot tub and it was great! I knew that I took a bathing suit for some reason! Normally I take a bathing suit just in case and it never makes it out of the suitcase!
Well, after the hot tub, I decided that my feet were feeling good enough to head to MGM for Fantasmic. I didn't have an ADR tonight. Actually I did btu it was at EPCOT and I ended up cancelling it when I decided to leave at about 2:00. Well, I learned a lesson this night, MGM in the evening is not a good place to eat if you don't have an ADR! All of the table service places were booked and I didn't feel like eating at Pizza Planet. I stopped at the commisary but for soem reason the menu didn't appeal to me that night. So, I next headed over to the flatbread place -- closed! By now I was a bit annoyed. I know I shouldn't have been but I was. I ended up eating at Rosie's All American Cafe. The meal was only a 2.5 out of 5. I had a cheeseburger and fries and it was the worst cheeseburger of my trip. It was ok but really didn't have anything going for it. It needed a really good fixin's bar! I also thought that the french fry serving was small compared to the other places that I had eaten. OK, since I had another disappointing meal, teh solution is ----- ice cream! I got a butter pecan ice cream from the stand out in front of the tower or terror.
Next I decided to head into Fantasmic. I walked into the stadium about 45 minutes before the show and was seated in the 4th section from the end. I really should have brought a jacket with me that night because as hot as it was earlier in the day, it was really quite cool waiting for Fantasmic. Once the show started, it was great as usual but there was a breeze and we kept getting hit with a mist from the water curtains. Once the show was over, it was time to head for the bus.
Well, this night ended up being one of my worst bus experiences. For some reason, the scheduling gods decided that on Wednesdays in May at least all 4 parks would close at the same time. It was evening EMH at Animal Kingdom so it was also closing at about the same time as MGM, EPCOT, & MK. Well, WDW really doesn't have enough buses for all 4 parks closing at the same time! I almost made it onto the bus that was at the bus stop when I got there, but the driver said that it was too full and wouldn't let me on. (he was probably right
). Anyways, I didn't really worry because I figured that another bus would be along soon. --- I was wrong! It ended up taking 40-45 minutes before the next bus came! By this time, all of the people in line behind me were complaining that the bus wasn't coming because we were at AKL. Well in reality, most of the resorts had really long lines at their bus stops and had to wait just as long as we did. Finally, a bus came & I was able to get back to AKL.
Overall another great day. Despite the frustations at MGM, I was still at WDW so it was a great time!
As soon as I got up, I looked out my windo but I didn't see too many animals on the savannah. Again, I ate breakfast at Mara's. As luck would have it since I was up early, the EPCOT bus came just as I got to the bus stop. So I was at EPCOT by about 8:40. Again, since I was early, there were no lines at security and the lines at the turnstiles weren't too long. Once inside the park, I headed to the plaza between Innovations where the ropes are. Since I was planning on heading to Soaring first, I got in line in the second row on the small area to the right near where the seating/garden area is near Innovations (I never remember which one is east or west, but basically the one on the same side as the Land.). I waited there until the park opened. They had some construction walls up, so I couldn't see if there was any real ceremony to the opening of the park.Aside here: I am not sure if I mentioned this earlier, but I really like the way that they open the parks now (at least EPCOT & AK, I haven't been at park opening at MK or MGM for a few years). For anyone who hasn't been at park opening, they have many of the CMs at the rope. When the rope drops, the CMs then lead the crowd to the major attractions. This method minimizes teh running and pushing at park opening. There is still a little of it but it is nothing like it was years ago when everyone make a made dsah to their favorite attractions.
OK back to the story, I ended up near the front of the crowd heading to the Land. They directed everyone entering the land to the right adn the CM's lead us down the stairs & escalator. As we walked towards Soaring, there were CM's lining the walk with big Mickey gloves waving to us! I was able to walk right onto Soaring and I think that I was on the first ride of the day; if not the first, then it was the second. As soon as I got off, I got a FP for Soaring. Now, what to do until my FP? Well, I have never done the Circle of Life, so I decided to watch that. I thought that it was just OK. After the Circle of Life, I still had some time to kill, so I walked out and wandered over to the pin station to buy more pins that I don't need!
Finally, it was time for my FP so back to the Land and onto Soaring again! After Soaring, I headed over to Test Track and was able to walk on using the Single Rider Line. By this time, it was almost time for the WS to open so I made my way over towards Canada.
I really like the pirate themed topiaries at the entrance to the WS.
After taking pictures of the topiares, I went over to Canada & wandered around the garden there.
From Canada, I slowly wandered my way around the WS going into each of the shops doing some window shopping and pin trading. The topiaries in the UK, focused on Winnie the Pooh and friends!
Today's focus in the WS was really on just taking my time, going through the shops and really just enjoying the ambiance and theming of each country.
Hidden Mickey in Morroco:
I decided to have lunch today at the counter service place in Japan (Yakitori House). I hadn't eaten at this restaurant since my first trip to EPCOT 20 years ago. Normally, I eat at the Tappanyaki restaurant but it was closed for renovations. My lunch here was just OK. Somewhere between a 2.5 and 3 out of 5. I got a combination meal with Chicken & Beef (Tonosama Combo maybe?) and it was OK but un-inspiring. The tempura that came with it was very disappointing. I have had much better tempura before.
So everyone, do you remember what happens after I get a disappointing meal? Yes, I had to stop somewhere for dessert. So I stopped in America to get a funnel cake!
(OK, we need a food equivalent to the drinking smilies!) The funnel cake was very good but since I had just eaten lunch, I only ate about 1/2. Of course even just eating 1/2, I was covered in powered sugar! I continued my way around the WS stopping at each country and just enjoying my day.
For some reason, EPCOT was not crowded at all. I had been there a week before (see day 2) and although not crowded there were definitely more people around than today. However it was extremely hot! Since this was my third time at EPCOT this trip, by 2 PM I was hot and I decided to head back to AKL.
When I got back to my room at the AKL, there were a lot of animals outside my room. (Giraffes, wilderbeast, zebra, etc.) I took pictures from my balcony for a while and then I decided to head off to the other viewing areas.
I spent a good deal of time talking to one of the CM's at the viewing area near the pool. He was from South Africa and he had just started his 1 year stint at WDW. He was really excited to be at WDW and this was his first time outside of South Africa. We must have talked for at least 30 minutes! By now my feet were really tired and I decided that the hot tubs looked good. So back up to my room to change and then back down to the pool area. I spent about 15-20 minutes in the hot tub and it was great! I knew that I took a bathing suit for some reason!
Normally I take a bathing suit just in case and it never makes it out of the suitcase!Well, after the hot tub, I decided that my feet were feeling good enough to head to MGM for Fantasmic. I didn't have an ADR tonight. Actually I did btu it was at EPCOT and I ended up cancelling it when I decided to leave at about 2:00. Well, I learned a lesson this night, MGM in the evening is not a good place to eat if you don't have an ADR! All of the table service places were booked and I didn't feel like eating at Pizza Planet. I stopped at the commisary but for soem reason the menu didn't appeal to me that night. So, I next headed over to the flatbread place -- closed! By now I was a bit annoyed. I know I shouldn't have been but I was. I ended up eating at Rosie's All American Cafe. The meal was only a 2.5 out of 5. I had a cheeseburger and fries and it was the worst cheeseburger of my trip. It was ok but really didn't have anything going for it. It needed a really good fixin's bar! I also thought that the french fry serving was small compared to the other places that I had eaten. OK, since I had another disappointing meal, teh solution is ----- ice cream! I got a butter pecan ice cream from the stand out in front of the tower or terror.
Next I decided to head into Fantasmic. I walked into the stadium about 45 minutes before the show and was seated in the 4th section from the end. I really should have brought a jacket with me that night because as hot as it was earlier in the day, it was really quite cool waiting for Fantasmic. Once the show started, it was great as usual but there was a breeze and we kept getting hit with a mist from the water curtains. Once the show was over, it was time to head for the bus.
Well, this night ended up being one of my worst bus experiences. For some reason, the scheduling gods decided that on Wednesdays in May at least all 4 parks would close at the same time. It was evening EMH at Animal Kingdom so it was also closing at about the same time as MGM, EPCOT, & MK. Well, WDW really doesn't have enough buses for all 4 parks closing at the same time! I almost made it onto the bus that was at the bus stop when I got there, but the driver said that it was too full and wouldn't let me on. (he was probably right
). Anyways, I didn't really worry because I figured that another bus would be along soon. --- I was wrong! It ended up taking 40-45 minutes before the next bus came! By this time, all of the people in line behind me were complaining that the bus wasn't coming because we were at AKL. Well in reality, most of the resorts had really long lines at their bus stops and had to wait just as long as we did. Finally, a bus came & I was able to get back to AKL.Overall another great day. Despite the frustations at MGM, I was still at WDW so it was a great time!
DreaGirl
DIS Veteran
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- Jan 11, 2007
- Messages
- 3,063
Man! So-So food and bad bus transportation! That stinks.
You, once again, got some great pictures. That is awesome that you got to walk onto Soarin'. I hope we are that lucky!
You are right, a bad or so-so day at WDW is better than any day at home!
Great installment! I'm going to be sad when your TR is over. I really enjoy your photos.
You, once again, got some great pictures. That is awesome that you got to walk onto Soarin'. I hope we are that lucky!
You are right, a bad or so-so day at WDW is better than any day at home!
Great installment! I'm going to be sad when your TR is over. I really enjoy your photos.
Wow! Glad you made it back to AKL! That's the only thing that frustrates me about Disney transportation, sometimes it seems like you wait forever. I'm glad we're renting a car this year.
I will also be sad to see your report end. The pictures have been so awesome!
I will also be sad to see your report end. The pictures have been so awesome!
Donald is #1
DIS Veteran
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- Jun 24, 2006
- Messages
- 6,922
Wow! Glad you made it back to AKL! That's the only thing that frustrates me about Disney transportation, sometimes it seems like you wait forever. I'm glad we're renting a car this year.
I will also be sad to see your report end. The pictures have been so awesome!
In 12 days at WDW, well only 10 using disney transportation, I really only had 2 bad transportation days. Unfortunately, they occurred back to back. I guess I just gave a hint out about my next post.
The funny thing is, that everyone in line with me was complaining and saying that the transportation was bad because we were at AKL. But somehow, they never seemed to notice all of the other resorts with lots of people waiting just like us! I just stood there and shook my head and silently laughed.
Donald is #1
DIS Veteran
- Joined
- Jun 24, 2006
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Well, this day was probably one of my latest starting but most expensive days at WDW. Why was it expensive, well check out my first stop of the day. 
I was up at about a normal vacation time - 7:30. But this morning, I had time for a leisurely breakfast at Mara and after breakfast, I went onto the balcony of my room and read the paper while enjoying watching the animals. My morning was so slow because I had an 10 AM appointment at the DVC.
The DVC van picked me up at about 9:40. I was their only pickup and I was over at the DVC center at SSR very quickly. Once at the DVC Center, I was able to meet my guide for the Patti for the first time. My previous visit earlier in my trip was on one of her off days so I met with a different guide. I had Patty show me the AKV models again and was again impressed by them. I then told her that I was ready to buy into the DVC. So, I ended up purchasing 160 points at AKV. The whole process took about an hour including all of the paperwork. Once the contracts are drawn up, a "QA" person then goes over everything with you and you sign the paperwork. The documentation package that they give you is fairly large, probably about 1.5 inches thick or so. Since I was planning on heading directly to a park, I asked Patti to ship all of my documentation home. By having them ship the documentation home, it also saved me from having to pack it in my suitcase or carry it on the plane. Yeah!
After I had signed everything, they took me out to the ice cream parlor. Shockingly, I didn't get any ice cream. I decided that I wanted to get a good lunch at MGM so I decided not to get the ice cream. Also in the ice cream parlor, they take a picture of all the new DVC members. Here is the picture that they took of me:
I was really excited about buying into the DVC. Now I have an excuse to go to WDW every year!
I had the DVC van drop me off at MGM. For some reason, this is the only picture that I took at MGM.
Since I was getting hungry, my first stop at MGM was at guest services to see if there were any openings at the table service restaurants for lunch. I was able to get a 12:20 ADR for Mama Melrose. OK, lunch reservation taken care of. So what was my next stop?
Well, to the pin station of course! Now that I had my temporary DVC membership card, I needed to get the special DVC pins. Because you never can have too many pins, right? I started making my way over to Mama Melroses and on my way, I stopped at Star Tours to pick up a FP. By now I was very hungry and it was just about time for my ADR so Mama Melrose, here I come!
I had never eaten at Mama Melrose and I had read some mixed reviews. So, I wasn't sure what I would find there. I was very pleasantly surprised! For my meal, I had the calamari for an appertizer and the grilled chicken flatbread for my entree. The calamari was very good. It wasn't the best calamari but it was near the top. The chicken flatbread was excellent! It was one of the better flat breads that I have had. The service was also very good. Overall, I would rate it between a 3.5 and a 4 out of 5. It was definitely worth the stop.
After lunch it was time for my Star Tours FP. With the FP, I was able to walk right on. Star Tours is my favorite ride at MGM so of course I had a great time on it.
After Star Tours, I went off to my second favorite attraction at MGM -> Muppets 3-D. I just love this show!
Next I decided to spend some time doing some of the attractions that I have never done before. So, I headed over to Mickey Lane (or is it Mickey Street?). Somehow I ended up doing these attractions in the wrong order.
Each time I came out of an attraction, I had to walk past its entrance and the exit of next attraction before I would get to the entrance to the next attraction. 
Oh well, I'll know better next time.
My first stop was the Magic Of Disney Animation. This attraction was excellent! I think that I may have done it many years ago, but it has changed a lot. If you get a chance, stop in and see this attraction. My next stop was Walt Disney: One Man's Dream. I also thought that this exhibit was excellent! This exhibit chronicle's Walt's life. I could have spent more time in here. I will definitely have to go back some time and spend some more time. My next stop was the Lion, Witch, and Warrdrobe exhibit. I had read some disappointing reviews on these boards on this attration. So, when I first walked in, I was very surprised. The beginning of it was really neat! So, while I was in the first room, I kept wondering "why was everyone complaining about this?" and then I walked into the next room and found out! What a disappointment! The first room with the forest and the video with the queen/witch was so well done. And then you walk into a room with just a couple props. Oh well, at least I tried it!
Finally, I went on the Backstage tour. Now the backstage tour I have done many times and I like it, but I haven't been on it since they took out the street with the houses. This time the tour was good, but the special effects tank wasn't really working so they didn't do the audience participation part and I miss the houses during the tram ride portion.
By the time that I got off of the backstage tour, it was about 4 and it started to rain. So, I decided to head back to AKL.
At AKL, I decided to head down to the lounge for a little while for a beer.
I tried 2 different African beers. I thought that the Casa was very good and the Tusker was ok. I also tried the African Spiced nuts while I was drinking the beer. They were also very good but they did have some heat in them that crept up on you.
After I had relaxed for a while in the lounge, I decided to head over to the MK to watch Wishes again. The MK was open until 10 that night so I had plenty of time to get there. When I got to the MK, it was raining lightly and people were starting to leave. I decided to hang around for a while to see if the rain was going to stop. I spent some time looking in the shops on Main St. I was looking for a present for my sister and I hadn't found anything yet. (Yes, Princess Power, my second to last full day and I still hadn't found anything for you.). I was looking for an Eeyore ornament but I couldn't find one. I decided to stop at Casey's for dinner and I got a hot dog, and fries. The hot dog was good but the fries were only ok. Overall, I rated this meal a 3.5. By the time that I had finished eating, it has stopped raining. So I headed over to the Christmas Shop at Liberty Square, but they didn't have any Eeyore ornaments either. They suggested both DTD and the pooh shop in Fantasyland. Unfortunately, I had already checked out the shop in DTD so I knew that they didn't have any. Since I was in Libery Square, I went to the Hall Of President's next. After the Hall of President's, I headed over to Fantasyland to go to Mickey's Philharmagic. I can't remember if I mentioned it earlier, but Mickey's Philharmagic is my favorite 3-D show at WDW! Of course, it may be because my favorite character is Donald (but you already knew that did't you?) and he is actually the star of the show!
I next stopped in the Pooh shop, but again I didn't find any Eeyore ornaments. At this point, things weren't looking good for a present for Princess Power.
From Fantasyland, I went over to Tomorrowland and got a FP for Buzz Lightyear. While I was waiting for my FP time, I went on the TTA. This ride is very nice after dark when the all of the buildings are lit up. When I finished the TTA, there was no line for Buzz Lightyear so I went on twice using the standby line. By my second time using the standby line, my hand was tired from shooting all those targets. So, I didn't end up using my FP.
By this point, I was attractioned out for the day. I wandered around Main St during the Electrical Parade since the lines were deep enough that I wouldn't have seen much anyways and once the parade was over, I made my way towards the center in front of the castle to wait for Wishes. I just love Wishes! It is currently my favorite night-time show at WDW!
OK, now it was time to head back to AKL. When I got to the bus stop, the lines for the resorts above AKL (i.e. further away from the entrance to the bus stop area) were so long that they filled up the entire area in the middle between the bus stops and people for the AKL stop couldn't get to the entrance to the line. So we had to climb under the railing. For some reason, the buses were running very strangely this night. There seemed to be lots of SSR and POP buses but not much of anything else. Now the Pop buses made sense because its line was very large, but the SSR line ended up emptying way before any other resort. Finally someone went over to the dispatchers and mentioned that we hadn't seen a bus. Like the previous night, we ended up waiting over 40 minutes for the first bus! Luckily, I made this bus but I didn't end up getting back to my room until 11:20. As I had mentioned in a previous post, this long line didn't have anything to do with me being at the AKL. Many of the other deluxe resorts (Yacht Club, Beach Club, etc) also had the same problem. So, my feeling is that it was just pure bad luck.
So ends another day. I was a big day for me since I bought into the DVC and I had a great time.
I was up at about a normal vacation time - 7:30. But this morning, I had time for a leisurely breakfast at Mara and after breakfast, I went onto the balcony of my room and read the paper while enjoying watching the animals. My morning was so slow because I had an 10 AM appointment at the DVC.
The DVC van picked me up at about 9:40. I was their only pickup and I was over at the DVC center at SSR very quickly. Once at the DVC Center, I was able to meet my guide for the Patti for the first time. My previous visit earlier in my trip was on one of her off days so I met with a different guide. I had Patty show me the AKV models again and was again impressed by them. I then told her that I was ready to buy into the DVC. So, I ended up purchasing 160 points at AKV. The whole process took about an hour including all of the paperwork. Once the contracts are drawn up, a "QA" person then goes over everything with you and you sign the paperwork. The documentation package that they give you is fairly large, probably about 1.5 inches thick or so. Since I was planning on heading directly to a park, I asked Patti to ship all of my documentation home. By having them ship the documentation home, it also saved me from having to pack it in my suitcase or carry it on the plane. Yeah!
After I had signed everything, they took me out to the ice cream parlor. Shockingly, I didn't get any ice cream. I decided that I wanted to get a good lunch at MGM so I decided not to get the ice cream. Also in the ice cream parlor, they take a picture of all the new DVC members. Here is the picture that they took of me:
I was really excited about buying into the DVC. Now I have an excuse to go to WDW every year!
I had the DVC van drop me off at MGM. For some reason, this is the only picture that I took at MGM.
Since I was getting hungry, my first stop at MGM was at guest services to see if there were any openings at the table service restaurants for lunch. I was able to get a 12:20 ADR for Mama Melrose. OK, lunch reservation taken care of. So what was my next stop?
Well, to the pin station of course! Now that I had my temporary DVC membership card, I needed to get the special DVC pins. Because you never can have too many pins, right?
I started making my way over to Mama Melroses and on my way, I stopped at Star Tours to pick up a FP. By now I was very hungry and it was just about time for my ADR so Mama Melrose, here I come!I had never eaten at Mama Melrose and I had read some mixed reviews. So, I wasn't sure what I would find there. I was very pleasantly surprised! For my meal, I had the calamari for an appertizer and the grilled chicken flatbread for my entree. The calamari was very good. It wasn't the best calamari but it was near the top. The chicken flatbread was excellent! It was one of the better flat breads that I have had. The service was also very good. Overall, I would rate it between a 3.5 and a 4 out of 5. It was definitely worth the stop.
After lunch it was time for my Star Tours FP. With the FP, I was able to walk right on. Star Tours is my favorite ride at MGM so of course I had a great time on it.
After Star Tours, I went off to my second favorite attraction at MGM -> Muppets 3-D. I just love this show!
Next I decided to spend some time doing some of the attractions that I have never done before. So, I headed over to Mickey Lane (or is it Mickey Street?). Somehow I ended up doing these attractions in the wrong order.
Each time I came out of an attraction, I had to walk past its entrance and the exit of next attraction before I would get to the entrance to the next attraction. Oh well, I'll know better next time.My first stop was the Magic Of Disney Animation. This attraction was excellent! I think that I may have done it many years ago, but it has changed a lot. If you get a chance, stop in and see this attraction. My next stop was Walt Disney: One Man's Dream. I also thought that this exhibit was excellent! This exhibit chronicle's Walt's life. I could have spent more time in here. I will definitely have to go back some time and spend some more time. My next stop was the Lion, Witch, and Warrdrobe exhibit. I had read some disappointing reviews on these boards on this attration. So, when I first walked in, I was very surprised. The beginning of it was really neat! So, while I was in the first room, I kept wondering "why was everyone complaining about this?" and then I walked into the next room and found out! What a disappointment! The first room with the forest and the video with the queen/witch was so well done. And then you walk into a room with just a couple props. Oh well, at least I tried it!
Finally, I went on the Backstage tour. Now the backstage tour I have done many times and I like it, but I haven't been on it since they took out the street with the houses. This time the tour was good, but the special effects tank wasn't really working so they didn't do the audience participation part and I miss the houses during the tram ride portion.
By the time that I got off of the backstage tour, it was about 4 and it started to rain. So, I decided to head back to AKL.
At AKL, I decided to head down to the lounge for a little while for a beer.
I tried 2 different African beers. I thought that the Casa was very good and the Tusker was ok. I also tried the African Spiced nuts while I was drinking the beer. They were also very good but they did have some heat in them that crept up on you.After I had relaxed for a while in the lounge, I decided to head over to the MK to watch Wishes again. The MK was open until 10 that night so I had plenty of time to get there. When I got to the MK, it was raining lightly and people were starting to leave. I decided to hang around for a while to see if the rain was going to stop. I spent some time looking in the shops on Main St. I was looking for a present for my sister and I hadn't found anything yet. (Yes, Princess Power, my second to last full day and I still hadn't found anything for you.). I was looking for an Eeyore ornament but I couldn't find one. I decided to stop at Casey's for dinner and I got a hot dog, and fries. The hot dog was good but the fries were only ok. Overall, I rated this meal a 3.5. By the time that I had finished eating, it has stopped raining. So I headed over to the Christmas Shop at Liberty Square, but they didn't have any Eeyore ornaments either. They suggested both DTD and the pooh shop in Fantasyland. Unfortunately, I had already checked out the shop in DTD so I knew that they didn't have any. Since I was in Libery Square, I went to the Hall Of President's next. After the Hall of President's, I headed over to Fantasyland to go to Mickey's Philharmagic. I can't remember if I mentioned it earlier, but Mickey's Philharmagic is my favorite 3-D show at WDW!
Of course, it may be because my favorite character is Donald (but you already knew that did't you?) and he is actually the star of the show! I next stopped in the Pooh shop, but again I didn't find any Eeyore ornaments. At this point, things weren't looking good for a present for Princess Power.
From Fantasyland, I went over to Tomorrowland and got a FP for Buzz Lightyear. While I was waiting for my FP time, I went on the TTA. This ride is very nice after dark when the all of the buildings are lit up. When I finished the TTA, there was no line for Buzz Lightyear so I went on twice using the standby line. By my second time using the standby line, my hand was tired from shooting all those targets. So, I didn't end up using my FP. By this point, I was attractioned out for the day. I wandered around Main St during the Electrical Parade since the lines were deep enough that I wouldn't have seen much anyways and once the parade was over, I made my way towards the center in front of the castle to wait for Wishes. I just love Wishes! It is currently my favorite night-time show at WDW!
OK, now it was time to head back to AKL. When I got to the bus stop, the lines for the resorts above AKL (i.e. further away from the entrance to the bus stop area) were so long that they filled up the entire area in the middle between the bus stops and people for the AKL stop couldn't get to the entrance to the line. So we had to climb under the railing. For some reason, the buses were running very strangely this night. There seemed to be lots of SSR and POP buses but not much of anything else. Now the Pop buses made sense because its line was very large, but the SSR line ended up emptying way before any other resort. Finally someone went over to the dispatchers and mentioned that we hadn't seen a bus. Like the previous night, we ended up waiting over 40 minutes for the first bus! Luckily, I made this bus but I didn't end up getting back to my room until 11:20. As I had mentioned in a previous post, this long line didn't have anything to do with me being at the AKL. Many of the other deluxe resorts (Yacht Club, Beach Club, etc) also had the same problem. So, my feeling is that it was just pure bad luck.
So ends another day. I was a big day for me since I bought into the DVC and I had a great time.
50 years Too!
DIS Veteran
- Joined
- Jan 11, 2005
- Messages
- 1,184
I just found your report. I have to say that you are one of the best photographers! Maybe you should apply to National Geographic. Your pictures were of that caliber! I especially loved the MK castle and fireworks pictures.
Congrats on AKV purchase.
Deb
Congrats on AKV purchase.
Deb
DreaGirl
DIS Veteran
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- Jan 11, 2007
- Messages
- 3,063
Congrats on your DVC purchase! The AKV looks awesome! I'm slightly jealous...
We aren't going to MGM this year because we figured DD is too young, but every time I read about it, I almost reconsider. Then I think about all the ADRs I'd have to change, and I stop considering!
I can't wait to see Wishes.
I hope you find an Eeyore ornament. Eeyore is DDs favorite, so we will be on the lookout for one also.
Great installment! Congrats again on DVC!!!
The AKV looks awesome! I'm slightly jealous... We aren't going to MGM this year because we figured DD is too young, but every time I read about it, I almost reconsider. Then I think about all the ADRs I'd have to change, and I stop considering!
I can't wait to see Wishes.
I hope you find an Eeyore ornament. Eeyore is DDs favorite, so we will be on the lookout for one also.
Great installment! Congrats again on DVC!!!
congrats on your new home purchase did you get a chance to eat at bomas? if so how was it? i'm thinking of next trip trying jikos or boma out. both look really good.
did the dvc people say when the new homes at akl will be finished?
love your report and pics...
thanks for sharing
did you get a chance to eat at bomas? if so how was it? i'm thinking of next trip trying jikos or boma out. both look really good.did the dvc people say when the new homes at akl will be finished?
love your report and pics...
thanks for sharing
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