Day 6 (part 1) - Tuesday, November 16, 2004:
CAST OF CHARACTERS:
MOM - 57 year old somewhat disney nut.
ME - 34 year old DISNEY NUT who has had to wait one full year for her Disney fix.
TODAY'S AGENDA:
1. Breakfast at Shoneys - done deal
2. Offsite shopping - really done deal
3. MGM - still here
4. Fantasmic Dinner package at Hollywood & Vine - Yummy
5. Swimming at Luna Park - Best part of all.
Mom and I have been at MGM for several hours and it was time to eat dinner. Prior to this moment, we ate breakfast at Shoney's and had a rice krispy treat for lunch while watching B&TB. Needless to say we needed nourishment of the proper type. I had made this ressie at the 90 day mark out from this day so that I could procure and earlier dining time than last year. I was hoping to have a better experience this go round so lets take a journey back in time.
Teleporting back to Nov. 2003, solo trip. I made a late ressie to eat at Hollywood & Vine for the Fantasmic Dinner Package. Reason I decided to do the FDP. Teleporting back to Dec. 2002 (last trip with mom) we waited an hour and 15 minutes to watch the show (will not be doing that again). So teleporting through time back to Nov. 2003. My ressie was around 5:30 with a small wait time. I was lead into H&V and seated. The place was extremely busy and basically looked like a tornado hit it, food all over the place, seats, floor, buffet. You could certainly see that a crowd had already eaten here. Although the food that I could find was good (plenty of things were out on the buffet) I really didn't think I would want to return after seeing that mess. The truly one good thing that happened here was that the family sitting next to me turned out to be living at the Military base in Biloxi, MS so I had a really good time conversing with the family (military husband did an excellent Stitch impression). The second good thing about this is that you don't have to wait in line for Fantasmic and that this is the cheapest rest. for the package.
Now teleporting back to 11/16/04. Okay body check, yep I arrived back all in one piece. Isn't it nice to go back in time. Anyway, current date and story. So we had a 4:15 ps for H&V with FDP made 90 days ago. We arrive, were told there would be a short wait (about 8 minutes). Not a great start but not bad either. We were eventually called and seated right up by the entrance door at a small 2 seat table. Drink order taken time for food. Oh look you can actually see food where its supposed to be - ON THE BUFFET - not on seats, floor or dripping off the buffet (score one for H&V). We decided not to make too many trips back to the buffet so we fill up at least 4 plates of food. 2 plates were for us to split (you know fruit, cheese, shrimp, bread, etc). The other 2 plates were the main food items that we each wanted. Although the rest. was pretty much full at the time and we had the smallest table in the world (we had to put the condements tray on the floor next to the table as the 4 dishes wouldn't all fit on the table with the tray on it) the restaurant was pretty clean and in good order (score two for H&V). By the way this night they were serving pieces of sirloin steak which I must admit was very good.
Mom and I pretty much agreed that the food was pretty good (especially since we were hungry) and they were restocking the buffet in good order. I can now feel safe in saying that I will return here in the future and would probably request an earlier time rather than a later one. Mom and I did leave some room for dessert which we shamelessly got a large plate and stocked up on various samples (the chocolate mousse is very good). All in all we were happy with the outcome and our bellies were groaning for quite some time. Besides the cleanliness issue from last year to this year I can also say that I preferred the waitress from last year to the waiter I had this year. She came back and briefly joined in our conversations and refilled glasses without having to be asked. The waiter this round did not refill EVER without having to be flagged down, he also forgot the extra napkins we requested and had to be reminded twice and then had a sort of sourpuss look about him and that attitude in gee I guess I'll get that for you (which this is the attitude that I can not stand and imagined myself doing this
to him, just insert waiter where computer is). I know his job is not the best job in the world but he choose it and shouldn't make people have to beg for the most basic of things (especially since mom and I like to stack the plates and wife up the table for him). Let's just say that his was the lowest of all tips that I gave that trip (only 10% and I questioned that).
Basically we felt the experience was good and the fact that we could walk in 20 minutes prior to Fantasmic was worth the money (about $54 with tip). BTW if your asking yourself why I would return here after the somewhat tramatizing dinner from 2003 well hear you go:
1 - There aren't many options in MGM for FDP tickets.
2 - Both mom and I are relatively picker eaters so this gives you the best options for various foods.
3 - Previous meal at Mama Melroses was good for me (I'd return) but mom hated her meal (and wouldn't return)
4 - Mom is really picky eater and wouldn't like most items on Brown Derby's menu.
These are the reasons why I decided to try H&V besides the fact that I wouldn't have to stand in line for a great show.
Anyway, the waiter had given us the Fantasmic Dinner Package ticket which he noted 2 people and that we were supposed to be at the entrance gate at 6:40 (this was a bit different than last year as well). Anyway I know how this works.
It was at least 5:30 when we walked out. I thought about running down Sunset to attempt to ride RnRC but there were a ton of people heading that way and I didn't want to wait. We had planned to see Drew Carry's Sounds Dangerous (we haven't seen this since they put DC in it) and we also wanted to see Muppets as well. I can recall looking over toward where DC Sounds Dangerous was but I don't recall the reason we didn't go over there (I think it may have been closed as for some reason I thought it looked dark and don't recall seeing any line/people in that area).
So mom how about we head on over to see those darn Muppets so we began the walk to that area stopping in various shops along the way. Long story short we arrive at the Muppets and of course just miss going into the theater (this happened a lot this trip). So we have to wait through the pre-show (which we like but didn't feel like standing for at the moment). I look at my watch and geeze it's like 6:20 already (time flies by so fast here). Open those doors we gotta see the show quickly. Anyway we the Muppets 3D adventure but left just before the big finally.
It was 6:30 at this time. We turn to go down the new Street Scene and OMG they had all the Osborne Light Spectacular on. Now I must admit, I was really happy to see it as I knew the lights would be up but didn't know that they would be on as they usually do the official lighting at Thanksgiving. The setting is different but the lights are so beautiful no matter where they are and just put you in that holiday mood. Needless to say, I took plenty of film/tape. Thanks Disney for flipping the switch. Additionally, there was no one in the area so my street photos will show very few people in them which made it even more special as it seemed like it was just for us and 20 others. What a wonderful touch.
Anyway life goes on. At this point, mom and I began running across the park. See it's now 6:45 and Fantasmic begins at 7:00. We stopped and grabbed everything out of the locker, turn in the key and present the ticket to CM next to Oscar's garage. Okay time for the next uphill marathon to begin so we jog up that back pathway to the arena. At this point, I am the purple girl who can't breathe and is sweating profusely. We pick a seat on the 4th row from the top of the very last section for the FDP area and scoot as far over to the left as possible.
I collapse in the seat as I can't breathe. Mom -bag water QUICKLY. I easily awed the kids behind me when I managed to drink all of the 24 ounces of water in 8 seconds. Anyway, the entire crowd was doing the wave (have to admit that this is the longest I have seen the wave go on - we stood up at least 35 to 40 times in the matter of 8 minutes). Good news for us was that by the time the show started there were no seats available so we entered the arena at the right time as the poor blokes who came after us were now in the upper bleachers and standing around for the nest 30 minutes. Bad news was now my back and legs were begging me to sleep there tonight.
As usual Fantasmic was fantastic. Within the last 4 minutes of the shows finally, most of the rows behind us cleared out. Mom says lets leave so we begin to file out but waited until Mickey killed the dragon (she wanted to leave before the other 7,000 hearders were going to head in the same direction). Part of our goal was to walk back to BW via the walkway as we would've had a short day at this park; however, the run across MGM and then uphill to the arena DONE ME IN. So now Mom is walking/running down the hill through the masses in front of us (I lost her at some point but she found me) but I had to fly to keep up with her.
Mom began to slow down as we approached the exit gates. She was still thinking that we would be walking that 3/4 of a mile walk to BW - was she JOKING ME - ARE YOU NUTS - DON'T YOU SEE THAT I'M WADALING LIKE THOSE DUCKS OVER THERE!!! Needless to say she was informed immediately that the line for Friendship boats wasn't overly long yet and that is how I was heading back (she could walk if she'd like to). Let's just say she was also informed that if I couldn't take the boat back, it would be better for me to jump in the cold canal and swim before my back would take the walk. She joined me in waiting for the boat. Needless to say the boat pulled up, let several people off, began boarding and of course stopped boarding the couple four people up from us so we are now waiting for the next boat which had just come into view. At least we weren't at the back of the line (there was easily another 3 boats of people behind us (maybe 4).
Off to S/D first. Shortly before pulling up at S/D, the captain gave the speech that it would take another 13 minutes to work our way to the BW and that we could walk quicker over the joining bridge to BW. Okay thanks for the option, I'll take it. 5 minutes later we are in our room at BW.
Time to hit the pool and soothe the leg and back muscles. Well pool felt a little cool for me (remember I'm from Louisiana - it never snows here and we think 50 degrees is really chilly) so I basically get in and out in a minute. Boy oh boy, that hot tub looks better all the time (hope my face doesn't turn purple again). IN the spa I go. Let's say that it was a nice temperature (certainly not on full blast) with just enough steam not to boil anyone in the water. This time around my face didn't turn purple at all. All in all I was in and out of spa for the next hour, meet several nice people and felt almost normal when I returned to my room shortly before 9:00. Additionally, the Swan hotel across the canal must've had a big convention as there was a band set up in the courtyard next to the canal and we could hear all the music played which added to the enjoyment.
I got back to my room, mom was making cocoa and finished in time to stand out on the balcony right as Illuminations began at Epcot. What fun to sit and watch the fireworks.
One aspirin and one bath later we finally ended one long day. Tomorrow, mom feels the pain.
RECAP:
Dinner at H&V -
Losing complete track of time in the park -
Running the park when I'm not a jogger -
Fantasmic -
Friendship boat back to S/D -
(TG)
Hot tub at BW -
Almost feeling normal again -
Stay tuned, only 2 days left to go.
CAST OF CHARACTERS:
MOM - 57 year old somewhat disney nut.
ME - 34 year old DISNEY NUT who has had to wait one full year for her Disney fix.
TODAY'S AGENDA:
1. Breakfast at Shoneys - done deal
2. Offsite shopping - really done deal
3. MGM - still here
4. Fantasmic Dinner package at Hollywood & Vine - Yummy
5. Swimming at Luna Park - Best part of all.
Mom and I have been at MGM for several hours and it was time to eat dinner. Prior to this moment, we ate breakfast at Shoney's and had a rice krispy treat for lunch while watching B&TB. Needless to say we needed nourishment of the proper type. I had made this ressie at the 90 day mark out from this day so that I could procure and earlier dining time than last year. I was hoping to have a better experience this go round so lets take a journey back in time.
Teleporting back to Nov. 2003, solo trip. I made a late ressie to eat at Hollywood & Vine for the Fantasmic Dinner Package. Reason I decided to do the FDP. Teleporting back to Dec. 2002 (last trip with mom) we waited an hour and 15 minutes to watch the show (will not be doing that again). So teleporting through time back to Nov. 2003. My ressie was around 5:30 with a small wait time. I was lead into H&V and seated. The place was extremely busy and basically looked like a tornado hit it, food all over the place, seats, floor, buffet. You could certainly see that a crowd had already eaten here. Although the food that I could find was good (plenty of things were out on the buffet) I really didn't think I would want to return after seeing that mess. The truly one good thing that happened here was that the family sitting next to me turned out to be living at the Military base in Biloxi, MS so I had a really good time conversing with the family (military husband did an excellent Stitch impression). The second good thing about this is that you don't have to wait in line for Fantasmic and that this is the cheapest rest. for the package.
Now teleporting back to 11/16/04. Okay body check, yep I arrived back all in one piece. Isn't it nice to go back in time. Anyway, current date and story. So we had a 4:15 ps for H&V with FDP made 90 days ago. We arrive, were told there would be a short wait (about 8 minutes). Not a great start but not bad either. We were eventually called and seated right up by the entrance door at a small 2 seat table. Drink order taken time for food. Oh look you can actually see food where its supposed to be - ON THE BUFFET - not on seats, floor or dripping off the buffet (score one for H&V). We decided not to make too many trips back to the buffet so we fill up at least 4 plates of food. 2 plates were for us to split (you know fruit, cheese, shrimp, bread, etc). The other 2 plates were the main food items that we each wanted. Although the rest. was pretty much full at the time and we had the smallest table in the world (we had to put the condements tray on the floor next to the table as the 4 dishes wouldn't all fit on the table with the tray on it) the restaurant was pretty clean and in good order (score two for H&V). By the way this night they were serving pieces of sirloin steak which I must admit was very good.
Mom and I pretty much agreed that the food was pretty good (especially since we were hungry) and they were restocking the buffet in good order. I can now feel safe in saying that I will return here in the future and would probably request an earlier time rather than a later one. Mom and I did leave some room for dessert which we shamelessly got a large plate and stocked up on various samples (the chocolate mousse is very good). All in all we were happy with the outcome and our bellies were groaning for quite some time. Besides the cleanliness issue from last year to this year I can also say that I preferred the waitress from last year to the waiter I had this year. She came back and briefly joined in our conversations and refilled glasses without having to be asked. The waiter this round did not refill EVER without having to be flagged down, he also forgot the extra napkins we requested and had to be reminded twice and then had a sort of sourpuss look about him and that attitude in gee I guess I'll get that for you (which this is the attitude that I can not stand and imagined myself doing this
to him, just insert waiter where computer is). I know his job is not the best job in the world but he choose it and shouldn't make people have to beg for the most basic of things (especially since mom and I like to stack the plates and wife up the table for him). Let's just say that his was the lowest of all tips that I gave that trip (only 10% and I questioned that).Basically we felt the experience was good and the fact that we could walk in 20 minutes prior to Fantasmic was worth the money (about $54 with tip). BTW if your asking yourself why I would return here after the somewhat tramatizing dinner from 2003 well hear you go:
1 - There aren't many options in MGM for FDP tickets.
2 - Both mom and I are relatively picker eaters so this gives you the best options for various foods.
3 - Previous meal at Mama Melroses was good for me (I'd return) but mom hated her meal (and wouldn't return)
4 - Mom is really picky eater and wouldn't like most items on Brown Derby's menu.
These are the reasons why I decided to try H&V besides the fact that I wouldn't have to stand in line for a great show.
Anyway, the waiter had given us the Fantasmic Dinner Package ticket which he noted 2 people and that we were supposed to be at the entrance gate at 6:40 (this was a bit different than last year as well). Anyway I know how this works.
It was at least 5:30 when we walked out. I thought about running down Sunset to attempt to ride RnRC but there were a ton of people heading that way and I didn't want to wait. We had planned to see Drew Carry's Sounds Dangerous (we haven't seen this since they put DC in it) and we also wanted to see Muppets as well. I can recall looking over toward where DC Sounds Dangerous was but I don't recall the reason we didn't go over there (I think it may have been closed as for some reason I thought it looked dark and don't recall seeing any line/people in that area).
So mom how about we head on over to see those darn Muppets so we began the walk to that area stopping in various shops along the way. Long story short we arrive at the Muppets and of course just miss going into the theater (this happened a lot this trip). So we have to wait through the pre-show (which we like but didn't feel like standing for at the moment). I look at my watch and geeze it's like 6:20 already (time flies by so fast here). Open those doors we gotta see the show quickly. Anyway we the Muppets 3D adventure but left just before the big finally.
It was 6:30 at this time. We turn to go down the new Street Scene and OMG they had all the Osborne Light Spectacular on. Now I must admit, I was really happy to see it as I knew the lights would be up but didn't know that they would be on as they usually do the official lighting at Thanksgiving. The setting is different but the lights are so beautiful no matter where they are and just put you in that holiday mood. Needless to say, I took plenty of film/tape. Thanks Disney for flipping the switch. Additionally, there was no one in the area so my street photos will show very few people in them which made it even more special as it seemed like it was just for us and 20 others. What a wonderful touch.
Anyway life goes on. At this point, mom and I began running across the park. See it's now 6:45 and Fantasmic begins at 7:00. We stopped and grabbed everything out of the locker, turn in the key and present the ticket to CM next to Oscar's garage. Okay time for the next uphill marathon to begin so we jog up that back pathway to the arena. At this point, I am the purple girl who can't breathe and is sweating profusely. We pick a seat on the 4th row from the top of the very last section for the FDP area and scoot as far over to the left as possible.
I collapse in the seat as I can't breathe. Mom -bag water QUICKLY. I easily awed the kids behind me when I managed to drink all of the 24 ounces of water in 8 seconds. Anyway, the entire crowd was doing the wave (have to admit that this is the longest I have seen the wave go on - we stood up at least 35 to 40 times in the matter of 8 minutes). Good news for us was that by the time the show started there were no seats available so we entered the arena at the right time as the poor blokes who came after us were now in the upper bleachers and standing around for the nest 30 minutes. Bad news was now my back and legs were begging me to sleep there tonight.
As usual Fantasmic was fantastic. Within the last 4 minutes of the shows finally, most of the rows behind us cleared out. Mom says lets leave so we begin to file out but waited until Mickey killed the dragon (she wanted to leave before the other 7,000 hearders were going to head in the same direction). Part of our goal was to walk back to BW via the walkway as we would've had a short day at this park; however, the run across MGM and then uphill to the arena DONE ME IN. So now Mom is walking/running down the hill through the masses in front of us (I lost her at some point but she found me) but I had to fly to keep up with her.
Mom began to slow down as we approached the exit gates. She was still thinking that we would be walking that 3/4 of a mile walk to BW - was she JOKING ME - ARE YOU NUTS - DON'T YOU SEE THAT I'M WADALING LIKE THOSE DUCKS OVER THERE!!! Needless to say she was informed immediately that the line for Friendship boats wasn't overly long yet and that is how I was heading back (she could walk if she'd like to). Let's just say she was also informed that if I couldn't take the boat back, it would be better for me to jump in the cold canal and swim before my back would take the walk. She joined me in waiting for the boat. Needless to say the boat pulled up, let several people off, began boarding and of course stopped boarding the couple four people up from us so we are now waiting for the next boat which had just come into view. At least we weren't at the back of the line (there was easily another 3 boats of people behind us (maybe 4).
Off to S/D first. Shortly before pulling up at S/D, the captain gave the speech that it would take another 13 minutes to work our way to the BW and that we could walk quicker over the joining bridge to BW. Okay thanks for the option, I'll take it. 5 minutes later we are in our room at BW.
Time to hit the pool and soothe the leg and back muscles. Well pool felt a little cool for me (remember I'm from Louisiana - it never snows here and we think 50 degrees is really chilly) so I basically get in and out in a minute. Boy oh boy, that hot tub looks better all the time (hope my face doesn't turn purple again). IN the spa I go. Let's say that it was a nice temperature (certainly not on full blast) with just enough steam not to boil anyone in the water. This time around my face didn't turn purple at all. All in all I was in and out of spa for the next hour, meet several nice people and felt almost normal when I returned to my room shortly before 9:00. Additionally, the Swan hotel across the canal must've had a big convention as there was a band set up in the courtyard next to the canal and we could hear all the music played which added to the enjoyment.
I got back to my room, mom was making cocoa and finished in time to stand out on the balcony right as Illuminations began at Epcot. What fun to sit and watch the fireworks.
One aspirin and one bath later we finally ended one long day. Tomorrow, mom feels the pain.
RECAP:
Dinner at H&V -
Losing complete track of time in the park -
Running the park when I'm not a jogger -
Fantasmic -
Friendship boat back to S/D -
(TG)Hot tub at BW -
Almost feeling normal again -
Stay tuned, only 2 days left to go.
