Scaring Kids and Laughing at Know-it-Alls (with pics)

[MyGoofy26]

Renamed this once I got home because of one very funny incident, and some small chuckles we got from overhearing conversations. No offense intended to those we were laughing at - some people you could tell they were just very new to Disney, others thought they knew it all which makes it a little funnier. Is that evil? We have some new classic lines in our family now.

History
I suppose you could say that the Disney bug hit me early. I was just a few months old when I made my first trip to Walt Disney World. By the time I was in kindergarten I had gone so many times that I uttered the phrase, “I don't wanna go to Disney World!” I don’t remember it, but my family doesn’t let me forget it. And you can bet those words haven’t been uttered since.

I don’t remember much from those early trips. My great uncle was a professional fiddle player who signed on with Disney after he retired. For years he played in the Diamond Horseshoe, as well as out in Frontierland. Most of those early trips were combined with visiting and spending time with him. It was always some combination of me, mom, my aunt and my grandparents. I remember bits and pieces of those trips, although I can’t piece together when these memories actually took place. I still giggle as I pass Hall of Presidents, remembering my grandpap making us all go in every afternoon so he could get a seat in the last row and take a cat nap in the air conditioning. I remember chowing down on a huge plate of spaghetti and meatballs in the Magic Kingdom every trip. I remember riding Dumbo with grandma when the sun was almost down. I remember sitting on the little benches in front of the flower carts for the obligatory photo op each trip. I can’t think of any spot in the Magic Kingdom that doesn’t immediately bring me back to my childhood. I know that many parents are discouraged by people around them from taking their small children, "Oh they'll never remember it! You're wasting your money! Wait til they're older!" Sure, I can't remember that first trip and I can't pick apart what happened on which trip - but something was ingrained in me very early that the vague memories are just as meaningful as the more detailed. I might not be able to remember an order of events, but there's definitely a feeling of nostalgia that washes over that I credit to those early trips and practically growing up in Walt Disney World.

Aside from that brief moment of insanity in kindergarten, I’ve been obsessed. At 28 I still refer to Goofy as “My Goofy” – a nickname picked up after hysterically crying because my next door neighbor’s daughter came back from her WDW trip and showed us pictures, one of which was her with Goofy. I was insanely jealous, “she has my Goofy!” I still have the Barbie-style Goofy doll she bought for me on her next trip – apparently I laid the guilt on pretty thick.

By the time I got to college, the obsession was still going strong and I applied for the Walt Disney World College Program. I sat through the seminar, anxious and excited, absorbing every detail. They didn’t hold back and told us some of the drawbacks of the program. I didn’t care. They were minor issues to me. I had my interview that night. The recruiter and I immediately hit it off and started joking back and forth. I hoped that this rapport would help, especially since the other people in my group sat quietly and looked like they were being interrogated by the police. Weeks later I got the letter. I was in! I had just a few months to get ready and move to Orlando for the semester. August came and I packed up my new car and made the trek. I checked in at Vista Way, met my new roommates, and got my job assignment – merchantainment at Disney-MGM Studios. The next few months flew by, with me loving every minute of it. January came too soon and it was time to go home with my Ducktorate in hand.

Some people say that seeing the “man behind the curtain” would ruin the “magic” for them. For me, it just amplified it. I have a greater appreciation of this place, and hundreds of new memories associated with new corners of the property.


To Be Continued . . .

 

[Lauralee131]

Wow - you lucky devil you...I would love to work at Disney...what was it like? Truth be told...I always wanted to work on the POTC ride - always wanted to be a female pirate!!

 

[MyGoofy26]

Planning
We never plan too far ahead. We just get that feeling that says, “Ok let’s book a trip.” We usually only have a few months of planning time. I prefer it that way. Too much time and I drive myself crazy. I’m impatient. I like instant gratification – or at least gratification in the very near future.

So one day this spring I wake up and check my email. Mom had emailed before she left for work with one sentence. “Free dining is back!” And so it begins.

We didn’t do free dining last year. We went in December and paid for the dining plan, loving it and vowing not to do without if we can help it. We saved a nice chunk of money, while feeling like we were “upgrading” our dining (none of that buyer’s remorse, “I just paid HOW MUCH for a salad?!”) so the possibilities of free dining were just too great to ignore.

Our plan was another trip to POFQ. We stayed there for the first time in December and loved it. We’ve done all levels of resorts, but we just couldn’t justify rack rate for a deluxe with free dining. We had sworn off value resorts after a terrible stay at All Star Music in the mid-90’s during Brazilian tour group season. POFQ it is! But the waiting! Oh the waiting! Waiting for the Disney Visa time frame to come and go! Waiting for my turn to book! Have I told you I’m impatient? What do I do when I’m impatient? I play around with options.

So while I’m waiting, I’m checking package prices for moderates and comparing to deluxe. I break down and compare the value resorts. The number is so small! One thing I love almost as much as Disney is a good sale. I can go on and on about the $300 shoes I bought in Italy on clearance for $30. To me, those numbers looked like Disney’s version of the clearance rack. I debated with myself over and over. I kept comparing the two packages – moderate and value. I finally showed mom. She too was intrigued. So by the time the booking period opens up we’ve decided on All Star Movies. I call as soon as I wake up that morning and get reservations for two with free dining for 4 nights starting on September 29th.

So remember all that stuff I said about what happens when I have time and get impatient? That’s right. I plan and try out different options. So after a couple months, our “long weekend” just isn’t enough and I call to extend by a day on both sides of the trip. The booking window was closed but I got a wonderful CM that went through all the values until she found us an opening if we switched to Pop Century.

As soon as dates opened up, we booked our flight down on Southwest at $79. The price dropped little by little until we were down to $33. Dates in October finally start showing up on Ding! and as I’m sitting at my best friend’s house as everyone’s gathered for her birthday I get a phone call from mom that we just got Dinged for $29 coming back. When I get home I log on and find our flights. By the time I apply our credits, we only owe around $20. So for round trip, nonstop from Pittsburgh to Orlando we paid under $100 each. I love Southwest.

To Be Continued . . .

 

[MyGoofy26]

Wow - you lucky devil you...I would love to work at Disney...what was it like? Truth be told...I always wanted to work on the POTC ride - always wanted to be a female pirate!!

I'd have loved a job on Pirates! But I did love my job. I was a little disappointed that I got my 2nd choice (merch) but looking back, I'm glad they put me there. I loved my area. The regular CMs really looked out for us and took care of us. I really lucked out - some CMs really loathe CPs.

Being at the Studios was really nice - schedule wise too. Not as many crazy hours like at MK so I didn't get worked like crazy - I still had time to enjoy things. And even when it was "boring" it doesn't compare to a "boring" day at any other job. I can't tell you how many times I saw the Mulan parade. And there's nothing like walking out to your car at the end of a long shift to fireworks overhead from Illuminations. Almost always seemed to time out right that they were going on as I was leaving for the night. And on nights that the wind was blowing just a little, it would carry the audio all the way over from Fantasmic so we'd be closing up to the sounds of Mickey taking on the Villians. Or walking backstage and passing characters who stayed in character, waving as we passed.

And considering I was there for about 4 months, I can only think of two moody guest encounters. Pretty good odds there - I'd get that in a day when I worked at Hallmark! LOL! And it helped that both times, the other guests were sympathetic and turned the mood right around as soon as they left.

I loved it, and often consider going back. It was like one big backstage tour. . . where they pay me! LOL!

 

[MyGoofy26]

Killing Time
I suppose I should mention that while this is all going on, I’m finishing my second degree. Perhaps I should have spent more time and energy on that last class, but I’m happy with my B+. It was more than enough to get my degree. That last class wasn’t very exciting – basically it was the only upper level class offered over the summer session, and it filled my requirement so I took it rather than wait and finish in the fall. It was self-paced as well so I was able to get everything done in a few weeks rather than drag it out in a classroom for 3 months.

well worth the crummy class

So with booking finished and my class out of the way I needed to fill time. I’d been sending out resumes in anticipation of graduation, and got a few callbacks but being summer there were limited options and a lot of new grads competing. Some jobs simply sounded a lot better in the ads, and I turned them down. Luckily I have my job in radio, so although things may get tight at times I don’t feel pressured to take the first job that comes along. I have the option of waiting for something that doesn’t feel entirely degrading. But working in radio leaves me a lot of free time during the day. For the first time in years (I was a nontraditional student – going part time over quite a few years, taking occasional semester off to save up some money) I didn’t have a class or project of some sort to fill my time. I spend way too much time on the DIS, and fell into a little “project” that has kept me fairly busy. A simple request on the resorts board for where to find a CD of Wilderness Lodge music exploded. I ended up sharing all of my resort music, and thought it’d end there. I had a couple request for park audio, so I moved over to the Theme Parks board and shared those files. Next thing I know, I’m uploading just about every piece of park audio I’ve collected over the years. It’s been a nice distraction – helping the slow times move a little faster.

In this time mom and I started talking about the cost of renting a fridge. It would cost the same to buy the fridge! So this summer I posted in an October countdown thread to see if anyone wanted to go halfsies. Crickets were chirping. A month later I try again in a different thread and finally someone’s interested! So I start a new thread and within a day or two I have half a dozen families, and a couple other swaps get started. By the end of the week, I’m cleaning out my PM box daily because it keeps filling and trying to organize plans. Our first swapper leaves for her trip and I cross my fingers it all works out. We’d made multiple calls to the hotel to see if this was alright, and although most CMs gave us great big yeses, there were a couple of no’s. I crossed my fingers, I stressed a little (would have felt guilty for bringing so many people on board just for it to be a big bust!) and breathed a sigh of relief after the first trade-off. What can I say? The DIS kept me distracted this summer.

As much as I tend to plan, I hate to “plan” my trips. I like the details of getting the best deal. I hate planning itineraries. After so many trips after so many years, we like to take it easy. We don’t do the commando style of park touring. We like to just meander through the parks, and if we hit a few favorites we’re happy with what we’ve accomplished. We never make ADRs, and yet I felt obligated to this year. I made an ADR for Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party night and one for the California Grill. That was it. A couple weeks ago I decided to get on the ball and try and get a couple more. Mom wanted to try a character breakfast, since she’s never done one before so we went back and forth on the pros and cons of a few different restaurants. She also wanted to try Boma for dinner. We did the breakfast when we stayed at Animal Kingdom Lodge – my aunt was with us and she isn’t very adventurous, so no dinner. So I called Disney Dining and got an 8:10 breakfast reservation for Crystal Palace for our first morning and a reservation for Boma on our last night. This takes some getting used to.

Now I am a week away. I started collecting all of my freebies and counting my rewards. I do handful of rewards programs – MyPoints, Sunshine Rewards, CreationsRewards, InboxDollars. I had over $200 in Disney Dollars and Disney Gift Cards from this year alone. Most of that was completely free. I did a few paid trials to get my numbers up, but at last count I spent under $30. Not a bad return. I also frequently check out SlickDeals and Fatwallet freebie forums and keep all my samples in a box. So I dumped the box in the middle of the floor and pulled out all of our supplies: toothpaste, deodorant, razor, shampoo, conditioner, soap, lotion, detergent and fabric softener. I still haven’t even thought about beginning to pack clothes. I suppose I should. I tend to over pack, so maybe if I get a head start I can weed out things that realistically I know I’ll never use.

freebie supplies, ready to be packed

Disney Dollars and $25 Disney Gift Cards

 

[OhMari]

Seriously, I never knew you could actually get all that free-stuff, I get so discouraged by page 4, I usually click out.

Hope you have a great trip.

I am moving you over to our New Pre-Trip Report Board. PM me when you come back and you can change your title and we can move you back here.

 

[MyGoofy26]

Almost There

Ever notice how the week before a trip drags on forever, and yet it isn’t enough time to do everything you need to do? I tried to get ready early. I really did. I’m just not that ambitious. I did finally pull all my clothes out two days before the trip. That’s a record for me. Usually it’s the night before with a scramble in the morning for everything else. I didn’t get things packed, but at least I had everything out and in a basket. We were leaving on Thursday and I had a few things to do in the first half of the week, so it saved some stress. On Tuesday I spent most of the day in Pittsburgh. My aunt had a couple appointments with doctors and we did a little shopping. I ended up going into work that night and getting most of my production done for the weekend. That’s the great thing about working in radio – most of my work is production work I can do whenever I feel like it. No set shifts! I had to go back Wednesday to run a remote, and I finished the last couple programs. So I got to keep all my hours that week. Nice!
Finally Thursday came and I woke up too early. Ok, it was 8 in the morning. I know most of you are leaving the house at 2:30 in the morning for your trips, but I’m not a morning person alright?! This is very much like 2:30 in the morning for me! Back off!

We finally get ready and are out of the house by around 10:30. We had a pretty uneventful drive to the Pittsburgh airport with minimal traffic. That’s always a plus. We get in and check our luggage with Southwest with no lines. The lines through security were also minimal. Within about 10 minutes we’re on the faux underground monorail. We have some time to kill so we stop by TGI Fridays since we hadn’t had breakfast and we didn’t know how long we’d have to wait until lunch. They sat us by the window where it was just cold and rainy outside. Really makes Pittsburgh an easy place to leave. That $25 meal was our most expensive of the week. Off to a great start! We finish up a little while later and head to gate A1 where people are already lined up for their A, B and C groups. We had A group so we were in no hurry to stand in line. We sat down, and within 5 minutes they started pre-boarding. We hop into the A line and within minutes are stretched out in an exit row.

Two hours later we land in Orlando on time. We’re off the plane and headed to Magical Express with a quick stop in the ladies room. Can’t be too careful when you’re not sure how long Magical Express will take. We weren’t sure what to expect from Magical Express. We usually rent a car, and a couple years when we rented from Alamo we passed the ME counter. It was mass chaos. It was after midnight and there was a sea of people trying to check in. I had visions of that being multiplied exponentially, after al,l what we witnessed was after midnight. There must be more during the day! I’m happy to admit I was wrong. There were a couple people in front of me, but the line moved very quickly. A couple minutes later we were directed to the line for Pop Century and walked right out to the waiting bus. A quick bus ride and we pull up in front of Pop Century Resort.

 

[mlill]

WoW! Sounds like you guys had a great beginning to your trip! I'm glad Southwest & ME went smoothly for you. We'll be doing the same in less than three weeks. How long did it take for your bags to get to your room?

-Michelle

 

[MyGoofy26]

WoW! Sounds like you guys had a great beginning to your trip! I'm glad Southwest & ME went smoothly for you. We'll be doing the same in less than three weeks. How long did it take for your bags to get to your room?

-Michelle

Not long at all. We were out for a few hours for dinner and browsing around Downtown Disney and all our bags were waiting when we got back to the room.

I hope it goes as smoothly for you as it did for us!

 

[MyGoofy26]

We’re Here 9/28/06

main entrance to Classic Hall

Check in was nice and speedy. Only a few families got off at this stop, so there wasn’t a mad rush. We had a couple people in front of us, but the line moved swiftly. We checked in and got our room assignments and the CM headed in back to retrieve the case of water I had ordered from Staples. We grabbed the case, thanked the CM and headed to luggage services to pick up the refrigerator from the fridge swap. While one CM went to find the box, another CM filled out a little form and set me up with a dolly to push the fridge and water to the room.

As we left luggage services I got my first real glimpse of the resort. We stayed once a couple years ago, but it was literally long enough to sleep. We were staying at Animal Kingdom Lodge that trip, but with a flight not coming in until midnight we opted to save half the money and do a value resort for that night. I remember being exhausted, trudging through the resort staring in awe at the décor. I hated it. It seemed so tacky and gaudy. It took a lot for me to decide on this resort for this trip. My love of a bargain won out. I suppose already expecting the worst helped, as I wasn’t as shocked and horrified this time. I still can’t say that the décor appeals to me, but it’s certainly tolerable and I would consider staying again in a slow season with a good deal attached to it. Our room was somewhat out of the way, which was nice since we didn’t have to listen to the noise from the pool all day and evening. Our big problem was people coming in around midnight and walking past the rooms talking as loud as their voices will allow them. Housekeeping was fantastic – our room was always very clean.

We unloaded and set up the fridge and headed back to return the cart and pick up a couple refillable mugs. We made our way back to the room, relaxed for a little while, and then headed to Downtown Disney.


Some pics of the fridge - each family has been leaving lime green mickey heads with travel dates, name and/or DISboard name taped to the fridge.

 

[BLUEAPPLE422]

Great report Can't wait to hear more.

 

[DisneyFan06]

Question. I seen you have Disney Gift Cards. Where did you get them before the trip?

We dont have a Disney store here in town so I was just wondering.

 

[MyGoofy26]

I got the gift cards from doing sign-ups at Sunshine Rewards. They came from disneyshopping.com though, so you could order there. I believe there is free shipping on the cards and once you have it I think you can reload online.

 

[MyGoofy26]

Time to Shop

Our first night tradition has been a trip to Downtown Disney for a little pre-shopping. You all know what I’m talking about. It’s when you browse all your options in one nice, centralized location (World of Disney) so you can start narrowing down your must-haves. We did a loop around the Christmas store and made our way to Wolfgang Puck Express to get our first “free” meal of the trip. I chose the four cheese pizza and mom had the rosemary chicken with garlic mashed potatoes. We both enjoyed our choices and couldn’t finish dessert, crème brulee, so we boxed it up to take back to the hotel. The total came to $30 and change, all compliments of the Free Dining Promotion.

After dinner we made our way through a few shops until we ended up at World of Disney. If the research department of a major university would get me a grant for a study, I bet I could prove that this is the most crowded spot on Disney property at any given time. The parks you can see and feel the difference in crowds from holiday weeks to off-season. World of Disney knows no off-season it seems. It’s just as crowded no matter when you go. But for some reason I keep going back for more. All that shopping! So many choices!

Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique looks absolutely adorable. Disney always makes me feel eager to have kids of my own, and seeing this place magnified that feeling. I can usually spoil my 6 year old cousin, but since she’s not allowed to join us on our trips (my uncle and his wife want to take her the first time) I don’t have that outlet.

The pirate room is very cute as well – in a completely different way. It's quite elaborate, especially the entrance. I’m sure there are some rolling their eyes at the pirate take-over, but Pirates has been my favorite attraction since I was little and I think it’s long overdue!

We refrained from splurging on everything in sight and decided to call it a night. We headed back to the bus stop, and after a stop on the other end of Downtown Disney we were on our way back to the resort to rest and relax. We got into the room and our bags were waiting so we unpacked and each climbed into our own beds to watch TV til we crashed.

 

[Disneyland_Mama]

I'm hooked! Great start, loving the pictures!

 

[cjhinch]

Great report!! I can't wait to hear more! You seem so relaxed.........it makes me feel relaxed!

 

[MyGoofy26]

Thanks so much everyone! Glad you're enjoying this! I'm working on Epcot day right now - unfortunately no pics. I kept taking video so I kept forgetting to take regular pics this day. Didn't have my routine going yet

 

[MyGoofy26]

Fooding and Wining 9/29/06

I woke up on Friday morning to the sounds of my mom shuffling around the room trying not to wake me. She’s an early riser. We’ve already established that I’m not. The only time in probably 15 or more years that I’ve made it to a park around park opening is when I had to be there to work a shift during my college program. I decided this time that I’d get up and out early so I can see all that early mornings and opening ceremonies have to offer. Mom takes the refillable mugs and heads out for coffee (for her) and tea (for me) while I keep my eyes shut trying to convince myself that I’m not awake. Anyone else do that? Refuse to open your eyes in hopes that you can convince yourself that you never really woke up to begin with? Yeah, never works. But that doesn’t stop me from trying.

I finally roll out of bed and start gathering my things to get ready. Mom walks in as I’m headed into the shower and looks at me like I have three heads. She’s never seen such a thing. Her baby out of bed and getting to the shower by 7AM on vacation?! I’m in and out within 15 minutes. I get ready fairly quickly, and if everything is organized and I don’t need to spend a half an hour picking out clothes I can be ready in a half an hour. And this morning that’s just what happened. I’m ready and watching Today while mom still has her hair in a towel. I never realized how long it took her to get ready. Usually she gets her shower first so I can stay in bed and pretend I’m still asleep and by the time I start getting ready it times out so that we’re ready around the same time. By the time she finishes up, we head to the bus stop and make the trek over to Epcot, the park has been open for a half an hour. Park opening 0 for 1. We’re already “running late” and mom decides she needs to find a restroom before we even get to the security line. I swear she’s testing me, getting me back for all those years of sleeping in and not getting to parks til the afternoon.

We make our way in and head left toward Test Track. Mom has only done this once, last year and it broke down in the middle of the braking sequence. So we gave it another try. The wait time said 10 minutes but we walked directly to the end of the line and waited, no joke, 20 seconds for the pre-show to open up. After the doors opened our wait time was under a minute. We were both a little hungry so we went in search of someplace to pick up a small breakfast. So we headed over to Sunshine Seasons to split an Adult Breakfast Platter. Not bad. The sausage was a little scary but the scrambled eggs were good and so were the potatoes. It was just enough to satisfy, but not stuff us. The wait for Soarin’ was marked at 30 minutes so we decided to Fast Pass it and go visit Living with the Land since we hadn’t done it since I was little. I barely remembered it, so it was like a whole new attraction. We hopped in line and were in a boat within 2 minutes. We still had about 20 minutes before our Fast Pass window, so we decided head over to The Living Seas/ The Seas with Nemo instead of just sitting around staring at the clock.

Everything was still boarded up as we neared the pavilion, but there were a handful of painters on the roof giving it a fresh coat. We head in and look around. They were just finishing up a little show with the dolphins, so we just walked around that little circle. I could see something moving beneath us as I looked into the tank, but the way the window is curved, it skewed the image a bit. I moved and realized there were workers down there in scuba gear – it looked like they were building something. They were attaching pipes to each other, building them out and screwing them together. We looked around a bit and headed downstairs just as Crush was about to start seating. There was a pretty lengthy line but we hopped in anyway since we both really wanted to see, assuming correctly we’d wait for the next show. They had a diver and some CMs putting on a demonstration in that little tube during the wait so it wasn’t too bad. Before we knew it, the doors were opening and people were pouring out. We got in and stood along the sides as all the seats were taken. I got my video camera out and found a good spot to tape over heads. This is such a cute show and is a perfect example of what sets Disney apart from other parks. It’s not overly high-tech (although the “on the fly” animation is incredible) but it’s so creative and imaginative. Too many parks rely on high-tech effects, and Disney has figured out that it doesn’t take the newest, shiniest equipment but good quality and making guests feel personal connections to the characters and attractions.

After the show, we walked around the little aquariums with Nemo and Friends and stopped in the gift shop. Let me just say I think Squirt is one of the cutest characters we’ve ever been introduced to. I went to Italy last year and, being the good Disney fanatics we are, we found the Disney Store in Rome. I walked out with, among other things, a Nemo pillow with Squirt plush that fits in a pocket (these pillows are everywhere now – no one had them here for a good year after I brought mine home. . . I’m such a trendsetter!) and a small Squirt plush with a clasp that I had attached to my backpack this trip. I ended up buying a pack of 7 Finding Nemo window clings just so I could have the Squirt cling for my car window.

We made our way back over to trade in our Fast Passes for Soarin’ and pointed and laughed at all the suckers standing in line. Ok, no we didn’t. But doesn’t that evil part of you always want to? We went on this last year and I wasn’t overly impressed. I didn’t hate it, but it wasn’t a must see for me and I’d never stand in any sort of line for it. We ended up in the top row on the left and it was a little better this time, not having to stare at strangers’ feet. I think this has a lot of promise, but it just doesn’t wow me. Maybe if the “movie” was a little more crisp it might help.

We left the ride and the pavilion was starting to get a little busy. We headed over to Imagination since we hadn’t gone near that pavilion in years. I didn’t see the last incarnation of the ride, when they took out Figment completely, and I hadn’t seen this new one so it seemed appropriate. Not surprisingly it was a walk on, but very cute. Glad I did it at least this once. We made our way through the little store, and yes I admit that I’m the type of person Disney is counting on when they build these gift shop dumps with their attractions. I spotted a photo album that I absolutely loved. I picked it up and surprise! It was on sale for half off! I can’t pass up a good sale, so I took it to the register and had it sent to the resort.

We realized we had covered most of Future World at this point so we walk through Innoventions and end up at Ellen’s Energy Adventure – another attraction we’d never done. It’s amazing how many things you never find time for, even in 28 years of very regular trips. Cute for a once every now and then sort of attraction – and would be fantastic on a hot crowded day when you need a break. By the time that was over we decided to head back to the room to rest for awhile and we’d make an early dinner ADR and come back for EMH to do World Showcase. I figured an early dinner, a walk around World Showcase and that’d be enough time to make room for some snacks from the Food and Wine booths during a loop back around in the opposite direction.

 

[MyGoofy26]

Fooding and Wining continued:

We make our way back out to the buses and see the bus for Pop Century idle just up ahead. It was getting a little toasty and we’d just covered all of Future World in a few hours so we were in no shape to sprint to catch it. Luckily someone coming up behind us was and by the time the driver opened the door back up and the couple boarded, we were right behind them onto the air conditioned bus. A quick drive and we’re dropped off in front of the resort where we head in to get an ADR for Kona Café, picking up the only ADR left for the day. A short walk and we’re in our nice, cool, dark room sprawled out on our beds taking in the silence.

We rested for a couple hours and started getting ready. Knowing we’d have to go to Magic Kingdom and take the monorail or boat to Polynesian, we gave ourselves an hour. We get to the bus stop at around 4:30 and the Magic Kingdom line has filled up with Halloween party goers. Apparently Disney Transportation underestimated just how many people would head into the park well in advance of the official start time. After about a half an hour a bus pulls up, but has to take an ECV that had pulled up just before the bus showed up. This bus driver was apparently new to loading ECVs, and 10 minutes later a 2nd bus pulls up next to it to finally start loading guests. We load onto that bus, and the first bus is still messing with the ECV as we’re pulling away and others are still waiting in line. Our ADR time comes and goes while we’re still on that bus, nearing the MK. We finally make it to the Polynesian, about 15 minutes after our scheduled time, but the CM didn’t seem to care and handed me a pager (which by the way, there are hidden Mickey’s on the back in the holes for the “speaker” – two very distinct hidden Mickey’s). About a minute later the pager went off and the hostess took us to a table along the wall.

The restaurant was packed, but the staff was extremely friendly. I don’t think they stopped the entire time we were there, but no one acted as though they were run ragged and we were treated like we were their only guest to take care of in the whole place. For appetizers mom had the crab cakes and I had the Kona salad. We both really enjoyed them. I’m not a big seafood person; in fact until recently I wouldn’t eat any seafood at all and have recently on occasion eaten a fish sandwich from the local fish market. I decided to be brave and try mom’s crab cakes. It wasn’t bad. I didn’t hate it, but I just haven’t built up a taste for fishy flavors so there’s no way I could ever eat more than a few bites. The crab cake was packed full of crab, but didn’t have an overwhelming seafood flavor to it. I loved my salad. The vinaigrette was very subtle but very good, and it had slices of apple instead of strawberries (I’m assuming strawberries weren’t in season and therefore not very good) and it was fantastic. I only ate about half since I knew I had a big meal ahead of me.
Our entrees came out a little while later, and again we both enjoyed them. I had the beef teriyaki and mom had the filet. My steak and mashed potatoes were just mouth-watering good. I barely touched my broccoli – a little too sweet. I don’t know what they did to them, but I took one bite and my face scrunched up because they were so sweet. At first I thought it may have been the teriyaki glaze, but after a 2nd piece of broccoli that hadn’t touched the glaze I realized it was the broccoli itself. Luckily there was more than enough steak and mashed potatoes to make up.

We both had the Kilauea Torte, and I so wished I’d saved more room! We probably only got about halfway through and we were soon signing off on the credits used for our $101 bill. We walked around the resort shops quickly and headed to the monorail. Like I mentioned before, Disney always makes me feel impatient, wanting my own kids. We hopped on the monorail and a family got into the same car with a little boy dressed as Woody. We started talking to him about his costume, if he was going to the party, and then asked him how old he was. He answered fast and we thought we misunderstood him and that he must’ve said, “turning 5.” The parents were laughing and the mom finally says, “he tells everyone he’s 25.” Turns out he was 4. . . but 25 “in his heart.” Too cute. As we stop at the Grand Floridian another family hops on with a little girl all decked out as Cinderella. The parents sat down next to us, but she insisted on standing. She was acting shy, so we starting talking to her as well. I told her that she looked beautiful in her dress and she quietly thanked me. Then slowly, with her one free hand, she started to raise one side of her dress so that you could see her feet. The dad started cracking up, “look at her! Showing off!” She was trying so desperately to discretely show off her glass slippers so of course I had to make a big deal, “and those shoes! Look at those glass slippers!” Too cute!

Eventually we make our way to the TTC and hop on the monorail to Epcot. We make our way in and over to Mexico to start tackling World Showcase. At this point we’re still waddling from dinner and it has probably been close to an hour. We glance at some of the Food and Wine booths as we pass. We head in and shop around Mexico. A good while ago I got a Jacob’s Ladder in here and my 6 year old cousin has played with it since she found it a few years ago. So we picked up one so she could have her own, and headed to the ride, since we hadn’t done it in years. We leave the pavilion as Illuminations is getting ready to start. I’m one of the few that is less than impressed with this display. It never really got to me the way that other night time displays do. We hopped from pavilion to pavilion, and checking out Food and Wine booths. I never realized how dark World Showcase is until trying to see what each booth offered. They have tiny spotlights on the sandwich board, but it’s barely enough to see unless you walk up to within feet of the board.

It was extra magic hours that night, so I’m assuming everyone fled to Future World for some final go-rounds on Soarin’, Test Track and other attractions because World Showcase was practically empty, and it was still very early in the EMH night. It really gave us a chance to go and explore all the little corners of each country. For the first time I went into the Stave Church in Norway. There was a bit of a line for Maelstrom, but only about 10 minutes or so. We had to get a fan in China – my cousin is obsessed with Mulan and Chinese culture so all she talks about wanting is a real fan. The $4 ones are legitimate enough for her, in fact the other day she wouldn’t put it down. Not even in the car on our way to McDonald’s. We also saw The American Adventure for the first time ever. We always bypass the American Pavilion, so we decided to see this show. It just didn’t do it for me. We were laughing as we walked out saying, “ok, I’m good for another 15 years before I forget how lame it is and give it another chance.” No offense to people who are moved by it. It just doesn’t touch me. I’m much more moved by actual ceremonies such as the Flag Retreat Ceremony. I feel more national pride from those sorts of things instead of recreated, animatronic national pride.

As the night wore on, we didn’t stop being stuffed so we kept passing Food and Wine booths. I did stop to try a glass of Rosa Regale in Italy before we waited for The American Adventure. I’d heard such wonderful things about it, and had a man in Rome try and talk me into buying a bottle of it instead of the Brunello I was looking at so I wanted to try it. It’s very sweet. I couldn’t drink more than what they gave me. I like sweet, but that may have been a little too sweet. Good though. And probably better when you have something to eat with it instead of just the glass of wine. We did stop at the Poland booth for a Paczi but I was disappointed that they only had plum. I’m not much of a fan of the fruit fillings. I prefer custard. I guess I have to wait til Lent.

By the time we made it to Canada we were exhausted, not hungry, and a little tired so we decided to call it a night. We made our way out of the park, onto a bus and back to the hotel in what is now a blur. It didn’t take us long to fall asleep, knowing we had another early morning ahead of us.


Coming up, the situation that inspired the "scaring kids" portion of the thread title. . .

 

[mlill]

awww, come on, Carrie! Don't leave us hanging! What about the 'scaring kids'???

-Michelle