Steve Jacobs
Earning My Ears
- Joined
- Dec 27, 2003
- Messages
- 69
Day 1 part 2
Things now went into a bit of a panic as I was due to be at my meeting at 4:00pm so I was already late. This was soon resolved by a very helpful cast member (Alexandre) who phoned through to the person I was meeting and let them know I was running a bit late. Can you imagine the dilemma of arriving at the park and knowing that I wasnt yet able to go in!!!
We then went through the checkin process which as usual was very easy, this was the first time we had booked online and only had the e-mail confirmation as proof of booking so we were a bit unsure of how easy it would be. Just as we were completing the check-in I remembered the Fantasyland breakfast so I asked about it, it had not been offered and Im not sure that it would have been, availability for this was checked and we were issued tickets for the Saturday morning, again it was so easy.
After check in we drove round to the main car-park and managed to get a spot right next to our hotel block. Off we went up to the room and a real feeling of calm (or something else that I cant quite describe) came over the three of us. We all seemed to get a weary, happy, dizzy sort of look on our faces. It didnt last for long though as I had to scoot off again for my meeting leaving the girls to unpack and amble off to the parks.
2 hours later and Im going along the path by the Rio Grande in a kind of walking, running jog doing my best not to look too much like the White Rabbit on his way to Wonderland. Ive just spoken to Jude on the mobile and Ive arranged to meet the girls just inside the park entrance.
I got a big lump in my throat to find them waiting just by the turnstiles, it turns out that although they were both desperate to go into the park neither wanted to go in without me, so they had just sat there waiting for me to arrive.
We took a slow walk up Main street with Minnie Much taking in the Halloween decorations (it was her first time in DLRP during the Halloween festival so it all looked new to her) and turned left into Halloween land.
BTR was its usual busy self as was PM so we carried on through into Adventure land. Under the pretext of just seeing how busy it is we walked round to Indy, DW and I had already agreed that if the queue was small DD and I would ride it as this is one of the only rides we have ever known to be closed during our visits. 15mins on the board so with much protesting from DD dad, cant we go on some of the smaller rides first please! I need to build up to this one !!! etc. we joined to queue. 5 min's later and were on the platform with DD telling me she cant do it. Ive been through it all before with her and I know that once were on shell love it. A few mins later with us securely seated we start the climb up the first hill, DD yelling, telling me what she thinks of me, none of which is nice
Then the ride begins proper, DD starts by making a funny noise that is part terror, part total joy but all derived from the pit of her stomach. Then came the bit I knew would arrive, DD starts yelling, screaming and telling me that this is the best ride she has ever been on, our Disney holiday has started!!!!!
With much whooping from DD we finally got off the mine train and headed for the exit, both of us wondering what to ride next. We met DW back at the entrance and she pointed out that the queue for Indy was still very short . He-he no further prompting needed, Minnie Much was off, charging straight back up the jungle path eager to get back onto the ride. (I told you she would enjoy it once she had tried it).
Our ride fix achieved we all headed off for a tour of the park, for us Disney is not really about going on all of the rides ASAP, its more about the whole atmosphere. We find that just being in the place gives us a good feeling, no matter how busy it is.
We headed off to the castle entering through the Dragons lair, an attraction that had DD in tears as a 3 yr old, not the same effect now though. The dragon itself is fantastic, one of the best animatronics characters in any Disney park. It is spooky and can frighten small children but it is certainly worth seeing. The best view is on the balcony above the lair just before you enter Merlins shop.
After a quick tour of the castle shops we were off into Fantasy land. Even this late in the evening Peter Pan, Pinocchio and Snow White were still very busy so we carried on through. We were planning an early assault on the parks the following day and were in no rush. Heading off to Discovery land we hit on a big surprise, IASW was almost a walk on!! So with much groaning from yours truly and to the delight of DD and DW (bear in mind this was one of the few rides she could actually do this time) we boarded the boat to De-Da-de-da-da / De-da-de-de land. I shouldnt be that cruel about this ride, DD and DW love it but to be honest Urrrrg. Sorry to all you IASW fans out there.
This was to be the last ride of the day; everywhere else was just too busy, so after a walk through Discovery land and back over to Halloween land for some more piccy's
we headed off to the Village.
It was about 8:30pm when we finally got into the village and we were all feeling really hungry. The original plan was to grab something quick at Annettes but the queue was enormous. Jude and I like Billy Bobs and although we didnt hold out much hope of getting a table, we though we would ask anyway and were told that we would have to wait about 30mins. Not much of a problem as it would have taken nearly that long to get back to the Chuck wagon.
25 min's later and were sat down in a window seat looking out over the village licking our lips at the feast to come. DD is enjoying the antics of the various Halloween characters playing up to the crowds outside while DW and I are just looking at each other smiling. Its good to be back in a happy place
The food at BB is up to its usual standard, not the best in the world but good, wholesome and because its a buffet there is plenty of it. I made DD use a small plate for both starter and main, the reasoning behind it was that she could always go back for more (It really niggles me the way most Brits seem to insist on pilling food as high as they possibly can when they visit all you can eat buffets both here and in the US. It has the same effect on the staff at these places, they dont mind anyone eating their fill but they really hate the amount that ends up being wasted) sure enough 5 trips later she was full. Big problem now cause there was still dessert to do. After a slight rest we all attacked the dessert cart and ended up fit to burst. BBs may not be the best restaurant in DLRP but for sheer value for money and reasonable quality you cant beat it. I think the country and western theme puts off a lot of people but it is on a take it or leave it basis. We just like to watch, so I guess we fall in the middle somewhere.
So thats day 1 over. After a slow stroll back to the Cheyenne with my two most favourite people, its time for bed. We have an early breakfast tomorrow but I dont think well be waiting up for the alarms to go off tonight.
Things now went into a bit of a panic as I was due to be at my meeting at 4:00pm so I was already late. This was soon resolved by a very helpful cast member (Alexandre) who phoned through to the person I was meeting and let them know I was running a bit late. Can you imagine the dilemma of arriving at the park and knowing that I wasnt yet able to go in!!!
We then went through the checkin process which as usual was very easy, this was the first time we had booked online and only had the e-mail confirmation as proof of booking so we were a bit unsure of how easy it would be. Just as we were completing the check-in I remembered the Fantasyland breakfast so I asked about it, it had not been offered and Im not sure that it would have been, availability for this was checked and we were issued tickets for the Saturday morning, again it was so easy.
After check in we drove round to the main car-park and managed to get a spot right next to our hotel block. Off we went up to the room and a real feeling of calm (or something else that I cant quite describe) came over the three of us. We all seemed to get a weary, happy, dizzy sort of look on our faces. It didnt last for long though as I had to scoot off again for my meeting leaving the girls to unpack and amble off to the parks.
2 hours later and Im going along the path by the Rio Grande in a kind of walking, running jog doing my best not to look too much like the White Rabbit on his way to Wonderland. Ive just spoken to Jude on the mobile and Ive arranged to meet the girls just inside the park entrance.
I got a big lump in my throat to find them waiting just by the turnstiles, it turns out that although they were both desperate to go into the park neither wanted to go in without me, so they had just sat there waiting for me to arrive.
We took a slow walk up Main street with Minnie Much taking in the Halloween decorations (it was her first time in DLRP during the Halloween festival so it all looked new to her) and turned left into Halloween land.
BTR was its usual busy self as was PM so we carried on through into Adventure land. Under the pretext of just seeing how busy it is we walked round to Indy, DW and I had already agreed that if the queue was small DD and I would ride it as this is one of the only rides we have ever known to be closed during our visits. 15mins on the board so with much protesting from DD dad, cant we go on some of the smaller rides first please! I need to build up to this one !!! etc. we joined to queue. 5 min's later and were on the platform with DD telling me she cant do it. Ive been through it all before with her and I know that once were on shell love it. A few mins later with us securely seated we start the climb up the first hill, DD yelling, telling me what she thinks of me, none of which is nice
Then the ride begins proper, DD starts by making a funny noise that is part terror, part total joy but all derived from the pit of her stomach. Then came the bit I knew would arrive, DD starts yelling, screaming and telling me that this is the best ride she has ever been on, our Disney holiday has started!!!!!
With much whooping from DD we finally got off the mine train and headed for the exit, both of us wondering what to ride next. We met DW back at the entrance and she pointed out that the queue for Indy was still very short . He-he no further prompting needed, Minnie Much was off, charging straight back up the jungle path eager to get back onto the ride. (I told you she would enjoy it once she had tried it).
Our ride fix achieved we all headed off for a tour of the park, for us Disney is not really about going on all of the rides ASAP, its more about the whole atmosphere. We find that just being in the place gives us a good feeling, no matter how busy it is.
We headed off to the castle entering through the Dragons lair, an attraction that had DD in tears as a 3 yr old, not the same effect now though. The dragon itself is fantastic, one of the best animatronics characters in any Disney park. It is spooky and can frighten small children but it is certainly worth seeing. The best view is on the balcony above the lair just before you enter Merlins shop.
After a quick tour of the castle shops we were off into Fantasy land. Even this late in the evening Peter Pan, Pinocchio and Snow White were still very busy so we carried on through. We were planning an early assault on the parks the following day and were in no rush. Heading off to Discovery land we hit on a big surprise, IASW was almost a walk on!! So with much groaning from yours truly and to the delight of DD and DW (bear in mind this was one of the few rides she could actually do this time) we boarded the boat to De-Da-de-da-da / De-da-de-de land. I shouldnt be that cruel about this ride, DD and DW love it but to be honest Urrrrg. Sorry to all you IASW fans out there.
This was to be the last ride of the day; everywhere else was just too busy, so after a walk through Discovery land and back over to Halloween land for some more piccy's
we headed off to the Village.
It was about 8:30pm when we finally got into the village and we were all feeling really hungry. The original plan was to grab something quick at Annettes but the queue was enormous. Jude and I like Billy Bobs and although we didnt hold out much hope of getting a table, we though we would ask anyway and were told that we would have to wait about 30mins. Not much of a problem as it would have taken nearly that long to get back to the Chuck wagon.
25 min's later and were sat down in a window seat looking out over the village licking our lips at the feast to come. DD is enjoying the antics of the various Halloween characters playing up to the crowds outside while DW and I are just looking at each other smiling. Its good to be back in a happy place
The food at BB is up to its usual standard, not the best in the world but good, wholesome and because its a buffet there is plenty of it. I made DD use a small plate for both starter and main, the reasoning behind it was that she could always go back for more (It really niggles me the way most Brits seem to insist on pilling food as high as they possibly can when they visit all you can eat buffets both here and in the US. It has the same effect on the staff at these places, they dont mind anyone eating their fill but they really hate the amount that ends up being wasted) sure enough 5 trips later she was full. Big problem now cause there was still dessert to do. After a slight rest we all attacked the dessert cart and ended up fit to burst. BBs may not be the best restaurant in DLRP but for sheer value for money and reasonable quality you cant beat it. I think the country and western theme puts off a lot of people but it is on a take it or leave it basis. We just like to watch, so I guess we fall in the middle somewhere.
So thats day 1 over. After a slow stroll back to the Cheyenne with my two most favourite people, its time for bed. We have an early breakfast tomorrow but I dont think well be waiting up for the alarms to go off tonight.
And what a lovely family - waiting for you like that! 
What is it about scaring yourself pooless!? lol), and it was a bit... "different" backwards! Not nice on your neck as anyone who went on it backwards will know!!
It's easy to capture it, I was there with the peep's I luv 
