Once again we had the opportunity to do another “Mom & Dad Only” trip. We did the same thing last October.

Prologue --

This year I had a business meeting in the Orlando area on Tues, Sept 18. So, after a bit of discussion (about 4 seconds worth—“I’ve got another meeting in Orlando, you want to go to? OK !!” ;)) we decided to work out the details.

I was to fly down on Monday evening, attend my meeting on Tues, then meet up with Melissa @ CBR on Tuesday evening, after she had flown down on Tues afternoon. I was going to rent a car to drive from the airport to my meeting in north Orlando, then after my meeting drive back to the airport, turn in the car, and hop on the Magical Express to begin the Disney part of my trip. As it turned out, that would have prob’ly been the same Magical Express that Melissa would have been on based on the arrival time of her flight. We were to check in to CBR on Tuesday evening, then spend Wednesday & Thursday in the parks before having to fly home on Friday.

Well, everything worked out fine for my part of the trip, but because of some unexpected delays @ home—who was available to keep the kids, etc, Melissa had to change her flight, and wasn’t going to arrive until Wednesday evening. Oh well, just means I’ll go to the MK by myself on Wednesday, and we’ll go to Epcot together on Thursday.

Day 1 – Tues, Sept 18 --

I suffered thru my meeting (guess where my mind was all day:rolleyes:), and got my rental car back to the airport uneventfully. It was such a relaxing thought when I saw the Magical Express counter, to know that in just a few minutes I’d be back on the Disney property.

Caribbean Beach Resort turned out to be the first stop by Magical Express, so I got checked in quite efficiently. We (well, “me” at the moment) had a room in Jamaica—we’d stayed there once previously & loved it. The resort was immaculate and beautiful; the room was bright, clean & comfortable—exactly what I would expect. No real plans for Tuesday evening, so I just wandered around the resort, ate dinner @ the food court (pretty good Reuben sandwich), and relaxed for quite a bit in one of the hammocks watching the sun set. As 9:00 approached, I found a beach chair on the Martinique beach & got ready to watch Illuminations over the tree-tops. Illuminations is absolutely my favorite Disney fireworks extravaganza!! Watching from the beach @ CBR is not quite the same as being in Epcot’s World Showcase, but it’s still fun.

After the last BOOM, I went back to the room, talked to Melissa on the phone to see what time she would be arriving tomorrow evening, & watched a bit of the “Top 7 Must Sees @ WDW” . I checked out the weather for tomorrow ---- hmmmm :confused: (a bit of foreshadowing here), turned out the lights & went to sleep.

Tomorrow morning would be the MAGIC KINGDOM !!! :D

Never occured to me you'd be able to see parts of Illuminations from CBR -- sounds pretty nice :D Never stayed there, but hope to someday!

Looking forward to more!!

Day 2 – Wed, Sept 19 –

Day dawned gray & wet. When I got out of bed & looked out the window, it was still dark & w/out my glasses I couldn’t tell if it was raining or not (duh). Anyway, I started my walk from Jamaica over to Old Port Royale for my morning coffee, and along the way started to realize that, YES, it was raining—more than a mist or drizzle, but not a full scale downpour (yet). I got to OPR just in time to keep from getting completely drenched, and proceeded to purchase myself a poncho. Got my poncho, my coffee, my cream cheese Danish, & I was set for awhile.

I caught a break in the rain, so I headed back to the room to finish getting ready for the Magic Kingdom. I got to the bus stop a couple minutes before 8:00, and MK bus pulled up immediately. We had originally planned for my wife to have arrived last evening, and we’d go to the MK together. However, she got delayed @ home, and won’t be flying in until this evening, so I’m off to MK on my own.

When I got to the MK, I found out they’d already opened Fantasyland—not the biggest draw for me, but there’s a couple rides that I’ll enjoy when given the opportunity. I went in & got on Peter Pan w/no wait at all, then went to the Tea Cups & rode them while Alice & the Mad Hatter rode a few times as well.

The rain had picked up a bit now, so I put on my poncho & hung out by the Fantasyland/Tomorrowland border waiting for the rest of the park to open. At the appointed time (9:00) Disney music filled the rest of the park, and I took off toward Space Mtn. I had already rounded the bend around the Indy Speedway toward SM before I saw the folks from Main Street even entering Tomorrowland, so I was in good shape for a quick ride. Turns out I was the SECOND person on Space Mtn that morning !!! (yeah, I know :geek: )

I then went to Buzz Lightyear—I debated whether to ride Buzz or not; didn’t know if it’d be as much fun w/out someone else in the car to compete with. Well, I rode anyway, & it was fun. Crowds & wait times were light all morning as the rain continued to come down. There were a couple times where it let up enough that I took off my poncho for a few minutes, but it really didn’t quit for good until about noon or so.

Got on Haunted Mansion & enjoyed the new effects/re-furb. The sound system works w/out a hitch now. Madame Leota floats nicely, and there are a few other obviously new scenes/effects. The overall feel of this classic ride is still the same—they have done no harm with this re-furb, only improved & enhanced it. I was very happy with it. This is one of the rides I remember from my very first trip to WDW back in ’71 or ’72. :D

I have to say that rain gives BTMRR another dimension. The cast members were telling guests that with the rain, it’d be the same as riding BTMRR & Splash Mtn all at the same time. Not quite, but it was fun.

After BTMRR, I went to Splash, which was not giving out any FastPasses all day. No problem, crowds were still light, and lines were not long. I kept my poncho on for this first ride on Splash. Why? I don’t know. I guess @ this point it was too much trouble to put it on & take it off again & again. I love this ride, and the “splash” seemed to be working well today as I got quite wet each time I rode it—even without the rain.

Pirates was up next, so I was glad to get in out of the rain there. We’d already been to WDW twice since the Capt Jack/Barbossa additions, and being a huge fan of those movies, I really like this ride. When our little girl is with us on this ride, she loves to point out the kitty cats along the way. When I exited Pirates, the rain had finally let up enough that I took off & packed away my poncho for good.

For most of the rest of the day, I spent p/u FastPasses for BTMRR, and Space, and riding Splash via the standby que. I did go see the Tiki Birds (I actually like Iago), and Mickey’s Philharmagic.

Being by myself in the MK was different. While I missed being with my wife, and the rest of the family, it did let me take things completely @ my own pace. At no point did I feel self-conscious about it, but I’m not really that type of personality anyway.

I ate a leisurly lunch @ Columbia Harbor House @ a table by the window in the bridge over the Fantasyland/Liberty Square walk-way. I sat on a bench in Adventureland for a long time, just watching people. I rode the train on a complete circuit of the park; I rode the People Mover (TTA) around at least twice without getting off. I ate a churro in Frontierland, and a double-scoop of ice cream (mint chocolate chip) on Main Street. I saw a bit of the 3:00 parade (Now, when does that start?), and moved on. Crowds eventually picked up & lines got longer after the rain stopped, but by then I’d already done most everything I wanted to, so I could be very choosy about where & when to do anything else.

I wanted to drop in on the Country Bears, but I could never catch it just right to walk in w/out a wait, so I didn’t make it.

Melissa was to arrive at about 8:30 tonight, so I left the park before Wishes, and got back to CBR in time to make it to the Customs House about 5 mins before her Magical Express pulled up. I got her; got her luggage (she didn’t use the ME tags because of the last minute flight change); we rode the bus back to Jamaica, and we started making our plans for tomorrow ….

Epcot ..

I am really enjoying your report. Can't wait to read more. Do you have any photos of the CBR?

Do you have any photos of the CBR?

I do have pictures. I've never been especially proficient @ posting pictures or links, but I'll give it a shot before this report is over ... :D

I found a beach chair on the Martinique beach & got ready to watch Illuminations over the tree-tops.

I didn't know you could see fireworks from there either until I stayed there a few years ago and just happened to be on the beach, in a hammock, at the right time. It was such a magical surprise. I'm glad I read your report and learned that it was Illuminations we saw that night, I was never sure. I'm so sad your wife had to miss that first night and day with you!

No wait for Peter Pan? You've gotta be kidding me! I hope that holds up for when we go....

SO enjoying your report. Looking forward to the next installment!

No wait for Peter Pan? You've gotta be kidding me! I hope that holds up for when we go....

Well, that was because Fantasyland opened @ (apparently) 8:00, when the rest of the park officially opened @ 9:00, and I was there @ about 8:15 ... Later in the day as I walked by I did see stand-by wait times posted @ 45 mins or more ...

Enjoying your trip report - more more!! :D

Thanks Greg -- really enjoying the report! I've never been alone either, but after reading about it on MP I can see how it can be nice and relaxing. I love eating on the covered bridge at Columbia House too!

Day 3 – Wed, Sept 20 –

Today the weather was much better. Still a chance for rain, but afternoon t-showers basically. We both got up early & walked to OPR. We got the “Adult Breakfast Platter” which is not bad for a fast-food breakfast. We started the day with full tummies, in any event.

We also had to buy Melissa a back-pack. She’d left home w/out her regular “park” back-pack, thinking that w/out kids on this trip she prob’ly wouldn’t need it. Guess again, the ponchos have to go somewhere & a back pack is the best way to do it.

After buying the back pack, we walked out to the OPR bus stop to catch our Epcot bus. I believe the Epcot bus was the 3rd one around, but only about 5 mins after we got to the bus stop.

The Epcot-ball, also known as Spaceship Earth, is now wand-less. Melissa liked it better with the wand, and I’ve got mixed feelings about it. Actually the first time I ever saw Spaceship Earth in person, Mickey’s wand was already there, so I’m not reflecting back to my childhood on it or anything. Oh well.

We arrive about 10 mins before rope-drop and already have our plan worked out. I go straight to the “rope” outside Innoventions on the Soarin’ side of the park, while Melissa heads for Test Track first thing. After Epcot’s little opening show (it really does pale in comparison to MK’s, in my opinion), I go directly to Soarin’—do not pass GO, do not pick up $200—to get FastPasses. Then I re-cross Future World to meet Melissa outside TT. The stand-by line for TT is very short ‘cause it’s still early. We’re on the ride in a matter of minutes & we still get a big kick out of that final speed lap around the building. When we pull back in, there’s NOBODY in line, so the CM asks our whole car if we’d like to go around again. SURE !! So already we’ve got TWO TT’s under our belt (We actually could have made it an immediate three, but decided to move on to something else).

Next door is Mission:Space. When we were here with the kids in May, Melissa & Emily had ridden “green” on our first day and were quite “under-whelmed.” So from then on it was “orange” for everybody. Today was no exception—Orange it is!! I am continually amazed by the effects on this ride—the liftoff, the gravity-assisted sling-shot around the moon, the landing on Mars, VERY COOL !! We almost decided to go right back around & ride it again, but our FP’s for Soarin’ were ready & we really love this ride.

Back through Innoventions, and across Future World we go. Inside The Land pavilion and down to Soarin’. With “Patrick, your chief flight attendant” doing the pre-show, it’s almost as much fun as the ride itself—well …. We sat next to a grandfather-type person who was very excited about the ride. It was fun to watch his excitement as we soared over the river, and the orange groves and the cliffs and water falls, and Disneyland, etc. I think Soarin’ is the only ride I’ve ever been on where people actually applaud at the end of the ride. It’s that cool !!

… and that’s just the first couple hours … Epcot to be continued …

Ok, where was I ....

Still @ Epcot on Day 3.

After Soarin' we decided to go give Nemo & Friends another try. There was no line, so we were in our clamshell very quickly. This ride has some interesting technologies, in the way the characters appear to actually be in the tank with the real fish. The ride itself is OK, and I'm glad we rode it, but it's not one of those where you automatically run back around when you're finished to try & ride again.

Next we wanted to try Ellen's Energy Adventure. In all the trips we'd taken previously, we'd never been on this ride before. I'd read about it in guidebooks, and it sounded like it'd be pretty good. I was rather intrigued by the ride system itself--the huge movie-theater-sections that rotate around, & break apart to go through the ride individually--somebody had their thinking caps on for that one. The ride actually turned out to be a bit on the mediocre side--Melissa did get a nice nap :|.

From here we decided to head for World Showcase, 'cause it was getting close to lunch time & we wanted something other than burgers or chicken, etc. Even so, we took our time as we walked through the various pavilions. We thought about Fish & Chips in England, or pastries in France. Melissa at first had a craving for Italian, but the menu @ the new restaurant there didn't really hit the spot. We considered German -itzels or -wursts, but finally settled on Morocco. Not really "settled" 'cause we really do like this restaurant. When we have the kids with us, it's where they always want to head for a counter service meal. We both had lamb-something, with cous-cous things (?), very ethnic, and very good. The counter service restaurant (Tangerine Cafe) I think is a bit more generic Mediterranean, rather than strictly Moroccan (seems to resemble Greek food quite a bit), but its a great change from the burgers/chicken/pizza that you can get overwhelmed by sometimes.

After lunch, we had another FastPass for Soarin' that was burning a hole in our pockets, so off we went to check in on Patrick & the Soarin' crew once again. If for some reason, you've been to Epcot, but NOT been on Soarin' -- SHAME ON YOU !! When we were here with the kids back in May, my parents also came down for a couple days & went to MK & Epcot with us. After their first ride on Soarin', they would have ridden it again & again if that could have been possible. I was talking with my Dad on the phone just the other day & he continues to talk about how much they loved this ride. My kids (7 & 10 yrs), the daredevils who can't get enough of Everest, Mission:Space, Test Track, Space Mtn, Tower of Terror, etc, put Soarin' on that same level as far as the "let's do it again" rating. As we exited this time we picked up one more FastPass which pushed the return time pretty far into the evening now.

Back to World Showcase, and we decided to catch the film in France. Beautiful visuals, and it kinda makes you think a visit over there could be a lot of fun--definitely with a stop @ Disneyland Paris. Melissa also wanted to spend some time in the Japanese department store (shopping :rolleyes:), and she bought some kind of little porcelain cat--I think it's supposed to bring us luck, or something. We watched the guy with the whistle in Italy. He is very good. He got some kid from the audience to help him with parts of the show. Very entertaining.

Next we stopped in on the Chinese acrobats & were thoroughly amazed by their talent. We've always spent a lot of time in Norway previously, 'cause my family's heritage is Norwegian, but this time we kinda glossed over that one pretty quickly.

We then try to work in our remaining FastPasses to Test Track before our dinner ADRs @ San Angel Inn. We get all the way through the que & are to board the very next car, when a thunderstorm breaks outside. We see people coming back in from their speed lap absolutely soaked to the bone. The ride has to shut down while we wait out the rain. We stand there on the verge of riding, as time creeps by. Finally we have to get out of line, because if we wait any longer we'll miss our ADRs. Sadly we wave bye-bye to Test Track, and return to Mexico in a slight rain.

First, however, we had to pay Donald & his friends a visit. I'm a huge fan of Donald's, so I'm rather biased when I say how much I like this ride ;).

Then we settled in for dinner @ one of our favorite restaurants in all of World Showcase. Besides the atmosphere of an outdoor Mexican marketplace @ twilight, on the banks of the River-of-Time, with an Aztec pyramid & a softly rumbling volcano in the distance, one of the things that I really like about this restaurant is that it's not your typical menu of tacos, burritos, enchiladas, etc. You certainly get a definite Mexican flavor, but it's (what I understand to be) more authentic Mexican dishes. I readily admit that I'm not an authority, nor a Mexican gourmet, but I know what I like, and what is tasty, and I really enjoy a meal here.

After dinner, we go back to Soarin', using our final FastPasses of the day, and when we get out, we intend to go ahead & pick out our viewing spot for Illuminations. But as we walk between Soarin' and the World Showcase we notice a HUGE black cloud--mass of black clouds--approaching Epcot. This is definitely different from the "afternoon thundershowers" that have been off & on for parts of the day. This one is serious about dropping some rain, thunder & lightning--and who knows what else. We talk about it for a bit, shop for some souvenirs, but finally decide it looks like this one is going to open up over Epcot right about the time Illuminations fires off. Again, donning ponchos during a rain shower is one thing, this is different. We finally decide to head for the busses & try to make it back to CBR before the storm arrives.

We do make it back. We're sad to have missed Illuminations, but glad to have not been caught out in this one. This is the storm (or related to it) that dropped a tornado just north of Orlando :eek:.

Tomorrow Magical Express picks us up at about 1:30. But we'll go to the Boardwalk, or Downtown Disney, or something before then.

What a nice evening! Sorry about Illuminations, though.:(

Looking forward to the last day....boo-hoo.

Loving your report so far! Count me as another one who likes that bridge area in Columbia Harbor House!

And I agree about being in the MK by yourself - it's nice to do what you want, at your own pace, and really smell the roses, but it's nice, too, to get to share it with someone!

Oh, and I've taken a nap or two on Ellen's Adventure, too. Even with those loud noises!

Wait! The wand is gone? What happened....I really must have missed the whole..."taking down of the wand"....wow....the ball must look, well bald! LOL!!!

I really didn't care for it anyway...I'm really enjoying your trip report!!! And the update on the H.M.!!! :fez:

I've taken a nap or two on Ellen's Adventure, too. Even with those loud noises!

I thought there were some cool moments to it, but I guess she just needed that "power nap" ... ;)

I'm really enjoying your trip report!!! And the update on the H.M.!!! :fez:

I really like what they've done. I'm a big fan of the HM, and I feel they've done a fantastic job. Basically kept the same "feel" from the original, updated a lot of stuff that needed updating, and added a few enhancements & improvements along the way. :D

Oh! Me, too!!! I absolutely love the bridge in Harbor House. My husband & I are what are considered "Winter Settlers" at Ft. Wilderness and are there for a few months. We eat there all the time. Tuna sandwiches & clam chowder - YUM!!

Here's a couple pictures of CBR that I took while we were there (I'm mainly doing just a couple right now to see if I can have any luck posting pics :D)

1. Entrance to Caribbean Cay, the island in the middle of Barefoot Bay. From Jamaica, you walk across the bridges & this island to get to Old Port Royale, and the food court, main pool, gift shops, etc.

http://render1.snapfish.com/render2/is=Yup6aQQ%7C%3Dup6RKKt%3AxxWtUq4PJ-0frj%3DQofrj7t%3DzrRfDUX%3AeQaQxg%3Dr%3F87KR6xqpxQ QPQx0QQxJ0Gxv8uOc5xQQQJeQ0JanlGGqpfVtB%3F*KUp7BHSH qqy7XH6gXoQJ%7CRup6lQQ%7C/of=50,590,442

2. View across Barefoot Bay from the hammock @ Jamaica toward Old Port Royale, at sunset.

http://render1.snapfish.com/render2/is=Yup6aQQ%7C%3Dup6RKKt%3AxxWtUq4PJ-0frj%3DQofrj7t%3DzrRfDUX%3AeQaQxg%3Dr%3F87KR6xqpxQ QPQx0QQxJ0Gxv8uOc5xQQQJeQ0JanllPqpfVtB%3F*KUp7BHSH qqy7XH6gXoQJ%7CRup6lQQ%7C/of=50,590,442

If there's a better (easier, more efficient, etc) way to do this, feel free to let me know ..

That works, Greg!

Love the color on the second one! I like that they finally changed the name of Caribbean Cay - it used to be Parrot Cay and they left that name up there LONGGGGGG after they got rid of the Parrots.

Love the color on the second one!

Thanks, I missed the peak of the color though. I was lying there in the hammock watching the sunset for several minutes thinking, "Wow, that's beautiful. I oughta take a picture ............. " until I remembered I had my camera with me. :rolleyes:

More pics from Caribbean Beach Resort ...

The Spanish Fort Pool @ Old Port Royale
http://render1.snapfish.com/render2/is=Yup6aQQ%7C%3Dup6RKKt%3Axxr%3D0-qpDP-WtlfRt7Pf7mrPfrj7t%3DzrRfDUX%3AeQaQxg%3Dr%3F87KR6x qpxQQPQx0QQxJ0Gxv8uOc5xQQQJeQnPanJP0qpfVtB%3F*KUp7 BHSHqqy7XH6gX0QQPJ%7CRup6lQQ%7C/of=50,590,442

Early morning @ Old Port Royale
http://render1.snapfish.com/render2/is=Yup6lQQ%7C%3Dup6RKKt%3Axxr%3D0-qpDP-WtlfRt7Pf7mrPfrj7t%3DzrRfDUX%3AeQaQxg%3Dr%3F87KR6x qpxQQPQx0QQxJ0Gxv8uOc5xQQQJeQnPanJPoqpfVtB%3F*KUp7 BHSHqqy7XH6gX0QQPJ%7CRup6aQQ%7C/of=50,332,442

Old Port Royale gift shop
http://render1.snapfish.com/render2/is=Yup6aQQ%7C%3Dup6RKKt%3Axxr%3D0-qpDP-WtlfRt7Pf7mrPfrj7t%3DzrRfDUX%3AeQaQxg%3Dr%3F87KR6x qpxQQPQx0QQxJ0Gxv8uOc5xQQQJeQnPanJPJqpfVtB%3F*KUp7 BHSHqqy7XH6gX0QQPl%7CRup6lQQ%7C/of=50,590,442

Barefoot Bay & Jamaica
http://render1.snapfish.com/render2/is=Yup6aQQ%7C%3Dup6RKKt%3Axxr%3D0-qpDP-Wt0fRt7Pf7mrPfrj7t%3DzrRfDUX%3AeQaQxg%3Dr%3F87KR6x qpxQQPQx0QQxJ0Gxv8uOc5xQQQJeQnPanJPGqpfVtB%3F*KUp7 BHSHqqy7XH6gX0QQQn%7CRup6lQQ%7C/of=50,590,442

Light house & boat marina @ Old Port Royale
http://render1.snapfish.com/render2/is=Yup6aQQ%7C%3Dup6RKKt%3Axxr%3D0-qpDP-WtefRt7Pf7mrPfrj7t%3DzrRfDUX%3AeQaQxg%3Dr%3F87KR6x qpxQQPQx0QQxJ0Gxv8uOc5xQQQJeQnPanJPlqpfVtB%3F*KUp7 BHSHqqy7XH6gX0QQPn%7CRup6G00%7C/of=50,590,393

Garden courtyard outside our room
http://render1.snapfish.com/render2/is=Yup6aQQ%7C%3Dup6RKKt%3Axxr%3D0-qpDP-WtafRt7Pf7mrPfrj7t%3DzrRfDUX%3AeQaQxg%3Dr%3F87KR6x qpxQQPQx0QQxJ0Gxv8uOc5xQQQJeQnPanJPaqpfVtB%3F*KUp7 BHSHqqy7XH6gX0QQoo%7CRup6lQQ%7C/of=50,590,442

Miscellaneous "Jamaica" buliding by the pool
http://render1.snapfish.com/render2/is=Yup6aQQ%7C%3Dup6RKKt%3Axxr%3D0-qpDP-WtefRt7Pf7mrPfrj7t%3DzrRfDUX%3AeQaQxg%3Dr%3F87KR6x qpxQQPQx0QQxJ0Gxv8uOc5xQQQJeQnPanJPeqpfVtB%3F*KUp7 BHSHqqy7XH6gX0QQPe%7CRup6lQQ%7C/of=50,590,442

And other pics from the parks

On-ride from Test Track
http://render1.snapfish.com/render2/is=Yup6aQQ%7C%3Dup6RKKt%3AxxWtUq4PJ-0frj%3DQofrj7t%3DzrRfDUX%3AeQaQxg%3Dr%3F87KR6xqpxQ QPQx0QQxJ0Gxv8uOc5xQQQJeQ0JanlePqpfVtB%3F*KUp7BHSH qqy7XH6gXoQJ%7CRup6lQQ%7C/of=50,590,442

Cinderella Castle from the People Mover (TTA)
http://render1.snapfish.com/render2/is=Yup6aQQ%7C%3Dup6RKKt%3AxxWtUq4P0-0frj%3DQofrj7t%3DzrRfDUX%3AeQaQxg%3Dr%3F87KR6xqpxQ QPQx0QQxJ0Gxv8uOc5xQQQJG00000aJoqpfVtB%3F*KUp7BHSH qqy7XH6gXPnn%7CRup6lQQ%7C/of=50,590,442

Our final day: Downtown Disney, Magical Express back to airport coming up.