Trip Reports

The Travelers

Me: M, 39 yoa (Disneyholic)
Wife F, 39 yoa (Beautiful, Understanding, Patient)
Daughter 17 yoa (wake me up an hour early to get makeup on)
Son 15 yoa (the older I get, the more I am like, my dad, and that's not good)
Daughter turns 15 yoa at WDW (1 1/2 hour early for makeup/where are the boys?)
Son 12 yoa (A.D.D. - Attention Deficit Disorder)
Background and Pre-planning

It all began sadly. At Christmas dinner (97) at my wife’s parent’s house, we were talking about summer vacation plans. I was planning on taking my wife and four teen age kids to Washington DC. My brother in law was talking about taking his wife and six kids to WDW depending on his tax refund. Two days after Christmas, my wife’s dad passed away. It was a big shock.

In late February (98), my mother-in-law, now settled in and learning to be on her own, called and said she wanted to send both families to WDW. She said she wanted to see the smiles on our faces as we spent her money now, instead of spending her money, after she was gone. What a fabulous gift. We met her at the AAA travel office and made reservations. My family would be going in mid-June and my brother-in-law and his family going in mid-July. She paid for six day, five night packages, including airfare. My wife and I extended our plane tickets for five days after the Disney Package, to tour Central Florida. Our family has been to Disneyland, many times, at least every other year. We were very excited about going to WDW. It has always been a dream for me and my family. I had gone to WDW in 1976, by myself, at age 17 (when it was just MK and River Country)

My Walt Disney World trip planning began in earnest, with the purchase of two guidebooks; The Official and Unofficial Guide to Walt Disney World. I had just subscribed to AOL and did a "Find" search of "Walt Disney World" and found Brian Bennett’s and Deb Wills’ web sites. They were fabulous in planning. We needed to keep the meal costs down and were looking for a good deal on a rental car and off site hotel.

Brian Bennett’s Trip Reports (http://members.aol.com/DVClubber/dvchome.htm) were a great help. I printed out reports in three categories; The same time of year (June), The same resort (All-star Sports), The same family group (those with teenagers). I ended up with three bound books of trip reports, a hundred + pages with highlighted information. I also enjoyed his "Boycott... and the Bible" section.

Deb Wills web site had a vast amount of information. I printed out 200+ pages, including Menu’s, which helped me plan the restaurants, with the most food, for the money. Other categories included: Packing, Tips for enjoying your stay, MKC discount restaurants, Behind the scenes tour, ect, ect, and I mean ECT. Check it out at: http://www.wdn.com/dwills/contents.htm

Great ideas I found on the web sites were:

Afternoon nap/rest at the hotel
Eating main meals in late afternoon at lunch prices and without the crowds
Mist spray bottles and fanny packs with water bottles
A refrigerator for the room - snacks/milk for breakfast/lunch meats/fruit
Refillable mugs at the resorts
Take advantage of Early Entry days
We also made a list of "must see" as we knew we wouldn’t be able to see everything in six days.
I found the "" newsgroup and a whole new world opened up. I posted questions on rental cars and off site hotels. I got responses that had me change from Days Suites to Quality Suites and from Alamo to Budget rent-a-car. I also posted questions about free and inexpensive things to do in Central Florida. We would not be able to spend the $240 a day it would cost to go to the other theme parks or even back to WDW parks. I had noticed postings about the transportation use in WDW without Theme Park passes. I had decided to resort hop the second week and check out the WDW resorts. I also saw a post on the observation deck on top of the Contemporary Resort and planned a surprise fireworks night, even though our theme park passes had expired. With the menu pages on Deb Wills site, I planned five nice meals and called the CRO and got PS’s.

I rounded out my travel guides by buying "Frommer’s 98 Walt Disney World & Orlando" and Rita Aero’s "WDW for Adults". At a second-hand bookstore I found 1997 copies of "WDW for Kids" and "WDW without kid". I sent away and got my Orlando Magic card and other brochures from Orlando Chamber of Commerce. I kept checking the posts as the time got closer and closer. I was very excited and posted pre-WDW anxiety - what to do?. It was fun reading the posts prior to our trip, and a kind of therapy. My kids said I was obsessed. Just two weeks before the trip, we got our first set back. I knew we needed to get an early flight out, so we could get some touring in, the first day. I had booked a midnight flight that would get us in Orlando before noon. The travel agent called and said the midnight flight was canceled and when I went down to get my travel vouchers, the only flight they could get us on was 6 am, and we would lose six precious hours of touring.

If I had it to do again, I would fly in the day before our package and stay in an off site hotel. Then we could go over and get our passes early the first morning. We tried to change the flights, but they were all booked, for the day before. Live and learn.

I worked up to one day before the trip. It was the longest work week, I ever had. The day before we got packed and turned in early (9:00p). The anticipation was killing me.

Day 1 (Sunday June 14th)

A lady friend from church, got up at 4:30am to pick us up and take us to the airport. We didn’t want our car sitting in long term parking. I didn’t sleep well, as is usual the night before a big vacation. My wife made me sleep on the couch, so I wouldn’t wake her by tossing and turning all night. We crammed seven people and our luggage in our minivan, and were off to the airport. I was very anxious, and had, "little patience", as the ticket agent had problems getting our boarding passes for the second leg of our flight (St. Louis to Orlando). When we got to the gate, my wife noticed we had only 6 luggage stickers for the seven bags we checked in. A call was made back to the ticket counter and we were told the other sticker would be brought to us, prior to boarding. The clerk was advised of the prior boarding pass problem and she quickly had the passes (St. Louis to Orlando) in our hands.

Finally, the baggage sticker was delivered and we boarded the plane. I was a little worried as we had only a 50 minute layover in St. Louis. We left the gate at Reno and the Captain came over the PA and said there was a tornado in St. Louis and we would be stopping in Salt Lake City for more fuel. I was worried that 50 minutes would not be enough time and we would miss our connection and get to Orlando even later than the scheduled 5:00p arrival. After the stop in Salt Lake City we arrived in St. Louis and had just 5 minutes to get to our connecting flight. It was a mad dash past twelve gates. We made it. Yipeee!!!!!

As we were descending to MCO, I was looking for a view of Walt Disney World, out the airplane window. No luck. We arrived and as my wife and kids were getting the baggage, I went to the Budget desk, to get the rental car. They were real fast and I was looking for the rest of the family. Did a say that I have very little "patience" and I frantically looked for the rest of the family. I had heard that there were two car rental desks, and thought my wife went to the wrong one. Finally what seemed to be hours, more like 8 to 10 minutes, there they were, getting out of the elevator. My mouth over ran my brain and I got a well deserved tongue lashing from my wife. The kids also came to their mothers aid and let me know what a jerk I was being.

Off to the rental car, in silence. I apologized many times, as we were forking out money at the toll booths. They don’t have toll booths where we come from. Getting on Walt Disney World property was great, following the Disney signs to All-Star Resorts. We passed the WDW McDonalds. It looked strange and out of place. My heart was pounding as we checked in at the guard gate. My wife was also excited, and was at least talking to me, now. I went to the desk at All-Star Sports and gave CM, David D, my AAA vacation voucher. He said something about adjoining rooms and I said they were suppose to be connecting rooms. He told me, that the documents didn’t show that, and there was nothing in the computer about it.

I stepped away from the counter to calm down and my mind raced, as I tried to decide what to do. David D. was on the phone twice, then said (inset pixie dust here) they could accommodate the connecting rooms. What a relief. The "Disney Magic" had started. I made sure I wrote down his name, so I could send a note to his supervisor, thanking him for his understanding and assistance. I noticed he had a common name and he gave me his last initial as another David worked the same shift, at the hotel. Thanks again David D.

I remember images from Walt Disney World Planning Video, guidebooks, and descriptions on posts, of All-Star Sports. It was beautiful, so green. Buildings surrounded by plants, trees, and green grass. The oversized sports items were surreal. I expected rug rats and ankle bitters everywhere. Yes there were a lot of families, but there were lots of teenagers, like mine there too. I also noticed bus loads of youth groups (all well behaved). The food court and pool area had more activity and noise, but the area around Hoops #3, was quiet and relaxed.

We headed off to our rooms, with many bags in tow. It was warm and humid and I remember the air had a musty/misty, but clean smell. The girls flopped down their bags and checked out the bathroom and mirror area. The rooms started out boys and girls and we left the connecting doors open, except when changing. We were hungry, so we headed off to the food court (Stadium Hall) for dinner.

We purchased the refillable mugs and everyone got what they wanted for dinner. My wife eyed the cinnamon rolls for future reference. The bill came to $70+, $40 of were the mugs. There was no wait at the registers and we put the food trays down and went elbow to elbow with many others, filling our mugs. I looked at the brochure, "World Update", given to me at check in. The first thing I noticed was it was dated through June 15th (I would have to get another one in two days). It had all the Theme Park Times and other information on things happening throughout the World. We had wanted to go to Epcot the first day, based on tour guide recommendations of the educational/touring nature of the Park. But, since our flight was changed, and it was now 7:00p, we decided to go to MK as it was open to 11:00p. Refillable mugs stowed in the rooms, we were off to stand in our first line, for the MK bus (not counting the short line I stood in to check in).

After a short wait the MK bus came, we piled on and were off. Images of my 1976 trip flashed through my head. It was just MK back then and River Country had just opened. I stayed at the "Host Community", Lake Buena Vista, at the Travel Lodge for two nights and Royal Plaza for one night. None of the roads looked the same, as I had traveled from the other side of WDW. There was great pressure put on me as I had spent two months planning and reading guidebooks, as well as many hours on . Dad, what park is the biggest?, Dad, do buses go to all the parks?, Dad, how big is WDW?, Dad, when does Epcot close?, Dad?, Dad?, Dad?, Dad???. I knew some of the answers, but I was going to find out very quickly that I really didn’t know that much (even with all the studying).

We past the TTC area, finally something I remember. And went under the lake, just like I had remembered from my past visit. As we approached the entrance turnstiles I announced something that would be heard a lot on this trip, "do you have your passes ready?"

It was exciting to enter MK, as the train whistle sounded and the train pulled out of the station. We walked out onto Main Street and headed for Tomorrowland, as I wanted a preview of what the New Tomorrowland would look like in DL. We went to TimeKeeper first, as the line was so short.

Timekeeper: The best part of the show was Robin Williams, I mean Timekeeper. The rest of the show was entertaining. I enjoyed the traveling part, Red Square, Paris, and such. I miss America the Beautiful, though.

Alien Encounter: Short line, also. The pre-show was kind of hokey. It reminded me of a cooking show, where they made blender meals. The show itself didn’t meet up to expectations, although the guy crawling around looking for us, was funny. I was a little worried about the shoulder harness, so I shrugged my shoulders, to get some extra space. It was not as intense as I had heard. It was fun but a return visit wasn’t going to be a priority.

Tomorrowland Transit Authority: Parts of the ride felt like being slung out of a slingshot. The ride was over very quickly. The model of Walt’s original E.P.C.O.T. was neat. It was a good birds eye view. Some of the viewing area inside the buildings were shrouded by material blocking the windows. I wondered, what was going on in there?

Carousel of Progress: I really enjoyed this ride. It brought back many fond memories. The ride got stuck and we had to listen to the same part of the show twice, with interruptions of, "the ride will be moving again soon". I looked at my watch and it was nearly 10:00p. I didn’t want to miss the fireworks. The ride started moving again, everyone still laughing about having to sit though twice. Does anyone else remember when you went up a ramp at the end, to see a model of, The City of the Future, and exited on the second floor?

We headed over to the Plaza Restaurant area and waited for Tinker Bell and the Fireworks. It was beautiful. I enjoyed the music sinc, with the fireworks. We headed to Main Street and watched parts of SpectoMagic and I checked out the Main Street Gallery. We didn’t get many rides done, but it was a great introduction to WDW.

Things I learned the first day;

Don’t piss off your wife
Busses can take you almost anywhere
I was in planning/information meltdown
Dreams still come true
After Sunday Night's family meeting, we decided to forgo the Monday morning early entry at MK, and go to Epcot instead. We decided to leave MK for the evenings, as it was open the latest. We were surprised how everything closed early. AK closed at 8p, Epcot at 9p, MGM at 10p, and MK at 11P. We were used to summers at DL, where it closed at Midnight or 1:00a.

Day 2 (Monday June 15th)

Our first full day, started at Epcot. We arrived at around 9:00a. We checked the lines at Spaceship Earth, too long, and made a right turn to The Land.

Living with the Land: The ride was fun and informative. I remember seeing the ride on Video. What surprised me the most is how much smaller everything was. As I of thought how much food was consumed at WDW, this area would make only a small dent in food production. Some of the plant growing techniques were unique. I liked the plants that were hanging and were rotated through an area where the exposed roots were sprayed with water and nutrients.

Food Rocks: At first I thought it was a little juvenilish, but I enjoyed how they changed the words to some of my favorite songs.

Circle of Life: I thought it was a unique way to teach environmental responsibility. The music was good and over all I liked the show.

Next it was off to Honey, I Shrunk the Audience: What great fun. This was the best show yet. The whole family enjoyed the experience.

The kids decided to go off their own way. The boys went one way, the girls the other. My wife and I headed over to World Showcase and took the east side boat. My wife had bought me a Passport at MK last night. There were places in the Passport to get each land stamped. As we toured the shops in Germany, my wife pointed out an Epcot Passport Kit. The kit had the Passport, stickers from each country, and a button to wear. The Passport was great fun. I took it to each country and they wrote something in their language and stamped the page. We looked through the shops at Italy, Germany, China, and Norway.

We met our kids at the Fountain at Innoventions Plaza. Prior to leaving home I had made PS’s for Whispering Canyon, San Angel Inn, 50’s Prime Time Cafe, and Liberty Tree Tavern on four different afternoons. This day was Whispering Canyon Cafe. We left Epcot and boarded the bus to Wilderness Lodge. We arrived 20 minutes prior to our PS and were seated right away. I had wanted d to eat buffet type meals in the early afternoon.

Whispering Canyon Cafe: I decided to order the family style lunch buffet for everyone. A big plate of food came out as the CM’s started their antics. I had warned the kids that everything is not always what it seemed and to play along. It began with a CM announcing horse races. We were advised to take out our napkins and shake them on the person next to us, then wave them in the air to route on the horse racers. The food was good, and the place was fun. My kids didn’t eat much though, especially my youngest daughter. The idea was to get the most food for the money. Our waiter, Not So Slim Jim also noticed how little she was eating and when the bill came, he charged her the child price. The meal came to $82.00.

We looked around the Wilderness Lodge. My wife and I decided this is where we wanted to stay, without the kids. I was so hot we decided to head back to AllStar. We were going to take the boat to MK and then the bus back to All-Star, but the boat was pulling away. The next boat would come in twenty minutes. Next came the "bus ride from hell". We sat in the heat at the bus stop, looking for a Theme park bus to transfer from. Ten minutes and a quart of sweat later came the Blizzard Beach bus. We boarded and were off. At Blizzard Beach we got off and just missed the All-Star bus, again waiting in the heat. My water bottles were empty now and no water fountain in sight. After fifteen more minutes we crawled onto the bus and went to our hotel rooms. I had now remembered the post on the poor bus connections between resorts.

After a well deserved nap we caught the bus to MK in the early evening. The kids went their way and my wife and I did It’s a Small World, Skyway, and the Railroad.

It’s a small World: My wife’s favorite, and a nice break. It was A little cooler from the outside sticky air. The ride itself was in much better shape then the DL version. Looked cleaner and of course newer.

The Skyway: was fun, as the one in DL is now gone. The Railroad: didn’t do much for me. No Grand Canyon or Dinosaurs and only three stops. There wasn’t any good views of anything except the Burning Cabin and Indian Village.

We met our kids at The Hall of Presidents: The pre-show wait was nice, as it was air conditioned. My youngest son noticed the Portrait of Kennedy had him looking down and wondered why. I told him to ask the CM. She said that was the official picture picked out by his wife, and had no other significance. The CM announced that it took an Act of Congress to get permission to display the Presidential Seal at WDW. The show was great, especially the roll call of Presidents. While President Clinton was speaking, all I could think of, is whether any CM’s had thought about doing something with his pants zipper. We went though some shops and left MK.

At the Monday night meeting my wife and I decided to cancel the other buffet lunches, as the kids were not eating their moneys worth. I canceled PS’s for San Angel Inn, 50’s Prime Time and Liberty Inn. I did make a PS for the Rainforest Cafe at AK for Friday. Early to bed,11:30p, as we had early entry at Epcot tomorrow.

One full day done. WOW! I love this place. I talked about lowering my expectations, prior to leaving for the trip. That is starting to sink in now. We have got a lot done, but I see that we will get just a taste of each park. I loved Epcot, and am glad that we are going again on Tuesday. Also, as part of our package, we get one Flex Feature. My oldest son and I chose to do the Hidden Treasures East tour at Epcot, on Tuesday.

Day 3 (Tuesday June 16th)

Today is early entry at Epcot. We were up and going and caught the bus. We didn’t make the beginning of early entry, but still got there before the regular park opening, 8:15a or so. The first stop was Spaceship Earth.

Spaceship Earth: the ride was fun and the Audio-Animatronics were good. I kept looking in the star field for hidden Mickeys. The sleeping monk, which I noticed is written about most , was amusing. I wouldn’t wait in a long line for this ride, but it was fun.

Then to Living Seas: the ride in the "hydrolators" was a deep experience. The ride though the tube where the fish swim above you was the best part. Sea Base Alpha was good, and we took a quick look, before my son and I headed over to the info desk, to check in for our "Hidden Treasures East" tour.

The tour guide (CM) was Gina. I had planned a tour at MK (Keys to the Kingdom) prior to leaving home. This tour was a bonus (flex feature) and I was looking forward to it. The tour went to the rope (keeping everyone out until 11:00a) on the east side of World Showcase, and through we went as others looked on. What a great feeling going where no one else could go (Going, where very few had gone before). The write up on the tour states, "...2-hour walking tour gives you the chance to learn about the history and culture of select World Showcase pavilions."

The CM talked about the substantial investment each country made to bring the areas to life. We were told of the 1 year commitments the workers make from each country to come and work in World Showcase. That is Disney’s way of making the Countries as authentic as possible. We toured Mexico and Norway, then the part I was waiting for, we went backstage.

We were advised of the no picture taking or video taping backstage. We went to one of the wardrobe departments. I have never seen so many uniforms (for all the Epcot CM’s). I enjoyed all the backstage signs (smile, ect) to motivate CM’s and read notes on the bulletin boards.

I had read posts about losing the "Magic" in backstage tours, but I didn’t find this true at all. It gave me an appreciation for all what goes into producing the "Magic". We returned back on stage by going in the back way to China.

We went on, past the Outpost, where Gina explained that rumors are always flying of new Countries to be added to World Showcase. She said the plan to have Africa, Israel, and Russia have all fallen through. She said Michael Eisner would really like to have Russia there, and had been working on it, when it was U.S.S.R. There is a substantial investment of money to create a World Showcase pavilion. Gina said that Disney is thinking about a shell Country site, where countries could use the shell. They, therefore, would not have the financial out lay in building from scratch or have a long term commitment to financing the World Showcase. The country could transform the shell and also only commit for a few years or so, then another Country could come in and use the shell and transform it, and so on.

We went to Germany and Italy, talking about the buildings that were copied and replicated at World Showcase. Gina showed us the post where the round balls were part of the decorating. One of the artisans, who liked bowling, put two fingers, and a thumb hole, in one of the balls (bowling ball), as a hidden tribute to his favorite past time.

We finished with the American Adventure and Gina explained how forced perspective was used in reverse on the Colonial-style building. Back in Colonial days, buildings were only two stories high, with a finished attic. A five story building was needed to house the mechanical parts of the show. So force perspective was used in reverse, making the five story building look like three stories. Gina also explained about the authenticity of the building, the use of 110,000 hand made bricks. She said Disney executives had second thoughts on the expense, as the hand made bricks were used on the back of the building also, where no one would see them.

What a great tour.

We met my wife at the fountain and the girls at Mexico. We talked about Mexican food and then headed back to Future World. My wife made a comment about the great smells coming out of Pasta Piazza Ristorante, and we ate there. (Probably one of those vents Disney uses to pump the smells out to people walking by).The food was good and the bill was $42.00. After lunch everyone else went back for a nap and I stayed in Epcot. I went to Canada and watched the "O Canada" movie. I had my passport signed and stamped. The waterfall was beautiful, as well as the garden. I thought my wife would like this area.

Next I went to United Kingdom and went through the shops. "Oh no, Pooh everywhere", I announced. The CM smiled and went about her business of restocking. My wife is a big "Pooh" fan.

I walked over to International Gateway and just missed the boat to The Boardwalk. I walked instead and watched newlyweds in a gazebo, eating cake. It was very hot (first time mentioned this day) and I felt sorry for the groom in a tux, how hot it was, that is. I stopped and had a chocolate chip cookie ($1.75), boy it was good. I looked around and sat in the Boardwalk Inn lobby. The air-conditioning was great. I thought about taking a bus back to All-Star and meet up with my family. I changed my mind after waiting 10 minutes in the heat, at the bus stop.

I headed back to Epcot. Boy!, were my feet killing me. I watched a rehearsal at the stage across from American Adventure. I felt sorry for the orchestra, playing in the heat. The show looked and sounded good. I went over and rode the ride at Mexico. It was so-so, but at least it was out of the heat. The beginning of the ride, that floated past the restaurant, reminded me of Pirates in DL.

I got a soda and fries at the Liberty Inn and waited for my family. I sat in the shade and watched, as little kids played in the fountain. I overheard the parents telling their kids, "lets go, we have rides to go on". I thought to myself, the kids were having a great time playing in the fountains, and would be just as happy to stay there. I met my family at American Adventure and watched the show. A private party was going in the regular entrance, I understand there were neat things to see in the pre-show area. Anyway that was not to be. The show was great.

After we went to finish the east side showcases and went on Maelstrom: It was waaay toooo short. After the ride, we sat down to watch the travelogue, but got up and left, as I was worried about getting a good place for IllumiNations.

We found a good spot between Norway and Mexico, along the fence. My ADD son was acting up a bit, as it is hard for him to sit still. The girls went off to check out things, nearby. My wife then headed off for ice-cream. Twenty minutes later, and ice-cream melting, they returned. It was getting close to the time for IllumiNations and people started crowding in on our space.

IllumiNations: finally started. The show didn’t have much theme to it. And the laser light animations didn’t show up very well, on the sheets of water. It was bright and loud, but I expected something along the line of "Fantasmic" at DL.

After the show, we waited while most of the crowd went by (big mistake!) and then got caught up, in the third wave for the gate. We stopped at the Camera Center to get our family picture taken and put on stickers. It was fun trying to fit all six of us in the photo booth. Photos in hand, we headed for the gate and then the bus transportation area.

WOW! There was a big crowd for the All-Star resorts. This would be out longest line, yet. We waited 35-40 minutes. Busses kept coming and coming. I thought of our rental car sitting back at the resort. We saw a big white tractor trailer transport coming, it looked like a cattle truck. The driver was honking his horn and everyone began cheering. They pulled up and began to swallow up the line in front of us. My boys and I started our mooing (cattle) sound as it was loading. Everyone around thought it was funny. One more cattle truck and then another bus, which we got on. We were elbow to elbow in the bus. Finally, we got back to the resort.

At the family meeting, my wife and I decided we would take the rental car to early entry at MGM tomorrow.

What a great day. I loved Epcot.

Lessons learned:

Take the rental car, for quicker exits, if you stay until closing of a theme park. The buses are very crowded. Only exception is MK as you have to transfer to the TTC to get your car.
Make a meeting place very specific. At Epcot our meeting place was The Innoventions Plaza Fountain. It is very big. The first time we used it as a meeting place, I had to walk around it many times until I found my family members. You could not see from one side to the other.
If you have time, take a tour. They are fun, informative, and you can do and see things, other don’t get to do.
Be flexible and let your teenagers go their own way. My kids had a great time and some independence also.
Day 4 (Wednesday June 17th)

Just three days to go. I’m feeling the pressure now. Two more parks to do, and the kids still haven’t done a water park.

Up early again and we drove to MGM. The first stop was Twilight Zone Tower of Terror. I was a little worried about this ride. I used to like thrill rides, but I find the older I get, the less I like them.

Twilight Zone Tower of Terror: I thought it was over too fast. I don’t remember seeing anything out the elevator doors. The drop caught me by surprise and then the sling-shot back up and I was ready for the next drop. My wife and oldest daughter had to leave as they were doing the "Inside Animation" tour (flex feature). The three other kids and I went on the Back Lot Tour: The first part was fun, two people previously picked from our group (I missed the picking part) were placed in a special effects sequence. Everyone laugh as the guys got drenched. I wish they would have sent water our way. We were standing in a shaded area, but it was still * hot. Then another line to catch the tram. "Big announcement", the people on the right side might get wet. Parents switched places with their kids. Then the guide said the left side would get really drenched. Now, people switched seats again. HA! HA!

The next part, went past shop and wardrobe areas (looking though windows). Nothing much going on inside. We went to the residential area, and again nothing going on. I think they should have Audio-Animatronics filming going on or something. My biggest laugh was the so called bone yard. "Disney doesn’t throw anything away, as it may be used later", the guide states. All sorts of old junk is pointed out, in nice "neat" rows. Disney should come a straighten out my bone yard. Catastrophe Canyon was fun, but predictable.

Great Movie ride: A long line in the sun, and then finally to queue areas inside. You wind your way through the theater and then get on the ride vehicles. The Audio-Animatronics were good and I liked the interactive areas where the CM (guide) gets involved in the show. My three favorite scenes were John Wayne, Casablanca, and Singing in the Rain.

Indiana Jones Epic Stunt Spectacular: The line was thankfully in the shade. It was hot again today. A "heat wave" in Florida. Some clouds, but no thunder storms, to cool us off. As I write this, back home a week now, the heat wave continues as do the fires. There were water misters in the queue area, but only on one side. They didn’t spray on our side. We ended up with good seats down front and the right side. I noticed a guy in a Hawaiian shirt, talking to some of the crew. When it came time to pick audience members, he got picked. Imagine that. I smelled a "plant". The show was great. The scenes were fun and as I already knew the guy (with Hawaiian shirt) ended up being a stunt man. The stunt man depicting Indiana Jones, was full of himself (is that part of the show?) I thought, if a mirror was on-stage, that is where he would be. Carly Simon would be singing "his" song. It was a great show. A must see.

We met up with my wife and daughter, who had a grand time on their tour, at the Beauty and the Beast Show: The "mike check", stage hand guys were great in the pre-show. The show itself was fun and everyone sang along with the songs. I enjoyed the two CM’s down front, doing hand signs for the deaf people. There was great interaction between the male and female Signer, as they did the male and female show parts. My daughter wants to take sign language, and I pointed them out to her. While leaving the show, it was announced that there would be a Mulan Parade on Hollywood Boulevard in a few minutes. The parade wasn’t suppose to start until Friday (two days from now). I knew from reading posts, that there are soft opening and rehearsals of shows and parades.

Mulan Parade: There were CM’s everywhere. Executive looking CM’s, waiting to see how the parade went and crowd reaction. Not knowing the characters, put us at a disadvantage. Oh yea, it was "HOT", about 1:30p. The CM’s in the parade, depicting characters from Mulan looked hot. I was worried about the movie as very few people in the parade "smiled". Maybe they all have serious parts. I decided they didn’t look happy as they too were very HOT, especially the ones in thick costumes and face make-up.

We were overheated and walked out with the rest of the parade. We caught the bus back to All-Star, leaving the rental car in the lot (for a fast get away, after park closing). We took a nap and returned by bus.

We went to Super Star Television: and sat on the concrete in the shade, as they picked out suckers (I mean actors) from the audience. Not my cup of tea (acting that is). The show was great fun. Everyone laughed as some of the audience members missed their lines.

As we divided up again I went to The ABC sound Studio: Kids were picked from the audience to do sound effects to a silent cartoon. The playback was good fun, as the sound effects didn’t match the action. It reminded me of a Japanese B-Movie.

The Magic of Disney Animation: The line was short, so I went in. It was neat meeting with the animator. There was a walking part of the tour, with large windows overlooking the work areas. Everyone had gone home, but it was still fun, looking at their desks and work areas. We were shown drawings from the up coming movie about "bugs". I thought the tour was great. It gave you a feel for what Disney was all about (the roots), animated films.

We were getting hungry and decided to have a late dinner at the ABC Commissary ($45.00). The food was good and it was getting late. Time for some last minute rides.

We did Jim Henson's Muppet Vision 3-D: This was great fun. The Disney interactive 3-D movies were great fun. The two old guys with the balcony seats, were funny. The show was another highlight for me.

I told my wife about The Animation tour and we went to the area of Hollywood Boulevard to find a place to watch the fireworks. My favorite Disney Character is Fantasia Mickey, so I was looking forward to Sorcery in the Sky. The fireworks were great, with a good musical score, that added to the experience. The Fantasia Mickey at the end was great.

We were off, to get Planet Hollywood T-shirts (free-flex feature) for my other two kids. A little more shopping and we went to the van in the parking lot. We were waiting for my wife and daughter and played a guessing game of how many trams until they came. It was seven trams.

Early to bed, as tomorrow is early entry to MK. Disney-MGM Studios was my wife's favorite park. She was already planning to return on Friday. Friday was going to be our catch-all day, after seeing AK.

Day 5 (Thursday June 18th)

Today was early entry at MK. We were up and going early in the morning and caught the bus to MK. I was off to get my MK passport stamped.

The guide for our "Keys to the Kingdom Tour" (CM) was Nina. We started off with an orientation and were off down Main Street. She pointed out the lightning rods on all the buildings. Nina pointed out the names on the second story windows. A tribute to those who had an impact into the development of WDW. All names face Main Street, except Walter E. Disney, that faced the castle (as a special tribute to him).

The four keys to the kingdom are

Safety
Courtesy
Show
Efficiency
Nina explained how they go in that order. So when the question was asked why the doors are open on Main Street and the air conditioning blowing out, she pointed out that comfort came before efficiency. We walked to the hub, where I asked the question about the entrance to Tomorrowland being wider (as they found in DL that most people go right at the hub). She said that was true.

She asked what was originally in the center of the hub, prior to the Partners Statue. Someone got it right, after a hint and the topiary behind us was pointed out. She advised the topiary was moved to this location (entrance walkway to Tomorrowland), when the statue was put in. Nina also pointed out the waterway around the hub and asked what ride was originally on the waterway (later taken out)? Answer; Swan Boats.

We headed to Tomorrowland and went on the TTA, she said to keep an eye out for the city of the future model Walt's inspiration for EPCOT. (Wasn't it also part of the city of the future, you saw in the Carousal Of Progress on the second floor?)

We headed from Tomorrowland along the "least used" walkway in MK. The pathway on the east side of the Castle, past the wishing well. Nina pointed out the coldest water fountain in MK, part of the Cinderella's fountain. Nina pointed out the statue of Cinderella and the crown, painted on the back wall. By kneeling down to a child's level the crown would be right over Cinderella's head (crowning her).

She squashed the rumor that there "is" an apartment in the castle (it was planned but never built). She pointed out Cinderella's Royal Table, and said there were great views of the fireworks from tables near the window. Nina also said there was a green room (a place where performers could freshen up) in the Castle. From the Castle area we went to a shop in Fantasyland, the stepping off place for our Utilidor tour.

Other behind the scenes questions were asked during the first part of our tour, and Nina said they would have to wait. Once we left the Stage (MK proper) and entered the stairway to the Utilador, she said, now I can answer those questions.

It was exciting to go underground (a term I would soon have to rephrase) and into the tunnels. There was enough room to drive a truck through them. Nina pointed out that the Armored Car Company drove in and picked out the money at the Central Money Center. I saw bicycles, forklifts, and cushman style vehicles. I even saw private cars in the Utilidors.

Nina pointed out the central map and main exit of the tunnel. We noticed the exit went out to level ground. Nina said the Utilidors are the first floor and MK was build on the second floor, from fill dirt excavated from the lakes in front of MK. Nina said the map was necessary, as employees kept getting lost. Colors were used, then symbols, as some of the employee's were found to be color blind.

We passed a recruitment table, where we were given a Mickey shaped pen and I got a chocolate chip cookie (everyone else was too bashful to take the cookies). The wardrobe areas were pointed out, and Nina showed us the bar codes on inside of her vest. She said all of the costumes/clothing had them. She pointed out a large box of safety pins, in case they didn't have your size. Nina said there are two types of characters in MK; Fur (Mickey, Donald, ect) and face (Cinderella, Bell, ect).

We went to an area where ladies (ok, CMs) were fixing the wigs, used throughout MK. One CM told of the experience needed to get that type of job. The wigs were both for Audio-Animatromic figures and face characters. The hair dressers also, are called on, to assist with performers and VIP hair styles.

Nina answered all kinds of question. Pay, benefits, skills needed, and etc. She told us about the shadow program, where you could shadow another employee and see what their job was like. Nina pointed out the computer center, where employees could work on their resumes. I asked if very many employees (CMs) surfed the Internet and asked if she has heard of "". She said some employees check out the Internet, but she hadn't heard of "". I told her about trip reports, and that I was going to do one. She thought that was a good idea. (I will also sent her a copy of my report).

We went back up to the stage area and continued our tour. We headed over to Liberty Square, where we broke for lunch. Nina gave us a meet back time and she headed off. She said that she could not eat lunch with us, and headed to the employee cafeteria. I ate at Columbia Harbour House. I was the only single (by myself that is) person on the tour. Everyone one else was a pair or family group. It was lonely eating by myself, but I was having a great time, on the tour. After lunch we headed over to ride Haunted Mansion. Nina pointed out that the names on the graves were Imagineers who helped develop Haunted Mansion. There is one grave (I don't remember who, big wig in Haunted Mansion development) where a Disney employee (CM) puts a fresh flower on each morning.

We walked along the Rivers of America and went backstage near Splash Mountain. Nina pointed out the line painted on the walkway, that signified where the backstage started (where the CM's could not be view from the MK). We tour the float parking and staging area. It was just before the afternoon parade and we got to see the CM's getting the costumes ready.

We headed off to Tiki Room. The whole thing had been redone. The pre-show was good (a set up for the New Tiki Room story line). Iago and Zazu were great and the show was fun, but short. We headed off to the hub, where the tour ended. I had Nina sign my Passport and walked with her to City Hall, where she got me the list of Hidden Mickey's. Thanks again MKGR Nina.

I then exited MK and caught the bus to AK and the RFC for lunch. I sat by the waterfalls and fountain out front and waited for the rest of my family. We met up and I checked in (had PS). The place was a "Zoo", people everywhere and the main entrance was full of people trying to get in out of the "Heat". We were seated in about 15 minutes. The place was great fun. The food was expensive, $9.95 for a cheeseburger and chips, but the portions were huge. The girls wished they would have shared one. I had the breast of chicken sandwich. It was very good. The whole meal cost $82.00, with tip.

We then entered AK. It was hot. The vegetation didn't cool things down much, it felt like the tropics. We had problems finding a drinking fountain. We went to the Festival of the Lion King Show: The wait in line was very warm. The show was good, we sat on the benches at floor level (which made it a little hard to see parts of the show).

After the show the boys and girls split up and we went to the boat ride. I found "E" on the map, for Discovery River Boats: and tried to enter from near the bridge at The Oasis. We found that to be the exit and were sent way around to the bridge near Dinoland U.S.A. I thought the boat ride was ho-hum. Wasn't there suppose to be a place where we a dinosaur or sea creature attacked the boats? I also heard the CM's talking about how the ride was now a round trip, not just halfway (been doing that two weeks now).

After exiting we found no wait on the status board for Countdown to Extinction: we headed there and waited 15 minutes and as the vehicle pulled away, making us next, the ride broke down. We waited 15 more minutes. The CM's in the station were talking about a reset or other major problem. They didn't know which. If the spacing of the cars gets too close, the ride shuts down. It was very confusing. The ride was fun, but there was so much to see, and so much I missed, as the ride was over too fast.

It was now after 7 pm and we were off to Kilimanjaro Safari. My youngest son saw the girls and went with them to "It's Tough To Be a Bug". My older son and I walked fast to Kilimanjaro Safari: We got in line and asked the CM, as we approached, if we were too late. He smiled and said go on in. We walked through what seem like miles of switch-back, glad there was no wait there. The line started just before the bridge. We noticed only a couple people behind us, then noticed they were not letting anyone else on the ride. We would be the last Safari of the day. On the ride I was amazed how big the place was, you could see forever. The sun was low in the sky, getting ready for a beautiful sunset. We saw quite a few animals and toward the end of the ride we saw the famous "savanna sprinklers" come on. There was even a savanna lookout (dressed like a CM) near the rocks where the lions hang out. We got to see the back and tail of a lion, as we turned the corner. When it had come time to chase the poachers, I thought, "yea right", a tourist group chasing armed poachers. Anyway the ride overall was good.

We met up with the others, who were all a-buzz about "The Bug Show". We headed back to the hotel.

Half the party was tired. My wife, oldest son, and I went to MK. Don't tell the other kids, but we let our oldest son go off by himself. My wife and I went to the Tiki Room and looked through shops. We met our son at the Main Street Gallery and left the park. Oh yea, we got to ride the "cattle truck" back to All-Star Sports. (Insert cattle sounds here.) What a great day at WDW.

Tomorrow will be our last day at WDW. The wife and kids plan to go to every Theme Park in one day.

Day 6 (Friday June 19th)

We were up and getting ready to go to AK. My youngest son who is ADD (Attention Deficit Disorder) was having a bad morning. He was very disrespectful toward his mother. It escalated and he hit his mother. I thought about notifying the local authorities, but tried to get things calmed back down.

This was the morning that we needed to pack and check out (of All-Star). He locked himself in the bathroom and I told him when someone came with a key and the door opened he would be sorry. He opened the door and we got the van loaded. My wife suggested he not ride any rides at AK, and when he apologized and changed his behavior he could go on rides at the next park.

I put this part in my trip report, as I know others have had to deal with problems while at WDW. This was a "dream trip" and we would all have to pull together the keep this episode from spoiling our vacation.

We drove to AK, and my wife and I took turns sitting with my youngest son, listening to a verbal barrage, on what bad parents we were. It even came to a point where he spit out his medicine. He had never done that before.

It was early morning and hot already. We went on Kilimanjaro Safari first. We got to see a lot of animals. We didn't get to see the lions. I video recorded the ride. I saw things we didn't see on the ride the night before.

We went on It's Tough to be a Bug: it was a long hot wait in line. They had set up a watering stand with Igloos full of ice water. A CM was stationed there, with a water hose, and would "hose" you down on request. About every fourth person in line got "hosed". The show itself was great fun. I had been waiting for the end and I had read about a fun surprise at the end. "It was fun"!!!

We switched off and went in two groups to Conservation Station: It was nice getting to the air-conditioned building. My older son found a Hidden Mickey, in a painting of an Ostrich, on the wall in Conservation Station. The shadow in the Ostrich' eye was a hidden Mickey.

We switched off again and I suggested my wife sit with our younger (problem) son near Gorilla Falls and that we meet at Journey into Jungle Book: show. I didn't explain this very well, and my wife didn't believe that is what I said. We met near the Jungle Book Show. My wife was upset at the miscommunication (where we were meeting) and my youngest son was still being a jerk. When I talked to him, he said he was waiting to apologize and settle down when we were leaving Animal Kingdom, as he knew he couldn't go on rides here (interesting thought pattern).

We tried to make the best of a bad situation, but decided to leave and regroup at the new hotel. My wife and I waited in the van for the other kids, with my son outside, in the heat. He was advised he could get in, when he took his medication and apologized. After a wait in the sun and a chance to flag down the parking lot security (he had said he was going to flag them down and tell them what bad parents we were), he took his medication and got in the van. We waited as the other kids came and then headed off to Quality Suites Maingate East.

The motel room was not ready, so we ate lunch at Pizza Hut next door. WOW! a meal for $16.00. We checked into the hotel and the first thing we noticed was it wasn't kept as clean as All-Star. The room was nice and the girls took the convertible couch.

After a short rest, we headed back to Epcot.

We toured the west side showcases. We toured the garden and waterfall at Canada. Then to United Kingdom, where my wife loved seeing the "Pooh" stuff, in the shops. There were street performers at UK and the kids sat down to watch. My wife went ahead and found some shade.

We met up with my wife at France. I pointed out the boat dock at International Gateway, where everyone else was going to take the boat to MGM Studios later.

We watched Impressions de France: I like it. It was a travelogue, with music. We toured the shops and headed for Morocco and then to Japan. We looked for gifts, for grandma and the neighbor lady watching our pets. At Germany the kids bought a Hummel for their grandmother. A painter of Hummel's was there and signed the back, putting a personal message on it.

I walked the family to the gateway and they were off for MGM. My youngest son had settled down and everything was much better. I headed over to the east side of Future World and check out Test Track. I rode Horizons and walked through Innoventions East. Horizons was fun. I liked the end where you could pick you own ending.

I then left Epcot, taking the Monorail to MK. At MK I did the Jungle Cruise and Swiss Family Treehouse. I went to Golden Horseshoe Review and got a snack. We were going to meet at Liberty Belle Riverboat at 10:30pm to ride one last ride as a family. My wife met up with me and the girls came next. We were wondering how long it would take for the boys, as they were known for being late. They came and we went on the Riverboat. It was different (from DL), you loaded on the top level and unloaded on the lower level. The ride was nice. The view was beautiful, with the lights on the riverfront and all. It was very sad knowing our WDW touring was coming to the end. After exiting the Riverboat, we had time to go on Haunted Mansion. We watched part of the parade from Main Street and went through a few shops. We went back to the van and headed over to Downtown Disney, to look through Pleasure Island.

It was after midnight and there were drunks everywhere. I was not impressed. At first I thought about leaving, then I saw other families with kids there (some with little kids). We headed over to The Adventures Club. The show had already started and we watched from the doorway. They were doing Old McDonald. Old McDonald had a.... and someone from the audience said, "Old McDonald had a hoe", and then elaborated. That was enough for me and off we went. As we were going, two large bouncers were on there way in to haul off an obnoxious drunk (imagine that!). As we walked out and wandered past more drunks and confetti and trash from the New Years Eve Celebrating, I wondered if Michael Eisner had ever been to Pleasure Island a 1:00am. I remember someone on the bus saying, not to take your family to Pleasure Island after 9:00pm. I agree!!!!

We drove back to Quality Suites and went to bed.

The WDW theme park experience was over. We would go back and do other things at WDW, but not enter the theme parks again. It was a sad realization.

We had a great time at the theme parks. We got a lot done and had a great time. I don't see us going back as a family, anytime soon. My wife and I are planning to go in five years for our 25th wedding anniversary. The six day, five night package at All-Star Sports, with two connecting rooms and airfare for six of us had cost my Mother-in-law almost $4,000. We would end up spending $2,000 for food, lodging for five nights at Quality Suites ($350), a rental car ($375) for two weeks and souvenirs.

Day 7 (Saturday June 20th)

We got up late, and I check out brochures in the lobby. I got breakfast by the pool and went up to the room. Everyone slept in to noon or so. My wife wanted to start the laundry, so I went to the Publix across the street, to get laundry detergent and dryer sheets.

It was a $1.50 a load and $1.50 to dry. The washing went fine, but the dryer didn't do a very good job. We had laundry all over the motel room drying. It was very hot today and hanging out at the laundry room was unbearable.

After having lunch in the room, we got cleaned up and headed south to Lake Wales, where we were going to have dinner with Aunt Beverly (my wives Aunt). After a wonderful home cooked dinner, we went for a walk through the trailer park and then relaxed.

We headed back to the motel.

Day 8 (Sunday June 21st - Father's Day)

We went to church in Orlando, First Baptist Church. The service was great and sermon was about fathers fulfilling their roles as leaders in the family, church, and at work. And, as a usual Father's Day theme, they recited the words to "Cat's in the Cradle", ...when you coming to be home, dad, I don't know when......

After getting lost and then getting gas we were off to Kennedy Space Center. It was a long drive, not helped by the three stops for the tolls. The last stop took 15 minutes, to get through.

We arrived at the Visitor Center. It was hot and cloudy. We looked through the free buildings and decided to get bus tour tickets. I asked for a AAA discount and was told about coupons at the AAA office in Orlando. $84.00 for the six of us. We waited in a long hot line for our bus. We loaded up in the "double deck" tour bus and were off. I was surprised of how big the place was. There was taped recorded narration, during the ride.

The first stop was the launch complex 39 Observation Gantry a tower with observation floors. There was a short movie in a small building, that was air-conditioned. Everything else was hot. Even the water in the drinking fountain was warm. We checked out the gift shop. People were hanging out in there to keep cool. You couldn't fit more than 15-20 people in the small store.

We then caught the bus to the next stop, The Apollo Saturn V Center. This place was awesome. We watched a movie and the went to the mission launch center (the actual center for the moon launches). Then the large room with the Saturn V, that you could walk under. This place was huge.

Outside the building you could see all kinds of birds, on and near the lake. I had my binoculars and checked them out. There were all kinds of exhibits in the building and a show about the moon landing. We had a quick snack to eat at the cafeteria and were off to the last tour stop, the International Space Station Center.

While we were driving, a thunder storm came over and there was lightning everywhere. You could see smoke from a lightning strike fire. We got to the ISSC and you could see a big fire going in the near distance. We toured the Exhibit Gallery, and found the International Space Station Viewing Gallery closed for maintenance. They must have just closed it, as, when we were pulling up, I saw people walking back, on the elevated walkway. We looked through the small gift shop and caught the bus to the Visitor Center.

The smoke was getting bad now and was over in the area toward Cocoa Beach. I asked at the info booth, if the road was open that way, and they said yes. We bought souvenirs and left.

Kennedy Space Center was fun, but I'm not sure it was worth $14.00 each. Make sure you get a discount coupon at AAA before coming.

We ate a late dinner at Taco Bell in Cocoa Beach. My wife loved the "I Dream of Genie Street Sign" We found a nice beach and walked along it, collecting seashells. I saw a cruise ship in the distance, through my binoculars. I thought how fun it would be, to be aboard. As we were leaving, we observed a family of raccoons in the bushes, near the parking lot. We got lost again and then I found my way to Highway 192, for the trip back. It was lonely along the road, with not much to see, and everyone else was sleeping.

We got in late and went to bed.

Day 9 (Monday June 22nd - daughter's 15th birthday)

We had bought Mulan tickets last week, prior to leaving WDW, for today at 4:00pm (Downtown Disney AMC Theaters). I had my $50.00 meal coupon in hand (Rita Areo) and we headed off to Fantasia Gardens to plan miniature golf. IT WAS HOT!!!! We had a good time, but wished there was more shade. After turning in our clubs, it was mentioned, that today is my daughters birthday. The CM said you should have said that at first and she could have played for free. Oh well, at least we got the MKC discount here.

We walked over to The Dolphin Hotel (it doesn't look like a dolphin, so I asked the CM. He said it is a dolphin fish and not what we consider a dolphin) and found Tubbi's. I had the coupon out, thinking it was "too good to be true", and the lady at the register saw it and said, "that's good here". We had a $60 lunch for $10. Hurray!!!!

We looked around the Hotel and then I walked back to get the van and picked everyone up, in the front of the hotel. We were off to the Marketplace and did some shopping. We headed over to the Movie Theater and I thought there would be a big line for Mulan, as it had just opened two days ago. We were there a half hour early and waited as they cleaned the theater. There was an information booth, that was staffed by AMC and a CM from Disney. I asked about the Water Pageant time in front of Poly. The CM was seated on the floor and didn't look well. She answered my question and I walked off, wondering what the story was. We went into the theater and had our choice of seats. I was surprised how few people were there. As it got closer to showtime, the place began to fill. It only got about 3/4 full. Mulan was playing on 4 screens, but I expected bigger crowds.

The movie was fun and everyone enjoyed it. We waited through the credits as my wife was looking for the name of the lady who led the Animation Tour at MGM Studios.

We headed back to Quality Suites and relaxed. I had planned a surprise, after reading "". I wanted to see if the Water Pageant was the same I saw 22 years ago (1976), and I wanted to watch the fireworks from the observation deck on top of the Contemporary Hotel.

We headed back to WDW and I told everyone that the surprise did not entail entry to a theme park. We went to the TTC, paying my $5.00 for parking (yea, I know I could have parked at other lots for free and transferred by bus to MK resort area, but it was getting late and I didn't want to miss the Water Pageant). We took the resort monorail and got off at Poly. We looked around the lobby, and headed out back, down the torchlit path, to the beach. We sat at the beach while two of my kids wadded in the lake. The Water Pageant came by, at 9:00pm and everyone enjoyed the surprise. I too, was surprised as it was the same show I saw 22 years ago, with the Patriotic Part, that I thought was for the Bicentennial.

We headed back to the Monorail and caught it to the Contemporary Hotel. We went up the elevator to the top floor and were directed to the observation deck. The kids wondered what we were doing there. They overheard someone talking about fireworks and the cat was out of the bag. While waiting we saw huge balls of flame, coming from a back lot area, behind Toontown. The fireworks were great and I had tears in my eyes when they were done.

We headed back to TTC and got our van and went back to Quality Suites.

Day 10 (Tuesday June 23rd)

Two more days left (more like one and a half) of our Florida trip. It is near the end of our wonderful trip and where are we going? WDW!!! We were up and going resort hopping. We drove to Caribbean Beach Resort. My wive's brother will be staying at CBR, and we wanted to check it out. We parked at Old Port Royale, and went in to check out the food court. My kids filled their resort mugs (All-Star) and found out later we were not suppose to do that. During our touring at WDW last week, we saw a lot of people with their resort mugs and overheard a man talking about getting them filled at any food court.

We checked out the swimming pool and went to Parrot Cay Island, to see the parrots. The resort was huge and very spread out. We got a map, to be passed on to my brother-in-law, who will be there in two days from this typing (7-11-98). From CBR we headed over to the Disney Marketplace and get our family picture taken.

We looked around the shops, while the photo was being developed. With picture in hand, it was off to check out other resorts. We parked in the Coronado Springs Resort parking lot and headed to their food court, with resort mugs in hand. It was there, a CM told us that they were good only at the resort they were purchased at. Heads hung low, we stuffed them in our backpack and headed out to see the lake.

I had read about the Dig Site and we went there. The pyramid and waterfall were neat. I saw a nature trail on the map and walked there. This was another record heat day. The nature trail was a boardwalk through a bog, not very exciting. Maybe nicer during the cool evening (3:00 am)?? We decided CSR fit the southwest theme well, summer in the Grand Canyon (104 degrees anyone?). We walked to one of the resort bus stops, as it was a long ways back to the main hotel lobby. After a long wait in the heated shade, the MK bus came.

I always wanted to go to Ft. Wilderness and we were off, to take the boat there.

We boarded the boat (MK dock), and stopped first at Discovery Island, then went to Ft Wilderness. I had read about Trails End Buffet and we decided to eat there. It was a great lunch. The air-conditioning was great. My wife had heard that there were other desserts available and we had fudge brownie (me) delights and strawberry shortcakes (wives favorite). Then came the funny part they were $4.00 each. We had a good laugh and paid the $70 + bill.

I wanted to go and check out River Country, hoping to have a view. I ate soooo much, I laid down on a bench in the shade, and talked myself out of throwing up. My son came back and said there was a free 30 minute visit pass (you couldn't get wet or you would have to pay full price) to River Country. I was still hurting and didn't go (I wish I would have, now).

We caught the small boat (ala Jungle Cruise) to Contemporary Resort and then walked over to MK bus stop and took the bus back to CSR. It was now early afternoon and we were off to Tampa - St. Petersburg.

There was construction on the freeway going to Tampa. I saw a tourist info sign and got off the freeway. The tourist info was at a hotel. I went inside and found an area with tourist brochures. I left the hotel, the front desk was unmanned, and thought what an interesting tourist info center. Back to the van, that was running, with the air conditioning on, to keep everyone cool. Everyone looked tired. No afternoon nap!!!

I followed the map to "The Pier", in St. Petersburg and as we were getting to the downtown area, I was glad the doors on the van were locked. We found a parking space and caught the trolley to "The Pier". It looked different, smaller than in the photos. I could tell my wife was not having a good time. We went up on the observation deck, out in the hot sun, and looked around. My wife looked through shops, in the air-conditioned downstairs. I was feeling the pressure and asked at the tourist desk for a nice beach, with a nice hotel nearby. I was told about the Hotel Don Cesar and a beach nearby. We caught the trolley back to our van and decided "The Pier" was just a cheesy tourist trap.

We drove to the area of Don Cesar, a 1920's hotel. The St. Petes Beach area was not what I expected. There were some nice hotels, but there were a lot of junky shops, next to parking lots with weeds, next to houses, next to condos, next to empty lots. We found the Don Cesar and it cost $5.00 to park. There was no other parking around it.

I decided to head north and we found a public beach. As the kids were changing, my wife saw a warning sign about sting rays. We left again and found another beach next to a Holiday Inn. The beach wasn't much, but the kids didn't seem to mind.

My idea of the Gulf Coast beaches was something like Waikiki. It wasn't to be. I walked over to the Holiday Inn and asked how far to Clearwater Beach. I was told 15 minutes. I let the kids swim / wade some more, then we headed north again. Just south of Clearwater Beach we found a nice beach and park. We watched the sun set into the fog bank out over the ocean and the kids looked for more seashells. I watch a paddlewheel sunset cruise boat head out of the harbor and a Columbus type ship with masks. This was a beautiful beach, but it closed 15 minutes after sunset. It had been a long day and my wife was in a "little" better mood.

That would all change again as we started toward home. We went back through the freeway construction, this time with a detour. The traffic on the freeway came to a standstill and became a big parking lot. To make things worse it began to rain, I mean pour, I mean big time thunderstorm. There was lighting everywhere. It took us a hour to get through the 10 mile detour. I said nothing to my wife, and that was best. We got back to the hotel late, and we were very tired.

Day 11 (Wednesday June 24th)

We were up just as the free breakfast was over 9-9:30am. We packed the van and checked out of the Quality Suites. We drove over to WDW and stopped to take a picture of the main entrance sign (the big one, off 192). My wife had seen a shirt she liked at the Dolphin Resort Hotel and we went to the gift shop there. I parked in the Fantasia Gardens Golf lot.

We walked over to Yacht and Beach Club resorts and checked out the lobbies and Stormalong Bay. My wife liked the lighthouse out back, on the lake. It was very hot again and we decided not to walk over to the Boardwalk Inn. We went back to the van and drove to All-Star Sports resort (tear in eye). We looked around and took pictures. We had lunch one last time in the food court, filling our resort mugs, then caught the bus to AK.

At AK, we went to the RFC, and outside Disney, gift shop, to get last minute souvenirs. We walked back to the bus stop for the last time and caught the bus to All-Star Sports. We took a picture of the exit sign, "See you real soon", and headed for the airport.

We arrived at the airport two hours before our flight. The return of the rental van took ten minutes (express check-in) and we were off to the ticket counter. Boarding passes in hand, we went to the main terminal, shops area. The kids and my wife looked through the shops and I went to the Disney Store there. I had remembered, a hotel was in the airport and I headed down to check it out. The multi-storied lobby was cool. I took my wife down to look around (wished we had the money and time to stay there) and then sent the kids down to check it out. When it got closer to flight time we headed over to the terminal. Everyone crowded in the shuttle and I asked out loud if this was the Monorail to Epcot. That got a laugh, from some of the weary tourists.

At the terminal we volunteered to be bumped, but that didn't work out. We boarded the plane and took off. One last pleasant surprise, we flew over WDW. It looked awesome from the air. I had tears in my eyes.

It was a long flight to St. Louis. We switched planes with no problem. The plane in St. Louis was very hot, as we were at taxi and hold speeds (the air conditioning didn't work well at low engine speeds). It took 30 minutes from backing out of the gate to taking off.

We arrived home and had one last adventure. We had my wive's Aunt park our van in a certain place at the airport, just before our arrival. We couldn't find it. Me and the two girls checked every floor and finally I spotted in, on the opposite side we had talked about. It was a long and quiet drive home. We unloaded the luggage and went to bed.

The trip was over, but we still have the memories of a wonderful Walt Disney World Vacation. Thank you again G. Kenney (mother-in-law). And thank you to all the CM's that work hard to make the "Magic" come true.

Tim Hughes

RenoHughes@aol.com

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