S
SpottyDog
Guest
Stripes On Tour
Previously on Spottys holiday
The night before
The Journey
Me first full day
Thered better not be any queues
We've time fer a coffee
Yesterday, we went to EPCOT
7. MGM
Sorry, Im late slept in. Woke at 4.30 but turned over and next thing I knew it was 6.30! Well never fit everything in if we go on like this.
Another thing, me Food Courts too noisy this late as well.
So, we got to MGM by 10ish yesterday and went straight to get out Guest of Honour badges. Gaz didnt want one coz hes got no holiday spirit.
Muppet 3D was our first stop. I like the pre show better than the main event here pure Henson.
Wed decided me and Gaz would do rides while V&J did the shows coz weve got them all on tape at home. Gaz wants to see Indy though, so we factor that in. We booked Sci Fi Diner for 4.55pm and decided to eat at ABC Commissary (we hadnt had brekkie) before splittin up.
V,G and me had fish and chips (which were very nice) and J had Cheeseburger and a large Sprite between us all - $24.
V & J got their photies with Sorcerer Mickey then with Winnie The Pooh on our way to Who Wants To be A Millionaire? This was better than I expected and the kids enjoyed bein part of the show as well as the feel of the TV studio.
Then it was time to split up. V & J were doin the Hunchback and Beauty, leavin me and The Boy an hour to do RnRC and ToT. Gaz didnt fancy either and got a headache for his guilt. Weve since figured it must be the effects of the strain of wantin to do the ride but bein scared at the same time compounded by the stress of worryin what his mates will think- never mind his Dad. Canny Bairn!
So them three head off to the shows and to get some extra strong annadins and I head for Ride Corner , singin that Gilbert O Sullivan favourite
Alone, again .naturally.
Plutoll have to tell yer what they got up to coz I didnt have time to ask and make notes.
ToT standby was 15 minutes with FP 35 minutes later. RnRC had only a 5 minute standby so I went back, got two ToT FPs and set off to meet AeroSmith. As usual, the standby was exaggerated and it took all me time to walk the ramp. Into the garage and there was no line at all. We all just walked straight onto the ride, it was a bit odd bein so quiet.
Whooo .hooooo!!!!!!
Much faster and louder than I remembered, I did a really natty foot dance throughout Treat me like a lady!
Straight back round, and the queue was really building up- it took three minutes!!
Got the back car without askin to wait and it was way faster, though bumpier, so I just played the drums with me feet this time.
Me head and stomach was suggestin we might like to sit down now but it seemed a shame to waste the no-line opportunity. Besides, me ToT FP wasnt good for 10 minutes or so yet.
While we walk up the ramps, Ive got to admit to havin a bit of a head this morning. Thats clearly Mandys fault as she didnt warn me that mixin between salt and sugar on me Margaritas would give uz such a headache next day.
I got the front car on me next trip and it was a little more sedate (a little).
I wobbled through the shop so glad I had two ToT Fps to use thatll settle me tummy nicely!
The standby line was still posted at 15 minutes but I saw no-one as I wandered up the FP terrace and into the hotel- not a sole. It was so odd it made the build up all the more eerie. I did think at one point that it must be shut but the CM inside ushered me in and didnt even bother to take me ticket.
Into the library, and I did think it was gonna be just me and you ridin the lift today. But then a lady came in; then a DadnLad. Next thing yer know and the library was full, it went dark and we were off.
I got front row with Dad n Lad. The Bairn looked to be about 3 and a half and had only qualified for the height limit due to his spikey hair. I did think Id have to help his Dad keep hold of him coz the poor bairns little knees were a good foot below the bar when it stopped on our laps. I knew he was there in the dark by his little screams. I was out of me seat three times so he must have been in the air the whole time. Give him his due, he wasnt cryin as we walked out. But he was clingin onto his Dads legs for all he was worth. His Dad looked down at him and asked if he wanted to do that again? The littlun shook his little head and cuddled into dads leg some more. I decided to foller the younguns better judgement and give me flyin career a break for the time bein. Me stomach heaved a sigh of relief. Well, it heaved anyway.
Back to the family, theyd missed Beauty. Theres not much time between shows and theyd had to detour to the lockers for Gazs Annadins. Without me to marshal them along it was too much and they missed the beginning of the show.
We all rode The Great Movie Ride (Western Version) and our Julie enjoyed it this year though she cowered in all the right places.
It was One Mans Dream next. It would be rude to say I was disappointed but think Id expected far too much from this so it was always gonna be a bit let-down.
We could just squeeze in Beauty before the afty parade but it would mean runnin from the Theatre and catchin the Stars in their motor cars from the back of a crowd. As it was a first, V didnt want to risk it so we took position in the little walled garden outside The Brown Derby half an hour early, which is summat we never do normally. We were glad of the rest, sittin on the little wall then we could stand on it to watch the parade. I had to go back to the locker to get the video camera and took the opportunity to get V an anniversary pressie for tommorrer. A bit early I know but I like to be prepared.
Back to the troops, Id failed to find a beer stand and was even prepared to pay tax today, I was that parched. We watched and enjoyed the parade and were pleasantly surprised at how many characters take part in this one. Cant say its one of me favourites but that might be just coz the songs new to me and not a memory jogger yet. One highlight was the reaction and excitement from two little tots in front of us when they spotted Roly Poly Oly and the Big House Gang.
After the parade, we decided wed have time for The Backlot Tour before our PS. The Harbor Attack was new for us and we agreed it was better than the previous offering. Me and V werent that bothered about doin Cat Canyon but the kids wanted to. Everything seemed more intense than other trips- we certainly felt it more- so we enjoyed it.
Off to Sci Fi Diner, we werent sure what to expect. We knew the layout and format of the Diner but there are so many mixed, and several negative, reports on the board we went for the experience but expecting to be disappointed with the actual meal. As we were stayin for Fantasmic we opted to go entrees rather than just deserts- as most recommend here. Besides, me and J wanted steak.
Our server, Shannon, spotted the way to a big tip by askin if Id like a beer as soon as I sat down. Top Lass ! Yes please.
Shannon brought beer for me and V and pop for the kids and we ordered. Top side of Sirloin for me and Julie (with potato wedgies, green beans and mushroom sauce), Pork Medalions with garlic mashed tatie for V and Chicken stir fry for Gaz.
The kids (and us) were amazed at the overall layout of the place and intrigued/amused by the corny 50s Sci Fi film clips.
While we waited for the food, Shannon bumped up her tip some more by askin if Id like another beer. I dont want to bore you with every detail so yerll just have to guess what me answer was.
The meal was well prepared and presented (not that yer can see much in them cars) though there wasnt much on the plate, to be honest. But I expect it would be adequate for normal appetites.
Probably coz we werent full up, and possibly coz I was now in love with Shannon, but I agreed we could all have a desert Cheesecake for me, Apple and Pecan Pie for V and the kids got ice cream sundaes with special chocolate Sorcerers hats for the celebrations.
The deserts were lovely and filled the gap nicely. Wed been there over an hour and the films were repeatin themselves. Wed enjoyed the experience and gave it a Robinsons thumbs up as one to recommend though maybe just the once.
Now for the bill.
I knew it was gonna be around the $100 mark coz the entrees were $16-18 each. It was $110 then Shannons tip. At our usual 20% for excellent service this would be $22 (£15!) but no matter how much I loved her, me mean streak was always gonna win in the end. So I compromised and left $20 though now I feel guilty coz she was the most attentive server weve ever had in Orlando.
Overall we thought the Sci Fi Diner was value for money though we could have saved a fortune by missin drinks and desert. And this brings yer to the tips debate.
We have no problem tippin between 10-20% dependin on the level of service and personality of the server. But at the top end of the dinin experience ( well, MY top-end anyways) this can be an expensive addition to the point where you feel yer payin twice for another drink etc. Today, drinks and deserts accounted for about $40 of our bill meanin another $8 in tips.
Now I know Im bein mean and pedantic but when yer think she was servin another 5 or 6 parties in the same hour we were there, our $20 equates to $100 an hour- £60ish. I know I seem churlish here but with V havin so many PSs planned the top-end tips are really gonna mount up. That said, Ill continue tippin 15-20% on average and just cut down on extras like food and drink!
It was after 6 now and all the shows were over for the day, other than Fantasmic at 7. We stowed the cameras and retrieved our fleeces ready for the sun goin down. It had turned out hot today but the chill was startin to come in as it got dusky. We browsed the shops on our way to Hollywood Hills and got to the auditorium around 6.30. It was fillin up already and we got shoved over to the far left. We had to give up our first seats coz this giant of a gadgey sat right in front of V and she couldnt see the mountain never mind the stage.
Relocated in seats with a better view but with the seemingly obligatory loud blokey right behind uz. You know the one. Hes on the bus, in the line everywhere yer go. Look at me loudness and not really funny one-liners ( and Im talking about HIM not me!)
So, back at Fantasmic at least the really loud and borin guy kept me awake coz me little head and eyes started to realx with the sit down. It was probably me early mornins catchin up with uz coupled with the boredom of havin to sit still for more than five minutes. The 2 Buds and nice meal wouldnt have helped either, I suppose.
Sure enough, I nodded off for odd seconds through the show but Mickey managed to triumph over evil without me full attention. I managed to get through the whole finale though coz its one of me favourite Disney moments of them all.
Some Imagination, huh?
Getting out was the usual nightmare but at least the buses on demand system got us all away ASAP. All told, it took an hour from the end of the show to getting home.
The kids wanted to swim. They hadnt bee in the pool yet, so I sat poolside with me Amber Bock while V put some laundry in.
We sat for a while but by 9.50 I was failin fast. We called it a night and were in bed by 10. For once, I think I was the first asleep.
Right! Got to go. Its nearly 9.30 and the kids are nearly ready, V says.
Shes not mentioned it yet, so I think Ill let her think Ive forgotten too. Its 21 years to the day that Sunderland beat Aston Villa 1:0 at home. Oh, and V got married.
See yer later. Were off to Wet n Wild then Bomas tonight.
Previously on Spottys holiday
The night before
The Journey
Me first full day
Thered better not be any queues
We've time fer a coffee
Yesterday, we went to EPCOT
7. MGM
Sorry, Im late slept in. Woke at 4.30 but turned over and next thing I knew it was 6.30! Well never fit everything in if we go on like this.
Another thing, me Food Courts too noisy this late as well.
So, we got to MGM by 10ish yesterday and went straight to get out Guest of Honour badges. Gaz didnt want one coz hes got no holiday spirit.
Muppet 3D was our first stop. I like the pre show better than the main event here pure Henson.
Wed decided me and Gaz would do rides while V&J did the shows coz weve got them all on tape at home. Gaz wants to see Indy though, so we factor that in. We booked Sci Fi Diner for 4.55pm and decided to eat at ABC Commissary (we hadnt had brekkie) before splittin up.
V,G and me had fish and chips (which were very nice) and J had Cheeseburger and a large Sprite between us all - $24.
V & J got their photies with Sorcerer Mickey then with Winnie The Pooh on our way to Who Wants To be A Millionaire? This was better than I expected and the kids enjoyed bein part of the show as well as the feel of the TV studio.
Then it was time to split up. V & J were doin the Hunchback and Beauty, leavin me and The Boy an hour to do RnRC and ToT. Gaz didnt fancy either and got a headache for his guilt. Weve since figured it must be the effects of the strain of wantin to do the ride but bein scared at the same time compounded by the stress of worryin what his mates will think- never mind his Dad. Canny Bairn!
So them three head off to the shows and to get some extra strong annadins and I head for Ride Corner , singin that Gilbert O Sullivan favourite
Alone, again .naturally.
Plutoll have to tell yer what they got up to coz I didnt have time to ask and make notes.
ToT standby was 15 minutes with FP 35 minutes later. RnRC had only a 5 minute standby so I went back, got two ToT FPs and set off to meet AeroSmith. As usual, the standby was exaggerated and it took all me time to walk the ramp. Into the garage and there was no line at all. We all just walked straight onto the ride, it was a bit odd bein so quiet.
Whooo .hooooo!!!!!!
Much faster and louder than I remembered, I did a really natty foot dance throughout Treat me like a lady!
Straight back round, and the queue was really building up- it took three minutes!!
Got the back car without askin to wait and it was way faster, though bumpier, so I just played the drums with me feet this time.
Me head and stomach was suggestin we might like to sit down now but it seemed a shame to waste the no-line opportunity. Besides, me ToT FP wasnt good for 10 minutes or so yet.
While we walk up the ramps, Ive got to admit to havin a bit of a head this morning. Thats clearly Mandys fault as she didnt warn me that mixin between salt and sugar on me Margaritas would give uz such a headache next day.
I got the front car on me next trip and it was a little more sedate (a little).
I wobbled through the shop so glad I had two ToT Fps to use thatll settle me tummy nicely!
The standby line was still posted at 15 minutes but I saw no-one as I wandered up the FP terrace and into the hotel- not a sole. It was so odd it made the build up all the more eerie. I did think at one point that it must be shut but the CM inside ushered me in and didnt even bother to take me ticket.
Into the library, and I did think it was gonna be just me and you ridin the lift today. But then a lady came in; then a DadnLad. Next thing yer know and the library was full, it went dark and we were off.
I got front row with Dad n Lad. The Bairn looked to be about 3 and a half and had only qualified for the height limit due to his spikey hair. I did think Id have to help his Dad keep hold of him coz the poor bairns little knees were a good foot below the bar when it stopped on our laps. I knew he was there in the dark by his little screams. I was out of me seat three times so he must have been in the air the whole time. Give him his due, he wasnt cryin as we walked out. But he was clingin onto his Dads legs for all he was worth. His Dad looked down at him and asked if he wanted to do that again? The littlun shook his little head and cuddled into dads leg some more. I decided to foller the younguns better judgement and give me flyin career a break for the time bein. Me stomach heaved a sigh of relief. Well, it heaved anyway.
Back to the family, theyd missed Beauty. Theres not much time between shows and theyd had to detour to the lockers for Gazs Annadins. Without me to marshal them along it was too much and they missed the beginning of the show.
We all rode The Great Movie Ride (Western Version) and our Julie enjoyed it this year though she cowered in all the right places.
It was One Mans Dream next. It would be rude to say I was disappointed but think Id expected far too much from this so it was always gonna be a bit let-down.
We could just squeeze in Beauty before the afty parade but it would mean runnin from the Theatre and catchin the Stars in their motor cars from the back of a crowd. As it was a first, V didnt want to risk it so we took position in the little walled garden outside The Brown Derby half an hour early, which is summat we never do normally. We were glad of the rest, sittin on the little wall then we could stand on it to watch the parade. I had to go back to the locker to get the video camera and took the opportunity to get V an anniversary pressie for tommorrer. A bit early I know but I like to be prepared.
Back to the troops, Id failed to find a beer stand and was even prepared to pay tax today, I was that parched. We watched and enjoyed the parade and were pleasantly surprised at how many characters take part in this one. Cant say its one of me favourites but that might be just coz the songs new to me and not a memory jogger yet. One highlight was the reaction and excitement from two little tots in front of us when they spotted Roly Poly Oly and the Big House Gang.
After the parade, we decided wed have time for The Backlot Tour before our PS. The Harbor Attack was new for us and we agreed it was better than the previous offering. Me and V werent that bothered about doin Cat Canyon but the kids wanted to. Everything seemed more intense than other trips- we certainly felt it more- so we enjoyed it.
Off to Sci Fi Diner, we werent sure what to expect. We knew the layout and format of the Diner but there are so many mixed, and several negative, reports on the board we went for the experience but expecting to be disappointed with the actual meal. As we were stayin for Fantasmic we opted to go entrees rather than just deserts- as most recommend here. Besides, me and J wanted steak.
Our server, Shannon, spotted the way to a big tip by askin if Id like a beer as soon as I sat down. Top Lass ! Yes please.
Shannon brought beer for me and V and pop for the kids and we ordered. Top side of Sirloin for me and Julie (with potato wedgies, green beans and mushroom sauce), Pork Medalions with garlic mashed tatie for V and Chicken stir fry for Gaz.
The kids (and us) were amazed at the overall layout of the place and intrigued/amused by the corny 50s Sci Fi film clips.
While we waited for the food, Shannon bumped up her tip some more by askin if Id like another beer. I dont want to bore you with every detail so yerll just have to guess what me answer was.
The meal was well prepared and presented (not that yer can see much in them cars) though there wasnt much on the plate, to be honest. But I expect it would be adequate for normal appetites.
Probably coz we werent full up, and possibly coz I was now in love with Shannon, but I agreed we could all have a desert Cheesecake for me, Apple and Pecan Pie for V and the kids got ice cream sundaes with special chocolate Sorcerers hats for the celebrations.
The deserts were lovely and filled the gap nicely. Wed been there over an hour and the films were repeatin themselves. Wed enjoyed the experience and gave it a Robinsons thumbs up as one to recommend though maybe just the once.
Now for the bill.
I knew it was gonna be around the $100 mark coz the entrees were $16-18 each. It was $110 then Shannons tip. At our usual 20% for excellent service this would be $22 (£15!) but no matter how much I loved her, me mean streak was always gonna win in the end. So I compromised and left $20 though now I feel guilty coz she was the most attentive server weve ever had in Orlando.
Overall we thought the Sci Fi Diner was value for money though we could have saved a fortune by missin drinks and desert. And this brings yer to the tips debate.
We have no problem tippin between 10-20% dependin on the level of service and personality of the server. But at the top end of the dinin experience ( well, MY top-end anyways) this can be an expensive addition to the point where you feel yer payin twice for another drink etc. Today, drinks and deserts accounted for about $40 of our bill meanin another $8 in tips.
Now I know Im bein mean and pedantic but when yer think she was servin another 5 or 6 parties in the same hour we were there, our $20 equates to $100 an hour- £60ish. I know I seem churlish here but with V havin so many PSs planned the top-end tips are really gonna mount up. That said, Ill continue tippin 15-20% on average and just cut down on extras like food and drink!
It was after 6 now and all the shows were over for the day, other than Fantasmic at 7. We stowed the cameras and retrieved our fleeces ready for the sun goin down. It had turned out hot today but the chill was startin to come in as it got dusky. We browsed the shops on our way to Hollywood Hills and got to the auditorium around 6.30. It was fillin up already and we got shoved over to the far left. We had to give up our first seats coz this giant of a gadgey sat right in front of V and she couldnt see the mountain never mind the stage.
Relocated in seats with a better view but with the seemingly obligatory loud blokey right behind uz. You know the one. Hes on the bus, in the line everywhere yer go. Look at me loudness and not really funny one-liners ( and Im talking about HIM not me!)
So, back at Fantasmic at least the really loud and borin guy kept me awake coz me little head and eyes started to realx with the sit down. It was probably me early mornins catchin up with uz coupled with the boredom of havin to sit still for more than five minutes. The 2 Buds and nice meal wouldnt have helped either, I suppose.
Sure enough, I nodded off for odd seconds through the show but Mickey managed to triumph over evil without me full attention. I managed to get through the whole finale though coz its one of me favourite Disney moments of them all.
Some Imagination, huh?
Getting out was the usual nightmare but at least the buses on demand system got us all away ASAP. All told, it took an hour from the end of the show to getting home.
The kids wanted to swim. They hadnt bee in the pool yet, so I sat poolside with me Amber Bock while V put some laundry in.
We sat for a while but by 9.50 I was failin fast. We called it a night and were in bed by 10. For once, I think I was the first asleep.
Right! Got to go. Its nearly 9.30 and the kids are nearly ready, V says.
Shes not mentioned it yet, so I think Ill let her think Ive forgotten too. Its 21 years to the day that Sunderland beat Aston Villa 1:0 at home. Oh, and V got married.
See yer later. Were off to Wet n Wild then Bomas tonight.
That sugar/salt thing eh?...Nice one!
