gtrhead4life
Earning My Ears
- Joined
- Sep 8, 2002
- Messages
- 3
Here's a hastily typed recap of our trip last week. Sorry for the typos and runons. Let me know if you have any questions.
Day One
Wake up at 3:00 a.m. for a 6:00 a.m. departing flight. Arrive at Port Orleans FQ around noon wait through long check in line and get into our Bldg. 3 room at about 1:00 p.m. My sister and her family arrived around ten and are split between MK and a couple air museums in the Orlando area.
Everyones hungry so down to the food court we go and eat a decent lunch, nothing spectacular, but no bombs either.
Back up to the room and change for the pool.
Really enjoy the pool, slide, and sun for about 90 minutes, then up to the room to get into dry clothes.
Take the boat to Downtown Disney, first time weve been here in six years, so the buildup is impressive.
Wander through the stores, depart with cash for a few souvies, then by the time we hit West Side, hunger strikes again and we land at Wolfgang Pucks, sit downstairs Wifes cabbage / chicken salad, not too good. My California Roll, sons cheeze pizza, and daughters BBQ? are very good.
Wander back through East Side, get a sample from Ghiardellis chocolate, then onto the boat again as Mom and Aunts flight should be landing and we want to meet them at FQ.
While waiting on them, Kids hang out in the lobby, gift shop, and aracade, while I procure park tickets for Sun, Mon. Before we left home, we found two 1987 tickets with a day left to exchange and was pleasantly surprized at the $148 credit given for them.
We have a day left on Park hopper for Tues. Mom and Aunt arrive about 9:30 p.m. and Im finally starting to feel the 3:00 a.m. wake up.
Get Mom and Aunt into Bldg. 2 and Sis calls her room and says theyre in the lounge. We meet them, hugs exchange, chat a bit, then plan on meeting in the lobby at 8:00 Sun. morning to travel to Epcot
Day Two-
Meet in lobby DW, DD, Sis and niece have Princess ressie at Norway for Nine a.m.
Rest of crew arrive at Epcot, little after nine. Since its my birthday, I go to guest relations, but theyre out of birthday badges (bummer), hop on Spaceship Earth, no lines, hardly anyone here. Some of the crew need sustenence so we stop at the Electric Umbrella. The girls return from Breakfast and say it was great. Appearances by Snow White, Sleeping Beauty, Jasmine, Mary Poppins. All were nice, but niece is a big fan of Snow White and was disappointed that she was the most distantand rehearsed. Said Mary and Sleeping Beauty were the best. No one had the courage to get their pics taken with Jasmine and her flattering figure.
After corraling the crew, went to Universe of Energy, Cranium Command, then half went to Test Track, others a bit of browsing, met up after Test Track and another member needed sustenence, so back to Electric Umbrella (sheesh, need to coordinate food plans better ). After that, headed to Honey I Shrunk the Audience, Journey to the Imagination, then went to Land, intent to ride the Living with the Land boat, ended up sidetracking to Circle of Life, after that attraction, the crowd seemed to pick up and it was a 20-30 minute wait for the boat, we wandered around to Food Rocks which was a ten minute wait. After this, we split up with 4 staying to go to WS, and the rest going back to the hotel for a short nap. (45 60 min )
Got back to Epcot at about 5:15 and DW wanted to check on Birthday badges, (knew that it being a Sunday, this was futile, but she insisted ) no luck there, so off to my 6:00 birthday dinner PS at Resteraunt Marakesh. Throughout the day I had to gently persuade the crew that this was a good idea and to join us.
We took the boat from WS entrance to Morocco and the 4 that stayed were waiting at the dock for us.
Morocco is very detailed in the decoration and archetecture and all agreed was beautiful. Resteraunt seated us right away, food was delicious, with the exception of the shrimp on the mediteranean seaftood platter.
Music and Belly dancing fun and enjoyable (fun to see the dancer bring out little tykes to dance with her, they seemed to get a big kick out of this ). After dinner the staff brought me a delicious desert and sang happy birthday to me, and put a fez on my head. Whole crew got a big laugh out of this and I posed for several pics with my new hat.
After dinner we split up for a quick browse/shop through Japan/France then nabbed a bench in front of what we thought was the starting point of TOD. As the parade music began and played, we realized we were at the end. This turned out to be a really neat spot as some performers really stayed out a longer than others ( they must really love this job, as I know they were tired and sweating ).
Also seeing the Dreamcatcher finish the show was special and interesting.
We then debated as to whether this was an acceptable spot for Illuminations or if we should seek new vantage points. Decided to stay and the show was spectacular as usual, albeit slightly blocked by a tree. One thing for sure, to the left of us (France, UK ) smoke blew like a fog, and we were glad we were where we were ( say that 3 times fast ). Trucked around towards the bus stop while mom and aunt were cell phoning other relatives saying theyve got to plan coming down here on a future trip. After arriving at the resort, we said that next morning would be sleep in day and we would get to MK when everyone was up.
Great way to spend a birthday.
Day Three,
Late breakfast of Beinegts, sausage gravy and biscuits, and hot tea from the food court., very good! Also need to note, the refillable mugs were purchased early in the trip and pay for themselves very quickly.
Roll out to the bus stop at around 11:00 and arrive at the park. Immediately notice that the crowd here is larger than Epcot, but not packed. DW is insistent that we go to guest services and I get a birthday pin, since they were not available at Epcot. All we did was ask and one was given, did not mention the supply issue at Epcot. Cast Members immediately began wishing me Happy Birthday and continued throughout the day. Wandered up Main St. and went to Hall of Presidents, first time Id seen this since a kid, and it was very moving, also enjoyed the items in the lobby.
After this we hit Haunted Mansion, and then Small World and Snow White. We then went towards Big Thunder and two decided to seek a spot for the parade. After BTMR, we hooked up with the two and had about 45 before parade, which we spent drinking sodas. Parade was pretty and nice, but seemed short.
Afterwards we split up for a bit, as we were to meet up again for 4:20 dinner at Cinderellas Royal Table. I was with the crew that hit Space Mountain ( first time for me, DD, and DS ). Great ride, but a little jarring. We then had time to hit Buzz Lightyears SRS, then off to eat.
Our party of ten, wher seated together and as we were about to be seated, Cinderella came out and went down to greet the guests. After we were seated, we went to get a pic with her. She wished me Happy Birthday and asked if it was my 17th (ha ha). We were the last ones to get our pic before she left.
We were pleasantly surprised by this, as we have heard Cinderellas lunch and dinner apperances were fairly rare. Dinner was very good, and I received another birthday desert ( almost felt ashamed ), which was shared with all.
After dinner some shopped for a bit, then we strolled towards Liberty Square. As we walked, we stopped to watch the show in front of the castle. Our view was from the back, and the Genie saw our crew. He waved, hucked it up, and cut up with Jafar backstage, also the villan from Mulan and the Evil Queen from Snow White also saw our crew and waved us away with scowls. Our crew got a big kick out of this.
We then split up with some going to Splash Mountain, the rest to get pics from Main St. photo store.
We were to meet in Toon Town, but time got away ( with a bit of pin shopping ), and the train stopped running in prep for fireworks. ( thought this was a bit early ), but we made it to Toon town via the Tea Cups, and two of our crew were there. The rest were knocked out and went back to the resort. This remaining crew then made it to Space Mountain one more time, and Astro Orbiter. Fireworks began and we found a table by the Lunching Pad to be an excellent spot for viewing the show. We then headed out to the buses and met up with at the resort. Plans were set for going to early entry at MGM and to be at the bus stop no later than 7:30 a.m.
Day Four,
Breakfast of pop-tarts and the like and were at the bus stop at 7:30
Enter MGM at 8:00 am and half of group head to Tower of Terror, my half goes to Muppets 3-D. After Muppets we meet up at the Sorcerers hat, make lunch ressies at Prime Time café, and go towards the backlot tour, find out from the guy at One Mans dream that backlot doesnt open till 10:00
Go into One man dreams and are very impressed with the collection, and movie. Get split up from group between movie showings and hook back up to go on Animation tour, love the movie with Walter Cronkite and Robin Williams. Get to see a few people working and see commercial/examples for Treasure Planet. The guide must have said the opening date 4 times. Bears(working title) stills are also viewed.
After animation tour, got pics with Sorcerer Mickey, then hit backlot tour. Good attraction, Catastrophe Canyon is a hit with all, only mild complaint is that the speed through the open working buildings is too fast for viewing.
Like the Villians display after the backlot tour.
Bout time for Lunch so we head to the Café and were a bit early, after about 10-15 minutes Mom calls us kids to eat. This by far was the best meal experience of the trip. We had Aunt Elaine and apparently shes a long time veteran and we laughed heartily at her service. I wont spoil anyone whos not gone, just say that it should be on your must-do list.
After dinner, most of us headed back to the hotel for a quick swim and nap before getting back to the park around 5.
At that time we catch the end of the parade, then make our way to Beauty and the Beast. Good show, but seems cornier this time. After the show we snack/eat dinner at the food shops in this area, then we decide to hit Great Movie Ride before getting seats to Fantasmic. We get seated center aisle, first 4 rows. Not recommended. The show is great, but the spray/mist detracted somewhat.
After show and walking out, a cast member asks DS to trade pins, DS gets a Goofy Lanyard? Apparantly this is a rare pin, him and DW are very happy. Plan is to show mom and Aunt Downtown Disney, but DS is too tired. I stay with him while the rest take the boat down. While DS sleeps, I watch the DVC infomercial on the TV. Intruiging, but not sure yet. Rest of troops roll in about midnight and we get our last few hours in our room.
Next morning out to catch Mears at 9:55, have time for a few last pics of the pool before were sent back to reality.
Cant wait for next trip. Definitley going to do six nights next time.
Peace
GH4L
Day One
Wake up at 3:00 a.m. for a 6:00 a.m. departing flight. Arrive at Port Orleans FQ around noon wait through long check in line and get into our Bldg. 3 room at about 1:00 p.m. My sister and her family arrived around ten and are split between MK and a couple air museums in the Orlando area.
Everyones hungry so down to the food court we go and eat a decent lunch, nothing spectacular, but no bombs either.
Back up to the room and change for the pool.
Really enjoy the pool, slide, and sun for about 90 minutes, then up to the room to get into dry clothes.
Take the boat to Downtown Disney, first time weve been here in six years, so the buildup is impressive.
Wander through the stores, depart with cash for a few souvies, then by the time we hit West Side, hunger strikes again and we land at Wolfgang Pucks, sit downstairs Wifes cabbage / chicken salad, not too good. My California Roll, sons cheeze pizza, and daughters BBQ? are very good.
Wander back through East Side, get a sample from Ghiardellis chocolate, then onto the boat again as Mom and Aunts flight should be landing and we want to meet them at FQ.
While waiting on them, Kids hang out in the lobby, gift shop, and aracade, while I procure park tickets for Sun, Mon. Before we left home, we found two 1987 tickets with a day left to exchange and was pleasantly surprized at the $148 credit given for them.
We have a day left on Park hopper for Tues. Mom and Aunt arrive about 9:30 p.m. and Im finally starting to feel the 3:00 a.m. wake up.
Get Mom and Aunt into Bldg. 2 and Sis calls her room and says theyre in the lounge. We meet them, hugs exchange, chat a bit, then plan on meeting in the lobby at 8:00 Sun. morning to travel to Epcot
Day Two-
Meet in lobby DW, DD, Sis and niece have Princess ressie at Norway for Nine a.m.
Rest of crew arrive at Epcot, little after nine. Since its my birthday, I go to guest relations, but theyre out of birthday badges (bummer), hop on Spaceship Earth, no lines, hardly anyone here. Some of the crew need sustenence so we stop at the Electric Umbrella. The girls return from Breakfast and say it was great. Appearances by Snow White, Sleeping Beauty, Jasmine, Mary Poppins. All were nice, but niece is a big fan of Snow White and was disappointed that she was the most distantand rehearsed. Said Mary and Sleeping Beauty were the best. No one had the courage to get their pics taken with Jasmine and her flattering figure.
After corraling the crew, went to Universe of Energy, Cranium Command, then half went to Test Track, others a bit of browsing, met up after Test Track and another member needed sustenence, so back to Electric Umbrella (sheesh, need to coordinate food plans better ). After that, headed to Honey I Shrunk the Audience, Journey to the Imagination, then went to Land, intent to ride the Living with the Land boat, ended up sidetracking to Circle of Life, after that attraction, the crowd seemed to pick up and it was a 20-30 minute wait for the boat, we wandered around to Food Rocks which was a ten minute wait. After this, we split up with 4 staying to go to WS, and the rest going back to the hotel for a short nap. (45 60 min )
Got back to Epcot at about 5:15 and DW wanted to check on Birthday badges, (knew that it being a Sunday, this was futile, but she insisted ) no luck there, so off to my 6:00 birthday dinner PS at Resteraunt Marakesh. Throughout the day I had to gently persuade the crew that this was a good idea and to join us.
We took the boat from WS entrance to Morocco and the 4 that stayed were waiting at the dock for us.
Morocco is very detailed in the decoration and archetecture and all agreed was beautiful. Resteraunt seated us right away, food was delicious, with the exception of the shrimp on the mediteranean seaftood platter.
Music and Belly dancing fun and enjoyable (fun to see the dancer bring out little tykes to dance with her, they seemed to get a big kick out of this ). After dinner the staff brought me a delicious desert and sang happy birthday to me, and put a fez on my head. Whole crew got a big laugh out of this and I posed for several pics with my new hat.
After dinner we split up for a quick browse/shop through Japan/France then nabbed a bench in front of what we thought was the starting point of TOD. As the parade music began and played, we realized we were at the end. This turned out to be a really neat spot as some performers really stayed out a longer than others ( they must really love this job, as I know they were tired and sweating ).
Also seeing the Dreamcatcher finish the show was special and interesting.
We then debated as to whether this was an acceptable spot for Illuminations or if we should seek new vantage points. Decided to stay and the show was spectacular as usual, albeit slightly blocked by a tree. One thing for sure, to the left of us (France, UK ) smoke blew like a fog, and we were glad we were where we were ( say that 3 times fast ). Trucked around towards the bus stop while mom and aunt were cell phoning other relatives saying theyve got to plan coming down here on a future trip. After arriving at the resort, we said that next morning would be sleep in day and we would get to MK when everyone was up.
Great way to spend a birthday.
Day Three,
Late breakfast of Beinegts, sausage gravy and biscuits, and hot tea from the food court., very good! Also need to note, the refillable mugs were purchased early in the trip and pay for themselves very quickly.
Roll out to the bus stop at around 11:00 and arrive at the park. Immediately notice that the crowd here is larger than Epcot, but not packed. DW is insistent that we go to guest services and I get a birthday pin, since they were not available at Epcot. All we did was ask and one was given, did not mention the supply issue at Epcot. Cast Members immediately began wishing me Happy Birthday and continued throughout the day. Wandered up Main St. and went to Hall of Presidents, first time Id seen this since a kid, and it was very moving, also enjoyed the items in the lobby.
After this we hit Haunted Mansion, and then Small World and Snow White. We then went towards Big Thunder and two decided to seek a spot for the parade. After BTMR, we hooked up with the two and had about 45 before parade, which we spent drinking sodas. Parade was pretty and nice, but seemed short.
Afterwards we split up for a bit, as we were to meet up again for 4:20 dinner at Cinderellas Royal Table. I was with the crew that hit Space Mountain ( first time for me, DD, and DS ). Great ride, but a little jarring. We then had time to hit Buzz Lightyears SRS, then off to eat.
Our party of ten, wher seated together and as we were about to be seated, Cinderella came out and went down to greet the guests. After we were seated, we went to get a pic with her. She wished me Happy Birthday and asked if it was my 17th (ha ha). We were the last ones to get our pic before she left.
We were pleasantly surprised by this, as we have heard Cinderellas lunch and dinner apperances were fairly rare. Dinner was very good, and I received another birthday desert ( almost felt ashamed ), which was shared with all.
After dinner some shopped for a bit, then we strolled towards Liberty Square. As we walked, we stopped to watch the show in front of the castle. Our view was from the back, and the Genie saw our crew. He waved, hucked it up, and cut up with Jafar backstage, also the villan from Mulan and the Evil Queen from Snow White also saw our crew and waved us away with scowls. Our crew got a big kick out of this.
We then split up with some going to Splash Mountain, the rest to get pics from Main St. photo store.
We were to meet in Toon Town, but time got away ( with a bit of pin shopping ), and the train stopped running in prep for fireworks. ( thought this was a bit early ), but we made it to Toon town via the Tea Cups, and two of our crew were there. The rest were knocked out and went back to the resort. This remaining crew then made it to Space Mountain one more time, and Astro Orbiter. Fireworks began and we found a table by the Lunching Pad to be an excellent spot for viewing the show. We then headed out to the buses and met up with at the resort. Plans were set for going to early entry at MGM and to be at the bus stop no later than 7:30 a.m.
Day Four,
Breakfast of pop-tarts and the like and were at the bus stop at 7:30
Enter MGM at 8:00 am and half of group head to Tower of Terror, my half goes to Muppets 3-D. After Muppets we meet up at the Sorcerers hat, make lunch ressies at Prime Time café, and go towards the backlot tour, find out from the guy at One Mans dream that backlot doesnt open till 10:00
Go into One man dreams and are very impressed with the collection, and movie. Get split up from group between movie showings and hook back up to go on Animation tour, love the movie with Walter Cronkite and Robin Williams. Get to see a few people working and see commercial/examples for Treasure Planet. The guide must have said the opening date 4 times. Bears(working title) stills are also viewed.
After animation tour, got pics with Sorcerer Mickey, then hit backlot tour. Good attraction, Catastrophe Canyon is a hit with all, only mild complaint is that the speed through the open working buildings is too fast for viewing.
Like the Villians display after the backlot tour.
Bout time for Lunch so we head to the Café and were a bit early, after about 10-15 minutes Mom calls us kids to eat. This by far was the best meal experience of the trip. We had Aunt Elaine and apparently shes a long time veteran and we laughed heartily at her service. I wont spoil anyone whos not gone, just say that it should be on your must-do list.
After dinner, most of us headed back to the hotel for a quick swim and nap before getting back to the park around 5.
At that time we catch the end of the parade, then make our way to Beauty and the Beast. Good show, but seems cornier this time. After the show we snack/eat dinner at the food shops in this area, then we decide to hit Great Movie Ride before getting seats to Fantasmic. We get seated center aisle, first 4 rows. Not recommended. The show is great, but the spray/mist detracted somewhat.
After show and walking out, a cast member asks DS to trade pins, DS gets a Goofy Lanyard? Apparantly this is a rare pin, him and DW are very happy. Plan is to show mom and Aunt Downtown Disney, but DS is too tired. I stay with him while the rest take the boat down. While DS sleeps, I watch the DVC infomercial on the TV. Intruiging, but not sure yet. Rest of troops roll in about midnight and we get our last few hours in our room.
Next morning out to catch Mears at 9:55, have time for a few last pics of the pool before were sent back to reality.
Cant wait for next trip. Definitley going to do six nights next time.
Peace
GH4L
