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Sheri Niklewski -- October 2000 -- Walt Disney World (BVR, CSR)

Participants

• Me - Sheri (38), the planner and certifiable Disney freak, accountant at an insurance firm
• Rich (40), my husband who lets me be a certifiable Disney freak, recently unemployed configuration manager at a software developer
• Ed (70), Rich's father, mostly retired psychiatrist and a very laid back kind of guy
• Bobbie (62), Rich's mother, newly retired nurse and educator

This will be Rich's twelfth time to Disney and my thirteenth. Bobbie and Ed are very much rookies to Disney. As far as I know, they've only been with us and that's one afternoon at MGM. They say they've been to Magic Kingdom years ago but I think they are confusing that with Disneyland. They have absolutely no idea just how much a Disney trip can encompass.

As you can see, we are a very diverse group. This is the most difficult trip I've ever planned. I started doing the planning in the summer of 1999 and won't stop until the day we get there!

When: October 28 - November 5, 2000

How: Airline from Omaha, NE for Rich and me; personal vehicle for Bobbie and Ed from Hagerstown, MD.

Where this time: Boardwalk Villas for all four of us, Coronado Springs after that for just Rich and me. Bobbie and Ed will move offsite and I will not report on their time (except for time with us).

Last Time: June, 2000 at the Beach Club and Contemporary for Rich and me and offsite for just me in September.

Timing

This trip originally started out as a trip for just Rich and myself to enjoy the Epcot Food and Wine Festival. But then we learned Bobbie and Ed's medical convention they attend every year was going to be in Orlando in 2000. On the same weekend we were going to be there!

Resorts

I intended to stay on Disney property no matter what so I told Bobbie that we would be in the same place at the same time and maybe could hook up a couple of times during the convention. They will stay at the Omni Rosen across from the Convention Center for the time at the convention. That was the original plan. And then the nightmare started.

Bobbie and Ed visited us in Nebraska for our son's graduation. This was in May. I had already made a reservation at Coronado Springs since we had never stayed there and I wanted a moderate to cut down on costs since we were just there in June (and I eventually squeezed in a totally solo trip in September). Bobbie and Ed, I thought, were going to stay offsite the entire time. But that changed with talking with Bobbie during their visit. Bobbie said she always wanted to stay "at" Disney. And she suggested we share a room and share the cost. Well, I love my in-laws and I do get along with them but we've lived away from them for over ten years (they live in Maryland). Staying with someone you see once a year in a hotel room for a week just is not on my list of things I want to do.

I suggested Bobbie and Ed also getting a room at Coronado Springs. I know Ed would love the Southwest theme. But Bobbie kept saying she wanted to stay "at" Disney. Coronado is great but it's not "at" Disney (or at least what Bobbie thinks is Disney). She kept looking at the Contemporary and the Polynesian. I knew we would have to get two rooms because I was not sharing living quarters for the time. And then Bobbie said she absolutely needed to have a balcony. I knew the Contemporary garden wings didn't have balconies and we couldn't afford tower rooms. Only certain floors at the Polynesian had balconies and that place is kind of expensive so I got creative and crafty.

My in-laws are newly retired but have never lived on a budget. They love to travel and take at least a trip a month, staying in Elderhostels and the like. They are well off enough but always look at bargains and discounts. The idea of spending $200/night for a room is foreign to them (except for the medical convention). I knew I was in for a challenge to get what they wanted within a reasonable price range. To me, paying Disney prices is well worth it. The convenience, the luxury, the service, just can't be beat. Even Rich, the tightwad that he is, agrees. But try telling that to a Disney rookie.

By this time, Bobbie and Ed decided that they would only stay with us October 28 - November 1 and then move offsite to the Omni Rosen for the convention. They do a lot at the convention and want to stay right there. So I needed to find some place for the four of us for four nights. One of the few places I could think of that would get us two rooms but still have "togetherness" AND a balcony was the Boardwalk Villa one bedroom unit. I had to act fast and get a commitment from Bobbie. I called the day of Chris' graduation and was told that, yes, a one bedroom unit was available. The rate (including taxes) was $398/night. Now, that sounds high but remember that two couples will be splitting the cost. And we get a full kitchen which will be a life saver in the morning for Bobbie and Ed and their need for breakfast and coffee. And we get a washer/dryer and a couple of balconies. This really solves a lot of problems since Bobbie seemed very interested in Epcot and said she could easily spend two days there. Bobbie, Ed, and Rich all gagged at the rate but I talked them into it. It helped that my Dad and stepmother were also there and said it was a great deal.

Rich and I will keep our Coronado Springs reservation and only just check in on November 1st. We have never stayed at Coronado and I hope Ed can make it over to see the resort. It'll just be Rich and me in the room so we should be fine. I just thought four adults in one room, each with different wake up times, sleep times, rest times, and bathroom times, would make for a complete disaster.

When I was at Disney World in June, I checked out Coronado Springs and decided to change the reservation to All Stars. I just saw too many conventioneers with name tags and cell phones. It bothered me. This trip will be hard enough with two rookies that I wanted the last half of it to be trouble free. I can't enjoy myself while listening to people talk on the cell phones about the real world. I will continue to try for another deluxe resort but All Star is fine.

But then I changed my mind yet again. I'm allowed to do that! I decided to keep the Coronado Springs reservation and just have it changed to the last four nights. I couldn't get any good rates at a deluxe resort for the time since the Millennium celebration has the resorts pretty well booked. I'm going to request a room in the Ranchos section which should be quiet enough for two adults. We don't usually use the food court and if we did, we'd be fine with the walk. I also don't need to be close to a bus stop. Again, we can walk. My reasoning for keeping the Coronado Springs reservation was basically just because we've never stayed there before. I'm hoping that we just have the convention aspect only when we check in. After that, we should be fine. And then again, it's only for four nights. Then Coronado will be checked off my list of Disney resorts I haven't been to yet.

Tickets

Rich and I will have Premium Annual Passports since we were there in June and again now and I squeezed in a solo September trip (and I'm planning a May, 2001 trip - yes, it's an obsession). I purchased 4 day hopper passes for Bobbie and Ed when I was there in September. Right now, I don't know if they will use all the days but we need the park hopping privileges to tour the way we want to. They are looking to me for all touring options. More on that later. Bobbie and Ed have no idea of all the ticket options and, frankly, I'm not telling them. They would just get too confused with hoppers, bounce back options, and what a "minor" park is. So that information is classified for this trip.

Rental car

We will rent a car. Based on my past trips, we use the car a lot. Bobbie and Ed are driving down so they will have their own vehicle. We're just too diverse to rely on one vehicle or on Disney transportation. I rented my standard compact car (Plymouth or Dodge Neon - anyone know what company makes this car - I've seen both) from Dollar (www.dollar.com) at the typical rate of $125.99/week and $24.99 for the extra day. I used my FastLane membership and the rate code of FVG. Again, I will request a non-white car. If you really want to get a laugh trying to find your rental car in Florida, ask for a white car. *Every* rental car in Florida is white.

And, since I'm never satisfied with what I have, I managed to get a rack rate at Dollar for a full size car for $116/week and $35/day (again, through the website). So I'll be paying about $1 more for the entire time for a full size. That made me feel good because Ed doesn't like to sit in the back seat anyway and having to shove him into a compact car wasn't going to be something I wanted to do. Now I'll be able to chauffeur them around Disney World in a full size car.

Airfare

I really lucked into what I consider a great airfare from the Omaha area. I was just fooling around on the new travelocity.com site since it merged with previewtravel.com. I always used previewtravel so I needed to see what travelocity had to offer. I innocently put in the dates of our trip. This was on June 1st. I was shocked when I got nonstop round trip on Midwest Express for $268 each. For the exact dates we wanted. For terrific times. Rich was out golfing so I had to wait for him to come home but we booked the flights that night. This is such a great deal. For some reason, other flights with connections for that same day on Midwest Express were $100 more per person. Go figure airfares.

Dining

This has been my worst nightmare. Bobbie said that she just thought we could walk around and eat whenever we wanted to. Rich just laughed when Bobbie said that and said "you'll be eating a lot of hamburgers that way". That doesn't work for me. Bobbie and Ed will eat breakfast in the room and then have a habit of eating lunch at 12:30 and dinner at 6:00. Ed really needs to eat when he needs to eat so waiting in line for fast food is not going to be good. But Bobbie really didn't want to have to commit to priority seatings. That really blew me away because I usually have something arranged so I know we get one good, sit down meal.

I made Bobbie and Ed tell me what they were looking for in a place for dinner. They said Mexican, Italian, or American. I thought Italy in Epcot would be a good choice but when I read some menu descriptions to Bobbie she said it was too fancy. Well, that tosses just about every place I had thought about! So I devised a plan to make priority seatings and then if their "just eat anywhere" plan didn't pan out, at least we'd have something. But then I thought we'd just try the ESPN Club, the Big River Grille, and Yacht Club Galley. None of these places need priority seatings. I'll have some time to decide what to do.

I'm thinking about going to Whispering Canyon Café on our first night. I really want Bobbie and Ed to see Wilderness Lodge and this will be the perfect excuse. I think the menu and the prices are fine. The place is interactive but not so bad and it'll be a nice introduction to Disney. Actually, this was Rich's idea but he'll never read the trip report so I can take credit, right? I did book the seating for 7:00 our first night.

And then I decided that there was no way my in-laws would ever understand eating at Walt Disney World. Actually, this was about the same time I realized they would never get the ticket situation or just about anything else related to this trip. So I took over the planning. No more asking their opinions. I just did what I wanted and if it doesn't work out, oh well. I booked Alfredo's in Italy for lunch on Sunday, the 29th. I have never been there and always wanted to try it and now is the chance.

I also handle a couple Freeride accounts so a trip to Rainforest Café with some coupons was also in order. So that got booked for Monday, the 30th, for lunch at Animal Kingdom. My family had a great breakfast at Spoodles last year so I asked Chris if he thought his grandparents would like that for our last day at the Boardwalk. He thought they would. So that got booked as well for the day we check out of the Boardwalk.

I emailed all the menus to Bobbie (thank you so much, Deb Wills for the menus on your site - you just might make this vacation!). She said she really enjoyed reading them and it made me feel good that she could give her approval over the selections. Bobbie said she trusted my judgment but, unfortunately, I don't trust myself when it comes to the in-laws!

Touring

Oh, if the resort reservations and eating arrangements were a nightmare, what can I call this? Questions I was asked - "there are four theme parks?", "how much more does it cost to take the Safari at Animal Kingdom?", and "don't you have to pay extra to use Disney transportation?". Touring with rookies is going to sap my strength. They really are looking to me for everything.

The Food and Wine Festival will be going on during our visit. I know Bobbie and Ed will love Epcot. Ed likes all things in nature so he'll enjoy the horticulture. Bobbie will enjoy the different countries. I'm thinking of two days easily at Epcot. And Ed will love Animal Kingdom for the plants and animals. So at least one day there. MGM is a maybe but not a must. Magic Kingdom is out. I just don't think it'll be the place for Bobbie and Ed. Rich and I will enjoy MGM and Magic Kingdom after Bobbie and Ed move offsite.

Ed is the type of person that has to be on the move all the time. Rich and I like to relax in the room and Bobbie likes sitting on the balcony. Ed just has to be on the prowl. The Epcot resort area has so much to offer for Ed for when we're bushed and need a break. Not only can he stroll over to Epcot for the nighttime activities, he can walk around to the other resorts. So I think my choice of the Boardwalk is a stroke of genius.

Offsite Stuff

Normally, I wouldn't consider offsite touring with a trip of this duration. But, the President's Reception at Bobbie and Ed's convention will be held at Universal Studios Escape on Friday night. We did this back in 1994 and Universal was closed to everyone except the conventioneers. Only certain rides were open but we had a good time. So we'll do that on Friday night. Most of Disney World will be closed anyway so I don't feel like such a traitor!

Family Stuff

Rich and I are totally in synch with each other. We basically can read each other's minds. We've been together close to 20 years and it's been wonderful. And I love my in-laws and I believe the feeling is mutual. But... we are a family and there's bound to be some things that will drive each person crazy. This will be my trip report so you'll get the good, the bad, and the ugly from my perspective. My father-in-law will write in his journal and I'm sure his feelings will be different. If I get too harsh on the in-laws, I don't mean to be. They gave me the gift of their son. But we live far enough away that we live our own lives. It'll be hard to be with two other adults in the same room doing the same things 24/7. But let's put on our Disney happy faces and get on with the show.

The weeks before

Bobbie and Ed were, naturally, off on several other vacations before this one. I sent them a nice package that had a ton of Disney stuff in it. I copied the Epcot and Animal Kingdom sections from the Official Guide to Walt Disney World. I highlighted stuff I thought they would be interested in and then added any of my comments off to the side. I suggested things we had to see and things we could skip. I also sent them maps so they would know how to get to the Boardwalk. Later, Bobbie said that all the stuff was totally overwhelming and that they would depend on me for everything. Can you imagine if I sent them the whole book?

I also emailed Bobbie with all the last minute arrangements. Rich and I arrive around 12:15 on the 28th. We will get the rental car, stop at Publix and the Big KMart on the John Young Parkway (a tradition) and then head for the Boardwalk. I'll check all of us in, get all the room keys and assorted stuff they give you, and make sure everything is ready to go. I do not anticipate a room being ready at this time. If one is, I will celebrate heavily but I'm not counting on it. Once I get us squared away, Rich and I will be off to Epcot for several cold ones (beer for him, wine for me - I'll need it to deal with the in-laws). All four of us will meet up back at the Boardwalk around 4:00. By this time, the room should be ready and I'll have already called and gotten the room number. We'll head there to check things out and then unload the cars and just relax until our priority seating at Whispering Canyon.

Now, I emailed Bobbie with all this and her response was just too funny. I have to remember these are Disney rookies! She wanted to know if there would be things for them to do if they got to the Boardwalk before 4:00. Would they be allowed to wander around the "hotel"? I just about choked with laughter. I emailed her back that not only does Disney highly encourage you to poke around the resorts, but they would have five resorts to look through. I also said that if they got there very early, to go over to Fantasia miniature golf and do a round there. I suggested the ESPN Club for a snack if they were hungry. The only thing they can't do is go into Epcot since I have their passes.

Bobbie had sent me all the convention information in case we were interested in any of the tours provided. Normally, the tours are very good and I think the medical society does a nice job. However, I just had to really warn Bobbie to tell her friends to avoid two of the tours. One of them was "Disney's Town of Celebration Tour". For $43/person, you would get to go to Celebration to enjoy over 20 one-of-a-kind shops and restaurants. You could also visit one of the three or four tastefully decorated model homes. A gourmet lunch would be provided for your dining pleasure. Now, when did Celebration start charging for visits? That $43 was basically transportation and lunch. I told Bobbie if anyone really wanted to go to Celebration, let me know and I'd pick them up.

The second tour just cracked me up. It's called "Disney - Behind the Scenes Tour" for $130/person. You get a four hour behind the scenes tour of the Magic Kingdom. You get to see the laundry facilities, the "tunnels", the nursery and tree farm, recycling facilities, and The Production Center. You have to be 16 years or older and it doesn't include admission to the Magic Kingdom. Does this sound familiar? Does this sound like the Keys to the Kingdom Tour you can take on any given day for $45? What the medical society is doing with the extra $85/person is beyond me. I volunteered to make arrangements for any of Bobbie's friends through Disney if they wanted to do this tour.

And then I got the best news of the trip. Ed found a stamp show for the Friday afternoon we are there. Ed and Rich always went to stamp and coin shows together and they still go to them but, obviously, not together. Ed really wants Rich to go with him so I'll be able to have all of Friday afternoon to myself! My plan? Visit all four theme parks in that afternoon and ride at least one attraction at each. I think I'll have from about 1:30 - 6:00. Let's see if I can do this!

And then we got the worst news of the trip. On Monday, October 23rd, Rich was informed that his job was no longer a viable option at his company. He went into work that morning only to find his computer access and voice mail totally inactivated. He had to wait until his "boss" came in later to get the official word. Total chicken way of doing things but I guess the company thinks it's OK. So, five days before we are going on vacation, the major breadwinner is out of a job. No wonder his boss signed the vacation form. He knew Rich wouldn't be employed at the time! He did get a severance package and got paid for two weeks of vacation. We are determined to have a great time and not worry about work situations.

I faxed my room request to the Controller at the Boardwalk. I requested a non smoking room with a nice view from the balcony. We have a standard view so I'm not expecting anything special. We just want something to look at. I also composed my fax to Coronado Springs and my friend, Belinda, will fax that for me on Monday. There, I asked for a non smoking room in the Ranchos section, building 6B if available. I'm hoping not too many people ask for Ranchos and 6B since it's not close to anything. And that's what I want.

Other People

My dad and stepmother live in the Florida Keys and, believe it or not, get along wonderfully with my in-laws. Bobbie and Ed had asked if my dad and Betty could possibly make it up to Disney World while we were there. I asked but, since my dad owns his own scuba dive school and Betty has a zillion things going on, they couldn't commit. The weekend before the trip, my dad called and said they would probably be there on Saturday and Sunday. Wonderful! The new participants are:

* Bob (71), my dad, master scuba diver, owner of his own dive school in the Florida Keys

* Betty (? *you* ask her!), my stepmother, also a master scuba diver, computer expert, and mortgage broker - one job is not enough for her

I tried to keep this visit a secret from everyone but Rich put two and two together when my dad called and I had to tell him what we were planning to do on that weekend. Bobbie and Ed will not know that Dad and Betty are coming. Betty said they probably wouldn't do a park since they don't have passes (theirs ran out in September). Also, my Dad has very bad knees and does not like too much walking. I told him we were planning to do Epcot on Sunday so I'm sure he doesn't want to do marathon walking. Our plans could change quite a bit so that the in-laws and Dad and Betty have time to spend together. I just love that my whole family gets along and we don't have to worry about all those problems.

The plans came together and Dad and Betty will meet up with us sometime on Saturday, either at 4:00 at the Boardwalk or they will come later and come up to the room. All six of us will have dinner at Whispering Canyon. Dad and Betty can only stay until Sunday morning (yes, they drive all that way just to see us!) so I changed our Spoodles seating to Sunday morning for all of us. I'll also change the Italy seating to as late of a lunch as I can. I still want to try Italy with Bobbie and Ed and see their reaction to a Disney restaurant. For the Wednesday morning of check out, I'll see about getting into Yacht Club Galley although I don't think we'll need a seating for that. Plan all you want, things are bound to change!

"... Of the Day"

On my June trip, I picked a "Kid of the Day" - a person (not always a kid) who was just enjoying the Disney wonderfulness. I continued that with the September trip but added a "Sense of the Day". Just something that made the trip more magical. I'll continue that with this report. It makes me open my eyes to the entire experience, to enjoy every minute just a little more.

Day One - Saturday, October 28, 2000

Rolled out of bed at 5:45. The alarm never had a chance to go off. After getting ready, I went downstairs to check last minute emails and the get the latest messages from the newsgroup. As if anything at Disney World would have changed since 11:00 last night! Rich got ready and we packed a few last minute items. I originally was going to try and get a smaller suitcase inside the bigger one but that wasn't to be. We just had too much stuff. I know I told Rich we had a washer/dryer at the Boardwalk and not to pack for the entire trip. He claims I never said anything. This would become a sore point all through the day. I really think whenever I discuss Disney plans with him before the trip, he tunes me out. By the end of the day, I resolved that he would have to read my pre planning reports before the trip. But, anyway, back to getting ready. Chris got up at 6:40 and was ready by 6:45. He was not putting too much effort into driving us to the airport.

Packed up Chris' car and had the great jacket debate. Should we wear ours to the airport? We wouldn't need them in Florida. We had packed sweatshirts for our one late night out. Nebraskans are fine in 40 degree weather and shorts. You kind of adapt or you'll be wearing sweaters and jeans nine months out of the year. What made me take mine was Rich's warning. "You don't know what this weather will be like when we get back". Chris is picking us up at the airport but he could be late, forget about us, or get totally lost. The thought of being stuck at the airport in a snowstorm without a jacket went through my mind. So I took my jacket. Turned out to be a pain all day. But it's insurance.

Chris got us to the airport with a little direction from Rich. He just dropped us off at the curb and in we went. Check in with Midwest Express was no problem at all, as usual. By this time it was 7:25 and we had an hour to go. As we're going up the escalator to the gate area, Rich looks at me and asks if he has time to go to the bathroom. I kind of chuckled and said, "we don't take off until 8:25, dude." He looked at his watch and just groaned. I have learned to never tell Rich when we take off. Just when we need to leave for the airport. It's taken me years to come up with this plan. It saves us days of discussing when we should be at the airport. I want at least an hour before flight time. He likes 15 minutes. So I just don't tell him the details anymore. And it worked!

I was very concerned, though, when we got to the gate. No plane! Midwest Express does not fly many flights out of Omaha and I was well versed with their schedule. If this flight didn't go off, we wouldn't have very many choices. So I fretted. There was a plane at gate 8. But the terminal TVs still had gate 9 listed for our flight. I paced. There were no attendants to ask and that concerned me too. Don't they usually man those counters an hour before flight time? I paced some more. I went to the bathroom just for something to do. I came out. Attendants! And the gate was changed to 8. Panic mode off. Why do I do this stuff to myself?

Now, here's going to be my sports commentary of the report. It's my report and I want this in here so I can laugh 40 years from now. Today is the day of the "big game". Nebraska (#1) and Oklahoma (#2). You have to understand that the typical Nebraska Cornhusker fan is a rabid fan. They talk in "we"s. As in "we are great! We won! We were awesome!" Drives me insane. The minute a fan is on the field and contributing to the win, then you can say "we". College football totally dominates everything in Nebraska. That also drives me crazy. It's just a game! I can see some Cornhusker fan rolling their eyes right about now and thinking I should be evaluated by a psychiatrist. There are Cornhusker license plates, heck, there are even Cornhusker cars. Red dominates the choice of attire on Saturdays during the season. With that introduction you have to understand that most of the plane had red on. Yeck! And there was a group of eight adults that had the full Cornhusker attire. And one of the guys had a radio that he was trying to listen to intently. Trouble is, there's not very clear reception inside an airport terminal. I called this group the pathetic losers.

Boarding started and we were behind the pathetic losers. The radio guy stops right inside the plane door and puts his head into the pilot compartment. "Hey", he says. "Do you think you could get us there a half hour early so we don't miss the start of the game?" The pilot just kind of laughed but this guy was serious! Man, you are going on vacation with a bunch of your friends, get a life. And another thing I heard as we were standing in the aisle patiently waiting for the pathetic losers to find their seats, stow their stuff, and find pillows and blankets (radio man was patting his wife on the butt during the whole time) - "Hey, they actually have a female baggage handler! Ohmygod! They have *two*!" This from a Neanderthal guy behind Rich. Hey buddy, welcome to the year 2000!

When we checked in, we were told our seats in row 11 did not recline. Would that be a problem? We could be moved to an exit row with extra feet room and the seats would recline. We didn't care about the reclining seats but that extra feet room had me sold. So we moved two rows back. Wow! Did we have extra feet room. I'm going to request this for the way back if possible. I think we had the equivalent of four regular size airline seats in these two. The only problem was there was no armrest on my right side (I was at the window). Didn't bother me but Rich said it would drive him batty. Humm, we had negotiated the window seat earlier. I needed it on the way down. I wanted to see our arrival into Orlando. I didn't necessarily need to see the arrival into Omaha. Maybe I can get two window seats out of the deal?

The flight was uneventful. Breakfast was served. Choices were cereal and fruit or pancakes with sour cream cherry topping. I had already told Rich I was going the fruit route since I can't eat heavy on planes or in the morning. So he got the pancakes. I thought we would share stuff but he made a happy plate of everything (which he lived to regret). I did OK on my plate but the pineapple was huge and they had apples instead of the traditional melons. Rich had melons and I kind of eyed his but then he started eating them. Halfway through he stops and says "I thought you were supposed to get my fruit". Well, go on and finish them. At least he sort of kind of remembered. And we had three glasses of champagne. Man, I love Midwest Express! After the breakfast, I put on the headphones and the Off Kilter CD and read Lindy's trip report. She better be sending this on to Brian or I will! She had me in tears when she described how awful it was to leave MGM on her last day. I listened to the kilt boys twice before I just knew we were about to make our final descent into Orlando. Sure enough, I took the headphones off and the pilot came on the speaker. We are here!

Adverted my eyes for the traditional misting so Rich couldn't see me. The last two trips, I've come down first by myself so I didn't want him to make fun of me (he got his chance later on in the day). Deplaned and saw a woman who used to be on our bowling team was also on the flight. Now, get this. They moved from Omaha to Colorado Springs but were flying out of Omaha. Why, we asked. Terry said she's terribly afraid to fly but she never feels that way on Midwest Express. Great testimony to this airline's service and planes.

The pathetic losers immediately went into a bar to get an update on the game. Got to baggage claim and our bags were already on the belts! That never happens. Radio man was alternating between going outside to get better reception and getting the group's bags. I wonder what this guy is going to do if Nebraska loses? Will his vacation be ruined?

Then down to Dollar and right up with the FastLane. I wanted to impress Rich with how much time this saves but there was no regular line. Phooey. Budget had a massive line and I'm glad I wasn't renting from them. Out to get the car and it's a silver Intrepid. Not white, yeah! Took off driving our typical route - south exit to Greeneway, short stop off John Young Parkway, then Osceola Parkway to Disney World. The short stop was at the Publix and the Big K Mart. I went to the Publix and Rich went in search of sports stuff at K Mart. I picked up Diet Coke (on sale), wine, beer, mini muffins, and crackers. Total cost of $37.65. Rich found some stuff and that's not going into our budget. We got to the Boardwalk around 1:45.

Parking was a huge problem. Nothing in the normal guest parking lot so we went over to the overflow lot. I really don't care but immediately got concerned about my father having to walk from here. It's not that bad but his knees are shot and I knew he'd have a problem. I also worried about Bobbie and Ed. They are experienced travelers but wouldn't want to do the valet thing and I knew they would have a ton of luggage.

We had a short wait to check in. Much to my surprise, our room was ready! We were wearing jeans and had a discussion in the car about having to wear them all day. Rich sweats a lot and he was concerned about walking around Epcot in jeans. Of course, I had told him this weeks ago and suggested we take a pair of shorts on the carryon bags but Rich insisted I never said anything. But now the room was ready and we could unpack. We had left everything in the car, anticipating having to call after 4:00 to get the room number. Our number was 2001. We started out. Last year, we were all the way at the end of the hall. The furtherest away from the elevator. This time, we were in the opposite direction - the furtherest away from the elevator! The very last room at the end of the hall. But that's fine because then we have no neighbors.

I opened the door to the room and, of course, wanted to see what the view was. I looked towards the balcony. What? Is that the Beach Club I see through those sheer curtains? Oh! I ran over there. I opened the curtains. I went totally insane. We have a Boardwalk view! Not only a Boardwalk view but it couldn't be any better. We're right above the entrance to the Disney Vacation Club place and right next to Jelly Rolls. We're on the second floor so we can see and hear everything! Rich took one look at me and asked if I was going to wet my pants. I told him yes and he wanted to know why I was crying. I ran over to the bedroom and just generally bounded around the room. Rich had a field day with my reaction.

The room is wonderful. Full kitchen with full refrigerator, microwave, oven and stove, coffee maker, dishwasher, garbage disposal, sink, and all kinds of plates, utensils, and ovenware. The washer and dryer combo are in a closet. There's a nice size closet as soon as you walk in and then there's a walk-in closet through the one bathroom. There're kind of two bathrooms. One has a sink and one of the biggest showers I've ever seen. The other has a sink and jacuzzi tub and it connects to the first bathroom. The bedroom has a king size bed and then the living room has the pull out queen size bed. Bobbie and Ed will be able to be in the living room and have access to the kitchen, and the bathroom with the sink and shower. We'll be in the bedroom with access to the bathroom with the jacuzzi and also to the one with the shower. Very nice setup for what we need. And the bedroom opens up to the balcony that is shared with the living room. So all four of us can be together out there. I am in heaven!

So Rich rapidly brought me down to reality. He really, really wanted to get out of his jeans and into shorts. He suggested we go back to the car and grab some suitcases and haul them back. We're in overflow parking. I'm talking a serious walk here since it's a long walk from the lobby to the room. I'd say ten to fifteen minutes each way and he wants to bring all our stuff that way? I suggest we bring just the two suitcases and leave everything else. Fine. Well, once we're at the car, we start loading things up and pretty soon, we have just about everything out of the trunk. We can do this, right? I got to the convention center and petered out. At this point, Rich says "we should have brought the car around". I could have killed him by this time. I "calmly" told him (meaning I didn't screech) to leave me there and I'll see him at the room because I was going to need plenty of time to get the stuff I had into the room. He thought I was crazy but I firmly (I didn't screech again) told him to go and I'd see him soon. Twenty agonizing minutes later, we had everything into the room. I had to endure these clueless people who could see I was struggling just totally stop right in front of me and then wondered why I was a little testy with them. Yes, I know we could have used the bellhops but the Boardwalk was mobbed and we thought we could handle it. By the time we realized we couldn't, it was too late. I did tell Rich that unless the parking situation improved in the next couple of days, we'd be calling Bell Services when we checked out.

After our little unloading fiasco, we just unwound in the room with wine and beer. I made up gift bags to welcome Bobbie and Ed to Disney World (a habit I have to anyone I'm meeting here) and then decorated the wrapping of a picture frame I got for my dad and Betty to thank them for driving all the way up here to see us. We sat on the balcony and just were amazed at the expressions on people's faces on the Boardwalk when they realized there are rooms above the shops and stuff. And we did watch the Nebraska/Oklahoma game. Those pathetic losers are probably drowning their sorrows right about now. Nebraska lost! My only regret is that I won't be at work on Monday to hear all the excuses. (Later, Nebraska fell to #6 in the polls - ah, too bad).

At 3:45 we headed back to the lobby via the Boardwalk to meet up with the parents. On the way, a funny thing happened. A little boy around seven or so just ran right into Rich. I mean totally right into him. If the boy's elbow had been placed just a little differently, Rich would have been singing soprano for a while. The boy apologized and we continued on. We were kind of laughing about it and the boy and his dad came by us and the boy apologized again. Rich just said he was fine and said that people tend to get a little more excited here than normal. The dad agreed and everything was OK.

We went onto the porch of the Boardwalk and we saw Bobbie, Ed, Dad, and Betty all were there. They had just arrived so didn't have too long of a wait for us. The surprise worked out great. Bobbie and Ed were on the porch (where I figured they'd be) and Bobbie kept going into the lobby to watch for us. Dad and Betty were waiting in the lobby and when my Dad saw Bobbie, went over to her and said "are you lost?" Bobbie had seen Betty, realized she looked familiar but didn't think she would ever know anyone at Disney World. Once my dad said something, Bobbie realized what was going on. I got called a little stinker by the in-laws. We talked for a while and then Bobbie and Ed wanted to bring their stuff in from the car. Now, remember our little experience from just a couple hours earlier? Can history repeat itself? Is this the Niklewski family?

So all six of us go out to Bobbie and Ed's car which, fortunately, was parked a little closer than ours was. But it was still far enough away. All of us got suitably loaded down but it was still a lot better than just Rich and me. But, the older folks didn't realize how far away from the lobby our room was. We warned them but they didn't listen. So we walked, and we walked, and we walked. Lugging all this stuff. We finally made it to the room. The big moment - the room! The view! Ta da! Bobbie asked if everyone got a Boardwalk view. Sigh. No, this is great, a once in a long time happening. Oh, OK. Man, gotta get that Disney magic going here.

We just relaxed in the room with everyone getting caught up with everyone else. It's just amazing how the older folks just seem like they've seen each other just last week. Around 6:00, we started out for Wilderness Lodge. Rich and I were the only ones that had been there before so we were looking forward to the parents' reactions. On the way out to the lobby (we found out that was the easiest way to get anywhere - a bit of a walk but it turned out to be the quickest), the older folks were talking about the carpet in the halls. They just marveled at the detail. They took notice of the theming of the lights. My dad said that one thing he's constantly amazed at is how clean Disney is. It was so refreshing to hear Disney virgins and semi-virgins appreciating the little things. So for all those people who compare the Disney of today with the Disney of last year and think it comes up short, just remember there are a lot of people who are comparing the Disney of today with a common theme park and Disney kicks butt every time.

We took two cars over to Wilderness Lodge. The "girls" were in one car (I hated that reference as soon as it was out of Ed's mouth) and the "boys" were in the other. I was driving and the reaction of Bobbie and Betty to their first sight of Wilderness Lodge just might have made the trip up to that point. "Wonderful" and "amazing" were the adjectives. We all walked into the lobby and the older folks just stopped and stared. At that point, I knew this was a good choice for the first night. A non park night but my guests were so enjoying themselves. They spent a lot of time looking at the totem poles and the expansiveness of things. We showed them the start of the water and then took them outside and showed them how it flowed through the falls and then into the pool. All were duly impressed. I got them inside around 6:45 and went to check in at the podium to Whispering Canyon. It was quite crowded and my dad thought we were in for a long wait. I was told 10-15 minutes and was given a beeper. About three minutes later, the beeper went off. We were seated right away. Let the fun begin.

And the fun did begin. We've eaten here before and didn't really have too much interaction. So I wasn't expecting much. Our server, Wesley, came around and said he would be right with us. Then Wesley started the hobby horse race with the kids. My dad looked at me and said this wasn't "Whispering" Canyon by any stretch of the imagination. I told him to relax and enjoy. Wesley came around and took our order. My dad asked him how his voice was after the end of the night. Wesley said he usually goes home hoarse. We all ordered. My dad and Rich had the pulled pork and beef brisket, Bobbie and I had the rosemary chicken, Betty went the veggie route, and Ed had the pork chops. We all had drinks - Dad a 7 & 7, Rich beer, me wine, Bobbie a regular margarita, Ed a berry margarita, and Betty did a nice designated driver route and had ice water.

During our time here, we had someone ask for ketchup and so we did all the hollering for that. We did the napkin twirling and we all participated, even Dad and Rich because they didn't want to lead the adult horse races for "losers". But two things stand out. We had crayons on the table. We didn't have any kids, obviously. So when Wesley came back to check on us, I asked why we had crayons since we had nothing to color on. He brought us coloring pages. I, of course, was going to color. I handed the other sheets out to other people but no one was game. It was my dad who asked why we had crayons and nothing to color on so I made him sit there and color Bear in the Big Blue House. I told him it was a no brainer. All he had to do was just color the bear blue (I have since figured out that the *bear* is brown and the *house* is blue - don't ever tell my dad). Ever see a 71 year old man sitting there, patiently coloring a bear? He even asked for red for the Bear's tongue. Classic. This is blackmail territory for the grandkids. And then they had people do the Hokey Pokey. I, of course, stood up. This is Disney, you gotta do what you gotta do. Betty stood up too. So we were the only ones from our table Hokeying and Pokeying. Betty just got a clean bill of health after breast cancer surgery last year so it was so nice to see her just being silly. Very nice moments.

When Wesley brought the bill, my dad asked if our coloring got us anything. We got the certificates that they give out to the kids for participating in the hobby horse races. You should have seen the look on my dad's face when Wesley brought those around! But Dad did keep his certificate. He said I could have the Bear picture, though. It remains a very nice momento of this vacation - heck, of my life with my father.

Cost of the meal was around $150. Bobbie and Ed put it on their credit card, Dad and Betty did something with the tip, and we'll settle up later. On the way out, I did the Millennium pressed quarter after bumming the $1.25 from Ed. Forgot the quarters back in the room. Marveled at the lobby some more and then headed out. Very nice night for everyone. Dad and Betty went to their offsite hotel (Days Inn) and the four of us went back to the Boardwalk. I parked us near Bobbie and Ed and then we unloaded the rest of their stuff. Yes, it took six people earlier to get some of the stuff out and now it took four people to get the rest. We better be calling Bell Services on Wednesday! We did see the Illuminations fireworks from the parking lot, though.

We sat on the balcony for a while and then Bobbie and Ed went for a stroll along the Boardwalk. I was getting very testy and tired and, looking back at this report, we did a heck of a lot in a non park day! Rich and I stayed on the balcony for a while but all I wanted to do was go to bed. But I had to wait until the in-laws came back. This tour guide stuff stinks! Bobbie and Ed came back and they immediately wanted to go to bed. Why didn't I just go earlier? I'm going to have to learn to do what I want when I want to do it.

Kids of the Day - my Dad coloring Bear in the Big Blue House. And Betty doing the Hokey Pokey.

Sense of the Day - the feeling of family and knowing Disney brought us all together.

Day Two - Sunday, October 29, 2000

Even though I wanted to sleep in as late as I could, I was ready at 8:00. So was Rich. Bobbie and Ed had gotten up at 7:00 and enjoyed coffee and the paper for an hour. Rich was in the shower and I came out to see if everything was OK after the night. The in-laws said they were planning to take a walk around the lake. I suggested they wait until Rich was done and he'd probably go with them. That surprised Bobbie but I knew that Rich would want to be with his parents. And it would give me some time to myself. So the three of them headed off and I got as caught up with the report as I could. Rich later said they watched life guard training at Stormalong Bay. They came back around 9:15 and we just visited until we left for Spoodles at 9:45. The other three reported Spoodles had a long line when they went by. That really surprised me since you usually don't even need a priority seating here. We headed out to meet Dad and Betty.

They were already there waiting for us. We were seated immediately and I found out the reason for the long line. They only had two people handling the seatings. So they were swamped with that but the actual dining room was fine. Our table was a bit cramped but the buffet was good and the service was fine. The selection was good although Bobbie complained a little about the food being cold. It could have something to do with her not knowing what she wanted and wandering around to look for stuff she missed. Total here was $99 and we split it three ways. It was nice just sitting and chatting and not being rushed.

I wanted to get a nice photo of the six of us. Everyone wanted to know how I was going to do that. I said "trust me". Not for the first time and certainly not for the last time. We left the restaurant and I looked for someone along the Boardwalk. The DVC guy was at his little cart so I directed everyone over there and asked the guy if he would mind taking our picture. No problem was the answer. Everyone was amazed. Jeez, trust me guys! So we got a nice photo of the six of us (a very nice photo, by the way!). I certainly hope this isn't the last opportunity for this. Then we had to say goodbye to Dad and Betty. Bobbie and Ed are hoping to get down to the Keys and see them soon. I don't know what our plans will be. We have to get Rich a job first!

Bobbie, Ed, Rich, and I headed for Epcot. We showed Bobbie and Ed how to feed their tickets into the turnstiles and had to explain why they didn't need to do the biometers. I picked up a guide map and checked to see if, hope against hope, Off Kilter would be performing. Nope. Drat. Well, I'll see my guys tomorrow night. We got to World Showcase right at 11:00 and I have to say, it's much better with a little bit of a crowd. We saw the booths for the Food and Wine Festival but I headed over to the regular wine stand in France first. Bobbie was a little amazed at getting wine before noon but I didn't care. Rich and I indulged for a total of $6.50. I noticed the prices went up since last month. I don't care. It would begin a common complaint. Bobbie just constantly said stuff about how much things cost. This is Disney World! If you don't want to pay the prices, don't get it! But don't question me if I want to get it. OK, ignore this.

We walked through Morocco and Bobbie and Ed were impressed with the tilework. I found out that shopping was not a high priority on Bobbie's list although she said in an email that she was looking forward to Christmas shopping at Epcot. Sigh. Plan a day to just mosey around World Showcase and it looked like I had a commando on my hands! But "we trust you to show us the interesting things". Aargh!

We didn't do much in Japan except go through the garden area. Ed really likes plants and stuff so that's been a lot of our stopping and looking. No problem for me. I checked the watch and saw the American Adventure was going to start at 12:00. We had about 15 minutes so I led them over there. I saw this last month and just bawled during "Golden Dreams" so I wanted to see it again. I thought Bobbie and Ed would enjoy it and Rich hadn't seen it for a while. We waited maybe 10 minutes and then in we went to a half crowded show. I really liked it again. Bobbie and Ed said it was a good way to start the day but Rich almost fell asleep. He said it was good but just a little long. I had tears in my eyes during the last part again. It just makes me feel good to be an American.

At the Australian booth, Rich and I tried some wine. Rich had a Chardonnay for $1 and I tried the Greg Norman merlot for $3. This was a tasting, remember? We had about an inch or two in the glass. Bobbie just freaked at the cost. She thought all these tastings were free. Is this Disney World? Another mention from me that it's basically my money and I'll spend it the way I want. By the way, Greg Norman's wine is fine but I really needed to have some sort of food with it. Red wine just can't be done on it's own, in my opinion. Rich didn't offer to share his Chardonnay so I can't say what that was like.

Then we walked through Italy and check out Alfredo's menu for our late lunch this afternoon. Can you say it? Did someone freak at the prices for lunch? "That's as much as we pay for dinner!" I just kept my mouth shut. Am I a good daughter-in-law? Remember, I sent the menu and the prices months ago. Onto Germany where we really shocked the in-laws when Rich and I got a beer. My goodness, two glasses of wine and now a beer and it's only 1:00. Rich got the big one ($8.75) and I got the regular one ($6). It was funny because the guy in front of us got a big one and then tried to tip the Cast Member. This happened last year when the guest just gave the CM a $10 and walked off. Cast Members can't accept tips and this one told the guest this. The guy said he wouldn't tell. Rich said that, no really, they can't accept tips. The guest gave up at that point.

Onto China where the movie was going to start in three minutes. That was fine except Rich and I still had full beers. So I suggested that Bobbie and Ed enjoy and Rich and I just grab a bench and sip. It was at this point I brought out the code phrase. Rich and I, in order to save our marriage, decided that a code phrase was in order for when I was getting fried with the in-laws. The phrase, and pardon the French, is "damn Skippy" (in honor of the little fried guy in Alien Encounter). All I had to do was say I was feeling "damn Skippy" and Rich would know I needed a break. I invoked. Rich and I sat on a bench and I asked him to not encourage his mother to say just how much everything was costing. He kind of agreed that she was being a little more than a damper. It was a much needed twenty minutes away from each other.

The in-laws loved the movie and said it made them want to go to China. Knowing them, they'll be there one of these days. But they wouldn't pay $3.25 for a glass of wine in France. Darn, didn't my attitude change with the "damn Skippy" time out? OK, on to the next country after a brief sit since the in-laws had to stand through the movie and we wanted to finish the beers. Norway here we come. We had to check out Maelstrom and we were on in about five minutes. Half the queue was closed so it was very fast. We did check out the mural and I think I found the hidden Mickey. Rich noticed a troll and then I noticed another one. Then onto the boat. Bobbie was very disappointed that she didn't get wet. I told her that the notice was there because somebody probably got upset because the mist got them a little wet. Bobbie just thought we would get drenched. We did stay for the movie and it wasn't that bad. Can't you spare five whole minutes for this? I think they should just drop the "you can leave if you want" line and have everyone stay. Five minutes isn't going to kill you.

By this time, Bobbie was getting thirsty. I said something about Mexico and margaritas and she was game. But they also wanted to do the El Rio del Tiempo so I knew we couldn't suck down the drinks and then do that. So we went into the pavilion first and looked around. I was not going to do the ride since I had done it in June on my own and once every few years is fine with me. The other three went onto the ride and we arranged to meet up back at the margarita stand. I had to withstand a few comments like I was going to start on my own (I did think about it) but off I went. Aah, a few moments on my own! I quickly wrote up some trip report notes and had a few minutes to people watch until the others caught up with me. We all got margaritas - Rich a kiwi, I had a strawberry, Ed a mango, and I talked Bobbie into the Fiesta one. We went into the Mexican fast food place and sat and drank. Now, my in-laws' drinks evaporated! I swear. Rich just looked at them and asked if they inhaled the drinks. We were getting close to the 4:15 seating at Italy so I said we should probably get going over there.

I decided (no one was in the mood to make a decision so I took over) to walk around another lap. We were interested in seeing the Poland booth so I wanted to swing by there on the way. I did hustle them along a little since I knew Ed has a tendency to lolligag somewhat. We didn't do anything in Canada or United Kingdom but just a brief walk through. Then we went fairly quickly over to Italy around 4:00 for the seating. When we checked in, I was asked if I wanted the lunch or the dinner menu. Based on Bobbie's reactions of the day, there was no way we would want the dinner menu with inflated prices so I definitely said the lunch menu. We were seated within five minutes.

Our server (very cute but Rich didn't appreciate me mentioning that) was attentive but a little quick. No one really had a chance to study the wine listing but Rich and I wanted the cheaper white wine. I saw they had a half bottle but then asked Bobbie if she wanted wine. She said if she did, she wanted a red wine. Fine, Rich and I ordered the half bottle of white. The server asked what Bobbie and Ed wanted to drink. Ed ordered ice water and then Bobbie did the same. The server asked if Bobbie and Ed wanted wine. Both declined. After the server left, Bobbie said that she would have ordered a wine but he didn't give her enough time. I thought he was fairly attentive but I guess I was the only one (maybe the cuteness had something to do with it). I told Bobbie to order a glass of wine with lunch if she wanted. She said she was just thirsty and she just wanted water. Whatever.

We ordered our lunches. Bobbie had the tri-pastas (lasagna, Fettuccini Alfredo, pasta with pesto sauce), Rich did the lasagna, Ed had the spaghetti with meatballs, and I just did the tomato and mozzarella salad. I really wasn't that hungry. Bobbie did finally order a glass of red wine. The meals came out really quick. And we were served bread without butter which produced a huge discussion about why we didn't get any butter. Bobbie and Ed just couldn't understand how anyone could serve bread without butter. I had to remind them that these restaurants were the equivalents of the restaurants in the home country. The meals were fine and Bobbie loved the Fettuccini Alfredo but not much else. Rich finished his although he was cussing me for making two priority seatings in one day. Ed did OK with his but thought the meatballs and sauce were too salty. The salad for me was fine. This was an OK meal but I don't think I'll return anytime soon. Cost was for the meal was $85.42 including tip the second time around. The first time, we were charged dinner prices. I told the others that I wasn't arguing because I hate confrontation. So Bobbie told Ed exactly what to say to the server. Rich added a few comments. Once the server came over to collect the check, Ed started to say what was wrong with it. Bobbie chimed in. Then Rich did. I felt bad for the poor server. It turned out we were seated in a dinner section so that's what we were charged. I made sure the other three knew that only one of them should have corrected the server. I thought they ganged up on him. We picked up this check to compensate for the other night at Whispering Canyon.

After the meal, we had some deciding to do. I was very tired. I could tell Rich was as well. Bobbie professed she was ready to go back to the room and take a nap. Ed is like the Energizer Bunny and will keep going and going and going. So I had everyone regroup and make a decision on what to do. Earlier in the day, Bobbie said she really just wanted to do "things". Like 3D stuff and the "fun" stuff. That meant Future World but there's was no way in heck I was going to be able to do much. Ed suggested one thing there and then we'd head back to the room. Everyone agreed. First for the trip! What one thing to do in Future World? Honey, I Shrunk the Audience here we come.

We walked over there through the rose garden for Ed. We had perfect timing for Rich. We didn't get to see the True Colors preshow at all. We were let in right as we were given the introduction to the Inventor of the Year Award. That was nice because we were all very tired. Into the show. We instructed Bobbie and Ed to keep their feet on the floor and then just sit back and relax. What a riot! The woman next to me had her feet on the chair after the mice. Rich said Bobbie screamed during that scene. It was so great to experience this with Disney virgins. The in-laws thought this was simply wonderful. A nice way to end the evening.

Or so I thought. We were on the way out and I looked at my watch. Oh oh. It's 6:10 and Tapestry of Nations starts at 6:30. Twenty minutes to get from the Imagination Pavilion to the International Gateway. Through the crowds. With a couple of people who tend to just meander big time. OK folks, let's get out of town. Ed stopped to take a picture of the backwards fountain but otherwise they just followed me. I think they must have been tired. We reached the International Gateway and I saw that we could grab a bench and wait about ten minutes and see the parade from a little bit of a distance but still see it. I suggested that option and said that then Bobbie and Ed could determine if they wanted to see it again later. So we stayed. Ed eventually moved up closer and so did Bobbie. I was standing there with Rich and suddenly got the bright idea to videotape the whole thing. And I did. It's kind of shaky in some spots because the bugs were eating my legs but I got the whole darn thing. Great move on my part since now if we see it, I don't have to even think about videotaping. I can just relax and enjoy.

Back to the room after the parade for relaxation. Rich caught up on football, Ed and Bobbie took showers and read, and I caught up on the report. We all took a break at 9:00 and watched the fireworks from Illuminations. Bobbie said the view was "perfect, just perfect". That made up for all those cost comments earlier in the day. Then three of us had to watch "The Practice". Bobbie says it's just too much like a soap opera and wanted football to stay on. There are two TVs but Bobbie just read instead and ended up falling fast asleep during the show. After Bobby Donnell and crew saved the day, Rich and I retired to the bedroom and finished watching the football game. Ed woke up Bobbie and they turned in. I am so glad I insisted on having two rooms.

Kid of the Day - the lady next to me at Honey I Shrunk the Audience who had to keep her feet on the seat after the mice ran through.

Sense of the Day - the sight of the absolutely beautiful view we have from the balcony, especially the Illuminations fireworks.

Day Three - Monday, October 30, 2000

I must have worn out Bobbie and Ed yesterday because it was 8:30 before they got up. I was also up so we all did our morning routines. It's kind of nice because Bobbie and Ed do the night time shower thing and Rich and I do the morning shower thing. The in-laws' milk went sour so they left to go find some. They were directed to the shop and gagged at paying $3 for a quart of milk. Did they really think Disney would sell things at a resort for a normal price? Just like any other deluxe hotel chain is going to gouge you for necessary items that you forgot. But their need for cereal and milk in their coffee overcame stinginess and they returned with the milk. By this time, Rich and I were up and just about ready to go. I worked on the report some more and Rich read the newspaper. Bobbie and Ed ate breakfast and then I thought they were ready. Nope, it took a half hour more. I forgot they always have to do stuff after they eat. Today would be the utmost measure of my patience.

We started out for Animal Kingdom around 10:00. The Boardwalk parking lot is a lot less crowded so I knew I would be able to find a better parking spot when we returned. We drove by Coronado Springs and I pointed out to the in-laws where Rich and I would be staying in a couple of days. I would have driven in but parking can be a problem and we'd have to get out and walk around and I wanted to avoid that. Once at Animal Kingdom, I did my parking lot trick and parked close to the front. We parked near a family that had, get this, a quadruple stroller! Four little ones! The kids weren't out of the van yet so we couldn't tell if they were quads or just four very closely spaced kids. Then into Animal Kingdom for the in-laws first time ever.

Now, a word about Animal Kingdom. I love it. When I'm here on my own. It's so quiet and peaceful if you can find a quiet path and a bench. Rich cannot navigate around at all. He thinks going from Dinosaur to the Safari is a good idea. So I have to be tour guide every time I'm here with anyone else. It totally blew me away in June when Rich admitted he didn't know his way around here. Chris wasn't much help either so I ended up deciding that Animal Kingdom is my least favorite park if I have to lead people around. Guess what I was doing today?

We went through the turnstiles and everyone looked at me. Groan. OK, I *will* be the tour guide. No one gets a say in anything. Nothing. Just listen to me and be quiet. Off to the left hand side to try and see Chris' anteater. The guy was out but back in the corner, sleeping. Then over the bridge and the first view of the tree. Bobbie and Ed were suitably impressed. I had originally thought about going to do the Safari but then looked at the wait board. Dinosaur and Kali River Rapids were See Nows. So off to Dinoland. Rich was very concerned that his father would not like it because it's so jerky. I said not to tell him. I think the walk to Dinosaur is such a long one with not a lot to do along the way. That should change with the new attractions going in.

The standby line was 15 minutes and FastPass was for an hour away. No way I was going to walk all the way back to return in an hour. So we did the stand by. Bobbie said she doesn't mind standing in line as long as you didn't do that all day. We said 15 minutes was not bad at all. The line moved constantly and the in-laws liked the displays and the spiel by Bill Nye inside. We kind of explained the premise of the attraction so they would get the story line. They really liked the ride and didn't know about the picture being taken. At the end, we looked at the picture and decided to buy a couple of copies ($20.09). We don't get many opportunities to get pictures of all four of us. Ed didn't want to buy at first because he didn't want to carry the package around all day. I told him (again) about the Package Delivery. I won't tell you what Bobbie said about the cost.

We looked through Hester and Jester's (I bought a couple of Countdown to Extinction things on sale - they were small enough I could fit them into my bag) and then walked through the Dinosaur Jubilee. Then out of Dinoland and over to Asia. Bobbie had complained about not getting wet yesterday so a trip to Kali was definitely in order for today. Standby time of just 10 minutes so we did that again. This is a record for me - two major attractions and no FastPass. Bobbie and Ed liked the Kali queue and we had enough of a line to enjoy most of it. We, unfortunately, got to ride with a woman and her son who not only wore ponchos, but also took off their shoes and socks. What is the point of this ride? OK, I can see if it's an uncomfortably cool day or something but it's a beautiful day. And they were continually getting off the ride and right back on it with FastPasses. Oh well, to each his own, I guess.

We started out and I thought we would be spared the wetness. And then we got all turned around and Bobbie and Ed went down the drop backwards. They got absolutely, totally soaked. Through and through. More on that later. We also had some Asian women in the raft who were just having the best time with the ride. It was just so much fun!

We had to stop at the rest room afterwards so the in-laws could dry out some. Bobbie was OK but Ed would have major problems. He was very uncomfortable in his wet T-shirt. I suggested buying a T-shirt on sale at the Rainforest Café since we were heading there for lunch. We slowly walked to the front of Animal Kingdom so it was a long walk. I had to keep Ed from getting diverted along the way. I kept having to say "we'll see that on the way back". We finally got to the Rainforest exit inside the park and I reminded everyone to get a hand stamp. After three times of explaining that I don't know why you need both a ticket and a hand stamp for readmission, we were entering Rainforest. None of the sale T-shirts interested Ed so he was stuck with his wet one. I went to check us in. The Gorilla line was out the door. Fortunately, we were directed to the Atlas line since we had a priority seating. No waiting at the Atlas line, or so I thought. The seater came over a while after taking our slip and told us we needed to be in the Gorilla line. I said we had a priority seating. There was no way in heck I was standing in that other line. The guy explained that I wasn't in the Atlas computer, I was in the Gorilla computer. But he did make it right and we were finally seated. Frankly, I don't care which computer I'm in, I made my priority seating and I should be seated as soon as possible.

Once seated, we looked at the menu and tried to figure out what to order. I knew all the portions were huge and warned Bobbie. She's not much of a big eater, like me, so she decided to stick with the quesadilla appetizer. Ed and Rich got the burger with Rich adding bacon to his. I decided to try the pot roast. I talked Bobbie and Rich into trying the Margarilla based on Donna's recommendation from last month. Ed just had coffee since he was chilly in the air conditioning from being wet. I stuck with my customary wine. It was now that we found out just how wet Ed got. He had all his money in an envelope in his wallet. The money was totally soaked and the envelope was useless. Also, he had asked if the wetness would affect his pass. I said I didn't think so because Rich always keeps his pass in his wallet and it's been fine. Ed and Bobbie got up to walk around the restaurant and their seats were totally soaked. Before the meal was served, Ed went to the restroom to wring out his T-shirt and get some towels to sit on. Poor guy!

The meal was pretty good and I found a new favorite with the pot roast. The meat was very tender which is not usual with my pot roast. Bobbie actually complained that there was too much chicken in the quesadilla. That's not a bad complaint. Total was around $70 and Bobbie and Ed picked up the check. I contributed my Freeride $25 gift certificate which surprised the in-laws. Then we hustled out of there to warm up. Ed pulled out his ticket for re-entry and it was useless. Rich then reminded me that he always gives me his wallet to put into my bag which then gets put into the middle section to stay as dry as possible. Whoops! The turnstyle Cast Member was great and I immediately suggested we go to Guest Relations and get a new ticket. So we headed over there right away. The Cast Member there was also great. Ed felt bad about getting the ticket wet but the CM said this was not a problem and Ed's ticket wasn't that bad - at least she could still read it. About a minute later, Ed had a new ticket.

We then headed for It's Tough to be a Bug and to see some of the animals along the way. We had to cross the swinging bridge for Bobbie since she has some childhood memories of a swinging bridge. On the way, we had our photo taken by the Disney guys on the bridge. Rich protested but I made him. We've never done this before and I wanted to see how it all worked. It's Tough to be a Bug had just a 10 minute wait but it was basically a walk on. We positioned ourselves to get a great seat. After the in-laws reaction to Honey, I Shrunk the Audience, I was eagerly anticipating this one. I was not disappointed. They loved it. The sting and the ending were highly liked. After the show, I took Ed to my "secret" spot to get some photos of the tree. Then back over to Asia to do the Jungle Trek. We bypassed this earlier to make the lunch seating. We saw the komodo dragon, the bats, and the tigers. And we saw a ton of birds, flowers, and plants thanks to Ed really soaking everything in.

Then we went over to Africa and the Safari. This was the last thing I really wanted the in-laws to see and I was a little worried it would have a line. When we had gone on the Jungle Trek, the standby time for Kali was 45 minutes and I didn't want that to be the case at the Safari. We kept stopping for Ed to take pictures and take in the trees and flowers. That's what I wanted him to enjoy here so I struggled to keep my antsyness to myself. I did unload a little on Rich after yet another stop. I told him I felt "damn Skippy" and he got the message. Ed stopped and saw whatever he wanted but Rich didn't let him dawdle too much. Enough for a picture or two and a moment. When we got to the Safari, the standby wait was 10 minutes which was about 10 minutes off the mark. We walked right onto the jeep.

This was about 3:00 in the afternoon and the animals were out in force. Ed had several photo opportunities and both in-laws enjoyed it very much. They even liked the poacher storyline. Bobbie said she really liked how Disney always throws in some sort of story along with the ride. We walked through the Pangani Trail and showed off the massive bullfrog outside the naked mole rat exhibit. We also saw some very cute meerkats standing watch. This woman was really funny. She kept calling them monkeys but also called them Timon. I just couldn't take it anymore and had to tell her what they actually were. It was torture listening to her misinform her entire family. The hippos were very active and the gorilla family was out. The bachelors were no where to be found. Ed also loved the bird area here as well. On both trails, he took the bird identification cards and intently IDed the ones he saw or we pointed out. He really enjoyed this part of Animal Kingdom.

After the trail, I told Bobbie and Ed that was about it for Animal Kingdom. Bobbie said that she had such a good time and Ed agreed. I, however, was exhausted. I had led all three of them through the park. Literally led them through it. We stopped to try and look at the picture from earlier but the line was way too long for us to even consider it. Oh well, we'll try again at another park. And go earlier to look at it. It was after 4:00 and everyone was leaving. We did the same with Ed stopping every once in a while to look at the small things. He took pictures of a flower or a bird. He had to wait for just the right angle and just the right light. He's such a nature person. If he wasn't a psychiatrist, he would have been a forest ranger.

We went through the same thing with getting the handstamp on the way out. I just wanted everyone to get the handstamp again. It's just easier. Three different people with three different times to ask why. Just do it! If you want me to lead you around, don't question what I'm doing! We made it out to the car and then drove back to the Boardwalk. I did get a better parking space. Bobbie and Ed walked over to their car to get another pair of shoes for Bobbie. Yes, they still left stuff in their car even after those two trips we made the other day! Rich and I returned to the room and I told him that this tour guide wanted the night off.

I picked up a new Epcot map in the lobby and wanted to verify the times for Off Kilter. I really needed to see them tonight. Bummer! No Off Kilter all week! Drat, darn, phooey, and a whole bunch of other words that won't make it into this family version of the trip report. At least I have their CD and the second one is on order (arrived the day after we returned home - what a nice way to get back to the "real" world - and it's better than the first one). It was a disappointment since I wanted to see the 6:00 show, the 6:30 Tapestry of Nations, and then the 7:30 Off Kilter show again. Then call it a night. I knew the in-laws and Rich ("I'm not a groupie") would not want to do this so I was angling for some quiet time for me.

Bobbie and Ed got back and we all just relaxed in the room after the long day. Rich and Bobbie napped and Ed read while I did the report. Nice down time for all. Bobbie and Ed really wanted to see Illuminations tonight so I was trying to figure out something to do before that but without investing a ton of time at Epcot. I knew once we got going in Future World, I'd just fret about getting to World Showcase in enough time for a good viewing spot. And my tour guide duties were over for the day. So I thought about Fantasia Miniature Golf. I made the suggestion and it was met with enthusiasm. So off we went. It's so nice being within walking distance.

I used the Annual Passport discount and got two free rounds. I charged it back to the room ($19.61). Bobbie and Ed really liked the course. Everyone struggled at one point or another but Bobbie managed to get a whopping five holes in one. So she won, Rich was second, and Ed and I rounded out the top four. But it was a lot of fun and Bobbie said that this was just another example of Disney doing something right. This magic is getting spread around a little.

By this time, it was getting on 7:30 and Bobbie still wanted to see Illuminations. I said I just saw it last month and really didn't need to see it again. We all walked back to the Boardwalk and I stopped at the candy store. Rich had to decide to stay with me or go with his parents. He knew I wanted time alone but actually it was just time away from the in-laws. But he decided to "escort" his parents over to Epcot. So they went over there and I headed back to the room after getting my candy ($5.60).

Once in the room, I called Chris and made sure he was feeding the cat and changing the litter box. Not much happening at home so I was glad for that. I just worked on the report and watched TV until they came back. I definitely needed a break from being "Tour Guide Barbie".

While over in Epcot, they watched the Japanese drummers. Bobbie had really wanted to see them during the trip and I warned that I thought they were good but a little repetitive. After seeing the performance, everyone agreed with my assessment.

They arrived back in the room around 9:45 and Bobbie said it was well worth the trip just to see Illuminations. I'm glad she's getting some idea of just why I love this place. Rich later told me that he took them to my favorite spot between France and Norway but it was too early for them to hang around and wait. Rich likes the view from Germany so he walked them around to there. They got there a little after 8:00 and found a spot right up at the railing. Bobbie was surprised that you needed to snag a spot that early but Rich invoked the "trust me" line. Rich went and got a beer - I think this is why he likes to view from Germany ($8.75) - and Bobbie later ended up getting a pretzel which she didn't like. She said it tasted too much like bread. This began the great pretzel debate. She wanted an American pretzel. I asked her why she thought she would get an American pretzel in Germany. She said she needed mustard or jelly (jelly?) on it. Ed brought the pretzel back and had it later that night. But Illuminations was a big hit.

We just ended the day by watching the hometown Washington Redskins get beat on Monday Night Football. Bobbie and Ed turned in after 11:00 but Rich and I stayed up to the bitter end. Why, I'll never know, the team stank.

Kid of the Day - Ed just poking around Animal Kingdom and really enjoying the wildlife, the plants, and the flowers. He took his time and soaked in what this park should be about - nature and how to enjoy it.

Sense of the Day - the look on the in-laws faces when they got soaked on Kali River Rapids. How priceless.

Day Four - Tuesday, October 31, 2000 - Happy Halloween!

We were up at the same time, around 8:30. I purposely dawdled in the room and we didn't get going until 10:00. I didn't want to be in Future World too early. I wanted some of those people to get over to World Showcase. Bobbie and Ed marveled at just how quiet World Showcase was, even after both Rich and I told them it was closed.

We went down the center walkway towards the fountain and Kristos had just come out. We stayed to watch the performance with Ed taking a lot of pictures. Our mission was a FastPass for Test Track. Ed did stop for a drink of water and happened onto one of the talking fountains. He asked if they all talked. I said no, just certain ones and you have to be lucky to find one. This one asked Ed, "what are you trying to do? Drown me?" Rich and I knew Test Track was not working at this particular point since we couldn't hear it zipping around. But we went over there anyway and got FastPasses for a return time of 1:30-2:30. Then we walked by and through the butterfly garden between Test Track and Mouse Gear. Ed really liked this area and had several photo opportunities of the little creatures. Bobbie suggested we start out with calm stuff and work Ed up to the rough stuff. Our choices were Wonders of Life or Universe of Energy so Rich and I decided to go visit Ellen.

The preshow was just starting and the place was a little crowded. We had to settle for just standing on the right hand side, which I prefer the least. But there was nothing I could do and Bobbie and Ed wouldn't know it wasn't the side I preferred. A note here - Rich and I prepared Bobbie and Ed before each attraction with what to expect without giving anything away. Here, for example, we said that this was about energy and we would have a preshow with Ellen and then a ride. We did that all yesterday and then all today. I had sent a ton of stuff to Bobbie and she did read it all but it's just too much to Disney virgins. I can easily see how people get totally overwhelmed here. I take all this stuff for granted.

Bobbie and Ed liked Universe of Energy and then we followed the throngs into Wonders of Life. A show had just started at Cranium Command but we waited the 13 minutes because I wanted Bobbie and Ed to see the preshow. You have to see that in order to appreciate this attraction. It was funny because the countdown to the show was clearly displayed but a Cast Member had to come out every minute and announce how long it was until the next show. Can't people just see for themselves? Cranium Command was another hit and Rich and I just love the show.

Then we checked out the wait for The Making of Me. Since Bobbie and Ed are in the medical profession, we thought they would enjoy this presentation. Waiting time was 3 minutes and the Cast Member here handed out Halloween pencils to all the kids in the line. We hadn't seen this show in a while, thanks to Chris just being a typical teenager. Nicely done and I'm glad we did this.

Next up was Body Wars and once we explained to Ed what it was about, he opted out. I almost did too since this usually makes me a little nauseous. But I went anyway. We were seated in the third row and my feet touched the floor and I had a nice ride. I just can't sit in that fifth row anymore. Bobbie liked it and thought Ed could have tolerated it. I suggested they both ride it again but Ed declined.

It was now close to 1:00 and we could hear Test Track running. I was getting a little hungry so I suggested a bit of lunch. Rich threw out the options of Electric Umbrella (burgers, dogs, fries), Pasta Piazza (pasta and pizza), and The Land Food Court. I really wanted the Electric Umbrella since it would involve the least amount of park crossing. We looked at the menu and everyone decided there was something on there to eat. Well, I thought so. Rich and I got a cheeseburger for me and then a hot dog combo with fries (for us to share) for Rich. We also got a couple of beers. Cost of $19.41 and Rich complained about the cost. I hit him.

Ed and Bobbie got a hot dog and fries to split and here's where the food thing got going for the day. Bobbie didn't want anything except a few fries. Earlier, she had said she just wanted a pretzel and ice cream. We saw a pretzel cart around Test Track but those pretzels were "too dark". Germany was too bready and the American ones were too dark. Would we ever find a good pretzel?

While Rich and I finished our beers, Ed did the Millennium post mark thing. We watched the fountain show a while and Bobbie said it was her favorite. She wanted to see it every time she could. We also fed the birds our leftover fries. I wanted to just sit and relax but Bobbie started to get itching to go. But we calmed her commando tactics and just sat for a while.

Onto Test Track with a FastPass wait of 30 minutes. The standby time was 90 minutes. When we went into the queue, it appeared that no one in the standby line was even being admitted into the line. I think Test Track had just gotten going again and they had to honor all those FastPasses they gave out earlier in the day. The FastPass return time now was 5:35-6:35. Once in line though, it only took about 15 minutes to get through everything. The in-laws liked the queue line so that was fine. We had a fine ride and Ed bought the picture at the end. One picture this trip was enough for me.

Then to Spaceship Earth where Bobbie and Ed were impressed that we were going up into the "ball". I gave up trying to convince everyone the correct term was "geosphere". "Ball" would have to do. A dose of Jeremy Irons and another "good job" from the in-laws. Then we went into the Fountain View Bakery in search of the perfect cinnamon roll. This ranks up there with the perfect pretzel. The rolls at the Boardwalk Bakery, which is considered a great bakery, are "too small and not gooey enough". The stuff at the bakery was "too desserty". I couldn't even get a glass of wine!

We headed for The Land and checked out The Circle of Life. Wait time of 13 minutes so we passed. Onto Living With the Land which was a walk on. Ed and Bobbie enjoyed learning about the different growing techniques so another hit. Good Cast Member guide as well. We checked out the food court bakery/ice cream place. Hey, here's a chance at a cinnamon roll *and* ice cream. Food Rocks was a 14 minute wait so I suggested a snack and a drink (still angling for that wine) and then the show. Nope. Couldn't get the ice cream because it was too cold inside The Land pavilion. Groan. Back up to Circle of Life and I was determined no matter what the wait, we were going to see it. Nine minutes. Again, I love this presentation. I just wish us humans would get the darn message. Stop screwing with the earth! Environmental mode and rant off.

Then back downstairs (we sat at the top of Circle of Life because I think it is better from up there). Food Rocks was now 15 minutes and Bobbie then decided that maybe they wouldn't like it since we had said it was kind of loud. By this time, I had just about enough I could take. I told Rich I was going to go over and get a glass of wine and everyone else could do what they wanted. Bobbie and Ed went and got ice cream and a cinnamon roll (later to be said to be "hard") and Rich and I went and got a glass of wine ($7.42). We slowly made our way over to the Living Seas which was the last pavilion in Future World. Man, it's been years since I've done all this in just one day. And we never touched Innoventions. Never even mentioned it to the in-laws. At the Living Seas, the in-laws went into the movie and Rich and I passed. "And it rained and rained and rained". I've seen it enough. We didn't do much at the Living Seas, me especially. I spent a ton of time here on my solo trips so I just sat on the bench and wrote up trip report notes. I also saw a few things in the gift shop for my dad and Betty. They did Dive Quest last year and I saw a Diver Mickey beanie that was just perfect for them. Plus Diver Mickey pins and a couple of stickers as well. Cost $30.72 on the plastic. But there're Christmas presents we don't have to worry about.

After the great tour of Future World, I mentioned that we never even made it close to going into Mouse Gear. That was one thing I wanted to do. I knew they had a nice watch selection and I was hunting for a nice one. With my little wine temper tantrum, I got my wish and into Mouse Gear. I saw a watch I might be interested in and had to tell the in-laws why I wasn't immediately buying it. I just started looking! But we did pick up a Halloween Eeyore and Tigger. I added this great pin of Grumpy on a golf course breaking a club over his knee. That's Rich to a "tee". Oh, I crack myself up. I have no idea of the cost but the beanies were $8 each and the pin was $6.50 - do the math yourself, I'm still playing tour guide (I found the receipt later - $23.85).

Then back for the walk to International Gateway. I made a stop at the Refreshment Port for my wine. Rich and Bobbie both said I had free wine back in the room but I knew better. Rich did get a Molson. Cost of a little under $10 (I'm losing track of the exact costs and might drag out the receipts later). We walked over to Canada and Bobbie and Ed wanted to do the movie. That's why I got the wine. I just knew this would happen. I practically have this memorized so I declined and so did Rich. Bobbie and Ed just made it into the next showing so Rich and I waited at the exit and relaxed. Very nice. Except for this elderly man who was waiting for a Le Cellier seating. Rich had his bag sitting on the bench next to him. This guy just looked at Rich and asked "is this your bag?" Rich said yes and moved it but the guy was totally rude with how he asked. There are nicer ways of asking if someone can sit down. We would have gladly given up any room we could for older people but after this guy's question, we just could have cared less.

Then just through United Kingdom and out to the Boardwalk. Then the great debate of dinner started. I didn't want much. Just a slice of pizza was fine. Rich could easily do a small pizza on his own. Bobbie and Ed drive me crazy with pizza, though. They both say they can only do one slice. But once the pizza gets there, they easily do two each. So they always think four adults can just order one pizza. Not with my husband, you can't. The Boardwalk pizza window was an option but there was a catch. It's Halloween night and there's a ton of activity going on. Rich and I thought room service pizza was an option but didn't quite know the details. Bobbie was obviously hungry because she wanted to get a couple of pizzas now and just take them back to the room. Rich and I wanted to know our choices. So back to the room. We did leave Bobbie and Ed briefly since they wanted to stop and see the Halloween goings-on.

The room service menu had 14" inch pizzas where the take out window had 12" ones. I won't go into all the various options we had but just suffice it say that some people (can you guess who) didn't want to order room service because of the service fees and automatic tip. Some people (can you guess who) wanted to order room service because her husband was going to have to walk all the way back to the take out window, past the Halloween goings on, and then back again to save a few bucks. About an hour passed while the discussion went on. Finally, Ed (thank you!) decided we would do room service and just be happy about it. He was only concerned about having to order it. I told him I'd do it. Two minutes later and our order was processed.

Now, this is why Bobbie didn't want to do room service. We told her our experience with the Beach Club in June. We ordered pizza and it was delivered with linen, dinnerware, and silverware. So we prepared Bobbie. She rolled her eyes. I said that we were at Disney World at the Boardwalk and just to enjoy this. The knock at the door. I had cleaned off the table and the same great service was repeated here. Linens, silverware and dinnerware (even though we already had the latter two). Plus a nice set up of salt, pepper, cheese, and red pepper. I charged the $41.50 bill to the room and quickly hid the charge slip from the in-laws. It'll show up on the room charge tomorrow but I didn't want to deal with it tonight.

We ate pizza and watched "JAG" which is Ed's favorite show. And we really watched "JAG". We couldn't go in front of the TV and the volume level was just short of ear spliting. Rich and I were doing laundry so that was the excuse for the excess levels. After the show, Rich and I folded laundry and then we took advantage of the jacuzzi tub for the first time.

After we were in bedtime clothes, we talked about what to do tomorrow. Ed wanted to do MGM since we hadn't been there and we basically exhausted Epcot and Animal Kingdom. Not the way I wanted to do those parks, but we were done with those parks with Bobbie and Ed. Bobbie said they didn't need to do anything. I said something about Downtown Disney. Then I suggested MGM and we could all just take the boat there, do whatever, have a late lunch, and then leave whenever each party wanted to. Nope, no commitment from the in-laws on the lunch. I thought 50s Prime Time would be nice. Rich thought I was pressing the issue so I just dropped it. But we decided on packing up, loading up the cars, and then doing MGM until it was time to check into the new properties.

Kid of the Day - Bobbie enjoying the fountain show every time she could. She even ended up calling it "her" fountain.

Sense of the Day - the sight of the butterflies flitting around the garden between Test Track and Mouse Gear. Take some time and check this place out.

Day Five - Wednesday, November 1, 2000

Up and getting the last minute stuff packed shortly after 8:30. By 9:00, Rich and I were taking our first load out to the car. No repeat of Saturday for me, thank you very much. Once we got back, Bobbie and Ed were ready to go but said they could take everything out themselves. We didn't think so. We took the rest of our stuff out and then met Bobbie and Ed on the way out. Now, Rich and I had two suitcases plus the carry on of the laptop and the video bag. Bobbie and Ed had four suitcases plus two food bags (a breakfast one and a snack one) and a shoe bag. For the same amount of time. Oh well. To each his own. But they were trying to get all this stuff to their car in one trip. Then Ed and Rich moved the Maryland car over to where our car was (closer) so if we came back from MGM together, we'd be able to leave together. Bobbie and I walked back to the room.

We had settled on the bill beforehand. I put everything on my American Express bill (Bobbie got the fanny pack and used it during the trip) and the in-laws just gave us a check for their half of the room and their tickets that I had bought them last month. We had one last sit out on the balcony and Bobbie said she'd always remember the ball with the 2000 on it. She said she just loved it. I did something right!

We then left and took the boat from the Swolphin to MGM. We just walked up and there was a boat. Ed had been looking at the boats all the time and just couldn't believe we didn't have to pay extra for them. This boat was much quicker than taking the Boardwalk one. One nice thing about the Boardwalk (and probably every other Disney resort). We were all the way at one end of the property. But we just had to take one flight down on the stairs and we came out to this very lovely garden area that we never saw anyone else in. Just another nice Disney touch that many other guests would never see. Bobbie and Ed loved the attention to detail.

Onto MGM and through the gates. As we passed through, Ed said "so our lunch reservations have been made, right?" I just about hit him. He was serious! I didn't say a word but Rich came to my rescue. He said that no, we didn't have lunch reservations because they never told us what they wanted to do. Bobbie was very surprised. I just bit my tongue and we kept moving. (Rich later said he really would have like to try 50s Prime Time Café. Next time, I'm not even consulting, I'm doing. Perfect opportunity wasted).

We had our picture taken again and Rich groaned but I told him that these people are just doing their jobs. We got to the wait board and I went over to see what the times were. All Ed wanted to do was look at the old cars on Sunset Boulevard and I testily told him to do that. Oops, gotta watch the good daughter-in-law stuff today! Twilight Zone was only 5 minute wait so Rich and I decided to head there.

Ed hates "scary" stuff so we knew Twilight Zone wasn't for him. But we knew about the chicken exit and realized he would like the build up a lot without having to experience the actual drop. Bobbie did this with us back in 1994 and thought the one drop (at that time) was lame. So we had to talk her into going onto this with us. Total time was about 10 minutes and both in-laws liked the queue area. The preshow kind of freaked out Ed and he kept asking when he could leave. I really don't think he trusted me! But Ed was led out of the boiler room in due time and the three of us went on the ride. What a rush. Bobbie really liked it this time. I lost count of the drops, although I think it was seven. I think I only screamed once. Not bad for me. When we left, the wait time was 45 minutes but Beauty and the Beast had just gotten out and that might have contributed to that time.

Rich wanted to do Sounds Dangerous but the line was way, way too long so we passed. Another show maybe just got let out? Onto Star Tours which we knew Ed did at Disneyland six or seven years ago. Plus, he knew the movies. Wait time was 20 minutes so in we went. We were doing standbys so Bobbie and Ed could enjoy the queues, which they did like. They were impressed with Disney making sure you were never bored in the lines. The wait time was highly conservative and both in-laws liked the ride.

Next up was the Muppets but the line was huge! But Rich saw that they didn't have it queued at all and the line just filed into the preshow area. We were pretty well smashed in there but we just enjoyed the TV screens and ignored everyone else. Once we were let into the theatre, we had great middle seats for everything. I advised Bobbie and Ed to look out in all directions. By the way, it looks like getting the 3D glasses inside is now the norm - much better line management. Let's just have those line counters getting a little more wider, please. Both in-laws liked the presentation so the MGM day was getting better and better.

After this, I went through the rest of the stuff I wanted to see at MGM. Nothing. It's not that MGM is a bad park but I've just seen all the shows so many times, I just needed a rest. We went by the performance of Hunchback of Notre Dame and Lindy, it was Robby! But it was already in progress so we just went by. The Backstage Tour was the next logical step but I didn't want to go on it. Rich said he did so I suggested I just take a break (Rich correctly interpreted that to read I was going for a beer) and the other three do the tour. Excellent choice. The in-laws enjoyed the show and Rich wasn't bored. I picked a table at the Soundstage Catering and got the beer ($4.25). I wrote up trip notes and people watched with my shoes off and my feet on a chair. Very nice break for me.

Once the other three were back, they decided they needed a break as well. Ed got ice cream for himself and a couple of sodas for him and Bobbie. Rich got the beer and pretzel combo with the intent of giving the pretzel to Bobbie and for him to have some as well. I got another beer. Believe it or not, the pretzel was a big hit with Bobbie! The perfect pretzel! Yeah! After Bobbie was done eating, though, she was itching to move on. I have to get her to just relax and enjoy things every once in a while. Ed said we could wait until Rich and I were finished with the suds. I can't walk and drink at the same time - Rich always makes fun of me but everyone has their faults, right?

Rich suggested The Great Movie Ride next. This is another one that I've been on so many times and I just saw last month. The only reason to go on it would be to videotape it but I wasn't carrying the camera. Much to my surprise, Rich said he'd pass on it as well. So Bobbie and Ed headed in and Rich and I went over to Sunset Boulevard for more hops and yeast. It took so long thanks to a family who just couldn't make up their minds while at the register (please do this before you get into line, thank you very much) that we hardly began to drink before the in-laws were out. So we pointed them in the direction of the Animation Tour. Frankly, this and the Backstage Tour is what MGM is all about, in my opinion. Earlier, Bobbie had said she didn't realize this was a working studio. I knew she'd like the Animation stuff. Rich and I just sat and drank.

We had been sitting in front of the Great Movie Ride along a planter. Those seats were uncomfortable and all the shaded benches were taken. We kind of knew how long the Tour would be so we moved over to outside Bill and Min's. The SS Down the Hatch was blowing out water every once in a while. It surprised some people and other kids were just standing there, waiting to get wet. Another detail that most people don't see. And I noticed a store front behind us. Cosmetic Dentistry. The occupants were the Glamour Salon; C. Howie Pullum, DDS; Ruth Canal, DDS; and Les Payne, DDS.

Once we thought it was close to the end of the Animation Tour for Bobbie and Ed, we headed over to the Art store at the end of the Tour. We just love looking at this stuff and wish we could afford a lot more of it. Our family room walls are covered in sericels we have collected through the years. Our first one was a Cinderella one that Rich bought me when we first moved to Nebraska. We've collected special ones since then. Our favorite is a reproduction of an actual cell from "The Fox and the Hound", our favorite Disney cartoon. It's the one that made me realize I'd be spending the rest of my life with Rich. He cried when we first saw it back in 1981. Poor Tod has to go to the game preserve because of his friendship with Copper. Oh, back to the trip report, sorry about that.

We timed it just right and the second Tour to pour into the shop was the one with the in-laws. About the only other thing we wanted to share with Bobbie and Ed was Sounds Dangerous so we headed back there. By this time, Bobbie was really lagging from a Disney trip. She said she was worn out and while she liked the Tour, it was so long. We really had packed a lot into just four days with them. They saw everything at Epcot and Animal Kingdom. And they saw just about everything at MGM. Or at least what we like and think is interesting. Sounds Dangerous was nowhere as full as it was before and we were towards the front of the line since no one wanted to move up. We spent the time waiting talking about what the guys were going to do on Friday to go to the stamp show. Poor Ed didn't even know his schedule for that day. He didn't realize he had a lunch from 12-2. Bobbie kept insisting he did and he kept insisting he didn't. I finally said to assume he did and go from there. Tentative plans were made.

Sounds Dangerous was a big hit so we ended our touring with Bobbie and Ed on a high note. Rich and I really like this show although the effects are starting to wan for me. Seeing this twice so close together (I saw it in September) takes a little away from it. You just start anticipating the surprises. The hoards were starting to line up for the Mulan parade. Rich is always amazed at the parade mentality at Disney World. We aren't parade people and never will be. We avoided the masses and exited the park. A boat was pulling up shortly after we got to the dock and away we went to the Swolphin. The boat was pretty darn full but everyone had a seat.

We did have one bad experience while at MGM and it happened right before we left. We made a bathroom stop and actually encountered a line in the ladies room. Bobbie was behind me and pointed out that there were stalls at the end of the room that were empty. I mentioned that to the women in front of me. They made use of the empty stalls. The woman right in front of me didn't want to use the last stall. It was the handicapped stall. There were no handicapped people anywhere near. Bobbie asked what was wrong with the last stall. I asked the woman. She said that it was a handicapped one and she would never use it. I said that if she didn't, I would. She said "yes, *you* would". Bobbie, who is in the medical profession, thought I should. If a handicapped person was in the room, I would have gladly let them use that stall. But to leave one go empty just because it's designated as a handicapped one is totally ridiculous. Oh well, I let it go and just got out of there when I could. Bobbie thought the woman was out of line as well.

We deboated at the Swolphin and walked through the Boardwalk to the cars. I bid the Boardwalk a fond farewell and deemed it my new favorite resort. I think this changes with each trip. But you can't beat the Boardwalk's location for us and Epcot. And it was just perfect for what we wanted and needed this trip.

Out to the cars and Bobbie checked Ed's schedule for Friday. Yep, he has a lunch until 2:00. The show lasts until 6:00. It'll only take them about an hour to do the show so how about I drop Rich off at 3:00? Sounds good to Ed. Now, that just killed my solo time on Friday afternoon. Instead of five or six hours, I only get less than three. Fine, I was just here entirely on my own a month ago so that's OK. And I'm not going to look even one hour by myself in the mouth. I will return to the Omni Rosen around 6:00 since we think the buses to Universal will be leaving around 7:00. The in-laws have our number at Coronado and we have their number at the Omni Rosen. Goodbye for now, we'll see you on Friday.

We left and drove over to Coronado Springs for check in. Remember, I have serious doubts about liking this resort. I figured check in would be a zoo since it was around 3:30. Yep, we have a line. But we wait about three whole minutes to be helped. Everything is efficient and the only complaint I had about the whole thing is about the conventioneers. I'm sorry, but do you *have* to wear those badges 24/7? We even saw people wearing them in the parks! You can take them off when you are not attending sessions. I don't do much business traveling but when I do, those name badges go off the minute I walk out of class.

I had my friend, Belinda, fax in a room request for me. I wanted to call her and see if she did send the fax but just never had the time. She must have. My request for Ranchos 6B was met. Terrific! I'm sure the Room Controller thought I was nuts. It's not close to anything. Perfect for us. We did walk around El Centro a little and I did the Millennium pressed quarter from Coronado.

Our room number was 6663 so off we went. We drove over there and parked. We took only light things and set out to find not only the room, but the building. These are not marked very well. But I think that's good because you're not constantly distracted by large signs. Once we found 6B, we walked and walked and walked to get to 6663. Guess what? We are all the way at the end of the building again! Perfect. Rich kind of groaned but once we got our bearings, we realized we weren't that far from the front of the building.

The room is fine for the two of us. In fact, we might have even be comfortable with Bobbie and Ed in here as well (provided half their luggage stayed in the car). It's been a while since we've stayed at a moderate and I think they will do fine for us in the future. Our view is of the nature trail. Very nice. We unloaded the car, taking it easy. I will never forget that Great Boardwalk Unloading Fiasco of 2000. Then we kind of crashed, not napping but just resting. I think we watched "Murphy Brown" as a diversion.

Rich wanted an offsite excursion to get more beer. We really hadn't had that much to eat during the day, just the pretzel at MGM (which, by the way, is more than a meal for a couple of people). I suggested an offsite place for dinner. Rich thought that was OK so I told him to choose a place once we got out onto 192. Stupid thing for me to say. I've been married to this man for almost 19 years and I know he can't make a decision. We did take a short walk around the resort. Just through the Nature Trail where we saw some guy on his cell phone. Jeez, you couldn't do that just outside your room? Then past the Dig Site so Rich could see the pool and hot tub. Then back towards our room and we were very pleased to see that we were very close to the quiet pool but disappointed that the quiet pool doesn't have a hot tub. But the Dig Site is only about a three minute walk so that's not bad. I really don't think this resort is as spread out as everyone says it is.

Once on 192 heading east, I told Rich to look out for something he was interested in since I had to concentrate on driving through the construction. There are a ton of places to choose from. My only requirement was a bar. No definite favorites from Rich. I finally asked what kind of food he wanted. He said he was hungry for seafood. Well, if I had known that! I said that we might as well go to Shell's. We've been there numerous times before and have had great meals every time. It's our favorite offsite place. So on to there we go.

We ordered the carafe of wine and Rich decided that he doesn't need any more beer, he'll just enjoy the wine we have in the room tonight. I really wanted to get the appetizer of mussels as my meal because I knew the portion was huge and Rich, while he likes mussels, doesn't like them all that much. But I wanted a little bit more than that. My appetite has really picked up since we've been here. So I thought about adding the 1/4 lb. of shrimp to that. Rich could help me eat those. Rich decided on the seafood pasta. Much to my surprise, he also suggested the shrimp as an appetizer! Perfect. Yes, you do start to think alike after a while. Dinner was wonderful and the service was great. The appetizer of mussels, by the way, was two dozen. How could any one person eat all that and then do an entrée as well? We were well satisfied yet again at Shell's. Cost of $34.47 including tip.

We got back and then changed to swimsuits for a sit in the hot tub. Coronado's hot tub is fairly big and there were mainly adults in there. Nothing bothers me more than having kids treat a hot tub like a warm pool. It's for sitting and soaking and relaxing. The only thing that annoyed me was a group of conventioneers who were talking computer talk the whole time. Rather loudly. Rich listened in and thought the one woman was some low level person that was trying to make herself sound important. But we tuned them out after a while and enjoyed ourselves.

Then back to the room for Wednesday night TV. We really needed to just unwind and just be with each other. Ed called and gave us their room number and we did the same with them. The plans for Friday were now definite unless something comes up between now and then. When we were discussing the plans in the Boardwalk parking lot, Ed mentioned something about the "girls" doing something together. First, I ignored his use of "girls" again and second, I backpedaled so I could avoid saying I absolutely did *not* want to do something with Bobbie. Give me my solo time, please!

Kid of the Day - Ed again. The way he just was so concerned about getting out of Twilight Zone still cracks me up. Once we got to the seater, Ed panickly asked "which way out of here?" Hilarious!

Sense of the Day - the taste of the perfect pretzel. I will never look at another pretzel in the same way.

Day Six - Thursday, November 2, 2000

Boy, oh boy, our first day with just the two of us so we can sleep in, right? Wrong. We must be getting old. We were awake and up around 8:00. I was too worn out last night to work on the report so Rich promised me that I could have this morning. I thought we needed a quiet day anyway. We had been getting to the parks much earlier than we usually do. So we just slowly got ready. Rich walked to El Centro to get a newspaper. One thing about the Boardwalk - they don't do the newspaper delivery anymore. Rich and Ed were disappointed but I didn't care. I don't keep up with the real world while I'm at the World. So Ed was going to the lobby every morning to buy a paper. Now Rich would have to go for a little walk here. That was fine with me - gave me a little time to myself.

Later Rich said that he saw a guy cleaning out the ponds of coins. Rich asked him how often he had to do that and he said about two or three times a week. It's more of a corrosion issue than wanting the coins. I'm sure all the donations go to worthy causes but it's probably a better environmental decision to write out a check instead of tossing coins into water.

I got caught up on the report and Rich agonized over his fantasy football lineup. We both are in a league and had submitted our lineups for this week before we left. We had to keep up with developments through the lousy Orlando Sentinal sports section. Rich usually keeps an eye on my team as well so I just left this detail to him. I didn't have to make any changes to my lineup or roster but Rich was seesawing on a couple of different options for him. He even made a phone call earlier to one of the commissioners to get updates on injuries. I have my Disney obsession, he has his fantasy football obsession. Funny, but he doesn't see it that way.

After our "chores" for the day were done, we headed out to Epcot. Here's where the trouble of the day started. The storm was brewing and by the day's end, it would get nasty. Yes, I love my husband but at times we can have the nastiest of arguments (we never have "fights" - sounds too dangerous). I was so very tired of planning everything. Rich wouldn't tell me what he wanted to do. I wanted to tour World Showcase the way Rich and I normally do. Slow and easy with frequent stops for beverages and sits. The Food and Wine Festival was not getting the attention it deserved. I wanted to tour with someone who didn't freak out if I got a beer or a wine sample. And we hadn't been to Downtown Disney yet and I was shopping for a watch and could get the 10% Magic Kingdom Club discount while there. So the plan that I had to come up with to suit my needs was Epcot first and then Downtown Disney. I even threw in the idea of Pleasure Island, finally. But it was all me planning. Remember that.

So off to Epcot and we parked at the Beach Club. Yeck! Construction, construction, construction. For all of you who have reservations at the Beach Club, be prepared. They are doing construction on half the parking lot. I don't know what they are doing there but the entire left side is closed off and torn up (I later found out they are re-building tennis courts there). On the right side, they are making new bus stops. It appears the new ones will be away from the front of the building, which makes sense. But it's just ugly right now.

We did have a guy on the bridge who pointed out an alligator in the murky water. My first alligator sighting! It was so nice for that guy to point out the gator. He left before we could thank him. He didn't have to say anything to us but he did. There wasn't anyone else around or we would have done the same. And we were finally greeted when we entered the lobby. We missed this in June since our room was better gotten to through a side entrance.

Onto the International Gateway where the Cast Member there told us to cheer up, we could be at work. Rich and I just about busted a gut laughing at that one. Rich explained that he didn't have a job and had just lost it a week before we got here. The CM took the time to talk about the situation and said that we shouldn't worry about it, computer jobs were easy to get. That was very nice of the CM to interject a little personal thing into our day.

First up was a beer in Canada (Rich the big one, me the small one). I bid a silent bow to the quiet Off Kilter stage. I miss those boys! The Cast Member here was on his first day "out". Now, remember how Canadians say "out". I asked about Off Kilter and he really didn't know when they would be back. He said they are a very popular band. Yep, they sure are. But why aren't they here this week? He didn't know. I'd make a special trip just to see them again.

We strolled around World Showcase with the beers (I could walk and drink with a full one) and checked out some of the shops we couldn't earlier since Bobbie didn't want to do any shopping. We made it to Mexico when my walking and drinking problem took over so we grabbed a bench. We observed people and did the stroller test. Now, before I get flamed for this, I didn't even notice this. It was Bobbie and Ed. They said they noticed a ton of kids in strollers who looked like they were way too big for a stroller. Now, I'll take a happy, contented kid over an overly tired one at the end of the day. But Rich and I came up with the stroller test. If the kid's feet were touching the ground as they were sitting in the stroller, they were too big. So we did "legit" and "fake". And it helped us since we made Chris walk just about everywhere we went. We retired our stroller when he was just 18 months old. When Chris was three, we made two trips to Disney World (we lived in Mississippi and one of the trips was for this very same medical convention). We never used a stroller. So we were spoiled with a walk happy kid. But he really didn't have very much choice in the matter.

We did have our first and only character encounter. Eeyore was out and no one was around so I wanted to get a picture with Rich. Rich is the ultimate Eeyore. Very pessimistic and down in the mouth. There were a couple of women in front of us who had drinks in their hands. Eeyore refused to have his picture taken with them. Once they figured out what he was telling them, they got totally ticked and left very rudely. All they had to do was to put the darn drinks down and they could have had their picture taken. I love my wine and Rich loves his beer but we can part with them every once in a while! I did get the picture of Rich and Eeyore - the twins of pessimism (and the picture is absolutely wonderful!).

After our little respite, we continued on to China. Rich hadn't had anything to eat yet (I munched on mini blueberry muffins in the room) so we stopped at Lotus Blossom Café for pork fried rice and egg rolls. We also got the Chinese wine. We must have used a dozen packages of duck sauce for the food - very good. The wine was so, so sweet. Very fruity and we both decided it was a cherry flavor. Horrible without food but a perfect compliment with the food. I made sure I took a bite, took a sip, took a bite, etc. I still ended up with wine left over so I kind of gulped it down. Yeck. Remind me never to stop here just for wine. But the food hit the spot and we were off again.

A stop in Germany for a sample of wine ($1 each). Rich spent some time in Germany teaching while in the Air Force and is very well versed in German wine. He brought back several (OK, a ton) bottles of wine every time he went over there. Then off to America where Rich expressed an interest in American beer. Good ole Bud. He insisted we go into the Liberty Inn and I reminded him of our experiences last year when it was way too crowded and the orders got mixed up not once but twice. Well, the place was packed so we went to one of the outside stands. Cheers to Mr. Busch for his product.

We kept walking around and ended up in Japan since my walking problem had started again. No, I can't walk and chew gum at the same time, either. I realized that the last four days were really catching up with me and all I wanted was a nap. I told Rich that and hoped he wouldn't be disappointed. I told him he could stay and catch the bus back or I could take the bus back and he just laughed. So we walked around and I totally forgot to stop in France and get the Christmas presents I had seen for my friends, Lisa and Belinda. Oh well, an excuse to come back. We walked back to the Beach Club and our friend, the alligator, was gone. The construction crew was still there though.

Back to the room and Rich said that he would find something on the TV to watch while I napped. Ha! Two hours later, we both awoke from a much needed and much appreciated sleep. But the storm was still brewing. You wouldn't have known it, but it was. We were both groggy and probably should have just stayed in the room but Disney calls and we were stupid enough to answer. Onto Downtown Disney and the great buys and discounts.

First of all, I hit all red lights between Coronado and Downtown Disney. And I had to get behind buses and cars whose drivers didn't know where the heck they were going. Also, the parking lots at Downtown Disney frustrate the heck out of me. I finally ended up parking around Planet Hollywood which wasn't where I wanted to be. I wanted more towards the Marketplace but couldn't get there and just gave up. Foul mood coming up. Storm clouds are gathering.

Into the World of Disney. We picked up the Kali River Rapids die cast metal vehicle from the Attractions Collection for Ed. We had seen it earlier and pointed it out and he just said "no way!" We're going to give it to him as part of his Christmas present. I'm still laughing with how wet he got on that ride. I wish we could be there Christmas morning when he opens it up. He'll have to explain this to everyone. I also picked up the magnetic bumper sticker that says "been there, done that, going back". I'm putting this up in my office (we have lights that are metal). Maybe it'll keep all my co-workers quiet until I get back here in May. Then Rich picked up some beanies and I looked at watches. The only watch I liked was a Winnie the Pooh one with a very structured band. I have very thin wrists so neither one of us thought this would work. It didn't and those storm clouds were really forming. I was so disappointed even though I figured I was not going to get a watch this trip. All the other watches with bands that could be reduced were of Mickey. Sorry, I know it all started with a Mouse but I didn't want Mickey. Total cost here was $30.53.

Then I got totally witchy. Rich had been complaining about costs all week (I think it was his parents spilling over into him) so I told him that I was basically done with shopping since we would never buy anything else. We went into the Disney Art store and I made more comments about how it was a waste of time since we wouldn't add to our collection. Clouds are rolling in now! Then we were walking back to the car and Rich said something about Pleasure Island. It was only 6:00 so I said we could forget about it since nothing was open yet and he'd be too cheap to buy drinks anyway. Whoops! Thunder started right about then. We didn't have dinner plans so I suggested the Gourmet Pantry since I had a nice sandwich there last month and thought we could just take things back to the room while we watched Thursday night TV. This is where the storm broke loose.

Rich is indecisive, did I mention that? I wanted to wait until he actually selected something before I did the same. About five minutes later, he had nothing. He saw I had nothing. He said something like, you didn't find anything either? I kind of exploded. It's getting late, we have no dinner plans, I'm hungry and he's hemming and hawing over these nice selections. I just walked out. He and I had words and I told him to just go away. He did. We spent a good 15 minutes away from each other. He was sitting outside the World of Disney and we had more words. I told him I was tired of making all the decisions and worrying about whether everyone was having a good time or not. He told me that I was treating him badly. I knew that but the storm was breaking loose and nothing was going to stop it. We just glared at people and things for a while. He finally said to go back to the car. The next hour was a very quiet one. We even managed to go to Publix, check out the sandwich situation, get another box of wine, check out, and drive back to Coronado without saying a word to each other. The storm was a good one.

Once in the room, the TV was turned on and we watched for a while. I looked at the very limited room service menu and then at the TV listings. "Friends" was on at 8:00 and then nothing for us until "ER" at 10:00. So I decided to go to the Pepper Market in between. I broke the silence by telling Rich that. He asked if he was invited along. I told him I could give a fig about what he was going to do. Silence once more. The storm had abated but was still going on.

It was a silent walk to El Centro to begin with but then the storm subsided and we were friends again. No matter how magical a Disney trip can be, there's always the human factor that kicks in. We got our instructions at the Pepper Market and were seated. Our server was fine and we ordered a Dos Equis for Rich and a Chardonnay for me. We got our drinks and then went in search of food. Rich wanted calzone and I wanted a sandwich and the Pepper Market's way of doing things worked out well for us. In case you don't know about it, each person is given a card that they have stamped at each place where they get food and drinks. You pay for everything on the way out.

I got my ham and cheese sandwich and Rich's calzone would take ten minutes. The stamper at the sandwich place didn't want to be there tonight and Rich said the guy at the pizza place didn't want to be there either. Oh well, we were still getting over our storm so no big deal. The sandwich guy, though, stamped right over where the drink guy had written in my wine. I wondered if I would get charged for the wine. We just sipped the drinks while waiting for Rich's calzone. I didn't eat the sandwich since I would have been finished by the time Rich got his food. The calzone turned out to be huge! A great bargain for the price. My sandwich was fine except I could have used a little more meat in there. And we had a second round of drinks. This time, the drink guy didn't write down Rich's beer. So we ended up just paying for one beer and one wine. Saved us $9.45. Did we tell anyone? Maybe we should have but we didn't. Total cost for the meal was $27.35.

Then we looked at the watches and realized we spent a ton of time at the Pepper Market. "ER" was starting in just eight minutes and we still had the "long" walk back to the Ranchos. We didn't hurry or anything and made it back just as the show was starting. So it's an eight minute stroll from El Centro back to the nether regions of the Ranchos. Not bad at all. Now, if you were doing the refillable mugs every morning or something like that, it would be a problem. For two adults, perfect.

Kid of the Day - Rich getting his picture taken with Eeyore. Rich absolutely hates having his picture taken so this was very nice for me.

Sense of the Day - the sight of the alligator near the bridge at the Beach Club. My first alligator sighting!

Day Seven - Friday, November 3, 2000

We still hadn't made it to Magic Kingdom yet so that was the plan for today. Yesterday and tomorrow are early entry days for the Kingdom so I suggested we avoid those days. Today was the only day we would be able to make it to the original park. Don't flame me, but it is our least favorite park. It's great for the originality but give me Epcot or Animal Kingdom any day. We got up and drove over to park at the Contemporary. I know the parking purists would have a heart attack with how we did this. Let's just say it involved a phone call that morning to make a priority seating we knew we wouldn't keep. No problem with the gate guard, no check to see if we did have a priority seating, and no pink three hour limit parking pass.

We took the quick walk over to Magic Kingdom and discussed along the way what we wanted to do. All three mountains and that was about it. Rich said he wanted to get FastPasses for his and Chris' collections for Buzz Lightyear and Haunted Mansion. Two places that didn't have FastPasses when the guys started this collection in June. Earlier, Rich had tried to use his room key for the Test Track FastPass and it didn't work. So we thought they had finally figured out how to counteract the double FastPass trick. But I still wondered. I had brought along all of our old room keys from June plus Chris' Annual Pass so we had a ton of options for FastPass (three room keys from the Beach Club, three room keys from the Contemporary, and one extra AP - then, two rooms keys from the Boardwalk, two room keys from Coronado Springs, and two AP s - total of 13 different ways to get FastPasses). We'll see what happens.

We checked out our brick and it was still there and in good shape. I really hope they keep the Walk Around the World for a while. I know the Leave a Legacy tiles might go but I really like the walk. Not just because we have a brick, but because we like to just walk and see all the names and dedications. We've had our brick since the very beginning (1994) and have enjoyed seeing it each trip.

Through the turnstyles and up Main Street. Fortunately for Rich, the photo guys were busy with other families so he was spared the agony of having his picture taken. Over to Space Mountain for our first FastPass. The standby time was 30 minutes and it was 10:15 and the FastPass return time was 11:00-12:00. FastPass, here we come. And the room key did work so I had to play around with all thirteen options. Then towards Splash Mountain for a FastPass but the Teacups had no line whatsoever and we hadn't done that in years. So I talked Rich into it. Actually, he had no choice in the matter. I would regret this since the spinning left me kind of, well, off kilter for the rest of the day.

Then to the Haunted Mansion where Rich didn't even see the FastPass distribution booths - they really did a nice job to incorporate this into the scenery. We got the FastPasses and then just walked into the show. I had taken notice that with the "scary" stuff, even if the wait was 0 minutes, they used 13 minutes as a wait time. This happened at Twilight Zone as well. Get it, 13 minutes - you know, like Friday the 13th. It took Rich a while to get that little reference. After our little ride with the 999 happy ghosts, onto Splash Mountain and a FastPass for 11:30-12:30. Big Thunder Mountain Railroad was being refurbished for our future enjoyment so we'd have to settle for just two mountains this trip. Then through Adventureland and Frontierland which was very congested because of the construction. Not something I want to go through every time, thank you very much.

We used the pathway along the castle and Rich just loved this little short cut. It made getting from Adventureland back to Tomorrowland very nice. Hardly anyone uses this and it took us right along the castle. An excellent choice to beat the Fantasyland crowds. Over to Space Mountain where we just walked past the standby line all the way up and into the vehicles. Here, the FastPass line goes on the right side and the standby line goes on the left. If you have a preference in lines, be warned - you don't get a choice.

Then we hit Buzz Lightyear for FastPasses. By this time our Space Mountain window had expired so we didn't really need those 13 different options. We got our souvenirs and then went back over to Splash Mountain for our ride, using the castle walkways again. FastPass at Splash Mountain was very nice. A 45 minute standby line and we just walked right to the front of everyone. Yes, we did have to criss cross the park a little but we've been here so many times that it's not a problem for us. We were in the front of the boat and had first timers behind us. With every drop, they thought it was the big one. Very refreshing to hear new impressions. It really is nice that Disney did such a long and detailed ride. These new people thought we'd just go up and drop. They didn't expect the extended story line. We did get pretty wet but nothing like Ed on Kali.

We decided we were done with Magic Kingdom. We like all the other stuff but just didn't want to do it. I suggested a nice sit down lunch at Concourse Steakhouse and Rich agreed. We had the medical convention night at Universal and while they provide food, it is often difficult to get to. So we wanted something in our stomachs now. A quick walk back to the Contemporary and Rich said something about hoping we could get into the Steakhouse for lunch. I knew the place wouldn't be crowded and I was right. If you need a break from Magic Kingdom, check this place out. Very nice and adult. But kids are more than welcome. The monorail going right over your head makes a nice touch. And quiet during lunch since Chef Mickey's is closed so you don't get that noise.

Our server was very attentive but a bit too "proper". Rich had the burger with bacon and cheddar and I ordered the blackened prime rib. Everything was good but I should have ordered my prime rib medium rare instead of medium. I forgot we were on the East Coast. In the Midwest, medium rare means it's still mooing when you cut into it. Medium is pink inside. This prime rib had no pink at all and that's not the way prime rib should be. Plus, no horseradish sauce to enjoy with it. But Rich asked for extra ketchup and got a huge bowl full. At the Concourse Steakhouse, you don't get bottles of condiments, you get bowls. We did get a couple of mugs of beer and a couple of glasses of wine as well. Total including tip was $45. Nice break in the day.

It was too early to take Rich over to the Omni Rosen to meet up with his dad so we went back to the room. Here's where we did the good thing of the day. We had both brought our cell phones with us and Rich used his once to call the fantasy football commissioner from the Boardwalk. Otherwise, the phones were just left in the room. But we wouldn't be together today so we wanted them just in case something happened. Boy, am I glad we made that stop back at the room. Rich tried to get us online with the laptop but couldn't get any of the software to connect. While he was doing that, I crashed for a nice little nap. Long vacation already!

Around 2:30, we left for the trip to International Drive. It took a lot longer than I thought but I dropped Rich off at the Omni Rosen shortly after 3:00. I then left and drove over to the Beach Club for my afternoon at Epcot. I had decided earlier in the day to do that since I wanted to pick up the Christmas presents for Lisa and Belinda and I had seen some pressed pennies in Norway that I didn't have but hadn't taken the time to get yet. And I only had a few hours so a walk around World Showcase was perfect.

What did Rich do? Well, this is why I was glad we had the phones. Turns out there are *two* Rosens on International Drive, both within sight of each other. Did I pick the right one? Nope. Rich's parents were supposed to be in the lobby waiting for him. When Rich didn't see them, he went to the front desk and asked for room 1040. No one by the name of Niklewski listed. Oops. The front desk called the other Rosen (Rosen Centre) and they said they didn't have a Niklewski listed either. But Rich figured it was the wrong place and walked to the next one. He had quite a walk since he had to go past the entire Convention Center. But he made it to the other one and finally hooked up with his parents, who had been sitting patiently waiting in the lobby for the last hour. But that took a while and I still thought he was at the first Rosen. So Rich called me. I didn't hear the call.

Meanwhile, I'm having a blast at Epcot. I got the compacts in France for Lisa and Belinda. These are really nice and only $11 each. And I loved the way Disney gives you boxes and wraps things up for you if they know it's for a gift. They even take off the price tags which I like since I always forget to do stuff like that. I basically have to put a bow on these and I'm done with wrapping. I also had a glass of wine on the way out. I sat in the garden area of United Kingdom to enjoy the wine and write up some notes. I regretted not being able to show Ed the butterfly garden here but we just ran out of time and daylight. Next time, definitely. But he did get to enjoy the other garden in Future World.

When I got my glass of wine in France, a woman was in front of me who wanted two glasses of champagne. Disney has a very strict policy about having one person and one drink. Rich and I have always gotten our drinks together since we've known about it. They just simply will not let anyone walk off with two drinks if they can't see the other person who is going to be drinking. I think it's a good policy. Can you imagine some of these teenage tour groups if this policy didn't exist? The server asked this woman who else was drinking. Of course, the other person was no where to be found. The woman turned around and asked a gentleman to "be with her". He agreed but the server absolutely refused to serve the woman. She was very upset but I enforced the policy with her. She walked off in a huff. Policy is policy and it's a good one.

Then a quick stop at the Refreshment Port for the white wine that I like. I asked the Cast Member there what kind of wine it was and she showed me the bottle. I said that I really liked it and she offered to write down the name for me. It's Goulaine Chardonnay from France for anyone who is interested. I'm hoping to find it locally but I kind of doubt it. Midwesterners are not known for their wine prowness. Then onto Norway and my pressed pennies. Got those and then had to make a decision. Do I continue on around the Showcase or do I go back and do Test Track singles line? I thought I'd make Mr. Busch proud again with a good ole American Bud so that made the decision easier. It was getting close to 5:00 and I wanted to leave Epcot around 5:30 for the trip back to International Drive.

As I was headed through China, I finally heard the phone ring. But I wasn't fast enough to answer it. So I stopped and called Rich. First I didn't dial the area code since it was technically a local call. But the nice cell phone man told me to dial an area code. So I did. The Orlando area code. Duh! I finally got it right. I never imagined myself at Epcot using a cell phone. At least I wasn't in line or on a ride and I did move off the path and tried to keep my conversation private. Rich answered and told me about the hotel snafu. Unfortunately, they were in line at the rest room at the stamp show so I had to then talk to his father while Rich had his turn. Talk about bad timing! I got the new hotel instructions and said I'd call before I left. Ed said they had just gotten to the stamp show so I should take my time. Oh darn, more time at Epcot to myself.

I got my beer in America and then also picked up the Millennium videocassette. I wanted a lasting memento of the Tapestry of Nations parade. I'm hoping they keep this after the new year. It really is a big hit with me. Only $10 so I thought it was well worth it. The lady at the stand gave me a big bag to put my two smaller ones in and said that this was the only place where they freely give out bags. I had to laugh. I think Disney kind of overdoes it with the bags but I'm not complaining. I take so many home and they are very good quality and strength.

I enjoyed my beer in Japan and offered to take numerous pictures for families. This is just something that is so nice about Disney World. Where else can you get as many family pictures as you wanted because someone is always willing to take the picture for you? This one family was so grateful to have everyone in the picture. The mom kept saying, "we have a picture of *all* of us!" And I wasn't the one taking that picture, someone else did. Just another nice touch and it's not even something Disney does, it's something that we all do together.

I was done with my walkaround so I headed back to the Beach Club. It was 5:45 by the time I got to the car and I was supposed to be at the hotel around 6:00. I called Rich and he said they were on their way back and they should be there before me. I needed to just pull up front and one of them would come out with a parking pass for me. They monitor the parking at the Rosen Centre just like Disney does with Coronado Springs - you need a room key to get into the areas. OK, I'll call you when I pull up front. Off to International Drive and I'm hoping I can find this place.

Traffic was not a problem except for people not doing the speed limit. Grrr, let me off I4 please! I found what I thought was the right hotel and called Rich. A word here - I programmed his number into the phone beforehand so all I had to do was hit the "Talk" button. It didn't distract from my driving at all. Unfortunately, Rich had gotten horribly lost. I am so glad for those phones today! He had gotten off I4 because the traffic there was bad. I had warned him about I4 and rush hour. But he got so turned around. He ended up going to Lockheed Martin. I had no idea where that was but then he said they were at the Belz Outlets. At least I knew where that was. I told him that he should just follow International Drive all the way south. He was at one end and the Rosen Center was at the other. He was very, very, very aggravated.

So here I was at the hotel and they were miles and a half hour away. I couldn't park anywhere since I didn't have the pass. Fortunately, I pulled into the lobby area and Bobbie was waiting! I have never been so happy to see someone in my life! She directed me back to the parking area and then led me through the huge lobby and up to their room. The room is about the same size as our Coronado Springs room. I called Rich again and he testily told me they were at Sand Lake Road and slowly making their way to the hotel. He said tersely that at least he knew where he was now. I quickly hung up and told Bobbie her son would not be in a good mood when he got here. She said "oh dear" but I figured Rich would be fine in a little while.

Ed and Rich showed up around 7:00 so that wasn't that bad. The buses were going to leave around 7:45 for Universal and Bobbie thought we should be in the lobby at 7:30. I changed into jeans and a sweatshirt. Rich brought a sweatshirt along. He decided to stay in shorts. It wasn't that cold but I wanted to be comfortable. We went to the lobby at 7:30 and were glad we did. The bus line was long and organized but did I say it was long? And how long does it take to load buses? Obviously, with these doctors, quite a long time. I really wish we could have just driven but we did the cattle thing and finally got on a bus. Then the drive to Universal. The park was closed to everyone except the medical convention and we were looking forward to trying out some of our favorite rides. Huge disappointment when we got there.

The only ride that was open was Back to the Future. Terminator 2 had three shows and the Horror Make Up Show had five shows. That was it. Food was only offered until 9:30 and there were lines already when we got there. Rich and I had had lunch but Bobbie and Ed were waiting for tonight. They got some food (stuffed pasta and caesar salad). Rich and I went to the bar (surprise!) and the in-laws were appalled so see it was a *gasp!* cash bar. But the $4 for a glass of wine was really a cup of wine and a heck of a lot more than Disney does. We found a less congested food line and Rich got a plate. He ate the pasta and I ate the salad and then we were ready to go. They had a DJ set up and I embarrassed the heck out of Rich by having to dance to N'Sync. The rest of them just walked off, leaving me to dance with Boris and Natasha.

Then to the first showing of Terminator 2. We walked right into the preshow and then enjoyed the show. Then to Back to the Future with a observation to Ed that this was just like Star Tours and he should like it. I made sure I sat in the back since I don't like being jolted around in the front. I still like Star Tours better, though. After that, we were done. $45 each for this? Bobbie and Ed were very disappointed. But the day had been full for everyone so even if there was a lot more open, I don't think anyone would have enjoyed it.

We took the bus back to the hotel and then Rich and I left for Disney World. Right now, we don't think we'll be hooking up with the parents again although a breakfast Sunday morning before we go to the airport might be an option. Bobbie is afraid we won't be able to do all that and still make our flight. We'll see.

Kid of the Day - the little girl who did not want to leave the Kid Spot at United Kingdom. She was just having so much fun making her mask. Her parents were ready to go but she just wanted to stay. She had such a great smile on her face. Disney doesn't make any money off these Spots but they are a huge hit with the kids. Keep this kind of stuff up!

Sense of the Day - the taste of the wine at the Refreshment Port. I hope I can find this locally.

Day Eight - Saturday, November 4, 2000

After our late night our last night, we just slept. There's a ceiling fan in the room and I should have turned it on but Rich was sleeping so contently so I didn't. I was a little warm. Finally, I just had to get up. Rich asked what time it was and I said close to 10:00. He kind of groaned. But we didn't have too much planned for our last day so I wasn't concerned with getting going. I like those kind of days.

We got up and tried to get going. I was being the slow one and ended up having the housekeeper come by to see if we were going to need servicing. I really do wish you could request your service time and your level of service. I don't need the linens changed every day and I don't need the bathroom completely cleaned every day either. We communicated very badly that we would be leaving in a half an hour. Unfortunately, this housekeeper spoke very little English.

We still hadn't done Rock N Roller Coaster since Rich's parents were not roller coaster fans and we didn't want to leave them while we rode. So MGM was our first stop. We parked at the Beach Club with Rich saying "I'm not hearing our excuse". Actually, the gate guard was fine with us parking there. In fact, he was just going to wave us in and didn't even care about our reasoning for being there. We walked through all the Beach Club and the Yacht Club and I got the Millennium quarter for the Yacht Club. I would have done more except I didn't have enough quarters. Darn! I left my roll in the room, thinking I didn't need them. Oh well, there's always next year.

Onto the boat for MGM. We had a little bit of a wait but nothing major. We watched the ducks and birds and then boarded. With Ed, you definitely look out for birds and other wildlife. Rich continues that fine tradition. We took the slow boat to China, err MGM. Our goal was Rock N Roller Coaster and maybe another ride on Twilight Zone. I handled the first ride so well that I was actually looking forward to a second trip. The standby time for Twilight Zone was the typical 13 minutes so we decided to do a FastPass for Rock N Roller Coaster and then ride with Rod. When we got to the Coaster, the FastPass return time was 3:00-4:00. It was only 1:00 and we didn't plan to spend over two hours here. Standby time was 25 minutes so we decided to suck it up and just stand and wait. So we joined the line. The wait time was very conservative and we were totally done within the 25 minutes. We really do not like the way they do this line. It's one of the few queues where you just don't constantly move. And it can be hot. The weather was beautiful again but it's certainly not fun just standing around waiting. But into the ride with Aerosmith and we were third from the back of the limo. Great ride again.

Then back to Twilight Zone where the wait time was now a whopping 15 minutes. So we stood and waited. We ended up being between two groups of couples that were together. Once we realized that, we let the group behind us go with the group in front of us. They were very grateful, but wary. The second group had a ton of reservations about going on this! We just laughed and told them it wasn't that bad. Yeah, right!

We enjoyed our trip to the 13th floor and we ended up in the elevator with the scared people. I had such a great time watching those other people! By this time, the fear factor kicked in and I had had enough of the thrills for the day. I can only take so much. Rich needed a souvenir FastPass of Rock N Roller Coaster since his pass in June didn't work. But he didn't believe me that he just needed Rock N Roller Coaster so he got both that one and Twilight Zone. Then to the Sunshine Market for a beer. I could walk and drink so we meandered over to Muppets to get souvenir FastPasses for Rich and Chris - this one didn't have FastPass in June. Making great use of those old room keys by this point. We did stop then at the Hall of Fame place to finish the beers. My fallacy kicked in. Once we were done, we headed out of MGM. Back to the boats and off to the Beach Club again. The line for the boat was fairly long which surprised me. I don't even think the line was this long in June.

We deboated at the Yacht/Beach Club and walked over to Epcot. We did see this adorable duck family with seven youngsters. I grabbed the camera and snapped a couple of pictures. My film ran out but I think got a few shots (the pictures turned out terrific!). I have only taken one roll of film which isn't bad. Considering I took over 100 pictures in June and four rolls in September. I'll have a big scrapbook for the year 2000.

We met the boat that we left over at Epcot. If we hadn't stopped for the baby ducks and the film change, we would have beaten it. Through the turnstyles and into Epcot for our last park visit. The place was packed! It was Saturday and I figured the locals were out for the Food and Wine Festival. All the booths were crowded with long lines at each. Well, we'll just get "normal" stuff and just have one last go around. We tried to stop in Canada for a beer but then noticed the kegs weren't running. So we continued on to the Refreshment Port where I just had to settle for a glass of wine and Rich got a beer. Then we just walked around the Showcase. Everything was mobbed.

We made it around to America and saluted Mr. Busch yet again but this time from the Food and Wine Festival booth and the Michelob offerings. We sat on a planter and just watched people for a while. We also talked about dinner plans. I offered up Big River Grille and Rich was responsive. We sat for a long time and just relaxed. Then on to France where I wanted to end our visit with a glass of champagne. Not a problem with this even though this stand was crowded as well. We took our drinks and made our way to the exit.

Now, this is where I start to go a little weird. I have been to Disney World three times this year and have never really had a problem with leaving. I was here twice last year and still hadn't had a problem with leaving. But I did today. Boy, oh boy, did I have a problem. I really lost it. I cried and asked it I could come back. Of course, I wasn't blubbering but I was close. It was so very, very hard to leave. We couldn't exit Epcot with our champagnes. The Cast Member explained that they had two different alcohol licenses so we went over and watched the ducks for a while. I really tried to hold back the tears but I couldn't. I asked Rich if he felt like he was home when he was here and he had to admit that he does. That set me off again.

We finished the drinks and headed off to the Boardwalk. I just couldn't look back. Rich did and asked me to look at something but I couldn't. At that point, I couldn't even speak. I now know what Lindy was feeling when she had to leave MGM for the last time in September. It was just easier not to see what I was leaving. Rather to think about what I could come back to.

We ended up over at the Big River Grille after Rich had a momentary thought about ESPN Club. He thought the menu at Big River was a little better. We were seated outside which was very nice. Rich ordered us some homebrews. Mine was fine but we ended up switching most of the way through the meal. I ordered the burger which was 10 oz. which was about 5 oz. too big for me. Rich ended up taking the rest back to the room for a snack later. Rich got the meat loaf which he absolutely loved. So this was a great choice for us. A quick walk back to the Beach Club with a slight look towards Epcot for me. Oh man, can I stay?

And then the fireworks. No, not the Illuminations ones but the ones in the parking lot. There is a ton of construction going on at the Beach Club and most of the parking lot is closed off. Since it was a Saturday night, the lot was kind of crowded. Behind our car, there was a station wagon that pulled up next to a van. The van looked like maybe it was broken down and the station wagon was rescuing it. While this was going on, we had a white car waiting for us to leave. There was no way in heck I was going to be able to back out of the space and go with both these vehicles in the way. I said that before we even got into the car. I said it loudly. Everyone heard me.

We got in the car and I started the motor and just waited. The white car finally realized I couldn't move so it left. I really tried to maneuver the car out of the space with the station wagon still parked in the throughway. I tried. I really tried. Oops. I hit the station wagon. Obviously, I wasn't going very fast since I knew there was a danger and there were obstacles. Well, the guy at the station wagon went bezerk! I'm talking totally East Coast, over the top, over the edge bezerk. He actually pulled out a cell phone and was going to call the police. I told him fine, go ahead and call. I asked him what he wanted me to do since I just wanted to leave but couldn't get out of my space. Rich was very much more diplomatic but the other guy was just going on and on and on and on. I finally had enough and pulled back into the space and just turned off the motor, got out of the car, and just waited at the trunk until the station wagon people felt like they were done. Surprise, surprise, the station wagon guy actually got into the car and moved it up a couple of spaces so I could get out. Why couldn't he have done this to begin with? He hadn't even finished parking the darn thing when we arrived at our car. It was obvious we couldn't get out without a struggle. And the "emergency"? They wanted to unload one car into the other. I didn't really feel too badly for hitting them. Our damage? Nothing. Damage to the station wagon? Well, we really couldn't tell since it was taped up so much. Oops, social commentary coming in there.

After all this, we just went back to our room and got everything packed up. Rich is getting better at helping with the packing. He did a carry on bag. Of course, that was the bag with all the souvenirs like his beanies but that's OK. He's carrying that bag. We managed to fit everything somewhere. I had put my video bag inside another bag on the way down so we had an extra bag for the return home. I think I'm going to continue this with every trip. Works out very nicely. We called Rich's parents and set up to meet them tomorrow morning at 9:00 for breakfast. They are also leaving although they have a nice three day drive in front of them. They plan to just take their time and get home on Tuesday. Then just relaxing in the room and attempting to watch "Saturday Night Live". We wanted to see what they did with the last show before the so very close election coming up. Although the show was good, we'd regret staying up so late.

Kid of the Day - those little baby ducks at the Yacht/Beach Club. They'll be able to live a nice, healthy, and safe life.

Sense of the Day - The taste of my tears as I realized this was it for the Disney trips for this year. Please let Rich get a better salary so we can come back here in May as planned.

Day Nine - Sunday, November 5, 2000

I had Mickey wake us up at 7:25. First was the Millennium music and then Mickey started his little spiel. I held the phone away from my ear so Rich could hear. He was not impressed at all. In fact, he was down right Grumpy! The late night and the after effects of the homebrew from Big River Grille played a part in Rich's day today. We got ready, packed a few final things and then headed out and loaded up. I really did enjoy the Coronado Springs layout and grounds. The Ranchos is supposed to be the desert area and they had dry gulches all along. Very nice attention to detail and I'm not sure I would have noticed it if I hadn't spent so much time with Disney virgins this trip. We veterans sometimes don't see all those little things.

Loaded up and headed out to International Drive. Rich had suggested his parents coming to us but I just laughed. I couldn't see them trying to maneuver around Disney grounds. So we picked them up in front of their hotel and went in search of breakfast fare. We pulled into a Perkins but the line was out the door so I left. Ed started to protest that it probably wasn't that crowded but it was too late - I was on International Drive already. Rich spotted an IHOP which we hadn't been to in years so I pulled in there. This was a little crowded too but I left everyone off and then went to find a parking spot. A guy behind me pulled out so I backed up to get the space. Whoops! I am going to have to let Rich back up the car from now on! I thought the car had already turned out of the lot but it hadn't so I almost hit it. But I didn't. Unfortunately, I made sure I told everyone what happened so it became a little joke.

Those guys got us into the smoking section so we could be seated right away. I always have this fear about getting to the airport in enough time. But it wasn't that bad. The server was a saucy waitress - the kind that is typically in truck driver diners. Rich had the ham and cheese omelet, Bobbie the veggie omelet with Egg Beaters. Ed and I did the two eggs over easy with meat on the side. The food was fine although I just can't eat heavy food that early in the morning and I paid for it later in the day. Between Rich's reaction to the homebrews and my reaction to the breakfast, we had a very uncomfortable flight. The in-laws picked up the breakfast check and wouldn't even let us pay the tip. Thanks guys!

I drove us all back to the Rosen Centre and dropped Bobbie and Ed off in the front. They had already packed their car and were ready to hit the road. They planned three whole days to get back to Maryland and were looking forward to the lazy pace. We said goodbye for now and will try and make plans to see them soon. Since they are both retired now, they travel quite a bit so we'll have to see if they can squeeze us into their busy schedule. That's my dream - to be able to travel whenever and wherever I want. Yes, we do buy those Powerball tickets but haven't come close yet.

Then on to the airport using the Beeline Expressway which I have never used to get to the airport. Going back to the Greeneway just wasn't feasible. We paid $1.25 total in tolls so it was cheaper than the Greeneway. Check in with Dollar didn't go as smoothly as normal. There were just a ton of cars being returned at the same time and only two people to check everyone in. A couple of businessmen types were behind us but busted the line because they were in such a hurry. Ya know, you could plan to be at the airport a little earlier so you don't have this problem. As it turned out, they both stood there waiting for the elevator with a mass of other people. We took the escalator and beat them by a long while.

Up to Midwest Express check in. We went by huge lines at United and Air Canada and I was so glad to be flying Midwest Express instead of the other two airlines. Very quick check in and I asked about the exit row and was given row 13 again. Yes, nice leg room for us. We were about an hour from boarding so we just watched the CNN airport news. We were hoping for some football coverage but it was not to be. So we listened to the election stuff and George W. Bush's 1976 "arrest" for DUI. Honestly, what's the big deal? I later told Chris he could never run for public office since he had to appear in court to fight a California roll through a stop sign. And Rich and I quietly debated our presidential choices. He confessed he's having second thoughts about his choice and would decide on Election Day.

We both were feeling very uncomfortable - Rich with the homebrew of last night and me with the breakfast of this morning. We boarded the plane and were happy just to be able to sit in one spot for the next three hours. We both declined all the food and the wine on the flight. I think the attendants thought we were crazy. The food looked good but there was no way I would be able to handle it. And wine too? No thank you very much. We both slept, Rich read the newspaper, and I did puzzle books and listened to Off Kilter. I couldn't see the boys but I could still listen to them. There's always next year!

We were a little late getting into Omaha and were greeted by rains and clouds. Yeck. Chris was there to meet us. The bags came fairly fast and then we were whisked (well, as fast as the Omaha interstate system allows us) home to the cat. Who greeted us with a very puzzled and sleepy look on his face. I missed the fuzzy orange thing.

Final Thoughts and Overall Impressions

Touring with other people - I love my in-laws. I really do. If I sounded harsh, I didn't mean to be. It's just very difficult to tour with people that you don't deal with on a daily basis. I had the same problem last year with my dad and stepmother. Bobbie has opinions but doesn't share them until after a decision has been made. Ed is so laid back that you can tell him to do anything. Rich is very indecisive but at least I know him. So having four different personality types with three of them looking at you to make a decision is very aggravating. I don't mind being a tour guide but just let me be one. Trust me and I'll get you through it. Part of my problem with this trip is that I didn't want anyone to be disappointed. The Disney magic means too much to me. After my wonderful solo trip last month, I wanted everyone to experience that. In a way, the in-laws did. They saw everything and had a good time. I don't think they were disappointed in anything (except the prices). I think a real tour guide would have been more structured and rigid. But I knew my guests and that made it a lot harder.

Weather - beautiful! Temperatures in the 80s during the day and a little cool at night but nothing we couldn't handle in shorts and T-shirts. I normally come here with sleeveless shirts but brought T-shirts this time and was fine. We did wear jeans and took sweatshirts for Universal since the nights were cooler.

Crowds - not bad. We used FastPass once with Bobbie and Ed on Test Track. I think our longest wait was there as well but you have to expect that when the ride goes down so often. Rich and I used FastPass at Magic Kingdom for the two mountains. All the other times we did the standby lines and moved fairly fast. Bobbie and Ed loved the queues so that helped. We must have hit everything at Animal Kingdom just right because we never needed FastPasses there. Bobbie did mention that she sees why we love Epcot so much - no crowds. I had to point out that Epcot has the largest walking areas which helps. The weekends were definitely much more crowded than during the week. This was not the case in June. I think the crowds in September were lower then what we had this trip.

The Boardwalk - I will no longer be able to compare any other resort stay with this one because it was perfect! Just exactly what we needed and the location to Epcot and MGM was wonderful. The room was bright and cheery and had more than enough space for us. Bobbie and Ed grumbled a little about having to take the pull out couch but I wasn't budging. And it worked out wonderfully. Yes, a little expensive but just the thing for two couples traveling together. The view here was spectacular and the Room Controller and Manager will get a letter of appreciation from me. It really made the time with the in-laws magical.

Coronado Springs - my opinion of the resort has changed. I really like it. Especially if you can ignore those conventioneers. Rich went to get his newspaper in the morning and he said they were all over the place. Why do they have to yell so much? I didn't even venture to El Centro except to check us in and the one visit to the Pepper Market. Ranchos was perfect for us and the room location was wonderful for us yet again. I'm doing very well with this faxing of room requests.

Food -

Whispering Canyon dinner - a wonderful experience! We ate here for lunch last year and were underwhelmed. This dinner totally changed my opinion. Great server, great atmosphere, good food, and wonderful company. A perfect way to start the vacation. We just wanted to show off the Wilderness Lodge and this meal just topped everything off.

Spoodles breakfast - OK and no characters so it's a good adult meal. But I think I'll try Yacht Club Galley in the future. Nothing about Spoodles was bad but nothing stood out, either.

Alfredo's late lunch - OK. That's about all I can say. OK. There are other places in World Showcase I'll go back to before Alfredo's.

Rainforest Café lunch - A lot better than the other times we've been here. I only did this because (1) I had the $25 gift certificate and (2) it's the only sit down place at Animal Kingdom. But it was a good choice. I only wish we weren't cold due to the Kali ride.

Shell's dinner (offsite) - another great meal here. Why don't we just give it up and plan at least one meal here every trip? We always end up here.

Concourse Steakhouse lunch - very nice break from Magic Kingdom and a very adult meal. But kids do well here too with the monorail constantly going through. Definitely a hidden attraction for lunch.

Housekeeping/soaps/shampoos - Ever since I read about Dotti's campaign (http://wdwig.com/soap.htm) to collect Disney soaps and shampoos and distribute them to cancer kids in the Boston area, I have been asking housekeeping for extras. With the last couple of trips, I have pasted Disney characters onto envelopes and put the housekeeping tip in there. I cut out the characters from magazines and catalogs. I do tip housekeeping every day and this trip it was $5 at the Boardwalk and $3 at Coronado - $1 more than the amount of people in the room. On the first day, I leave a note requesting extra soaps and shampoos and why I wanted them. The Boardwalk housekeeper gave me a few extra things each day. The Coronado Springs housekeeper responded on the first day with three bags full of stuff - soaps, shampoos, lotions, coasters, pens, memo pads, laundry bags. Each place is different and I take all this stuff home and then mail it to Dotti for her kids. Yes, I do have to pay for postage and I do have to find room in my luggage for all the stuff. But it's so well worth it when you know some child is going to get better use out of a bar of soap than anyone ever could. Take the time and help out a very worthy cause - one that comes from the heart and not the pocketbook.

Conclusion

I went into this trip fully realizing that it would be different from any other trip. I have decided that any time I go to Disney World with anyone else except my husband and/or son, I will have to mentally prepare myself. I did this time and was not disappointed. We did kind of a commando mode when Bobbie and Ed were with us and we haven't done that in a long time. I can now see how people can get up and be at the parks all day. But the first part of the trip left me tired. In the future, I will have to pace myself out and give myself more times to rest and just enjoy the little things.

Touring the Disney virgins was very interesting. Especially with Ed's love of nature. I laughingly say that we saw every tree and flower in both Epcot and Animal Kingdom. But that was good because it did slow us down and made us aware of stuff we would have never seen. Ed took a ton of pictures and I'm anxious to see how they turned out. It'll be interesting to see what his perspective of Disney World was.

If I had to do it all over again, the only thing I would change would be that Friday when Rich went to the stamp show and we all went to Universal. I think that would have worked out much better on the day we checked out of the Boardwalk. It just cut into the vacation. I would have preferred three straight days with just Rich and me together. Maybe that little storm between us wouldn't have happened.

My next trip? May 11-20 with reservations at Port Orleans, or whatever it's going to be called by that time. At first, I was a little upset that a deluxe wasn't available at a decent price. But the experience with Coronado Springs changed that. We've never stayed at Port Orleans so that's why I picked that moderate. I will try for Annual Passport discounts but I'm fine with what we have.

And the trip after that? Well, my sister asked me to plan a big one. A family reunion for June, 2003. It's her eldest daughter's high school graduation so she wants everyone to meet at Disney World. It'll be her, her husband, their four kids, me, Rich, Chris, my dad and my stepmother. I asked Bobbie and Ed to also make plans to be there.

The trip had its ups and downs, but mostly ups. That's why I love going back there again and again. Each trip is different. This time, I got to enjoy time with all four parents and my husband. That was the focus and it was very nice. Disney World has something for everyone and we keep finding new and different things. Someone asked if it loses some of the magic since I go so often. Nope, there's magic everywhere. It might be in some tree that Ed was looking at or the little ducklings we saw. But it's there. All around you. Disney World is not a place. It's an experience. Enjoy it with the people you love.

Sheri Niklewski

disnut@home.com

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