Trip Reports
02-20-2007, 08:59 AM
Robin Andrews -- April 2002 -- Walt Disney World (WL)
The Crew:
Me: 45 year old female, a scaredy cat when it comes to rides, my third trip to WDW. Previous visits were May 1991 and September 1999.
Husband (H): 46, WDW veteran
Daughter (D): age 9, lover of roller coasters, second time at WDW
When: Saturday April 13-Thursday April 18
Arrangements by AAA Carolina (Thanks Sofia!)
Departed NC 8:30 am. Easy drive on I95 until we reached Jacksonville, FL. We were listening to Harry Potter and the Sorcerers Stone on CD, and I was so caught up in the story I missed an exit, or exited when I shouldn't have, and we saw parts of town we hadn't planned to see, including unfortunately a bad accident. We did find I95 again, and got to Orlando about 6:30. Here we encountered the heaviest traffic so far. I4 was confusing, I didn't like the traffic patterns, lanes would shift and end and merge, and I was getting tired.
Our plan had been to spend the night on the road somewhere, and drive into Orlando Sunday morning. Because we made such good time, instead we called a number we found in a coupon book we picked up at the welcome center, and spent Saturday night at a Travelodge near WDW for $41. We had a late dinner at a Chinese buffet within walking distance-- it was just OK. Then an A&W root beer float for H, and a game of air hockey for D and me, and we tried to sleep.
Next morning we breakfasted at the McD's next door, then headed to the Wilderness Lodge. I was glad to leave, the area was so commercialized, it felt like Myrtle Beach. We drove up the road to the lodge, and it was just as I remembered it from 3 years earlier, wooded, quiet, bear crossing signs. The security guard checked my ID and let us drive up.
We pulled up to the front door about 9 am. There were several uniformed staff people standing in the driveway. No greeting, no welcome. We were ignored. I decided to go inside, and that got their attention. 'You can't leave your vehicle unattended.' What kind of greeting is that?? He should have said something like 'Hi, welcome, can I help you?' H stayed with the car and I went inside and checked in, and since we wanted a non-smoking room, we checked our luggage, and were promised a room by 3. The woman at the front desk was very nice. H found someone to take our stuff, a pleasant young woman.
The Character Caravan came out then, and we got photos and autographs with Pinocchio, Foul Fellow, Gideon, and Pluto. Then we headed to the dock to ride the boat to MK. The security check went very quickly, and we headed for Tomorrowland. The wait for Space Mountain was posted as 25 minutes, so D and H went on in. I checked out the shops and rode the TTA. It turned out, the wait at Space Mt. was more like 10 minutes, so they also rode the Indy cars. I left my camera on a bench, remembered it shortly thereafter, and returned to the bench. No Camera! I began to panic, but the Mom sharing my bench said she had turned it in to a CM at the Fast Pass! So I got my camera back.
I found my family and we got fast passes for Buzz. We had a snack, frozen Coke and character cookies, rode the TTA, which stopped for what seemed like a long time, thought about riding the Astro Orbiter but the line was long, then headed for Buzz.
Next we went to Liberty Square, where we walked right into Haunted Mansion. Which also stopped in the middle for a few weird minutes. Then we had lunch at Harbour House while it showered a little. I loved my sandwich of humus and broccoli slaw on olive bread. D's favorite food is Mac & cheese, but she only ate about half of hers. H had a fried fish and chicken plate, it was just OK, he said. We took our food upstairs where it was half empty and quite peaceful, and had a lovely view of the Liberty Belle and the people in the rain. I read about this place in an Internet forum - thanks y'all! Then we did the Hall of Presidents. D enjoyed it, as did I. While H and D got in line for Splash Mt. I got them Fastpasses for Big Thunder Mt., then shopped, saw the show at the Enchanted Tiki Room (Hot Tuna Tostada!?) and saw Cap'n Hook outside the Pirates ride. Unfortunately, it began to pour soon after that, and we headed back to the WL without riding Thunder Mt. We got our room, nonsmoking as requested, on the 6th floor overlooking the lobby, with a view of the Villas from the balcony. The bellman brought our luggage and was very helpful and friendly. D took a bath to warm her up after her soaking, then we went downstairs and took the bus to Epcot. I love Epcot. We rode Spaceship Earth. I was struck anew by Disney's optimistic vision of humanity's accomplishments and possibilities. Then we played with our scrambled photographs, and a few other games. Then we headed into Innovation, saw the very cool Segway demo, sent a D-Mail, D played in a video game with the belt around her waist, great fun for a 9 year old btw, and we enjoyed the robotic dog. Test Track was 75 minute wait, no Fastpasses left, so we skipped that. Next we saw part of the first Tapestry of Dreams parade, I love that music, H bought me the CD. We had a wonderful dinner in Japan at Teppanyaki . We didn't need a PS, the wait was very short for just the 3 of us. My picky eater even loved it. Our host made her an origami frog that can jump. A woman at our table ordered soybeans, which she shared with everyone. After dinner we found a spot to watch the entire Tapestry of Dreams parade. We should have stayed there for Illuminations, but H wanted to go to the Norway gift shop. Big mistake. There was no way we could see Illuminations from there, except the music and what was in the sky. I was really disappointed because I love that show.
Monday morning we were up early, took the bus to the TTC, and the monorail to Grand Floridian, for an 8:40 PS for breakfast with Mary Poppins. We thought we were going to have to drive our car, but the helpful CM at the front desk assured us this would be very quick, and it was. The buffet was very good, lots of fresh fruit, coffee, muffins, omelets to order. We met Alice, the Mad Hatter, Pooh, and Eeyore at the table, and Mary in the lobby. She was lovely. The Grand Floridian is a beautiful and elegant hotel, I'd never seen it before. After breakfast we got back on the monorail to Epcot. D and H rode Test Track. She was very nervous, but enjoyed it once it got going. She thought she was going to have to drive and was scared. Then we did the Universe of Energy ride, and then went into Wonder of Life for Cranium Command. Poor Buzzy was losing a eyebrow! It was kind of hanging to the side.
While they were in Test Track I wandered around a bit, watched the birds (one of which pooped on me, D thought that so funny) and the people. A couple asked me to take their picture in front of the Wonder of Life sign. I aimed the camera and they grabbed each other in a passionate embrace! Funny. We went to Honey I Shrunk the Audience. Loved it, but D didn't like the snake. We had lunch at the Coral Reef. Again, no PS needed. The huge aquarium forming one wall is very cool. I had catch of the day--couldn't quite understand what he said it was, either spearfish or spadefish. The waiter said it was from Hawaii (how can it have been caught today then? but I didn't ask him). D ordered the baked mahi from the children's menu, but she didn't care much for it, so she helped her Dad eat his shrimp and crab claws which were very good, and he finished her mahi for her. The hard rolls were very good too, we all ate those up. Some where we came upon the Leaping fountain, which we all found fascinating.
Then we went to Canada and viewed their wonderful dizzying film, and then to the United Kingdom and caught some of the Beatles show.
Then we headed back to Innovations, the other side this time, and H went in while D enjoyed an ice cream bar. We sat by a sidewalk with moving lights in it, D noticed it first, then we got a kick out of the people going by, watching to see who noticed them and their reactions. It began to rain again so we went into Innovations also. We sent email, looked at fire ants, and a reading seeing-eye robotic dog. We also visited the Ice Station Cool (and wow was it cold in there!) and tried some of the drinks. I liked the fruit flavored one from China.
We took the bus back to WL and rested, and made Fantasmic dinner reservations for the next night. Then we headed to Magic Kingdom. D and H rode Thunder Mt, then we all rode Aladdin's Magic Carpet and Peter Pan. The place was packed. People, kids, strollers, wheelchairs everywhere. We saw the Spectromagic parade from the castle steps, not a great view, but what we could see was beautiful.
D was hungry so she had a hot dog and fries at Casey's. Then we shopped Main Street until time for the fireworks. I stood on Main Street and saw Tinkerbell fly! And the show was spectacular. I love the music, and the castle's color changes, and the fireworks. It was grand. We took the boat back to the WL, had chili at the Roaring Forks, and crashed.
Tuesday morning the Character Caravan brought the White Rabbit, Goofy, Tweedles Dum and Dee. Dum and Dee put on a show, losing a shoe and stomping about, and going up the elevator to wave at each other across the lobby from the 6th floor. D followed one of them up there, and got his autograph.
We had breakfast at the Whispering Canyon. We had a very personable waiter, and D got a surprise when she asked for a straw! The French toast was the best. D wanted some pool time, so we spent the morning at the pool. She loves their slide, and made a friend her age. The life guard was gorgeous, so we were both happy to spend the morning poolside. H read and napped out on the balcony of our room. About noon we headed to MGM-Disney Studios. First stop, the Tower of Terror, followed by the Rock'n Roller Coaster. They rode, I waited. It was hot, but I had water and a battery powered fan. Lunch was at the Commissary, and it was surprisingly good. I had the taboulleh wrap which was wonderful, H had chicken on a stick, and D had fish and chips. After lunch we went to Indiana Jones, front row seats. D has never seen raider of the lost ark, so we tried to fill her in on the story. We enjoyed the show, and D got Trent's picture and autograph after the show. It had rained while we were there, but stopped by the time we came out. Then we did the Muppets 3D movie, great fun.
We had PS for the Hollywood and Vine. I thought a buffet would be nice, so every one would find something they liked. I enjoyed a salad of baby greens with pomegranate dressing, and then salmon, and lots of vegetables, including red beans and rice. H was harder to please, the pork tasted funny, the steak was cold, and D hardly ate anything, but she did enjoy the ice cream bar. The restaurant is noisy and kind of chaotic, and the rest room is too small, and there was a large group near us with small children completely out of control. I wouldn't recommend it. But we got our Fantasmic passes, then went out to watch the parade. After the parade, we thought there would be time for D to play in the Shrunken Kids playground. But it was closed. So we went to the giant hat and played in there a bit, then went a little early for our Fantasmic seats. It was about 7:30, and we sat in the second row all the way to the left of the reserved section. Great seats, though we did get sprayed a little. While we waited, the audience did the wave several times. The Fantasmic show was amazing. We'd never seen it before, and wow, was it cool. I'm really glad we went. I was also glad I'd bought a long sleeved sweatshirt after the parade. I needed it. This was my second visit to the Studios, and I still didn't see the Little Mermaid or Hunchback shows. And I had wanted to see One Mans Dream. Maybe next time.
Tuesday night was supposed to be our last night, we were planning to stow our stuff Wednesday morning, visit AK, then start for home. But, a message was waiting for us, a "Stampede" offer of another night, at a discount rate. I don't know if it was really much of a discount, but we took it. So Wednesday morning we showered and dressed and headed to Animal Kingdom. When we got there, we wanted breakfast. Looking at the map, we thought the closest place might be Rain Forest Cafe, so we went there. 10 am, and they were already serving their lunch menu! I couldn't believe it. But I really wanted a cup of coffee, and D was really hungry. So we had hot dogs, hamburgers, pizza, and coffee for breakfast that day. And it was pretty good food, though the service was somewhat inattentive, but we loved the restaurant's atmosphere, the rain and the gorillas, and the colorful animal themed bar stools.
Back in the AK, first stop was Camp Minnie Mickey. We needed Minnie to sign D's hat. 3 years ago her hat was stolen, so we were replacing it. We visited the first of the kids stations, where they get a book to be stamped at various locations throughout the park, and learn something about each area. We'd seen the Lion King show before, so we split up, D and H for Dinoland, and I went to Rafiki's Planet Watch. I especially like the cotton top tamarinds, and stayed to talk to the CM there. She told me about one of the male's vasectomy! Also I enjoyed the sounds of the rain forest. Next I did the Maharajah's Jungle Trek. The tapir was sleepy, larger than I thought it would be, the Komodo dragon was showing off, the bats are huge, and I saw tigers and lots of birds. Great exhibit. I saw DeVine! I waited for D and H by Kali River Rapids, and had a frozen lemonade, that came with a keepsake straw-spoon, with Mickey in a safari suit hanging on it. River rapids was great fun, We got soaked, but it was hot and it felt good. This was the only day it didn't rain. The inner protective section worked well, by backpack stayed dry. Then we saw Tough to be a Bug, (I love 3D movies!), then the Pocahontas show, where D was chosen to bang the drum to start the show. Then it was almost 4. We chose to do Jungle Safari over the parade. It was a 35 minute wait, but we saw a lot of animals. Then we walked the Pangani Forest trail, and saw lots of animals there too, including the gorillas, and meerkats. then the park was closing, so we headed back to the WL for some more swim time. Dinner was at Artists Point at 8. I had the cedar plank salmon and H had the buffalo, and we shared a yummy chocolate desert that had cream inside and brandied cherries outside. We finished in time to see the electric light parade on the lake.
Thursday morning Captain Hook and Mr. Sweet came to the hotel. This made D very happy, she had been wanting to see Hook. There was also Minnie and Pluto. We had breakfast at the Whispering Canyon again, this time our waitress, while very pleasant, did not do anything silly or crazy. We headed to the pool again, but unfortunately the slide was closed for repairs. D swam for a bit, then we packed and were out the door right at 11. We decided to try a different route home by taking 301. Big mistake. Very slow, added 2 hours to trip. We arrived home about 11pm that night. It was a fun trip. We relaxed a little more on this trip than our last, didn't do as much but I think enjoyed it more. We're already talking about next time. H is thinking a Disney Cruise would be fun.
Robin Andrews
rga756@hotmail.com
The Crew:
Me: 45 year old female, a scaredy cat when it comes to rides, my third trip to WDW. Previous visits were May 1991 and September 1999.
Husband (H): 46, WDW veteran
Daughter (D): age 9, lover of roller coasters, second time at WDW
When: Saturday April 13-Thursday April 18
Arrangements by AAA Carolina (Thanks Sofia!)
Departed NC 8:30 am. Easy drive on I95 until we reached Jacksonville, FL. We were listening to Harry Potter and the Sorcerers Stone on CD, and I was so caught up in the story I missed an exit, or exited when I shouldn't have, and we saw parts of town we hadn't planned to see, including unfortunately a bad accident. We did find I95 again, and got to Orlando about 6:30. Here we encountered the heaviest traffic so far. I4 was confusing, I didn't like the traffic patterns, lanes would shift and end and merge, and I was getting tired.
Our plan had been to spend the night on the road somewhere, and drive into Orlando Sunday morning. Because we made such good time, instead we called a number we found in a coupon book we picked up at the welcome center, and spent Saturday night at a Travelodge near WDW for $41. We had a late dinner at a Chinese buffet within walking distance-- it was just OK. Then an A&W root beer float for H, and a game of air hockey for D and me, and we tried to sleep.
Next morning we breakfasted at the McD's next door, then headed to the Wilderness Lodge. I was glad to leave, the area was so commercialized, it felt like Myrtle Beach. We drove up the road to the lodge, and it was just as I remembered it from 3 years earlier, wooded, quiet, bear crossing signs. The security guard checked my ID and let us drive up.
We pulled up to the front door about 9 am. There were several uniformed staff people standing in the driveway. No greeting, no welcome. We were ignored. I decided to go inside, and that got their attention. 'You can't leave your vehicle unattended.' What kind of greeting is that?? He should have said something like 'Hi, welcome, can I help you?' H stayed with the car and I went inside and checked in, and since we wanted a non-smoking room, we checked our luggage, and were promised a room by 3. The woman at the front desk was very nice. H found someone to take our stuff, a pleasant young woman.
The Character Caravan came out then, and we got photos and autographs with Pinocchio, Foul Fellow, Gideon, and Pluto. Then we headed to the dock to ride the boat to MK. The security check went very quickly, and we headed for Tomorrowland. The wait for Space Mountain was posted as 25 minutes, so D and H went on in. I checked out the shops and rode the TTA. It turned out, the wait at Space Mt. was more like 10 minutes, so they also rode the Indy cars. I left my camera on a bench, remembered it shortly thereafter, and returned to the bench. No Camera! I began to panic, but the Mom sharing my bench said she had turned it in to a CM at the Fast Pass! So I got my camera back.
I found my family and we got fast passes for Buzz. We had a snack, frozen Coke and character cookies, rode the TTA, which stopped for what seemed like a long time, thought about riding the Astro Orbiter but the line was long, then headed for Buzz.
Next we went to Liberty Square, where we walked right into Haunted Mansion. Which also stopped in the middle for a few weird minutes. Then we had lunch at Harbour House while it showered a little. I loved my sandwich of humus and broccoli slaw on olive bread. D's favorite food is Mac & cheese, but she only ate about half of hers. H had a fried fish and chicken plate, it was just OK, he said. We took our food upstairs where it was half empty and quite peaceful, and had a lovely view of the Liberty Belle and the people in the rain. I read about this place in an Internet forum - thanks y'all! Then we did the Hall of Presidents. D enjoyed it, as did I. While H and D got in line for Splash Mt. I got them Fastpasses for Big Thunder Mt., then shopped, saw the show at the Enchanted Tiki Room (Hot Tuna Tostada!?) and saw Cap'n Hook outside the Pirates ride. Unfortunately, it began to pour soon after that, and we headed back to the WL without riding Thunder Mt. We got our room, nonsmoking as requested, on the 6th floor overlooking the lobby, with a view of the Villas from the balcony. The bellman brought our luggage and was very helpful and friendly. D took a bath to warm her up after her soaking, then we went downstairs and took the bus to Epcot. I love Epcot. We rode Spaceship Earth. I was struck anew by Disney's optimistic vision of humanity's accomplishments and possibilities. Then we played with our scrambled photographs, and a few other games. Then we headed into Innovation, saw the very cool Segway demo, sent a D-Mail, D played in a video game with the belt around her waist, great fun for a 9 year old btw, and we enjoyed the robotic dog. Test Track was 75 minute wait, no Fastpasses left, so we skipped that. Next we saw part of the first Tapestry of Dreams parade, I love that music, H bought me the CD. We had a wonderful dinner in Japan at Teppanyaki . We didn't need a PS, the wait was very short for just the 3 of us. My picky eater even loved it. Our host made her an origami frog that can jump. A woman at our table ordered soybeans, which she shared with everyone. After dinner we found a spot to watch the entire Tapestry of Dreams parade. We should have stayed there for Illuminations, but H wanted to go to the Norway gift shop. Big mistake. There was no way we could see Illuminations from there, except the music and what was in the sky. I was really disappointed because I love that show.
Monday morning we were up early, took the bus to the TTC, and the monorail to Grand Floridian, for an 8:40 PS for breakfast with Mary Poppins. We thought we were going to have to drive our car, but the helpful CM at the front desk assured us this would be very quick, and it was. The buffet was very good, lots of fresh fruit, coffee, muffins, omelets to order. We met Alice, the Mad Hatter, Pooh, and Eeyore at the table, and Mary in the lobby. She was lovely. The Grand Floridian is a beautiful and elegant hotel, I'd never seen it before. After breakfast we got back on the monorail to Epcot. D and H rode Test Track. She was very nervous, but enjoyed it once it got going. She thought she was going to have to drive and was scared. Then we did the Universe of Energy ride, and then went into Wonder of Life for Cranium Command. Poor Buzzy was losing a eyebrow! It was kind of hanging to the side.
While they were in Test Track I wandered around a bit, watched the birds (one of which pooped on me, D thought that so funny) and the people. A couple asked me to take their picture in front of the Wonder of Life sign. I aimed the camera and they grabbed each other in a passionate embrace! Funny. We went to Honey I Shrunk the Audience. Loved it, but D didn't like the snake. We had lunch at the Coral Reef. Again, no PS needed. The huge aquarium forming one wall is very cool. I had catch of the day--couldn't quite understand what he said it was, either spearfish or spadefish. The waiter said it was from Hawaii (how can it have been caught today then? but I didn't ask him). D ordered the baked mahi from the children's menu, but she didn't care much for it, so she helped her Dad eat his shrimp and crab claws which were very good, and he finished her mahi for her. The hard rolls were very good too, we all ate those up. Some where we came upon the Leaping fountain, which we all found fascinating.
Then we went to Canada and viewed their wonderful dizzying film, and then to the United Kingdom and caught some of the Beatles show.
Then we headed back to Innovations, the other side this time, and H went in while D enjoyed an ice cream bar. We sat by a sidewalk with moving lights in it, D noticed it first, then we got a kick out of the people going by, watching to see who noticed them and their reactions. It began to rain again so we went into Innovations also. We sent email, looked at fire ants, and a reading seeing-eye robotic dog. We also visited the Ice Station Cool (and wow was it cold in there!) and tried some of the drinks. I liked the fruit flavored one from China.
We took the bus back to WL and rested, and made Fantasmic dinner reservations for the next night. Then we headed to Magic Kingdom. D and H rode Thunder Mt, then we all rode Aladdin's Magic Carpet and Peter Pan. The place was packed. People, kids, strollers, wheelchairs everywhere. We saw the Spectromagic parade from the castle steps, not a great view, but what we could see was beautiful.
D was hungry so she had a hot dog and fries at Casey's. Then we shopped Main Street until time for the fireworks. I stood on Main Street and saw Tinkerbell fly! And the show was spectacular. I love the music, and the castle's color changes, and the fireworks. It was grand. We took the boat back to the WL, had chili at the Roaring Forks, and crashed.
Tuesday morning the Character Caravan brought the White Rabbit, Goofy, Tweedles Dum and Dee. Dum and Dee put on a show, losing a shoe and stomping about, and going up the elevator to wave at each other across the lobby from the 6th floor. D followed one of them up there, and got his autograph.
We had breakfast at the Whispering Canyon. We had a very personable waiter, and D got a surprise when she asked for a straw! The French toast was the best. D wanted some pool time, so we spent the morning at the pool. She loves their slide, and made a friend her age. The life guard was gorgeous, so we were both happy to spend the morning poolside. H read and napped out on the balcony of our room. About noon we headed to MGM-Disney Studios. First stop, the Tower of Terror, followed by the Rock'n Roller Coaster. They rode, I waited. It was hot, but I had water and a battery powered fan. Lunch was at the Commissary, and it was surprisingly good. I had the taboulleh wrap which was wonderful, H had chicken on a stick, and D had fish and chips. After lunch we went to Indiana Jones, front row seats. D has never seen raider of the lost ark, so we tried to fill her in on the story. We enjoyed the show, and D got Trent's picture and autograph after the show. It had rained while we were there, but stopped by the time we came out. Then we did the Muppets 3D movie, great fun.
We had PS for the Hollywood and Vine. I thought a buffet would be nice, so every one would find something they liked. I enjoyed a salad of baby greens with pomegranate dressing, and then salmon, and lots of vegetables, including red beans and rice. H was harder to please, the pork tasted funny, the steak was cold, and D hardly ate anything, but she did enjoy the ice cream bar. The restaurant is noisy and kind of chaotic, and the rest room is too small, and there was a large group near us with small children completely out of control. I wouldn't recommend it. But we got our Fantasmic passes, then went out to watch the parade. After the parade, we thought there would be time for D to play in the Shrunken Kids playground. But it was closed. So we went to the giant hat and played in there a bit, then went a little early for our Fantasmic seats. It was about 7:30, and we sat in the second row all the way to the left of the reserved section. Great seats, though we did get sprayed a little. While we waited, the audience did the wave several times. The Fantasmic show was amazing. We'd never seen it before, and wow, was it cool. I'm really glad we went. I was also glad I'd bought a long sleeved sweatshirt after the parade. I needed it. This was my second visit to the Studios, and I still didn't see the Little Mermaid or Hunchback shows. And I had wanted to see One Mans Dream. Maybe next time.
Tuesday night was supposed to be our last night, we were planning to stow our stuff Wednesday morning, visit AK, then start for home. But, a message was waiting for us, a "Stampede" offer of another night, at a discount rate. I don't know if it was really much of a discount, but we took it. So Wednesday morning we showered and dressed and headed to Animal Kingdom. When we got there, we wanted breakfast. Looking at the map, we thought the closest place might be Rain Forest Cafe, so we went there. 10 am, and they were already serving their lunch menu! I couldn't believe it. But I really wanted a cup of coffee, and D was really hungry. So we had hot dogs, hamburgers, pizza, and coffee for breakfast that day. And it was pretty good food, though the service was somewhat inattentive, but we loved the restaurant's atmosphere, the rain and the gorillas, and the colorful animal themed bar stools.
Back in the AK, first stop was Camp Minnie Mickey. We needed Minnie to sign D's hat. 3 years ago her hat was stolen, so we were replacing it. We visited the first of the kids stations, where they get a book to be stamped at various locations throughout the park, and learn something about each area. We'd seen the Lion King show before, so we split up, D and H for Dinoland, and I went to Rafiki's Planet Watch. I especially like the cotton top tamarinds, and stayed to talk to the CM there. She told me about one of the male's vasectomy! Also I enjoyed the sounds of the rain forest. Next I did the Maharajah's Jungle Trek. The tapir was sleepy, larger than I thought it would be, the Komodo dragon was showing off, the bats are huge, and I saw tigers and lots of birds. Great exhibit. I saw DeVine! I waited for D and H by Kali River Rapids, and had a frozen lemonade, that came with a keepsake straw-spoon, with Mickey in a safari suit hanging on it. River rapids was great fun, We got soaked, but it was hot and it felt good. This was the only day it didn't rain. The inner protective section worked well, by backpack stayed dry. Then we saw Tough to be a Bug, (I love 3D movies!), then the Pocahontas show, where D was chosen to bang the drum to start the show. Then it was almost 4. We chose to do Jungle Safari over the parade. It was a 35 minute wait, but we saw a lot of animals. Then we walked the Pangani Forest trail, and saw lots of animals there too, including the gorillas, and meerkats. then the park was closing, so we headed back to the WL for some more swim time. Dinner was at Artists Point at 8. I had the cedar plank salmon and H had the buffalo, and we shared a yummy chocolate desert that had cream inside and brandied cherries outside. We finished in time to see the electric light parade on the lake.
Thursday morning Captain Hook and Mr. Sweet came to the hotel. This made D very happy, she had been wanting to see Hook. There was also Minnie and Pluto. We had breakfast at the Whispering Canyon again, this time our waitress, while very pleasant, did not do anything silly or crazy. We headed to the pool again, but unfortunately the slide was closed for repairs. D swam for a bit, then we packed and were out the door right at 11. We decided to try a different route home by taking 301. Big mistake. Very slow, added 2 hours to trip. We arrived home about 11pm that night. It was a fun trip. We relaxed a little more on this trip than our last, didn't do as much but I think enjoyed it more. We're already talking about next time. H is thinking a Disney Cruise would be fun.
Robin Andrews
rga756@hotmail.com