What Comes Around Goes Around 6/23-7/1/07

[keishashadow]

aka a long & rambling tale of a truly splendid split trip to WDW & Universal. A very rewarding time for our family (self, Mr. KS and DS-14); chock-full of unexpected events that have managed to reaffirm my outlook on life.

Day #1, Saturday, June 23rd - 100 degrees, sunny & humid

We set off from PIT, NS on AirTran, for MCO. Enroute, discovered that DH lost his treasured POC MP3 player in the airport and my Ipod developed the dreaded 'orange & green lights of death'. The gremlins are at it again I suppose, what are the odds of that happening? Glad that AT offers satellite radio.

Arrived early @ MCO, luggage followed quickly, and we were soon out on Nationals' aisle before 1:00 p.m. searching for a mid-sized SUV. Walking down we saw that only 2 were left. We dispatched DS off to sprint down & hop in one to secure it (trying to avoid again being stuck with a PT Cruisers before when booking this class, which have zip in the way of trunk space). A young couple popped out of nowhere & snagged the 1st one (jeep) DS increased speed & grabbed #2. DH & I arrived to find the woman screaming @ her partner that said jeep wasn't satisfactory, she wanted the Toyota (ours). We avoided eye contact lol & quickly loaded up our gear and departed while the poor guy was trudging off to try and find something to please his princess Mighty early in a trip for a meltdown; hope things got better for them.

Little traffic on Bee-line, I-4 was bumper to bumper - still soon home @ VWL, after a quick stop @ Crossroads Goodings for pop & beer. On impulse bought a few lottery tickets...Ka-ching! Left it for mousekeeping as a nice 'lil tip.

While the flag family spot was booked until 7/1 (someday we'll get to the roof-top), our studio was ready upon arrival (2:00 pm ish). Once again, all my requests were met: water/pool view, upper floor and best of all - no walk down the long, scary Shining hallway.Think i'll add this section to my future requests, nice @ the end of the day not to have that extra walk.

WL is our fav. DVC resort, so nice to come back to after a long day in the parks and have blessed quiet. Especially enjoy the boat ride from the MK, gives me welcome time to decompress. It seems much cooler temperature-wise on the grounds. Whether it's all the trees or just the high-country theme, it is truly a relaxing enviornment with a nice break from the clamor of the parks. They were performing some outside maintenance (painting) on the main section of lodge nearest DVC, only noisy when they took the scaffolds down each evening.

After a quick unpack job, we took the boat to MK. The first sighting of all the different landmarks still gives me goosebumps! We were able to FP for Space Mt. later in the day. We sadly passed the HM trying to sneek a peek (absurd to shut it down during high season for 3 months imo). Surprised that we were able to get on several rides so late in the afternoon without a long wait. DS enjoyed the new monster comedy club, saw it a couple times during our stay; slightly different each time due to guest interaction. It did have longer wait time than we expected due to pre-show area after initial line.

Soon, it was time for dinner @ Crystal Palace. We were seated quickly in the garden section. Food was great as usual, service so-so. Waiter disappeared for long intervals without refilling drinks. Assume it was a staffing issue. I luv the salads, pasta dish w/chicken, asiago cheese & mushrooms (yum) and ciabalta/cranberry whole wheat buns.

Just the right amount of charactar interaction for us. Parents were doing a much better job of following the drill & keeping their kids at the tables; made everything go smoothly. The parade is a good idea to let the eager kiddies stretch their legs while they await their turn.

We finished up and were able to sneak out before the parade/wishes started and zonked out by 9:00 p.m. Wonderful sleep (except for DS on the lumpy old sofabed). Supposedly they will all be replaced soon. DS wished he could trade the DVD player for one. I finally figured out how to over-ride the thermostat, appreciated the ceiling fan too.

Day #2 next!

 

[AlyssinWonderland]

I've never been the 1st to post on someone's trip report before! Awesome! Sounds like a great 1st day! I keep hearing such wonderful things about the WL. I'll have to try and visit it on our next trip! Thanks for writing!

 

[Cruz Family]

Great start, I can't wait for the rest!

 

[keishashadow]

Part I

So excited for our 1st ever visit to Star Wars weekends. Entire family are huge fans of the franchise. Finally, it's been extended to the last weekend of the month - yippee!

We drove to MGM early (couldn't believe I was setting the wakeup call for what seemed near dawn ) in order to get in the special line for autographs (C3p0 & Wicket the Ewok actors).

Once we got to the head of the line, the CM shut it down "...sorry, no more autographs today". We were directed back to the end of the regular line. DS took it better than I did. After stewing for a bit, I reapproached the CM who now had security standing with her. I expressed my dissatisfaction and inquired as to stand-by FP. Nope, none of those today would be offered either. I cannot believe that they didn't use the balloon method that typically is utilized @ WDW w/charactar greets. Disney really dropped the ball on planning this event! In the spirit of the Rebel Alliance , we joined the main line where we now stood. Figured we'd have been near the front if we hadn't waited in the other line anyway. We watched many more people who arrived during the next hour just walk up & join the line too. First time i've seen such a lack of crowd control @ WDW.

There was a brief opening with Storm Troopers & sound effects, more of a 5 min. bit that they kept repeating for the next hour until the gates opened.

Off we went to ride TOT twice & grab a FP while DS languished on a bench, since he refuses to ride it. Finally, he got to the SW area on other side of park.

First went to Jabba merchandise area - a complete waste of time. All the collectible items other than large figurines were sold out weeks ago. Less of a selection than we found in Star Trader shop. Note the glum faces; DS had saved his allowance up for months. He actually went home without spending ANY money on souvies!

Posting this pic to illustrate the hat & shirt that DS had worn to the event in the hope of getting either autographed. He was refused due to the logo on the hat & the fact that the shirt was both non-Disney SW issued and that it was 'worn' - head's up.

Waited an hour + for pics w/Darth Vader (last year during week after SW weekends, no more than 5 - 10 min. wait; CM confirmed the same this year). Glad we took our own pics, the photopass photog cut off our heads 'Off With Their Heads!!!!!"

 

[keishashadow]

Decided to break early for lunch before the parade @ Pizza Planet. We were lucky to get one of the last seats upstairs. Apparently, the new M.O. is to place a member of your party down to save seats while the rest of group goes off to order food. The table beside us grabbed theirs before we sat down to eat. We were just leaving when they made it back with the food. Meanwhile the kids left behind had to defend the turf against guests w/trays...got a bit ugly...chair hogs! Didn't really experience this anywhere else wherein it became a problem during the week.

Decided to sneak in Star Tours before the parade, resulting in having 3rd row spots to view. Still was able to peek around other guests. Everyone was polite despite the heat/sun.

We made sure to get to the Q&A session early (45 min.) in order to get a seat. It was a good show, especially the pre-show w/storm troopers teasing each other. Interesting to here the actors recollections of filming, etc. Check out the MM ears lol.

Lines for Jedi Mickey were out the door, skipped it and the jedi training show - area was near gridlock.

Rode Star Tours again and TOT. At this point it was time for H&V/Fantasmic Pkg.; which is a perrenial stop for us. This time we were going to pay OOP to save a DP cr for the CA Grill. We informed both the hostess and server. An odd look flashed across her face when i said we wouldn't be using the DP. She went into a spiel as to how we still had to pay a tip : hopefully the 18%. She was much younger than the usual "seasoned waitress" @ H&V. Evidently, she was inexperienced too.

She chatted up the table next to us; while just throwing napkins & straws down on our table. Had to ask (twice) for drink refills. When the bill did come, an 18% gratuity was automatically added. I called her over and explained that I didn't want to pay tax on the tip I would be leaving and that I wanted the dinner charged to our room key & I would leave her tip in cash. With great rolling of her eyes, she stomped away...not returning for over 15 min. Note that I did leave her a tip in excess of 15%; even though she didn't earn it.

Tried Indiana Jones, they shut it down shortly before show time due to a thunderstorm rolling thru, the only big one of the trip! Once it blew over we headed to Little Mermaid. Upon exiting we realized that the storm had only managed to increase the heat. We were tired and decided to return to our rooom. I felt bad about missing Fantasmic - decided to give our tix away. Had to wait awhile to find a likely family of 3. Finally approached a young mother with 2 small kids in tow, who looked frazzeled. I handed her the tix and explained how to utilize them. She got tears in her eyes and couldn't thank me enough .

Overall, we were very disappointed in the SW weekend. Perhaps our expectations were too high but; i do expect a certain level of organization/professionalism from WDW -- which was in short supply today. IMO, they could really kick it up a notch if it became a separately ticketed event ala MVMCP or MNSSHP.

 

[Candikayne]

I am a big Star Wars fan myself. I agree...they did not seem to have organized to a science. They should know how devout SW fans can be and how meaningful the autographs. Was not aware of the policy on non-sw issued t-shirts...interesting. Did they check the tag? How did they know?

 

[keishashadow]

I am a big Star Wars fan myself. I agree...they did not seem to have organized to a science. They should know how devout SW fans can be and how meaningful the autographs. Was not aware of the policy on non-sw issued t-shirts...interesting. Did they check the tag? How did they know?

honestly, don't know - perhaps they were looking for Disney logo?

There were people there that day that had full jedi gear; they had to be sweltering...now that's a fan!

I can understand the idea of not wanting to sign a stinky/sweating shirt.

Never did understand why they won't sign a logo'd item? as in the addidas baseball cap ds was wearing.

 

[keishashadow]

Drove to Epcot for park opening, another hot one forecast today.

Sent DH off jogging to get FP for Soarin while we enjoyed the shade by the fountain & made our daily calls home. Able to get right on Test Track, then cut back to ride Nemo & enjoy Crush. The new set up/waiting area is a vast improvement over the old version. At least there are things to occupy your time.

FP time for Soarin; there was a 90 min. wait before 11:00 a.m. As we waited near the end of FP line, the CM was calling out for a party of 3 to move forward. Mostly larger groups, we jumped @ the chance when CM came to our spot in line. As we walked down the ramp, we could hear strange clamour - yelling & screaming in the final line - couldn't figure out what was going on...

Year of a Million Dreams Fast Passes

Sure made things go smoothly the rest of the day. Even allowed us to take an unscheduled break to swim @ WL in the afternoon.

Before we departed, DS was clamoring for Teppanyaki's chicken. Since we had extra time we took the boat over. I had a hankering for a hamburger, so I told the boys to grab a tray & meet me in the American pavillion. I just entered the building when they appeared. They had been told our DP was all used. I called the # on our room key for WDW Dining. Who indicated that all our credits had been processed yesterday afternoon . Call me suspicious but, I've a strong hunch that the waitress @ H&V put the kabosh on us.

Dining called WL & verified that we did pay for the plan and for our 'trouble' re-started the plan from square one - resulting in extra dining credits.

EXTRA DP CREDITS!!!!!!

Went back to Epcot to finish FPs & dinner @ Coral Reef for DSs bd celebration. I had arranged for a dive banner (many thanks to the DISers who told me how to set it up!). He was soooo embarrassed; know he luved it though. Surprised that the divers hand-deliver it afterwards tableside - very cool imo. Steaks were delish, as was everything else - def. our Epcot fav. place to dine. Made lots of new fishey friends too, sea turtle joined us for nearly a 1/2 hour...all the kids were squealing with delight - a riot!

Skipped Illuminations due to EMH tomorrow & head back early, what a great day!

 

[keishashadow]

Actually Day #4 - time flies lol

Family starting to rebel as to early shout-outs from stitch. Told them to be glad they only have to hop on the boat to get to the MK, hut-hut!

Another humid mid-90's day forecast, of course, it is June in Florida. Just missed the opening, managed to ride Space Mt., Buzz, Pooh, Snow White & Peter Pan before the 10 am rope drop.

Headed off to FP BTM & rode Splash Mt - zip a dee do dah indeed; such a well-themed ride. Come on Disney...re-release the DVD!!!!

Next rode DH's fav, POC. Short wait & got to catch the Pirate show afterwards. Great fun!!! I even got a big hug from a pirate (no, not Capt. Jack lol the scurvy one on the left )

The actor has him down dead-on

 

[keishashadow]

Thanks to the DP mixup was able to book another TS (less than 24 hours prior-surprise!, had our choice in MK except for CP) @ Liberty Tree Tavern. Had always wanted to try it for lunch; a great choice despite rather limited menu.

Crabcake appetizer was one of the best i've ever eaten, very little filler - delish! Sandwich was good & the strawberry shortcake immense. Yes, I ate most of it...drool.

We left the park before the afternoon parade to take a break @ WL. DH & son rented a sea raycer while I stuck my feet into the sand bayside & soaked up the sun. We hadn't worked it into any of our trips before. It was a high point for DS. Don't think we'll ever visit again without enjoying it. They did suggest sunglasses in the future due to the spray.

 

[keishashadow]

Dinner @ California Grill

We've always wanted to try it, tonight's the night! Have an 8:00 p.m. ADR. At the advice of posters, arrived 45 min. early & asked for a window seat; by 8:15 p.m we were seated and enjoying the view.

Elegant, yet oddly noisy. Couldn't believe there were guests attired in flip-flops, tank-tops & athletic shorts . So cool to be able to watch illuminations & see all the landmarks while we dined. Amazing sunset too.

note DTD hotels in the background of above pic and the Swan/Dolphin in below

I have to laugh when I see the looks on family's face while i snap pics while they try to eat in peace...they didn't get the whole TR thing. lol

The filet is indeed the best we've EVER eaten . I almost fell off my chair when we got the bill for glass of wine $16+ (one of the more moderately priced chardonnays). Waiter was a wise-guy wannabe from Jersey; the rest seemed very professional.

We were able to walk out to long, narrow observation deck & view Wishes, a treat. I was a bit concerned about the large number of people crammed onto it. Evidently, everyone who eats @ the CA Grill each night is invited to return to view the FW.

While this was a great experience, i don't think we'd use 2 TS credits again. Family agreed we'd rather book a MK view Tower room again if only for a night or two & watch Wishes from our balcony in our jammies.

Was able to see the building site of the new CRVs:

 

[keishashadow]

I whined, they acquiesed (arrrrgh) MK again

Had boys wrangled over to the park gates before opening ceremony. Sweating profusely already, decided to eliminate back-tracking due to the extreme heat & tour in a counter-clockwise fashion.

Yes, i'll admit to still being a bit of a commando (old habits die hard). Decided to try hoping on the train & hitting the 2 Mts. 1st.

Didn't realize that the 1st train pulls away w/the charactars - ha! Next one came within 10 min. and we were on our way. As I told my family how lucky they were to be so deep in the park already, we entered the line to Splash Mt.; only to be told by a lone CM that it was shut due to operational issues. FP machine wasn't working either.

The best laid plans of men for the mouse off track already...wah. My inner bulldog emerged & I started clamoring for a FP. Hapless CM didn't have the usual emergency supply, i went off in search of likely suppliers near the ride. Found a nice, helpful maintenance man (hi - Lamar!); who was the ONLY CM who went the extra mile to help. Took us to the shop nearby & made several calls. He was instructed to hand-write us a FP for Splash Mt...good show!

FP in hand, headed to BTM amongst grumbling from family that we should've kept to the program & gone to Space Mt. 1st. As we got off the ride, a CM w/a clipboard was urging us to hurry & get outside ...

#3 - YOAMD FP - again!!!!!

So very lucky were we ! Kept Lamar's note as a souvie - good vibes .

After a chicken lunch @ Cosmic Rays, we finished up the entire FP & left shortly after the parade crowd had departed. Didn't get to ride a few things on the list - dumbo, small world, presidents, riverboat - know they'll be waiting for us next time. Was thrilled to be able to enjoy so many headliners the rest of the day, thought we'd be doomed to the non- E-tix attractions.

Since DS hadn't spent any $ on souvies, he had been lobbying for another whirl on the sea raycers. I kept encouraging him, planning to lounge poolside. DH did a switcheroo @ the last min. and I got my 1st ride along. Sorta disturbing to realize that Ds could pilot one solo next year. Did think we were going to tip more than once (may have something to do with the uneven weight distribution ). I tend toward motion sickness on water, didn't have my patch - survived. He took me on a tour of the resorts so i could snap some pics. Good boy, took it easy on his scardey-cat mom yes, i was hanging on!

choppy water!

]Finished the afternoon off with grub from Roaring Forks. Much improved from last visit. Hand tossed salad w/walnuts was top-notch. Took a rest & got ready for DTD.[/COLOR]

Our 1st visit to Captain Jacks, didn't know what we were missing! Lobster was very good, quite a deal for 1 TS on DP. Pretty night view from window table, could watch the antics on the stage. DH bought himself 2 t-shirts @ Harley shop before dinner on Paradise Isl and then found one of the swords he's fond of @ Arrabis (no longer carried in the MK castle shop); had it shipped home due to security. I controlled myself and left empty handed -- next trip!

Back to room to finish packing, AK tomorrow am, then off to Universal & Royal Pacific Resort!

 

[keishashadow]

AM

All packed up & off to AK for park opening, need an Everest fix .

We were torn between saving the last 2 days on MYW base tix; decided to go for broke & use them up.

Did a modified dash to Everest (already hot & steamy). Got FPs 1st, then hopped in line enjoying 1st climb up the mt. before 9:30a.m. I'm afraid of heights but, enjoy this ride so much - even the view. Unfortunately, this time our car got stuck at the crest of the hill. Rather sickening lurch backwards, for a minute thought we might go crashing back down.

Got held up again in the 1st Yeti room, okay by me @ least it was cool & we were facing forward; soon on our zippy way.

Killed some time watching the chimps & it was time to ride again. DS explored the grounds around Everest, surprised no one shoo'
d him on his way.

Grabbed some McD fries near Dino land, had extra CS credits. Had to get a manager to ok the usage of them for a snack & drink. Used the rest of snack credits on pop, mickey pretzels & rice krispie MM heads - yum.

sad goodbye to WDW, off to find the closest Walgreens to locate the coupon for BOGO year free AP's @ Universal. We had already purchased 7 day tix thru AAA and needed to upgrade them @ the parks.

couple last WDW pics
star wars big figurines - cute donald/pricey though!

abandon ship!

"Free" Disney Visa pic @ Epcot--note the YOAMD Fast Passes!

Watched the turn i needed whiz by ; got moderately lost again...hey, it's vacation - why not lol. Went to Celebration area & doubled back, always works.

Snagged last coupon @ Walgreens, jumped on I-4 - wow!!! where did all that traffic come from? Hit a TS, couldn't find the wipers on SUV. When will i learn to locate all that stuff before I turn the key? Soon pulling up to RPR, done raining

 

[keishashadow]

Pulled up & walked across the bridge over the lux landscaping

Astounded by the orchid pool/elephant statues - just beautiful...evenmoreso @ night!

Loews checkin wasn't staffed, got in the regular line. Soon my turn, couldn't wait to see if we got one of the elusive upgrades to a pool-view room from the standard I booked. Thus began the comedy of errors. Was in a zen-like state due to the peaceful surroundings but; moreso due to the good karma @ WDW. Was quickly shaken back to RL.

Here's portion of email i've fired off to RPR:

My name is I am a Universal AP holder and member of Loews Blue.

I am writing to express my dissatisfaction with the check-in/room assignment portion of my family's recent stay at the Royal Pacific. The following is a brief summation of what transpired:

*booked AAA rate 2 Q beds last November for 6/28 to 7/1

*checked in around noon last Thursday & told we didn't have a room; the hotel was booked to capacity.

*'upgraded' us via what they termed a FL resident rate to a pool-view room. Desk clerk assured me it contained a King bed and sofa chair. Unfortunately, it was a HC room w/K and a chair. Note I didn't say a sofa bed. Room was very small, the bathroom was approx. the same size as the sleeping area.

*walked back to the front desk to complain and was told they'd send a cot over and set it up, suggested we visit the park and all would be well when we returned. I was doubtful that it would fit in the small room; yet they insisted we'd have plenty of space.

*We left our bags unpacked at my son's urging (eager to visit the parks). In the late afternoon, we came back to find a huge cot, still upright; squarely blocking the entry way to the room, postitoned directly next to our luggage in the entry way - couldn't even squeeze past it.

*at that point went back to desk and insisted on speaking to mgr. After a long wait, an asst mgr. appeared and said they had no other room available. I suggested perhaps a club room. Magically - they found one they termed 'deluxe' facing international drive. His parting comment to me was that I was indeed lucky to get any room since they were fully booked.

*To add insult to injury, we never did get our welcome gift associated with our Loews Blue membership. When i called & inquired i was told it was because they switched us to an APH rate and it wasn't elibigle. Final bill was charged the AAA rate.

*Made yet another trip to the front desk (before checking out in the room) to inquire why I wasn't billed at the lower APH rate. Clerk said there was nothing she could do at that point; suggested that I should have called the desk again if I was unhappy with the first response I had gotten.

I am a Disney Vacation Club member who enjoys prepaid accommodations. It takes a great deal of persuasion to convince my husband to pay the extra money to visit a non-DVC property in Orlando. This recent stay has him reconsidering future visits.

This was our second visit to your Orlando properties (enjoyed the HRH on the other occasion). Other than the above unfortunate occurrances, overall - the trip was enjoyable. Despite the pool at both the RPR & HRH being shut down one day we were able to board the hotel shuttle and experience the PBR.

We thought the majority of the staff competent and welcoming and the resort/grounds beautiful. Certainly comparable in scope to WDW's deluxe/DVC offerings -- sans compentent customer service at the front desk. I'd like to think the above stated lapse in service was an unfortunate fluke -- not the standard method of operation.

I look forward to hearing from you.

Time will tell...shall post as to resolution
After a couple of followup emails, one to concierge did the trick. Got a head's up email that a mgr would be calling me that evening...indeed he did. Charming young man who couldn't agree with me more! He graciously extended a generous enticement to get us to return (woo-hoo). I reiterated that (except for the lousy customer service @ desk) I thought the hotel fantastic...he responded that we were in a room that hadn't been rennovated for 4 years; soon they would all be re-done. IMO, i'd hate to see the darker decor go the way of pastels, think it's well-themed - let him know too.

Anyway; off to Studios, unbeknownst to me Issue #2 has reared it's ugly head!!! If not for the info I gleaned @ the DIS meet the next day, i'd be sunk.

Had to visit Guest Services & upgrade our AAA 7 day tix, as well as obtain the 2 year AP. TM had a difficult time grasping the conversion, had to consult her co-workers & reissue the tix a couple of times before all was well. I noticed that the tix indicated "12 month AP" as opposed to a 2 year expiration. She assured me repeatedly that the tix would be valid for 2 years, not to worry.
Rode Terminator, ET & DS hungry again . Got a refillable cup & ate @ Internation Food; some sort of strange oriental chicken - so-so, at best. Worked our way around the park. Hot & tired we returned to our HC room @ RPR. After my head stopped spinning, i tromped over to the desk & got another assignment.

Nice, helpful bell service TM; led us off to Tower III. Unfortunately, he led us to the wrong room. Felt bad for the guests we interrupted via his "master key" . Thought the poor guy was going to have a stroke, he was so embarrassed. I tipped him double to take the sting out of it.

 

[keishashadow]

Room was great, sunset views & Inter. Blvd. Here's the view from the room

other angle

DH DH crashed, sleeping by 8 p.m.; leaving me to unpack (again). Glad DS brought his nintendo DS, kept him occupied.
DS & I were too tired to even wait up for room service, sleeping by 9:30 p.m.

We had one of the 'old school' rooms, no pastels. Think the wood work treatment is amazing.

 

[keishashadow]

I cannot rave enough about the onsite FOTL perc!

an incredible sanity saver , especially with 100 degree temps, increasing holiday crowd!

Despite having FOTL, i still commando'd the boys to ride Ptederadon Flyer (sp). We rode it 1st thing before Spiderman. Got in line around 9:15; off after 10:00 a.m. A fun ride, wish it was longer.

Boys rode Spiderman so many times I lost count. Got pics w/Spidey

The Goblin pulled my pony tail for wearing a Mickey Mouse shirt and matching crocs - ha

Worked our way over to Suessville, after a short break...i was eager; luv that section of park.

In the other park, they made fun of my shoes too, carring on the anti-MM croc theme lol

no, you may not take it home as a souvie dh!

cool

 

[keishashadow]

DS 'multi-tasking' sippin & runnin thru the sprayer/fountain in the play area

Spent the rest of morning with one fish, two fish melody running thru my simple mind - ha! We tend to get wet - very welcome today.

Fascinating carousel be advised that no small children were harmed in my climbing on Horton for a spin.

pics from trolley, our 1st time - nice photo ops! Least I got 1 pic of the lighthouse, for some reason my others never seem to work out?

 

[TunaJr]

Thanks for posting your report....we were at WDW the last of June too at SSR .......I would one day like to get to Universal and to Sea World....Love the pictures .....now back to

 

[keishashadow]

Thanks for posting your report....we were at WDW the last of June too at SSR .......I would one day like to get to Universal and to Sea World....Love the pictures .....now back to

hot enough for you? lol still anytime @ MCO is a-okay in my book!

 

[keishashadow]

6/29 cont'd...let's eat!

11:30 am, we don't do breakfast (cinnabons don't count do they?); eat early lunch instead.
got to ride ET several times, think it's great

DS was thrilled to find this outside of BTF

watching the fountain shenanigans outside Sinbads

Liked Enchanted Oak last trip, food was surprisingly good & Merlin visited. Can't give it the same 2 s up this time...corn on cob was dried out; chicken not much better. I had the chicken salad; probably the best thing we ordered.

Was thinking possible updates to existing venues while in the area with a Harry Potter eye:

*Enchanted Oak = Whomping Tree restaurant

*Poseiden = Chamber of Secrets? with same sort of special effects!

*Hope they keep a Sinbad-type show, easily accomplished.

The DIS meet's in a few hours, so hot - cannot resist Jurassic Falls. Of course, even with my jungle hat I get soaked lol.

Decide to skip Dudley, tell the guys I'll hold the refillable soda cups while they ride. Notice that the cars stop coming down the ramp. 10 min. later family reappears, car before was the cutoff. At least they didn't get stuck.

Brisk hike to Margarittaville, looking like I was in an amusement park all day. What good company, i had so much fun meeting the gang. How much you ask? Take your arms & spread them wide. Sounds like a kodak moment to me.
The official group pic!

Enjoyed the landshark beer (Corona clone). Server told me you could buy a case @ Sams for $13. Not in PA you can't thanx to the LCB regs. Last case of Corona was near $30. When will the commonwealth leave the dark ages?

Glad I asked about the group re the back of their APs for the BOGO free deal....yep, ours were issued wrong! Decided to walk over to IOA Guest Services & see what could be done.

Explained my dilemma, the TMs had that look in their eyes until I mentioned the magical name---a special lady who works @ U & is a great help to the clueless tourists. Many thanks Bev! They gladly replaced DH & DSs, even though they weren't present - just told me to toss the old ones.

Walked back to hotel, dodging pedicabs & dead lizards - charming.

Hot & tired, ready for a refreshing 1st dip in the pool. Nope, closed due to 'chemical protein spill' aka someone hurled. Was told HRHs was closed until 5 p.m. Took the shuttle to PBR, quick service.

WOW! I've got to stay here - soon! Fantstic theming. DH spent quite a bit of time in Italy & said it was representative of the different areas. Lively main pool area. Rested, then checked out the quiet/villa pool area. DS discovered the bocce court & we enjoyed playing the game. One of the special, unexpected moments of the trip. Planning on buying a set & installing a court in the back yard for the family. I was surprised w/the 2 couples 'getting busy' in the deserted pool while the lifeguard stared impassively...what happens @ PB stays @ PB?

Had another quick pickup by shuttle & back to hotel. Elevators in Tower III had issues yesterday & today, making for slow going. Small world, at one point maintenance offered to let us use the service elevator; gent was from near our hometown.

NASCAR for dinner tonight, had a PS. Typical sport bar, 'course i'm not into racing . French Dip sandwich was good. Walked around a bit-typical tourist pics, then called it a night.

PIC