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Steve Russo -- February 2002 -- Walt Disney World (BWR)

February 2-9, 2002

Participants

• Me - Steve (52, God, it hurts to say that. Wasn't it just last week I was complaining about turning 50?), the planner, tour guide, official photographer, all-around great guy and Disney veteran. Director at an IT Consulting firm. DVC member.
• Barb (40+), my better half (maybe 3/4). Also a Disney vet but tends to forget things we've done there (or haven't done)
• Michelle (26), Steve & Barb's daughter. Veteran of several WDW trips.
• Stephen (16), Steve & Barb's son. Veteran of several (plus a couple) WDW trips. Has been there almost every year since he was 4.
• Will (23), Michelle's boyfriend and WDW first-timer.

February 2-9 at the Boardwalk Villas Resort (BWVR).

Planning

Caveat - I've been accused of being somewhat anal-compulsive. I must admit there's some truth in that. I like things neat, orderly, and planned. Surprises are fine as long as they're not negative and kept to the bare minimum. I can also be somewhat prolific - attested to by those with the endurance to read last year's trip report. That said, if you're looking for a quick and easy, summary style report please move on. If, however, you enjoy visiting WDW vicariously and would enjoy immersing yourself in the finer details, sit back, put your feet up, grab a favorite beverage and read on.

For those that had the stamina to read last year's trip report, you know that we made the January 2001 trip with 12 people (Barb and I and our 3 children, my 85 year-old father who made his first airplane trip of any kind, and our friends, the Goergens, and their brood). I sub-titled the report "The Dirty Dozen Do Disney". Surprisingly, that trip came off (almost) without a hitch and we all had a predictably great time. I'm thinking of subtitling this report "The Filthy Five" but may see some objections. For those masochists who might like a peek at last year's tome, it can be found in Brian's Trip Report Archives on Mouseplanet.com (Editor's note, just click on the link above).

Also, because I tend to repeat myself and will undoubtedly be referring to last year's report, I've decided on a new acronym, FTWRLYR (For those who read last year's report).

MARCH to MAY 2001 - The planning for this trip started almost immediately after the last one. We expected it to be just Barb, Stephen and me - the typical trip - and began by choosing the dates. We settled on February 2-9 to avoid school holidays and because our first choice, January, was impossible due to Stephen's school schedule of exams, etc. Being DVC members, we booked a 1 BR villa at BWVR, our home resort. Our other daughter, Stephanie, declined - feeling that she would graduate college in December and by February would either be actively pursuing a job or have already started her long career in journalism. Either way she wouldn't be able to afford the time off. My Dad, Pop, also declined - basically saying he's "been there, done that". Pretty aloof for an 86 year-old, don'tcha think? The Goergen's had their own trip planned for January.

In April, Michelle indicated that she and Will might like to go with us. This didn't pan out as Will was reluctant to vacation without his Mom, who had been badgering him to vacation with her. By late April, Will had discovered that his mom was OK with it so he and Michelle were in. I tried to change reservations to a 2BR villa and then things got complicated. Over the next 6 weeks, we had various changes that would include moving from BWVR to Old Key West (OKW), in various room sizes, etc. One of the issues was that I was too short on DVC points to book a 2 BR for the entire week.

We settled (finally) on spending the first 2 nights at the Caribbean Beach Resort (CBR) (one of our favorite resorts despite what Ron Ng says on RADP) and moving to a 2BR at BVR on Monday. I laid out a very tentative schedule for the week and called and booked the Hoop-Dee-Doo Revue (HDD) for Wednesday night. It's a favorite show and we don't do it every trip but we figured it was Will's first time so why not? We usually don't book dinner reservations in advance because we like to do this on a whim and have never had a problem getting what we wanted while there. The last step was airfare. We had enough Frequent Flyer miles with USAirways for free tickets for Barb and I. I booked all 5 on Metrojet, which offers non-stop Albany to Orlando service ($204 per ticket). It's May and we're all set - nothing to do now but wait.

SEPTEMBER to NOVEMBER 2001 - Then came the tragedy of September 11. I won't dwell here but suffice it to say; everyone's life was affected. Over the next couple of months, the world changed. Travel plans were being cancelled at alarming rates, tourism suffered tremendously; cutbacks everywhere (including WDW) were the norm. I don't think there was ever a question of us going but there would be changes. USAirways dropped its Metrojet service so our tickets were changed and we now had connections through Pittsburgh (going) and Philadelphia (coming). Same price. This is not a serious issue but, if you've ever flown out of the Northeast in February, you know that every connection adds a possible problem due to the unpredictability of winter weather. Several years ago, we checked into the AllStar Sports at 3:30 AM!!! - due to ice in Washington, DC. See what I mean?

I used some Marriott Rewards points to get 5 passes for Universal's Islands of Adventure (IOA). We've been to Universal several times but never to IOA. The kids wanted the coasters and I had heard so much about Spiderman (the best ride in Orlando?) that we wanted to spend a day there.

We decided on Annual Passes for Barb, Stephen and me (a first). We figured that we could make next year's trip in December or January and get 2 trips on the passes. Two trips to the Disney Store and we had 3 APs ($354 each with the Disneyclub card). Based on my loose schedule, and the fact we'd be at IOA for one day, we figured Michelle and Will would need 6-day Park Hoppers and would buy them ($278 each with DC discount) in December to avoid an expected January price hike. This would also include a couple of Pleasure Island (PI) entries for them; Barb, Stephen, and I had a couple of PI entries left on last year's Hopper passes so we were set for the Comedy Warehouse.

JANUARY 2002 - Over the last several months, I've waffled on whether to rent a car or not. Last year we used Tiffany Town Car and were extremely pleased. This year, we had the IOA trip to consider plus I want to make a grocery run when we check into BWVR. I also suspected that a car would make our resort move a little more palatable. I shopped prices and went through a series of reservations and cancellations with National, Dollar, and Avis. At one time I had settled on Tiffany Town Car (TTC) along with a 2-day SUV rental from National at the Dolphin.

Then mousesavers.com came through with a code for a $189.99 weekly rate for a minivan with Dollar. Done. BTW, it you've ever rented a car at MCO you know that, after taxes, airport access fees, refueling, etc. the $189.99 will approximate the GNP of Argentina.

MID-JANUARY 2002 - I'd been calling CRO on a regular basis inquiring about AP discounts for a 2BR Villa at BWVR for our first 2 days. Nothing available and if it was, it would be expensive. They did have a 2BR at OKW but that would still involve a move and we really like the BW. Then on January 14, I called CRO and they had a 2BR available at BWVR with an AP rate ($319 per night). Done. I requested a continuous stay (same room) and then called DVC and did the same - hopefully this will work out. Now we have the entire trip in one room (hopefully) at the BWVR. No moves, no hassles, etc. Next question - do I need the rental car?

Probably not. I cancelled what must be my 14th rental car reservation and called Tiffany. I reserved a van (5 people plus luggage is more than a Town Car can handle comfortably, IMO) from the airport to BWVR ($90 round trip minus the $5 coupon from their web site) and a van to take us to IOA on Tuesday ($60 round trip). This will save me about $110 over the Dollar deal and helps me justify the additional cost of the BWVR over CBR (as if I needed to).

I updated our agenda and decided that we're (finally) all set. The plan looks like:

Saturday February 2 - Fly in, groceries, check-in to BWVR, Epcot

Sunday February 3 - MK, Super Bowl, Pleasure Island (?)

Monday February 4 - MGM, MK

Tuesday February 5 - Islands of Adventure, Pleasure Island

Wednesday February 6 - AK, Hoop-Dee-Doo Revue

Thursday February 7 - MK, MGM (Fantasmic)

Friday February 8 - MGM, MK or Epcot

Saturday February 9 - Shopping at Downtown Disney (DD) and travel home

We're not commandos but we do tour with a purpose. We get to a park at opening so we can hit the bigger attractions without waiting. Each afternoon is free for lounging by the pool, visiting other resorts, going to a park, whatever you feel like. Typically, we're back at a park by 4-5:00 as most of the day's crowd is exiting, and looking weary. The plan is only there as a guide to ensure we do the things we want to do. It can, and will, change on the fly to accommodate circumstances and whims.

There are also several things that we'd like to do that are not on the schedule but we'll try to work them in as time permits. I'd like to get a look at the Animal Kingdom Lodge (AKL) with a meal at Boma's; Stephen wants to eat at Wolfgang Puck's; and we'd like to view the villas at the Wilderness Lodge. We'll see.

FTWRLYR, you know that last year we acquired our first dog, a Black Lab named Gunnar. It was very traumatic, especially for Barb, to leave him with a kennel last year. She cried when dropping him off but, then again, she cries at everything. We investigated a new kennel this year that offers something called "Pampered Pet" service. For those with pets, you may know of this type of thing, but it was a complete shock to me. Your dog gets his own room with a bed (spring and mattress), a TV with cable tuned to the Animal Planet, a closed circuit TV camera in the room, and a door to his private outdoor area (used for the obvious). I was dumbfounded! I'll be staying at the BWVR while Gunnar enjoys Grand Floridian ambience!

As we left the kennel after the tour, I glanced at Barb and - you guessed it - she was crying. This made the decision easier. Gunnar would stay with Steph for the week. Steph asked for time-off from her waitressing job and we'd give her the money we would have spent on the kennel to offset her loss of earnings from waitressing. Phew!

Friday February 1

Earlier in the week (Tuesday), I faxed a request to the Room Assignor at the BWVR. I politely asked for the continuous reservation and, if possible, an upgraded view. I noted that a had only reserved a Standard view, and realized a BW view was probably out of the question, but if there was a lagoon view available, I'd love it.

I left work early (around 2:00) and hustled home to scrape the driveway. From Thursday night through Friday morning we received 2-3 inches of snow followed by ice and sleet. For anyone who lives in cold weather, you know what this is like. I was shoveling 2 inches of ice that was covered by slush and water. Very heavy and back breaking work.

We finished some last minute packing and set the alarms for 3:00 AM!!! The flight leaves at 6:55. We need to be there 2 hours early so that's 4:55, which means we leave home at around 4:20. Thus, a 3:00 AM wake-up. Sheesh! The things we do.

Day One, Saturday February 2

The plan - Fly in, groceries, check-in to BWVR, Epcot

I woke up at 2:53 AM - I almost always awake before the alarm. Something internal, I guess. It was very windy out with gusts in the 30-50 mph range. It may be an interesting takeoff today. Barb and Stephen followed shortly. We got ourselves caffeined and showered, said goodbye to Gunnar, woke Steph up at 4:00 (she got home from work at 1:00 AM). I loaded the car last night so we were on our way at 4:20. Steph drove us to the airport while Will's Mom picked up him and Michelle. They pulled up in front of the airport just ahead of us. Some hugs for Steph (I feel guilty leaving her home) and we're rolling the luggage inside.

There was a long line at the USAirways counter. It took us 45 minutes to reach the counter, check our luggage, and get our boarding passes. They were selecting travelers randomly to go behind the curtain for a more thorough luggage check. Thank goodness we weren't selected.

We head upstairs where it took us about 15 minutes to get through security. Will beeped and had to endure the wand check, removal of shows, etc. We got to the gate with about an hour to spare. There was another group of what appeared to be two families there with several small children. One of the moms began singing into a mini-Karaoke microphone "M-I-C, see you real soon. K-E-Y, why? Because we like you". Disney magic already.

The flight to Pittsburgh was uneventful and the winds had subsided some so liftoff was less of a thrill ride than I expected. When boarding the plane for Orlando, we realized that the seating assignments that we have had for months have somehow changed. Michelle and Will are together in row 8, but the rest of us are split between 16 and 21. Being the gallant type, I let Stephen and Barb have the 2 seats together in row 21 while I take the window seat in 16.

I should explain that I'm 6'3" and 215 pounds and I always take the aisle seat for the extra room (not much, but some). I never thought I was claustrophobic until a recent MRI for a neck problem. Nothing like being inside of a long tube where your arms and shoulders are wedged against the sides and the roof is a mere 2 inches from your nose to bring out the anxiety. I took the window seat next to a fairly large woman who basically hung over both armrests. My usual 13 inches of lateral space was down to 9 and the idiot in front of me reclines his seat so his head is about 7 inches from my nose (why does everyone that sits in front of me need to recline their seat for the entire flight? Even when they're only 5'8".). Well, for the next 2 1/2 hours, I can not move - my knees are wedged against the seat in front of me, the woman next to me has me pushed toward the window, and it's generally uncomfortable as hell - ah, the joys of air travel. BTW, the service on both flights is beverage only - no peanuts, no trail mix, no nothing.

We land early in Orlando (Thank, God)- at 11:15 AM instead of the expected 11:27 - and I am blissfully allowed out of my cocoon. We tram and walk to baggage claim where our Tiffany driver, Gerard Lamy, is waiting with my name on a sign. Gerard would be our driver for the week and he is, indeed, a nice guy. Luggage shows up and one of Will's suitcases has been damaged (the zippered outside pocket has been torn) but, we'll deal with that later. We get outside where it's a wonderful 76 degrees. While Gerard goes for the van, we start peeling off layers of clothing. I stored an empty duffel bag in one of the suitcase pockets. I retrieve this so we can store our "winter" clothing.

Gerard helps us load luggage and we head off for a quick stop at Publix. I tear off pieces of the shopping list and send everyone on a shopping mission. 20 minutes (and $90) later, we're through the checkout complete with sustenance for the week (beer, soda, milk, juice, English muffins, breakfast cereal, etc.). We arrange the bags so we can easily identify which 2 we'll need to ask guest services to refrigerate for us in the likely event our room is not yet ready.

On to WDW and I catch the first glimpse of purple road signs. Aaahhhh, welcome home. We hit the Boardwalk at around 12:45. As we're pulling up the promenade in front of the hotel, Barb takes one look at my face and announces to the kids "OK. Dad's in a good mood for the next week. Now's the time to ask him to buy you a car". What? I'm not in a good mood all the time? An easy going guy like me?

We unload the van. I pay Gerard ($90 for the van RT plus a $10 tip) and we store our luggage, giving instructions on what needs to be refrigerated (milk, juice, butter, etc.). I head inside and proceed to the check-in window.

Here's the first sign of cutbacks. The BW has a front desk that consists of 10-12 stations. Off to the right, and perpendicular to the front desk, is a separate area for Guest Services. This area is closed. The rightmost 2 stations of the front desk are now labeled Guest Services and there is a separate queue. Anyway, it's not crowded and Barb and I go right to a window where CM Tammy checks us in. Tammy is new and when she gives us the map of the BW and draws our route to the room she has indicated we are staying in a far left room near the ESPN Club. I know this is wrong because this is the Inn side and we're in the Villas but I let it go. In fact, we were about as far from where she had marked as you could be.

I have an AP rate for the first 2 days and I've debated heading to Epcot's Guest Relations first to activate my AP for check-in. I opted to risk that they'll accept the voucher instead. Not to worry, they never asked for anything.

Then Tammy gives us 2 nice surprises - my first request was granted, we have the same room for the week (although I'll have to check out and back in on Monday) and the room is ready. What? The room is ready at 1:00? This never happens. Our 2 BR Villa is rooms 2125 and 2127, so off we go. These rooms are a loooong way from the front desk but on the lobby level so there's no need to use the elevators. We call Bell Services and our luggage is delivered in 5 minutes. The balcony view is the lagoon (another request satisfied) with the waterway to the Studios off to the right. I can see the Tower of Terror (ToT) from the balcony. Part of the parking lot is visible behind some trees. We try to call Steph but only get the answering machine....hmmmmm. We quickly unpack and store the groceries, change into appropriate attire (shorts and T-shirts since it's pushing 80) and head out.

A quick word about BW renovations - there is scaffolding and covering mesh surrounding 2 sections above the General Store and Big River Grill area. They have temporary wooden entrances to the shops there. We later saw equivalent construction around the quiet pool and Community Hall area. This is not a big deal but it does cut off several exits to the Boardwalk and Studios walkway which forces us down to the Lobby area in order to get outside - a significant hike.

First stop is the ESPN Club for lunch. None of us has eaten since dinner yesterday so we quickly scarf down 3 burgers, a grilled chicken sandwich (Michelle) and a roast beef sandwich (me) washed down with Coors Light (2 each for Barb and I) and many, many Cokes. Total comes to $77 including tip.

We walk to the International Gateway (IG) where Barb, Stephen, and I activate our APs in about 3 minutes (I was expecting 15 based upon various web sites). We then encounter another change brought on by the 9/11 tragedy, our first of many security checks. A quick glance through my camera bag, Barb's purse, and Michelle's backpack and we're through. We get our fingers biometrically recorded (for the first time ever) and we're through. I've read about a lot of folks having problems with the biometrics scanners but we had no issues the entire week.

Our first stop was Test Track (TT), with a 35-minute wait posted, so we opt for Fast Passes (FP). We ride Spaceship Earth (SE) with no wait and spend a few minutes playing with some of the stuff in the ATT center. SE has been our first ride on almost all of our trips and it does a great job of setting the tone for the rest of the week. We did notice several changes (or what we thought were changes) but our perception may have been due to the fact that many of the animatronics seemed to have new (or at least recently cleaned) clothing.

Off to Honey I Shrunk the Audience (HISTA) where it's a walk-in, even though they are advertising FPs with a return in one hour. Who would use this when you can walk into the pre-show? We love this movie (and the pre-show) and Will is dutifully impressed. I love traveling with a first-timer just to get their reactions to things.

We spend some time in the Image Works and Email a picture home to Steph and my buddy Wayne who did this to me in January (just a way of saying I'm here and you're not). Stephen and Will did the picture thing where you modify your own face with some funny overlays. It was time to head back to TT but we made sure to stop and let Will get a drink at the talking drinking fountain. We entered the FP line for TT and were in the pre-show within 5 minutes.

TT was good, as always, but I did notice some negatives - the CRT in our car stopped working very early in the ride, the thermal scan at the end had lost its horizontal hold, and the car just felt a little looser than normal. Maybe it's me but it seems like the ride may need a rehab.

We decide to head back for a little rest and take the left side of World Showcase (WS). We take a ride on Maelstrom (less than 5 minute wait). It seems a little shorter and lamer than I remembered (am I getting older and more cynical?). We opt to bypass the film although this is one that I enjoy. We stop and catch some very young (9-10 year old) acrobats in China and the Living Statue in France. We're back at BWVR by 6:00.

I call my father, Pop, and let him know were here OK and try Steph but still get the machine.....hmmmm. The kids head off to check out the pools while I grab a beer and head to the balcony to relax and update the notes. I discover we can see the fireworks at the end of Fantasmic from the balcony - cool. The plan is to head back to Epcot in time for the Tapestry of Dreams (ToD) parade and Illuminations - Reflections of Earth (IROE). Will and Michelle head to the BW for a slice of pizza for Will (he opts instead for the loaded foot long hot dog - which he loves). Barb and I join them at 7:45, realize it's chilly, and make the 17 mile walk back to the room for jackets. While we're there, Steph calls. She had gone out to dinner with friends and was back home now. All's well with her and Gunnar.

Back through the IG and the kids head to TT where they find a 50 minute wait - at 8:00. Barb and I grab a couple of Cabernet Sauvignons in France ($3.25 each), find a bench, sip and chat. We can see the end of ToD in the distance by Japan and can hear the music quite well. BTW, I have this CD and love the music. We head over to the bridge by the UK to stake out a spot for IROE. The kids show at 8:45 and we are all thoroughly impressed, again, by the show. Nothing else describes it except magnificient. Just before the show started, a family with 2 small children moves in behind us. Barb offered her railing spot to the children who gave a very polite "thank you" after getting nods from their parents. It's nice to see some polite, and well-behaved children (and parents) here because, too often, you run into the other extreme.

Back to the room. Barb and I use the in-room Jacuzzi for 20 minutes (feels great) then it's lights out. I set the timer on the TV (the news was on) for 30 minutes and fell asleep before the TV went off. It's been a long day.

Day 1 Summary - Day 1 went (surprisingly) according to plan. We did quite a bit and even managed to stay awake for what was a very long day. Some welcome surprises with my room requests being met and the room being ready early. It's just so nice to be here.

What I learned today - Definitely fax your room requests 4 days before arrival. Never sit in a window seat if you're over 6'. While I did notice fewer CMs (Guest Services at the BW and fewer ride loaders) I saw none of the decay reported by others. The resort area (BW) and Epcot were as clean and well maintained as I remembered and expected.

Day Two, Sunday February 3

The Plan - MK, Super Bowl, Pleasure Island (?)

Before retiring last night, I left a wake-up call for 6:15. I left it for Michelle's room hoping that she'd catch Mickey's wake-up service (she did). I woke up at 3:45 AM and couldn't get back to sleep. This was probably due to getting to sleep earlier than normal last night. I lay in bed, trying for sleep, until 5:30 when I figured I might as well get up. Barb and I have the larger of the 2 bedrooms (king bed, dressing area with Jacuzzi) and I wandered into the living room/kitchen area to put on a pot of coffee. I tried to be as quiet as possible because Stephen was asleep on the pull out sofa-bed (queen) in the living room. I say "tried" because it's difficult to be quiet when working in a strange room in the dark. To complicate things, our 2BR Villa was exactly the opposite (mirror image) of the one we had last year. I spent the first 2 days walking in and out of the wrong doors.

The forecast was sunny and 76 degrees. Everyone else got up in the 6-6:30 area and we went through breakfast, showers, etc. in our typically orderly fashion. We were at the bus stop at 8:15 where we were greeted by a CM, Sout, who was handling the "Bus On Demand" (BOD) thing through a hand held Palm Pilot-like gizmo. He informed us the last MK bus had come 5 minutes earlier but another would be along soon. It took about 10 minutes for the next one.

Through security and into the queue. No entry until 9:00. I guess the days of opening Main Street early are gone. I'll miss those few minutes of browsing the shops while Barb made the inevitable first restroom stop of the day. We headed directly to Space Mountain where we all rode the left side (walk on). The kids rode a second time while Barb and I got coffee from the Launching Pad and sipped it at a table in the sun.

We then went to Buzz Lightyear's Space Ranger Spin where I championed the group with 164,000 points while riding alone. I don't think it's a personal best although I honestly can't remember past scores. It's now time for a spin on the TomorrowLand Transit Authority (TTA), which I still call the Wedway. One big mistake here - somehow, as we're loading, we assume that all 5 of us can fit in one car. Before we know it, the door is closing and I'm trying to squeeze into a spot between Barb and the wall. We finally settle on Barb on my lap. It's hysterical to be riding this, crammed into one car, while there are dozens of empty cars all around. Oh, well.

We decide to head toward FrontierLand but stop on the way so Will and Stephen can ride the Teacups. They're both over 6' and barely have room for their legs. They did manage to get a pretty violent ride with both of them leaning into the wheel and spinning their cup pretty fast. On through FantasyLand where we spotted no wait at It's A Small World (IASW). My kids (all 3 of them) HATE this ride but we always make them go on it - and this was no exception. I still maintain, you cannot come off this ride without humming the song (sometimes for days after) and feeling stress-free.

We ambled through FrontierLand stopping at the Haunted Mansion (HM), a walk-in, and for a ride on Big Thunder Mountain Railroad (BTMRR), a 5-minute wait. This is a great ride if you're not too fond of big coasters (like me). The kids enjoy it even though they're after much bigger game.

Next we ride Pirates of the Caribbean (PotC) with a walk-on (I really like off-season). Stephen's getting that familiar WDW twitch, which means he's ready to eat (something he does quite frequently at WDW) and we stop for him to get a Mickey Bar. Barb and I sample the Pineapple-Vanilla Dole Whips, which are great although I went a little fast and managed to get one of those "ice cream headaches".

It's close to noon and the park's getting a little crowded so we stroll back down Main Street and out to the bus stops. Back at BWVR, it's sandwiches in the room followed by a couple of hours of pool time at the quiet pool. It's in the high-70's and there is only 1 other person by the pool. At around 3:00, Will and Stephen head into Community Hall for some table tennis while Barb, Michelle and I head to Luna Park and a frozen Margarita (regulars for Barb and I, a strawberry for Michelle - $6 each and a $4 tip).

I stop at the front desk to purchase our HDD tickets for Wednesday night. Guess which CM waits on me? That's right, it's Sout. He's having a great deal of trouble and is keying in a lot more than seems necessary (I'm reminded of the airline ticket window where they enter 6,000 characters to tell you what seat you're in). He mutters something about a "CM discount" and calls over another, more senior, CM, who also looks concerned and phones someone else to get clarification. At this point, I think I might be getting a CM discount for the HDD - cool. After about 10 minutes, Sout looks satisfied and tells me everything's all set. He then charges me $238 and hands me my ticket for 5 with an amount of $134. Hey, Sout - what's up here?

Much more consternation and a consultation with the senior CM. During this, Sout tells me "Sorry for the delay". No problem. Then, "It's not my fault". What? Don't ever tell an inconvenienced customer that it's not your fault. Whose fault is it - mine? Finally, after 20 minutes, I have my ticket and receipt (for $238 - never got that CM discount) and I hoof it back to the room.

BTW, what's up with the BWVR hallways? You could hang meat in here it's so cold. I can almost see my breath. I also use this trip to count the paces from the gift shop off the lobby to my room - 210 paces. At my stride that's roughly 210 yards. Doing the math, and assuming 3-4 round trips per day, I calculate we walk 3/4 to 1 mile each day just going to and from the room. That doesn't include walking to and from the parks, around the parks, etc. I could drop 30-40 pounds this week just from the walking!

We decide to hit MGM Studios tonight and to try and be back at the room by 6:30 or so for the Super Bowl. The plan is to order up some in-room pizza for dinner. We head up and are showered and dressed at 4:15 for the walk to MGM. I really love the convenience of the BW. Being able to walk to Epcot and MGM is a blessing - especially after IROE or Fantasmic when the rest of the world does the "Disney waddle" out to the waiting bus stop lines.

Through security and the entrance gates, we head to the Twilight Zone - Tower of Terror (ToT). This is a favorite ride and I really like it's theming. In fact, I think it may be the best themed ride at WDW (and by default, all of Florida). It has a posted 13-minute wait, which I think is suspect - c'mon, 13 minutes? That's cute. In fact, we're in the library in less than 10. There's a new drop sequence, which adds to the ride. I think it's better when you don't know what to expect.

Now it's off to Rock n'Roller Coaster (RnRC). I rode this for the first time last year and, to be honest, I was so terrified that I remember very little. This time, I'm really going to try and enjoy the ride so I try to notice everything. There's a pre-show? Road signs? Must have had my eyes closed last year. What's that? There's music on the cars? I must have had my ears closed last year.

Barb won't do inversions so I ride with Stephen. We're in the pre-show in less than 5 minutes. The start of this ride is still gut wrenching for me. It's very, very quick and before you know it, you're upside down. Road signs fly by. What's that? A loop? Whoa, it's over. I decide that I've now ridden this twice and that once a year will be forever my quota. The kids love this ride but consider it somewhat tame by their lofty standards (aah, the ignorant bliss of youth).

Next up, Star Tours - a walk on. This is one of my favorites - I love making the bombing run - although I agree it needs updating (where are the pod races?). Then it's off to Muppetvision 3D where, for the first time ever, we catch the ENTIRE pre-show. I notice a change here - I believe there used to be 3-4 CMs working this show, now there are 2. One at the entrance and one at the show doors. You now get your own glasses when they used to hand them to you at the entrance.

We exit the Muppets and are looking for a pretzel and a soda but everything, I mean everything, is closed. The Back Lot food spot, the Coke stand - all closed at 5:40. We find a pretzel cart near the Great Movie Ride (GMR) and partake. One last ride on ToT and it's a walk back to BWVR to watch the Super Bowl.

Barb, Michelle, and Will keep walking to Tubbi's in the Dolphin while Stephen and I head to the room. We walk by Community Hall and glance at the TV and see they're just at the coin flip (at 6:30). We get to the room in time for kickoff. At around 7:15, the gang from Tubbi's comes in with dinner - subs for me and Stephen, Chicken Caesar Salads for everyone else.

At various points during the game, Stephen and Will head to the pool for a swim, Will and Michelle head to the BW for ice cream. It's a good game (a great one by Super Bowl standards) and the Patriots (hated Patriots, Stephen and I are die-hard Jets fans) squeak out a 20-17 win on a last second field goal.

After the game, Stephen decides on a Jacuzzi and it's off to sleep for all.

Day 2 Summary - Not exactly to plan. We threw in MGM and successfully hit most of the major rides (ToT twice) while only there for a couple of hours. In deference to the late ending of the Super Bowl, we never made it to PI but that will come.

What I Learned Today - Don't expect a CM discount when you're not entitled to one. RnRC is a once a year thing for me - I'm just not a coaster/inversion kind of guy. Touring the parks in the off-season is great. You can do so much more in a lot less time.

Day Three, Monday February 4

The Plan - Monday February 4 - MGM, MK

The first thing we did was modify the plan. Because we successfully hit a lot of the major attractions at MGM last night, we thought it silly to hit it again this morning. So we moved Animal Kingdom (AK) up in the batting order and decided on doing Fantasmic tonight.

Today's forecast is cooler, calling for a high of 66. I'm awake at 4:30 AM - getting later but still a tad ridiculous. I manage to hang in bed until 5:30 then it's into the kitchen for another round of blind man's bluff - trying to make coffee in the dark. Actually, making the coffee is fine - it's pouring that first cup in the dark that's difficult. I've taken to sitting in the bathroom on the closed toilet seat lid and updating my notes while the coffee brews. That would make quite the sight if someone else arose early and happened in.

Everyone else is up around 6-6:30 for breakfast. I've decided that Will drinks more Diet Coke than anyone I know. He's good for two 12-ounce cans for breakfast. At 7:00 I make the 1/4 mile round trip to the front desk for checkout of my cash reservation and check in on my DVC reservation. This time I get an experienced CM who handles this transaction with ease in just a couple of minutes. I'm charged for the room minus my original deposit (made for the ressie at CBR), the $238 in HDD tickets, and a $22 charge at the Luna Park bar (margaritas). I ask about a Fantasmic Dinner Package for this evening and he checks and informs me the best they can do is Mama Melrose's at 5:10. I'll get back to you. I stop and pick up the DVC Member pin on my way back to the room.

I check with the family and they say that Mama's at 5:10 is fine. I try to call from the room but am informed you can only make this PS in person, at the restaurant or Guest Services at the resort. So, it's back down the chilled hallway (another 1/4 mile RT) where I get a different CM who tells me the best they have is 4:00 at Mama's. What? Someone booked all those times while I was running the hallway marathon? Skip it.

Down to the bus stop. No Sout. Hope he's not sick. We see 3 MK buses before the AK bus shows but it's still only a 10-minute wait. While in line at AK, the Talking Tree (does it have another name?) shows and entertains the crowd. It's very funny, especially when it catches someone from behind that's totally unaware. The sight of someone turning to respond to a voice and seeing a tree - priceless.

Now my touring strategy for AK is to hit Dinosaur and It's Tough To Be a Bug (ITTBAB) first while the unwashed masses sprint to the Safari ride. We then stroll back through Asia and get on the Safari with no (repeat after me...no, nada, zilch) wait. This has worked every year since AK opened. We hit Dinosaur first - good ride and we save the Iguanadon. We then hit ITTBAB - love this movie and the effects. Now for the stroll through Asia to Harambe and the Safari.

The Safari has a 20-minute wait time posted. What? This can't be. Explanation - OK, I'm spoiled. We try to always go in off-season so the parks are less crowded. We're always there when a park opens and hit the major rides right away to avoid lines. AK was always open at 8:00 and lots of people don't like to get up that early (Honey, we're on vacation). Now AK opens at 9:00 so all the bozos (like me) that were there at 8:00 are now there at 9:00 -stay with me here - and so are the schmoes that would normally have come at 9:00. So my touring strategy just took a hit to the mid-section.

We get in the line and I immediately realize that, based upon where we are, we will be in line for 20 minutes. I do not wait in 20-minute lines so it's time for FP. However, Barb quickly overrules me. "We're already here so just wait- it won't kill you". Aaaaarrrrggghhhh!

After an interminable amount of time (around 20 minutes) we board the truck. I'm seated directly behind the driver - very young, very blond with a distinct South African accent. He's very good and is intent on searching out animals for us to view but unfortunately, very few are out. Now it's about 60 degrees, maybe high 50s, and I've heard conflicting stories on the animals and the temperature. Some swear that when it's warmer, more are out. Others argue that cooler weather brings them out. We did see cheetahs, and the corner tip of a lion's ear. A couple of giraffes were sitting and we saw lots of crocs lying down. But little else.

Our next stop is a late breakfast at the Tusker House. This is kind of a tradition. We nosh on breakfast sandwiches, eggs and sausage, pancakes, etc. I've been searching for a "times guide" for AK and, while the others are finishing breakfast, I scout the area and find one. The Festival of the Lion King (FoLK) is listed at 11:15. It's now 11:05. I rustle everyone up (Barb's in the rest room - what a surprise) and we hoof it to Camp Minnie-Mickey and are seated in the last section - mid way up - the "Giraffe" section. Damn! I was a giraffe last year and I hate making that stupid "baaaa" sound. Why can't I roar? Or do the elephant thing (I'm actually quite good at that)? FoLK is a great show with music, acrobats, comedy, singing, and stilts. What more do you need?

After the show, we exit with the hordes and I realize the park is much more crowded than I'm used to - damned later start! We fight through and walk through the Pangani trail. Lots of animals here and we all enjoy this. The alpha-male gorilla is sitting right next to the window. The CM explains that he has ushered his wives and offspring to the safety of the cave. Every time they come out there is crowd commotion and he pushes them back in. The CM is urging people to keep the noise to a minimum if they want to see the others but I think he's spitting into the wind (so to speak). Outside we see 2 other gorillas fairly close to the trail, pretty much just watching the people pass by. I can't help wondering if they're thinking, "These idiots paid how much for a Park Hopper?"

After about 45 minutes on the trail it's a left into Asia and the Maharajah Jungle Trek. A tiger's sitting right next to the window. Others are out and about. We see many more animals on the walking tours than the Safari.

The tours are done so it's time for our last attraction at AK. Kali River Rapids (KRR). We do this last because you typically get wet and it's not much fun touring a park when your skivvies are matted to your butt (excuse the graphic description). Keep in mind that it's only about 65 degrees but, hey, the sun's out. We ride. We get wet. Not too bad for me but Will catches a wave over the side that simply washes over his shorts. He, Barb, and Michelle have taken direct hits to the gluteus maximus area and are walking kinda funny. Sort of that Disney waddle most folks use after Illuminations.

It's time to leave and all these wet tushies have destroyed my idea of hitting AKL for a tour. Instead, it's back to BWVR for some R&R. The bus stops at the Yacht Club (YC) first so we get off there to tour Stormalong Bay. This is truly a unique pool area - it's almost a water park in itself. Back to the room for some dry undies and the kids hit the pool - it's close to 70 and the sun's shining so why not?

I dial 55 and take a 5:30 PS for Mama Melrose's. I know this won't give us enough time to make Fantasmic but I have a plan.

At 4:00 we take the boat to MGM. Along the way, a very informative CM tells us: by the end of the year there will be 28,000 hotel rooms at WDW - 28% of all the rooms in Florida (I'm impressed); the Dolphin has over 1500 rooms (I'm astounded); the fire generated on the lake during IROE is from 3800 gallons of propane (wow). We get through security, the entrance gates, and an ornery crowd intent on leaving - right now. We make it to Mama Melrose's at 4:45 and I speak to the CM outside and explain we're early for a 5:30 PS but, we'd like to see Fantasmic and could they help. "See Sylvia inside" he says. Now I'm prepared to do some major schmoozing with Sylvia - turn on the old Russo charm, you know what I'm saying? I ask her if we could please get an earlier seating so we can see Fantasmic and she says "Sure". In 2 minutes we're seated with our Fantasmic entrance card. Steve Russo, "schmoozer extraordinaire". Anybody know why the yokels at Guest Services couldn't do this for me?

We get (3) Chicken Marsalas, a Rib-Eye Steak (Will) and an Orecchiette Pasta (me) with Cokes and Iced Tea. The pasta was very good and mild thumbs up for the rest. Not a great meal, but a cut above mediocre (how's that for a glowing endorsement?). Total was $110 including tip.

With the Fantasmic entry card, we now have time, so...Star Tours. We blow up the Death Star and head to the alley next to Oscar's Service Station for the (shhhh!) private entrance to Fantasmic. It's pretty chilly now and the CM at the gate looks at our shorts and says, "You folks must be from up north". What gave it away - our accents? It's about a 7-mile hike up the hill and we're seated in Ursula - 2nd section from the far right. I'll tell you now, I've sat dead center for this show and sitting on the far right (or probably the far left) is not a bit different. You see everything and see it well.

It's now cold and there's no pre-show. Where's YMCA? The slow wave? The crowd gets a wave going, and then back. I think most of us are happy to be moving and keeping the circulation going. Barb's in jeans and a sweatshirt (with hood). The rest of us are in shorts (dumb). Will wore long pants but no jacket, just a short-sleeved shirt (dumber). Anyway, the show starts and it's great, as always. I can never describe this show to anyone (kind of like Cirque) - I just say, "It's great. Go see it." BTW, this is the first time I see Fantasmic when the show is not entirely full. At 7:00 there is still about a section and a fifth of another open.

It's a chilly walk back to BWVR. The kids head up to the room while Barb and I hit the Belle Vue Room for a "warm me up". Before going in I decide to hit the rest room. While standing at one of the two urinals, the gentleman next to me, drink in (one) hand, turns and asks "You ever eaten here?" Where? The Men's room? "No", he says. "The Flying Fish". I inform him that I hadn't but had heard some good things about it. He informs me that he's not expecting much.

Into the Belle Vue Room. CM bartender Allen takes good care of us. Barb has an Amaretto and I decide to try a single malt scotch. They have a fair selection and, after some discussion with Allen, I opt for the McCallan's. It's very good so we decide on a second round before heading to the room.

Day Three Summary - The plan went out the window today but that's OK. We're doing what we want, when we want, and having fun to boot. AK was a lot of fun, Mama's was pretty good, and Fantasmic was great. The Belle Vue Room is a great way to end any day. All in all, a good day.

Things I Learned Today - Animals do or don't come out in cooler weather - take your pick. Don't let your family ride KRR if you want to go to AKL. McCallan's is a pretty good single malt scotch. You meet the strangest people while standing at a urinal.

Day Four, Tuesday February 5

The Plan - Islands of Adventure, Pleasure Island

I'm awake at 5:00 (finally adjusting) and up at 5:30. I step out on the balcony and can see my breath - it's cold. I do the blind coffee thing. This is a non-Disney park day because Michelle and Will have 6-day Hoppers. We'll use the IOA passes I got via Marriott Rewards points and hit PI and the Comedy Warehouse tonight.

I asked Gerard to pick us up at 8:00 and, sure enough, he pulls up at 7:58. We're early at IOA so I pass the time talking to a CM (are they called that at IOA?) about the weather. He's originally from Wisconsin but has been in Orlando for 16 years. He shares some of his "cold" stories from last year and tells me they had 7,000 guests yesterday (a very light day) and were only expecting 5,000 today because Tuesday/Wednesday are typically slow days at IOA.

We've been to Universal Studios several times but this will be our first trip to IOA. I used the "Unofficial Guide" to read up on the attractions so I have a pretty good idea of what we'd like to do.

It's chilly and there's a stiff breeze just adding to the ambience. We walk around CityWalk until the gates open at 8:50. We head to Marvel Superhero Island (MSI) and the kids make a beeline for the Hulk. Barb and I take one look and decide "No Way!" I take some videos of the idiots that are crazy enough to ride this behemoth - the kids ride twice, both times a walk on. They later inform me that, despite the 105-foot drop and the 7 inversions, Hulk is a wimp compared to Superman at Six Flags in Massachusetts. Superman sports a drop of over 200 feet and is "much" larger than the Hulk. Gulp.

While the kids ride Hulk, Barb and I ride Spiderman. This ride does not disappoint. It's a combination of ride-through and 3D with tremendous special effects. Spiderman leaps on to your car and the car pitches in sync. You are "levitated" to the top of a 40-story building and then plummet to the ground (saved by Spidey's web) and the effect is very real. Barb and I give it two solid "thumbs up". When the kids are done with Hulk, we all ride again, another walk on, and everyone loves it. I really hope they do something like this at WDW.

We now head to Dr. Doom's Fear Fall (DDFF). This is comprised of two towers (only one operating) where you sit in 1 of 16 seats and are catapulted upward very suddenly and kind of bungee up and down until it stops and you're lowered to the ground. A poor man's ToT. While ToT has great theming, Rod Serling, effects, a giant eye, memorabilia from the TV show, etc. DDFF has...a seat.

The kids ride, and like it (a little). They talk Barb and I into going on so off we go. A short wait while the ride cycles and then were through an open door facing our 4 seats. Barb and I are riding with 2 young girls - the 3 kids are on another side. We store the camera bag and purse into a wall thing and sit. You pull a shoulder harness down and attach a belt from between your legs to it. The CM says hold onto your glasses - we do. She leaves. The ride kind of slowly sinks down and then, very suddenly, shoots you upward - very fast. You go weightless at the top and then free fall down, then back up, then back down - kind of like you're attached to a big rubber band. I'm glad it's over.

It's now 9:35 and we've been on 3 rides, the kids 5. We wander through MSI and notice that it's very loud. The Hulk is basically screaming through the street and rock music is playing everywhere - loudly. We now enter Toon Lagoon (TL). There's some great theming here but it's mainly for younger children, IMO. Dudley Do-Rights Ripshaw Falls (a flume ride) is closed. There's Popeye and Bluto's Barges, but I've heard you get very wet and it's cold - the Guide indicates you get very wet from the knees down. We keep strolling into Jurassic Park (JP) where the only ride is the River Adventure (RA).

The RA is a walk on. It's a boat ride that follows the line of the Jurassic park movies. You float through those huge gates and see the "friendly" dinosaurs dining on foliage. All of a sudden there's trouble. Alarms blare and you see broken fences - something has gone amiss. Now there are spitting raptors and such as you enter a building where rioting dinos have obviously caused mayhem. It culminates as you float toward a menacing T-Rex who is about to chomp down on your boat when you are saved - by plummeting down an 85-foot flume at a ridiculously steep angle.

Now I've been on flume rides before - including Splash Mountain. This was the only one that threw me into the lap bar hard enough to cause some mild midsection discomfort. Now for the good part. Let me quote to you from the "Unofficial Guide": "While this will throw enough water into the air to douse a three-alarm fire, not much of it actually winds up in the boat". Got that?

We hit bottom and, sure enough, a very large amount of water is thrown into the air - and very little lands in the boat. I breathe a momentary sigh of relief. A split-second later, a tidal wave appears over the front of the boat and accelerates squarely into my face! I kid you not.

Rant on - I don't mind getting a little wet on a ride. It can be fun. I don't mind getting a little more wet (like on KRR). I do mind the equivalent of having a five-gallon pail of water thrown into my face from a distance of 6 feet. Where's the fun in that? My shorts were mildly wet. From the waist up you'd think I just stepped out of the pool. Soaked. Hair matted down, glasses dotted with water beads. Soaked. My camera bag was alongside me. It was soaked. It has a good seal so the cameras were safe but my notebook was in an outside pocket - soaked. Pages curled. Get the picture? Is this ride always this way or did I get the "lucky boat"? Rant off.

We hit the rest rooms. I grab paper towels to dry my hair, face, glasses, etc. Luckily, I was wearing a pullover golf slicker that sheds water so the only thing really wet was my shirt collar. This was the last ride in JP so we wander into the Lost Continent (LC).

LC is the home of the Dueling Dragon coasters, Fire and Ice. Only Fire is running so the kids get on with no wait. They deem it OK indicating it might be better if both were running - they pass within inches of each other at various points. While the kids are riding Fire, Barb and I grab a coffee and attempt to dry out in the sun.

There are 2 shows on the LC - Poseidon's Fury (PF) and the 8th Voyage of Sinbad. Poseidon starts running at 11:00 and Sinbad at 2:00. The Guide says that Poseidon is a great show, Sinbad less so. We decide that we'll do Poseidon. But first, it's a trip through Seuss Landing (SL). SL is nicely themed for the children but the attractions hold little interest for a group like ours. It's "One Fish, Two Fish" and "Cat in the Hat". Stuff like that - mainly for the 3-9 year olds and their parents.

After SL it's through the entry area and back to MSI where the kids attack the Hulk and Barb and I visit Spidey again. This time, there's a 20-minute wait posted (although we're off the ride in 15). The line does give us a chance to catch more of the theming and pre-show, which sets up the ride's story. It's pretty good. The kids are outside. They take one more Spidey run (same 15 minutes) while Barb and I wait. Then it's off to Poseidon.

We head back through the entry plaza, through SL, and into LC. PF is a huge structure and very impressive. The sign now says the first show is at 11:15 so we enter the queue that brings us into a large inside tunnel. It's very dimly lit and, for some reason, the lights go out entirely every 5 minutes or so.

They open the doors and bring a large number of people (150?) into a room. You meet your "tour guide" who begins the story. The CM playing the tour guide is very good and very funny. The story takes you through several chambers where the guide interacts with voices. He's very scared and something's amiss as doors are sealed behind you and so on. Eventually, after 15 minutes or so, you arrive at the final showdown between Poseidon and some god (or something) whose name escapes me.

Bottom line - it's lame. It's a semi-humorous buildup to a finale that takes place on 3 film screens. The special effects are fire (flames erupt in front of you) and Poseidon's water (lots and lots of water - this park is in love with water). I would not waste the 30 minutes on this attraction again - but that's just MHO.

Having seen enough of IOA, and thankful I didn't fork over the $250 for passes, we head out and look for a spot for lunch. Stephen's really looking toward NBA City, as basketball is one of his loves. We head in and are seated immediately at a smallish booth. There are small TV screens next to the tables playing various versions of NBA highlights (Larry Bird, Magic Johnson, etc.). Our waiter seems to struggle with everything here but we eventually get 3 burgers (and the trimmings), 1 chicken BLT wrap (for me and very good) and a personal pizza (Barb). We also stuck with soft drinks here. Will and Michelle had been trying, unsuccessfully, to pay for some meals here so Will left and found the waiter and took care of the check before I even saw it. Thanks, guys.

Will wants to visit the Hard Rock Café to buy some glasses with the logo. We head there and I proceed to the lower level to find a pay phone. I was told to call Gerard one hour before we want to leave. Directly over the pay phones are speakers blaring the hard rock music the Hard Rock Café is known for. Some idiot's idea of good design? I reach Gerard and ask him to pick us up at 2:15 at the designated spot.

Will buys 2 glasses and we head out to the bus stop where Gerard is allowed to park in spot 12 or 13. We're there for about 10 minutes when Gerard pulls up at 2:14. Is this guy punctual or what? Gerard introduces us to Tita who is "his lady". She was apparently bored and wanted to come along for the ride. She was very pleasant and asked questions about our day at IOA.

Back at BWVR for some R&R. At 4:15 I head down to the front desk (1/4 mile through the arctic hallway) to have a CM check our Park Hoppers from last year (I have 4) and, sure enough, we have 3 Plus Features left which will provide PI entrance.

We catch a Downtown Disney (DD) bus and exit at the Marketplace for strolling and shopping. The only thing I buy here is a pack of rubber pin backs (I have 1 pin from the Wilderness Lodge Villas that keeps falling off). I'm not an avid pin trader or collector but I have 6-8 on my camera bag strap.

We stroll through the marketplace, PI, and into the West Side where Stephen and Will take up shop in the Virgin record store. Eventually we drag them out for dinner at Wolfgang Puck Express. We do get the AP discount here and wind up with 3 Chicken Caesar salads (very good), a fruit salad (Stephen) and a meatball sub (Will). Soft drinks all around. Our bill (for Barb, Stephen and I) was $32 minus the $6 discount. We sat outside where they had propane heaters going to cut the chill.

It's after 7:00 so we head into PI where, for some reason, Will's ticket doesn't work. He's let in anyway, I think because he's part of a large group. The first show at the Comedy Warehouse (CW) isn't until 8:00 so we head into the Adventurer's Club (AC). The bar is almost empty so we belly up for 4 Kungalooshes and a Coke (Stephen). We're chatting amiably with the bartender and a waitress when we notice Barb's stool has begun to drop very slow and very low. I didn't even have to ask.

At some point a rather strange guy comes in and sits at the bar and orders a glass of water. He's wearing a tank top (it's probably 50 degrees out), is heavily tattooed, and has kind of a greased back look. He overhears me tell the bartender that we're Jets fans and this piques his interest. He starts asking very strange questions like "Who was in the Super Bowl?" and "What color uniform did they wear". He looks to me like he's drunk (even though he's drinking water), weird (yeah, probably), and/or stoned (I think we have a winner). Anyway, this is not the last we see of him.

Back outside, I scan the line for the CW and we enter when there's a pretty good crowd. Unfortunately, it was too early (I think I miscounted) because we wind up sitting at floor level in the back row of bar stools behind the tables. Not great but not bad.

Now I'm not as familiar with the cast as Sue Holland, and they don't do a very good job of introducing themselves (Why is that? They used to) but I think it was Lisa, Jen, Jake, Greg (?), and a little guy who I hadn't seen before. Lisa really struggled with this first show. She's usually very good but kept blanking in the opening song. BTW, this is the first time I saw them take audience suggestions for the opening rather than use the phone.

They also asked some tough questions. The key skit was based on asking the audience to think of something they know a lot about, but no one else does. I got nothing, here. They picked a young boy (about 8 or 9) who knew a lot about Pokemon. They brought him up on stage as one of the contestants in Up Your Alley, hosted by Jen as "Peaches". He was Tal from West Nyack. He was very polite and very precocious but they spent way too much time asking him questions where he answered sincerely (there's not much funny about Pokemon).

Greg (?) was very good here - wearing a baseball cap on backward and sounding like a rapper. He introduced himself as Butterscotch Ice who is working at the Dollar Store making keys. He doesn't make a lot of money so he's po'. Get it? He's a "Po' Key Man".

After the show, we went immediately into line for the second show at 9:15 (after a rest room break for Barb and Michelle). I look around and discover that the tattooed guy from the AC is about 50 people in front of us in line. He winds up at a floor table and we're seated farther back (4th row on the right). The show started with Greg (?) and he used the phone. It rang next to a gentleman but before he could pick it up, the woman on the bar stool behind him grabs it (on about 1/2 ring). She's Lisa and she mostly just giggles when asked a question (Are you married or single? Giggle.). It's pretty tiresome but we learn that she's there with her boyfriend of 2 months while her 3 kids (ages 7-12) are back home. Greg has some fun with that.

This show was much better than the first. They asked the audience to name jobs they were fired from and got Pet Store, house framer, Office Depot. They played Schmeopardy with the little guy as Nakamori Tumatomi (I think that's close), a pet storeowner from the Bronx who only sold scorpions. Greg was Johnny Collate from Office Depot, and Jake (in hard hat and large moustache) was Toby Fours (How do you frame a house? With Toby Fours, get it?). One of the categories was the Periodic Table and the audience would shout out "Lithium" and such. The best line was for the answer "Titanium". Nakamori, in heavy Japanese accent, gave the question as "What's another name for anal retentive?"

They next did the skit where they bring up 2 audience members to provide impromptu words that they have to work into the skit. Who gets picked? Will. It's a scene for 2 in a subway station (my suggestion) and Will struggles at first but then seems to get the hang of it. As the cast thanks him at the end, they ask "Have you heard of Disney Cruise Line?". Yes. "So have we. Here's a pin".

For the closing skit they asked for things that peeve you but no one else. One lady volunteered, "Open closet doors". Something she shares with Barb. They did a great song that quickly digressed to coming "out of the closet". Greg indicated he came out after being with Jen. It was funny.

I couldn't muster enough enthusiasm for a 3rd show so we headed to the bus stops and back to the BWVR. We had a message from Stephanie who had a job offer for an Associate Editor position and she wanted her old Dad's advice - it's great to be needed. I called and we chatted about the job and several other interviews that she had lined up. She ended up taking this job and, as I write this, is now gainfully employed.

Day Four Summary - The day went according to plan. I was not impressed with IOA, except for Spiderman. I wish this ride were somewhere else (either US or WDW) because I'll probably never do it again. Strolling the Marketplace is always fun, Wolfgang Puck Express is very good, and the CW is always great.

Things I Learned Today - Unless you have small children or enjoy riding and re-riding coasters, there's not enough to do at IOA. I think Universal needs to combine this on a 1 day Hopper with US - that's the only way I'd go there again (and I would go there under those circumstances). You need to guess-timate about 40-50 people in line before you enter the CW queue. It's nice to know that, even at my crotchety old age, my children still place some value on my considerable wisdom.

Day Five, Wednesday February 6

The Plan - AK, Hoop-Dee-Doo Revue

Because we visited AK on Monday, we're changing this morning to MGM. I'm up at 5:30 doing the coffee thing and updating my notes. The forecast today is for sunny and 77 (Yes!). Barb & Stephen don't get up until 6:45. Stephen and I head to the front desk to fix his room "key". It says Child (should be Junior) and it won't open the doors to our rooms. The CM says "No problem", presses a few buttons and gives him a new card. We hoof it back to the room and...no go. Stephen treks back (another 1/4 mile) and gets a different CM who notices there's no arrow on his card. Apparently, no arrow - no entry. She puts the arrow on and it works.

At 8:30, we walk to MGM (the convenience of the BW really shows itself when visiting Epcot or MGM. Walking is so much more efficient than buses or boats or even cars). Will's card won't work at the entrance. It seems it's not recognizing the magnetic strip. The CM punches a hole in it and tells us to take it to a Guest Services for correction. We gain entry but are roped off at the first intersection. There seems to be lots of people here. At 9:00 the rope drops and many begin the sprint to ToT and RnRC. We're strolling down the street to ToT, me on the sidewalk, the others in the street. We pass by several female CMs in front of the shops. "Good morning", "good morning".

One fairly attractive female CM says "Where you from?". Albany, NY I reply. "Where?". I stop and repeat - Albany, NY. She then looks me up and down (ogling, really), and says "Well, aaaall riiiight!" Nice to know I've still got it, huh?

The kids start joking that someone's "hitting on Dad". Michelle notes that Dad "got his groove back". And Barb does her Mr. T impression with "I pity the women tries to take my man". I should note here that while she was a very attractive lady, she was pushing 60. Although as I tell this story to my friends, she will forever be 28.

We ride ToT (in the elevator in about 10 minutes). The kids ride RnRC while Barb and I get a coffee (see a pattern here?). Next it's off to the Great Movie Ride (GMR) where the line is out the door - it IS crowded here today. The line moves quickly mainly because they're using every other row in the theater section. We board and begin the ride after about 10-15 minutes.

Now I've probably ridden GMR 15-20 times since 1990 and this is the first time I've gotten the "gangster" side. Is this a record? The ride is good, as always, but needs some updating. I really think that the film montage at the end could be lengthened - I could enjoy 15 minutes of that.

Our intention was late breakfasts today, with no lunch, because tonight is HDD and we need to be hungry for that food orgy. Unfortunately, we got to the Commissary at 10:35 and they stopped serving breakfast at 10:30. Down to the Sci-Fi Drive-In Theater where I make a PS for 11:00.

We're seated at 11:05, Will and Michelle in the front seat, Stephen and Barb in the middle, and me all alone in the way back. I ask our server to snap a photo of us. We get 3 All-American Burgers and 2 Grilled Cheese sandwiches (Barb and Michelle), 4 shakes and a water (Michelle). The food here is really quite good if you limit yourself to the basics. The shakes are great but so thick I gave myself a double hernia trying to drink it with the straw. The best way is to use the spoon - they're that thick. The bill, including tip, is $70.

We head back to the front of the park and visit Guest Services where Will gets his card replaced. Unfortunately they replace his plastic Park Hopper with a paper one (same stock as the AP). It's sunny and warm so we need some pool time.

We walk back to BWVR, change quickly and hit the quiet pool. Barb and I discover it has a small, well-hidden hot tub, which we use.

Now, the suggestion for travel to Pioneer Hall and the HDD is to allow 2 hours of travel time. We did this last year, arrived to a waiting bus to MK, to a waiting boat to FW, and got there 90 minutes early. However, I know if we leave late, the bus won't come, the boat will be late, etc. We compromise. The HDD is at 5:30 and they want you there for check-in at 5:00. We'll leave BWVR at 3:15.

Well, we actually leave at 3:25, wait 10 minutes for the MK bus and walk to a crowded dock at the MK with no boat. There are lots of people leaving MK and it seems most are heading to FW. The boat comes and after a quick stop at WL, we arrive at FW at around 4:15. Not bad.

We visit the store and the pin station. My friend, Wayne, has sent me on a quest. In January, he purchased a Mickey pin where Mickey is holding out his left hand offering a pin. He is looking for the counterpart pin - Minnie holding out her right hand, accepting the pin. I've looked at every pin station so far and came up empty. I have seen it sold as a set - 2 Mickeys, 2 Minnies, and a lanyard for $25. I don't want to spend $25 when I only need a single pin and no CM can tell me if it's sold individually.

I'm looking through the pins here when Barb spots it on the CM's trading backpack. I talk to the CM but don't really have a pin that I'm looking to trade. She suggests I buy one to trade. D'oh - why didn't I think of that. I let her pick out the one I'll buy because, after all, it'll be hers soon. My very first pin trade. Now I'm hooked. I swap my troublesome WLV pin for a nice looking CBR. Hah! This is like heroine. How about I give you a BWV pin and some pocket lint and stale gum for that 100 Years of Magic pin?

Michelle tells us she's spotted a celebrity in our midst. Remember Blair from Facts of Life? Lisa Whelchel. She's there with her husband and 3 children. I believe she is a former Mouseketeer (the 70s version).

I check in with the host and soon we're being ushered to our table. We have the Ueker seats, front row. I mean really front row. Six inches from the stage. Look up, count their fillings and see their spit, front row. And by the way, they do spit - a lot.

The cast comes in and the only returning performer from last year is Dolly. They sing and dance and, I swear, during a kicking number, Dolly's boot flies less than 6 inches from my head. The HDD is a great show but it's not for everyone. It's true cornpone, groaning humor and the script is the same every time. Somehow, I think that's why I like it.

We gorge ourselves on ribs, chicken, salad, bread (oh, that bread and butter), corn, beer, wine, soda, and strawberry shortcake. A great time. At around 7:00, the family rolls me toward the boat dock where we catch the MK fireworks while we wait for and then board the boat to MK. We arrive just as the park is clearing out but have no problem catching a quick, and uncrowded bus to the BWVR. BTW, it's a very comfortable evening. We brought jackets but aren't wearing them.

We exit at the Yacht Club and walk to Epcot, getting through the IG at 8:00. The kids head off to TT, but no luck - a 50-minute wait again. We tell them to meet us at Morocco after they're done. Barb and I stroll around and stake out a spot near Japan for Tapestry of Dreams (ToD). Have I mentioned I like the music? The kids show up 10 minutes later and watch it with us (I thought you said Morocco?).

After ToD, we head to Italy and stroll the shops. I ask the CM, who's holding a rope at the area left of the Isola, if this is the AP viewing area. Yes, it is. I have a party of 5 with 3 APs, can we get in? He says it's against the rules but he'll cut us a break. It's a good area for viewing because there are no obstructions. We got there at 8:45 and there were already 25-30 people there and the railings were occupied. Not a problem for taller folks, like us, but if you're vertically impaired, you could miss some of the lower stuff.

I videotape some of IROE and notice there's no opening salvo, no fire on the water. It appears that IROE has some differences from show to show. I'm told this is based upon weather conditions (wind) and the unexpected mis-firing of some of the fireworks. Anyway, it's still an awesome show.

After the show, we stroll back to the BW, watch some BW entertainment (a guy with a flaming baton), and turn in.

Day Five Summary - The day went according to the new plan, not the old. We left MGM without doing Millionaire - mainly an oversight. Maybe next trip. HDD is a great show and a lot of fun but consecutive visits might be a bit much. I think from now on, it'll be every other trip.

Things I Learned Today - IROE is different from show to show. Lisa Whelchel still looks good in her late 30s. I still have it with the ladies - although they're certainly more senior than they used to be.

Day Six, Thursday February 7

The Plan - MK, MGM (Fantasmic)

Today's forecast is 75 and showers. I'm up at 6:30 (whoa, sleeping in). Everyone else is up by 7:00. We changed to day's plan to do Epcot and back to PI and CW tonight. We also decided to have breakfast over at Tubbi's Buffeteria in the Dolphin, where we splurge on eggs, sausage, bacon, hotcakes, and the like. We do get the 20% DVC discount here.

After Tubbi's we're strolling the BW to Epcot when I glance down and pick up 2 APs on the ground. They're active and look, from the names, to be a mother and son (one guest, one child). I turn these into the 2 CMs at the host station in Spoodles. They tell me they'll turn them into a manager who will notify Lost and Found. I hope I'll make someone's day a little brighter when they realize they're missing. As I leave Spoodles, one of the CMs says, "Thanks for your honesty." Huh? What else would I have done with them, sell them? I'll bet that 99.9% of the people who walk the BW would have done the same thing - or am I being a little Pollyanna?

We head through the IG and join a handful of folks at a rope prior to the UK. At 9:50 the rope drops and we make a beeline for TT only to find the line is out the door and back about 100 yards. What? We did this last January and rode twice without waiting. Is the park more crowded or is this the result of the later opening time (10:00)? We get FPs for 10:45 and head to Wonders of Life. Here we ride Body Wars and spend some time with the sensory exhibits.

At 10:40 we head to TT and discover it's rained while we were inside. The CM out front says it rained hard and that he got very wet. We use the FPs for TT and ride within 5 minutes - the Standby time is now 30 minutes. TT was good but particularly bumpy. Our car actually stopped several times - once at the point where you swerve to avoid the oncoming truck. We stopped right in front of it. As we were rolling toward the spot where you get off, I noticed a CM bringing a new car out of the "garage" - apparently destined to replace the empty car that was two behind us.

We head off to Universe of Energy (UoE). I like this ride more since the changes but the radio room can really put you to sleep. When we leave UoE, it's raining, hard. Everyone has a hat or hood and a jacket, except me. I run through the rain drops and we spend time in Innoventions East and West. When the rain lets up, it's off to the Living Seas. We spend 30 minutes visiting with the sharks and manatees before heading out in a mild sprinkle. This is where I see my first sign of (shudder), Cheerleaders!

A little background. In 1996 we endured what has become known around my house as "The Trip From Hell". It started with delayed and cancelled flights that put us checking into the All Star Sports at 3:30 AM. It followed with a week of sharing this resort, and the parks, with 3,000 screaming 13-15 year-old girls. They practiced all day and spent every night in the pool, screeching until 1:00 AM, as only young girls can. And they're here. Now. A tremendous sense of dread envelops me.

We walk back through FW and the rain starts to come down harder. By the beginning of WS it's pouring. We duck into a restroom area by Canada (next to McDonald's - at Disney?) where we huddle with 10 others under an overhang. It's pouring, I'm soaked, and I see that the promenade is now one huge puddle. The rain slackens after 20 minutes and we head out, very quickly making it to the IG where we decide to wait for a boat. It takes around 15 minutes but we pass the time chatting with the CM there about - what else? - the weather.

Eventually, we make it back and dry out. Rather than waste a day, I suggest a movie before PI. I call the theater and spend 20 minutes listening to extensive menus that allow you to check movies by title, by screen, by time, etc. We grab the bus and head to the West Side Cineplex. Barb, Stephen, and I opt for "Black Hawk Down". $12 for all 3 of us. That's for 3???? Yep. Michelle and Will have seen it so they choose "A Beautiful Mind". We meet at 6:45 after the movies and it's thumbs up all around except for Barb, who hated "Black Hawk Down". Much too gory.

We sort of hung out until 7:15 and entered PI expecting the first CW show to be at 8:00. Whoops! No one in front save 2 CMs and the first show was at 7:10. We ask and they say "C'mon in". The show hadn't started yet and was only 3/4 full.

A mostly new cast tonight. Lisa was back and, happy to say, had a much better night. So was the "big girl". That's very Politically Incorrect but I don't know her name (Is it Jen?). Anyway, we've seen her 3-4 times before and she's tremendously funny. They did the Up Your Alley bit and the subject was golf. Jen (?) came out with a wool-stocking cap, funny teeth, and introduced herself as "Bucky. I work at the Putt-Putt". The audience roars and she's very clever with her comebacks. Anyway, it was a very good show.

We figured it would be a good time for dinner and decided to give Planet Hollywood a try. One hour and twenty minute wait. At 8:00. No thanks. I still have never eaten there. We strolled through the Marketplace trying to decide what to do. Will and Michelle wound up staying and shopping ($125 worth). Michelle also informed me later that they wouldn't give her the DVC discount at the shops unless she charged her purchase to the room. She had the resort ID with "DVC Member" on it. Is this a new policy?

Barb, Stephen and I headed back and wound up with an in-room pizza, some TV, and bed. The pizza was $13.99 but came to $20.53 after tax, delivery charge, and tip.

Day Six Summary - Got wet. Saw cheerleaders. Saw a movie. Went to CW. Except for the cheerleaders, not a bad day.

Things I Learned Today - When the forecast calls for showers, carry a jacket or poncho or something. Also bring a hat. See the matinee at the Cineplex - it's a bargain at $4. Next time I make a reservation at WDW, ask if the cheerleaders will be there.

Day Seven, Friday February 8

The Plan - MGM, MK or Epcot

This is our last full day so the plan means little. It's a chance to do whatever we missed or want to do again. The forecast was sunny and mid-60s. I woke up at 6:00 (later every day, I must be fading). I stepped out on the balcony and it was very chilly.

Michelle and Will decided to hit the BW Bakery for breakfast and said they'd meet us at the bus stop at 8:15. We had decided on MK this morning. The bus showed about 8:30 and we got to MK and through security at 8:50. There were a lot of people in line and there were 2 signs over each of the archways under the railroad. They said "Welcome UCA Cheerleaders". Sigh.

We entered with the masses at 9:00 and headed for Jungle Cruise (JC). IMO this is the best/only time to ride JC because it's a slow load and the lines can get really long later in the day. We get on the first boat of the day and I'm in the first seat next to our skipper, Allison, who's outfitted in hat, woolen coat, and gloves. She must be a Floridian because she's freezing.

The boat loads and off we go as Allison begins "Hi. I'm your skipper, Allison, and I'll be taking you into the jungles of....". At this point, some bozo in the back says "Aren't you supposed to take us to Wonderland?". She replies, "That's Alice. I'm Allison". And off we go. Yeah the jokes are corny but I never tire of the "back side of water" and "they got my jeep to turn over".

After JC, we head to BTMRR and ride twice. The first time in the front car which is kind of a tame ride. We go through again and get...the front car. We ask the CM if we can wait for the rear car on the next train and he agrees. Will turns and snaps several photos during the ride.

We head to Space Mountain where it's a 25 minute wait, so we get FPs and head for Legend of the Lion King. We all like this show and it may be the last time we see it. I've heard it's to be replaced with a 3D attraction. BTW, the show is filled with screaming children (toddlers really).

Back to Space where the kids ride and Barb and I make a young couple very happy by giving them our FPs as they approach the Standby line. They said "thanks" but had a look on their faces that indicated some distrust. I should have charged for them - then they'd believe they were real.

We then did some shopping down Main Street and bought a couple of souvenirs for Stephanie and Pop. We leave and hit the bus stop for a ride to AKL.

AKL is a very impressive resort. It's themed wonderfully (even the bus stops) with lots of dense foliage all around. We strolled the lobby, took some pictures then Will, Stephen and I went out the back door to explore. We saw some oxen on the savannah but that was about it. We decided on lunch at The Mara and got lost trying to find it. We get a chance to stroll the hallways in Zebra Trail and peek into a few rooms where the maids were cleaning. They seem to be a little smaller than the BW studios and very dark (colors, drapes, etc.). Will, Stephen and Michelle found (by accident) a door to a viewing area where they saw giraffe and cattle.

We eventually made it to The Mara and had a quick lunch. We strolled the pool area for a while and then made our way back to the lobby and out to the bus stop. In 5 minutes we were on a long bus ride back to Epcot. We strolled through Mouse Gear where Barb found some long sleeve Tees for her (Mickey) and Steph (Goofy) - on sale for $12.99.

I spend some time at the Pin Station near the Tip Boards. I buy a BW Villas pin for no good reason (I guess I'm just in a buying mood). While we're looking over the pins, a woman pushing a stroller is telling the CM that the Epcot pin is the ugliest thing she's ever seen. This is the round silver pin with the Epcot logo, which, IMO, is quite nice. The problem is she's being quite nasty and her manner is somehow implying it's the CM's fault. He tries to explain that many people like it but she's having none of it. She leaves and he looks at us and shrugs. Takes all kinds.

We were heading out through the IG when we passed by a CM chatting with a guy on the bench. As we walked by the CM asked "Where you from?" "Albany, NY" came the reply. "So are we" we all shouted. Small world.

Back at BWVR, the kids hit the arcade for a while. That morning I had tried for a PS at Liberty Tree Tavern but none to be had (there goes my theory of last minute PS always working). They had times before 4:00 and after 7:00. While at MK, I stopped in figuring one look at my gorgeous mug would have them at my mercy. "Sorry, sir. No can do". Now I called and tried for LeCellier and was told that the earliest was 7:50. Too late so I booked the Teppanyaki for 6:00 instead. Everyone seemed to like LeCellier's menu better, so I devised a plan. "Let's go there and beg".

We headed out to Epcot at 5:10 and hit LeCellier at around 5:30. I asked the CM for a table for 5 and she handed me a pager and said 30-45 minutes. Cool. Will walked back to the Rose and Crown for a $7 beer while Barb, Stephen, and I sat on a bench in Canada. At 5:55 the pager started blinking and in we went. Our server was Devin and he did a great job filling us in and delivering some much needed beverages: Labatts Blue (me), coffee (Barb), Cokes (everyone else).

I had the Cheddar Cheese soup (every bit as good as everyone says) and the Prime Rib. Barb had the mixed salad and Prime Rib. Stephen opted for the 7 ounce Filet Mignon, Michelle the Herb Encrusted Chicken Breast, and Will had a salad and the Mussels and Pasta. Everything was great although I thought the Prime Rib was a little on the thin side (I prefer a thicker cut) and very grisly. One minor problem with the bill - Devin had charged us an extra $2 for a Sprite we never ordered or received. Considering the kids had about 37 refills on the Cokes, I was willing to overlook it. The total was $128 before tip.

We left Canada and entered the UK to the sounds of the British Invasion. We caught the full set. The Beatles were my favorite group and these guys have it down (although I did notice that the entire band was different from last year - interchangeable parts). It was a kick to see a bunch of 40 somethings dancing and doing the twist to "Twist and Shout".

We wandered through France and caught the "balloon guy" - very entertaining. Then we caught a rock group in Morocco that a had very spry (and attractive) belly dancer. As Phoebe Bouffet would say, "She's very bendy". Shops and rest rooms in America, more shops in Italy. Here I notice that the area to the left of the Isola, which was the AP viewing area the other night, is blocked off by a row of potted bushes. Behind the bushes I see a table of liqueurs and a larger table of desserts (chocolate parfaits, pastries, etc.). I don't know what company is putting this on but I want to work for them. I'm not kidding, I have a resume in my pocket for just such occasions.

The right side of the Isola is tonight's AP viewing area. There are a number of people already in there (it's 8:00) so we park outside near the promenade for a spot to watch ToD. That's when THEY came. The Cheerleaders. A group of about 20, aged around 15, with 1 or 2 adult chaperones. They immediately began calling attention to themselves by huddling and cheering. They then form 2 lines and one does a series of back flips. Very impressive, very athletic, and very dangerous. This was done on concrete pavement and carried out 3/4 of the way across the promenade, where people were walking by. Suppose there was an elderly person walking by at that point? A handicapped person? A stroller? One of the chaperones comes over and, where I expect a little bit of "C'mon girls. Settle down", I see laughter and encouragement. Sheesh!

ToD begins and the lovely ladies sit where the curb would be (if there were a curb) at the side of the promenade. They then begin a wave. This is fine. Until the parade characters come by. Their neat line at the curb is now standing almost at the centerline of the promenade. The parade characters (puppets, floats) have to maneuver around them. When a puppet stops to interact, they grab at the fabric, the hands, anything. Each time a character comes by, they begin screaming like it's the Backstreet Boys. I almost think they were expecting beads to be thrown at them. All I can think of is that they're doing their best to call attention to themselves and the chaperones do nothing to stop this. Worse yet, neither does the CM who's standing in front of Italy with one of those red flashlights. It really detracts from the parade for anyone standing nearby.

Sorry, folks. It's not just cheerleaders. I get angry whenever I see any one person or group spoiling things for the majority through acts of selfishness. The same could be said for countless other groups (young and old). I suspect that people, of all ages, tend to behave differently when they're part of a larger group. Unfortunately, we tend to be less forgiving when they're young. Back to the happy times.

ToD, for some reason, goes all the way around WS - not just the Mexico to Morocco route. Is this because it's Friday night? Is it because the cheerleaders got them so pumped up they missed the exit? Who knows?

We decide not to stay by Italy and watch IROE with my 15-year-old friends so we hoof it back to the bridge by the UK. IROE is great but, again, no opening salvo. This time, however, there are flames on the water. Lots of flames. I actually wonder if the entire propane tank is about to explode. It's a veritable inferno.

We head back to the BW where the kids decide on dessert (cake and ice cream) on the BW while Barb and I do our thing at the Belle Vue Room.

Day Seven Summary - A good day. It was nice getting a chance to tour AKL. This was our first time at Le Cellier (we'll be back but not for Prime Rib). It's always nice to close a last day with IROE but I really could have done without the cheerleaders.

Things I Learned Today - AKL would be a great place to stay for a couple of days. I think the opportunities to view the animals would be wonderful but have to admit that, if I listened to that music playing in the hotel for more than 2 days, I'd shoot myself.

Day Eight, Saturday February 9

The Plan - Shopping at Downtown Disney (DD) and travel home

I sleep until 7:10 (Whoa! This is sleeping in). We call down to arrange luggage pickup. I explain to the CM that we have a car coming at 1:15 and he suggests retrieving the bags at 1:00.

We're all up and out on a bus to DD at 9:00. First stop is breakfast at McDonald's. "McDonald's???". Yep. Breakfast is the only meal I can stand there and, actually, I like it. I realize there's probably a 3% meat content in their sausage but it's darn tasty.

Hunger abated, we begin the shopping spree through the Marketplace. World of Disney, Team Mickey, etc. Each trip I try to pick up a new golf shirt and this would be no exception. Stephen and I have our eyes on the DVC Member polo back at BWVR - but, it's kind of plain. A white shirt with DVC Member embroidered on the chest. In Team Mickey I find what I'm looking for - a multi-tone polo with a golfing Mickey on the chest ($49 less the DC 10% discount). Done. After seeing it, Stephen picks the same shirt so now we're all set for the next father/son tournament - matching shirts.

Barb finds a NY Jets pin for me - toss that in the old shopping cart ($6.50). I also find a single strap backpack that I've been looking for. It's what I hope will be a perfect addition for touring the parks - not too big but will hold a few essentials, including a rain jacket and hat. This was $25 ($22.50 after discount).

We hang out buying up everything in sight until 11:00. There are visions of BW ice cream so we head back. We catch a BW bus that also goes to Coronado Springs (CS). First time I've seen that. Well we got a complete tour of CS and I realize that this resort is huge - much bigger than I envisioned from seeing it from the road. We finally get back to the BW and, you guessed it, the Sweets shop is closed - no ice cream. We kill time on the BW and sitting on the porch until 1:00. I head out front to hand in our luggage ticket and retrieve same.

There's a woman in front of me at the outdoor Valet window. She has one child in a stroller while the other, a tiny waif of about 3, is scaling the Valet stand and hanging on to the counter (this stand is about twice her height). Mom is paying no attention and I'm resisting every paternal urge that's asking me to reach out and grab this child before she falls onto the stroller or the concrete. She doesn't. The woman is, quite nastily, demanding her luggage immediately because she has to get to the airport right now. BTW, she also lost her luggage claim ticket. The valet rings the bell and CM Jose sets off to find her luggage cart using only her last name. Keep in mind this is Saturday afternoon when many, many people are checking in and out and the luggage room is filled with dozens of carts.

Five minutes later, Jose returns empty handed. This woman berates him and then follows him in leaving her two children to fend for themselves. All this time, there is a waiting taxi (van) with a driver standing patiently at the open rear door. They come out after another 5 minutes and Jose is wheeling a cart. He takes it to the taxi and loads her luggage. In the meantime, she greets the taxi driver with "I hope we don't have to stop and pick up anyone else".

Now, I've been waiting for this moment and have made a prediction. She climbs in the taxi with her children and off they go. No tip for Jose. Not a nickel. I knew it. This poor guy spent 15 minutes searching a room for luggage listening to this woman complain and not a penny. I watched him walk away shaking his head and muttering.

Our luggage shows and at 1:10, here comes Gerard. Now I asked him for a 1:15 pickup due to the excessive lines at airport security that I saw last week. Our flight leaves at 4:15 and I thought we'd need the extra time.

It's a quick trip to the airport, arriving at about 1:45. There are 3 Skycaps waiting to help. One of them, Brian, begins checking our 4 suitcases when his partner spots my NY Jets pin on the camera bag strap and says, "Hey, Brian. You see this?" Uh, oh. Let me guess. Brian, you're a Dolphins fan. Yep. Originally from Miami. But he's cool about it as he tells me we're ready and our 4 bags are all set for Honolulu. Chuckle (I think).

Inside we spend 10 minutes in the USAirways line getting our boarding passes and then on to security. This takes about 3 minutes!!! I kid you not, there are no lines. Will does, however, beep again and must endure the full cavity search one more time. Why is this Saturday so different than last? Sigh. Now we're early so we head out to the gate. On the tram ride, a woman asks if she can get off at the Poly. Turns out she's the Grandmother of a a large group from Syracuse. They did exactly as we had and now have to wait until 4:30 for their flight.

Stephen and I grab some sandwiches to save for the long flight (remember, USAirways provides nothing). The flights home are smooth and on time. Steph and Will's mom are waiting for us at the airport (it's about 20 degrees). We're home by 9:30 to a warm and very wet greeting from Gunnar - he missed us.

Summary (The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly)

• This is the first time we've flown since 9/11, but I was not at all put off by additional security. We typically get to the airport early anyway and I think, for the most part, it's being run very efficiently.
• I love being a DVC Member (love that "Welcome Home). I also really like the BWVR. The rooms are great. I enjoy my frequent balcony time. I love the convenience of being back at my hotel within 10 minutes of IROE or 20 minutes of Fantasmic.
• The parks were more crowded than I thought they would be. Not packed but more people than I think is typical for off season (or at least what I'm used to from past January trips - maybe the 1st week of February is always like this).
• While I saw evidence of cutbacks, it in no way detracted from the experience. CMs were always friendly and polite (if not always knowledgeable). The resorts and parks I visited were clean and well maintained.
• I got my groove back and I don't care what anyone else tells you. That female CM was 28 and a dead ringer for Rebecca Romjin-Stamos.
• I think I'll revise my plan of making PS arrangements on the requested day. Gee, I may have to plan better.
• I vow I will always carry a jacket and hat on days that call for rain.
• IOA is a waste unless you are touring with small children or want to ride coasters over and over again. It's also a park with a water fixation. It wants to get you very wet and, inevitably, it will succeed.
• However, if you go to IOA, definitely ride Spiderman. If possible, more than once to catch it all.
• I want to visit Le Cellier again but will avoid the Prime Rib.
• The Belle Vue Room is the best way to end a day.
• Comedy Warehouse is great. Don't be afraid to do multiple (or back to back) shows. They're all very different.
• Planet Hollywood is always busy for all the wrong reasons.
• A plan is only that. Don't be afraid to change it on the fly or wing it. The best times are when you're just strolling.
• Next trip in 11 months. Let the countdown begin.

If you got this far, congratulations, you must have tremendous stamina. Thanks for reading.

Steve Russo

srusso@nycap.rr.com

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