Trip Reports

Cast:

Betty- My wife, she says she needs a Disney fix
Joel- 23 year old, former 2 time CP CM who finds out we're going to WDW and hooks up for a couple of days.
Joe- 52 year old me, making sure Betty gets her Disney fix.
Betty's and my last trip to WDW was September of 1998. Our resort, then, was the Polynesian. In December, we're at the Wilderness Lodge.

Saturday, May 1

On Saturday, May 1st, my wife Betty, son Joel, who tagged along for a couple of days, and I, arrived at MCO from BOS at 4:30PM, 15 minutes late. After waiting at the luggage carrousel for another 15 minutes and not seeing any luggage, a PA announcement indicates the signs are not working properly and gives the correct carrousel numbers for arriving flights. Collecting our 2 pieces of luggage, we then made our way down to the NATIONAL car desk. We haven't been to MCO since last September, so it's the first time we've seen the new car rental area. When I turned the corner, I couldn't believe the length of the cue at the National desk. Some people, there, were considering one of the other companies with NO lines. The folks in front of me, a family from Reno, and I, found humor in our wait. As the cue, for us, got shorter, we goofed about selling off our spots to the highest bidder. I've never seen so many people at the NATIONAL desk, ever. We usually arrive late morning, so I wondered if this middle of the afternoon arrival could have been the cause. Forty minutes later, we were on our way to Publix then the Boardwalk.

Arriving at the Boardwalk, we were soon unpacking in room 2035 of the villas, overlooking the boardwalk. The room was directly above the Thimble and Threads store and offered a GOOD view of the area.

By now, it was 7:30 and the gourmet, crispy treats and soft drinks served by Delta Express' finest were wearing thin. We headed over for our 8:00 priority seating at the Flying Fish. We've had dinner and breakfasts at Spoodles before, but this would be our first try at the Fish. So many folks, here on the net, seem to enjoy it.

Joel and I shared a Portabello Mushroom and a Asparagus with Lobster appetizer while Betty opted for the Caesar Salad. All were done very nicely. For main courses, Betty ordered the Pork Chop, Joel went with the Strip Sirloin while I had the Red Snapper, a new fish for a New Englander who loves Haddock. It had to be good, the dishes were all but licked clean. There was no room for desert. To bad they don't try and soften the noise level here. It is, IMHO, a place which serves wonderful food, but is a little on the noisy side. We were in a singing mood, so we're off to Jellyrolls.

No need to go on about Jellyrolls. Folks who love it, love it. Folks who don't, well, don't. We love it. Plans, for tomorrow morning, call for the Animal Kingdom so we keep a level head and leave Jellyrolls early. My voice is hoarse. That'll teach me to sing "Bohemian Rhapsody" as loud as I can.

Sunday, May 2nd

Joel hasn't been to WDW since he was a CP CM back in the summer of 96 so our first park has to be the AK. We drove over, parked in the handicap area and unloaded Betty's chair. The first stop had to be guest relations so Joel could convert an old picture hopper pass to a new hopper pass. This only took a couple of minutes and was completed just as the park opened. We joined in with the crowd and Mooo'd our way over to the Kilimanjaro Safaris.

On our last trip, in Sept., we were here in the afternoon and thought we saw plenty of animals, however, on this mornings trek, so many more were seen. Very cool! Wild rabbits seem to be making an appearance here. Bunnies making their homes near the big cats have got to be the same species appearing in Monty Python and the Holy Grail.

At "It's Tough To Be a Bug", the cue was literally empty. Joel, who was pushing his Mom, was amazed at all the carvings in the Tree of Life. We walked right into the theater. Now knowing who Flick and Hopper are makes the intro more intersting. Only one family thought this show was to intense for their children and left.

CTX was next. Betty has a medical implant. Her doctor discouraged her from trying any "thrill rides" so Joel and I cued up and were "counting down" in just a few minutes. Hey, maybe it's me, but I think they could tone down the twists and turns just a little. All in all, though, a wild ride.

We took a walk over to the Fossil Prep Lab and watched as one of the techs chipped and drilled rock away from the scull of the T-Rex, Sue. It looked like an interesting yet time consuming process. There appears to be quite some time to go before the skull is fully exposed.

When we were here the last time we skipped the "Flights of Wonder" thinking it was a Parrot pull the cart show. Friends told me I missed a good one. This trip, we took it in and thoroughly enjoyed it. Parents, when taking your children to this show, you have the opportunity to sit on the floor, do it. Sit closest to the middle aisle. You and your children will love it. No spoilers here.

For me, the morning was a little to cool to get wet. We saw, but didn't ride the Kali River Rapids. The Maharajah Jungle Trek was interesting. They got more of those tough rabbits in with the tigers. It's nice, but I've got to admit we like the Pangani Forest better. There, we saw the male Silverback Gorilla up close. What a magnificent animal!

It was about time to leave the AK. I wanted to get over to the Studio to try and get in on the dinner and Fantasmic deal offered there.

After bringing Betty back to the room and leaving Joel off to do some exploring on his own, I took the boat over to the Studio. It was early in the afternoon when I got to the guest services window. It's located to your extreme left of the ticket takers at the Studio's entrance. They had a 5:00 seating at the Brown Derby available so I grabbed 3 seats for the Dinner/Fantasmic package. It gave us time to do some of the attractions before dinner and before the 8:30 presentation.

Back at the Boardwalk, Betty and I decided to get some pool time. When we got to the pool, we were happy to see lounges still available next to the water. It felt good to just kick back, close your eyes and catch the smell of the, in bloom, Gardenias. Someone roust me when it's time to go to the Studios.

We headed off for ToT first, weaving our way through folks waiting for the parade to start. Getting to the Tower, Joel and I walked right in while Betty waited for us. While we were gone, she made talk with a family and convinced their 7 year old daughter it wasn't a bad ride to go on with her dad. Betty promised she would be there when the ride was over to hear all about it. We were back when the little girl came skipping out. With a big smile on her face, she now tried to convince her mother to go on the ride.

Passing up Doug Live, we continued to weave our way through the parade crowd and entered Sounds Dangerous. Interesting, although the new show wasn't wasted on us, we still prefer the, original, sound effects show.

Now, the end of the Mulan parade is passing by. We take a few minutes and watch as it passes. We are on our way to Star Tours. It's always fun getting caught up in the battle with the Death Star. A quick stop in the shop, Joel wants to see if they have any Phantom Menace collectibles yet. After this, we demonstrate a magnificent feat of prestidigitation. As we walk past the Pizza Planet, we turn right into Muppet Vision 3D. OK, I apologize.

In all the times we've been to the Studio, we have never passed by this madcap adventure. Today will be no exception. Long live Jim Henson's Muppets

It's a little early, but it's time we head over to the Brown Derby. This is a place, in all the times we've been to the studios, we have never dined. On our way, we stop and check out the set for Regis and Kathie Lee or is it Kathie Lee and Regis, at the head of New York St. Light, sound and camera equipment are all over the place. People in groups are maybe planning the next days program and shoot.

We get to the BD 15 min. early and are seated in short order. We recognized, but couldn't name many of the celebrities who's pictures are hung all over the walls. Joel orders the Mushroom soup (consume?). Betty and I order and split the Cobb Salad. Betty picks the Pork Loin dish, Joel, the grass shrimp with pasta while I, again, stick with the fish and go with the Grouper. Joel and I have the suggested wine pairing while Betty is happy with a Sprite. We are all impressed with the meal and are sorry we've passed by here so many times. Joel can't believe how perfectly the shrimp is cooked and suggests I try one. For one thing, it could never have been frozen. When you bit into it, it snapped and was perfectly crunchy. Not like the frozen stuff we get up North. Again, a delightful dinner and no room for desert. We are handed what will be the passes for our Fantasmic seating and are on our way .

Earlier, Joel had decided he'd rather head over to the ESPN bar to watch the Bruin and Hurricane's hockey game. I told him his mom and I would try and catch up with him there, after Fantasmic.

We stopped and watched the street performers on Sunset Blvd., yet could see folks were streaming down the walkway towards the stadium. After checking out the Villain's shop and some of the others we decided it was time we move on for our seating. Since Betty was in the chair, we sat with the folks in the top row, wheelchair section. WOW, I never expected this place to be this huge. We arrived a hour early and just people and bell boy watched the time away.

The Studio's Fantasmic is a show almost beyond description. Fire, live action, movies, water, fireworks and animatronics all blended into the dreamworld of Mickey Mouse. In a few weeks we'll be in DL. Folks, there, say their's is better. I hope there is an opportunity for us to see it and compare.

After Fantasmic, the cue at the boat dock is loaded with people. It takes us forty minutes and the third boat before we are back at the Boardwalk. We get to the ESPN club just as the hockey game is ending. Joel is cheering the series winning victory with the other Boston fans at the bar. We head back to the room. It's been a long day.

Monday, May 3rd

We plan on visiting EPCOT this morning, relax a little, then finishing off the day at the Magic Kingdom. Tonight is a E-ride night, but we feel there's time do what we want and decide against the "E" ticket.

It's a beautiful morning for a walk along the boardwalk to the International Gateway and Epcot. It's a little before 9 and the walkways are very quiet. We start our short walk the same time the boat leaves the dock and arrive at the Gateway together. As we enter EPCOT, Betty comments on how peaceful it is. The sun is shining and the sounds of the chirping birds is only broken by the occasional "good morning" of a passing CM. The walkways are decked out in their Flower and Garden finest. Grounds keepers are removing wilted roses from their bushes and people are starting to fill Future World.

As we approach Test Track, there appears to be not that many folks in the cue. Ah, thats why, it's down. Oh well, we've waited a few years, what does a hour or two more, matter, I hope.

We've missed Ellen's Energy Adventure on our past couple of visits so we find this an opportune time to check it out. Amazing, the three of us share a car with only three other folks. Ellen's adventure was a good take, just as informative as the old attraction. We were surprised to see other celebrities included in the attraction.

Spaceship Earth, boy I do really miss Cronkite's voice. I mean, whats his face is OK, but, to me, Walter was the Spaceship's soul. Ya, I know, Jeremy Irons. I also miss having hospitality room privileges. Before Lucent separated from AT&T, we took advantage of the cool lounge, drinks and rest rooms.

The sign reads a forty minute wait from this point. We're half way between the sign and the Test Track building. Could this mean only twenty minutes? The cue fills up quickly behind us. As we approach the building, the sound of the cars whizzing by intensifies. This would be a great time to whip out the cell phone and annoy some friends at home. I dial up one of the Disney freaks at work and torture him with sounds of the whizzing cars. He had hoped to ride the Track on SEVERAL past visits, but you all know where that has gotten him. He, now, has to wait till his Nov. trip. After he calls me a mess of well chosen names, I hang up and give Betty a turn. She pretty much has the same results with one of her co-workers. She, at least, gets a "I hope your having a nice time". Joel is in a gentler mood. He refuses to even call one of his sisters. I guess he feels sibling pay back would not be such a good thing.

There's tons of stuff to see in the cue area of the Track. Test Track dummies getting pounded every which way keep us amused. It would have been good if one of them spoke. We make it to the pre-ride, then into the car itself. Screech, vroom, bump, bump, bump, screech, screech, shiver, sweat, vrooooooooooom, screech, whiz, screech, stop. What a fun ride! I'm not sure if I have all the screeches and vrooms in the right order.

It's time to take a stroll around World Showcase and check out all the flowers and gardens added for the Festival. There's some neat stuff along the way. We get to the America Gardens Theatre when Goofy is singing the song with all the state's names. Any CM's out there who work the area? How do you handle that song several times a day?:-) As we approach Japan, Kaki Gori(sp) flashes in my brain. I've walked this way many times and never stopped to try this treat. After reading all those posts on the net, I swore the next time here, I'm into one. The stand was just being opened. Betty and Joel both couldn't believe this was to be my first Gori. I choose tangerine and wait with anticipation. Mmmm, you guys are right. It's tasty. It is, as we from Massachusetts say, "wicked good".

Continuing our stroll around the Showcase, we soon arrive back at the IG. We were all without breakfast this morning so we decide to stop at the ESPN Club for lunch, catch some pool time, then over to the MK later this afternoon.

Just after 4PM we pull into the valet area of the Grand Floridian. We've stayed here when the Floridian had first opened. We wanted to check out where Victoria and Albert's is. Betty and I have a seating tomorrow. We'll do this later on tonight. Now we're on our way to the Magic Kingdom. The monorail is not crowded at all even though we get the handicap car.

It's always a thrill walking onto Main Street. I mention to Betty it seems we never left. Joel said he'd like to get a ride on Space Mtn., so we head that way. Passing Buzz Lightyear's, we decide to get on now. This seems to be a slow time. Betty says she'll spin while Joel and I zap. I kick the stuffing out of Joel, but he says, as all good sons do, that he must have had a defective gun. Nice try kid.

We get Betty her usual popcorn and coke, for the wait, maneuver her into some shade and head off to Space Mtn. Hmm, we walk right up to the boarding area. Space Mtn? Walk up to the boarding area? It didn't take us 15 minutes start to finish. When Joel and I head back towards Betty and the wheelchair, we see her surrounded with Buddhist Monks. As we approach, we can see they are not really surrounding her, but are young monks along with their teacher. He sits in the shade, near Betty. As we approach, the young monks fly off with huge smiles on their faces, going to their next adventure. Their bright robes flowing as they run. I look at Betty, she just shrugs. Hey, monks gotta' have their Disney fix too.

We zip through the Haunted Mansion in no time at all, then stroll over to Splash Mtn. In all the times riding Splash Mountain, this is the first time we've ever entered the cue on the bridge. Betty and I agreed the Mtn. would not be violent enough to affect her implant and are on our way. Weaving our way around the cue, we're behind a family who's son had to climb walls and trees examining everything in the cue by touch. The boy was almost six feet tall! I was tempted to say to his mom "Gee, he's pretty big for a 5 year old, huh?", but I would have been insulting all the well behaved 5 year olds in the cue. When we finally got to the wheelchair entrance, Betty and another wheelchair guest were ignored by TWO male CM's making time with THREE young ladies. Joel said when he was a CM, they could never get away with that. When it was time to board the log, it was held up because another CM was getting another gal's phone number. Joel said they would REALLY have never gotten away with that. For the record, had it been I, I also would have stopped the ride to get her number.:-)

Joel and I take on Thunder Mtn. No lie, we walk all the way to the down ramp. Start to finish, less than ten minutes. When we get back to Betty, she asks why we didn't ride.

Betty wants to do Pirates so we mosey past Pecos Bill's towards the familiar YO HO, YO HO. Again, we walk right down to the boats. Whats going on? Is everyone coming to E-ride night tonight?

Joel has never seen the new Tiki Room so this is our next attraction. This also just takes a few moments and we are in the theater watching the show. I like the new edition, he doesn't.

The Jungle Cruise, ah what can you say. The Jungle Cruise is the Jungle Cruise. This is the attraction Joel hoped he would get when he took his second tour as a CP CM, but he became an attractions host at the Theater of the Stars in the Studio.

Walking out of Adventureland it hit me, BAM, not essence, but Dole Whip. Again I've walked this way many times, yet never had a Dole Whip. Folks on the Net loose sleep thinking about Dole Whip. Betty passes on this one. She's looking forward to a Tollhouse Cookie. Joel and I get the Pineapple and Vanilla. Drum roll please. My vote for the best WDW frozen treat is















Kaki Gori.

Sorry Dole Whip'ers, I've got to go with the far eastern delight. I mean the Whips all right and all, but....

We pause at the benches to left side of the Partners statue, in the walkway with the figure of Goofy. We finish our Dole Whips and I take the opportunity to snap a couple of photos. It's not till I get home and look at the pictures that I realize, when photographed from the side, it looks as if Goofy is showing his displeasure with some folks down Main Street. At any rate, I thought it was funny.

Down on Main Street, at the Bake Shop, I'm getting Betty that Tollhouse cookie. I decide to pick her up a chewy oatmeal cookie and carton of milk to go along with it. Hey, I'm just that kinda' guy.:-) Lights are starting to come on. Betty wants to spend a little while longer in the MK watching the place light up and the castle change color. Joel and her sit outside the train station while I slip into the Photo Express building to check things out. It's a place with some interesting Disney history.

We have all decided we did what we wanted to do without the E-night ticket. Granted, we didn't ride multiple times, although we could have very easily. This afternoon, the park wasn't that crowded at all. We are all pretty amazed with what we were able to accomplish and the amount of time we did it in. We take our last look at Main Street then make our way back to the Grand Floridian.

The monorail is kind of quiet. Folks are staying in the MK, waiting for the fireworks to begin. On our way through the Contemporary, we think it might be a good idea to catch the MK's fireworks from Narcoossee's. We could get a couple of appetizers and drinks and just relax. The monorail pulls into the Floridian with only a couple of minutes to spare before the fireworks begin. No time to settle into Narcoossee's just yet. We end up on the walkway to the boat dock as our vantage point. As the fireworks start, we have to move to the lawn as the roof on the dock blocks some of the bursts. It's hell trying to push or pull the wheelchair on the grass so Joel and I carry it. Ka-Boom oooh, aaah, we're soon sitting at the bar in Narcoossee's. No "appetizers only" at the tables. I wanna' say "we had them there the last time we were here." The barmaid seems a gentle sort of woman so we renege with the tantrums. Some steamed mussels and tempura with draft beers takes care of Joel and I. Betty goes with the sweets again, apple strudel with a cup of coffee.

Heading back through the Floridian we check out the location of V&A's on the second floor, then back outside to pick up our vehicle.

In the morning, we're taking Joel to the airport. This being his last evening, he tells us he's going back over to Jellyrolls, his favorite haunt from his last CP term. It's a little after 10:30 as we pull into the valet area of the Boardwalk. Mr. effervescence, himself, is there to meet us. "WELCOME TO THE BOARDWALK! Oh, just valet! RANDY DANDY AT YOUR SERVICE." Anybody else ever get this guy? He's got to keep away from the caffeine and sugar.:-)

Betty decides to stay in the room. I go with Joel and see how hoarse I can make my voice tonight. We can't stay long. Joel wants to get up early, have breakfast and stop at the "Marketplace" before going to the airport.

I do it again. This time singing (blush) Paradise By The Dashboard Light. OH IT'S COLD AND LONELY......cough, cough, cough.

Tuesday, May 4th

The parking lot at the "Marketplace" is very empty when we pull in. Our space is directly across from Team Mickey store. I miss the old store, where the Christmas shop now is. The new place is a little to cold for me. Is it just me or did they have better Disney merchandise at the other store?

None of us is up for a big breakfast. We think just coffee and a bagel, Danish or muffin will do. No one's in the Gourmet Pantry when we get there so we order up, grab our stuff and head outside to the tables and chairs. Three ducklings are quickly on us. They walk around our table looking for an easy snack. Betty can't resist. She drops down a piece of her bagel. In a matter of seconds we're surrounded by a band of fluttering little scavengers. We ignore them. Another family shows up and their children share their breakfasts with them.

When Joel was here last, construction was just beginning on the World of Mickey store and the Leggo area. The Leggo sculptures always knock me out. Folks still love having their picture taken with the Leggo man snoozing on the bench. Joel can't imagine the hours it took to design and construct all of these objects.

The World of Mickey has not hit it's frenzied peak yet. So it's easy for Joel to pick up a few things for friends back home.

On our way to route 417 and the airport, I drive Joel down SR 535, by Vista Way and everything that is new since it was his home away from home.

After leaving Joel off at the airport we decide to drive out to Cocoa or Satellite beach and check out the radio reported storm surf. As we pull into the parking lot next to the Patrick AFB officers club, I avoid a black, zippered pouch in the middle of the driveway. Betty and I sit, watch the surfers and talk about our anniversary dinner this evening at Victoria and Albert's. Every so often I turn and look at the pouch, now getting my curiosity, just sitting in the middle of the drive. OK, thats it. I'm out of the car, over to the pouch, unzip it and open it up. When I counted them out, there are 47 compact disks. Someone has lost a serious CD collection. As I flip through the pages, I recognize few of the "artists", Doors, BB King, Nirvana and Korn(ugh, thats another story). The rest is beyond me. Certainly a mixed bag of music. Sorry if this was off topic, but I thought it was interesting. By the way, I find out the rest of the collection was mostly rap.

After a brief stop at Ron Jons and later at the Belz Mall, we relax, then get ready for V&A's

Betty and I are fifteen minutes early for our 6:00 seating. We give our name to the maitre d, he wishes us a happy anniversary and we are, immediately, seated. Betty wonders how he knew it was our anniversary. I explain, when I made the reservations, I was asked if it is a special occasion. Our personalized menus are soon brought over by Albert. Our Albert is a delightful, grey haired gentleman, ooh, I'd say, 60 something. He goes over the menu with both of us, describing each dish and answering any questions we have. He, then, leaves us to ponder. Victoria soon arrives to fill our glasses with water from a bottle kept in an ice bucket next to our table.

Albert returns to take our order, Betty first. She starts with the Buffalo Carpaccio with Crisp Greens, Parmesan Tile, with A Balsamic Vinaigrette, then Marinated Duck with Napa Cabbage Slaw, with a Tangerine-Tamarid Sauce. This was followed by a Mushroom Consomme with Oyster Mushrooms. The main course she choses is the Seasoned Pork Tenderloin over Flageolet Beans, Tomatoes and Crispy Prosciutto. She chose not to have the wine pairing. After all of this, there was still room for desert, a Georgia Peach Souffle.

I choose V&A's Elite Pairing Menu, a set menu for the evening which included a European wine pairing for each course. First was Fricassee of Lobster with Oyster Mushrooms and Sauce Newburg. This first course made me smile. The plate in front of me was at least fourteen inches in diameter. On that, the plate holding the first course was six inches in diameter and the first course was the size of a fifty cent piece. It all looked kind of silly sitting there. Never the less, it was wonderful. Being the appetizer course, it was the smallest. Every succeeding dish was of a portion I found appropriate. Next came Seared Yellowfin Tuna with Osetra Caviar, Soft Poached Quail Egg, Black Truffle with a Cucumber Vinaigrette. What an array of flavors! Check this next course: Seared Hudson Valley Foie Gras over Madagascar Vanilla Bean Scented Brioche Toast with an Aged Balsamic Beurre Blanc, a flavorful sauce. I have never tasted anything like this before. My compliments went back to the chef on that particular dish. Caramelized Spring Onion and Yukon Gold Potato Cream accompanied the main course, Veal Tenderloin and Pennsylvania Lamb Chop with Crispy Sweetbreads over Truffle Gnocchi, Spring Morels, Sauce Perigordine. A Trio of Cheeses: Alpkase, Brie de Meaux and Belgium Chimay soon followed. The dessert, Quenelles of Valrhona Chocolate Mousse in a Crisp Tuile with Godive Anglaise turned out to be more first class chocolate than a person should legally have. All this was topped off with their Coffee, Friandises, to me, a strong, but flavorful brew which I drank, but Betty sipped.

I enjoyed all of the wine served with each course except for the Dow's Late Bottled Vintage Porto, 1992 served with the cheeses. I found this Port to be very, very sweet. Almost to sweet of an accompaniment to the saltyness of the cheeses, but hey, what do I know.

It has been just under two hours since we have been seated. Most of that time a Harp player has provided some soft background music. It isn't till just before we leave do we realize she has been playing top 40 hits of the late sixties and early seventies.

At dinner's conclusion, Albert presented Betty with a long stemmed red rose and me with a envelope. In it was a card signed by our children, wishing us a happy anniversary. It included a Mickey and a Minnie pin. It took us a few minutes to realize our dinner was a gift from the children, prearranged with the staff of Victoria and and Albert's.

Before getting our car from the valet, we give each of the children a call and thank them for their gift. When we reach Joel, we have to hear about his 2 hour delayed flight home. Thank yous were then called in to Rebecca, Sarah and their husbands. Ah, the miracles of cellular service.

Back at the Boardwalk, we arrive just in time to see how much of Illuminations can be seen from our room. Most of the higher burst appear over the ESPN club. I use the railing on our porch as a support for the camera and take a couple of exposures. After a quick change of cloaths, we're back on the boardwalk for a stroll around the lake.

What a beautiful evening it is for a walk. After one lap around the lake, Betty decides she'd like to continue along the path towards the Studio. The night we decide to take this little trek is the night the road is full of service and security vehicles. I'm constantly rolling Betty and the wheelchair out of harms way. This road/path is not well lit, so we decide it's a better idea to make a hasty retreat. After one more pass up and down the boardwalk, we call it a night.

Wednesday, May 5th

It's a lazy morning so we relax a little. We watch a little bit of Kathie Lee and Regis, or is it Regis and Kathie Lee. It's strange when you realize the program is broadcasting only a dive, splash and swim away at the Studios. It doesn't take Betty long to decide this will be a shopping morning.

We, again, park right across from Team Mickey. After the Art of Disney, Christmas shop, Team Mickey(again) and a fine tooth combing of World of Disney, I want to sit, but Betty would like to take a stroll and show me the West Side. She has seen it before, but I've bypassed it the last couple trips. Crossing the bridge from PI and approaching the AMC theaters, I spy the STAR WARS shop. Looking around, I tell Betty I wish Joel had a chance to see the shop.

The nostalgia shop right next door is a fun little take. We pop into the Virgin Mega Store to look around. Betty can't leave without buying at least one copy of "The Phantom Menace". There are at least four different covers available for the hard bound book.

The buildings, with the exception of the House of Blues, appear to be very sterile. The Cirque Du Soleil building seems to be quite large. I tried to get tickets for the show a few weeks ago only to be told that they were dark the whole time we were here. Hey, maybe the next time. It's quiet on the West side right now. Sometimes I'd like to see how busy it gets in the evening.

We skipped breakfast so we could lunch at the House of Blues. It's an interesting place. Folk art adorns the walls, while reliefs of blues artists appear on the ceiling. There's a sunken floor dinning area and a small stage. Though instruments were on the stage, no one was performing. We just had a couple of burgers with spice frys for lunch. The name Kevin Stringer flashed through my mind so I get a draught to go with mine, while Betty had a Sprite. After lunch, Betty wanted to head back to the east side, this time along the water. Oh darn, it's time to get back to the Boardwalk and some pool time.:-)

It's early evening when we get back down on the boardwalk. We decide to skip a big dinner and have slice of pizza. There's tables available outside of Spoodles, so we sit. The sun is beginning to set and lights are just starting to come on. People traffic is starting to pick up so it's a great time to people watch.

My eyes pick up movement on the lake. It's three Mallard ducks flying towards us. As they approach the railing, they are gliding, getting their wings ready to stall them for a landing. Now, walking up the boardwalk is a couple, talking and enjoying their stroll. Just as the ducks clear the railing, the man, on the outside, steps into the glide path of one of the ducks. I guess it was to late for an evasive maneuver by the duck. Kabam, the drake flys right into the side of the gentleman's head, does a summersault and lands on the walk with the hens. The ducks continue to waddle up the boardwalk as the drake shakes his head and flutters his wings in an apparent regaining of his senses. The gentleman, on impact, staggers a step or two to his left, and sees the drake land. The man looks as if he's having a tough time believing what has just happened. I say to Betty, "Did you see that?". She couldn't have missed it, it was less than twenty feet away. The wife is now asking her husband, who is standing there rubbing his head, if he's OK. Appearing to be only surprised and startled by his encounter with one of our fine feathered friends, he says "yes" and they move on. Folks behind them and walking towards them are just as astonished as we are at what has just happened. Certainly, this was a sight comparable to the mass dropping by a spooked, flock of seagulls we saw. It was on a group of unsuspecting visitors at Sea World a few years ago. Just as that incident kept me watching for flocks of gulls the rest of the day, this duck thing had me constantly scanning the waters as we strolled the boardwalk.

It is approaching Illuminations time. We have just passed the Yachtclub's marina on our way to the Swan and Dolphin bridge when we decide to stop and watch the show. I move the wheelchair close to the rope railing. Just a few more folks stop and the show starts. It made me think back to the Illuminations cruise we took last September. The view here, from the dock, is good for the fireworks, but little else. Everyone, though, applauds when it's over and then we are all on our way.

Thursday, May 6th

Well gang, this is it. Last evening, before turning in, I asked at the front desk if there was any way we could get a late check out. I was told "no" because these ARE vacation villas and not available for late check out. That opportunity only was available on the INN side of the resort.

Betty didn't mind me going down to the pool to catch a few more rays. She still had her shower to take and our luggage to pack. It never ceases to amaze me how much of our things that woman can fit into a piece of luggage. I'd need two or more bags. By the way, she wants me out of the way when it becomes luggage packing time.

No one is at the pool when I get there. It's only a little after 8:00AM and the sun is barely over the building. A family of five soon shows up so we talk. What a small world, they live just a town over from us.

We leave the Boardwalk and head towards 192 to see whats going on there. Construction, construction, construction, meridian construction, that is. Breakfasts have been kind of light, when we've had them. I owe myself at least one artery clogger every couple of months. We pull into the Perkins place and I get to the business of clogging.

Sadly, we arrive at MCO. I drop Betty and the luggage off with the sky cap, return the vehicle and meet up back with her and continue on to the gate. On our way there, we pass the Virgin gate where a 747 has just landed. We pause. I love watching the faces of the Brits as they walk into the Terminal. Yawns quickly turn into smiles of excitement.

Just as we are about to board our flight, they announce our flight is delayed because of weather. The system that devastated Oklahoma a few days ago is making rough flying over the Carolina's. Well, another hour or two here won't hurt.

May your next trip to WDW be magical for you and yours.

Joe Fedenyszen

mvjf4@mvrocket.mv.lucent.com

__________________
You just read a trip report that was originally published in our MousePlanet Trip Reports column.

Reader-submitted trip reports have always been an extremely popular feature here at MousePlanet. In order to improve the search functionality and shorten the time from when you submit a trip report and the report gets published, you can now post your trip reports directly to our Trip Report forums. The forums are moderated, but reports should become available for reading very quickly.