Our 2nd Trip to WDW in 5 Months: A Mini Magical Gathering About This Page:

[BritDisFan]

Jennifer, I really love your TR. You might really want to kill me for saying this but I really don't understand what all this upset about Friends is. It's probably because I'm not a die hard fan, I watch it if I am in and there is nothing better to do (see, I said you might want to kill me). I am going to try and compare it to something that really upset me when it came to an end. Ah I know, I bawled all afternoon when they retired Concorde and I saw the last ever commercial flight on the TV. Now I understand how you feel .

Karen (your crazy British Chum )

[Jennifer2003]

Friday May 7 2004



* Note this is a really long post!*



At 5AM, John finally decided it was time to clean his sneakers for the trip, which was a good thing, because my mom was coming for us at 5:30. I guess my nagging and to do lists over the last 24 hours didn’t help much, did they? My mom was right on time and we gathered all our last minute things, I kissed the cats goodbye and we were off!



The airport is 20 minutes away from my house. We were flying Southwest Airlines and our flight was to leave at 8AM. For those of you that don’t fly Southwest, they have an open seating policy. They load you into three boarding groups, A B & C and you sit wherever you feel on the plane. I am terribly claustrophobic, and I had to make sure I got into boarding group A and get on the plane first so I could get an aisle seat. The way to do this is to be one of the first people to check in at the baggage check counter, which is why I got to the airport 2 hours early. My plan worked and we got into boarding group A! We made it thru security pretty quickly. We found our gate and got settled for when they decided it was time to board. In the meantime, I did run to the coffee shop and paid over $7.00 for a small coffee, a bottle of Dasani water and a People magazine. Yikes! Was I in Disney already?



The plane came on time, we boarded, I got my aisle seat and we were off! The flight was 2 and a half hours long, having us landing at 10:30 AM. Our flight attendants were very nice and quick about getting us our drinks, Animal Crackers, and peanuts. We landed on time and it took us what seemed like ten minutes to taxi to our gate. MCO is so huge!



We got off the plane and prepared to board the first ride in Florida, the automated monorail shuttle. We could feel the warmth thru the windows as we rode over to the next building. We were grinning from ear to ear, we couldn’t believe we were back.



We had an hour before Chris and Kelly’s plane came in (they took a different flight than us that used the airport closer to their home as they live an hour away from us) so we went to get our bag and check in at the Dollar counter. We upgraded our economy car to compact and got ourselves a Dodge Neon. By this time, we had 25 minutes til they came in, so we headed back to where the monorail lets you off to find a spot to wait for them. As I was about to sit down, John says, “There they are!” Sure enough, Chris and Kelly were walking towards us! They were 20 minutes early! Hey, 20 minutes is 20 minutes! Let’s get moving!



We went to their baggage claim carrousel and waited for their bag. It came pretty quickly and then we headed to go find the rental car in the parking garage. It’s a good thing we upgraded because our bags almost didn’t fit in the trunk of the compact size car! John was the only authorized driver for the rental, so we picked seats and off we went.



Kelly was reading directions from her Birnbaum book and I was watching the signs and we made it to Disney property OK. We needed to find the Pop Century, and I thought it was considered an Epcot resort. There were two exits, one was for Epcot and the other was for Animal Kingdom, Magic Kingdom and MGM. I told John to take the Epcot one, and I would look for the Pop Century signs. Well, I didn’t see any! We ended up in the Epcot parking lot! We told the girl at the booth where we wanted to go, and she gave us a little 3x5 card with directions to Pop Century. We were supposed to follow the signs for the Wide World of Sports complex. We looped around, and I think we looped again and finally saw signs for the WWofS and the Pop Century!



I think I spoiled the surprise for myself because the Pop Century was exactly as it was in all the pictures I’ve seen on this site and other sites. I didn’t get the same shock I got on our last trip to the All Star Movies resort because I hadn’t seen all the pictures of it. Still, it felt familiar, like I knew where I was. We headed into Classic Hall to check in. We both were able to get into our rooms right away (it was about 12:30 PM) and we both were in the 1950’s section. John and I had the easiest room number to remember. 1111. How’d we manage that?? We were all hungry at this point, so we headed into the food court to get some lunch. John and I got the refillable mugs because they came in handy on our last trip. I ordered chicken fingers and fries for us to split. Chris and Kelly had a whole tray full of food, none of which Kelly liked. We sat and relaxed for a half hour or so before we headed back out to the car to get our bags.



We decided to go unpack and meet up in an hour to head over to the Magic Kingdom. John and I found out our room was a courtyard view at no extra charge! I was a little nervous because of the noise levels but I decided not to say anything and test it out. We were right up the outdoor hallway from the giant Lady and the Tramp statues, Chris and Kelly were facing the lake and the construction of the Legendary Years. I thought the rooms were nice, more subdued than the All Star Movies, a little more grown up. I unpacked everything and checked out the TV to see if Chrissa was still telling everyone the top 7 things to do in WDW. Sure enough, there she was. “I’m getting fish and chips in England!” Oh brother.



At 2:15 we got the call to meet up with Chris and Kelly. We went to the car to wait for them, and when they saw me, they sized me up and down. I was decked out in my Disney gear! I had my hat, my pins, and my fanny pack. I think they were a little surprised, but I was ready to go!



We got in the car. I told John we needed to follow the signs for the MAGIC Kingdom. We ended up at the ANIMAL Kingdom. Not again! They gave us directions verbally this time (I smell another wrong turn coming) and we left the parking lot trying to get back to the Magic Kingdom. We ended up at the Animal Kingdom Lodge. We were all getting a little crabby at this point. Luckily, Chris’s cel phone rang, and it was Cousin Al the Cast Member. Chris told him what was going on and Al told us which way to head. AHHHHHHHH, finally. MAGIC Kingdom. We parked in Grumpy, which I thought was hilarious. No one else seemed to think so. We boarded the tram which took us to the TTC & Monorail and we got into a near empty car. A lady sitting down with her kids asked me if I worked here. I told her “No, but I wish I did!” She replied with “All your stuff (motioning to my pins) makes you look like you work here.” YAY!



The monorail let us off at the gate. Chris and Kelly had their Park Hoppers so they went right in while John and I still needed to upgrade to our AP’s. Celine from France waited on us and the upgrade took place in 5 minutes. It was also $20.00 cheaper than we thought it was going to be! I also had get issue me a new Guest Assistance pass and once that was done we were off.



We entered the Magic Kingdom just as The Share a Dream Come True Parade was approaching Town Square. It was about 3:15PM and we jumped in and stood right on the curb! I started to cry. The music, the sights, the feelings, they all just made me cry. John knew I was crying, but I was too embarrassed to let Chris and Kelly see it, so I stood with my back to them the whole parade.



Chris got another call from Al, who was off work and was looking for us. He told him where we were and once the parade was over, he found us. We had a wonderful reunion and headed up Main Street to explore my favorite park.



We stopped in Fantasyland to grab Fast Passes for Mickey’s Philharmagic and then headed over to the Haunted Mansion. Since Al used to work there, he knew the two girls at the Fast Pass gate and they let the 5 of us thru. Soon we were out of the stretching room and in our trusty Doombuggies. I found two Hidden Mickeys inside!



After the mansion, we used our Fast Passes for Philharmagic. I wished I would have used the Guest Assistance pass instead so we could stand near the wheelchair group because they really pack you into the holding center for this one. I was about to change my mind about seeing it because I was feeling too crowded, but then the doors “automagically” opened and we were let into the theater. I had seen this on our last trip and loved it, and this time I loved it more. I actually saw things I didn’t see last time. It’s so realistic when Ariel reaches out for you!



Next up was The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh, a ride John and I skipped last time. We used my Guest Assistance pass for this one so I was comfortable waiting and we got in a honeypot pretty quickly. The inside of this ride was more open than I thought it would be and I really was able to enjoy it. It’s such a cute little ride! I saw a Hidden Mickey in Rabbit’s garden as well! I won’t tell you where it is in case anyone is still looking for it!



After Winnie the Pooh, we headed over to Tomorrowland to ride Buzz Lightyear. I love this ride, but I am not any good at it! I only scored 3700 points. Still it’s fun to be involved in it!



Tomorrowland Transit Authority was next where I spotted another Hidden Mickey and we made plans for what we wanted to do next. Chris wanted to hit Space Mountain so Al went with him while John, Kelly and I shared a turkey leg.



We went to Adventureland to ride the Jungle Cruise. This is the corniest ride ever, but I LOVE it! When that was over, John and I waited to get pictures taken with the Aladdin crew. While we waited, a lady asked me “Why are you a Guest of Honor?” (Referring to my pins and red name badge) The only answer I could come up with? “I bought this.” Duh, Jennifer. Come up with something better next time!! We took the pictures, and the Aladdin gang knew Al, so that made everything much more interesting. Jafar is officially the creepiest Disney character. EEEW! Those rubber hands! Kelly and I saw the Tiki Birds while the guys went to fight the Pirates.



Frontierland was calling us, and Kelly and I waited while the guys rode Big Thunder Mountain Railroad. I tried to get the nerve up for this, but sat it out in the end. Someday! Al and Chris wanted to ride Splash Mountain after BTMRR, so John, Kelly and I waited for them. I wish I could go on this ride. I’m not scared of the drop, I’m scared of going thru the mountain for almost ten minutes. It’s not in my comfort zone to do it.



By this time it was 8:15 and Wishes was starting at 9. We still needed to eat, and the only place still open was Cosmic Ray’s in Tomorrowland. While the food here is good, the place itself needs more people cleaning up after it. I had to clean the two tables I picked for us before we could eat off them. We were seated on the upper level near Sonny Eclipse but aside from me, no one seemed too interested in him.



We ate quickly and headed over to Main Street. Al weaved us thru the crowd and we got the best spot, right in the middle of the street just past the ice cream parlor but before the hub. We had a great view of Tinkerbell and as soon as she came out of the castle I started crying. I cried thru the entire show, and at the end, John, who was behind me, said “Are you ok? You were shaking the whole time!” Wishes is beautiful and moving and the best way to end the day at the Magic Kingdom.



After the show, we waited for the crowds to clear and discuss our plans for the next day. I mentioned how some morning I would like to try Breakfastosaurus and Al spoke up and said he was working it the next morning! He’d be playing Goofy! That sealed the deal for all of us, so I called the Dining Line from my cel phone and made a Priority Seating for 8:20 the next morning. I told the lady that we needed to be on the side that got seated first to see the Goofy that we wanted to see. She told me she put it in the notes on my reservation and just to reiterate it at the counter when I checked in the next morning.



Soon after we said goodbye to Al who was parked in the Cast Member parking lot and the four of us headed to the monorail to get back to the car. We waited and waited and waited and no monorail came. The crowd got bigger and bigger and the Cast Members working the station kept making more calls on their walkee talkees. Finally a train showed up and the people inside didn’t get out. They opened the doors on our side and we went in. I turned back around and more people were trying to get in after me! I immediately needed to get out of there and Kelly could sense it. I ran off the monorail with the other three right after me. I told the Cast Member I needed to wait for a train to sit up front with the driver. It was way too crowded for me. It took me a few minutes to calm down and by then another train came and went because the front car was full. The next train came and a woman and her son got in the front. There were still two seats left so John and I went in there while Chris and Kelly went in the main car right behind us. We rode back to the TTC comfortably and got on the tram to take us back to the Grumpy lot.



Later that night, as I unloaded my fanny pack from the day’s receipts and placed them in my Passpockets like a good little Passporter, I started reading all the info that came with our AP’s. This is when I looked at the expiration date…THEY HAD GIVEN US TIL MAY 7 2005!!! We were valid for a whole year and could now plan TWO more trips to WDW instead of one! I love this place!!!



I was asleep as soon as I got into bed! Day One was officially over!



Up next: A Priority Seating Mixup and the Fez Twins



<font color="blue"> ADDED NOTE: what? no pictures?? I'm trying. All my pictures are too large, so I need to resize them. I'm going to try to post them at the end or us Ofoto something. I'll keep you posted! </font>

[BritDisFan]

Jennifer it sounds like you had a great day, I felt exhusted reading about it, you must have been shattered at the end of the day. I too cry at Wishes, I love it .

I'm sorry the Monorail was really crowded I completely understand how you feel, I get really panicky with crowds and I just have to get out of there and stand to one side.

I'm looking forward to the next installment and your pictures.

British Chum

[Mel & Richard]

[ QUOTE ]
Later that night, as I unloaded my fanny pack from the day’s receipts and placed them in my Passpockets like a good little Passporter, I started reading all the info that came with our AP’s. This is when I looked at the expiration date…THEY HAD GIVEN US TIL MAY 7 2005!!! We were valid for a whole year and could now plan TWO more trips to WDW instead of one! I love this place!!!

[/ QUOTE ]


Wow! Talk about some good luck!

Loved hearing about your first day!

Mel

[JenS]

Sounds like you had a great first day!

[ QUOTE ]
We parked in Grumpy, which I thought was hilarious. No one else seemed to think so.

[/ QUOTE ]

I think its hilarious!

[luvnwdwgal]

Great installment Jennifer!!

[Grammy Grumpy]

Thanks for sharing your TR! Sorry you have trouble with claustrphobia. It sounds like you handle it pretty well. Can't wait to see Wishes when we go in June.

[ncgal]

Jennifer, I'm just getting caught up reading your TR. Great so far!! I cannot wait for the next installment. Oh, I know what you mean about pictures - I cannot figure out how to post them either .

[buckysmom]

Enjoying your TR!
I really enjoyed the "grumpy" parking lot

[Luv2plan]

Really enjoying your TR Jennifer!! Looking forward to more!!

[goofy4goofy]

Jennifer, I love your trip report!!! I love all the details! I, too, cry at Wishes! It's amazing!

Can't wait for the next installment!
Kelly

[Joanne929]

Great TR so far! The Wishes show started a night or two after we left - and why do people try to cram themselves into where they can't fit? That's good you were able to handle that!

[Jennifer2003]

A Priority Seating Mixup and the Fez Twins

Saturday May 8, 2004

Going from a king bed at home to a double bed in Disney is not an easy transition. Neither one of us got the best sleep. I think I woke up five times. Finally at 6:15 AM I stayed up for good to get ready for our Big Bad Breakfastosaurus!!

The four of us left the resort at 7:45 AM, knowing we had plenty of time to make it to the Animal Kingdom. We got a really good spot, but hopped the tram anyways as it was waiting for us. A few rows ahead of us, these two older ladies and a toddler got on the tram and did not close up their stroller. The Cast Member in the back of the tram told her she had to close it before the tram could move and she Yelled And Had A Hissy Fit. “It doesn’t close! We’ve tried everything!” (There were more words, but I don’t remember them. The lady was way out of line though ) The Cast Member told her again the tram wouldn’t leave until she folded her stroller…how do you get it in and out of your car?? She replied with “We have a van…we just open the back up and throw it in there!” Another parking lot Cast Member came up to the tram and told the woman he could fold any kind of stroller, let him give it a try. She was snooty to him but allowed him to do it. He folded it up in one motion. Everyone on the tram chuckled, but of course the woman needed to know how to do this for herself for next time! After all, it was a $300.00 stroller! So the Cast Member showed her how to close it, she thanked him and we were on our way. I was antsy the whole time…it was 5 past 8 and our PS was for 8:20 and I needed to make sure we sat on the correct side of the restaurant!

At 10 past 8, we were checking in with the restaurant workers that were meeting people at the front gate. They took our name down on one of those PS white papers and handed it to me, told us to stand “Over There”. We went and stood “Over There” and another restaurant person came over to pose us for a picture. He took our white paper thing and didn’t give it back. When we were done, he told us to stand “Over There” which was different than the first “Over There”. BY this time it was 8:15. I was a little nervous, but then thought, the restaurant people know we’re here. We’re not late.

The restaurant tour guy that was going to walk us thru the park to Dinoland gathered up a group of 15 or so of us and did a Welcome to the Animal Kingdom schpeel as he walked us thru the park. It took longer than I was hoping. We got to the restaurant and we headed into the right side of the restaurant. He went to seat us and I asked if this was the side that got seated first. (This was the first chance I had to ask this mind you) He said, no it wasn’t and that side was full. I told him how we were related to Goofy and that the reason we came was because of him. None of us wanted to spend almost $40 a couple on breakfast! He called over this Lady Restaurant Worker and we told her the same story. She asked us to come outside and she would go in and see what she could do. After about 5 minutes, she came back out and said if we waited 10 or 15 minutes, the tables would be turning over and we’d be able to get in. We agreed this would be fine. She had us sit down and took our drink orders. Chris’s cel phone rang and it was Al asking where we were. He just got done with the first set and didn’t see us. Chris told him what happened and talked to Al for a minute. He hung up and said Al would be back out on our side in about a half hour.

About 20 minutes later, we were called into the restaurant and seated on the left side of the restaurant, which was the right side for us. (Get it?!?! HAHAHA, some corny Dinoland humor for you, just like they serve up at Breakfastosaurus) We headed for the buffet. I was so happy, I could eat so much stuff! (I have IBS and I am picky. I really am no fun at resturants.) I had a little of almost everything, including Frosted Flakes! Just as we were about to head up for seconds the characters started coming out. First Donald, then Mickey, then Pluto, and then our Cousin (or Brother or Brother in Law depending on who’s telling this story) GOOFY! We cheered for him and watched him play with the kids as he headed towards our table. When he got to our table, he started jumping up and down and pulling us up out of our chairs for hugs. Even Chris and Kelly got into it! We took lots of pictures and had a great time! We split the cost on the picture package they took of us. For $13 I got a 5x7, a wallet, and a picture key chain. Not bad!

We finally got done with breakfast at 9:30, after the park officially opened. Chris and Kelly wanted to ride the safari (too remote for me) and then hit Tough to be a Bug (me? Bugs? I don’t think so! ) so we split up and told Chris to call us when they were done with both. We figured we had an hour as the park was not busy. John and I wandered around Discovery Island and met some characters. We saw Flik, Lilo and Stitch () and Chip and Dale. John and I took a stroll over to where they are building Expedition Everest, and I can say that this is not a ride for me! LOL John thought it looked cool, so he can’t wait to try that when it’s time. I also managed to get some pin shopping done. I got a Lilo and Stitch one and a Goofy one in honor of my Cousin Goofy! Around 11:30 I got a call from Chris that they were done and ready to meet up. We went back to the Tree Of Life and got a Thumbs UP from both on the Safari and One Thumbs Up, One Thumbs Down on Bugs Life. Kelly said “I got surprised again. I don’t like surprises!” She was referring to the end of the movie when you have to make way for the bugs to leave. This is the same reason I won’t go do it!!

At Noon they were showing Tarzan Rocks and John and I missed this our last trip. We decided to head over and ended up getting a seat just before it started right in the front. The sign language translators were right in front of us. The show started and I thought it was really good! I really liked watching the translators! They were part of the show, sharing facial expressions and getting really into it. I had never seen anything like that before! I had heard mixed reviews about the show, but we all liked it. I loved the music! (Side note: My father-daughter song at my wedding was You'll Be in my Heart, Phil Collins version)

Tarzan let out at 12:30 and Festival of the Lion King was showing at 1, so we headed over there. We saw this our last trip and I loved it again this time too! It really is the most beautiful show out there. I’ve never seen the Broadway version of the movie, but I feel like I got a taste of it by seeing the FOTLK!!

Al called us as we were leaving and told us he was done with work and would meet up with us. We started wandering around. I wanted to see DeeVine, but we didn’t see her. Chris and Al rode Kali River Rapids (I would have, but I didn’t have my poncho or a change of clothes. I like rapids rides) and Kelly, John and I did some shopping. I found this cool retro looking Animal Kingdom t shirt on SALE! Disney actually has SALES! I paid $11.99 plus tax for this shirt! It’s light blue and has the tree on it with a retro sliced sun behind it. Underneath in smaller letters it says Disney’s Animal Kingdom. (I’m actually wearing it right now…I love this shirt!)

Once Chris and Al were off the ride (only their backsides were wet) John and I went thru the Maharajah Jungle Trek. It was too hot for the tigers, they were just laying around, so we got out of there really quick. We became a five-some again and headed back to Africa so Kelly could buy this necklace she saw earlier in the day. John waited outside the shop on it’s porch on a bench. When we were done shopping, John had actually scored us a really great spot for the parade with his bench! There was no one in front of us! Kelly and I stood on the bench and jammed to the music. We all loved this parade. John and I missed it our last trip, and I will not miss this parade again. It was so cool! I especially loved the puppets!

The parade ended just before 4:30 so we decided to leave before the rush of the park closing at 5 and head to MGM. Al was parked in Cast Member parking, so he left us and told us he’d meet us over at MGM. While we were walking towards the parking lot a couple and their son approached us asking if we were heading to the busses. We said, no, our car. He asked where the busses were, and that he wanted to get to DTD. I pointed to where the resort busses were and told them they needed to loop back around and head that way. The man asked again if I was sure, when his wife spoke up: “Oh, you should know! You work here!” Before I could correct them, Chris, John and Kelly enveloped me and walked me away, saying “Yes, Jen. You work here.” They told me that not saying anything was the best answer I could give, better than yesterday when all I could say was “I bought it”. I love my pin lanyard and name badge!!!(Hey, Kelly Goofy4goofy, do you think this is some sort of sign??? LOL)

We got to MGM just in time for the Stars and Motor Cars parade. I only saw the tail end of this last time. No one told me that Luke Skywalker and Princess Leia were in the parade! And Darth Vader!! Mulan! Hercules and Megg?!!?!? This was the best! John, Al and I watched it while Kelly made a Build Your Own Mr Potatohead for her sister in the store behind us.

After the parade, we split up. John and I needed to eat and Chris Kelly and Al went to go catch the Indiana Jones show. We went to Pizza Planet and split a meal deal. We each had half a pizza, half a salad, and half a Coke. I know a lot of people aren’t too thrilled with Pizza Planet, but we love it. Toy Story is one of my favorite movies! Next up was an MGM Classic: Muppets 3D!! I can see this movie a million times and still love it! I love Beaker and the Sweedish Chef! We then took a look around the Muppets store. I debated buying a Beaker doll and sending it to my old customer Frank (he calls me Beaker) but it was a little more money than I was willing to spend. They have Fraggle Rock stuff at this store now, and I felt like I was 8 years old again. I almost bought a Doozer!

It was getting close to Fantasmic time, and John and I were again sitting something out. We did not like Fantasmic when we saw it in December. Everything closed at 8:30 except the shops on Hollywood Blvd. We went into Keystone Clothiers and started to look around. John and I split up once inside the store and I ended up striking up a conversation with the Cast Member that worked there. He was trying to convince these kids that his umbrella was a sword and I was playing along. He headed past me to go lock the door that led out onto the street where Echo Lake is and turned his back to me. From another corner, this other Cast Member with the same face, but different hair came over to me and we started talking. It took me a minute to realize I wasn’t talking to the same person. Then the Umbrella Guy came back and stood next to Different Hair Do Guy. THEY WERE TWINS! I told them how cool I thought it was they got to work together and one of them said “More like play together!” The best part about these twins? They looked and sounded just like Fez from That 70’s Show! John noticed it too! I wish I would have taken their picture! Who knows if I will ever see the Fez Twins again!

When the flood of Fantasmic people started coming, John and I went and stood by the Crossroads info booth to wait for Chris and Kelly (Al was not going to be with them as he had plans with a friend) We were all hungry, so we headed to Downtown Disney West Side to hit up Wolfgang Puck Express, as Al was raving about the rosemary chicken. John and Kelly each had a pizza, Chris had rosemary chicken and mashed potatoes (with garlic gravy) so I decided I wanted mashed potatoes too and Chris had just gotten the last of the gravy. I did not like the food here. I thought it was overpriced. John felt the same way, but Chris and Kelly liked it.

After Wofgang’s we went to the magnet store on the West Side so Kelly could get her mom some new magnets. I DO NOT like the West Side at all, and this magnet store was no exception. It was like it was picked up from Highway 192 and plopped down in the middle of Disney property. IMHO, it was tacky, just like the rest of the West Side. (Please don’t be mad at me if you like the West Side! )

We drove back to the resort around 11:30 PM and hit the hay. The next day was Sunday, Epcot day, and I needed my beauty sleep!

Up next: The Flower and Garden Festival and the Workout of a Lifetime

[buckysmom]

WOW! What a busy, wonderful day you had!
I've never been to Donald's so I enjoyed the detail.
Can't wait to read more,

[mac]

It sounds like you guys are having a great time Jennifer! I can't wait to hear more.