Trip Reports

Aug 15th-18th

The players:

Denise, 40 yr. old nurse and vetern trip planner
Andy, 43, teacher
Chelsea, 12, self-described "ride wimp"
Taylor, 10, favorite expression "lets go for it"
Hope, 6, "Ok, I'll try it."
This trip will last one week for the rest of the family, only three days for me. We had a plan that included everyone's wishes. The first three days were to be devoted to seeing "everything new and everything that will probably not be around when we return. " Since we had to use a banked timeshare by Oct or lose it, this seemed the perfect opportunity.

Day One

Aug 15th. It's 6:30 AM we have been driving all night from Annapolis MD. I know we will never be able to check into Westgate Villa's but we drove by anyway to make sure we could find the place. Sure enough "we preregister people at noon, but no one can check in before 4PM."

Let's see the plan calls for River Country, which won't open till ten. Why not AK? After a quick breakfast at the Waffle House we are off to say hello to the newest Disney Park. After trying to use AAA parking (there is none at AK) raiding the water and snack supply we had packed and unloading the stroller, we exchange our vouchers for real AP's. Oh boy! This is it! Here at last!!! Thanks to Radp, we had the photo ID that was required.

Maybe, I'm just immune to it at the other parks, but the theming really hits you at AK even in the ticketing area. I would come to love the colored glass and weather metal light fixtures enough to redo our house with them.

It was 8:00 and already hot, but the adrenaline kick only Disney can provide has us all ready to explore. Having never seen an anteater or a sloth, we stopped on the bridge to admire and asked questions of their keeper, who told us their names and some of their habits. I thought it was a really nice touch, you could tell these people really cared for their charges and wanted others to know them as well.

Over the bridge and OH MY, everything on radp had not prepared me for the "Tree of Life" there in the morning sun, it just seemed to rise up out of the ground and go on forever. It was easy to tell who was new to the park...we were the ones speechless on the bridge, camera's clicking away. Not speechless for long as the entire family started pointing and saying "can you see the . . . . . ?"

The "bug show" seemed an obvious first choice so we could get a better look at the tree. We let group after group intent on seeing the show pass us as we slowly walked around the tree pointing animals out to each other. Hope called it "the biggest hidden picture puzzle in the world."

We finally made it to the pre-show in the roots of the tree. Chelsea and I amused ourselves with making up song lyric's for the posters. Soon it was time to go in. Between the glasses and the wet seats the kids had a really good idea of what was going to happen. Somehow Disney does magic things with time. I realize that the show is short, but while in happening it seemed to go on forever. Even after reading the spoilers, I wasn't quite ready for everything. It went on a little too long for some Asian visitors who jumped up at the very end of the show and started screaming at their seats. What a hoot.

Out of the tree and picked up the stroller. Now where are we? Near Asia, where a CM tells us they are working to build a tiger exhibit (Taylor is a big cat lover) and Tiger Falls. I hope that is a water ride. This park is in need of something that gets you really really wet.

The bird show is about to start and there are places in the shade to sit. This will give us some time to get a drink and study the map. The kids look for hidden Mickey's (and find some) while mom and dad plan. Leave it to Disney to turn a bird show into a fairy tale. Very different from the trained parrot thing we are used too here. Hope is delighted that the bald eagle shares her name.

We decide the next stop should be "Conservation Station" as the Safari ride will have way too long a line by now. "Mom there's no line for the safari." Or for anything other than the boat ride, as it turned out, CM's reported weekends were "really light. " Sure enough there wasn't. We hopped on the next Jeep and were off to explore Africa. Our driver was great, pointing out the wildlife and slowing down to let everyone get a good look. We saw just about everything but the big cat's (much to taylor's disappointment). This ride will never be the same thing twice and the family agree if will be fun to try it early in the morning and last thing in the evening.

No gorillas at the falls (not suprising) but a lovely shady walk.

The train to conservation station was next and it was getting hotter by the minute. Lovely, lovely air conditioning greeted us at the station. I took a tip from a British vacationer who soaked her floopy hat in the bathroom sink and put it on, and did the same for Hope, averting a threatened "melt down". No surgery going on much to Mom's (the OR nurse) and Chelsea's (the aspiring zookeeper) disappointment. Hope and Taylor had fun looking at animal feed (more bugs) and generally cooling off. There was a line for Grandmother Willow. The CM asked if we knew what we were standing in line for. "Mommy says you sit in a booth and put on headphones and hear Grandmother Willow," Hope told the CM. "Mommy is right, replied the CM. "Of course mommy is right, she knows alot about Disney." Thanks again rapd for making me a hero to my little girl. A quick trip to the affection section for the youngest and back to the train.

Off to Camp Minnie Mickey and some autographs for Hope. We hit the hundred acre jackpot with pooh, tigger and eyeore, the jungle had rafiki and timon. Chip and Dale were out in the blazing sun, brave souls. The next showing of Lion King was too far away so we'll save that for the next trip. Say what you will about Florida water but when it hot out and you've used up your supply, there is nothing better tasting than cold water. Great idea to put watering stations out for the humans.

Everyone wanted to try CTX so we agreed this would be the last thing before going to river country. The pool in front of CTX looked like a kiddie pool with about twenty toddlers running through it (how I envied them). Again, very little line, we were in our cars in no time. This is where the problem started. Hope who has done every ride she has ever been tall enough for, 10 sec into the ride says "I don't like this." Twenty seconds later "GET ME OFF OF THIS THING NOW" by the end of the ride, my normally placid child is screaming and hitting her sister screaming "I hate you for making me go on this. " Meltdown of the likes I have never seen from her. Oh well, my dreams of having outgrown the "kid switch" area will have to wait. Everyone else (who actually saw the ride) liked it. I have to reserve judgement until I can actually see the ride without a hysterical child to comfort.

We all agreed this was enough AK till November and River Country was calling. Off to RIver Country. Where did those storm clouds come from? Oh well, out of hot sticky clothes and into bathing suits. We all had our first refreshing dip in the pool when the lightening started. Everybody out, the CM's encouraged everyone to the sheltered picnic area for games until the storm passes.

By the time the storm was over it was time for us to head to WL for my birthday dinner at Whispering Canyon. I had heard such wonderful things about this place, but tonight was just not to be. "We have a gas outage so you have your choice of BBQ, BBQ, or BBQ was what we were greeted with. OK, no problem. Maybe we had the wrong server but even giving her ample oppourtunity she just wasn't into it. The fact it was my birthday dinner (and 40 to boot) was basically ignored. The youngest two had fun with the stickhorse race and got a coupon for a cookie at roaring forks. I'd like to try the place again with another server. Mom and dad were starting to feel the effects of very little sleep the night before, so we bagged the idea of the MK and went back to check into the timeshare. Tomorrow, the MK, farewell to Toad and Spectromagic.

Day 2

Up and out to see what we missed yesterday at RC. The AP's worked just fine and we were there for the rope drop. River Country appoints a mayor for the day (in our case 2 y/o Andrew). The major gets a medal, does the rope drop and gets a prime shady spot near the beach. River country has lots and lots of loungers, many of them in the shade. We found a shady spot and it was off to the slides. The general impression was one of a laid back water park. Short on thrills long on relaxation, although the body flumes seem to have a lot of side to side action. The shorter slide had me doing a somersault underwater at the end. The "super greeters" made things fun, with raffles (prize, a trail ride) music and games. The water tug of war between parents and kids was a big hit.

Taylor and I took a walk on the Cypress Point Nature Trail, as it winds near the lake you have a great view of WL, MK, the Poly and the Contemporary. I was impressed by how close they really are to each other, considering the roads you travel to get to them. River Country was just the ticket for us, enough to do to keep the kids happy and peaceful enough to let dad catch up on some of the sleep he had missed.

Around 2PM we changed (really cold showers, guess the gas is still not working) and headed to the MK to see if the weekly "Toad In" was happening. We arrived as the 3PM parade was finishing up on Main Street. Having never seen it I would like to appreaciate it on a cooler day. I have to admire the CM's ability to keep it up right to the very end of the parade route. They must be exhausted in such heat.

Off to fantasyland and over to Toad at 3:50. Hmmm, no toad shirts, no green shirts at all, and a 20 min wait to enter Toad Hall. Since our 4:15 PS at Crystal Palace would not allow us to hang around we joined the line to bid farewell to J.T. and the other residents of Toad Hall. Chlesea explained the ride to Taylor this way "You steal a car, you get in trouble, you die and then you go to hell." Maybe Disney will sell the complete ride to the Southern Baptists as a morality tale (just joking don't flame me).

While waiting for our PS Taylor showed me a "rope burn" on his hand from one of the River Country rides. Great!! I get a chance to check out the first aid station. When we finally retire and move to Florida this is where I want to work. (OK so it's 25 yrs away, at least I can dream). The nurse was nice efficient and effective. I told her my plan and she said great, "they don't pay much so you won't have to worry about losing your Social Security." Taylor was cleaned, antibiotic ointmented and bandaged and on our way in under 5 min.

Even though we had seen most of the Hundred Acre Wood Gang the day before, the Crystal Palace was still a treat Dinner was wonderful, lots of veggies, asapargus, butternut squash (yummmm) red beans and rice, new potatoes in garlic sauce (yum) roast veggies and couscous at the salad bar. The characters came around frequently. Special thanks to Tigger, who noticed our 12 yr old was "too big for picture with characters" gave her a big hug at her seat getting the biggest smile out of her and making for a great Kodak moment. Also special thanks to Mindy our server who took our MKC card even though we had not presented it at seating, and who took wonderful care of us despite having a full load and a table of eight kids (the parents were dining at a separate table).

With a few hours before the parade, we were off to Adventureland and say hello to the Tiki Room Under New Management. The storm clouds were gathering as we parked the stroller and entered the pre-show. The jokes are just as corney, just newer. The show itself (Donning flame retardant suit now) is just not that much (if any) of an improvement. First of all, it now matters where you sit. We were in our favorite back near the exit spot and pretty much missed Iago's seond appearance. Second (with apologizes to Ronnie) Whoever aid Iago could sing? I have fond memories of the Tiki Room as a place to go for a cool soothing time and a quick nap for a tired kid. Oh well.

More clouds appreared as we headed to POC, Andy's fav. What do you know a walk on! We love the priates because there is always a detail we've missed or can't remember. Everyone had such fun we did it again. I noticed the sound in the battle room seemed a bit blurry, or maybe it was my kids still saying "Dead men tell no tales" that threw me off.

The clouds were getting more ominous as we headed to the JC. Saw my first female pilot. The jokes were very PC but still funny. I like to ride one night right before closing with a boat full of CM's and no limit on the type of joke. What do you think guys? I swear myself to secrecy honest.

The first sight of lightening convinced us to skip the tree house and head over to tomorrowland for 1/2 hour before finding a parade spot. The older kids wanted to do AE since Hope was not interested (and after yesterday I wasn't going to push anything). She and I went to AO her fav ride. I think I've discouvered why I don't like this ride (and I REALLY don't like this ride). It has alot to do with the angle of the orbitor when it is up all the way. The tilt is just enough to make me feel like I'm going to fall over. Of course the lightening in the distance may have had something to do with it as well. It does have a wonderful view and a cooling breeze and is (mercifully) over fairly quickly.

At one hour prior to parade we were having trouble finding enough room for all of us on the curb to wave goodbye to Spectromagic. We ended up near the castle right where the floats turn off the street and head on to frontierland. One of the hidden attractions of Disney should be watching the castle change colors at night. It goes through the entire specturm, the effect starts at the bottom and works it was up. If you have ever doubted that lighting makes a difference take the time to watch this silent, beautiful show.

At 45 min prior to parade a women asked "what are you waiting for?" "The parade" I replied. "But that's not for another 45 min." "Trust me" I said "you want to find a seat now". People watching is a lot of fun for this parade. As the time gets closer, viewing spaces fewer, the peoples faces become more and more preplexed. One of the worst jobs in the park must be parade crowd control. If I heard "please keep moving all the way though the crosswalk, I'm sorry sir/madam you must be in front of the rope" once I heard it several hundred time all out of the mouth of the same poor CM. He took alot of grief from those too late to get a viewing spot and never once lost his cool. Very admirable.

Our spot had much to recommend it. You are screened from the parade as it comes up main street. All you see through the trees is an increasing glow with flashes of light from camera flash (or was that lightening?) Then the floats round the hub and there they are in all their glory. It is also a good spot for character interaction. Maybe because the floats need to slow down to make the turn into frontierland or because I have a loud family that know the names of the characters and aren't afraid to shout them out to get a reaction. This was especially true of the villian's float. The evil queen started flirting with my husband after he called out "Your majesty, may your humble servent take your picture?" She nodded (quite regally of course) and posed during the entire turn into frontierland. As they completed the turn I swear she looked back and winked at him. It must be hard to pull off a royal wink, but she managed it. His secret goal this trip was to make that women smile, he didn't accomplish this, but he said he came close. My favorite encounter was with Fauna on the Sleeping Beauty Float. Not at all shy, I shouted out "Fauna my hero" (well she is) at this point I am waving like a crazy person. She rubbed the end of her wand pointed it at me and waved it up and down (no my clothes didn't change color). At this point I completely lost it and threw the woment a kiss. She threw one back! "Wow mom did you see that, that fairy zapped you." "Yes Taylor I think she was giving out Disney magic." "I think it would take dynamite to get the smile off your mom face" my loving husband added. He was right. I love Disney because every single time at some point, I can become eight years old again and filled with wonder.

All to soon the parade ended, that's when mother nature decided it was time for her own Spectro-Magic and the lightening started in earnest. No tink tonight. The park was empting fast and I wasn't missing the fireworks. The rain and the pyrotechnics started at the same time and grew in intensity together. The sound system at the end of Main Street seemed to be a casualty of the rain and sputtered out about a third of the way through. Now matter here I was at the happiest place on the planet sharing a very magical, very wet, moment with my two oldest children on either side of me. Sometimes life is just too good.

The fireworks end and we join the last of the park die hards (It is amazing how fast rain can make some people walk) down Main Street. We got some very funny looks when as a family (except Hope, sleeping in the strolller) started "Singing in the Rain". A quick walk to Dopey (I wish the first 5 CM with tram's had told us it was a two minute walk or 20 min tram ride) and it's off to the timeshare for some much needed rest. Tomorrow Farewell to Horizons, Hello Ice Station, and a Conversation with Dreamfinder

Day 3

Everyone sleeps in after our rainy night. By 10 am we are walking through EPCOT. The plan calls for SE Horizons HISTA and JII with lunch at San Angel before mom catches her plane.

Walking past SE we notice that only 1/4 of the queuing area is being used. Chelsea reminds us that we have passed on this ride before only to come back and find it's not running. OK, no time like the present. It is a neat ride with lots of details. Hope thinks the Greek man not wearing a mask looks a lot like Daddy.

We exit and wait in line to become a piece of info on the information superhighway. The kids would like to stay longer in the global neighborhood, but mom can feel the clock ticking away. As we are walking I see the Centorium and suddenly remember "figment beanies!" Allison said they have them there, so a side trip is called for. Chelsea gets her beloved figment and I snag one for myself as a CM tells us about a guest who came in with $3K and bought nothing but beanies. While we shop Andy is upstairs ohhing and ahhing over animation cels.

We depart from a different door then we entered (no wonder I get confused) and hear that unmistakable tinny drumming. "What's that?" asks Andy. "The Jaminators" answer the two oldest. To think all that time watching Inside Out and I thought they weren't paying attention. We caught most of the show, the only causality was the handle of a trash can lid. A high energy show in high heat, you really have to admire these guys. As they packed up Taylor asks how many trash cans they go through. It seems the trash cans are good for about a week before they need replacing.

Show over, lets find Horizons. No wait, what's that white thing? Ahh ice station cool. We are distracted yet again. The kids are really impressed with the snow. What a lovely cool place. There were lots of sampling stations so most of the family went for the one at the far end. I tell the kids to avoid the Beverly otherwise have at it. I look around for Andy, but don't see him, so happily I start sampling. Up comes Andy with the oddest look on his face. "Oh no, you must have tried the Beverly" "Yeah, the first one, why didn't you TELL me!" "You should have stayed with us Daddy."

Now Horizons, get there only to be told it is closed for technical difficulties. Is this how a ride ends? I wonder. Someday does it just break down and they decide it's time to end it?

Time is flying and Dreamfinder awaits. The ride is a walk on. I notice the CM has to manually close many of the car doors. I do enjoy this ride but it could use a rehab. The bat, cat, rat blocks weren't working and the ride stopped several times for no apparent reason. The idea of the ride is still wonderful. I feel like I could do anything as I exit. Dreamfinder is part of that as well as figment. It looks like we can do HISTA, the line is moving quickly.

As we are about to enter we look off to the left and there is Dreamfinder and figment, all alone in the garden. This must be Disney magic. Under the rope we go. Hope runs up to hug figment, who takes Taylor's Baltimore Oriole cap and makes it fly like a bird. I am very impressed that Dreamfinder can hold a conversation, maintain eye contact and have figment do his thing all at the same time. Since we were alone, I just had to ask what's going to happen to JII. While Dreamfinder doesn't know for certain, it seems the president of Kodak and his wife both love Dreamfinder and Figment but Disney would like to concentrate on figment. Dreamfinder (who has had his job for 15 yrs) believes the ride is safe until TT opens. As we pose for a picture, Dreamfinder ask how we knew something was up. We tell him about the newsgroups and that there are even sites dedicated to his ride. Mom gave him a quick lesson on how to use a search engine to find JII sites. "That will make me feel a lot better". We sacrifice a page of Chelsea's autograph book to give him info on radp and our e-mail address. The kids are rewarded with personalized messages from Dreamfinder and figment. He said if he sees that you already have his sig he writes something different.

At that point HISTA lets out and Dreamfinder was mobbed. We waved goodbye and headed back to the end of the line for HISTA. I hope we can meet him again in the future. Magic at work again as we are the last party to be let in. HISTA as usual, is great fun, even when you know what's coming the audience reaction is a hoot.

Great, enough time to recheck Horizons before lunch. More magic, the ride is working. I even smell the oranges. We say goodbye by returning through the dessert.

We have time to do El Rio Del Tiempo before lunch. Taylor described it as a little POC a little IASW with some dream flight thrown in. We all decided it would be great to get a riverside table for lunch. Wish granted. Our table is right by the river. Out come the penlights (thanks radp) to read the menu. Good food, nice salsa, we traded off so everyone got a good sampling of all the dishes. As we leave the drummers are performing. A lovely dancer motions to the children to come and join her. She gives them moracca's and off they go to dance.

Too soon it is over and we have leave to get Mom to the airport. How I hate to go.

Lessons Learned

Every time we go to WDW we learn new things. Here are the lessons for this trip:
An AP is the antidote for "commando touring". It was freeing to know the next trip is already planned, there is no need to rush. No need to worry about missing something. We were able to enjoy the moment, without being preoccupied with what the next move will be.
Washer and dryers are great things to have in rooms, especially in rainy weather.
Stuff happens on vacation just like it happens in life. Rain showers, gas outages, ride breakdowns all happen. It is what you do with these "lemons" that determine how you view your vacation. We made a conscious decision to make "lemonade" and sweetened it with Disney magic, and had a great time.
A case of water that would have lasted the week in the Fall or Spring lasted about three days in the Florida summer heat. Not to drink is to get grumpy fast.
A "sports towel " AKA swimming shami is a valuable addition to the backpack. It insulates the frozen water bottle, can be soaked and used to wrap around your neck or used to dry yourself off after a rain shower. They are also a great lightweight substitute for towels at the water parks.
Thanks for reading our family's first ever trip report, feel free to e-mail with any questions. And thanks Lisa, for motivating me to finish it.

Denise Adams

Linstead@toad.net

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