 |  |
| Discussion Boards | Reviews | News | Trip Planning | Shop | Travel | Site Map |
| Disney Trip Report Archive An archive of reader-submitted trip reports | |
| Alex Stroup, editor | Search just the Trip Report Archive. |
|
Joe Sandor -- February 2000 -- Walt Disney World (PO)THE ODYSSEY Highlights from 10-days at WDW
The day has finally arrived for us and the extended family to go to WDW. Grandpa and grandma, that's me and the wife, are paying for the entire trip for all (19) members of the family. We have been sending letters every two-weeks for four months to inform people of the trip and build enthusiasm. Since only (3) people in the group have been there before, this was primed to be a major event, as we were flying people in from three different states and five cities. Due to vacation, work, and school schedules, some were arriving with us on Thursday for (5) days, and some were coming on Sunday for (6) days. We were staying for all ten days. This is a review of items, instead of a day-by-day sheet, because that would be too much detail. HOTEL: We decided to stay at the Port Orleans, because we wanted a quieter resort at a more intimate size. I had faxed requests for services and room types directly to the hotel, and got everything we asked - simply ask, all someone can say is no. We had Building #3 next to the lobby, corner and connecting rooms, first floor, and non-smoking. I was paying for everything, so the hotel allowed my people to check in under my card number without a problem. Since I used the American Express BLUE Card, we got "white glove treatment" and each person in each room got a fanny pack. The Front Desk staff handled the confusion well, especially since I didn't arrive until late, and two other families checked-in before I even arrived. I arranged for pagers for communications from WDW, and the Yacht Club had them at the hotel when I arrived. These worked well, and I would recommend them over two-way radios. The Port Orleans has a good food court, which is seldom crowded, as opposed to the crowds at the Dixie Landings food courts. We all purchased our refillable mugs, and got soda, coffee, tea free, instead of $1.97 per drink. The Scat-Cat-Lounge has jazz on Thur-Fri-Sat-Sun, and the Rum Punches made the music sound even better, and after (3) punches, the music was glorious! Bonfamille's Restaurant was attractive, and the food was good, but over priced. [See Below] The rooms were quite pleasant, and we never wanted. We left a $2.00 tip daily for the maid, and one could not believe the extra pillows and goodies we found each day. The pool had a unique dragon for the slide, and was great for the kids. The adults, with muscles aching after walking, really enjoyed the hot tub - several times. It is strange how hot water, streaming jets, good company, and rum punches makes the aches go away. Does there seem to be a rum punch theme starting? TRANSPORTATION: We, again, used Tiffany (TiffanyTownCars.Com) for airport transportation, They met each of our groups in a timely fashion, and returned us to the airport in good order. We HIGHLY recommend their service to-from airports or to-from WDW-Orlando sites. One daughter Just HAD to have peanut butter for her jelly, so the driver stopped at a 7-11 on the way to the hotel. We bought bread, milk, peanut butter, and a Styrofoam cooler for the room. We filled the cooler daily with ice, and it was the cheapest refrig you could get for the room (WDW wants $10 per day for a room refrig). Busses from the Orleans were frequent, as expected. What was unexpected was the few people there seemed to board. We never saw more than (20) people for any bus, and never had a person standing. One driver, Jerome, told us the trip to MK was 2-hours, plus-or-minus 1-hour-45-minutes. Her said he would try to get the buss to sail through time. We should keep seated, and in the event of a water landing, the person next to you should be used as a floatation device. We traveled the monorail between MK and EPCOT, so the kids could sit in the front car. If you sit at the last white-bench, you are selected for the next monorail front car. Although people don't usually ask, we asked for our Monorail Co-Pilot License when we got off. The monorail operator had to run to the control booth, because she was out. Fortunately they had them, and we each got our wallet-sized Monorail driver's license; a cool souvenir for everyone to look at in the future. We took boats whenever possible, not only to be on the water, but to avoid waiting for busses and monorails. They were always pleasant, and the boat from the Orleans to Downtown Disney was not crowed during our trip. Most trips were enjoyable, but one trip got really exciting when we kept calling "heave to or be boarded" to other boats. The captain thought us a little crazy, but got into it and called the same message over his two-way radio when we passed boats. We got our co-captain certificates for this little stunt. MAGIC KINGDOM: We visited the MK for a total of four times during the trip, since various families arrived at different times. During each visit, the dwarfs are out early in the morning (8:00-9:00am), then they are in the Camera Center for the rest of the day. When we went inside to finish the autographs and photos, there were only three other families. We asked the attendant for a group photo and she said the dwarfs are not supposed to be all together. We said we wouldn't look and got the other families to beg. PRESTO! A group photo for each family with all the dwarfs. A very seldom found picture. We went to see if we could be co-grand marshals in the afternoon parade, but someone else beat us to it. Such is life. Maybe next trip. However we did get assurances of having the kids picked to participate in the 3:00pm parade. This was exciting, since each time the parade stopped, the kids got into the action. Great photos, since they haven't been to WDW before. We got into MK early another day, and went to the castle, so we could cover the Fantasy land rides in one morning. Since the rope was not down for entry, we talked with the attendant and got Captain Hook to play with the grand-kids on the other side of the rope. The kids were in seventh heaven. We saw Lion King, and were impressed at the puppetry, and asked to see "How". We actually got to sit backstage and watch the people operate the characters. It is amazing how three people operating a character can move in total darkness without stumbling into each other. Obviously, we saw a lot of characters and got mucho photos. Every time we got an autograph, we got a photo, in any park. We saw the show at the Diamond Horseshoe, and the wife got me into the act. She asked for me to be part of it, and I was given the job of playing the cymbals during the dance-hall girls dancing number. Each of the girls wrapped their boa's around me, and the wife now has some nasty blackmail pictures. When the show was over, one of the girls came over and gave me a Very Important Guest (VIG) button with my name on it. At least it is easier for me to show-off than the pictures. MGM STUDIOS: MK is the kids' favorite park, but I think MGM is beginning to be the best for me. There are plenty of high-tech rides, but a lot of shows and activities. We saw the major rides first - Star Tours, Muppet 3-D, Mermaid, and got our Fast Passes for Tower of Terror, then did RnRC. Bummer: Indiana Jones was closed for remodlling. We watched the Hunchback show (a personal favorite), and moved over the Backlot Tour. We spoke with the attendant, and got daughter #1 and husband of daughter #2 to be the characters in the stunt show. I HONESTLY, TRULY did not know they would get that wet! We got the video tape for the show, so the moment is preserved. On one of the days, we stayed for Fantasmic. WOW. What a stage and fireworks show. We talked about it through lunch the next day. We decided to watch the Blues band next to TOT, and had a ham-sub. Not bad for taste or value. Highly recommended for fast food at MGM. While the band was playing, granddaughter #3 tried to sing along from in front of the bandstand. Her 3-year-old singing voice is somewhere between a cat caught in a rocking chair and fingernails on a chalkboard. The band kept right on signing. When they we done, the gave her a "BLEWS" button for singing along. (I assume BLEWS has a deeper meaning.) EPCOT: We like to visit Future World in the evenings when everyone else is at World Showcase or at the fireworks. We got every ride in on two evenings. We saw the countries twice, once with each major group. We asked at the Mexican pavilion, and got the grand-kids involved with the Mayan dancers. While the parents were taking photos, grandma and myself sauntered over to the refreshment stand and got a couple of Strawberry Margarytas. They are soooo smooth on a warm day. On Sunday night, we met the rest of the DZ'ers for a picture behind Spaceship Earth. It was so cool to see the others we have meet on the Disney Zone site. Sue's father took the picture with my digital (you can see it on this site). He uttered something about walking away with the camera, and I said "OK, it is insured by the CIA and IRS." He returned it promptly. As we walked around, I kept thinking of what other trouble we can get into. We remembered the living statues at France. When we approached, we told the granddaughter to stand in front of the "statue". She nearly came out of her shoes when the statue reached over and grabbed her hat! After a couple of minutes of playtime, the statue gave it back. Later in the week, we got daughter #1 the same way, but this time the statue made it tough on her, since she is an adult. After several minutes, the statue finally allowed her to have the purse back. We took all the group into American Showcase together. OK, I admit it is kind of soapy, but boy is it patriotic. In addition, there are no finer autoanimatronics. While strolling through England looking for a chess set ($350-$900, wow), the wife was looking for Beatles memorabilia, and saw a tea service. Bad mistake to look for a chess set. Later in the week I went back for it as a combination birthday-anniversary gift. It arrived at our house in great shape, and with no damage. Tough for bone china. MEMO TO MYSELF: Next visit, no England. PS - Also had to buy the Beatles checkbook cover for her and one for her girl friend. We visited Japan, and went through the toys area. They had the game with a cup and ball on a string. The idea was to get the ball into the cup. Everyone was trying, and the ball bounces out of the cup. I told my granddaughter I could do that, and a guy challenged me. Picking up the gauntlet, I did it on the first try. The secret is to swing the ball, so it gently lands in the cup instead of trying to bounce it in. An old Japanese Management Training Test. I finally impressed my granddaughter when I got a (small) applause from others who had been trying it. ANIMAL KINGDOM: In the consensus of the group, it is a nice zoo. However, the shows are great. We did the Tree of Life and Tough to be a Bug. The tree was disappointing - I guess I expected more. With trying to imitate the jungle, there was so much shrubbery that there was no air movement and very hot, even in February. We hustled over to Camp Minnie-Mickey and caught the Festival of the Lion King. We asked the attendant about participation, and she said there was. She gave us a small tag so the kids would be involved. During the show - which is outstanding - the CM's selected kids from the audience to dance and march around. We were able to get the grand-kids into the act, and boy, did the cameras go off (without flash of course). On the way out, we went by the autograph area, and got Daisy Duck. I do not know if this is now her home, but in the past it was almost impossible to get Daisy's picture or autograph. RESTAURANTS: We did Bon Familles at Port Orleans one evening. It was a great disappointment. Food was good, but overpriced. They also stuck five of us on a four-table. Complaining did no good, which is strange for a WDW location because a gentle complaint usually gets good action. I finally told the waitress we wished another table, because crowded tables warranted 5% tips. We were not moved, and tip was less than 3%, and I sent in the only formal written complaint I have ever written at WDW. We had PS's for the Biergarten in Germany on Sunday night. After we took the group photo with DZ'ers, we went to Germany. We watched the Nations parade, then went in for dinner; it turns out I should have stayed with the other DZ'ers. I tipped the hostess $5, and we ended in the first row for the show. Our little pranks and asking for participation is going to a new low. The daughter asked if there was audience work, and she got me selected. The contest, after much announcement was a yodeling contest. Well, my skills as a yodeler left a little to be desired; I was sort of like your baby son at three o'clock in the morning when you missed the two o'clock feeding. I did not win the tickets for a free dessert. The winner was actually quite good. I still say he was a ringer. We skipped Alfredo's at EPCOT this year. The food is good, and expensive, but the service is slow, but very professional. We will visit again next time. The wife and I, accompanied by four others, escaped for High Tea at the Grand Floridian. What a nice time enjoying each others company and relaxing with nothing to do. For three hours, we sipped tea, ate scones and cakes, and just wound-down. Right in the middle of bustling WDW, we entered our own little world - for an afternoon. CHARACTER MEALS AND HOOP-DEE-DO: We did two character meals. We did the Pooh Breakfast at Wilderness Lodge for one set of kids, and Liberty Tree Dinner for the other set, so each got there favorite autographs. The Pooh breakfast was weird, because the customers and characters were in a silly mode. Whenever Pooh, Eeyore or Tigger did something the crowd would absolutely roar. This drove the characters, and the characters drove the diners. The other characters would downplay it and try to top it. My daughter took off her Eeyore backpack and rubbed kindly it against Eeyore. Tigger saw this and snacthed the backpack. He threw the pack down like a pro-wrestler, and did a body slam on it. He kept this up, until Eeyore and Pooh came to the packs' rescue. Some of the best photos was when daughter got involved and Tigger got her on a head lock - fortunately no slam. Eventually the handler came over to break it up. We asked that the characters not get in trouble and started a chant which was picked up by other diners. I think it worked, but I wrote a comment card about it, because even the tiniest of kids enjoyed the playing. The Liberty Tree 4:00pm meal had Minnie (the youngest granddaughter's favorite), Goofy, Chip & Dale (my favorites), and Pluto. This was, as usual, an all-you-can-eat, but was home-style beef, turkey and the trimmings. The pot roast was great. This is high recommended, because it gets you out of the hot sun, and remains convenient for the rst of the day. The Hoop-Dee-Do-Review (HOOP-DEE-DO-TUTU-REVIEW) was planned since only three had seen it and it is such a good time. The food is good and plentiful, and did you ever notice how well Sangria enhances the flavor of ribs? Now the get-the-Dad theme was well into play. Daughter #1 and wife decide to nail me and the son-in-law. They spoke with the hostess. The first part of the show has the singers going through the audience. The blonde stops at son-in-law and sits on his lap. Then comes back later. This gave good photo opportunities. During the play, I got selected as one of the four participants. OK, why not. Turns out, I get the "special" costume. At the end of the drama, an angel comes out wearing a tutu and ballerina dress. Do we yet have an idea who was selected for this important and pivotal role? All of my theatrical experience is captured in this one role. I sure hope these photos never get to the people at work - a whole career dashes in front of my eyes. I got my second VIG name tag. MISCELLANEOUS: We saw on the Disney web site that Sinbad was at Pleasure Island. We planned a visit. We were 1-hour early and could net get a seat at the Comedy Club. We wondered a little, then went back for the secnd show. What a fun time. For once, people other than or party had fun made of them. We took a down-day and placed the grand-kids with sitters. Later in the day, the sitter took the kids to Neverland at the Poly for the child-care program. The kids never missed us, and surprising enough, we didn't miss the kids. What a WIN-WIN situation. We used "SuperSitters" and they were great. We scheduled the daughters and grandma to the Grand Floridian for a spa treatment. We ended up sending all the females, including the little ones. The treatment was great for the Ladies, and the kids got that grown-up feeling. The cost was a tad pricy, but worth the experience. We visited the constuction sites of the new hotels. The Animal Kingdom is a doozy. It will overlook the park, and you will be able to see animals early in the morning or late at night. What a treat. We later talked with people about the Monorail expansion. This will be great to connect more hotels and parks. WDW ordered 24 new monorail cars, and the current systems can only handle 12. Take a guess at how large the new sections are. We also talked with folks about the new roller coasters. There is one planned for each park. We know the coaster designs, but not the themes. I wished someone knew the themes. We tried to save souvenir shopping for Marketplace. With the American Express, there was a 15% discount on purchases over $50. AAA and MKC cards only offer 10%. So we grouped our purchases. The only times we violated this were for park-specific items (MK, EPCOT Countries, etc), or items with prices ending in "99" or with a red border on the price tag. These items are close-outs and may not be there when we went back to buy them. COMMENTS: WDW has always been fun and a highlight of any year. We usually try to do WDW every-other year, and "normal" vacations in-between. We also try a 1-week vacation during the WDW years, so the wife can "lay on a beach and veg". This was our ninth visit, but the first for many of the attendees. We recommend you Plan, Plan, Plan. We ALWAYS make plans, and they seem rigid, but were extremely flexible. We changed often, but were always able to get back on track or just decide to skip it. No one left thinking they missed a desired attraction, and everyone felt the expense was worth it - of course grandpa paid everything. Without experience, it might be better to use a travel planner, but we found that we could save money and make better use of our time by doing our own planning. Whether you want to splurge or do WDW on a budget, our personal opinion is that one is better off doing their own planning. Besides, it is so much fun and adds to the anticipation. If you have an opportunity to join a parade or show, go for it, and don't worry about pride or embarrassment. Remember, YOU ARE ON VACATION AND NO ONE KNOWS YOUR NAME. The memories and photos later will more than compensate. There are so many things to awe you, that you discover new things each visit. As an example, there are co-pilot licenses and certificates to re-live the moment and most people do not know they exist, or do not know to ask for them. These are such great keepsakes and memory makers. Although co-pilot licenses are available for certain rides, certificates are available for almost any activity, if you only ask. The certs are 8-1/2 x 11 and suitable for framing. Ask any attendant at an event or ride, and they might be available. If anyone would like a sample of the planning method we used, and for which I do not take credit, simply Email me at. Joe Sandor TheRustyScupper@yahoo.com Mail a Comment to Joe Sandor |
|