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John Poster -- September 2000 -- Walt Disney World (PO)
Planning Phase We made our room-only ressie way ahead. I believe January for originally 6 nights (Sunday through Friday) and I added a few days wherever I could in Anticipation. We got a MKC rate of $99.00 a night ($110 with tax). Wife and I are terrible at saving so I used my bill payment system and quicken to pay the room off in advance, after I called CRO and found the address to do this. Just have to note the ressie number on the checks. It worked great (Well Almost, Read the day 2 check-in process for more details). I consult on the side, so whenever I received a large check from a client, we visited the Disney store and purchased a 6-Day Park Hopper Plus Pass. They were all purchased by the end of July (2 Adults and 1 Child MKC). Day 1 - Friday September 8th. (Travel Day) All Day at work I was rearin' to go! Found out in the morning I was getting an additional 2 days vacation, and there was nothing going on! Told boss I was probably leaving around noon. Spent a few hours at the home centers shopping for Tile, but that is another story altogether...Momma was off and packing everything. She did a super job; we ended up forgetting only our Insulated Water Bottles from Wal-Mart. Not a biggie, we just bought a bottle strap and reused water bottles we purchased at the parks. By 3PM we were on the road having collected the kids from school busses, and daycare. One stop at a fast food joint, and a romp at a rest area for about 15 minutes was all the stopping we did. We live just outside Charleston, SC and believed it would have been an 8-hour drive. We were pleasantly surprised to find we were in our room at 930PM at the Holiday Inn International Drive, which I got a good deal on Priceline.com ($40.00). We order a Pizza in the room and it was pretty bad. (Little Caesars': ~$16.00 with tip) Hindsight would tell me to just check into the Disney resort next time. However I was unsure of the drive time, plus our tickets would not allow us to use the parks Saturday (More will be revealed). Day 2 - Saturday September 9th - Hotel Check In - Disney Transport Day! We wake up; get coffee made in the room. I take the kids to Burger King and get way too much food for the 4 of us while Momma gets ready. I return to the room and pack the van up with the kids in tow. We look at the pool while still waiting for Momma (Note to self: Shave her head before next trip). I check out and we are on the way to Port Orleans! Kids see Huge McDonalds off International Drive and are hungry again (We ate 20 minutes ago). We drive in to Port Orleans with no problems, even though I have never been there. We checked out luggage in and unloaded minivan. We do not have enough luggage so we end up with duffle bags, grocery bags etc, the bellhop provides Disney plastic bags for everything that was not "acceptably packed". I do the advance check in, and the Clerk informs me my balance on the room is about $775.00. I had called and confirmed more than once that my payments were being applied, and still got a little worried. She assured me that it had just not downloaded to their system yet. So she checked and charged my credit card only about $210.00 on check in, it turns out she was still a little off however it all worked out in the end. I decided to get the charge privileges on the room keys. After she handed my about 20 maps and pamphlets and filled up my backpack we were off to the resorts and other free things we could do (6-day passes holding us down). She offered my a smoking room, but since I had faxed room requests, I decided to wait for my room I was "allocated". She told me to call around 1:30 or 2. Even though I had not stayed onsite before, I am a self-proclaimed master of Disney Transportation. After all I managed to learn the Tokyo Subway system good enough to get around in less than a week (If you can do that, you can do anything travel related)! We walk to the bus stop, and a bus pulls up going to the MK. We ride to MK, and catch resort monorail to the Poly. I show the wife and kids around the Poly. I buy the wife and myself a lanyard and our 1st pin. I talk to some pin traders about a Figment pin that sold out in 3 hours that morning. They said they had 6, I probably should have asked them for one to buy or something. They were very nice, my 1st and only experience this trip with pin traders; luckily it was a good one. I spent about 20 minutes going around to shops trying to find a thingy for my lanyard that would hold my passes, the CM's that spoke English goodly enough to help me, directed me to the camera center on Main Street USA. After I found out our kiddy lanyards have Velcro on them I was turned off on hanging my key/passes on them. The children found a coloring table/movie spot in the lobby and were content for a good 30 minutes while my wife and I took potty breaks and explored the lobby/shops. It was now around 11:00, so I took a chance and called to check on room; Not Ready. We then leisurely walked over to TTC for a monorail ride. Baby Zack had a spill and hurt his knee, no blood, a little TLC and he was fine. The kids got a kick out of the monorail, and I have read on many a newsgroup and website, that the best way to arrive at Epcot your 1st time is in the front cab. I asked the nice CM at the empty terminal what our chances of riding up front were, and he replied "excellent" and directed us to the white bench. Caitlin was not thrilled about riding up front at this time. Monorail Pink or Coral showed up and we rode up front right past the big ball. Our Monorail Driver was great on this trip and told us how much Spaceship Earth weighs (16 Million Pounds). Baby Zack even before this said, "Daddy look at that big ball", and when I asked him is he was going to throw it he replied "Its too heavy Daddy". This was repeated every time we saw Spaceship Earth, and will be a memorable moment for sure. We asked for a Monorail License on the kids and were told that they were all picked up due to a printing problem. :( We then walked out and caught a bus back to PO, and checked on the room, it was about 1, and it was still Not Ready. We walked through the resort, looked at the pool, and caught a boat to Downtown Disney. The kids saw the McDonalds, and we had to go. We were able to amuse them at the Lego store for about 10 minutes, but it was a mad house, so we headed to Mickey D's. Wow, the prices are high here! We ate a lunch and played around at Downtown Disney. There was a torrential rainfall and we did not have Poncho's or umbrella (They were checked with the luggage). I called the hotel once again, and the room was ready. I wrote down the room number 5110. Once arriving at the room, it was all I requested except the corner room. It was close to food courts, pool, and ground level. It was an awesome room! I still dwelled on the fact it was not a corner room. Oh well. We called for luggage and it arrived no problem. The kids got ready for the pool, and I took them down while Momma unpacked. She showed up not long after. Baby Zack had his life jacket (he calls Coat Jacket) with 101 Dalmatians theme on it. It took him one time of me going down the serpent slide with him and he was off and running on his own, much to the Lifeguards chagrin. He is capable of paddling, and climbing out of the pool real good. With the current like it is, he shoots across the pool and is out in seconds. Caitlin enjoys the slide equally, and they are amused for hours. I ask Momma what time it is (neither wear watches today) and she says around 4PM. We hang out a while and then leave for the room to get ready for Chef Mickey's at 6PM. We leave the hotel after 5PM and the MK bus pulls away as we get near the bus stop. I start to stress about the PS, but it works out. We arrive right at 6PM. The Contemporary and Chef Mickey's is a mad house due to the Disneyana convention. Caitlin is terrible frightened of anything in a costume, Santa, Mice, Bunny's. We have given her a lot of warning, and I have even broken the code and told her what "could be" under the magic. We get seated after about 10 minute wait. Caitlin has a few tears as Mickey works the aisles, and Minnie comes by, a little frightened, but Minnie worked the magic just right, and plays with her just perfect. Mickey comes by and she is over her lifelong fear of Characters! Mom and Dad enjoy the kids being diverted while we load up on yummy prime rib, and leg of lamb, and the awesome mashed potatoes! Bill is less than 50 Bucks as Zack eats free. A splendid bargain! We wait an incredibly long time to get the bill, and longer to pay it! Momma has to take the kids off before they light a fire or some other terrible thing. This is the only problem at Chef Mickey's tonight. All must come to and end and we are headed back to the room. We stop long enough at the food courts to get 2 Refillable Mugs (Momma pulls the reigns). I find they are quite small, and the fluid does not flow well with ice in them. After all the things people say about the refillable mugs no one tells the truth, they are pretty lame. Oh well. I take a jillion walks to fill them up with Coffee for Momma or Lemonade for the kids. I buy another one for me, a few days later. As this trip report goes on, I have the feeling details will decrease, probably in direct proportion with my beer consumption. I believe we go to the room and rest, and watch the Disney TV channels. We want to open the MK the next day, the kids have never been, and it's been a while for the wife and I. We are snug in bed before 10PM. Day 3 - Sunday September 10, 2000 - Magic Kingdom We are up around 645, and out of the hotel at 730. Momma likes the Coffee here; I make it yummy with 4 creams and 5 sugars. Kids have lemonade. We are in the MK by 805 I think (Clock on Main Street). The kid's faces are aglow. They spy the castle and it's definitely our destination! We arrive in the Hallway or whatever it is called and there is like 1 family standing in there. There are CM's in there literally recruiting families into the Royal Breakfast, I thought this was hard to get into; after all I woke up early a few months ago to make my PS for Tuesday Sept. 12th. Well they talked us into it, and we went in with no PS. Tip: Get in early enough in Sept, and you won't need PS! The Princesses amazed Caitlin! She was in seventh heaven. Zack, he could have cared less if they were Martians, he was interested in once thing, his plate! It was a great time, Cait got all kinds of Autographs, and we snapped many photos. We were done eating, and outside before rope drop. There was an introduction of a group of new MK CM's, by some MK HR lady who looked good. I know my tips well, so once the rope dropped we bolted to Dumbo, even though Zacky wanted to ride the "horses". Kids, they just don't know what is good for them. Well, they both loved Dumbo, I got slowed down parking the stroller (Our own Umbrella Model), but Momma got us both the plastic thingy's they let you in. We then rode the Carrousel, Snow White that was scary to Zack; he buried his head in Momma's side. On to the Teacups. The Kids have fun turning it, but Daddy makes it go fastest! We turn back to Fantasyland, and make it to Small World. As a teenager, I detested this ride. This has carried over into my adult life, but now, as in many things, I now know why my Father liked this ride (Hint: Parents can rest on it). Haunted House is next, Zack did not like it (Scared), but Caitlin did (both big Scooby Doo fans). I know Cait will love Big Thunder Mountain Railroad, so we head that way. She sees Splash Mountain so we head for it 1st. We ask about the toddler swap and are given directions to enter through the exit line. Cool, easily exploitable... Anyhow, we get in the legit line and its now shortly past 10AM. Fast passes being given out at this time are for shortly after 1035, so I determine it's probably not a busy day at the park. There is virtually no wait. I enjoy the ride, but feel for Zachary. This ride is really themed well, and I feel it would be great for him, but he is way under the height requirements. I think to myself why not have child seats, oh well. I get wet at the bottom near the water cannon thing. Splashed by the log dropping down the big drop. I note the water smells like mildew, and stale. Not pleasant. I think about e-coli, spit, all kinds of bad thoughts. It is a sunny hot day so I dry well. I loved the ride except for this fact. Donna goes on while Zack and I rule the Laughing place. I watch a little girl fall down and whack her face on the slide while climbing around. I felt bad, but her Nana was there are reassured her. We then get to BTMRR. Cait gets to ride it 3 times, twice with me and once with Momma. There is virtually no waits. Sunday Am in the MK is a good time. We walk over and Ride Pirates. Noted the HUGE crane in front of Jungle Cruise. That whole street is closed. They must be lifting the boats out of the water?? Maybe they are doing the monorail expansion here? This must be how rumors get started. I was disappointed the JC is closed, I told the kids all about it. We then head towards the Frontierland Railroad Station and take the train to ToonTown. Maybe this is when we really rode Goofy's Barnstormer. Anyhow we tour Minnie's house. Caitlin asks why all her stuff is Hard? "Is it fake," she asked? That is a big word for her lately. We walk into Tomorrowland. It is now mid afternoon. We get drinks, as it is a hot day. We look at the Speedway, and it is the 1st time I have to explain long lines to the kids (posted 45 minute wait). They don't mind passing this up today. I have been measuring Caitlin all year, and swear she has been 44" for about a month or two. We snag FastPasses for Space Mountain, and then jump in the Standby line. We get turned away; Caitlin is about 3/4 of an inch too small! I am livid, but I know it's not the CM's fault. I don't even ride it. Amazingly enough, she is not even upset, but I don't think she realized what just happened, how could she know, she has never ridden SM before! Wedway People Mover (or TTA) beckons to the children, and I like to go on it and reminisce of when I used to smoke..<Edited>. We go and ride Buzz Lightyear for the 1st time for everyone. Zachary is an especially large Buzz fan, and Cait grew up on Toy story. Cait gets 540, Momma about 10000, and Daddy 86000. I do not recall Zachary's score, but it was real big. We are all pretty tired, and I am impressed and satisfied with how much of the MK we conquered today, so I cave into the kid's 800th request to go to the pool. As Zachary calls them, the big pool, I guess because of his little one in the back yard. So we head out to the bus back to PO. The kids keep looking up at me and asking, "Is this our bus?" Back at the Hotel I picked up 3 E-Ride Tickets for Tuesday Night September 12th. After pool time and a brief nap (I think), we head off to Epcot for sights and Dinner. This was my plan, to spend evenings at Epcot due to the MK closing early this week. As soon as we get to Epcot I tell Donna that I have never been on Spaceship Earth. She insists I was, even though she has only been to Epcot with me once, out of the probably 7 times I have been there previously. So we take the kids on this ride, and I soon realize I was right; I had never been on it before. We are all hungry and I want Mexican, but this does not transpire. We see some Mexican dancers in front of the temple. Caitlin joins in, but gets upset or shy and begins crying. She does not like this type of activity, at least not being "rushed into it". Momma is there to help her out. Mexico is nuts at this time (roughly 7PM). We make it to China, look at the nine-dragons menu, and decline. We go to the Lotus Blossom Café, not spectacular but our hunger prevails. They did not give me my whole order, but it was rectified quickly with quite a long and loud Chinese conversation just to get 2 egg rolls. Caitlin does not eat well, and rebels. She asks why everyone is speaking Spanish; she thinks the people speaking Chinese are speaking Spanish. I deduce she thinks everything she cannot understand is Spanish. Zack eats his rice after picking out the peas, and he loves peas. Kids are amazing. We go to Norway to get a sweet pretzel, and get a few other goodies at the bakery. It is quite a wait, probably about 10 minutes. The longest line yet... for food. We start to notice the setup for the TON parade. We watch it from right in front of the Norway Bakery. People stream by the whole parade, which annoyed me; I guess they are going somewhere. I liked the parade, it was moving, just wish it was shorter! I am dead tired from holding Zack the whole parade, and from the whole day so we beat feet toward the exit. Caitlin demands a spot in our one and only stroller, so I end up with Zack on my shoulders. I wonder why the Port Orleans bus stops are always so far out... Back at the room, a few sodas and out we go. I note a burning sensation in my legs, ouch. I don't walk this much at home! :) Day 4 - Monday - September 11, 2000 - Disney MGM Studios Opted against MK EE today. Yesterday was very productive for us. I took the kids to breakfast at the food court after getting Momma's coffee. I had a breakfast sandwich (Sausage & Cheese Croissant with 2 hash browns), and got the kids 2 sides of hash browns. They are in a hash brown phase right now; they don't eat well, so I give them what they eat. I tend to not stay calm at the table. So this will work out better, after all we are on vacation! Not that I sleep in and stand in long lines on vacation, but I do eat well, and so do those around me. Get the bus to MGM, nothing good or bad about the bus trip, Caitlin likes the looks of Blizzard Beach. I look at the resorts in the area for future reference. We are disoriented in MGM; I don't like the way it's laid out. None of us have ever been there, so it was new to us. I do manage to boogie on over to RNRC 1st thing, we ask about the toddler swap, and they say they issue fast passes, but the CM says there is no wait now, just go on in. It is awesome! Shot out like a cannon! I love it. I notice my head getting pounded around and realize I need to put it back in the headrest. I ride next to a lady who looks to be about 70, and reminds me of Margaret Thatcher. Momma rides while I tend to the kids, she enjoys it as well. I also notice today, my throat is hurting and I feel run down (Probably from the nasty water on Splash Mountain). I have worried about the kids getting sick on this trip, even asked the pediatrician for medicine, and as luck would have it I end up with the illness. Next we are off to Tower of Terror! Caitlin says no as I show her the windows opening and closing. I coax her on! She makes some crying type sounds (more like groans), and looks scared. I ask her if she wants to go again, No! We make it out to the exit where Momma and Zack are waiting, and bang! Off she goes again with Momma. She likes it after all! Kids, they just don't know what is good for them. I sit outside with Zack and meet a lady from Tennessee with a nice accent. She talks about South Carolina college football, and I oblige and pretend I know sports stuff. We then walk out of the TOT area and get guided into Beauty and the Beast as it was just starting. We get good seats. I never liked the shows much, but I guess they are getting better or I am growing up (yech), this was great. The kids love the shows and Momma does too! Caitlin is in dance class and gets to see what the fruits of her labor can turn into! We then walk around and meet some characters (Donald Duck) in front of the Great Movie ride. We then ride the Great Movie ride. We walk towards the back where Start Tours is, Zachary is a big Star Wars fan, but unfortunately he is not big enough. So I take Caitlin onto Star Tours. It was OK. By the way the weather today is splendid. We remember the squeeze breeze, the drinks, and the rain gear. Oh yea, we rent a Double Stroller today ($13.00) because we learn Cait and Zack really both need a ride, and taking turns with a 2YO Boy does not work well. We go see Muppet 3D. I have been a Muppet fan since age 8; I did not think it was awesome, just OK. The kids liked it and did not get frightened. Zack does not wear his glasses though. Its now afternoon, and no one has napped, I don't feel good, and its getting cloudy, no precipitation yet. We find and watch the Little Mermaid; everyone loves that. Then we are out and on our bus back to PO. Figuring out we skipped lunch the kids and I walk into the Food Court at PO and someone is yelling "hey, hey". It's my brother Rick, my sister-in-law Barb, and their 17YO daughter Leslie. They knew we were at PO, and have just checked in there as well. We all eat a bite, Momma shows up (after room/potty break). Rick antagonizes the kids; and has Zachary demolishing a brownie and throwing it all over, but he does not see them much. My brother Rick then insists I go for a ride with him, a surprise. We head to their room for some reason while Leslie, and Momma prepared to take the kids to the pool. I don't know where I am going but my thoughts are illicit. Anyhow I figure out it is to Richard Petty's Driving Experience (Not as much fun as I thought, but still fun) at the Walt Disney World Speedway, I am not going to drive, just ride. My gracious Brother pays the $90.00 as a belated B-day gift, and I sign my life away on a release form. Well, it was breathless. You punch it out of Pit-Row, up to about 140-145 MPH, and make that 1st turn. It puts RNRC to shame. My thoughts were there is no way this car is going to make this turn. I cannot believe a car can stick to the ground like these do. Now I know why Nascar guys are called athletes, you have to be strong just to sit up. Granted they are strapped in, but it was much harder than I had thought. This was a quick trip, no waiting. I got a picture of me in the car for like $35.00, with King Richard on it, and off we were back to PO. You can watch the cars at the speedway for free. It might be a cheap thrill for some families, especially if you are Nascar fans. I dressed for swimming and back at the pool we were. We all swam with the kids a while. It was about 530 or 6PM now. We were all hungry, and wanted to do something special. Funny coincidence, both my Sister-in-law and I make the same PS ressie at Chef Mickey's at the same time (745). After bus to the MK, and Monorail to Contemporary we were eating fairly quickly. We saw all the characters during dinner, but had to request Mickey to come by. We sat right next to the buffet along the wall, near the doors where the characters go back to "cook". I think Mickey was just busy that night. Actually it was a somewhat less than magical moment as Mickey seemed to get defensive with his gestures. I quickly overlooked it though (beer helped). We only requested him after we finished our entire meal, close to 40 minutes, and being on our dessert course. We stalled quite a bit waiting. Maybe Mickey does not like big hairy bikers like my Brother, after all, he claims he was once ejected from the park for inappropriately picking up Minnie. He also claims that Minnie said quite loudly, and audibly "Put me down!" Only the shadow knows (I was not there that time). My brother had talked about going to AK with us the next day. We had to take a long trip, monorail to TTC, bus to DD, bus to Hotel as the MK closed early. My Brother and his Family thought I took them out of their way, but I was sure it was the best way back. We arrived back at room after nine with a sleeping 3YO riding in his cousin's arms. Everyone got relaxed and we retired for the night. Day 5 - Tuesday, September 12, 2000 - Animal Kingdom / E-Ride MK Brother Rick and family decided against the parks today. He has a bum leg from a Motorcycle accident, and cannot walk much. Plus they said they had things to do at home/work. So after breakfast we got off to a rather late start for the day, and arrived at about 10AM. Today is to be a full day with E-ride night at the MK tonight. Again this was a park (AK) none of us had visited previously. I was impressed with the landscape. What was weird to me is how narrow the entrance is, it was not a crowded day, but the path was packed. Rented out our typical double stroller. I felt lousy still, and today was the hottest day of the trip for sure. We explored a bit, and then I took my girl Caitlin on Kali River Rapids. At the top of the hill, I had my back to the drop. I am not a small man; I weigh about 220. Everyone on the raft was looking at my funny, and I soon learned why. My side of the raft seemed to literally go under water. The fellow across from me said he could not even see me I was under, or behind a wall of water. Like the sign says, you may get soaked. Well, it was my turn. It could not have happened at a better time, I was sick, it was hot, and I had boxer shorts on (more will be revealed). We then did Kilimanjaro, which was great. Kids loved the Tigers and Bats. The CM at the entrance told us to put the cotton candy away, which upset the children. They got over it quickly though. I was very impressed with the theming of the place and the design. We did manage to forget out drinks today. I was pounding down cold water trying to self medicate my illness. I tend to get bronchitis a lot, so I needed to stay healthy as possible. We then bolted back to the Safari to ride it as early as possible. It was great. The kids saw a lot of their favorite animals and loved the ride on the truck. We got some good 8MM footage as well. We walked around the Africa section, and there was a band playing. We liked the music, and there is a bar there so we stopped for refreshments. Kids ate pretzels and soda. Momma and I had draft beer. I was hot and thirsty, mainly from my illness. I found myself an isolated table in the sun, and setup camp while the family sat in the shade. I then made a Theme Park faux-paux, and removed my T-shirt, (as it was at least 2 hours after we rode Kali, and I was still Soaked to the core). Also at this time I removed my wallet from my back pocket, opened it up a bit, and laid it on the table in the sun (The table felt about 150 degrees). Then unknowingly, I walked about 50 yards from my wallet/t-shirt to get some water. I did not even realize what I had done until I returned to the table, to see my wallet sitting right in the middle of it, about 20 feet from the crowd of people under the hut/shelter. Oh well, it was all of about 4 minutes, and nothing was stolen, I was not carrying cash though (Whew!). It did get my heart pumping a bit. Momma got involved with an impromptu dance session with the African musicians. Soon a whole dance contest was going on. It was also caught on video! We spent a good hour here with me trying to dry out, and just resting a bit. We made our way around, and then saw the Lion King. This is a great show! Momma even filmed about 12 minutes of it with the camcorder lens cap on, to her credit, she did get about 4 minutes of the beginning with full motion video before replacing the lens cap and still filming it. It was hot in there though. After this it was about 2PM so we headed back to the room to rest up for E-Ride night! We saw some must do's at Animal Kingdom, but there is much more there for us to see. My thoughts on this park at this point are very positive; it was great! After arriving at the front of the MK for E-Ride night, I headed to Guest Relations window; there the male CM (Four-letter name that starts with CH) was very helpful as I inquired about upgrades to Annual passes. Since we had not used one of our Plus options, we were eligible to upgrade to Park Only Annual passes, and with out MKC club discount it was about $180.00 to upgrade our 2 Adult and 1 Child passes. I am kicking myself for not doing it previously, the CM at the Disney Store actually tried to up sell them to my wife, and I declined. Anyhow, Chip, Chad, or Chet printed us out the 3 Annual passes, but HE noticed a problem with the expiration date (Date Park Hoppers were printed, or 1 year from December 1999). He quickly corrected them so we now own Park Hoppers that expire 9/10/2001, or one year from 1st use of our old Park Hoppers! Even with all my questions, and the problems I walked away with a smile, and it only took about 5-8 minutes for the whole process. We checked the clock walking in the MK, and it was about 5:15PM. We cruised on over to the table outside City Hall to get our Armbands. The CM's there even made a psuedo armband for Zachary (2 YO) made from Mickey Stickers. It was appreciated, even though it lasted about 45 seconds. We were all Hungry, an a little grumpy still from naptime (I am grumpy after a nap for a while, aren't you?) so we made our way down Main Street USA and into Fantasyland. We quickly ride Snow Whites Scary Adventure, Peter Pans Flight, which was pretty cool, I must say. I skipped this in my prior 30 or so visits because I was "too cool". Small World was next. We eat at Pecos Bill's café, Donna has the chicken wrap, which she loves, and I have a double cheeseburger, loaded with toppings. Donna and the kids eat cheesy fries made with their own hands from the awesome topping bar. The crowd was beginning to thin out, and it was getting close to 7PM. I found myself looking at the haves (those with Armbands) and the have nots (Those Without). We head to Caitlin's new favorite ride, BTMRR, there is virtually no wait, and we get to Ride 3 Times in a row without getting off! Zachary got a "Future Engineer" certificate that looks real nice (Frame able), and will allow him a ride with no wait when he is tall enough. He learns a new statement he loves to proclaim the rest of the trip and that is "I am big enough". I hear that about 400 times before we leave for the week. He is a trooper and really does not cry as Momma or me take Caitlin on the rides. Of course he keeps himself occupied climbing on things, pulling on ropes, or playing with the flapper things on the trashcans. We begin our walk to Tomorrowland and roughly sunset, and arrive in Tomorrowland as twilight falls from the sky. Tomorrowland at night is a sight to see, and with the early closing times this week, and the time of the year, it was to be our only opportunity (Save for Saturday Madhouse) to see the MK at night. I take Caitlin over to Space Mountain after a coaching lesson at standing up real straight and tall, she is about 1/2 inch too short. This time she does get upset, and I feel guilty for it. I assure her she will ride it in the next year, take her back near Momma, and bolt for the SM queue. There is about a 3-minute wait. The CM is asking for four riders, and I thought she said 1, so I jumped up there. We had a silly look at each other over the misunderstanding, but I got in my ship and blasted off into space. I don't know if it was the beers I had before the park, cold medicine, or a good state of mind I was in (BTW, I was feeling better today) but Space Mountain was way better than I recall it being 10-15 years ago. I guess the stars seemed brighter, and it gave me more of a feeling of flying through space. I come off SM and am unable to find the family. I walk around Tomorrowland near Buzz, all around the Astro Orbiter, and spy the gang over near the water fountain outside of Space Mountain. They had visited the Arcade at the time I excited SM. Momma takes her quick spin through SM while I take the kids to the Potty. Caitlin takes a long time in the girls' room, and I get scared I missed her. I start asking ladies coming out if they have seen a 5YO Blonde in the ladies room, and they say no. So I walk out a ways to get a better view of the terrain in Tomorrowland, while keeping one eye on the girls' room, and Caitlin pops out. Relieved we head back over to a table where we had setup camp outside of SM. We fill up all the water bottles and Momma comes out. As I said above more will be revealed. For some reason probably being wet all morning, or stiff under shorts, or my big thighs, I have a serious chafing problem. The only relief I get is walking bowlegged. So I walk around like I just got off a horse for most of the night hiding behind a double stroller. Luckily this is an isolated incident, the rest of the week is painless. We move on over to Buzz Lightyear, which we ride 2 times. I break 100K, but remember no one else's scores. We get in line at the Astro Orbiter, which I have always liked. There is a nice teenage girl who is very talkative near us. She is with a group, but no one wanted to ride the Astro Orbiter with her she said. We get up top and the CM (male) is bantering with some young females, but nothing out of hand. He has to run them off from the deck as they were taking pictures and stalling, holding us up, not to mention the poor guests on those stuffy elevators! We go round and round above Tomorrowland and head back down to earth in those stuffy elevators (hot). The talkative teenage girl gets on and tells us she got many nice pictures the others in her group missed out on! We congratulated her. I am probably missing something, but as I recall it is sometime after 9PM, and we are trying to avoid the last minute rush to the Hotels, so we head out now. Nothing significant happens with our Bus Ride. Zack falls asleep on the bus, and night-night we go safe in our room. Day 6 - Wednesday September 13th, 2000 - Typhoon Lagoon Crazy as it is after turning in Park Hopper Plus passes, for Theme Park Only Annual Passes, we head off to Typhoon Lagoon (With passes I purchased at the Hotel for roughly $70.00 including MKC discount). I am comfortable with my decision since I have never attended a Disney Water park. There are a mini crises and a small argument at the bug stop, we slept in and it is about 1030 as we walk to the Bus Stop. We get there and it is quite a wait for a bus (10 minutes plus). Momma gets impatient and runs back to the room for something (Coffee or something), and snidely says I will meet you there. A bus shows up a while later, and the kids and I get on. Caitlin is upset we are mobile without Momma. I tell her she will meet us there. I am angry at this point as well. I wonder if Donna knows ever where we are heading as yesterday we were talking about Blizzard Beach, and we changed our mind this morning?? We get to Typhoon Lagoon and wait for her at the PO Bus Stop at TL. I tell the kids if she does not show up, we will go back for her, and may miss the parks today (I am so mean!). A bus finally shows up and she gets off like last. It was a close call. Luckily there was a couple back at PO who told her which bus we left on. I uttered many four letter works in this half hour. Nevertheless we get into TL, and head over to Ketchakiddee Creek We get a table in the shade and park our items there. Zack has a ball on the slide you use the little tubes on. Cait rides it a few times but mainly runs around in circles in the little creeks. I take Cait off for a potty break and to scout around. We ride the Family Raft ride, which is way too short for the wait you have, skip it if you have been on it before. I take Cait on the Storm Slides and we ride all three. I have to reassure her they are the same as the Serpent Slide back at the hotel, just longer. The CM at the top directs me to go 1st so I can help her out at the bottom. He is right, I let her try herself and she gets pushed into a pocket in the current and she gets stuck near the stairs! After riding this a bunch I head back to Ketchakiddee Creek to find Momma with Zack, still on the baby tubing thing. Momma and I trade kids, and I last about 10 minutes like this. We all meet up and head over to the lazy river ride. We get totally disoriented as to where we are in the park, etc. When we get off, Momma gets a cold one, and some fries at Leaning Palms. Then I decide we are all hungry, and get a pizza with fries, the kids split a hot dog, and Momma eats my salad the old guy at the counter accidentally gave me for free. She ends up drinking my cold one also, as I am content with mega doses of water. I am still not feeling 100% and the water is my salvation. We walk back to Ketchakiddee Creek by traveling counter clockwise around the park. We check out the Shark Reef, and Momma and I decide to go on. While looking at it we startle some lady peeing in the boat thing where you look into the water! How gross! We head out of there quickly! I suit up and swim across the reef; unfortunately the waterproof disposable camera I purchased specifically for this is resting safely on the other side of the park. I get in and out quickly as the other tourists stand on the ledge, playing with their masks, etc. Momma takes her turn while the kids and I watch from the boat/makeshift ladies room (yech!). We walk around more to Humunga Kowabunga where Momma and I take quick turns for our daily enema/wedgies. We then at some point ride the family slide thing again, and here we wait in the longest queue of the trip, probably 20-30 minutes. I was pacified as there was some nice scenery nearby, hehe. Zack got restless however, but once he saw the raft thingies we were going on he was cool. He had been turned away from Kali River Rapids a day or two before, so he was ready to ride this as a group. Then we took both kids on the Storm Slides since there were no height requirements, and Zack has his life jacket on. Well, he did not care for it a bit. Momma somehow got him up there again and was going to go with him again, but he let go or went ahead, and off he went by himself! He survived, but was upset. It took all of about 10 seconds for him to get over it, and we moved on back to Ketchakiddee Creek to collect our stuff and head out. It was about 3PM anyhow; I was feeling mediocre at best. So we went back to the hotel to rest up. But 1st Caitlin must get her hair wrap, which she has been wanting all week. 9 inches cost me $24.00 with the beads we selected. We did not get our moneys worth (More will be revealed) We all awoke late, probably 630. The water and sun sure can tire you out! I coach everyone to get ready, and talk everyone into another Epcot trip. I wanted to catch Illuminations 2000 tonight. We head over to Epcot (or as I called it all week, Epcock) and cruise on in with no clear dinner plans. It's near 730PM, and I do not want to fight the parade crowds. My memory banks go into overdrive and I remember something about eating next to an aquarium. First a quick trip through Ice Station cool to get grossed out by Beverly, and some soda with Guarana. Then we are standing at the information booth asking about eating with the fishes. In a jiffy I have a PS at the Coral Reef for 745PM! Never having eaten there before I did not know what to expect. Woo Hoo! A Fancy Schmantzy place!! (I was tired of French fries) The view is incredible, but the atmosphere was a challenge for baby Zachary. Cait did Very well though. She even drew a sea turtle with great perspective. I have to remember to encourage her to draw more. We see the huge sharks and sea turtles. Schools of fish swim by, I get to tell my tales of catching Amberjack as they swim by. Our waiter's nametag said Chuck, and that he was from Kissimmee, Fl. Judging by his appearance and accent, he was from Hong Kong or China. Momma called him Jackie Chan. He told the table next to us he was from Detroit. He was funny, and good with the kids though. I had 2 "Reef Runner" mixed beverages that were great! I also had the Wasabi Shrimp, which turned out to be like a salad thing with Spinach, Rock Shrimp, and hot Wasabi. It was delightful even though I am not a spinach eater, and I munched it right down with chopsticks. For Dinner I opted for the Filet Mignon (sp). Luckily I had an appetizer, I could have eater 2 or 3 of the main courses. Oh well, fancy places are like that, high prices, small portions. Hey, Chef! If it's good, I probably want more of it! What is the problem with this??? No wonder they are cooks... not far from the Coral Reef to the Waffle House. Ok, just kidding. Momma has the Scallops for a main course and could not finish it. She also had a crab soup for an appetizer. The kids split a chicken fingers and fried kids plate, its cute as it comes with Goldfish. They eat OK. We do not know the time but we have been in here a while, and it is almost empty. We get our bill (About 90 bucks), and realize its 902. We pay and head out. There are already some large explosions going on for the middle/end of Illuminations, so I decide to bolt to the exit. As we are clearing the center of the future world area, it's obvious Illuminations is over as there is a swarm of people behind us. I place Zack on my shoulders, Donna pushes Cait in the umbrella stroller, and we march quickly to the bus. Legs are hurting, but it's not bad. No chafing tonight, Yay! There is a huge line and we have to wait through 2 busses. Luckily, they have them staged out there at this time of night, and soon after one leaves, the 2nd bus shows up. We get on and get seats but it is standing room only. Thank goodness Port Orleans is the 1st stop. It was a good day; I didn't have to use my AK! Tomorrow we are trying for our 1st Surprise morning of the trip at MK. I hear its open at 730, or is it 8AM. I set at 645 wake up call as I am shaving Momma's head in her sleep (just kidding). Day 7 - Thursday September 14, 2000 - MK EE Wake up call at 645. I catch the phone waiting for Mickey Mouse's voice, Silence... I wait... Hello I say? Nothing. Shower time while Momma gets up and dresses the kids. Lots of coaching and we are out and on a bus at about 730. We have to wait a bit and a bus shows up clearly saying Magic Kingdom on the front. We get on and drive on over, our driver announces his route is starting and we are going to TTC instead. I was bummed out, more EE time wasted! A quick monorail trip over and we were in the park at about 805. 1st ride Dumbo, kids loved it again. Carousel, Pooh (1st time!) and we all loved it. We just got the Tigger Movie DVD recently, so we enjoyed the Bounce Bounce Bounce! Teacups were next which Momma got on video! Then we went to Tomorrowland Speedway, which the kids have waited patiently to ride all week. I am armed with the camcorder now, and get good footage of Momma and Zack pulling out. Then Cait and I choose our racecar. She is not strong enough, or tall enough to push down the petal. She is able to steer but I control the gas. I filmed Momma and Zack as we followed. Their car was a bit slower than ours, but I resisted the urge to ram them. As we neared the end of the race a magical moment occurred. Mickey was there preparing to open ToonTown I reckon. Caitlin spotted him in the distance over her steering wheel and shouted for him. I was filming him at this point. Sure enough, he hams it up and comes over and smiles and waves to us on the racetrack. It was great! The video footage from this segment though turned out way too wobbly. We moseyed on over to Goofy's Barnstormer, clearly Zachary's favorite at this point, and are able to ride 3 times without getting off! We did Donald Ducks boat also, and tried to get Zack into the little playground there. He was so excited he could not find the entrance. He walked around it 3 times before he saw the opening. We head over to Frontierland by train after asking about taking the train with WDW strollers. We are assured there are strollers over there, so we pack up and get on. Unfortunately there are no doubles at Frontierland, so we take two singles at the urging of the CM on duty. It worked out well! We are trying to get to BTMRR for Cait, but it is too late, the line is quite long, and the park is filling up as it does on EE mornings. I have a mutiny of hungry people on my hands but I insist on Tacos at Los Tacos del whatever the heck that place is called by Pirates. But its 1020AM and they are not open. We head back to Pecos Bill Café for more Chicken Wrap and Hamburgers. Cait gets another ride on Splash Mountain with Momma, we do our 1st and only trip to Country Bear Jamboree and the kids love it (I never have). It works out well as soon afterwards we run into Liverlips and a few others. They are quickly added to the autograph books, after a very long wait for some elderly lady to checkout, as I had to purchase a pen. I also got a Christmas Mickey and Minnie for the tree. We do a few more things and head out the gate with a goal of another park this evening. As we walk out the front of the MK I realize we have not had out time in the Water Mice yet! So we take a monorail to the Contemporary, as this is where I have had my prior experience in the water mice back when they were $18.00 an hour! Yes, I remember it as if it were just a meal ago; Pops was in the rooftop lounge getting snookered, as my Sister and I cruised bay lake in the Water Sprites! He had a seemingly endless supply of $20.00's! Must have been about 1980. Anyhow, back to reality and today. We arrive at the Contemporary, drop on down to the Marina, sign our life's away, and soon we are cruising Bay Lake. With me weighing 220#, I take Zachary with me, to try to lighten the load. I find it's hard to plane out unless I scoot way forward and lean forward. I get decent speed, and am able to get more speed than Momma and Cait, even though I probably am carrying about 50 more pounds in my boat. We go near the GF, Poly, MK, etc. I also check out the Wilderness Lodge, this turns me on to this hotel more than anything else has. I have never been there yet. After the water mice rides, we board Monorail Yellow at the Contemporary; some supervisor type person (Ken I think) drives us to the TTC. He was funny; he sat in the seat and asked what all the buttons do! Our other driver was an African-American woman with a gold tooth display with Mickey on it! She was cool. We then did the rest of the loop in the cab to the MK, and there is a bit of a wait for the bus. Back at the hotel we arrive about 2PM. Momma and Zack stay in room while Daddy and Cait do the pool. I am feeling better today, but Momma has a sore throat. I have a few cocktails from the Marti-Grog pool bar. Its apparent Zachary has fought off his evil naptime. I decide to be a super dad and take the kids to Dixie Landings to check it out (future visit?) while Momma rests. We go the DL food court and Zachary is sleeping at the table with French fries in his mouth. I note Dixie Landings is louder, more crowded, and dirtier. I also saw a child of about 5 climbing on the counter getting hot chocolate unsupervised. This whole scene did not leave me any desire to return to DL soon, I reckon we are just Port Orleans people. Anyway we make a hasty retreat from this godforsaken place to get Zack to bed. BTW, we are riding on the new shuttle boat (nice party barge) that runs every 15-20 minutes. We 1st have some young captain who insists on pulling the boat in backwards through some precarious maneuvering, but later get a nice woman who drives normal. After we get Zack to bed, Cait and I return to DL to go to the larger arcade, which ironically enough is the quietest place we found al DL. As we walk in there is no one in there, and we see a DL refillable mug sitting there by its lonesome. I hawk it while Cait plays a few games. After I am sure the man is not around, we pick up the mug. We also scope out the pool. Cait says she wants to come here now, I say maybe tomorrow. I did promise her some night swimming, so we go back to PO and get in the pool briefly. She makes some nice friends and there is a too talkative man from New England there. He makes sure all the kids are introduced which is good. I talk to a couple getting ready for the Disney Cruise, and also a Single Mom who is taking one of Cait's playmates on the cruise as well. Back to the room and ready for bed we are. Almost, I run out and get a 6' cheese pizza and a meatball sub. Momma is up and helps us polish that all off. Sleepy time. Day 8 - Friday September 15th 2000 - MK Arrived MK at 845AM. Kids & Momma rode the Main Street Trolley thing with the horse as I walked and video taped it. We arrived at the rope at Adventureland at exactly 9 as the ceremony was taking place. Walked briskly to BTMRR and was able to ride it 3X with Cait. We had to move up a few seats once. Then I get off and chill with Zack while Momma and Cait ride BTMRR or Splash Mountain. We then hit Fantasyland and Carousel, Snow White, Peter Pan was having "Audio Problems" and Small World was not open yet. We walked over and took a potty break, and hung out by the Carousel. There are some benches here, and I notice they are literally covered with those pesky Love Bugs. (Love Bugs are those black bugs that get all over your car in Florida, that are stuck together in a mating position) Anyhow, I grew up in Florida and now I remember they are all over in September. I guess with all the plant life at Disney, they love it there. Soon someone will find some way to eliminate them, a predatory bird or other insect. A few days ago the kids saw a snow cone and wanted one. So we went to Scuttle's Landing and got the blue shaved ice. They did OK and we sat there a while and ate it. Then we went and queued up for Ariel's Grotto (hey now!) and the kids got Autographs and we all got a picture! We walked out, and Momma almost walked into a stream of water right upside her head, I was a nice guy and warned her though. We began talking of splitting up later today, so Zack could nap, and Cait could stay with me and see the parade. It's funny, because Momma (Donna) naps everyday almost, but we bicker. She says, "Why so you can stay and have fun?" ToonTown Fair is next on the agenda, or at least it was in our path as we walked so we rode Goofy's Barnstormer 2 more times. Zack and I walked away, and played in the playground thing, then we met up with Momma. Cait was in serious trouble for back talking her Momma. So she has to get in the stroller. Here we find the only incident of our stroller moving a long way by a CM. We found it in the "Impound Lot" place that they have setup. I try to imagine what parking violation I have committed. Momma condemns Cait to 10 minutes in the stroller by herself, then she smarts off again and Momma doubles it. I was going to let her out but I am a softy. So I tell Momma to take Zack on the Tea Cups, and I turn the stroller so Cait can see it good. After this its about 1230 or 1, and we decide to go ahead and split up. I was going to walk Momma to the front gate with the kids in the Stroller and we headed off. Momma made some inappropriate comments, and so did I and there was an argument. So she walked about 10 paces ahead of me to the gate. I took Cait and traded my double stroller in for a single to make better time. The CM's there looked at me like I stole something. I buy a $29.95 Mickey watch (Black & Silver) at the watch shop. We then walk hurriedly over to Adventureland. We stop at that surf shop type place, with the Hula Skirts out front. I buy Caitlin a Hula Skirt with Bikini, and Momma a dress for a peace offering (It did not fit, she returned it at the hotel). I talk Caitlin into a hot dog at El Pirate Y el Perico, and get myself 2 Taco's. They were very good. I noticed a CM doing surveys at this eatery, but did not get questioned. I did overhear her asking guests if they thought the food was a good value, etc. We look at BTMRR, but it has a huge line. Splash Mountain had a posted 15-minute wait, but it was closer to 5 minutes. We ride that one time. At that point it was close to 2, so we were hunting for a spot for the Parade. In all my prior visits the Parades started on Main Street USA, out near the car barn, so I expected it to come that way, it did not. Anyhow, we found a spot near Country Bear Jamboree, by that little popgun stand. The masking tape was on the ground, I was tempted to be mischievous and cut it like every 3 feet, but I resisted. I manage to find us 2 rocking chairs, and take them for us. Caitlin spends about 10 minutes being a tomboy playing Cowboys and Indians with the nice CM's that monitor that stand, then with a couple of foreign tourists. Kids speak a universal language I guess (Laughter), and the children play for a few minutes while wait and I rock. I sit next to a 45-50 year old man who is obviously raising his 2nd family, his wife looks to be about 25 and he is rocking a small baby. I like new cars too, but the payments are always real high. We manage to stay here until a few minutes before the parade. This was like the 1st time for me I was able to sit down and soak up being in the MK, without walking, or rushing, and it felt good. A few moments before the onset of the parade Cait and I find seats on the tape to ensure we are up front. The parade starts, its Disney's Magical Moment parade, and has all the greatest characters highlighting the recent movies. It worked out good for Caitlin, she was familiar with it all, and waved back to the whole parade as it passed by. The couple of women (I mean that literally) next to us disappointed me. They were walking out into the parade route, with their 10 year old or so daughter to take pictures which obscured our view for the time they did it. Once or twice would have been understandable, but I think they shot a whole role of film. Finally a CM told them to stay out of the way of the parade. I have read about the parade on R.A.D.P. and heard there was a lot of audience participation. Caitlin missed the 1st opportunity, setting the table for Beauty & the Beast, but at the very end of the Parade in our sector, she was able to dance with Mary Poppins. Usually when something like this happens she gets bashful, and sometimes upset, but luckily not this time. She danced very well, got to hold Mary Poppins hand, and had a grand old time. We also got up close and personal with Tigger and Pooh, up to this point we had not seen them in the park, so that was cool. After the parade we made out way out of the park and back to the room to meet up with Momma & Zack. They were at the pool, and we joined them. We now realize that the trip is coming to an end, so we try to make the best of it. Tonight we just eat fast food out of PO's food court in the room. Day 9 - Saturday September 16th 2000 - Epcot By now we are becoming aware of a storm or hurricane heading this way, but it is really hard to tell. The television stations in Charleston, SC really to a good job of frightening all inhabitants even when a storm is several days away, but here in Orlando I find it hard to get information on the storm, and really I am glad. Having lived in Florida most of my childhood, I have been through dozens of close calls, a few hurricanes, etc. Go ahead and cancel shows & have full coverage if there is a category 5 storm closing in on us, but other than that it's just a big rainstorm. The weather today looks ominous, but I always enjoy low fast moving clouds, and the sense of how powerful mother earth can be. After my usual ritual of feeding the kids, getting Momma's coffee, etc we head off on our bus to Epcot. We arrive sort of late and after our inevitable double stroller I lead everyone straight to Test Track. We don't have much trouble finding it since we were lost a few days back and knew where it was located. This time I was chivalrous and let Momma and Caitlin go on 1st, after getting the baby swap directions from the CM posted out front. I was impressed by this attractions design and thoughtfulness for the parents (or others) who do the child swap, or who just need to wait at the end. Being in IT/Networking I am somewhat impressed by the cabling of their little control room for the simulators in this area. Zachary is driving GM vehicles all over the country I believe. I take a spin in the simulator. Soon Momma and Cait are bounding out and I pass the care of Zack to his Momma and I join Cait for a ride on Test Track. After a very brief wait we are on, Caitlin asks if she can drive, and I say sure. She gets to sit in that position at least; luckily there is no steering wheel or pedals! We get through the hot section and start to climb the hills and it just starts to get real fun, and it breaks down. We wait a few minutes through various announcements, and we start to move a bit, and then we stop again. While here I ask Caitlin if it broke for her too, and she said no. Then we zoom off, and get outside do the fun stuff on the banks and it was soon over. Momma and Zack have picked out our next 2 or 3 new GM vehicles in their showroom! After I wrestle Zack out of a big GM SUV, we are on our way. Next I get myself and espresso, and a huge brownie at some little stand there, and we head to The Wonders of Life and that whole area. Cait and I do the Body Wars ride, it is far rougher than Star Wars, and I do not like it. Caitlin does not seem to like it either. Cait and I explore the different exhibits here and look for Momma and Zack who are nowhere to be found! Well, we keep having fun until we find them watching some comedian stacking people up. Next up is Ellen's Energy Adventure. I am not a huge Ellen fan, but she was great in this attraction! Zachary is in a whole Dinosaur phase right now, probably since we have seen Disney's Dinosaur this summer; he sure has plenty of Aladar clothes and posters in his room, so it was a good tie in for him. Anyhow the whole ride is a big success with everyone in our party. After this we wander to the other side of Future World, and try to see our next can't miss attraction, Honey I Shrunk the Audience. This was I think the 1st time we had to get out Rain Gear on for a passing squall, and it lasts probably less that 5 minutes. The kids got a big kick out of their ponchos, and I must admit I did too after lugging around that extra 3 pounds for the past week! We see HISTA and it were great fun, the things touching your legs are scary, and Cait got a little upset. Zachary was none the worse for wear as his legs were not long enough to be effected by the "interactivity". He loves the dog-sneezing etc. Then we zoom over to JIYI, and I make a few comments to the CM about Figment, etc and we go on it. It is pretty lame, but the kids seemed content. Then we play in the Imagination area there for probably 30-45 minutes. Zachary loves running through the lights in the area that makes sounds. Cait and I check out all the other stuff, and secure a place to make a picture postcard. I have been looking forward to this the whole trip and now it is Saturday and my co-workers will not be able to see it until I am back at work Monday! Later I find out the messages are not delivered until about Wednesday/Thursday of the following week for some unexplained technological reason. We make our way out of here and its now well past noon, and we are all hungry. We pass Le Cellier and I tell Donna about the cheese soup everyone raves about. We decide to give it a shot even though we do not have a PS. We get in after about a 15-minute wait, it is real slow (meaning not busy). We order the precursory cheese soup, and I opt for a Rueben (even though I do not normally care for these) and Donna has the Mixed Field Greens with Grilled Chicken. We order 1 Chicken Tender kids meal for the kids to split, and here is the only time during our trip they deliver it split up for us on 2 plates. All of our food was terrific, and the beer was as well (Molson Ice). There was a nice couple next to us we take up conversation with, also the waitress from Nova Scotia hangs around quite a bit and chats with us. Needless to say we are well taken care of by her, and get plenty of delicious bread, especially the pretzel bread, man that is awesome. Also, while eating dinner, Caitlin's hair wrap that I paid $25.00 for falls out of her head. I don't know if Zachary pulled it too many times, or she twisted it, or too much pool water caused it. It was a clean break, and she was not in pain. She actually found it on the ground. We get our check and head on out of here. By now it is near 2 or 3 and we opt to head back to our room. After the very long walk out to the PO bus stop (Did they ever think of rotating these so one resort is not always at the end?) we board our bus. All today I am planning in my mind what we will do Sunday, probably visit the parks a bit, leave like we normally do at mid-afternoon, and I will be the martyr and drive home while everyone else rests. Back at the room, we again visit the pool. There are a few rainsqualls passing by, and we watch the lifeguards count when they think they hear thunder, but the pool never gets closed. We begin to reminisce on our trip already, and thank goodness it has only rained the day we got here, last Saturday, and today. The rest of the week has been splendid. I recall being at work and looking at weather dot com the whole week before we came, and seeing all week forecasted for thunderstorms everyday. Luckily they are wrong this time! We have to pack tonight regardless of our plans tomorrow. At this point of any vacation I always ponder what it would be like to be independently wealthy, and not have to return to a job, and sometimes I feel sad. Not this time for some reason, but I would still like to be independently wealthy... After our late and large Lunch at Le Cellier we are in no hurry for Dinner, we so we enjoy the pool later into the evening, and grab a quick bite for eating in our room. I have been eyeballing the fried chicken all week on the menu, and it was a huge disappointment. I begin to watch the situation with the storm on TV, and Tropical Storm/Hurricane Gordon begins to rain on my plans for Sunday. I make a heart breaking decision to head out as soon as possible Sunday morning in order to beat the storm, and not have to drive in it all day. Momma and I complete the task of packing our belongings, and all of our new souvenirs! We overspent on this trip I think, oh well we will always remember our 1st onsite visit, so I think this will be well worth whatever price we paid. We retire to bed at about 10, and rest up for our trip home tomorrow with dreams of our next trip already in our heads. Day 9 - Sunday, September 17th 2000 - Travel Home We were packed and good to go in the AM. After breakfast/coffee we did a once over in the room. We then called bell services for help with the luggage. It was windy and rainy this morning so we got a ride in their cart out to the minivan. Check out, uneventful. I guess I did not ask for express checkout, as I did not get a bill on my door, or maybe I left to early! Nevertheless, there was a bit of a sticker shock after receiving the bill. Our room was paid for, and we even checked in with a credit on our account. Also, I had checked the status Tuesday or Wednesday and we were being good. I think that was a license to spend, and we overdid it a bit. I wrote out a check for a few hundred, or about 1/4 of our total charges, and left the remainder on the credit card. The CM very indiscreetly called to verify funds, which I find to be a nuisance, what are all these computers for? Seems all to often these days when you write a check your treated as a criminal. On the other hand having been in retail I know that checks can create quite a problem for the merchants. Also, this CM was not talkative, and was generally unfriendly, all this at the worst time of the trip, the going home part. The drive was rainy all the way to Jacksonville. Then we made good time and got home at roughly 4PM. I knew the rain and storm was coming, so I did the natural thing and mowed my grass. The magic was really over! Home Sweet Home. 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John Poster jposter@home.com Mail a Comment to John Poster |
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