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Tracy Cherry -- December 2000 -- Walt Disney World (ASMuR)12/6-12/12 2000 Cast:
Our first vacation together! Wednesday Dec. 6th We started the day at 4am after not getting much sleep. We got dressed and ready to go and managed to find a Dunkin Donuts on the way to the airport!! We got to the airport at about 6am (my hubby and daughter drive us). Almost as soon as we arrived at the airport we ran into Amy-Improvgal (not literally). We got to the gate and got the boarding passes and talked with Amy while waiting to leave. We were on the same flight as Amy by the way. Amy sat in the front of the plane so she had gotten off the plane ahead of us and was gone by time we got off the plane (her little legs sure move fast). Anyway, our Tiffany driver was waiting for us at baggage claim, his name was Sami. He was not very talkative and left us waiting at the curb for what seemed like a long time. Well we did get to the ASMuR Resort where we were staying and checked in and left our bags, after calling home and getting something to eat we went to EPCOT. There was no line for Spaceship Earth as we walked through so we rode that first. It was stopped twice while we were on it. Aside from that it was fun. We then walked through Innoventions East looking for Disneyart who we did not find. We then went over to World showcase we rode the boats in Mexico and Norway, which I have never done before, and then made our way around WS. We made it to the United Kingdom where I saw a gazebo and decided to see what was back there, it was set up for the British Invasion to play but no one was there, but as we walked around the building the actors were starting A Christmas Carol. The man they picked out of the audience to play Scrooge did a great job, he was very funny. As the show was ending I noticed Amy across the crowd. We were all heading to the Magic Kingdom so we rode the monorail over together. Since there was time before my MSEP and FitS meet we rode TTA. After TTA we were heading over to the Tomorrowland bridge, as we were crossing the bridge I saw this woman waving madly at us. I had never seen this woman before in my life. LOL Luckily Amy had, turned out it was Judylew!!! So we stood around talking and waiting for the others to arrive. Besides me Mom and Amy there was Judylew, Scott and Joanne, Joshy and his parents-Marilyn and Brian, Catherine Fortier-Barnes, Bill and Dee, Tom (Diznyman), Kimfudge, Dan, Sue and Sherry, and Jack and Mac. Sorry if I missed anyone. Oh and Sammy stopped by for a minute or two (he was working). Beth, sorry we missed you. After watching the parade we backed up a little and I got to see Tinkerbell fly before the fireworks, I had not seen this before it was very cool. After the fireworks Mom and I headed back to the hotel, we had to meet Susan and Jeff. Susan was staying with us and I had her key to the room, Jeff had been nice enough to give her a ride from the airport. We met them as we walked in the door to the Melody Hall, I had seen pictures of both of them on the computer so I had the advantage of knowing what they looked like. We went to the room and settled in for the night. Mom and I were real tired and we all had to get up for breakfast at Cindy's in the morning. More on that tomorrow. Thursday Dec. 7th As I said last night Susan is staying with us, so we all got up early and got ready for Cinderella's breakfast (thanks Dan for making the ressie). We got the bus and we were there just in time. We are a little slow in the morning. We met Dan, Sue and Sherrie, Deb Wills and Bill and Dee. We had a great breakfast. Cinderella and the Fairy Godmother were downstairs as we left and upstairs at breakfast there was Snow White, Jasmine (Bill's favorite) and Aladdin. Mom and I had autograph books and got their autographs. After breakfast we did a little shopping right in those stores behind the castle and then left for MGM. At MGM (just me and Mom now) we saw the Drew Carey show, got some more autographs, Eeyore who is my favorite was there and Tigger was teasing us, and Pooh and Piglet gave my Mom a big bear hug together. It was real cute. I'm sorry I missed the photo op. We then saw the little Mermaid show and then Beauty and the Beast. Actually I think I went on the Rock n Roll Roller coaster and TOT before the BatB Show, but anyway. Mom of course doesn't go on the rides so she waited for me and chatted with people also waiting. We were walking back to the other side of the park about the time that 98 degrees was going to be coming so we stopped to see them. I got pictures for my daughter that will hopefully come out good. Then we went on the backlot tour and saw the Hunchback show. Now it was time to meet Bianca for an early dinner 5:00 at 50's Primetime Cafe. We checked in and found Bianca without too much trouble ( we were wearing my new RADP pins so easier to recognize). We all had the meatloaf which was good, the green beans could have been cooked longer but everything was good. The waiter, while he was very nice was not a good 50's primetime waiter. He didn't pick on us at all. Bianca and Mom didn't finish their meals and he still offered them dessert and didn't say a word about them not eating. Maybe he was new or something. We of course had no room for dessert so off we went to Fantasmic. The show was great as usual, I love that show. Then we walked through the Osbourne lights which were beautiful. We lost Bianca going over to the lights she had to make a stop and didn't catch up with us again. After the Osbourne light we managed to catch the last ferry over to the Beach club, where I was to pick up Passporter guides from Alicia but they weren't there and neither was she, Oh well. By the way that is the slowest ferry around. So, we took a bus to PI from the Beach club and met up with Amy and the crew to go to the Comedy Warehouse. I don't remember everyone that was there sorry, I know Beth was there and Kimfudge and Kevin and I think Bill and Dee were there but not sure I can't think of who else. Maybe Amy will write a report and know. Anyway during the show Amy got to answer the phone and was talking about the RADP group and the woman in front of us heard and turned around and it was my friend Judy Jacobs that I had met last Oct. 99 through Deb's site. I knew she was going to be around WDW but we hadn't gotten together to meet. It was great running into her. The show was really good we enjoyed ourselves. Being very tired from a long day we went off to the hotel after the show. Friday Dec. 8th We started out by having breakfast with Susan at the ASMuR food court and then heading for the big Safari meet at the AK. Lots of folks there too many to name, plus I wouldn't remember everyone anyway. After the safari we walked through Pangani Forest Exploration Trail and Maharajah trek, then we went to see the Lion King show. I love the Lion King show. It is so much fun. Now it was time to regroup for the Kali River Rapids ride which again, Mom didn't go on. I, of course, got wet but not soaked, Amy got wetter than me and whoever was sitting next to her (judylew?) I can't remember. I believe Susan, Sean and Janine and someone else was in the boat with us. As I said Mom waited for us and while she was waiting saw the monkeys on the wire in Asia she thought that was pretty cool. After Kali Mom and I walked over to Dinosaur where I was to meet Jarvis we were early but he was already there and wanting to go see the Tarzan show that was about to start so we went over there. The show was good as usual the best part being Tarzan in his loin cloth. After the show we were heading back to Dinosaur so I could ride and we stopped for French fries. The service was very slow, how long could it possibly take to scoop French fries? Oh well, we got them and off we went to Dinosaur. Again Mom waited outside in the shade as it was very warm today. We did a little shopping on our way out of the park and then went back to the hotel to rest a little before having to go to the MK for MVMCP. We got to the MK around 5 o'clock and rode the train. then took our time getting to Liberty Tree Tavern for dinner. Dinner was a lot of fun, Susan was with us and the characters were picking on her - especially Chip and Dale. The food was very good, too, and we had a leisurely dinner waiting for it to be time for MVMCP. When they let us leave the restaurant Susan went to buy the pin and Mom and I went to get our picture and then waited for Susan in front of the Diamond Horseshoe Saloon to see the Wild West Christmas show. It was very good, lots of fun. After the show we went to the Haunted Mansion and then to ride Pooh before it was time for my meet. We also tried to see Kenny ringing his bells before we had to meet people, so I was a couple of minutes late getting to my own meet. Shame on me, but I did get to see Kenny for a brief moment. We met at the Liberty bell to watch the fireworks and there were so many people I know I won't get everyone but here's a shot: Susan of course, Gary and Clare, Brian, Jan and Mike, Bill and Dee, Jim, Lori, Ryan and Alex, JD minus his Mom, Patti and Melinda, DcDeb, Deb Wills, Sean and Pamela, Dave and Jenn, Amy, Kimfudge, and Dotti and family. Again I apologize to anyone I missed. After the fireworks we went down to Main Street to see the 11 o'clock parade and then quickly made our way over to the big Jungle cruise stuffing 53 people in a boat that is supposed to hold 40. We made it around 3 times but boy was that boat slow. After the Jungle cruise Susan, Amy Me and Mom went on Pirates of the Caribbean and then headed out. What a long day but we sure had fun. We met so many RADPers today. And we haven't even got to the big meet yet!! Stay tuned for that!! Saturday Dec. 9th Today was the only day we could sleep in. Of course Moms boyfriend called and woke us up about half hour before Mickey was to call. So we got up and ready for breakfast at Cape May. We took the bus to Epcot and then walked through to the Beach Club. Susan got detained looking at pins but we were still early so Mom and I sat in the rocking chairs out back waiting for Susan. Susan arrived and we went in and started meeting everyone. We sat with Janine and Sean, Bruce and Marta and Jan and Mike. The food was awesome. We had a lot of fun. (Editor's note: I'm not sure where the group met for breakfast... Cape May Cafe' perhaps?) Then we went to the International Gateway for the big meet. Boy, I have never seen so many people. I couldn't possibly name everyone but I do remember meeting Kenny, Steve P, Jen (I had met Jeff already) JD was there, Rob G, Jan and Mike, Dotti, Deb Wills, Jim Mckinley and family, Fudgie, Beth, oh I'm sorry I can't think of everyone there were so many. I really enjoyed meet you all though and I am already planning next year's trip. I will have to bring the hubby and daughter, though, because I missed them too much to leave them behind for a week again. Besides I don't think they would allow it. After the big meet we went back to Epcot and finished what we had missed of the World showcase and then went to the Land and the Living Sea and Imagination. Then we took the monorail to the TTC and then the boat to WL, we went in and checked out the great decorations and then took a bus to Ft Wilderness. We were a little early and the only one who was there yet was Randy. But the rest of the folks soon arrived and we sang along and watched Tarzan and then headed to the Marina area to see the Electric Water Pageant. We had a lot of fun. We were getting tired so Mom and I took the ferry to MK and caught an ASMuR bus back to the resort. Sunday Dec. 10th Today we got up real early, Susan got ready for the big scavenger hunt and Mom and I went over to ASMOR for the breakfast meet, the host did show up briefly. Mickey mom and family were there and Ariel and Bianca and Sean and Pamela. We had breakfast and exchanged little gifts and then we went back to our room to shower and get over to the MK for the Splash meet. We all met in front of the Briar Patch shop and got a picture, then got in line for the ride, I somehow ended up in the front seat and Beth joined me, she was smart and wore a poncho. I just got wet. After Splash I saw Briar Fox so I went to get Mom and the autograph books and we got his autograph and a picture. The others were headed over to Big Thunder Mountain to ride, so I headed over there. On the way I met JD and brought him with me. After that we went over to Tom Sawyers Island, I had never been there, and then we went to see the Country Bears. I just love them. Now it's about time for the Buzz meet, but I stopped to get a Dole whip that I had heard so much about, it was good. We got to Buzz and everyone got fast passes, we went on the Carousel of Progress with Jan and Mike while we waited for it to be time for the fast pass and then we went on Buzz. I don't know how many of us there were, but I'd say at least 20-30. After Buzz, Jan and I went on Space mountain while Mike and Mom waited for us. Next Mom and I went on Timekeeper and then had lunch at Cosmic Rays. Toontown was next, we walked through Minnie and Mickey's houses and got Cinderella and her mice friends autographs in the tent or whatever they call it. On to Fantasyland where we went on Snow White's Scary Adventure, Peter pan and IASW. Now it was time to head over to EPCOT. I had planned on seeing the 5:00 Candlelight processional. So we took the monorail over to EPCOT and learned that the only Candlelight processional tonight was going to be at 8:15, but since we were going on the Illumination cruise that wouldn't work. So we went to Wonders of life and saw Cranium command and then Universe of Energy. Now we have just enough time to find a place to watch Tapestry of Nations. We found a great spot over in Mexico area. We watched the parade and then strolled over to the other side of WS, stopping in Canada to get a beaver tail, something else I had heard all about and had yet to have. It was very good, I had chocolate, hazelnut, and sugar. I forget what kind Mom had - apple cinnamon or something like that I think. We then made our way over to the Yacht club, we happened to be walking by as Off Kilter was playing so we stayed and watched them for a few minutes since we had plenty of time. After they finished, we continued on to the Yacht club where we met up with the rest of the people for the Minnie boat. There was Gary and Clare taking Charlotte and Johns place, So sorry you guys couldn't make it but I love the pin you sent. And there was Beth, Laura B, Cathy who couldn't speak poor CeeBee, Brian, Jan and Mike and Me and Mom. The cruise was fun but we couldn't see the globe so well but I knew I would be seeing Illuminations again on Monday so no problem. After the Illuminations Cruise, I should have sent Mom back to the hotel but she never would have found it from the Yacht club anyway. But we went on to PI to the AC meet. The Mask room was packed and Mom was so tired we didn't stay too long. So it was back to the ASMuR and off to bed. Monday Dec 11 Breakfast with Susan at the food court and then she went back to the room to finish packing since she is leaving us today and we went on to MGM she will meet us there later at the RnR roller coaster meet. We got there and saw a few characters like Meeko and Timon. We then went to see the Doug show and Muppets 3D and then did the backstage pass tour. Finished just in time to go to the meet. There were lots of people there. I rode with Susan. After the coaster we all went over to TOT and rode that, I bought the picture it came out great, JD, Me And Susan are sitting next to each other. Rob, Dave, Joshy and his Dad, Deb Wills and a few others are all in the picture. I believe Susan will be scanning it I don't have a scanner. After buying the picture I got Mom and we went off to see Bear in the Big Blue House. I love that bear. I bought my brother the costume for Halloween he looked so cute. He is 6' and 29 yrs old (and single, girls). Then we did the Animations tour and had time to see the Mulan parade before going back to the room to change for the Villains dinner. We had said goodbye to Susan after TOT. It sure was fun meeting her and sharing a room. Hopefully we can get together again soon. So we went back to the room changed quick and headed to the bus for the MK. We caught a bus and then the monorail to the Grand Floridian. Again, lots of great people at dinner. We ate at the table with Terri ( the big winner in the raffle) Mom, Judylew who won something in the raffle, Amanda, Kevin who won 3 times in the raffle and Me who won a pin in the raffle. all together $85 was raised for Dottie's kids. I like the food at the dinner but as others have posted the Villains were pretty lame. I had bought a bad girls pin at MGM but the only female villain was the Queen of hearts and she's debatable. We took the monorail back to the TTC. It was pretty busy because of MVMCP that night and I asked about riding up front but they said no because it was rainy. We waited for a second monorail so that we could sit. When we got to the TTC to take the monorail to Epcot I asked again to sit up front and they said yes!! So we rode up front to Epcot, what a view it was great and we got our copilots licenses. We arrived at Epcot too early for our Illuminations party so we walked around a bit and got to see some of the Candlelight processional, we were standing in back but it was beautiful. We arrived at the Illuminations party and went and got a seat on a bench, I got us some drinks but we were way too full from dinner to try any of the desserts but they looked delicious. The view was great for Illuminations and we really enjoyed it. I had plans to go to the AC again tonight and could tell Mom didn't really want to go. So I asked her if she wanted me to put her on the bus and go without her and she said yes. Turns out Judylew and a couple of other lovely ladies, Binnie and Linda I believe, were going to the All- Stars too and were kind enough to take Mom with them so I could hop a bus to PI from the Beach club. Deb Wills was to come with me but got tied up (not literally) so I went alone. I did run into Kimfudge on the bus though so that was good. There were not many people at the AC tonight - just Amy, Jeff, Carol, Rob and Brian, fudgie I think and a couple more I can't remember right now. But the shows at the AC were fun and I got back to the room about 1:30 or so. I set the wake up call for 7 and off to bed. Tuesday Dec 12th We got up at 7 this morning and finished packing. We brought our bags up front and checked them in for the day while we went off to the Contemporary and Chef Mickey's. We got a bus, no problem, but the monorail seemed to take forever to come at MK. We got to Chef Mickey at exactly our PS time. We had our picture taken which we bought and then were seated. We missed Mickey while we were getting food so we ate and sat around waiting for him to come back by since we hadn't gotten his autograph yet. The food was very good. After breakfast we went over to the MK to do a few things we had missed the rest of the week - like the Tiki room and the Hall of presidents where we ran into Binnie and Linda and then we went on the Liberty Belle, that was a pretty nice ride. That was all we had missed that we were planning on doing, so it was off to the AK. I wanted to walk around the Tree of Life Garden and see ITTBAB. We did that and then headed for Asia to try and see if the Tigers were more awake in the afternoon. Well they were still barely awake, but I did manage to get a few good pictures. At least I hope they come out good. I wanted to do the Safari one more time and on the way over we went past where they do Flights of Wonder and as it was getting ready to start, we went in to see that too. There were some incredible birds. Then we went on the Safari again. I love that Safari - the animals are so close. In fact, a giraffe was blocking the road. I saw more animals this time than any other time I was on it. After that we went shopping looking for Tiger print mouse ears for my daughter but they were all out so Mom got her a necklace and got me my safari Eeyore. It's so cute. Mom was a little nervous about getting back to the hotel to meet our driver, so I humored her and we left early. We got back in time to stroll around the resort, get a bite to eat, and play a couple of games in the arcade before we picked up our bags and sat on the bench waiting for our driver. He was early so we only waited about 10 minutes or so. We had a different driver going back, still not Ian who I had requested, but he was a little friendlier than the first driver and the car was nicer I think. We met up with Amy as we were entering the airport and we all trekked to the gate. The plane was running late so we had a wait but because of the wind, we only ended up being about 15 minutes late landing. My hubby and daughter were waiting for us, she had to take a nap in the afternoon so that she could go with him. And then the long drive home. We got to my house about 1:30 in the morning. Boy am I tired. But it was the best trip ever!!! Thanks to all of you for making Mom feel welcome she can't stop talking about how nice everyone was. She is very shy and tends to keep to herself. And thanks for being such great friends I look forward to seeing you all again soon. Tracy Cherry flutter66@hotmail. com Mail a Comment to Tracy Cherry |
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