Wipperfurth Family Trip - August 2003

Who: Me (Debbie - 30) 5th visit
DH (Stuart - 30) 3rd visit
DD (Veronica - 5) 3rd visit
When: August 24 - 31
Resort: All Star Movies

Day one: August 24th - day of arrival

Up at 5am and at Madison (MSN) by 6:30am. Did check-in by computer at home yesterday (Aug. 23) for Northwest. Was able to do curbside check-in with our bags and off we were thru security. DD had to take her sandals off (they light up) but otherwise no problems. Flew to Minneapolis (yes, it's the wrong way but the flight was cheap) and after a short layover we were on our way to Orlando (MCO)! Arrived 20 minutes early at 2:10pm.

I had reserved Your Ride for our towncar service and our driver was waiting for us. Helped my DH gather all the luggage and we were then on our way to the grocery stop. Went to Publix, which is very close to WDW. Thanks to hints on the MFL list I knew to find a styrofoam cooler ($4.99) and then we grabbed some Capri Suns, Pepsi, and Gatorade. 10 minutes and we were back on the road. Got to All Star Movies and checked into room by 3:30pm. Paid the driver and gave him half the tip. Verified pick up for the 31st. Got 3rd floor, Dalmatians building, non-smoking as requested by Stacy of The Magic for Less Travel. Changed clothes (humidity is not my friend!). Was waiting for a bus to the MK by 4:10pm.

Got to MK and saw the train there. Hopped on that and got off in Frontierland to ride BTMR before it closes that night (being refurbished). DD loves this ride and was so excited to be able to ride with DH. I sat in front of them holding the video camera backwards (luckily the screen flips so I was facing forward). Haven't seen the video yet but I'm sure it's amusing. Then we went to PotC where we saw Peter Pan and Hook chasing each other around. Wendy and a Lost Boy were holding clocks to keep Hook away from them. It was very neat to see but did not get autographs due to large crowd. After PotC we decided to start heading over to the GF for our 6:50pm PS's at Cinderella's Gala Feast. Barely got past the Swiss Family Tree house when it just started to pour! Stupid me brought only one poncho (Wal-Mart 99 cents). Luckily DH didn't care and DD was under her stroller visor so only her legs and feet were getting wet. Got to Main Street and decided to detour thru the air-conditioned stores. Made a run for the Resort Monorail. Got to the GF and had enough time to look at a couple stores and clean up in the bathroom.

The Fairy Godmother was in the lobby while we waited for our PS turn. The other characters at Cinderella's Gala Feast were Cinderella, Prince Charming, Suzy and Perla. It took them a very long time to get to us. We ended waiting at the end for Cinderella (the last one to show). Apparently we were the beginning of the loop so we would see them coming and then they would "disappear" (taking their breaks). The lady at the table next to us kept insisting that the characters were missing her so she was dragging her DD all over the place trying to get autographs and pictures. Finally the Character " "wrangler" CM caught the lady and told her to sit down because she was disturbing the other children's visits. Then sure enough the characters then stopped at her table and the mother told them to go away. I felt so bad for the little girl. Anyways, the meal was okay. Not the best one we had but definitely filling and made my DD happy since I decided to skip CRT this time around (done it twice before). Cost was around $65 with tip.

Thought about going to Epcot but we were really tired so we headed back to resort. This took about 1.5 hours. The buses were done at MK for the night so according to a CM (they said this would be faster than going to the TTC and going to Downtown Disney) we had to take the monorail over to Epcot. Then go to the bus stop at Epcot to stand in line with everyone leaving there for night. This turned out to be the first of a very long, hot and frustrating week with the buses.

Finally back at the resort! Shower and set out the next day's clothes. Set wake up call so we can do Early Entry at AK. Lights out at 11pm.

Day two: August 25th (Monday)- Animal Kingdom (early entry) and Epcot

Today we were up early to get to Animal Kingdom. This is our least favorite park and only wanted to see a few things we missed on our first visit.

Ate breakfast in the room. I had brought cereal and plastic bowls with so DH only needed to get milk from the food court. Got on the bus at 7:30 am. This turned out to be the second bad experience on a bus. Due to early entry the bus was packed (we were standing). The air conditioner was broken. Horrible experience to have all those people packed like sardines and no air with the temps already up in the 80's and with extreme humidity. To get off the bus was such a relief since it seemed cooler outside. Okay...open the gates and let me at Kali River Rapids!!

After a very long line for security checks and at the ticket gates (2 families pushed in front of us), we finally made it thru. Hoped to see some characters but there weren't any around. Off to the Kilomanjaro Safari for a FastPass (gotta love those!). Then we hiked over to Kali River Rapids to wait in line. Get there and the ride is broken down. No FP's till 9am. It's 8:15am. FP for KS is for 10:10am. Decide to go look around.

End up in the Tree of Life to see ITTBAB. DD didn't like this show when she was 4 and almost 2 years later, she still hated it! Cried and kept her face hidden for most of the show. Note: We had not planned on seeing ITTBAB because of the first experience but it was the only thing open with air conditioning. Walked around some more till 9am. Went to see if KRR is open yet. Nope. Go over to the Maharajah Jungle Trek. DD didn't like it because all the animals were asleep along the way. She did like the map they give you and entertained herself with trying to figure out where we were. Finally it was close to our FP time for KS so we walked back over there. I really like this attraction. We saw lots of animals up and about (despite the heat) and got several great pictures. DH says there were more animals out this time than our first 2 years ago but I didn't think so. Either way it was still a good "ride".

We are now at the point of not knowing what to do. Went back over to KRR and got an FP. Ride still not working. The Dinosaur area didn't impress us before so we skipped that. The Lion King show was down for refurbishment. Decide to go eat at Rainforest Cafe and use my $25 gift certificate I got from MyPoints. Got in quickly and got to sit in the Gorilla Room next to the waterfall. This was really loud and wet! DD got sprinkled on the entire time we were there. Meal was good and with my GC we only had to pay $15. Stopped in the gift shop area and bought a shot glass (we collect shot glasses from places we've been as a family). Hint: if you want one of the fans that spray water because you didn't bring your own, they are $10 at the Rainforest Cafe gift shop. They are $15 to $18 in the WDW parks.

Headed over to KRR and yeah! it's working. Got in the FP line and was on the ride in about 10 minutes. This was our first time but we were prepared. Had sandals on and put the backpack in a small garbage bag that we brought with. I was going to wear a poncho but because of the heat I welcomed the water. I GOT SOAKED! It felt really good though. DD was laughing so hard at me. She was almost dry.

Decided to leave AK and go back to the resort for a well-deserved nap.

After a good rest, shower, and change of clothes we decide to start on Epcot. We mainly wanted to videotape Illuminations.

Did Spaceship Earth and wanted to go Journey but that was already closed (closes at 6pm). Needed some supper so we wandered over to Mexico. Did the ride (I really wish they would update it). Headed over to China so I could snack on some egg rolls. Then we worked our way over to America, stopping to along the way to get DD on video with the living statue. They really need a better way for people to get pictures with this! When my DD went over to the statue a lady came over and literally pushed her out of the way and said "better luck next time". We have it on tape as proof! Anyways, DD stayed there so DH could get her with the statue alone after the other lady left. The CM standing nearby had seen this and started pointing at people and telling them to stay back (basically started to do crowd control).

On to America! DH and DD split some chicken strips and fries at the Liberty Inn while I finished my egg roll. Went to France and got dessert. YUM! DH got a custard with fruit in it. Found our spot for Illuminations and waited for the show to start.

At about 8:15pm, I couldn't deny I was in a lot of pain. I have really bad lower back pain. Walking was fine but sitting and standing were intolerable. On the verge of tears but not wanting to ruin my DD's and DH's fun I asked if they minded if I went back to the room. Left them at 8:30. Got on bus by 9pm for the Movies and was back in room after a quick stop at the gift shop (had to get a gift for DD's birthday in October and pick up some postcards).

Laid on back (AaaaH!!!!) for a while, took some muscle relaxers, and called my Mother. Found out they were in Montana (took their Harley to Sturgis for 100th Anniversary of Harley-Davidson and then kept driving). Okay...anyways, they were having a great time. Let them know our room number and hung up when DD and DH came back.

Took showers and lights out at 11:30pm.

High Points: Kilomanjaro Safari and Kali River Rapids

Low Points: Back problems, no Festival of the Lion King

Weird Points: Finding out my parents are in Montana.

Day Three: August 26 (Tuesday) - Typhoon Lagoon and MGM

Up early for an 8:30 am PS at Crystal Palace. Got on the bus for the Magic Kingdom and was let in the park at 8am. Took our time walking down Main Street USA. Got some pictures with the Minnie and Roy statue and then headed towards the castle. DH videotaped the area since there was practically nobody around. Got some pictures of DD with Mickey and Walt statue and of the castle. Headed over to Crystal Palace and were seated immediately.

Greeted by Eeyore right away at the table. Met Pooh by the lobby/buffet area. Tigger and Piglet came to our table later in the meal. The meal was good and DH liked getting a made to order omelet.

Headed back down Main Street USA (against everyone coming into the park). Stopped in the town square area for autographs with all the characters that came out. After 2 previous visits we finally scored a photo and autograph with Daisy Duck! I guess 3rd time is the charm. ;-) Went to the bus stop (bus problem #3) where we waited for about 25 minutes before a bus that was just sitting there the entire time finally decided to pick us up. I realized that we were heading back to the resort at 9:45am when most people are coming in but there are people that just go to a park for a meal and then leave to continue touring elsewhere. Once back in the room we quickly changed to go to Typhoon Lagoon. Go to bus stop to see a HUGE line a people waiting for the bus. Heard some people say they had been waiting since 10am (when TL opens). Bus finally comes and it's FULL. Only 2 people can get on. Finally another bus comes and it's empty so we all fit.

TL is packed! Walked all the way around to the back by the kid stuff before we found a chair (bonus: it was in the shade!). Since we weren't planning on sunbathing or sitting there we only needed one chair to store our stuff and off we went in search of an opening for the lazy river part. It was so packed we couldn't find a child tube for DD so she got an adult one. One time around and we wanted out! Let DD play in the kiddie area for a while and then went over to the wave pool. I've been in wave pools before but was still not ready for the force this has. It was fun but several people were getting hurt. Stayed for a few waves and went to find the family raft ride. Since DD is 5 and short she was unable to do most everything. DD is highly adventurous and was disappointed that she was unable to go on more slides. The family one was fun but really short. Back over to the kiddie area for a while, another tube around the river and we decided to head back to the resort. Note: the water was really warm and therefore not very refreshing. Also I think TL needs more things for the kids that are too big for the kiddie area but too small for the adult things.

Showered and had DD take a little nap while DH and I try to think of where to go next. MGM wins!

Go to MGM and try to see what we can do and eat. Head for Rock N' Roller Coaster and go to gift shop. Find a shot glass for DH to buy. Decide against going on ride tonight. Walk over to Mama Melrose's. Look at menu and DH wants to go but doesn't enthuse me. Plus there is a long wait. Since we haven't had anything to eat since breakfast (it's now 4:30pm) we determine that we can't wait too long. Debate between 50's Prime Time and counter service. DH chooses Prime Time (Yeah!!).

Hope we can get in since we had no PS. Since the parade was at 5pm (it's about 5:20pm) we get right in! We get "Uncle" Dave and he just loves picking on DD! Of course, DD love all the attention. We get her the Lilo and Stitch drink with a red ice cube. She has her usual, chicken strips. DH has the meatloaf and I have the Fried Chicken. All are wonderful! DD eats all hers and finishes DH's meatloaf so we let her have her own dessert. She gets the "Make your own sundae" and has a blast with it! Meal comes to about $50 with tip.

Still time before Fantasmic so we decide to head over to the Backstage Tour to see the changes that had been made. DD insists on sitting all the in on the tram that takes you around. We warn her that she might get wet. DD doesn't care. I give DH the camera since I'm in the middle. Anyway, got a great picture of DD being surprised (I don't want to give too much away so those of you who have done this know what I mean).

Go over to Fantasmic! (show at 8:30pm) and it's about 7:45pm. The place is full!! Not even allowing for standing room. We had been told to be there by 7:30pm but before 8pm because it's "supposedly" a slow week. Well, apparently we should have been there earlier. I think Disney really wasn't prepared for all the people being there (Fairytale Package?) because there should have been 2 shows every night. (During the week we had heard from several people that it was filled to capacity by 7:30pm every night.)

So instead we walk to the front against all the people coming in for Fantasmic! (Disney really needed to let bus drivers know that the show was full so they could tell people or have a sign in front of the MGM ticket entrance.)

Got back to the resort and grabbed some snacks from the food court. Lights out at 10:00pm.

High Points: Walking down Main Street USA with little to no people around and eating at 50's Prime Time Cafe

Low Points: Lazy river at TL not being so lazy, missing Fantasmic!

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