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Day 1
Bob (49) and Joanie (39) Nowak -
Left Shenandoah, PA at 11:30 a.m. to head to DH's niece's to celebrate Christmas and leave our car there as she will take us to
BWI for our 7:15 p.m. flight. DH's sister was in from California staying at his niece's and this is the first holiday they are
celebrating together in over 30 years (another long story - Chris & Jess would appreciate it). Had a big turkey dinner and opened alot
of very nice disney presents. I got they heart shaped Mickey crystal vase, a mickey sweatshirt jacket, the mickey "main mouse in the
house" sweatshirt with my name engraved on it, the navy blue snowman mickey sweatshirt, a mickey snowglobe, and several small ornaments
and magnets. She got DH the Donald thru the years snowglobe (his favorite character), a tie, ornaments, magnets, and the new mickey
navy blue starlight sheets for the bed. His sister also got us the new talking mickey lamp. Not too bad for the start of a vacation.
We headed out to the airport arriving at 4:15 p.m. for a 7:15 p.m. flight. After doing curbside checkin, we headed to go through
security. Took about 30 minutes, but they were not searching anyone's carry on. They were paying attention to shoes though (thank
god I didn't know about the Richard Reid incident or I wouldn't have gotten on the plane.) Our flight actually took off about 45 minutes
late as the plane was late coming in from Hartford. The flight was uneventful and I was not as scared as I thought I would be. Arrived
in Orlando at 10:00 p.m. and the gentlemen from Tiffany Town Car was waiting for us. Took us right out to BWV for our standard view
studio (it actually wasn't bad)and we checked right in. We headed out to the boardwalk as we were now starving since we ate the turkey
at around 2:00 p.m. and it is now 11:30 p.m. The boardwalk was almost completely deserted and it was very quiet. We stopped at
Boardwalk Pizza takeout window and ordered 3 slices and 2 large sodas. The pizza was ok but not worth the $13.68 we paid, however
when you're hungry, the stomach rules. Headed back to the room and ready to get started on this Disney Vacation!!!!!!!!!
Day 2 - 12/23
Woke up - called bell services to have luggage picked up and sent to the Poly Concierge - left at 8:30 a.m. to catch the bus to MK. When
we arrived at the bus pickup there was a CM asking people where they were headed (I guess this has something to do with the bus on demand
system) - we only had a 5 minute wait. Caught the hotel monorail at the MK and headed to the Poly. We checked in - our room wasn't ready
yet but Matt took care of our CP tickets (more on this later) - he helped me out on the phone a couple weeks before when I was having a
problem booking the Yuletide Fantasy tour with the Amex discount. He usually works in concierge pre-planning but had just come back and
was working in the Poly concierge checking in. We headed upstairs to the lounge to have complimentary breakfast and then took a leisurely
walk to the Grand Floridian. Stopped to look at the tree and walk through the 1st floor gift shops. Walked out to the dock to catch
the boat to the MK (I realize this goes back to the Poly and then to the MK but there was some kind of glitsch and the boats weren't
running when we left the Poly).
We went thru security - it looked awful but really only took a few minutes. Walked thru some of the shops on Main Street USA and just
being amazed by the decorations and the castle and pinching myself to make sure I'm really here. Headed right over to the Tomorrowland
Transit Authority (my favorite ride) and walked right on. Got a fast pass for the Haunted Mansion and headed to the Liberty Tree Tavern
for our PS for lunch. After lunch, went over and used our FP to ride the Haunted Mansion and then staked out a place for the parade by the
riverboat. This Christmas parade just puts me in Disney Christmas heaven. How I love this place. After the parade, we walked over to
take a look at Alladin's Magic Carpet as this was only being built when we were down in Jan. 2001. (only looked at this as these
circular rotating devices play havoc with my stomach) We then walked thru the shops on the opposite side of Main Street USA from when we
arrived and got the boat to the poly to check in.
1st problem - I had requested a 2nd or 3rd floor room, and when Matt did my Yuletide Fantasy tour ressie he asked me again and I said 3rd
floor, but they were putting us on the 1st floor. We asked to have it changed to the 3rd if possible, and I don't think she was too
happy but she did it and we ended up in the next to the last room on the 3rd floor lagoon view side. However, once we looked out the
window, we realized it was one of the best views and also directly overlooked sunset point which is where we got married on 5/21/99.
Quickly changed clothes and headed out to the bus to go to MGM for the meet with Michelle & John and Cheryl & Lizzie. As we went thru
the shops on the way, they had a 30% off discount on the Osborned Lights sweatshirt, so this was our 1st purchase as we were going to
see the lights for the first time tonight. Cheryl & Lizzie were already waiting at 4:50 p.m. for our 5:00 p.m. ressie so at 5:15 p.m.
they seated us. John & Michelle showed up at 5:30 p.m. as that is what time they thought it was for. I was so grateful that that was
the problem, as I had been looking forward to meeting them for months. Michelle and John are a couple truly in love and the six of
us had a wonderful dinner and conversation. Michelle also surprised us with the white chocolate in Mickey cookie cutters that she ordered
from Minda. Michelle is so on the ball. After dinner, Cheryl & Lizzie headed off to ride RNRC and John, Michelle, Bob & I headed to
see Osborne. It truly is fantastic. I had always thought with that many lights it would be tacky, but it wasn't. The snow falling was
an even greater effect. After Osborne, Bob and I headed back to the poly, Michelle and John were going to catch spectro magic at the MK,
but we were pooped. As we got on the bus, who got on and sat in front of us but Cheryl & Lizzie. It certainly was nice to meet some
of the special folks from our MFL list.
Anyway, back to the lounge for some desserts and an evening drink and then off to be to get ready for the Yuletide Fantasy tour tomorrow.
Even made it back in time to catch the water pageant and fireworks. Ahhhhh, the magic never ends.
Day 3 - Christmas Eve Part I
I forgot one little detail from 12/23 - usually at Poly you get nightly bed turndown and they leave little chocolates on the bed.
However, when we got back on the 23rd, our bed was not turned down. I was going to ask about it the next day but figured maybe they had
discontinued this with the slacking crowds since Sept. 11. However, about 10:30 p.m. there was a knock on our door and Pam, one of the managers of housekeeping came in and said because we had our room
changed at check in (from 1st to 3rd floor) they had inadvertently missed us and she turned down the bed, gave us our chocolates and
apologized. Nice to know, the magic is still there.
Woke up at 6:30 a.m. to have an early breakfast in the lounge as we were doing the Yuletide Fantasy Tour today and had to be at MGM by
8:45 a.m. We hurried to the bus stop in case we had to wait, not to worry, 3 minute wait and we were already at MGM at 8:10 a.m. - the
first ones to show up for the tour. There were 16 of us scheduled but only 14 showed up - Jim was our guide. I knew I would love this
tour as I am totally in to Christmas and decorations - and what better place to do this but at my favorite place - Disney. We
started off in MGM at the big tree - time for pictures and headed down the Main Street - as Jim explained how this was designed with
the motto - The Hollywood that never was and always will be - meaning they designed it how everyone always thought hollywood was regardless
of reality. We headed down towards the scorcerer's hat and heard the story o the poinsettia & the mistletoe - something I had never heard
before. Then we took a brief walk through the beginning of Osborned lights to the manger scene and heard the varying stories of the
timing of putting the baby Jesus in the manger. We then headed back out front to meet our vans which took us to Germany in Epcot -
entering back stage. We heard the story of Silent Night, the pickle ornament, went to Italy - the story of La Bofana (sp?), Japan - the
story of the wooden dolls with no eyes, the American Adventure where we went inside to the displays of Hanukah and Kwaanza. Stopped
outside for pictures with Spaceship Earth and the Christmas tree in the background. Then headed to Morrocco where we exited to our vans
and headed to the Wilderness Lodge. These decorations were absolutely gorgeous. Went back to our vans and headed to the MK -
which at this point was getting crowded. Heard some infor about the tree there and went back to the vans to go to Disney Christmas
Services. All I can say is WOW - I was in Disney Christmas Heaven - saw where they stored everything, how they planned it, all of there
inventory and the ribbon making machine. Disney makes most of its own ribbon by purchasing the cloth and using this machine to put the
edging on it. We ended with getting some mickey ornaments from Disney Services and from Jim. This tour was fabulous and lasted
about 3 1/2 hours. Even my husband, who never helps me put up one decoration, now started noticing things and becoming very interested
in decorations. And to think, Christmas is decorated for everywhere with a core crew of 25 people who work year round.
Well, this is getting long, I will continue.
Day 3 - Christmas Eve, Part 2
After our tour, it had gotten quite warm and we were in sweatshirts and turtlenecks, so we went back to the Poly to change - and guess
who we meet checking in - John & Michelle. We changed - walked over to TTC to catch the bus to Down Town Disney for our lunch ressie at
Fulton's Crab House. Lunch was OK - but for a restuarant so close to Disney (I realize it isn't disney owned) these people know nothing
about disney. When someone asked our waiter about the studio, he started talking about Universal and then had to get someone else who
knew a little bit about disney - I don't think you need to be a rocket scientist at DTD to know the difference.
The meal at Fultons was OK but I'll detail it in my restaurant review. After lunch, and since it was Christmas Eve - we literally
shopped till I almost dropped. Purchased my annual Radko ornament and hubby actually picked out a few decorations - I didn't care for
some but since A. it's christmas and B. its the first time he showed any interest - I say it's great lets get it. Spent several hundred
dollars at World of Disney - our contribution to the staggering economy and headed back to the Poly to change for our dinner ressie
at Narcoosee's. Stopped in the lobby of the main building to have my picture taken with Santa and took a slow walk to the Grand Floridian
just enjoying the sights on this very special night. Had a wonderful dinner - the chef went out of her way on an appetizer for me and then
paid a visit to the table - this place is always on our must do's. We have never been disappointed with the service or the food - and
we've eaten there about 10 times. Watched the MK fireworks from our table next to the window and took the boat back to the Poly - as we
needed to get jackets. Ran into Michelle and John in the lounge as they were getting ready to eat the cake she had made for him. I
don't think the fun ever stops with the two of them. We caught the boat to MK - got an excellent spot right in front of the train
station to watch spectro magic which was starting immediately and then went to ride Buzz lightyear. We walked through the shops again
on Main Street and took the boat back to the Poly. One more walk thru the main lobby and back to the room right before midnight.
At turndown tonight, instead of chocolates, they had left a box with a large square of of chocolate with a picture of the poly on it and
red & green wrapped chocolate covered oreos. I was just falling asleep at 1:00 a.m. and I could here voices in the hall. I opened my
door to tell them to take it in their room, but realized the room 2 doors down was having some kind of a problem and a Poly employee and
Disney security person were talking to him. He wasn't very loud but seemed really upset. I felt bad for him on Christmas Eve. Oh well,
lights out -
Day 4 - Christmas
It's Christmas Day - yay - and the first thing I did when I got out of bed was to go out on the patio, breathe in the morning cold air
and just stare at the castle. And a special surprise, off to the right there were a couple of hot air balloons. All was calm & bright
- all though it wasn't silent night, - it was a silent morn. Opened the door of our room to find a christmas bag filled with chocolates
from the poly concierge staff. We had breakfast in the lounge. I went back to the room to grab a jacket and Bob went downstairs to
pick up our Hoop-De-Doo tickets for this evening. As I came back to the lounge, John & Michelle were eating breakfast and we were
talking about the cake. They were checking out that day, and gave us the rest of the cake - yum. We took the monorail over to the
Contemporary to attend 10:15 a.m. mass in the Fantasia Ballroom. (The last time I was in this ballroom was in Feb. 1995 when Bob and I
took our first trip "TOGETHER" and attended the stockholder's meeting in this room) A very special memory. There was probably somehwere
between 2000 and 3000 people at mass and was a beautiful morning service. I'm really not sure how many were there, but judging on the
stockholder's meeting when there was 8,000 this was our best guess.
Since it was very cold, we headed back to the Poly so Bob could put on a sweatshirt and took the monorail over to the MK, just to check
out the crowds. It was jammed. When we walked up by Big Thunder Mountain I made him turn around and take a picture as it was so
crowded you could not see 1 inch of sidewalk. We walked back out (I did this just to say we were in the MK on Christmas Day) and got the
monorail back to the Contempory for lunch at the Concourse Steak House. This was our first time here and we were not disappointed.
We took the monorail back to the Poly after lunch to get our umbrella's as it was now raining. There on the bed was a little gift
box of assorted nuts from the concierge. Gee - the gifts and magic keep coming.
Went out to catch the bus to the Animal Kingdom (15 min wait) and as we got there, people were leaving because of the rain. We headed
back to Kilamanjaro safaris but they told us the parade was just getting ready to start. So, watched the parade just as it was coming
thru the entrance (great parade) and then as soon as it was over, went to the safari. We walked right on and had to even wait for a
few more people so we weren't the only 2 on the truck. As we got done, the parade was just ending - and it finishes where it starts,
so we got to see it twice. We took a slow walk back out of the park, stopping in some of the shopsand caught the bus back to the Poly to
relax before the Hoop De Doo (15 min wait again). Picked up some snacks in the lounge and spend a few minutes relaxing in the room
(well he did, I was jotting trip report notes). We headed down to the dock, caught the boat to MK and then got on the boat to Ft.
Wilderness - now its raining again. At any rate, I made my ressie for this show about 13 months before and had concierge note on it
that we were staying concierge and had what I call the best table. We were the center table right in front of the stage. You can
actually make eye contact with the performers. This is another dinner show that never disappoints us although I knew it was a new
six bits. He was good, but they still shouldn't have gotten rid of the old one.
After the show we were going to head to the MK for spectro magic and a few rides (we were in parks for a total of 3 days and only did 4
rides - definitely the laid back style) but it was pouring and was cold so we decided just to go back to the room where it was warm.
What a very merry christmas it was!!!!!
Day 5
Woke up early and headed to the MK via the monorail - this is the day to make up for all the rides we haven't done just to go at a leisurely pace.
It was a beautiful sunny morning. Headed over to Frontierland and rode Big Thunder Mountain (twice - hubbie's favorite ride), Pirates of the Caribbean,
Adventureland Cruise, Country Bear Jamboree and back to the Poly to (crying now) check out. We had a noon ressie scheduled for Kona Cafe and after
waiting for 45 min - just relaxed on the upper level of the main building - and checking the menu at 11:50 a.m., realized we weren't really crazy about
anything so we headed to Captain Cook's to eat. For what is considered fast food, the meal wasn't all that bad. We walked over to the Ticket &
transportation center and caught the monorail to Epcot.We already had our Candlelight Procession pins on and headed straight to Mouse Gears to take
advantage of the 15%. Again we spent about another $200.00 (gotta keep the economy going) but took over 1 hour to check out, first the guy rang
everything up and forgot to give us the 15%. He voided it and was going to start all over again (he had some of the stuff wrapped as we were going to
ship it) and my kidney's had had it. I left DH to take care of it, he was paying anyway,and when he met me and handed me the slip, I realized they
charged us tax which they're not supposed to do when you ship. The tax amounted to $11.00 so I didn't want to let it go, hey, I have to be
dollarless some of the time. By now, this poor CM was ready to run the other way and had to call a manager. Since the 2nd time he did it he
completed the transaction, she now had to take every item and back it out so it would come off of the credit card immediately. We finally straightened
it out and walked through future world to check in at the Boardwalk. We had a beautiful 5th floor studio with a view of Spaceship Earth. You will find
out on my trip report for the 29th what an advantage this was. We went back over to Epcot and watched Cast in Bronze. I had to videotape this.
Sometimes our camera acts up, didn't have enought time to get a new one, but it worked fine. Headed over for our 5:20 p.m. ressie in Le Cellier. It was
very crowded but didn't take too long to get seated. Here was our first problem. When Matt checked us in at Poly Concierge and was in a rush to
give us our CP pins we didn't realize that he gave us our blue and white reservation form - actually I didn't find this until yesterday (1/8) as it
was in our folder of guide maps. I think he printed this out after we left since our room wasn't ready and he held our folder. But, still as of now, I
don't think we were charged for it. It was not on our bill at checkout, but we will wait until the Amex bill comes. Anyway, this was a huge problem.
Our waitress was wonderful, we explained what we thought happened and she had her manager call the Poly and they said they would straighten it out.
We told our waitress if the Poly hadn't charged us, to just add it to our bill as we only checked out that morning. Anyway, our meal was wonderful
and that waitress could not have been nicer (our bill for drinks was only 4.00 and hubby tipped her 10.00) as she made what could have been very
embarrassing very enjoyable. We also ended up sitting right behind Joe & Annette Dvorak but didn't realize it until the end of the meal. Sure wish
we could have spent more time with them, they are really great people.
We had a little bit of time before the last CP, so we headed to Germany to get a pickle ornament after we learned the story about this on our Yuletide
Fantasy Tour. Then we got in line for the show - it was now 7:30 - show at 8:15 - the line was unbelievably long. Once, it started to move, we were
seated rather quickly - center seats about 1/3 of the way back. They were excellent seats and the show was much better than I could have imagined.
Gary Sinese was an excellent narrator and my DH (a percussionist) actually went to school with the guy who played drumset at Univ. of Miami in the
early 70's. We also knew his wife as she was the host of the percussion convention we attended in Orlando 3 years ago, she was playing timpani.
However, it was here that my video camera decided to act up. We think it finally worked but haven't bothered to check the tape yet, I would be
devastated if I didn't get anything. We headed over to the American Adventure for the mini meet, without realizing that the location was changed
after we left for Florida, so we missed everybody. Found a place to watch illuminations and then headed back to the room.
Day 6
Woke up early and headed to the MK via the monorail - this is the day to make up for all the rides we haven't done just to go at a
leisurely pace. It was a beautiful sunny morning. Headed over to Frontierland and rode Big Thunder Mountain (twice - hubbie's favorite
ride), Pirates of the Caribbean, Adventureland Cruise, Country Bear Jamboree and back to the Poly to (crying now) check out. We had a
noon ressie scheduled for Kona Cafe and after waiting for 45 min - just relaxed on the upper level of the main building - and checking
the menu at 11:50 a.m., realized we weren't really crazy about anything so we headed to Captain Cook's to eat. For what is
considered fast food, the meal wasn't all that bad. We walked over to the Ticket & transportation center and caught the monorail to
Epcot.We already had our Candlelight Procession pins on and headed straight to Mouse Gears to take advantage of the 15%. Again we spent
about another $200.00 (gotta keep the economy going) but took over 1 hour to check out, first the guy rang everything up and forgot to
give us the 15%. He voided it and was going to start all over again (he had some of the stuff wrapped as we were going to ship it) and my
kidney's had had it. I left DH to take care of it, he was paying anyway,and when he met me and handed me the slip, I realized they
charged us tax which they're not supposed to do when you ship. The tax amounted to $11.00 so I didn't want to let it go, hey, I have to
be dollarless some of the time. By now, this poor CM was ready to run the other way and had to call a manager. Since the 2nd time he
did it he completed the transaction, she now had to take every item and back it out so it would come off of the credit card immediately.
We finally straightened it out and walked through future world to check in at the Boardwalk. We had a beautiful 5th floor studio with
a view of Spaceship Earth. You will find out on my trip report for the 29th what an advantage this was. We went back over to Epcot and
watched Cast in Bronze. I had to videotape this. Sometimes our camera acts up, didn't have enought time to get a new one, but it
worked fine. Headed over for our 5:20 p.m. ressie in Le Cellier. It was very crowded but didn't take too long to get seated. Here was
our first problem. When Matt checked us in at Poly Concierge and was in a rush to give us our CP pins we didn't realize that he gave us
our blue and white reservation form - actually I didn't find this until yesterday (1/8) as it was in our folder of guide maps. I think
he printed this out after we left since our room wasn't ready and he held our folder. But, still as of now, I don't think we were charged
for it. It was not on our bill at checkout, but we will wait until the Amex bill comes. Anyway, this was a huge problem. Our waitress
was wonderful, we explained what we thought happened and she had her manager call the Poly and they said they would straighten it out. We
told our waitress if the Poly hadn't charged us, to just add it to our bill as we only checked out that morning. Anyway, our meal was
wonderful and that waitress could not have been nicer (our bill for drinks was only 4.00 and hubby tipped her 10.00) as she made what
could have been very embarrassing very enjoyable. We also ended up sitting right behind Joe & Annette Dvorak but didn't realize it until
the end of the meal. Sure wish we could have spent more time with them, they are really great people.
We had a little bit of time before the last CP, so we headed to Germany to get a pickle ornament after we learned the story about
this on our Yuletide Fantasy Tour. Then we got in line for the show - it was now 7:30 - show at 8:15 - the line was unbelievably long.
Once, it started to move, we were seated rather quickly - center seats about 1/3 of the way back. They were excellent seats and the
show was much better than I could have imagined. Gary Sinese was an excellent narrator and my DH (a percussionist) actually went to
school with the guy who played drumset at Univ. of Miami in the early 70's. We also knew his wife as she was the host of the percussion
convention we attended in Orlando 3 years ago, she was playing timpani. However, it was here that my video camera decided to act
up. We think it finally worked but haven't bothered to check the tape yet, I would be devastated if I didn't get anything. We headed
over to the American Adventure for the mini meet, without realizing that the location was changed after we left for Florida, so we missed
everybody. Found a place to watch illuminations and then headed back to the room.
We got up, showered, dressed and headed down to catch the bus to the Animal Kingdom for our 8:20 a.m. ressie at Donald's Breakfastasaurus.
This was our longest wait yet as it took 30 minutes for a bus to come. At any rate, we finally arrived and even managed to avoid
having our picture taken at Donald's and once again had a great character breakfast. After breakfast, lines were fairly short so we
rode Dinosaur twice, saw It's Tough to Be A Bug - we barely made it into this and thus ended up on one of the 2 seater benches in the
handicapped section that were vacant; got a FP for Safari and took the train out to Rafiki's planet watch as we hadn't been out there
for some time. When we went inside the building where the vets work, the CM said we all should have been there on the 26th as they
performed surgery on a kangaroo. Took the train back and used our fast pass for Safari - once again a great ride and for the first time
ever for us, the lion was awake, standing up and roaring. Had lunch at Tusker House and took the bus back and actually got off at the
Swan and walked into both the Swan and the Dolphin to check out the decorations. Still rather nice, but I do prefer the Disney Owned
hotels. Even found a 2 cute magnets in the gift shop for my daughter - Princess's don't do dishes - and for DH's niece who weighs 350
pounds (has a heart that size too) and is a chocoholic - HAND OVER THE CHOCOLATE AND NO ONE WILL GET HURT! We didn't buy these right
away but on the last day, DH ran over to get them. We walked back to the Boardwalk and then back into Epcot. Rode Spacehsip Earth, Rio De
Tempo in Mexico and went back to watch the tree lighting with the music of Cast in Bronze - I can't seem to get enough of this group.
After the tree lighting we found a place to watch Tapestry of Dreams and although it is different, we still love it. Walked through
several of the countries and checked out the shops as we made our way around to England for our 7:30 ressie at Rose & Crown. This was my
first mistake - I didn't realize that Illuminations was at 9:30 when I made this ressie and never really thought about changing it. It
was rather cold, but we still wanted an outside seat so they did place us near a heater. That was the only thing good about the
service that night - we were somewhat disappointed. He took our drink order, then came back to take our food order and our food was
served before we even got our drinks. Somehow, they are not attentive at all here as 2 other groups got up and walked out. We
were done by 8:45 p.m. and didn't feel like waiting so we walked through the shops in UK, Italy, Morroco & France and had time to
catch the last showing of the French film. This was probably the smartest thing to do as it warmed us up and we were out just in time
for Illuminations. Walked over to Beaches & Cream at the Beach Club so DH could get and ice cream and back to the room for lights out.
Day 7
We woke up quite early this morning and headed to the bus stop in order to alleviate the wait we had yesterday. Got down there at 7:30
a.m. and only had a 2 min. wait for a bus to the MK. Walked over to the contemporary for our 8:15 a.m. ressie at Chef Mickey's. This
breakfast continues to be one of my 2 favorites. Had our picture taken with Mickey and of course couldn't resist buying it. Took the
monorail to the TTC to catch the monorail to Epcot. As of this point, we will become the ultimate in fast pass parkhopping - didn't
plan it - just happened. Grabbed a fast pass for Test Track on our way back to the Boardwalk. It is 9:48 a.m. and the return time is
12:35 p.m.-1:35p.m. Stopped back at the room to change and caught the boat to MGM. Road the Tower of Terror - standby line said 60
minutes but we went thru the line and were off in 35. Since the fastpass for this ride was 3:40 - 4:40 p.m. we got a fast pass for
this. Walked thru the shops and took the boat back to BWV and refilled our mug that we purchased. Walked back to Epcot and rode
Test Track using our Fast Pass. This took 45 min. but the standby line was 2 1/2 hours. Went thru ice station cool and sampled some of
the sodas. I told my husband to try the Beverly because I heard it was good. Took a big sip, but no reaction right away - I was almost
disappointed and then he made one of the ugliest faces I ever saw - just looked at him and said "GOTCHA". Walked thru the land to try
and grab something to eat but the lines were so long for the chicken sandwich my DH wanted. He decided to go back to the pizza cart near
test track and I decided to be totally unhealthy and have ice cream. They should definitely not have the bakery and ice cream counter
together - and common sense should tell them not to have 3 people taking orders and only 2 filling them. Anyhow, 45 minutes later I
headed back to find DH. I see him standing talking to some people and thinking does he know them? or is he just making friends?
Actually he know them. They live about 1/2 hour away from us and have 3 kids between 17-22. The woke up the day before and were going
to go to New York and the kids said if they could be ready in 2 hours could they come to Florida. Parents said yes and Friday morning
they're in Epcot. ( Have to see if they'll adopt me). Funny thing tho, they could not get in any hotel on property and also couldn't
get in to MK - reached capacity. DH got his pizza and then we walked back to the Boardwalk to get sweatshirts and catch the boat back to
MGM. Rode the Tower of Terror and Great Movie Ride. The Tower of Terror had some lady in the row in front of me, maybe 45-50 years
old, who started to scream after the first drop - and never stopped. She truly was terrified and kept yelling Om my god, I'm going to die.
After the 4th or 5th drop her husband said it's over now and she kept screaming no it's not, we'll drop again and I'm gonna die. I was so
histerical, I couldn't hold it in. I think her husband was laughing too, and she kept saying it wasn't funny, but it was without a doubt
one of the funniest things I ever experienced. After the great movie ride, we caught the bus to the Animal Kingdom Lodge for our 7:30
ressied at Boma - had to wait about 35 minutes but didn't mind. This place is beautiful but I do notice how noisy it is. Our waitress was
very slow in getting us drinks and then we were off to the buffet. I am not too picky an eater but I did notice that the spices here are
very strong and distinct. I wasn't crazy about any of the veggie dishes and didn't try the soups. But the meats were very good and
the desserts alone make it worth it. After not being crazy about some of the dishes, I was hesitant about the zebra dome - but there
was a lady behind me who wished she could split it with someone so that's what we did. I also tried several other desserts - they were
all delicious - but as everyone on this list has said - the zebra domes are awesome. As we were finishing our meal, a couple was
seated next to us from Canada - we actually stayed and hour after we were done just talking to them. Took a look outside at the pool and
some of the animals. I don't think I could stay here because once I saw an animal I'd probably be up all night watching them. My dh had
trouble pulling me away to leave. Took a walk thru the giftshop and headed to the bus to go back to TTC. We ended up being the only
people on the bus and the driver took us directly to the Boardwalk - a little bit of magic to end the night with as we really walked a lot
today.
Also, decided to get up very early tomorrow, since DD's high school band is doing the pre-parade in MK and want to make sure we get in.
Day 8 - 12/29/2001
Yeah, today we get to see our daughter Marie after a whole week. I'm so excited - since we knew the MK filled to capacity yesterday, we
decided to go there early since we didn't want to miss Marie or the band in the pre-parade. Got to the Boardwalk bus stop at 7:15
a.m.and only had a 5 minute wait for the bus. Arrived at the MK before it opended and headed right to Buzz Lightyear - rode it 3
times in a row, the Tomorrowland Transit Authority (still my favorite MK ride), Space Mountain (the sign said 30 minute wait but we were
off in 20 min.), Winnie the Pooh, Its A Small World, Big Thunder Mountain Railroad, & Pirates of the Carribean - getting there early
has its advantages. It is now about 10:15 a.m. and we were heading back to main street so I could get something from the bakery as I had
no breakfast this morning. We immediately started running into people from our hometown (what with 180 band members + chaperones in
the park) it was bound to happen. By the looks of these chaperones, we made the right decision to come on our own. We met up with the
couple of another band member that we were taking out to dinner tonight so DH stayed to talk with them and I headed to the bakery.
The line was unbelievable - there must have been 50 people in it. After 10 minutes, I nixed this idea and headed to the candy store and
settled for a rice krispie treat with a chocolate coating on the top with peanut butter chips. YUM YUM. As I came out of the shop, ran
into a bunch of HS girls from the band, and of course shared this treat - it is huge - about 12 people + me had bites of it and I was
still full. When I got back to where my DH was, near the tip board, my daughter was there. She came running up and said she couldn't
wait to see her mommy. At 17, I was feeling good about this. She said they were so exhausted, she wished she would have come with us
and met them there - Ahhhhh, she missed me, and told me I was right(not in so many words, but saying she should have come with us
like i suggested is the same thing) - I could tell - it's gonna be a good day. Well, we chatted for a while and then she had to leave to
meet to go back stage to get prepped for the parade. We staked out our place, right in front of the main christmas tree so I could take
video of the band marching towards us with the castle in the background and all of the beautiful decorations across main street.
Also, since she plays piccolo, she is in the first row of playing members. It was a beautiful day, not a cloud in the sky - very warm
(and we were in the shade in front of this tree) We sat there from 11:10 a.m. until the parade at 1:30 (well the pre-parade) and it was
so worth it. Except, the video camera was shaking when I hear them welcoming the band from our town and knowing my daughter is part of
it - of course I'm crying. Anyway, I taped the Christmas parade as well and then ran down for our ressie at Cinderella's Royal Table for
lunch. We met our daughter and 1 of her friends and her parents there. Had a great lunch and then we left to go ride COP. As we
exited the castle, the disney band was outside playing Christmas music with 10 herald trumpeters up above us on the castle - it was
sooo beautiful. After COP, we headed to DTD to pick up a few items we forgot and headed back to the Boardwalk to change for our dinner
ressie at California Grill. We met another couple from our town for dinner (actually he is our foot doctor and his son takes percussion
lessons from my DH). Once again, we were not disappointed. Everyone loved the meal - our server - Ron - was most obliging. We watched
the fireworks from our dinner table. The other couple was staying at the Contemporary on the 11th floor and took us to see the room since
I had never been in one. They were on the opposite side of MK but the view was phenomenal. I wouldn't mind staying here sometime.
Took the monorail back to the TTC and a bus back to the Boardwalk. We were just getting into bed around 11:30 p.m. and could see
fireworks coming from Epcot. thought maybe Illuminations was delayed for some reason, but they went on for 35 minutes and were very large
and beautiful - later found out this was a run through for NYE. What a special treat. Oh well, time to get ready for our last day in WDW.
Day 9 - 12/30/2001
Well, this is a somewhat sad day as it is the final day of our trip. We were up early - started to pack but left for our 7:30 a.m. ressie
for breakfast at the Cape May Cafe over at the Yacht & Beach Club. This is another one of our favorite character breakfasts and
everything was delicious. After breakfast we went back to the room to finish packing and then headed back to Epcot. Immediately got in
the single rider line for Test Track after getting a pair of fast passes for between 12:30 p.m and 1:30 p.m. Took about 1/2 hour and
then went back to the BWV to check out. While I was calling for the bell services DH went back to the Swan/Dolphin for the magnets we had
seen earlier in the week. Saying a final goodbye to our room we walked back to EPCOT to meet DD and her girlfriend for our 11:30 a.m.
ressie at Garden Grill. We were going to try to sneak a ride on Spaceship Earth but got back out of line so we wouldn't be late
meeting her. She had gone to church with some of the band members and chaperones at the Contempory. We waited and waited and she
hadn't shown up. We find out that her and her friend wanted to leave immediately after church but the Einstein who planned the trip made
her wait for everyone so she wouldn't get lost. Ends up that no one else knew how to get back so Marie (DD) had to show them anyway. We
headed to Garden Grill right away and these 2 17 year olds made good use of the crayons (her picture is still on the fridge). Had a great
lunch and took lots of pictures with the characters. We gave the 2 girls our fast passes for Test Track since we wanted to head back
over since Tiffany Town Car was picking us up at 1:30 p.m. Really hated to say good-bye especially since Marie would be there until the
31st, but oh well. Had an uneventful trip back to the airport and flew into Charlotte. We ended up being delayed here for an hour as
the plane came in late from Cancun and had to go through a security check as well as a cleaning.
All in all, this trip was truly magical and goes way too fast. The good side of it is that DH enjoyed himself so much, we already made
ressies for next christmas.
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