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

[LLaffinPlace]

Day 9, Part 3 - February 14, 2002: Time's Up!

When we came out of 50's Prime Time Cafe the parade was starting, so we watched part of it from across Echo Lake. Before it ended we made our way to the standy line for IJSS 4:15 PM show. It was fun, if unchanged. From there it was on to the standby line for WWTBAM (I admit it, I'm addicted! [img]images/icons/smile.gif[/img] ) We got into the last show of the day.

When the second person in the Hot Seat missed a question, they did not have time to start another round. They of course went ahead and put up the Top Ten List and when we saw it--BOOM! Bob was #1!! [img]images/icons/shocked.gif[/img] Maddening! [By the way, Marti was #7 and I was #8.] We have resolved to go back--Bob has been so close: #2 and then #1!

We left D/MGM to go back to CBR to grab jackets for the evening, and then waited a fair amount of time for the next bus to Epcot, where we plan to watch the parade and the fireworks display. Marti had missed Tapestry of Nations in 2000 due to high winds, so we wanted to make sure she got to see Tapestry of Dreams. [img]images/icons/smile.gif[/img]

Next: Light Up the Sky!

[Bob's sister]

I have to say, it was a PB milkshake at Prime Time Cafe, NOT PB&J - after all, I was watching my calories!!! [img]images/icons/wink.gif[/img]

[LLaffinPlace]

Day 8, Part 2 - February 13, 2002: Resorting to Touring Around

Okay, when last we left our Intrepid Travelers on transfer day we were about to head out to Port Orleans-Riverside (PO-R), the resort formerly known as Dixie Landings, and one of our favorite places to stay. [I should point out that by day's end we will have been at four Disney resorts: WL, CBR, PO-R, and the Animal Kingdom Lodge (AKL) for one reason or another.] We traveled via Epcot: CBR to Epcot, Epcot to PO-R). Once there, we explored a bit and found some new paint, some new names, and, of course, we also found that Port Orleans-French Quarter (PO-FQ) is currently shuttered--apparently there is rehab work going on. Bob and I like the arrangement of the food court at DxL--sorry, PO-R--somewhat better than at CBR; all of the stations at PO-R are "behind" the checkouts (and there are multiple ones), whereas at CBR, if you want to get, say, chicken fingers and then something that is only at the bakery, then you have two transactions instead of one. I will say that there is some attempt to compensate for this at CBR by each station having some menu offerings overlap with the others, and breakfast can be obtained at at least several stations which helps during the morning crunch. [img]images/icons/smile.gif[/img]

Our curiosity sated, we then returned to Epcot to make a transfer to the Animal Kingdom Lodge (AKL) where we have PS later at the Boma Restaurant. Our pre-trip plan (see The Planning at the beginning of the posts) was to eat a meal at the AKL because (1) hey!, that's what we do, [img]images/icons/wink.gif[/img] and (2) to check out the place for the first time to see if it should be added to our list of "here are other Disney resorts where we would like to stay on a future trip". AKL currently shares the Epcot bus stop with the WL, which greatly confuses some people (go figure--they're both Lodges ! [img]images/icons/rolleyes.gif[/img] ).

I was so totally impressed with the AKL! [img]images/icons/cool.gif[/img] It is somewhat reminiscent of the WL in gross features--tall, impressive lobby; grand spaces and intimate spaces; a "fireplace"--or in this case a fire pit feature that many people can share; wonderful restaurants; and a local fitness center. [img]images/icons/wink.gif[/img] However, the flavor is all its own, with theming that only Disney can pull off to this degree as well as the animals, which add a truly exciting element. For anyone who has not seen this resort, the public spaces are in the center, and the wings curve around like arms embracing the central savannah. I would love to stay there some day. Bob and I enjoyed exploring the overlooks and walking out one of the wings of the resort to see what we could see. One of the questions we kept asking aloud was, "How the heck ( ahem ) does anyone manage to get from one place to another at AKL?" [img]images/icons/confused.gif[/img] You walk 10 yards and there is another place to look out and interesting animals to see. And, of course, most of the rooms have views of the animals, too. I guess if you have to be somewhere at a particular time, you watch your feet and just focus your eyes forward. Maybe they should issue blinders to the guests. [img]images/icons/tongue.gif[/img]

After our extended exploration, which also included the AKL's food court and pool areas, we presented ourselves for our 6:00 PM Priority Seating at Boma.

Next: When in Boma...

[ 03-17-2002, 09:07 PM: Message edited by: LLaffinPlace ]

[inkydinkydoo]

hehehe! I love the editorial comments, Marti!

[LLaffinPlace]

Day 9, Part 4 - February 14, 2002: Beat the Drums and Fire the Works!

Upon reaching Epcot, we went straight to Germany in World Showcase as this was where we intended to watch the Tapestry of Dreams (ToD) parade and the fireworks display. We stationed ourselves so that we could shift slightly and see the second parade entering Germany as the first ended. We wandered the shops a bit before the parade and each got a glass of Auslese from the wine shop (just in passing, of course!) to sip while we waited for ToD to begin. Bob and I got a small pretzel to munch, but Marti was still too full from lunch. [Hey! Rhymes! [img]images/icons/wink.gif[/img] ] We thoroughly enjoyed the parade, and then Illuminations: Reflections of Earth. What a spectacle! [img]images/icons/grin.gif[/img] A family from Chicago, visiting Disney World for the first time, was just amazed, and claimed they had not paid enough to get in --nothing [that they had experienced], they said, had disappointed them yet. [img]graemlins/love.gif[/img]

We made our way to the CBR bus stop where a bus was already loading. It was packed full and pulled out, and then two more buses pulled up! Both were SRO but it's a testimony to Disney planning that the waiting line was mostly exhausted by that point.

Back at the CBR, we grabbed our mugs and headed to the Food Court to get some chicken fingers for Bob and me, while Marti got some trail mix-type stuff from the store. Bob and I finished with chocolate cake. [img]graemlins/yuma.gif[/img] We made some plans for tomorrow: first to Animal Kingdom and then to Epcot, then possibly Fantasmic! at D/MGM, followed by Downtown Disney to finish. Whew! Me for bed!

Mousekeeping had put the Mickeys--now three with Pirate Mickey, Sorceror's Apprentice Mickey, and 2002 Ears to You Mickey--in the bed together under the covers with their heads on the pillow. There was a mouse made from wash cloths on the bathtub rim, and a crab that was scuttling around in the tub. Way cute! [img]images/icons/cool.gif[/img]

Coming Up: More Fun and More Surprises! [img]graemlins/puter.gif[/img]

[ 03-21-2002, 12:15 AM: Message edited by: LLaffinPlace ]

[Bob's sister]

Seeing Disney with Larry & Bob (true Disney experts) really enhances the trip. We actually did see the Tapestry of Dreams parade twice, simply because of where we stood to watch. I was sooo disappointed that the parade was cancelled on my 2000 trip, after I'd heard so much about it. This time, I deserved to see it twice in one night!

[sammycat699]

I skipped ahead to the ending. Yes I know it's a bad thing. [img]graemlins/pout.gif[/img] I do it with novels too. I'm just plain bad. [img]images/icons/smile.gif[/img]
Anyway I love your trip report. Having all the extras speak too is really nice. I love your food discriptions. They have all made me hungry.
Now I promise to go back to page one and read the parts that I missed.

[LLaffinPlace]

Sammycat, what happens when the end you read, isn't? [img]images/icons/shocked.gif[/img]

Does that spoil things?

Anyway, stay tuned! We have a ways to go yet! [img]graemlins/puter.gif[/img]

[LLaffinPlace]

Day 10, Part 1 - February 15, 2002: We Start With the Animals

Bob and I met Marti at 8:00 AM to head for the Martinique bus stop to catch the bus to the Animal Kingdom (AK). We were early, so waited in line at the gates having passed security quite readily. Once they started letting people in, we made our way almost to Dinoland where we were held up for the rope drop. We then proceeded to ride Dinosaur--twice. We headed to Harambe where we got our FP's for Kilimanjaro Safaris, and then headed back to the Tusker House for breakfast. It was Cinnamon Rolls [img]graemlins/yuma.gif[/img] all around (I believe I have previously mentioned that these are the best in the "World" in my humble opinion) with coffee for Marti and me, and OJ for Bob (and me, too). We watched some dancer/acrobats right outside Tusker House--I did not get their name but their performance was marvelous--limbo, tumbling, and rope jumping in which they involved some of the kids. [img]images/icons/smile.gif[/img]

Then it was time for our safari. We flashed our FP's, which got us in very quickly (heartily recommended). We saw most of the animals with the exception of the King of the Beasts [img]images/icons/frown.gif[/img] . I guess they were lion around somewhere else today.... [img]images/icons/tongue.gif[/img]

Afterward we wended our way to Camp Minnie-Mickey and the Festival of the Lion King (FOTLK). It was as wonderful as I remembered it, especially the gymnasts and the dancers, though of course I like the music, too! We moved on to It's Tough to Be a Bug (ITTBAB), where we waited perhaps 10 or 15 minutes. This is a really wild show (I believe this is Marti's observation) with kids screaming, adults laughing, people reacting to the 3D action, etc. A hoot! [img]graemlins/love.gif[/img]

After ITTBAB, we decided to go see Tarzan Rocks! which none of us had seen. Whoa! A high energy, heart-pounding, foot stompin' good time. The rollerbladers were awesome--the height of some of the jumps was incredible! [img]images/icons/cool.gif[/img] We thoroughly enjoyed this show which is somewhat similar, in a broad sort of way, to FOTLK.

Next: Marti Tests the Track!

[BostonTeaParty]

I love what mousekeeping has been doing with your beanies. It sounds like you got a really creative and fun mousekeeper. What fun! [img]images/icons/grin.gif[/img]

[UncleBob]

I thought I had my best view ever of illuminations from the side of the promenade across from Germany. To me it was even better than the area reserved for annual passport holders we had been a few days before. Of course there were not many people around this evening, for illuminations at Epcot [img]images/icons/wink.gif[/img] , making it easier to get up front for a good view. And we were right up against the railing.

[ 03-23-2002, 12:36 PM: Message edited by: UncleBob ]

[LLaffinPlace]

Day 10, Part 2 - February 15, 2002: On to Park #2

Having seen and done what we set out to do at AK today, we made our way out and to the bus stop for Epcot. While we waited, Marti checked and had a clear cell phone connection, so she made a reservation with Mears for her, her DH, and her father-in-law's connection to Orlando Airport for their return home. They planned to turn in the rental car early.

Arriving at Epcot, we breezed our way through security and the entrance gate and headed directly for Test Track (TT) and Marti's first ride! [img]images/icons/smile.gif[/img] Because the standby line was 60 minutes long and the FP's were being distributed for later than we planned to be in this park, we hit the Single Riders Line. [Marti didn't tell them she was married! [img]images/icons/wink.gif[/img] ] We rode after a minimal 10 minute wait, which was as long as it was because of a short stoppage. I have ridden TT many times and enjoyed it every time, but I know from other trip reports that there are those who wonder, "What's the big attraction?" [img]images/icons/confused.gif[/img] Having pondered this lately, for me it's the following:
</font><ul type="square">[*]<font size="2" face="Comic Sans MS, Arial">TT has a clever pre-show. Some of the humor is a bit more subtle and less broad than others. </font>[*]<font size="2" face="Comic Sans MS, Arial">It's fun to see the reaction of the people who are first-time TT riders, which I get to do a lot; if you use the Single Rider's Line, you always sit with two strangers. </font>[*]<font size="2" face="Comic Sans MS, Arial">I really love the zooming around the outside--it's reputed to be the fastest that any ride goes at WDW, even though the acceleration is slower than, say, RnRC. </font>[*]<font size="2" face="Comic Sans MS, Arial">TT is one of the headliners at Epcot. </font>[/list]<font size="2" face="Comic Sans MS, Arial">From TT--since we were in the neighborhood--we visited Ellen's Universe of Energy, and then crossed to the other side of Future World to The Land for a bite of lunch at the food court there. Smoked turkey sandwich with Gouda cheese and cranberry mustard for me (plus a Tollhouse cookie) and pork BBQ for Bob. Soup and salad for Marti completed the menu. [Marti, I did not note what kind of soup. [img]images/icons/confused.gif[/img] ]
We bolted Epcot via the International Gate and caught the Friendship for D/MGM (park #3 [img]graemlins/wavin.gif[/img] ), which was docking as we walked up.

Next: Deja Vu at WWTBAM, Followed By a Fastasmic Show!

[Bob's sister]

Larry, I'm pretty embarrassed, but I have no idea what kind of soup I had at The Land either!

And yes, I still nearly need sedation when I think about Bob ending up #1 at WWTBAM just as the horn sounds to end the game, TWICE!!! AAAHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!! [img]images/icons/mad.gif[/img]

[LLaffinPlace]

Day 10, Part 3 - February 15, 2002: Not Again?!

Arriving at the D/MGM boat dock, we cleared security and the entrance gate and made immediate tracks for WWTBAM. We were still on a mission to get Bob into the Hot Seat! We got into the standby line with no problems. We were on a different side this time, in seats 143 (me), 144 (Marti), and 145 (Bob). Dan from NJ made it to the Hot Seat first and did very well, making it to the 125,000 point question. Then the horn blew--no time for another game (last show of the day)! And guess who was #1 again ?! BOB!!! [img]graemlins/cry2.gif[/img] I thought we would have to sedate Marti! [img]images/icons/wink.gif[/img] So frustrating. On the way out we asked a CM where the "Phone a Stranger" phone was actually located. He told us that it is a red phone mounted on the wall behind the WWTBAM FP machines, and that a CM member is stationed there during the show to answer it and to grab a stranger to answer the question. Anyway, I had missed a question (about a Mamas and Papas song [img]images/icons/blush.gif[/img] ), so had no chance to place this time. Dejected, we trudged down Sunset Blvd to the Hollywood Hills Ampitheater for Fantasmic! [img]graemlins/pout.gif[/img]

Bob and I had seen Fantasmic! (only) once before, in 2000 with Marti and Pam, another band mom. It was now just after 6:00 PM and people were filing in. We ended up just left of center, about 2/3 of the way up--good seats, I thought. The time passed quickly what with piped in music and doing The Wave back and forth: standard, fast, and slow motion. The latter never failed to crack me up because people who yelled did it at a lower pitch than when they did the standard speed Wave. What a hoot! [img]images/icons/grin.gif[/img]

After we enjoyed F!, we set off for bus stop #13, Downtown Disney, after a short potty break ( [img]graemlins/blush.gif[/img] ). (Marti was hunting for a stuffed Minnie and had never seen the Marketplace.) A bus was there immediately, and once we arrived, we stopped at Wolfgang Puck's Express for some supper. Marti had linguini, I had a delicious spinach, mushroom, and gorganzola pizza, and Bob went with the pepperoni pizza. While I enjoyed the food, I would have to say that this was not the most enjoyable venue for a meal. Perhaps it was the time of night and that the adults were tired and hungry (the kids ditto), but some of them were not very much fun to be around.

On our way to World of Disney (WoD), we stopped and listened to the end of a concert by a boy's grammar school band from Kent, England. They played really well, and had a unique medley that they used for their big finish. We bought a few things at WoD and then went to Ghiradelli's for dessert (surely you didn't think we'd miss out on this one?!). I had a frozen banana dipped in chocolate and nuts with a capaccino, Marti had a Gold Rush Sundae, and Bob had a sundae, too (no nuts!). [img]graemlins/yuma.gif[/img]

We stopped in Team Mickey where one of us bought a few things (not gonna tell! [img]images/icons/wink.gif[/img] ) before catching the bus for "home". Mousekeeping had arranged the Mickeys in the window holding a sign saying, "We missed you and hope you had fun today!" I took a picture and then journalized a bit before retiring.

Coming Up: Which Park Did We Miss Yesterday?

[ 03-23-2002, 09:23 PM: Message edited by: LLaffinPlace ]

[Disneyphile's Wife]

Not only am I enjoying this trip report, but you're giving me ideas and aspirations for what I plan to do when I get home.

Wow! [img]graemlins/read.gif[/img]