WDW Semi-Wash Out Courtesy of Fay

[jaurban]

Well, it wasn't quite that bad, but I have never been in one place with so much rain day after day as in Orlando From Aug 18 - 25. But, carry on we did, perhaps to the chagrin of our traveling companions.

The cast:

Me
DH
DD5
BIL (husband's brother)
SIL
DNiece12

We have a DVC membership and last year some time decided it might be nice to invite our niece on my husband's side to Disney with us (she is the only cousin on my husband's side for our daughter). We then thought we would also invite BIL and SIL, but were not sure if they would be interested, as things Disney aren't really in their area of interest. Well, they accepted as a family, so we made the plans for Aug 18 - 25, based on school schedule (DD started kindergarten the day after we returned) and reserved a 2BR villa at the Villas at Wilderness Lodge with our DVC points. I made many specific plans, got the dining plan, made ADRs and reserved some events/activities, all along assuming I would have hot, humid weather, with the possibility of short afternoon thunderstorms. Well, of course we had all that and more, and plans were changed on the fly.....

We flew down from Chicago on Monday, August 18 (a day before Fay really hit) and the BIL family flew down from Philly at nearly the same time. We arrived essentially on time, met at baggage claim and got our rental car, all without incident. I should say that after we disembarked, but before we reached baggage, it started to pour - we had watched the rain move in from the air as we landed. Once in the car and on the way it rained on and off on our way to the resort, sometime so hard that cars did pull off to the side of the road, although we did not. That was the pre-cursor of what was to come I think.

Anyway, arrived at the resort, VWL, which was lovely (we had not previously stayed there) and check in was very easy. The clerk was quite friendly and I did not have any wait. She gave us 1st time buttons for the BIL family, however, they did not put them on... ... The whole process probably took about 5 minutes. I sent my DH to bell services to advise we were there as we had an Owners Locker that had been delivered and a grocery delivery from Garden Grocer that had also arrived. They said they would give us a few minutes, then come up. (We took our own luggage and did not ask for assistance, with 6 people, that was really pretty easy and faster.) I stopped at concierge to get our Hoop Dee Doo Revue tickets for that night, and we were on our way to the room.

I should note that all the Cast Members we encoutered were very friendly, and despite the weather, all appeared to be cheerful, even standing out in it. I am sure that is hard to do, but it certainly helped where things did not happen because of the weather.

 

[jaurban]

First night was Monday, Aug. 18 and we went from VWL via bus to Fort Wilderness for the 7:15 show of Hoop Dee Doo Revue. My DH and DD and I had seen it before, and my DH loved it, so requested it for this trip. I was not sure whether BIL's family would like it or whether SIL would like the food (she is more of a health nut than our family, but does eat other things, I found out). The bus came quickly and we were on our way. Stop is at the Settlement Depot, so no need for another bus at FW, we just walked over to the HDDR check in line, which was short at about 6:40, waited about 7 minutes, checked in and had our photo taken - and it turned out good - we all looked happy, so we did buy it at the table. I should note that the weather was fine that evening - cloudy and humid, but no rain yet. DD played in the playground with her cousin for a bit, then on to the show.

We sat in Category 2 seating, a table of 6, on the upstairs balcony, but directly in line with the stage. I was hoping for a floor table but this was really ok as far as sight lines. Our server was polite and refilled drinks, etc...This was 2 dining plan credits, and did include the gratuity, because I think the show is a set price (as opposed to a regular TS restaurant). The show was good, and the BIL family seemed to enjoy it, and did enjoy the meal as well. We had salad and cornbread and butter, ribs and chicken, mashed potatoes and beans. But, I thought two years ago we had corn on the cob, and so did DH, but we did not have that this time. Later in the week I overheard someone at WL talking about this so I am pretty sure it was on the menu previously. They would bring more of anything you asked for, but we did not need it. There was also strawberry shortcake for dessert. Two years ago the server asked and brought mac and cheese for DD, who clearly did not want the other food. This year, it was not an issue for her.

Anyway, show was good, food was good, weather was good. We waited a little while for the bus back to VWL, but it was an easy trip after that.

Got ready for the next day, which was supposed to be HS including Fantasmic.

 

[tink's girls]

I'm glad you had a good trip despite the rain! I guess a wet day in WDW is better than a dry day anywhere else!!

 

[jaurban]

We did have a good time, it just was not the trip I had planned or expected, but that is how it is sometimes I guess.

Anyway, on Aug. 19 we went to HS. It ended up that because of the approaching storm all the parks opened at 8 that day. So, we did arrive before nine, but could not manage to get there for the 8:00 rope drop. But, it was not all that crowded at that time any way. We did go immediately to Toy Story Mania to check the standby line, which was about 45 minutes, so I got fast passes, which were for 12:30, when I got them just around 9. (One hour of people ahead of me.) We then went over to ToT, which had a 20 minute standby. I walked in line with them (forgot to mention I am pregnant, 25 weeks then so could not ride the thrillers) and DD5, who had gone with us a year ago, started to cry in the anteroom where the CM gives the little speech before you go through the basement to the elevators. So, I took her out with me, and we watched for the photo of the rest of the group. Next, we went to RnR - and DD is not tall enough to ride, so the next melt down occurred. DH, BIL and niece went on standby, which was about 20 minutes, and DD cried - I think that if she had just been with us, she would have been ok if her Dad rode, but the fact that the cousin went on was too much. I got her a lemonade slush, still cried, and finally we went into the gift shop where the riders exit. A very nice lady at the check out counter started to talk to her and gave her a card that said next time when she comes, and is tall enough to ride, she can go to the front of the line. She was from Taiwan (and we had been there a few years ago for my DH business) and I mentioned that to DD, and the lady also wrote my daughter's name in Chinese for her.

So, we have done the biggies, and keeping an eye on the sky, diverted slightly from what I had planned, and decided to go to the 11:00 Indy show (my BIL is a big fan, and I wanted to make sure he saw it, and was afraid they might cancel if it started to rain). We did indeed see it, and could see the wind starting to whip up in the back of the scenery during the show. They did not do the airplane scene, and I was disappointed about that. Not sure if they never do it anymore, since the time seemed to be nearly up, or if they just did not do it because of the wind starting up.

As we are exiting, sprinkles begin. We decided to go over to Star Tours as the standby was not too bad. DD and I did not ride, and she ended up with a Princess Leia costume (I am way too easy) - as we spent the time in the shop because it started to pour! Well, after the rest exit, it had stopped a bit, and we started to walk to our lunch ADR at Brown Derby. As we walked, the rain started up again, so the ponchos came out again.

We had a 12:10 ADR and were seated right away, and I must say, it was not filled at that time. It did get more crowded while we were eating, but it never filled up. I am not sure if people abandoned their plans to come to the park or it just was not going to be busy there at lunch that day. Some of the streetmosphere characters stopped by the table during the lunch, and interacted with DD and really all of us, so that was interesting. The service was nice, although a bit slow between the lunch and dessert course. This is a 2 credit meal and the gratuity is extra (I also note that we were a party of 6 and I think that we would have had a gratuity added to our bill even if we were not on the dining plan.) I had the Cobb salad, and could not finish. Everyone else seemed to clean their plate, so I can only surmise they thought it was good. One tune entree, one grouper, one salmon, and DNiece had the pasta dish (fancy with veggies - not a big plate of pasta with meat sauce). We all got a different dessert and shared - mine was the chocolate cake, which was quite good. It was a nice break, although a bit longer than I thought it would take, especially since they were not that busy. So, it was nearly 1:30 when we left.

It was raining again, so on came the ponchos and we were off to Toy Story - that ride was great and everyone enjoyed it. SIL and DNiece went again in the single rider line and reportedly improved their scores significantly.

Since it appeared that the 3:00 Block Party would not happen because of the rain we went to Little Mermaid next and then I went to Playhouse Disney with DD. It think it was the 4:20 show and apparently the BIL family was tiring. My original plan had called for us to do some of the longer seated rides, like Great Movie Ride and the Backlot Tour, and Beauty and the Beast. I had also hoped to get in the HSM2 show, but don't think they do that in the rain. It was coming harder now....My goal had been to do those rides/shows, and get some counter service dinner, and get a good seat for Fantasmic at 9. Well, my plan was obviously too much, even without the weather, and now that the rain was coming, and everyone thought it would only get worse, we left the park. I don't know if they ultimately showed Fantasmic that night, and I had contemplated returning for the show, but we did not do that.

We drove back to VWL and we all decompressed a bit - and finally went in small groups to Roarin Fork to get some dinner. Since we ended up here a bit more than planned, I did get tired of the menu, which was not extensive, but the first night I had the Ham sandwich, but I was not so fond of the sauce, and it was big.

It continued to rain throughout the night, and we kept looking at the forecast path of Fay and the radar, and sort of thought it would pass by Wednesday morning, allowing us some more sunny days the rest of the week. Well, Fay slowed down, so we got wetter....

 

[jaurban]

Second full day, planned to be at MK at rope drop, which we were - took the bus from VWL, which was really very convenient - although a longer walk from the bus stop at MK to the gate than I thought - there were some fences up so we had to walk down close to the ferry landing and back up through the center. My family went right to Dumbo while I got SM FPs - and as I was going to meet up with them in Fantasyland, the rains started, not too bad in the morning, showers really, so we got a lot done in the first hour or so, Dumbo, Winnie the Pooh, Peter Pan, Snow White, Tea Cups, Carousel, and Small World, then the rest went to SM for their 10:10 return time, and I stood in the line for Aeriel, while it was raining, again. That was a 35 minute experience all together, as two groups from the front, Aeriel took a 5 minute break. We walked over to SM, BIL and niece rode twice, and walked through the trail to Toontown and hopped on the train to Frontierland. Got Splash Mountain FPs and the group, except me, rode BTMRR, DD had her eyes closed - although she later claimed to like it. Rain started again, so we walked across the park to the Plaza for our lunch ADR. It was a nice lunch, but the service was a a bit slow, and nothing spectacular, but adequate. Watched the rain come down hard during lunch. After, I grabbed FPs for Philharmagic and we stuck to our plan to return to the resort. The boat was there so we took that back, which was pretty quick. So, back there by 2 or so.

Had some down time at the resort, SIL, niece and DD went swimming, even though it was still raining lightly.

We returned to MK around 6 - went to Tree House, Aladdin and POTC and then Splash, but didn't really need the FPs, rode HM too and had dinner at Columbia Harbor House. I had liked it on prior trips, but was disappointed in the menu changes. I am not a fish fan, the others are, and usually had the ham sandwich, but that was gone, so I had a BLT salad, which is a salad with chicken nuggets. And, all the chicken meals were nuggets now, and not strips. Still lots of seating, which is good, but the food and choices had been better in past years. But, slow getting the food.

Back to Fantasyland for Philharmagic and Small World again - then to Toontown to see the Princesses - it was close to 9 by now, and we waited about 20 minutes for our turn. It was raining on and off the whole evening. DD wanted to ride the Barnstormer, but we came out at 9:30 and there were no more rides as they were closing for Wishes. So, we went to choose a spot. It really was not crowded, as I had expected it to be before Fay, and I wanted to go a bit further back near the Crystal Palace, but DH stopped me at the hub, near the Walt & Mickey statute. It was ok, but I think you get a better view of the fireworks over the castle if you stand back just a bit farther. It was windy, as you could see the fireworks blow to the right. Tink did not fly, and it rained the whole time. So, afterwards, it was a very wet slog back down Main Street and to the bus. But, since it was not crowded it was nothing like the walk we had after Wishes once, when DD was nearly asleep (in retrospect, we should have sat at a bench and let everyone go by and walked later). We were down Main Street in about 10 minutes.

Back to the resort about 11:15 ish, very wet, but did not plan an early day for TH. Just kept looking up the radar and thinking that by tomorrow, Fay would surely move out of range...

 

[jaurban]

Thursday was a late start day, as I had reservations for the My Girl's Perfectly Princess Tea for my DD5 and me. The rest of the group was given the option to drive with me to the Grand Floridian, and then take the monorail to TTC and to Epcot, if they were ready by 9:45, or go to Epcot and I would join them in the afternoon. Well, on that front, I think DNiece slept in quite long, and they eventually tried to take the bus from VWL to Epcot around noon, but they reported that it didn't come and after about 40 minutes they gave up and went back to the room. Once I returned we drove to Epcot.

But, first, the Tea. There were about 15 girls, most in the 4 - 6 range, and 1 a bit older, a sister of one I think, and one brother and one dad. Most girls dressed in Princess Aurora gowns or pink, there were two Belles, and a few girls without costumes. Each girl was announced, sprinkled with rose petals, given a crown and escorted to their table. An actress called Rose Petal does most of the show, with an organ player called Baron Branch. That is done while the tea service is integrated into the program. The girls get apple juice and the adults get real tea, served nicely, (real leaves in the pot poured through a strainer, not tea bags) and a very cute tea cozy on the pot. The adults get a plate with some small quarter size sandwiches, shrimp salad, egg salad and chicken salad I think, grapes, cheese and crackers. I liked most of my cheese selections, and the crackers, munched on the grapes and had a few bites of sandwich - but surprisingly was not that hungry - it was 10:45 ish in the morning when this was served. The kids get ham sandwiches, in the same size, grapes and peanut butter, I thought - my daughter nibbled at this. The big prize is of course the doll - it looked like Princess Aurora, and I think is the American Girl size. Each girl had one, and had a bracelet that came out of her napkin when she was instructed to open it up.

Rose Petal does some songs and interaction with the girls - and at one point did the greeting for Aurora in sign language, and my daughter was picked to demonstrate - she really likes it actually, and was very pleased to show her hand movements. (She is not hearing impaired, but likes the motion of the language - so seems to pick these things up where they are done.)

Aurora comes, and visits with each girl, takes photos and signs autographs, and gives each girl a real rose. The cake is served, which I found to be good.

After the event, near noon, the girls lined up for a parade up to the shop on the second floor where they get a certificate for their doll, and in the bag were some stickers - and of course there is the temptation to purchase other stuff, which we did.

During Rose Petal's presentation for a moment here and there it almost looked like the sun was trying to peak through, and she mentioned it. We were seated in what I would call a sun room, near the bak of the hotel, with windows that looked on the grounds. Those were a few hopeful moments.

When I got the car to return, there were rain showers again.

Anyway, after regrouping at VWL with the rest, we headed to Epcot - not as soon as I had hoped for them to get some FPs or rides. So, we did get Soarin FPs at around 2ish with a return time of 7:30 - so an indication that that park was not all that crowded but was full enough. We rode Livin with the Land, and rode Nemo and then got the Disney Visa photo in Innovations - it was Mickey and Pluto, and we got a very good photo of DNiece with Mickey. I will order that for them (got a different group one there).

We headed to Canada, and the rain started in again, we saw the film, and proceeded - we looked briefly at UK, but since BILs family did not really seem to be interested in looking inside the shops, and it was kind of pouring, we did not linger. Made it to France, and saw the film, which they remarked was rather dated. It was still pouring - and then it was time for our 5:30 ADR at Chefs de France. It was not terribly crowded when we entered, and we did not wait and got a nice table for 6 near the windows - but were witness to downpour nearly the whole time. Not too many people hanging outside - they would scurry by.

We had a nice waiter, and a good meal - not too fast, but I didn't mind here as it really seemed there was nothing other to do but wander through the rain. Liked the Onion Soup, I had the beef ribs in cabernet sauce - and those were ok (a bit dry) but not bad really. Great hot rolls too.

So, after, we decide that it was close enough to the Soarin time to go back to use the FPs, and that it did not seem necessary to get an early spot for Illuminations, due to the rain. Wind was picking up now too. Slogged back to the Land, rode Soarin, and then thought about picking a spot for the show - and it was windy out - the trash cans were banging about and it looked like some CMs were trying to secure stuff. ANyway, there was a sign indicating that ILluminations had been cancelled, so that was our answer (about 8:30 now) and we exited (I did stop to pick up my photo at the camera center). Everyone very wet on the way to the car and getting it - we were far down the row from the tram....

Lots of weary looks from all of us this night. But CMs were trying very hard to be cheerful.

 

[jaurban]

Friday morning (Aug. 22) I had only scheduled a Back Trail Segway Tour for my DH and BIL at Fort Wilderness. We were concerned about cancellation due to rain, but they went on schedule at 8:30 am. They took the bus from VWL to the Fort, came promptly, and got off at the Settlement Depot and walked to Mickey's Backyard BBQ - where the tour started. There was another group of about 6 with them, so a small group of 8 in all. The staff gave them ponchos, and said this trip goes rain or shine (I suppose extreme weather would cause a cancellation) - and they use an off-road Segway, so it is different than the Segway used at Epcot. The tour was about 15 minutes of instruction, and the rest was ride time - though the campgrounds, over to WL - they drove on the path past our room. Done about 10:30 - so all in all, a very good tour. Did not rain hard on them. This was the highlight for DH.

In my initial plan, we were considering the waterpark, but given the weather, we abandoned that plan and decided to go back to MK and pick up some things that we missed. So, we got there around lunch time, and went to Tomorrowland, got SM FPs again, and visited Monster's Inc. Laugh Floor, which was cute, saw Buzz Lightyear, rode the Carousel of Progress and TTA and Buzz Lightyear. Rain came hard on and off during this time. I took DD to Cosmic Ray's for a lunch and the others went to SM. Then we journeyed to the Hall of Presidents at around 4:30. BIL and SIL went back and DH, DD, me and DNiece went on Small World, went to Toontown, as DD wanted to ride Barnstormer - she also wanted to show her cousin Mickey and Minnie's houses. We decided to take the train back to Main Street, so DD played in the playground until it arrived. It started to pour again, on the train. We got the bus back to VWL and arrived around 5:30 or 6.

The weather was spotty, so we considered whether to try to see Fantasmic, which was to be at 9. SIL stayed behind, but we arrived around 7:15 and BIL and DNiece decided to ride ToT again- and just as we were purchasing DD popcorn, the sky opened up. We hung out under the popcorn cart for about 20 minutes, and then it seemed to stop. We asked the CM whether Fantasmic would be cancelled, and she said they try to have the show and don't make a decision until the last minute. Well, we wandered up there and chose seats. In the middle, high up (Mickey section I think). The stadium never filled, the two sections to our left never were used. BIL and DNiece joined us about 8:15. This whole time it would be fine, then there would be rain, sometimes hard, then it would stop. It seemed like every 10 or 15 minutes or so there would be a hard shower, some more so than others. They brought some barges out, and at one point it seemed that some characters were getting in place, but then retreated. At 9 they announced it would be delayed, so we were still hopeful, but about 10 minutes later it was cancelled, and they shot off the fireworks in place (about 5 minutes worth). So, poor choice on our part, as we were soaked by the time we got to the car.

Kept looking at the radar and hoping Fay would finally pass.

 

[jaurban]

Saturday Aug. 23 was our planned Animal Kingdom day - and guess what, it was not raining in the morning! Yea! We got there just after rope drop - just not possible to have the group move more quickly - I got the idea that they really didn't like getting up (and I had asked them this before) so next time we have guests I will try to do a better job of finding out how they tick... and plan accordingly.

Anyway, AK is the kind of park that feels more crowded than it is because of the way the walkways are set up. We didn't get the time to explore some of the trails and areas as I would have liked, but it was ok. I went off to EE to get FPs and sent the rest of the group to Dinoland - got my daughter on Triceratop Spin - on the first ride, and she was going again as I arrived. The others then went on Primeaval Whirl - and DD cried and cried as she was not tall enough. A nice CM gave her a certificate for front of the line next time she comes and is tall enough, and I got her a mister fan that she had wanted for some time (I am a sucker). Half the group rode again, and another CM came over while I was buying the fan and led her back to Triceratop Spin and she rode twice more and got a Magic Moment certificate. I should note that there were really no lines in Dinoland at this time at all for anything.

Since it was nearing 9:45 we skipped Dinosaur, and went to the 10:00 Nemo show. It was probably only 1/2 full (a CM said the first show is not full, but the others usually are). I enjoyed it and think the others did - and we were done about 10:40 - and went to EE for the ride. Two people went twice (my DD declined and I can't ride right now - so there were two left over FPs). We made the 11:30 Flights of Wonder show, took a stroll on the Maharajah Trek (tigers hiding near the exhibit walls to keep out of the heat) and then made our 12:30 ADR at the Yak & Yeti. Also got FPs for Kali Rapids.

Food was fine and service was pleasant, but a bit slow for lunch. We spent about 1 1/2 and I was hoping for an hour. But, it was air conditioned and had nice seating. I could see the sky change a bit while we were eating - so some clouds were blowing in.

Since lunch took a bit longer than I had hoped, we went to the Safari and grabbed FPs then went to Camp Mickey Minnie for the Lion King Show - had enough time before to do three character trails with DD - Goofy, Donald & Minnie. The show at 3 was not full either - about 3/4 I would say, and was great, colorful and active. The rain started while we were waiting to enter, not too hard, but enough to be a bit annoying if you had suffered constant rain for the past few days. If that had been it all week, I would have called it refreshing.

After the show, returned to the Safari, and told the group we would save Kali for last - because of the wet factor. Well, I could not ride (pregnant, and concerned about the bumps on the ride) - so I took a spot near the start of the parade route, which was to start at 4 (about 10 minutes away). There was plenty of room on the route, so depsite the apparent crowds in the walks, the park was really not that crowded. Well, it rained again, and I got a poncho - but it was over by 4 and the parade started. I watched about 10 minutes of it, then wandered back near the Safari exit to watch for my group. Well, the sky opened up then and I took shelter under a cluster of trees. After a few minutes I saw the parade return, more quickly - so not sure if they made the circuit or what they did, and whether some of the walkers (like the stilt walkers) simply dismount and go into another CM area depending where they are). I finally saw my family, and motioned them in to the shop - where we waited until it seemed to let up some. We decided to leave then, no need for Kali anymore.... so got back to the resort around 5:30 or so.

Well, I had a Wishes cruise planned for the evening, which was to be a surprise for the BIL familiy and DD. I was very uncertain as to whether it would happen because of the weather so spent some anxious moments looking at the radar, and even went to the dock to check. They said decision time would be at 9:00 - our meeting time.

I took DD to the pool for a bit (rain had let up) and she did go on the slide, with a life jacket, - but that was progress for her.

So, our cruise happened! We had a very nice captain, Megan I think, from Ohio, who drives the pontoon boats on weekends, and has a different job during the week. We had a short tour of the resort areas around Bay Lake and the islands, parked about 9:25 for the Electric Water Parade, which was cute, and then drove over to the Seven Seas Lagoon, went by the Poly and Grand Floridian, and then parked facing the castle for Wishes. We got the audio feed and the show went off nicely - not much wind, so the fireworks stayed over the castle. A farther view, but a nice perspective, and somewhat private (there probably were about 20 boats lined up out there). Because of the distance, the sound does not match the show as much, and it was perceptible to BIL and Niece, but I did not really notice.

We returned with no issues, and it turned out to be quite a nice evening.