Trip Details

Date of Trip: February 13-21, 1999
Method of Travel: I took train from Pittsburgh to Washington DC. I and my two friends then flew from Dulles Airport to Orlando via US Airways Metro Jet.
We stayed the entire trip at Coronado Springs Resort, Cabana 9B
Accommodations were a standard room. Two double beds. We did ask for a fridge.
Ages represented in group were from high of 31 (me) to my friend Jay at 27 and my friend Chuck at 25.
This was my fourth trip to WDW - had been previously in October 81, Christmas 86, August 92. This was Jay's second trip to WDW, had been there previously about 20 years earlier. This was Chuck's fourth trip as well - had been there in August 92, Summer 96, Spring 98.
Day 1 - Feb 13, 1999

Three guys, ages range from 25 to 31. All of us have been to WDW in one form or another over the past 25 years. Participants are Joe (me), Chuck and Jay. Joe is from Pittsburgh, other 2 are living in Washington Dc, so Joe's vacation started a day early as he caught Amtrak from home base to Washington DC. Do the Amtrak trains ever run on schedule? I was originally planning on training it from Pittsburgh to Orlando because I hate flying. I am glad my friends changed my mind as I would have missed my connection by 2 hours and would have missed a day at the parks.

Anyway, caught US Airways MetroJet out of Dulles at 7:50am. Yikes. None of us were really awake and when we got to airport American was still on strike so lines were long.

Got on plane and were asked to move to emergency exit aisle and change seats with a lady and her children. Attendant promised us free bloody Marys. We went with soft drinks instead. Arrived at Orlando International about 15 minutes late.

Rental car agency was AVIS. Had to walk miles (not really) to Avis but not really well planned. Had to walk to parking garage then wait for the longest elevators to finally get to car. Red Monte Carlo.

Arrived at Coronado Springs Resort around 11:15am. This is where we would stay all week. It was beautiful. So many colors and so huge. We checked in and although room was not ready we got our park tickets (length of stay) and left. Decided to leave luggage in car as we noticed security prowling lots and felt safe.

Waited about 3 minutes for bus to MGM-Disney studios.

Got to studios and had about a 2 minute wait to enter park. Folks staying at Coronado get lucky at this park as the bus pickup and drop-off is the closest to the main entrance as all other resorts. As the week wore on, we were amazed how difficult people made it to enter their cards in the card readers at the entrance of the parks. Oh well.

Walking up to tip board we noticed only a wait (20 minutes) at Tower of Terror. Went there!. Awesome time, woke us up, even though some loser had a laser pointer on board and was shining it all over the place.

Walked from TOT to Toy Story Pizza Planet for lunch. Hit it at 1230 or so which was prime eating time but we ordered and found a table upstairs. Very loud place with kids running all over the place but we had fun. Crust on pizzas is very crumbly, in my opinion, but good. All we had prior was a power bar on the plane.

Did the Backstage tour (boring) but in my opinion always has been. Tram is down for rehab so you walk first through the water exhibit where they used dummies instead of audience members (or is that an oxymoron?)

Friends then went to Honey.... playground while I tried to get a soda but it was stupid day and lines were horribly long.

Day was cool and we were in jeans and sweatshirts as most everyone else was. Walked around park and at 3pm called CSR to see if room was ready and it was so we left. Waited about 5 minutes for bus back to resort. Checked-in. We had requested a room near food court with a water view and were put in the Cabanas, section 9B, room 9500. Very close to quiet everything. Yes they do have elevators, near ice machine and thanks, the safes in room are big enough to hold wallets, plane tickets, etc.... and not much more, so did not take laptop. Unpacked and relaxed for a few and then headed off to EPCOT. Waited about 5 minutes for bus. Got there and noticed Test Track only had an hour wait. Chuck and I had constantly read of people waiting 2 hours so we figured we were lucky and everything else was going our way that day catching buses and planes and the like so we waited.

At 45 minutes into our wait, it broke down and they told everyone (basically) to leave. Would be shut down for at least another hour. We hadn't even made it up the ramp to the pre-show area so we left. The music on the queue line is LOUD and repetitive. You will hate it after 45 minutes or so, At least we did. left TT and walked past Mexico and on to Norway where we waited about 5 minutes of Maelstrom. Seemed shorter now then it did in 1992, last time I rode it. Oh well.

Walked over to Germany to try and eat and wait was 1 hour and 20 minutes. So we grumbled and left. Long walk back to front of park and CSR is last bus stop so feet were aching. Went back to CSR and waited at Pepper Market for about 10 minutes and then ate.

Pepper market is nice. Food is good. Not a huge choice but enough to fill you. Everyone should read up on it before going though because attendants spend a lot of time explaining everything to you. M&M sugar cookies are awesome. We also bought the refillable mugs so bill was rather high. Jay was in shock getting bill. Chuck and I told him to get used to it. This is Disney!!!!! That night went back to room and tried to get Priority Seating at Citricos at Grand Floridian but they were booked all night. Then tried to get reservations at Biergarten but by then PS was closed for night.

Went to sleep.

Day 2 - Feb 14, 1999

Hint - ask for cabanas in section 9B and you will be close to bus stop 1, quiet pool, food court, short walk to main pool.

Woke up and made PS at Biergarten for 8pm.

Left and caught bus to Magic Kingdom, about a 5 minute wait.

Got to MK about 10:10, 20 minutes after the accident. More about this later. It was nice taking bus from CSR because we bypassed the lagoon and got dropped off at front door. Again, CSR was last in line, but I guess the order of bus drop-off and pick-up is order of resort being built?

Went to Tomorrowland which was my first time to see it re-done. It was neat looking and better than the oranges, blues and silvers of before. Very neon and futuristic. Space Mountain was a 30 minute wait. We had heard it was to open on 15th so were unprepared for the sign to announce it was already open. Went on right side. The monitors make for an enjoyable wait, cute and funny videos.

Then went to Buzz Lightyear Space Ranger Spin. 10 minute wait. Awesome ride and so much fun. I do not think guns work all the time, but still enjoyable.

15 minute wait for Alien Encounter. I was totally unprepared for this.

Purposely did not read up on it cause I did want to be scared. A little. Pre show is cute. Afterwards we entered the room and were hastily seated. Ok, I wondered, if the room does not move and the seats do not move, as I was told by Chuck, why were they putting restraints on us?

This attraction is scary. I screamed like a little girl.

Then went to TimeKeeper, 3 minute wait and also Carousel of Progress where we walked right on.

Ate at Cosmic Ray's, good food but very very crowded. As soon as you get up from table, someone was sitting in your seat. And the condiment bars are placed too far away from chicken entrees.

Walked to Toontown, very packed so we turned around.

Then walked to Fantasyland where we notice a number of attractions closed. We were unaware of accident. Jay asked what the problem was and was told that the attractions were closed due to technical difficulties. I guess that's one way to look at it.

Did Lion King, 20 minute wait and then decided to go back to Coronado Springs because park was getting crowded.

Jay and Chuck went to pool though I thought it was too cold. We left there and went to Epcot and ate at Biergarten. To the lady who did not know what frankfurters were and then was aghast to find out she spent 15 dollars for a hot dog, you win the stupid person award for that night.

left Biergarten and stood outside of Germany pavilion to watch Illuminations. It was nice. Nothing spectacular.

Another long walk from Germany to front entrance. Because of the building, they funnel everyone to left side of Spaceship Earth so huge bottlejams form. Plus everyone had to stop and look at the light displays in the sidewalks.

Got back to room and rested.

Day 3 - Feb 15, 1999

Another hint for CSR stayers. You can actually check in to hotel using either line in registration area. One of the senior Cast Members told us that. So if one line is too long, use other. Other word of advice - the Cast Members at the resort have their own version of Test Track occurring. They speed by you in their golf carts, did not know the golf carts could go that fast.

Woke up and Animal Kingdom was on schedule. Decided to drive there, because past subjects have said it is easier. We got to AK a little before 9am. Parked near front so we figured we made right decision. Some books say avoid AK on Mondays, we hoped everyone would so we could have park to ourselves. Entered and noticed on tip board that the safari only had a 15 minute wait. There was no mention at all of Kali River Rapids on tip board.

Walked to Africa, after stopping and smelling the roses (actually the animals). :)

Safari ride wait was 15 minutes and the wait was very much worth it. It was great. Saw so many animals. Is a bumpy ride. Hopefully video will turn out ok. But it was so nice. Wanted to ride again but as we got back to entrance, the line length had tripled!

Walked over to Asia, decided we would to treks on another day. There was a sandwich signboard announcing Rapids were open for a sneak peek. We breezed through the queue line, it was nice but did not have time to stop and see everything. Line is huge though, am sure it will be filled during summer. Got right on a raft with a family of four. The compartments in middle are great for storing your supplies and for putting your feet on.

I was only person in raft to get drenched. Guess it was punishment for past sins. My back was soaked, everyone else got spritzed. I didn't mind, it did dry real fast.

Ride is very nice. The first hill with the scent of jasmine, I could have stayed there all day! Beautiful sights. The final drop is not as bad as they make it out to be. Nothing more than other rapid rides. Some fat kids were hogging the sprayers so as we left, I walked past and shook my water off on them and proudly called them hogs. Well they were, ya know.

Walked over to Dinoland. 5 minute wait for Countdown to Extinction. Intense ride. I liked Indiana Jones better in DL than this ride. The final encounter left me screaming. If you are afraid of the dark, do not ride on the outside. When you think the dinosaurs stop coming at you - THEY DON'T! Did everything else at Dinoland, the exhibits were very very interesting. Playground was fun and interesting as well.

Walked over to Camp Minnie-Mickey and had a 25 minute wait for Lion King. In the dead of the afternoon sun. No cover. Warning! The show was fantastic, audience participation is nice and the singing was awesome.

Decided to leave because park was getting crowded and since we drove and had a fridge in the room, decided to go find a supermarket and get juices, fruits, etc...

Drove down I4 west. Do not do this!!!!!!!! Nothing for miles. Finally stopped at a Bob Evans and Jay wanted to eat there because he has never eaten at a Bob Evans. I do not think he will do so ever again. It was weird. You get so accustomed to cast members being so nice and then you go to real world and its like yikes. We ate, unspectacular foods and asked about a supermarket, grocery store, etc... They said they thought there was one 10 miles away. I could swear I heard banjos playing in background. We left and saw a 7-11 and stopped there. Also stopped at a local tacky gift shop so I could get a cheap beach towel. The towel was cheap and so was the person behind the counter. But that's another story.

Went back to Coronado and swam at quiet pool.

Changed and decided to do Pleasure Island that night and see Mardi Gras parade because we figured Tuesday night would be really crowded. The bus to PI was a disaster. I think we stopped in Jacksonville to pick some people up. Took us 40 minutes. Decided we would drive next time.

Wanted to eat at Bongos and there was only about a 5 minute wait, Cool! Very nice restaurant. Loud and colorful. My friends are still trying to convince me the urinals spoke to them. I think the corona and and rum runner got to them. The food was very good and I recommend the babaloo drink. It is blue but very yummy. Bill for 3 of us, including drinks was only 60 bucks. Not too bad.

Visited the stores and then walked over to PI and did second show of comedy warehouse - the phrase they had to guess? Chafed thighs bleed when you walk. I think they are still trying to figure it out. Had some beers at t he warehouse. Then my friends went to restrooms and I got a rum special drink they were selling in souvenir gold mugs. It was tasty.

Went to Adventurers club and saw the skit in the library room. My friend was picked on, right Chuck? We left there to see parade (second of night). Stood outside of AC for parade. The stilt walkers have the hugest egos in the world. Is it true that the bigger the stilt the smaller the .....? Dunno. The floats were nice but nothing spectacular. I ended up getting 5 coins and 13 necklaces. My friends got more coins and a souvenir cup but I won the necklace battle!!!!! Damn proud!

My big mouth got me into trouble because as I was screaming for necklaces, one of the float people threw coins at us and one hit me square in the tooth. Hurt for a few hours. I think she did it on purpose. I have a special name for her now.

We left after the parade and walked to Village but all stores were closed or closing so we kept walking to catch bus back to resort.

Day 4 - Feb 16, 1999

Tuesday found us at MGM-Disney studios again. 3 of us, Jay, Chuck and me (Joe). ages 25-31, staying at Coronado Springs Resort.

Caught bus to MGM, waited only a few minutes. Were very lucky with buses for most part.

Got to MGM and went to Movie Ride, about a 10 minute wait. Dun, but ride was better in 1992 or else I have become jaded. The interaction was kinda outdated and boring, if I do say so myself.

Did everything else at MGM that we did not get a chance to do previously. Ate at Hollywood and Vine Soundstage 12. When we got there, was told there was a 2 or 3 minute wait. SO we waited. And waited. And waited. About 10 minutes, the manager on duty came over and asked us if were gonna eat there. I said yes, that we checked in and they said they lost our slip. I saw someone grab it so I kinda got upset and threw a diva act and got a pretty good table. This restaurant has character lunch buffet now (was not in guide books). Characters are Minnie, Goofy, Pluto, Chip and Dale. Buffet is 15 bucks or so per person. We got there about 245 and the character lunch is until 330. We were alone in the restaurant it seemed and every character spent at least 10 minutes with us. Got pictures and autographs. Minnie stays up front at exit/entrance and does not really socialize. You must go to her. Got our pix taken by professional and ended up buying them at end of day. Bill came to 50.73. I asked if I could use my MKC card that I got thru my job and they gladly took the 5 dollars off. Since I got the card for free, it paid for the stamps already. Please check with your credit union and employer to see if you are eligible for this card for FREE!!!!

Left lunch and went to see both Raiders and Hunchback. I cried at Hunchback, but do so at movie as well. This was the best show in my opinion at any park so far. I could see it again and again.

Left and took bus back to resort.

Then took bus to Boardwalk because we wanted play golf at Fantasia Gardens. The staff at Boardwalk really need to know how to give directions to gardens. We were told by 3 people 3 different ways. Walked over to gardens and after paying, were t old by helpful staff that we could have taken a van from Coronado to Fantasia. We told them there was no signage and how can people use van if they do not know about it? Played a nice game of golf. Cute course, but of course I freaked out in the mountain. Was not expecting the surprise. A group of spoiled rotten girls and their parents were behind us yelling and screaming. We asked them to be quiet and I wanted to thrown them to the ducks but we got thru the game.

Walked back over to boardwalk and decided to find a place to eat. Spoodles is expensive! ESPN club has limited choices. Decided to go to Big River Brewery. DO not order the meatloaf here. terrible. worse than terrible.

Walked back to catch bus. Someone got on wrong bus so our bus driver dropped him off at the Swan.

Got back to room.

Day 5 - Feb 17, 1999

Half way through vacation!

Today we went back to the Magic Kingdom. No major problems getting there. Decided that most people at the park would be in Adventureland or Tomorrowland so we headed towards Liberty Square and Frontierland to avoid as many crowds as we could. Did everything from Liberty Square to Jungle Cruise. Most things were miniscule waits with longest wait for Jungle Cruise at over 20 minutes. This was the only ride we were on in which the posted wait time was less than the actual time. Noticed that they do not shoot the hippos anymore. Oh well. We then went to eat at the best kept secret in the park - Liberty Tree Tavern. It is beautiful inside, the wait was about 3 minutes. Our server was from Pennsylvania so we chatted about the Steelers, etc... ( 2 of us in group grew up in Pittsburgh). Total for lunch came to $43 and when I showed MKC card, we saved the four dollars. Restaurant was very quiet, we were seated in the Ben Franklin room. There was a family seated next to us from England and the children were the best behaved kids at WDW all week.

Left eating and that's when things got a little bad. To start off, Chuck had gotten a bad case of sinusitis on Monday and was all stuffed up. My ankles started to ache more and more and by lunch time, I was holding the group up because of my slow and deliberate walking. My friends wanted me to go to First Aid or get a wheelchair. I finally relented and Chuck and I walked to First Aid while Jay watched the remainder of the Holiday celebration.

At First Aid, I was second in line behind a 13 y/o with another bad case of sinusitis. I also ran into a co-worker who I had no idea was at WDW. He is a doctor and wanted to make sure I was ok, but I hated to bother him since he was on vacation with his family, who were also ill and getting some basic medicine. Nurse at First Aid was very very nice. Asked if I wanted to see a doctor or get x-rays. I asked for an ace bandage to wrap my most aching ankle and she provided as well as got me some ibuprofen to take. Chuck asked for some meds for his sinus problems and she got him take care of as well. Wrapped my ankle and we were off. Certainly helped a lot.

Took the monorail then to EPCOT. We had made PS reservations for San Angel Inn a few weeks ago. We got to EPCOT rather early and decided to wait the in the 55 minute wait at Test Track since our previous experience was interrupted. As we drove past on the monorail we noticed no line. By the time we got there, the line had increased.

We waited in line and kept our fingers crossed to get to ride it this time. We got up the ramp and through the pre-show room and made it to the other side. Stood in line and waited a few seconds and was sent to a car to wait. Then it happened again. Ride shut down after a very strange noise. The CM walked past us and said he hates when that that noise is made. After a minute or two, they came back and said the ride was closed. They offered us Get In Free passes so it made it a little more bearable.

Left test track tired and upset but we knew we still had a few days left to ride it and with the passes, we could avoid standing in line and walk right on the ride.

Went to San Angel and got there there early. They were turning people away if you did not have a reservation. The PS was for 7:15, we got there at 6:35 and was finally seated at 7:30. Donald Duck was in the marketplace dressed appropriately. First time I had seen Donald outside of a parade. We sat down at a table in the center of the restaurant. I noticed that the table card had our names on it but also had some Mexican wording, something like compleanos(?). I wondered what that meant.

The food was good - not a huge selection, but was very good. The margarita was HUGE!!!!!! and very tasty.

After dinner, found out what the Mexican word meant. My friends decided to throw me an early birthday celebration. Gee thanks.

About 6 of the wait staff brought out a cake and started singing very loudly and somewhat poorly. They then made a bow out of a red napkin and placed it on my head. Then they brought out an instamatic camera and one waiter put some cake on a fork and went to feed me. Then they smashed the cake in my face and snapped a picture. I had cake up my nostrils, etc....

I was so embarrassed. Be forewarned!!!! I got the picture and Chuck swears he is gonna post it on RADP.

Went shopping in the marketplace afterward and Chuck and Jay bought a ceramic wall hanging for their apartment and asked it be shipped back to room. The CM told us it would be there by Friday. Cool.

Left Epcot just as Illuminations started and avoided the crowds.

Day 6 - Feb 18, 1999

Today was Universal day.

Drove there and was cool to see IOA. It is not easy to park at Universal. You have to drive around and around and finally park. The parking garage we parked in was King Kong and you can hear him roar as you get to your cars.

Had to wait in line. At the same time I got my MKC I also got a Universal Fan Club card that said it would offer 10 percent discount on admission. Since AAA has only a 3 dollar discount and other coupons offered $2.50, used the fan club card. saved $13 or so.

Went to Twister with a 20 minute wait. Cool attraction. Then went to Kong and Earthquake, both with under a 10 minute wait. Walked over to Jaws. In 1992, Chuck and I were there and Jaws was broke, and although I have been to USH, really wanted to ride it. Had to wait in line about 30 minutes and it was cool. Queue line is cool. I liked the dripping fish.

After Jaws, saw the stunt show, which was the same show I saw at USH. Then walked to BTTF, but line was 45 minutes so we kept walking. Went to ET because they said wait was only 20 minutes. HA HA HA HAHAHAHA. Waited for about 40 minutes.

Went to Monster Cafe to eat. Very cool place. Nice selection of food. Not a lot but different choices. I wish people could make up their minds faster about what they want to eat. And remember they have t o pay. 2 people in front of us acted like they forgot they had to pay and had to dig through purse, etc to get money. Asked manager if I could use fan club card and he said yeah. Cashier said no and manager came over and gave us the discount. Was only $3 but hey, that's 3 bucks right?

Afterwards went and saw Beetlejuice show. Yikes. USH's show is so much better. BJ never came out for a curtain call and it seemed like the show was abbreviated.

Then did BTTF anad T2 which was very cool. Wait for BTTF was 35 minutes and for T2 was 5 minutes.

Left Universal and drove over to DisneyQuest. Used our flex feature for this. Very cool place. You get a workout on some of the VR games. I chickened out of the Cyberspace Mountain, Chuck did his coaster. Ate at the restaurant inside DQ. Pretty good food. They make wraps to order, which I thought was cooler than getting one out of freezer. I had a foot long chili cheese dog. Yummm!!! Left DQ and didn't get back to room until 1230am. Amazed at how many curfews are forgotten at Disney. The only thing to make DQ better would be to close it at 11:00 for those under 18. That would give adults an hour which would be cool I think. In my opinion.

Day 7 - Feb 19, 1999

We knew that today was E-Ticket night at Magic Kingdom. We planned to go to EPCOT but first get to MK and get our tickets for the night. We knew that would be a hassle so Jay called the front desk to see if we could buy our tickets somewhere else and were surprised to find out we could! Right at the resort! Went to front desk and bought the tickets. Saved us maybe an hour or so! They give you another credit card type of ticket with E-Ticket printed on it. Today we decided to go to EPCOT and finish those items we did not get a chance to do prior (which was a lot because of our standing in line at Test Track). Upon arrival we went to tip board and noticed Test Track was "on delay." We still had our walk-on free pass and told each other that it would be open later, we knew it, don't panic! Walked over to Honey, I shrunk ..... Stood in line for about 7 minutes, including the pre-show. Even though we know that they will only admit enough people to fill the seats, everyone was still pushing and jostling for BVS (best viewing seat). Doors opened and we waited a few second as everyone ran to be seated at end of row. We got middle. If you want a good seat, stand near the door and wait for about 30 or 40 people to enter in front of you. They will disperse once in the room and you will be usually able to sit in middle of aisle.

Movie was awesome. They do warn you outside that if you are afraid of snakes or mice, you may want to avoid this attraction. Please do so! I hate snakes and what happened with the snake did not bother me much. But the mice. Whoa boy. I garnered a new respect for Disney after this attraction - they can scare you with your own mind. We then continued around and did World Showcase, did the movie at Canada (everytime Chuck and I hear song and see movie we cry because it is so beautiful. Noticed a lot of senior citizens in the park today. Walked through UK (nothing really there to do anyway, right?) Went to France and stood in line to get pastries. YUMMMMM. I pigged out and got two - then was in sugar shock all day. We then stayed for the movie. The CM did a French speaking Donald Duck in his opening speech. Tres interesting! Had lunch at American Adventure fast food place. Nothing spectacular but was where we were when we got hungry.

One bad note - service in Japan was horrible. I tried to buy a few trinkets for my secretaries at work. Stood in line and waited and waited. One of the CMs asked me to go stand in another longer line. Did so. Waited and waited. Then was asked to go stand in a shorter line. Did so. Waited and waited. The CM at this line was being interviewed by two school age children about life in Japan. I got ticked off and placed the items on the register and exclaimed loudly that I was leaving and urged others to do so because of the poor service. The store was not crowded but it seemed the CMs were stumbling over themselves to help the women shoppers and not the men. I found it very rude and it took me until Mexico to feel better. I swore I would write a letter of complaint.

We walked over and noticed that Test Track was running (you can hear it and see the line from a distance away). We went through back door where we noticed a lot of suited men and women CMs. Walked up back steps and handed our Pass Go slip to the CM. He left us in and we walked almost right on. Waited maybe 2 minutes. Oh the anticipation. Please do not break down! This is our last chance!

The ride did not break down! It was pretty good. Three of us were in back. Jay got middle seat and freaked because he only had lap belt while sides get the lap and shoulder belt. You really do not need any of them though so please do not freak out if you get middle. This was an ok ride. Maybe I was expecting more. Jay kinda agreed. Chuck got mad because he loved it. I don't know. Will ride it again someday, maybe I was out of it because I kept waiting for it to break down?

Left TT and spent about an hour at Innovations. They did the house tour while I tried to get some news from the WWW using some of their computers. Got headlines. Also did Bill Nye The Science Guy show. Cute. Walked over to other side of Innovations. Why do they now monitor you going in? Waste of time in my opinion.

Left EPCOT, went back to resort and fought over our plans for evening. I wanted to do Spectromagic parade. Agreed then got messed up on buses - had t o wait about 25 minutes and got to MK about 5 minutes prior to parade starting. Went in around Town Hall and stood there, figured we would catch the end of the parade. Got our wrist bands and waited for parade. HOORAY! It started on our side, so we got to see the whole parade from start to finish. As the parade finished our side we went to Tony's for a late dinner. Expensive! Very expensive and the food was OK. Nothing spectacular. Stayed for E NIGHT. Was next to last group going through Haunted Mansion. Yeah! Then walked to BTMRR and rode it a few times. Got stuck in Splash Mountain at bottom of last drop.

Walked to Tomorrowland via castle - they kinda corral you into certain places. Oh, almost forgot, after dinner we went to candy store and was told that all the stores on Main Street close at 10pm irregardless o E Night. Not true as you will see. Also, Jay went to Town Hall to see how many tickets they sold for E Night. We figured they would not tell him. He spoke to someone who said that they have a maximum of 50000 E TICKETS per night. For this night they sold 25000!!!!!!! HUH? We were upset - there goes our walk right ons!

Did Buzz Lightyear twice - its tough by yourself as you have to steer and shoot. Did Space Mountain twice as well - waited about 10 minutes each time. Not bad. I was tired and ready to leave then, it was already 1115 or so. We walked back to Main Street and went into Bakery cause it was open. Got some more pastries and tried to eat them. No silverware. No plastic ware. Nothing. We asked the CMs to get us some. And we waited and waited. 20 MINUTES WENT BY! If would have complained if I was not so tired.

Almost missed our bus. I am limping along because of my messed up ankle and Jay waved good bye to our bus driver. He stopped and allowed us to get on.

Day 8 - Feb 20, 1999

Got a late start today. Decided to go to AK. I packed a little bit while other guys got ready. We are leaving tomorrow. Jay and Chuck remembered that we still had not received our package they bought from Mexico on Wednesday night. Did a quick look around to make sure. Nope. Not here. Jay called. Got passed around 3 times. Finally was told that the package was in the hotel gift shop. At Coronado, supposedly, they do not deliver packages to the rooms because of how new the resort is. That's what they told Jay. He complained that someone better develop a clear policy - we heard 4 different explanations trying to find the gift item. We did complain about this. Jay went to get item while we finished getting ready.

Got to AK around 10am. We drove. Had a 10 minute wait for Its A Bug's Life. Great movie - a little gross. The maggot scene was gross and I still have trouble being seated for anything. The wasps were great! Did the walking tours and were able to see all of the animals as advertised. It gets very crowded and noisy on the walking tours. Took train to Conversation Station. Learned a number of things. Exhibits were cool. Came back and walked to DinoLand and ate at Restaurantosaurus because I love that name! McDonalds in disguise. Cute execution. Horrible food.

Five minute wait to Countdown to Extinction. Why? My favorite ride at Disney, although it scares me silly. Left AK as parade was starting. We did some shopping prior to leaving and I bought a lot of stuff for me and some small things for family. Oh well. Swam some in the pools at the resort cause it was hot but getting cooler. Then took bus to Studios to see Fantastic!. We got there at 6:15pm for the 7pm show. At that time half the stadium was full. We got pretty good seats anyway. See this show. I would see it twice if you want to videotape it. See it once and then go back and videotape it - the ending is so spectacular and such a KODAK moment! Exiting was horrible. 10000 people crammed into one exit. Great. And I have to pee.

We decided to leave studios and go to Downtown Disney. Guess what. You can't get there from here. No bus to DD from Studios. Have to go back to your resort and catch that bus. huh? CM was rude like how dare we want to go to DD anyway. We went back to resort and jumped in car. Had to park on other side of Circa. Nice long walk in the cold Jay!

Wanted to eat at Wolfgang's. I had been to his LA restaurant once before and Jay and Chuck wanted to try it. One hour wait. Not bad, we will shop and come back. Walked over to DD and bought some stuff. They give you a pager to call you. But guess what, it does not work at DD. Our pager never went off even though they called us about 40 minutes into our wait. They apologized and seated us rather quickly anyway. Great food and the service was fantastic. We got mixed drinks and dessert so bill was high - who cares its vacation right?!

Left DD and drove back to resort.

Day 9 - Feb 21, 1999 - Final Day

woke up at 9am - latest wake up call all week! WE packed and cried. Cried and packed. Do we have to leave? What if we stay one more day? What would it cost to change our flights and our rooms and call our jobs....... Ok, lets get realistic - we must leave. And its getting colder anyways. Today's high is only going to be in the upper 50s. Yikes. Packed our stuff and used the express checkout method. Packed our car, or at least tried to - where did all this stuff come from? Hmmmmmm. We drove to DD to finish our shopping. Ate at Rainforest Cafe - horrible service. Sat us at a dirty table with dirty silverware. Then proceeded to scrape the thing off the table with her fingernail. Ewwwww yuck. We should have complained huh? Didn't and enjoyed the food. Sat us near the fog machine. Half the time my companions could not see me because of all the fog. Interesting.

Finished our shopping, I bought more things then I needed, including some ties that were on sale and some more clothing and some little things for the ladies at work. Also bought a print of Mickey Mouse shaking the hand of a Fireman. I work in emergency services and had to have it. 20 bucks - not bad. Used my MK card and saved 10 percent so I bought the book on Making of Animal Kingdom. Read it on plane ride back. It got colder and started to rain. Jay and Chuck wanted to go to a park. I was tired. They left and went to MK while I stayed at DD and saw a movie. They were able to do train and some little things at MK. We decided to meet at a certain time. Our plane was a late plane, leaving Orlando at 845pm or so.

Finally left Disney property on way to airport. Before you get on the toll roads - buy gas. Trust me - it will save you time. Got to airport and traded in car. Avis. Took forever. Cost more than quoted. Fight with them later.

You know, I said this before but the Orlando airport is so configured wrongly. What is up with the parking garage and the slowest elevators in modern time? We ate at the food court at the airport, bought some magazines for the ride and waited to plane.

Left on time. Airplane ride back was uneventful. Arrived in DC coldness. Dulles has this game of not telling you where your luggage will be coming out of - you have to guess. How quaint. At 11:00pm on Sunday night, I do not want to guess. Jay went to get car while Chuck and I got luggage.

left and went back to Jay and Chuck's place. I was leaving by Amtrak on Monday for ride back to Pittsburgh area.

Trip Summary

Positives were:

Animal Kingdom is awesome and will only get better.
Downtown Disney has the best eating establishments on property.
Coronado Springs is beautiful if not a bit spread out.
99 % of cast members are great.
Use the first aid/emergency system if you need to. They will help you!
Fantasmic! was beautiful.
Everything was beautiful.
Problems:

Bus from Studios and other parks to DD.
Package delivery - what is official position?
Some food establishments need to lower prices (Spoodles) or get better food (Big River Brewery) or better help (Rainforest Cafe).
Please slow the golf carts down at Coronado Springs.
Universal should buy the employee handbook from Disney and train some of their cast members.
Orlando airport needs to have a professional planner come in and re-do entire system. Much too crazy. Build and airport the people can use - not that looks pretty.
Strollers are objects that can hurt someone if ran into ankles. Please observe natural driving habits. Thank you.
Will I go back. Damn right. Already planning a trip to Orlando in October 99.

HINTS/CLUES:

Do the coke exhibit at EPCOT - cool.
Wake up 30 minutes earlier than expected and get to parks early. You can get so much more done in first hour or two.
Get to Animal Kingdom as early as possible to see as many animals as you can. Take the time to see the animals and smell the animals. Your children and you will learn by asking the guides as well.
Ask, Ask, Ask. Do not be afraid to ask CMs something. Worse they can do is say no. they will not kick you out of park. But do some investigation beforehand. Take 30 bucks and buy a guide book and get some basic clues.
See the Hunchback show at Studios. The message is so basic but nice.
Get your picture taken with a character. And smile.
Take five minutes and watch a child interact with Disney magic.
Only use a wheelchair if you really need to.
Eat at least one pastry or baked good at each park. You are on vacation. Who cares if you gain a pound or so.
City dwellers - take your children to Conservation Station at Animal Kingdom. Let them touch the animals. They will forever love you.
Be nice to others at the parks. Do not stand at exit of attraction or show and look around. Move to side.
Finally, stand at an attraction with your mouth open in amazement at least once.!
Joseph D. Ponko

Pennajoe@aol.com