Our first trip to WDW 8/21 - 8/29 Day 4 updated 9/14/04 About This Page:

[chigbrud]

A first trip for the family consisting of DH 45, DW 43, DS 14, and DD 11 (turned 12 on 8/22). We departed Long Island in the family truckster 5:30 AM Saturday(1.5 hours later than scheduled) on the trek to WDW. Staying at the All Star Music Resort Sunday . The drive was enjoyable and uneventful as we stayed in Savannah the first night and arrived to check in around 1:45 PM Sunday at ASMR.

It was exciting to see the WDW entrance on the parkway, and was impressed and somewhat surprised at the vastness of the entire area. The Passporter maps and other books make everything seem so close but you quickly realize the enormity of area, which was quite impressive. Merely a week after Charley had gone through there was plenty of uprooted tree stumps and downed trees along the Osceola Hgwy into WDW, to remind you of the problems the area had experienced.

As we rolled to the security gate I was asked for a picture ID and was allowed to pass through. That kind of surprised me but as the week went on I realized how much security we would experience.

Our first contact with a CM was at check-in which was handled quickly though with much difficulty as the CM had a very heavy foreign accent that made it difficult to understand her instructions and information. I explained we were first timers and had no idea where to go for our room which was in Calypso 2. She pulled a map out and quickly outlined our suggested route wth a pen, which when completed looked like a 3 year old marking a path through a maze. To say the least neither of us were overlly impressed with the service at check-in. We found Calypso and asked another CM providing maid service where our room was, and she pointed us in the wrong direction. Lugging our luggage we finally found the room whcih was delighfully cool though very small. The dissapointment of DH and DW was evident and conveyed in a conversation with each other. Though we anticipated 2 full beds and possibily a cot it was evident that adding a cot would barely fit and crowd the already small room. Also our Refrigerator which was already paid for was not yet in the room. DW and DD stayed in the room to unpack and rest a bit as DH and DS went to front desk to locate a fridge and get directions to local supermarket for some essentials, water, milk, fruit to place in the eventual fridge.

It was 3 PM when the rains came, as DH and DS were shopping, upon their return and with no fridge yet the items were stored in a cooler from the car trip and it was decided to head to MK as it was DD Birthday and we had PS for Crystal Palace and POOH!at 6:00PM. With no let up in the rain we purchased our ponchos and waited for the bus. I must say now that with one exception the entire week we never waited more than 10 minutes for a bus. Our driver was none too happy with the rain and as we were the only maniacs on the bus we tried to engage him in some conversation but his answers were short and not very helpful so we gave up. The only "disney" response to him was when DH said this was our first trip here and he responded with a "Welcome Home".

We were at the MK by 4:30 and the rain had slowed to a drizzle and DH was on a mission to go to Town Hall where he surpised DD with her Birthday Button. This button even though at times under the clear poncho evoked numerous Happy Birtdays from many CM initially to her delight but to her eventual embarassment near the end of the evening. (Its tough being the center of attention!!!)

WE walked down Main Street in awe and impressed with the Castle and shops, as DH wanted to locate CP then we headed to Adventureland as the rain increased. DW wanted out of the rain and insisted we get inside quickly which just so happen to be the Enchanted Tiki Room, a very corny first experience. Outside again in the rain we needed to escape the downpour and quickly found the Pirates of the Carribean which proved to be a real winner with evreyone, so we did it again!!

By this time we headed back to CP as everyone was getting hungry and it was around 5:30. We got in a little early for our PS at CP which was nice, and the food and our first experience with the Characters was exceptional. Though DS and DD are both teens they both enjoyed being with the characters and had their pictures taken as well as DW and DH. It was disspointing that the CM waiting on our table did not wish DD happy b-day and there was concern that the dessert surprise may be forgotten but it wasn't though DD would not march in the special day parade, we all sang Happy Birthday along with the CM. I rate the food and Characters A+ but the CM a C.

Having had our fill and seeing that the rains had subsided we headed over to Space Mountain (DW,DD and DS only), and Buzz Lightyear (where DH ruled the scores twice). Lines were not long due to weather and before we knew it Wishes was going to happen so we got a decent spot on the bridge near the castle and watched a beautiful show. We spent time shopping on Main Street to let the crowds get out and enjoyed an uneventful half empty bus ride back to ASMR about 9:45. DH and DD hopped in the Guitar pool while DW and DS relaxed in A/C room. DW noticed no fridge yet so got right on the phone to housekeeping, fridge arrived around 11.

Sleeping that night was tight with DS (6'1") DD (5'10")shared a bed with minimal sleep as DW and DD comlained about each other also. It was decided that next night one of the kids would sleep on floor (we brought sleeping bags and pillows) and the other would get the bed alernating each night while DH and DW slept together which worked out pretty well for the rest of the trip.

Not a bad first day at the park.

[Wendyismyname]

Excellent start! Glad the rains finally stopped! More please!

[luvnwdwgal]

Great start! Looking forward to more!!

[wdw4me]

Enjoying your report so far - looking forward to more!

[Colexis Mom]

Sounds like a great first day (albeit with the rain)! Glad you enjoyed your dinner at CP!

Can't wait for more

[PhillyPooh]

Great start! We have been to WDW a few times but had never had dinner at CP until we were there a few weeks ago. We also really enjoyed it. Looking forward to more.

[DrDolphin]

Great beginning to your report!! More please.

[chigbrud]

Monday Day two – AK and Epcot



The plan was to get up in time for magic hour at AK. In spite of those plans we arrived to AK at 845AM not too bad. Monday was a very hot and humid day (surprising for Florida, huh?)We headed straight for the safari, which became difficult with all the sights and sounds on the way. Everyone stopped to look at the sights but DH insisted we get to the Safari before the 9 AM opening and the crowds. The potential for fun on the safari was witnessed as we observed excited CM’s pull up in the safari vehicles insisting on participating and loud greetings from their passengers. However our driver was not as enthusiastic as the others, and did not press for responses to her questions. The taped audio show was interesting but the drivers responses were too rehearsed and as if she was going through the motions. As for the Safari we saw a few animals but not very many and DS and DD were not impressed with what they saw.

Next after walking around Africa was to get some breakfast which amounted to Danish and coffee or OJ at the Tusker house bakery. We walked through the Maharaja Jungle Trek and the Discovery Island Trails then headed to Kali River Rapids. This ride was extremely disappointing for everyone as we all thought it was very short and uneventful for that type of ride. We certainly had experienced longer and wetter rides of this type at other parks. Next was “It’s tough to be a Bug” a fun experience for everyone. As we walked through and under the Tree of Life we were all very impressed with the structure and carvings. This was the first 3-D movie experience for all of us and proved to be a favorite for the kids and adults. The screams and jumping of DW and DD were quite funny and loud. Following “Bug” we headed to “Flights of Wonder” a very good show of birds with conservation and comedy mixed in. DD thought the “tour guide” was the funniest and kept repeating one of his lines for the entire week. We grabbed our $80 dollar lunch at the Flame Tree BBQ, the food was very good though expensive. DS and DH had Ribs (Good Sauce) DW had BBQ Chicken salad (Very Good), and DD had usual Chicken Strips and Fries.

It was off to Dinosaur and our first FastPass of the vacation, with a time about 90 minutes away we headed over to Primeval Whirl and a promised 10 minute wait for repairs which turned into 30. DH waited on a bench as DW,DS,and DD went for the ride. The report for this ride was OK though it closed down again for repairs. Still about an hour for FP we walked over to Dinosaur to sit and relax in a shaded spot. When we approached the ride we noticed no line and no wait so we went on the Dinosaur ride, which was a blast and absolutely scared DW and DD. When we came out there was still no wait so we went again switching seats and again the females were scared out of there seats! We never used the FP for the day! This was certainly a top highlight along with Bug’s life, which after grabbing some ice cream and walking out of Dino Land we sat through again. We learned at this seating that you do not want to be the first at the door as you have to fill in the seats at the end of the row, which gave limited sightlines to some of the show.

It was getting close to 3PM and with no one wanting to see “shows” we left AK heading back to ASMR for some rest and pool time before heading to Epcot for Illuminations in the evening.

DD, DW and DH went to the pool again as DS relaxed in the a/c. The pool temperature was like bath water but still felt good and relaxing. We relaxed a while in the room as the rains came around 4:30. DW and DS was hungry around 6:00 and the rains had stopped and walked to the food court returning with a pizza for DW and DS and fries for DD who was not hungry. Neither DS nor DW liked the pizza at all and most was discarded, while DD devoured the fries. I guess it was around 7:00 when we decided to head to Epcot for the night. We were surprised that at Epcot there was only two entrances available for everyone regardless if you had a bag or not, both with long lines. It took over 20 minutes to get through this area. We headed over to Spaceship Earth which DH thought as the ride began might bore the kids but the both really liked it. We decided to try and grab a good spot for Illuminations and managed something near a gift shop as you enter World Showcase. It was a good location but not close to the fence area so some of the lower water effects were blocked by the other spectators. The show was fantastic and though we did not have a great spot only DH who had seen the Passporter “best viewing locations” suspected a better location may have provided more excitement. After the show we meandered slowing with the crowd back to the bus area, which seem to be especially far from the entrance. Not much of a wait and we were back to ASMR by 1015 the latest where DD had to hit the pool again. DH grabbed a few cocktails for DW and himself and they sat by the pool watching DD while the lazy teen DS stayed in the a/c.

When asked, both kids said AK was just OK but they were very impressed with the short period of time at Epcot and were looking forward to Wednesday when we planned to spend the day there. This was a long hot day for DH and DW who both enjoyed Epcot and was not overly impressed with AK.

Tomorrow we are off to Universal!

[Colexis Mom]

Another great update! Sounds like a mixed bag at AK! Can't wait to hear about Universal

[Diz]

[ QUOTE ]

It was exciting to see the WDW entrance on the parkway, and was impressed and somewhat surprised at the vastness of the entire area.

[/ QUOTE ]

Even after all of our trips, this is always a smile-maker no matter how tired we are. DH jokes that if I'm in a bad mood, all he has to do is drive through one of the entrances and I'm okay again!

Just caught up with your first day. Sorry the CMs didn't seem to be up to par. I hope you find the Dmagic even though things like that go wrong!

I've never been to CP - Character Breakfast. We would always go to CP before it became a cb, but haven't been back since the change. It sounds like you had a great time, though!

Happy belated birthday to DD!

[luvnwdwgal]

Thanks for the update!!

[vsonnier]

Looking forward to more! I also the Flights of Wonder show!

[PhillyPooh]

Another great installment. If you read my recent trip report to the Wilderness Lodge you will see I'm also not a fan of the Animal Kingdom. We mainly go there just to see "Festival of The Lion King", which is in my opinion the best show on Disney property. Looking forward to more.

[Diz]

Just caught up with Day 2. I think AK is one of those parks you have to "warm up" to. Once you find something you really like, the rest falls into place. It can be a rocky start for the first few times. I've come to love AK because of the shows: LK and TR. They have made me lurk deeper into the AK theming and I've begun to warm up to it.

Hope your trip goes smoother for you. It sounds like all of you enjoyed the little you saw of EPCOT. It is a great park.

[chigbrud]

Day Three Isles of Adventure at Universal

Boy is it tough getting two kids up in the morning, seems like it was getting tougher and tougher each day. Anyway we got out around 9:30 and headed to park. Breakfast in the room for DD, DW and DH was bowl of cereal and some fruit DS (the last to rise had nada). The fridge is paying off. Entering the Universal parking lot we are offered “preferred parking” at the toll booth that would save us 10 minutes of walking from the parking lots to the park itself. We took the option for an extra $4 if I recall right. (On Friday upon our return to Universal we took regular parking) I strongly suggest not wasting the $4 as there seemed to be no difference in the walk. Anyway we get to the park, pass through Security, and the numerous shops without incident heading right to Hulk Roller Coaster. DD and DS loved this though DH and DW sat in the shade. The lines were not that bad as of yet so they rode again. Of course the wait was longer as kids wanted first row, the little maniacs.

Next up was Accelatron however that was closed for repairs so we headed to Dr Doom Fearfall but that was also closed!!!. We went to the Spiderman ride, which everyone was going to ride. This is a neat 3D combination with a moving vehicle, but the 3D effects and movie screens make it feel like a regular roller coaster, what a great ride, though DD decide she did not like “scary 3D with them right in your face.” This was a great ride for those that don’t like the regular roller coaster type rides, while it still gives some great sensations. Even the queue area was neat taking you through the newspaper offices and watching several video screens of the “attack” you were entering. The majority of the queue is indoors and nice and cool. Did I mention that today was probably the hottest day of the week? One really GREAT IDEA at Universal was the use of the misting fans in the outdoor covered queue areas. What a pleasure and something not experienced at WDW. After Spiderman we walked through Marvel Super Hero Island heading to Toon Lagoon. We all agreed that the atmosphere created by the store fronts and rides was really nice and a lot of fun in both areas. We saw many Characters, Popeye, Olive yle, Betty Boop and many others.

Warning, at Toon Lagoon you will get wet!! We headed to Popeye and Bluto’s Bilge Rat Barges, a rapids ride in the same vain as Kali River Rapids, only 1000 % wetter. What a great ride. We all got soaked and it felt great and just when we thought the ride was over you are dumped into another rapid area. This ride was easily twice as long as Kali River Rapids and much more exciting. The queue area looked like a cartoon and the outside area used the misting fans though the line we were on was all indoors a rather short 15 minute wait. Fantastic ride!

So what do you eat when you are in Toon Lagoon and just come off of Popeye and Bluto’s barge, why Wimpy Burgers of course!! While pricey, $44 for the four of us,the burgers were REALLY GOOD and DD had the Strips which were large and very good. We all liked this meal until DH saw the deli featuring DAGWOOD sandwiches. He was disappointed to have missed that, maybe later!?!. As the line for Dudley do Right Falls seemed to be long and no one really wanting to ride a long flume we passed on it and headed to Jurassic Park. Not many rides excited anyone here though DS wanted to ride the River Adventure, which was one of those Tidal Wave type rides so he went on by himself, as there was a shorter ride for single riders. DW had a change of heart a few minutes later and went off searching for him but returned shortly thereafter without finding him. We all waited for a while for DS to return and he was not overly impressed and no one could get him to talk too much about this ride.

Next up was “Lost Continent” and Dueling Dragons. We “Express Passed this and went to see “the 8th voyage of Sinbad” a corny but entertaining stunt show. We enjoyed this show and even got a little wet. Following this show, DW, DS and DD went off to ride Dueling Dragons and DH got to relax and read, but then the rain came. DH found shelter at the express pass kiosk with many others while the ride continued. The three rode at least 2 times until the heavy stuff started. DH was quite surprised but this ride stayed open for quite some time during the rain which was very, very heavy at times. DW and DH waited under cover as the kids had a blast riding in the rain and sitting up front then coming to complain how much the rain hurt their faces, go figure. They rode until the thunder and lightning came and the ride shut down. Since the rain had started while on the ride neither had the chance to put on their poncho and were soaked, so they danced and splashed in the rain with the other kids while the parents just shook their heads. Best guess on the time the rain lasted was at least 90 minutes, and when the ride re-opened DD and DS were in the first row of the first ride. They rode that ride at least 8 times that day. DD had enough and we moved on to Poseidon’s Fury. At the entrance the staff person cautioned that this attraction was a walk through and air conditioned which turned off DD so her and DH sat outside and waited. DD was really getting cold and cranky. DW and DS enjoyed the special effects of Posiedon and would go again with DH but DD was really getting cold so we decided to move along. Seuss Landing was really for younger kids so we walked through and looked at the “sets” and decorations as we made our way to the park exit. It was around 4:30, kind of early and when it was suggested to DD to ride Hulk again she suddenly got warmer. We headed over to that side of the park only to see that Hulk was closed for repairs however Dr. Dooms Fearfall was open, DS and DD went to this ride but the stand by line 45 minutes, which meant DD was again cold, what a little darling. DH told them to get express pass which for some reason was the current time? The kids got right on the ride, which meant DD was not cold anymore! DD loved this ride but DS suddenly began to notice his paternal characteristic of a fear of heights. He said the ride was good but he really felt nervous. Everyone but DH wanted to ride Hulk so we waited around for the repairs to be completed but it was getting late and guess what DD and now DS where getting cold and hungry.

We headed back to WDW to get changed and plan out dinner. On the way back DH took another route (an exit by downtown Disney) and we saw a restaurant area with all the favorites so we headed back up there to eat at Chile’s at a reasonable $50 for the four of us. On the way back we toured the Boardwalk Villa area were friends of ours were staying ( we were to get together in Universal on Friday but an emergency back home caused an early departure Thursday for them) hoping to go see them but the rains came strong again and no one wanted to go walking in the rain. We headed back to ASMR and waited for the rain to stop so DD could go swimming again. DS watched the Olympics while DD and DH swam for a while and DW hit the Laundry room.

Isles of Adventure was very nice and had some great rides for the more adventurous and thrill seeker. We liked the park itself as it was very clean and really appreciated the misting fans. We planned on a wet day from the rides which must be taken in to consideration to enjoy the entire park. This park proved to be DS’s favorite of the trip and high on DD’s list (she still prefers Hershey Park in Pennsylvania) DH and DW were impressed with the park sets and variety of rides. DW even got to see Captain America, what a hunk!