Geoff Jones - July 1997 - Offsite

[Trip Reports]

Trip Report. Orlando Florida. 7th July to 21st July 1997

Finally after a year of waiting the big day arrives. before I get to my trip report a little about me...

The Cast:

Geoff Jones, 24, British computer engineer. traveling solo. going to Orlando for the first time. never driven abroad before. earlier this year I got fibrositis in my neck which means I get a stiff and sore neck so I was worried about doing myself permanent damage on some of the rides (but I needn't have worried as it turned out.)

Couldn't quite afford to stay on Disney property for two weeks so I decide to stay on International Drive at the Quality Inn International (popular with Brits apparently)

Thank yous:

The biggest thank you of all must go to Lisa Harris who put up with all my questions, all my pestering and was kind enough to ring me a couple of times while I was in Florida to make sure I was behaving myself (so in a way I had a real small RADP meet of sorts ;-)) Lisa also made three meal reservations for me at Cinderella's Royal Table, The Rose and Crown pub at Epcot, and the Sci-fi Drive-In diner at Disney MGM also thanks to other RADP members who've sent me information during the past year or so.

Before I get into my trip report proper a word about:

Crowd levels. I must admit to being surprised at how light crowds seemed to be during my stay. I was honestly expecting to be packed in the parks like a tin of sardines but I never felt like the crowds were unmanageable this was true at Universal, MK, Epcot, MGM, Sea World and KSC. Maybe I just picked good days to go !

Hot Weather. I think too much is made of the Florida heat. I come from the UK where temps rarely get into the 80's. not once did I feel over-whelmed by the heat which hit the mid 90's everyday. I acted sensibly by drinking fluids, wore a cap and slapped on the sunblock and had no problems whatsoever.

Brazilians. Oh my goodness, they were everywhere. there was no escaping them at the Disney parks or Universal Studios. everytime I saw a tour leader carrying one of those tour group flags I just wanted to set it alight. the most annoying thing they do is say you're in a queue for big thunder and there's a group of about 10 or so brazilians in front of you. you can guarantee that about ten minutes after you join the queue another group of 10 to 15 will barge their way forward to join up with the others. you can't stop them. anyway where possible I looked out for their stupid flags and headed in the other direction. sometimes this tactic worked sometimes it didn't. what I did was where there was a left or right entrance to the ride I would see which side the brazilians had gone down and I would enter through the other side. another annoying thing was their singing while standing in line. now I don't mind people entering the spirit of things but there constant singing really annoyed me. other people I spoke to were annoyed as well. they simply ignored people shouting "quiet" or people shushing them I managed to avoid them at Sea World (well there were two or three groups groups there but I didn't really bump into them at all during the day) and also I avoided them at the kennedy space center (I saw one group at the beginning of the day but never saw them after that) I also hated the way they all wore the same t-shirt. are they incapable of recognising each other or so stupid that they can't find there way around a park by themselves?

Traveling Solo. can you go to WDW on your own and have fun ? OF COURSE YOU CAN. I spent a fun packed two weeks in Florida and 7 of those days were spent at WDW. the best thing about going on your own is that you don't have to please other people. you do what you want when you want. there were lots of times when I saw kids crying because one kid wanted to go on one ride but the other kid wanted to go on another one. I admit it would have been nice to have had someone down there who knew WDW inside out and could have shown me things I may have missed. also if there had been someone to share the driving when I was feeling tired I might have travelled further afield. however these are minor quibbles and I say don't be afraid to go on your own. you'll have just as much fun.

Americans. must be the friendliest people on the planet. nothing's too much trouble for them. the service you get in restaurants is top class. when you go into a shop and are greeted by somebody it really makes you feel welcome.

Things I didn't get to do. well I never got round to any of the water parks, I didn't get a chance to do a MK tour, I didn't get down to Busch Gardens, I never did Pleasure Island due to the fact I couldn't drink and drive and I couldn't see a bus tour down there, I never got to ride in the front car of the monorail. I never got to Gatorland.

My biggest regret is not getting out and meeting people more. trouble was I was so concerned about seeing everything in the parks that I never really slowed down. I don't mean just talking to people in the queues but going out to the bars in the Disney properties and having a few drinks and chatting to people. If there'd been someone there to drive me back when i'd had a few drinks (it takes me 2 or 3 drinks to pluck up the courage to ask a girl to dance at a disco) then it might not have been too bad. But there's always next time.

Money. I took $320 in cash and $1600 in travellers cheques and after I got home I was left with $2 cash and $240 in travellers cheques.

Probably the most common phrase I heard was "Mom/Dad can I have some money?"

Never been to Universal Studios Florida ?. then I urge you to go. take one day out of your Disney schedule and experience Universal and I guarantee you won't be disappointed. many of the attractions at Universal knock the spots off those at the Magic Kingdom. also the park is more adult orientated and if you're a Movie Buff like me you will just love this park.

Thanks for sticking with me and now here's my trip report in full...

Day 1. Monday 7th July 1997

I get up at 4.45 a.m. and get ready for the trip to Londons Gatwick Airport for my 8 and a half hour flight to Orlando International Airport.

I arrive at the airport at 7.30 a.m. and check in. I am one of the first to check in and I am assigned an exit seat. I sit around for the next 5 hours until finally it is time to leave. I'm flying Virgin Atlantic flight VS0015. the name of the plane is "Tinker Belle." After a nice and smooth flight we land at MCO at around 16.45 EST. while on the plane we are warned that Orlando immigration are known to hand out $300 fines for incorrectly filled out visa waiver forms. when I arrive I head to the nicest looking female immigration officer figuring she won't give me a hard time. anyway she asks me if I've been to America before (I visited NYC last year). wasn't sure whether she was testing me out or making polite conversation. I tell her I went to NYC and say my trip is purely pleasure. thankfully she lets me through and I don't get a fine. I pick up my car from the Dollar Rental depot. to my amazement I do not get charged under-25 car insurance which saves me $300. my first impressions of the Florida drivers aren't good. everyone blatantly exceeds the speed limit (where are all the highway patrols ?). I very nearly cause a very bad accident on I4. no one would let me get on to I4 off the slip road so I just pull on and very nearly get rammed from the rear by a driver going too fast. it was a very scary moment. Anyway, I have directions on how to get to my hotel but I accidentally get into the wrong lane off I4. to cut a long story short, I eventually manage to get to my hotel (Quality Inn International) at around 18.30. I spend the next hour or so unpacking and relaxing a bit. At around 20.00 I thought there's no point just sitting around the hotel so I decide to go to Universal Studios to buy an annual pass. I get there around 20.15 and the place is deserted. everyone is leaving. so I decide to stay and have a look round. I suddenly see Terminator 2-3D with a wait time of 10 minutes so I dash in there. what can I say. T2-3D is simply superb (perhaps the best attraction I saw while in Florida). For anyone who hasn't seen it, it's a mixture of 3D show and live action. I don't want to give too much away but the action is none stop. There's a great bit where a hunter killer goes overhead on screen and as it does a huge gust of wind goes through the auditorium. simply class. there's also a great bit where you get wet. As a first attraction, I don't think I could have picked a better one (I think Disney could do with an attraction like this in the MK to bring it a bit more up to date).

After T2, I decide to go have a look at BACK TO THE FUTURE the ride. to my astonishment it's only a 10 minute wait. I was concerned about how my neck would hold up but I was desperate to ride it, so I take a deep breath and go in. I'm glad I did because it was sooooooo brilliant. My neck held out ok, I sat in the front of the car which I found to be better than sitting in the back because you don't have people heads in the way of the screen and it's not as rough. Anyway it's about 21.00 when I finish seeing BTTF. It's quite dark and it starts to rain, so I decide to leave. The rain gets heavier and I stupidly miss exit 29 off I4. so International Drive around for what seems like ages until I somehow find myself on the Beeline 528 and see the exit for International Drive. thankfully I manage to find my way back to the hotel. I enjoyed Universal Studios so much I decide to go back there the next day instead of going to Sea World.

Day 2. Tuesday 8th July

Feeling really fresh today and I get to Universal Studios about 8.25 a.m. By the time I park my car and get into the park it's about 8.40 a.m. There was hardly anyone here so I decide to go to E.T. adventure. I was the first person on the ride. I was quite impressed by ET. Pretty cool when he thanks you at the end of the ride. However, later on I noticed queues built up to around a 75 minute wait which I didn't feel it justified.

Next I head up to JAWS. Again no wait. I get straight on. Again this was pretty impressive. The CM built up the atmosphere really well and the special FX were brilliant. I didn't get too wet as I was sitting on the right hand side of the boat.

Next stop - KONGFRONTATION. Again I get straight on. Again the special FX are good and the way the tram goes up and down when Kong grabs hold of it is good. You even smell Kongs banana breath.

After Kong, I go and see EARTHQUAKE. The pre-ride sections were very interesting to a movie buff like myself. and the experience of the actual earthquake was also brilliant.

Now it's probably around 10.00 a.m. and the park has started to fill up. I decide to go to FUNTASTIC WORLD OF HANNA BARBERA. A 25 minute wait here, but it is worth it. This is a motion simulator where you chase Dick Dastardly and Muttley who have kidnapped Elroy Jetson through the cartoon world of Hanna Barbera. You go through Bedrock, meet the Scooby Doo Mystery Mobile and finally catch him in the future. This ride is so much fun and once again my neck wasn't too affected by the motion of the vehicles.

Following this I go to see HERCULES AND XENA: WIZARDS OF THE SCREEN. This is a pretty boring attraction where we see how they put together an episode of the TV show. The highlight of this was the lady who was doing the digital FX. She was so coooooool. Speaking in a way out Californian accent you know like a mondo cool dude. I would have liked to have brought her back to the UK with me.

I now head for the GORY & GRUESOME MAKE UP SHOW, a really interesting look at how they do horror special FX. The show is really funny. The two presenters' timing was just brilliant.

Next I got to see the WILD WEST STUNT SHOW, a pretty funny stunt show set in the wild west. Brilliant set pieces made it a stand out show - I mean the bit at the end when the house front collapses over one of the stuntmen was great.

After the wild west, I went to see ANIMAL ACTORS, a pretty cute stage show with famous animals. However, I question the ethics of making animals do things like this, but it was enjoyable and pretty impressive.

After this I stake a place to see the DYNAMITE NIGHTS STUNT SPECTACULAR. It probably would have been better at night, but I can't be bothered to stay late. great boat action and some mighty fine explosions really make this a spectacular show.

As it's hot, I need a sit down sp I decide to go to HITCHCOCK, an interesting look at the films of Hitchcock. There's a great recreation of the shower scene from psycho.

After another quick look round I go and see BEETLEJUICES GRAVEYARD REVUE. This is a rock and roll show sung by Dracula, Frankenstein, Wolfman and the Bride of Frankenstein. After the show the wind picks up and it gets very cloudy. I catch Marilyn Monroe just as her car starts winding it's way up the street. She turns round and sees me with my camera and blows me a kiss. This leaves me elated for the rest of the night.

Next, I go and see the BLUES BROTHERS perform some songs. I decide to leave before the rains come down so after taking a few more photos I go back to my hotel and prepare for my trip to the MK.

Day 3. Wednesday 9th July

Yyyyiiiiiiiipppppppeeeeeee. My first trip to the World.

My first day at the MK gets off to a bad start. I arrive at the MK around 8.40 a.m. and have to get my voucher exchanged for a 5 day hopper pass. When I get to the front of the queue all the computers break down, so I have to wait what seems like ages until a CM tells us to go to guest services by the MK turnstiles.

I finally get into the park around 9.15 a.m., so I decide not to follow the unofficial guide schedule and just do the attractions as I see fit. I get my first glimpse of the castle cake. Now I realise I haven't seen the original, but I must admit I thought the castle cake looked very nice. Some pictures make it look tacky but I thought it looked superb.

First stop Adventureland. I decide to go on the JUNGLE CRUISE as there was no wait. I didn't think it was too bad. Some nice scenery, but the trouble is everything looks too fake. You know, you can tell everything is made out of plastic. I was surprised at how much the guide mocked Disney. I was surprised when he said "oh my gosh will we make it through the ruined temple ? of course we will and knowing Disney there'll be a gift shop at the end."

Next stop PIRATES OF THE CARIBBEAN. Fhe first thing that struck me is how similar it looked to the Duke Nukem 3D Disney level. The queue area looked the same as did the pirate ship. Anyway, I was mightily impressed by the standard of the animatronics. the scene where the pirates are trying to bribe the dog with the bone was real cute and the scene where the city is on fire was also impressive.

Next I decide to head for BIG THUNDER MOUNTAIN. Only about a 20 minute wait. This was so cool. Never really been one for roller coasters, but I really enjoyed this ride.

OK, now it's time to try SPLASH MOUNTAIN. After a 45 minute wait I finally get into the log and the torture begins. It seems to take ages to actually get to the drop. However there are some great animatronics. After what seems like ages, I finally see the light which indicates the drop. We get to the drop and it was such a great experience. I was sitting in the front but I didn't get too wet.

After the thrill of Splash Mountain, I decide to head for the HAUNTED MANSION. The atmosphere of the ride is set just right by the graveyard outside. The stretch room is also pretty impressive. The ride is ok, some of the FX of the ghosts are really impressive.

Next I travel to Fantasyland and try MR TOADS WILD RIDE. This is a big disappointment and not as good as I thought it was going to be. Thankfully I only had to wait 15 minutes to get on it. if i'd had to spend any longer waiting to get on I would have been even more disappointed. More disappointments follow at SNOW WHITE'S ADVENTURES. Another boring ride obviously just for the kids.

By now it's approaching my lunchtime. I decide to just stroll around the park until my lunch appointment at 2.30 at Cinderellas Royal Table. At around 2.30, I go to the second floor of Cinderellas Castle for my meal. My waiter is Don and he played the part superbly. The atmosphere of the restaurant is brilliant. Each of the waiters/waitresses are dressed in medieval clothing and they called me Lord Jones. Don guessed from my accent I was from the UK and said "Me thinks this is not the first castle you have been in my lord" and I told him he was dead right. I get a window seat with a view of the MK just as it starts to pour down with rain. I decide to take my time over my meal I start with the beef barley soup (delicious) followed by the prime rib of beef with red potatoes (scrumptious) and ending with a tropical fruit sorbet (mouth watering). I know Cinderellas Royal Table has its knockers but I found both the food and the service top class. I never felt like i was being rushed to eat my food. Now I know I am no food connoisseur, I can't even spell it (Editor's Note: Geoff was right, but I ran the spell checker on it.), but I know when I get good food and damned good service and I got it in abundance here. Anyway after I finished, I was absolutely full and could not have eaten another crumb.

By the time I finish my meal it has stopped raining and I head back out to the park. It's still a bit damp so I head to CAROUSEL OF PROGRESS, a look at how times have changed through the generations. This is quite interesting with some great animatronics, spoiled a bit for me by a screaming baby who rarely shut up during the presentation.

Next I try TAKE FLIGHT, a pretty poor look at aviation through the years. The two highlights for me are when you go through the jet engine and you feel like you're going round and round and also when you enter the bit where a film captured from a plane is being projected and you feel like you're going hundreds of miles per hour.

Next stop THE TIMEKEEPER, another one of those shows where you are surrounded by screens. Robin Williams has some great comic moments, but it is still not a totally brilliant attraction.

Next I try the TOMORROWLAND TRANSIT AUTHORITY. I'm almost too scared to admit this but I really enjoyed this. It was great going into Space Mountain. The best thing about the ride is that you can just rest your feet for 10 minutes and let the car take the strain. I rode this a few times.

Now I head back round to Adventureland to see the ENCHANTED TIKI BIRDS. This is cute, but a bit boring. Still, it has some great animatronics (love the statues on the corner of the walls who sing).

Next I head to SWISS FAMILY TREEHOUSE where I spend about 10 to 15 minutes looking round.

I head back up to Fantasyland and see IT'S A SMALL WORLD. Oh dear, oh dear, oh dear. What is the point of this ride? It is so mind-numbingly boring I can't bear to talk about it. The only benefit I can see is if you are feeling tired you can get to sit down for about 10 minutes (but you have to listen to that awful repetitive tune).

The day is drawing to a close and I go to PETER PAN'S FLIGHT. Another disappointment. Some nice scenery but just not exciting enough for me.

Next I head back to my hotel - I find out lisa has tried to ring me so I try to call her. you'd think it wouldn't be too difficult. This leads me to: things which annoyed me about the Brazilians #1: OK, I figure the hotel will charge a fortune to make calls so I head down to the lobby to find one public phonebox and a queue of 6 Brazilian adolescents holding phonecards. I head out the hotel and ask a security guard on the gate where there are any more phones. he points me down the road to a garage. I get there and, you guessed it, there's a group of brazilian adolescents there holding phonecards. I wait 10 minutes hoping one of the brazilians will have the manners to let me use the phone as none of them could get through, but they obviously don't get taught manners. I admit defeat and try about an hour later and there are still Brazilians hogging the phones. I'm about to admit defeat again when I go back to the hotel lobby and find there's no queue at the phonebox. So I wait until the girl inside has finished (a Brazilian). I finally get inside the box and put some coins in and dial the number. however the box keeps on rejecting my coins and when I finally get it to accept some coins and dial the number it tells me I have to put $3 worth of coins in for a long distance call and I'm thinking "well if you'd accept my coins instead of rejecting them I would". I soon learn the knack is to put the coins in very slowly. I miss Lisa but leave a message. From beginning to end at least 2-3 hours must have passed. It was very frustrating. I soon learn that the Brazilians buy phone cards from the supermarket down the road where you get 30 minutes talk time for about $10. Relieved I've left a message, I go back to my room and prepare for my trip to Epcot the next day.

Day 4. Thursday 10th July

Today is my first day at Epcot. I get to the park just after 9 a.m., so once again I decide to throw the unofficial schedule out and just improvise.

First I head to ELLENS ENERGY ADVENTURE. This is really funny. The animatronic dinosaurs are superb, and it was great at the end when Ellen beats the smarty pants Jamie Lee Curtis to win Jeopardy.

After Ellen, I go into the Wonders of Life pavilion and see CRANIUM COMMAND. This is so great, Buzzy is just so cute. I was amazed there were no plush dolls of him.

After I have a quick look round the rest of the Wonders of Life pavilion I decide to head for the World Showcase as it was approaching 10.30 a.m. After catching a quick combo meal it's 11.00 a.m. and I am one of the first to get to EL RIO DEL TIEMPO. I was a bit disappointed by the ride. Nothing much of note except the cool firework display towards the end. There's even a copy of It's a Small World in here (I nearly threw up). After getting off the ride I stop to admire the temple outside.

I start walking towards Norway when I see Donald Duck and a CM along the path by the side of the temple. This leads me to my: Great DisneyWorld Moments #1...OK, I see Donald and I start to approach him. He sees me coming and starts jumping up and down acting all excited. He taps the CM on the shoulder (who has her back to me) and points toward me. He puts his hands over his beak and starts acting more excited. I reach him and ask the CM to take a picture the CM takes the picture and Donald shakes my hand. That one moment put one of the biggest smiles ever across my face.

Off to Norway I go. Little crowds there so I get on Maelstrom straight away. Pretty neat little boat ride. I thought we were going to go over the falls backwards. The scenes are good (liked the polar bear and the North Sea oil rig). After the ride was finished I made the mistake of staying to watch the 5 minute film on Norway. It was so boring. I won't make that mistake again.

Next stop china. I spend time here looking at the marvellous architecture. Have to wait around 10 minutes for the next WONDERS OF CHINA to start, a pretty ok film. Gorgeous scenery.

Have a quick look at GERMANY and ITALY. Next stop America. I take in the American Adventure. Start by listening to the Liberty Singers then move on to the theatre to see the animatronics. Yet again I can't help but be impressed by the quality of the animatronics. I follow this by a look round the Japan pavilion (gorgeous) and then the Moroccan pavilion.

Next stop, France. Not too impressed by IMPRESSIONS OF FRANCE. OK. it's no secret we British hate the French. However, I could not fail to notice that there was no mention in the film about the French who burned British sheep alive while they were being transported through France. Neither did it mention the lorrydrivers who block the ports meaning that British and other European lorry drivers lose an absolute fortune. And what about the idiotic Frenchmen who strike and shut down tourist attractions like the Eiffel Tower meaning wasted journeys for thousands of tourists. OK sorry, for getting a bit political but it made me sick watching the film which painted the French as whiter than white when we (Europeans) know what a pain in the *** the French really are.

Next I head for my home countries pavilion, the UNITED KINGDOM. Better than I expected. Some beautiful architecture. Pity it's only shops. Next I head for O CANADA. Great scenery. Made me wanna head out there and have a holiday there (which I will do one of these days).

I now head back to Future World and THE LIVING SEAS, a pretty neat aquarium. However, I get bored of things like this quite easily so after I've looked round I head to LIVING WITH THE LAND. This was pretty interesting. You are taken behind the scenes where they grow plants and breed fish. Next I try CIRCLE OF LIFE, a tale about how we are destroying the earth through pollution starring Simba, Timon and Pumbaa. Funny in parts.

OK, I guess by now it must be around 6 p.m.. I head over to the Journey into Imagination pavilion and try JOURNEY INTO IMAGINATION. I just wanna say that I think Figment is so cute. The songs were really catchy and the visuals on the ride were well done. After my journey with Figment, I see the queue for HONEY I SHRUNK THE AUDIENCE has shrunk and I wait about 20 minutes to get in. The show is pretty neat. I loved the bit where the rats are set free and you feel their tails against your legs. Anyway, I was impressed by the show (although it's not a patch on T2 at Universal Studios).

After surviving being shrunk I head for Innoventions and play the video games for a while. I also send e-mail to a few people (after patiently waiting for a terminal to become free). About 7.30 p.m. I head towards the Rose and Crown pub as I have an 8.30 p.m. reservation. I got there early to ask for an outside table to watch Illuminations 25. I didn't realise everyone does this but as I was on my own I got a great table by the lake. A lot of people tried to do this but they were all in big groups and had to make do with the next available table (so there are some advantages to being there on your own). Yet again, another satisfying meal. I have lombardi soup (or something which sounds like that) followed by another prime rib of beef and finally a slice of scrumptious chocolate cake. It was so cool watching Illuminations 25 from my dining table. I had an unhindered view of the lake and all the fireworks going off overhead thankfully the rain held off and the fireworks capped off a brilliant day.

I manage to get back to the hotel ok and prepare for a day at the Disney MGM studios.

Day 5. Friday 11th July

Oh dear. What a really bad day. I head out to DISNEY MGM STUDIOS. I exit the hotel only to find the I4 west exit blocked off by a fire truck so I have to go all the up to Universal Studios and get on I4 from there. I get into the park about 9.10 a.m. and the queue for the Tower of Terror is already up to 45 minutes, so I decide to head for STAR TOURS and I get on straight away. This is such a brilliant ride (love that Captain Rex). I'm a huge star wars fan, and this was one ride I was really looking forward to riding. The bit where you go to light speed is just brilliant and it feels so realistic pity the ride doesn't go on for longer but you can't have everything.

After my trip to Endor, I head to MUPPETVISION 4-D. This is a really funny 3-D show. the preshow is really funny. I highly recommend it. Next stop, THE GREAT MOVIE RIDE, a great ride through scenes of some of Hollywood's greatest movies. The first time I went on this I saw the gangster scene which was brilliant. The shootout was really loud. Also, the Wizard of Oz scene was outstanding.

After that, I head out to THE BACKLOT TOUR. I really enjoyed this. The beginning where they show you how they create waves and explosions was fascinating. The actual backlot tour was really interesting, too. It was great seeing the old vehicles used in various films (including the shell of the Delta plane) and seeing inside the rooms where they make the costumes. CATASTROPHE CANYON was also pretty good. the heat from the explosions was just amazing.

By now it must be around 11.30, so I decide to head for the INDIANA JONES STUNT SHOW. I get seated and wait for the show to start. About 12.10 p.m. it starts getting dark, the wind picks up and an almighty storm breaks out. The thunder was so loud and the lightning was really scary. The show is cancelled, and as it's raining so hard I decide to wait for the next show. Anyway, the 13:45 show is cancelled, too, and I decide to run and get a poncho as it seems silly just waiting.

I buy a poncho and immediately the rain eases off slightly and I go to the Sci-Fi Drive-In diner for my 14:30 reservation. I get into the diner and I get a car right in front of the screen. The food is ok, but the service is not a patch on the other two Disney restaurants.

After my meal I head to BEAUTY AND THE BEAST. I love the BatB movie. The show is just ok. Nothing special. I had a bit of a crappy seat so I maybe didn't enjoy it as much as I could have.

I chicken out of going on the TOWER OF TERROR (well I had just eaten) and instead I head to THE VOYAGE OF THE LITTLE MERMAID. I think this is really cute. The puppets are outstanding, the music catchy, and the lady playing Ariel had a great voice (although I was wet enough and could have done without getting wetter at the beginning of the musical).

The weather clears up and I decide to see if I can get into the last INDY STUNT SHOW. Thankfully, this last show goes ahead and I'm really impressed. The explosions are really cool.

I spend the rest of my time here looking round and going on Star Tours again. I get back to my hotel and have a walk up International Drive.

Day 6. Saturday 12th July

Back to Universal Studios again. Crowds are heavier today than I thought they would be. First I head to Terminator 2 3D again (I just love this) and have to wait around 40 minutes to get in. I don't really mind as I know that the attraction is just breathtaking.

Then I go back to see EARTHQUAKE again. Traveling counterclockwise, I go back on THE FUNTASTIC WORLD OF HANNA BARBERA. The only attraction I haven't done (apart from A DAY IN THE PARK WITH BARNEY & FIEVELS PLAYGROUND) is the Nickelodeon Tour so I go on it and it's not too bad.

Go to Richters Hamburger joint for something to eat and I look around some more. The park is really busy and lines quite long, so about 5 p.m. I quit the park and go back to my hotel.

After a bit of a rest I collect my camera films and take them to get them developed. I head further up International Drive and have a look round the Mercado shopping center. Further up I go into the tourist center and get loads of leaflets on the attractions in the area. After an hour passes, I collect my photographs and take them back to my room and have a look at them.

After looking at my photos, I head back up International Drive and go to RIPLEY'S BELIEVE IT OR NOT. I can't believe what a rip off this place is - it's huge slanting exterior is amazing and makes the museum look huge. I pay my $10 to get in thinking it will take me 2 or 3 hours to look round. However, I can't believe it when I'm ready to leave after about 35 minutes.

After leaving, I look round a few more shops as I walk back to my hotel for an early night.

Day 7. Sunday 13th July

Yipeee. I am up early and get to the MK in time for the rope drop. I position myself at the plaza restaurant ready to take part in the Space Mountain mini marathon. 3,2,1 the stampede begins. I get caught behind some people with strollers but I am still one of the first to get on SPACE MOUNTAIN. This is brilliant. I could have rode this all day

I was a bit worried about how my neck might hold out but lisa reckoned I would have no problem. Anyway, I get on the Alpha track and am amazed how smooth the ride really is.

I skip going on Space Mountain again and head for the ASTRO ORBITERS as there was no line. However the speaker system breaks down and they shut the ride down as they can't make safety announcements.

I next head to ALIEN ENCOUNTER, this is a very dark (dark as in moody) attraction but not as scary as I thought it would be. I felt real sorry for skippy. The SIR animatronic was simply amazing (if a bit heartless). Loved the bit where the guy gets killed and you get squirted.

I can't resist it and I go back on SPACE MOUNTAIN again. I was hoping to get on the omega track but I again get on the alpha track. This time the ride is a lot more bumpy.

I see a queue has formed at ASTRO ORBITERS and I go ahead and ride. This ride is ok, but it only lasts a minute. Anyway, I thought I was going to be thrown from my seat. I made the car go as high as it would go, then I started to lower it. This pushed me right against the side of the car, and it was quite scary.

I head from outer space to the African outback. I go see LEGEND OF THE LION KING. This show is simply superb. The puppets are just amazing, and the music infectious.

After this I decide to go and reserve a horse trail ride. I get to city hall and a helpful CM called Irene tells me how much it is and leads me to a phone. She phones the reservations number for me and hands me the phone and after waiting about 5 minutes I reserve my trail ride. The lady I spoke to on the phone wasn't very friendly and seemed none too helpful.

After I head back round to Adventureland and get on PIRATES OF THE CARRIBEAN again. The crowds are still light and I head to BIG THUNDER again. I'm kinda hungry so I buy a turkey leg. They are so tasty, and I was amazed how much meat you get on them.

Next stop HALL OF PRESIDENTS. I'm amazed by the animatronics but it's a bit too patriotic for my pallete. I LOVE America but I can only take so much. This is the only attraction in which I nearly fell asleep in.

Must be coming on for about 2 p.m. and I want to watch the REMEMBER THE MAGIC parade. I head for Main Street USA and stake a place with about 50 minutes to spare. The pavement is unbelieveably hot and it is impossible to sit down for more than a couple of minutes. Anyway, the parade comes round which leads to my: Great DisneyWorld Moments #2...The parade is so amazing. Cinderellas entourage was spectacular. Next the Little Mermaid float comes round. A dancing yellow fish comes over to me and gives me a hug. Another huge smile went across my face. Again my day was brightened up.

After the parade I dash round to Tomorrowland hoping the Space Moutain queue wouldn't be too long. It was around 45 minutes so I decide to try the TOMORROWLAND SPEEDWAY, a pretty good ride if unspectacular. I was in the last car so thankfully no one rammed the back of my car as I was exiting the ride.

Well, back to Frontierland and the COUNTRY BEAR JAMBOREE. This is so cute - yeeeeeeeee haaaaaaaaa. A great foot stomping musical show. Next I try the LIBERTY BELLE, a relaxing cruise around Tom Sawyer Island. Next, the MIKE FINK KEELBOATS. I didn't realise this would be just the same as the Liberty Belle riverboat. Anyway the CM was good (her name was Kathleen) and again it was nice just to sit down again.

I look round some more and as the evening drew in I decide to try the SKYWAY TO TOMORROWLAND. Great views and it gave my feet a rest. I leave the park and stupidly miss the turn off to I4. I start to panic when I find myself at the Disney village. I can't believe how busy it is. It must be around 8.30 p.m.. By some miracle I find a parking space and get out. I head to Planet Hollywood because I want a denim jacket to complement my New York one. This leads me to: things that annoy me about the Brazilians #2...oh my goodness, there must be a whole tour group in the gift shop. The queue is horrendous. What's worse, is the Brazilians at the front of the queue can't make up their minds whether to buy things or not. I get fed up after 5 minutes and leave.

I head out to look what's on at the AMC 24 but I decide not to go and see anything. I get back to my car and after spending 15 minutes plus just leaving the car park I head back to my hotel.

Well one week over. It went just at the right speed and I had a fantastic time. I didn't crash the car or spend a load of money. I hope the second week will be just as exciting.

Day 8. Monday 14th July

The tiredness starts to hit me today. I am quite unprepared for it and it hits me like a bolt from the blue. One week over already. Anyway, I decide to go to Sea World today. Sorry to any Sea World fans, but I found Sea World to be dull, dull, dull. Whether I caught the park on a bad day or not I don't know but the park has no atmosphere at all. I would rate this the worst park I went to. It was a very quiet day here. Not many people around.

I start out by visiting the Key West area of the park. I spend some time just standing round the DOLPHIN POOL. These mammals are so cute. Next I head to the SEA WORLD THEATRE to see the dancing fountains. I get bored after about 5 minutes. there's only so many times I can stand to watch the fountains do the same "dances" again and again. Things pick up a bit when I go to see the SEA LION AND OTTER SHOW. It was so funny watching the sea lions do their tricks and the sneaky otters who keep stealing items. I exit the show and go back to Key West. I buy some fish and proceed to feed the dolphins.

Next stop TERRORS OF THE DEEP. Great sharks. You can see the exhibit on a continuously moving walkway. I would have preferred to walk my way through, but I guess this way everyone gets the same time looking at the exhibits. Continuing round, I go to the CLYDESDALE HAMLET. Lovely horses. I can't taste the free beer at the hospitality as I'm driving.

After admiring the sand sculpture, I head to WILD ARCTIC. I must admit the simulator part of the exhibit was pretty disappointing. However, the polar bears and the white whales are really impressive and the whole setting of the wild arctic in the exhibit with a mock up of an arctic base was breathtaking.

Next I go to the WHALE AND DOLPHIN SHOW, another well staged show. After that, I dash down to HAWAIIAN RHYTHMS. I get bored after 5 minutes and decide to go to PENGUIN ENCOUNTER. It's just like TERRORS.. you are on a moving walkway and don't get to look at them for as long as I would have liked.

Anyway, I walk the short way to PACIFIC POINT PRESERVE and have a fun few minutes feeding the sea lions. Well, next stop is SHAMU: WORLD FOCUS. I can't believe my neck has survived Space Mountain, Big Thunder, and Back to the Future, but while ducking to avoid a second drenching by the whale I strain my neck. This leaves my neck pretty sore for the rest of the day.

I decide next to go for something to eat and dry off. After eating, I go to MANATEES: THE LAST GENERATION?, a pretty sad film. I didn't realise there were so few left.

The winds pick up around 5 p.m. and you can tell theres a storm in the air. The skytower ride shuts down and the 6 p.m baywatch show is cancelled. I have a last look round and see the DOLPHIN NURSERY, then I decide to leave before it starts to pour down and I spend the rest of the night relaxing and having a look at the shops on International Drive.

Day 9. Tuesday 15th July

Hurricane Danny is in full swing up in Alabama today and I was worried that Orlando may get a battering too. However I decide to go to the KENNEDY SPACE CENTER today. I set out just after 9 a.m. and got there just after 10 am. I get my tickets and I get on the bus to the APOLLO/SATURN V CENTER - now this was fascinating. After a pre-show you go into a replica of the firing room for a simulated launch. it was really amazing. After you go into a huge hall and see a full size Saturn V rocket along with lunar landers and buggies. Here there is also a great show about the Apollo 11 landings. I never realised how many problems they had before Armstrong and Aldrin landed on the moon.

Next I have hot dog and chips and eat them outside in the beautiful sunshine after looking round again, I get back on the bus and continue the tour of the complex. We are taken round by the vehicle assembly building and go out to the lauchpad where the shuttle is currently waiting to take off. I'm disappointed you can't see more as the shuttle is encased in a protective shell.

After the bus tour I look round the GALLERY OF SPACEFLIGHT until it's time to go to see L5: First city in space. Good 3D FX but the film is absolutely terrible and so corny it's unbelieveable. I had a hard time staying awake. Next I look at the full scale model of the shuttle, the rocket garden and the astronaut memorial.

Soon it is time for THE DREAM IS ALIVE another IMAX film. More enjoyable than L5. To end the day I look round the mission to mars exhibit and the near earth asteroid rendezvous. I buy some last minute souvenirs and leave about 6 p.m. and take it easy for the rest of the night. I get back just before Orlando gets battered by heavy rain.

Day 10. Wednesday 16th July

Today I have a reservation to go trail riding. I set off for Fort Wilderness about 9 a.m.. I wasn't sure how long it would take me to find FW but I got there about 9.30 a.m. My reservation was for 11.30 a.m., so I walked around FW til 11.00 a.m. It was so relaxing walking around - so quiet and not that much traffic around at the time. It was great seeing rabbits running around wild (although there were some horrible creepy crawlies as well) anyway come 11.00 it's time for us to get saddled up. I see a beautiful horse and I thought "I hope I get that one". I did. a lovely brown and white horse called "rocky" by 11.30 a.m. everyone is saddled up and we set out on the trail. It really was so peaceful and relaxing riding through the woods. The bright sunshine and all the birds singing added to the atmosphere. I guess there were about 10 to 12 people on the trail ride I got the impression that Rocky must have done the ride hundreds of time before. He seemed to know exactly where to go and must think "oh no not another tourist trail ride". I was 2 horses back from the leader and therefore one of the first horses to return. Rocky couldn't wait to get back to the stables. I had my camera packed up so I don't have a very good picture of Rocky.

I really enjoyed the trail ride ($23) and would recommend it if you want to take a day off and relax. However a warning if you've never ridden before like me: AT THE END OF THE TRAIL RIDE YOU WILL HAVE A VERY SORE BOTTOM FOR THE REST OF THE DAY. I know the ride only lasted about 50 minutes but I was in agony for the entire day. It was hard to walk after I dismounted. Any people who saw me must have thought I was constipated or something, but it's worth enduring the pain to experience the trail ride.

As I'm tired, I decide to take the rest of the day easily, so I head down to the Disney Village and the AMC 24 theater complex. As it's not out until October 10th here in the UK, I decide to go and see "Hercules". I must admit I was disappointed by it. Not up to the high standard of Hunchback or BatB. Still, I liked the song "Go the Distance" and it was a fast paced film so it didn't drag. I made the mistake of trying to cross my legs during the film. I felt an intense pain eminating from my buttocks. As a result of my tiredness I had forgotten about the pain from riding. I didn't make the mistake again.

Next I decide to go and see "Contact" starring jodie foster. Now this is my kind of film. Brilliant performances along with a great sci-fi storyline made the film (which runs 2 and a quarter hours) pass quite quickly. It's one of those films where you don't know if it's real or if it's just been imagined. Anyway, I was really impressed.

The Disney Village area was nice as well. I couldn't believe the size of the "World of Disney" store. The Rainforest Cafe looked impressive and also very busy so I didn't try it.

I got back to my hotel around 8.00 p.m. and after some food and drink I chilled out until I got a phone call from Lisa Harris which rounded the day off nicely.

Day 11. Thursday 17th July

Thinking about taking today easy but I wake quite early and head down for a second day at Epcot. I arrive just after opening. I head for the Wonders of Life pavilion and am in two minds about going on BODY WARS. I heard it was real rough but I decide to risk it - I get on straight away. It was not as rough as I had feared. My neck did not appear to be affected by the motion. However, I must admit to feeeling quite queasy during the ride. I don't know what it was about Body Wars but I never felt queasy on Back to the Future or Star Tours. (Editor's note: I usually don't comment on trip reports, but I have a strong opinion that Body Wars does cause nausia because of the to and fro motion of the simulator as the "heart beats" push and pull the ship through the blood vessels.) Luckily I had had nothing to eat before I left. The ride was kind of fun. I didn't realise elisabeth shue starred in it before.

Anyway I survive the wars, and go to see THE MAKING OF ME. This is a really funny movie about human reproduction starring Martin Short. A couple of guidebooks I read before I arrived made this sound it was really filthy. However, I thought it was really tame and there was nothing in the film which could possibly offend anyone. A lot of parents obviously can't talk to their children about sex as I don't know how many times I heard "there's this film I want you to see..."

Next I want to try out some of the exhibits in the Wonders of Life pavilion, but they are all taken up so I leave and go to HORIZONS.

I loved HORIZONS. It was so cool going through it again and realising how many things I hadn't spotted the first time. I love the bit where you go in front of the huge screen and you see the space shuttle take off and you see a cell come together and it feels like you are going round and round.

I quit Epcot around midday and decide to have a look around a couple of the Disney resorts. I board the monorail and get off at the TTC. I then take another monorail and go to the CONTEMPORARY resort. This place looks amazing. The atrium is just so beautiful with the monorails gliding past. They were doing some renovations to the property so there was some scaffolding around. I look around the shops and get a penny pressed with Disney's Contemporary Resort logo on it.

Next I board the monorail to the MK and then take a launch to the WILDERNESS LODGE. I can't believe how beautiful this resort looks. I miss the geyser going off so I go and have a look in the lobby and again the look of the place takes my breath away. It looks like they have some pretty good wilderness lodge merchandise. I snoop around a bit more and decide to go for the launch back to the MK.

When I arrive back at the MK I decide to park hop. I enter to have another ride of SPACE MOUNTAIN. It's a 45 minute queue, but I go in. I am just about to get on the ride when Space Mountain breaks down. I can't believe it. anyway they bring up all the lights but I can only see the top of the coaster where a CM is walking around. After 10 minutes the ride goes back on line and I experience Space Mountain again.

Then, I go back to Epcot. I spend some time looking round innoventions, then return to HORIZONS and as a tribute to lisa I ride it four times in a row. The first three times I select the different space, desert and sea endings. The fourth time I leave all the buttons alone to see what would happen and I get the sea ending again. The bit I most love about this ride is when you see the spaceship picking the crops. as you enter this section there is a gorgeous smell of oranges which I will never forget.

Once again I go on JOURNEY INTO IMAGINATION and BODY WARS. I look round World Showcase again and it begins to rain. I'm thinking of leaving, so I go to SPACESHIP EARTH and ride. The rain eases off and I leave and return to my hotel after having had a great day.

Day 12. Friday 18th July

My second day at the Disney MGM Studios . I get here just after opening again and the Tower of Terror queues are horrendous already.

There were several attractions here I missed last week, however I start off at STAR TOURS again. I love this and it starts the day off nicely.

Next, I head down to the DISNEY ANIMATION TOUR. This is really interesting. First we go into a room where some of the Oscars that Disney has won over the years are on display. On the walls are storyboards, etc. from Hercules. Next, the film with Robin Williams and Walter Cronkite was really funny. Now the interesting bit...we actually go into the studio. Disney is working on 3 films at the moment. Fantasia 2000, Tarzan, and Maluna (???) a Japanese folk tale. We met an animator who answered questions and finally saw a montage of Disney films throughout the years - this was brilliant and I would recommend it whole heartedly.

Next I get a BACKSTAGE PASS TO 101 DALMATIANS. I liked the creature shop part and the bit where we saw them shooting "from the earth to the moon." The scenery from 101 Dalmatians was a bit of an anti-climax but the tour was enjoyable.

Next I go to THE HUNCHBACK OF NOTRE DAME. I sat two rows back from the front. Matt the juggler was hilarious. The show was simply stunning, although the guy playing Quasi was a bit off key at times. Sequences were just breathtaking like the topsy turvy scene. The songs as we all know are brilliant. I love "Out There" and I was pleased to see "Heaven's Light" was included (although I would have liked "Hell Fire" included as well). I hope that one day Disney turn this into a full scale musical on Broadway.

After enjoying the BACKLOT TOUR again I decide to get something to eat. To let the food settle down I ride THE GREAT MOVIE RIDE again, but this time I get the western scene instead of the gangster scene. Again, the Wizard of Oz scene just took my breath away.

Next I take another trip with the VOYAGE OF THE LITTLE MERMAID. Again, I love the laser FX and "Part of Your World."

OK, now the only ride I haven't been on is the TOWER OF TERROR. I tell myself that if the queue is 15 minutes or less then I will go on it. I look at the board and the wait time is 15 minutes so I pluck up the courage and head for the tower. When I get there I find there is no queue there at all and I get into the pre-show straight away. The presentation starts and a nasty smell enters the room. Someone had farted (and it wasn't me). The smell was atrocious. Obviously someones bowels had got the better of them. However the pre-show finished and we got on the first elevator that arrived. I was put in the front row. The safety bar came down and we were on our way. The ride to the first stop was very quick. The FX of the ghosts in the hallway were outstanding. The doors shut again and we go up again. The doors open and we see a hotel corridor. Amazingly it turns into a starfield and I am surprised when the lift actually leaves the shaft and moves forward through the starfield. I just remember sitting in pitch blackness and hearing "you are about to experience the Twilight Zone". We seemed to be in the darkness for what seemed like hours (only seconds I know). Then the drop came and it was just so brilliant. When the lift stopped it was great looking out into the park. There was a huge smile across my face. Then the second drop and that was just exhilarating - I was very proud of myself and I bought a copy of the photograph which was taken.

Not long after my drop, it starts to rain and I head back to Star Tours. It was about a 30 minute wait so there was quite a queue. This leads me to my Great DisneyWorld Moments #3...So I'm in the queue and as I'm a bit tired I start rubbing my eyes. I feel a push and I turn round to say something. The people behind are laughing so I turn round and see an ewok is barging his way down the queue. It was just so funny. the ewok starts knocking peoples' caps off and generally misbehaving. It really cheered me up.

It keeps raining so I keep on going on Star Tours as I enjoy it so much. The rain eventually eases off and I go and see the last INDY STUNT SHOW of the day.

I decide to stay and watch the Sorcery in the Sky fireworks (what a mistake) after looking round some more the rain comes down again but more heavily dash into ONE SATURDAY MORNING and see the sound FX show take place - it was quite amusing when the lady said "ok I want the kids to be chickens, and the women to be sheep. Men are pigs" (cue wild laughter.)

During the show the rain has got even worse. It is really coming down heavily. I dart into a shop and wait to see if it eases off. It doesn't.

About 9 p.m. I decide enough is enough and decide to set off to my hotel. I have never driven in conditions as bad as this before. This must be the most scariest drive of my life. Anyway, I somehow manage to take all the right roads and I am mightily relieved when I arrive safely back at my hotel.

Day 13. Saturday 19th July

I love UNIVERSAL Studios so much I return again. Thankfully, today the crowds are not as bad as last Saturday.

I arrive before the parks opens and I am one of the first on BACK TO THE FUTURE. this time I decide to ride in the back. It wasn't a pleasant experience. I thought my neck would get hurt as my head kept hitting the headrest. Also, I can't see the screen properly due to someone's head being in the way.

I thought about going on again straight away but I thought I should give my neck a rest - so again I head up to JAWS. This time I sit on the left side of the boat - I get wet and my eyebrows are nearly singed by the explosions but it was a fantastic ride.

I didn't want my last BACK TO THE FUTURE ride to be the last one with it being unpleasant, so I head back down to BTTF and wait maybe 20 minutes to go on it again. I ignore the preshow and place myself by the doors when they open I make sure I get a front seat and I experience it again much happier this time.

Next I head back to T2-3D. I really wanted to take this attraction back home with me. Amazing amazing amazing the world championship wrestlers are at Universal today so I decide to go to the taping. Pretty good fun. I couldn't believe it but there were people actually taking it seriously. Anyway, it's an enjoyable hour and after the wrestling I go to Mel's Diner for a burger and chips.

Next I head to KONGFRONTATION again and then take another ride on the FUNTASTIC WORLD OF HANNA BARBERA.

It starts raining again, so I go to the last taping of WCW. It killed an hour and it had stopped raining by the end of the taping.

I have a final look round universal and decide to leave around 5.30 p.m. Too early to stop in the hotel, so I head to the Belz Factory Outlet and spend the next three hours looking round the annexes and malls. I decide to but a pair of caterpillar shoes and the Return Of The Jedi Special Edition CD. At the Disney Outlet Store I buy a Mickey Mouse polo shirt that originally sold for $36 but was on sale for $13. After my productive shopping trip I return to the hotel and prepare for my last full day in Florida.

Day 14. Sunday 20th July

I can't believe it's my last day. I head out to the Magic Kingdom and arrive just after opening. Again today sees light crowds at the MK.

I head straight for SPACE MOUNTAIN and get on the omega track. It was a lot bumpier than the alpha track. Next, I experience ALIEN ENCOUNTER again. I get stuck in the queue behind a Brazilian tour group sooooo-Things which annoy me about the brazilians #3...I'm feeling a bit grouchy today with it being my last day. Anyway the Brazilian tour group start singing an awful song which annoys me and others. I get talking with some American teenagers who are just as annoyed as I am. They try to shush them and tell them to be quiet but they don't pay any attention. Thankfully I get into a different show and don't have to suffer the Brazilians again. Anyway back to ALIEN ENCOUNTER. This time I must be sitting all the way back in the chair as this time I feel the alien touch the top of my head and I also hear the "it's my mother in law" gag along with something else which I couldn't make out. Anyway this time it was a lot scarier.

Next I return to TAKE FLIGHT just to experience the jet engine bit again.

Now I only have three rides I haven't been on. First I go to the MAD TEA PARTY. This was quite fun. It was great turning the wheel just when the cup speeded up. Next up is CINDERELLAS GOLDEN CAROUSEL. Nothing special, but a relaxing ride as you go round and round. Finally I go on DUMBO. Great views of the park as you go round and round.

BIG THUNDER is up next and after the runaway mine car I go to TOM SAWYER ISLAND and have a pleasant walk round the island and feed the birds.

By now it must be around 2.30 p.m.. I still haven't got my Planet Hollywood denim jacket so I decide to catch the bus to the Disney Village. I get to Planet Hollywood and there is not one Brazilian in sight. Yippppeee I look round the shops on Pleasure Island then I go to the Disney Village Marketplace.

I look round the shops and see loads of things I would like but couldn't afford. A Beauty and the Beast ornament about 8 to 10 inches high with Belle in her yellow ball gown dancing with Beast in his royal regalia. it was around $300. There was also a BatB cartoon cel I liked but it cost $2000.

I go into the World of Disney and it starts to pour down with rain. I must have looked round about 30 times and it was just as heavy. I decided to buy the WDW Explorer and an umbrella.

I head back to the bus depot and catch the first bus back to the MK by which time it has stopped raining. I head back to the car and put my purchases in the boot and then go back to the MK. by now it must be around 7 p.m.

For some insane reason I go back to IT'S A SMALL WORLD. Surely it can't be as bad as I remembered. Yes, it was and I was glad to get off the ride. I sneak a quick ride on MR TOADS WILD RIDE choosing the left hand queue instead of the right hand queue. I found it a bit better than the last time I rode this but it was still disappointing.

I'm hungry so I go to Cosmic Rays Starlight Cafe and have hot dog and chips after my meal I go and stake a place round Main Street USA for the SpectroMagic Parade.

I was not going to bother watching SpectroMagic as I feared the rain may come back but I'm glad I stayed as it didn't rain and SpectroMagic was just so amazing. This may sound soft but after the parade had passed I walked behind it for a while and I was almost in tears knowing I had to go back to the UK in the morning. I just wanted to stay here forever.

After SpectroMagic I thought I may as well stay around for the fireworks. I staked a place in front of the castle and waited. The fireworks were absolutely amazing and it capped off a brilliant day.

I wanted to go on one more ride before I left. the queues at Space Mountain were 45 minutes so I dashed to BIG THUNDER again and was on the ride in 20 minutes. It was great in the dark. It was harder to see the turns coming and I got to ride by myself in the back seat. During the ride I held my arms up in the air and just screamed "wwwwwwhhhhoooooooooooooooo" for the duration of the ride.

Well, I left the MK on a high. got back to the hotel around 11.30 p.m. and fell straight asleep.

Day 15. Monday 21st July

Oh, no. The day has come to leave. I've bought so much stuff I need a bigger suitcase, so I head out onto International Drive and buy a new one. On my way back I am approached by a lady who I thought asked me if I had a Disney ticket. I told her I was leaving today, then she asked me where I'd bought my hopper pass and how many days I had left on it. I said there was three days left and she asked me if I wanted to sell it. I was tempted but I wasn't totally sure whether I should. So I said I wanted to keep it for next time. I would have hated if she'd sold it on as a 5 day pass to a tourist who didn't perhaps know where to buy Disney tickets. I get back to my hotel and start packing all my things into the suitcase thankfully everything fits in (just). The packing takes me around two hours and I eventually check out at 10.30 a.m.

I spend the next two hours looking round the shops starting at Belz and I go to get a couple of bottles of cola. This leads to: things which annoy me about the Brazilians #4...ok I go into Walgreens at the top of International Drive and get a bottle of Sprite and Coke. I'm heading for the checkout when a Brazilian with a trolleyful sees me and hurries to make sure he gets to the checkout first. See what I mean about the Brazilians having no manners? If I had loads of shopping and the person behind had only a few items I would let them go first.

Anyway I exit the shop and make my way down the shops on International Drive until around 1 p.m. when I decide to head to the airport. I look round the shops and get talking to a lady who works in the duty free shop. She tells me her favourite park is Epcot and that she has lived out in Florida for two years. She tells me not to be surprised that I didn't get everything done as she hadn't seen everything yet and she'd been there two years.

I hang around until it's time to leave on Virgin Atlantic Flight VS0016. I get a bit scared when I see a man reading "Big Gun Monthly". I was scared we might get hijacked but we have a safe flight back home. I arrive in the UK shattered, but still elated from my holiday. I will definitely go to Orlando again (maybe for the December 1998 RADP meet ????)

Favourite attractions in no particular order (I did like others but these were the attractions I could have ridden/watched all day)

MK:

Space Mountain
Splash Mountain
Big Thunder Mountain Railroad
Legend of the Lion King
Alien Encounter
Epcot

Cranium Command
Horizons
Maelstrom (skip the movie afterwards)
Honey I Shrunk the Audience
Journey into Imagination
Disney MGM Studios

Twilight Zone Tower of Terror
Voyage of the Little Mermaid
Star Tours
Hunchback of Notre Dame
Muppetvision 4-D
Indy Stunt Show
Universal Studios

T2-3D: Battle Across Time
Back To The Future: The Ride
Jaws
Funtastic World of Hanna Barbera
List Of Souvenirs bought:

WDW Explorer
WDW 25th Anniversary pewter coin
Indiana Jones Hat
Minnie Mouse Statue Of Liberty Soft Toy
Stars And Stripes Jumper
Alien Encounter T-Shirt
Space Mountain T-Shirt
Epcot T-Shirt
UK-Epcot T-Shirt
Minnie Mouse Statue Of Liberty T-Shirt
Caterpillar Shoes
New York Rangers Hockey Top
Apollo 13 Cap
NASA Coat
Terminator 2-3D Jacket
Terminator 2 Tank Top
Star Wars Special Edition Soundtrack
Return Of The Jedi Special Edition Soundtrack
Hong Kong Phooey Soft Toy
Planet Hollywood Denim Jacket
Splash Mountain Photograph
Twilight Zone Tower Of Terror Photograph
Twilighte Zone "I suggest you take the stairs" T-Shirt
Mickey Mouse Umbrella
Mickey Mouse Polo Shirt
WDW 25th Anniversary Tank Top
Well that was my orlando vacation. Any comments or queries can be sent to my e-mail address: geoff@gajones.demon.co.uk. As this was my first trip report, I'd appreciate any comments on how I could have improved it. Thanks for taking the time to read my report. See you in the parks.

Geoff Jones

Geoff@gajones.demon.co.uk