I had a wonderful 3 days there before heading on to my real business in FL. The weather was remarkable, the crowds were mostly lite while I was there, and I had a great time playing. The family was jealous of course, since they were at home, but after 15 years, my DW totally gets my obsession and doesn't really complain about my tacking on a few days here and there when I can. So I'm thankful for that.
I took a bunch of photos, but none of me there this time - just more landscapes, buildings and the like to add to my screensaver files at work. I DID experience the new American Idol attraction at the Studios. AI can be such a polarizing thing, in so many ways - you either like it, can't stand it, or just don't watch it - we watch it in our household, and all 5 of us get into it, I must admit... so I was a bit skeptical going to a theme park show - but I must say that I think they did a really good job. Now certainly having that particular brand involved, it had to be "good" - but I'll take it up a notch and say that it turned out between good and great.
While there it was a crazy kind of experience on Monday - in that I hit all 4 parks plus Blizzard Beach - and got to do everything that I really wanted to in each one! Started with the EMH morning at AK, then off to BB, then over to DTD for some lunch, MK for a short while, over to Epcot, and then over to DHS for EMH evening. Being just me I was able to do it - if I had anyone with me, it wouldn't have worked out. Did more of the same Sunday afternoon/evening and Tuesday morning/early afternoon before heading out to my conference in Tampa - but nothing like I was able to do on Monday. Previously my personal best was a triple park whammy with DTD thrown in, but wow - I was impressed. Got on Everest twice, and the Safari before leaving AK. Did all the big slides at BB (except for Summit Plummet), and went around the lazy river all the way. Then back to the resort for a quick change/clean up (was at All Star Music, so just down the road from BB), and off to DTD for a quick bite at Wolfgang Puck Express. Headed over to the Poly and rode the monorail to MK. Got on Space Mtn, Buzz & did COP then off to Epcot. Went around the WS lagoon and hit France and Norway's attractions. Then over to DHS and spent the rest of the evening there, starting with the AI Experience, and on to RNR, TOT and the Great Movie Ride. Obviously there were some stops here and there and I had a quick dinner at the studios at the Commissary. I did more attractions on Sunday and Tuesday to fill in the roster of stuff so between each of the 3 days, I really did do all of the "big" and truly classic attractions, and lots of the littler or lesser ones too. All in all I had a very enjoyable time there.
With that said, I also have some pics to share from my DW & my trip to
Disneyland last month to celebrate (albeit early) our 15th Anniversary. This past Thursday (12th) was the actual day - but we were able to enjoy a nice 4 day kid-free trip to DL in February. Here's a link with some photos of that trip... it was awesome.
http://s292.photobucket.com/albums/mm34/stopher1_photos/15th Anniversary at DL/?action=view¤t=7c298a78.pbw