MsFst/H'moon/Annvrsry, Updated 1/27 FINISHED!!! About This Page:

[luvnwdwgal]

You guys sure know how to have fun!!!!

[ripkensnana]

MOUSEFEST 2004
OUR WONDERFUL TRIP WITH THE MOUSE

Day 10, Epcot and the Studios

After breakfast in the room, we went to Fulton's General Store for our package pick-up. Upon entering, I just had to wander a bit, since I hadn't been here before. There was lots of neat stuff to drool over....

I picked up our packages and returned to the van, where Bob was (sorta) patiently waiting. Off to Epcot!

We arrived at Epcot at about 9:30, and immediately headed for Mission: Space. We cut through Innoventions East to see if there was anything we wanted to do in there....there wasn't. As we were exiting, a CM (who was having wa-a-a-y too much fun) was dancing around by himself. He spotted my name badge, and said, "Sing, Carol, so I can dance." So I laughed and sang a bit for him. He was so-o-o-o funny.

The lines at Mission: Space were practically non-existent, so we rode twice in succession, each time in a different position.

I need to explain the importance of positions on this ride, at least for us (and our science-fiction club). The Mission: Space gift shop has a set of patches which has a center (or "hub") patch, plus individual patches for each position on the ride - Pilot, Commander, Engineer, and Navigator. Our "rules" state that you have to earn the four position patches by riding in each of the positions at least once. After the four patches have been "earned", additional rides are indicated by studs placed between the patches, then around them. We have a placement system worked out, and the patches can be worn on a jacket, backpack, etc. to show off your accomplishments, and how many times you've ridden. Yeah, I know....kid stuff....but we're all a bunch of big kids anyway....I have a favorite saying: "I have to grow older, but I refuse to grow up!"

So, we now had earned our patches! We also played in the interactive computer team play area, and that was kinda fun, too!

We ran into James D. and Linda in the gift shop between rides and told them the time and place for our Test Track meet, since they hadn't gotten all the information previously.

By now, it was almost 11, so we went to the Fastpass area located just outside the ride. We hadn't been there long, when we were joined by Dave, Nikki (pooreeyore) and Allison, plus James and Linda. Jennifer was in the Baby Care center, and needed to purchase a new outfit for him ("just in case"), since she'd inadvertently packed all his clothes, and they were now on their way to the airport...and all you moms out there know how important it is to have an extra outfit for "emergencies". And y'all know how it works - "If you have it, you won't need it, but if you need it, you won't have it".

As we were waiting, Matt came along (without Tracey or Maggie, both of whom had already left for home). He was cruising the parks solo, so we asked him to join us.

Jennifer arrived shortly, and we decided to not wait for Lou and his family, as it was already 20 after 11...so into the "secret entrance" we went. Bob showed his ID to the security camera, the elevator opened, and we rode up to the VIP lounge. I've described the lounge earlier in this report, so won't go into it again. We hung out for a while, Dave and I took photos of the group and out the windows.

We got our passes, went down the other elevator, and boarded our cars. Jennifer rode with us, while Dave waited with Baby Alexander (he'd ridden TT earlier on this trip, while Jennifer had passed it up, so it was her turn to ride). Bob and I rode with James and Linda in one car, while Matt, Nikki, Jennifer, and Allison rode in another.

After the ride, we said our goodbyes. Bob had disappeared, and I had no idea where he'd gone! So I waited outside the TT gift shop.....and waited.....and waited.....and waited. He finally exited the gift shop....I'd looked for him in there, but hadn't been able to find him....turns out he was trying to play a game to win a car, but his typing (and spelling) aren't that good, so kept getting booted by the computer. He had me come in and do the typing for him....

We went to World Showcase and Canada to see "O Canada". which I'd seen years earlier, but that Bob had never seen. It was the same movie, even after 15 years.....I think it needs a bit of updating.

It was almost time for Off Kilter to perform, and this was something I really wanted to hear (and see....guys in kilts ). We watched part of the show (which was standing room only by the time we got there), but since Bob was getting hungry, we went in search of food.

We tried the Yorkshire County Fish and Chips....adequate, but nothing to write home about. We get fish 'n' chips here at home which are just as good, in my opinion. Anyway....

Bob wanted to go back to Disney-MGM, so that's what we did....I'd wanted to see the rest of World Showcase, and the different storytellers from all the countries, but this will give me an excuse to finagle another trip in December sometime....maybe MouseFest next year....?

We wandered around the Studios for a bit, watched the ending of a street show, then got a spot for parade watching. It's a much better parade with the Christmas trimmings and Santa! I loved the sign the Queen of Hearts was carrying..."No! Ho! Ho!"

We had dinner at Hollywood and Vine for our Fantasmic dinner package - a new dining experience for us. We loved it! The food was great, and the price was reasonable (for Disney!). Our server, Sakda (from Thailand) was very attentive.

We had lots of time to kill before Fantasmic, so we went to Who Wants To Be a Millionaire-Play It! in hopes that I could get into the Hot Seat.

We found seats near the aisle, and played the "Fast Finger" round. Some kid (in his late teens) got into the Hot Seat, and acted really bored being there. What was wrong with him? Didn't he know what a privilege it is to get into the Hot Seat??? He made it to 1000 points without using a life line. At this point, they put up the leader board, and I was in fifth place....Well, that was okay, but I'd done better. The next question proved to be his undoing. The question was:

"Which line of Latitude crosses the Sahara Desert?"

A. Tropic of Cancer B. Tropic of Capricorn
C. The Equator D. The Arctic Circle

I clicked in my answer, with an inkling that the kid wouldn't know which it was. He didn't. He used the "Ask the Audience" lifeline. I told Bob, "Africa is farther north than most people think it is". The audience went for "The Equator". Woo Hoo! I think I have a chance here ! He went with the audience, and was wrong, the correct answer being the Tropic of Cancer. I turned the flash off on the camera, and handed it to Bob, saying, "I think I'm in."

The leader board was presented (with the number one spot left blank for the moment)...my seat number wasn't there! I was really excited by this time....then the number one spot was filled in....My seat number!!! I was so excited - I jumped out of my seat and ran down the steps!! I'd made it to the Hot Seat (And there was great rejoicing...)!!!!



I was given time to catch my breath, and we launched into the game. The first batch of questions were very easy - like,"What color are Mickey Mouse's shorts?" - I really couldn't believe that one! I got to 1000 points without using any lifelines, which won me a baseball cap, a lanyard, and 5 pins. The questions got tougher, but nothing I couldn't handle - fortunately, no sports questions (my weak suit). I made it to 32000 points, still without using any lifelines. The questions would have been difficult if they hadn't fallen into my particular and peculiar ballpark....that was pure luck!

My throat was feeling kinda scratchy, and I was getting hoarse, but I was still having a great time. At one point, the MC said that she was sick, and I said, "Me, too!" I'm sure that my voice sounded terrible!

So, here I am, five questions away from a three night Disney Cruise, with additional winnings of a polo shirt and five more pins. And with all lifelines intact. And now for the 64000 point question. I can't remember the exact wording, but it had to do with philosophy, and a word describing two sides of an argument and a conclusion....I panicked! I had no idea what the answer was....I decided to use a lifeline....and made the mistake of asking the audience....and the further mistake of trusting them! I blew it! Oh, no!!!

Well, I got a big hand from the audience (I think they were rooting for me) and was escorted backstage, where I signed release forms and got my winnings. I was also told that I wouldn't be eligible to get into the Hot Seat for the next 30 days....No problem!

I have to interject something here: It was thanks to Dave Marx and an article he'd written for the PP newsletter that I got into the Hot Seat to begin with. His hint about furiously tapping on the correct answer letter as soon as you know which it is was invaluable! This adds immeasurably to your score, as your time in answering is also a factor in your placing. Thanks, Dave!!!

Bob and some of the crew were waiting onstage for me, so we could get pictures of me in the Hot Seat (they'd caught him trying to sneak pictures of me, and made him stop, but told him he could get pictures after the show).

As we were exiting the building, I noticed a group of smiling oriental (Japanese, I think) people standing by the doors. I thought that they were waiting to be seated for the next show, but no....they were waiting to see me, shake my hand, congratulate me....What a wonderfully nice thing for them to do! This was really, truly magical! These people had come halfway around the world to see Disney World, and took time out to give a complete stranger a warm, fuzzy feeling inside. I'll never forget them!!! It was as good as getting into the Hot Seat to begin with - maybe better !

We went to the entrance turnstiles, so Bob could take my winnings to the van and get our coats. While waiting, I chatted with a nice young CM named Trang, so the wait didn't seem too long.

With our Dinner Package tickets in hand, we went to the "special entrance" to Fantasmic, and chose seats next to the aisle in about the 10th row (or thereabouts, I didn't count). There were vendors selling the usual "light-up" toys, plus other vendors selling blankets and hot chocolate....it was quite nippy by this time. We'd worn sweatshirts all day, and were now in our winter jackets. Bob inquired about the price of the hot chocolate, but passed when he was told "Ten dollars" . Whoa!!! I know this is Disney, but $10 for hot chocolate ?

The show was as fabulous as ever, and over much too soon. We exited the park, and back to the resort for a good night's rest. Tomorrow would be our last day at Disney but would include Cirque du Soliel and meeting Cheryl (chezp) and Mark ! Yay!!!

[Tara O'Hara]

You guys are so cool!! I can't believe that you got into the hot seat!! Congratulations!!! That's terrific!!! AND! You did far better than I ever would have!! You know how to have some serious fun!!

[luvnwdwgal]

Congratulations on getting into the Hot Seat!!!

[Colexis Mom]

Carol – how great that you made it into the hot seat Congratulations!

What a fantastic day! I think that $10 at MGM was a ripoff too for hot chocolate, but I think it was due to the light up mug that it came it! We found some at Epcot for only $3 or $3.50 with just a basic mug, much better IMO!

I’m sorry it’s all coming to an end! Hurry back with more

[karmic]

What a great day! Congrats for getting into the hot seat! for the update.

[Nala]

Oh, Carol. What a wonderful report. I had no idea you are a "screamer" Way to go in WWTBAM!!!

[ripkensnana]

Just bumping this up so I don't lose it....

[ripkensnana]

Bump...sorry about this, I hate to write the last entry! It means that the trip is really, truly over!!!

[Caldercup]

I got caught up again - this has been such a fun read. Makes me want to go to Mousefest 2005!
Eileen

[ripkensnana]

One more bump - I'll be finishing this soon, I promise! After all, I have another trip coming up next month, and I really have to have this TR finished before we leave.

[pparm]

Congrats on the Hot Seat!! I was there in July!!! I blew it on the next to last question!!! Looking forward to hearing about Cirque.


Paula

[ripkensnana]

MOUSEFEST 2004
OUR WONDERFUL TRIP WITH THE MOUSE

Day 10, Magic Kingdom, Animal Kingdom, Cirque du Soleil, plus Cheryl and Mark!

Okay, time to finish this, since we’re going back to WDW in a couple of weeks, and don’t really need to have two TR’s hanging over my head!

This was it! Our last day at WDW. We did have some special things planned to take our minds off the fact that we'd be leaving tomorrow, which helped.

We rose fairly early, and went to the Magic Kingdom. We arrived in plenty of time to see the opening ceremonies - Hizzoner the Mayor and several Cast Members arrived at the train platform, and there was singing and dancing. The train pulled in, loaded with lots of characters - too many to name - and the chosen family scattered Pixie Dust to mark the opening of the Magic Kingdom.

Bob and I headed straight for Cinderella's Castle and Fantasyland. We were halted at the gateway into Fantasyland by a rope....What's up? Isn't the park supposed to be open ???....The Cast Member In Charge Of The Rope told us that it wasn't 9 o'clock yet....Hmmmm, it was 9 at the train station, how come it isn't 9 here ???? We were informed that until the clock in the tower chimed 9, that it wasn't really 9 o'clock.... ???? So, okay, we waited. When the clock finally chimed, the CMICOFTR (see above) s-l-o-w-l-y removed the offending rope and let us into Fantasyland, with admonitions of “Don’t run”, which were, of course, ignored by the younger set!

We immediately headed for Peter Pan, which was an attraction we’d never experienced before, and rode to Neverland. Now, I’m sure that lots of people are going to take offense, but we weren’t especially thrilled with this ride...it was okay, but not wonderful. We’ll probably do this again when we have kids with us, but probably not with adults.

Next up (pun intended) was Dumbo, another new ride for us. As we rode, we could see lots of earth being moved behind that wooden wall (where, I’m told, 20KLUTS used to be). Aha! Something new is being added. I wonder what???? We asked a few CM's, but they were keeping mum...maybe they don't even know!

Off to Winnie the Pooh’s ride (another new experience). We liked this one much better than Peter Pan.

Bob and I wanted to try Stitch’s Great Escape, although we’d read mixed reviews. Stitch is one of our favorites, so we wanted to see if he’d improved this attraction (which we thought was boring before). We found that the little blue alien did, indeed, prove to be more entertaining, but noticed (which I read elsewhere on these boards) that some seats probably didn’t have a good view of him. Fortunately, we had a good view. I remembered to sit up very straight when the shoulder restraints were lowered, because at one point the “stomping” (?) of the alien had been very painful ! At any rate, Bob and I enjoyed Stitch’s Great Escape more than the ExtraTerrorestrial Alien Encounter, but it still isn’t a really wonderful attraction. Just okay.

After doing Stitch, we backtracked to ToonTown to try more new things. First up was Goofy’s Barnstormer. What a hoot! We laughed our buns off , and were happily treated to a second spin. This ride is over almost before it starts, but it just tickled our funnybones - we’ll definitely do this again. I really don’t know why we enjoyed it so much....

We walked through Minnie’s House (and noticed all the cheese in the refrigerator), then went to the ToonTown Hall of Fame. There were virtually no lines (!) waiting to see the characters, so we took advantage and got photos with Pooh, Eeyore, Tigger, Sleeping Beauty, Cinderella, Snow White, Minnie, and Donald in quick succession. We then toured Mickey’s house, and strolled right in for pictures with the Head Mouse !

We went back to Tomorrowland and rode the Astro-Orbiter (another new ride) and TTA (new for Bob...I’d done it before). It was now about noon, so we enjoyed lunch at Cosmic Ray’s - we love this place!

We decided that we’d done as much of the Magic Kingdom as we wanted to for this trip, so left to try some things at Animal Kingdom.

I wanted to see Tarzan Rocks! again, so we headed there first. I love this show - so much energy, and what a hunk!!! I wiped the drool off my chin, and we wandered through Dinoland for a bit...we found the Cretaceous Trail, and walked through, then chatted for a bit with a CM from Minnesota. She almost fell on the ground laughing when I said “Uff Da”....

We wanted to see Flights of Wonder, so that’s where we headed next. What a neat show! And I was amazed that the birds fly so low over the audience! I can understand how “bird-o-phobes” (don’t know the technical term - probably ornithophobes or something similar) would definitely have a problem with this attraction! And you just gotta love a character named Guano Joe....especially if you know what guano means....

It was almost 4, and Bob wanted to go to Downtown Disney. Our tickets for Cirque du Soleil were for 6, so we had plenty of time, but he has this thing about being late ....We found a parking spot (Hey! How come this parking lot is so full ?) and wandered around DD Westside until about 5, then investigated the Cirque du Soleil store for a bit while waiting to be able to be seated.

We finally got into the building, bought popcorn and sodas, found our seats, and settled in. At about 5:45 two clowns entered and entertained the audience until time for the show to start. What an amazing show! So much was going on, it was difficult to know where to look. After a bit, I noticed that whenever the various clowns stopped their hijinks and looked at something, that you should look at what they were watching. This made it easier to know where to focus your attention. I loved this show, and would gladly see it again! However, I don’t know when that will happen....Someday, hopefully....

After the show, we hopped into the van and headed for DD Marketplace to meet Cheryl and Mark. We again had a bit of difficulty finding a place to park, but were eventually successful. We went to Ghirardelli’s, and there they were! We’d previously thought that we’d have some ice cream, but decided that it was too bloody cold ! Instead, we went to Earl of Sandwich for a bite. I must say that both Bob and I liked our choices, and were happy at the prices - extremely reasonable for Disney ! We chatted a bit with Mark and Cheryl, then we parted company, as they’d had a very busy day and were quite tired. It was just great getting to meet them in person! One of the very best parts of this whole trip had been getting to meet so many people from these boards and others up close and personal!!!

Bob and I went to World of Disney for a bit, then headed back to POR to finish packing and to get a good night’s sleep before heading home in the morning.

The trip home was relatively uneventful, except for a new restaurant we found in Tifton, Georgia....

CiCi’s is an all-you-can-eat pizza parlor with great prices! $3.99 for adults, $2.99 for kids, beverages $1.29 for adults, $1.15 for kids. And if you don’t see topping(s) you want, they’ll make a pizza to your order - no extra charge! There’s also a small salad bar and a few desserts. This is a great place to bring the kids....I don’t know any kid who doesn’t like pizza....

So, that’s the end of my trip report. If and when I learn to post pictures, I’ll do so. I hope you’ve enjoyed reading this....

[luvnwdwgal]

Thanks for sharing your wonderful trip with us Carol! I really enjoyed reading all about it!!

[Tara O'Hara]

Carol, your trip repor was terrific!! Thanks for sharing!!