Welcome to the Wilmot's Wild World of Humidity! May 27-June 4, 2011 - Updated 7/22
- Thread starter rgoble5972
- Start date
EeyoreEeyoreOh
Earning My Ears
- Joined
- Jul 7, 2011
- Messages
- 5
All caught up now. Let's have some more, please!
rgoble5972
Are we there yet?
- Joined
- Feb 4, 2001
- Messages
- 276
Please, please continue! You have a real talent for writing,and it's funny stuff!!
Thanks. I'll try to have another update by this afternoon.
Doesn't life and work just get in the way of important things like trip reports?!?!
rgoble5972
Are we there yet?
- Joined
- Feb 4, 2001
- Messages
- 276
Thursday, June 2nd Were Chaffed to Bits
We were up and at em again this morning to meet Paula and Wes at the appointed time (that would be 9:00). We were headed to the Animal Kingdom (by way of Blizzard Beach) this morning. We were at the part in the standard water park spiel where the announcer says that young children in diapers must wear swim diapers or plastic pants at all times in the water park. Paula, not realizing that we were listening to a water park announcement and thinking that it was the regular Animal Kingdom announcement that we were hearing, started and looked up quickly when she only heard must wear plastic pants in the park at all times. When I explained that the announcement was referring to WATER parks, she was much relieved. Im fairly certain that if you wore plastic pants to a park during the summer heat and humidity, youd sweat to death in a matter of hours.
Another announcement that always makes me laugh is the generic up and off the bus announcement that says to gather all your personal belongings and take small children by the hand. Apparently it doesnt matter if theyre necessarily YOUR small children or not. Just take small children in general by the hand (and watch them (and their parents) freak out).
Once in the park Larry obligingly headed to Expedition Everest for Fast Passes while Paula, Wes and I made our way to Africa and Kilimanjaro Safari. When Larry showed up we got our usual pineapple spears (it must be the power of suggestion that makes us crave pineapple when were at the Animal Kingdom) and I even found the fruit, cheese and cracker snack that I had been looking for all week. Unfortunately, it wasnt available as a snack credit, but I bought one anyway just because I had been craving it all week and this was the first time I had seen one. Paula was having trouble with one of her legs cramping so she wanted to sit a bit until it felt better. Wes went to the fruit stand and got a banana for her.
One of Devine's lesser known and not quite so impressive siblings.
Larry and I decided to walk the Pangani Trail while Paula rested her leg so Larry could get some pictures. Paula and Wes said theyd come along behind us in a little while. Once we were all through the trail we were able to get Fast Passes for Kilimanjaro Safari before heading to Expedition Everest to use our first Fast Passes.
I love all the details, like the wiring in Nepal. Larry would tell you that it's Nepalling. And he'd tell you several times just to make sure you got it.
Wes doesnt do Everest so he split off to find a bathroom and then meet up with us in the gift shop later. Since Larry and I had already ridden Everest in the front car earlier in the week, I told Paula and Larry that they should queue for the front and I would go it alone. I was put on the waiting train and they were on the very next train behind me.
Wes came in to the gift shop just a few seconds after I finished my ride and Paula and Larry were just a few minutes after that.
When offered the choice between Chinese food, Barbeque, or pizza for lunch, the majority thought Chinese food sounded best so we struck out for Yak and Yeti Counter Service. Larry peeled off from the group as we went past Kali River Rapids so he could pick up Fast Passes while the rest of us went on ahead to order. Larry wanted his usual Sweet and Sour Chicken for lunch but I wasnt in the mood for something as heavy as my usual Honey Chicken, especially since I had just had it a few days earlier. I opted instead to use up a couple of our massive supply of snack credits on an order of Fried Rice and an Egg Roll. I got two cups of ice water along with the beverage that came with Larrys meal for us to drink and the chocolate cake (minus the hour or two in my purse in the heat) for our dessert.
We found a table in the back and enjoyed our meal in the company of a few well mannered ducks. I did feel bad that I had a packet of Duck Sauce on our tray for my egg roll. I hope they didnt notice. Paula and Wes had both opted for the Frozen Lemonade for their dessert option and were having a bit of an issue with the tartness factor of the lemonade. Paula offered a bite to me (Why do you always make the people you love taste the vile food that you hate? And, better yet, why do you always go ahead and taste it when theyve already said it was bad?) and I agreed that it was some seriously sour toxic lemonade. Paula abandoned hers halfway through. Wes manfully finished his, but only because it was cool.
After lunch, it was time for our Kilimanjaro Fast Passes so we traipsed off to Africa and boarded our waiting vehicle. Wes and I graciously offered to put Larry and Paula on the outsides of the row since they are the ones that take pictures. Larry was on the outside left, then me, then Wes, and then Paula on the outside right. We saw tons of animals on this particular safari (so much for them being less active in the heat of the day), all of which were on the Left side of the truck. We felt bad for Paula that she wasnt getting any pictures but it actually became so sad it was funny. (People on the left side of the truck: we hate the people on the right side of the truck. They are ruining everything.) I think she finally got a good picture of three white rhinos and one of an ostrich, but that was seriously about it. We even got to see two elephants playing in the water together to cool off. It was so hot, I was kind of hoping one of them would squirt us.
This real elephant on the Safari was hot, you could tell. I don't know why they don't teach them that sit-in-a-pool-with-your-front-legs-in-the-air-trick like they do on the Jungle Cruise, though.
Yeah, like that.
After the safari, since we were headed back to Asia anyway for Kali River Rapids, we stopped at Flights of Wonder just in time for the next show. I like the fact that you can get a different show every time depending on what the birds will or will not do. Today, for example, the hawk wouldnt fly because there was a duck (not part of the show) flying around in the theater. (Maybe he had heard about the duck sauce and was staging a protest.) Ive never really seen a hawk that was afraid of a duck before, but this one was, at the very least, intimidated by the duck.
After the show, Paula and I were debating whether we should do Kali River Rapids or the Maharajah Jungle trail next. I said that we should walk the trail first because, if we got really soaked on the Rapids, we might be too wet for tigers afterwards. About this time Larry came up and asked what was next and we told him we were debating between Kali River Rapids and seeing the tigers. Larry immediately said we should do the trail first because no one wanted to be too wet for tigers. I personally think Too Wet for Tigers would make an excellent name for a band. You could even spell it ala Prince with the numbers instead of words: 2 Wet 4 Tigers. Do you think maybe Prince was the godfather of bad texting spelling and grammar?
Anyway, Jungle trail it was. First up were the bats and they were, um, manly shall we say? I dont think there was a female bat in the whole bunch. Am I the only one who thinks that their, how shall I say it, nether-regions look like Hidden Mickeys? I mean, I know the Imagineers are good but .
Paula and Larry both got some excellent Tiger pictures because, just as we got to the Tigers area, a Cast Member came to tempt them out into the open with a lovely snack of raw, giant meatballs. Yum. As Paula said, for all we know, the meatballs were made of Cast Members who didnt keep up that peppy Disney attitude.
I can has Cast Member cheezburger?
Further along the trail, Larry and I ran into the most needy Cast Member ever. Somehow Paula and Wes managed to escape his clutches. We had stopped for just a second along the path (my foot was on fire and I was just stopping for a moment to shift all my weight on to my other foot and let the hurt one rest) when the Cast Member leeched up to us and said, Tigers. Are you looking for tigers? I can help you find tigers. Do you want to talk about animals? Whats your favorite animal and Ill tell you about it. Do you like tigers or monkeys? When Larry said that he liked the hippopotamus, the CM looked hurt and said, Well, obviously those are on the OTHER trail, but I can tell you about monkeys. Everybody loves monkeys! Why if you look over this way We said a polite thank you and began to move away.
Dont leave me! his eyes screamed at us. I have to tell people about the animals! Dont let them make me into Tiger Meatballs! I felt bad for backing away. Soylent Green is PEOPLE!
After we made our escape, I felt almost sorry for the poor man, but Larry was a bit less kind. When I want to talk to you, Ill give you a sign. Like, my lips will be moving!
"Ancient" paintings in the "ancient" ruins. And by "ancient" I mean 13 years old.
By this time, hot was a word that wouldnt even begin to describe the ambient temperature. I was feeling the effects of having only had a small cup of water and half of a diet coke to drink, so I felt the need for some serious rehydration. I told Larry, Paula, and Wes that while they went on Kali River Rapids and rehydrated their outsides, I was going to get a coke the size of my head, sit in the shade somewhere and hydrate my insides. They went off for the ride while I got a large diet coke at Yak and Yeti and found a large rock under a tree close to the exit of Kali River Rapids.
I was feeling almost human again by the time they showed up. It looked like Paula had taken the brunt of the water and she was walking that special way that only sopping wet denim shorts can make you walk. Im chaffed to bits! was her assessment.
It was after 4:00 and we were all lagging so we decided wed go back to the resort for some rest. I had been wanting to go swimming all week but always wimped out once I got back to the air conditioned room and heard the bed calling my name, so I vowed that I was getting in the pool this afternoon or die trying!
Back at the hotel, Larry opted for a nap but Paula and Wes said that they were going to rest for just a few minutes and then theyd meet me at the pool. I got changed into my swimming suit, grabbed a beach towel that wed brought from home and then found a table by the pool where I could leave my sandals/towel, etc.
As I walked over to the steps of the pool, I noticed a father and his two children swimming around the area. There was a boy who looked about 5 and a girl who looked about 8. As I started descending the steps into the pool the little boy came over to me, stared for a moment, blinked, and then stated, You look funny. Gee, thanks kid.
I do? I asked.
Yep, he said. Your legs look funny.
By this time, the father had heard him and was absolutely mortified. Carter, come here! he hissed. Get over here RIGHT NOW!
Wanting to clarify why my legs looked funny, I spoke again. Because theyre so white? I prompted.
Yes, he replied. They look funny.
The big sister, who had also heard the exchange, paddled calmly by now and said, I think you look very pretty today, maam.
Thank you, I said, winking at her as the dad had reached Carter by now and was not-so-gently removing him from the pool by one arm and was whispering, Dont you EVER say that to anyone! I mean it! as he pulled Carter back to their table and, what I can only assume was a time-out.
Hurrying to get my funny looking legs into the water and out of sight, I finished descending into the pool which was the perfect temperature and felt like sliding into a little slice of heaven. Paula and Wes showed up before too long and we spent a good hour or so just enjoying the fact that we actually had chill bumps on our arms.
I got out of the pool first and sat at the table to dry off for a bit. Paula and Wes soon joined me and we decided that we were starving! I dont know why swimming always makes you so hungry. I decided that two snack options did not a lunch make, so I was ready for some food. We decided that wed all go and get cleaned up and meet back at the pool at 8:00 to take a bus to Downtown Disney to eat at Wolfgang Puck Express.
I went back to the room, got a shower and then woke Larry up. We were dressed and ready to go by 8:00 and on the Downtown Disney bus with Paula and Wes by 8:15.
Once we got to Downtown Disney, we headed straight for Wolfgang Puck Express. There was a bit of a queue, but it moved fairly quickly. While we stood in line we got to look at the food that belonged to people sitting close by and everything we saw looked delicious. I finally decided on the Margherita Pizza (tomatoes, mozzarella, parmesan and fresh basil) while Larry got the Spaghetti and Meatballs. We both opted for the crème brulee for dessert. Paula and Wes both got pizza too (Paula got the four cheese pesto and I cant remember what Wes had, but it looked good too). Wes got crème brulee but Paula had the cheesecake.
We quickly decided that this was the best meal of the whole trip. I hate to even mention it because I dont want to give Disney any ideas, but I would not be disappointed in this as a table service option, much less a quick service meal. Anyway, we enjoyed the meal immensely and just about licked our plates clean.
Afterwards we browsed through several shops. We looked through the Gourmet Pantry and the Earl of Sandwich. When did they quit carrying the UK merchandise at Earl of Sandwich? Last time I was there they had a little collection of tea pots, t-shirts, double-decker busses, etc.
Legomaleficent. Which would be a great name for a Death Metal Band.
I was looking for something small to bring back to the folks in my office (theres 14 of us) and hit the jackpot in Fun Finds where I found some Mickey pencil sets. Two sets of those and some Disney character chocolate coins from Goofys Candy Company and I was in good shape. Larry also picked up some candy to take back to his office as well.
We found Paula and Wes looking through the pin store. We quickly went through Team Mickey and TrenD (I find it very scary in there. What have they done to Minnie to make her so anorexic and misshapen?), stopped off at Ghirardelli for a free chocolate sample and then went to World of Disney so I could pick up a monorail t-shirt for my nephew.
After a little more browsing, we decided to call it a night. Larry wanted to walk through Please Island to see the carnage of the closed up Comedy Warehouse and Adventurers Club so he said that he would take a quick stroll through and just meet us back at the resort.
As Paula, Wes and I walked back across the Marketplace, we passed by the Little Miss Matched store for the first time. Holy cow! That store is like a color seizure. Its so bright that I think I actually burned my retinas just looking at it. I was like they cranked the color up to 11 and ripped off the knob!
Jam-packed with Kapow!
We headed to the Marketplace bus stop where we didnt have too long a wait for the next bus. The bus driver loaded all of the passengers and then proceeded to drive with the internal lights on to the West Side bus stop where Larry was waiting. After Larry got aboard, we drove for at least 10 more minutes and could still see Downtown Disney. Thats one drawback about Downtown Disney at night: it has so much traffic and stop lights around it that it takes forever to get anywhere.
We finally made it back to the room around 11:45. Larry was thirsty so he volunteered to make a quick run to the food court for some diet cokes. He was back by midnight.
We were up and at em again this morning to meet Paula and Wes at the appointed time (that would be 9:00). We were headed to the Animal Kingdom (by way of Blizzard Beach) this morning. We were at the part in the standard water park spiel where the announcer says that young children in diapers must wear swim diapers or plastic pants at all times in the water park. Paula, not realizing that we were listening to a water park announcement and thinking that it was the regular Animal Kingdom announcement that we were hearing, started and looked up quickly when she only heard must wear plastic pants in the park at all times. When I explained that the announcement was referring to WATER parks, she was much relieved. Im fairly certain that if you wore plastic pants to a park during the summer heat and humidity, youd sweat to death in a matter of hours.
Another announcement that always makes me laugh is the generic up and off the bus announcement that says to gather all your personal belongings and take small children by the hand. Apparently it doesnt matter if theyre necessarily YOUR small children or not. Just take small children in general by the hand (and watch them (and their parents) freak out).
Once in the park Larry obligingly headed to Expedition Everest for Fast Passes while Paula, Wes and I made our way to Africa and Kilimanjaro Safari. When Larry showed up we got our usual pineapple spears (it must be the power of suggestion that makes us crave pineapple when were at the Animal Kingdom) and I even found the fruit, cheese and cracker snack that I had been looking for all week. Unfortunately, it wasnt available as a snack credit, but I bought one anyway just because I had been craving it all week and this was the first time I had seen one. Paula was having trouble with one of her legs cramping so she wanted to sit a bit until it felt better. Wes went to the fruit stand and got a banana for her.
One of Devine's lesser known and not quite so impressive siblings.
Larry and I decided to walk the Pangani Trail while Paula rested her leg so Larry could get some pictures. Paula and Wes said theyd come along behind us in a little while. Once we were all through the trail we were able to get Fast Passes for Kilimanjaro Safari before heading to Expedition Everest to use our first Fast Passes.
I love all the details, like the wiring in Nepal. Larry would tell you that it's Nepalling. And he'd tell you several times just to make sure you got it.
Wes doesnt do Everest so he split off to find a bathroom and then meet up with us in the gift shop later. Since Larry and I had already ridden Everest in the front car earlier in the week, I told Paula and Larry that they should queue for the front and I would go it alone. I was put on the waiting train and they were on the very next train behind me.
Wes came in to the gift shop just a few seconds after I finished my ride and Paula and Larry were just a few minutes after that.
When offered the choice between Chinese food, Barbeque, or pizza for lunch, the majority thought Chinese food sounded best so we struck out for Yak and Yeti Counter Service. Larry peeled off from the group as we went past Kali River Rapids so he could pick up Fast Passes while the rest of us went on ahead to order. Larry wanted his usual Sweet and Sour Chicken for lunch but I wasnt in the mood for something as heavy as my usual Honey Chicken, especially since I had just had it a few days earlier. I opted instead to use up a couple of our massive supply of snack credits on an order of Fried Rice and an Egg Roll. I got two cups of ice water along with the beverage that came with Larrys meal for us to drink and the chocolate cake (minus the hour or two in my purse in the heat) for our dessert.
We found a table in the back and enjoyed our meal in the company of a few well mannered ducks. I did feel bad that I had a packet of Duck Sauce on our tray for my egg roll. I hope they didnt notice. Paula and Wes had both opted for the Frozen Lemonade for their dessert option and were having a bit of an issue with the tartness factor of the lemonade. Paula offered a bite to me (Why do you always make the people you love taste the vile food that you hate? And, better yet, why do you always go ahead and taste it when theyve already said it was bad?) and I agreed that it was some seriously sour toxic lemonade. Paula abandoned hers halfway through. Wes manfully finished his, but only because it was cool.
After lunch, it was time for our Kilimanjaro Fast Passes so we traipsed off to Africa and boarded our waiting vehicle. Wes and I graciously offered to put Larry and Paula on the outsides of the row since they are the ones that take pictures. Larry was on the outside left, then me, then Wes, and then Paula on the outside right. We saw tons of animals on this particular safari (so much for them being less active in the heat of the day), all of which were on the Left side of the truck. We felt bad for Paula that she wasnt getting any pictures but it actually became so sad it was funny. (People on the left side of the truck: we hate the people on the right side of the truck. They are ruining everything.) I think she finally got a good picture of three white rhinos and one of an ostrich, but that was seriously about it. We even got to see two elephants playing in the water together to cool off. It was so hot, I was kind of hoping one of them would squirt us.
This real elephant on the Safari was hot, you could tell. I don't know why they don't teach them that sit-in-a-pool-with-your-front-legs-in-the-air-trick like they do on the Jungle Cruise, though.
Yeah, like that.
After the safari, since we were headed back to Asia anyway for Kali River Rapids, we stopped at Flights of Wonder just in time for the next show. I like the fact that you can get a different show every time depending on what the birds will or will not do. Today, for example, the hawk wouldnt fly because there was a duck (not part of the show) flying around in the theater. (Maybe he had heard about the duck sauce and was staging a protest.) Ive never really seen a hawk that was afraid of a duck before, but this one was, at the very least, intimidated by the duck.
After the show, Paula and I were debating whether we should do Kali River Rapids or the Maharajah Jungle trail next. I said that we should walk the trail first because, if we got really soaked on the Rapids, we might be too wet for tigers afterwards. About this time Larry came up and asked what was next and we told him we were debating between Kali River Rapids and seeing the tigers. Larry immediately said we should do the trail first because no one wanted to be too wet for tigers. I personally think Too Wet for Tigers would make an excellent name for a band. You could even spell it ala Prince with the numbers instead of words: 2 Wet 4 Tigers. Do you think maybe Prince was the godfather of bad texting spelling and grammar?
Anyway, Jungle trail it was. First up were the bats and they were, um, manly shall we say? I dont think there was a female bat in the whole bunch. Am I the only one who thinks that their, how shall I say it, nether-regions look like Hidden Mickeys? I mean, I know the Imagineers are good but .
Paula and Larry both got some excellent Tiger pictures because, just as we got to the Tigers area, a Cast Member came to tempt them out into the open with a lovely snack of raw, giant meatballs. Yum. As Paula said, for all we know, the meatballs were made of Cast Members who didnt keep up that peppy Disney attitude.
I can has Cast Member cheezburger?
Further along the trail, Larry and I ran into the most needy Cast Member ever. Somehow Paula and Wes managed to escape his clutches. We had stopped for just a second along the path (my foot was on fire and I was just stopping for a moment to shift all my weight on to my other foot and let the hurt one rest) when the Cast Member leeched up to us and said, Tigers. Are you looking for tigers? I can help you find tigers. Do you want to talk about animals? Whats your favorite animal and Ill tell you about it. Do you like tigers or monkeys? When Larry said that he liked the hippopotamus, the CM looked hurt and said, Well, obviously those are on the OTHER trail, but I can tell you about monkeys. Everybody loves monkeys! Why if you look over this way We said a polite thank you and began to move away.
Dont leave me! his eyes screamed at us. I have to tell people about the animals! Dont let them make me into Tiger Meatballs! I felt bad for backing away. Soylent Green is PEOPLE!
After we made our escape, I felt almost sorry for the poor man, but Larry was a bit less kind. When I want to talk to you, Ill give you a sign. Like, my lips will be moving!
"Ancient" paintings in the "ancient" ruins. And by "ancient" I mean 13 years old.
By this time, hot was a word that wouldnt even begin to describe the ambient temperature. I was feeling the effects of having only had a small cup of water and half of a diet coke to drink, so I felt the need for some serious rehydration. I told Larry, Paula, and Wes that while they went on Kali River Rapids and rehydrated their outsides, I was going to get a coke the size of my head, sit in the shade somewhere and hydrate my insides. They went off for the ride while I got a large diet coke at Yak and Yeti and found a large rock under a tree close to the exit of Kali River Rapids.
I was feeling almost human again by the time they showed up. It looked like Paula had taken the brunt of the water and she was walking that special way that only sopping wet denim shorts can make you walk. Im chaffed to bits! was her assessment.
It was after 4:00 and we were all lagging so we decided wed go back to the resort for some rest. I had been wanting to go swimming all week but always wimped out once I got back to the air conditioned room and heard the bed calling my name, so I vowed that I was getting in the pool this afternoon or die trying!
Back at the hotel, Larry opted for a nap but Paula and Wes said that they were going to rest for just a few minutes and then theyd meet me at the pool. I got changed into my swimming suit, grabbed a beach towel that wed brought from home and then found a table by the pool where I could leave my sandals/towel, etc.
As I walked over to the steps of the pool, I noticed a father and his two children swimming around the area. There was a boy who looked about 5 and a girl who looked about 8. As I started descending the steps into the pool the little boy came over to me, stared for a moment, blinked, and then stated, You look funny. Gee, thanks kid.
I do? I asked.
Yep, he said. Your legs look funny.
By this time, the father had heard him and was absolutely mortified. Carter, come here! he hissed. Get over here RIGHT NOW!
Wanting to clarify why my legs looked funny, I spoke again. Because theyre so white? I prompted.
Yes, he replied. They look funny.
The big sister, who had also heard the exchange, paddled calmly by now and said, I think you look very pretty today, maam.
Thank you, I said, winking at her as the dad had reached Carter by now and was not-so-gently removing him from the pool by one arm and was whispering, Dont you EVER say that to anyone! I mean it! as he pulled Carter back to their table and, what I can only assume was a time-out.
Hurrying to get my funny looking legs into the water and out of sight, I finished descending into the pool which was the perfect temperature and felt like sliding into a little slice of heaven. Paula and Wes showed up before too long and we spent a good hour or so just enjoying the fact that we actually had chill bumps on our arms.
I got out of the pool first and sat at the table to dry off for a bit. Paula and Wes soon joined me and we decided that we were starving! I dont know why swimming always makes you so hungry. I decided that two snack options did not a lunch make, so I was ready for some food. We decided that wed all go and get cleaned up and meet back at the pool at 8:00 to take a bus to Downtown Disney to eat at Wolfgang Puck Express.
I went back to the room, got a shower and then woke Larry up. We were dressed and ready to go by 8:00 and on the Downtown Disney bus with Paula and Wes by 8:15.
Once we got to Downtown Disney, we headed straight for Wolfgang Puck Express. There was a bit of a queue, but it moved fairly quickly. While we stood in line we got to look at the food that belonged to people sitting close by and everything we saw looked delicious. I finally decided on the Margherita Pizza (tomatoes, mozzarella, parmesan and fresh basil) while Larry got the Spaghetti and Meatballs. We both opted for the crème brulee for dessert. Paula and Wes both got pizza too (Paula got the four cheese pesto and I cant remember what Wes had, but it looked good too). Wes got crème brulee but Paula had the cheesecake.
We quickly decided that this was the best meal of the whole trip. I hate to even mention it because I dont want to give Disney any ideas, but I would not be disappointed in this as a table service option, much less a quick service meal. Anyway, we enjoyed the meal immensely and just about licked our plates clean.
Afterwards we browsed through several shops. We looked through the Gourmet Pantry and the Earl of Sandwich. When did they quit carrying the UK merchandise at Earl of Sandwich? Last time I was there they had a little collection of tea pots, t-shirts, double-decker busses, etc.
Legomaleficent. Which would be a great name for a Death Metal Band.
I was looking for something small to bring back to the folks in my office (theres 14 of us) and hit the jackpot in Fun Finds where I found some Mickey pencil sets. Two sets of those and some Disney character chocolate coins from Goofys Candy Company and I was in good shape. Larry also picked up some candy to take back to his office as well.
We found Paula and Wes looking through the pin store. We quickly went through Team Mickey and TrenD (I find it very scary in there. What have they done to Minnie to make her so anorexic and misshapen?), stopped off at Ghirardelli for a free chocolate sample and then went to World of Disney so I could pick up a monorail t-shirt for my nephew.
After a little more browsing, we decided to call it a night. Larry wanted to walk through Please Island to see the carnage of the closed up Comedy Warehouse and Adventurers Club so he said that he would take a quick stroll through and just meet us back at the resort.
As Paula, Wes and I walked back across the Marketplace, we passed by the Little Miss Matched store for the first time. Holy cow! That store is like a color seizure. Its so bright that I think I actually burned my retinas just looking at it. I was like they cranked the color up to 11 and ripped off the knob!
Jam-packed with Kapow!
We headed to the Marketplace bus stop where we didnt have too long a wait for the next bus. The bus driver loaded all of the passengers and then proceeded to drive with the internal lights on to the West Side bus stop where Larry was waiting. After Larry got aboard, we drove for at least 10 more minutes and could still see Downtown Disney. Thats one drawback about Downtown Disney at night: it has so much traffic and stop lights around it that it takes forever to get anywhere.
We finally made it back to the room around 11:45. Larry was thirsty so he volunteered to make a quick run to the food court for some diet cokes. He was back by midnight.
EeyoreEeyoreOh
Earning My Ears
- Joined
- Jul 7, 2011
- Messages
- 5
Too funny!
That poor guy laying on the ground looks all wiped out. Did you know him?
That poor guy laying on the ground looks all wiped out. Did you know him?
rgoble5972
Are we there yet?
- Joined
- Feb 4, 2001
- Messages
- 276
Too funny!
That poor guy laying on the ground looks all wiped out. Did you know him?
No, but you couldn't help but notice him all sprawled out on the pavement. Kind of a human speed bump. Luckily, he was off to the side so people weren't tripping over him.
EeyoreEeyoreOh
Earning My Ears
- Joined
- Jul 7, 2011
- Messages
- 5
Yikes! I'll be sure to wear my shades in the Mismatched store!
rgoble5972
Are we there yet?
- Joined
- Feb 4, 2001
- Messages
- 276
Amen to that! I think I seriously burned my retinas in there!
rgoble5972
Are we there yet?
- Joined
- Feb 4, 2001
- Messages
- 276
Friday, June 3rd I Think Whining Should be Rewarded
After our rather late night at Downtown Disney, we decided to sleep in a bit later and meet up at 10:00. Our Magical Express departure information was hanging on our door this morning with a scheduled pick up time of 12:15 tomorrow afternoon. That was about what we had been expecting (our flight was at 3:00) and we had purchased our park hoppers with the assumption that we wouldnt need park admission for the last day due to an early departure time.
Wes was at the pool when Larry and I got there. Paula had gone on to the food court to get a banana and we were to catch up with her at the bus stop.
The bus to Epcot (our destination of choice) had just pulled up when Larry noticed that he didnt have his cap. He said for us to go on ahead and he would go back for the cap and catch the next bus. I gave him the cell phone and told him wed let him know where to meet up once he got to Epcot.
For some reason, the bus we were on was the hottest bus ever. Usually on these things Im a bit cold, but not today. We were packed in like sardines and the only air that seemed to be blowing felt hot. Paula, Wes and I were standing up and I have to admit that Paula won the Swolphin game this morning but only by virtue of being short enough to see the hotel from her standing position.
Once we got to Epcot the theme for the day seemed to be stop dead in your tracks in front of Robin or at least block a path completely. *Sigh* Take a deep breath, smile, and walk around. The word for the day is patience.
Insert your own majestic fountain music here.
The queue for Spaceship Earth had a 30 minute wait posted so we headed off to Mission: Space instead, taking time to send Larry a text to let him know where we would be. Paula requested the non-spinning Green side and I was happy to ride it with her because I had never tried that side before and had always wanted to so I could see how different it was from the original ride. The stand by time was posted as 25 minutes, but it was more like 15 before we were in the briefing rooms.
It was funny to see that the instructional film (the one that shows you how to sit in the seat and pull down the restraint, store your belongings, keep looking straight ahead, etc.) never mentions not leaning forward or not looking to the left or right. I guess without the spinning, looking around doesnt bother you. The ride itself was mostly the same. You still pitch around a bit and the gravity at take-off was still good but not quite as intense as the Orange side. All-in-all I thought it was still a fairly good version of the original. Paula, however, was thrilled because it didnt leave her nauseous like the Orange side usually does. Even if she didnt have the choice, Paula would probably continue to ride Mission: Space and risk the queasy feeling simply because she likes the ride, but its nice of Disney to give people that little bit milder choice.
Larry was waiting for us as we came off the ride. We decided to go by Test Track and get Fast Passes for later and then visit Ellens Energy Adventure for a 37 minute air conditioned rest in the dark. Actually, I really dont mind this ride. Its one of those attractions that I dont really feel the need to ride every time, but I always enjoy once I do.
Feeling refreshed and cool once again, we headed back out into the heat and made our way over to The Land for a quick flight on Soarin. Like all the other times we had ridden Soarin this trip, we were assigned to row 3. When the CM told us what row we were on, Larry muttered a disappointed shocker under his breath and I must have made a face as well because the CM looked at us again and then said, Hold on a minute, and told us to wait on the yellow line. She then took us over to the next loading bay and put us on the first row. Sah-weet!
We thanked her profusely and she whispered to me, Ive always thought whining should be rewarded. I laughed and said that wasnt really what we were trying to instill in future generations and she just shrugged and said, Yes, but its Disney. Everyone needs a little bit of magic now and then.
After our trip over California, we decided to have lunch at Sunshine Seasons since we were right here anyway. Larry had the Oak Grilled Mahi with vegetables and Strawberry Shortcake while I had the Turkey and Monterey Jack sandwich on Foccacia with chips and Strawberry Shortcake.
If you dine here, you MUST take blurry pictures of the decorations.
Over lunch we debated whether to stay in Future World until our Fast Pass time for Test Track (it was after 1:00 now and our return time for Test Track was 2:40) or to go to World Showcase and wander around a bit before circling around and hitting Test Track on the way out of the park. Everyone else seemed game to wander around a bit and come back for Test Track later so we struck out in the direction of the UK.
Now when I started writing this trip report, Larry asked if I was going to just make fun of him or if I was going to put in the times when I was whiney too. At the time I said I would be unbiased so I have to say that this was definitely one of those whiney times. First of all, it was our last day in the parks and thats always depressing to me, second, the weather had just been brutal the entire time we were here and it was definitely beginning to take its toll and, third, even though we had been trying to take things a bit easier this trip we had still been going fairly steadily for a whole week and my foot was definitely feeling the worse for the wear. So, Im afraid I was feeling a bit ungracious as I limped along on the way to the World Showcase.
By the time we had made it around to France and were waiting a few minutes for the next showing of Impressions de France, I had talked myself into a better frame of mind. Or maybe Larry had talked me into a better frame of mind. Or maybe it was a nice nap during the film. Point being, I was better.
Cute gargoyle in France, AND, quite possibly, part of a Kim Possible mission.
After the film, we looked around in the gift shops a bit then Larry and I moved on to Morocco (more for the restrooms than anything else) while Paula and Wes shopped a bit more. We met up in Morocco and then moved on to Japan where Larry, Paula and Wes wanted to browse a bit more. I declined in favor of resting my foot so I hobbled out to look for a shady bench on which of cool off.
I LOVE Morocco. I don't think you can take a bad picture here, either.
Eek! It's a tiny, perfect camel army!
Fezzes are cool.
I want my bathroom at home to look like this.
The problem being: theres no shade in Japan at 3:00 in the afternoon. I sat down on a concrete bench that had been sweltering in the sun all day and I swear it was only a matter of seconds before I could smell my own flesh frying. (Not an unpleasant smellkind of like baconbut a bit disturbing and more than a little painful due to the heat element.) Todays special is tenderly grilled backside of Robin, napped in a jus of perspiration. I did the sensible thing and stood up.
These would taste much better grilled than rump roast of Robin.
Luckily, Larry showed up before long and we moved on to America: a sensible country with lots of air conditioning! We ducked into American and grabbed a seat on the same bench where we listened to the Voices of Liberty just a few days earlier. I sent a text to Paula to let her know where we were.
The Voices arrived just a few minutes later and we sat through their set, enjoying the cool of the room. One of the songs they performed was Skip to My Lou and the lead singer brought up a little girl named Kaitlin from the crowd to sing the song to. It was Kaitlins 8th birthday. The singer asked Kaitlin if she had a boyfriend and, when she said no, it got a bit awkward when he offered her a Disney boyfriend for her birthday. It got even more awkward and, dare I say, even downright oogey, when he made all the male members of Voices of Liberty step forward so Kaitlin could pick one of them for her boyfriend. Can I just say that the youngest male member looked to be in his mid-thirties while I wouldnt be surprised if the oldest one was in his 50s? Definitely old enough to be Kaitlins much older and very pervy uncle! (Show me on the doll where the Voices of Liberty touched you, Kaitlin.)
Pretend you're 8 years old. Which one of these, um, gentlemen do you want for your boyfriend? Justin Bieber, they're not.
After the show, we got a text from Paula saying that she and Wes had been waylaid by a Kaki Gori and were outside finishing up their shaved ice. Larry and I went out to meet up with them and we continued our way around the World Showcase.
These guys do NOT stop for pedestrians. And Paula has the piccolo imprint to prove it.
We stopped in Norway at 4:30 for a snack from their bakery. Larry had a Berry Cream Puff while I tried the School Bread. Paula and Wes shared a pear tart. Back outside, a group of young women were walking along when one of them exclaimed, Look! Its the Tower of Terror! (as she pointed across the lagoon at the Minaret in Morocco) And theres the Diamond! (the Dolphin) *Sigh*
That's odd. I can't seem to find the elevator anywhere.
As we neared Mexico, I decided to let Larry, Paula and Wes go on to do Test Track without me. I wanted to save my foot as many steps as possible so I said that Id go on to Spaceship Earth and meet them there when they finished. I sat on a planter and propped my leg up until they showed up a bit later.
From there we all went on Spaceship Earth. Our vehicle was stopped for a while in the computer room with Foxy Brown. Larry was hoping the ride would go down (it had been having technical difficulties earlier this morning when Larry came past) and wed get to walk out of Spaceship Earth, but it started up again after about 10 minutes and we were able to finish the ride without another glitch.
We were all through with Epcot now and planned to finish our evening at the Magic Kingdom so we left the park and hopped on the monorail to the Ticket and Transportation Center. We swapped over to the Magic Kingdom monorail and were on Main Street right at 6:30. Main Street was very busy and there were people already staking out spots for the 9:00 parade!
We all headed towards Tomorrowland where Larry checked out the Fast Passes for Space Mountain (they had a 10:00 return time) while the rest of us went to Cosmic Rays for dinner. I had the Bacon and Guacamole Burger with Carrot Cake while Larry had the Rotisserie Chicken with Mashed Potatoes and Green Beans and Strawberry Yogurt.
After dinner, my goal was to get Larry to Carousel of Progress because he hadnt been on it the entire trip. Paula makes no bones about not being a fan of Progress, so she and Wes went to Fantasyland to ride Its a Small World and Winnie the Pooh. Meanwhile, Larry and I went to check out that great big beautiful tomorrow thats shining at the end of every day.
We sent a text to Paula when we were finished and told her we were going on the TTA next. She replied that she and Wes would meet us at the exit of the ride. When we finished with the TTA we only had to wait a few minutes before Paula and Wes showed up. It was getting close to 9:00 and Larry and I needed to decide whether we wanted to go ahead and leave now so as not to get caught up in the parade traffic or to stick around a while longer. Unfortunately, we decided that it was probably time to go. We said our good-byes to Wes and Paula (they still had four more days before they had to leave), knowing that we wouldnt see them before we left the next day and made our way out of the park. I always hate leaving the parks for the last time, especially now that they dont stamp your hand anymore. The hand stamp always made me feel like Id be back. Of course, I know that well be back again, hopefully with no injuries next time, but its always sad at the end of a trip.
There was a bus waiting at the Pop Century stop and we had to hustle to catch it. Once back in our room, Larry went to the food court to fill our mugs while I got some ice from the ice machine and began packing things that we wouldnt need the next day. We were asleep before midnight.
After our rather late night at Downtown Disney, we decided to sleep in a bit later and meet up at 10:00. Our Magical Express departure information was hanging on our door this morning with a scheduled pick up time of 12:15 tomorrow afternoon. That was about what we had been expecting (our flight was at 3:00) and we had purchased our park hoppers with the assumption that we wouldnt need park admission for the last day due to an early departure time.
Wes was at the pool when Larry and I got there. Paula had gone on to the food court to get a banana and we were to catch up with her at the bus stop.
The bus to Epcot (our destination of choice) had just pulled up when Larry noticed that he didnt have his cap. He said for us to go on ahead and he would go back for the cap and catch the next bus. I gave him the cell phone and told him wed let him know where to meet up once he got to Epcot.
For some reason, the bus we were on was the hottest bus ever. Usually on these things Im a bit cold, but not today. We were packed in like sardines and the only air that seemed to be blowing felt hot. Paula, Wes and I were standing up and I have to admit that Paula won the Swolphin game this morning but only by virtue of being short enough to see the hotel from her standing position.
Once we got to Epcot the theme for the day seemed to be stop dead in your tracks in front of Robin or at least block a path completely. *Sigh* Take a deep breath, smile, and walk around. The word for the day is patience.
Insert your own majestic fountain music here.
The queue for Spaceship Earth had a 30 minute wait posted so we headed off to Mission: Space instead, taking time to send Larry a text to let him know where we would be. Paula requested the non-spinning Green side and I was happy to ride it with her because I had never tried that side before and had always wanted to so I could see how different it was from the original ride. The stand by time was posted as 25 minutes, but it was more like 15 before we were in the briefing rooms.
It was funny to see that the instructional film (the one that shows you how to sit in the seat and pull down the restraint, store your belongings, keep looking straight ahead, etc.) never mentions not leaning forward or not looking to the left or right. I guess without the spinning, looking around doesnt bother you. The ride itself was mostly the same. You still pitch around a bit and the gravity at take-off was still good but not quite as intense as the Orange side. All-in-all I thought it was still a fairly good version of the original. Paula, however, was thrilled because it didnt leave her nauseous like the Orange side usually does. Even if she didnt have the choice, Paula would probably continue to ride Mission: Space and risk the queasy feeling simply because she likes the ride, but its nice of Disney to give people that little bit milder choice.
Larry was waiting for us as we came off the ride. We decided to go by Test Track and get Fast Passes for later and then visit Ellens Energy Adventure for a 37 minute air conditioned rest in the dark. Actually, I really dont mind this ride. Its one of those attractions that I dont really feel the need to ride every time, but I always enjoy once I do.
Feeling refreshed and cool once again, we headed back out into the heat and made our way over to The Land for a quick flight on Soarin. Like all the other times we had ridden Soarin this trip, we were assigned to row 3. When the CM told us what row we were on, Larry muttered a disappointed shocker under his breath and I must have made a face as well because the CM looked at us again and then said, Hold on a minute, and told us to wait on the yellow line. She then took us over to the next loading bay and put us on the first row. Sah-weet!
We thanked her profusely and she whispered to me, Ive always thought whining should be rewarded. I laughed and said that wasnt really what we were trying to instill in future generations and she just shrugged and said, Yes, but its Disney. Everyone needs a little bit of magic now and then.
After our trip over California, we decided to have lunch at Sunshine Seasons since we were right here anyway. Larry had the Oak Grilled Mahi with vegetables and Strawberry Shortcake while I had the Turkey and Monterey Jack sandwich on Foccacia with chips and Strawberry Shortcake.
If you dine here, you MUST take blurry pictures of the decorations.
Over lunch we debated whether to stay in Future World until our Fast Pass time for Test Track (it was after 1:00 now and our return time for Test Track was 2:40) or to go to World Showcase and wander around a bit before circling around and hitting Test Track on the way out of the park. Everyone else seemed game to wander around a bit and come back for Test Track later so we struck out in the direction of the UK.
Now when I started writing this trip report, Larry asked if I was going to just make fun of him or if I was going to put in the times when I was whiney too. At the time I said I would be unbiased so I have to say that this was definitely one of those whiney times. First of all, it was our last day in the parks and thats always depressing to me, second, the weather had just been brutal the entire time we were here and it was definitely beginning to take its toll and, third, even though we had been trying to take things a bit easier this trip we had still been going fairly steadily for a whole week and my foot was definitely feeling the worse for the wear. So, Im afraid I was feeling a bit ungracious as I limped along on the way to the World Showcase.
By the time we had made it around to France and were waiting a few minutes for the next showing of Impressions de France, I had talked myself into a better frame of mind. Or maybe Larry had talked me into a better frame of mind. Or maybe it was a nice nap during the film. Point being, I was better.
Cute gargoyle in France, AND, quite possibly, part of a Kim Possible mission.
After the film, we looked around in the gift shops a bit then Larry and I moved on to Morocco (more for the restrooms than anything else) while Paula and Wes shopped a bit more. We met up in Morocco and then moved on to Japan where Larry, Paula and Wes wanted to browse a bit more. I declined in favor of resting my foot so I hobbled out to look for a shady bench on which of cool off.
I LOVE Morocco. I don't think you can take a bad picture here, either.
Eek! It's a tiny, perfect camel army!
Fezzes are cool.
I want my bathroom at home to look like this.
The problem being: theres no shade in Japan at 3:00 in the afternoon. I sat down on a concrete bench that had been sweltering in the sun all day and I swear it was only a matter of seconds before I could smell my own flesh frying. (Not an unpleasant smellkind of like baconbut a bit disturbing and more than a little painful due to the heat element.) Todays special is tenderly grilled backside of Robin, napped in a jus of perspiration. I did the sensible thing and stood up.
These would taste much better grilled than rump roast of Robin.
Luckily, Larry showed up before long and we moved on to America: a sensible country with lots of air conditioning! We ducked into American and grabbed a seat on the same bench where we listened to the Voices of Liberty just a few days earlier. I sent a text to Paula to let her know where we were.
The Voices arrived just a few minutes later and we sat through their set, enjoying the cool of the room. One of the songs they performed was Skip to My Lou and the lead singer brought up a little girl named Kaitlin from the crowd to sing the song to. It was Kaitlins 8th birthday. The singer asked Kaitlin if she had a boyfriend and, when she said no, it got a bit awkward when he offered her a Disney boyfriend for her birthday. It got even more awkward and, dare I say, even downright oogey, when he made all the male members of Voices of Liberty step forward so Kaitlin could pick one of them for her boyfriend. Can I just say that the youngest male member looked to be in his mid-thirties while I wouldnt be surprised if the oldest one was in his 50s? Definitely old enough to be Kaitlins much older and very pervy uncle! (Show me on the doll where the Voices of Liberty touched you, Kaitlin.)
Pretend you're 8 years old. Which one of these, um, gentlemen do you want for your boyfriend? Justin Bieber, they're not.
After the show, we got a text from Paula saying that she and Wes had been waylaid by a Kaki Gori and were outside finishing up their shaved ice. Larry and I went out to meet up with them and we continued our way around the World Showcase.
These guys do NOT stop for pedestrians. And Paula has the piccolo imprint to prove it.
We stopped in Norway at 4:30 for a snack from their bakery. Larry had a Berry Cream Puff while I tried the School Bread. Paula and Wes shared a pear tart. Back outside, a group of young women were walking along when one of them exclaimed, Look! Its the Tower of Terror! (as she pointed across the lagoon at the Minaret in Morocco) And theres the Diamond! (the Dolphin) *Sigh*
That's odd. I can't seem to find the elevator anywhere.
As we neared Mexico, I decided to let Larry, Paula and Wes go on to do Test Track without me. I wanted to save my foot as many steps as possible so I said that Id go on to Spaceship Earth and meet them there when they finished. I sat on a planter and propped my leg up until they showed up a bit later.
From there we all went on Spaceship Earth. Our vehicle was stopped for a while in the computer room with Foxy Brown. Larry was hoping the ride would go down (it had been having technical difficulties earlier this morning when Larry came past) and wed get to walk out of Spaceship Earth, but it started up again after about 10 minutes and we were able to finish the ride without another glitch.
We were all through with Epcot now and planned to finish our evening at the Magic Kingdom so we left the park and hopped on the monorail to the Ticket and Transportation Center. We swapped over to the Magic Kingdom monorail and were on Main Street right at 6:30. Main Street was very busy and there were people already staking out spots for the 9:00 parade!
We all headed towards Tomorrowland where Larry checked out the Fast Passes for Space Mountain (they had a 10:00 return time) while the rest of us went to Cosmic Rays for dinner. I had the Bacon and Guacamole Burger with Carrot Cake while Larry had the Rotisserie Chicken with Mashed Potatoes and Green Beans and Strawberry Yogurt.
After dinner, my goal was to get Larry to Carousel of Progress because he hadnt been on it the entire trip. Paula makes no bones about not being a fan of Progress, so she and Wes went to Fantasyland to ride Its a Small World and Winnie the Pooh. Meanwhile, Larry and I went to check out that great big beautiful tomorrow thats shining at the end of every day.
We sent a text to Paula when we were finished and told her we were going on the TTA next. She replied that she and Wes would meet us at the exit of the ride. When we finished with the TTA we only had to wait a few minutes before Paula and Wes showed up. It was getting close to 9:00 and Larry and I needed to decide whether we wanted to go ahead and leave now so as not to get caught up in the parade traffic or to stick around a while longer. Unfortunately, we decided that it was probably time to go. We said our good-byes to Wes and Paula (they still had four more days before they had to leave), knowing that we wouldnt see them before we left the next day and made our way out of the park. I always hate leaving the parks for the last time, especially now that they dont stamp your hand anymore. The hand stamp always made me feel like Id be back. Of course, I know that well be back again, hopefully with no injuries next time, but its always sad at the end of a trip.
There was a bus waiting at the Pop Century stop and we had to hustle to catch it. Once back in our room, Larry went to the food court to fill our mugs while I got some ice from the ice machine and began packing things that we wouldnt need the next day. We were asleep before midnight.
EeyoreEeyoreOh
Earning My Ears
- Joined
- Jul 7, 2011
- Messages
- 5
Soooooooo......do you care to share your fast pass knowledge with us? 
rgoble5972
Are we there yet?
- Joined
- Feb 4, 2001
- Messages
- 276
Soooooooo......do you care to share your fast pass knowledge with us?
I could tell you, but then I'd have to kill you.
Okay, maybe that's a tad bit dramatic, but Larry did promise not to divulge any of his proprietary Fast Pass knowledge when he spoke with the head of operations.
My new goal is to go to WDW when the crowds are so small that you don't even NEED Fast Passes. Now if I could just get life (and crowds) to cooperate with me!
rgoble5972
Are we there yet?
- Joined
- Feb 4, 2001
- Messages
- 276
Your photos are really fantastic! The lighting looks absolutely perfect and all your colors really pop! I'd be interested in some of your photography secrets as well!
Sorry. I'm afraid sharing my photography secrets is every bit as unfruitful as sharing my Fast Pass secrets. My sister, Paula, and my husband, Larry, took all the pictures. I'll pass along the compliment though.
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