Auburn - January 2005

Day 1 - January 20, 2005

My friend and I drove from Toledo to just south of Knoxville. It was a pretty boring drive...well unless you count the snowy fog all the way till we got thru most of Kentucky. I had never driven this before...and with some of the sight seeing we planned on doing it was going to be a treat for me. She doesn't like to drive after dark...so we started out at about 8am and ended about 5pm. a good amount but not overpowering. I will say we are both lucky that it didn't need to be a fast run because we are both stay at home's. She was getting to her time share by Sat and I was staying with family in Lakeland. We stayed over night at the Baymont. Pretty nice and the coupon books you find at rest stops sure helped the budget.

Day 2 - January 21, 2005

Today we drove from Knoxville to Sun city Florida. No more icky weather and I enjoyed the drive very much. We stayed at a Quality Inn. The coupon books were great, but if you are arriving later then 5pm. you may have issues using them since they only set aside a certain amount of rooms at that lower price. The best part was a side trip we made. I am sure a lot of you have seen the movie "fried green tomatoes" Well I saw in the 75 book about the town where it was filmed and that there is a real Whistle Stop Cafe there. so we had to go. It was only about 10 miles off of 75. Once you made the turn into the town it was like going into a movie set. I loved the movie so this was so incredible. And yes...we did eat friend green tomatoes. Took lots of pics. Did the whole tourist thing. One thing you should know is that I love tourist stuff. I mean you could paint the world Tourist on my forehead...lol.

Day 3 - January 22, 2005

Today was very easy. Since we were already in Florida, the drive to meet up with my family was only about 3 hours. After we met up with my family, my friend continued on to her timeshare. Got to my family's house in Lakeland and rested and changed...then off shopping. My Aunt and I went to one of the many outlet malls in the area. This was not the one of them with the Disney stuff...but it was fun nonetheless. It wasn't all that warm...only about 55 but it was way better then the snowstorm we got at home.

Day 4 - January 23, 2005

Went shopping again today. This time we did go to the outlet that has 2 Disney Outlets. I have to say a couple of things. I cannot imagine staying on International drive. it was the worst place to drive and it was like kill or be killed. So many people and not enough room for them all...and this is the slow season. I can't imagine it in the summer. Also, the Outlet mall was great. It was very interesting to have an indoor outlet mall. We just have outside ones here. Also, watch the prices. Yes, Disney had some great deals...but some of them were not so great. Just average. So I didn't get as much stuff as I thought. I suppose that's a good thing. lol. I did most of the driving today so I would get used to the area since I would be driving alone all week to Disney. Another chilly day...but since were inside...it didn't matter much. Also went to a flea market. Got some great Disney stuff there as well.

Day 5 - January 24, 2005

My first Disney day of the trip. I was up early cause I wanted to get a good start. I wasn't sure how long it would take since I-4 was all tore up. There was a lot of traffic but I got used to it. By the way, no one does the speed limit. It was supposed to be 55 cause of the roadwork. Well I did about 75 to keep up with the traffic. I went to Animal Kingdom first. I had my annual pass but it was not activated yet. The guard let me go in with out paying to park anyway. I went to member services and got that activated. They didn't have me scan my fingers here at all. I was kind of expecting to have to. I did have to show ID and my name is now on the card. Got my little book and it does say about the Disney Dining Experience that AP holders get it for $50. Still haven't decided if I want it or not. They opened up the gates at 8:45 and let us go as far as the tree of life. I have never been able to do that before. They then had a great 2nd opening with Minnie and Pluto and Goofy and Mickey and then we were led to the safari. I was on the first truck. It was wonderful chilly morning, only about 40. Lots of animals were out and about. We also got lucky because they were letting out some new babies that day. Baby tommys....so darn cute. I hope my pics come out. Also saw 3 baby elephants as well. It was a great time to ride. After that I did the lion king show. I had never been able to do that before. I will never miss it again. It was wonderful. Then did its tuff to be a bug and rode Dinosaur. Then it was time to head for MGM. Stopped at the McDonalds on the way. No problem getting a good parking spot in the handicapped area. It seems that MGM has the closest of all the handicapped spots. I rode the backlot tour. I love the new way it is set up. I even got some pics of the new show area. I also got to see where they practice for the new car show. I rode the Great Movie Ride. I love movies so that is one of my favorite things to ride. I then saw the Indiana Jones show. Even though I have seen it before, it still is a great show. I walked around the back lot area. Then I saw the Muppet 3D movie. Went through all the stores. By now I am really getting tired so I headed out of the parks and back into the traffic. Not to bad of a ride back to Lakeland. I sure did enjoy the shower and relaxing after this day.

Day 6 - January 25, 2005

They open the turnstiles early here as well. We only got to move up to just before the train station and saw another opening show. I am really glad to have been able to see this because the last time I was here a few years ago, they didn't do this. It was a wonderful way to open the park. Because I was on my own and I was in no hurry, I took it slow down Main Street. I just let the magic happen. Just being here. What a treat. I went over to Tomorrowland first. Rode Buzz 2 times in a row. I loved it. I am still not great, but it was a blast. I then went through the Stitch ride. I had been on it when it was still the Alien ride. I was never scared during it before...I was rather let down then. I then went back out to the castle and took some pics. Walked over to Fantasy Land. Its A Small World is still being refurbished. I was really surprised by all the people I heard who didn't know it. Once again I am glad I am on this list. I rode Peter Pan's Flight. Next I rode Winnie the Pooh. My friends have asked if I felt silly riding the 'kiddy' rides. No I didn't. They are my favs and this is 'my' vacation. LOL. I then went and watched Mickey's PhilharMagic. What a wonderful movie. I am going to make sure I see that at least once before I go home. What a treat. Speaking of treats...lol..They have this cream cheese stuffed pretzels...wow...its good. Took pics of the teacups and the Dumbo ride car they had out. I didn't see Dumbo though...bummer. I then walked over to Toon Town. I love walking through the houses. I really enjoyed sitting on a bench and watching the looks of the kids as they got to see though things for the first time. I then went and got on the train. I was planning on riding it around the park and then on the 2nd time around get off at Frontier land. Well, there was a child right behind me who didn't want to be riding the train...so I got off at Frontierland the first time...lol. I walked over to Adventureland, thinking I would ride the Jungle Cruise. Well the line was really long. The only line I saw all day. I figured I would try again later. I then rode the Pirates of the Caribbean. I was sitting behind an older couple who had never been to Disney before. It was great fun listening to them talk about the ride. I then went to the Tiki Room. Even though a lot of people think the show is tired, I enjoy it. I tried the jungle cruise again...yeah...line was all gone. the wait was only about 5 minutes. By this time, It was time for lunch. Went to Pecos Bills. I love this place for the fixings bar. While I was eating outside, the country bears and the Frontierland dancers(no idea their real name) went by in a mini parade. What a great way to spend lunch. Of course, this got me in the mind for Country Bears. I walked down Frontierland. Enjoyed the shops of course. Went and saw the Bears. I don't ride the Mountains, but I do enjoy watching the people as they ride. I had a great time over there. Then I went into Liberty Square. Went to the Hall of Presidents. It never fails to amaze me how they are able to move and seem so real. Tried to go on Haunted Mansion. It seems it was having some issues and the line waiting was just crazy so I skipped it. I then made my way back to Main Street. People were getting seats for the parade. I went and got and iced coffee and found a good spot. I made room for a little girl and her mom. It made the parade that much better. After the parade, I did some shopping and headed out of the park for the day.

Day 7 - January 26,2005

Since I had never been able to stay at the parks to see illuminations before, I decided this was going to be an all day long at the parks. So I left the house a little later. What a difference not to be in rush hour. Once I got into Epcot, I went through both of the Innovation sections. It was great because most of the people must have been over at test track or mission space (2 rides I don't do)The buildings were not busy at all. I am just a big kid so I love those buildings. All the things you can touch and explore. After that, I went over to Spaceship Earth. Lots of people were still in line for that, so I figured I can see it later. Went and rode Universe of Energy. It was pretty busy since Wonders of life was closed and so is The Land. The line moved quickly since so many people can be seated at the same time. By now, Spaceship earth wasn't busy so I rode that. I was thinking about the game some of you all have played, the Spaceship Earth game. Were people would have to guess were the ride would stop. I got stopped at Egypt. It was kind of fun. I had a little to really look. After that I went over to Living Seas. I had never done tat before. I really enjoyed it. The manatees were so interesting. I had to buy a little stuffed one. LOL. Then I went to Imagination and rode Journey into Imagination. Also saw Honey I Shrunk the Audience. I played for a while In Image works. Sent a few fun pics home to my husband. Also did Ice Station Cool. Got to love trying all those different drinks. Well, love may not be a good word...lol. but at least fun. Now it was time to start my way around the World Showcase. I was really enjoying this long day. Trying to see everything...lots of time to do it in. Hardly any crowds.... this was the time and the way to go. I got to enjoy the different entertainment at the different countries. The 2 I enjoyed the most were, the showcase players in United Kingdom. They did The Holy Grail...like Monty Python. They picked people out of the audience to play certain parts...and we had some good ones. They played right along. I laughed so hard I had tears rolling. I also really loved "mo'rockin". They were wonderful. Didn't do enough songs for me, so I saw them a lot more as the night went on. Morocco seems to be my favorite country. One thing I did want to mention. In Mexico, inside, in the back near the kidcot station, there is a place to send a virtual postcard. It is like the other machines you can send email pics from. I sent a ' wish you were here' post card to my husband. Later in the evening, I had decided to get a henna tattoo in Morocco. I had one done on my hand. It didn't take long and it was $25...though she had others that were cheaper. She was also doing them on people's legs...so it doesn't have to always be on your hand. Mine lasted for about 2 weeks. I got a good spot in Canada to see Illuminations. It was a wonderful show. Am so glad I stayed to see it. This has been one of the best days.

Day 8 - January 27, 2005

Due to a death in my Aunt's family, I will only have one more day left at Disney. We have to take her to the airport tomorrow, so I can't make the parks. It turns out, that was fine...I needed the day after all the walking.

After I got up later, I headed over to MGM again. Went in and looked around...just soaked it all in...Knowing it was last day for a while. I then took the bus over to Animal Kingdom Lodge. I had wanted to check it out...and here was my chance. I spent a good amount of time looking around. Taking some pics. What a beautiful place. My plan was to then take the buss to magic Kingdom and then the boat over to Wilderness Lodge. Well, I waited for over 1/2 hour for the bus. I don't like to wait and I thought this was a terrible wait. The next bus that came up was the MGM bus again, so I just got on that one and back to my car. I hope it was just a fluke kind of thing; I would hate the busses to always be that slow there. I then drove over to Downtown Disney and went shopping at the market place. I had a great time...but my feet told me I had enough. Time to head back to Lakeland and relax for the next couple of days till I head for home.

Wrap Up

I got some great pics that I will be sharing with you all, as soon as I get them loaded up. I had a wonderful time. I enjoyed this solo trip so much. Not having to wonder if everyone else I am with is having a good time...are they hungry...did they see all they wanted to see...that sort of thing. I only had to worry about me. I got to buy my first pass holder pin. And they also came out with a surprise pin while I was there. I bought that one as well. It has Mickey on it with a cup of coffee...obviously...he doesn't do mornings any better then me with out his coffee.