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Sheri Niklewski -- May 2001 -- Walt Disney World (Offsite, Swan)

Introduction

Participants

• Me - Sheri (39) - Accountant at an insurance firm (until April 20th). I'm the Disney freak in the family. Everyone just puts up with it like I put up with their hobbies.
• Devoted Husband - Rich (41) - Senior QA Engineer at a software developer. Enthusiastic collector, sports freak, and all around great guy.

This will be my fourteenth trip and Rich's thirteenth trip. Somehow, I managed to sneak in a totally solo trip in September, 2000. Rich and I have been together over 20 years so we tour very well and are in synch the whole time (I hope!). Our last trip to Disney World was in November, 2000 with Rich's parents. I played tour guide since the in-laws were total Disney virgins. For the last six trips, beginning in October, 1998, I have done a trip report and I'm glad I did since I get to re-live the vacations from time to time (all reports are on Brian's site).

When: May 7 - 24, 2001 for me; May 11 - 20 for Rich

Where: Offsite, Walt Disney World Swan, Port Orleans Riverside

How: Personal vehicle from Buford, Georgia (outside Atlanta)

OK, when I started to plan this vacation, I decided that I would not over plan anything. I've been to Disney World so many times that I've seen a ton and I don't feel like I have to run from attraction to attraction to get my money's worth. Rich and I have Premium Annual Passports that don't expire until June of 2001. This will be Rich's third trip on his Passport and my fourth. So I thought this would be a relatively hassle free vacation. When is a Disney vacation hassle free? When is life hassle free?

How this all happened

In order to understand how this whole trip is coming about, I have to give some personal information. So bear with me. We had lived in Bellevue, NE (just south of Omaha) for 11 years. I had planned a May trip since our son, Chris, graduated from high school last year. We could never go in May because that's the end of his school year. We had done family trips to Disney World in June so a May trip was never possible. But that's the time of year I really wanted to experience. I decided that once Chris graduated, the next trip to Disney World would be in May. I booked the Swan for May 11-20 (see next section for why and how) and figured we were all set. It would just be Rich and myself.

And then the bottom fell out. Rich, the major breadwinner, lost his job. I won't name the company but let's just say that they didn't handle the situation very well. Rich went into work one Monday morning and found out he had no computer access or voice mail. Then he was given the news of the major layoff. So we spent a couple of months with him being unemployed. It wasn't very nice considering this happened in late October and we had the holidays coming up. But we managed. Thank goodness we all get along and have great senses of humor!

A job opportunity did present itself when we got together with some football buddies for a game in Kansas City. A couple of our fantasy football guys came up from Atlanta and asked Rich what type of work he was looking for. When he told them, they said that their guy that did all that just resigned and would Rich be interested in submitting a resume? We took about two seconds and one of those "we've been married long enough to know what the other one is thinking" looks and decided to go for it. As fate would have it, Rich got the job and we were set to move.

The trouble was that I had a very unusual job situation. I had "resigned" two years before by my own choice. My last day on the job was supposed to be March 31, 2001. But I had verbally extended that until August 31st. If you work in the insurance accounting profession, you know that Codification is a huge word and I'm the only one that really knows it. So I wanted to stay and get everything transitioned. But Rich needed to be in Atlanta by January 15th. So we did what anyone else would do. Rich left early and I stayed behind (and I changed the resignation date to April 30th). We've been separated before and we're both strong people. Plus, our son will be staying in Nebraska and renting our house. This was a nice way to get him used to living on his own but still having one parent available.

So now we had the Swan booked for May 11-20 and I wasn't going to be working after April 27th (I had one precious day of vacation that I was going to take for the 30th). I was determined to enjoy Disney World in May and nothing was going to stop me. Rich wasn't sure about vacation time and we'll see what happens with that. He might just have to drive down for a long weekend or two. He's very concerned about his Premium Annual Pass expiring in June and not getting enough use out of it. He's going to try and get as much time at Disney World as he can before then.

But I'm off work in May. Why should I sit in Nebraska? The "big move", as I put it, which is when our house gets packed off to Atlanta isn't going to happen until early June. We wanted to wait until Chris turns 19 (on May 25th) so he can legally sign contracts (you have to be 19 in Nebraska - why can he vote and be drafted at 18 but can't commit to renting a house until a year later?). I had planned to go to Georgia and be with Rich but the call of Disney sounded. We were already going to be there for a week and a half. Why not extend the trip forwards and backwards? I decided I would drive from Nebraska to Georgia right after I left work. I'd stay with Rich for the rest of that week and then take off for some solo time at Disney World. That would be May 7-11. Then, Rich could join me for the original plan at the Swan 11-20. He would leave and I would stay through the 24th. I'd go back to Georgia for the Memorial Day weekend and then back to Nebraska to get ready for the big move.

Convoluted? Yep, but you have to understand that this whole experience has been a one day at a time thing. I'm just very thankful that the three of us are such good friends. If you don't have that, you'd never survive something like this.

Resorts

Ah, my typical resort dilemma. If you've read any of my previous trip reports, I go through months and months of agonizing over the resort. Even when I stayed offsite during my solo visit, I still researched and changed things so many times, I couldn't even keep up with it. Would this trip be any different? I vowed not to over plan, remember?

Right before we left for the November trip with Rich's parents, I called and booked Port Orleans (at that time just Port Orleans, it's now Port Orleans French Quarter). I figured I had had a Disney resort booked continuously from May of 1998 so I wanted to keep that streak alive. We have never stayed at Port Orleans but did spend some time there when we were at Dixie Landings back in 1993. My goal is to stay at every Disney resort at least one night so I thought I'd finish off the moderates with this trip. (We did Dixie Landings in 1993, Caribbean Beach in 1996, and Coronado Springs in 2000).

I requested and paid for the upgrade to a king size bed and the rate was $169. Now, here's when I start to think way too much. I had avoided the moderates for quite some time because I got totally spoiled staying at the deluxes (Boardwalk studio in 1999, Beach Club and Contemporary in 2000, and then a nice one-bedroom suite at the Boardwalk with Rich's parents). But Rich and I had a pleasant four-day stay at Coronado Springs after we separated from his parents so I was quite content with Port Orleans. Or so I thought.

Rich and I love Epcot. And we had such a great experience with his parents at the Boardwalk in November. We like to just stroll along World Showcase and take in all the action and all the people. After being together as long as we have, there's nothing more peaceful and contented then sitting on an Epcot bench with the person you will spend the rest of your life with and just do nothing. I started re-reading all my trip reports and was very surprised to see just how much time we do spend at Epcot. It seemed like whenever another park was getting to us, we'd head for Epcot and a walk. So I started investigating all the Epcot resorts.

The Boardwalk wasn't available during our time frame. We're sort of flexible with the dates but there really wasn't anything. The Beach Club was available but at a price I didn't want to pay. Nothing at the Yacht Club. I moved my mind over the monorail line and tried for the Contemporary. I really liked the room size here and figured it would be painless to make the trek to Epcot on the monorail. Nothing. So I thought I'd cut my losses at this point and just be happy with Port Orleans. I did decide to try back whenever or if ever the Annual Passport rates came out. I'd still try for an Epcot resort.

And then I got bored one morning on the internet before I went to work. The RADP newsgroup was down so I was getting restless. I looked at all the Disney bookmarks I had and decided to go to a site I hadn't been to for a while. Pete Werner's site at www.wdwinfo.com. Did I say I didn't want to over plan this trip?

I saw where discounted hotel rooms were being offered. Never one to pass up saving a buck or two, I went looking. To my surprise, the Dolphin and the Swan were two of the hotels being discounted. I kind of chuckled and plugged in my dates. The result was $250 for an Annual Passport discount. Yikes! I wasn't prepared to pay that for the Beach Club so I'm certainly not going to pay that for a hotel that's not even owned by Disney. Then I saw that a Disney Club Card discount was available. Well, I have one of those too. Let's check that one out.

I changed my tune about staying at a non-Disney owned hotel! The pre tax rate came back at $155 for a standard view and $187.50 for a resort view. At this point, the drink I was drinking ended up on the computer screen since I started to choke. Fortunately, Rich was still upstairs sleeping so he didn't see my reaction. Should I book or not? Well, the over planner in me kicked in. The debates in my head started. Which hotel? Dolphin or Swan? For some reason, I mentally fixed on the Swan. But I had to check out the Dolphin too. Back and forth, back and forth. Both fine hotels, both really at the same location. And then I started debating getting the upgraded view. Should I? I emailed my very good Disney pal Adrienne and she counseled me on paying for the view. And so did my other Disney email friend Donna. Both said don't do it. So I agonized. I really want every Disney vacation to be perfect and the view is pretty special to me.

It took me several long days to figure all this out. So much for not over planning the darn trip! I finally realized that the one time we paid extra for an upgraded room was at the Boardwalk in 1999. I really wanted a Boardwalk view so I paid a little more for a preferred view. What we got was nice but not the Boardwalk. We overlooked the canal going to MGM. When we returned to the Boardwalk with Rich's parents, I just got the standard view deal. We got a Boardwalk view. Then I started looking at the resort maps of the Dolphin and Swan (also on wdwinfo.com). The Dolphin looked like it could have parking lot views. The Swan (my preference anyway) looked like it would have better standard views. So I decided to book the standard view at the Swan.

I used the handy dandy reservation form on the site and the next thing I knew I had a reservation at the Swan. I was a little misty when I realized that I was going to be able to enjoy an Epcot resort for less money than a Disney moderate. I know it's not Disney but from what I can tell, you'd never know it. The only thing I'm losing will be the ability to charge back to the room. But we each carry a credit card with us anyway so that's really not a problem. We still get the other Disney perks but we don't really use any of them except one. And that's the package delivery. I don't think I would have seriously considered the Swan if this wasn't available. We operate in the "buy it if you like it" mode so the delivery is important. True, the packages go to Guest Services instead of right to the room but that's fine. We still get early entries but we don't use that option since we never get going until much later in the day. And we are eligible for E ride nights. We don't get Mickey wake up calls or Disney soaps and shampoos. My usual contribution to Dotti and her kids will be in stickers or something else this time (see http://www.wdwig.com/soap.htm for details).

I spent a lot of time visiting the official Dolphin and Swan web site (linked through Deb's site), Deb's site (www.wdwig.com) and the wonderful hotel FAQs and the resort pictures, and wdwinfo.com with the resort maps. I am very happy with the choice of resorts.

And by using the web site to book the reservation, I will get a 10% pre tax rebate 4-6 weeks after the trip. I'm not sure what that all entails but, believe me, I will check it out. With the nine nights booked, this is almost the equivalent of one night free. The cancellation policy is nice - 7 days out and a full refund. Down payment of just one night. Definitely worth it.

I did mention this discounted rate to Adrienne, Donna, and another Disney friend, Lindy. All booked their next stay at either the Swan or the Dolphin. Adrienne also mentioned the deal to her friends and they have booked some time at the Swan for the same time as Adrienne in August. And there's a possibility of a fourth person, Jane, booking hers there too. She just has to talk her husband into actually going to Disney World again. And I have passed this rate onto other people through the newsgroup. I think the Swan and Dolphin people should pay me a finder's fee or something!

I'll be booking offsite accommodations for my solo time before and after. I always look for clean but cheap places to stay on 192 (aka Irlo Bronson Highway). I know it's under construction constantly but I manage quite well. I've stayed at the Econolodge Hawaiian Maingate, the Holiday Inn Maingate East, and the Ramada Eastgate/Fountain Park. All very good places to stay but I like variety so I was looking for something different.

One of my favorite resources for finding offsite places is www.floridakiss.com. It's the Kissimmee Visitor's website. You can check rates and make online reservations. I checked all the properties I could and came up with a couple that I booked. For the first four days (May 7-11), I'll go with the Days Inn Maingate East (5840 W 192) for $39.95/night. For the last four days (May 20-24), I booked the Best Western Eastgate (5565 W 192) for $32/night. The last hotel had a review on Brian's site (thanks for this resource, Brian) and the reviewer said he'd return to the place. For the offsite time, I don't really expect much. I am in my room a lot, especially in the mornings so I do need something functional. But I'm not the type that wants to be waited on hand and foot when I'm not on Disney property. I just want a clean, comfortable, and safe place. I think these two places will be fine for my needs.

Tickets

As mentioned, Rich and I both have Premium Annual Passports. So far, we haven't used the "Premium" aspect of the passes, though. But we've gotten so much mileage out of these that I really don't care. Now that we're going to be within driving distance, we're always going to have Premium Annual Passes.

Dining

I'm having fun with this. This will be the first time Rich and I will be at Walt Disney World on our own, without a budget plan and without any other people. So I get to choose places for just the two of us. One of the meals I really want to do is a dinner at Yachtsman Steakhouse. It's a little pricey but I've heard excellent things about the experience and just want to try it. My in-laws sent me a nice birthday check in February so that kind of sealed the deal on this meal (gee, I rhyme!).

We usually do a meal at an Epcot sit down restaurant so I will decide on at least one place. The only places I haven't eaten at there are The Garden Grill (not interested in a character pre plated meal), Norway (I would not like the food), Japan (we have a great Japanese place here that does the same thing so it wouldn't be that special), and China (a possibility). I enjoyed a wonderful lunch at Chefs de France on my solo trip and I think Rich would like it at the reduced lunch prices. So I'm thinking a lunch in France and a lunch in China.

On my solo trip, I had the extreme pleasure of trying the 50s Prime Time Café with Donna and her family (thanks again guys!). I think Rich would enjoy the place so that's going to go into the planning for a MGM day. At Animal Kingdom, I have $20 in gift certificates at Rainforest Café and that's the only sit down place so we'll have to do that once. Rainforest still a little under whelms me but I can't pass up $20 and a nice break from the AK heat. At Magic Kingdom, well, sorry, nothing really interests me. Lunch at the Liberty Tree Tavern would be the only thing. We don't spend that much time at Magic Kingdom anyway so I don't think I'll plan too much there.

On my solo time, it'll be counter service only unless I sneak a trip to Cape May Buffet and the clams and mussels. We'll see how the finances are by that time. And we will more than likely get a meal in at Shell's, a wonderful offsite seafood place.

Touring

Very, very relaxed. If you are a commando, this will not be the type of report you're interested in. We sleep until we wake up (no calls for us unless we have to check out). Sometimes we don't even go on any attractions at a park but just walk around and soak everything in. This is especially true at Epcot. On our last visit to Magic Kingdom we just did Splash Mountain and Space Mountain. Nothing else. But we fill our days with Disney. There's enough other things going on that we don't have to rush from attraction to attraction to get everything in. You can't possibly do everything so we do what we want.

Rich said we definitely have to do a water park this trip so we'll try for that one afternoon. We've never been to Blizzard Beach and that's our first choice. I love the peacefulness of River Country so that's also an option (although the reduced hours now have me a little more than ticked off). One of my top priorities is watching Off Kilter as many times as I can fit them in. I enjoyed the boys so much on my solo trip and really looked forward to seeing them on the November trip. However, they were on vacation that week so I totally missed them. Since then, I have listened to their CDs just about every day. And I just love the Tapestry of Nations parade so that's another thing on my want list. The Epcot resort location makes me very happy for my touring needs.

Now that Disney Quest is part of the Annual Passports, I will be exploring this option. Rich is a great video player. I have absolutely no hand/eye coordination but if I don't have to pay extra for this, I'm "game". I've heard enough about the food at the Cheesecake Factory that I'm more than willing just to sit there and eat for an afternoon.

I will also offer up Islands of Adventure to Rich for a non Disney day. Even if he doesn't make it for all ten days, I think I'll go for the offsite excursion myself. I just want to check out the park. I'm not big on the thrill rides but I'd like to see the theming. I was considering a day for myself at Sea World. Rich isn't a big fan of "shows" so I wanted to check this place out for what it has to offer. However, the prices went over $50 for one day and when I looked at the website to see what kinds of things I'd be interested in, I decided to pass. Just not enough there to make it worth the $50.

Flying Versus Driving

This will be the first time in fifteen years that I will be driving to Disney World. On my last nine visits, I've flown into MCO and rented a car. I will be comparing flying versus driving in case anyone is weighing the choices. I do have the luxury now of only being a day's drive away with the move to Atlanta. I don't think I would contemplate driving if I left from Omaha. Taking a couple of days to get there is fine but I don't think I could live with the couple of days drive to get back.

Other Events

The Epcot Flower and Garden Festival will be held this year from April 20th to June 3rd. So that will be going on the entire time I'm there. Since we're Epcot fans, we'll be seeing a lot of the events and activities. We're not gardeners by any stretch of the imagination but I did get to see one day of this last year. The displays are very nice so we'll have enough time to thoroughly explore everything.

The Star Wars Weekends are also during the month of May. These are held at MGM and we will definitely have to plan time to attend them. Chris, our son, is the mega Star Wars fan. I'm still trying to convince him to come with us (he also has a Premium Annual Passport that expires in June). He's dragging his heels since it's so geeky to be almost 19 and going on vacation with your parents. Especially a vacation to Disney World! Even if he doesn't come along (and I doubt he will - and he didn't), Rich and I will experience these weekends for him. We'll do the autographs and the pictures and pick up any Star Wars things we can find.

Meeting People

Lindy will be at Disney World the same time as we are. I met Lindy through these trip reports last year and we hooked up in September during my solo visit. Lindy really likes the Hunchback of Notre Dame show and she was kind enough to take me to it. I loved it as well. And we share a devotion to Off Kilter. So meeting up with Lindy during this trip is a definite. Right now we are planning a lunch at Mama Melrose's, a Doug Live show (which is closing on May 12th. Lindy was a little more than mortified to hear this. I hated giving her the news), a Hunchback of Notre Dame show, and then watching Off Kilter at Epcot after that. Someone said that the internet would make people become more alone since they wouldn't have to rely on outside stimulation. It's the total opposite thing here. I would have never met Adrienne, Donna, or Lindy without the internet. I haven't met Adrienne in person but I did Donna and Lindy. And I still correspond with them all the time via emails. We all share a common love of Disney World and that brought us together. With Rich leaving four months early for Atlanta (OK, with me staying four months behind in Nebraska), I needed some support and these people have given it to me. This trip report is for these three ladies who have taken the time to share their friendship with me. Thanks to all of you.

Final Plans

I made our dinner reservations at the Yachtsman Steakhouse for May 18th. Much debate on my part went into the date. Rich still didn't know if he would be taking the full ten days off. With the move and just starting the job, he wanted more time off to get all our stuff to Georgia. I wanted a Friday night but didn't want it for the first Friday. So I settled on the 18th. If something happens and we have to change it, fine, we can do that. I made it for 5:30 so we can stroll around World Showcase after the meal and work off some calories.

I went to visit Rich in Atlanta at the end of February/beginning of March for a week. The plan was for me to just get acquainted with the area and look at houses but not do anything drastic. Yeah, right. We spent one day with the realtor and ended up buying a house! It's the perfect house for us and I can see where I'd be happy when I'm 70 years old and still living in the same place. So things moved along a lot faster than I expected but the way this whole adventure is going, it's not surprising. Closing date is April 18th. Rich will do all that without me. I'll arrive on April 29th. I'm using my PTO time at work and making April 27th my last day at the office. We'll live in the house with meager belongings until we move the rest of our stuff in June. That darned "have to be 19 to sign a contract in Nebraska" law is the only thing holding us back from moving earlier.

Rich did finally ask his boss, Robert, for some time off for the vacation and the move. Robert said for Rich to take whatever time he needed! Wonderful. So Rich will join me for the original plan of the Swan stay May 11-20. That made planning so much easier for me.

I had looked at going to Daytona Beach, Busch Gardens, Sea World, or Islands of Adventure for an offsite trip with Rich. We've done this the past two family vacations. Just one day for something non-Disney. We did Universal Studios in 1999 and Kennedy Space Center in 2000. Both were less than big hits with Rich and Chris. Of the four choices I offered this time, Rich chose Busch Gardens first and then Daytona Beach. I checked out Busch Gardens and didn't think I would really like it there. They have five roller coasters and I am not a roller coaster fan. I do fine on Rock N Roller Coaster because it doesn't have that first long climb and then a quick drop. That just kills me. So I decided to pass on Busch Gardens.

I had done some research on Daytona Beach for my solo time and liked what I saw. The more I thought about it, the more I decided that I wouldn't mind some quiet walks on the beach with my husband. And I found a restaurant on the river with great prices and great sounding food. Why should I do that on my own? So our offsite day together became Daytona Beach.

I wanted some offsite options for my solo time and, even though I at first didn't think there'd be enough to keep me occupied, decided on Sea World. If I get a chance to go offsite, I will do this. I'm not planning a specific day but it'll be there just in case. Rich's reasoning for not wanting to do this is the show factor. He hates waiting for shows. I literally have to drag him to plays. He can't stand the idea of just sitting there waiting for something. He's fine in queue lines because they move. For me, I use the time to write up notes and people watch.

I would like to try Islands of Adventure but only with Rich and he's very reluctant to do this. Why? Well, the trip to Universal Studios left him with a case of what I call the Disney Theme Park Curse. That's where you've been so spoiled by what Disney has to offer that you can never go to another theme park without constantly comparing it to Disney World. Even if you don't vocalize it, you still think about it. I've had a case of the Curse for quite awhile but I've worked myself through the stages and I'm at Acceptance now. I can go to other theme parks and see them for themselves. Rich is somewhere in between Denial and Acceptance. Maybe a few trips to Six Flags over Georgia will get him over the Curse. And then I can finally get him to IOA.

Lindy finalized her Disney plans and her trip will overlap with mine. She arrives on Thursday, May 10th and leaves on Monday, the 21st. She got a fantastic rate at Port Orleans Riverside (the old Dixie Landings) from the 11th through the 21st. For her first night, I offered for Lindy to share my offsite room with me. Since I will have a car, I'll be picking Lindy up at the airport and also dropping her off on the 21st. For the night of the 20th, Lindy has offered for me to share her room at Port Orleans Riverside. Never one to pass up an opportunity to stay another night on Disney property, I took her up on it. Lindy and I will spend Thursday afternoon and evening together and then part ways on Friday to go to our respective Disney resorts. Hopefully, we will hook up a couple of times during the vacation. Rich loves the old Dixie Landings pizza so I'm thinking we can meet Lindy for dinner at the food court and then go to Pleasure Island for a night. And then I'll get back together with Lindy on Sunday after Rich leaves to move my things over to her room for the night.

I've only met Lindy in person once (see the September, 2000 trip report) but I feel like I know her. We've corresponded via emails for about a year now. All because of the trip reports. Lindy is doing this trip solo so it'll be nice for her to have someone there just in case she needs something. And it'll be nice for me to have some companionship before and after Rich gets there.

My friend, Adrienne, suggested several other offsite adventures for Rich and me. She threw out a ballgame in Tampa. I had checked the minor league schedule for the Orlando Rays since they play at Disney World. Would you believe they are out of town the entire time Rich is there? We are very big baseball fans and visit our local Omaha team all the time (hoping to find something similar in Georgia). Rich was there at Turner Field in Atlanta for the Braves home opener. We will be in the stands when our beloved Baltimore Orioles visit Atlanta in July. So a trip to Tampa Bay just to see a baseball game is not a stretch for us. The Devil Rays are in town the last Friday and Saturday of Rich's visit. The Saturday game is a late afternoon game against Detroit. So that goes onto the planning schedule. I'm not going to get tickets, hoping they don't sell out. I just don't want to lock us into having to go. It could rain, one of us could get sick, etc. But it is an option. I did chastise Adrienne, though. I looked at the Devil Rays schedule and our Orioles are in town May 8-10! Right before Rich gets there. That was something I didn't need to know.

Rich accused me of over planning this trip. So far, I have scheduled just a few things. The dinner at Yachtsman Steakhouse and the airport visits with Lindy. I have lots of ideas about what I want to do and when I want to do them but I'm going with a very flexible schedule. I've read trip reports where people start out with the "plan" and then give the "actual". You won't get that here. No plan at all. I can give you my ideas but that's all they will be.

And things changed again. Deciding that four months was far too long for a marriage separation, I asked at work if I could leave a week earlier. So my date was pushed up to April 20th. Rich will be moving into the house on the 21st and if everything goes according to plan, the cat (Todd) and I will be there on the 22nd. About the only thing that has kept me relatively sane for the past four months is the steady stream of Disney planning. And the emails from Lindy, Donna, and Adrienne. Again, I can't thank these ladies enough. I will see Lindy at Disney World and it turns out I will hopefully see Donna in Atlanta. She's going to be there the last weekend in April for business. Disney has a way of making the world seem a little smaller, don't you think?

And even smaller. My friend, Jane, finally convinced her husband, Court, to go to Disney World. She had planned the trip, then cancelled it. Now it was back on. She got accommodations at the Institute which she and Court love so she was very happy. But she was persistent and kept calling back for rates and got a good deal at Port Orleans Riverside for May 12-18. Jane and Rich used to work together and Jane loves Disney so we have to get together since we'll be there at the same time. Thanks to Deb Wills, the menus for the new restaurants at the Animal Kingdom Lodge were out on her site (www.wdwig.com). Jane thought Boma sounded great so I checked it out. We decided that was the place for us. I invited Lindy along for Sunday, May 13th. I called and had no problems getting a seating for 7:00 PM. The three of us are really looking forward to not only dinner but a chance to check out the new Lodge.

So sit back and relax. It's eighteen days of Disney vacation. Hope the kids are in bed and the pets have been fed. Grab a glass or a mug of your favorite beverage and maybe a snack or two. Like Peter Pan says, "Off to Neverland, here we go....."

April 21 - May 6, 2001

There will be two versions of this trip report. One I will keep myself detailing the trip and the first couple of weeks in the new house. Here's the condensed version. The cat and I survived the trip. In fact, Todd got used to the new house faster than I did. It was nice being back with Rich again after the four month separation. We had both sets of parents visit us the first weekend (it just worked out that way) but we managed and everyone gets along very well. I did meet up with Donna so it was nice to see a Disney pal while not at Disney World. I went to my first Atlanta Braves game (Rich had been to a preseason game and to the home opener already) and had just a few experiences with Atlanta traffic. If anyone really wants to read the details, just email me and I'll supply my version of the events.

Day One - Monday, May 7, 2001

Remember when I said I did not want to over plan this trip because things always have a way of changing? Remember when I said I wanted to do some comparison of flying versus driving? This morning was a great reason for doing both of these things.

I couldn't sleep. I absolutely, positively could not sleep. Rich was snoring contently beside me, Todd was snoring somewhere, and I could not sleep. I was tired, the snoring doesn't bother me any other night, so why now? Could the trip have something to do with that? It was 2:00 AM and a brilliant idea hit me. Why not just get up and go? I've had bouts of insomnia before and can pretty much tell when they are going to be all nighters or just a few hours. This was an all nighter. So I got up, showered, dressed and got things together. I packed up the car and then jumped online to let Lindy, Donna, and Adrienne know what the heck I was up to. Rich snored through the whole thing. I finally woke him up and said that I was leaving since I couldn't sleep and it was 2:45 AM but not to be worried about me. He just opened up one eye, looked at me like I was insane, but accepted it. I did tell him that I would call him once he got to work and give him an update. I figured if I got tired on the road, I could pull over in a rest stop and catch a nap. So off I went before 3:00 AM.

My vehicle is a 1993 red Pontiac Bonneville and I'm the original owner. I have over 114,000 miles on it and expect to get a heck of a lot more out of it. It's a very good car with a small exhaust problem (it just rattles and no one has been able to fix it). My trunk space is nice and big and the back seat can hold a small army. I had one suitcase, a carryon bag that wasn't even half full, the laptop computer, and a cooler. Everything except the cooler went into the trunk. The cooler rode shotgun. Driving versus flying? I was glad I was driving today since I could leave when I wanted. No schedule to do. My route is I85 to I285 to I675 to I75 to I475 around Macon, then back onto I75 to the Florida Turnpike to I4. Lots of Is in there and that's the way I like to drive. Interstate if I can. The drive itself was uneventful except every time I wanted to change a CD, I had to turn on the inside light since it was still dark outside and I was not going to be fumbling around doing 70 MPH. My tunes of choice were all Disney ones - both Off Kilter CDs, the Millennium music, and Mannheim Steamroller Meets the Mouse. I did throw in one Barry Manilow set, though. Ain't I the rebel? I had only one gas stop. Jeez, these prices are amazing. But I later found out that paying under $2 per gallon wasn't that bad. Total was $26.00 and I got a little over 28 MPG. Not too bad for an eight year old car.

I stopped at the Ocala Disney Information Center but it was before 9:00 and they were closed. Lots of people pulled in like me, only to be disappointed. It wasn't a big deal for me but I think it would be a good idea to put the hours on all those billboards they have on I75. Lots of people drive at different hours and might think this is just like a rest area - open 24 hours a day. I called Rich from the parking lot to let him know I was still alive and almost there. What did we ever do without cell phones? Then I decided my next stop would be on Disney property.

I pulled into the Animal Kingdom parking lot at 10:40. So with the gas stop and two other stops (for natures' call), I made it from Buford, GA to Disney property in 7-1/2 hours. Of course, I had no traffic whatsoever and I don't think I ever went under 55 MPH (I do drive the posted speed limit). My choice was Animal Kingdom just so I could walk around and take in the sights. I did my parking lot trick (it does work, Donna) and was up towards the front so I could just walk up to the entrance. I bypassed all those people standing in line to buy their tickets. Since you can't really get discounted tickets, why don't people buy these in advance? Then the turnstyles were really mobbed. I don't know why, but I just knew they would open more up so I grabbed a seat and waited about 30 seconds and, sure enough, another one was open and I went in with no problems. The biometers still worked from the last time. I'm here! I'm here!

Since it was still fairly early, people were kind of clumped around the entrance. I went to the left side and had my first dosing of the Magic of the Mouse. That's what I'm calling those little things that Disney does that keeps me coming back all the time. There was an area off to the side of the main path. No one was over there because there really wasn't anything to see. But I was tired and just wanted to soak things up. There was music everywhere and I saw the speaker hidden way, way, way back in the trees. A very nice touch and something that not a lot of people would ever get to hear but I did. And that's the Magic of the Mouse. Only one set of people came over to see what I was seeing but they left because "there's nothing to see here". No, maybe not to see, but to hear. Sights, sounds, smells, touches, and feels. That's the Mouse I treasure.

After my Moment, I headed towards Dinosaur to get a FastPass and then was going to go to Flame Tree for some cheese fries and the beautiful view from the seating area. But Dinosaur was a total walk on so I just went. My reasoning for doing attractions on my solo time is to do the things I don't mind doing twice on a trip. Dinosaur is a fast paced attraction and I've been on it many times. But I still miss some things so it was a good choice. It also woke me up. Then I headed for the food. I got the cheese fries and even though it still wasn't noon, picked up a beer too. Total cost was $9.91 for my "breakfast". I headed back deep into the seating area and got a nice table out in the sun at the water. I ate and drank and just relaxed. And then the first Guest encounter of the trip. I really hope it's not the last.

Two groups of families came up, obviously traveling together. They were very impressed with the landscaping and the view. One of the ladies wanted to take a picture of a husband and wife by the water. Unfortunately, the lady dropped the wife's camera while doing it. And I'm talking dropped it good. This was right by my table. The lady apologized and said she would replace the camera. The wife looked things over, decided the lens was fine and said not to worry about anything. I spoke up and said that they could probably go to Guest Relations and see if there was a camera center in the park where someone could take a look at the camera. The lady thanked me so much for the information and it made her feel so much better. The wife said the camera was fine but maybe they could stop on the way out. Both thanked me again and I'm glad that I could interject a better feeling for them for the day.

And another Magic of the Mouse. These tables were cleaned up almost immediately and all the chairs repositioned. I've taken notice of that all over Disney World every time we've been here. Rich and I joke about it. But we end up putting our chairs back where we found them when we're done. I know that the company who provided the generous grant for Dinosaur could use a few tips from Disney on how to clean up tables from sloppy customers.

After my refreshments (which really hit the spot), I thought I'd just walk around and then head to the room since it had been a long day and I had been up for over 24 hours. I walked towards Asia and heard that it was last call for Flights of Wonder. I had never done this show, not being a fan of shows and not being a fan of animal shows in particular. But, there were a ton of seats left and I didn't have to wait so why not? What a show! I was so impressed, I later told Rich that I was disappointed his father didn't get to see this when we were here in November. Ed would have really liked it. Guano Joe was great (made a joke about Disney cutting back), the Cast Member emcee was great (I forgot her name - see what happens when I don't write things down?), the birds were great. I liked that they don't train the birds to do anything unnatural. Everything they do is a natural part of their being. It's more like a demonstration of what the birds can do then a bird talent show. And I learned a lot. Did you know that 75% of these birds of prey never make it to their first birthday? Know why? Some because of diseases or the Circle of Life. But some because we humans shoot them. These aren't birds needed for food. I loved Frasier Crane who is an East African Crown Crane and he's highly endangered. They also brought out a bald eagle, the symbol of our country. OK, I'm on the environmental soapbox so I might as well climb on the patriotic one too. I am so proud of what we did with this species. It was endangered but now it's not because we did care enough to save it. I left this show with another Magic of the Mouse Moment. I was educated, entertained, and lifted all within a half hour.

I decided to end my Animal Kingdom stay with this show so I just walked around past Africa and to the front. I tried to see Chris' anteater but he was being shy. I'll see him soon, I'm sure. I got my hand stamped because I intended to go to Epcot after I checked into the hotel and took a nap. Off Kilter was calling.

Out to the car and on to the hotel. I'm at the Days Inn at 5840 Irlo Bronson Highway (aka 192). I found it right away and I think the construction here just might end sometime before the next decade. I was a little surprised with the location. I thought it was further down away from Disney but it's right at the Publix at Xentury City. Not too bad. And there is a light so I can get in and out of here very easily. I was really looking forward to that nap. But it was not to be. I had to come back at 4:00 to get my room. Groan. I understand the need not to juggle which room has been cleaned for a new guest and which one hasn't. But I've gotten used to checking into non Disney hotels and having a room ready for me. I did anticipate this and had an alternative. Go to Epcot now and just sit and watch people. I called Rich from the Days Inn parking lot to let him know I was finally here. He agreed with me - go to Epcot and relax. Now you know why I love the man.

I parked at the Boardwalk and looked at my watch. Hum, it's 1:20 and Off Kilter's first performance is at 1:40. I had their schedule memorized. Thank you, Steve Soares for your wonderful entertainment site (http://pages.prodigy.net/stevesoares/index.htm). It's invaluable for any type of Disney planning. It's updated on Sunday for the upcoming week. The schedule is always changing so check it often but you can get a very good feel for who and what is going to be happening for your trip. I did pick up an entertainment guide at the gate just to verify things. Yep, the boys will be on in just ten minutes. I hiked over there and was not disappointed at all. I hadn't been able to see these guys in November because they were on vacation so it was a long spell since September. They did a great set and "Mary Mac" was one of them. I like that these guys have fun on stage and they also interact with the crowd. Nice fun and I needed something to keep me awake.

I was a little hungry and the idea of sitting at the Fountain View Bakery with a dessert and a glass of wine sounded appealing. I headed over there but got sidetracked by the sound of Test Track. Singles ride line, here I come. Another attraction where I could do over and over again because it moves so fast. The singles ride line didn't save me too much time. I think a large group traveling together had just poured into it so they wouldn't have to wait the posted 45 minutes. I didn't see the FastPass return time. I boarded with a little girl, about five years old, and her dad. The little girl was in the middle of the front row. I asked her if she was ready. She said yes. I said it was going to be just like when her daddy drove. The dad laughed and said "probably". Dad and daughter enjoyed the ride. I guess I did too.

Then I went and looked at the special Flower and Garden Festival things at the butterfly garden. They are having butterfly releases every day at 10:20 and 12:20. When Rich and I are at the Swan, we will have to do this. After this, I went for food and drink. I got a Chardonnay and a Boston Crème Pie Petite. Both were excellent although the pie was better than the wine. I watched a couple of the fountain shows and delighted in hearing the screams of the unsuspecting guests who didn't know which way the wind was blowing and got soaked at some points during the show. In fact, the seating area of the Bakery was getting wet if you sat closer to the fountain. The couple that sat there didn't last very long. They moved next to me.

I looked at the watch and saw that the 3:30 Off Kilter show would be coming up soon. So I went. I got a seat this time, but looked out in case someone else needed to sit more than I did. There were a couple of ladies in the front row (I was in the second row) that I recognized from the first show. An older couple sat next to me and I asked them if they liked Celtic music, bagpipes, and rock. They said they liked anything. I said that Off Kilter was one of the reasons I liked coming back to Epcot. That got the two ladies in the front row to turn around and say they were fans too. All five of us had a nice chat before the show. I find that I talk to other guests a lot when I'm on the solo trips. I threw away that shy lady from Nebraska last September and she hasn't shown up since.

The guys did another nice set and "The Roving Dies Hard" was one of the songs. I love that song. And it was highlighted by three adorable little kids dancing around. Jaime was almost overwhelmed by the little girl that started it. It was very cute. And yes, I used the words "adorable" and "little kids" in the same sentence. These Mouse Moments are killing me! I might be leaving that Jaded Lady from Georgia home in the future.

By now, I was extremely tired and knew I had to get a room and a nap. By the time I exited Epcot, walked through the Boardwalk, and drove back to the Days Inn, it was after 4:00. I went into the lobby and had a complaint right away. They didn't hand out room assignments until after 4:00 but there was only one person at the front desk. Who had to help these people that had a zillion questions. All I needed was a room key. Finally, someone else came out. There were other staff members in the back room. Oh well, just give me the key and let me get some sleep.

I'm in room 3112 which is on the third floor (the highest floor) of Building B. There are four different buildings situated in a square with the pool in the middle. My building is the back building. Fine by me. I'd rather have quiet than all the amenities. The restaurant and gift shop as well as the cafeteria are in the front. If I want to partake in those, I'll have a walk but that's fine. I was given some coupons at check in. The pool bar has $1 house wines from 7-9 PM so I might have to check that out.

I drove back to my room and checked it out before unloading everything. It's a typical hotel room. Two double beds, a couple chairs, a small desk, sink outside the shower/toilet area. A small room safe and a hair dryer. No refrigerator and no coffee maker. Neither one needed for me. I unloaded everything, using both the stairs and the elevator. Elevator on the way up, stairs on the way down. I noticed that there was quite a large group further down the "hall". There are external doors here so everything opens up to the outside. I just hoped the group would be staying on their side of the hotel and not be rowdy. I got everything into the room and then crashed for about two hours. Blissful sleep at last.

Once I woke up, I felt hungry again. So I decided to go to Publix and get some sandwiches to keep in the cooler for future dinners. I also wanted some breakfast items. Well, Publix had one lousy premade sandwich and I didn't see anything that grabbed my attention for the morning. I actually left a Kissimmee Publix without buying anything. Maybe I was still groggy or something. I had spotted a Subway earlier and that was my next stop. It's 7:00 and the place is packed and they only have two people working. No way. Wendy's was there so I did the drive through and had a single with cheese for $2.39. Back to the room to eat it. I really don't think the fryer was working because the burger was barely warm. But I needed the food.

I tried to update the trip report but just couldn't do it. My thoughts wouldn't focus. I gave up and just watched Monday night TV. I did do a short message for Donna, Lindy, and Adrienne to let them know that I made it here successfully. I knew they would think about me and would want an update. I have never had very much luck getting internet connections here but Bell South came through for me and I was able to send it out. I watched the news to get an idea of what was going on in the area. I noticed that the announcers called the airport here OIA for Orlando International Airport. I always referred to it as MCO since that's what you have to type in to get flight rates. MCO stands for McCoy Field. Do you think the airlines will ever change the designation? See what sleep deprivation gets you? Strange thoughts like these. Lights out and in bed by midnight.

Day Two - Tuesday, May 8, 2001

The effects of no sleep took over and I slept in until 10:30 or so. I was surprised that the doors here seem thicker than at some places - the outside noise is not a factor at all. Then, it was slow going to get ready. I figured I wasn't on a time table so why fight it? I made my own bed and decided that I didn't need housekeeping services for the day. I had four towels and that would last just about my whole trip. This place does participate in the environmentally correct situations - they only change bed linens every third day and you can reuse your towels if you want. I used the morning to wake up and update the trip report. Housekeeping ended up looking into the room around noon and I went to the door and told them I didn't need anything. How dirty could the room get with one person for only one day? They can do their thing tomorrow.

I called Rich to ask him to bring my hat with him. I remembered to bring it from Nebraska to Georgia but then left it there. And we didn't have any sunscreen with us so that went on the list of things to get today. I got a little red yesterday. I didn't have the opportunity to get any sun in Nebraska - too much packing to do. Rich chided me a little for not being out enjoying myself. I told him I was enjoying myself and had the whole rest of the day to do things. Then he said that if I did everything at Disney World without him, I wouldn't want to repeat things with him. I have to work on getting him to see a little more Magic of the Mouse Moments.

I finally headed out and stopped at Walgreen's for the sunscreen. I thought they wouldn't gouge me too much. I ended up getting the Walgreen's brand with 30 SPF protection for just $2.68. So it's a great bargain for the area. Then I drove over to the Boardwalk with the intention of walking around World Showcase and then monorailing over to Magic Kingdom. But you have to be flexible, right? I did do one complete circuit of World Showcase. But it took me all day.

I must have looked like I knew what I was doing because this family stopped me on the walk over and asked me directions to the Boardwalk. They needed to go to the left after they came out of the International Gateway. But they got confused with how big the Epcot resort area is. I guess most people just think it's just the Boardwalk back there.

My first stop was France where I looked at my watch and realized that Impressions de France would be starting in about five minutes. I hadn't seen this film in years and it was one of the things I wanted to make sure I did sometime during this trip. So in I went. I spent a little time looking at the displays in the preshow area. Did you know that the gargoyles on Notre Dame are really rainspouts? I never really knew that. The Cast Member doing the preshow introduction was great. The show was not full at all - mostly older folk. What impressed me the most about the film is just how old France is. Our country is so very young compared to European countries. The history there must be wonderful. I'm fairly good with American history but not European stuff. I leave Rich and Chris to educate me on that topic. One quote I will remember from the hot air balloon scene - "Leaving for the sake of leaving and not knowing why". I smiled and remembered making the decision to leave yesterday morning at 3:00 AM. I didn't know why then and I still don't but I just knew it was the right thing to do. And I didn't know that song from "Babe" was done by a classic French composer. I will have to do more research on that. I loved the music and want to bring Rich to see this. All in all, a wonderful first thing to do in World Showcase.

I noticed that the design of the France pavilion is very much like the city scenes from the movie. Attention to detail is what Disney does best. I just walked along and took in all the Flower and Garden special exhibits and things. I decided that I will have to get my in-laws down here next year for this. I mentioned it to Rich later on in the day and he said they'd never do it. It costs too much for admission tickets. Sigh. Maybe I'll get a fantastic job and will able to surprise them with it. Yeah, pigs can fly to the moon.

The band was playing in Morocco and the drums were going in Japan. I found the baseball exhibit in Japan and almost went in but decided that I would enjoy this with Rich. I did go into the store here and looked at the Lucky Cats again. We have a white one for good fortune (didn't help with the job situation but you never know). I need a black one for good health. I saw where they have other colors and the purple one is for creativeness. I'm going to get a small one for Chris - he's the creative one in the family. There was also one for finding your true love and I'm going to get one for Lindy. I keep cautioning her on the other aspects of finding a guy. Like in-laws, constantly having to think about another person. Well, come to think of it, I really don't have any of those problems!

I got to Germany and had to have the traditional beer. Rich and I *always* have a German beer. I paid the $6.95 and was shocked to hear the comment from the guy who was in front of me. He and his wife were Americans and I wasn't very proud of them. The guy told the German Cast Member that "if you can't make it in America, you can't make it anywhere - there's too much money here". Tell that to a homeless person or to my mother who barely survives on her Social Security. I thought it was a rude comment, especially made to a person who is not from this country.

But the next thing that happened more than made up for that guy. I sat on a bench looking out towards Spaceship Earth. I can't walk and drink at the same time - it drives Rich batty. I sat with an older couple. The guy was mentioning that he could hear drums but it wasn't coming from Japan. I said that it was probably coming from Mexico. He said that he didn't realize Mexico had a band. I replied that one thing I love about Epcot is that there is entertainment going on all the time. He and his wife agreed. They even said they loved that group, they couldn't remember the name, but they played bagpipes and rocked. Off Kilter! The guy just laughed and said that the name fit the guys to a tee. This lead to a nice discussion about everything. Airlines, travel, Georgia (their son and daughter-in-law live in Marrietta), and just Disney World in particular. They were from Fort Walton Beach and we had a great twenty minutes or so. Some people are reluctant to come here on their own. People ask me all the time why I do it. This conversation with this couple is one of the reasons. You can meet so many different people - like the ladies at the Off Kilter show yesterday. Another Magic of the Mouse Moment.

After the couple left, I just people watched and enjoyed the German band. Then I strolled through the rest of World Showcase. I was looking for food but nothing was appealing to me. I love the egg rolls of China but I didn't want hot food. It's not that hot here - about 80 - but I thought about a fruit plate or something like that. I thought The Land had what I needed but if not, there were other options. So I headed there. I did stop and enjoyed the Rochelle School of the Arts Mixed Chorus from Lakeland, FL. Wonderful performance and the conductor really got into it. She looked like she enjoyed her job. The kids were great and it's nice to see all that talent. The soloists were marvelous. Another example of Epcot entertainment done right.

I made it to The Land and decided on an Italian sub and a glass of Zinfandel for $10.02. I sat along the fountain and had another nice experience. A woman, who looked like she was about ready to call it a day, asked me where I managed to find wine. I almost said "anywhere I can" but told her the sandwich place but also the potato place had it too. She thanked me and returned to her table. Where she and her husband had a two year old boy (or so - I'm horrible with ages). The boy was very rambunctious and just wanted to go over to the fountain. Dad took him over there and gave him some pennies to throw in it. Once the dad ran out of pennies, the boy pitched a little bit of a fit. So Mom gave him what she had. The boy was running out so I took the three pennies I had and gave them to him. He looked so surprised and so did the dad. But it kept the boy happy and then we had a little bit of a time "tossing" things into the fountain. Not really tossing but just acting like we were. The dad thanked me for diverting the boy's attention while they were waiting for Grandpa to meet them. Maybe some of these kids really aren't that bad.

My hunger satisfied, I realized that I had been at Epcot for quite a few hours and did just one attraction. But I had such a great time. I wish I could bottle that feeling up and it would explain why I keep coming back here. I headed to Mouse Gear to look for smaller things that I could send to Dotti for her kids. I'm not getting any Mickey soaps or shampoos so I'm looking for things that would be good for the bags she puts together for the cancer patients. They can't really do food items because of medical reactions. I did see a few things and will put them on a list for my last four days of shopping. But I made my own souvenir purchase of the trip. Two rings, both Mickey but both understated enough that you don't have an immediate reaction that it's a Mickey ring. Total for both was $39.22. The Cast Member here was very nice and asked if I wanted to wear them right away. I said yes and she cut the tags off. Nice touch.

Then just quickly through Canada (Off Kilter was off today) and United Kingdom. I just wanted to go back to the room and relax for the evening. I never did make it to Magic Kingdom. Once outside Epcot, I decided to take the walk all the way around Crescent Lake. Took an hour since I was taking my time. And I thoroughly checked out the Swan area for Friday. I needed to make a good report back to Adrienne. I was impressed with the pool area and I know Adrienne will love the lobby area (she's a lobby fan). I don't think either one of us is going to be disappointed. I did see conventioneers. But they were all over the Epcot resort area, not just at the Swan and the Dolphin. I even saw people in Epcot wearing their name tags. Can't they take them off when they aren't in session?

After my meander around the lake, I stopped in the Boardwalk Bakery and got a raspberry donut and a blueberry muffin for the morning. Cost of $4.24. The call of sugar was sounding, which doesn't happen very much with me. Next stop was for ice cream. I was sorely tempted by the chocolate but thought it might have caffeine in it and I didn't want my heart racing for the next hour. So I "settled" for orange sherbet for $2. I sat on a bench by the surrey bike rental place. The DVC cart was across the way and the Cast Member there willingly took a couple's picture. I smiled and remember last November when the DVC Cast Member took a nice photo of Rich, me, my dad and stepmother, and the in-laws. It remains one of my prized possessions.

Then I drove back to the hotel for the evening. I called Rich before the Tuesday night lineup of TV shows started. I knew once "JAG" came on, he wouldn't want to be disturbed. Then I watched my shows and went to bed at 11:00 after "NYPD Blue".

Day Three - Wednesday, May 9, 2001

I was up by 8:30 but didn't want to get going until closer to 11:00. I am not a morning person, don't pretend to be, and never will be. So I just slowly got ready. My only problem was I opened the drapes and even though I kept the "Do Not Disturb" sign on the door, housekeeping still knocked and asked if I wanted service today. I guess I can understand since I didn't want anything yesterday but tomorrow the drapes will have to stay closed until I'm ready to leave. I did leave a $2 tip for housekeeping. I had decided that I would do Magic Kingdom first and then finish up at Epcot. I know I'm doing Epcot a lot this trip but why not? I like it. So I thought I'd once again park at the Boardwalk and then monorail over to Magic Kingdom.

Once I got to the Boardwalk, I had my parking excuse ready but the gate guard was just waving people through without anyone stopping. As I was walking to Epcot, I started to think about just why I feel like I belong here. I think I finally hit on it. I don't think I ever really left. Not in my heart, anyway. And I don't think I ever will. I get a Little Dose of Disney every day. Whether it's reading a trip report, going into the newsgroup, listening to Off Kilter, or just realizing that my local grocery store clerk is going a little slow because he's still "earning his ears". If Disney helps me slow down and appreciate the little things, then I will never leave it. One of the little things I appreciated on this walk were the birds chirping everywhere. Rich and his dad are big bird lovers and we spend quite a bit of time looking and watching for them. Disney is a great harbor for them.

I fought through a little bit of a crowd going from Future World to World Showcase since it was just after 11:00. I stopped in the Art of Disney store and saw a very cute figure of a baseball playing Piglet. This goes on the list of things we have to get before we leave. I caught the monorail with a little bit of a wait and then got off at the TTC. Donna had given me the location of her brick and it was to the right of the TTC on the walkway to Contemporary. I got very confused since I didn't think there was a walkway to the Contemporary. I tried a little to find it but didn't get very far. I decided to check at the Magic Kingdom for the exact location. The line for the monorail was very long and I knew that I wasn't going to be standing in it. Sure enough, a Cast Member was telling people that there was a ferry boat loading right now and it would be leaving soon. So it was the water vehicle for transportation for me.

I checked out our brick right outside the entrance to Magic Kingdom. It was still there. I scouted around for positioning for our wedding renewal ceremony. I plan to have this ceremony in January, 2002. It's our 20th wedding anniversary. Rich claims I ambushed him into this but you only celebrate this anniversary once and some couples never make it to this point. I think we can make do with our very limited guest list. Our honeymoon was at Disney World and I think I actually realized that Rich was the guy for me when he started crying during "The Fox and the Hound". Disney has played a very important part in our marriage.

My goal at Magic Kingdom was basically nothing but walking around and seeing what has changed and what hasn't changed. So that's what I did. On Main Street, there were four young women taking pictures of three of them at a time in front of the castle. I volunteered to take all four of them together. They were very surprised and thanked me. Another Magic of the Mouse Moment. I stopped for a Dole Whip (pineapple/vanilla) for $2.65 and sat and people watched for a while. Little kids were being little kids and, unfortunately, parents were getting fried this early in the day. Lots of cussing and threats to the kids.

The wait times weren't that bad but I wasn't in the mood for the attractions. Snow White was 10 minutes, Peter Pan was 40 minutes but that now has FastPass and I could have gotten one. But I figured Rich would be interested in this with the FastPass system. Haunted Mansion was a walk on. But I didn't do it. Winnie the Pooh was my interest but the FastPass was for three hours away and I didn't think I'd be here for that. The stand by was 40 minutes and I wasn't waiting for it. I did see some things in the Yankee Trader that I was interested in. But I'm waiting to make purchases until I can have the packages sent back to the room.

I went into Toontown since the only time I had ever been there was when I was a little heat sick. I don't think I'll be back anytime soon. It's a wonderful area but it's for the kids. And there were a lot of them and the parents were using the diversions to let the little ones blow off steam. I used the walkway between here and Tomorrowland and it was very nice and quiet. If Rich and I need a little break, we'll come from Tomorrowland, rest for a bit, and then return to Tomorrowland. Maybe if we ever have grandkids (and that better be far in the future), we might reconsider but for right now, Toontown is not the place for us. I did pass the silent Timekeeper attraction and mourned it. How could Disney get rid of something that featured both Robin Williams and Jeremy Irons? Hopefully, the replacement will be better and it will come soon.

Main Street is going through a lot of renovations right now and the bakery and crystal places are closed. I window shopped a bit but didn't see anything that thrilled me. I headed for the Camera Center for a break. There was a pin display here and I found a Doug Live pin for Lindy. I will give it to her when she gets off the plane tomorrow. I won't put in the cost here since Lindy will be reading this. She'll be able to figure it out but I'll give her the challenge. Chip, Dale, and Pluto were here and were just entertaining a Cast Member. They need to advertise this a little more. I went in to watch the cartoons but "The Band Concert" was ending and "Steamboat Willie" was starting. I had seen these and wanted a little something different. But the characters were now busy and I was glad. I'm not into character greetings and I always feel guilty passing these by.

I left Magic Kingdom and Guest Relations was still a little busy to try and get Donna's brick location. I walked over to the Contemporary just for the fun of it. I thought about going to the food court there but then decided that I was hungry for the Boardwalk pizza. I headed for Epcot via the monorail to the TTC. Once at the TTC, I thought about seeing if I could find Donna's brick again. I did! You have to actually exit the TTC area and go towards the parking lot. I figured out the numbering system fairly quickly and I saw the brick. It's in a great location and I took a picture of it for Donna. Hopefully, I'll be able to figure out our scanner and get this to her before her trip in July.

Then I caught the next monorail over to Epcot. I stopped in at the Fountain View Bakery for a break. I finally sat down. I don't think I really sat for longer than the monorail trip. My back was singing "Ava Maria" and the effects of the hotel bed wasn't helping. So I enjoyed the rest and the drink. I decided that my next stop was going to be Off Kilter for the 3:30 show. Then over for my pizza.

I grabbed a seat at the Off Kilter stage and again was not disappointed. They did "Steam Train" which is my favorite instrumental arrangement. Then they saw a little girl with a Scotland flag and did "When the Roving Dies Hard" again. Once they announced that, I had to embarrass myself by clapping loudly. Jamie asked me if I liked the song. I said "Oh, yeah". The third song of the set was "Run Run Away" and they wanted everyone to sing along so I did. To the whole thing. I can't say how much this group helped me out during the last seven months. After Rich lost his job, I listened to their CDs so I wouldn't worry about where the next paycheck was coming from. When Rich was in Atlanta and I was in Nebraska, the cat, Todd, and I jammed to the CDs. Well, Todd had no choice but he at least stayed in the same room with me. So to Off Kilter - thank you very much for your companionship even though you never knew you gave it to me.

I was getting tired so I headed over to the Boardwalk and got my pizza and a glass of wine. It took a little while at the pizza window which had happened once before. This time, though, I could see the people in there. They just weren't looking at the window. Hello? I finally got helped and had my pizza and wine for $7.42. They are doing painting here right now so the seating is limited but I had no problem getting a table. I really like this pizza and it hit the spot. I watched the people and the birds and knew that my choice of the Swan for the Epcot area was a good one. I thought about the day. How many things did I "ride"? Nothing. Did I have a great day? Yes. That's how I can spend 18 days here and not see everything.

I drove back to the hotel with the intention of calling the Marriott Grand Vista where Adrienne is staying in August and getting directions and then heading out there after a short break. I did one of those two things. After a long nap. I just called and got the directions. I'll go there tomorrow before Downtown Disney and getting Lindy from the airport. I watched Wednesday night TV and rested the back a bit.

Day Four - Thursday, May 10, 2001

Got up around 8:30 and decided not to leave until a little after 10:00. I kept the drapes closed and the "Do Not Disturb" sign on the door so I wouldn't be bothered by housekeeping. After I was fully awake, I headed out to find the Marriott Grand Vista for Adrienne. I usually get lost trying to get from 192 to the Sea World area but I must be getting better. I found the place without too much trouble except for one turn around. I couldn't go into the property since it was gated but what I saw impressed me. I think Adrienne will like it and I'll make a full report back to her.

Since I was in the area, I thought I'd stop at the Orlando Premium Outlets and see if they had anything at the Disney place. While I didn't see anything that I had to have, I did have the strangest thing happen. It wasn't that it happened at all but my reaction to it. I saw $100 bill on the floor. While I was bending over to pick it up, all kinds of conflicting thoughts went through my mind. "Wow, I can make some money on this trip". "I'll turn this into the cashiers in case someone really needs it". And assorted other things. I was split 50/50 with what to do. When I was a kid, my sister and I found a real diamond watch. We talked it over with our parents and Sandy and I took out an ad in the newspaper's lost and found section. A lady called and said it was real and her husband had given it to her and she was heartbroken when she lost it. She came over to our house and gave us each a small reward. But the lesson lived on with me. Rich is the same way and I hope Chris is too. After I picked up the bill, an older French guy came over, and said "excuse me" and took the bill from me. I said something like, "oh, did you lose this?" but he never replied. In my heart, I am hoping that he truly did lose it and was just happy to get it back. But a small part of me is suspicious. And that's the part I don't like. Why should us humans automatically be suspicious of other humans? This thought kind of bothered me for the rest of the day.

After my little adventure here, I headed to Downtown Disney. I really wasn't in the shopping mood but thought a visit to the World of Disney without a male would be nice. I bought a pair of sunglasses for $14. My Disney World sunglasses broke right before I moved to Georgia so a new pair were in order. I think this might be the best buy on property. Nice glasses for only $14. Then I didn't want to do anything else until it was time to go to the airport to get Lindy. I saw a stand selling beer. The day was beautiful (so far, the temps have been in the 80s and it's been very pleasant) so I thought the idea of sitting with a beer and just people watching sounded appealing. And that's what I did. The beer was $5 which was kind of high but I didn't care. While I was sitting there, a children's group came by with their chaperones. One kid said "Disney World is tight! I don't know how they build them Lego things". And the kid meant "tight" like we used to say groovy back in the 70s. Oops, just dated myself.

Other observations - I've seen more and more signs with the Fab Six. Daisy Duck has been added from time to time. She deserves it. Minnie doesn't have to do much to keep Mickey in line but Daisy has her hands full with Donald. I listened to the music here and "A Whole New World" came on and I got a little misty-eyed. This move and everything *is* a Whole New World for Rich and me. Not a lot of people get to make a new start and still be young. And we are young - despite me overhearing some younger people on the monorail the other day saying that "these people were old, at least 40". While I was listening to the music, a family sat down next to me. It was dad, mom, and a three year old. The mom got a couple of beers and some popcorn while the dad took the boy to the bathroom. I like when dads do that. No excuse with Disney World - most of the men's bathroom are kid friendly. When the boy got back, the mom got him interested in the music. "Circle of Life" was on. I said something to the effect that the kid wasn't old enough to remember that song. That got a conversation going about all things Disney. This family was here for the Star Wars weekends so we talked about that. Again, such a nice way to pass some time. All it takes is one sentence and you'll soon be talking with people. A very nice respite yet again.

Around 1:00, I left for the airport. I took the Beeline Expressway and paid 50 cents and then 75 cents in tolls. One thing I've learned about this area. Always travel with dollar bills and quarters in your car. And if you are taking the Beeline to the airport, at the 75 cent toll booth, get all the way over in the right hand lane. It'll make your exit to the airport much easier. I got to the airport and parked and went out to the gates. I have to throw in one more thing about driving versus flying. I really loved not being on a schedule and not having to lug things through an airport. When I got off the tram at the gate, a guy had to run to his gate to make his flight. I love flying and it's great but there's some advantages to driving. I had time to kill before Lindy arrived so I went to the bar. Wine was $5.34 and I left a buck for a tip. I wanted some food but it was too expensive. There was a noisy group of traveling women who were a little obnoxious. I thought I heard one of them say something about a 2:20 flight to La Guardia. It was 1:50 already and these ladies just had gotten their food. And none of them were in any hurry. I secretly hoped they missed their flight.

About 15 minutes before Lindy's flight was scheduled to land, I went to the gate. Sure enough, at the next gate over, there was a 2:20 flight to La Guardia. They announced last call quite often and here come the four ladies from the bar running down the terminal. I wished they closed the gate but they got on anyway. Come on, there are reasons for the early boarding, just deal with it. They could have gotten their hot dog to go or something.

But I dismissed them because Lindy's flight had arrived. I was worried that I wouldn't recognize Lindy but she was right. She was the one bounding out of the plane. Lindy has lost a lot of weight and she looked marvelous. It was like I had just seen her. We went down to get the bags and then out to the car. I had scored a very nice parking space so we didn't have very far of a walk. Then to my favorite route to Disney property. The South Airport Exit to the Greeneway to John Young Parkway for a quick stop at the Publix there. Rich had said I better have some beer cooled down for him so I had to get some. I also picked up some Diet Coke for him and some wine for me. Cost was $32.40. Then we went to the Days Inn and got Lindy's things into the room. And then I knew the call of MGM was sounding for Lindy. So off we went.

And we had a Lindy Day. Another Magic of the Mouse Moment. Well, it was more of a Magic of the Mouse Day. I parked at Fantasia Miniature Golf since it was later on in the day and I figured the Boardwalk parking area would be a little crowded. Lindy doesn't mind walking either so that's what we did. We got to the Swan and an MGM bost was just pulling up. We had planned to do the walkway but this was better. So we boated. Once at MGM, we activated Lindy's Premium Annual Pass and then made a beeline to Doug Live. A show was just closing but Lindy ran ahead and we made it in. We missed the picking of the guests but that was OK. The show was fine and there's no sign that it's closing in just a couple of days. The cast was great and enthusiastic. That's professionalism for you. After the show, I looked at my watch and saw that we could make the last showing of Hunchback of Notre Dame. So I suggested that. Lindy said something like "Yes!" and off we went. Again, like in September, Lindy got us great seats. The show was not as good as the first time I saw it but it was still pretty good. This time, I concentrated on the other cast members and I realized that Esmerelda was the one I saw before. Good show. I still need to bring Rich to see this. Once we were done with the two shows that Lindy loves the most, I suggested something that we both love. Off Kilter. Lindy talked with some MGM Cast Members that she knew and then we were heading back to Epcot. This time we did take the walkway. It's a very nice walk and I think we saw three other guests on the way.

We got to the Off Kilter stage in plenty of time for their last show of the evening. I told Lindy with all this walking and all these shows, I needed a beer. I got a Labatt's and Lindy and I sat down and waited for the show. We were in my favorite spot - second row on the right. After a little while, a guy came over and sat in the first row. He asked us if we liked this group. Of course we answered yes. Then he asked how long it's been since we've seen them. I said "yesterday at 3:30". He laughed and said it had been since October for him but he shared our enthusiasm for them. He asked if we had their CD. We said we had both. He was surprised they had two of them. So we told him they released "Etched in Stone" and he said he'd go and get it. Then he started talking about his business which was over the internet and tied into herbal remedies to losing weight. Lindy was very interested since she said she still wanted to loose 30-40 pounds (personally, I think Lindy looks great). Again, another nice moment chatting with someone while waiting for Off Kilter.

The guys came out and did a very nice set. "Run, Run, Away" was the last song and Lindy and I sang along to the whole thing. Thanks again guys. I realized that since they didn't perform on Tuesday that they would be here tomorrow. I told Lindy that my plans for Friday while waiting for Rich were now set. I'll check into the Swan and then come over here and watch Off Kilter until Rich showed up. Not a bad plan at all.

We were both hungry so I suggested going offsite to Darryl's for dinner. This is a place on 192 (and on International Drive) that is kind of like a TGI Friday's without all the extra stuff. Lindy was game so we drove over there. We had a server whose hair looked like one of those guys from Flock of Seagulls from the 80s. It was too funny. I had the fried mushrooms stuffed with cream cheese. Sounds weird but it was good. Lindy had soup and salad. We both agreed that we would have dessert. Lindy did the brownie/ice cream thing and I did a butterfinger cheesecake. My cost of the dinner was $16.50. I just wish the server would use some of the tip money to get a different hair style. I guess that's the price I pay for living with two men who wear their hair military style and have no desire to change it. Yes, that does include the 18 year old one.

After dinner, we just went back to the room and crashed. Lindy had a long day. She was up at 2:45 to get her plane. I watched "ER" and filled Lindy in with what was happening. She doesn't watch the show but let me see it. We had a very pleasant day and evening. Lights out at 11:00.

Day Five - Friday, May 11, 2001

We slept in until around 9 or so. Then I was up and getting ready. Check out time here was 11 and I don't know how it happened but my three trips up to the room turned into five trips down to the car. Is luggage like hangers? Always multiplying? I tried to call Rich around 9:15 after I had gotten ready but he didn't have his cell phone on. His plan was to leave Buford around 8. That had changed from the original plan of leaving at 9, Rich figuring the traffic would be gone by then. I thought by this time he might be south of Atlanta.

I took the "little" things down to the car, using the stairs instead of the elevator. Big mistake. I took some time off to recooperate and watched "Regis and Kelly" and their Mother's Day special. Lindy got ready and packed herself up which didn't take long since she was here just one night. She also insisted on paying me for the room which I didn't want her to do. It didn't cost me anything extra to have her here and I was glad for the company and we had such a nice day yesterday. And I knew Rich would just love Lindy. So I decided that I would pay for her dinner at Boma's on Sunday. We loaded up the car (using the elevator this time) and then I checked out. I was charged $1 per day for local phone calls and that's standard around here. I certainly used it for internet access so that was fine. Total was around $150. I did call Rich again before we left and he said he was about an hour from the Florida border. That really surprised me since I thought that was about 4 hours from Buford and if it was just around 10:30, how did he do that if he left at 8? I asked him what time he left. He said 6:45. This man cannot give me hassles about leaving at 3 AM. Lindy heard the conversation and laughed when she figured he left early too.

I drove Lindy over to Port Orleans Riverside (we corrected ourselves every time we tried to say Dixie Landings). It's been a while since I went this route but managed to find it without incident. It felt like coming home again even though I haven't stayed here since 1993. I dropped Lindy and her bags off at the lobby and then went to park. Plenty of spaces here and I was back with Lindy within minutes. She was still in line to check in. They had a Cast Member chatting with the guests in line and Lindy was asked if she had any children with her. I could see where this was going and told the Cast Member that Lindy was just a kid at heart. So Lindy got a Mickey sticker. And I did too. Nice touch, Disney. Lindy checked in and, surprise! Her room was ready! She's in 9509 which is in the Magnolia Bend section. I was a little disappointed for her but quickly changed my mind once I saw the place. The only thing Lindy requested was non-smoking which this is. And this area is so nice. I don't think I would mind staying here at all. The room is very nice and the quiet pool is right there. If I ever stay at Port Orleans Riverside again, I won't make any room request other than non-smoking.

Lindy left her bags with bell services and then we were off to the Swan. My goal here was just to leave my bags in the car and let them know I was here. I didn't expect to have a room ready. I parked and saw there was not a gate guard here. That didn't bother me - I highly doubt anyone is going to steal my car. But saw an opportunity for offsite parking. Sorry to all the parking purists. I'm not trying to get out of paying the $6 because I don't have to with the Annual Pass. And the Swan isn't exactly right next to a theme park. I'll walk if I have to. I just don't like those trams and the day guest mentality. Running for a tram just gets to me.

Lindy and I went into the lobby and I was on the prowl for anything that wasn't a Disney Moment. I didn't find a single thing. I was greeted very warmly and my reservation was fine. The only hangup was I had to present the Entertainment Card for my discount. Which is my Disney Club Card. But the clerk didn't know that. It was quickly settled by her asked another clerk what to do. And surprise again. My room was ready too! I'm in 590. Lindy and I went up there and here's what we found. Thank you Starwood Preferred, I think.

A balcony! I have a balcony! And not only a balcony, a great view of the quiet pool plus we can see and hear Fantasmic! at night. We can also see a bit of Blizzard Beach, Coronado Springs, and the very top of the Tree of Life. I also got a king bed which I don't think I requested. The room itself is very, very nice. Done in nice shades of pastels. We also get a fold out couch which is the only thing I don't like - the color is kind of an ugly yellow that doesn't fit in very well. I'm really happy with all this. And one thing I really, really liked. The "Do Not Disturb" sign had a "Do Not Disturb Until" dial so you could say what time you wanted housekeeping to come back. Perfect for us late risers. Lindy liked the room as well.

I decided to just wait in the room for Rich to get there. So I bade Lindy a farewell and we agreed to meet at Boma's on Sunday. Although Lindy said we might see each other sooner since she had plans to go to Off Kilter today and might see me there. I knew Rich would want to hit Epcot first so I planned at least one showing of the boys. I called Rich again and he was in Lakeland, FL. I didn't have my map with me but asked if he had gone by Ocala yet. He said no so I told him to call me once he did that. Then I went down to the car and started bringing some things in. Just the laptop and some essentials. I'm leaving the heavy stuff for when Rich gets here. The bell services are on par with Disney but we usually don't use them anyway. I might have to do that for the departure, though. The five trips down from the Days Inn were enough. Let alone nine more nights and another person.

I worked on the trip report and Rich called from Ocala. So I knew he had about an hour or so. I went back down to the car and brought more stuff up. The only things left were my suitcase and the cooler. Rich asked me to have beer ready for him (and he sounded like he needed it) so I took some cans up with me to put into the sink. I sent off an email to Adrienne about the Marriott and about the Swan room. I told her with both of these resorts, she doesn't have to worry about anything. I knew she'd like them both.

Rich called again and asked which exit 26 to take. I said the Epcot one. My husband is normally fine with directions but I think he was tired. He was going to call me from the parking lot to get directions to the room. I just waited. The call came a little later than I thought. I later found out that Rich didn't listen to me and followed the signs to Epcot instead of to the Epcot resorts. On the way to the Swan, I had told Lindy I specifically mentioned that to Rich. If you follow the Epcot signs, that's exactly where you go - directly into Epcot. I know from experience. The Epcot resort area is in the back of Epcot and in a totally different area. So Rich had to ask the parking attendant there how to get to the Swan. The guy told him to follow the signs for MGM. That really confused Rich but he went anyway. I didn't get this story out of Rich until much later that night.

Rich called me from the parking lot when he finally made it. I told him to get to the room to go through the lobby and at the Swan fountain, take a left and go up in the West elevators. Simple, right? So I'm waiting for him, beer ready to go. And he doesn't come. I thought about turning my phone off to save the battery but didn't. I'm glad I didn't. Rich called from the lobby. He had come in through the convention area and followed my directions. Of course he got lost. How does "lobby" translate into "convention center"? I finally directed him to the West elevators. Thank goodness for cell phones. He got up to the room and gladly took the beer. This man looked like death warmed over! I had driven the same distance in the wee hours of the morning and I hope I didn't look like this. I don't think the drive is all that bad. Rich's vehicle is a 1989 Corvette convertible and he had the top down for the last legs of the trip. Florida sun really took its toll. I'm glad I brought the Noxema with me.

We had a few drinks, talked about things (mostly about how the cat was going to get along without us) and then decided that we were hungry. Lots of possibilities were mentioned but Rich decided on the Big River Grille. We headed out there and on the way Rich asked about "that burger place at the Yacht Club". I knew he was talking about Beaches and Cream which we had never been to. I said that was fine but what if it was crowded (I remembered reading about the small seating area). Then we decided that if that was the case, we'd go to the ESPN Club.

We found Beaches and Cream and were asked if we wanted table or counter. I picked counter, figuring it was an ice cream shop, why not? Big mistake. We settled on our choices and then waited. And waited. And waited. We were right next to the take out window and those girls weren't doing anything for us. As Rich said, we were being ignored. I don't necessarily have to be waited on hand and foot but after a good five or ten minutes, we both had it. We were hungry, darn it. So we left. On the way out, Rich told the seater person what had happened. She said that was impossible and took us back inside. She told our server what had happened and we were seated in the same spot. We were helped right away but something was missing. I'm sure the server didn't realize that we were there the first time but still. You are responsible for your area, check it every once in a while. We both ordered single burgers - I had fruit, Rich had fries. The server apologized once and did nothing further. Rich even said something about getting a discount to me but I didn't have high hopes. We liked the food, didn't really care for the atmosphere, and certainly didn't care for the way we were treated. We left $25 for the food and probably shorted the server for the tip which we almost never do. I don't think we've ever done that on Disney property. Our verdict - if we can get the burgers to go, we will. Otherwise, don't expect to see us back.

Onto to Epcot where I tried to get Rich interested on multiple Off Kilter shows. Not to be. He said he likes them, would watch them, but only once in a day. OK, that's fine. I said that if I knew Lindy, she'd be at the 7:30 show so can we just plan on that? He agreed. Yes! I showed Rich the musical garden at Japan and he agreed that it should stay there permanently. Disney, are you listening? We watched the Marshall Tucker Band at the American Gardens and appreciated that Disney World brought bands like this here for the Flower and Garden Festival.

Then on to Germany for the traditional beer. Rich remarked that it's getting more expensive. I reminded him that so are the gas prices but we'll still pay them so why bother fighting it. Beers were $16.75 (I had a small, Rich the big one). I jokingly told Rich to try and give the server a tip. The last two times we were here, a guest did that and these servers can't accept tips. We sat and people watched for a while.

I asked Rich what he wanted to do for the rest of the evening. He didn't have any ideas. He said I probably had it planned out. I didn't. Those commando tactics have left me. We just kept walking and were going by Mexico at the time we were talking about this. So he decided to do "the boat ride". And we did. Rich said something about getting it over with. After that, we still had a good hour before Off Kilter so I suggested the Fountain View Bakery. This really is a nice spot to relax. Around 7, we headed off for the Off Kilter stage. I got my favorite seat at the stage and we waited for the show. I kept an eye out for Lindy but she wasn't there when the guys took the stage so I figured Rich would get to meet her on Sunday.

Once the guys were on stage, the family in front of us went up and asked Mark for a request. I couldn't hear everything but thought I heard "Irish" in the request. When they came back, Rich asked them what they requested. They said "A Walk in the Irish Rain". I immediately thanked them because that is my all time favorite Off Kilter song. Todd and I jammed to that the last four months. OK, I jammed to it - Todd just looked at me like I was insane. The guys played that second and I really enjoyed it. Rich didn't run and hide like I thought he would. After the set, Lindy came up. She said she had to run to make the show but she was there. Rich and Lindy finally meet.

Off Kilter was coming off the stage and I had put their CD cases in my bag earlier in the day. I have no idea why I did that. I really didn't have definite plans on coming here. Another Magic of the Mouse Moment. Since Lindy was there, she "pressured" me to get their autographs. I have gotten exactly one autograph in my life and that was from an Oriole who was just giving them out to everyone. I just don't do this. But I went up there anyway. I'll tell you, these guys are wonderful. Not only did I get their autographs, I got them twice. Once on each CD. Everyone was so nice. And I found out that my "Etched in Stone" CD is kind of a rarity. The liner was limited to 1000 copies because Disney found something they didn't like with it and had it replaced so they only sell the newer one in the park. Three of the guys remarked "where did you get this?". I replied "the website". I was totally in a fog during this whole time. Rich and Lindy guided me through it. Thanks to both of them and thanks yet again to Off Kilter for their time. I feel like I have come full circle. My family broke up for a while but we're back together and I have a great friend who helped me through it. And now my husband has met both Donna and Lindy. Can we adapt the Circle of Life for this?

After my Mouse Moment, all three of us walked back to the Boardwalk. Lindy was on the search for Matt, the juggler from Hunchback. He was to be at the Boardwalk that night. We parted ways and knew we'd see each other on Sunday for dinner. Rich and I headed back to the Swan and just crashed. We sat out on the balcony and could hear Fantasmic! but not see that much. But it did get Rich interested in seeing the show. I said that we would have to be there at least an hour early and that didn't really impress Rich. But then I mentioned beer and that seemed to satisfy him. We settled on a plan for tomorrow. MGM for Carrie Fisher. And that's it. Once Rich mentioned MGM, I asked him about food. I wanted to have at least one sit down meal a day. But I didn't make any advance priority seatings except for Boma's and the Yachtsman Steakhouse. I talked Rich into the 50s Prime Time Café and had no problem making a priority seating for 2 the next afternoon.

Watched "Law & Order: Special Victims Unit" and then went to sleep.

Day Six - Saturday, May 12, 2001

Rich and I slept in until well after 9:30. I knew Rich was tired and I guess I was too. The morning newspaper was nice and Rich sat out on the balcony and enjoyed it. I updated the trip report and took advantage of the "Do Not Disturb Until Noon" sign. We didn't get going until noon. We took the walkway to MGM and enjoyed that a lot. This is a nice addition.

Once in MGM, we had the photographer grab us for an opportunity. Rich hates these things. He hates having his picture taken. As his brother says "it's like having your spirit taken" (we are Polish). Don't ask. Something about Indian beliefs. But I tell Rich that these people are only doing their jobs and just go with it. So he did.

Then we went to see if Carrie Fisher was here. I made Rich ask (remember, I really don't do autographs but will for Star Wars for Chris). Ms. Fisher was here and we did finally find her. But the line was way, way long (as it should be) and Rich, the autograph expert, said we'd probably stand in it and not get the autograph. So Rich chalked it up to experience and said that we should just go and do stuff.

We checked out Star Tours and I thought the wait would be horrible since they had the Star Wars Weekend stuff going on. It was 10 minutes and I knew that 10 minutes on the sign outside meant a walk on. And we did. The kids behind us on the attraction were having the best time. This attraction never ceases to amaze me with the first time riders. And I was thinking of Chris the whole time. We exited to the Tatooine Traders and I mentioned to Rich that I thought they had Star Wars Weekend T shirts here. Someone had posted that on the newsgroup and I said something to Chris. Now, as a teenager, you have to be careful with what you wear. I can't get Chris T shirts without him approving them. So I asked him about this special one. He said I could "probably" get him one. As a parent of a teenager, that means, "Yes". And the best part - these T shirts were black. Chris' favorite color. We got him a large one and then they had XXL so I got Chris' friend, John, one of those. We still don't know if it'll fit John but if it doesn't, he can hang it up in his dorm at Clemson. John and Chris are the Star Wars freaks. Rich also picked up a hat and he later said that it fit him so well he doesn't think he'll ever wear another hat. Total here was $61.48 and we had the T shirts shipped back to the room. Rich wore the hat.

Then onto the Muppets and it was as good as ever. We sat with a great view of the Swedish Chef with the cannon. I think about five whole people turned around and saw what was going on back there. We just meandered after that since it was getting a little close to our seating at the Prime Time Cafe. They are having a special Star Wars presentation near the Animation Studio but we didn't go into it since we didn't know how long it would take. No wonder Rich doesn't like priority seatings - too much of a schedule. We checked out the Animation Store and drooled at some of the things. Then hunger set in and I said we'd check in a little early for our seating.

The lunch went great and we didn't do anything wrong although Wex (yes, it's Wex and not Rex) told Rich that the corner was right behind him so he should behave. Rich had the meatloaf and substituted fries for the mashed potatoes. I had the ham sandwich. Nothing happened to us although Wex was certainly primed for it. He did chide Rich for having his elbows on the table and Rich said it wasn't his elbows, it was his forearms. Rich really enjoyed the meal and really dug into the green beans. I thanked someone for that because if Rich was forced to do the airplane thing, we might have been in trouble. Total cost of the meal was $52.80 which included the tip. Wex was great and I don't think Rich will have a problem coming back.

BTW - they don't have the "Cleaned Your Plate" stickers here anymore. Rich mopped up just about everything on his plate and I asked Wex for a sticker. Embarrassing your husband is a great way to spend your vacation. Wex said that they discontinued them. The staff got together and tried everything they could to eliminate *except* these stickers but it didn't work. Wex suggested a Guest Comment Card. I will do one of those before I leave.

I told Rich that the rest of the day was his. Nothing planned and I didn't care what we did as long as it wasn't Magic Kingdom since it was Saturday. He wanted to ride Twilight Zone and Rock N Roller Coaster. Fine with me but didn't we just eat? And eat plenty? But off we went. To a 55 minute wait for Twilight Zone. Yikes. The FastPass time for Rock N Roller Coaster was for a little over an hour so we got one of those. Rich didn't know what to do after this so I said that we should see a show. I did a tourist thing and actually looked at the guide map. Hey, there's a Doug Live show starting at 3:30 - just ten minutes from now. It's the last day for this show, we have to go. And we did. Rich protested a little but not much since he didn't have to wait. We got in right away and I enjoyed this much more than I did the first time. Now I see why Lindy likes, err, liked it so much. It is cute and maybe this performance had a better Doug but it was wonderful. Again, the performers never gave a clue that this was closing. I wanted to shout out "Don't Close Down Doug" but refrained myself.

Then we went back to Twilight Zone with a 13 minute wait. Which means a walk on. And it was. Terrific planning, right? Just don't have a plan. We actually went to the left instead of the right which was totally new for us. We got to the boiler room and I had thoughts about asking for the seatbelt seat. I really have a problem with this attraction and thought if I did the seatbelt seat just once, maybe I would get over it. But we were one of the last groups seated so I didn't want to mess up the seater. Maybe next time. The ride was great and I actually didn't shake afterwards.

Next up was Rock N Roller Coaster with our FastPasses. Right up to the preshow and into the area. We, unfortunately, got behind a group of teenagers. Not from South America. American teenagers can be just as annoying as I found out. I wanted as far away from them as possible. They were so annoying that I figured once we got to the seater, I'd ask to not be anywhere near the group. We stayed away from them during the preshow and then when we got into the seater area, they were right behind us. But the seater was calling for a group of two so we got to board extra early. Yes! I love this roller coaster. About the only one I will ride.

After the two "thrill" rides (and yes, I do consider them thrill rides), I told Rich I was owed a beer so we got a couple on Sunset Boulevard. They have redone this section so the carts are gone and more permanent structures for food are here. Two Bud Lights and $10 later, we were parked on a bench watching people pour into the Beauty and the Beast show. I asked Rich what he wanted to do next and he didn't know. He did say that he thought we were done here for the day and then said something about golf on TV. I was getting tired and a trip to the room didn't sound that bad. After the beers, we headed out.

I did stop into Cover Story and looked at the picture they had taken earlier. Rich and I almost never have just the two of us in a picture. I think you have to go back to our wedding to see one. This one wasn't that bad and my dad is always telling me that he doesn't have one of us. So I bought three - one for us, one for the in-laws, and one for my dad and stepmother. I didn't even really consult Rich, who was hiding somewhere. Cost was $30.69 and that's not bad for three 5x7s. It'll make a nice "thank you" present for their help with the move. I took the purchase with me since we were going back to the room.

We took the walkway back and I regretted it. It's a much quicker walk when you're going to MGM then when you are on the way back after a long day. But it was still nice. We made a quick stop at the car for my muffin and some more Diet Coke. Then up to the room where I expected to take a nap but never did. I'd regret that later.

After a few hours of TV watching, we decided on doing Tapestry of Nations and Illuminations tonight. We headed over to Epcot and actually kind of raced over to Germany for a spot. I hate that Disney took Tapestry away from France. I loved viewing it from there. But Germany is Rich's favorite site so we went there. I got us a couple of large beers for $20 and we went more towards the lagoon to watch everything. The parade was wonderful. I love this and am glad they kept it after the Millennium Celebration. We were joined by a pushy European family after a while but they weren't that bad once they figured we weren't moving. An older couple joined us on the other side and I convinced Rich to say something to them. He did and we spent the time in between the parade and Illuminations to chat. My Disney knowledge has rubbed off on my husband because he had a few things to offer to this couple. They hadn't been here since the 70s. They were part of a group staying at the Boardwalk and this was their first day. Illuminations went off and I had a Magic of the Mouse Moment. The woman asked "how often they do this?". She meant the parade and Illuminations. Rich responded "every day" and I said " they do the parade twice a day". She just dropped her jaw and said "every day!?". Yep. OK, they cut out the Clean Plate stickers but let's keep the parades. People are impressed with this kind of stuff. After Illuminations (which thrilled me), the couple thanked us for talked with them. I listened to the music and then we headed out. It was very crowded tonight but it wasn't that bad getting out.

Back to the room where I crashed. Not taking that nap was critical. We talked about what to do for tomorrow and Rich came up with either Animal Kingdom or Magic Kingdom. Both good choices. Animal Kingdom for our late starts and Magic Kingdom for the day after early entry. Once I cautioned Rich we had our Boma seating, he decided on Magic Kingdom because he didn't want to go to Animal Kingdom, come back to the room, and then go back to Animal Kingdom Lodge. Fine by me. We settled on a plan to walk through Epcot and monorail over to Magic Kingdom.

Day Seven - Sunday, May 13, 2001

We slept in until almost 9. Then we got ready to go out. I love the "Do Not Disturb Until" sign. I wasn't feeling the best but Disney called and I went. We walked through Epcot to the Magic Kingdom monorail. It's Mother's Day which I had forgotten about. I did send flowers to my mother and a nice bird seed feeder to my mother-in-law before I left Georgia so that was taken care of. I will send something to my stepmother after she finally gets her home at the end of the month. All the parks were handing out flowers for Mother's Day. I didn't get one here. We got to the monorail and there was a family of five first in line for the next one. I asked them if they had ever sat up front. I wanted to but figured this family would like it better and I'd have more opportunities. They said they never did so I explained it to them. Two of them wanted to do it (mom and son) and the other two kids and dad said they'd pass. So I suggested we join the mom and son up front. And that's what we did. And we got our co-pilots licenses. I had ridden up front once before and was never offered this so I was glad we got them this time.

We got to the TTC and Rich decided that we would take the ferry boat since he hadn't done that for a while. One was ready to set off so we had nothing of a wait. Our timing so far was kind of nice. Once at Magic Kingdom, we checked out the brick and I tried to get Rich interested in the positioning for our renewal ceremony. He was not interested at all. We went through the turnstyles where I did get a Mother's Day flower and I let Rich do what he wanted. He said just the two mountains - Space and Splash. We headed to the left and found the Dole Whip stand. I didn't have to pressure Rich too much and for $5 we both got the chocolate/vanilla swirls. We sat off to the side and enjoyed.

Then onto Splash Mountain for FastPasses. Return time was for an hour away. Then through Fantasyland where Rich agreed it seemed very crowded. We did stop at Liberty Square and shared a hot dog for $3.25. This Cast Member could have used an Attitude Adjustment. There were no condiments available but we had to find that out ourselves. Rich went back and asked and we were directed to Columbia Harbor House. So we got ketchup there and ate inside. Nice break. Then off to Tomorrowland. We couldn't get a FastPass for Space Mountain for another 10 minutes (when our window for Splash Mountain started) but the stand by was only 30 minutes. So that's what we did. For about 10 minutes. Then something I did or something I ate or something just kicked in. I got so claustrophobic so we bailed out and I got some air. I don't know what happened but I just had to get out of that queue area. I am so glad I'm ma