iceskatejen
<font color=0000CC>I did it 4 times during my trip
- Joined
- Mar 24, 2004
- Messages
- 3,049
My trip was from 4/21-4/29.
Day 1
On 4/21, I got up bright and early and headed off to the Ontario, CA airport. Got checked in, went through security, and made it to the gate with about 1 hour and 45 minutes or so to spare. Plane started boarding about 30 minutes before the flight and we were in the air right on schedule. 4 hours later the first portion of the frlight was over and I had an hour and a half in Atlanta to cool my heals. Finally, we board but for some reason, we sit at the gate for almost 30 minutes. Anyway, we finally taxied away and got in line to take off. My seat mate counted 17 planes behind us when we finally turned onto the runway. About an hour later we landed in Orlando and yay, my luggage made it with me! Next I ran downstairs to the Mears desk and checked in with them, then waited for the shuttle. 15-20 minutes later, I boarded a van with a bunch of other people. First stop, the Marriot, then finally onto Disney property. Next the Carribean Beach, then Coranado Springs. Here's where there's a problem. One of the Coronado Springs people took one of my suitcases
. I don't discover this until the next stop--my resort, All Star Music. (anyway, the suitcase did get tracked down and I got it back). Got checked in just fine, and headed of to my room in Jazz Inn 2. When I got to my room, there was a strong smell of having just been deep cleaned, and the carpet was slightly damp. Well, I know it's clean anyway, lol, I unpack and decided I'm rather hungry, so I headed off to the food court and got a chicken sandwich. Sandwich isn't bad, though the fries were a little limp. I went to Maestro mickey's and picked up my souvenir lanyards and pins plus a Pal Mickey I went back to my room and watched the top 7 Disney attractions on ch 18 then tried to sleep, which wasn't easy considering the strange bed and strange noises (never mind the 3 hour time difference). But I got some.
Day 2-4/22
After my shower and head to toe slathering of spf 45, I headed down to the food court for breakfast. I got the adult breakfast platter for the first and last time. Eggs were a little rubbery but I thoughjt the potatos were quite good. Next stop, the Epcot bus stop. It came within 10 minutes and I was at Epcot before opening. First ride was Test Track. I thought it was fun, but I would have liked the fast part to be longer. Next was Mission: Space. This was the ride I had been waiting for and I was not disappointed. The launch sequence was intense (as were and of the multi-g parts) and I loved the weightless feeling. After, I sent some postcards from space out to family and friends. Next, I went to Universe of Energy. I learned a few things and though Ellen Degeneres was really funny. At this point it was a few minutes before the World Showcase was going to open and I had a noon lunch ps for the Teppanyaki Grill. I took some photos and headed off to the World showcase, stopping to take pictures of some of the topiaries along the way. Around this time the heat and even more the humidity were starting to get to me (despite others assurances that it was not humid--to me, being from So, Cal. it was) so I was quite glad to go inside whenever I could. I didn't really start to explore any of the Pavillions until I got to Italy and realized I still had more than 30 minutes before my ps time, so I slowed down and looked through the shops there. I arrived in Japan still with 15 minutes to spare and just looked around for a few minutes. I went up to the restaurant and checked in. Lunch was good. I ordered the chicken plus a bowl of misoshuri soup, which was delicious. I wanted some green tea ice cream, but was too full to eat any. I finished looking through that pavillion then saw the American Adventure show. Beforehand the Voices of Liberty were singing inside the waiting area. They were excellent. I worked my way back around the WS, saw the China film, which I enjoyed, rode Maelstrom, which was not so good, and rode El Rio De Tiempo, which was kind of like IASW. Then I went back to FW, rode Spaceship Earth, and looked through Innoventions and Mouseworks. I was hungry at this point, so I ate a veggie burger in the Electric Umbrella. Then I went to Journy into Imagination. I thought the ride was cute. Afterwards, I bought a stuffed Figment (something I've wanted for years). I hopped on a water taxi across the lagoon and watched the Nelsons perform, then headed around the lagoon to find a spot for Illuminations. I found a spot near Canada after buying a beaver tail. It was good, but I couldn't finish it. Maybe I was tired, maybe it was because my feet were already blistered, or maybe it was having to watch the show through some trees, but I though it didn't live up to the hype. I think partly, the music just didn't move me--it seemed too generic and could have been the soundtrack for anything. It just didn't seem grand enough or powerful enough to evoke what they were after.
Day 3-4/23
I got up later than I wanted to (I was still trying to figure out the alarm clock--didn't want to do the wake up call thing because I get woken up by the phone ringing at home and I wanted to feel like I wasn't at home). I wasn't really hungry. I went to AK for EMH so I could ride Dinosaur before it went down for rehab. It wasn't open yet, so I rode Kilimanjaro Safaris first. The line took longer than stated because some of the animals were hanging out in the roads. Anyway, I though it was great. Then I went to ride Dinosaur, which I thought was really scary, particularly the end. Then I headed off to the Studios. First, I fp TOT, then got is a rather long RNRC line. I got to carry one of the line monitoring cards. Finally, I got on the ride. It was awesome. My limo played Sweet Emotion. When I got off, it was almost time for my TOT fp, but they were having some problems, so they said to come back later--the fps would be good all day. So went off to do other things. I was hungry, but didn't realize the park maps show where the food places are (dl's don't), so I wandered around trying to find something. I settled on Toy Story Pizza Planet. Actually, it wasn't too bad. Then I went on the backlot tour--not much to see there, mostly the boneyard. Then I headed back over to TOT and still waited in a long fp line. It was worth it. I loved TOT. Next I saw B&theB, cute. GMR was next. I though that was fun. I saw the Animation building.W/O the animators there, there's not much reason to go into the thing. I wathed the LM show, also cute. At this point, I was getting hungry again, so i went to the ABC Commisary for dinner. I got fish and chips. It was a bit greasy. Next I saw the Indiana Jones stunt show. I liked it. It was almost 7:30, so I headed over to grab a Fantasmic spot. At DL I generally sit right up front for it, and never get wet, just a little bit misted, but here I was a few rows back and was rather damp by the end of the show. Also the show wasn't as good as DL's, though I heard later that they are going to make some changes to the WDW version.
Day 4-4/24
This was AK all day. First stop was to FP the Safaris, then I walked the Pangani trail. Then I rode the Safaris. I enjoyed this trip more than my first--I got a better view of the animals this time. Next was Kali rapids. It was better than most rapids rides, but still no competition for GRR at DCA. Next I ate at the Chakrandi chicken shop, which was pretty good. I walk the Maharaja Jungle Trek (I loved the tigers), then saw Flights of Wonder. Next was Tarzan Rocks. I would have liked to have seen more of the stunt stuff. Next I rode Primeval whirl--actually though it was pretty good, then headed over for Festival of the Lion King. Now I know what happened to the Lion King parade floats for DL--they're being used for this show. It was the best show I saw the whole trip. I sat in the Elephant section. I saw Mickey's Jammin' Jungle Parade, then headed back to the hotel. I had roasted chicken for dinner and went to my room to read a got to sleep early--next day was EMH in MK.
Day 5-4/25
Finally I had the alarm clock figured out and I was up at 6. I discovered a much better breakfast at the food court--a cheese omlette--fresh eggs. I was outside the MK gates with 15 minutes to spare. I headed straight for Space Mountain. Much rougher than the DL version. Next was Buzz Lightyear, It was fun, but my score was a pitiful 2800. I rode the TTA and did the Carousel of Progress. I headed across the park. I rode POTC--not nearly as good as DL. Next was BTM--I loved it. The only ride that was better than the DL version. I rode the train around to toontown and took the walk that headed back into Tomorrowland as I already had a a fp for Space mountain. I rode that again, ate at Cosmic Rays (another veggie burger) then went to Fantasyland for Mickey's Philharmagic. It was really good. I went on the Haunted Mansion and saw the Hall of Presidents. I got a fp for Splash, ate a funnel cake then went to grab a spot for the Share a Dream come true parade. Cute parade. It was close, but not close enough for my fp time when the parade was over to head back to Splash, so I took the train all the way around from the Main Street station and then into Frontierland. I went on Splash--a little different than the DL version. Then I ate dinner at the Village Haus. I saw Spectromagic, which I though was really good, then the Wishes fireworks. They were good, but not quite as good as Believe.
Day6-4/26
I started the day in the studios, rode RNRC and TOT again and saw One Man's Dream then took the boat over to Epcot. I ate at the Restaurant Marakesh and had the Chicken Couscous, which I enjoyed. I then went the other way around the WS--I saw the film in France, looked through the shops there and in the UK. In Canada I had to get a Canadian Roots sweatshirt (it's sort of a skating thing), and found a half-zip pullover that'll be perfect for skating. I also saw the film there. Then I finished up the FW attractions I didn't see before, skipping Honey, I shrunk the Audience because we have that at DL. In the Land pavillion, I had a yummy brownie sundae. I rode Mission Space again (I love that ride), then listened to my blistered feet and went back to the hotel.
Day 7-4/27
I went to Downtown Disney. I looked through the stores and bought some pins. I used my $25 at Planet Hollywood on a very good roasted chicken, then saw 13 Going on 30, which was very good (Jennifer Garner is one of my favorite actresses). Then I went into Disney Quest. I did Cyber Space Mountain and the POTC. I loved POTC. I looked through a few more stores then went back to my hotel to eat and try to decide what to do next. I had a message from Bavaria on my phone, so I called her up and we made plans to meet at Epcot the next morning. I ended up staying in, because I figured I'd be a lot more fun if I was a little bit more rested.
Day 8-4/28
I went to Epcot for EMH. I rode Test Track again and met Bavaria in front of Mission Space. I rode it again, she opted out. We went on Spaceship Earth again (no line), then took the monorail over to MK-- Winnie the Pooh, rode HM, went over to Tom Sawyer Island, rode BTM, FP Space Mountain, rode Buzz (I increased my score to 4400), rode the TTA, rode SM, and got back on the monorail to Epcot. We ate at the Matsunomatsu lounge. She then drove me over to Fanstasia Gardens and I played a round of mini golf. I went over to the Swan-Dolphin boat dock and took the boat back to Epcot. I ate at the Tangerine Cafe (and ended up w/ a bad reaction later), rode Mission Space for a 4th time and went back to the hotel. Watched the AI results show and felt very sick, though I was able to get rid of that feeling after getting rid of my dinner.
Day 9-4/29
Felt none of the ill effects from the previous evening, though I decided to go easy on my stomach with food and only had toast for breakfast. I left my luggage with the luggage service people and went over to the Studios for some last rides on RNRC and TOT. I rode each twice. I found the crowds much smaller than in my previous trips to this park. I did Sounds Dangerous, ate at the Backlot express, then rode Star tours. Then I FP millionaire, got my pic with Mickey, did Millionaire, got some pics with Chip & Dale and Stitch, looked in some stores and went back to the hotel to catch the Mears bus back to the airport. Cried some tears on the bus. The flight from Orlando to Dallas was pretty uneventful except for a bit of turbulence. In Dallas, the plane I was supposed to take had some problems, so they switched planes and we took off from a different gate a little late (though not as late as it would have been if they hadn't), got into Ontario a little early. My luggage made it with me again, yay.
Day 1
On 4/21, I got up bright and early and headed off to the Ontario, CA airport. Got checked in, went through security, and made it to the gate with about 1 hour and 45 minutes or so to spare. Plane started boarding about 30 minutes before the flight and we were in the air right on schedule. 4 hours later the first portion of the frlight was over and I had an hour and a half in Atlanta to cool my heals. Finally, we board but for some reason, we sit at the gate for almost 30 minutes. Anyway, we finally taxied away and got in line to take off. My seat mate counted 17 planes behind us when we finally turned onto the runway. About an hour later we landed in Orlando and yay, my luggage made it with me! Next I ran downstairs to the Mears desk and checked in with them, then waited for the shuttle. 15-20 minutes later, I boarded a van with a bunch of other people. First stop, the Marriot, then finally onto Disney property. Next the Carribean Beach, then Coranado Springs. Here's where there's a problem. One of the Coronado Springs people took one of my suitcases
. I don't discover this until the next stop--my resort, All Star Music. (anyway, the suitcase did get tracked down and I got it back). Got checked in just fine, and headed of to my room in Jazz Inn 2. When I got to my room, there was a strong smell of having just been deep cleaned, and the carpet was slightly damp. Well, I know it's clean anyway, lol, I unpack and decided I'm rather hungry, so I headed off to the food court and got a chicken sandwich. Sandwich isn't bad, though the fries were a little limp. I went to Maestro mickey's and picked up my souvenir lanyards and pins plus a Pal Mickey I went back to my room and watched the top 7 Disney attractions on ch 18 then tried to sleep, which wasn't easy considering the strange bed and strange noises (never mind the 3 hour time difference). But I got some. Day 2-4/22
After my shower and head to toe slathering of spf 45, I headed down to the food court for breakfast. I got the adult breakfast platter for the first and last time. Eggs were a little rubbery but I thoughjt the potatos were quite good. Next stop, the Epcot bus stop. It came within 10 minutes and I was at Epcot before opening. First ride was Test Track. I thought it was fun, but I would have liked the fast part to be longer. Next was Mission: Space. This was the ride I had been waiting for and I was not disappointed. The launch sequence was intense (as were and of the multi-g parts) and I loved the weightless feeling. After, I sent some postcards from space out to family and friends. Next, I went to Universe of Energy. I learned a few things and though Ellen Degeneres was really funny. At this point it was a few minutes before the World Showcase was going to open and I had a noon lunch ps for the Teppanyaki Grill. I took some photos and headed off to the World showcase, stopping to take pictures of some of the topiaries along the way. Around this time the heat and even more the humidity were starting to get to me (despite others assurances that it was not humid--to me, being from So, Cal. it was) so I was quite glad to go inside whenever I could. I didn't really start to explore any of the Pavillions until I got to Italy and realized I still had more than 30 minutes before my ps time, so I slowed down and looked through the shops there. I arrived in Japan still with 15 minutes to spare and just looked around for a few minutes. I went up to the restaurant and checked in. Lunch was good. I ordered the chicken plus a bowl of misoshuri soup, which was delicious. I wanted some green tea ice cream, but was too full to eat any. I finished looking through that pavillion then saw the American Adventure show. Beforehand the Voices of Liberty were singing inside the waiting area. They were excellent. I worked my way back around the WS, saw the China film, which I enjoyed, rode Maelstrom, which was not so good, and rode El Rio De Tiempo, which was kind of like IASW. Then I went back to FW, rode Spaceship Earth, and looked through Innoventions and Mouseworks. I was hungry at this point, so I ate a veggie burger in the Electric Umbrella. Then I went to Journy into Imagination. I thought the ride was cute. Afterwards, I bought a stuffed Figment (something I've wanted for years). I hopped on a water taxi across the lagoon and watched the Nelsons perform, then headed around the lagoon to find a spot for Illuminations. I found a spot near Canada after buying a beaver tail. It was good, but I couldn't finish it. Maybe I was tired, maybe it was because my feet were already blistered, or maybe it was having to watch the show through some trees, but I though it didn't live up to the hype. I think partly, the music just didn't move me--it seemed too generic and could have been the soundtrack for anything. It just didn't seem grand enough or powerful enough to evoke what they were after.
Day 3-4/23
I got up later than I wanted to (I was still trying to figure out the alarm clock--didn't want to do the wake up call thing because I get woken up by the phone ringing at home and I wanted to feel like I wasn't at home). I wasn't really hungry. I went to AK for EMH so I could ride Dinosaur before it went down for rehab. It wasn't open yet, so I rode Kilimanjaro Safaris first. The line took longer than stated because some of the animals were hanging out in the roads. Anyway, I though it was great. Then I went to ride Dinosaur, which I thought was really scary, particularly the end. Then I headed off to the Studios. First, I fp TOT, then got is a rather long RNRC line. I got to carry one of the line monitoring cards. Finally, I got on the ride. It was awesome. My limo played Sweet Emotion. When I got off, it was almost time for my TOT fp, but they were having some problems, so they said to come back later--the fps would be good all day. So went off to do other things. I was hungry, but didn't realize the park maps show where the food places are (dl's don't), so I wandered around trying to find something. I settled on Toy Story Pizza Planet. Actually, it wasn't too bad. Then I went on the backlot tour--not much to see there, mostly the boneyard. Then I headed back over to TOT and still waited in a long fp line. It was worth it. I loved TOT. Next I saw B&theB, cute. GMR was next. I though that was fun. I saw the Animation building.W/O the animators there, there's not much reason to go into the thing. I wathed the LM show, also cute. At this point, I was getting hungry again, so i went to the ABC Commisary for dinner. I got fish and chips. It was a bit greasy. Next I saw the Indiana Jones stunt show. I liked it. It was almost 7:30, so I headed over to grab a Fantasmic spot. At DL I generally sit right up front for it, and never get wet, just a little bit misted, but here I was a few rows back and was rather damp by the end of the show. Also the show wasn't as good as DL's, though I heard later that they are going to make some changes to the WDW version.
Day 4-4/24
This was AK all day. First stop was to FP the Safaris, then I walked the Pangani trail. Then I rode the Safaris. I enjoyed this trip more than my first--I got a better view of the animals this time. Next was Kali rapids. It was better than most rapids rides, but still no competition for GRR at DCA. Next I ate at the Chakrandi chicken shop, which was pretty good. I walk the Maharaja Jungle Trek (I loved the tigers), then saw Flights of Wonder. Next was Tarzan Rocks. I would have liked to have seen more of the stunt stuff. Next I rode Primeval whirl--actually though it was pretty good, then headed over for Festival of the Lion King. Now I know what happened to the Lion King parade floats for DL--they're being used for this show. It was the best show I saw the whole trip. I sat in the Elephant section. I saw Mickey's Jammin' Jungle Parade, then headed back to the hotel. I had roasted chicken for dinner and went to my room to read a got to sleep early--next day was EMH in MK.
Day 5-4/25
Finally I had the alarm clock figured out and I was up at 6. I discovered a much better breakfast at the food court--a cheese omlette--fresh eggs. I was outside the MK gates with 15 minutes to spare. I headed straight for Space Mountain. Much rougher than the DL version. Next was Buzz Lightyear, It was fun, but my score was a pitiful 2800. I rode the TTA and did the Carousel of Progress. I headed across the park. I rode POTC--not nearly as good as DL. Next was BTM--I loved it. The only ride that was better than the DL version. I rode the train around to toontown and took the walk that headed back into Tomorrowland as I already had a a fp for Space mountain. I rode that again, ate at Cosmic Rays (another veggie burger) then went to Fantasyland for Mickey's Philharmagic. It was really good. I went on the Haunted Mansion and saw the Hall of Presidents. I got a fp for Splash, ate a funnel cake then went to grab a spot for the Share a Dream come true parade. Cute parade. It was close, but not close enough for my fp time when the parade was over to head back to Splash, so I took the train all the way around from the Main Street station and then into Frontierland. I went on Splash--a little different than the DL version. Then I ate dinner at the Village Haus. I saw Spectromagic, which I though was really good, then the Wishes fireworks. They were good, but not quite as good as Believe.
Day6-4/26
I started the day in the studios, rode RNRC and TOT again and saw One Man's Dream then took the boat over to Epcot. I ate at the Restaurant Marakesh and had the Chicken Couscous, which I enjoyed. I then went the other way around the WS--I saw the film in France, looked through the shops there and in the UK. In Canada I had to get a Canadian Roots sweatshirt (it's sort of a skating thing), and found a half-zip pullover that'll be perfect for skating. I also saw the film there. Then I finished up the FW attractions I didn't see before, skipping Honey, I shrunk the Audience because we have that at DL. In the Land pavillion, I had a yummy brownie sundae. I rode Mission Space again (I love that ride), then listened to my blistered feet and went back to the hotel.
Day 7-4/27
I went to Downtown Disney. I looked through the stores and bought some pins. I used my $25 at Planet Hollywood on a very good roasted chicken, then saw 13 Going on 30, which was very good (Jennifer Garner is one of my favorite actresses). Then I went into Disney Quest. I did Cyber Space Mountain and the POTC. I loved POTC. I looked through a few more stores then went back to my hotel to eat and try to decide what to do next. I had a message from Bavaria on my phone, so I called her up and we made plans to meet at Epcot the next morning. I ended up staying in, because I figured I'd be a lot more fun if I was a little bit more rested.
Day 8-4/28
I went to Epcot for EMH. I rode Test Track again and met Bavaria in front of Mission Space. I rode it again, she opted out. We went on Spaceship Earth again (no line), then took the monorail over to MK-- Winnie the Pooh, rode HM, went over to Tom Sawyer Island, rode BTM, FP Space Mountain, rode Buzz (I increased my score to 4400), rode the TTA, rode SM, and got back on the monorail to Epcot. We ate at the Matsunomatsu lounge. She then drove me over to Fanstasia Gardens and I played a round of mini golf. I went over to the Swan-Dolphin boat dock and took the boat back to Epcot. I ate at the Tangerine Cafe (and ended up w/ a bad reaction later), rode Mission Space for a 4th time and went back to the hotel. Watched the AI results show and felt very sick, though I was able to get rid of that feeling after getting rid of my dinner.
Day 9-4/29
Felt none of the ill effects from the previous evening, though I decided to go easy on my stomach with food and only had toast for breakfast. I left my luggage with the luggage service people and went over to the Studios for some last rides on RNRC and TOT. I rode each twice. I found the crowds much smaller than in my previous trips to this park. I did Sounds Dangerous, ate at the Backlot express, then rode Star tours. Then I FP millionaire, got my pic with Mickey, did Millionaire, got some pics with Chip & Dale and Stitch, looked in some stores and went back to the hotel to catch the Mears bus back to the airport. Cried some tears on the bus. The flight from Orlando to Dallas was pretty uneventful except for a bit of turbulence. In Dallas, the plane I was supposed to take had some problems, so they switched planes and we took off from a different gate a little late (though not as late as it would have been if they hadn't), got into Ontario a little early. My luggage made it with me again, yay.
I just got back myself and will post my trip report soon. I think single traveler's are brave! I wouldn't do it!
