Sheri Niklewski - February 2003 - All Star Movies

Time of Year: Winter
Travel Method: Personal Car
Resort: ASMoR
Accommodations: Standard Room
Ages Represented in Group: Adult
WDW Experience Represented in Group: Veteran
Comments: Getting a dose of the Disney magic isn't always easy. A house in Nebraska, an engagement in Ohio, and a racquetball tournament all conspire to keep this Georgia couple from Disney World. But like any good story, all challenges are overcome in the end.


Sheri Niklewski -- February 2003 -- Walt Disney World (ASMoR)

Participants
Me – Sheri (40 although I’ll be turning 41 just a few days after this trip) – I’m the Disney fanatic and report writer. Love my cats, sports, and I guess the husband.
Husband – Rich (42) – sports junkie, nature lover and a Disney World convert.
When – February 1–6, 2003

Introduction

Usually I will do separate sections for resort, why, admission, etc. but this trip is too wacky for all that. So I’ll just do one long introduction for the whole thing.

I had planned a solo trip to Disney World the first weekend in December. Rich was in a racquetball tournament so I figured I deserved some time to myself. I had a Thanksgiving trip to Maryland to see the in-laws and they were coming to Georgia for a couple times in December and January. I wanted some time to myself. Unfortunately, the finances couldn’t handle the trip and I very reluctantly canceled everything. Very big let down.

We live in Georgia and our son lived in Nebraska until late October. Then he moved to Ohio to be with his girlfriend and her daughter. Chris had lived in our house back in Nebraska so we had to put that on the market to be sold. Rich and his parents did a great job of getting the house ready for sale and it finally entered the real estate market in mid-December. We crossed our fingers and hoped the thing would be sold fairly quickly. At that point, I proposed to Rich that I would love to spend my birthday (February 9th) at Disney World. It’s on a Sunday and our favorite group, Off Kilter, usually performs on Sundays at the Canada pavilion and I would love to spend all day watching them. Rich said to go for it. He was sure things would turn around for us. So I called 407-WDISNEY.

I was going for the $49/night Annual Passholder rates at the All Stars (thank you mousesavers.com for posting the rate codes!). I figured early February wouldn’t be a problem. I wanted February 8-12 so I could be there all day on my birthday. Well, that Saturday night must be something special because nothing was available at All Stars (turns out it’s the dreaded Cheerleading Finals). We really didn’t want to upgrade to a moderate so I just booked February 9-13 instead at All Star Sports. We could do offsite for Saturday night. Not a big deal although neither one of us likes to change resorts after just one night. But I took what I could get. And then waited through the holidays for the house to be sold. And waited. And waited. And waited. Why doesn’t anyone really want to look at houses over the holiday season? We had three showings and that was it for a couple of weeks.

But after the first of the new year (2003 might turn out to be great for us!), we had a ton of movement on the house. Our Nebraska realtor is wonderful and had lots of showings. We had an offer but it wasn’t a good one. We counter-offered, she counter-counter-offered, we said no way. Meanwhile, there was another offer! Much, much better and we accepted this one. The house was sold! The closing wasn’t going to be until late February due to loan questions, inspections, etc. but things were done. Whew!

With that, I turned all my thoughts to the Disney World trip. I asked Rich if he wanted to drive the whole way to Kissimmee on the 8th (a Saturday) or just go halfway to Valdosta. He said “why the heck would we just drive halfway – get us there”. So I tried various offsite alternatives. They were all very expensive. Or flea bags. I had a not so great experience at a cheapo place in October so I was leery of something less than $50/night. That was what I’m paying for All Star and that was my range. I could find a room for Saturday night but it just wasn’t the same. I called Disney World again.

I tried a plea of “we think we’ll be able to come in one night earlier”. All Star Sports is not available for February 8th. “Could you check All Star Music?” Nothing there either. Not even at a non-discounted rate. Damn. But the Cast Member did suggest a moderate instead. OK, I’ll give in. February 8-12? Yep, Port Orleans Riverside for $88/night after taxes. Still yikes but it’ll get me there when I want to be. Rich was out of the house playing racquetball (he’s a ranked player) so I just went and booked it. I cringed with how I was going to tell him but what the heck, right? It’s my birthday.

And then I started to think. Which is the worst problem in our house. Me thinking. Why was that stupid Saturday so booked at the All Stars? (cheerleaders, cheerleaders, cheerleaders). I’d rather have a longer visit and stay at the All Stars than go with a shorter moderate trip. So I called 407-WDISNEY yet again. Thank goodness for cell phones and unlimited minutes on your plan (we have no long distance service at our house – we’d never use it). I decided that my birthday could be a week early this year. And it is.

I asked about All Star availability for February 1-6. Getting there on a Saturday and coming back on a Thursday. Well, I had my pick of Sports, Music, and much to my surprise, Movies! I about gagged when that possibility was offered up. At the same great $49/night before taxes and $54/night after taxes (the taxes will kill you on vacation). We’ve done Sports (great stay in November, 2002) and we’ve done Music (wonderful stay in October, 1998). I really want to experience Movies so I got us in there. For five nights. At the AP rate. I was practically dancing while on the phone. I did wait until I hung up and then the two male cats (Todd and Gus) saw Mom going insane. Rich was still at racquetball so I was spared that embarrassment.

I had my deposit from the first All Star Sports reservation moved over to the new All Star Movies choice. I then moved the Riverside deposit over to the Movies as well. Most of the trip is already taken care of now. No, I won’t be at Disney World for my true birthday but what the heck. I’m getting a terrific deal, the crowds should be low, and Rich never batted an eye when I told him what I did. He said “why do I care about the dates, let’s go”. I love this man!

Another reason that I wanted to change the time of the trip is that the date of closing on the house was pushed up to February 14th which was fine with us. The sooner, the better! We would have to be available the week before to sign papers via Fed Ex or fax. So if we did the trip earlier, we wouldn’t have to coordinate anything in Kissimmee or Disney World. There has to be an angel looking out for us right now.

Rich and I both have Annual Passes and probably always will. So admission is not a problem. I do have a general touring plan in mind, though. We’ve been to Disney World enough that each trip is one of relaxation and never about “we have to do this”. But I do have some goals in mind. If they happen.

We’ll leave our house around 8:00 AM on Saturday, the 1st. That should have us checking into All Star Movies around 2:30 or so. I’m hoping for an earlier departure time but neither one of us is a morning person. I just have to make sure 90% of our packing is done the night before. Then, it should just take an hour to get out the door. After making sure the three cats are taken care of (we do have a cat sitting service that will be in Sunday-Wednesday).

We’ll check into Movies, hope that the room is ready but will be prepared if not. Then go do something. Not sure what until we’re there. On Sunday, I’d like to do a total Off Kilter day if they are performing. Won’t know that until Sunday. If the guys aren’t on, we’ll just do Epcot all day. On Monday, I’d like to go to Magic Kingdom, which I haven’t done for over a year. Tuesday and Wednesday will be whatever Rich wants to do. We’ll hit all four parks and just take it easy during the time.

With the original thought of being at Epcot for my true birthday, I made a priority seating at LeCellier for the 9th. But that had to be canceled. Most of the time, we are content with grab and go. But I did want something for my birthday. That’s to be decided later. Definitely a lunch since it’s less expensive but I can’t decide where or when. Lots of time will be spent on Deb’s site at wdwig.com looking at menus. All the rest of the meals will be counter service or “gee, what do you want to do” things.

One mission, if you can call it that, is to take lots of pictures. Our son, Chris, is developing a Disney World website for me and doing a great job. But I’m called into taking photos of the attractions and other things. So KMart will get a ton of film developing business from us in the next couple of months.

The Week or Two Before

Well, life can turn around fairly quickly now can’t it? I had sent off an email to our Off Kilter friends who we hoped to see on Sunday. We have great times visiting with these two ladies. I did find out that Off Kilter will be doing a non-Disney World performance in Sarasota on Saturday so the Sunday show is iffy. But one lady will call us at the Movies if the guys aren’t going to be at Epcot on Sunday. It’s not like the trip is made or broken on Off Kilter but we are looking forward to enjoying them with our friends and since their jobs call them during the week, Sunday will be the only day to do that.

And then we got the biggest news of our lives. Yeah, let’s sell a house but you’ll always remember the day you find out your son gets engaged! Most of this time was spent chatting with Chandra (Chris’ fiancee!) about wedding arrangements. The date isn’t until February of 2004 but it’s Chandra’s first and only wedding so she asked me to help her plan it. I got up one day and realized that we were leaving for Disney World in under two weeks and I didn’t even know where my reservation slip was! And the cats needed their sitter called. I did some panicking.

But I calmed down after a day or so. This is a vacation. A trip to the most magical place I know. So what if I forget something? Or the weather is cold? Who cares? Our house is sold, our son is engaged to a wonderful woman, I’ll be alone with my husband for five days. OK, downside, I do become an instant grandmother to Marlie (she’s four). Not sure I’m ready for that designation this soon but what the heck. Plus, I get a little girl to spoil.

I asked my good friend Adrienne to fax in my room request to the All Star Movies. I’m restating that I would like non smoking (a smoking room is not an option for us – never have developed that habit and really can’t handle the smell) and quiet room for two adults. I did say that a king bed would be nice if available. I’m always leery of asking for a king bed at Disney World because these are handicapped accessible and I want the accommodations to go to people who need them more than I do. I’m just spoiled by the king bed at home. This I consider a luxury and if happens, it happens. If not, in the words of Linda Richman (aka Mike Myers from “Saturday Night Live”) “no big whoop”. I did not ask for any specific building. I’m hoping, like in all the faxes I’ve sent over the past few years, that the words “quiet visit” is enough. I’ve never been disappointed with sending faxes. I guess it’s because I go into the trip expecting nothing but what I’ve paid for – a standard room at a value resort. Anything else is gravy.

Our Off Kilter friend did get back to us and said that Off Kilter is scheduled for the Sunday we will be there. Which is great news so we can enjoy the entire day not only with the guys but with our friends.

I asked Rich if he wanted to maybe try the Fantasia miniature golf course again. We had such a hard time with the longer course last May but we ended up throwing away the score cards and laughing our butts off at how bad we were. And we love to play golf! The Annual Pass rate is 50% off so that’s definitely an incentive. Rich’s reply “I’m up for anything”. Gotta love the man!

On the Thursday before we left, we got a phone call from the title company back in Nebraska. Very good thing we told our realtor we were going out of town. All the papers were being overnighted to us and we had to have everything signed and notarized on Friday to be sent immediately back! How to Find a Notary in Buford, GA 101 everyone. We had no idea but I went out to Mail Boxes, Etc. website and found one about 20 minutes away. Whew! They also took care of returning the paperwork for us. At least we could go on the trip and not have to deal with all this stuff either during it or when we got back. One giant step in getting that house off our hands.

Day One – Saturday, February 1, 2003 – “How To Survive Throwing Up in a Car for Eight Hours”

Let me just preface this whole rotten day with an explanation. I get dehydration sickness when I’m under stress. I don’t get enough water and my stomach shuts down. It usually lasts a few hours, at the most a half of a day. On one memorable occasion, all day. And that was on arrival day at Disney World too. Today was a repeat of that day. The problem is that I need to drink water but my stomach does not accept it. But I need to drink until the stomach opens back up. It’s a nasty cycle.

The alarm went off at 6:00 and I knew I was going to be under the weather for a while. I thought this would be a couple of hours of discomfort so Rich and I loaded up the car and got on the road by 7:00. I asked Rich to take the first leg of the trip so I could sleep which always helps. I jokingly took several plastic grocery bags in case I needed them if I got sick. I also took a travel cup of water. I had filled it up halfway the night before and froze that and then this morning filled it up the rest of the way. I had cold water for quite a while.

Unfortunately, I couldn’t get any sleep in the car and every time I moved, I got sick. Rich was amazed at what my body could do. Thank goodness for those plastic bags. And poor Rich had to drive the entire way. We had a full tank of gas heading out and still had a half tank when we got almost to the Florida border but stopped to top off the tank. Everyone was doing that since Georgia prices are twenty cents per gallon cheaper. The stations were mobbed. We had to wait quite a while for a pump. Rich got me a Sprite which helped a little but not much.

This was about the time that we heard of the loss of the space shuttle Columbia. Our thoughts are with the families of the astronauts and with all of America and Israel. All things related to space have a special meaning in our family so we were pretty affected by the tragedy.

I made Rich stop at the Ocala Disney Information Center so he could get out and stretch a little. I also had him fill up my water cup. I managed to snooze a little on the turnpike leg of the trip but it wasn’t enough. We finally made it to Highway 192 and I directed Rich to the All Star Movies. There was no way I was going to be physically able to go in and check us in so for the very first time, Rich did it. I stayed in the car. Again, there was absolutely no problem with checking in. Rich was in and out in ten minutes. This was at 2:30 in the afternoon on a Saturday. Sorry, no horror stories with any of the three times we’ve checked in at an All Star resort.

We’re in Mighty Ducks which I had hoped for since we are sports fans. We’re closer to the All Star Music food court area than to the Movies things. We did get the king bed but the Cast Member checking Rich in asked him that if I was sick, wouldn’t he want two doubles instead? Rich just laughed and said no, the king was fine. The room number is 2759 on the first floor and it’s a limited handicapped room. The bathroom is normal size and has hand rails; not the larger size that we had at the Sports last November. So the regular room is a nice with the king bed and not two double beds. The only bad thing is we are not going to get that quiet visit. Our room faces the Mighty Ducks pool. Actually, the pool noise isn’t that bad.

The room itself has movie themed curtains and the bedspread features the stars of the five films represented at the resort. The bathroom wallpaper is white with blue stars and that color combination is reversed with the shower curtain. One of the light fixtures in the room is a popcorn box that, when turned on, then looks just like a regular light. The other light is a star. We also have an extremely nice framed poster from The Mighty Ducks film. Both Rich and I want to take it home. We have a small refrigerator since it’s a handicapped room (it’s for medicines) but if we didn’t, there would be six nicely sized drawers for clothes. BTW – the refrigerator didn’t work and we didn’t bother to let the front desk know. We hadn’t paid extra for a refrigerator and didn’t expect it so we’ll just leave a note when we check out.

All I wanted to do was lay out on the bed and not move at all. Rich unpacked the car and I continued my “routine”. At least I was close to a bathroom now! I knew this was going to be bad so I suggested to Rich that instead of him sitting in the room with a sick wife, he should go out and be doing something. He took some time to unwind from his drive (I’ll have to make it up to him on Thursday) and then headed out for some solo time at Disney World. I got to relax in silence. I think part of the problem was that I couldn’t sleep in the car since Rich had to have the radio on the whole time for diversion. And he always has to have a TV on in the room. After he left, things started to look up a little for me.

Rich drove over to the Swan (after I gave him directions) and went to the Boardwalk pizza window for dinner. He reported later that they changed the pizza here and he didn’t think I would like it anymore. He didn’t think it was as good this time (I could hope it was because I wasn’t with him). Rich got two slices of pepperoni and took them to a table right next to the window. He turned around to get a couple of napkins and back around to see a seagull trying to take off with a slice of pizza! He yelled and the bird dropped the pizza on the table, of course, cheese side down. The pizza window lady came out and offered Rich another slice of pizza which was nice. Rich said the seagulls are extremely aggressive and their behavior is rubbing off on the black crows too.

After his dinner and bird adventure, Rich went over for our traditional walk around World Showcase but this time solo. He stopped for a beer in Canada and asked the Cast Member if she was going to be there tomorrow since we would be for Off Kilter. The CM said Off Kilter wouldn’t be there and pulled out the entertainment guide to show Rich. Then she realized that the guide ended today. She said that Rich must have better intel than she does. Yes, we do!

Rich got to see some of the Epcot entertainment we like so well. Some of the Fife and Drum Corp, the Japanese drummers, Mo Rockin, and the British Invasion. While he was watching the British Invasion, he was standing there and marveling how people always have to sit for the performance. He said he kind of put it in perspective, though. He thought he should be grateful that he could stand. Just as he thought that, a man pulled up in a wheelchair. Food for thought.

Also during Rich’s walk, he saw another seagull swoop down and try and take something from a lady’s hand. Those things are abundant right now and we were constantly looking up during the trip to make sure we were not in the line of fire.

During his walk around, Rich bought me a Valentine’s Day Eeyore. That was very nice. He came back to the room and we spent the rest of the evening trying to find something on the TV. Disney World has lots of channels but they are limited in what they have. The regular networks and ESPN (thank goodness). And about five Disney resort channels. Three Lifetime channels. And then they have to have some foreign channels and then they repeat most of the channels but with close captioning. Most of the regular channels were covering the Columbia tragedy and we had heard the news enough times. Rich finally found “True Lies” which we had seen a ton of times but it was something to watch.

Around 10:00, we heard it. The chant of the cheerleaders. Yes, they are here for the high school championship. Rich couldn’t believe how loud they were. He was getting mad because it was so late but I think all they did was their routine and then quieted down. I could live with that. We don’t go to bed until late anyway.

As for me, my problems continued in lesser form until around midnight or so. Then I dozed until Rich got up the next morning. I felt much, much better. A little tired but OK. Ugh, not a great day for me!

Day Two – Sunday, February 2, 2003 – “Classic Marathon Off Kilter Day”

Today was the marathon Off Kilter day with our friends and I wasn’t going to miss it for the world. We have a lot of fun visiting with each other. The guys usually do four sets – 1:30, 3:30, 5:00, and 6:40. We see all four sets. One of our friends sits at the stage area all day so we never have to worry about having seats.

We got up around 9:00 after hearing our neighbor’s turbo toilets for a while. And they have kids and did something I really don’t like for more than one time. If you don’t want your door to close completely, you can move that dead bolt lock over and then close the door. It won’t close all the way. We do that when we go get ice. However, if you don’t carefully put the door against the lock, it bangs. I don’t know what the neighbors were doing but it was bang, bang, bang. About 10 times. I think we both finally fell back asleep for a little while until a bunch of excited little kids ran down the outside corridor. OK, we’re defeated, let’s get up.

We both showered and I worked on the report for a while. Rich was dying for a newspaper since he didn’t get one yesterday. He’s as newspaper addicted as his father! Since we are closer to All Star Music, Rich walked over to Melody Hall to get the paper. He read that while I did the report. We left the room around 11:00. We both had on T shirts and shorts but when I went out of the room, I threw on the sweatshirt I had for the evening. I thought it was a little cold. Lower 60s but much cooler in the shade. I’m a wimp. Rich stayed with his original outfit but brought a jacket for later.

Rich drove us over to the Swan and we walked to the Boardwalk. The International Gateway is undergoing a refurb so it’s a little abbreviated. I felt the effects of yesterday and knew it would take a while to get my strength back so I made ample use of a bench to get my fanny pack and camera case zipped back up after the security check and entrance. I grabbed an entertainment schedule to look at. I always do because something could change. Off Kilter was listed for today. Yea! I also saw that the World Showcase Players were in the United Kingdom at 11:45 and it was almost 11:30. So we walked that way. We were still way too early for Off Kilter at 1:30. We walked all the way (which isn’t that far) to the McDonald’s stand (Refreshment Outpost my eye) and then grabbed another bench for me. We waited there until I thought we could go back to the United Kingdom for the show.

We got to the United Kingdom and sat on a curb (well, I did, Rich stood) and in about a minute (how’s that for timing?), the Players came out and set up just a little away from us. We moved down there with me sitting on the ground and Rich standing and leaning on a fence. The Players are three talented comedians who perform their version of the Holy Grail. They pick two “volunteers” from the audience to be King Arthur and Galihad. There’s also audience participation and it’s very funny. This lasts about fifteen minutes so it’s a nice diversion and good clean fun for everyone.

After the show, I asked Rich if we could go to Future World so I could begin taking pictures for Chris and the website. So once again we headed that way. We had passed the Off Kilter stage on our short walk earlier (and on the way back, obviously). Our friend wasn’t there but she was now. So we went over and chatted for a while about all the things going on in our lives and about her new romance that was progressing very well. There also was another Off Kilter group that comes on Sundays so we talked with them for some time too. It was still way too early for the next set but I knew our friend would be camped out here all day. We gave her the stuff we didn’t need (like Rich’s jacket) and we went on our original mission.

We made a stop so Rich could get a snack. He wanted McDonald’s french fries! I really laid into him for this! Of all the choices at Disney World, he wanted McDonald’s! He did get me a bottle of water, though. Grr. I’ve avoided McDonald’s at Disney World for years and he had to go and ruin that streak. I did bring my water bottle strap and it’s been a nice investment. For $3 you can hang the bottle from your shoulder and walk around hands free all day. I’ve had mine for a couple of years and it’s great. Disney sells them at any beverage place.

I got pictures of all of the Future World attraction signs except Spaceship Earth (too lazy to walk down there) and Test Track (sun was not in the right position). Then we headed back to the Off Kilter stage since it was getting to close to 1:00 and that was a good time for us to be there.

The guys did a great first set and then we had an hour and a half to kill before the second one (they do a thirty minute set). I suggested we do a walk around of the World Showcase so I could continue the picture odyssey. And then our other friend came up with two of her friends. They had come late to the first set but would remain at the stage all day as well. With all the regulars, we took up one entire side of the seating area. All of us normally just sit and enjoy the guys but we got a little rambunctious with the last couple of sets.

Rich and I set out for our walk. I took it slow and easy and sat down whenever I needed to. We saw just a little bit of the Japanese drummers and heard the Fife and Drum Corps. We seem to always miss a full performance. When we got to the African Outpost, I wanted to enjoy some of their fresh fruit. I thought that would be a good choice with my still sensitive stomach. It was closed! I was so bummed. Rich was concerned about me getting something to eat but I wasn’t going to get anything greasy or fat ladened. China was up next and I thought about fortune cookies. So Rich got me a package of four for me to eat whenever I wanted. I’m glad I was able to shut him up.

We hit Norway and I took a picture of the Maelstrom sign. Rich saw the stand by was only five minutes and we walked right in. We hadn’t done this in a while so it was nice. We did stay for the movie at the end and I still think this is very well done. When we left, the queue line was out the door! We “timed” this right.

Then back around to Canada and visiting with our friends until the second set. This set was enhanced by a lady in a wheelchair who needed a solution for keeping the sun off the left side of her face. She didn’t want to sit there the whole time holding up her park map. So she stuck it into her glasses. That left her hands free. Mark (bassist) made a comment about if she knew she had something growing out of the side of her head. She was very good natured about it and then the guys started making head jokes. Really bad ones. Like Randy (guitarist) – “that would make headlines”. Mark – “good thing we’re next to the Rose and Crown”. Jamie (bagpipist) struggled but couldn’t come up with anything. But the jokes continued on for the rest of the set.

Tony (keyboardist) came down off the stage to talk to our friends and it was only an hour in between sets so Rich got a beer which we shared and we just sat and enjoyed the day. The temperatures were going down and I was getting chilly. Our friends were putting on their jackets and so was Rich. I was already dressed in a sweatshirt and shorts and didn’t have anything else. Big mistake.

I did call Chris, our son, to find out if he did some internet transactions for us. He did and gave me an update on what was going on with the Columbia investigation. We really hadn’t seen any current news for a while.

For the third set, the regulars got a little silly. Off Kilter does a great “Johnny B. Goode” and Jamie introduces it by saying “Give me a F, give me an O, give me a N, give me a Z, what’s that spell”. As in Fonz from “Happy Days”. Our friend, who knows the group quite well, suggested that our entire side yell instead of Fonz, but phones. Very silly and stupid. Only if they did the song. We have no idea what their play list is going to be. We were hoping for the song in the last two sets.

Well, we were overshadowed by this group of, guess what, cheerleaders. During one instrumental, the girls got quite exuberant with their “praise” of the guys. Yelling and screaming and whoo hooing. Jamie took it in stride but the girls got even louder (if that was possible). I guess that’s why they are cheerleaders! Then they yelled something really off color. Off Kilter kind of retorted because they were flustered. They were beaten by the cheerleaders. The whole band just stopped and cracked up. That was a little over the top and befuddled everyone on the stage. But they got it together when Scott (drummer) got them back on track again.

And then the last song of this set was, indeed, “Johnny B. Goode”. Jamie did the introduction and we all yelled “phones”. That totally surprised Jamie and the look on his face was priceless. Mark started cracking up. Jamie got through a very abbreviated introduction to the song and the recovery was nice. I don’t think Jamie will forget this set for a while!

The temperatures were dropping rapidly and I was freezing. But we stayed for the fourth set. A couple of our friends left and the rest of us left pulled two benches side by side so we were all sitting in one long row. Our friend (the same one that suggested yelling phones) said we should do the wave when the guys came out. We practiced for a while and did that when they came out. We did it fairly well, too. That was it for the shananagins for the evening. Like I said, we normally will just sit and enjoy the guys but we were all silly tonight.

After the last set, we said goodbye to our friends and we’ll see them in May if not sooner. I was still freezing so Rich and I hightailed it out of the International Gateway. We did make a brief stop to see Phil the card handler on the Boardwalk for just a little. He was finishing up. Rich got us back to our room and we needed some dinner. I still wasn’t the best but I knew Rich wouldn’t let me not have something. We went over to Melody Hall where I got a fruit and cheese tray and Rich got a double cheeseburger to go. We enjoyed back in the room

Then I dove under the covers full clothed to try and get warm. We watched some TV (Fox shows) and then Rich crashed for a while. Once he did that, I changed into pajamas and took the room temperature up to 78 degrees! I was that cold. Rich wanted me to wake him up to watch the first episode of the new “Dragnet” so I did that. Then he saw the room temperature and almost had a heart attack! We turned in at 11:00 with the temperature back down to 68. I was bundled up.

Day Three – Monday, February 3, 2003 – “MGM, Picture Taking, and Surviving Twilight Zone”

We both must have been tired because we slept almost uninterrupted until 9:00. We both got ready and I thought we’d spend some time in the room like usual. Then Rich asks if we could go to the Post Office. He needed to try and track an insurance package that had gotten lost and the sendee was getting a little ticked off about it. There was only one Post Office I knew about and that was beyond Crossroads which, of course, is on the other side of Disney property. But Rich never said anything about doing it today until today. Ugh! So I agreed and we left earlier than I wanted to.

The day was about 10 degrees warmer than yesterday. At some points, I didn’t need my sweatshirt. We both wore shorts. I did take jeans and a sweatshirt for the evening.

I drove us because Rich doesn’t know the way and I wasn’t about to try and give him directions since I had only been to this Post Office once. Just as we get to Downtown Disney, Rich says “is there a grocery store nearby?” I just about pulled over to the side of the road and hit him. Yeah, Goodings is there but if I had known he needed a grocery store (for Diet Coke), I would have gone to our favorite Publix on International Drive and then gone to the Post Office. So, after Rich couldn’t get his information at the Post Office, I made him go to Goodings and pay the slightly higher prices just because he didn’t tell me anything until after we left.

We went to the Swan and took the walkway to MGM. The goal was picture taking and riding Twilight Zone with the new drop sequences and Rock N Roller Coaster. We headed towards Twilight Zone since that was a high priority for us. Standby time was 45 minutes and FastPass was for an hour away so we FastPassed. Then we set out for my picture taking. We did check out the standby time for Rock N Roller Coaster but it was thirty minutes and that was too long.

We went through the left side of the park to get the pictures and did a walk on to Sounds Dangerous which is one of Rich’s favorites. Me, personally, I’ve seen it enough. Star Tours was also a walk on so we did that as well. This was enhanced by an older woman who was a little afraid of it. Another woman in the row in front of the older woman was being mean and said there was inversions and stuff like that. But said it wasn’t bad. The other woman spent the entire trip videotaping not only the screen (she wasn’t using a light) but everyone on the ride! So we’re on a videotape somewhere. Why that woman wanted to do that is beyond me. But we had a nice ride to Endor. Come to think of it, you never do make it to Endor, do you?

While we were walking down Sunset Boulevard for our FastPass time, I saw Randy, a Boardwalk performer that we like, doing his routine as part of Willie Bob and Billie Bob. This is MGM Streetmosphere. This time, Randy, err Willie, plays the banjo. It’s just another example of Disney entertainment doing something a little extra.

We had entered our window for Twilight Zone (12:15) and we could get another FastPass so we went over to Rock N Roller Coaster. Return time here was for 12:45-1:45. So we could easily do Twilight Zone and immediately move over and do the Coaster. I was lagging but the timing was working. We’d take a break after these two attractions.

At Twilight Zone, we walked into a library and I hoped we didn’t have a gaggle of screaming cheerleaders. We had seen these groups all over MGM and they were quite loud. Why do young women feel the need to scream even standing in line? While we were standing waiting for our library doors to open during the pre-show, we could hear the entire library of cheerleaders screaming. There’s nothing in there except a TV program of Rod Serling to introduce the whole premise of Twilight Zone. But the girls had to scream.

Fortunately, we had a nice library group and then went into the boiler room. The large group of cheerleaders were in front of us but there were enough people as a buffer that I didn’t think we’d have a problem. But the cheerleaders wanted to be seated together so everyone in between us and the cheerleaders were let into the next elevator. Ugh! I told Rich that I refused to be seated in a car with them. Fortunately, the Cast Member led the group into their own elevator and then we had a decent group in ours.

We got a new sequence that took us up to the top something like three times with the doors open. My whole problem with this ride was that I knew just a little too much about the sequences. I won’t give anything away but even after it was over, I was still scared something was going to happen.

Then we went over to Rock N Roller Coaster and walked right onto that too. Cheerleaders here but seating is two to a car so no problem there. Nice ride with Aerosmith yet again. After this, I definitely needed a break. Rich suggested our usual beer and pretzel combo back at Studio Catering Co. which was perfect. I took pictures all along the right side of the Studios. So we enjoyed the snack and the drink and decided to head to Epcot for the rest of the day. We strolled out of MGM through the left side because I hadn’t been able to get a picture of Star Tours because the sun was too bright and I didn’t get Indiana Jones yet. So we did that and then left.

We took the walkway back to the Swan (after misjudging the arrival of the Friendship boat). There, I changed into jeans and we both picked up our jackets for the evening. We took the path by the Yacht and Beach Clubs so I could get some photos of the Boardwalk. Into Epcot and yet another stroll around World Showcase. We hit France for a couple of glasses of wine and continued on with my picture taking. We got to America and I pulled out the entertainment guide. The Fife and Drum Corps was going to be on in just a few minutes so we waited and drank the wine.

We heard the Corps and were anticipating a nice set. Unfortunately, all they did was march through the pavilion and leave. No set at all. Lots of people (including Rich) were disappointed. I wish they would indicate a limited thing or a full set. I thought about going in and paying my respects to the World Trade Center flag and I almost did it. But as I headed towards the entrance to the American Adventure, I just couldn’t do it. I teared up before I could enter. So I gave up, thinking about the crew of the Columbia and their families. And for all America. Maybe I can do this before we leave.

We continued our walk and made it back to Canada a half hour before the 5:00 show. We sat and an older couple sat behind us and were talking with each other about some things they didn’t understand about Disney World (the transportation system). I turned around, apologized for eavesdropping, but told them what they needed to know. So that struck up a conversation. We love talking to people at the Off Kilter stage.

The guys did another great set and we were good this time! After this set, Rich said “let’s go for another walk around – we’ll get some exercise”. Like I wasn’t getting enough exercise as it was! But we went again with me making Rich promise we wouldn’t make any long stops along the way. I did ask him about dinner options. I was finally feeling hungry! He asked about New York Pizza World either tomorrow night or Wednesday night. But what about tonight? We started thinking about all the counter service options. Morocco? No, not for me. Japan? Possibility but we passed. Rich didn’t want China for pork fried rice because we’ve been there enough. No burgers at America, thank you very much. Mexico was out because there’s nothing there for me. I threw out the fish and chips at the take out window in United Kingdom and even offered to go and get it when we got back for the last show. Rich would take the fish, I’d take the chips.

Then we passed Norway. Open faced sandwiches and desserts. Rich and I went in to check it out and, much to my surprise, Rich said the ham sandwich looked good so what did I want? I said I’d have a dessert and be fine. Rich was not happy. So we comprised. I got the turkey sandwich and planned to give Rich my piece of bread (I don’t like bread all that much) so he could have a full sandwich. Then Rich saw all the desserts. He said the fruit tart thingy (had a nice crust to it) looked interesting. So we decided to share that. We carried all of this out and back to the Canada pavilion and ate at the Off Kilter benches. After our dinner we enjoyed the guys one more time.

The temperatures were dropping but I was more prepared than last night. I had the jeans on now and a jacket and not just a sweatshirt. So I was comfortable. Well, at least I wasn’t freezing. We walked back to the Swan via the Boardwalk and happened upon Randy, the juggler. Second sighting today although earlier, he was Willie Bob. We chatted with Randy as he walked back to the Boardwalk lobby to relax until his next performance. Then I drove us back to the room for watching some TV and relaxing. I think we both need it. We’ve kind of been griping at each other all day

Day Four – Tuesday, February 4, 2003 – “How To Do Magic Kingdom in Under Four Hours”

I woke up at nine after having some disturbance from next door but nothing major. I actually think that group was checking out. Their phone did ring very early in the morning. Mickey wake up call perhaps? One funny thing that happened during the night was I had to go to the bathroom and, of course, used the turbo toilet. Rich flew out of bed! I guess he was in a deep sleep and the flush just had him running!

We both got ready and then took a walk down to Cinema Hall. I also took pictures along the way of the Mighty Ducks, 101 Dalmations, and Toy Store buildings. I’m not sure I like The Love Bug or Fantasia buildings. Our mission at Cinema Hall was to change our credit card for the stay. When Rich checked in, he didn’t have the Disney card, which is what we wanted to put the stay on. But I’m the only one that carries it. So Rich just put it on another card but we didn’t want anything to stay on that one. Rich was freaking a little about it but the whole transaction took less than three minutes and was very easy.

We spent some down time in the room and then I drove us over to the Contemporary for a look around. We did the monorail over to the Magic Kingdom. It does make stops at the TTC, the Polynesian, and the Grand Floridian before it gets to the Magic Kingdom. Along the way, we made the acquaintance of Bobby who sat next to me on the monorail. Bobby was mentally challenged and was so proud that he was taking his lunch from the Contemporary over to the Magic Kingdom. He said he didn’t want to walk because he had chicken strips and a cup of corn. We chatted throughout the ride and found out that Bobby is a Cast Member at the Contemporary. When we got to the Magic Kingdom stop, Bobby helped an older woman off the monorail which surprised her. At the Magic Kingdom security check, Bobby was greeted warmly by the Cast Members. It was a nice way to start the day.

Our goal here was to ride Splash Mountain and for me to take pictures. However, we accomplished so much more. The day was overcast with the threat of rain so I was prepared with our larger bag and our ponchos. The temperatures throughout the day were in the 70s but were supposed to drop and I did not want to be cold again. Rich was in shorts and a T shirt but wore his jacket since the winds were brisk and the sun was not out. I was in jeans, T shirt and sweatshirt. We would be comfortable all day.

The first thing I did was to take a picture of the Main Street flag at half mast to honor the crew of the Columbia. The castle was in the background. I think this was a symbol that even though this horrible event occurred, we have learned to move on.

We expected to just take a walk around Magic Kingdom and get those pictures taken. Pick up a FastPass for Splash Mountain and that would be it. We checked out the stand by line at Jungle Cruise but it was 20 minutes so we passed. Of course, we had to do Pirates of the Caribbean which was a walk on (and usually is). Next up was Splash Mountain for the FastPass. What? No FastPasses? Oh, the stand by was only 5 minutes so the machines were covered up. Other than E ride night, this is the first time either one of us walked on this. Another great ride to Br’er Rabbit’s Laughing Place.

We didn’t get very wet which was nice since it was very cloudy but still warm enough. Then over to Big Thunder Mountain Railroad which was another walk on. Except we got behind this foreign family of eight that were so spread out through the line. They finally stopped to get together at the top but blocked off the entire queue line to talk about something. Rich and I kind of just went by them and I don’t think they were happy with that. But get your group together outside and if you get separated in the line (which shouldn’t happen here), let those behind you go past until your group catches up. We had another encounter with this group at the boarding area. They told the seater that they were a party of four! And then wanted to all ride together. They did manage that but it was a little strange. Anyway, the family in front of us was having a great time. The lady thought this was the best roller coaster ever. Heaven help her when she does Space Mountain or Rock N Roller Coaster!

After Big Thunder, Rich said he needed a snack. I mentioned Pecos Bill’s but then remembered that we were going to New York Pizza World for dinner so a snack was needed instead of a full blown meal. Rich was fine with a hot dog in Liberty Square. I went to the fruit stand and got some grapes for my lunch. We sat on a planter and had our simple meal.

The Haunted Mansion’s line was too long and we both agreed that this was a pass up. Next was Fantasyland. I figured everything was going to have long lines. Peter Pan’s Flight was a 30 minute stand by and even It’s a Small World had a prohibitive line. I contemplated and finally decided to FastPass Peter Pan. Rich hadn’t done this for quite a while (I think Chris was a preteen last time Rich rode this). So it was FastPassed for about 35 minutes away. I thought we could just continue and on the way back, could FastPass Winnie the Pooh.

We reached Snow White’s Adventure and that was a five minute wait which was a walk on. So we did that. And had another loading encounter. These cars seat six. The couple in front of us were held up because there was a party of eight with a wheelchair (and he needed it). That just torked off the couple! The woman was about ready to go and yank a Cast Member over to get her on this ride and now! This is only Snow White’s Adventure. As far as I’m concerned, special needs people should go first unless there’s abuse of the system. And there wasn’t this time. The woman in front of us was totally out of line for her reaction to the situation. We didn’t say anything and enjoyed the ride, delayed by two whole cars. That cut about a minute out of our lives.

And then we hit Tomorrowland. Space Mountain was a total walk on again! We did all three mountains as walk ons today. We did the right side and got stuck right before we were ready to launch. That announcement about being ready for space flight will be in our minds forever. Kind of like the It’s a Small World song. But we were launched and just about the only thing on my mind was “please don’t let me be stuck up here if this thing goes down again”. Every drop was a treat because I knew we were getting closer to the floor. Fear of heights isn’t that great!

After Space Mountain, we had entered our window for Peter Pan so we headed back for that. A little criss-crossing of the park but that was OK. This was the first time in a couple of years that Rich and I experienced this park together. The rains had started but just a constant drip – not a full blown storm. The ponchos stayed in the bag.

On the way back to Peter Pan, we stopped in for a couple of FastPasses for Winnie the Pooh. Return time of 45 minutes away. This was around 2:15. We had entered the park at noon so we were hitting everything we wanted very easily. Stand by times for Winnie the Pooh and Peter Pan were well over thirty minutes all afternoon. Using the FastPasses for the “kiddie” rides while the “adult” rides were walk ons was working quite nicely for us.

We hit the FastPass line for Peter Pan and crawled along. The long lines would continue for this attraction. FastPass was a life saver as just about every family with youngsters decided Peter Pan was the way to go. But we were on in about seven minutes or so. Not five minutes but not as long as ten minutes. I’m splitting the difference. The ride was enjoyable and we’ve crossed it off our list for a while.

Sidenote: Why is Peter Pan’s Flight so popular? We were trying to figure that out. Because you “fly” through the air? We walked onto Snow White but there was no way we’d be doing that here.

Rich actually suggested It’s a Small World since that line was now only five minutes. I know he hates that ride so I reminded him we’ll be doing that in May with Marlie (our soon to be granddaughter) so that would be enough for him. We passed.

Our window for Winnie the Pooh wasn’t up yet so we headed back to Tomorrowland. Since it was getting to close to 3:00 and the parade, I was pretty happy that we didn’t have to deal with any parade traffic. We’re just not parade people although we will have to make it a priority to see it with Marlie in May (her mother’s request for the trip).

Once in Tomorrowland, Buzz Lightyear was a five minute wait which was a walk on. Rich and I rode together although we could have gotten separate cars. Rich controlled the spinning and I swear that’s why his score was so high and mine so low. Rich said “I kicked your butt”. But it was fun. Next time, though, I spin! When we got out, the line was out the door so again we “timed” this right.

Alien Encounter still had the doors open for the pre-show area so we walked into this one too. We had a lot of rookies on this and the ladies next to me thought they would be propelled up. Someone yelled “here we go boys” from the back. Pretty funny. We sat up front for the full effects of the alien. Since I hadn’t done this for a while, it was fairly good. After this, our window for Winnie the Pooh had opened up so we went back there. Again, crossing the park a little.

But it was well worth it. We literally walked right onto Winnie the Pooh and bypassed the waiting line. The only time we had some comments directed towards us about FastPassing. The ride was fine but we did have yet another interesting loading experience. We were directed to row one which was fine. We were up for the next honnypot. There was a group of three that would have sat in the back of the pot with us. But as soon as the car stopped, Grandma jumped into our seat and motioned for her son and grandson into the backseat. The males just took the female order and we were stuck. So Rich and I silently waited for the next honnypot and got onto that. We figured, just like with the other loading episodes – what was the point? With each incident, we honestly thought that the other party was just into the Disney spirit and we knew we’d get onto the attraction anyway. No big deal.

After we got dumped into the gift shop at the end of Winnie the Pooh, I made the souvenir purchase of the trip. A candle jar topper with Tigger, Winnie, and most importantly, Piglet (me) and Eeyore (Rich). We carried the bag with us instead of using the package delivery.

We figured we were done with Magic Kingdom the way we wanted to do it. We did a heck of a lot more than we thought we would so we were very content and very sore! Lots of walking involved today, including walking back to the Contemporary instead of taking the monorail. We arrived at Magic Kingdom at noon and were in the car back at the Contemporary by 3:45. Rich was so amazed we did what we did “in less than twelve hours”. No, we did not see everything. But we saw the things we wanted to see and had a great day.

I was pretty tuckered out and we were going to get the pizza for dinner so I suggested going back to the room for a break. Which was well needed for both of us. We tried to find something on the limited TV choices and hoped that Disney World will some day give us the options of USA and/or A&E. I know, you’re not supposed to be here for TV but sometimes it’s great for a down period.

On the drive back to the All Stars from the Contemporary, we went down World Drive. I saw lumps moving around the side of the road in the grass and pointed them out to Rich. My very first live armadillo sighting! Whoo hoo! It’s nice to see them alive instead of smushed along the road. Also in the grass were several groups of wild turkeys. And more armadillos. I’m glad Disney World is a great place for nature. Now, if I could just see an alligator.

We left for New York Pizza World around 6:00. This is a place on Highway 192 that is basically a little threadbare but makes excellent pizza and sandwiches. They also have pasta and a small salad bar. We’ve eaten here quite a few times and have never been disappointed. My appetite was back but not in huge portions so I told Rich that I would share in his pizza.

My husband loves pizza. Really, he does. He could eat it seven days a week if I let him. He can tell the difference in sauces, cheeses, etc. And we get limited delivery pizza now because of where we live. I think we’re down to only Domino’s delivering so Rich doesn’t get fresh pizza very often. And we always have at least one frozen pie in the freezer. So when I said I would share in his pizza, he was a little concerned. He wanted to get the extra large one. I reminded him that he’s always gotten a large one and had leftovers (up until now, I’ve always gotten a sandwich here). He said that couldn’t be. I countered with “want to go back to my trip reports and verify that?” That shut him up!

We ordered a pitcher of beer and a large (just a large, not an extra large) pepperoni pizza. I planned on picking off most, if not all the pepperoni and giving it to Rich. Not only does the man love pizza, he’s a flesh eater as well. The pizza came and it was extremely good. I ended up having two slices myself (after picking off the meat). So I guess I can proclaim myself back to normal. BTW – it was a struggle for Rich to finish the rest of the pizza. So if we had gotten the extra large one, we would have had a ton of leftovers.

I offered up going to check out Old Town on Highway 192 but Rich said that wasn’t necessary and maybe we should just go back to the room for the night. Then I remembered. It’s Tuesday. “JAG” is on and he hasn’t seen it for a while since we started doing trivia Tuesday nights. Yes, we are TV junkies.

So back to the room, resting and relaxing. One more full day. We’ll do Animal Kingdom first and then head to Epcot for our last couple shows of Off Kilter for a while. Our goals at Animal Kingdom are fairly simple. For me to take pictures. Rich said he “has” to see Flights of Wonder which I’ve seen so, so, so many times. I almost wish I had never taken Rich to see this! While he does that, I’ll be in Dinoland doing the photos. We’ll do a Safari and that’s about it.

Day Five – Wednesday, February 5, 2003 – “Rich and Sheri Split and More Off Kilter”

I finally nudged Rich awake around ten. All of our neighbors were especially rambunctious this morning and at various times so we slept when we could. Oh well, we weren’t in any hurry today with our Animal Kingdom “schedule”. We took our time getting ready in the room and then headed out to Animal Kingdom shortly before 11:30. Rich did the driving and got us to the lot without any problems. No directions from me.

As we were walking up to the entrance, I said that Rich could probably make the 12:00 Flights of Wonder show (usually done on the hour). I asked him if he could find his way back to Asia on his own. He wondered why he would be on his own. I had to remind him of the conversation we had last night about our preferences. I love Flights of Wonder but I needed a break from it. Rich is such a nature lover and especially a bird lover, that he has to see this every time. He had no desire to go to Dinoland.

After we got through the turnstiles, I went over and picked up an entertainment schedule to verify the Flights of Wonder schedule and then picked up a park map for Rich. He still can’t navigate around this place at all. But I walked him back to the Flights of Wonder stage for his show and made arrangements to meet him outside afterwards. They were still doing the demonstration of an owl outside so seating hadn’t begun yet. Then I left for Dinoland. Rich was still freaked out that we split up for this time.

I went to Dinoland and took the pictures I needed. Dinosaur was a 15 minute standby so I passed on that although I wanted to do this again. Rich doesn’t like it because he thinks it’s too loud. When I got to Primeval Whirl, the standby was 5 minutes but it was a total walk on so I went onto this. I was seated with two foreign girls, about 8 and 6, who just giggled and shrieked through the whole thing. I couldn’t understand what they were saying but their faces told the story. This “roller coaster” was perfect for them. It was an enjoyable ride thanks to them. They even alleviated my reaction when I remembered just how high this thing is!

I sat on a bench after this to change film and wondered just who decided that Hester, who announces at the Triceratops Spin, should have this stupid western accent. Like Jesse from “Toy Story 2”. Yee, haa, and all that. What does that have to do with Dinoland? I never really thought of Chester and Hester as cowpokes. Ride ‘em dinosaur, ride ‘em.

There was still enough time for me to go back into Asia and get pictures from there. Rich and I already decided Kali River Rapids was not an option today. The temperatures were in the lower 60s and it was slightly overcast. Rich was in shorts, a T shirt but wore the jacket from the start this morning. I was in jeans, a long sleeve shirt and a sweatshirt. We were not looking forward to getting wet so this was a smart choice for us. I took my pictures and checked out the chicken shop back here for a snack for us. Rich would love it (chicken stir fry or won tons in a spicy broth) but the only thing for me would have been the fries at the thinly disguised McDonald’s. Yeck, no thanks.

I went back to Flights of Wonder and waited for Rich outside the stage area. I only had five minutes and I knew that from hearing the narration. I knew I had seen this way too much! Rich came out and said there were several new birds featured so he was so happy. He also spoke to “Owl Boy” (the guy who presented the owl for the crowd before they entered the theater). A couple of weeks ago, Rich saw a bird take another bird from our backyard for lunch. He couldn’t identify the predator and thought it was an owl so he wanted to see if owls snack on birds. Verdict – probably not since owls prefer rodents and I’m sure there’s a ton of those behind our house in the woods (fenced off from us, thank goodness). It probably was a hawk but Rich didn’t get enough of a sighting to make sure. Now you know why Rich has to see Flights of Wonder every trip.

Rich said a snack could wait so we went onto the Safari. The sign said a 5 minute walk on but people were pouring into the entrance so I knew it would be longer than that. While I was setting up to take the picture of the attraction sign, I saw a family. Let’s just call them FFH (Family From Hell). Mom, Dad, girl about 18 months in stroller, boy about 5 in stroller. Boy was screaming and crying. He did not want to get into the Safari queue. Mom and Dad insisted. We followed several groups behind and I figured we wouldn’t be near the FFH. But I forgot about the stroller drop off. This is where you have to leave the strollers behind and have the kids either be carried or walk up to the Safari vehicles. Unfortunately, this is where we caught up with the FFH. They were going to be in front of us for the rest of the ten minute wait.

Oh, and what a wait. I will hold myself back from giving any parent advice on how to raise their child but I think most of the people out there will agree with me, Rich, and the couple behind us on the FFH issue. The little boy just did not want to go on this attraction. Loving Dad said “do you want to go home, do you really want to go home?” Wonderful Mom punched Loving Dad and said “why did you say that, why did you say that?” When Loving Dad didn’t answer, Wonderful Mom keep asking him over and over and over again why he said that. Meanwhile, the line is moving forward slowly and Dad and Mom are alternating literally shoving the boy forward. The collar was yanked, knees were pushed into the boy’s back. It was awful. The older couple behind us just couldn’t believe it. The little boy kept screaming “I want to go home, I want to go home”. After about five unbearable minutes of this, the truth finally came out. All the little boy needed to do was go to the bathroom! That’s why he was crying before they even entered the queue line. Finally Loving Dad said to Wonderful Mom that he would take the little boy to the bathroom and that Wonderful Mom should stay and enjoy the ride with the little girl. Mom wouldn’t listen for a while but eventually that’s what happened. We even got to sit with Wonderful Mom and the little girl. Rich and I remained silent through the whole thing because, quite frankly, if anyone (including the older couple behind us who wanted to say something too) had expressed an opinion to either parent, I think a more violent and unnecessary situation would have erupted.

All this kid needed was a bathroom break and maybe a ten minute time out. Then the entire family would have had a totally different and more positive experience. We did have a great Safari and when we came off, Loving Dad and the little boy were waiting for Wonderful Mom and the little girl. The boy was totally calm, cool, and collected. I hope the boy forgives his parents easily.

We tried to let our emotions slide and decided that we were done with Animal Kingdom. Yes, it was a short trip but we both did what we wanted and I got the pictures I needed. We even ventured near Camp Minnie/Mickey for a shot of that entrance sign.

Then we walked back to the car and headed for – guess where? Epcot again. Had to catch the guys and it looked like we could do their last three shows. We were going to be way early for the 3:30 show (it was around 1:15 or so) and too late for the first show. I changed out of my sweatshirt and switched to a heavier jacket since we knew we’d be at Epcot through the evening. Rich had what I called a bear sweatshirt. Orange and fuzzy. I was going to wear that but thought I could get by with the jacket. I suggested Rich take the bear sweatshirt. He claimed he’d be fine with what he had. Ha!

We headed for the Swan and decided to have a round of Fantasia Miniature Golf. There was plenty of time before the second show of Off Kilter. Rich and I called a truce to competitiveness but we still were going to keep score. We used the Annual Pass discount (50% off each admission) and played the normal miniature golf course since it’s shorter and takes less time. We were doing fine and having a lot of fun even though some of the holes are very tricky. Then we got stacked up behind a couple of groups. As Rich said, they were only out to have some fun but still.

There was a group of seven who had each person take their turn. One at a time. One at a time. Instead of all seven “teeing” off and then going from there. It took forever. Behind them was a dad with two younger boys but they were fine. Although I think dad was getting ticked at the group in front of him. Then, directly in front of us, was a family with two very young girls. Like 2 and 4. Very cute but I wish they would have noticed that we could have easily played around them because the girls really wanted to play the holes. So we waited while they took nineteen tries to get the ball in the hole. Oh well, this was towards the end and we had plenty of time. Our only complaint was on the 17th hole. It’s based on the Sorcerer’s Apprentice and naturally is over water. The course is very tough with a steep upbank and twist to get to the hole. Of course, the two little girls couldn’t get the ball up the bank. Their father couldn’t even do it the first time! But he let both girls climb up the green to throw the ball over. This is even after they crossed a chained line to do it. And those banks are extremely steep. Rich thought he would have to go in the water to rescue the girls. I don’t know which was worse – watching the FFH or seeing those girls climb up this green.

We finished up and Rich tallied the scores. He said he had to make a mistake because I was below par. I thought we were pretty close on score but he whipped me by six points. His competitiveness showed but I was a class act and didn’t let it bother me (she says seething inside). We took the walkway from miniature golf over to Epcot with a couple of stops along the way. First up was the Boardwalk candy store. Rich was drooling over the fudge but knew we’d never eat even the smallest portion – too rich for us. Then onto the bakery where we looked at dessert selections. We hadn’t had any formal meals yet today but I thought I could get Rich interested for something to take back to the room. And I was right. We picked out a few things to get later.

Then into Epcot for our last visit this trip. Drat. But it would turn out very well. We made our way to Canada and grabbed a couple of beverages for the next Off Kilter set. There already was someone sitting where we liked to sit and I recognized the guy from other sets. He’s a friend of the band and I was going to sit with him but Rich hadn’t even really been introduced to the guy so he moved one row back. Which was fine with me. Eventually, though, we moved up after I explained to Rich that I knew the guy.

After the set, I wanted to get the last two photos of Future World that I needed. So Rich and I headed that way. First up was Spaceship Earth. Rich contemplated going on this for a nap. I love it but he falls asleep on it. Then over to Test Track where at 4:15, the standby was 20 minutes. We passed on this too. Rich suggested a pretzel here. He’s turning into his mother! He has all the pretzel stands ranked and says this stand is the best one in all of Disney World. I have to admit, this one was light and airy. Dang, now I’m turning into a Pretzel Expert. The ones at MGM are heavier and doughier. The ones in Germany are more like bread. Please, go and enjoy the pretzel of your choice.

Back to Epcot for the third set at 5:00. Another nice performance and we had time before our last set. Not a great thought but enough to get us back here in May. The guys were doing a bunch of new tunes which we always appreciate. None disappointed and I highly doubt any of their songs would. After this set, I wanted to take a picture of Morocco since that was my last pavilion and then I was done with Epcot totally. Rich and I headed there and I got a nice shot for the website.

We still needed some dinner so we stopped at the United Kingdom fish and chips stand on the way back to Canada. Rich loves the fish here and I like the chips so it was an easy choice for us to split an order. We found a table on the patio and enjoyed the meal. We took a table for five since that was the only one open but offered to share when a bigger family was looking for a spot and we knew we’d be leaving soon. This area could use more tables and chairs. It was a nice time out for both of us. The British Invasion was performing in the courtyard and while we couldn’t see them, it was nice to hear. Then we went to the “secret garden” and enjoyed the views from there. I got a much nicer shot of Morocco from here so I was set for the picture taking for the day.

Back to the Off Kilter stage area where we joined the guy from earlier and then had a lady sit in the row behind us. She said she was so embarrassed because she had been here so much that she thought Off Kilter would think she was a stalker. Said she had been here a couple of times a day for a couple of weeks. We laughed and said she was a mild case! So that opened up a conversation with her.

The guys did a great last set for our visit. It was very much enhanced by five adorable kids just dancing and prancing around. I was laughing so hard at the kids, I barely looked at the stage. And then I’d move my eyes and see older people clapping along with the band. Where can you find people of all ages? At the Off Kilter stage.

After this set, we talked with the woman in the row behind us. While we were doing that, another woman came up and was intently trying to find someone behind the now dropped screens at the stage. She came up to us and asked if we knew if anyone would be around after this. We said we didn’t think so since everything was closed up and that was the last show of the night. I asked what she needed, thinking that if she wanted a CD, I could direct her to the Canada stores. She said, no that’s not what she needed. Rich jokingly said “oh, you want a kiss from Off Kilter?” She said no. We tried to get it out of her what she wanted but she didn’t budge. She left to try and find someone and we thought maybe she was a true stalker. It was a little scary.

We said goodbye to our fellow converted Off Kilter fan. She had never seen the group in her many trips before this one and was so glad she spent the time with the guys. She’s going to try and work up her courage tomorrow to get their autographs on her newly purchased CDs. I hope she does. The guys are very nice to talk to.

We exited Epcot for the last time this trip. But we’ll be back in May and showing Chandra and Marlie their first views. We made our stop in the Boardwalk Bakery. I got a fruit tart for dessert while Rich got a huge cinnamon bun for breakfast the next day. He did chastise me though. Said he’s had fish today and a fruit tart the other night and that was the healthiest he’s eaten in quite a while. We tried to find Randy, the juggler and waited in the warm Boardwalk lobby for a while. Remember, Rich was still in shorts, a T shirt and a light jacket. The temperatures had dropped quite a bit and he was wanting that bear sweatshirt pretty badly! We never did find Randy and it was getting to be 8:00 and “Enterprise” was on TV. So we left the Swan for the last time.

We watched TV for the rest of the night with Rich trying to get warm this time. He said he understood why on Sunday night, I turned up the temperature in the room to 78! He didn’t get that extreme but cranked it to 74 for about fifteen minutes. Packing will be simple and we’ll do it in the morning. I ate the fruit tart for dessert. I did offer some of it to Rich who was bundled up under the covers. Actually, he got some of the crust and that was about it. I demolished the rest of it!

We did have to turn the volume up on the TV for a while. I guess our other neighbors are newlyweds. The current wife was on the phone with the ex-wife finding out why the husband’s kids didn’t want to see them. The wife was getting extremely loud at points so we just kept moving the volume higher and higher so we couldn’t hear the argument. The husband was not in the room and arrived later. Which caused conversation between the two of them. I guess the current wife was trying to find out if the choice was the kids’ or the ex-wife’s. Actually, if I was a kid and heard my dad’s new wife talk the way she was talking, I wouldn’t want to meet with her either. This was the all-time, let’s get a normal family day. In the words of Goofy “Gawrsh”.

Day Six – Thursday, February 6, 2003 – “On the Road Again”

We slept until 9:30 with intermittent neighbor noises. Check out time was 11:00 and we didn’t really want to leave this area until noon or so to time the Atlanta traffic. While Rich showered, I packed. I think it took five minutes for the packing. Dirty laundry here, clean clothes here, just the rest of the stuff here. We’re done. Then I did my thing and we watched ESPN Sports Center until about 10:30 or so. We loaded up the car and said goodbye to the All Star Movies.

I had taken pictures of the Movies and had photos from the Sports in November. We stayed at Music way back in 1998 so we headed over there to complete the trio of pictures. We walked around there while I snapped away. I am so not disappointed with any of the All Star resorts. True, getting four adults in a room would be difficult but not prohibitive.

I finished being a shutterbug since I ran out of film. My last shot was of cheerleaders practicing out on one of the grassy areas. We headed off property and back to the kitties. We certainly missed them. We made one stop at the Publix to see if they had “gasp” Tampa Bay Buccaneers on the Wheaties boxes. Rich and I are die hard Falcons fans and bringing something like this into the house is total blasphemy but Rich is a collector after all. No cereal so our minds were cleared anyway.

I drove until we got to Ocala and needed gas. We gagged at the prices and just did $15 worth and hoped that would take us over into Georgia. Our gas prices aren’t the best right now but this just about killed us. We snacked on the huge cinnamon roll Rich got at the Boardwalk last night. Extremely good. I continued driving until that $15 went into the atmosphere. I was making up for Rich driving all day Saturday. I almost got us to Macon and then had to stop for a refill. That was a good place to switch drivers so Rich could get us through Atlanta.

And it’s a good thing we did switch. Right after Rich took over, it started to rain. That would continue all the way back to our house. We timed our arrival into Atlanta very well. Too bad those pesky commuters were still all on the road because of the rain. We kept hearing on the radio how horrible the drives were. I cringed when we got off I675 and went onto I285. Those traffic people must be somewhere else because this was painless. Rich pretty much sailed through here to Spaghetti Junction which is where I285 and I85 come together. It’s one of the worst interchanges in the country, I think. We didn’t think it was any worse than any other day. The normal spots were still jammed after 6:00 PM but we made it over to the HOV lane and cruised on up I85 and home. We stopped for Subway sandwiches and then finally got home around 7:00. The cats easily forgave us and we only had one knocked over lamp as punishment.

The Aftermath

This was a great break in our lives with everything going on. I honestly think that the reason Rich and I are so close are the trips to Disney World. We escape reality for a while and just enjoy each other. Everyone needs that these days. And that’s what we did. Maybe it wasn’t the “perfect” trip with me being sick but everything worked out just fine.

Overall Impressions

We saw a ton of nature this trip, as usual. Rich is a big nature lover (and so am I but I have to blame him for something, right?) so we find ourselves always looking way beyond the material attractions. I saw my first live armadillos and the wild turkeys coming back from the Magic Kingdom were very nice. The seagulls were out in force and they are cyclical as to when they are at Disney World. We just happened upon them this time. Rich did come back and had to identify eight different bird types using his books. And he thinks he saw his first Baltimore Oriole. I had seen one on an earlier trip but he never did.
The cheerleaders, except for that first night, were never really that much of a problem. We had the high school championship starting up and most of the groups in the parks were unescorted. That made the groups in the queue areas a little louder than normal. The only time we had a problem was at Twilight Zone but that was easily handled by putting the entire group into their own elevator. Other than that, we weren’t bothered all that much. It was not the true final weekend but the one before.
We tipped housekeeping $2 every day in special envelopes I made up with Disney characters on the outside. We didn’t get anything unusual except having my toothbrush put in a plastic cup with a washcloth arranged behind it. My Valentine’s Day Eeyore was never posed nor did we get towel animals. We were disappointed? Nope – we got what we paid for. And we loved it.
The noise level at the All Star Movies from our neighbors was handled but it was still a bit on the high side. We’d get that anywhere, though. We never did experience any pool noise so the location of our room was perfect for us. But we sure didn’t have any secrets from our neighbors with the turbo toilets and vice versa.
Touring

We did all four parks and enjoyed what we wanted to. It wasn’t everything and we didn’t expect it to be. We did a lot more at Magic Kingdom than we thought and that was very nice. Each of us did what we wanted at Animal Kingdom even though it wasn’t with each other. I think that experience opened Rich up to going solo more often. Ditto for the Saturday night when I was sick and sent him off to Epcot on his own. MGM was manageable for us without the tours since we’ll see them in May with Chandra and Marlie.

Food

We didn’t do any sit down meals unless you include New York Pizza World and that would be a stretch. Run down on the food:

Boardwalk pizza window – Rich only – he said things have changed and I wouldn’t like it as much anymore. Well, that’s a challenge for May.
McDonald’s french fries – Rich only – he should burn in hell for this!
Fortune cookies – me only – nice for the stomach when it needed it.
All Star Music food court – both of us – my fruit and cheese plate was perfect and Rich’s burger was up to snuff. He didn’t want the fries with it but having this to go and enjoying it back in the room was priceless and very much appreciated.
Soft pretzels – the one at MGM was fine but the other one at Epcot outside Test Track was wonderful! A repeater for me.
Quick lunch at Magic Kingdom – the hot dog and grapes were perfect for us to just sit and relax and enjoy the meal.
Fruit tarts – we had two – well, I had two. The one from Norway had a more creamy filling and the one from the Boardwalk was custardy. But both were excellent and I don’t think Rich will hesitate in the future when I want one of these gems.
Cinnamon bun – Rich got this for himself for the way home and I had a bite. Seriously, consider getting your breakfast from any one of the many Disney World bakeries the night before and enjoy the next morning. Absolutely yummy.
Fish and chips from United Kingdom. Great way to have a pleasant meal along World Showcase Lagoon. Limited seating along the water but you can always take the tray back to the nice courtyard and maze area. We split this meal with Rich getting the fish and me getting the chips. Perfect for the two of us.
Open faced sandwiches at Norway – a first for both of us. And it will be a repeater. The only complaint Rich had was they put butter on the sandwiches and they didn’t have BBQ sauce available. I had to remind him that we were in Norway, not some demon dimension of Julia Child Land. But he was fine with everything and we enjoyed the meal very much.
New York Pizza World – I finally had their pizza and we’ll be back. Most definitely. Enough said about this place. We love it.
On Wednesday, after we already had the fish and chips and were satisfied for the day, Rich said that he really had to hold back on asking me to make a seating at Le Cellier! He thought I still couldn’t handle a heavy meal so he didn’t want to make the request. I really could have used a nice sit down lunch during the trip. Damn! At that point, I was fine and ready for a normal meal. Oh well, I’m getting this next trip for sure!

The Bad Stuff – every trip has this and it’s inevitable. Don’t expect to go on a Disney World vacation and not have bad moments.

The Family From Hell. Hands down, this was the worst I’ve ever seen a kid treated at a Disney park. Please, please, please! Listen to your kids. If they need a break, give it to them! I can’t tell you how irritable I would have been if I hadn’t taken those sit down breaks when I needed them on Sunday. Why should a kid be any different? I recently discovered that Marlie is used to naps between 3:30 and 6:30. Which really cramps my touring style but tough. I’m not dragging her on any attraction if she’s tired and wants a rest.
The seagulls were, quite frankly, a pain in the butt. Rich not only watched out for our food but gave warnings to people walking around unknowing to the danger. He gave out several “incoming!” messages during the trip.
The Good Stuff – and every trip has these moments too!

Seeing Magic Kingdom the way we did. We’ve avoided the park because of the crowds and the kids but we really enjoyed it together this time. We saw what we wanted and had a very pleasant day.
All Star Movies – people tend to dis the All Star resorts but we’ve never had a problem with them. I thought the noise level from the pool would be bad and maybe it would have been during a warmer time. But we loved the accommodations yet again.
The food, although limited for us, was wonderful. We had new experiences and I don’t think we’ll be passing up the Boardwalk Bakery very often anymore!
Meeting our friends for the Sunday Off Kilter sessions. It doesn’t get any better than this. We all act like we just saw each other last week instead of months ago. We have a great time together and Rich gets very spoiled by all the attention.
Picture taking for the website. This was so much fun. I normally feel stupid taking pictures. Like a tourist or something. But this time I had a purpose. I even asked people to step out of the camera range so I could snap a shot without humans in it. Everyone was so nice about this. I didn’t get the opportunity to take any group pictures this trip but I was more aware of how people were taking pictures and what they wanted in the background. One lady was very surprised I wanted a photo of just the Beauty and the Beast stage show sign. To each his own, I guess!
The Wonderful – you really didn’t think I’d leave a report without mentioning this did you?

Off Kilter, of course. Yeah, we misbehaved on Sunday but all of the shows we saw were so, so good. And there’s lots of new material out there again. It seems strange to go to so many performances of the same group but the shows are different every time. No set play list and you get something different each show. If you see their early show and come back for the later ones, you’ll get an entirely new performance. And Rich was impressed that Off Kilter now does a great rendition of “Whiskey in the Jar” which was last done by, would you believe, Metallica. Somehow, this group takes a heavy rock song and puts bagpipes to it. My husband is a music lover and the things that Off Kilter does blows him away.
Taking time off with just Rich. We’ve been through a lot in the past month with selling the house and having our son getting engaged. We needed the break and we took it. Since then, we’ve both calmed down a lot and are communicating better than ever. You tend to keep things inside during stressful periods and we both were doing that. With the break, we talk more often and it really helps. Disney World can be a therapy session too!
I just set up the family trip in May. Two cabins at Fort Wilderness. Not a great rate but I’m crossing the fingers that the Passholder discounts come out. If not, we’ll go to All Star in multiple rooms or even offsite. Everything works out.

Feel free to email me with Trip Report in the subject line. Have a great Disney day!

Sheri Niklewski