tikibird's trip report - june 22-27 2001 - ASMu - Completed About This Page:

[Brant]

Great installment, I am definitely enjoying the report so far, the Frog game story was really cute! Mission Dumbo, Pooh and Mickey sounds exciting, bring it on!

-Brant

[Gonzo]

Awww, the trip report's already bringing back memories. When are we going again? j/k

[Beast_fanatic]

I guess I need to stop recommending that chocolate chip cookie ice cream sandwich so highly! I mean, if it causes them to run out of the cookies and you to have to substitute oatmeal raisin (yuck) and then have a fight - well, it's just not worth it!

Enjoying your reports! Keep 'em coming!

[tikibird]

Really, Beast, you COULD have forwarned Chip and Dale's about the incoming stampede of Passporters you sent their way, so they could have been prepared, thus avoiding the oatmeal raisin disaster! [img]images/icons/smile.gif[/img] Actually, you should ask them for a commission! [img]images/icons/wink.gif[/img]

Gonzo - we're not going back until you write YOUR trip report - we're all still waiting! [img]images/icons/confused.gif[/img]

[coffeechef]

These trip reports are whats keeping me going as we prepare for our trip to Disney. I am loving every minute of your Reports.
By the way the word I wrote in asking Brant for more trip report was " Waiting" must have been thinking in "Atlantis Talk"
I can feel Disney.

[tigger536]

Don't feel too bad tikibird! There's something about the animal kingdom and snacks that gets people cranky! My mom and I had a fight over holding the popcorn (OK, it was mostly my fault! [img]images/icons/wink.gif[/img] ) while waiting in line for the lion king show. We ended up throwing most of it away because of it. I had forgotten about this, but your cookie incident remined me. I'm glad you didn't let in ruin your whole day.

Anyway, great trip report. Keep it coming! You guys sure packed alot into your trip. [img]images/icons/smile.gif[/img]

PS: Speaking of cookies, did you notice how the bakery construction at the MK was going? We're going to WDW in two weeks and the bakery is always a favorite stop. Another board said it will be open from rehab at the end of July. Did it seem like it was on schedule?

Thanks,
Jacquelyn

[ 07-10-2001: Message edited by: tigger536 ]

[Cinderella_68]

Great report, Tikibird!! I check in every day to look for more!
These fabulous trip reports are the only thing keeping me sane, now! 56 more days, and I am ready now!

[tikibird]

Day 5 - The Magic Kingdom – Mission Dumbo, Pooh, and Mickey!

Today I cheerfully wake up at 6:45 a.m., as it is time for my favorite park in WDW, the Magic Kingdom! I have several objectives in mind:
1. Ride Dumbo for the very first time
2. Eat lunch with Pooh at the Crystal Palace and get my picture with all the Pooh characters
3. Meet Mickey and get my picture with him
(Yes, I realize that this sounds like a 3-year old, not a 38-year old talking!)
and
4. Get a Dole Whip!

On my way up to Intermission Food Court for devotions/breakfast/mug refills, I see and hear a man singing a wake up song (assumedly to his family) into his walkie talkie. Can’t decide if that is cute or scary! Oops, forgot that protein bar again (I’m getting good at this [img]images/icons/smile.gif[/img] ), so I have the croissant breakfast sandwich. I’m not quite sure where they get the sandwich idea, as this huge mound of eggs is plopped onto some cheese in a croissant which has been kind of torn apart, with some bacon added. It’s okay, but should have stuck with the pastry-type items.

On the way to the park, I take a picture of the McDonald’s characters on the big McDonald’s down the road from the All Stars, and notice, to my horror, that my camera battery is low. [img]images/icons/shocked.gif[/img] NO, this can’t be. Not on MK day! And of course, I do have a spare battery, but it is back at the hotel. No time to turn around, Mickey is calling! So, our first stop, after the ferry boat and hit ting the gates at 9:30 a.m., is the camera shop on main street for a new battery. Surprisingly, the battery was only $9.00. I was expecting it to be closer to $15.00, given I pay seven or eight at home. We decide to skip all of the rides that will be running that evening for E Ride, so we head straight to Fantasyland, and get a fast pass for Pooh.

When planning this trip, I promised myself that I would ride Dumbo. I have always passed it by, but this time, no matter what, I was going to fly with the elephants! 20 minutes was the posted time, but it was more like 30. Andy was a good sport and stayed with me, but kept jokingly saying “See all of these little kids? Why I am standing in line with a 38-year-old woman to ride Dumbo?” Craig and Chris went on Snow White, and Craig came back to the line to see how long we were going to be. Excellent! I give him my camera and make him promise to take some pictures of my maiden flight!

It’s now our time to board! [img]images/icons/grin.gif[/img] I can’t describe how excited I was! When the ride finally started, I was just grinning ear to ear! What an awesome place WDW is – on the one hand, to have rides like Tower of Terror, Spaceship Earth and Pirates, which are incredibly complex and detailed, to ones like Dumbo, which is so simple but just plain fun! I’m glad Walt had the vision to make a place not only for children, but where adults can be kids again too. I smile every time I look at the pictures Craig took of this.

Peter Pan now has a 15-minute wait, and from past experience, we know to jump at that opportunity (later in the day it was up to 80 minutes!). Even though this is an older ride, we feel it is really well done, and has a leg up on its counterpart at Disneyland.

Its now time for our Fastpass for Pooh. There was a brief technical difficulty, but we get on pretty quickly. I look for Mr. Toad handing off the deed, but unfortunately cannot spot it. The lines are already starting to build, so we go on Small World, prior to heading over to the Crystal Palace for our 11:30 PS with Pooh.

Normally, this is one of the highlights of my trip. I am a Pooh nut. I have just about every Pooh beanie made, Pooh watches, mugs, clocks, a snowglobe, coats, slippers, PJs, etc., etc. So I really enjoy lunch with Pooh. However, this visit was not as memorable as the two before it. We have to wait 30 minutes to be seated (it looked like they were clearing everything out to switch from breakfast to lunch). The food was just adequate. They had Mahi Mahi instead of the salmon I’ve enjoyed there before, and it was really fishy tasting. The beef was very rare, which means I won’t eat it. Chris thought it was good, though. Not much else on the buffet inspired me, so I ended up at the children’s buffet with Craig, having mac & cheese and CHICKEN fingers. The characters took what seemed like forever to get around to the tables, and Piglet passed us by completely. The waitress did not do well in refilling drinks. Being a bit frustrated, I headed to the dessert table, not caring if the food police was going to surface again. Now there was a lovely bowl of bread pudding. THIS was awesome with a bit of ice cream on top. Good stuff – and I am so inspired by this bread pudding that I am already feeling better about dropping $80 here. Finally the characters come by (Craig and Chris are ready to leave but I announce that I am not moving until I get my picture with Pooh!), and at the very end, Piglet makes an appearance. So, although somewhat disappointed, I have accomplished #2 on my list for the day.

It is very hot out, so we head over to the Hall of Presidents. We see the bust of George W., which I guess they are using to make his animatronic. Both Craig and I are relieved to see Mr. Clinton as a silent observer, and Mr. Lincoln back in his speaking role this trip. I think they should just stick with Lincoln instead of using the current president as the speaker.

Next stop – The Tiki Room. Even though it was badly in need of rehab when we saw it in December, I still have to give the original show in Disneyland a big heads up on this “under new management” stuff. Where are the tiki gods playing their drums? Lets all sing like the birdies sing?” sigh! I am wanting to fly to Anaheim as the show ends. (note to self: set up fare watcher on Travelocity for good deals to California!).

Chris, Craig and I all decide that we now must have that Dole Whip. The food police starts about how can we even think about eating, etc. etc., but Dole Whip is kind of ice cream, so he subsides. Craig tries the Orange flavor and likes it, I have the pineapple, and Chris has a pineapple float. No problem finishing them, at all! After Dole Whips, we go on Pirates.

I have one more object that has not yet been met – Meet Mickey. I didn’t meet him last August during our MK day, or in December at Disneyland. I’m due! Andy, Craig and Chris do not want to meet Mickey, but do want to see Carousel of Progress, which I can do without this trip, so we part ways, agreeing to meet at Mickey’s house. I fly through the house to get to the line outside the tent. I wait about 20 minutes, and then have my encounter with the Mouse. I decide no matter what it looks like, I will buy this picture! I’m very happy, again, and don’t have to wait long for the rest of my family. Sounds like I missed a rare event in Disney history, though. Apparently, in the scene where the boy is playing video games, his hand fell off and hit the floor! [img]images/icons/shocked.gif[/img] Craig said the show continued, with the hand on the floor, and the wires flapping away. I guess it was kind of like “Look Grandma, no hand!” [img]images/icons/rolleyes.gif[/img]

We decide to start back for the hotel, as we will come back in the evening, and then do E Ride. We go past the crowds at the afternoon parade (one of these days I am going to get to stay and watch one of these – next trip I’m doing it!), as no one else wants to watch it. I pick up our picture that was taken on Main St. as we entered the park. Craig was still in MIB Galaxy Defender mode, wearing his cool shades, in the pic. Unfortunately, he lost them. They were official Pittsburgh Phantoms sunglasses (The Phantoms are a roller hockey team that lasted one (or possibly two) seasons here in Pittsburgh.) The glasses are probably in a Disney lost and found box even as we speak.

We all appreciate the opportunity to crash at the hotel. The guys all listen to the CDs they picked up at Downtown Disney, and I start to pack what I can, as tomorrow we will be going home. The food court seems like the best place to have dinner, so we take our refillable mugs and head to Intermission. Chris has a Cheese steak sandwich, I have a footlong hot dog, Andy has a salad, grapes and yogurt, and Craig has, can you guess, CHICKEN fingers and fries (I believe I must have overdone it with the chicken nuggets when he was child. He is obviously now addicted!) For dessert Andy and I get Mickey bars (and I think fondly again of Fortissimo, but do not end up wearing this one), Craig has a Mickey ice cream sandwich, and Chris has a candy bar. Total tab: $38. I’m am now thinking how wonderfully inexpensive this is – I definitely have been brainwashed!

We head back to the park around 7:30 p.m. and get our wristbands at City Hall for E Ride. I pick up my Mickey picture from the camera shop. I look like I’m three feet tall (actually am 5’11”, but hunched over to be Mickey sized!), but must have it! Everything is incredibly packed at this point, so we walk around a bit, and end up on Snow White after a 20 minute wait. Next we go on Jungle Cruise. This is better than Disneyland, as it takes you through the temple ruins. The guys want to do Pirates again. I weigh Pirates, gift shop, Pirate, gift shop. Gift shop wins (since I’ve been on Pirates twice already). I find some cool TIKI BIRDS and buy them to hang by my computer at home. (Still haven’t gotten a chain to hang them from, though.) I’m happy with my purchase!

We attempt to get back to Fantasyland and almost get run over by SpectroMagic. We were able to walk up the Parade route from Frontierland almost made it, but the Cast members chased us to about the Liberty Belle, where we had to cut into the crowd to make it the back way to Fantasyland. I REALLY wanted to stay and see the parade and meet the guys at Splash for E Ride, but Andy was tired and cranky, and did not want us to break up. Craig got EXTREMELY cranky when I suggested we stay put and watch the parade, and Chris was having none of it. [img]images/icons/mad.gif[/img] (Yep, parades are a priority for next trip!). We get behind the crowds and make it to Fantasyland. There are still very long lines, but we do get on Snow White and Small World again. The parade would have been much better! :P

It is then time for E Ride, so we go on the Haunted Mansion first, as it is closest. We then go on Splash, and head over to BTMRR to see if we can meet up with Suzy. We were late, and she wasn’t able to make it – maybe next time! BTMRR is again a big hit. This ride is a blast in the dark – we ride it twice in a row.

When then go over to Tomorrowland and ride TTA again, and then Buzz. Buzz is a let down after Men in Black, though. Then, totally exhausted, we get in line (about 20 minutes) for Space. Andy wants to sit up front, and does. He proclaims, that other than Tower of Terror, that was his best Disney ride of the trip.

We take our last trip down Main St. around 11:45 p.m., and walk through the Emporium. I get a couple of last pictures. As we were just about to leave, Craig stops me and says “Take one last look Mom. You’re not going to see it again, until you get home, to the living room (Confession time – I have the Sears Disney Town Square model set up in my living room!).” Sniff, sniff. [img]images/icons/frown.gif[/img] I don’t want to go, but I realize it’s time to. We say goodbye to the soft lights and quietness of Main St. and walk slowly to the monorail.

Last August, when we were leaving the park for the last time, we got on the monorail, and it got stuck for a half hour. We’re doing fine until we pull into the Contemporary, where it is announced that the monorail in front of us is stuck! I hope this doesn’t become a pattern! Fortunately, it only took about 15 minutes this time, and we were heading to our car. We got back to ASMu, and lights went out after showers around 1:30 a.m. I’m sorry our trip is almost over, but glad we have had this magical time to spend together. We were never able to afford these kinds of trips when Craig and Chris were young, and I am cherishing each moment before they venture off into the world on their own.

Next up

Day 6 – MGM – HAT anxiety, Drive-In Food, and flying back to the Burgh.

[tikibird]

Day 6 – MGM – Hat anxiety, Drive-In Food, and flying back to the Burgh

I get up at 8:00 a.m. due to the late night before. It’s our last day. My last trip to do devotions/get mug refills, and YES, I have forgotten my protein bar again! AMAZING! [img]images/icons/shocked.gif[/img] This was the best breakfast yet – Sticky bun and fresh fruit cup. If I had known how good the sticky buns were, they would have been the all-week pick. I notice a buffet being set up in the far end of the food court. Looks like a band or other group has arrived! I reflect back on the two awesome band trips to WDW I took when in high school Our senior year was particularly awesome, as we really thought we were “all that” and as drum major, I got to lead the band down Main St.! [img]images/icons/smile.gif[/img]

When I get back to the room, the guys are up, and we start packing. [img]images/icons/frown.gif[/img] We are out of the hotel by 10:00 a.m. I take one last long look at the clarinet player on the side of Jazz building 9, and we are off to MGM. We left this day open, and yesterday figured we would go back to MGM, as we didn’t get much time to spend there in the rain our first day.

I now see why it is suggested to stay away from the early entry park. It was MOBBED! We got to the gate at 10:30 a.m. and there were people everywhere! I’m thinking that perhaps the 4th of July crowd had started to arrive, as well.

We got a fast pass for R-n-R to come back at 12:45-1:45. At least this time we didn’t have to fight a downpour to do so! Gonzo, of course, next wanted to do Muppets. The wait was around the building at 30 minutes. I am used to walking onto this ride. We did see some cute Muppet movie posters while waiting, though. We were one of the last to get into the theater, and had to split up. Andy and I got a seat close to the front, which I enjoyed, as I had never seen the show from that viewpoint. The 3-D was not quite as good, but I got a new appreciation for the penguin band.

By the time Muppets is over, we have a half-hour until we need to report for our PS at the Sci Fi Drive In. It is really hot, so we mosey through some gift shops to get out of the heat, since the lines are so long everywhere. We pass the HAT! It is still making me mad! [img]images/icons/mad.gif[/img]

We get to the ScI Fi at 11:50, and are seated at 12:25. This was DH’s suggestion to try (we made the PS the night before), and I’m really glad he did. What great theming! It really reminded me of going to the drive in as a kid. Especially the ads for movie food. Also, contrary to the bad reviews I had read, we really enjoyed our food. Craig and I got the BBQ CHICKEN sandwich, which I thought was excellent, Chris had a Prime Rib sandwich that he really liked, and Andy had a tomato salad and chili. 3 of us got chocolate milkshakes, which were yummy (Gonzo was saving room for a Goofy Bar), and the total tab came to $63 before tip. (As DH had several chocolate shakes during this trip, I will provide his “Food Police Chocolate Milkshake” ratings in my final segment.)

As we left the restaurant, the crowds were still thick, with lines even for the restrooms. It started to rain, but fortunately no where as bad as it had earlier in the week, but time to don the ponchos one last time. Craig found his Goofy bar, which he decided was good, but agreed with Fortissimo that the Mickey Bar is the best ice cream treat in WDW.

It is time for our R-n-R fastpass. I’m a bit concerned I will loose my lunch, as it was pretty jerky last ride, but the ride is pretty smooth this time, and lunch remains intact. I pick up a Christmas present for my brother (big Aerosmith fan) in the R-n-R gift shop, as well as a pewter castle frame that was on sale in one of the other shops.

We head back to the Great Movie Ride. We have to wait 30 minutes, and I am again confronted with the HAT. The big, blue, obnoxious HAT. By this time, the guys are really tired of hearing about it, and tell me to get over it – but what is it’s purpose? It’s just BIG and UGLY! Okay, enough about the stupid HAT! I hope it goes away someday! [img]images/icons/frown.gif[/img]

We figure we have enough time for one more ride before we go to the airport, so I suggest the Magic of Disney Animation. This was a good pick. We are tired, and the relaxed atmosphere was perfect. Andy and Chris like the Robin Williams film (they had not seen this attraction prior). The montage of classic clips at the end is great, too. We’re glad we made it our “wrap up” ride.

We can’t leave without Gonzo making a stop at the Muppet gift shop. I get him a Statler and Waldorf t-shirt, and he gets one with Beaker, as well as a, you guessed it, Gonzo beanie! [img]images/icons/wink.gif[/img]

We know it is time to go home, so we head out to the tram to find the NEON (which still, BTW smells bad!) Our brains finally fried from trying to remember where we parked every time we parked, no one knows where it is, other than it is in film (which I only remember because I mentioned Andy, the film buff, must like this when we went in). Andy insists that the car is far from the edge of the lot, but when we finally find it ten minutes later, it is two rows away from it. [img]images/icons/smile.gif[/img]

We decide to take 417 back to the airport, which was nice for a change, as it does not seem as commercial. We stop for gas less than 10 miles from the airport as instructed, and pay $1.41/gallon, which sure beats $4.45 at Dollar Rental!

5:00 p.m. is when we arrive at the airport for our 7:30 flight, which is fine, because we are all beat and really tired of crowds and little kids! (we decide next trip will be when some of them are in school ) We had a painless drop off of the rental, so Dollar gets a “thumbs up” for that. There is a 15 minute wait at the US Air check-in, and then we are off to the food court for dinner.

Craig and Chris get wings and pizza at Pizza Hut, and Andy and I get bagel sandwiches from the bagel place. The food police declares that everyone will get frozen yogurt at TCBY, but I put my foot down and say, “NO, I WILL BE HAVING AN OATMEAL RAISIN COOKIE!” I do, and he correctly does not comment, complain, or go into convulsions! A small victory, but a good one! [img]images/icons/grin.gif[/img]
Total bill for dinner - $38.

We see our flight is delayed, so I take one last look at the Disney gift shop, but am able to refrain from buying anything. I pick up a magazine and a book at the newstand and we head to the gate to wait for our flight. A couple with a small girl and a baby are seated across from us, and Chris really got a kick out of the baby. They gave her a tortilla chip, which she seemed to love, and then tried to give her some nasty-looking green baby food, which she kept pushing away and making faces at. The whole time Chris is saying (quietly) “MMM, Chip! MMM, Chip!” The dad ended up eating the rest of the chips, though, so I don’t think the baby was too happy!

The flight home is blissfully uncrowded, so we get to stretch out a bit. Chris and I snap a few goofy pics of each other on the plane, and we are off.

I pop some praise and worship songs into my CD player, and realize that not participating in a worship service is the one thing I have really missed (along with my youth group kids) all week. Note to self: check out the House of Blues Gospel brunch next trip!

As we fly over Pittsburgh, it is really a beautiful view. We get to see the city all lit up, and the new PNC Park and Heinz Field. If you haven’t been to Pittsburgh, you should come visit. The town has really transformed itself from the smoky city to a thriving metropolis with a lot of technology companies now lining the rivers where the mills once stood. (And that is my “Pittsburgh Regional Champion” spiel for the day! )

We arrive in Pittsburgh at 10:20 p.m., pick up our luggage, and find the car. We unload the car, get showers and crash. I’m dead to the world until 9:30 a.m. the next morning, when Andy wakes me up.

Next up – Last But Not Least – Final Thoughts, Lessons Learned, Tips, Post-Trip Shopping, and the Food Police’s Chocolate Milkshake ratings!

[Gonzo]

I'll never get that "mmm chip" routine.

[Fortissimo]

<BLOCKQUOTE><font size="1" face="Comic Sans MS, Arial">quote:</font><HR>We pass the HAT! It is still making me mad!<HR></BLOCKQUOTE> At least the hat is blue and not Pepto Pink like Cindy's Castle was for the 25 celebration!

<BLOCKQUOTE><font size="1" face="Comic Sans MS, Arial">quote:</font><HR>Craig found his Goofy bar, which he decided was good, but agreed with Fortissimo that the Mickey Bar is the best ice cream treat in WDW <HR></BLOCKQUOTE> Hey Gonzo, great minds think alike, don't they? [img]images/icons/wink.gif[/img]

<BLOCKQUOTE><font size="1" face="Comic Sans MS, Arial">quote:</font><HR>I pop some praise and worship songs into my CD player, and realize that not participating in a worship service is the one thing I have really missed <HR></BLOCKQUOTE> They used to have a service at the Poly on Sunday mornings. This may be something to check out on your December trip.

I'm sorry your trip is come to its conclusion. [img]images/icons/frown.gif[/img] I have really enjoyed your reports.

[Janet 46]

One of the best reasons to read trip reports (besides the obvious one of living vicariously) is that I feel like I can get to know the people on this board so much better.

You're husband is just like mine: won't pack until I'm halfway out the door. He also food polices me.

I've really enjoyed your report and I'm glad that there's still more to come.

[tikibird]

Well, it's time to wrap this up.

My tips, thoughts, etc. from this trip:

All Star Music
Loved this place! If you are thinking about staying on-site do it! It is certainly worth the extra money to do so. Disney Magic 24/7, what more could you ask for?
The pillows are like pancakes, though, ask for extras! The sticky buns at the food court are bomb, and get a refillable mug - well worth the money if you are staying even a few days.
MGM
The magic of Disney animation, TOT, Muppets and RnR are musts. The HAT has to go! Prime Time has awesome milkshakes, and the theming at SciFi can't be beat!
AK
Get to the safari first thing in the morning, as the lines seem to build throughout the day. The whole park also gets very warm in the afternoon. Maharajah Jungle trek is beautiful. TTBAB is a must. DO NOT get an oatmeal raisin ice cream cookie sandwich if you DH has his heart on a chocolate chip one! [img]images/icons/smile.gif[/img]
EPCOT
If you are with Gonzo, ride SE as many times as you can! [img]images/icons/smile.gif[/img] Ice Station cool was a refreshing surprise. LeCellier blew me away. Everyone must try the cheese soup (dip the bread sticks in it!). Also - do not miss Beaver Tails in the cart located in Canada. Go on the Mexican boat ride if you need a laugh. TON is a must-see parade.
MK Do the E ride nights if you possible can. Well worth the $12. The Exposition Hall is pretty cool. Ride TTA - great view of Tomorrowland and through Space Mountain. Eat many, many Dole Whips, and of course see the tiki birds (even if they are inferior to those in Disneyland!) [img]images/icons/smile.gif[/img]
In General Be prepared for any weather - good rain ponchos are a must in June. Have good walking shoes, as well as bandaids and moleskin to prevent blisters. Get to the Belz outlets if you are a souvenier nut like me. BIG discounts over park prices. If you want to use the Disney Club discount at Virgin Megastore, you have to print out the web coupon to do so. 6 oz. cans of juice purchased at home fit nicely in the ice buckets at ASMu. Don't schedule quite as much as we did into your trip. I would have enjoyed a little more time at the resort. Take chewing gum with you, as you can't buy it at the parks or the airport. Take a water bottle to save on drinks. Take the time to meet Mickey at the Judge's tent outside his house.
Want to do next trip, missed this one
MK Parades
Resort Hop one day
Leisurely stroll through the World Showcase
Beauty and the Beast and Indy at MGM
Tarzan Rocks at AK
DH's Chocolate Milkshake Ratings
4. Ghiradelli's in DD
3. Sci Fi Theater
2. Schwab's Pharamacy in US
and the number one chocolate milkshake:
1. Prime Time Cafe

All in all, we had a great time, and I've enjoyed sharing it. Thanks to all of you that provided comments on the report. It was a real encouragement to know that people were reading it! I'm looking forward to reports from the rest of you when you return from your magical vacations. [img]images/icons/smile.gif[/img]

[Gonzo]

TOT a must?

[Beast_fanatic]

Even your wrap-up made me laugh! [img]images/icons/smile.gif[/img]

Great reports. I'm still sorry about causing the cookie incident though. [img]images/icons/frown.gif[/img]

I hear you can get them in the MK too (not sure if it's bakery or ice cream parlor, but both should be open by December). Maybe you can get one then! [img]images/icons/grin.gif[/img]