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Suzan Bird-Conliff -- October 2000 -- Walt Disney World (Offsite, ASMuR)
This trip came about because of a conference scheduled in Orlando for Student Loans and Accounts Receivable for University's. The people putting on this conference had sent out letters asking where people would like to see the next conference held and I naturally replied, Orlando. They always get this answer from me and by now they expect it, so when they decided on the site, I received an Email that said, "Suzie, this one is for you!" As soon as I got the word, I started planning. Since I am allowed to take one other employee with me, I immediately checked my list to see who was the next in line for a trip and there was Debbie. This was very fortunate as I really wanted to be able to share this trip with someone who would appreciate Disney (and not complain because they didn't go on the seminar to Reno or Palm Springs.....who would want to go there when you could go to Disney World?) Now I just had to tell my husband and kids that I was going to Disney without them. Husband couldn't care less, he thinks that it is nice that I am going but he can take or leave WDW. Older kids are only mildly disgruntled. They have had a lot of Disney over the years and they are pretty blase about it. The youngest, however, had demands that must be met before I would be permitted to go without him. 1) I would have to bring back a "big" Lego, and 2) I could not go on the Tower of Terror without him. I agreed and the planning began. The first four days of our trip were going to be paid for as was the airfare and the rental car. The last three days we would be on our own. Or, I would be on my own for the last two. Debbie decided to only stay through Thursday, thinking that she should get back to her husband (they've been married only a short time). The conference was held at the Adam's Mark Hotel which is attached on to the Florida Mall. I had stayed there once before for a conference and it is a very nice hotel, if a little far from WDW for my comfort. Debbie and I tried to restrain ourselves in the days before we were to leave. It seemed in bad form to be dancing around the office singing "We're going to Disney World!" when all the other people were trapped at their desks. We are terrible short-handed at our office and everyone really needed a break from the place. (Don't feel too sorry for the ones left behind, they were all scheduled for other conferences in places like San Diego and Charlotte, S.C.) I was busy in spare minutes trying to think of places to show Debbie and where to go to eat in the limited time that we would have. I made reservations for Tony's Town Square for the first evening, The Living Seas for Monday evening and the Crystal Palace for Thursday luncheon. Debbie likes sea food and Pooh so those places seemed like good places for her. I am basically vegetarian but I can usually find something wherever I go. I decided to wait and buy a new annual pass for myself at the park and to use my MKC to help Debbie get her pass. (This turned out to be a bad idea, see more on this later! ) I also restrained myself on packing too far ahead of time and waited until the night before to actually pack. I tried to travel light and take an extra fold-out bag for the things I knew that I would buy. (Ha!) I did have to pack some more formal clothes for the conference, but I kept it pretty relaxed. Saturday, September 30th Finally the big day came and we met at the airport for our 9: 10 am flight. Unfortunately, the flight was not something that I could set up, it was done through our travel office, so it involved a layover in Atlanta. But Debbie used the time in the Atlanta airport to buy a really nice soft leather belt pack at the leather store. It had a place on the front for her sunglasses and she loved it. Debbie also lucked out on the flight to Atlanta as they upgraded her to first-class for no apparent reason. I said, "Hey, I'm her boss!" as they directed me to coach, but I was really happy for her as she was so excited. Our flight to Orlando was uneventful and we landed a few minutes ahead of schedule at 12: 57. We picked up the National Rental Car with no wait, I have the Emerald Isle card and that really speeds things up, and we were on our way. I got a bright red car this time, no more white cars in Florida for me. Now I can spot the car quickly. To the hotel? Debbie asked. Nope, over to All Star Music so that I could show here where we would be staying later in the week. She was so excited by now and she loved the look of the All Star resorts. I like the All Star's well enough. The deluxe resorts are great and I have stayed at them in the past, but now I am just as happy with the economy class places as they mean that I can stay longer without breaking the bank. And since I am not one to spend any time in the room, NOT when I am at Disney!- these rooms are fine for me. We ended up leaving our car in the parking lot and taking a bus directly to the Magic Kingdom. We're here! Well, we're sorta here. We still have to get our tickets at guest services. I was trading in some unused days from the last visit so I had to got there. Unfortunately, so had about 50 other people. For some reason, a whole group of people had by-passed the ticket booths at the TTC and had come over on the ferry and were trying to buy there tickets just before they entered the Magic Kingdom park. They were all in a decidedly un-Disney-like mood. It seemed that they all knew that they should have bought there passes at the TTC where there were virtually no line, but they had waited to do it here as they thought it would be quicker. Go figure. Anyway, we waited in the very hot sun while two lonely cast members dealt with a mob of anxious, disgruntled buyers. Finally, they opened up two more windows and everyone cheered. Tickets in hand, Debbie and I went into paradise just about 2: 00 pm. We immediately went into the stores. What a great deal! I am finally on a trip with someone who likes to shop! Usually I just have the boys and my husband and they have a pretty typically male attitude toward shopping...go in, get what you came for and get out. We shopped our way down Main Street and back up and then found a place for the 3: 00 parade. The parades are another thing that I usually miss because my kids are not parade lovers either. Only when they were very small did I get any one them to sit still for a parade. So Debbie and I both really loved sitting and watching the kids interact with the characters. After the parade ended, we strolled up Main Street again and headed for Adventureland. How nice it was to be in no hurry to ride the rides or be someplace for something. We got a Dole whip and after consuming that, we went on the PoC. When we got off, Deb stopped at a designated stop for a smoke (I don't smoke but I sure met a lot of people at these sites while waiting for Debbie. These poor souls were like the outcasts huddling with their forbidden vice) and I went ahead and got fast passes for Splash Mountain We walked around Frontierland a little and on to Fantasyland. We went on IaSW and the Carousel . We walked back to Splash Mountain for our FP return and got almost to the front when suddenly the fast moving line stopped. We waited and waited and finally they announced that the ride had broken down. We waited a little but the cast member said that it could be a long wait, so we left and took the train around the park to Main Street again. We had dinner reservations at Tony's so we went there and waited a brief time to be seated. We were both ravenous since we had not eaten since breakfast (unless you count the Dole Whip ) and so we did ourselves proud at Tony's starting with an appetizer of fried Mozzarella cheese. I had spaghetti with marinara sauce and it was great. After eating it was time get a seat for the Electrical Parade. Now I must add here that I am not a fan of the MSEP at all. It has mostly negative impressions from my memory as being this thing with this annoying music that always seemed to be in our way in visits of the past. And I loved Spectromagic and it's music, so I am probably the only person who was not happy to see MSEP return. However, sitting on the curb on a warn night at the Magic Kingdom is bliss in itself and so I let myself go of the old memories and made new ones instead. After the parade, we went in the gallery shop and drooled over the $995. jacket with the little lights built in. Hey, anyone who want to know what I want for Christmas...... We finished up shopping just in time to see the fireworks. Debbie cried, she was so happy. So after seven hours at the park and a long trip down, we dragged our weary bodies back to the bus and back to our car and then on to the hotel where we checked in and went to our rooms. The room at the Adam's Mark was lovely, but it just isn't Disney. I showered and collapsed in bed. Sunday, October 1st The next morning the phone rang and my wake-up call reminded me that we were going to the Animal Kingdom that day. It was Sunday and the conference did not officially start until that evening at 6: 00pm with the reception so I met Deb downstairs and we were off to the parks again. We arrived at the AK and I went into the Rainforest Cafe to make a reservation for lunch. I am not that fond of this restaurant myself but Debbie had never been there and as she is on a pretty strict diet, she wanted to avoid the fast food places. ( I convinced her later that they weren't typical fast food ) We arrived at the gates just in time for the opening ceremony. I had been waiting for that as I had never made it that early before. We went in the gate and all the characters were there to meet us. We had a ball getting pictures with them all. Then I took Debbie into the forest and started showing her around. She couldn't believe the Tree of LIfe when she finally saw it and remarked that she had used up a roll of film already and we had hardly gotten into the park. We went on ITtbaB and laughed and sreamed along with everyone. The park was not at all crowded and we had the best seats I have ever had in that theater. Usually we end up on the side and the effects of the 3-D are not as good there. Debbie was still laughing when we left. We walked over to Asia and Debbie stopped to pick a pearl from the oyster at a little stand. The cast member working there had on a badge with someone else's name so I don't remember her name but she was fun and we had a great time. Debbie got a nice pearl and she had it set in a cute little setting for her granddaughter. Then we went on the Kali Rapids, three times in row with this family from Scotland. There were a lot of people in the parks from the UK this trip, they said that it was a school holiday there. We had our ponchos on but we got pretty damp by the third time around. What fun! After stowing our ponchos, we walked the Maharaja Jungle trek and admired the bats and the tigers. The bats were fairly active for daytime, and the moved around a lot more than I had noticed in the past. One flew and freaked out this lady. The tigers just laid around like big house cats and looked beautiful. More picture taking. It was time for a showing of the Festival of the Lion King so we went over and were seated in the Elephant section. This whole performance was great, as usual. I love the bird! It was now time for our reservation at the Rainforest so we walked back to the park entrance and ate lunch. It was pretty good. I had a pizza with sun-dried tomatoes and we shared an order of the garlic mashed potatoes. It was good. We browsed in the store but we both like Disney stuff better so we went back into the park and back to take the Safari. It was not the best time of day to take the Safari and I knew that but we still saw quite a few animals. Only the lions were sunk deep in the cool grass to avoid the hot sun. The rickety bridge did not collapse on us this time and I think someone else had mentioned that in their trip report recently. Is it broken or did they take that effect out? It was still in the recorded part. We were pretty tired by now and the sun was getting hot so we decided to go back to the resort to rest for the evening. On the way we remembered the outlet mall that Maria had mentioned in her trip report that is near Downtown Disney so we made a detour and found it easily. (Thanks again for the directions, Maria!) We shopped at the Character shop and Agnier and Polo and......well, we shopped. We staggered back to our car and finally arrived back at the hotel at 5, time for a brief rest and clean up before the conference was to start. They took us out in the evening to Church Street Station and we ate at the Howl at the Moon Saloon. It was nice and Church Street is interesting, but it's not Disney. I wish they had held it at Pleasure Island. Oh well. Tomorrow is the first day of the conference so we will have to work along with our play. Monday, October 2nd I got up at 7: 00 and got ready for the breakfast offered by the conference, a full breakfast this year, not a continental, good deal. At 8: 30 the opening remarks started and the conference began. The last topic of the day was no relevant to us so we left around 2: 30. (Conf ended today at 3: 15) We went directly to Belz and shopped at both the Character stores. I got candles, a watch with Walt on it (I collect these), two hats with pins on them, a charm holder in the shape of Mickey, and some t-shirts for the boys. It started to rain while we were doing this and we got pretty damp running from Malls to the car, but it was so hot we didn't even care. We stowed our loot in the car and went over to Downtown Disney. Now don't get me wrong because I love all the things that they have to do and see at DT but I do miss the quiet place that the old "Shopping Village" was when my parents and I used to rent the golf carts and drive over from the old village resorts. The Gourmet Market really was a market then and the little toy store was fantastic. But, I love the World of Mickey and the Lego Store. Debbie liked all the Pooh stuff (I am frankly rather tired of Pooh and would like to see more Donald but as a Disney stockholder, I guess I am glad to see how successful Pooh stuff is in merchandising) I made a new CD of Spectromagic tunes and the rest of the carousel songs, but I agree that they need to add some new things. I have CD's of all the stuff that I want to hear now. We shopped our way west and went through Pleasure Island where I stopped to refuel on chili/cheese fries ( did I say I was a vegetarian? Well, actually I don't like meat but I can tolerate it in things where it is just flavoring and I can ear around it.) We went over to the Westside where I bought a DisneyQuest pin for my hat (this is the pin that most people wanted) and then made our way back to Planet Hollywood where Debbie had her dinner and I just munched on a small salad. From there we went to The Comedy Warehouse and I got to see the much discussed Layton perform. It was fun. After the show we dragged our weary bodies back to the east side and drove back to the hotel. I should probably mention here that Debbie was in love with everything, she couldn't get enough of anything that I showed her. She was teary-eyed at the fireworks, at the parades, at the sight of the twinkling trees at the village. She kept saying, "I can't believe how much we missed when we were here in '93, even with all the new things, we hardly saw any of the parks or other things." Helps to have one of us Disney-nuts as a guide, doesn't it? Tuesday, October 3rd Up at 7: 00 for the conference. We spent most of the day attending meetings and then finally at 3: 00 we were free to go over to EPCOT. We drove over and were able to park pretty close. The parks were not at all crowded up until now and this evening was going to be e- ride night at the Magic Kingdom and that probably drew some of the people away who would have been at EPCOT in the evening as it was the park that closed the latest normally. We walked in and on to Spaceship Earth.( Even though I like Jeremy Irons, I still like the Walter Cronkite version best and I liked the original ending too. Must be getting old, I resist change more than I used to.) We walked through Innoventions West and made our way toward The Living Seas. This was my surprise to Debbie as she knows that I don't like sea food and she had figured that we wouldn't eat here, even though she loves it. We went on the ride first and saw the movie too. (I like that movie "when that rain stopped.....the seas had been born, always gives me chills.) The faces of the little kids on the hydrolators was enough to make those enjoyable. After we walked around, I took her over to the restaurant. She was thrilled, but I was the one who was surprised for as we were being taken to our table, who did we run into but a man that we work with and his family on vacation. We had no idea that he was going to WDW. I couldn't believe that he hadn't told ME. Everybody always comes to me for info. His daughter and son-in-law had planned their trip for them and they were going on the cruise. Now that I haven't done. I was such fun to see them and share stories about what we had seen and done. He promised to tell everyone that when he saw us we were working hard. : ) After we ate we walked clear around World Showcase, stopping for Kaki Gori in Japan and checking out every gift shop along the way. We watched part of the Millennium Parade and found spots to see the fireworks near Norway. The fireworks were wonderful, as always. I have seen the fireworks many places, including WDC and a large display that they have here in Columbus (also set to music) called Red, White and Boom and when any one raves about those or any other fireworks, all I can think about is Disney. When it ended, I said to Debbie, who was teary again, that is the true purpose of gunpowder, that it what it was originally made for and wouldn't it be nice if that was what they did with all of it. Back to the Adam's Mark and collapse. (Gee, and these are short touring days too!) Wednesday, October 4th This is normally not a very good day for me. Eight years ago on this date, my father passed away quite suddenly. He loved WDW and we had been planning a trip down here at the time. So actually being down here in Orlando makes it better somehow. This one is for you, Papa. Anyway, I got up and went to the conference again. Good conference, but it sure does get in the way of touring. Fortunately it ends today at 10: 30. First, we had to make a quick run to the nearby Toys R Us for three duffle bags with Star Wars on them that were on clearance sale for $10.00. We needed these to cram in all the things that we had bought and we firgured that my boys could use them afterwards. Debbie got one and I had the other two. These are big duffles too. Um, I told you we were shopping. By 11: 00 Debbie and I are at the Sea World gates waiting to meet my friend Becky and her daughter, Nicole. They used to live down the street from me but now they live in Jacksonville, Fla. so it is about a two hour drive for them. They wanted to do Sea World because Nicole loves it. I got some free passes from a friend who works for Busch and we agreed to meet them there. The park is certainly beautiful. We loved the dolphin nursery and ,of course, Shamu. We sat in the soak zone and covered up with our trusty poncho's. Wow the blast from the water was hard! We road Atlantis twice in a row and loved it. Becky wouldn't go on it so we made Nicole very happy by going on it with her. Another aside here, Nicole is a very sick little girl. She was operated on for a brain tumor and she also has juvenile diabetes. Her mother has been told that she is a very fragile diabetic and that her chances are not real good. So her mom is trying to make sure that she experiences as much as she can when she is well. My friend Debbie was so touched by her plight that she got a beautiful pair of 14k gold dolphin earrings for Nicole. She got an adult sized pair and told Nicole that she could "grow into them". Let's pray she does. I took Nicole to get her hair wrapped while Debbie and Becky shared a funnel cake. We had a great time. I usually don't go to Sea World in Florida because we have one in Ohio (?) and while it is not as spectacular as the one in Florida,. aside from the rides, much of the shows are the same. As we were leaving Debbie mentioned that while Sea World was a lovely park, the employees and even the guest's did not seem as nice or as happy at WDW. Seems that way to me too but I figured that I was just prejudiced. We had intended to leave Sea World fairly early and go to EPCOT for the evening, but it was 5: 00 now so we just went over to All Star Music to check in. I had wanted Movies but they were full and it didn't really make that much difference. I chose the All Star Resorts because I was paying for the last three days by myself, no picking up the tab by the university, and since I would be by myself after tomorrow, the room size bearly mattered. We were assigned building 8 in the Broadway section., third floor. I hadn't made any special request as it didn't really matter this trip. Usually I request a close building and a first floor because my husband has a bad knee. But Debbie and I are healthy and frankly felt we could use the exercise. Debbie checked out the food court and the shop while I did the checking in for us. Then we went to our room, did a quick freshen up and left for Downtown Disney. We stopped at the food court first for dinner. I had a really great vegiburger with fries. Debbie had pasta of some sort, I forget what. We used the mugs that I had brought from my last trip down in January. I noticed later that the All Star Sports now have a new mug with Goofy and some of the other character dressed in sports uniforms. The buses were pretty efficient this trip. Only once did they go to all three resorts and that was coming back from E-ride night. We got off the bus at the Village stop and who should we run into but our colleague Tom from work. It's a small world after all. Debbie and I sat and watched the crowds and she did some last minute shopping as she was leaving on Thurs. and she wanted to use my MKC discount at World of Mickey. I got my 14 yr. old son the sword he had wanted from Eurospain. I had it packed to ship with my luggage. (No need to have the metal detectors go off and me go to jail for carrying a weapon.) My son collects swords and has for years. I got a lot of Legos that are hard to find at home. (Some weren't even in the catalogue) We had some over-priced Sundaes at Ghiardelli's and finally finished up there. I have never had so much time to spend just browsing and checking things out in the shops. I usually have impatient men on my heels urging me along. I had a really enjoyable evening, but to be honest, I was about shopped out for the first time. We finally climbed back on the bus and went home. (The guard at the check post said, "Welcome home," when we were checking in, just like at the DVC) Thursday, October 5th Debbie was up bright and early without benefit of an alarm clock so she woke me up and went for coffee. She told me that I snore. Now, I already knew that, but as I AM her boss, I thought perhaps she might not have mentioned that to me. : ) I got dressed and was ready when she got back. We trudged out to the busses and got to the Magic Kingdom just in time for early opening. Except there was this one little problem. I had reminded Debbie about her pass every time we went to a park, but this time, I had changed belt backs and my pass was back in the room. So I stayed on the bus and let her go ahead and eat something at the bakery. This was the only bus that made stops along the way. We stopped at TTC, Blizzard Beach and the Animal Kingdom before taking me and one other family back to the resort. I raced to the room and grabbed my pass and went for the car. I just couldn't wait out another bus. I drove to the Contemporary and the guard waived me through. (They weren't crowded and so weren't checking very closely) I could have walked over but I took the monorail just for fun and met up with Debbie in front of Tony's. The whole trip took about 45 minutes. Fortunately, we really had no agenda that we had to make. We walked over to Tomorrowland. We did the Alien Encounter and Buzz Lightyear and went on the WEDway peoplemover (I know its the Tomorrowland Transit Authority). It was practically empty and we could have ridden another time but there was more to see. I took Debbie to Mickey's Toontown and she spent a lot of time wishing that her granddaughters were with her. Then we headed back through the castle. She had never been in there and did not realize that there was a shop or a restaurant inside. When we exited, I could see some of the bridge that they are building between Liberty Square and Adventureland and it looks quite nice. I think it will fit in well. It will be a shame that it will bring more traffic to that area that was always a quiet spot behind the shops but it will certainly be convenient. We had a priority seating for 11: 30 am, the first seating for lunch. I especially wanted Debbie to see this as she is such a Pooh (Tigger) fan. I got lots of pictures of her that I have since given to her for her to share with her granddaughters. She was as excited as a little kid. Lunch was pretty good. They had some baked corn that was wonderful ! After lunch Debbie wanted to just stay at the MK until she had to leave for her 8: 10 pm flight. But I wanted her to see the Studios since she had never been there. So we jumped the Monorail to the Contemporary and got the car and drove to EPCOT. Debbie wanted to know how people got to ride in the front of the cab and I told her so that when she comes back she will know what to ask. It was a warm and beautiful afternoon when we got to the Studios. We walked through the shops and made our way to Voyage of the Little Mermaid where I got us fastpasses. We hadn't really needed them this trip but I got them a few times anyway so that we could kind of plan around them. We took the Animation Tour. The film at the end always makes me cry. I sit there with the tears sliding down my cheeks trying not to make obvious wiping motions with my hand. Then when the lights are just about to come up, I make a quick motion and get them off. Wonder why I am so embarrassed to be seen crying over a cartoon? After we got out of the Animation building it was time to see Little Mermaid. I knew Debbie would love this one. I like the scene at the beginning with the puppets and the blacklights so much. From the Little Mermaid we went to The Great Movie Ride. That is getting a little dated, I feel. I still like it but some of the scenes seem a little lame these days. I noticed this time that they had updated the end movie and cut in some new scenes. I like that part the best. From TGMR we went over to the Muppets 4-D and along the way I showed Deb the Sci-Fi dine-in and Star Tours. This was really a highlights tour as she didn't really have time to do much but I wanted to whet her appetite for more. Muppets was charming as always, I showed her a lot of things during the pre-show part. We started back toward the front with me just pointing out stuff and making suggestions for her next visit. Finally we reached the shops and of course had to check them out. I love the Maleficent dragon stuffed toy in the Villains shop. I wish that they had a smaller one as we already have more stuffed animals at my house than we can keep. Debbie was trying to be strong as she had already packed her bags and stuck them in the car to go directly to the airport and she was sure that she couldn't get anything else stuffed inside. We finally finished up doing what we could and took the shuttle out to the car. I got Debbie to the airport in about 20 minutes and she was there in plenty of time for her flight home. We said our goodbyes and "I'll see you at work, ugh, on Monday." I drove back to the resort in the light of a beautiful sunset, singing along to the car radio as I was now on my own. I went to the room and got ready to go over to EPCOT just to see Illuminations again. I got back in time to get a meal at the Cantina at Mexico and to see the end of the parade. (I love that parade music) While I waited for the fireworks, I chatted with two families from Penn. and upstate NY and we all moaned about how cold it was supposed to be when we went back home. I had heard that we were supposed to get snow flurries in Ohio. And yet, here we were in paradise with warm breezes (it was actually a little bit hot and certainly humid). The teenaged boy was complaining about having to sit around and wait for fireworks. He said, "This had better be good." When they started everyone was spellbound as usual and when they ended and the applause and cheers had died down, the boy said one word, "Wow!" I left feeling a little sad that this was probably the last time that I would see the Millennium fireworks and I really have enjoyed them. But there will always be something new and great, right? After all, this is Disney. Friday, October 6th I got up early this morning and went over to MGM just to check and see if they had a t-shirt that I had gotten at DT in a better size. World of Mickey had only size XL but the cast member said that I could exchange it at any store on property. Everywhere I went seemed to have it only in XL and XXL. Mousegear had it in S so I had exchanged it last night for that as it was better than the XL but as I was afraid that it might be too small after washing, I was on a mission this morning. I checked all stores at MGM and still couldn't find it in the right size. After eating breakfast at Starring Rolls bakery, I watched the street actors doing their thing. Some visitors seem to really get into it and others seem almost embarrassed or confused, they are actually the most fun to watch. I didn't do any rides except TLM. I took the boat over to EPCOT and watched the beautiful scenery float past. I have only been to Boardwalk one time, there wasn't much there to entertain three boys beyond the surreys. (please no more arcades! They do love these but we could do these anywhere) So I just enjoyed the view again. I arrived at EPCOT just about 10 minutes before the opening of World Showcase so I stayed at the International Gateway to look at the shop there and I found my t-shirt in a size large. Another exchange but I felt better about this than the small. Medium would have been best but this was a 2000 embroidered character shirt and it was pretty late in the year to expect all sizes to still be around. (But judging by all the xl, xxl and even xxl sizes they had left, there will be quite a few making their way to the outlet store) By the way, I had gotten the amex discount at DT and the cast member there never mentioned that there would be a problem with the exchange because of the discount. The person at MGM did not say anything either, he just switched the shirts and wrote "exchange" on the slip. But the woman at the International Gateway said that she would have to ring the sale up again and that she could not give me the discount there. However, when I said that I would just keep the small, she shook her head and stuffed the large into the bag and handed me the original receipt back. I understand about inventory and keeping track of what merchandise is where but I was surprised all the same at what she said. Oh well, it worked out okay. The World Showcase had still not opened but they were letting people walk around the area anyway so I walked up to the Millennium Village and waited. There were about six of us at the door when they opened up and the cast members of the countries were lined up inside to greet us. Most of the people just walked by them without even saying hello or even acknowledging them. I felt kind of bad about that so I tried to meet everyone's eye at each country and say hello. I walked back to Sweden because that it where we had stopped when we visited in January. I went through the rest and enjoyed seeing what we had missed. This is an exhibit that requires some participation to be fully enjoyed, it is not just a walk-through or you will not appreciate all the touches. From here I just strolled around the world, taking my time until I got to Japan. Last time I was here it was Pokemon mania. This time it was Gundam (unless you have kids that are into Anime' you won't understand) I had to load up on stuff for my oldest son, although by now I was feeling a little nervous about how I would get all this stuff home. I got him a t-shirt, a model, a book on Amime', and a bunch of plain chopsticks. He is studying Japanese with the help of his best friends mother ( she is Japanese-Hawaiian ) and I knew that he would be delighted with all this. Then I made a stop for Kaki- Gori. This is the focal point of any trip to EPCOT for me. It is better than any shaved ice anywhere. After Japan I went to the American Adventure. This is my favorite attraction and I am not rabidly patriotic. I love it even if it does sometimes make me feel a little uncomfortable when I am sitting next to people from other countries. It always makes me cry at the beginning when they show the babies grave, at the civil war part with the picture and at the end. Sigh, another attraction where I have to surreptiously wipe tears away at the finish. I walked on around to China where I ate Vegetable Lo Mein at the Lotus Blossom Cafe. After China I went to Norway and took the Maelstrom and stayed for the movie as did most of the crowd for the first time in ages. I like that movie for some reason. I went into Mexico briefly but just to look around because I love it in there so. It was time for me to go back to the resort for a swim and a rest before going over to the MK for e-ride night. The piano pool at All Star Music was wonderful! I haven't been in a pool in years where I didn't have a child clinging to me, calling "Watch me Mom!" or waiting to pounce on me when I am floating.: ) Someday I will think nostalgically of those days but not today! At about 4: 00 I took the bus back to MK and got my wrist band at the station set up by City Hall and turned to face.....crowds, massive crowds, a seething mass of humanity. Tonight turns out to be one of the MSELP nights as well as E-ride. This was a lot different than it had been during the week but it was a happy crowd in a good mood so it was fun. I walked to Fantasyland and did all the rides that I either hadn't done earlier or wanted to do again, Peter Pan, Snow White and Pooh. Then I walked over to Mickey's Toontown Fair and waited to see some characters. I had to get a picture of Donald and I to give to my boss as we both love Donald. The other character was Suzie the mouse from Cinderella. Well since we share the same name, I had to get a picture with her too. It was silly but fun. I walked back to Liberty Square to get a space for the parade but it was already pretty crowded so I walked back along the path toward the Castle and found a great spot near the railing where I could see everything coming over the bridge. As I mentioned earlier, I am not a big fan of this parade but I wanted to rest and not fight the crowds until e-ride started. So I was sitting happily by the rail when suddenly my camera slid off my shoulder and flipped over the rail into the bushes below. Ooops! Now, I could have climbed over the rail myself and dropped the three feet down to get the camera but I figured that someone would come after me hollering so I went over to one of the cast members on the bridge and told him what had happened. He told me to got back to the spot and wait there, that he would find someone to help. In a few moments a young guy came and bounded over the rail, grabbed my camera and jumped up again. I told him that I had considered going myself and he laughed and said, "Ah, but you have to have this little name badge to be able to do that!" Camera rescued, I took my seat again and waited. While I was waiting so people came and dragged seats over from the Sleepy Hollow restaurant and lined them up in front of the rail next to me. A cast member came over and asked them to return the seats to the restaurant as they were not supposed to block the walkway to the castle. One person moved their seat, the others ignored him. Not very nice. I watched most of the parade and then walked back to Fantasyland to ride Pooh again before the fireworks. I watched those from under the wire where Tinkerbell flies. 30+ trips to WDW and this trip is the first time that I have ever seen her fly and I did it twice this time! Just goes to show that there is always something to see or do here that you have never done before. As the fireworks ended, I walked past the masses now starting to leave and went into Tomorrowland. I went straight to Buzz Lightyear and watched while the cast member turned away hordes who were trying to ride, no wristband. I did great this time, 550,000 and no kids to see me do it, boo! I went next to Alien Encounter. Here the cast member was having trouble turning away guest who couldn't understand what he was telling them. They were very confused, I guess their English didn't cover this event. He finally just showed them everyone's arms with wristbands and they seemed to finally get the message. I always feel a little sorry for people who have to leave when the rest of us a still having so much fun. I like the pre-show at Alien Encounter, not when they fry poor Skippy (I thought it was Skippy anyway, on the stuffed toys at Merchant of Venus, it said "Kippy".)but the part of the pre-show where they are listing up coming events and introduce Chairman Clench. (Dog food that doesn't come up in zero gravity and the Disney Stockholders meeting on the moon, "the happiest place off Earth") There don't seem to be as many really terrified kids on this anymore. I think that people are more aware of what they are getting into. I went on it again and noticed that everyone seemed to be laughing when they got off. It definitely was not like this when it first opened. From here I went on over to Frontierland and the only attraction that I really wanted to see on e-ride , Splash Mountain -- I cannot get enough of this ride! I love the "Laughing Place" song and the spouting water and. the drops in the dark and...well, just everything! I road it several times and then it was time to leave. It wasn't time for the park to close, but I was tired. I had planned on eating dinner at Casey's but the ice cream parlor was still open so I had a dish of that instead and waited to eat something at the food court when I returned. The bus ride back only had about eight people on it so I got to sit. Across from me were three people from the UK and they were complaining that they had gotten e-ride passes to the MK so that they could stay late not realizing that the park would be open until 11: 00 tomorrow (Sat.). The bus driver and I tried to explain to them that the park will be really crowded tomorrow night and it will not be like tonight at all. I am not sure that we had then convinced but as they planned to return tomorrow, I guess they will find out. When I returned to the resort, I ate a really yummy meatball sub at the food court and filled up my trusty mug that I tote everywhere and went back to the room. Tomorrow I have to go home to Ohio and 40 degree temps! Saturday, October 7th Boo hoo, that nasty express check-out envelope is hanging on my doorknob! I have to go home today, but not until 12: 30. Quick calculation on my part figures out the time to drive to the airport, return car and check-in. I can do it with time to spare and still visit a park this morning.! So I turned to my luggage....oh dear, I seem to have a lot more than I came with and it is very heavy. Two loads later, I have it all in the car but the reality that I will have to lug this around at the airport is just dawning on me. I drive over to MGM and go in just long enough to eat at Starring Rolls again. See the VotLM again and the GMR and it is time to go. I am leaving though the shops and hear the gentleman saying "The new 2001 merchandise just arrived and the 2000 stuff is on sale." Stop me before I shop again, I cannot possible pack anything more in my suitcases, duffle bags, backpack, tote. But this was just too good. I got several things in that brown and beige print for 2000 that had all the park logos on it, and a neat backpack (I wokr on campus so I can get away with these for a purse easily) and a really nice polo shirt for my husband with the 2001 logo and I have it shipped home. Now I really do have to go so I sadly leave the gates, feeling like always that I have to return to earth from paradise. I made it to the airport and dropped off the car with no trouble. But now, here I was, in the airport garage with five heavy pieces of luggage and no porters in sight. Ah ha, I see a cart stand, but unhappily it takes only quarters and I have only bills (not many bills at this point, it is true, but bills none-the-less). I cannot get a helpful cart and must drag, kick and carry the 5 tons of stuff to the elevator and to the check-in counter. Finally I can give it all to a very nice Delta airline employee who takes the time to pack the sixth piece of luggage, my son's sword, into a gigantic box that she feels will protect it better. It looks like I got him a suit of armor! I trudged out to the gate area in that gloomy state of mind that always comes after a Disney-fix....it is rather like an addiction isn't it....you always want more. The flight to Atlanta is delayed...for how long? please let it be days...nope it is just until they fix a mechanical problem. They come back on the announcement and inform us that the mechanical problem is the installation of two new coffeemakers. Sighs of relief all around. We finally get off the ground and land in Atlanta with 15 minutes to spare until my connecting flight which is on the opposite side of the airport. I run like in "Home Alone" and just make the flight, being the last person on. We arrive home at 4: 26 and I get off the plane already feeling the chill air in the connecting tube. I put on my coat and go to baggage claim to get my stuff and meet up with two of my kids who have come looking for me. I knew that there was a reason that I had to go back! The youngest child greets me like he has forgotten who I am and then demands to know what I got him. Kids. Summary: I had a wonderful time. It was very different being on my own without my family but it was really fun too. And when I got back to the office, Debbie met me with "My son-in-law and daughter want to go in February. Will you go with us and be our guide?" Anybody want to know if I had to think about it? Love to you all who write these reports that keep us going in- between visits. Thank you, Brian! Suzie Suzan Bird-Conliff suzanbc@lincoln.treasurer.ohio-state.edu Mail a Comment to Suzan Bird-Conliff |
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