Day 5 - Disney Quest / Planet Hollywood / Fantasia Gardens / "Honey, I thought this was supposed to be the relaxing day"
Cast:
PoohFanKC, 39, dad and husband (me);
DW, 39, lets me do the planning, but has veto power;
DD, 11;
DS, 9;
DS, 7.
Dates: June 1 - June 8, 2002
Resort: Port Orleans Riverside (Dixie Landings)
Trip: Second trip for all of us, first was in 2000.
We slept in, if you consider 7:30 sleeping in. DD was happily snoring away and DSs kept quiet with their gameboys. After 8:00, when Fultons opened, I purchased a pint of milk and took it back (with refill cups of tea and fruit punch; sugar; bowls and spoons) to the room for cereal. Eventually we had to wake our sleeping beauty. We prepared for a different kind of day. No sunscreen, no hats, no water bottles, no theme parks. We wanted to shop a little at Downtown Disney and be waiting at DQ when it opened at 11:30. Since the Sassagoula Riverboat doesnt run until 4:00 in the afternoon, we waited for a bus to DD.
We purchased our DQ passes prior to our trip. We opted for a DQ/Planet Hollywood combo which gave us each a pass to DQ, $10 certificate to Planet Hollywood and VIP passes to jump us in front of the standby line at Planet Hollywood - the dining equivalent of a Fast Pass. Cost was $31 for adults and $26.50 for kids - not a bad deal. It also help schedule our day out of the parks for us. We expected to be at DQ from opening until about 4:00 and then shop the Marketplace and have dinner. Perhaps we would work in a riverboat ride. Mini-golf (came with our Hopper Passes so that it could be called a package) was for later, as the sun went down. We would be back to POR early. Right.
We toured the West Side, meandering through several shops and avoiding the sunshine and heat until as we worked our way to DQ. There was a line, but only about 100 people in front of us when we joined at 11:20. We just beat about three charter buses of people to the line. We were in at DQ quickly. The A/C felt great. This was our first time to DQ - a five story attraction that might be described as a virtual theme park. DS7 and DS9 were measured and issued color-coded wristbands based upon their height. The minimum for Cyber Space Mountain was 51." DS7 measured at 51.00." We had told him to stand tall! Later in the day he wanted to take off his wristband, but we were worried he would not measure as tall next time, so it stayed. We entered the elevator for an interesting introduction featuring Genie. We were taken to the third floor, but wanted to be elsewhere. First stop was Cyber Space Mountain. Each of the kids designed their own coaster - all pretty mild to start. DW and I helped to make sure that they did not get carried away. DD wasnt up to riding hers right away, so DW and DS7 rode together and DS9 and I rode together. After the first rides, DS7 designed another and I rode with him. The ride line was starting to grow a little, but was only about 15 minutes at this point. DW, DD and DS9 were busy creating toys while we were in line. The kids took an animation class and did three different but recognizable Donald Ducks. We finished that floor for now, with DW and DS9 fooling around in the song booth and DS7 and I adding interesting features to our photographs in another area. Im not even sure where DD was at this point, but she wasnt lost.
On to Alladin, a virtual reality magic carpet quest through Aggrabah. Only four per group, so I went with the next group. This ride was not for DW or me. While she and I recuperated, the kids tried guiding their vehicles to find the various Treasures of the Incas. Each driver watches a video feed from a camera mounted on the front of their vehicles. They try to collect all of the treasures by driving through a type of maze which is immediately under the floor. If you do it right, you can have a helper watching the vehicle through plexiglass panels in the floor and shout back advice. We never quite got the hang of it, but it was fun.
DW sat out the Virtual Jungle Cruise, but the kids coaxed be on to it. Did I mention how smart DW is? I recovered slowly after that. The Jungle Cruise was not bad, just enough to put me over the edge after Alladin. DW and the kids did Pirates of the Carribean next (it had a short line). I found a bench where I could rest. A kindly CM walked by and gave me some good advice - the benches on the upper floors were padded. He suggested which other rides to avoid if I found Alladins too much for me. We avoided them, not even telling the kids that they existed. When the family emerged from Pirates, we headed for another floor. We headed for Buzz Lightyears Astroblaster - a variation on bumpercars. We played a few of the conventional arcade games, including the roadrace several times - I usually won that. I cant beat them at Nintendo anymore, but I could beat them at this. We took our turn (except for DW who took pictures) as human pinballs in another game which was new to me. We guided our balls by leaning on a platform, trying to score the most points while hitting and getting hit by bumpers, flippers and other balls. DS9 beat the rest of us.
DQ is a very different experience from the theme parks. We needed a change after three days of trekking through the theme parks and this was it. We did almost no walking and relished in the air-conditioning. We notice that there were very few small children there. As the afternoon wore on, the median age of the guests rose. As with everything at WDW, it is wise to get there at opening. The kids REALLY enjoyed it; they could have spent another day there. We experienced most of it, but admit to skipping the fifth floor entirely and only sampling from the fourth floor.
It was getting late and we were past our schedule (not a big surprise to anyone who has been reading our trip reports) and we really did want to get some Disney shopping done. We left DQ and headed to Downtown Disney - Marketplace. The boat near DQ that takes you there was not running, so we walked. First stop was McDonalds for chicken strips, fries and soft drinks. Yes the prices were a bit inflated, but it hit the spot. It was hot and sunny outside, something we had forgotten about while at DQ. We then meandered through Lego and landed in the World of Disney. During birthday season (all five birthdays are in March, April and May) we had given each of the children a Disney pin and ten Disney Dollars for the trip. Thus far, no one had traded a pin and the Disney Dollars remained unspent. We would soon part with the Disney Dollars. Everyone picked out a few things, which was quite a difficult and drawn-out decision for some. DS7 had been wanting a mistyfan for a couple of days, but we tried to convince him that at $17 he could spend his money more wisely. We bought Mickey earrings (DD), a small sorcerer Mickey (DS7), a WDW pen and WDW wallet (DS9) and a few things for our photo album / trip book. With the Disney Club discount and the Disney dollars, there was not much additional damage. DS7 had already gotten a Disney baseball at AK, so DS9, doing the math in his head, determined that he and DD should still get more. I tried to get the kids interested in trading their pins, but they werent yet into it. DS9 had spotted a pin he wanted, but I doubted that we would see it on a CMs lanyard - it was one of the more expensive ones. I at least got them to start looking at some CM lanyards. We stayed away from the pros. I dont think that they would take advantage of children, but I didnt want to test that theory. We browsed several more shops before we admitted we would not see all of them.
Due to popular demand, we returned to DQ for another 1 1/2 hours before a late dinner. The crowd was getting older (still a lot younger than me). We redid some favorites, including Astroblasters (2 people per car, so I stayed out with the camera and took a few pictures), more roller coaster design (I was riding back-to-back with DSs). The roller coaster designs were getting faster and more exciting. DS7, the family daredevil, included a loop this time. We did Pirates as a full family and were victorious. After DD and DS9 composed a song in the music booth, we decided it was time for dinner.
The VIP passes for Planet Hollywood really worked - we were seated as fast as we could get inside, walk up two floors and present ourselves. There was lots to see and watch. All three kids had spaghetti, DW had a chicken/pasta dish and I had an interesting version of lasagna. Too much to eat, but all very good. We used the 5 - $10 certificates and charged the rest to the room. Service was good, except that the server accidently kept my room key. I realized this before I left the table, so I sent the family on and I waited. I passed on the VIP passes to a couple who were looking at the menu outside of the restaurant. They said they had already eaten that night, but would be back tomorrow with some friends. I hope the passes worked for them.
Instead of going back to DQ again as suggested by the kids, we hopped a bus to the Swan and walked across the street to Fantasia Gardens. Because of the backup on the course, we were told it would take 1 ½ hours to complete the course. Somehow, it was already nearly 10:00. We did the course to the right, with scores ranging from holes-in-one to picking up after 7 failed attempts off the tee and we only lost one ball into the water! We didnt even try to record the scores. It was an enjoyable course with nice theming. It is a bit worn in places and could use some rehab in the tee box areas. It seems that people are taking divots out of the rubber mats. The kids have since asked to go mini-golfing more at home, so they must have enjoyed it.
We walked back through the Swan and waited for a bus back to DD (a long wait) and then caught a bus to POR (a mercifully short wait). This day, which was supposed to be the most relaxing, was our latest night - but, we were a different kind of tired. Today was such a departure from our previous days that we survived well. The late start undoubtedly helped. It was well past midnight when we hit the pillows. We slept soundly.
Best Experience of the Day: Disney Quest, particularly Cyber Space Mountain.
Worst Experience of the Day: for me - Alladin; for everyone else - the trip back from Fantasia Gardens to POR.
Next Report: Day 6 - MK / Epcot / Honey, we can slow down now.
Cast:
PoohFanKC, 39, dad and husband (me);
DW, 39, lets me do the planning, but has veto power;
DD, 11;
DS, 9;
DS, 7.
Dates: June 1 - June 8, 2002
Resort: Port Orleans Riverside (Dixie Landings)
Trip: Second trip for all of us, first was in 2000.
We slept in, if you consider 7:30 sleeping in. DD was happily snoring away and DSs kept quiet with their gameboys. After 8:00, when Fultons opened, I purchased a pint of milk and took it back (with refill cups of tea and fruit punch; sugar; bowls and spoons) to the room for cereal. Eventually we had to wake our sleeping beauty. We prepared for a different kind of day. No sunscreen, no hats, no water bottles, no theme parks. We wanted to shop a little at Downtown Disney and be waiting at DQ when it opened at 11:30. Since the Sassagoula Riverboat doesnt run until 4:00 in the afternoon, we waited for a bus to DD.
We purchased our DQ passes prior to our trip. We opted for a DQ/Planet Hollywood combo which gave us each a pass to DQ, $10 certificate to Planet Hollywood and VIP passes to jump us in front of the standby line at Planet Hollywood - the dining equivalent of a Fast Pass. Cost was $31 for adults and $26.50 for kids - not a bad deal. It also help schedule our day out of the parks for us. We expected to be at DQ from opening until about 4:00 and then shop the Marketplace and have dinner. Perhaps we would work in a riverboat ride. Mini-golf (came with our Hopper Passes so that it could be called a package) was for later, as the sun went down. We would be back to POR early. Right.
We toured the West Side, meandering through several shops and avoiding the sunshine and heat until as we worked our way to DQ. There was a line, but only about 100 people in front of us when we joined at 11:20. We just beat about three charter buses of people to the line. We were in at DQ quickly. The A/C felt great. This was our first time to DQ - a five story attraction that might be described as a virtual theme park. DS7 and DS9 were measured and issued color-coded wristbands based upon their height. The minimum for Cyber Space Mountain was 51." DS7 measured at 51.00." We had told him to stand tall! Later in the day he wanted to take off his wristband, but we were worried he would not measure as tall next time, so it stayed. We entered the elevator for an interesting introduction featuring Genie. We were taken to the third floor, but wanted to be elsewhere. First stop was Cyber Space Mountain. Each of the kids designed their own coaster - all pretty mild to start. DW and I helped to make sure that they did not get carried away. DD wasnt up to riding hers right away, so DW and DS7 rode together and DS9 and I rode together. After the first rides, DS7 designed another and I rode with him. The ride line was starting to grow a little, but was only about 15 minutes at this point. DW, DD and DS9 were busy creating toys while we were in line. The kids took an animation class and did three different but recognizable Donald Ducks. We finished that floor for now, with DW and DS9 fooling around in the song booth and DS7 and I adding interesting features to our photographs in another area. Im not even sure where DD was at this point, but she wasnt lost.
On to Alladin, a virtual reality magic carpet quest through Aggrabah. Only four per group, so I went with the next group. This ride was not for DW or me. While she and I recuperated, the kids tried guiding their vehicles to find the various Treasures of the Incas. Each driver watches a video feed from a camera mounted on the front of their vehicles. They try to collect all of the treasures by driving through a type of maze which is immediately under the floor. If you do it right, you can have a helper watching the vehicle through plexiglass panels in the floor and shout back advice. We never quite got the hang of it, but it was fun.
DW sat out the Virtual Jungle Cruise, but the kids coaxed be on to it. Did I mention how smart DW is? I recovered slowly after that. The Jungle Cruise was not bad, just enough to put me over the edge after Alladin. DW and the kids did Pirates of the Carribean next (it had a short line). I found a bench where I could rest. A kindly CM walked by and gave me some good advice - the benches on the upper floors were padded. He suggested which other rides to avoid if I found Alladins too much for me. We avoided them, not even telling the kids that they existed. When the family emerged from Pirates, we headed for another floor. We headed for Buzz Lightyears Astroblaster - a variation on bumpercars. We played a few of the conventional arcade games, including the roadrace several times - I usually won that. I cant beat them at Nintendo anymore, but I could beat them at this. We took our turn (except for DW who took pictures) as human pinballs in another game which was new to me. We guided our balls by leaning on a platform, trying to score the most points while hitting and getting hit by bumpers, flippers and other balls. DS9 beat the rest of us.
DQ is a very different experience from the theme parks. We needed a change after three days of trekking through the theme parks and this was it. We did almost no walking and relished in the air-conditioning. We notice that there were very few small children there. As the afternoon wore on, the median age of the guests rose. As with everything at WDW, it is wise to get there at opening. The kids REALLY enjoyed it; they could have spent another day there. We experienced most of it, but admit to skipping the fifth floor entirely and only sampling from the fourth floor.
It was getting late and we were past our schedule (not a big surprise to anyone who has been reading our trip reports) and we really did want to get some Disney shopping done. We left DQ and headed to Downtown Disney - Marketplace. The boat near DQ that takes you there was not running, so we walked. First stop was McDonalds for chicken strips, fries and soft drinks. Yes the prices were a bit inflated, but it hit the spot. It was hot and sunny outside, something we had forgotten about while at DQ. We then meandered through Lego and landed in the World of Disney. During birthday season (all five birthdays are in March, April and May) we had given each of the children a Disney pin and ten Disney Dollars for the trip. Thus far, no one had traded a pin and the Disney Dollars remained unspent. We would soon part with the Disney Dollars. Everyone picked out a few things, which was quite a difficult and drawn-out decision for some. DS7 had been wanting a mistyfan for a couple of days, but we tried to convince him that at $17 he could spend his money more wisely. We bought Mickey earrings (DD), a small sorcerer Mickey (DS7), a WDW pen and WDW wallet (DS9) and a few things for our photo album / trip book. With the Disney Club discount and the Disney dollars, there was not much additional damage. DS7 had already gotten a Disney baseball at AK, so DS9, doing the math in his head, determined that he and DD should still get more. I tried to get the kids interested in trading their pins, but they werent yet into it. DS9 had spotted a pin he wanted, but I doubted that we would see it on a CMs lanyard - it was one of the more expensive ones. I at least got them to start looking at some CM lanyards. We stayed away from the pros. I dont think that they would take advantage of children, but I didnt want to test that theory. We browsed several more shops before we admitted we would not see all of them.
Due to popular demand, we returned to DQ for another 1 1/2 hours before a late dinner. The crowd was getting older (still a lot younger than me). We redid some favorites, including Astroblasters (2 people per car, so I stayed out with the camera and took a few pictures), more roller coaster design (I was riding back-to-back with DSs). The roller coaster designs were getting faster and more exciting. DS7, the family daredevil, included a loop this time. We did Pirates as a full family and were victorious. After DD and DS9 composed a song in the music booth, we decided it was time for dinner.
The VIP passes for Planet Hollywood really worked - we were seated as fast as we could get inside, walk up two floors and present ourselves. There was lots to see and watch. All three kids had spaghetti, DW had a chicken/pasta dish and I had an interesting version of lasagna. Too much to eat, but all very good. We used the 5 - $10 certificates and charged the rest to the room. Service was good, except that the server accidently kept my room key. I realized this before I left the table, so I sent the family on and I waited. I passed on the VIP passes to a couple who were looking at the menu outside of the restaurant. They said they had already eaten that night, but would be back tomorrow with some friends. I hope the passes worked for them.
Instead of going back to DQ again as suggested by the kids, we hopped a bus to the Swan and walked across the street to Fantasia Gardens. Because of the backup on the course, we were told it would take 1 ½ hours to complete the course. Somehow, it was already nearly 10:00. We did the course to the right, with scores ranging from holes-in-one to picking up after 7 failed attempts off the tee and we only lost one ball into the water! We didnt even try to record the scores. It was an enjoyable course with nice theming. It is a bit worn in places and could use some rehab in the tee box areas. It seems that people are taking divots out of the rubber mats. The kids have since asked to go mini-golfing more at home, so they must have enjoyed it.
We walked back through the Swan and waited for a bus back to DD (a long wait) and then caught a bus to POR (a mercifully short wait). This day, which was supposed to be the most relaxing, was our latest night - but, we were a different kind of tired. Today was such a departure from our previous days that we survived well. The late start undoubtedly helped. It was well past midnight when we hit the pillows. We slept soundly.
Best Experience of the Day: Disney Quest, particularly Cyber Space Mountain.
Worst Experience of the Day: for me - Alladin; for everyone else - the trip back from Fantasia Gardens to POR.
Next Report: Day 6 - MK / Epcot / Honey, we can slow down now.
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