King - September 2005• WDW Trip Reports

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King September 2005

Me (38) DH (40) DD (8) DSIL (42)

The day has finally arrived for our departure to THE WORLD! This has been a much anticipated trip – aren't they all?? DH was laid off in early Sept., so I wanted to get this trip in before he starts a new job. Also, we are takind advantage of the FREE DINING PLAN add-on, and because we moved our trip up a week from our original dates, we got $39 flights each way! This caused DD (3rd grade) to miss 3 days of school, but the last 3 days prior to a 2.5 week break (year-round calendar), so I figured homework would be minimal. And it was – as in none! They had fun days planned for those 3 days, so we lucked out! YAY! Also, due to all of the great deals, we are taking DH's sister with us – she has never been to WDW.

The fun doesn't actually begin until the workday is over. I did leave work early – at 3:00. Packing was mostly done, at least for myself and DD. The rest was up to DH and SIL while I was at work. I picked up DD just as soon as the daycare van pulled up from school. She was very excited!! We left the house at 5 pm. Grabbed a bite at Sonic, to eat on the way to the airport. Dropped the car off at the parking service, near the airport, rode the shuttle to the airport, arriving a little after 6 pm.

The flight leaves at 7:30, so we got there in plenty of time. We had checked luggage, gone through security and were at the gate by 6:30. The plane left 10 minutes late.

Arrived in Orlando at 10 pm and retrieved our luggage after waiting 30 minutes or more for it! Our driver from SunRay Transportation was waiting for us and we immediately went to Caribbean Beach Resort. We checked in and it was almost 12 am when we got to our room. I do not like this resort. It is not a good sign when you can't just walk to your room, you have to be driven to it! Note for future trips: It may be best to arrive while it is still daylight.

Now, a few things you must know. DH is not the most pleasant traveler, by a long shot. I was hoping this would be better with SIL along, but this did not prove to be the case. To add to this "difficulty", just this morning he was diagnosed with a sinus infection and infection in both ears. This would dampen even the most avid Disney-lover's time, so just IMAGINE how it affects a non- Disney lover!!

One thing that I did not foresee was the Food Court and Gift Shops being closed. First of all they aren't in the same building as Check In, but either way we couldn't just grab a coke. DH must have a drink! And some food. Now if it was just myself and DD, we would have just gone to bed in order to be fresh in the morning. But DH and SIL subscribe to different sleep patterns than normal people (me & DD)! Or at least in MY opinion!

Anyway, DH heads out to find a coke machine. He comes back in a few minutes with NO cokes! The machine wouldn't take any of his dollar bills! BEWARE cokes are $2.50 from the machines!! Some of the newer ones will take a credit card.

The driver who delivered us to the room had given us the phone numbers to 2 nearby pizza deliveries. We ordered a pizza and 2 two liters. We unpacked while we waited for the pizza. It arrived when promised, but the guy had NO COKES with him!!! When we told him that we'd ordered 2 two liters, he did have one in the car that he went to retrieve, but he had to leave & return with the 2nd one. We did have to have a big laugh over that – the impossibility of getting a coke.

After eating, we went to bed. DH and SIL can't go to sleep unless the TV's on. I had brought earplugs, luckily, and DD was tired enough to go on to sleep, so . . . .

Tomorrow: AK and MGM (Fantasmic)

Best thing today: We are HERE!

Worst thing today: Arriving in the dark. No Coke!

Wake up call at 6 am. Today is EMH morning at AK. I couldn't wait to show everything to SIL! She wasn't as thrilled as I expected . . . I think she did enjoy the trip overall, but having a grump along kind of dampers everybody's enjoyment. Let me just say that the most fun trip that I have had was when it just myself and DD. Fewer people to hurry along!

Anyway, we were at the bus stop (reluctantly for some, I'm sure) at 7:25. We didn't have to wait too long for a bus. We were going thru the ticket entrance at 7:45! I thought "Wow, they're letting us in early!" But just before the Oasis, we reached the backed up spot. Opening ceremonies was going on.

Once we're on our way, it's Onward to Kilamanjaro Safaris!! The sign said 20 min wait (c'mon! you've gotta be kidding!) but we walked straight on. 8:45 and headed to ITTBAB – 5 minute wait. The park sure seems empty – YAY! Then we head to Dinosaur – 5 minute wait, and Primeval Whirl – 5 minute wait @ 9:50.

We REALLY took a "spin" on PW and that didn't mix well with DH's ear and sinus infections, so we took a break for lunch. We just ate in the room this morning, for breakfast. I had brought (from home) peanut butter & crackers, granola bars, and pop tarts for quick breakfasts/snacks. We checked out Flame Tree BBQ, but nothing appealed to all of us. We then went to Pizzafari. It was so-so – the pizza wasn't very good, but the sandwiches were well received.

DD wanted to ride Dinosaur again, so we head in that direction. We see a hair-wrap stand. It is fascinating to watch! DD has already been begging and begging to get one, so we're going to go ahead and get that now. DH and SIL go into the gift shop that is right there, Island Mercantile, I think. DD and I choose colors and beads for the wrap. When they're finished, they measure the length and fix you a bill. You go inside the gift shop to pay.

On to Dinosaur, but when we get there it is a 20 minute wait and DH wasn't feeling well. We all finally came to the decision that he would sit a while and then go back to the room. The rest of us headed to KRR. 30 minute wait! YIKES! We got a FP and then got in the stand-by line. It is now 12:40. We rode it, then hopped in the FP line and rode again! Got pretty wet, but it felt GOOD! 88-92 degree weather is just too hot for me!

We then headed to Guest Services so I could upgrade our tickets. I just got 1 day base tickets with the MYW package because I had an old unused 5 day PH. I upgrade everybody else's tickets to 6 day PH, now we're all set! We hop a bus and are on the way to the hotel at 2:15.

Things we didn't get to do that I had planned on: Flights of Wonder. I still have yet to do either of the hiking trails and have yet to see the Pocahontas show.

We got off the bus at the stop for the gift shop (Ole Port Royale) to see where it is located, get refillable mugs, and see how to reach our room from there. When we get to the room, DH is still not feeling well and is staying in tonight. We rest for an hour or so and then head to the food court to get some food for DH, since he doesn't even know how to get there from the room. Have I mentioned yet how much I dislike this resort? It is NOT simple to get from point A to point B. At least not nearly as simple at the other WDW resorts that I have stayed at.

The other 3 of us depart for MGM. Between the extra errand at the food court and waiting several several minutes for a bus, it is 5:45 as we are on our way to MGM for our 5:30 ADR at Sci Fi. We arrive at the restaurant by 6, but it's no problem that we're late. We're seated in about 15 minutes. This restaurant is VERY COOL! It will make the "must do" list! Tip: Just go for dessert, or appetizers & dessert. The food isn't that good. After seeing several announcements of celebrating kids' birthdays, DD whispered urgently "Tell them it's MY birthday!" After several requests, I said "what the hey" and told the waiter we were "celebrating" DD's 8th birthday. So at the end of the meal, she got to stand up in her seat and be the center of attention! I was afraid this would start a trend, but it never came up again.

It is 7:30 as we're leaving the restaurant and Fantasmic is at 8. DD is DYING to ride a ride, though, so we checked out the line at ToT – 10 min wait the sign said, but it was a walk on! GREAT ride! This is the first time DD rode without whining or crying about it. This trip will prove to bring out the "ride-demon" in my child! She has always preferred to ride ride ride than to take the time to watch the parades or fireworks, but has steered clear of Space Mountain and RnRC and whined at ToT. Things are different this year! Hallelujah!!

In retrospect, we should have gone on and ridden RnRC while we were right there, so that SIL could have ridden it. Our return to MGM on a later day, she wasn't feeling so well and ended up not getting to ride it at all, nor ToT again! Anyway, we get seated at Fantasmic right at 8. Got a decent seat, too, no problem! Everybody really enjoyed Fantasmic. Then we join the herd leaving MGM and are on a bus back to the hotel at 8:50.

Tomorrow: MK and Epcot

Best thing today: Fantasmic, ToT, seemingly nonexistent crowds

Worst thing today: DH being sick.

Wake up call at 7 am. I got up before the call & started getting ready. Today MK opens at 9. DH is not joining us this morning. While this is sad for him, it does mean that he isn't slowing down our departure from the room, as he is not all that quick in getting "up and at `em".

We get to the bus stop at 8:40 and the MK bus is sitting there. We run the last bit, just to be sure we get there before the bus leaves. We get inside and stop on Main Street to have several pictures made with the castle in the background. The photographer had DD hold out her hand and had Pal Mickey's hand on top of hers, then in the photo, he put Tinkerbell in their hands. It is VERY NEAT!!

We head to Fantasyland. Let me just say that SIL is not impressed with Fantasyland. This is disappointing to me. Even though these aren't the most exciting of rides, you have to appreciate them and their value to children and to children's stories.

Snow White was a walk on, then we rode Pooh (10 min wait). It is now 9:40. Next up, Peter Pan – walk on, tho it said 10 min. I was the lucky one to get to carry the "time lanyard" (or whatever it's called) from the CM at the queue entrance to the CM at the spot where you get on the ride. This is how they determine the "wait time" for the rides. Next It's a Small World – almost a walk on, it said 5 min wait. I haven't been on this ride in 10 yrs! It is soooooo cute! It was being refurbished when we were there in 2003 and 2004. Prior to that, I had only been to WDW in 1995. It is 9:50 as we're boarding IASM. Then back to Peter Pan, less than 5 min.

Now we do Philharmagic. I just love this show! It is VERY good. It was about a 10 min wait. It's 10:20 as we're waiting to enter the auditorium. Then we head over to the Haunted Mansion – 5 min wait, but actually a walk on. This was one of DD's favorite rides the last 2 years, kinda less so this year, but still a good one. It's 11:00 as we're getting off of this ride. We head to SplM and BTMRR. Splash said 10 min wait and Big T said 5, so we hit that one first, and then Splash. Then we rode Splash again. They had the ropes open at about the ½ way point of the line, so we hopped in line there.

As we exit Splash, it is 11:50, so we head to the Castle for our 12:20 Princess lunch. First, we got a FP for Splash to use sometime later in the trip (even on a different day, as we did last year). It does wind up that we never used them, however. We check in at the castle, take some pics in the lobby, and our table is ready by 12:10. We were seated in the very center of the room! That was very cool! I have not sat here before. I really liked it! We saw the introduction of the Princesses (since lunch began at 12, I guess). I've not seen that before, either.

After lunch, we left MK, headed back to the room. We are waiting for a bus at 1:55. We got off at the Gift Shop stop to pick up a few things on the way to the room. Went to the pool for about an hour. Hiked the whole way there! DD, who normally LOVES the pool, any pool, especially one with a slide, didn't even care that much for this one. Yet another point for NOT staying here again!

We (just me & DD) are heading to Epcot at 5:50. It's a very quick trip and equally quick to get inside. We're on SE at 6:14. Next – DD is dying to ride Soarin', even though the electronic board showed a 40 min wait. Test Track's was showing as 20 min. Initially, I planned to FP Soarin, ride TT and then head back to ride Soarin. But I decided that is TOO much walking, especially since you have to go all the way INSIDE the Land and downstairs to even get a FP. So, we got a FP and hopped in the stand by line at 6:50. We got on the ride at 7:05 (note: NOT 40 min later!). We got off, used the restroom (since we had 5 min to kill) and then got in the FP line. Both times we were in row 1, the very top row! COOL!

Next up, TT. It SAID a 40 min wait, but FP machines were closed, so we hopped in line. For the 2nd time, I got to carry the wait-time lanyard! Woo HOO! We made it to the briefing room in 5 min flat! So much for 40 min! It is now 8:00, we board at 8:05. LOVE this ride!! The wait time now shows 20 min. We hop in line again at 8:15 and again go straight through to the briefing room. Man, this'll spoil you quick! MUCH less crowded than October '03. Ended up riding TT 3 times in a row, each time getting on quicker than the time before!

Now it is 8:45, so we head to the Electric Umbrella for a bite. We're the ONLY people in there! Got the food to go and went outside to await Illuminations, which starts at 9:00. It was great!

Heading back to the room – got a SEAT (DD is excellent at spotting 2 seats for us) on the first bus that pulled up at our stop. Leaving E at 9:30. Get to the room just before 10:00. I am very tired, as is everybody, so I decide to swap the plans for the next 2 mornings and sleep late tomorrow.

Tomorrow: Rest and MK

Best thing today: Soarin, TT, seemingly nonexistent crowds

Worst thing today: DH being sick.

Slept late today. Don't think I've EVER done this at WDW! Well, maybe once in '03. Anyway, we slept until almost 10 and finally meandered out to the Food Court/Gift Shop area @ lunchtime. We browsed, bought a few things, filled our mugs and got 4 CS lunches & took them back to the room. The plan is to eat at Chef Mickey's at 5:10 and then go to MK.

Left the room @ 4:10 or so. It's just me, DD and DH. He felt strong/well enough for a brief outing. He and SIL had a sibling altercation earlier, so she didn't join us. We arrive at CM at 5. Ate, it's pretty good, but I don't like our sitting location. Anyway, we browse the gift shops at the Contemporary and head to MK at 6:30. Had to wait quite a while for a monorail. They had trouble with some people on board, who had to be escorted away. We were waiting to ride in the front car, didn't make it on this (delayed) one. The next one had availability, so we were co-pilots and got our licenses! It is very neat.

At MK, DH decided he just wanted to shop a bit and than head back to the room, so DD and I head to Tomorrowland at 7:25. There's a 15 min wait for Stitch and 20 min for Buzz. We pass these and head to CoP. I've been wanting to ride this one, but it was closed the last 2 years when we were there. I just love this ride! Hall of Presidents closes at 8, so we won't see it tonight. Hopefully another day! (unfortunately not this trip L) Next, TTA @ 7:55.

As I've said, DD was a ride demon this year and was ready for Space Mtn. I haven't ridden this since 1995, since DD wouldn't dream of riding it the last 2 yrs. It said 10 min wait, but it was "board as quickly as you can walk the mile long queue". We rode it 4 times in a row. I was worn out just from walking that line so fast! We're getting on the 4th time at 8:50. Next we take a spin on Buzz before the park closes. Somehow, I hit something right and my score is 107,600 points! DD was mad!

Time to go at 9:05. DD doesn't want to watch Wishes and get stuck in a big crowd at the bus stop, so we head right out to get a bus. One pulls right up and DD finds us the last 2 seats! Pulling into CBR @ 9:35.

Tomorrow: E and DTD

Best thing today: Rest, Space Mountain, seemingly nonexistent crowds

Worst thing today: Sibling arguments, missed Hall of Presidents

Wake up call at 7 today. It sure takes SIL a LOOOONG time to get ready! I can be at the bus stop about 1 hr after I get up! NOT SIL!! As DH says, "How can somebody spend hours putting that much crap on their hair, and it still look the same (or worse) when it's done?!?!" Then, just as we're ready to go, DH decides that he's coming too, but now we have to wait for him to get ready. Can you see the steam coming out of my ears?????? NOW do you see why I said my most enjoyable trip was when it was just myself and DD!

We end up leaving the room a few minutes after 9, heading for Epcot's Soarin'. The plan is to get a FP and then get in the stand-by line. That way we get to ride twice with only one wait in line. There is a 20 min wait. We get in line at 9:40. It is 10:15 when we exit the ride, just in time for our FP!! YAY!

Next, we head to TT. There is a 20 min wait @ 10:55. We got a FP first, then into the stand-by line. It doesn't seem like it will be 20 min. We walked quickly thru the whole queue to just outside the briefing room. When we exited we had 10 min to kill until our 11:30 FP. When we rode with our FPs, I got to carry the "wait time lanyard" AGAIN! For the 3rd time this trip!

Next we take a brief pass through Cool Wash and then on to grab a bite at the Electric Umbrella @ 12:12. Here we encounter our first problem with the dining plan. Please, let me forewarn everybody, ALWAYS look at your receipt and check in the upper right hand corner how many meals or snacks they counted this receipt as – or know how many meals or snacks you should have left after this order and check to be sure the receipt shows that same balance. Here, I ordered 4 CS meals, but the cashier mistakenly put in a 7, so it subtracted 7 meals from the plan. Now, I'm sure that you could get this corrected, even if you didn't catch it for a day or two, but you'd have to have your receipt with you, etc etc. Luckily, I noticed it before we left the restaurant, and got it corrected while there.

Then we Journey into Imaginations! With Figment. I love this little ride! It is soo cute and catchy. We played around in the Imagination area for quite a while. Then to HISTA @ 2:15. When we came out of this pavilion, we saw the character bus had pulled up, so DD got some autographs. Saw Pinocchio – haven't seen him before!

It sure is HOT in Sept! It was pretty hot in Oct '03, too, but VERY NICE just after Thanksgiving last year! I believe that Nov is my preferred month for WDW! Anyway, the other 2 are tired and want to return to the room, so we all go. We had intended to all ride MS, but with DH's ear infections, I didn't think that would be a wise choice. Especially after Primeval Whirl did him in earlier in the week! We walk in at 4:06.

Our ADR at Whispering Canyon is for 5:50, so we don't get to rest long! We take a bus to MK, then hop a boat to the Wilderness Lodge. Ohhhh, how I LOVE this resort! One day I will stay here again, I vow! We arrive at 6:00, but it's no problem to get a table. This restaurant is such a lot of fun! We had great fun here 2 years ago. The kids have a stick horse race, our waitress, "Lazy Susan" is into the jovial mood, too. People are asking for Ketchup, straws, spoons, etc etc. I told SIL to be sure to ask for "Pepsi" when she needed a refill. She wouldn't, though, so DH did. Our waitress brought him out a HUGE, gallon or ½ gallon mason jar (of coke) with a piece of cardboard on the front that said "PEPSI" and a straw that had to be 12 inches long!! It was hilarious! Antics at other tables include a girl asking for a spoon and being brought a huge wooden spoon that was as tall as she! Another person also asked for Pepsi and his waitress yelled to get everybody's attention. Had us all to raise our right hands and repeat "Mickey drinks Coke! If you want Pepsi, go to Universal!" I love this place!

Next, we catch a bus to DTD. I am not much of a shopper. The rest of the gang (including DD!) are. Even so, we're all pretty tired, well, except for DH, who has spent a lot of time lounging in the room! (I know, sick, but still not walking his feet off!) We hit several stores, World of Memories, Mickey's Mart (or whatever, Less than $10 store). It's pretty crazy in WoD. DH spends too much time in Team Mickey. We get a couple of grab bags, and make a trip into Goofy's Candy Co. DD wants a Stitch cup. I must admit, it's pretty cool!

We are ready to head back, but DH is on a mission to find some store. We tell him we're going back to the room, but end up waiting at the bus stop for several minutes. DH came rushing up before a bus arrived. He'd either found the store, or gave up, not sure which. Anyway, we get back to the room @ 11:00.

Tomorrow: MGM

Best thing today: Soarin, Whispering Canyon, seemingly nonexistent crowds

Worst thing today: Kinda crowded at DTD, being hot & tired

We're very tired today, not getting back until 11 last night. WHAT? Tired? At Disney? No way! Anyway, if we had a wake up call, we ignored it and slept in – till about 8:30. The others aren't ready to head out. In fact, I think they're ready to go home! But we don't leave until tomorrow afternoon! I'm sure not wasting my last hours, sitting in the room! I'm sure they wasted some of our precious time before deciding not to go this morning! AARRGGHHH! So, myself and DD are eating pop tarts at the bus stop at 10:00.

First up, ToT & RnRc. I was afraid that they would have long waits, since we weren't here at opening, but they didn't! At 10:35, RnRc had a 5 min wait and ToT's was 10 min, so RnRc first!! This is the first time we have ridden this ride, and it is C-O-O-L!! It reminds me of how you pull a rubber band back and then it snaps as you let go. The first few seconds are kinda rough, the G's or whatever, but past that point it is THE BEST! I thought to myself "Well, I won't have to worry about riding this one again. I'm sure DD won't like this." Boy was I wrong! We rode it 3 times in a row! And would have ridden it more if it was only up to DD, but as much as I did like it, I wanted to ride some other things. Tip: The front seats are the absolute best! It IS rougher in the back.

So, after the 3rd time, we head to ToT. It is 11:35. As I said earlier, this is the first year that DD has ridden this without a fuss, and she is ready to go this time, also. I'm not sure how anybody can ride this with their arms up in the air, but DD did! The ride photo captured that, so I just had to buy it!

We have an ADR at the 50's Prime Time at 12:05. No time for Great Movie Ride before-hand, so we just head on to the restaurant. DH and SIL met us there. Surprise, surprise! I wasn't sure if they would make it out of the room or not. The food is pretty good here. The décor is absolutely great! The waitress was great fun, too. Also, be sure to check out the dessert menu even if you don't plan to order one. It's really neat.

After eating, DD wanted to head right back to RnRc! NO way!!! I've got to let my food settle first. So we are heading to the Great Movie Ride, against her will. DH & SIL want to shop. So, fine, go on and shop, but I AM RIDING!! This ride ALWAYS has a 20 min wait! So, we tough it out at 1:25. Next, Star Tours has a 5 min wait at 2:10. I couldn't in ANY way talk DD into going to see the Lights, Cameras, Action Stunt Show. I REALLY wanted to see this and this was our last chance! But no way.

So, here we are back at RnRc at 2:50 – 10 min wait. I'm not sure it was really a 10 min wait. We always walked all the way to the little pre-show area and that was our wait. We rode 3 times in a row, again! Since we have an ADR at CP at 6:15, we leave now for a very brief rest. It's 4:05. We get off at the gift shop stop to refill our mugs.

Things I would've liked to have done that we didn't get to do: Beauty & the Beast, Indiana Jones, the Stunt Show, Little Mermaid.

The others decide they won't join us at CP for Pooh & Friends. We've only been in the room for about 30 minutes to rest. Between both things, DD doesn't want to leave & go back to a park. I do, but decide not to go alone. Instead, we go swim in the quiet pool for a while. It is very nice, and very very near the room!

After the swim, we're going to head to the food court. We decide to eat at Shutters. There's an hour wait, so we browse the gift shop. This is one of the least liked meals that we have this trip. I would guess that the very least liked one is Sci Fi, but this is a close 2nd. It may appeal to some, but not to this family who loves O'Charley's, Chili's & Cracker Barrel type fare. Started packing, since we leave tomorrow L. That's it for tonight.

Tomorrow: MK & departure L

Best thing today: Rock `n Roller Coaster, seemingly nonexistent crowds

Worst thing today: Party poopers, Shutters

Today is departure day. Always the saddest. Got up at 8:00. MY plan would be to finish packing, call for luggage pick up and go to a park, making it back just in time for the towncar to take us to the airport. This of course does NOT suit the rest of the party. So, I pack everything that is available for packing and DD and I head out to MK. We have an ADR for Chef Mickey's at 11:00. They "might" meet us there.

At the bus stop, the MK bus pulls right up just after we get there a little after 9. We're in the park by 9:30, heading straight for Space Mtn. It says 10 min wait, but we walk right on. Next DD wants to ride the Indy cars. YUK! I really don't like this one. It shows a 5 min wait, but the line is sure longer than that! So, we hop out of line J.

Buzz has a 10 min wait at 9:55. At 10:05, we're in line at CoP. I just love this ride! It's 10:30 as we exit the ride. There's really not time to do anything else like Splash, HM or Hall of Presidents L. We pass a popcorn stand and it smells really good, so we use some of our last snacks on a popcorn and coke, as we head to the monorail to get to Chef Mickey's. We arrive at 10:55. Of course the "others" decide to just eat at the food court and they miss a wonderful meal!

I have always heard such praise for this breakfast buffet and now I know why. It is wonderful! I love it. By the time we leave, ride the monorail back to the MK, wait for a bus for CBR, it's 1:00. We had a late check out arranged, which is 1:00. Now, the way I would've done it, we would already have our luggage stored and would just have to wait for the towncar. But we can't do it MY way, so instead, they have to be out of the room at 1:00. We aren't there (but all of my stuff is packed). So the luggage is carried to the Customs House and they go there to wait for us. We arrive shortly thereafter, but of course DH is mad (what else is new?). The towncar arrives at 1:30 to pick us up and we're on our way to the airport.

Uneventful flight home. I have to dump everybody out and head right to the school for a parent-teacher conference, but I make it in time! Now to dream about the next trip . . . . .

Best thing today: Space Mountain, Carousel of Progress, Chef Mickey's

Worst thing today: leaving "The World"

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