(With a nod to Jimmy Buffet)
Heres a Love Story from a Slightly Different Point of View!
Love Story = our love affair with WDW
Characters Involved=2 women, hovering in and around middle age, who love to travel to WDW to let out the child within
You know, theres always a silver lining to every negative. With us the good news was that we never needed an alarm clock! We were all up again at 5:45 and were set to head out for EE at the Studios. We were chomping at the bit and racing the teenagers down the street to get to the Hotel! I absolutely have to get my ToT fix! Its my absolute favorite! Isnt the theming on this attraction great? By the way, my aunt rode it at 84 and thought it was fantastic. We have good ride genes, I guess. Being engulfed in the complete and total darkness just before the drop gives my goosebumps goosebumps! My faithful companion (after reading this she says I may now call her Pronto) suffers from some motion sickness so patiently waits for me as I embarrass my middle-aged self with whoops and hollers! Dont you just love riding with folks who have no clue as to whats going to happen? Yes, I am a tad sadistic. As they got ready to close the doors on our elevator, a young man completely lost it and asked to be taken off I wonder if that happens often? It was a terrific ride, as usual. I believe we had 3-4 drops and a couple of ascents. I always try to keep track but am having so much fun I forget to count.
I opted out of RnR this trip (I love it but the wait was very long and fast pass time late in the day.) We headed to the Great Movie Ride while waiting for the Millionaire show. (Mary has, in the past, been secretly videotaped by a friend of ours while singing and finger dancing her way through Munchkinland). WWTBAM is always fun. While I certainly will never make the hot seat, I am proud to say I ended up in the top ten this time! My fingers normally tend to work at the speed of drying cement. After this, Star Wars was calling. Mary decided she wanted to give this another try so she bravely accompanied me. She kept her eyes closed through the entire ride, but she bravely accompanied me! After the Muppets (which really looks dated to me now in comparison with Micks Philharmagic) we left by boat for our lunch reservations at the Dolphins Fresh restaurant.
We had read about this new restaurant offering and how the food is made at various stations as you order it. It sounded like an interesting concept so we decided to give it a try. Lunch was okay and interesting, but I think if we went back it would be for dinner. The salads they offered were good, the entrees a bit dry. The dessert table ranged from good to gosh-awful (dont bother with the the mini crème brulees!) And we did feel a little out of place with all the well dressed conventioneers around but overall would recommend the place. The chefs were very accommodating and we will give it another try. We use the three strikes and youre out method with restaurants.
Following lunch, we decided to head down the Boardwalk and see if our guide, Jenna, was in. We have been toying with the idea of adding on a few points to our DVC membership and we had some questions. Luck was with us and she was even available to visit with us. She showed us the room model for Saratoga Springs. They look really inviting. We were asking about the noise factor from Westside and Downtown Disney and she showed us the model and explained that many of the buildings were well back from the water. She also mentioned that they were using extra thick glass in the front buildings for soundproofing. We were both so tired by this time it was obvious and when Jenna asked about it, we explained our lack of rest. She knows about Marys illness and was very adamant that we should try for a room change. We talked it over on the way back to the resort and decided to try.
While Mary went back to the room to try and get some rest, I went to the front desk and asked to speak to a Manager. The young lady that helped me was very kind and was even apologetic that she couldnt move us until the next day. Of course I told her that was okay and we appreciated anything that could be done. I was glad to take good news back to my friend, especially when I let myself into the room and heard the galloping and yelling taking place next door. Perhaps Im out of the loop, but dont kids nap anymore? Then they (mercifully) headed out. We really were tired by this time and decided to nap while quiet time was available.
When we got going again, we decided to take the boat to Downtown Disney. We ended up at Wolfgang Pucks Café for dinner. Its funny no one ever told me that after 50, eating (and obviously sleeping) were going to be my specialties. At least Ive found something Im darn good at We were told the wait time would be 40-50 minutes and were pleased to be seated in less than twenty. Dinner was very good. I had a pork tenderloin special and it was delicious and Mary had the fish entrée (the name of which has been lost in a senior moment.) After browsing the new releases at Virgin Megastore (and comparing which one of us knew the LEAST new artists) we enjoyed the boat trip back to OKW and entered our room to the Symphony of Crying Children with which we are all probably very familiar.
Wednesday was to be a rest day, but we certainly didnt mind packing up as long as there was the possibility of a good nights sleep ahead. So we loaded up our little red wagon and headed off to Boma for breakfast (and more Frunch..yummm). Mary decided to drive and after she started the car, she stared for the longest time at the gauge. I said, Whats wrong? to which she replied quite testily, Were gonna have to fill this PIG up with gas! I leaned over to see and replied, Well, you can if you want to, I said, but youre looking at the temperature gauge. We both laughed till tears rolled down our faces, but you should know by now we are two easily amused people!
Dinner at Boma is more adventurous, but we enjoyed our breakfast. The fare is pretty much standard breakfast food, but wonderfully prepared. I loved the breakfast pizza. Too bad they dont serve those sinful Zebra Domes in the morning.
We had chores to accomplish after breakfast so we went to the laundromat near the pool area and did a few loads of clothes. I know, I know, youre all thinking, Why does she have to do laundry after bringing so many clothes along? I guess I just havent got this packing/wearing thing down! One should not bring ten pairs of shorts and only four pairs of socks, etc. We slipped into our swimming suits (which was no easy feat after breakfasting at Boma) and relaxed through the rinse and spin cycles. A gentleman was sitting next to us and Jimmy Buffet music was being piped in and he began to whistle. Oh, could he whistle! You know, I havent thought about it much, but both my Mom and Dad would whistle around the house all the time. Its just not something you hear people do much any more. It sounds silly but it was so pleasant to hear him and obviously he liked Jimmy as much as I do! Following the laundry/swim thing we cleaned up and headed back to the main area for our scheduled massages. We had been told our new room would not be available until four and that was fine with us.
We both were looking forward to this indulgence! Mary went first while I waited in the clubhouse filled with small crying children. Not exactly the relaxing atmosphere of a normal pre-massage event but I went with the flow. An hour later Mary came out of the massage room looking kind of like a new calf, slightly staggering and wrinkly but seemingly happy. I asked how the massage therapist was (which was stupid because she was within earshot) and Mary said she was really good. So I followed the young lady into the appointed room and was ready to reach Nirvana. Now I dont mean to disparage the therapist but I began to think I was being kneaded like pizza parlor dough! Yup, by the end of the hour I, too, was wrinkly and staggering but I wouldnt call it relaxed. Once the pain stopped (about a week later) we felt great
So, with great anticipation, we went to find our new digs. Once again we were on the 3rd floor (this time, however, not all my clothes were in my suitcase so my heart had a much easier time of it). The room was again spotless and there was even a message waiting for us from the manager that had arranged this move and she told us she hoped this was better and if there was any problem to call her directly. She was so nice we sent her flowers to thank her!
Now we are realistic enough to know that Disney cannot control everything especially thoughtless people. So we werent too surprised to hear a courtyard party at 2:30 a.m. Several people must have called the front desk on that one because they did quiet down until 4:30 a.m. and then someone (whose name we believe was "Security" shut them up REAL fast. By this time we had to laugh about it and at least we figured we could fit in an afternoon nap or two.
Coming soon (and last)...FUN!
Love Story = our love affair with WDW
Characters Involved=2 women, hovering in and around middle age, who love to travel to WDW to let out the child within
You know, theres always a silver lining to every negative. With us the good news was that we never needed an alarm clock! We were all up again at 5:45 and were set to head out for EE at the Studios. We were chomping at the bit and racing the teenagers down the street to get to the Hotel! I absolutely have to get my ToT fix! Its my absolute favorite! Isnt the theming on this attraction great? By the way, my aunt rode it at 84 and thought it was fantastic. We have good ride genes, I guess. Being engulfed in the complete and total darkness just before the drop gives my goosebumps goosebumps! My faithful companion (after reading this she says I may now call her Pronto) suffers from some motion sickness so patiently waits for me as I embarrass my middle-aged self with whoops and hollers! Dont you just love riding with folks who have no clue as to whats going to happen? Yes, I am a tad sadistic. As they got ready to close the doors on our elevator, a young man completely lost it and asked to be taken off I wonder if that happens often? It was a terrific ride, as usual. I believe we had 3-4 drops and a couple of ascents. I always try to keep track but am having so much fun I forget to count.
I opted out of RnR this trip (I love it but the wait was very long and fast pass time late in the day.) We headed to the Great Movie Ride while waiting for the Millionaire show. (Mary has, in the past, been secretly videotaped by a friend of ours while singing and finger dancing her way through Munchkinland). WWTBAM is always fun. While I certainly will never make the hot seat, I am proud to say I ended up in the top ten this time! My fingers normally tend to work at the speed of drying cement. After this, Star Wars was calling. Mary decided she wanted to give this another try so she bravely accompanied me. She kept her eyes closed through the entire ride, but she bravely accompanied me! After the Muppets (which really looks dated to me now in comparison with Micks Philharmagic) we left by boat for our lunch reservations at the Dolphins Fresh restaurant.
We had read about this new restaurant offering and how the food is made at various stations as you order it. It sounded like an interesting concept so we decided to give it a try. Lunch was okay and interesting, but I think if we went back it would be for dinner. The salads they offered were good, the entrees a bit dry. The dessert table ranged from good to gosh-awful (dont bother with the the mini crème brulees!) And we did feel a little out of place with all the well dressed conventioneers around but overall would recommend the place. The chefs were very accommodating and we will give it another try. We use the three strikes and youre out method with restaurants.
Following lunch, we decided to head down the Boardwalk and see if our guide, Jenna, was in. We have been toying with the idea of adding on a few points to our DVC membership and we had some questions. Luck was with us and she was even available to visit with us. She showed us the room model for Saratoga Springs. They look really inviting. We were asking about the noise factor from Westside and Downtown Disney and she showed us the model and explained that many of the buildings were well back from the water. She also mentioned that they were using extra thick glass in the front buildings for soundproofing. We were both so tired by this time it was obvious and when Jenna asked about it, we explained our lack of rest. She knows about Marys illness and was very adamant that we should try for a room change. We talked it over on the way back to the resort and decided to try.
While Mary went back to the room to try and get some rest, I went to the front desk and asked to speak to a Manager. The young lady that helped me was very kind and was even apologetic that she couldnt move us until the next day. Of course I told her that was okay and we appreciated anything that could be done. I was glad to take good news back to my friend, especially when I let myself into the room and heard the galloping and yelling taking place next door. Perhaps Im out of the loop, but dont kids nap anymore? Then they (mercifully) headed out. We really were tired by this time and decided to nap while quiet time was available.
When we got going again, we decided to take the boat to Downtown Disney. We ended up at Wolfgang Pucks Café for dinner. Its funny no one ever told me that after 50, eating (and obviously sleeping) were going to be my specialties. At least Ive found something Im darn good at We were told the wait time would be 40-50 minutes and were pleased to be seated in less than twenty. Dinner was very good. I had a pork tenderloin special and it was delicious and Mary had the fish entrée (the name of which has been lost in a senior moment.) After browsing the new releases at Virgin Megastore (and comparing which one of us knew the LEAST new artists) we enjoyed the boat trip back to OKW and entered our room to the Symphony of Crying Children with which we are all probably very familiar.
Wednesday was to be a rest day, but we certainly didnt mind packing up as long as there was the possibility of a good nights sleep ahead. So we loaded up our little red wagon and headed off to Boma for breakfast (and more Frunch..yummm). Mary decided to drive and after she started the car, she stared for the longest time at the gauge. I said, Whats wrong? to which she replied quite testily, Were gonna have to fill this PIG up with gas! I leaned over to see and replied, Well, you can if you want to, I said, but youre looking at the temperature gauge. We both laughed till tears rolled down our faces, but you should know by now we are two easily amused people!
Dinner at Boma is more adventurous, but we enjoyed our breakfast. The fare is pretty much standard breakfast food, but wonderfully prepared. I loved the breakfast pizza. Too bad they dont serve those sinful Zebra Domes in the morning.
We had chores to accomplish after breakfast so we went to the laundromat near the pool area and did a few loads of clothes. I know, I know, youre all thinking, Why does she have to do laundry after bringing so many clothes along? I guess I just havent got this packing/wearing thing down! One should not bring ten pairs of shorts and only four pairs of socks, etc. We slipped into our swimming suits (which was no easy feat after breakfasting at Boma) and relaxed through the rinse and spin cycles. A gentleman was sitting next to us and Jimmy Buffet music was being piped in and he began to whistle. Oh, could he whistle! You know, I havent thought about it much, but both my Mom and Dad would whistle around the house all the time. Its just not something you hear people do much any more. It sounds silly but it was so pleasant to hear him and obviously he liked Jimmy as much as I do! Following the laundry/swim thing we cleaned up and headed back to the main area for our scheduled massages. We had been told our new room would not be available until four and that was fine with us.
We both were looking forward to this indulgence! Mary went first while I waited in the clubhouse filled with small crying children. Not exactly the relaxing atmosphere of a normal pre-massage event but I went with the flow. An hour later Mary came out of the massage room looking kind of like a new calf, slightly staggering and wrinkly but seemingly happy. I asked how the massage therapist was (which was stupid because she was within earshot) and Mary said she was really good. So I followed the young lady into the appointed room and was ready to reach Nirvana. Now I dont mean to disparage the therapist but I began to think I was being kneaded like pizza parlor dough! Yup, by the end of the hour I, too, was wrinkly and staggering but I wouldnt call it relaxed. Once the pain stopped (about a week later) we felt great
So, with great anticipation, we went to find our new digs. Once again we were on the 3rd floor (this time, however, not all my clothes were in my suitcase so my heart had a much easier time of it). The room was again spotless and there was even a message waiting for us from the manager that had arranged this move and she told us she hoped this was better and if there was any problem to call her directly. She was so nice we sent her flowers to thank her!
Now we are realistic enough to know that Disney cannot control everything especially thoughtless people. So we werent too surprised to hear a courtyard party at 2:30 a.m. Several people must have called the front desk on that one because they did quiet down until 4:30 a.m. and then someone (whose name we believe was "Security" shut them up REAL fast. By this time we had to laugh about it and at least we figured we could fit in an afternoon nap or two.
Coming soon (and last)...FUN!
