A little light reading while you're waiting for Nate... About This Page:

[whoSEZ]

Saturday, December 1, 2001

The plan: Laundry and a quiet day at the hotel for me; Epcot for Lesley; SpectroMagic and Illuminations Cruise for both of us

We woke up late (for WDW, anyway!) -- about 8:30, I think? Grabbed some breakfast, then Lesley got on the monorail and headed off to the TTC and Epcot. I decided to explore the shops in the Tower (found a couple postcards and a Mickey Santa Hat Christmas ornament for Bruce), then stopped back through the Food-n-Fun Center to refill my mug again. The rest of my day: laundry, TV, nap, chatting with the Mousekeeper. Lovely! It definitely felt like vacation, and my body needed the rest. I was a little sore (hip and back) from my fall at AK, but not bruised at all.

Lesley came back mid-afternoon, went for a swim, and then showered and got ready for our evening out. This turned out to be the only night during our entire trip when SpectroMagic was running, and we had also gotten in on a group Illuminations Cruise for -- coincidentally -- the same night. Thankfully, the parade started at 6:00 (or was it 6:30?), so we figured if we could get out of the MK right after the parade, we'd still have time to make the cruise too.

About 4:30 p.m., we hopped on the monorail and rode around to the MK. Yes, we could have walked; we just didn't feel like it at the moment. We walked under the Depot just in time for the Flag Ceremony, and I have to say that I've never seen so many people not just there for the Ceremony, but actually paying attention to it. People stood silently, all around the flag, watching and, I'm sure, praying and crying and remembering. Another poignant reminder of that Most Awful Day . . . and another reason to be proud of our country's response to it.

When the Ceremony was over and the flag had been carried out so reverently (by a WWII Veteran?), we found spots on the curb in front of the Kodak Camera Center. Lesley went to find a Coke and I sat and waited, chatting with a couple next to me who turned out to be honeymooners. Before I sat down, the bride warned me not to sit in the chocolate as she had . . . she was wearing khaki shorts, and the chocolate was everywhere. They were apparently going to dinner after the parade, and she wanted to go back to their hotel first to change; he said they didn't have time, so she took the opportunity to say she'd need to buy a new sweatshirt, then, to tie around her waist! [img]images/icons/smile.gif[/img] She didn't have to convince him; he took one look at her shorts and knew she'd be unhappy walking around with chocolate all over. They were a really nice couple, and when Lesley came back, they scooted over to make room for her too. Lesley, of course, immediately struck up a conversation with them, and soon they were laughing like old pals. [img]images/icons/grin.gif[/img]

[whoSEZ]

The parade started a bit later, and we had a great view. The usual parade perspective is watching as the floats go by you; this time, we had floats coming right at us, before turning the corner to head toward Main Street. It was a fun change, and I got some good pictures. I like SpectroMagic a lot, but I think I prefer the Main Street Electrical Parade.

We said goodbye and congratulations to the honeymooners, then we took off for the bus. We found the one going to the Yacht and Beach Club and the Boardwalk, and hopped on. Not much of a wait again, and we were among the first to get out of the MK after the parade.

The bus was very, very crowded, and there was a family next to me with 2 small children. I offered to hold one of the kids so the other one wouldn't have to stand, and next thing you know, I've made 2 new friends from Georgia: Bailey Kate and her big brother Riley Donovan. Bailey was on my lap, and she was enthralled with my "100 Years" pin. In the darkness of the bus, its lights reflected off everything: the seat in front of me, the window next to me, and even off Bailey's little face. She'd yell out the colors: "Red! Blue! Yellow! Ohhhh!" When she figured out how to make the lights go off by herself, she said, "I did it! Look, Mama! Look, Riley!" We had fun looking out the window of the bus, watching all the trees and cars and buses go by.

Riley was on his Mom's lap next to me, and he was just as cute! He showed me his new watch (I got to see how it lights up so you can see what time it is in the dark) and told me he could take it in the pool, but Daddy couldn't take his watch in the pool. Just adorable. I could have sat with those two for hours.

Lesley and I knew that we needed to meet our co-Cruisers at the Yacht Club Boathouse, but we also knew we had plenty of time to get there. Since neither one of us had been to the Boardwalk before (took me FIVE trips to get there!), we decided to get off at the Boardwalk and walk around to the Yacht Club. We hadn't eaten dinner, so we stopped for a snack -- nachos or something, I think -- and met another woman who promised to look up the PassPorter boards. Cool!

A little way around the path, we heard one of those surrey bikes ringing its bell behind us, and then I heard a vaguely familiar voice saying, "Hi Sandy!" It was Bailey and Riley, with their parents! (Their mom had remembered my name.) Too funny.

[whoSEZ]

We got to the boathouse in plenty of time, and waiting there were Michelle (Michnash) and her son Todd! We'd met them on our March trip, and Michelle hadn't told Todd that Lesley and I were going to be there again on this trip. He was so surprised to see us! We had about 30 minutes to sit there and catch up, and it was really nice to have some time with them before the other Cruisers got there.

Pretty soon, the rest of our boat gang arrived (Dick, Karen, Patty, Sue, Janet, Carl, and Jen, I think?). We were on the "Donald" boat, and our captain, Mike, later repeatedly called us the "cool people." He was surprised that most of us had met that night for the first time. This Cruise was organized as part of the RADP meet, and they did a great job with it. If you ever have an opportunity to sign up for a RADP Illuminations Cruise, do it!

Each person on our boat received a candy cane and a Donald key chain, along with a RADP button. There were also door prizes; I won one of them (a Minnie Mouse Christmas ornament) because Captain Mike had picked the number on the back of my button. We also got to meet Deb Wills that night (I think, in our group, the only ones who'd never met her before were Michelle, Todd, Lesley, and myself). She was as kind as you'd expect her to be! She took several pictures, and I think one is posted on her website, in the "RADP Meet Scrapbook" page.

By the way, Dick was our boat's host, and he looked so much like my Uncle Jack that I couldn't stop staring at him. I finally told him why I was staring, and told him I was just going to call him "Uncle Jack." He didn't seem to mind. [img]images/icons/wink.gif[/img] I kept wishing someone from my family was there with me to see him! It was almost eerie.

Captain Mike took us on a nice trip around the lake, back by the Swan & Dolphin, over to MGM, then back past the Boardwalk and over to the Epcot bridge between UK and France (next to the International Gateway). The show from this view was really cool! We were happy that the wind blew mostly to our right; people on French Island, right next to us, were in the directly line of smoke. A great show, as always, and I'd definitely consider doing a group Cruise again.

We waved at a ton of people on our way back to the Boathouse, and took a few more pictures when we got there. I needed to find a restroom, so we wandered through the Beach Club lobby. What a beautiful hotel!

The four of us (Michelle, Todd, Lesley, and I) went out to find a bus to Downtown Disney, and then went our separate ways: Mich and Todd were staying at Port Orleans Riverside; Les and I headed back to the Contemporary.

Another great day!

[whoSEZ]

Sunday, December 2, 2001

The plan: For me, Mass at the Polynesian and a quiet afternoon at the hotel; Lesley would sleep in, then hit the parks. We had PS for dinner at Chef Mickey's, and tickets for MVMCP (with Leanne, Michelle, and Todd).

I got up super-early . . . 6:30 a.m., I think. I tried to be as quiet as possible so Lesley could sleep some more; she's a pretty sound sleeper, though, so I probably didn't have to worry quite so much. I left the room about 7:15 a.m.

I never thought I'd be able to say that I took a monorail to Mass! It made me smile several times on the trip over to the Polynesian. It was a beautiful morning, and the walk from the Great Ceremonial House to the Luau Cove was really lovely; it got me in a rather prayerful mood. I was surprised to see so many people walking toward the Cove, and more surprised later when it turned out to be a standing-room-only crowd.

The priest, Fr. J. Harte, set a really informal tone. He started out by asking where everyone was from. Each time, he would say, "New Jersey! You're welcome here" and something about a sports team from that state, like, "Oh, your team lost last night, sorry about that." When I said that I was from Minnesota, he looked at me with great pity and said, "Oh, they always lose. But you're welcome here." Ouch! [img]images/icons/tongue.gif[/img] Later, when "New York" came up, he said, "We're proud of you, New York. You're welcome here." Really lovely.

It was a very odd Mass -- no standing, no kneeling, no singing. Only sitting. The chairs at the Cove are very heavy and very low to the ground, and Fr. Harte said he was afraid there'd be some accidents and chair-tipping if we stood and sat as often as we normally do.

After Mass, I took the monorail back to the Contemporary and then called Mom while Lesley called Mears. I can't believe she goes home tomorrow already! We went to breakfast, then Lesley headed for MGM and I had another quiet day in our room. I like that I've been to WDW often enough now that I don't feel like I have to be at the parks all day, every day. I've learned that I much prefer a WDW vacation that includes some relaxing time. That's the whole point of a vacation, right?

When I got back to the room, I called Bruce and we chatted for quite a while . . . it's always nice to know that he misses me when I'm gone. [img]images/icons/smile.gif[/img] The rest of the day, I read, watched TV, did some crossword puzzles, and chatted with the Mousekeeper, Jusleine. She was great fun!

[whoSEZ]

When Lesley got back from MGM, she told me she'd seen some more taping there. This was stuff for the Olympic athletes version of Millionaire; she got to see Mary Lou Retton, Marion Jones, Bruce Jenner, and of course, Regis. Pretty cool!

We were meeting Michelle and Todd for dinner at Chef Mickey's, so we headed over there and sat down to wait for them. They'd been delayed getting there (Mich was using an ECV and there wasn't a bus that was equipped for her, I think?), but we'd been able to check in, and then just tell them when our whole party had arrived.

Chef Mickey's, once again, came through with flying colors for me. They'd noted my vegetarian request on our PS, and pretty soon, Chef Mark came out to ask what special dish(es) he could prepare for me. What service! I told him I'd eaten there before and was confident I could find enough on the regular buffet, if he could just point out to me which dishes were vegetarian and which weren't. He did, and then asked again if I'd have enough options. Boy, did I ever! Salads, veggies, those mashed potatoes (ohhh, those mashed potatoes), a slice or two of cheese pizza from the kids' menu, and of course something chocolatey for dessert!

By the way, Chef Mark was incredibly kind, but when he first approached me, I was a bit startled. I swear he came to within 6 inches of my face. I actually took a couple steps back. It was either that or kiss him. [img]images/icons/shocked.gif[/img] [img]images/icons/grin.gif[/img]

After our server took our drink order, we went back out to get our picture taken. It was great of all 4 of us, so we got two 8x10s (for Les and Mich) and two magnets (for Mich and me). That's one of my favorite souvenirs; it's on my refrigerator, next to the picture we had taken in March, at the Hoop Dee Doo. When I showed the new picture to my mom, she noticed right away that Todd's wearing the same shirt in both pictures!

Lots of characters came to our table, including Mickey (who caught me using my fork to poke at the buttons on my camera . . . he tilted his head to one side as if to say, "What on earth are you doing?" and laughed when I told him I was fixing the date! LOL). Chip had fun playing with my ponytail; Dale and Donald were there too. I don't remember if Minnie was there. Goofy was there too, but he was kind of busy, so we left without getting his picture this time.

[whoSEZ]

We were already late for MVMCP, and I have to admit I was more than a little irritated. I tried not to take it out on the others, but I don't know if I succeeded. I can't stand being late in general, but it's worse if (a) I'm meeting someone (Leanne was meeting us inside the park at 7:00), and (b) I've paid for an event like MVMCP. Lesley, I think, knew that I'd want to hurry down Main Street, so she told me to go ahead of them and said she knew where to meet Leanne and me. Leanne was waiting when I got there, and she didn't seem to mind at all that I was so late. The others arrived shortly after, and we headed toward Adventureland.

We rode Jungle Cruise, Pirates, Splash Mountain, and Big Thunder Mountain with little or no waits! Many people were waiting for the first parade, which explained the short lines. The parade was just finishing up when we left BTMRR, so the crowds were crazy. We tried getting in to see the Diamond Horseshoe show, but it was packed and we didn't want to stand. Pretty soon, it was time for the fireworks, and they were fantastic! I loved the synchronized perimeter ones best . . . the same set of fireworks going off at the same time, all around the park. I'd love to see those fireworks from outside the park sometime, so I could see the whole set of perimeter ones. Too cool.

After that, we kind of split up for a little while; Leanne and Lesley went off for more rides (I think they did mostly Tomorrowland stuff), while Michelle and Todd and I went toward Fantasyland. At some point, we went back toward the Diamond Horseshoe, but it was SRO again, so we skipped it again. I was disappointed with that, but hey -- just something to do next time!

Michelle and Todd decided to make their way to Tomorrowland (Todd was anxious for Buzz Lightyear, I think), and I was on my own. I spent some time people-watching, wandering around the Castle, and taking pictures. The Fairy Godmother, Cinderella, and Cinderella's Coach were behind the Castle (that is, on the Fantasyland side), and I took a picture of Godmother and the Coach. Lesley later told me that she'd borrowed Leanne's camera to take a picture of the same thing!

Somewhere in there, I met up again with Lesley and Leanne, and the three of us found a spot to watch the parade, near the Hall of Presidents, which was one of the photo spots (the MVMCP ticket price includes a free photo of your group, which they mail to your home). Leanne didn't want to get her picture taken, but Lesley and I did. We decided to each have ours taken separately, in case mine was good enough to be Bruce's Christmas present. We took turns -- one of us stood in line while the other saved our parade spots. There were very few people in the photo line by this point, so it didn't take long at all. By the way, my picture turned out well, but it didn't arrive in time to make it a Christmas gift. So I kept it for myself! [img]images/icons/smile.gif[/img]

The parade was really fun, and again I got some good pictures. I especially liked the Toy Soldiers, the Santa Goofy, and the float that smelled like Gingerbread. It made the whole crowd say, "Mmmmmm" at the same time. After the parade, we split up again . . . more rides for Les and Leanne; more wandering for me.

I'd arranged to meet Leanne and Lesley near the Walt and Mickey statue, so I sat there for a while, watching the Castle lights turn colors during the "Kiss Goodnight." At one point, I noticed a cool Hidden Mickey -- a snowflake spotlight reflected on the front, to the right of the door. I love those details.

There was a show on the Castle Stage at about midnight, so we stayed for that, and then just chatted for a while, took a couple more pictures, and had a quiet walk down a snowy Main Street. I got to meet a couple DIS'ers (including Snowwark, a nice-looking man named Rob, and Nativetxn -- hiya, Kath!), and then Les and I said goodbye to Leanne and walked back to the Contemporary.

Overall, MVMCP was great fun. It was busier than I expected (much busier than, say, an E-night), and I didn't get to do as much as I'd hoped, though part of that was my own choosing. I'd definitely like to do it again someday, though it might be something I'd save for a solo trip.

Our walk back to the Contemporary was nice, though frustrating when we got to the North Wing because we couldn't use our room key to get in the door closest to the MK. (We had to walk to the main doors at the center of the building, which meant a fair amount of backtracking.) It was already late -- well after midnight, if not 1:00 a.m. -- and we still had to pack. Yikes! Another late night.

[whoSEZ]

Monday, December 3, 2001

The plan: Early check-out at the Contemporary. Buzz Lightyear tournament with the PassPorter gang, then whatever else we had time to do at the MK. Lesley: Mears shuttle to airport; Me: shopping at Downtown Disney, then checking in at Caribbean Beach Resort.

We got up really, really early. It was tough to get up, but we had things to do. We got ready for the day, finished packing, and called Bell Services (almost no wait at all!). I was a little afraid that my bags would end up at the airport and Lesley's would end up at the Caribbean, but I didn't need to worry.

We took the monorail around to the MK and had breakfast at the Main Street Bakery. The cinnamon rolls were HUGE and ultra-sweet. Almost too sweet, and believe me, those words coming out of my mouth? That's really saying something.

There was a photographer near the Bakery, so while Lesley finished up breakfast, I tried one more time for a picture for Bruce. ("To dream the impossible dream . . .") The photographer was very kind, taking extra time to get it just right, and I really hoped the picture would turn out!

Then it was off to the PassPorter Buzz Lightyear tournament. Lesley stopped in the restroom on the way, and while I waited, I met Dave and Jennifer! There were a dozen or so people at the meet (Dave, Jennifer, tournament Host Joey/Brant, Versafox and her DH, Mich and Todd, Lesley, and me. Who am I forgetting?). After a little chit-chat, we split off into pairs and got in line. The rules were, we could go as often as we wanted in the allotted time (or until our thumbs fell off, LOL). Lesley and I went 3 times, and on the second go-around, I somehow managed to get my highest-ever score: 402,900. Whoo-hoooo! Of course, I knew it was a fluke, and my other two scores proved me right: 19,000 and 13,900. [img]images/icons/rolleyes.gif[/img] The winners? Lesley (858,000 . . . another fluke! LOL) and Versafox's DH, Jim! (He had 999,999 . . . partly aided by the fact that the car stopped mid-ride.) It was a really fun morning!

Afterward, Lesley, Joey, and I headed over to the Country Bear Jamboree (had to see the Christmas version!). Loved the Elvis bear and, of course, Big Al. Got some good pictures. Then Lesley and I went over to see the new George W. Bush speech at the Hall of Presidents; I've never seen so many people there! I think Joey said he'd already seen the new HoP, so he went off in search of more thrilling attractions. [img]images/icons/smile.gif[/img]

We stopped for Cokes and fries at Casey's, then Lesley decided to squeeze in one more ride on Space Mountain. I told her I'd wait for her there (at Casey’s), and I kept her video camera case with me. It took her a little longer than I expected, and just as I was starting to think she'd miss her Mears shuttle, I noticed her coming, and she had this "you won't believe this" look on her face. Sure enough, the first words out of her mouth were, "You won't believe this." Apparently, near the end of the ride, she felt her fanny pack loosening up around her waist . . . and just as she reached to secure it . . . yup, you guessed it . . . it flew off. She was able to tell the CMs about where it had fallen off, and asked if they could get it for her. Their response was something like, "Well, we'll get it if we can reach it." Now, did I mention that Lesley's money, airplane info, driver's license, credit cards . . . anything and everything she needed in order to get on that plane and go home . . . did I mention that it was all in her fanny pack? And the CMs aren't sure they'll be able to retrieve it from the bowels of Space Mountain?! [img]images/icons/shocked.gif[/img] [img]images/icons/shocked.gif[/img] [img]images/icons/shocked.gif[/img] Luckily, they were able to find it pretty quickly, but they had to shut down the ride so they could safely reach it with a long pole (apparently used for just such occasions). So, if you happened to be on Space Mountain when it shut down unexpectedly during the early afternoon of 12/3/01 . . . Lesley is very sorry for the inconvenience and appreciates your patience!

[whoSEZ]

After that bit of excitement, we took a leisurely stroll down Main Street, wandering through the shops but not buying a single thing. We stopped to see if my pictures had turned out. Lesley liked them both; I didn't love either one of them, but I bought one anyway. It was the "least bad" one taken this week. [img]images/icons/wink.gif[/img] (By the way, Bruce loved it, so I guess I chose well.)

We hopped on the monorail one more time -- Lesley and I said our goodbyes at the Contemporary; she went to retrieve her bags from Bell Services and then wait for her Mears shuttle. I went on to the TTC, then caught a bus to Downtown Disney. I found some good things at World of Disney and the Days of Christmas. I've been collecting a couple different figurines on each of my trips -- a 1-inch "baby" character, and a 3-inch Mickey dressed in different costumes. I was so disappointed to find out they've been discontinued! Wasn't sure what to get instead; I ended up getting the Dopey figurine . . . I decided I could get Snow White next time, and then collect a different Dwarf each time after that. I just hope they don't discontinue them before I make 7 more trips! [img]images/icons/grin.gif[/img]

After I finished shopping, I took a bus to the Caribbean for check-in. I was so excited to be there alone for the first time! I definitely want to take a solo trip at some point in the future. I asked the CM if I could have a room near the Food Court and a bus stop (since I was there alone, I preferred not to have long walks), and she kindly put me in Martinique, building 26, right next to Old Port Royale and very close to one of the bus stops. My room was 2655, an upstairs room facing a pretty little courtyard. It pays to ask nicely!

For the third time on this trip (and thanks mostly to Jean the travel agent!), I got a great AP rate here, too: $89/night. I could have saved some money staying at the All Stars (especially because I was alone and didn't really need the larger room at the Caribbean), but shortly before my trip, I learned that the Pop Warner kids would be at the All Stars during my solo nights. I knew this would be my last trip for at least 2 years, and I knew I wanted my 3 solo nights to be all about relaxation and comfort . . . not thousands of teenagers in rooms all around me. It didn't take long to decide to spring for the more expensive room and avoid the throngs. Another time, I maybe wouldn't mind so much, but not this time.

Bell Services took me and my bags to the room, and I settled in a bit, then went to the food court and brought dinner back to the room. I also picked up a couple of refillable mugs: a green one for me (hey! It's not red!) and a blue one for Lesley. She and her family had stayed at the Caribbean in October, and shared a couple mugs; Lesley somehow ended up going home without one and wanted one for a souvenir. I didn't mind getting 2; it meant I could get double refills and walk over there half as often.

This was my favorite hotel of the 3 hotels on this trip, and I'd barely arrived! The colors were bright and beautiful; the room was good-sized; and it was mine, all mine! (For 3 nights, anyway.) An added feature that I hadn't heard about: There's a privacy curtain between the sink area and the beds . . . so, for example, if someone is still sleeping, the person in the bathroom area can pull the curtain closed and not worry about the lights bothering them. Very cool!

I spent the evening unpacking my clothes, packing my souvenirs, reading, and going to bed.

[whoSEZ]

Tuesday, December 4, 2001

The plan: Relax.

I had a blissfully quiet day at the resort. I had originally planned to hit the Magic Kingdom on my first full solo day, but then again, I hadn't planned on having a blister the size of a Mickey Bar. [img]images/icons/shocked.gif[/img]

So instead, I woke up on my own, without a call from Mickey, with a big smile on my face. Three of my favorite things: being at WDW, staying in a hotel, and waking up without an alarm. Put 'em together and what have you got? Pure, luxurious heaven.

I got up, showered, and got dressed, and then . . . I did a load of laundry, watched TV, read, did crossword puzzles, took a couple little catnaps, chatted with the Mousekeeper (I showed her a "towel trick" I'd learned on a previous trip), soaked my foot, read some more, went to the Food Court a couple times, and all-in-all had a lovely day!

At the end of the day, I went out to the beach between Martinique 26 and Old Port Royale and watched a little of the Illuminations fireworks and lasers (you can just see them over the treetops in the distance).

Would it be sacrilegious to say this was my favorite day? [img]images/icons/grin.gif[/img]

[whoSEZ]

Wednesday, December 5, 2001

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, WALT!

The Plan: MGM for the PassPorter gathering and Walt's birthday party, then packing and getting ready to go home.

I spent the morning making phone calls and arrangements for pick-ups, etc., for tomorrow morning. Had breakfast, did a little bit of packing (though I'd pack and re-pack everything several times before the end of the day), and got ready for the day.

I didn't leave the hotel until almost 11:00 a.m., and right away wished I'd been either 15 minutes earlier or 15 minutes later. The 11:00 bus was half-full of very loud cheerleaders, all about 14 years old, and it nearly drove the driver crazy. He kept making announcements like "all children must be seated" and "make sure you designate a meeting place in case you get separated from your children" and "please take your children with you when you exit the bus." They were very, very loud . . . and while I wouldn't have categorized them as obnoxious, I'm sure the driver would have had no trouble using that adjective to describe them.

After picking up my special 12/5/01 park map and birthday hat, I wandered back toward the Backlot Express, noticing that the park was more crowded today than any park all week. I grabbed a quick lunch (needed ibuprofen badly), and then went out to find the PassPorter gang. I saw Dave inside, and he pointed me toward the group and asked if I'd be willing to help mark the Scavenger Hunt lists from that morning. I did that, though I didn't feel like I helped all that much, since I only got through 2 or 3 of them in the time it took Jennifer to do . . . oh . . . 20 or 30. [img]images/icons/wink.gif[/img]

Soon I saw Michelle, Todd, and Joey again, and then got to meet some new friends: LauraBelle, Nate, Tinkerose, etc. I was so happy to meet all of them, but was especially thrilled to meet our dear Cruella and her lovely family: Tim, David, and Andrew. I think I hugged Cru about a dozen times and had to fight back tears when I told her how happy I was to meet her. That was definitely a trip highlight for me.

[ 01-28-2002: Message edited by: whoSEZ ]

[whoSEZ]

Dave and Jennifer made the announcements about the winners of the Scavenger Hunt, and handed out really cool prizes (big -- and heavy! -- Mickey statues); then we all went over toward the Big Hat for the birthday celebration. The Walt cake, which was actually 100 sheet cakes, was pretty cool . . . there were dozens of CMs and characters parading around that Big Cake, and it was surrounded by sparklers that were supposed to ignite at exactly the right moment and . . . didn't. Big ol' dud. So the characters and CMs all left as they were supposed to, and then, when the sparkler issue had been resolved, they all paraded back in and danced around the Big Cake again for the sake of those many many cameras. [img]images/icons/rolleyes.gif[/img]

We weren't able to see much of the whole celebration the first time, and there didn't seem to be much reason to stand there and (not) watch it again . . . so we left the immediate area and sat on the steps nearby. Before walking away completely, though, I did get to enjoy a true Nate Moment: We stood there making a wish, and while I wasn't quite sure why we were standing there as we were, with one hand out, as though we were actors acknowledging the conductor in the orchestra pit, I did indeed make a wish (or two), and Nate and I became fast friends. [img]images/icons/smile.gif[/img] Such good friends, in fact, that not long afterward, we were scoping out men as they passed by. But . . . I digress.

Back to those malfunctioning sparklers and Round Two of Characters Dancing Around the Big Cake: Thankfully, the sparklers worked the second time, and when they'd fulfilled their birthday party duties (again), the characters all paraded away from the Big Cake (again). Well, at this point, there's a group of 20 or so PassPorters and RADP'ers sitting there enjoying each other's company, when someone (I do believe it was Nate) said, "Let's cheer for Mickey when he goes by." So Mickey passes by and we all scream for him . . . and then, all of a sudden, it's fairly obvious that the other characters want their own ovations! They're stopping right in front of us, one by one, posing for pictures, waiting for us to cheer for them, too. The villains, of course, simply ignored us, or turned up their noses at us . . . but Dopey, Smee, Goofy, Daisy, Bashful, and so many others gave us a huge ol' magical moment. Our own private parade, right there. How cool can it get?

After that, it was time for a Mickey Bar photo op -- a dozen or more of us bought Mickey Bars and posed, ready to chomp on an ear, while a guy there from a nearby radio station took our picture for us. He liked the picture so much that he took one with his own camera and said we should look for it on the radio's website -- www.majic1027.com , I think?

Most of the group dispersed shortly after that, so I decided to head out, too. I really wished I would have more time to spend with those folks! A really terrific group.

Back at the hotel, I watched the shuttle lift-off on TV, then ran outside to the parking lot to see it if I could. No such luck! Too cloudy, and I couldn't see a thing. How disappointing! This was the fourth attempt this week (Thursday, Saturday, Tuesday, and finally today), and when it finally does go up, we can't see anything. ::sigh::

I spent the rest of the evening packing, re-packing, watching TV, and reading.

[whoSEZ]

Thursday, December 6, 2001

The plan: Home!

Got up early, showered and changed, finished the last-minute packing, called Bell Services, and waited for my Towncar. While waiting, I met a couple whose Mears shuttle was late; they were getting anxious about missing their flight. I asked what time their flight was, and it turned out to be the same as mine, so I told them if their Mears hadn't arrived by the time my Tiffany Towncar did, they were welcome to share my ride. Turns out they didn't need to (Mears showed up eventually), but they were grateful to know they had another option.

My driver on the way back to the airport was another new face (I don't think I've ever seen the same driver both ways on any trip). I wish I remembered this man's name; he and I had a really nice talk. He was a Vietnam vet, as is my Godfather, and we talked about that for most of the trip. When we arrived at the airport, he put my luggage on the curb and then shook my hands with both of his. I came >>>this close<<< to hugging him, but I wasn't sure how he'd take it. [img]images/icons/smile.gif[/img] He was a lovely man.

Getting through check-in and security at MCO was a breeze, and I again had plenty of time to grab breakfast, find a newspaper, and get to the gate. The flight home was delayed for a few minutes because NWA had done a bag-match check (though it wasn't required for them to do so on domestic flights) and discovered that there was a bag on the plane, but for some reason, the passenger who'd checked the bag didn't actually board the plane. The pilot announced exactly what was causing the delay, and we waited calmly for about 10 minutes. I didn't hear a single complaint, and I was glad about that. I'm all for delays that are caused by a policy that's meant to protect me. Go ahead, delay my flight 10 minutes. I honestly don't care. Get that unaccompanied bag off my plane!

The flight home was uneventful, and again I had an empty seat next to me. I called Lesley when I landed (she lives near the airport and had agreed to pick me up), went down to the luggage carousel, which took forever, and then met Lesley outside. She had to get to her tutoring job after school, so I spent a couple hours at her house and then she gave me a ride home. Nice to be home after 9 days. Oh, and remember the snowstorm when I left home? And the 8 inches of snow on the patio? It was gone when I got home. Completely gone. It was 50 degrees for most of that week, and I came home to green grass! Gotta love Minnesota winters. [img]images/icons/grin.gif[/img]

[whoSEZ]

Final Thoughts:

Not bad, eh? My July 2000 trip report took me 6 months to post, and I still haven't finished my March 2001 report ... but here's this one, in its entirety, a mere two months later! Whoo-hoooo! [img]images/icons/tongue.gif[/img] (Only took me about 14 hours to write, edit, and post! [img]images/icons/shocked.gif[/img] )

This was a really wonderful trip, and I came home happy that I got my fill for now. It really will be a couple years before I can get there again, so I'm especially happy that I got to do and see so many things for the first time:

· WDW at Christmas
· Illuminations Cruise
· MVMCP
· RnR
· 3 new parades
· 3 new resorts
· Maharajah Jungle Trek
· Osborne Lights
· Candlelight Processional
· Mass at the Luau Cove (via the monorail!)
· Fantasmic!
· Lots of solo time

What a treat to meet so many internet friends; to have so much time to spend alone, doing whatever I wanted to do; to be there for Walt's birthday celebration and for the Holiday festivities.

There were very few things that I didn't get to do on this trip: I missed the MK daytime parade (the Snow Globes), and I didn't get to the Diamond Horseshoe for either their daytime or MVMCP shows. Other than that, I didn't miss much.

I've now stayed at 7 Disney resorts. I love Port Orleans French Quarter, Wilderness Lodge, and Caribbean Beach, and would stay at any of them again in a heartbeat. I like Port Orleans Riverside, Polynesian, and All Star Music ... I'd stay there again if I could get a really good rate and/or if I were with someone who had their heart set on staying there. I was pretty disappointed with the Contemporary, though. I'm glad I stayed there, and I'd be willing to stay there again if the price were right, but it wouldn't be my first choice.

Some of my favorite magical moments: The Candelight Processional was pretty special, and I'd definitely do that again. I'd also do the CP dinner package again, but I'd skip lunch that day! [img]images/icons/rolleyes.gif[/img] I enjoyed the Illuminations Cruise and would probably try that again sometime, if I could get in on a group thing. With 11 of us on the Cruise, it only cost $18 each, including the door prizes and tip for the Captain. (The only negative: You never know which way the wind's going to blow . . .) I especially liked the Kiss Goodnight at the MK on MVMCP night; it's a peaceful way to end a long day. I always enjoy the character meals and this time was no exception: Cinderella's Breakfast, and Chef Mickey's for dinner; both are great for vegetarian options. The parades were as awesome as I expected ... my favorites were Tapestry of Dreams and Stars & Motorcars. MVMCP was great fun, but honestly, if I had a choice between MVMCP and an E-night, I'd probably go with E-night. The crowd was a little bigger than I expected at MVMCP, and that was a little disappointing. I do, however, want to someday watch the MVMCP Fireworks from outside the park. Too cool! And finally, what I think will always be my favorite magical memory: Our own private parade on Walt's birthday. That was simply too much fun, and completely unexpected.

And she lived happily ever after.

[Belle*]

Ok, I haven't read it yer but I am printing it out and am going to enjoy it!! And be a little jealous of all the fun I missed. [img]images/icons/frown.gif[/img] Next time my friend!

[LauraBelle V. Hime]

Great report, Sandy, thanks for sharing! It's nice to be able to put a face with the report. I could actually place myself right there with you!

It was a pleasure meeting you.