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Thread: Steve Russo - May 2009 - Saratoga Springs Resort

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    Steve Russo - May 2009 - Saratoga Springs Resort

    May 3-8, 2009 Saratoga Springs Resort

    The Cast

    Steve That would be me. A strong, virile, strapping specimen of masculinity aging ever so gracefully like fine wine.
    Barb My faithful Indian companion.

    Planning

    There was not a lot of planning done for this trip. In fact, it came about on little more than a whim. We took a trip in early January of this year - a trip that included 2/3 of our children, our son-in-law, our sons significant other and our grandson. We had been back for a few weeks when our daughter, Michelle, was visiting on a Saturday.

    As it often does, the conversation shifted to Disney and Michelle suggested we take another solo trip in the spring. That comment got us thinking. Weve never visited in the Spring and have never seen the Flower and Garden Festival so after she left, I checked Southwests Web site and determined that, by using some funds from re-booking our January flights, Barb and I could fly round-trip for $111. Now considering the rooms are free with our Disney Vacation Club (DVC) ownership, how can you pass up a Disney World vacation for $111? (And, yes, I know the cost was actually higher than $111 but isnt rationalizing fun?)

    We settled on a Sunday-Friday stay so we werent hit with the heavier DVC point usage for Friday and Saturday nights. I tried valiantly to get Barb to consider a Saturday arrival with one night at a Value or Moderate but she felt our responsibilities at home would not allow the extra day. As usual, shes probably right as it is now, were imposing on our children to move back in for a few days to tend to my father and our dog while were gone.

    I contacted DVC and we were able to secure a studio at Saratoga Springs Resort (SSR). I have nothing against SSR but if youve seen any of my previous trip reports, you know I have a significant preference for the Epcot resort area. I can also recall touring SSR four or five years ago while it was still under construction. I distinctly remember saying that if we ever stay here, wed need a car. Remember that.

    Over the next several months, I repeatedly tried for a change to the Boardwalk, Beach Club Villas and (later) Animal Kingdom Villas with no success. The closest I came was finding one night available at Animal Kingdom Villas. Recession? What recession?

    Later on that night in January, we were having dinner with our friends, Sue and Wayne Goergen, when they told us they were thinking of taking another trip down in May they had also taken a trip in January, arriving at WDW on our departure day. They were thinking of Saturday, May 2 to Friday, May 8 May 2 is Waynes birthday and he wanted to take advantage of the birthday gift offered during this year of Celebrations. They booked the following day and were also staying at SSR but were heading down Saturday for one night at Pop Century.

    Barb and I booked just a couple of Advanced Dining Reservations and arranged to join the Goergens, on one of their ADRs, for dinner at the Trails End Restaurant in Fort Wilderness a place we keep saying we should try but never seem to get over there.

    At ten days prior to arrival, I used on-line check-in and found it to be both quick and painless. However, the only options for room preference were two check boxes for First Floor and Close to Transportation. I checked neither but called DVC and asked to add an upper floor and Downtown Disney view to our reservation. No guarantees, of course, but I figured it couldnt hurt to ask.

    Sunday, May 3, 2009 Take a right no, a left. A bus ride from hell. The cougar escapes.
    We finished our packing last night and I set the alarm for 3:30 AM. It was no surprise that I was awake at 2:30. I got up at 3:00 and Barb followed a few minutes later. We had some coffee, fed Gunnar, showered, dressed and were out the door at 5:10. Whoops go back just a bit. My ever-thoughtful wife drove to a nearby store at 4:50 to pick up a Sunday paper for my father. She knows he likes his Sunday paper but didnt want him heading down the front steps and down the driveway to retrieve our paper when it was delivered. Shes so thoughtful.

    Barb also left a list of to-dos for son, Stephen who was moving in today, and daughter, Michelle, whod be staying here Monday-Friday.

    It was 44 degrees in Albany as we made the drive to the Albany Airport, arriving at 5:35. I parked us in Short-Term parking. The plan was for daughter Stephanie to retrieve the car later today. I noticed the Short-Term rate was $2 per hour so I texted Steph the cars location and asked her to get it sooner rather than later so we didnt ring up an exorbitant bill.

    We rolled our bags inside and joined a moderate line at the Southwest check-in counter. Those that have read my past trip reports know that Im married to the mayor of East Greenbush and she knows everyone. Actually, Barb spent several years in the employ of our local School District and seems to always run into someone from the schools. This was no exception as she ran into one of Stephens high school teachers, Amy. They were chatting away when Amy reached the front of the line. A desk clerk freed up and was calling her over but Amy, locked in catch-up conversation with Barb, was oblivious to it. Oblivious until the woman behind me yells Hey! Move up!

    We check our bags, head upstairs and make it through Security relatively unscathed. The TSA agent did ask me to remove the pedometer from my belt, which is predominantly plastic (the pedometer, not my belt). I m not sure whats up with that.

    We had over an hour to kill before boarding so we hit McDonalds for an Egg McMuffin (me) and Sausage Biscuit with Egg (Barb). I had an orange juice and Barb a coffee. We then took up some seats by the gate until boarding. I had managed to snag Boarding Passes A17 and A18 so there was only one person in front of us (other than several pre-boarders). Numbers 1-15 are reserved for those paying extra to board early. This allowed us to grab what has become our seats the exit row with only two seats.

    The flight left on time (no de-icing which is one of the benefits of flying in May) and was completely uneventful (which is how I prefer my flights). We landed early at 9:40, deplaned at 9:50 and made our way to the Disneys Magical Express (DME) counter at 10:15. I spent about10 minutes in line and was checked in and instructed to Pick up Barb and head over to the red carpet where youll be directed to a bus.

    It only took 5-10 minutes before we boarded our bus but it seemed much longer mainly because every other queue was escorted out to a waiting bus before ours. Unfortunately, this would be an omen of things to come.

    We stopped first at Old Key West and made our way to SSR at 11:10. We entered the lobby where there was a moderate check-in line. I looked around but could find no evidence of an on-line check in area. By checking in early and on-line, one should be able to simply pick up the welcome pack without waiting. I made my way to the Lobby Concierge and asked. He directed me to the far end of the counter where there was a simple 8 x 11-framed sign for On-Line Check-In.

    We waited for one guest who was asking questions (something thats NOT supposed to occur at On-Line Check-In) and were greeted by cast member Li, from Viet Nam. English was definitely a second language for Li (maybe even a third) and, to add additional challenge, she was a low-talker. It was very difficult to hear and understand her.

    I did learn that there was a studio ready if I was willing to give up my request for an upper floor and Downtown Disney view. Never one to look a gift-horse in the mouth, we chose the ready room which was room 9147 in the Grandstand section.

    Li then gave us the wrong directions by telling us to leave the building and take a right. We sauntered around taking in the main pool area and Spa until we came to the Springs and were walking toward the Paddock. A word here about the resort map in my opinion, its very confusing. We saw a few of those You are here pedestal maps but unless you can easily determine your orientation, theyre worthless. Finally, I noticed the long footbridge heading to the Paddock, which allowed me to gain my bearings and realize we were heading away from the Grandstand.

    We walked back to the Carriage House (check-in) and out the front, double-checked our plan with Bell Services, and were on our way on a .42-mile walk to our room. Heres my first gripe with SSR: at most other resorts, theres ample signage to guide you on your way. When you come to an intersection of walking paths, you typically see a sign with arrows pointing you to the Yacht and Beach Club one way and the Swan / Dolphin the other; or announcing that youve arrived at the Trinidad North section; or rooms 2100-2150 are to the right; you get my drift. Here? Nothing. To make matters worse, theres no exterior labeling on the four buildings in our section to indicate which one contains our room. We need to enter the building to see the signage directing you to room numbers. I put the word enter in quotes because, unlike most Deluxe resorts at Disney, the room doors at SSR exit to the outside of the building, not an interior hallway. I should note, however, that these outdoor hallways at SSR are mostly covered and enclosed.

    We did find room 9147 and found it to be perfectly fine. It was an end room on the first floor. The room was a typical DVC studio with a queen bed and sleeper sofa, armoire with a TV, 4-drawers and several shelves, a closet with a safe (and an iron, ironing board and crib), a sink/vanity outside the bathroom and a kitchenette with a sink, refrigerator, microwave, toaster and coffee maker. We also had a very nicely landscaped patio with views of the 15th and 17th holes of the Lake Buena Vista golf course. In fact, a sand trap on the 17th fairway was no more than 20 yards from our patio door. Across the fairway in the trees, I could see five or six of the recently constructed, and soon to open, Treehouses that were now part of SSR.

    We freshened up and decided to head over to Epcot. We needed to convert our renewed Annual Pass (AP) vouchers to passes and I also needed to pickup a new Tables in Wonderland (TiW) card (formerly the Disney Dining Experience) ours had expired in February. We found the bus stop without too much difficulty. There are two horseshoe pits near the stop, presumably to help pass the time while waiting for a bus. Barb declined my offer of a match.

    An Epcot bus was along in about 10-minutes. As promised, I was sending a text message to Wayne indicating we had arrived and our room number. I hit Send just as I was boarding the bus. We boarded and were greeted by Sue and Wayne Goergen. With 47 square miles, 25,000 resort rooms and 100,000 people, what are the adds wed run into each other on our first bus ride? OK, probably 50-50 but it was still a bit weird. They were coming from Epcot and going to the Carriage House for a little shopping. Wayne hadnt yet received my text message so I brought it up on my cell phone and handed it to him to read. Its the new sneaker-net version of SMS. Our bus made several stops within SSR and Sue and Wayne departed at the last one before the bus exited the grounds for the trip to Epcot.

    We arrive at Epcot and I walked through the Guests with no bags area while Barb had to go through Security she was still carrying her purse. I told her to meet me at a ticket window. I approached a window with no line and found that, while they could convert the APs, they did not sell the TiW card. Id have to buy that at Guest Relations so off I went. Barb had now joined me so we entered a line at Guest Relations and waited for a few minutes.

    We exchanged our vouchers for new APs Barb had Mickey on hers and I got Donald. I also bought a new TiW card for $75 (up from last years $60) but still a good investment. The CM looked but couldnt find a list of TiW restaurants and told us we could get one at a Guest Relations desk inside the park.

    We went through the turnstiles and used the APs for the very first time. I noticed that the biometrics were turned off (they were turned off at every park for the entire week new policy?). The first thing you see, in the center of the Leave a Legacytombstones are some very impressive topiaries. I spent a few minutes taking some photos here and later, around Future World.

    We walked up into Guest Relations and picked up a sheet with the TiW restaurants listed and then made our way to the Tip Board. The park seemed to be very crowded but the wait times had Spaceship Earth at 15 minutes, Test Track at 30, Mission: Space at 20 and Soarin at 50. Not great but certainly not terrible. We visited the Land and picked up Soarin FastPasses (FPs) for 4:12. We werent sure we could use them but felt it wouldnt hurt to have them, just in case.

    We decided on a light lunch at Sunshine Seasons so we each got a Chicken Caesar Salad and water - $20.49. After lunch, Soarin was still listed as a 50-minute standby so we decided that was probably overstated and we got in line. We were on the ride in 30-minutes and managed to snag the top row. A great ride as always.

    It was 2:30 so we felt it was time to head back to SSR to (hopefully, if our luggage had been delivered) unpack and settle in. We exited Epcot and found Bus Stop # 2 for service to SSR where we waited 15-minutes for a bus. The disturbing thing is that, from Bus Stop #2, one can view six other bus stops. It seemed each of those had one bus arrive, some had two, before ours showed up. That was disturbing because several of those stops had no one waiting while we had a line of 10-15 people.

    We entered SSR and found that our stop, the Grandstand, was the first one. We stayed on the bus waiting to hear the stop for the Carriage House. Now anyone thats familiar with SSR is saying, Oh, no you didnt. Yes, we did.

    We stopped at the Carousel, the Paddock, Congress Park and the Springs. About this time, I turned to Barb and said, Wouldnt it be funny if this bus didnt stop at the Carriage House and just took us back to Epcot? Roughly 5-seconds later the automated PA system came on and welcomed us to Disney Transportation with a next stop Epcot.

    While I wasnt terribly amused, Barb thought this was hilarious. She giggled all the way there. In fact, she giggled periodically for the rest of the trip whenever she thought about it. As Disney missteps go, this was a lollapalooza. I am rapidly losing my Disney street cred.

    Wait, it gets even better. At Epcot, I ask the driver if shes headed back to SSR. Of course she isnt. We exit the bus and walk down to the other set of bus stops and down and around to Stop # 2 (again) and wait another 15-minutes for the next bus again watching almost every other stop get a bus. Having learned our lesson, this time we stay on until the Springs, exit and find our way to the Artists Palette for a bit of shopping. Bottom line: we left Epcot at 2:30 and made it to SSRs Carriage House 90-minutes later (although it was the second time).

    So, its now 4:00 and we grab some butter (for the English Muffins we brought from home) and milk (for coffee). Id also like to pick up a 6-pack of beer. Part of every vacation includes me, sitting with a cold beer on a balcony watching the world go by. In this case, it would be on a patio watching the golfers go by but you know what I mean.

    I find beer in the cooler but I can see its not marked with a price. Well, I was born on a Monday but not LAST Monday so I ask the CM at the checkout for the price. She says, $5.60. I say, For a 6-pack? She says, No. For a single can or bottle.

    In the past, Ive paid $1.50 for a can of beer, which was discounted to $6 for the 6-pack (Boardwalks Screen Door in 2001). Ive also paid $3.00 per can, discounted to $12 for the 6-pack (Beach Clubs Marketplace in 2007). Doing a little quick math (carry the one) this looks like its $33.60 per six-pack. Thats almost laughable so I ask for the discounted 6-pack price. $33.60 she says. I faint. I come to and ask, Did I mention that I already have my own date? I pass on the beer.

    I havent mentioned the weather yet but its somewhere between 88 and 92 degrees and sunny. In case I forget, thats the forecast for the next 5-days but decades-old records were broken on Thursday and Friday when it hit 95 and 96 degrees. It was hot but not oppressive mainly because the humidity was reasonable. In any case, we were both in the mood for something cold and wet so we ambled to the Turf Club Bar and Grill were we find no evidence of a Bar. False advertising. They do have a comfortable lounge area with soft-cushioned seats, a pool table and a TV. We secured a Coors Light (Barb) and a Sam Adams (me) for $10.59 with TiW discount and including gratuity. Yes, served to our table for less than they charge out of the cooler next door. Whats wrong with this picture?

    Thirst quenched we head to our room. As I open the door, Im hoping that DME has come through with our luggage (as they have on every other trip) and bonus! We not only have our two suitcases, we have a third bonus suitcase. According to its label, this luggage belongs to Pam and Roger Bensen who are also staying at SSR but, regardless of what the Bell Services tag says, Im reasonably certain they arent in room 9147. Not unless Disney is offering some added perks I wasnt told about.

    I call Bell Services and tell them whats happened. They say theyll send someone down right away and I tell them Ill leave this bag right inside the door in case weve gone out.

    Barb and I spend the next 30-minutes perusing the contents and making fun of Pams and Rogers unmentionables. Nah, just kidding (I couldnt break the damned luggage lock). We just freshened up a bit until Sue called and invited us to meet them at Raglan Road for some dinner at 5:30.

    One other point about the rooms at SSR when you flip on a light switch, the light comes on very dim. When I first flipped on the two lights by the vanity, I remember thinking theres no way I can shave without a miners helmet. They must employ some energy-saving sensors because all the lights do brighten, presumably based on your movement. I also noticed that the air conditioning would kick in whenever we entered the room from outside.

    We made the .42-mile walk from the Grandstand to the Carriage House. No one from Bell Services had been to the room yet so I stopped at Lobby Concierge to tell them about the Bensens luggage. The CM there checked and said the Bensens were staying at SSR but their room was as far away from our room as possible. I wonder if that was their choice? What did I ever do to Pam and Roger except make fun of their underwear? Anyway, the CM said it would be taken care of.

    We walked down to the boat dock and arrive just as a boat pulls away. Not to worry, theres another there in 2-minutes (unlike the buses). While we were docking at the Marketplace dock, our captain pointed out the new building that was the first step in the new Pleasure Island the Paradisio 37 restaurant thats now under construction.

    We make our way to Raglan Road and I get a text message from Wayne that says At bar. We find Raglan Road and walk around inside but see no Sue or Wayne. Theyve already had a drink at the bar and are now waiting outside.

    We were seated almost immediately. I had a Murphys Red Irish Ale; Barb an Orlando Pale Ale; Sue had pink lemonade; and Wayne had a Bud. We shared an appetizer special that came with barbecued ribs, scallops, chicken strips and sausage. Very good.

    Barb and Sue each had beef salad. It was a salad of mixed greens with sliced sirloin. I tried a piece of Barbs sirloin and it was very good. Wayne had the beef stew and I had the Traditional Guinness and Onion Banger, which was pork sausage on mashed potatoes, topped with caramelized onions and further topped with a ladle of beef stew. It sounded odd, at least to me, but I thought it was great. It was very tasty and a lot of food for $16.95. The bill, after a second round of drinks, came to $130, or $126 after the TiW discount was subtracted and an 18% gratuity was applied.

    Over dinner, we told Sue and Wayne the story of our marathon bus ride and the odyssey of the Bensens luggage. After settling the bill, we strolled out to the Pleasure Island bus stops. We had decided to visit Epcot and thought the best way would be a Boardwalk or Beach Club bus. Of course, the first bus we see is the Swan, Dolphin, Yacht Club, Beach Club, Boardwalk so we board and exit at the first stop the Swan. From there its a short walk into Epcot through the International Gateway.

    This would be our only shot to catch the Flower Power concert this week and tonights entertainment was Chubby Checker! I know. I can never seem to be here when theres someone Id like to see. Quick --- name three songs by Chubby Checker. OK, theres the Twist. Then Twist Again (Like We Did Last Summer). Then theres Peppermint Twist? No, not him. Stumped arent you?

    We found some seats in the American Garden Theater. I said the heat wasnt oppressive but it seemed that each evening, the breeze would absolutely quit. I sat in the theater and began to sweat. It was like our trip during a heat wave in October 2006 when the humidity reached over 100% and my ears would sweat. This time it was my ears, elbows and teeth. Chubby better be good.

    Chubby Checker looks like he did in 1962 although he moves just a bit more gingerly. In addition to his own tune(s), he covered the Beatles (I Saw Her Standing There although he killed the lyrics), Fats Domino (Blueberry Hill and who amongst us doesnt think of Richie Cunningham when they hear that) and, of course, the Twist. Theres a point in the show when he turns his back on the crowd and does the shake. Not the twist, he just kind of shakes everything and invites the crowd to do the same. He then invites several women up on stage to perform their shake. We had three of them climb up on stage and two of them were, putting it delicately, plus-sized. In turn, they each turned their back to the audience and shook. While it was hard to determine when one of them had actually stopped shaking (the next 30-seconds was simply aftershock) they were all good.

    After the show, we figured we were too tired to hang around for Illuminations Reflections of Earth (IROE) so we took our time walking to the main exit. We caught a bus and made it back to our room at 9:10 and found the Bensens luggage was still there. I made another call to Bell Services (left a message), then the Front Desk, then Bell Services again. In very broken English, Im told theyll be right over. I tell them they have one hour and then Ill be in bed.

    We decide to call the Bensens figuring if it was our missing luggage, Id like to know its location. Maybe they have a car and can drive over to retrieve it. Barb calls, and the Front Desk connects her, but theres no answer.

    I set up the laptop and check email. We find Fox News on the TV (not that I like Fox News but its news and its on before 11:00) and we drift off at about 10:30. Except I shot up when I heard the story about a pregnant cougar that escaped near Kissimmee. You may recall my penchant for early morning walks around the resort but Im thinking with a cougar on the loose, I may not venture out tomorrow morning.

    Miles Walked Today: 10.03

    Things I Think I Think: I think Im growing inpatient with Magical Express. The elapsed time from plane to resort is acceptable but the waiting in line for each step wears on me. I think SSR need to give better directions at check-in. I think I need to do a better job of learning the bus stops. I think $33 for a six-pack of beer is just short of a mugging. I allow Disney a lot of leeway on their resort pricing but this is pure-and-simple price gouging and I wont stand for it. I think if I were Roger and Pam, Id be a little POed at Bell Services. I think I like Raglan Road. I think SSR is a fine resort with nice rooms, beautiful views and suspect bus service. Well see.

    Monday, May 4, 2009 The Bensens Get Their Luggage
    I woke up briefly at 1:10 AM and found the telephones message light blinking. Hi. This is Jadin from Bell Services. Do you have a bag that doesnt belong to you? That message was left at 11:50 PM and must have gone directly to voicemail because the phone never rang. This will wait until later.

    I got up at 4:10 and put some coffee on. I could find no silverware at all so the English Muffins and butter are a waste for this morning. Todays forecast is sunny and 93 degrees.

    I sipped coffee, updated my notes and checked email, news, etc. Then I shaved, showered and dressed. Barb woke up around 6:00. Notice that I did not venture out for my pre-dawn walk. Did you not hear me last night? Theres an escaped cougar on the loose!

    I called Bell Services once again and explained the issue for the fourth time. I also called Housekeeping for some silverware. Bell Services showed up in 5-minutes and thanked me for calling them. Someones probably looking for this. Duh. Ythink so? Maybe thats why I called 14 hours ago. Im betting when the Bensens complain about the delayed delivery of their luggage, Bell Services says It was with another guest and we couldnt find it. Im talking to you Roger and Pam, I tried. I really did.

    Theres another knock on the door and Housekeeping delivers a plastic bag with enough paper plates, bowls and silverware to stock the room for a year. Barb thinks this is funny and giggles some more. Laugh it up, furball. To me, it seems as if Housekeeping is being a bit of a smart-***. I guess Im not in a good mood but the marathon bus trip, Bell Services and the escaped cougar have thrown me off my game.

    We decide to walk around a bit, to get the lay of the land so to speak. We walk to the Treehouses at 7:00 for some photos (Ill put a link at the end of the report). The area is fenced so you cant walk through them but the walkway on our side (the golf courses cart path) gets you close enough.

    When we finished, I took Barb out to the center of the 17th fairway to show her, up close and personal, what a golfer would face with a 130 yard shot to a pin that was tucked between two bunkers. Im not certain she appreciated it.

    We decide today to visit Animal Kingdom (AK). We begin to walk to the bus stop but Barb needs to head back to the room first bathroom break. Naturally, while shes inside, I see the AK bus go by. Barb joins me and we wait another 20 minutes for the next AK bus after we see three buses for the Magic Kingdom, one for Epcot, two for Disneys Hollywood Studios (DHS) and one for Downtown Disney. Maybe its me but sheesh!

    The AK bus arrives at 7:30 and Sue and Wayne hop on at the next stop theyre staying at the Carousel. We had no idea they were heading to AK today so this is just another coincidence.

    We entered the AK just after opening and began walking back toward the Kilimanjaro Safari when, naturally, Barb needed another bathroom break. We sent Sue and Wayne on ahead and wound up two or three vehicles behind them on the ride. There was no wait to speak of, just a 10-minute walk through the queue. We didnt see many animals this morning, which was somewhat surprising. I counted one giraffe, one elephant, two sleeping lions and assorted cattle and okapi. I really cant get a pattern here. Ive ridden the Safari early, late, in cold weather, in hot weather none of that seems to be an indicator of how many animals youll see.

    While in line, a woman and son in front of us ask to let the dad and daughter through. We comply but Ive always wondered why the couple in front doesnt step aside, letting us pass, and then rejoin their party behind us. Anyway, as were moving through, a CM says Happy birthday to the woman. I hadnt noticed her pin so I add my Happy Birthday and ask if she got her free park pass. She, and her husband, look confused so I ask if todays her actual birthday. She says, No. Its actually and then trails off and fumbles for a bit. Whens her birthday? Last week? Last month? Who knows? Her husband did quiz me a bit more on this free pass thing. He was definitely interested.

    As a follow on to that, I can honestly say I have never seen more people with Birthday buttons in the parks. Either Disneys advertising is working and many folks are scheduling birthday trips or people are just picking up more pins to wear if their birthday was somewhere close.

    We hadnt had breakfast so we stopped at Tamu Tamu for two bagel sandwiches and coffee (I asked and was told it was Maxwell House). They did take the TiW and it came to $14.35. We took our sandwiches to the Dawa Bar to sit and eat.

    We decided to head next to Finding Nemo: The Musical. Its a favorite of mine but, not Barbs. We figured we had seen the Festival of the Lion King (FotLK) in January (and probably 15 other times) but had only seen Nemo twice before.

    On the way through Asia, we notice Expedition Everest had a 15-minute Standby line. Ive ridden twice and its not a favorite Im not in love with the long climb outside (the height thing), the backwards part (unsettling to me when we go up the hill backwards) in the dark or the big drop outside the mountain. Other than that, its fine <g>. But Barb likes Everest and, if nothing else, I would go to the ends of the Earth (or Nepal) to keep my wife happy, so in we went. She said shed make it up to me later but that just meant shed see Nemo with me. I was hoping for never mind.

    We boarded the ride in 10-minutes and I endured that fun-filled romp through the mountain. The yeti was illuminated with a strobe and it was difficult to tell but I dont think he was moving.

    We walked to Nemo at 9:40 and joined a line that was entering the theater. We wound up in the third row for the 10:00 show. That was much closer than weve been before and we both agreed it added something to the show. I tried for a few photos here but nothing came out particularly good without a flash.

    While waiting for the show to start, Barb was reading the AK Park Guide and pointed out a Finding Nemo Dining package at the Tusker House. I hadnt heard of this. Is it guaranteed seating for Nemo if you book the Tusker House meal? Later, Sue and Wayne said they heard of the same thing at the FotLK. Do they alternate?

    Next up was Its Tough to be a Bug (ITTBAB). We watched in the lobby as a 14 or 15-year-old boy climbed the partition separating the CM station from the crowd. This partition is sculpted to resemble a large tree root. We then watched his parents and older sister laughing and videotaping him as he climbed, danced, drummed, etc. atop this partition. I kept waiting for a loud thump when he fell but, nothing. ITTBAB was good, as always, and had the appropriate numbers of screaming kids heading to the exit during the show. By the way, am I the only one that hates that wasp sting? I always lean forward to avoid that.

    We left and caught a waiting (yes, waiting) Boardwalk bus at 11:35. Im certain if we had opted for an SSR bus, it would have taken 20-minutes. Why are we headed to the Boardwalk? Im still looking for the opportunity to enjoy a cold brew on my patio with the golf course view but Im unwilling to pay Disneys price of $33 per six-pack. My plan is to head to the Hess station by the Boardwalk to buy beer. We exit the bus and make the quick walk to Hess and I picked up an 18-pack for $13.99. The 18-pack was a bit of overkill but I didnt like anything they carried in 12-packs. I swear, next time Im just packing a bottle of scotch in my suitcase.

    We walked back up to the BW bus stop. I called DVC while waiting on the chance something at the Boardwalk or Beach Club might have freed up but no such luck. We could have moved to the Boardwalk but it would have involved two moves (one night in standard view, two nights in preferred) and then a move back to SSR for our last night. Even Im not that crazy.

    We caught a bus to Downtown Disney and exited at the Market Place for a switch to an SSR bus. While on this bus, I glanced down at my $14 purchase and thought, Thats $100 worth of beer at SSR. Scary, huh?

    We boarded an SSR bus just a few minutes later. Had my luck with SSR buses changed? Not by a long shot. This bus stopped at Pleasure Island for a 5-minute driver change, then went to Typhoon Lagoon before (finally) dropping us off at the Grandstand. Barb was giggling the whole ride. Me? Not so much. I immediately took one of the beers out to the patio and tried my best to enjoy it Im still not sure if it was worth it.

    By the way, there was a set (pair?) of newlyweds on the bus and I swear, they looked to be 12 years old. Shes wearing three Just Married buttons and hes wearing a Star Wars Storm Troopers t-shirt. All of a sudden, I felt old. Very old.

    It was in the low 90s so we changed into swimsuits and headed to the pool. Its only a 5-minute walk from our room. I have a pair of Tevas sandals that are very nice and very comfortable but, apparently, Ive never mastered walking in them. Any time I have to walk more than a short distance I find my heel is riding on the inside of the sandal. I need to stop for a second, stutter step, and adjust them before I continue. I cant imagine what this looks like to a passer-by (actually, yeah, I can and it aint pretty). I thought it was the shoes so I had Barb try them and she had no problem. Apparently, its my feet or me.

    We spent about 90-minutes at the pool a little in the pool but most of it just filling up some lounge chairs in the sun. When wed had enough, it was back to the patio. I will give SSR kudos here our room was extremely quiet. I heard absolutely nothing last night and now, in the middle of the day, it was very peaceful there on the patio. We could see the Treehouses and watch the occasional foursome playing hole 15 or 17. In the distance, we could see the new Characters in Flight balloon at Pleasure Island as it rose over the treetops. We could also watch the boats running up and down the Sassagoula River. Not a bad location, huh?

    We called Stephen to check on things at home, then showered and dressed for Narcoossees. The restaurant is listed as resort casual and, from experience, slacks and a polo shirt are fine. It was still in the 90s, however, and even though we both brought slacks to wear, we chose shorts. As it turned out, probably 90% of Narcoossees patrons were in shorts this night so we were fine.

    A bus for MK pulled up just as we arrived at the bus stop. Could my luck be changing? We waited only 5-minutes for a resort boat at the MK dock. While it was very hot, there was a nice breeze blowing that made it tolerable particularly in the shade.

    We arrived at Narcoossees at 5:35 for our 5:50 ADR. I told the hostess that wed like a window seat, if possible, and would be willing to wait a bit for one. She indicated we had already been assigned a window, wed be seated shortly and Susan will be our server.

    While the view from Narcoossees doesnt have the Wow factor of the California Grill, I think its every bit as nice. You can see the MK and Cinderellas Castle, the new Bay Lake Towers and the main Contemporary building. Theres something very serene about having dinner while watching the boats run around the Lagoon.

    If you havent been, Narcoossees is a circular building on the water at the Grand Floridian. Its located just yards from one of the boat docks. As you enter, part of the kitchen is open to your left. The dining room is arranged, on two levels, around about 75% of the circle (the kitchen resides in the remainder). The outer wall is all windows to the view mentioned above. The bar curves around the inner wall, outside the kitchen. The room has a darker wooden plank ceiling and lots of blue cushions and patterned tablecloths. I like it a lot a nice mix of elegant and casual.

    Susan graciously took our photo and drink order a Manhattan for me and Barb had a Fess Parker Riesling. She had remembered how much she liked it during our last visit here. We ordered a special appetizer of Grilled Asparagus with a cheese sauce and pepperoni. I know that sounds a little weird but its name was much more elegant sounding with several words I couldnt pronounce. I typically pull the menu item from one of the Disney Web sites but, unfortunately, Narcoossees menu seems to change daily (ours was dated May 4, 2009) and I didnt think to take our copy. None of the Web sites have the accurate descriptions so youll have to live with my feeble attempts to sound like a gourmand.

    Back to the grilled asparagus it was excellent. For entrees, I ordered the Grilled Filet Mignon with potato au gratin, grilled green beans, and choron sauce (not bad from memory, huh?). It was all great but the potatoes were outstanding. Its not often I rave about a potato but, once, back in the late 1970s, I visited San Antonio and a place called the Old San Francisco House. I had the best baked potato ever and said nothing. Later in the evening, one of my dining companions commented, Wasnt that a good baked potato? and we then had six people all saying, in unison, Yes. Me, too. It was great. But I digress

    I washed all this down with a glass of Louis Martini Cabernet.

    Barb had a crab-encrusted Alaskan halibut (just for the halibut Muppets humor) and loved it. She finished her Riesling during dinner.

    For dessert, we shared an almond-encrusted cheesecake with a great presentation (you have to see the photo here) and a coffee press pot. We settled our bill, thanked Susan and walked out onto Narcoossees porch to enjoy that view for a few minutes.

    We then decided to spend a few minutes inside the Grand Floridian before monorailing sorry, hopping the beam, to the TTC and Epcot. As we made our way to the main building of the Grand Floridian, I was struck with how very pretty it is here as the sun was beginning to set. Unfortunately, several guests had strung wet swimsuits and towels over the balcony railings, which really ruined the effect. Cant we do something about that?

    We bounced around inside looking at the menu at Citricos and pressing our noses up against the glass of Victoria and Alberts door. Im also happy to report that the audio-animatronic seniors are still in the Grand Floridians lobby, sound asleep on the many sofas strewn about. I even touched one and have to say theyre very lifelike.

    We caught the monorail and switched at the TTC. As we were walking down the ramp, we passed a French-speaking family. Dad was a normal looking guy except he had on a pair of those hideous Capri pants that I seem to only see at Disney World. Barb said if I ever wore those shed kick my butt. I told Barb if I ever wore them Id kick my own butt.

    We rode Spaceship Earth (a walk on) and the photos worked. The second half of this ride is much more enjoyable when the technology does what its supposed to. Soarin listed a 40-minute wait, M:S listed 5-minutes. We decided on Test Track, which was listed at 20-minutes but was actually only five. We had a great ride with a Mom and her 4-year old son only the four of us in the car.

    We walked through MouseGear doing a bit of browsing and then went to World Showcase Plaza to take up a spot for Illuminations. It was crowded and we did have one guy move in front of Barb as the show started. You know when youre driving on a crowded interstate and you leave a little room between you and the car in front of you? Some yokel always uses that space as his chance to do the 4-lane swing to the right within 25 yards of the exit, right? Ive found the same thing exists when standing in a crowd for fireworks. Leave a little personal space between you and the next person and some idiot will fill it.

    Other than that, it was excellent as always. I never grow tired of this show. We did, however, notice that the fire barge wasnt operating which might have been the reason for the 10-minute delay starting the show.

    At the end of Illuminations is when I really miss staying at the Boardwalk. You cant beat that leisurely stroll back to the resort. Instead, we did the Disney Waddle with the thousands of other guests making their way to the bus stops, monorail and parking lots. We boarded a standing room only bus back to the Grandstand, caught a little news on the tube and turned in.

    Miles Walked Today: 6.14

    Things I Think I Think: I think I hope they catch that cougar. I think SSR has a lot to offer but transportation is not its strong suit. I think Finding Nemo: The Musical is a great show but I slightly prefer the additional energy of the Festival of the Lion King. I think I paid $14 for $100 of beer. I think it cost me 75-minutes to save that $86. I think Narcoossees has maintained its place at the top of my favorite WDW restaurants. I think I could enjoy a stay at the Grand Floridian maybe someday for a night or two. I think I still enjoy Illuminations. I think I wish we were staying at the Boardwalk.

    Tuesday, May 5, 2009 Stitch, some fudge and a misguided Yankee fan
    Happy Cinco de Mayo! Im awake at 5:41. I make some coffee and spend some time doing lots of on-line stuff for work and preparing for an interview I have today with Imagineer, Jason Surrell. Jason has a very interesting background and has written several books regarding the move of attractions to the big screen (Haunted Mansion, Pirates of the Caribbean). Hes also been involved with a lot of Disney World shows and attractions; the most recent is the soon-to-open Stitchs Supersonic Celebration. At this point, Im uncertain if I should make Stitchs show the focus of the interview or a sideline. Im going to improvise and see how things go.

    Were at the bus stop at 8:05. There are two buses waiting to the left, in the turnaround. There are 10-12 people at the bus stop so Im not sure what theyre waiting for. In the next minute, two additional buses pull up to the stop simultaneously both are AK buses. No one gets on either.

    At that point, one of the two waiting buses comes up and shows an MK sign so we all board. The driver then cruises through the next two stops without pausing and stops at Congress Park and the Springs to pick up a wheelchair passenger at each. You should have seen the expression on the faces of those at the Carousel and Paddock as a partially filled MK bus just blew by them. Hopefully, ours was assigned to pick up the scooter guests and there was another behind us for those skipped stops.

    I sat on the back of the bus and wound up next to Thomas. Thomas was around four years old. His brother sat a couple of seats away while Mom was up front not paying attention. Thomas was a handful throwing plushes, into and out of his seat using my leg as leverage for his foot each time he scrambled back in. In fairness, he was much tougher on the guy to his left than me.

    We made it to the MK for opening and immediately walked to Adventureland for a ride on the Jungle Cruise. We cruised with a very wired Skipper Ian. He was absolutely wild and Barb wondered if we visited later in the day, would he be able to sustain that frantic pace.

    Next up was Pirates of the Caribbean, which was a walk-on. The boats were going through end to end and someone (actually several people, I believe) was taking many flash pictures. I asked, loudly, several times to Stop the flashes to no avail. I also noticed there was no Davy Jones effect.

    Its now 9:30 and were heading to Big Thunder Mountain Railroad (BTMRR). The Standby sign read 10-minutes but we walked on again. It was a great ride.

    We walked down through Frontierland and stopped for a restroom break. As I was walking in, a guy washing his hands at the sink turned to shake them off behind him and showered my legs with water. He never turned his head so he was oblivious to this. Isnt it more common to shake the water from your hands over the sink rather than blindly behind you? Something I havent mentioned yet is that this trip is smack in the middle of the Swine Flu outbreak (Pandemic?). We did notice one couple in the airport wearing surgical masks but Barb learned the woman had recently had a heart transplant (she was also headed to Universal and was looking forward to the coasters go figure). Other than that, we were both spending a few extra minutes washing our hands and trying to avoid touching too many railings, etc. I also gave Piglet a very wide berth. Other than that is was business as usual.

    We walked to the Haunted Mansion and joined a small crowd (maybe 10 people). The Standby sign read 10-minutes but it was really another walk-in.

    Theres a dock down below the Mansion, facing the Riverboat. Its themed to the Riverboat landing but has ramped access from the area used for stroller parking at the Mansion except the access is roped off. Does anyone know whats down there? Is it ever used for anything?

    We walked up to Mickeys Philharmagic. It was here I decided I need a name for those people that go through the turnstile, stop dead and linger while picking up their 3D glasses. You come through the turnstile behind them and have absolutely nowhere to go. Turnstileators? Actually, the real problem is theyve located the turnstiles and the glasses bin too close together.

    While waiting for the show doors to open, I received a text message telling me the 11:30 interview was now at 12:00 noon. I need to check to see if Stitchs Supersonic Celebration is running today as a soft opening (it was). It opens officially tomorrow.

    We visited Buzz Lightyear next and I got a paltry 78,200, which barely qualifies me as Galactic Schmoe. Barb only had 1500 but we did verify that her cannon was not working.

    Next, we were off to Monsters, Inc. Laugh Floor (or MILF heh, heh, heh). It was a good show. Barb was particularly taken with the joke: How do you get your tissue to dance? Put a little boogie in it. I know, I know. Thats older than I am but shes lived such a sheltered life.

    Now its 11:15 so I hustle over to the Stitch show. As a shameless plug, Ill ask you to head on over to MousePlanet (www.mouseplanet.com) to read the article which (assuming I can get it written) should appear there on June 5. For now, here are some highlights of the show: Domo arrigoto, Mr. Roboto, These Boots are Made for Walking, Stitch as Elvis, photos of guests on the screen, Galactic Girls in shock wigs and go-go boots (definitely some eye candy for the guys) and robots dressed like Power Rangers break dancing. Actually, that sounds like a typical Tuesday night at my house.

    I will admit that, mid-show, I turned to Barb and said, What am I going to ask this guy? This show is pretty lame. It did get better but Id have to say it is not my cup of tea. Ive seen it once and that should be enough for a while but, I also see some potential there for some tweaking. Time will tell.

    It was about 11:30 and Barb had decided to head back to the resort while I stayed for the interview. We thought wed have time for a quick lunch at the Tomorrowland Noodle Station so we walked down there. Surprise it wasnt open (I have yet to see this place in operation). Barb left and I headed back to Tomorrowland, conducted the interviews (turns out there were two) until about 12:30 then began the trip back to the resort.

    I was heading down Main Street when I realized it had been a long time since Ive sampled the fudge from the Main Street Confectionery. I popped in and several CMs were having a meeting behind the counter. One broke off to help me and I asked if they still had the buy three / get one free deal. I learned it was now a buy four / get two free. Well slap my face and call me happy - I pick four across the bottom row (chocolate, peanut butter, chocolate with nuts and chocolate with marshmallows) and ask the CM, Dona, to pick two of her favorites. She selected a strawberry cheesecake and something else that escapes me now. This came to $16 and the fudge actually made it home with me - some of it, anyway.

    As I exited the MK, I called Barb and found she had just made it to SSR. More stellar bus service.

    I wait at the SSR stop with two others one in a scooter. After 15 minutes, three buses had come in - one of them pulled in at the empty stop on my left. Behind me, I count nine buses in line not at stops but lined up at the curb waiting although Im not sure why.

    Finally, after a driver change, the bus at the empty stop on my left pulls up one stop and we board. I called Barb, said Im on the way, and she agreed to meet me for lunch at Artists Palette at the Carriage House. I arrived there at 1:10 and found Barb waiting across the street from the bus stop holding a cup of coffee.

    We picked up an order of chicken nuggets for Barb and a half-sandwich and soup for me. I had half of a stacked sandwich that was pretty good and some just OK chicken noodle soup (I had ordered chili but was too lazy to exchange it). With a bottle of water for me, and after TiW, the bill was $15.02.

    Its kind of a different setup at Artists Palette. You wait in line to order your food. Then youre given a pager and a receipt that you take to the checkout counter to pay. As I was paying, the pager went off so I was back up to pickup the food immediately.

    We went back to the room and changed into swimsuits. After another 90-minutes at the pool, Barb was beginning to look a bit lobster-like she was sunburned, she hadnt grown claws or anything. We called Michelle at home. There was a problem with one of Pops medications, which Barb resolved. Other than that, things were fine.

    We showered, changed and left to meet Sue and Wayne at the MK boat dock at 4:30. This was for a 5:30 ADR at Trails End. We got to our bus stop at 4:02. The MK bus arrived at 4:10 and we were on our way but the next two stops within SSR required loading scooters so it took a while to actually leave the resort. I sent a text to Wayne telling him were running late and they should go ahead to Trails End. They waited anyway.

    We met them in line for the Fort Wilderness boat shuttle at 4:40. A boat arrived in about 5-minutes and we made the short trip to Fort Wilderness. On the way, I got my first look at the backside of Bay Lake Towers quite an impressive building.

    We checked in at Trails End and were seated early at 5:15. Our intention was a drink at Crocketts Tavern first but, apparently, these two venues have merged and its all one big place now. We were actually seated in what used to be Crocketts.

    The Trails End is a buffet that offers the same menu as the Hoop-Dee-Doo Revue next door at Pioneer Hall. I presume its the same food as they appear to share a kitchen. The benefit of Trails End (other than its about $30 cheaper) is it offers quite a bit more. Theres salads, soups, barbecued ribs, chicken, scalloped potatoes, mashed, carrots, green beans, sirloin, apple cobbler, pizza, corn bread, and more. Dessert is soft serve ice cream, brownies and chocolate chip cookies.

    We all ate more than our share, which is why I need to avoid buffets its too easy to overeat. We also shared our stories on bus transportation, the Bensens luggage, etc. and agreed that, while SSR is nice, we all preferred the Boardwalk area.

    After TiW, the bill was around $120 including tip. Im not exactly sure because Wayne paid this was a thank you from Sues parents for me doing their income taxes. Each year, I keep asking Wayne how he gets a free meal out of this deal ;-)

    We left Trails End and visited the rest rooms on the other side of Pioneer Hall. The doors had just opened at Pioneer Hall, which meant the 5:15 Hoop-Dee-Doo show would be ending soon so we hustled to the boat dock to try to beat that crowd. There was a boat there just waiting to take us to the Contemporary (and then the Wilderness Lodge) so we boarded.

    We walked through the Contemporary and were walking to the MK. Ive been wondering how they expected to keep the walking bridge from Bay lake Towers to the Contemporary free of guests during Wishes. I could just envision several thousand people showing up and swarming that bridge until it collapsed under the weight. My question was answered. They had begun installing the windows on the bridge and they were opaque there would be no fireworks viewing from this bridge. The solution was so simple yet it had escaped me, which, I guess, is why Im not an Imagineer.

    We enter the MK at around 8:00 and do a little shopping in the Art of Disney store. We spent a few minutes watching a glass blower in the Jewelry shop. Barbs cell phone rang here and we both held our breath thats never good news when were on vacation. It was only Michelle calling to get the correct day and process for our trash pickup.

    Then, in rapid fire, we saw Mickeys Philharmagic and rode its a small world and the Haunted Mansion. No real lines at any of them. In the Mansion, Barb asked about the voices and I could not come up with the name of the song's soloist (Thurl Ravenscroft). I had Burl Ravenswood, Hurl Ravenscraft and I knew I was close. I also couldnt come up with Paul Frees -- known to many as Boris Badenov from "The Rocky & Bullwinkle Show"hes the attraction's narrator, or "Ghost Host."

    From the Mansion, we followed Wayne through a very crowded hub for the restrooms then took up a spot in the center of Main Street for Wishes. I should note that, at 8:45, the lines at Caseys are out the door. Same thing at the Plaza Ice Cream Parlor. People are eating late.

    I asked and Sue and Wayne indicated they usually watch Wishes from nearer the flagpole. I know the view back there is just as good but they dont extinguish the lights at that end of Main Street and, to me, that diminishes the view.

    Sue ran into a shop and emerged with two bottles of water. We must have been thirsty because they lasted about 30-seconds. We enjoyed Wishes (except, apparently, for Wayne who prefers looking around at shop windows during the fireworks) then made for the exit and the bus stops.

    There was a long line at Bus Stop 2 for SSR it stretched outside the metal railings. There were only 8-10 people in stop #1 (Coronado Springs) so, naturally, thats where the next bus pulls in. It takes 15- minutes for an SSR bus and now the line is stretched well back toward the MK entrance. We all begin waddling forward to cram on. There are two couples that are walking alongside (but are not in) our line and, at the point where the line veers left inside the railings, the idiot in a backward Yankees cap (makes me ashamed to be a fan) waves to the other couple and they cut in. Barb and I both yell Hey but its too noisy and were too far back to do any good. Im reasonably certain nothing anyone said would have deterred them anyway. This is the Entitlement Mentality at its finest and I cast a pox on the rest of their vacation.

    The bus is packed but we just make it on. Only three women and a child were allowed on after us. We say goodbye to Sue and Wayne as we exit at the Grandstand stop at 9:45. I checked some business email, we flipped on the news and turned in.

    Miles Walked Today: 9.17

    Things I Think I Think: I think I never seem to tire of the classic attractions: Jungle Cruise, Pirates, Haunted mansion, etc. I think Im not a huge Stitch fan. I think the break-dancers in that show were doing things I couldnt do 30 years ago. I think Jason Surrell is a fascinating person and it would have been fun to spend more time with him just asking questions. I think I like the Confectionerys fudge. I think SSRs bus service still stinks. I think wed better skip the pool tomorrow were both getting a bit burned. I think I like the Trails End. I think I absolutely hate it when people pull stunts like those folks at the MK bus stop. I can only hope I see them again as they stop halfway across the aisle in a theater so I can step on some toes.

    Wednesday, May 6, 2009 New Peeves, Sundaes and Lost
    Im awake at 1:30 and having some gastrointestinal distress. Its not terrible but its keeping me awake. I fight the nausea and finally fall back to sleep around 3:00. At 6:30, Im up, feeling better and on-line. We learned later that Sue also had a bit of discomfort. The only thing we could figure that she and I had, and Barb and Wayne didnt, was the scalloped potatoes. Maybe.

    At 9:00, were at the bus stop. Again, we see multiple MK buses arrive before the first bus for Epcot but we do get there by 9:20 and head to Soarin for FastPasses and to ride with a 30-minute Standby wait. We were on the ride in 20.

    Heres another Park peeve Im adding to my list: the people that stand in front of the FP queue, blocking the entrance, while they wait for their FP time to arrive. It seems to be most prevalent here and at Test Track. Not related to these folks but Im also adding those people who insist on shooting photos from across the promenade. The subject of the photo is against a railing while the photographer is 600 feet away and the hordes of people walking between them are supposed to see this and stop so the photo can be taken. You could get just a little closer to your subjects and still capture that background.

    So were in line at Soarin and this is one of the few times were in the Standby queue and can actually enjoy those games played on the big screens. Were chatting with the couple in line behind us as four women weave their way past us in a single file. The woman behind us let out a What the but they were gone, and never said a word. I cant even call them Scusemes. A new peeve so soon? Ive said before I have little problem with one person that needed a bathroom break while the other three or four got in line but four women? If all four needed a restroom then the rest of the party should have waited as well. This is ridiculous.

    We told the other couple about the Yankee fan that was line cutting at the bus stop last night. They empathized and shared a few stories of their own. We learned they were celebrating their 26th anniversary (wearing the Anniversary buttons) and we wound up chatting about our older relatives. It did make the wait go by more quickly.

    Next up was Mission: Space (green side) with a 5-minute wait. Then it was off to Minnies Butterfly Garden. I had heard a lot about this and, while it was nice, I was a bit disappointed. From other reports, I guess I was expecting to be swarmed with butterflies we saw only a handful. We exited through the chains and went next door to the Pixie Hollow area. There were some very cool topiaries here (all four of the new pixies including Tink) and this is where I noticed Barb had gotten pooped on (geez, it was fun writing that sentence). Somewhere, since Mission: Space, a bird had demonstrated deadly accuracy and nailed her shirt. She went to a restroom to clean up and I went to MouseGear.

    Barb joined me in a few minutes and we began looking for items that Michelle had requested. One was a cup (to match one they bought in January) a 24 ounce cup, with a built-in lid and straw. It was clear with Mickey on it. The second item was for our grandson. Hes collecting the cars from the Cars film and needed DJ. We struck out on both items.

    We wandered into Innoventions for Whats Your Problem? (the Velcro show). We had a short wait and chatted with Mary Ann and her husband who were from the Bronx but now living in Florida. It was Mary Anns birthday. They have kids from our area one in Saratoga and another teaching in Troy. She thanked us profusely for showing up, leading me to believe the CM they were chatting with was not someone they wanted to be chatting with.

    The show was cute and fun thanks to the two emcees. Its not something Id have to do every trip but its a nice way to grab a seat and some air conditioning for 15-minutes.

    It was about 12:15 so we began walking toward World Showcase and stopped at the Kim Possible World Showcase Adventure kiosk. We picked up a card to bring to Norway by 12:45 to begin our game. We decided on the way that some liquid refreshment was in order so we got two frozen Lime Margaritas at the Mexico kiosk and got to Norway at 12:30.

    I told the CM in Norway that we had already played the Kim Possible game in Germany and the UK so something else would be appreciated. He gave us our Kimmunicator and we dutifully walked 50 feet away before pressing OK and found out our adventure takes place in Norway.

    This game was cute but not nearly as much fun as Germany or the UK. The chimney effect didnt work and another clue that I asked for help on was just given to us without revealing the answer. We each had to pause a minute to recover from a frozen Margarita brain freeze when its 94 degrees, theres a tendency to sip too fast.

    One interesting wrinkle was, at the end of the game, we were given an option for another and could select from the remaining countries. Thats a nice touch - although we passed.

    It was past time for lunch so we walked to the Chefs de France. I inquired about a table and we were seated almost immediately. We ordered two Rieslings and waters from our server, Quentin. The last time here (2006?), we ordered the French Menu (onion soup, grilled ham & cheese, salad and crme brulee). If I remember correctly, it was $14.95 and entirely too much food for two of us. Its now simply referred to as a Prix Fixe and includes a few other options for soup, entre and dessert.

    This time we were smarter. We ordered one French Menu (one onion soup, a grilled ham & cheese, a salad and a crme brulee) to share and one additional onion soup. With the French roll and butter, this shared lunch was just about right in quantity and the quality was very good. The bill, after TiW and including tip came to $47.

    During lunch, a tuxedoed waiter wheeled around a cheese tray. Hed roll it up to your table and uncover the tray to reveal some cheeses, some grapes and an audio-animatronics Remy from Ratatouille. The waiter was Armand (I have one name, like Cher and Madonna) and Barb and I both thought he looked like Ryan Stiles. Ive later learned he was one of the cast at the Adventurers Club. You can see his photo here.

    After lunch, I took some more photos of topiaries and we eventually made our way to the Twinings store in the UK. We bought some Earl Grey and English Breakfast tea. We also saw some youngsters sticking their heads in the fountain outside the UK restrooms. Its very warm and Im sure the stuff in that fountain is cool and wet but I dont think Id want to be sticking my head in that swill.

    While walking past Canada, we saw the line-cutting couples from the bus stop last night. Their leader was wearing a different Yankee cap on backwards this time. I left the pox on him and added the Maloik. Hes toast.

    We stopped at one of the Flower and Garden specialty shops and bought a Mickey wind chime for our yard. We then decided to exit the park but did pause for a couple of very nice photos, taken of us by a very accommodating PhotoPass photographer, at the front of the park topiaries and Spaceship Earth in the background. We actually have very few photos of Barb and me together in the parks which is kind of weird.

    Out to bus stop #2. At this point, we thought that we might be a little paranoid and were exaggerating the shoddy SSR bus service but, as a wise old man once said, Just because youre paranoid, it doesnt mean they arent out to get you. We were two of probably 15 people at our stop and we watched as bus after bus stopped elsewhere to pick up smaller groups.

    Eventually, we made it back and found Housekeeping was in our room it was our DVC trash and towels day. We walked around outside for a bit and watched a few golfers hit some very bad shots.

    We made it into the room at 3:20 and settled in for a quick nap. We must have been tired because I think we both nodded off in record time.

    After a quick 40 winks, (exactly how long is a wink anyway?) I called DVC and wait-listed the Beach Club Villas for our December reservation. Were currently scheduled for the Boardwalk, which is fine, but todays the beginning of the seven-month window and, if possible, I like to alternate between the two resorts.

    I updated these notes and did some work stuff until about 5:30. We had planned a later lunch today to be our one big meal. The reason was we planned on some Downtown Disney shopping and maintaining that Russo tradition that clearly states: Each vacation shall have one meal replaced with ice cream.

    We walked to the Carriage House and visited the Lake Buena Vista golf course pro-shop which is just down a walkway from the front of the building. I searched around for an appropriate souvenir but found nothing. I did pick up a scorecard but it didnt have the overall course map that most do. I was attempting to learn which holes our room bordered, which I finally figured out later by going on-line where they offer a flyover view of each hole. Pretty cool and I could actually see our building.

    We headed to Downtown Disney via the boat. We spent most of our time in the World of Disney and most of our shopping was for Michelle and Will the mug, magnet, shirts for our current grandson, William, and one for our soon-to-be-born grandson, Christopher. We found the mug/cup but it had Tink on it, not Mickey. I called Michelle and that was fine she would use the Tink and Will could have Mickey. I also bought the chrome-looking 3-circle auto emblem. I know that most who know me figure theres no way I would stick that thing on my car but its there now. We never found DJ (the car) but Ive since located it on-line.

    Now for the serious stuff we headed to what has become my favorite place at WDW - Ghirardellis. I ordered a Very Berry sundae and Barb had the Hot Fudge sundae. We also had a bottle of water (silly after we remembered they have cups and a water refill station).

    We found a table inside (I wanted the AC) that was next to a dad and little girl (maybe three?). They were having a problem because dad was scolding her and, when she didnt want to hear it, shed look him dead in the eye and let out this blood-curdling, ear-piercing shriek. He ignored her and continued talking and shed do it again. This child had heads turning all around the restaurant and, in my opinion, was in want of a swift trip out of there. Thankfully, they had already finished and left within five minutes.

    A very nice person brought our sundaes to the table he wouldve pulled back a bloody stump had he been any slower. The sundaes were great.

    We stopped quickly in Team Mickey but bought nothing. Then it was a boat back to SSR and we bought a tin of those Goofy mints in the Artists Palette. Not a trip goes by that we dont get one or two of those.

    Then it was back to the room for a beer on patio. We had thought about heading out tonight for Wishes or Illuminations but I was put off by two things: 1) I didnt feel like dealing with the SSR buses yet again; and, B) I have a serious addiction to the television show Lost and tonight was the lead-in episode to next weeks season finale. I know it will be on my DVR at home but, sometimes, it has to be live.

    So, we watched Lost, then a little news and turned in.

    Miles walked today: 7.92

    Things I Think I Think: I think I need to update my list of Park Peeves. You should never see four people snaking through a queue to catch up with our party. Had I seen them coming, theyd have been blocked and admonished to have their party step aside and wait for them. I think a 30-minute nap on the third or fourth day of a vacation is a good thing. I think I really like our tradition and Ghirardellis makes a mighty fine sundae. I do my best not to develop addictions to TV shows but Lost has had me for a few years now. The good news is theres only one season remaining.

    Thursday, May 7, 2009 They call this bus service? Barb gets hammered. Boy Bands.
    Were up at 7:00 for coffee. We shower, dress, make it to the bus stop at 8:34 and find a fairly large crowd there. Our Disneys Hollywood Studios (DHS) bus was along at 8:50. Within two stops, it was SRO. I gave up my seat to a mom carrying a small child. Now I dont mind doing this but Im not that far removed from senior citizen status and the (early twenties) newlyweds sitting on their ***** across from me never budged. Ah, well.

    We got to the park at 9:20. Ive stayed at every level of Disney resort, from Value to Deluxe, and I always ride the buses and I cant recall a single trip when the bus service has been this consistently sub-standard. I know that 50-minutes from SSR to DHS should not be a surprise but, it shouldnt be the norm and thats what it is here.

    The park seemed very crowded. We headed back to Toy Story Mania but the Standby sign read 30 minutes (and the line was well out the door). I then thought of a FastPass but the line for FPs stretched back to One Mans Dream. Honestly, I think this is a fine attraction but not worthy of the attention its getting. If we could easily ride, fine. If not, its not a huge loss.

    We walked back to Sunset and the Tower of Terror. Standby was listed at 20 minutes but we were in the library in 10. While in line, we overheard the woman in front of us tell her very young child that he can sit on her lap for the ride. Uh, oh.

    Next up was Star Tours. I paused in the queue to watch a bit of the Jedi Training Academy. The Standby sign read 20-minutes but the ride was an absolute walk-on. Why would the sign say 20-minutes?

    Today is one of the days where Orlando broke a decades-old temperature record and its very hot, sticky and crowded here. We hit the Writers Stop for coffee and an Apple Cinnamon muffin and took one of their window seats to people watch while we ate.

    We decided there was really nothing else we needed to do at DHS and some pool time, given the temperature, sounded like a good idea, so we headed out. We reached the SSR bus stop at 10:45. We stopped a bit short in the line so we could stand in shade, not sun. There were two groups in front of us a couple and a father/child. The couple told us they had already been waiting 15-20 minutes so I figured another bus would be along soon. After another 10-minutes, the man went to talk to a clipboard holder and was told he must have missed the last bus. He was not a happy camper. At 11:04, an SSR bus pulled in. We had waited 19-minutes but the folks in front of us waited somewhere between 35-39 minutes. I counted and, from the time we arrived, 22 other buses had entered and pulled up to other stops. There are only 11 or 12 bus stops there so several of them saw two buses before we saw one.

    We load and our driver pulls away, and then picks up one couple at the Old Key West (OKW) stop. It turns out thats our first destination and he pulls in and drops off that couple. Im wondering if hes going to make every OKW stop but he makes only two. At the last one, a woman and kids try to board but the driver tells them, The Magic Kingdom bus will say Magic Kingdom on the side. Did she think they could board any bus for the MK? While stopped, the driver now leaves his seat and comes back to ask each of us which SSR stop we needed. Apparently, were only stopping at those.

    At 11:45, we make it to the Grandstand. Again, 60-minutes is not exceptional (actually, it is a little bit) but it shouldnt be the norm.

    We head back to our room and find our DME letter on the door. Our bus will pick us up at 11:30 tomorrow.

    We changed and walked down to the pool. We had a quick swim and an even quicker visit to the hot tub. My back appreciated the hot bubbles but it was just too warm to stay in there. Barb sat in the shade of an umbrella while I lay on a lounge chair contemplating entry into the George Hamilton tanning sweepstakes. Before long, something caused me to look up. I had tossed my t-shirt across the back of a chair and now Barb was carrying it down toward the starting gate sprinklers at the other side of the pool area. Apparently, the same bird that targeted her shirt the other day had now strafed my t-shirt. For whatever reason, Barb chose a complete washing of the shirt rather than a wet napkin approach.

    I lay out for a while longer, until I had reached that fine line between medium rare and medium. We then decided some liquid refreshment at the pool bar would be in order. I reached for my t-shirt and found that Barb had only done a half-hearted job of wringing it out, so I gave it a good wring and put it on. Given the temperature, it was actually refreshing.

    Then to the bar with our bartendress, Amanda who is from Sacramento and has worked for Disney for 16 years. However, she only works five days a year (she keeps her passes that way). I tell Amanda that I want her job. She has a 6-year old daughter and a pilot husband (formerly United, now corporate). She also works at PO-R. I tell her that I think Sacramento has the best climate in the world so why is she here? She didnt like having to put on jeans and a sweatshirt at 10:00 PM. She does like picking out her Christmas tree in shorts and a tank top.

    A week ago, after a round of golf, I was enjoying a beer at the 19th hole when the bartender mixed up a Bloody Mary. I remarked that I hadnt had a good Bloody Mary in years so I ordered one here. Now Barb is not much of a drinker so she looked over the placemat/menu and decided on a Long Island Iced Tea. That kind of surprised me but, hey, were on vacation.

    We were chatting away and having a good time when Barb asked if Id like another round. Sure. When I get a little tipsy, I tend to get quieter. Barb? Not so much? She was yammering away and eventually, she read the ingredients for a Long Island Iced Tea on the placemat and said, Hey! Theres no iced tea in here.

    I stopped her before she could really hurt herself with a third one and we headed back to room. Barb took a nice, and much needed, nap while I worked on line for a while. At precisely 2:13, I started my Click/Back exercise to get our Southwest Boarding Passes. I was surprised when, after the Click that finally got me in, I was only able to get A31 and A32. Apparently, some other folks are getting smarter on-line.

    I then took a shot at Hulu.com. My other, but lesser, TV addiction is 24 so I found Mondays episode, which I had missed, put the headphones on and caught up with the trials and tribulations of Jack Bauer (for a bit of fun, count how many Dammit and Copy that you hear in each show).

    Barb woke up refreshed but did say it would be water only for the rest of today. She called Sue and Wayne and told them we were planning to hit the Turf Club, at SSR, for dinner and asked if theyd like to join us. I guess great minds think alike because they had the same idea and had made a reservation.

    We walked down to the Carriage House and I checked with Bell Services regarding a pickup, for our luggage and us tomorrow. He pulled out a reservation sheet and wrote us in for 10:45. Given our earlier experiences with these guys, I still wasnt entirely comfortable.

    Barb and I sat a table in the lounge and a waitress came over for our drink order. I ordered my typical Makers Mark Manhattan on the rocks and Barb held true to her word and had water. My drink arrived and, just looking at it, I suspected it was made with dry, not sweet, vermouth. The server said, Oops. and did return with a properly made one in short order.

    Sue and Wayne walked in a few minutes later and ordered a Cosmopolitan for Sue and a Ketel One Martini, on the rocks, for Wayne. In a few minutes, she brought out their drinks and Waynes was in a martini (up) glass. Our server asked if there would be anything else and I asked Wayne if he wanted a glass of ice. The server looked at his drink and said, That was supposed to be on the rocks, wasnt it? To her credit, she whisked it away and brought it back, corrected, quickly. But, sheesh! Im not sure if it was her or whoever was making the drinks. There was only one other table in the place so it wasnt as if they were swamped with work.

    We enjoyed our drink in the lounge, then made our way to the dining room and were seated quickly. Theres nothing fancy about this place; it reminds me of a dining room at a thousand other golf courses dark woods, nice views, etc. Our server was Jana from Fort Wayne.

    Dinner tonight was just a mix of burgers and salads. The food was good but nothing exceptional and they took the TiW card.

    At some point during dinner, Barb was talking about the (new) New Kids on the Block. Apparently, they were staging a comeback and were appearing on the Today show tomorrow (Friday). The conversation became a whatever happened to the boy bands of a few years ago. We have daughters of the right age so Barb and Sue probably knew more than they should (Wayne and I are still stuck on 60s rock bands) but were struggling remembering what group had Lance Bass or Joey Fatone and who was in Boyz II Men, New Kids, etc. Jana happened to overhear and whoa she was the walking encyclopedia on boy bands. She has been to four New Kids concerts and proceeded to regale us with information and stories.

    We settled our check and walked back to our room Sue and Wayne wanted to see if were as far from our pool as they from theirs. We took them on a little sightseeing trip to the tree houses and golf course, and then settled into our room where Wayne and I had a beer and we all had some good conversation. Eventually, we walked them to the bus stop. Their room, at the Carousel, was only one stop away.

    Then it was back to the room to pack, watch a little TV and turn in.

    Miles walked today: a pitiful 2.41

    Things I Think I Think: I think its official bus service at SSR stinks. Its not just once or twice, its almost every time we need a bus. I dont know (nor do I care) if its the new dispatch system, a shortage of drivers, whatever. It needs to be fixed. I think Toy Story Mania is a tough ticket. I think a Long Island Iced Tea contains gin, vodka, run, tequila and triple sec and a splash of Coke. I think every one of those ingredients, with the possible exception of vodka, surprised Barb. I think I enjoy a good Bloody Mary. I think I wonder how we survived in the days before laptops and the Internet. I think the Turf Club Grill is a fine place where you can have a steak or a burger and everything else in between. Every resort should have access to one restaurant like this.

    Friday, May 8, 2009 the Goergens Curse Continues
    Were up at 7:00. We get our coffee and showers then we head to the Artists Palette for breakfast. Barb and I both had the cheese omelet with breakfast potatoes. Barb had a coffee a Nescafe which she doesnt think is terrible. I do (think its terrible) so I stuck with an orange juice. We used our TiW card for 20% off.

    When we finished, I broke down and decided to buy a shirt that had caught my eye mainly because of its color. Its somewhere between salmon and pink but kind of hard to describe. Let me just say this it will be hard to sneak up on someone.

    We made the .42 mile walk back to the Grandstand for the final time. I spent some time on-line and Barb watched some TV while we waited for our 10:45 pickup. Sure enough, 10:45 came and went. Barb called Bell Services and was told they were running about 5-minutes behind and someone would be there shortly. He showed up near 11:00 and we loaded up a stretch golf cart and made the drive to the Carriage House. Sue and Wayne were already there waiting. They told us that their baggage guy had advised being there 15-minutes early.

    We chatted and watched two DME buses and a Disney Cruise Line bus come and go. As one last Saratoga Springs bus service kick in the pants, our 11:30 pickup showed at 11:45. Surprisingly the bus was almost full, so full we werent able to get seats together (not really a big deal).

    We made the 30-minute trip to Orlando International, schlepped our bags up the escalator and back outside to check-in with a Sky Cap. That was done in relatively quick order. Through the cavity search at Security and out to gate 124 where we took up some chairs and waited.

    I make a lot of jokes about not flying with Sue and Wayne. It seems that every flight theyre on, from Orlando to Albany, turns into a thrill ride. I can recall one particular day when Barb and I flew back on an 11:00 AM flight. The Goergens, and their clan, followed us on a later flight (around 1:00 PM if memory serves). We had arrived home, unloaded and unpacked when I stepped outside minutes before their plane was due in. Abruptly, a fierce wind came up and for the next couple of hours we had a consistent 30 mph wind with gusts above 50 mph. Wayne described that landing as coming in sideways. Thats only one of several examples, which is why traveling with the Goergens brings a little trepidation.

    We boarded on time but after a ton of pre-boarders - I counted seven people in wheelchairs, two families with small children and one couple that I had no idea why they were pre-boarding. As flights go, this one was not one of the better ones. We took off on time but, about 30-minutes in, the Flight Attendants were asked to take their seats. The crew searched for an altitude without chop but was unsuccessful so we endured about 90-minutes of bouncing around the sky before landing in Albany. The Goergen curse continues.

    Stephen and his girlfriend, Stephanie, were waiting for us. Our luggage was out in about 10-minutes so we said goodbye to the Goergens and made our way home.

    Final Thoughts: Ive killed the bus service at Saratoga Springs Resort throughout this report but for good reason. It stinks. Its not mediocre, its not so-so it stinks. Im sure Ill hear from some others about better experiences but, from this single trip, I wouldnt recommend anyone stay there without a car.

    To keep with the negative theme for another moment, what is Disney thinking with a $33 six-pack? Will enough people say, What the hell? and pony up? I urge you all to Just Say No and force them to stop this type of price gouging.

    That said, this was a trip to relax. We probably spent less time in the parks and more time at the pool than we have in a long, long time.

    We had good luck with food this trip. We all enjoyed Raglan Road, Trails End, and The Turf Club. I rank Narcoossees and Ghirardellis as my favorites in the categories of fine dining and fine ice cream.

    I cant say the new Stitchs Supersonic Celebration is a winner but, try it, it might be to your taste it just wasnt mine.

    Our next scheduled trip will be in December 2009. Were staying at the Boardwalk (yes!) and are looking forward to only our second visit during the holiday season the Candlelight Processional, Osborne Lights, etc. Cant wait. Until then thanks for reading. And to Pam and Roger Bensen Im sorry. We tried. We really tried.

    Steve

    Questions or comments? Email me at srusso@nycap.rr.com. Just put Trip Report in the subject line or risk being washed away with the spam.

    Heres a link to some photos from the trip link

    Steve

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  3. #2

    I'm so excited!! I love reading your trip reports! What a great gift for weekend reading. Thought your next trip would be December, so this is a wonderful surprise. Thanks!

    Jan

    "A little Consideration, a little Thought for Others, makes all the difference." --Eeyore

  4. #3
    Registered User arnoldvb's Avatar
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    Steve,

    Thanks for another entertaining 2-hour plus read. I was especially interested in your comments about the SSR bus service. I hope that's not a sign of what we can expect in December. Although we'll have a car available while there (driving up with our daughter and family from Port St. Lucie), I just don't like the whole "driving yourself and dealing with the parking lots" thing. We'll just have to see how it goes in the first couple of days. You wouldn't care to trade your BWV reservation for my SSR, would you?

    Maybe there'll be some overlap in our December trips so that we can finally meet in person.

    Arnold


  5. #4
    Registered User srusso100's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by arnoldvb View Post
    Steve,

    Thanks for another entertaining 2-hour plus read. I was especially interested in your comments about the SSR bus service. I hope that's not a sign of what we can expect in December. Although we'll have a car available while there (driving up with our daughter and family from Port St. Lucie), I just don't like the whole "driving yourself and dealing with the parking lots" thing. We'll just have to see how it goes in the first couple of days. You wouldn't care to trade your BWV reservation for my SSR, would you?

    Maybe there'll be some overlap in our December trips so that we can finally meet in person.

    Arnold
    Hey Arnold,
    I wish I had better news for you. This was only my first time at SSR and it's possible I just caught a bad week but... I don't think so. This is the 8th WDW resort I've stayed in and, Value to Deluxe, the bus service has been better at every one of them.

    I agree with you about using the car but, if it were me, I'd be prepared to do some driving. And, no, I'm not looking to trade reservations ;-)

    We're scheduled to be there 12/ 5 - 12/11 so I believe that does overlap your trip by a couple of days. I hope to see you there (and hopefully at the BW - you did waitlist it, right?).
    Steve

  6. #5
    Registered User srusso100's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by wdwjan View Post
    I'm so excited!! I love reading your trip reports! What a great gift for weekend reading. Thought your next trip would be December, so this is a wonderful surprise. Thanks!

    Jan
    Thanks, Jan, but don't set those expectations too high. This was a surprise trip for us as well.
    Steve

  7. #6
    Registered User arnoldvb's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by srusso100 View Post
    We're scheduled to be there 12/ 5 - 12/11 so I believe that does overlap your trip by a couple of days. I hope to see you there (and hopefully at the BW - you did waitlist it, right?).
    Steve, our stays overlap on 12/5-7. You arrive on the 5th and we leave on the 7th, so maybe we can try to meet on 6th. And "yes," I did waitlist BW.

    Arnold

  8. #7
    Self-proclaimed Diz nut TinaMouse's Avatar
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    Steve, I was so excited to find your trip report last night. I made it through about half of it then finished it this morning with my tea. I just love your TRs. You're so funny! NOT funny is the SSR bus situation. Some friends have invited us to go halfsies in their DVC (2BR) next August. Home resort is SSR, but we're going to wait-list AKL or BWV. Keep your fingers crosse. You've frightened me! Pehraps if we do end up at SSR, a line item in the budget for a car is in order.

    Working hard for that next WDW trip!

  9. #8
    Registered User srusso100's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by tdelaney_98 View Post
    Steve, I was so excited to find your trip report last night. I made it through about half of it then finished it this morning with my tea. I just love your TRs. You're so funny! NOT funny is the SSR bus situation. Some friends have invited us to go halfsies in their DVC (2BR) next August. Home resort is SSR, but we're going to wait-list AKL or BWV. Keep your fingers crosse. You've frightened me! Pehraps if we do end up at SSR, a line item in the budget for a car is in order.
    Thanks and yes, I would recommend a car. My experience may not be the norm but I have nothing else to go on so...

    If I ever stay there again, I will have a car.
    Steve

  10. #9

    Steve - thanks for another funny, balanced trip report. You were my inspiration for writing my first and so I suppose second trip report(s). I post them all in one go and they tend to get lost in the installment / pre-trip report postings so I've never had many comments on them but I really enjoy reading them back to myself and remembering our holidays all the same.

    Some observations on your report now.

    We watched in the lobby as a 14 or 15-year-old boy climbed the partition separating the CM station from the crowd. This partition is sculpted to resemble a large tree root. We then watched his parents and older sister laughing and videotaping him as he climbed, danced, drummed, etc. atop this partition. I kept waiting for a loud thump when he fell but, nothing.

    I really want to be able to ignore these types of buffoons when we're away and outwardly I do, but in my head I'm raging. It particularly irritates me that I have to deal with the inevitable grilling from my DD (6) (is that allowed, why is his mummy not telling him off, what's that barrier for and on, and on, and on...) making me make excuses for other children so as not to cause a scene. (She is up to telling the buffooons off herself without some sort of explanation)...

    We caught the monorail and switched at the TTC. As we were walking down the ramp, we passed a French-speaking family. Dad was a normal looking guy except he had on a pair of those hideous Capri pants that I seem to only see at Disney World. Barb said if I ever wore those shed kick my butt. I told Barb if I ever wore them Id kick my own butt.

    Oh! - don't come to England in summer then...

    I sat on the back of the bus and wound up next to Thomas. Thomas was around four years old. His brother sat a couple of seats away while Mom was up front not paying attention. Thomas was a handful throwing plushes, into and out of his seat using my leg as leverage for his foot each time he scrambled back in. In fairness, he was much tougher on the guy to his left than me.

    See, I'm raging again and having that conversation with DD that such encounters dictate.

    This is the Entitlement Mentality at its finest and I cast a pox on the rest of their vacation.

    Pox seconded. More unwanted inward raging.

    The park seemed very crowded. We headed back to Toy Story Mania but the Standby sign read 30 minutes (and the line was well out the door). I then thought of a FastPass but the line for FPs stretched back to One Mans Dream. Honestly, I think this is a fine attraction but not worthy of the attention its getting. If we could easily ride, fine. If not, its not a huge loss.

    But I'd have to disagree about this... I would never queue more than 30 minutes for anything but I will get my family up and at it early enough at least once every Disney trip from now on to "wobble bum not running" hot foot it at rope drop to ride TSM at least twice. We all adore this ride. It is a really great family pleaser to us.

    Now, my next trip, as I am from far away, not rich and have to save up, is December 2010. I will look for your December 2009 trip report with interest. I am especially interested in how possible swimming and better still multiple swimming will be, because I am parent to an amphibian boy. 70 degrees Farenheight is hot to us.

     

    If no-one out there understands, start your own revolution and cut out the middle man (Billy Bragg)

  11. #10
    Registered User srusso100's Avatar
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    Hey Scoobydooby,

    Thanks for those comments all the way from the UK. By the way, you had me at "wobble bum not running"... I'm gonna have to use that.

    Steve

  12. #11
    Quote Originally Posted by scoobydooby View Post

    As we were walking down the ramp, we passed a French-speaking family. Dad was a normal looking guy except he had on a pair of those hideous Capri pants that I seem to only see at Disney World. Barb said if I ever wore those shed kick my butt. I told Barb if I ever wore them Id kick my own butt.

    Oh! - don't come to England in summer then...
    Scoobydooby, I've been on the lookout for "man-pri's" on American men for years, having seen them on Brits at WDW and on Europeans in Europe. I have finally seen them twice this year, once on a clerk at H&M, and once on another occasion. Perhaps they're finally catching on! It's taken a *very* long time, although European styles generally migrate over here eventually.

    And thanks for doing your trip reports all on one piece!

    Jan
    "A little Consideration, a little Thought for Others, makes all the difference." --Eeyore

  13. #12
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    Steve, another great report. I laughed out loud quite a few times.

    The heat that week was unbearable! Our 13 month old was teething and had a cold, so the heat did not help the situation.

    We got stuck in the Paddock while we were at SSR. Thankfully we used our rental car the entire time. I can't imagine trying to deal with those busses.

    I was on the lookout for you each day when we were in the parks, but after reading your report, it looks like we were at a different park from you each day. Hopefully we will have another overlapping trip in the future and can finally meet.

    Thanks again for another great report. I am still working on mine, and with having a young one at home, I have no clue when I can get it finished .

    Jennifer

    Jennifer

  14. #13
    Registered User srusso100's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by jmb910 View Post
    Steve, another great report. I laughed out loud quite a few times.

    The heat that week was unbearable! Our 13 month old was teething and had a cold, so the heat did not help the situation.

    We got stuck in the Paddock while we were at SSR. Thankfully we used our rental car the entire time. I can't imagine trying to deal with those busses.

    I was on the lookout for you each day when we were in the parks, but after reading your report, it looks like we were at a different park from you each day. Hopefully we will have another overlapping trip in the future and can finally meet.

    Thanks again for another great report. I am still working on mine, and with having a young one at home, I have no clue when I can get it finished .

    Jennifer
    Thanks, Jennifer. I'm sorry we missed you.

    I'll look forward to your report. It should be interesting hearing you contrast the different resorts. IIRC, you stayed at 3, right?
    Steve

  15. #14
    what me get lost like you NEVER . yeah right sad to say old man syndrome has set in for me . ihollywood studios has the WORST BUS SERVICE back to the resorts. like you can not figure the buses out would have to say if anything bus service has gotten worse in the last 2 years. the horror stories
    i could tell...........

  16. #15

    Steve!!!!!! Fantastic trip report as always. My favorite way to spend my Sunday mornings

    Your Points I like to Ponder:A>Capris - For the record, they rock. Here is why...1> Here in Canada, it is to cold to wear shorts/to hot to wear pants. Capris = perfect solution!

    2> As a germaphobe - capris prevent my bare legs from sitting where other bare legs have sat. That is a relief for me.

    3> Offically too old to care what I look like now. Vanity be D*****! Comfort is where it is at! I also wear crocs

    A> Since my bad experience with DT I always get a car now and LOVE at the end of the day the peace and quite the comes with a quite car ride home to my resort

    B> I am with you on your boycott to not buy beer for $33. Let's all band together and bring them to their knees!

    "First of all I would like to make one thing perfectly clear.
    I never explain anything." Mary Poppins

  17. #16
    Registered User srusso100's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by Ragrobyn View Post
    Steve!!!!!! Fantastic trip report as always. My favorite way to spend my Sunday mornings

    Your Points I like to Ponder:A>Capris - For the record, they rock. Here is why...1> Here in Canada, it is to cold to wear shorts/to hot to wear pants. Capris = perfect solution!

    2> As a germaphobe - capris prevent my bare legs from sitting where other bare legs have sat. That is a relief for me.

    3> Offically too old to care what I look like now. Vanity be D*****! Comfort is where it is at! I also wear crocs

    A> Since my bad experience with DT I always get a car now and LOVE at the end of the day the peace and quite the comes with a quite car ride home to my resort

    B> I am with you on your boycott to not buy beer for $33. Let's all band together and bring them to their knees!
    And thank you for those kind words. Now...

    1) We're going to have to agree to disagree on the capris. I don't begrudge you the crocs though. I keep saying I have to try a pair - so many people have told me how comfortable they are.

    2) DT = Disney Transportation I assume? That's the thing... in 25 years, I've used Disney Transportation almost exclusively and can count the number of real problems on one hand - until this trip. If I have to fight traffic and other drivers at the end of the day when leaving a park, it doesn't seem like a vacation to me. But, if I ever stay at SSR again, I'm driving.

    3) I'm with you. Let's organize. No Disney beer! No Disney beer! Attica! Attica!
    Steve

  18. #17
    Disney Addict
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    Apr 2007
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    Denver, Colorado
    Quote Originally Posted by srusso100 View Post
    Thanks, Jennifer. I'm sorry we missed you.

    I'll look forward to your report. It should be interesting hearing you contrast the different resorts. IIRC, you stayed at 3, right?
    We actually stayed at 4 resorts:
    Animal Kingdom Villas - Kidani Village
    Vero Beach Resort
    Saratoga Springs Resort
    Beach Club Villas

    Needless to say, I will never switch resorts that much EVER again!

    BTW, you should buy some Crocs . I swore that I would never buy a pair, and being from Colorado where they were invented, that was a hard thing since they are everywhere.

    But then when they came out with the Mickey ones, I had to buy a pair. I am one of the suckers that will buy anything if it's Disney. But I wear them all the time to the theme parks and my feet never hurt.
    Jennifer

  19. #18

    Thanks Steve for another wonderful trip report. I have printed it out and will thourghly enjoy it tonight. I always look forward to yours. What a treat to have one from you and Heidi on the same weekend. WOW!!

    We leave in 4 weeks, and NO I don't rent a car so wish me luck. Never have had a problem with DT, but we shall see. I'll let you know.

    Thanks again,
    Ellen


  20. #19

    Thanks for the great read, Steve! Your trip report is the first mention that I have seen of the audio animatronics at GF. You do not happen to have any pictures, do you? The first time we ever went there was in March (2 meals and one tea party) and there was always the odd looking woman in the lobby. We thought that she may have been an actor. She was in a different location each day, but was always there. It kind of freaked my husband out. I wonder if that was one of them?


  21. #20

    Thanks for the trip report! Very entertaining as always.

    As a fellow Lost fanatic I have to ask, what did you think of the finale?

    -Ellen


  22. #21
    Registered User srusso100's Avatar
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    Apr 2001
    Location
    Albany, NY
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    Quote Originally Posted by adkinsfamily View Post
    Thanks for the great read, Steve! Your trip report is the first mention that I have seen of the audio animatronics at GF. You do not happen to have any pictures, do you? The first time we ever went there was in March (2 meals and one tea party) and there was always the odd looking woman in the lobby. We thought that she may have been an actor. She was in a different location each day, but was always there. It kind of freaked my husband out. I wonder if that was one of them?
    Whoops. That was definitely tongue-in-cheek. I tend to poke fun at the GF lobby because there always seems to be 6 or 8 older folk snoozing on the sofas. Calling them animatronics was a joke (apparently a bad one). Sorry.
    Steve

  23. #22
    Registered User srusso100's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by ecgodfrey View Post
    Thanks for the trip report! Very entertaining as always.

    As a fellow Lost fanatic I have to ask, what did you think of the finale?

    -Ellen
    Thanks, Ellen. From my reading on-line, it seems a lot of people didn't like it. I did but as in most Lost episodes, it creates almost as many questions as it answers.
    Steve

  24. #23
    Registered User srusso100's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by EJ4Disney View Post
    Thanks Steve for another wonderful trip report. I have printed it out and will thourghly enjoy it tonight. I always look forward to yours. What a treat to have one from you and Heidi on the same weekend. WOW!!

    We leave in 4 weeks, and NO I don't rent a car so wish me luck. Never have had a problem with DT, but we shall see. I'll let you know.

    Thanks again,
    Ellen
    Geez, don't thank me before you've read it. Now you'll probably hate it.

    I almost never rent a car but, this is the first trip I wish I had. Have a great trip.
    Steve

  25. #24

    This is just a thought about the finger biometric things at the park entrances...We were there May 9-13 and they were turned off every day except our last day. Could it be that Disney wasn't using them because of the whole swine flu scare? That whole finger thing is kind of gross and a perfect way to spread germs, so we were happy that it wasn't in use for most of our trip.


  26. #25
    Registered User srusso100's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by RyansMom View Post
    This is just a thought about the finger biometric things at the park entrances...We were there May 9-13 and they were turned off every day except our last day. Could it be that Disney wasn't using them because of the whole swine flu scare? That whole finger thing is kind of gross and a perfect way to spread germs, so we were happy that it wasn't in use for most of our trip.
    Excellent point. That's entirely possible.
    Steve

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