Sharing is Caring - Christmas Trip to the World: Link to Photos Added 4/8/05 About This Page:

[zacksmom_1993]

Who:
·Me, Zack’s Mom (33.) Disney Fanatic. 7th Trip to DW. More trips to Disneyland than I have fingers and toes to count them!
·DS, Zack (11.) Lover of all things Disney. Must be the genes, or the since birth Disney brain washing from his mother! 5th Trip to DW. 15 Trips to Disneyland (really!)
·Not-so-Disney sister, Kirsten (36.) 3rd Trip to DW, but first time staying on Disney property.
·Not-so-Disney sister, Alice (27.) 2nd Trip to DW.

When: December 16- December 24

Where: One Night at the WLV, and seven glorious nights at the AKL.

Why: Lots of reasons to celebrate! My birthday, my new job, and Christmastime at WDW!

Who are you?
I’m sure any of you reading this are thinking, who on earth is zacksmom_1993, and how could she possibly be posting her first post as a trip report? Well, probably like a lot of visitors to this board (come on out there, I know I’m not the only one,) I’ve come here often, gotten dozens of fantastic ideas, and always intended to write a trip report as a way of paying back. But… I never quite delivered. Honestly, there are probably two or three started but not completed trip reports from past journeys sitting lonely and forgotten in my computer’s hard drive.

What’s changed now? On my last trip to Disney World, I kept seeing Passporters! I saw many of you the night of the 17th at MVMCP, I saw the AP adventurers on the 19th at Boma, and I kept running into Colexi’s Mom and her adorable family at the AKL. With the exception of one brief conversation with Marnie, I couldn’t get the nerve to talk to any of you. It just didn’t seem fair that I had gotten so much from all of you, but had never given anything back.

Because you’re all so open and caring, I know a lot about many of you. I know about lost parents, new jobs, and new loves; and, particularly as I sat in Boma, my guilt over not contributing was making me squirm a little bit. In the spirit of opening up, the other thing that’s changed is my job. I had a great job as a pricing manager for a pharmaceutical company. For those of you saying, “That’s a great job?” If you’re a math geek like me that is a great job; the rest of you normal people are probably thinking, ack! Unfortunately, the hours and responsibility were slowly killing me. So, when a job opened up to work as a financial analyst at a local university, I jumped at it. I started work in early December. And, with a normal 40-50 hour workweek, gone was the major excuse not to post.

On a side note, I actually did have a few posts when I worked at my lost job, under the name zacksmom_2000. But, because I had it set to automatically log in from my work laptop, I couldn’t remember what the password was! OK, OK, it was only three posts, and the screen name didn’t really make sense since my son was born in 1993… But, it was still better than the giant goose egg behind number of posts I had before this one!

For the two or three people still reading this drivel, I promise to get to the good stuff soon. And, if I get really ambitious, I may even try to post a few photos. But, be patient, I’m a rookie! As they say on the Jungle Cruise, if you like the ride, my name is Karen from Northern California. If you don’t, my name is Marge from Iowa and this has been It’s a Small World. I know, I know; they say that at the end of the ride. It just seemed more appropriate here. And, away we go!

Next Up… The Best Laid Plans

[zacksmom_1993]

The Best Laid Plans

Our last trip to Disney World had been in December 2003. As members of DVC, we had used most of our points for ’04 between giving a few nights at the Boardwalk Villas to our friends before their one week Disney Cruise and a trip to DVC at Hilton Head before my cousin’s wedding in Atlanta in August. We had annual passes to Disneyland in 2004, and had taken several trips there throughout the year. So, I thought a return trip to Disney World wasn’t in the cards for 2004.

In come the Passporter boards, telling wonderful tales of magical postcard rates for fall ’04. I hadn’t gotten one, and that miffed me a bit, since I feel like I single handedly support the profit margins of the WD Corporation. So, I called and played dumb, not a stretch really. The cast member told me that I was in the system as getting the code, and the fun began. After some hemming and hawing between WL and AKL, I finally picked a savannah view room for around $145 a night. It was just too good a deal to pass up. So, moral of the story, if you hear about a great rate, call just in case.

When it came to booking flights, I just couldn’t find anything reasonable except for a red-eye on the 15th. No problem, I’d take another day at DW. I called DVC to see if a studio was available for the 16th. The answer was no, but a one bedroom was available, and we had just the right number of points left. As the cast member said, it was obviously meant to be.

My son and I travel well alone together, but we like to invite others with us. We’d taken my Mom several times. But, when she passed away in 2003, Zack and I lost our best friend and our favorite travel buddy. We’d never taken my Dad; and because he was having such a hard time without my Mon, we wanted him to come. So, I booked him in the rooms and PS’s with us, and tried to have my son mention how much he’d like it if Grampa came with! The hints weren’t working, so thoughts turned to my brother, the one other Disney fan in my family. He was non-committal, not sure if he could take time off work. But, at least it wasn’t a no.

A couple of weeks later, my sisters asked if we were going to Disneyland for my birthday. I said we were going to Disney World instead. They were looking for an excuse to get out of some Christmas parties; and thought that going to Disney World to celebrate their sister’s birthday would be a good one. Because of my vacation payout from my last job and a good bonus, I was able to offer to pay for the trip. We joked a lot about how flying to Florida was a pretty extravagant way to get out of a few parties. But, they assured me that if it was just an excuse they were looking for; they would just lie! They said they really wanted to go.

I changed the PS’s from 3 to 4 without a problem, booked flights for my sisters, and the airport Hyatt Regency for them the night of the 15th. That way there’d be a place for us to change on the 16th after our red-eye. I did some preliminary planning. But, because of changing jobs, I was nowhere near as organized as usual. I was nervous because I was going with two sisters who were neutral on Disney.

The one thing I was doing was checking the weather forecast every day online. Ten days out it looked great, but it was all downhill from there. As we got closer, it looked like we’d have temperatures ranging from the low 30’s to the upper 70’s. How do you possibly pack for that?

Next Up... A Long Day's Night

[karmic]

Wonderful start, Karen! Looking forward to the rest! for sharing your trip with us!

[CRCrazy]

This sounds wonderful - thanks for coming out from behind the lurker's couch - I can't wait to read the rest!

[zacksmom_1993]

A Long Day’s Night

Departure day, well sort of. Departure day had finally arrived. I went to work on December 15th, and Zack went to school. My sisters were scheduled to fly out of San Jose around 11:00AM. As the day dragged on, I was very jealous of my sister’s and their head start on vacation. I kept daydreaming about where they were, as they winged their way towards the Sunshine State. I escaped a few minutes early from work because Zack and I had a busy night ahead of us. We went out to dinner with some friends to exchange Christmas gifts. We got home around 8:00, and I put the last load of laundry in the dryer. Zack played video games while I finished off the packing. I kept wondering, and worrying, about my sisters. They were scheduled to arrive in Orlando around 10:00 East Coast time. I couldn’t get a hold of them via cell phone, even though, when I checked online, it said their plane had landed. Oh well, I hoped they weren’t stuck some place.

My Dad came to give us a ride to the airport around 10:30. We discovered that the handle on Zack’s suitcase was bent, so we’d have to carry it rather than pull it behind us. But, we didn’t have enough time to change things around. Especially after I had taken hours to stuff in everything from parkas to bathing suits! We really started scrambling to get things together; especially things for the plane like CD’s, books, and sketch pads. How can it be that I started planning this trip 5 months ago, but I run around like a chicken with it’s head cut off the last 5 minutes before we leave?

Finally, we were in the car and on our way, with a quick stop at the grocery store for batteries for the CD player. We were to SFO quickly and there was no one in line waiting to check-in. Maybe we’d have the plane to ourselves?

I’d reserved a window and an aisle seat hoping they wouldn’t fill the seat between us. If they did, we’d just switch for the middle and window. I didn’t think about it again until after we were in line for security and I checked the seats. We’d been given an aisle and middle seat. I figured we’d just change seats at the gate. There was no one there, right? We made it to security quickly and headed out to the gate. When we got there, we saw all the people we thought we would see at check-in. I went to the counter without much hope and was told there was only one empty seat on the whole plane, and it was a middle seat. Drat! Foiled again.

We grabbed two seats in the crowded waiting area and took turns brushing teeth and going to the bathroom. Our plane wasn’t scheduled to leave for another hour or so, at 12:30, and I was hoping we’d both get on the plane half asleep. In the boarding area was one man with his head tilted back over the back of the seat, mouth wide open, sawing logs as loud as can be. It was pretty funny, because it was literally the only noise in the whole airport. But, more than anything, I was jealous of someone who could fall asleep so easily. They started calling us by group around 12:00, and we pulled away from the gate on time at 12:30.

I can’t quite get my act together on these red-eye flights, even though I’ve taken them a number of times. I had Zack settled into the middle seat with his CD player ready to go when they allowed electronic devices. I had everything in the bins above us so we’d have as much foot space as possible. I got Zack a couple of pillows and put blankets on us both. We tried to settle in as much as possible. And, then I just sat there, eyes closed but no sleep. Zack fell asleep really quickly. When we leveled off, I adjusted my seat back and tried to do the same for Zack. As I did, he woke up, sort of, and said, “I want to go home. Mom, take me home right now!” I tried not to laugh as I told him that I didn’t think the pilot would agree to turn the plane around just because he was tired. I think Zack was asleep again before I even finished talking.

I dozed off and on, and finally gave up on sleep for good as we approached Dallas. As I opened my eyes, I saw Zack with his head firmly planted on the shoulder of the man next to him! He was so polite just sitting there, letting Zack sleep away. I went to move him, and he said, “That’s OK. Just let him sleep.” An angel!

We landed in Dallas on time, and I had a really hard time waking up Zack. Can’t say I blame him, it was 3:45AM California time! Both of us were really grouchy, and I’m glad the gates were close together. I really don’t know how we would have made it if we had to walk all over that airport. I think it’s fun flying out of DFW to Orlando. Just about everyone is on his or her way to vacation, and everyone always seems so excited. This time was no different. I spent sometime talking to a family on their way to their first Disney Cruise, and another Mom who was just letting her little boy run around in circles so he wouldn’t be so hyper on the plane. By the way, I know that most people have a totally different view of this airport. And, I don’t like it nearly as much when I’m flying back from Orlando!

We left on time again, and I was thrilled to see that Spiderman 2 was the movie playing on the plane. Zack is addicted to all things Spiderman, and saw the movie five times in theaters when it came out. I figured it would be just the thing to cheer him up out of his lack of sleep doldrums. So, imagine my surprise when Zack said he didn’t want to see it, and fell promptly back to sleep.

On the flight, I dozed some, read my Passporter, and chatted a bit with the woman sitting next to me. I had taken the middle seat this time; there was no way I was going to have Zack using another innocent victim’s shoulder as his own personal cuddling post! About an hour into the flight, Zack woke up shocked to see Spiderman 2 playing. He let me know that if he ever turned down that movie again, I should know that he is clearly delirious and to insist he watch it. Duly noted, though now that it’s out on DVD (believe me he’s already watched it about a dozen times by now) I don’t think that will ever be an issue. Zack watched the rest of the movie, and it didn’t finish playing until we were pulling up to the gate right around 10:00AM. We were finally here!

Next Up… You Could Get Lost in this Thing

[zacksmom_1993]

You Could Get Lost in this Thing – Finally, Day One!

Almost immediately after landing, I tried again to call my sisters. Everyone had gotten to Orlando safely, and both of my sisters were nearly ready to go. You needed a key to get up to the rooms at the Hyatt, so they’d have to come down to the lobby to meet us when we were ready. There was one family sitting behind us on the plane, with the two sweetest, most well behaved little boys. When we got off the plane, I noticed that they all had on Make A Wish t-shirts and a representative was waiting for them outside of security. I said a quick prayer, hoping for the best for this family and counting my blessings for my own healthy child.

Here comes the not-so-nice side of me. I get a little pleasure out of walking past everyone at MCO waiting for their flights out of Orlando. Their vacations are OVER, and mine’s just beginning. What is that German word for taking pleasure out of other’s misery? Schadenfreude, I think. Very mature of me, I know. And, believe me, I get my due at the end of vacation as I wait bitterly for my flight out of MCO, as a fresh crop of vacationers lands to take my place.

We headed towards the baggage claim, and kept hearing people grumble about how the luggage was so backed up. I asked an American agent, and was told things were delayed about 20 minutes. Well, I made a snap decision and headed directly up to the Hyatt, calling my sisters while on the way. We went up to the room, and made a quick change into fresh clothes from our carry-on bags. We headed back down to baggage claim, and waited another 10-15 minutes, even with our 20-minute detour.

I felt good about my decision. Especially, since the drum beat, “Must get to Disney, Must get to Disney,” was beginning to pound loudly in my head. I probably would have felt differently if our luggage had been stolen while we brushed our teeth trying to save five minutes! Our baggage came out; one big bag handle working, one medium bag handle stuck. I guess I was being a little overly optimistic thinking Zack’s suitcase would magically fix itself on the trip down, huh? We got organized as best we could, and headed towards the Budget section of the garage. Zack was closing in on complete meltdown: he had to bend over to pull his suitcase, he was exhausted from the flight, and his shoe was untied. Add to that, his maniacal mother (that would be me) was shouting, “Come on, let’s go,” as if Disney World couldn’t wait for Zack to tie his shoe.

Not knowing where the car would be and afraid Zack was about to blow a gasket; I left my family with the luggage and went to get the keys. I’m a Fastbreak member with Budget, meaning I could skip the terminal line and head directly to the garage to pick up keys. I really like it when they have your name on a little board and the keys in the car for you. But, since it took a grand total of about two minutes to get them, I’m not complaining. We got a white Grand Prix parked ten feet from where I’d left my family. I’m good! It was a nice ride, but it’s amazing how similar that car looks compared to every other rental in the Epcot parking lot at 10:00 at night. Once we were in the car, everyone’s mood began to change. We started to see billboards for Disney attractions, then before too long we were turning onto I-4, then we began to see the Disney exits, and finally we were being welcomed by Mickey and the gang. I love how the excitement builds on that drive. If I could bottle that emotion, I’d make a fortune.

We got to the Magic Kingdom tolls, and I had my reservation paper ready to go. But, when we told the cast member we were checking into the WL, he just waved us through no proof required. We turned into the WL, and at security here we got the thorough once over. Before too long, we were on our way with parking permit in hand. I went to check-in with Zack while my sisters went to park the car.

Zack and I had stayed here last Christmas, but when those doors slide open and you catch a glimpse of that gorgeous tree in the lobby it takes your breath away. I grabbed a spot in line, and handed the video camera to Zack to get pictures of his aunts’ faces as they saw the WL lobby for the first time. Unfortunately, he missed it as they came in. They went back out to reenact it, but let’s just say they won’t be winning Oscars anytime soon. Zack asked if he could keep videotaping, and I said sure.

Here’s a sneak preview of some of the scintillating video he captured:
Focus on picture of foot. Voice says, “Uh, yeah, we’re at the Wilderness Lodge. Here’s the Christmas tree.” Green blur flashes by as camera bounces up and down five times in rapid succession. “This is my aunt, Alice Weiss.” Pan to grainy, unflattering photo number one. “This is my other aunt, Kirsten Weiss.” Pan to grainy, unflattering photo number two.

Uh, Zack, honey, no one is going to be watching these videos but us. But, thanks for the first and last names of my two sisters just in case. Oh well, at least he was entertaining himself because the check-in line was taking forever. There were only two people working, and they were giving guests in front of me a very thorough intro to Disney World. When it was finally my turn, three more people came out from the back to help other guests. Grrrr!

I got my “Welcome Home” and was told the room was ready. So, we grabbed our luggage and headed to room 5528 at the villas. The room was close to the elevator, but not too close to hear any noise. It was a corner room, and it was huge. My sisters were duly impressed (not mocking my DVC membership now are you sister, uh I mean sisters.) Alice kept saying, “You could get lost in this thing.” The most impressive part, you ask? Why, the ginormous, Jacuzzi tub, of course. And, how big is it? When we stayed at a Hilton Head villa with the same set-up during the summer, my son called to me and asked for his swimming goggles when he was taking a bath in it.

We relaxed and settled in, just a bit. We were only here for one night after all. Breakfast/snack consisted of two smashed chewy granola bars from the bottom of Alice’s purse. We discussed plans for the afternoon. Zack and I were headed to Animal Kingdom, and my sisters were off to check out Winter Park, FL.

Next Up…WWF Animal Kingdom Style

[pparm]

Great start! Can't wait for the rest.

Paula

[Tara O'Hara]

Great start, Karen!! Looking forward to reading about your adventures!!

[zacksmom_1993]

WWF Animal Kingdom Style – Day 1 continued

Zack and I headed down to the bus stop. There was a crowd down there, but it quickly thinned out as an Epcot bus came, a Downtown Disney bus came, an MGM bus came, another Epcot bus came, two or three Fort Wilderness buses came. There was one other family waiting to go to the Animal Kingdom with a cute, preschool age girl. Her parents were trying so hard to keep her in a good mood. Every time we’d see the top of a bus, they’d say, “I bet this is our bus!” The little girl would jump up and down until we could see it was headed somewhere else. After about three false starts, another bus turned the corner and before her parents could get a word out, she turned and said very dryly, “It’s not our bus mama.” You could say that again!

After a good half hour wait, our bus did finally come. We arrived at Animal Kingdom around 1:00PM. We stopped at the store outside the gates and bought an autograph book and a pen. I wasn’t sure if Zack would do autographs this time, so I gladly handed over the $10 when he asked for a book. I’m just not ready for that piece of the magic to end yet. We broke the book in quickly enough, as Meeko, Genie, and Baloo were waiting for us just past security.

After our visit with the characters, we went to the nearest ticket window to pick-up the park hoppers we’d ordered online a few weeks earlier. The person at the window in front of us was taking forever. Noticing a pattern here? Finally, after a seemingly interminable wait, it was our turn. We got our passes, headed to the gates, put the pass in, and … no workee. Aargh! Off to Guest Relations, where the cast member said our tickets had never been activated. Uh, kind of a crucial step in the whole ticket distribution process, don’t you think? The tickets were fixed, and Zack and I were finally on our way into the park.

We headed straight for Dinoland and a ride on Dinosaur. There was little to no wait. In fact, it was almost creepy how empty Animal Kingdom was. I don’t know what it is about this ride, but it still scares the crap out of me even after a half dozen or so rides. Maybe it’s the dark, but I feel like I’m screaming as things pop out at me the whole time. And, I always look like I’m about to wet myself in the picture at the end, a fact that brings ceaseless joy to my 11-year-old son. This ride was just as terrifying for me, and I loved every minute of me. Sick, huh? After that, we were off to Primeval Whirl; another ride that seems to elicit some fairly legitimate screams from me.

Done with our quick tour of Dinoland, we walked around the Tree of Life paths. Now that we’ve been to AK a few times, there seems to be less pressure to run around to rides. We spend more time exploring the trails, and we’re enjoying the park more and more. Today we probably spent fifteen minutes just watching the otters frolic in the water. It was a moment of sweet peace. It is finding these moments, more than the attractions, which keep me coming back again and again.

We grabbed lunch at Pizzafari. Zack got the adult meal deal, because the child version isn’t offered with pizza. It was a sneak preview of 6 months from now, when I’ll be paying adult price for all of my child’s meals. My stomach was still a little Off Kilter (ha!) from the time difference. So, I settled for some breadsticks and a diet coke. Tummies filled and wallets $20 emptier, we headed for the safari. The ride was great with plenty of animals out to greet us. For the first time ever for us, both lions were up and awake. I think the surprise shocked me so much that I only have one dark, out of focus photo to show for it.

The Pangani trail was next where we spent most of our time at the naked mole rat exhibit. Seriously. We used to walk right past this room before Kim Possible glamorized this little rodent. I was trying to entertain the crowd (probably about three other people including the two cast members) with my version of Ron Stopable’s “Naked Mole Rap.” But, I kept getting interrupted with a sharp poke in the ribs and a quiet whine of, “Mawww-ummm, shush, you’re embarrassing me.” Well, that was the point, my dear.

My job done, we headed towards the hippos. They were really putting on a show, swimming up to the glass and checking out the strange human folk on the other side. Meerkats were next. And then, I realized if we hustled, we could catch the parade. We got to the parade route, and I figured we’d just walk it until we saw a spot. We found two on the bridge Out of Africa (ha, again!)

The parade was great. They even had the snow machines going from many of the floats. Whoever’s responsible for the mass explosion of artificial snow at DW deserves a promotion. Who can be unhappy when it’s snowing tiny bubbles? Make me wait a half hour to check-in, make me wait another half hour for the bus, forget to activate my passes making me wait in yet another line. Throw on the artificial snow and I’m in my happy place. After the parade, we headed upstream towards the train for Rafiki’s Planet Watch. Zack grabbed a soda and a Mickey Bar with his meal deal coupons, and we waited for the next train. We got on the last car, near the conductor, and he handed the microphone to Zack to call, “All aboard.” Very cool!

We stayed at Planet Watch until the park closed at 5:00. We saw some cool animals being shown by different cast members. One was a small relative of the hedgehog found only in Madagascar. So cute, and Zack probably spent 10 minutes asking the cast member different questions about it. Zack got Rafiki’s autograph, but when Pocahontas came out he was having nothing to do with her. I felt bad for her because there was no one there, and she was just kind of standing quietly next to us. What’s proper etiquette in that situation? Do you ask how John Smith and Grandmother Willow are? Instead, I just chose the stand in awkward silence option.

Finally, we headed out to the affection section for the real treat. Zack and I must have sat for 30 minutes, watching the antics of the goats. They would get up in pairs at opposite ends of a little suspension bridge. The goats would get up on their hind legs, lean towards each other, and smack their heads together with a loud crack. They’d repeat until there was a clear winner, and then a new challenger would get up. Every time they’d hit heads, Zack and I would cringe, say, “oohh,” and turn away. But, then you couldn’t not watch the next hit. OK, it doesn’t translate well, but we’re simple people, easily amused.

The goat WWF took us up to closing time and we headed out of the park. The bus back was much more prompt, and we were back in the room a little after 6:00.

Next Up… Avoid Table 13

[Caldercup]

[ QUOTE ]
Today we probably spent fifteen minutes just watching the otters frolic in the water. It was a moment of sweet peace. It is finding these moments, more than the attractions, which keep me coming back again and again.

[/ QUOTE ]

You definitely have the magic!

[ QUOTE ]
Every time they’d hit heads, Zack and I would cringe, say, “oohh,” and turn away. But, then you couldn’t not watch the next hit. OK, it doesn’t translate well, but we’re simple people, easily amused.

[/ QUOTE ]

Calder and I would've been fascinated by this as well!! In November, we spent about 20 minutes in the Oasis watching military macaws playing with a piece of Lego.

Speaking of which, my boy is almost 9 and my comrade in arms when it comes to Disney. I'm so glad to see that your son still has his priorities straight -- even if they don't include Native American "princesses"....

Keep it coming!
Eileen

[Colexis Mom]

Yeah, what a great start I'm so glad you decided to write a trip report It took a lot of nerve to come over and say hi to me, I know I've seen lots of PP pouches and never approached anyone if I didn't already know who they were

Can't wait for more of your report

[LLaffinPlace]

Karen,

I am so glad you decided to write a TR and share your visit with us! You are doing a great job, especially since you are getting me to laugh out loud in my favorite coffeeshop with wireless access!

I am pleased to discover that I am not the only one who indulges in the guilty pleasure (and karmic load) of feeling smug as I pass people in the airport or outside the resort who are headed home. I sometimes even feel sorry for them! And, as you say, I get to feel guilty and miserable when I have to leave.

By the way, I was so excited to see where you are from. I recently made my first trip to your area. I had business at NASA Ames. It's a very pretty place.

Please keep up the good work! Looking forward to the next installment.

[LLaffinPlace]

Marnie, I hope you won't let a little thing like not knowing who Bob and I are stop you from speaking to us!

Remember, an unknown PassPorter is just a friend you haven't yet met!

[luvnwdwgal]

I'm really enjoying your trip report!!

[zacksmom_1993]

Avoid Table 13 – Day One Part Three

By the time we got back to the hotel, it was starting to get pretty cold although we’d enjoyed nice weather for most of the day. My sisters weren’t back yet, so we watched a bit of TV. They called me from Downtown Disney and asked if I knew where the Grosvenor was, so they could check out the Sherlock Holmes exhibit and their English pub. I didn’t, but said I knew it was in the Downtown Disney area so it was probably near by. They asked a cast member where it was, and were embarrassed when he pointed across the street at the big neon Grosvenor sign.

Since my sisters wouldn’t be back for a while, Zack started the “Can I go swimming” whine. Parents, you know the one. It was cold, but it could never be cold enough for Zack to avoid a swim. I wasn’t sure if I’d want to go in the pool, but I thought the hot tub sounded great. We headed down to the swimming pool with our suits on under two or three layers of sweats. I’m sure it was quite attractive, and one guy watching his kids from the lounge chairs seemed amused as I undressed for 10 minutes. Zack was in the pool in seconds, with about one or two other brave souls. I couldn’t take the night air in just a swimsuit, so I was right behind him. The water was pretty warm until you got out. Zack and I both went down the waterslide a couple of times. It’s our favorite resort waterslide, behind the big one at the Beach Club.

We weren’t in long before we gave up on the pool and headed to the hot tub. Aahh, now this is more like it. The water felt heavenly. Zack and I had the hot tub to ourselves, and we sat and talked and watched the geyser go off at least once. It was closing in on 7:30, and I wanted to take a shower before our 9:30 reservations at the Hoop Dee Doo Review. So, I told Zack it was time to get out. The only problem was that our towels and clothes were on lounge chairs by the pool. I found out that it couldn’t be too cold for Zack to get into the water, but it could certainly be too cold for him to get out. There was no amount of bribing I could do to get him to go get all of the clothes and bring them to the side of the hot tub. It’s amazing how the “I was in labor for 24 hours” routine loses its affect after a while. In fact, I had to offer up hot chocolate at Roaring Forks just to get him to agree to get out at all. So, to the amusement of a crowd of people walking back from the boat dock to the hotel, I hopped out of the hot tub and dashed towards the towels with a chant of “Cold, cold, cold.” After I was in a layer or two of sweats, I brought the towels and my son’s clothes to my little prince luxuriating in the warm hot tub.

We dried off quickly and headed into Roaring Forks for the promised hot chocolate only to run into my sisters buying dinner. The Grosvenor had turned out to be a dud. The museum is only open when they do the dinner show on Saturdays, and the pub was just like any other American bar. They also weren’t that impressed with Winter Park. It sounded like a very low-class version of Celebration to me. We sat with my sisters while they ate dinner and talked about the day. Then, we all headed back to the room, snapping pictures of the Villas Christmas tree along the way. With a quick shower and instructions for my sisters to watch The Apprentice finale for me, Zack and I were off again.

We decided on the boat over to Fort Wilderness, and didn’t wait too long on the dock. It was really quiet because everyone was either home from Magic Kingdom already or still at MVMCP. We were at Fort Wilderness way before nine, and spent sometime at the store. After we’d checked into the Hoop Dee Doo and taken our picture, we found the foot massagers. I’d heard about these, but never seen them before. They’re right in front of Crockett’s Tavern. I can’t speak from personal experience, but Zack had a blast with these things. They really vibrate on your foot, and Zack just couldn’t stop laughing. Once he starts laughing, I start laughing, and God knows how many quarters we spent there.

Right about 9:30, we heard the dinner bell ring and we headed into the dinner hall. I’d booked these reservations thinking we’d be flying into Orlando in the evening that day. I didn’t want to bother with changing them, so we stuck with the 9:30 seating. There was only about 100 people waiting to be seated, and I don’t think it ever got more than 25% full. The host told us we were going to Lucky Table 13. I figured we’d be off to the side a bit, so I started to scope out the tables for 2. I was surprised as the host took us to the table in the front row, at the dead center of the stage. I was getting more and more excited about our first experience at the Hoop Dee Doo!

Our server came around and offered us drinks. I opted for the sangria. Yum! Yum! We were given salad and bread, with the most delicious honey butter. Before long, the entertainment started. I don’t think I stopped laughing for the rest of the night. Our primo position made me a sitting target. One of the men stopped mid-song, and pointed at me, saying, “You’ve got butter on your chin.” The way I was plowing through that bread, it wasn’t unlikely. Throughout the night, this guy would make comments about me liking him. He’d say, “I can’t go over there, that lady in the front row is all over me.” Or, “That lady can’t keep her eyes off of me.” Zack loved every minute of it. We also got picked out when they asked what state we were from. When we said California, they offered to have us pick up the tab since we were obviously so wealthy. Glad everything was pre-paid! Dinner was delicious, and completely unhealthy. And, I loved the strawberry shortcake for dessert. All in all, it was an amazing experience.

After the show, we waited for the Wilderness Lodge bus with one other older couple. The woman said that they had sat at that table their last time at the show, and she had been picked on too. So, avoid Table 13 if you’re shy. If you’re not, it’s the best seat in the house. It was well after 11 when we got back to the hotel. My sisters were still up, and they told me that Kelly had won The Apprentice, which made me happy. As we settled into bed, I was so happy with our “bonus” day at Disney World. It had been the perfect start to our magical vacation.

Next Up… A Star is Born