Tony

(Repost of Missing Trip Report)

Marla Hellwig - June 1997

• Time of Year: Summer
• Travel Method: Plane, Friend's Personal Car
• Resort: CR
• Accommodations: Standard Room
• Ages Represented in Group: Elementary, Adult
• WDW Experience Represented in Group: Infrequent, Rookie
• Comments: Marla's report covers a trip from several years ago (it's being posting to the site as of April, 2000). Marla is returning to WDW with her daughter this summer, so hopefully we'll get a report from her on that one, too. This is a play-by-play report with plenty of details.

June 6 - 14, 1997
CAST:

• Marla (M) - mom age 40 2nd trip (last here June 85 - 1 day @ MK and Epcot during honeymoon but DL numerous times)
• Kara (K) - daughter age 6 first trip (DL once)

I am a new board reader, here is report from 1997 that K and I took. I am a single mom (widow) and this was our 1st trip where we would be, for the most part, on our own - no relatives to stay with etc.
I had planned this trip since the first of the year but not having internet access used Birnbaum’s 97 version of WDW and WDW for Kids. Booked room at Contemporary in Tower. Used the Delta Vacation Desk to book room, flight and Mears transportation.
To reconstruct this trip I am using receipts, brochures, and pictures. Something’s still stick out in my mind and something’s are gone. I brought snack items with us and kept items in back pack at all times. I had a fanny pack and back pack during entire stay. K most of the time just her fanny pack.
DAY 1 Friday 06/06/97
My parents took us to airport and we left Dayton, OH 7:30 am took puddle jumper to Cincinnati OH. Had direct flight to Orlando from Cin. Plane was very late in taking off, really overbooked, and parents and kids were split up. Flight must have went OK once off the ground, nothing sticks in mind.
Arrived late in Orlando. My girlfriend was meeting us at the airport and we were spending weekend with her and her family. Got luggage and went to the Mears shuttle to pick up passes - Diane (D) went and got car with K while I did this. Off to her house where we spent time in her pool catching up. Her husband (Paul - P) was coming in at airport early evening from a business trip so back to airport we went. Made stop at Belz outlet and only got 40 minutes in the Character Warehouse (at this time there was only one), but I did some serious damage in that 40 minutes. Upon arrival at airport, Paul was just coming out of door so we slowed enough for him to jump in car and was off to dinner, Tony Roma. Back to house and decided that D, M, K, and Diane’s youngest (Jessica-J) would hit Sea World in morning and see how far we would get by dinner time. P and their older daughter KC were staying home. After fishing K out of the pool for the 3rd time that day we hit the sack.
DAY 2 Saturday 06/07/97
SEA WORLD
Arrived and used Club Card USA Member and got discount on admission and 10 % for purchases in gift shops. We did Key West at Sea World (where I feed some very smelly fish to some very slimy feeling stingrays), Manatees - just in time to see them eat their heads of lettuce - they are fun to watch eat. Penguin Encounter, Terrors of the Deep - K loves sharks, Shamu’s Happy Harbor - playground with alot for the kids to do. Need swimsuits as there are things to get wet on. I picked out shady spot and kept all of the stuff and promptly lost everyone. Couple hours later got everybody rounded up. Also did Wild Arctic and of course Shamu and Whale & Dolphin shows. Some point during the day we ate lunch at Mama Stella’s Italian Kitchen. We really enjoyed the Wild Arctic. Right before our trip there was a show on public TV about Klondike and Snow (twin polar bear) from when they were born up to where they are swimming in their new home at Sea World. K had a great time “talking” to them since she knew about them. Great exhibits throughout this building - J and K both came running out of the bear den when the polar bear roaring started (taped). The look on their faces was something not be missed. I got a great pic of K with her hand in the plaster cast of adult male for comparison.
P beeped up and said he would have dinner done by time we got home (hint, hint) so did not stay for fireworks shows etc. It was nice to have dinner ready when we pulled up. Girls went swimming again and D and I sat by pool and talked. Repacked and off to bed - WDW here we come!
DAY 3 Sunday 06/08/97
I wanted to leave Diane’s early, but she decided to treat us to French toast and assorted other goodies. While getting food on table we hear the girls outside screaming!. We all run out and there were baby opossums treading water in the pool. P fished them out and put them under a tree in the back of their lot. A little later we checked and they were gone. I threw both of us in the shower and got ready for our trip to WDW. As I was finishing up the packing, I heard D say :”K, I don’t think your mom wants you in the pool, it is time to leave” - yep you guessed it - back in the pool. Fished her out and reshowered her.
After a stop at drug store for cold medicine (terrible head cold) for me and new sunscreen - the stuff I had was burning on my skin.
Sidebar - I am a red head with very fair skin. So I do have alot of trouble with sun burning and such. Fortunately K got her dad’s skin and is not as sun sensitive.
We finally pulled up in front of the Contemporary Resort. Our first words were WOW! D and P both drove us there and came in with us while I went through the check in process. My CM was a nice young man who was earning his ears. Now during the whole time in checking in he kept saying I will be getting to the good part in a minute and I kept thinking how much better can it be. We are checking in, Pooh just walked in and is waving to K, etc. Also, he asks do I want the parking pass while here and I said yes as D and J were going to meeting us during our stay - yep we take parking pass. Finally, he gave us the good news - we were being upgraded to the Private Concierge floor. I said fine as long as it wouldn’t cost me anything - it didn’t of course. Matter of fact it saved me alot of money regarding food. Whisked up to floor and were greeted and shown to our room 4927 - overlooking MK. We explored room and balcony, walked D and P back to their car and then K and & I headed for Epcot via Monorail.
Started in World Showcase and 1st corner we turned ran right into Giddeon (? sp) pic and auto time
Mexico - El Rio del Tiempo
Norway - Maelstrom
China -no movie
Outpost for drinks
Germany - new dwarf sleep shirt for M
Italy
American Adventure - American Adventure - K was quiet through the whole thing and no she was not asleep. shopped.
Before going into attraction we were in front of line for character meet and greet. K has worn a harness / leash since 11 mos. old whenever we went everywhere - yes I am one of those moms. She was one who didn’t like riding in stroller and leash was easier on everyone. The harness fit over her chest and zipped up the back, with cord that I attached other end to my fanny pack. So I just had to undo my end and off to Chip and Dale she goes. When she not attached to fanny pack she would wrap cord around her waist leaving a tail - one (Chip or Dale) noticed her tail and compared hers to his. Next he compared to the other one’s tail then they both compared theirs to hers. Next they made a chipmunk sandwich with her in middle and by this time we were both laughing so hard I was having trouble taking pictures. She also meet Minnie and Mickey and Pluto there but chipmunk interaction was the best she had that day.
Japan
Morocco
France - no movie - do you see a trend starting?
United Kingdom - shopped for Pooh slippers for Kara - fuzzy ones with big heads
Canada - no movie
K was not interested in seeing any of the movies so I figured O.K. - something for our next trip
Picked up our ponchos and just shoved package into backpack.
Hot dogs, chips and drinks from Refreshment Post - K had two dogs
Watched IllumiNations 25 if I remember we really liked and K was getting tired.
We left with the ton of the visitors and made our way back to monorail to Cont. Got K bath and bed and called my parents. While on phone, MK fireworks started going off. At first I couldn’t figure out what all the noise was and hoped it wouldn’t wake the kid. Watched fireworks while on phone. Beds were turned down and choc. Mickey on pillows. As we had just dumped stuff in room I had to unpack and get ready for MK in the a.m.
DAY 4 Monday 06/09/97
Magic Kingdom
At the Concierge Castle View Lounge we were served a Continental breakfast and we were stuffed every morning. One neat trick I did first morning was K had opened her little box of cereal and then didn’t want it - no problem I pulled out zip lock bag, dumped cereal in and into her fanny pack. Nice thing about floor was no charge for fridge or bottled water & sodas inside it. Were able to keep restocking with colder bottles in front etc. After teeth brushing off we went.
First mistake (fortunately we did not have too many of these) I had read that it was an easy walk to MK from Cont., so off we went. It was cool and was nice walk but K was tired by time got to gate. They also were cutting grass during walk, which started me sneezing and coughing again.
Early entry ( yes we did every EE available), through the gate and straight to the castle and on to Fantasyland. Was able to ride everything at least twice and was done with FL by the time the official opening time rolled around. We hurried overt to Toon Town and waited until opening. Explored boat, barnstormer and Mickey’s garden but skipped seeing Mickey here. Off to Toontown Hall of Fame. We were able to do all three lines this morning and K saw: Belle, Aladdin (here K told him that since he was marring Jas and she was a rich princess, she could afford him some new pants - he was in his “street rat” attire), Mary Poppins, Big Bad Wolf, Sheriff of Nottingham, Prince John, Donald Duck (it was his birthday 65? and K sang Happy Birthday to him, got whole room singing with her), Donald seemed to enjoy it! Goofy, Pluto, & Minnie rounded out our tour. We were through all three lines in about an hour and K was very happy with pics and autos. It had rained while we were in tent - didn’t need ponchos in backpack yet! Toured Minnie’s house next.
Got on railroad and road all the way around. Back to Frontierland and made our way to Liberty Square. Memory fading here - think we just sat for awhile ate hot dogs and drinks and people watched for awhile and got spot picked out for “Remember the Magic” parade. Now I knew about audience getting picked for parade and K got picked for Beauty and Beast float. CM’s came around and had pickees practice their dance and we were ready. 15 mins. before parade it really rains hard. Now dancers have contract (at time) that if it rains 15 before parade - no special dancing - no float stopping etc. B&B Floats comes, K is standing up and waiting for signal to head out and “her” float didn’t stop. I didn’t know about the contract and such, but I figured oh well.
Well, K started crying - decided time for break and back to Cont. By time got on monorail, she was really going by now. By time got to Cont., M was looking for a rock to hide under - here is M dragging loudly crying red face little girl through the lobby. Got on elevator and by now K is to hic uping stage of tizzy. Now K didn’t threw too many tizzies in her lifetime, but this one was a doozie - BIG TIME! Got off elevator and Concierge CM was there. He asked Princess K what was wrong, Princesses weren’t allowed to cry etc., she replied “her” float didn’t stop. He was wonderful with her and got her laughing in no time. Of course, M is just standing there so embarrassed at the whole thing. When she was calmed down, he told me that he would make some phone calls and see what he could do about the situation. I wish I had written down these really nice CM’s names. Later he told me that we were to go to City Hall and meet person in charge of parade (again no name written down) and he would see what he could do. We meet up with him later and he gave us stickers for Cindy’s float and told us where to sit front of City Hall and that we could use stickers any day (s) we wanted. He also gave me CM 25th anniversary pin and K Jimminy Cricket Earth Day 97 pin. A very nice man. We partook of afternoon tea and snacks and refreshments and hors of ‘oeuvres (from Calif. Grill) and then headed back to MK. Believed we did Frontierland - Splash Mt. and BTR. Did stay for SpectroMagic and Fireworks. We were in Frontierland / Liberty for Spectro right up front, parade in 20 mins. and K says “Mom, I have to go potty”. Darn it, we went before getting spot - oh well I got up and put backpack back on and said let’s go and hope we can find a spot when we get back - nice family next to us said we will save your spot and they did! THANKS to whoever you were! One of the down sides of being a single parent.
Wandered back to Cont. via monorail, having decided not to hoof it again why walk when you can ride. Bed for kid and M getting ready for Epcot next day. One really nice feature on floor was fact that there were cordials and desserts available. Took desserts milk, and 1 - 2 glasses of wine back to room every day, put in fridge and it was there to enjoy while getting ready for next day and bed. Some time during the day, I picked out my flex feature item - hard cover book “When the World Started” 25th anniversary edition about WDW, a nice coffee table book type and perfect for my Disney book collection.
DAY 5 Tuesday 06/10/97
Epcot
EE day again after nice breakfast in lounge. Cereal in fanny pack again. Yes, she did eat as snack every day.
Did Future World - order from pictures in album.
Living Seas - K didn’t want to leave
Journey into Imagination
HISTA - both liked, K really liked mice
Dreamfinder and Figment were outside and got pic and auto
JII - old version both really liked
Image Works
Spaceship Earth
Innovations East & West - K not too impressed couldn’t get to anything to try due to bigger kids
Universe of Energy - K really likes dinos
Wonders of Life - just Cranium
Horizons
Land - Circle of Life, Food Rocks, Living w/Land
Shopped in Figment’s Corner and had chicken tenders from the Electric Umbrella.
Headed over to the World and got pic and auto from Donald as Caballero, Snow White and Dopey, Aladdin and Jas, while getting pic she said something about his pants and Al turned to Jas and said this was the little girl I told you about!. No other receipts from this day, we didn’t stay for IllumiNations, heat was starting to take a toll on both of us decided an early night was called for. K played in bath tub awhile while I arranged to meet D and J at Gertie’s at MGM mid morning. Kid to bed, more wine for M and getting ready for next day.
DAY 6 Wednesday 06/11/97
MGM
EE Day again. K is a little dare devil, the faster the ride the better. Also by the age of 4 she was tall enough to ride everything at DL except for Indiana Jones (lines were 3 - 4 hours day we were there) so nothing fazes her. M on the other hand can’t spin do loops or ride backwards go figure. Being the smart (sometimes) mom, I figure if any ride is going to bother her it will be the TOT. So no breakfast for us this morning. We are on bus even before food is out. Swan and Dolphin neat to look at while sun is rising. Rode TOT 3 times in row each time K is just laughing her head off. Didn’t buy any of the pictures the only ride picture bought was one ride on Splash Mt. to go with DL picture. Then a quick stop at Starring Rolls for donuts, cinnamon swirls, juice and off to B&B show. Preshow 2 guys singing good. B&B favorite with K Ran into Chip somewhere on way to Gerties. K and Timon had fun together one chasing the other. Ice cream while waiting for D and J.
Did Mermaid, Backlot Tour on Catastrophe was on left side didn’t get wet, Hunchback very good, Muppets liked, Star Tours, Indiana, SuperStar, Great Movie. Ate at Pizza Planet. wasn’t very good, wait was terrible (amazing what you remember). We put kids at table and D & M stood in line for an hour. Finally got back to table and J and K started telling about a woman who ordered them away from table, they didn’t need table because they weren’t eating and so on. J was 10 or 11 and D and I both felt girls were O.K. to stay at table, not too far from line, we could see them the whole time we were in line. J stood her ground and wouldn’t give up table. K told lady that her mom had told her to stay put and she was. Good for the girls. Guess the lady even tried to push the girls out of their seats. After such a fun lunch, ran into Kermit. At SuperStar I got picked for the Cheers scene. J for David Letterman spot. Fun. We all loved Indy was right in front and got the full effect of heat from all of the explosions. K met one stunt guy (German who fights Indy) and got really good pic of those two. Stayed for Sorcery in the Sky and somehow lost D and J. We looked for them but since they came in their own car, wasn’t too worried about them. Bus back to Cont., bath, dessert, bed, wine, restock back pack and fanny packs ready for the a.m.
DAY 7 Thursday 06/12/97
Oh no, the trip is starting to wind down time to start thinking how are we going to get all of this stuff packed, wait I will just think about it tomorrow.
After breakfast, off to the MK. By now, we are veterans of the transportation system. We have been able to get where ever we wanted either by the monorail or bus. Transfers at TTC no problem. We been up front in monorail several times.
We start in Tomorrowland and ride everything. Space Mountain several times as EE day. As we were walking by Alien no line we walked right in. K was quiet during ride and when we came out she said she didn’t like it but this was the ride she talked about for a year. Then did all of Frontierland, and Adventureland. After break at Cont. (yes wine in fridge for later) did Splash and BTR couple of times. Were stuck on BTR about 1/2 luckily going up a hill and not down. Saw both parades from other side of street this time once again rain so will hold onto stickers.
Sometime before lunch K lost her autograph book. Oh no, we both were upset. We looked around where we thought we had been, but no luck. Bought another one and off again. We did spend day at MK, receipts showed some shopping was done. On one receipt I show lunch 20.50 with tip. We did report lost book at City Hall and they also directed us to call Lost and Found which we did. (More later).
DAY 8 Friday 06/13/97
For K’s flex option, I made breakfast reservations (8:05 am at Crystal Palace, was able to do at front desk while we were originally checking in). Great all round. Kara had fun with Tigger, Pooh and Eeyore and was able to start over with autograph book purchased yesterday. After eating asked what K wanted to do and she wanted to stay in MK all day again. Off we went. Ran into Brier Fox. Later ended up at old Sub ride now character meet and greet. Tigger, Pooh, Eeyore, Chip, Dale, Goofy, Pluto and Max. K asked Tigger how he got done with breakfast so fast since he hadn’t eaten yet while she was there? Kid is getting smarter! Got couple of really cute pictures with K Chip and Max, and K Dale and Max. I did notice that Goofy may not have been feeling well that day, he kept turning around and looking out into the lagoon. Looking for mermaids Goofy? Then we braved the lines and met Aerial. Her outfit is really pretty. Then we ran into White Rabbit, Twiddle Dee and Dum and Red Queen, the autograph book is starting to fill up.
As we were walking towards the castle, K says getting hungry and what’s for lunch. Since we were by castle check in, thought hum I wonder? There was a line of people standing around trying to get breakfast ressies and why can’t they have them for when they want them. I stood CM said no breakfast times available but I asked about lunch and CM said I can take you up in 2 - 3 minutes - COOL!. She looked at K and said Cindy wasn’t there but we would have a nice lunch. K replied O.K., guess Cindy was to washing breakfast dishes. Of course it had rained and also gotten wet over waiting for Aerial and felt a little guilty about dripping on carpet.. Lunch good and castle very pretty inside. We both liked the Mickey shaped butter.
As we were leaving the castle, Alice and 2 of Cindy’s mice were sitting on the floor and starting to read Alice to K and couple other children. What a moment. Rode, walked and shopped until 3 p.m. parade going to try to use stickers again today. YES no rain. Met the Mayor while waiting. Wait parade starting, sunshine today may be it. YES it is the day. We are ready. We have rehearsed. Cinderella’s glass float comes around corner and stops. We both waltz 2 dances with CMs. Both couples sitting next to us volunteered to take pictures with both of my cameras during our 5 minutes of fame. Great pictures. Bigger parade today Lion King included. Went back to Cont. right after parade easy since close to front gate. We had made plans with D for all of us to go to DD and eat at Rainforest Cafe. Back to room and D called from lobby few minutes later. I ran down and got her and brought her back up. K was hungry and knew it would awhile until dinner so was partaking in goodies once again. CM invited D to join us and sample goodies too. Meanwhile I was calling Lost and Found to ask about autograph book and they said to come in and fill out report. Also called Mears about arranging pick up next afternoon. Since Lost and Found was on the way to DD, we did. HINT put full name and address in front of book also resort info. Stopped, filled out report and off to DD. Got to Rainforest, met P and found out we had a 3 hour wait for dinner. No way. Shopped World of Disney for a bit and then they took us off property for dinner, steaks somewhere. Back to room and watched fireworks from balcony with glasses of wine. Pleasant way to end evening. K also likes snakes, bugs, etc and she found a rubber coral snake in the Rainforest gift store.
After D and P left, I got K in tub and then in bed. Checked in with parents and told them we would see them about 11 p.m. tomorrow night. Went and got another glass of wine as now I had the very unpleasant task of packing. What a night. But did get it all done. Had to figure in that plane didn’t leave until 6 p.m., so would want shorts for day but pants for plane. I had taken a duffel type bag that lays flat in bottom of one suitcase and that came in VERY handy. Carry on bag had our change of clothes. Good thing we are going home out of clothes. With rain every day stuff that got wet isn’t drying very fast. Finally done and off to bed.
DAY 9 Saturday 06/14/97
The alarm goes off and it feels like I just had put my head on pillow. Our last breakfast here sob sob! After which I called for baggage and they arrived with cart and bill arrived at same time. After a last look around and a few pictures off balcony we said good bye to everyone. Luggage is stored and we are off to MK for a day of goofing around.
As we walked into the park here comes Hook and Smead followed by Pooh. Hook and Pooh are running for Main Street Mascot today. Vote for your favorite character. One vote for Hook other for Pooh. K tried to pull the sword (no Merlin around) but no luck. Rode skyway again couple of times. At some point a CM stopped and asked if this our first trip I said no I had been in 85 but 1st for Kara. CM said great, meet at the castle at time noted on card and we could participate in anniv thing that they were doing every day. Said great and we will be there. K wanted to do Fantasyland again so we were off. Even rode Dumbo since lines not too bad. Got off Dumbo and few minutes later no autograph book again. Help! Not only no book but fat pen this time. We went back to Dumbo no book, CM called supervisor, he was there 5 minutes, still no book. He walked us over to a gift shop, pulled book and had K pick out a pen, comp’ed both and then asked K what ride she wanted to ride on next. She said Peter Pan so we were whisked to the front of the line and he even rode with us we got some looks over this. K thought that was great and he and her enjoyed their ride. M not to happy with her but what can you say. I still to this day can’t figure out how book and pen got out of her zipped fanny pack. Got K’s silhouette done. Did go over to Tom Sawyers Island for awhile. We didn’t get very far when hunger struck again so stopped at Aunt Polly’s. Got about 2 bites in and gosh gotta go storm coming everyone off the island.
We got to the castle stage upon noted time and were given sign with 1985 on it and a pom pom. They were looking for families who had been at WDW for every year since opening. There was one family from opening year. They had you lined up in order of years oldest being last and then then announced your name and hometown and you walked across stage with sign and pom pom. K gave that pom pom a good work out. Of course characters around us.
After this we just walked around taking it all in. It was time for that time to get your parade spot and we decided we had done it all. Back for one more ride on monorail and finally back to Cont. We finally wandered around resort a bit but today was really hot and muggy and sitting inside with ac was sounding better and better. Plus had that plane ride ahead of us. Got carry on bag from baggage and washed up and changed clothes. Grabbed something at food court and K wanted to try acarde. I started getting a headache so I “bribed” her with an ice cream and we settled in for our Mears bus. It came on time and only had one more stop GF. When bus started pulling away from GF K starting crying again. I asked her what was wrong and she said she didn’t want to go home. Two other families started in. Rained really hard shortly after leaving property but quit before reached airport and even had double rainbow to look at. What a way to end a vacation.
Arrived and checked in with no problems. As we were walking to our gate, a lady screamed right behind us. All I heard was ITS A SNAKE HELPPPPPPP. Good grief, K had gotten her coral snake out of her fanny pack and had dropped it. I was sure glad that lady didn’t have a heart attack right there. Her husband thought it was pretty funny and had picked up the snake and was waving it all around. K wanting her snake back, M looking for another rock. The lady is still screaming. It will be a miracle if they ever let the two of us back in Florida! Flight was delayed to storms in area but finally got loaded up and took off. The last thing I remember was the plane pulling away from the gate. Next thing I knew we were on the ground in Atlanta. We both had slept the whole way. Guess it was a good thing as flight was rough and two little ones had screamed the whole way there. The guy sitting next to me asked how could you sleep through all of that - I replied 8 1/2 days at WDW with a big smile. Off plane, find gate, WHAT our flight has been canceled. Now what! Help? Finally got another flight booked and got to gate. Had long wait K went back to sleep. I had problems getting her on the plane and no help from ground crew with her. Finally in air, K asleep in the row behind me, plane almost empty. Its peaceful, its quiet. I’m hungry finished up few snacks from that trusty back pack. Finally arrived in Dayton hours late and parents are standing very sleepy at gate to meet us. Got luggage and finally made it home.
FINAL THOUGHTS
Didn’t spend a lot of time at Epcot. Decided next trip K will be older and appreciate it more. We did miss things at MGM also. Loved the upgrade and it did save money on food. Only ended up not going back to lounge for afternoon or early evening goodies 2 days. This trip we didn’t swim once while at WDW, rest time was more important. Plus, since I burn easy afternoon swim not a good idea for me anyway. Didn’t do any water parks either. Didn’t tour any other resorts. Loved the transportation system. I loved having someone else do the driving. Don’t remember long wait times except for when we left MGM got 3rd or 4th bus that night. Watching MK fireworks water parade from balcony was a relaxing way to end day usually ended up with 2 fireworks shows each night that way. Took full advantage of sending purchases back to room through delivery service. Everything would show up next day. The charge option on pass easy way to deal with purchases also. Had forgotten about arranging the wake up calls. After 1st weekend, it rained everyday. Couple of days had thunder and lightening storms too. Couple of days really hard down pours and got wet even with ponchos.
I wish I had made notes of the names of the CM’s we met who went that extra mile for us. I did write thank you's. Oh yes, the FIRST LOST autograph book showed up at home about 6 - 8 weeks later. What a nice touch. The second book we never heard from again. And yes we filled out second report. It is nice to know that the Lost and Found system does work. K wrote a thank you to Lost and Found for her wayward book.
We did have some trouble adjusting to the heat and humidity. When we left Ohio, it had been damp (very rainy) and cold (40’s), upon arrival 80 - 90’s takes awhile to adjust. I am glad to report that I only got the top of one shoulder sunburned and that was on the last day. K didn’t burn the whole trip. Remember water bottles, sun screen and another goodie - chap stick for visits during the summer months.
Next trip is July 16 - 26, 2000 is in the serious planning stages now. I can’t wait. Haven’t told K yet, waiting until it is closer to trip time. We are staying at Contemporary Tower again. Maybe we will get lucky again. Need to work on how to attach autograph book to kid for this trip - wonder if stapling will work?
Hope you enjoy reading this old report - it was nice to relieve the magic moments of this wonderful trip.
Marla Hellwig
Kettering, Ohio

__________________
Never argue with stupid people. They just drag you down to their level, and then beat you with experience.
I will believe it is a crisis when the people claiming it is a crisis start acting like it is a crisis.