5/29 - 6/8/02 Comfort Inn LBV Master Matt's Disney Adventure (and his mom went too!) About This Page:

[LMR30]

Great report. The picture add so much to it. Can't wait for some more [img]images/icons/grin.gif[/img]

[Ursunique2001]

Monday, June 3, 2002 ------- Day 6, Part 1

"Lights, Camera, Action!"

Sorry for the delay, but things have been hectic and I really wanted to include pictures with this post. So here goes:

Today was our day to try to conquer more of MGM. We decided not to rush too much since we planned to be there for the bulk of our day. We arrived at MGM about 10 am and after a minimal wait in the security line (by now we had a little system going) we were on our way down Hollywood Boulevard. I must say that after viewing the hat a few times it kind of grows on you.



I think it looks okay where it is if your standing on Hollywood Boulevard. Decided to try out some attractions before eating lunch. But first we had to stop at the hat to purchase a pin or two. After browsing we made our way to The Great Movie ride, but it was not opened yet so we decided to come back to it. Walked over to Muppet Vision 3D and after a short wait, we were in. This is always funny to me. Matthew loves the 3D effect and I love the characters so it was fun had by all. The two old men (can't remember their names) are always hilarious. We decided to do star tours next and again had a very short wait. I think the robot is so cute. Matthew loves this very bumpy ride and laughed through the whole thing. We decided that since we had a 11 am PS for the Sci Fi Dine in we would not do any more rides until after lunch. Browsed the stores and did some people watching until it was time. Also browsed the bookstore and snapped a great picture of Matthew with one of the old movie cameras.

Checked in and where seated within 10 minutes. The restaurant itself was very interesting. I loved the set up and the feeling of being in a drive thru. Matthew thought it was cool.



Matthew ordered the Cheese Burger and a Chocolate milk shake. I ordered the steak. He said his food was very good. My food was okay, but because I like my steak well done so it was a little tough. I know to get the burger if we go back again. Our server was very good and we enjoyed the movie clips as we ate. Glad we had a chance to experience it and will definitely do it again.

After lunch we decided to do Sounds Dangerous with Drew Carey. Matthew kept saying he wanted to see this again, I think he likes the effects. I like it because Drew Carey is good in it. Afterwards Matthew had some fun playing with some of the sound effects and then we made our way to The Great Movie Ride. As usual we got the Gangster scene and as usual it was a great ride. Matthew loves watching the movie at the end that shows clips from various movies. I think I like the Wizard of Oz section best. After a great ride on the Great Movie Ride we made our way to One Mans Dream. Matthew said it was okay. Not a favorite attraction for him, but he said it was nice to see the man who thought of Disney World. It was interesting to see where it all started. Afterwards we decided to conquer Tower of Terror again. This ride is starting to grow on me a little. There was not a long wait, maybe 15 - 20 minutes and as usual we had a screaming good time. This ride gets better and better each time we go on it. And we always love to see the picture at the end, as usual Matthews facial expression was hilarious. By now it was about 2 pm so we decided to take a break for some rest and relaxation and made our way back to the hotel. Matthew changed for the pool and I relaxed on the bed, walking out on the balcony to check on him every 15 - 20 minutes. This would become a sort of ritual for us and it worked out great.

Coming Next: "Shhh, don't tell Mamma!"

[ 06-23-2002, 11:10 PM: Message edited by: Ursunique2001 ]

[tikibird]

I agree with you on the HAT. It's growing on me a bit, too!

Glad to see you posting again! Really enjoying the added bonus of the pictures! Keep it coming! [img]images/icons/grin.gif[/img]

[Ursunique2001]

Monday, June 3, 2002 ------- Day 6, Part 2


"Shhh, Don’t tell Mama!”

Well after some well needed pool time for Matthew and a well-needed rest for me, Matthew came in and got showered. It was another routine of him washing his hair and then me blow-drying it. I washed and changed clothing too. This is one of the reasons that I pack so many clothing. I know that after sweating in 90-degree heat for a couple hours I will be ready for a refresher. Okay maybe I am just trying to justify my over packing, but I’d rather have too much than too little. So after changing and getting that refreshing feeling, it was off to MGM again. We arrived back at MGM around 6 pm and decided to just look around for a while since we had PS’s for the 50’s Prime Time Café. Okay I have to say that although I loved the setting of the Sci Fi Dine In, this has to be my favorite restaurant so far at MGM. I loved the set up of the restaurant. Although, I was not born until the late 60’s I really got the feeling that I was actually sitting in Moms house in the 50’s. Matthew was like mom they don’t have color in the TV.

He said he was glad they came out with color TV’s by the time he was born. We soaked up the atmosphere until it was time for us to be seated in “Moms kitchen.” Our “Cousin” introduced us to the rest of our “family” that was sitting at tables around us. It was fun to watched how the CM interacted with the people and how they really got into their roles. I asked our “Cousin” where the bathroom was and she proceeded to hand me a bathroom pass before she showed me. She then told me that if I did not bring back the pass I could not eat and Mama would be mad. Matthew got a kick out of all our “Cousins” and thought it was a fun restaurant. Okay finally we decided to order. We both ordered the fried chicken platter. Next time I know to order Matthew the childrens meal and then just give him some food off my plate. We were given 3 pieces of fried chicken (breast, thigh, and leg), mash potatoes, and string beans. Our “cousin” gave Matthew a bowl of corn so he did not have to eat his string beans. Let me just say that the portions were huge and there was no way in the world I was going to be able to finish all my food. As we ate our “Cousin” had to reprimand some of our “cousins” sitting at another table because one of the men said a bad word. “Mom” came out of the kitchen with a spoon that had “soap” on it. It was probably whipped cream or something but it was so funny. “Mom” proceeded to wash out his mouth with the “soap,” and told him not to make her come back out to see him again. Another “cousin” had to keep telling them to keep their elbows off the table. She told them if they didn’t stop she would tie their arms behind their backs. It was hilarious. We managed to stay out of trouble and Matthew ate all his chicken and some of his potatoes and corn. I on the other hand was struggling to get through my plate. I did eat all my potatoes and yes they were delicious. I ate two pieces of my chicken and tried to eat my string beans. I ended up scraping my extra green beans onto Matthew’s plate so our “cousin” would not know I did not eat all mine. Matthew kept saying, “Mom” she’s going to catch you.” He even tried to get me in trouble by telling our “cousin that I had my elbow on the table. (Tattle tail) Well I managed to get away with not eating all my string beans but our “cousin” said if “Mom” knew I didn’t eat all my chicken she would be upset so I at least had to taste the other piece. She proceeded to cut out a piece and feed it to me while Matthew laughed. Oh I forgot to mention that Matthew had a chocolate milk shake with his meal. I was too stuffed for dessert so we paid our bill; cause “mama” has bills to pay too, and left.

After dinner we made our way to Tower of Terror again. Our last trip we were obsessed with Alien Encounter at MK and this trip our obsession would be Tower of Terror. Again we screamed and laughed through the whole ride. It was now almost 8 pm and we decided we should make our way to Fantasmic to get a seat. The theater was already just about half full so we got there just in time. We sat on the left hand side of the theater and were very pleased with our seats. Again, they started the wave but this time they only did it about 5 or 6 times. My only complaint is that those seats hurt your butt. After sitting for over an hour we had to stand up because our butts were hurting. Matthew loved this show. His facial expression during the show was worth a million bucks. He would later tell me that he was glad that we had finally seen it because he loved it. We watched as Mickey fought all the evil people in his dream and Matthew just sat and soaked it in. After the show we took the long slow walk back to the entrance and after catching the Tram to our car we made our way back to the hotel. Watch TV and popped some popcorn.

Coming Next: “”The frantic search!”

[ 06-24-2002, 10:44 PM: Message edited by: Ursunique2001 ]

[Ursunique2001]

I have a picture @ the 50's primetime restaurant to add, but can't do it till I get home. Darn those workplace filters! [img]images/icons/mad.gif[/img]

[PS - I LUV WDW]

Thanks again for the newest installment and pictures. It really helps pass the time while waiting to go to WDW again.

I hope the next segment is about an item and not your son [img]images/icons/shocked.gif[/img]

[Youngatheart]

Wonderfully entertaining report!!! I feel like I'm right there next to you!!! Keep it up!!

[Ursunique2001]

I have pictures to attach to this post, and will do them tonight when I get home. My job has the nerve to filter certain sites, how dare they!

Tuesday, June 4, 2002 ------- Day 7


"The frantic search!”

Decided to sleep a little later and take our time getting started so we got up around 9 am and got ourselves ready for our day at the water park. Today was our day to experience Blizzard Beach. Left hotel and stopped at McDonalds for what was now lunch. Ate in the car on our way to Blizzard Beach. Matthew had the chicken nugget meal and I had a burger and a soda. Food was what you expect for McDonalds. It was good and hot, which is always a plus.

Arrived at Blizzard Beach around 11:30 am and actually got a nice parking space. Was able to find a nice shady spot under the trees. Again, I was happy to find that parking is free at the water parks. Thumbs up to Disney for the free parking! We made our way towards the entrance and noticed the miniature golf course. We both said it would be nice to try that one day. Once in the park, we made our way to the locker rentals and I realized that I left my waterproof container to store our money and stuff in, at the hotel. Oh well, I guess I just have to buy another one. Got our locker and locked up our towels and stuff. Made our way to the wave pool.

The pool was nice but not very eventful. Matthew had fun, but he said he preferred the one at Typhoon Lagoon better. We stayed in the wave pool for about an hour before making our way to the slides. Decided to try the Down Hill Double Dipper first. After what seemed to be an endless climb, we finally made it to the top. This ride was fun and Matthew and I both gave it a thumbs up.

Matthew decided he wanted to do the Snow Stormers, since the entrance was in the same spot. I told him that I would wait for him at the exit, well it sounded like a good idea at the time. I walked and walked and walked and walked and finally I was back where I started. It was a frantic search for the exit of this ride and my son. I then asked one of the lifeguards who was sitting on the stoop watching the people in the wave pool where the exit was and she pointed behind me. Okay so my first mistake was that I should have started walking to the right instead of to the left. The second one is the fact that the exit is hidden behind some rocks. Well when I finally got to Matthew, which was about 20 minutes later, he was a little worried. He was like mom what happened? All I could tell him was that mommy got lost and could not find the exit to the ride. After some hugs and kisses, everything was okay. The CM there had told him to sit with her and wait for a while to see if I got there. She was very helpful and I thanked her very much. He wanted to try the Toboggan racer, but he said the line was too long and decided he did not want to wait. We decided to be safe and make our way back to the wave pool and I sat with my feet in the water while Matthew played.

I would get up and submerge myself every so often and then go sit and relax. It was an overcast day, so the sun was not terrible. It was now about 4 pm and we both were tired. We decided to make our way back to the hotel but before leaving we got some funnel cake and some frozen strawberry drinks that were delicious. We sat on the bench and did some people watching while we enjoyed our snacks.

Decided to go back to the hotel and relax. I let Matthew get in the pool while I laid across the bed. This time I decided to set the alarm clock and would set it for every 20 minutes so I could check on him. This went on for about 2 hours before I called him in. Can you believe he still wanted to stay in the pool? I slept while he showered and attempted to dry his hair. After a failed attempt, I decided to help him out and dried his hair the rest of the way. We had a PS for 1900 Park Fare but I did not really feel like going and I think by now Matthew had gotten a little tired too. We got dress and went down to try the hotel buffet. It was nothing to write home about, but the food was okay. It was seafood night, I guess and I must say that the crab cakes were good. Unfortunately I still did not have a big appetite so I ate a little and after we were finished we went back to the hotel to rest. We agreed that we had fun today, but we both really preferred Typhoon Lagoon more. Later that evening went to McDonalds and got ice cream cones and then just rested and watched TV for the rest of the evening.

Coming Next: “How’d you do that?” or “He’d better be glad your not his mommy.”

[ 06-25-2002, 08:12 PM: Message edited by: Ursunique2001 ]

[minnievoice]

Yay, another installment!!

[Ursunique2001]

Again, I will add pictures tonight to this post. Got some great pictures of Animal Kingdom.

Wednesday, June 5, 2002 ------- Day 8, Part 1


“How’d you do that?” or “He’d better be glad your not his mommy.”

Well after a very restful sleep we were up and at ‘em very early the next morning. Had an 8:10 am PS for Donald’s Breakfasaurus at Animal Kingdom today. We showered dressed and managed to Animal Kingdom by about 7:55. After rushing through security… let me side step here… I cannot understand why people do not already have their bags open for the security people. It wastes so much time when the security people have to keep telling you to open each zipper…. okay back to the report. After rushing through security we gave the CM our name and time of our PS. We waited a minute or two and then another CM came and escorted us to Donald’s. After what seemed to me a mad dash or a quick sprint we were finally there and were called in about 2 minutes after we arrived. Breakfast was very good. Matthew loves the made to order eggs and the bacon. I tasted a little of this and a little of that. The food was very good and the restaurant is very nice. Our server was very good and Matthew suggested that I should tip him a little more since he was so good. Funny he did not offer any of his money towards the tip. Anyway we saw Mickey, Pluto, Goofy, and Donald of course. I think that was all of the characters we saw. I asked our server why Minnie had not been at any of the meals we attended thus far. I remember last year we saw Minnie just about every place we saw Mickey, but this year she was MIA. He said he was not sure why they did not have her anymore. Was a little disappointed not to see her much through our entire trip, but we enjoyed ourselves regardless.

After breakfast we decided to try out some rides. By now it was about 10 am so we made our way to Primeval Whirl. We were the next riders to board when all of the sudden the ride just stopped. They could not figure out what was wrong with the ride and asked us to be patient, which we were. This is probably the first time I experienced some bad parenting. Evidently a little girl really wanted to get on this ride and was crying. Her mom then starts ranting and raving how she is not going to stand in line and wait for this ride to be fixed. She then started walking away and told the little girl “I am leaving.” The girl was now hysterical and her mother is still hollering at her about how she is not going to stand there and wait. They finally left, the mother in a huff and the daughter in tears. About 3 – 5 minutes later the engineer came and told them that the ride would need to be shut down for a little while. The CM then passed out passes to everyone in the cue so that they could be used as fast passes. Had the woman waited a few minutes she would have been able to just walk on to the ride later in the day. Well we left with our pass and played a few games. I won a little dinosaur. Then it was off to the Dinosaur ride. Matthew and I both love this ride and again loved seeing our faces on the pictures after the ride. Again we screamed and hollered through the whole ride. We stopped to do a little shopping in the store. Matthew brought his first Lego set there and I brought a high priced twister for my hair since I could not find the one that I packed. After the Dinosaur ride we went back to Primeval Whirl. Within no time we were seated on the ride and ready to go. Man that ride has a lot of twists and turns. But we had fun and again screamed through the whole thing.

After leaving Primeval Whirl, Matthew wanted to play in the Boneyard. Matthew played and I sat and relaxed a while. I took a few pictures and did some people watching while I waited for him to get finished. After about 30 minutes, he finally emerged hot and sweaty. Next it was to Its tough to be a bug. The wait was about 15 minutes so we just got in line and enjoyed looking at the animals on the tree while we waited. Took some pictures of the tree as we waited and took in the scenery.

Once inside we were able to sit on the first row. A few kids started screaming and had to be carried out by their parents but Matthew and I made it through the show. We a petrified of anything that crawls, so sitting through this show is a real test for us. Love the bee. Afterwards, I told Matthew that we had to see the Safari today. So we tracked our way over to Africa. Stopped and took some great pictures of the Tree of Life and other sites.


Matthew stopped to try out the drums

and then we stopped to watch the African Dancers in Africa.

Finally we arrived at the Kilimanjaro Safari to find a 60-minute wait. I was determined that we were going to do this Safari today and the fast passes would not be good until after 2 pm. We decided to wait in line and wait we did. Okay now we encounter our first real problem child of our trip. This little boy, who was 4 years old, was all over the place. His father kept telling him to get down off the rail and he literally pulled him down more than once. The little boy screamed at and actually hit his father more than once. His mother told him “oh no you don’t hit your father, honey give him a spanking.” The little boy looked at them like yeah right. Well needless to say this went on the whole time we were in line. Finally the lady asks me how old my son was and I told her 9. She then said oh he is so well behaved and the look on her face was as if she wanted to ask me “How’d you do that?” Matthew was funny because he made a comment something like “mom that boy better be glad your not his mom.” I kind of felt sorry for the parents. They seemed like they were maybe in their 40’s and looked like they were trapped with the child from hell. I also must admit that motherly instincts kicked in and I was almost tempted to grab the little munchkin a few times myself, but I refrained since I could not afford the bail. Well finally after about a 45-minute wait we were on the safari and thank God the kid did not make our jeep. Had fun looking at the various habitat and took some great pictures and soaked in the scenery. Our CM was very good and kept us entertained throughout the whole ride. By now we were very tired and decided to call it a day at AK.

Left and had lunch at the Waffle House. The food was very good. Matthew had a cheeseburger and I had a Texas Cheese steak, which was delicious. We stopped at McDonalds for ice cream cones and then made our way back to the hotel for some rest and relaxation. Again Matthew hit the pool while I rested upstairs.

Coming Next: “A dream come true.”

[ 06-26-2002, 08:10 PM: Message edited by: Ursunique2001 ]

[Ursunique2001]

pictures added to my last post for your enjoyment.

[LMR30]

Again...awesome report. I LOOOVEE the pictures.

[minnievoice]

Can't wait for the pics!!

[Ursunique2001]

Some pics at Fort Wilderness Lodge and hoop de doo revue while I finish my next installment.

Ursula and Master Matthew in front of Pioneer Hall:


A beautiful Peacock before:

and after:


Front row center seats at the show. Now it doesn't get any better than this:



Some clips from the show:


and

[Ursunique2001]

and just a couple more. Hope you enjoy......



and