Return to the Scene of the Crime: The Lurkyloos’ First Anniversary at WDW! New VIDEO!

[DisneyDmbNut]

maybe I got some of your cooties!

and then you gave them to me!

 

[JustMickey]

OK, now you definitely have to come back! And soon – I hear they’re going to retire our fabulous modified 50th anniversary fireworks.

Please fill me in on this! I was thinking of going back next summer but I'll be so bummed if those fireworks are retired! They are awesome!

 

[MEK]

Carrie - Your trip report keeps getting better and better. Same for your pictures. You have discovered and photographed so many scenes off the beaten path. I can't wait to read more!

 

[lurkyloo]

I want to reply to all of you, but I'm about to go into a meeting, so I thought I'd post the next installment now and reply later....

 

[lurkyloo]

The lead for today’s journal entry? “Best. Anniversary. EVER.” OK, so it’s our only anniversary so far, but I dunno how I’m going to top it next year, short of celebrating at Tokyo DisneySea.

The whole day was filled with surprises for DH and nostalgia for me. Of course, it wasn’t until we got back from our trip that I discovered DH doesn’t really care about surprises (I know – I think it might be unAmerican too!). Apparently he likes them OK, but he says he’d be just as happy knowing about whatever fun thing I’ve planned, and then I wouldn’t have to stress about keeping a surprise. This has been very hard for me to swallow – I’ve been a surpriser since high school, when (I later learned) all my friends knew that if they were invited to my house sometime around their birthday, they were gonna get a surprise party. (Oops!)

So I guess I am the one who likes to be surprised, but since I am also the one doing the planning, DH is the one who gets all the surprises, whether he wants them or not. At least he’s game about it, but now I feel kinda dumb for jumping through all those hoops to keep our anniversary plans secret...

Anyway, it makes a good story!

Anniversary Surprise #1
Following our late-night dessert blowout at T-Rex, we got up at an ungodly hour the next morning and drove to Epcot for the very first Around the World at Epcot Segway tour of the day. I guess getting up that early was the first thing we did that was like on our wedding day.

Yes, that’s the sunrise. No, I don’t want to think about what time it was in L.A.

This was more of a present for DH than for me, since he seemed so interested in Segways and had enjoyed the little 5-minute Segway ride you can get if you’re bored enough to go into Innoventions. The part that was for me was to (I hoped) ride into the Morocco Pavilion at precisely the time we’d been married there exactly a year earlier.

We had to drive to Epcot because they have you meet at the front gate, and the International Gateway wasn’t open that early. Just so you know... We waited outside the gate for a bit, and then when everyone arrived, they scanned our passes and sent us to Guest Relations near Spaceship Earth.

We were fortunate to be in a small group of, I think, eight. We all signed legal waivers that said Disney wasn’t responsible of we poked our eye out with the Segway or died of boredom inside Innoventions. Then an older gentleman whose name I forgot (we’ll call him “Chad”) lead us into Innoventions to the Segway demo area. We went inside the, uh, yurt they have there and watched a promo video designed to introduce us to the Segway. It showed scores of smiling white people whizzing around completely flat cities on their Segways. (The video assured us that Segways also have the ability to go up stairs: Simply step off the Segway, grasp the handles, and lug it up the stairs – it’s that easy!)

After the video, we got to pick our helmets from a selection that ranged from dorky to really dorky, but I took consolation in the fact that my head fit into the regular size and I wasn’t forced to choose from the rack labeled “Bobblehead.”

The first half of the tour is devoted to training and practice. We exited the yurt and assembled in the Segway demo area. Chad would show us a sweet move, like how to get on the Segway, and then we’d take turns doing it. Then we’d take turns maneuvering around cones or up a ramp (advanced move: around cones AND up a ramp!)

“Does this helmet make me look fat?”

I was pretty timid at first – I couldn’t seem to balance on the thing, and there was no connection in my mind between the motions you’re supposed to do to make it move or stop and what my brain thought I should do.

But after just a little practice I became more and more confident, and by the end of the tour I was burning rubber! (If by “burning rubber” you mean “straining forward to max out at 5mph”...). It really is intuitive once you stop trying to figure out how to make it do what you want and just sorta do what you want.

Toward the end of the training session we met our tour guide, a verbally efficient guy who spoke with a clipped German accent (we’ll call him “Pablo”). I made my pitch to him about how I hoped we’d make it to Morocco around 9am or so because we’d been married at that time a year ago that day and it would be such a special experience. He just sorta blinked at me and said something like “We’ll see.”

We were instructed to follow Pablo single-file, like a row of baby ducks. Now there’s a direction DH and I can relate to! I fell in line behind a very sweet woman who must make other drivers on the freeway NUTS, because she poked along at the Segway’s slowest speed (-3 mph – in fact, I think she might actually have been going backwards) and left a huge gap between herself and the front of the tour. I became pretty frustrated as I watched the tour guide disappear on the horizon – I’m one of those obnoxious people who always has to stand right by a tour guide so I don’t miss anything. So after our first stop, I became the obnoxious person who swooped in directly behind the guide whenever we left for the next destination.

World Showcase was FREEZING. We hadn’t packed anything heavier than a sweatshirt, and boy could we have used some gloves. DH and I kept saying “Thank goodness it wasn’t this cold on our wedding day!” I think our tour may have been cut a little short due to the cold. Or maybe it was due to the guy wiping out on his Segway.... but more on that later!

We don’t have any pictures because you can’t hold a camera and the handlebars at the same time (at least not without putting out an eye). So I’ll try to fill in with other pictures from the trip – sorry about the repeats!

First stop, China!

The guide stopped in front of the exit for the Reflections of China movie, and we formed a circle around him to hear what he had to tell us about China. I don’t remember what it was, so it must not have involved cake...

Then he lead us along the path around China’s pond, which seemed like it was made for a Segway.

Then, with squealing tires and revving engines, we roared off to Germany at 5mph!

We didn’t actually get to ruin a wedding here – I just thought I’d use this great pic of Germany to illustrate the story

We circled the wagons again and learned some tidbits about Germany. Because it was his native land, Pablo even cracked a smile!

When we got to Italy, Chad was there setting up some cones around the area familiar to Disney brides as Italy West Plaza. (Brides who have parties there have to pay $$$ for a plant wall to do the same thing as those cones. I guess Chad doesn’t work nights...). This is the one part of the tour where you’re allowed to get off the Segway and/or bust out your freestyle moves, cuz it’s wide and flat and idiot-proof.

Pablo told us we’d have X amount of time (5 or 10 minutes, I think) to take a break or practice or do donuts or whatever, and he offered to take pix of each group with their cameras. I found this quite refreshing, given Disney’s penchant for monetizing everything – I’d expected a PhotoPass photographer to be waiting for us.

Yesssss! Free picture!!!

I decided to open up the Segway and see what she could do - I didn’t want to get off the dang thing! Picture everybody else in the foreground standing around chatting while in the background I’m whizzing back and forth hollering “Wheeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee!” “Whooooooooooooooooooooaaaaa!” and “Oh wow, you really CAN make yourself dizzy on this thing...”

Our next stop was America, where we threaded through the tiny formal garden that I didn’t know existed (it’s back by the Kidcot station).

Then it was off to Japan, where we rode up the hill to the seating area for the Yakitori House and back down over the bridge. I was thrilled to see it was right around the time we’d been taking our bridal portraits together in Japan a year earlier.

“BeeBeeeeeep! Outta the way, you guys – you’re ruining the Segway tour!!!”

“Sheesh! Get a room!!!”

When we finally rolled into Morocco, I was excited to see that it was right at the time we’d been there for our ceremony. I also found it pretty ironic that a year later, we were actually on the Segway tour I’d feared would ruin our wedding by riding past the ceremony. (It never showed up that day.)

This shot is from our Sept. 2007 site visit - no way would anybody have worn shorts the day we took the tour!

We rode through the pavilion and circled around Pablo just inside the arch. After he told us a little bit about Morocco, he surprised us by announcing to the group that DH and I had been married there exactly a year ago. Everybody burst into applause (we seem to have that effect on people.) Then he said, “We don’t usually stop here, but if you would like, you may park your Segways against that wall, and I will take a picture of you in front of the arch.” Cool!!!

As if that weren’t cool enough, when the tour got to France and Pablo asked us if we knew what other monument had been designed by the guy who did the Eiffel tower, I blurted out the answer, and I was right! (Answer: Albert Falls.)

After we left the main part of France, the Segway tour took us around the pavilion’s IllumiNations viewing terraces, which on Feb. 4, 2008 looked something like this:

All of a sudden, one of our tour mates clipped a planter and totally wiped out! Pablo hopped off his Segway and ran over to the guy exclaiming, “Are you OK?! Do you need medical attention?!” I half expected an army of lawyers to jump out of the bushes. The guy was so embarrassed. He got up and dusted himself and insisted that the only thing hurt was his pride. Eventually he convinced our tour guide that he didn’t need a stretcher, and we all hopped back on our Segways (well, OK, I was the only one who got off mine – but I wanted to be ready for anything!).

From there we went straight back to Innoventions. I don’t know if Pablo cut the tour short on purpose or if the UK and Canada just aren’t part of it. I think he said the paths in the UK were too narrow for Segways. By the time we got to Future World, day guests were in the park, and we got lots of smiles and waves as we cruised by. We returned our Segways to the training area where we’d started, and Pablo gave us each a special pin that you can only get by taking the tour or looking on eBay or trading with DH for a Vinylmation pin.

© 2009 The Internets


I was sad to have to get off my Segway. It would be a fabulous way to do the parks (I mean, if Disney didn’t prohibit them). Talk about commando touring! Suddenly, instead of scheming a way to be able to afford DVC, I was trying to figure out how I could get me a Segway!


Up next: Anniversary Surprises 2–5!

 

[Wazzo]

Yay! I'm so happy you guys got to Morocco and were able to get a picture under the arch! I can't wait to hear about parts 2-5!

Then it was off to Japan, where we rode up the hill to the seating area for the Yakitori House and back down over the bridge. I was thrilled to see it was right around the time we’d been taking our bridal portraits together in Japan a year earlier.

“BeeBeeeeeep! Outta the way, you guys – you’re ruining the Segway tour!!!”

You two are the only ones allowed to ride through our wedding!!

 

[irisbud]

That's great that you got to get a picture under the archway! That must have been really special for you guys!

Anywho, my dad and I did the segway tour last OCtober. I really enjoyed it, but I KNYM about getting the hang of getting on one. I was fine pretty quickly, but my dad never did get good at it :

We didn't go through England or Canada either. We also didn't get to go through America really. It was trying to rain off and on for our tour, so we didn't get much time in Italy either. We did the big area straight across the lake from the American Pavillion, where we had a guy wipe out too; he climbed the curb and just sort of toppled over... We had three "suits" jump out though at that point. Even though he was okay, our tour was ended

Ooop! Sorry for the hijack! Now back to your TR

 

[lurkyloo]

WOW the dessert from T-Rex! now that looks GOOD! Did it taste good? !

It was OK. It was one of those desserts where you know you should probably stop eating it cuz you just aren’t that into it, but then five minutes later you look down and it’s almost gone.

Um, what? The one with the rides included? (I haven't seen any non-holiday fireworks other than the current one). In fact... I've only seen that one once, last summer.

Please fill me in on this! I was thinking of going back next summer but I'll be so bummed if those fireworks are retired! They are awesome!

Since the end of the 24-month celebration of Disneyland’s 50th, they’ve been running an edited version of “Remember... Dreams Come True” with different narration but most of the same sections for each ride. Apparently they recently cut out the Frontierland portion of the show, and now they are going to replace “Remember” altogether this summer. I guess they have to close so many rides to be able to do the various effects that it POs a lot of the guests.

Check out this article – just scroll down to the “Night Moves” part.


So you’ll need to get to Disneyland this spring to see the last performances of “Remember.”

and then you gave them to me!

Holy crap, it's a cootie epidemic! You might even call it a “DISease”.....

Carrie - Your trip report keeps getting better and better. Same for your pictures. You have discovered and photographed so many scenes off the beaten path. I can't wait to read more!

Wow – thank you! (But now I feel guilty for recycling pictures in the last installment – tee hee!)

You two are the only ones allowed to ride through our wedding!!

YESSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSS!!!!!

We didn't go through England or Canada either. We also didn't get to go through America really. It was trying to rain off and on for our tour, so we didn't get much time in Italy either. We did the big area straight across the lake from the American Pavillion, where we had a guy wipe out too; he climbed the curb and just sort of toppled over... We had three "suits" jump out though at that point. Even though he was okay, our tour was ended

What a drag! They should’ve comped you guys another tour! As it is, I’m now dying to take the Segway Back Trail tour at Ft. Wilderness...

 

[DisneyDmbNut]

I don’t remember what it was, so it must not have involved cake...

this just made me laugh out loud and spit on myself!!

 

[ElleBren]

Now I really want to try the segways. Although if its difficult to take a picture while on one, I doubt I can carry my DD 2. Ah well something else to look forward to.

Great recap. I can't wait to read 2-5. I am using your surprise as a "trial run" for what I am planning for next year. Im sure it is amazing!

 

[inkedupmomma]

dang you.. i want to do a segway mega super bad now... great pics, and so glad you got to Morocco!

 

[A-T-G]

I love your surprises! I loved all your posts about it in your blog but, the "Extended Edition: unrated and with new scenes!" is MUCH more awesome! I adore the pic of you guys under that arch at about the same time you were getting married under it one year ago. So sweet!

I totally get ya on the "Surpriser" thing! I was known for it in my family and they finally convinced me to cut it out. I miss it tho. Hey, since Patrick isn't all about the surprises, maybe we should simply work out ways to surprise each other! HA! I bet we'd be pretty good at it!

I gotta say, I do think your anniversary is the best one EVAH! And that's sayin' something (since, I kinda tried to swank up my own 1st anniversary). And as an old married gal, I don't think you need to bust out the big moves again until the 5th year - so don't sweat what you'll do next year!

Lastly, yes...my Rainforest Cafe Lovin' pal is indeed, your DH's Best Man! The one who actually thinks that the Rainforest Cafe is the bestest place for a bachelor party. Although, after we got stuck eating there TWICE during our DAK visit, he finally conceded that he might have taken it too far by eating there a total of THREE times during our visit (it would have been FOUR but, I insisted on something different). He was a very good sport about the teasing I gave him!

 

[NeverlandClub23]

I never want this TR to end!! I know the disappointment you feel that your DH doesn't care for surprises. My DBF tells me after our last WDW trip of me secretly planning a surprise every day that he would've been equally as excited had he known what the plan was the whole time. Boo! Who doesn't love surprises?! Who doesn't love that feeling that something SPECTACULAR was planned just for you! But I digress...

Are those Oreo cookies from DTD real Oreos or faux-eo's? (I finally cleaned the drool off of my keyboard to ask since that was posted 148 pages ago ).

 

[Loafmastermom]

Hello! I followed your link from I don't know where and have finally caught up here. It's very late and I'm exhausted at this point but your TR is great.

Going to bed now. Can't wait for more updates.

 

[Aro]

Just wanted to say that I LOVE your wedding dress...so pretty.

 

[LouDisney]

YAY! I'm glad you guys got your pic under the archway.
I love Morocco. And the lawyer comment cracked me up.

 

[DisneyBrideToni]

That's crazy! So, technically, I was only one degree of separation from you even though we never saw you. And if Bobbie gave you a hug that night the way she hugged me, maybe I got some of your cooties!

hahaha my plan of infecting you with my cooties worked!! Ahh we were so close yet so far away. You need to go back in January!!!

 

[DisneyBrideToni]

Ok I know I just posted above but now I read the last installment so I will comment on that.

I am happy you posted about the Segway tour since I am going to do this in January and will most likely end up like the guy that wiped out. I thought it was super sweet that the tour guy took your picture under the Morocco arch! It must have felt so cool to be there at the exact time one year later!!!

 

[Kimberly815]

How fun! The same place, at the same time, one year later! I love it.

I am a little jealous of the changes to the Segway tour. I did it back in 2005 and we learned how to use them in this tiny little room in innoventions. And for our tour there were 11 of us, so they had to bring in a regular employee segway that was slightly different than the rest for the 11th person. Of course, I was unlucky enough to get that one! I managed run into one of the instructors my first time stepping on the darn segway (he said he was happy I hit him and not some other object- yeah right buddy)! How embarassing! Luckily I was just fine once we got into the wide open WS!

 

[tiggersam00]

wow, you should put a pic of you under the arch now and the oneof your wedding in a frame together... and then convince your DH that it is now a tradition and you need to be under that arch every year at 9am on your anniversay... maybe it will work huh??
Seriously, I was happy to see your review of the tour, I think DF and I will be doing it in August when we come down for our PS. Glad to hear you liked it