Bob & Larry's Excellent WDW Adventure About This Page:

[LLaffinPlace]

Day 5, Part 3 - February 10, 2002: An Illuminating Tapestry

We strolled counterclockwise around World Showcase to Germany, and walked through the shops, and then turned around and headed back towards the American Adventure (AA). We were in time for the Fife and Drum Corps, and then heard Voices of Liberty prior to the show--a wonderful interlude. They performed "Give Me Your Tired, Your Poor" (as fond as I am of this song, it was somewhat ironic for theme park goers [img]images/icons/wink.gif[/img] ) and "Oh, Susannah".

After AA, we went to Norway and rode Maelstrom. Deciding that it was cooling off, we made our way to the exit to head back to the WL to retrieve our jackets in preparation for Illuminations. We stopped in at MouseGear on the way and I bought gel pens for my journal. [I should explain that it has black pages and that it takes a gel pen to write in it legibly; I bought a couple at the MK last year, but this year I could hardly find a decent gel pen in 4 parks, Downtown Disney, and several resorts! [img]images/icons/mad.gif[/img] ] Our bus was a while coming; although we didn't wait that long, others had waited a lot longer. They were pretty good-natured about it and joked a bit; there was in fact talk of hijacking a tram.... [img]images/icons/shocked.gif[/img]

[I should take a moment to mention that before the trip we had prepared envelopes for "Mousekeeping" (AKA Housekeeping) for daily tips. These had the date and a picture of the resort where we were staying. We left the one dated for a particular day out when we left the room for the park in the morning. Also, Bob had a Sorceror's Apprentice Mickey beanie, and early on I had purchased a 2002 "Ears to You" Mickey (I told you I'd explain later [img]images/icons/smile.gif[/img] ). Thus, we had set the stage for what we found when we returned.]

Once back at WL, we return to the room and what should we find, but the Mickeys splayed out on my bed, covered with towels (washcloths) with a bottle of lotion between them--they're at the spa! Really cute. I'll take a picture before taking it apart. I pulled my shoes off, had a couple pieces of candy (chocolate with peanut butter [img]graemlins/yuma.gif[/img] ) some water, and got caught up in my journal. It was nice to sit for a while because I am a bit tired today.

Refreshed, we caught the bus back to Epcot. We grabbed a pretzel each in Germany while waiting for the Tapestry of Dreams (ToD) parade to start. We had seen Tapestry of Nations (ToN) the previous year and we looking forward to seeing this one. We were very close to where the parades started and stopped. [For anyone who did not follow that, there are actually two parades that start from different spots and the first ends where the second started out.] If you pick a place to watch near here, then you can see more parade!

Earlier we had found the Annual Pass (AP) viewing area for Illuminations: Reflections of Earth (fireworks display) for this evening. It was not the little island across from Italy as it often is, but just to the right facing the World Showcase Lagoon because there was a wedding and a reception occupying the island tonight (we pumped the CM on duty for the info [img]images/icons/wink.gif[/img] ). We thoroughly enjoyed the ToD parade--I was delighted that they had kept a lot of the elements from ToN, especially the revolving drums, which are just too [img]images/icons/cool.gif[/img] for words. The puppets interacted a lot, particularly with the kids. We saw the end of the other parade too, and then made our way to the AP viewing area and wiped some of the water off the wall (it had been sprinkling) and perched for the 15 minute or so wait for the fireworks. Woohoo! Still a stunner and probably the best view of the show that I have had. Afterward, we were quite disappointed that the bakery in Norway was closed !

We made our way to the bus stop with the horde, and once again I enjoyed the fiber optic lights embedded in the sidewalk. What a neat effect. We waited for the bus for about 15 to 20 minutes. A WL bus--fully loaded--pulled out just as we had arrived at the stop. It was sprinkling as it had been throughout the parade and fireworks, but never enough to bother with my jacket's hood.

Back at the WL, Bob called his sister Marti to bring her up-to-date and to check on her schedule--no change. We went down to the Mercantile and I bought a disposable camera, which I used to take a picture of "The Mickeys at the Spa", and then we were off to RF for iced brownies as our snack/dessert. Then up to the room to crash for the night. Another great day! [img]images/icons/grin.gif[/img]

Coming Up: More Fantasy, But The Real World Intervenes

[ 03-09-2002, 11:52 AM: Message edited by: LLaffinPlace ]

[LLaffinPlace]

Day 6, Part 1 - February 11, 2002: Two Parks and A Phone Call

Bob wasn't interested in eating, so I went down to Roaring Fork (RF) and had a breakfast plate--scrambled eggs, bacon (this must be vacation! [img]images/icons/smile.gif[/img] ), hash browns and, of course, coffee.

We caught the SRO boat to the Magic Kingdom (MK). This was one of the few days we experienced a big backup at the security checkpoint, and the first we had experienced. I had brought my jacket, and with pockets saw no need for the fanny pack, so I could breeze through the "no search" cut-through. I told Bob I would see him in front of City Hall since he had his pack with him. He was there in about 10 minutes. We made for Frontierland and got in line for Big Thunder Mountain Railroad (BTMRR); since it was early yet there was only about a 10 minute wait.

We got a FP for Jungle Cruise (a good captain really makes this ride and a mediocre one can trash it), and when we returned we pretty much walked right on the boat. [We talked to a CM about WWTBAM for a few minutes--he had noticed my 1000 point cap. He said his Dad really likes the show and goes often. He also said that his Dad gets impatient with the preshow (he's heard it all, of course) and would like for them to "get on with it". As we'll see later on, I agree, although I would just prefer to have that time added to the "play" time at WWTBAM--but that's for another day. [img]images/icons/wink.gif[/img] ] We had a good captain for the JC; when we got to the backup at the dock she told this joke--which Bob says we also heard at WWTBAM:

Q: Why did Tigger stick his head in the toilet?
A: He was looking for Poo(h)! [img]images/icons/tongue.gif[/img]

From there we got in line for the Haunted Mansion (HM) and had about a 15 minute wait. Fun as always and the CM for the stretch room was particularly good. We then headed for Tomorrowland and found Space Mountain (SM) down for rehab. [img]graemlins/cry2.gif[/img] Bucking up, we bravely moved on to the Tomorrowland Transit Authority (TTA) which we ended up staying on and riding twice. Why, you ask? [img]graemlins/ears.gif[/img] Because even though SM was not operating, the TTA still went through and they had the lights up --so you could see the rollercoaster tracks and everything, including folks walking the tracks to inspect them. They waved back at us, of course, being "on-stage" as it were. Way, way [img]images/icons/cool.gif[/img] ! After seeing what we saw, I have come to believe that, all in all, it's perhaps best NOT to be able to see where you're going when you're riding SM. [img]graemlins/dizzy.gif[/img]

When we came off of TTA, we found the Tomorrowland Blast Band setting up , so we stopped and watched and listened to them. A hoot! We headed back to Frontierland and found the standby times for the mountains to be really long, as were the delays for the FPs. As always, we were hungry, so we caught the WDW RR back to Main Street and the boat back to the WL. We did not wait long for either, certainly no longer than 10 minutes in each case. Lunch will be at Whispering Canyon Cafe to round out our tour of the WL eating establishments.

Next: Reality Rears a Very, Very Ugly Head

[ 03-09-2002, 11:54 AM: Message edited by: LLaffinPlace ]

[LLaffinPlace]

Just a couple of quick notes:

Thanks, Gentle Readers, for your comments. I'm having almost as much fun "talking" about it as I did experiencing the trip--particularly since I cannot eat this way now that I'm home. [img]images/icons/smile.gif[/img]

You know, perhaps if some of you GRs made a few comments, you might be able to help me convince (Read: shame ) Bob into putting in his $0.02 worth here and there. You know, like what he thought of the food he ate but I didn't? His favorite rides? Stuff like that.

Nudge, Nudge, [img]images/icons/wink.gif[/img] , [img]images/icons/wink.gif[/img]

And I really am trying to move things along. [img]graemlins/puter.gif[/img] Bob's Sister Marti is anxiously waiting to join us! [img]images/icons/grin.gif[/img]

[ 03-09-2002, 12:08 PM: Message edited by: LLaffinPlace ]

[MagicLover]

Great trip report so far! I am really enjoying reading it. Thanks for taking the time to put it together for our reading pleasure.

Sue

[Beth L.]

I'm having a ball reading your report and it is definately the perfect cure for the 95 days and waiting blues that I am experiancing at the moment! Keep 'em coming.

If you go to SB, don't take your dead cat into the locker room with you. There's no place to sling it.

<font size="2" face="Comic Sans MS, Arial">ROTFL, too funny! [img]images/icons/grin.gif[/img]

[LLaffinPlace]

Thanks, Sue, it's fun for me and certainly beats, say, doing my taxes! [img]images/icons/wink.gif[/img]

Beth, as you'll see later on, Bob and I made our way over to the Animal Kingdom Lodge for a meal and to see the place for the first time. I notice you stayed there and am quite envious!

Stay tuned. [img]graemlins/puter.gif[/img]

[Elliot'sDragon]

WOW! This is one very detailed trip report. I have been saving reading it until Sunday when I knew I'd have time.
This is a great report and look forward to more. I love your sense of humor.

[LLaffinPlace]

Day 7, Part 1 - February 12, 2002: Another Try at WWTBAM

We got up and after morning ablutions headed directly to D/MGM-Studios. We had a full bus after stopping at the Polynesian and the Grand Floridian. There were very long lines at the D/MGM security checkpoint. Tip: If you encounter the same thing, get into line on either side of the planter since these lines feed into two security lines and therefore move faster than the others. A Disney Security man was trying to get guests with nothing to search to go on through. A woman behind us joked, "Did he say 'old bag line' or 'no bag line'? [img]images/icons/grin.gif[/img]

Since it's our mutual favorite, we rode Twilight Zone Tower of Terror first, the got a FP for Rock 'N Roller Coaster (RnRC). We stood in the standby line first and then used the FP--one way to ride twice fairly quickly. We got the first row in the limo (coaster) the first time! [img]images/icons/cool.gif[/img] You can see the different signs light up--it was great!

After the second ride on RnRC, it was off to Starring Rolls for some breakfast. An apple danish for me (Hey! Hey! It's got fruit in it....) with coffee and OJ, and a chocolate chip cookie and OJ for Bob. We then headed to Who Wants to Be a Millionaire (WWTBAM) to give Bob a chance at the Hot Seat, and ended up in the same row as last Thursday. But instead of being in seats 408 and 409, we were in 411 and 412. Bob thought his seat number was a good omen: 411--INFORMATION! [img]images/icons/wink.gif[/img] We saw two games. In Game 1, I missed a question and Bob was #2 on the Top Ten List--so close! In Game 2 at the end, Bob was #7 and I was #3. What fun. Kevin was the host today and he covered well when there were problems with the connections to "Phone a Stranger". I have to say that this lifeline worked better in both of today's games than either game last Thursday when I played. Fortunes change quickly; in Game 1, Bob went from 3rd to 2nd in the space of one question! Woohoo!

Departing WWTBAM, we headed for the dock of the Friendship Launch to Epcot to head--in a somewhat circuitous route--to the Poly for our 1:35 PM PS at the Kona Cafe (a new restaurant for us [img]graemlins/yuma.gif[/img] ). We entered Epcot through the International Gateway and walked to the Monorail stop at the other end of Future World. We hopped the Monorail to the TTC and then took the footpath to the Poly, arriving a couple of minutes late, which was not a problem.

Next: Aloha Good Food!

[LLaffinPlace]

Day 7, Part 2 - February 12, 2002: Kona Cafe at Disney's Polynesian Resort

1st Course

[L] Pot Stickers - Wok-Seared Seafood Dumplings with Creamy Ginger-Soy Sauce and Pickled Cucumbers

2nd Course

[B,L] Cheese Ravioli - Cheese-Filled Pillows of Pasta Served with Mushrooms, Red Peppers, and Arugula in a Creamy Parmesan Sauce (Ravenswood Vinters Blend Zinfandel 1998)

3rd Course

[Bob] KoKo Puffs - Cream Puffs Filled with Chocolate Cream
[L] Kilauea Torte [like a brownie filled with chocolate ganache]

The Kona Cafe (KC) was not crowded. Luncheon was very nice and the CM/server was attentive and friendly. The Pot Stickers were quite good and the pickled cucumbers had a unique flavor that I quite liked. The ravioli was superb, and the Ravenswood (I have never met a red Zinfandel I didn't like [img]images/icons/wink.gif[/img] ) was a very good accompaniment. Bob seemed to be quite happy with his Puffs, and my torte was wonderful. [img]graemlins/yuma.gif[/img] We had some congenial neighbors; the woman asked me about my dessert, which I emphatically recommended to her. When I asked the CM how the luncheon menu differed from the dinner, she graciously brought me a copy of the dinner menu.

Next: Bob Makes Galactic Hero!

[LLaffinPlace]

Day 6, Part 2 - February 11, 2002: Eating Again?

We had no PS at Whispering Canyon Cafe (WCC) for lunch; however, as we walked into the WL lobby and looked across the way, we could see that it was by no means full, so we anticipated no problem getting in. As many others have no doubt observed, it can be very convenient and relaxing to eat in one of the resorts for lunch--and not just your own--because you will often find that they are not crowded and it's a nice break in the frantic touring.

We eschewed appetizers, which sounds like we had them--but we didn't! [img]images/icons/tongue.gif[/img] Bob had the BBQ Beef Brisket Sandwich and I had the BBQ Pulled Pork Sandwich. [During our previous stay at the WL we took the restaurant tour, which included a tour of the Smokehouse. And that included a sample of the BBQ ribs and the Artist Point salmon. [img]graemlins/yuma.gif[/img] ] One of the highlights of the WCC menu is the all-you-care-to-drink milkshakes. [img]images/icons/smile.gif[/img] We both started with chocolate, which Bob stayed with despite the (good-natured) ribbing from our CM/server. I opted for the peanut butter on the second go-round. Mmm, mmm. We had "The Princess" for our CM/server and she was a lot of fun. She gave the folks at the next table somewhat more grief than she did us, which was okay, but we were on the receiving end of enough not to feel left out. [img]images/icons/tongue.gif[/img] She brought the ketchup without me having to ask for it. Whew! [If you don't already know, you may still have seen warnings elsewhere to not ask for the ketchup at WCC. I'll not give it away completely, but if no one else does, go ahead! Other than getting half the restaurant to look in the direction of your table, it's not too embarassing! [img]images/icons/wink.gif[/img] ]

We stopped by Guest Services on our way up to the room and bought our vouchers for the E-Ride Night at the MK. Woohoo! We attended an E-Ride Night on a previous trip and it's great. We then headed up to the room so I could drop my jacket. We found the message light flashing on the phone (Hmm...) and when Bob checked the voicemail, he found out the message was for me. Randy, a roommate from college (Virginia Tech--Go Hokies!), tracked me down via my Mom to tell me that Larry, another college roommate and good friend from high school, has a brain tumor and will be having emergency surgery tomorrow. His speech and emotional centers are affected. The only fortunate aspect is that one of his colleagues (Larry's a college professor) is a neurologist, noticed the symptoms and recommended an immediate MRI. I called Randy and found that Larry's prognosis is uncertain to say the least. [img]images/icons/frown.gif[/img] Randy apologized for disturbing my vacation , but I assured him I would rather know and that I appreciated his call. [I am not going to dwell on this because that's not why everyone's here. I considered not bringing it up but I am trying to be honest and complete with the TR, and it's definitely a part. So you know: the surgery was somewhat successful and his speech was restored; however, the cancer was not benign. One of the reasons I did bring it up, though: If you are of the praying persuasion, please remember Larry, his wife Susan, and his family. Thanks!] After collecting myself somewhat, Bob and I continued our touring for the day.

We went down to the WL bus stop and hopped the Disney-MGM bus. Tip: This bus stops at the Poly and the Grand Floridian on its way to D/MGM. This means that the WL has, in a sense, direct service to both of these resorts--at least in that direction. I have constantly heard less than complimentary comments about the accessibility of the WL, but my experience is that it is quite accessible.

Once at the Studios, we got a FP for RnRC, figuring that the 'coaster's standby line would be longer than Tower of Terror's (ToT), to which we then went and rode. One of the shafts at ToT was out of order, so this took a bit longer than expected. Still, with time to kill before our FP, we headed to Star Tours and rode it with a short wait. Then back to Sunset Blvd and RnRC where we were a bit early (by their clock) and then had to wait a few minutes because someone had been sick in the FP line--before getting on the ride!--and the CMs were taking care of this. The FP line got considerably constipated during this interval, but soon we were off to the recording studio and the concert once again. [img]images/icons/smile.gif[/img] What a great ride! There was a woman in the front seat (we were in row 2) who had not ridden RnRC previously, and she loved it. She looked quite windblown in the picture afterward, and her comment was, "Gotta have those roots done again!" [img]images/icons/grin.gif[/img]

We hit the Backlot Tour, and the folks who were the volunteers for the special effects demo (water, explosives, fire) were really funny. We saw Muppetvision 3D and then did ToT one last time for the day; I still can not get over how much hang time there is for the drops now.

We headed "home" to the WL (a bus was waiting for us!) and grabbed our mugs and went to RF for a nosh. It was very crowded, though, so we filled the mugs ("excuse me, excuse me") and snagged a couple of rocking chairs in front of the main fireplace in the lobby and strategized about--what else?--where we would eat for the next couple of days. We decided on Kona Cafe for lunch tomorrow around 1:30 PM and Boma for an early dinner Wednesday night so that we are back at the Caribbean Beach Resort (CBR) in time to meet Bob's sister Marti.

By this time there was no line at RF, so we put in our orders for Pepperoni Pizzas. I also had a salad. From there we stopped by the Mercantile where I bought a WL polo shirt that I had been admiring. Bob located the dressing room for me, so I was able to try it on for fit. I find the sizes, at least in the polos, run large-ish. We went back to the room and checked the forecast for tomorrow--now cloudy, high 72 degrees. Because we had been too full earlier for dessert, we returned to RF for a final snack and then back to the room for the night.

Coming Up: Can Our Intrepid Travellers Find the Walking Path from the TTC to the Poly?

[arielsmom]

Larry-I am enjoying this gastronomically charged trip report so much!! It really sounds like you and Bob got to enjoy so many aspects of the World on your trip, not to mention great food and beverages!!! Keep it coming.... [img]graemlins/puter.gif[/img]

[PS - I LUV WDW]

Larry - Another great report. I log on every day just to see if you've added more [img]images/icons/smile.gif[/img]

[LLaffinPlace]

Day 7, Part 3 - February 12, 2002: Ride, E-Ride, Ride!

Following our nice lunch, we slid out the door to the Poly monorail platform and hopped the resort monorail to the Contemporary Resort, where we strolled the shops for a while. We then caught the "blue flag" boat to the Wilderness Lodge (WL).

Stopping in the Mercantile, Bob bought a replacement fanny pack for one that is wearing out, and I bought some more candy. [img]images/icons/smile.gif[/img] (Hey! I'm on vacation!) We stopped at the Silver Falls Overlook outside to watch the WL geyser, which for some reason did not seem all that impressive this time--but it was neat. [Did you know that the geyser is computer controlled? If the wind is over a certain velocity, the computer cuts the height of the eruption so it doesn't soak the guests. [img]images/icons/cool.gif[/img] ]

We crashed for a while (big night ahead) and then grabbed our jackets to head to the Magic Kingdom (MK) for E-Ride Night. Woohoo! The "green flag" boat was a long time coming, so we caught the "blue flag" back to the Contemporary and walked over to the MK from there. [It's actually not far at all, folks.] We made our way to City Hall where we exchanged our E-Ride Night vouchers for armbands; you have to show these to ride after the park officially closes (today it was 7:00 PM); E-Ride Night goes for 3 hours after that.

It was still early for E-Ride Night, so we went to the Enchanted Tiki Room: Under New Management (a sentimental favorite that is now spiced up a bit) and to the Jungle Cruise. These are two attractions not included in the E-Ride list. Then it was on to Tomorrowland where we saw Alien Encounter. We found that Space Mountain (SM) was still closed [img]images/icons/frown.gif[/img] so we rode TTA, finding the lights still on inside. Because SM is not open, Pirates of the Caribbean (POTC) will be open for E-Ride Night.

We rode Buzz Lightyear; I am ashamed to say that my score was under 300,000 [img]images/icons/blush.gif[/img] , but Bob maxed out at 999,999--Galactic Hero! [img]images/icons/grin.gif[/img] We made our way to Frontierland where we rode Big Thunder Mountain Railroad (BTMRR) twice and Splash Mountain three times, getting quite wet--about as wet as I have ever gotten on SM--and then back to BTMRR for another couple of rides (ahh, the beauty of E-Ride Night!). We then hit Haunted Mansion and POTC before making our way to Main Street Bakery to get dessert to go: Apple Charlotte for me and two big cookies for Bob. [img]graemlins/yuma.gif[/img]

We tried to catch the boat back to the WL, but were told to take the monorail to the TTC and then catch the Crockett bus. No problem! The monorail was waiting for us, as was the bus. Once back at the WL, we dropped off our jackets and goodies and grabbed our mugs for a late supper at Roaring Fork. For me, a ham and cheese sandwich and fruit, and for Bob, a Philly steak sandwich. I grabbed some decaf and we went back to the room for dessert (didn't think we'd forget about that, did you?) and to journalize. Tonight is our last night at the WL for this trip. [img]graemlins/cry2.gif[/img] Tomorrow we transfer to the Caribbean Beach Resort (CBR) where Bob's sister Marti will join us. [img]images/icons/smile.gif[/img]

By the way, Lodgekeeping pulled out all the stops for our last day. We found one of the sinks lined with washcloths and the Mickeys "soaking" away in their "hot tub". And the funniest thing about it was the Sorceror's Apprentice Mickey had a shower cap over his magic hat! ROTFL! I took a picture when I could stop chortling and hold the camera still. What a hoot!

Coming Up: Bob and Larry... Up on the Roof!

[ 03-13-2002, 12:53 AM: Message edited by: LLaffinPlace ]

[LLaffinPlace]

Thanks for your kind comments. We ate a lot of good food, but we really did enjoy a lot of other things too.

Really.

We did.

Honestly.

No foolin'. [img]images/icons/wink.gif[/img]

And coming up, a real "special moment". [img]graemlins/usa.gif[/img]

[inkydinkydoo]

Larry, I just had to let you know how very much I'm enjoying your reports! You sound just like us. We travel through Walt Disney World on our stomachs. However, we have tons of fun, and believe it or not, we usually manage to lose weight. I think it's all the walking.

I particularly loved your review of the Kona Cafe! We went there in October, and I ended up taking pictures of our desserts. My Ko Ko Puffs were scrumptidilyicious. Me share? No way.

I also wanted you to know that my prayers are going out to Larry, Susan, and his family. What a tough thing to go through.

And one more thing . . .

Oh, Bob-b-b-b-b-b-b! Where are you? I've noticed a couple of times in the reports Larry said, "Bob wasn't interested in eating." So, what I want to know is. . .

Is there really a Bob out there or are you simply Larry's imaginary friend????????

Hmmmmmmmmm?

Inquiring minds want to know.