Winston's 2nd (hopefully) LIVE trip report from WDW About This Page:

[LilMarcieMouse]

great installement Glad your haveing fun!

[AKLRULZ]

So cool that this is "live"!

[MrsM]

Sounds like you're having a great time, so glad you had time to post your report! Overall, would you say the California Grill was worth the cost?

[tikibird]

Winston,

So happy your surprise lasted all the way to the Poly!

And excited you got to try your first Dole Whip - aren't they awesome? [img]images/icons/grin.gif[/img]

I'm jealous that you got to meet up with all the Passporters!

Keep the reports coming live - we love it! [img]images/icons/grin.gif[/img]

[DisneyDude]

Is it Live or is it Memorex?

Great report. You can never completly fool Mom can ya?

[Theresa]

Great report I remember when I took my parents to WDW for the first time. Alot of memories I will keep forever. Theresa

[Winston]

Dates: July 12 through July 18, 2002

Travelers: Winston Chapman (27) and his mom (66), both WDW veterans who were back for the first time in many years this past February

Resort: Disney's Polynesian Resort

Celebration: Summer vacation, and a surprise trip for my mom!

Day 2 - 07/13/2002

Today's weather started out very promising. I was up at 7:00am for an early morning swim in the volcano pool. The sky was blue without a cloud in sight. I wrote yesterday's trip report at a poolside table with an occasional break to cool off in the water. It was also a nice, quiet place to just rest and meditate before a hectic Disney day. Around 9:30am, I went back to the room to shower and get ready for breakfast. Mom had just finished getting ready and left to take a walk. We met an hour later at Kona Cafe for our 10:30am PS. We were seated immediately, and our server was very good. I had TONGA TOAST, and mom had a more traditional breakfast of eggs, bacon, biscuits, etc. We shared a press pot of Kona coffee. Total cost was $26.87 including tax and tip.

During breakfast, I noticed that it had started to rain. Since we weren't too sure what we wanted to do today in the first place, we decided to go back to the room and think about it. Given the bad weather, I suggested we drive to Kissimmee for some misc. supplies that we needed from a drug store. On the way, we stopped by Celebration and drove around for about 30 minutes. What a cool place to live! If I ever become CEO of WDW, you're all invited to my big house on the Celebration golf course for beer, Dole Whips, Tonga Toast, and Mickey bars! We found a Walgreens on US 192 and picked up what we needed (a poncho for mom, among other things). From here, we drove over to Fort Wilderness to have a quick look around before going back to the Poly. It had quit raining at this point, so we decided to take a motor launch to the MK for some fun. We caught the 3:00pm Share a Dream Come True Parade (my second time this trip!) and paid a visit to the Carousel of Progress (one of my mom's old favorites). After leaving Carousel, we were going to hit a few things in Fantasyland, but that's when the bottom fell out of the sky. We found shelter in Cosmic Ray's, but there's this animatronic alien (I think his name is Sonny Eclipse) who sings and tells bad jokes non-stop in the main dining room at Ray's. We were stuck there for almost thirty minutes, and I almost killed Sonny.

Once the rain began to lessen, I suggested that we just go back to the Poly and relax for a while. Of course, as soon as the monorail left the MK, the rain totally quit! Oh well, we're headed back to MK for dinner, so no big deal. Back at the hotel, mom and I discussed whether we wanted to keep our 7:00pm PS for Tony's. Neither of us was hungry, so we decided to skip. Well, by 7:20pm my stomach was feeling empty, so I started whining to my mommy. Turns out she felt the same way, so we decided to jump a monorail to MK and see if Tony's would feed us. We arrived at the restaurant around 7:45pm and were seated almost right away. Dinner was great! I had spaghetti with meatballs and mom had the shellfish platter. Our server (I think his name was Mark) was extremely good, and the tab came to $51.44 with tax and 20% tip. It's hard to choose between them, but I'd say that Tony's and CRT are easily the two best table-service places in MK.

After dinner, we went straight to Adventureland and rode Pirates with no wait since everyone in the park was lining up to see Spectromagic. After Pirates, we caught most of Spectromagic and then headed for the front gates since it had begun to rain again. A quick monorail ride had us back at the Poly. Mom went to the room to dry off while I went to Sunset Point to watch the fireworks. A couple of lousy teenagers (ok, so maybe they were in their 20's or 30's) apparently decided that I looked lonely and would be cheered up by their making out next to me. Get a room, kids! I beat them both with a bamboo stick right then and there. (Ok, I admit that I just made that up. But if I see 'em again, it's to da moon, Alice!)

So it was still raining, and I went back to the room to dry off and grab my mug for one last Coke refill before bed. I felt it necessary to get Mickey ice cream sandwiches for mom and me from Captain Cook's while I was there (hey, I didn't eat dessert at Tony's, so give me a break!). And now, here I am in bed, writing this report. Tomorrow morning is my massage and facial at the GF spa, followed (hopefully) by an afternoon with mom at MGM and lunch at the Brown Derby. Thanks again for reading this, and I appreciate all the kind comments and encouragement. Until tomorrow...

Next Post: Day 3 - 07/14/2002

[ 07-14-2002, 10:27 PM: Message edited by: Winston ]

[AKLRULZ]

I hope your weather is better today, but it sounds like ya'll still had a nice day yesterday - I'm so digging this "live"! Thanks, Winston!

[Elliot'sDragon]

I love Sonny! He's so [img]images/icons/cool.gif[/img]

I've been to Celebration also. It is really a neat place. If you have time go on the home tours. I've done it twice. I also had brunch in the town cafe.

I am enjoying this report!

[Heidi]

Really enjoying your trip report. Looking forward to the next installment.

And, I for one agree with you on the making out in public. A kiss is fine but any more - no thanks! Go find a secluded spot then.

[MrsM]

Thanks for the next installment! If you have a chance, could you look around and see if they still sell the mousepads that have a place to insert your own picture? (The one I currently have is black with an outline of Mickey's head in the corner.) I just wanted to know if they still sell them so I can order a new one. If you don't have a chance to look it's no problem!

[LilMarcieMouse]

sorry to hear about the rain glad you have a good time any how. Look forward to the next day!

[tikibird]

Originally posted by Winston:

If I ever become CEO of WDW, you're all invited to my big house on the Celebration golf course for beer, Dole Whips, Tonga Toast, and Mickey bars!

<font size="2" face="Comic Sans MS, Arial">Hey Steve, do you think you could arrange this for us? [img]images/icons/grin.gif[/img]

Winston, glad you spared Sony's life - he is corny, but kinda cool at that same time.

Enjoyed hearing about Tony's - sounds like a must do next trip!

Hope you weather is better today - and looking forward to the next installment!

[AKLRULZ]

Originally posted by tikibird:
</font><blockquote><font size="1" face="Comic Sans MS, Arial">quote:</font><hr /><font size="2" face="Comic Sans MS, Arial">Originally posted by Winston:

If I ever become CEO of WDW, you're all invited to my big house on the Celebration golf course for beer, Dole Whips, Tonga Toast, and Mickey bars!

<font size="2" face="Comic Sans MS, Arial">Hey Steve, do you think you could arrange this for us? [img]images/icons/grin.gif[/img] </font><hr /></blockquote><font size="2" face="Comic Sans MS, Arial">Omigosh, just imagining the fee from that placement - that would pay for QUITE a few Disney trips - for us all!

[Winston]

Dates: July 12 through July 18, 2002

Travelers: Winston Chapman (27) and his mom (66), both WDW veterans who were back for the first time in many years this past February

Resort: Disney's Polynesian Resort

Celebration: Summer vacation, and a surprise trip for my mom!

Day 3 - 07/14/2002 - GF Spa, MGM, and Epcot

Today was an excellent day, maybe even spectacular. The weather was better, the crowds were thinner, and my head was clearer thanks to the gals at the GF spa. I got out of bed at 7:15am to shower and walk down to the spa. The sun hadn't been up for very long, the lagoon was peaceful and quiet, and the castle and CR sat serenely in the background. THIS is what WDW is all about to me - the Poly, CR, and castle were the only "icons" I remember from the early days of WDW, and they never leave any doubt in my mind about where I am.

I arrived at the GF spa a little early, but the attendant at the front desk checked me in and showed me to the gentleman's lounge. There, I changed into a robe and slippers, put my clothes into a locker, and waited for my masseuse. She arrived promptly and took me to the room we'd be using. She left while I got comfortable on the table, and I rang a small bell to let her know I was ready. The next 50 minutes were heavenly. She worked on my back, neck, legs, hands, and feet using massage oil and Swedish technique. This was easily one of the best massages I've ever had, and I was so relaxed afterward that I could barely move! I did manage to put my robe and slippers back on so I could head back to the lounge and wait for my next treatment. Michelle (different gal than before) came a few minutes later and took me to another room where she gave me a gentleman's facial. This consisted of a lot of cleansing, exfoliating, moisturizing, steaming, and toning. Besides all that, we gossiped and traded stories about Disney almost the entire time! She was a lot of fun to talk to, and the skin on my face has never felt so good. The bill for my spa pampering came to $212.00 ($103 for the massage and $109 for the facial). Most definitely NOT an inexpensive luxury, but luxuries are rarely inexpensive anyway, and I had a great time and know that I'll feel relaxed and refreshed for the remainder of the trip.

I walked back to the Poly and found mom in the room getting ready. We hopped a bus for MGM around 11:00am and arrived about 20 minutes later. After passing through security and the front gate, we headed straight for the Brown Derby to make our 11:30am lunch PS. It turned out that we didn't need a PS since there were only two or three other tables occupied when we arrived. Our server was very good, and we both love the atmosphere of this restaurant. We both had a cocktail to start, and I ordered the lobster bisque as an appetizer. Since today was shaping up to be a hot one, we were in the mood for something cool and light, so a Cobb salad seemed the thing to do. These were BIG salads, so be prepared if you order one. I finished nearly all of mine, but mom had a tough time with hers - just too much food for a little lady. Lunch came to $54.25 with tax and tip.

After leaving the Brown Derby, we got Fastpasses for TOT and walked back over to Mann's for a spin on The Great Movie Ride (only a 15 minute wait for this one). I've been on this ride many times and still enjoy it. Our driver was "replaced" during the western shootout at the bank and came back during the jewel sequence. We killed a little more time in some shops, and then walked to the TOT which had no wait even in the stand-by line. Can you believe it?! Like I said in my last report, this has become an all-time favorite of mine. Scary, thrilling fun! It's like skydiving with safety pins.

I had already grabbed two Fastpasses for RnR. Mom sat thin one out while I got in line. I guess I waited 10 minutes or so before boarding my limo. I sat next to an older English gentleman who had never ridden RnR before and was a bit nervous. I'm sure my telling him to "hold on tight" didn't reassure him, but he seemed to have really enjoyed it when we got off! By this time, the heat was getting to me, and I suggested that we grab a bus back to the Poly. Mom agreed, and we were at the resort within 20 minutes. I was getting a second wind and wanting to go to Epcot. Mom was content to hang out at the quiet pool for a bit, so we went our separate ways. I hiked to the TTC and caught the monorail to Epcot.

My first priority was Journey into Imagination. I never saw it after they changed it the first time, so my memories are of Dreamfinder, Figment, and everything else that made up the original when Epcot opened. This version is totally different and not as good. I like it, but I'd probably like it more if I didn't have anything to compare it to. I hit the Universe of Energy, and I hate to admit it but I like the Ellen version. It's funny and clever, and the dinosaurs are all still there. Too bad she doesn't get eaten along the way (just kidding! (sorta)). I went by Test Track but the wait was 90 minutes, all Fastpasses were gone, and they weren't doing a single rider line today! So sad, but I'll get back to it before we leave. I decided to stroll through World Showcase and soak up the atmosphere. I treated myself to a rice cream in Norway (yummy!) and just walked around until the 6:15pm Tapestry of Dreams Parade began. I've said it before and I'll say it again: I think this is the most original and creative of all the WDW parades. And that music - so inspiring!

By the time the parade was over around 6:40pm, I was in a hurry to get back to the Poly in time for our 7:20pm PS at O'hana. I rushed to the monorail station but just missed the train and had to wait around for the next one. Back at the TTC, I caught the next resort monorail and met mom at O'hana at exactly 7:20pm. Who says WDW transportation is unreliable?!

O'hana was a very cool experience mainly because it's so different. Your server brings a large platter of appetizers to the table, and then they start serving each person large portions of beef, turkey, shrimp, and chicken, all of which have been seasoned and drilled over an indoor firepit. There are several different sauces for dipping, and you get pineapple wedges with caramel sauce for dessert unless you order something special such as the coconut snowball (which I highly recommend). Dinner for two with one dessert and one drink came to $62.89 with tax and tip.

After dinner, mom and I watched the 9:00pm electrical water pageant from the beach followed by a dip in the pool for me while mom chatted to me from dry land. At 10:00pm, we went back to the beach and enjoyed the MK fireworks. Then it was back to the room for some R & R before bed. And that's where I am now, in bed and about to turn in for the night. Tomorrow, we're doing a morning trail ride at Fort Wilderness, and we'll probably take a day off from the parks and just relax at the Poly and/or drive into Orlando. We have PS's for breakfast at Grand Floridian Cafe and dinner at Flying Fish Cafe, so I hope that more memorable meals are in the making. Until then, I'll wish you all a good night from WDW.

Next Post: Day 4 - 07/15/2002