John
12-10-2003, 11:19 PM
The Cast: John the Larger, 43, DVC Member. John the Smaller, 10, WDW Guru and
Veteran.
The Resort: Port Orleans Riverside Alligator Bayou
The Weather: A bit overcast, and cooling. Still a nice day for a t-shirt, and
could've worn shorts had we packed them.
Okay. Getting in bed at 2:00AM is not conducive to early morning touring. How
I long for my park commando days when all in my presence would be marched to a
bus stop by 6:45AM for early entry. Those days are no more. Surprisingly
though we did make it to MGM by about 9:30. Upon arriving at the gate, I
noticed the get your bags looked through security lines were jammed. We had a
backpack that had only our camera in it. Camera Case has broken belt loop, and
it is a bit tough to pocket things in my jeans, but that's another story.
Looking off to our side I noticed the lockers. Large 4 quarters, Postal size 3
quarters. Well guess what? Yup...I only had 3. Guess what else? A backpack
will fit in a postal size locker. I found out. It wasn't easy, and Smaller
was disgusted that I wouldn't iron his backpack upon retrieving it, but it fit.
Mission accomplished, we bypassed the security lines, and went through the no
bagger. Once in side I promptly found a Mickey Camera bag that would go on my
belt. WHEW!! I felt such relief.
We journeyed down Hollywood Blvd. and made a turn on Sunset to head for Tower
of Terror and Rock n Roller Coaster. I believed with all my being that this
would be the trip that the dear John the Smaller would conquor ToT. Boy was I
wrong. However, this time, being 10 and all, Dad did ride. I got a Fast Pass
or two, went through the standby line, which as has been our experience in the
last 12 hours or so, was a walkon. Now, Smaller had mentioned that he wanted
to see the library. OK. As we walk towards the entrance, I turn around to
find, yet again, a missing child. GRRRRRRRRRRRR!!! I will not have a
teenager...I am sure of this. So, I hightail it in reverse to find him tail
tucked hauling it out of the line. Seems he thought through the door was the
ride, and no way was he getting on. I convinced him that he would be able to
escape pre-ride, and he joined me in line. He took the chicken exit, and I
enjoyed the ride.
We then walked across to RnR Coaster which was also a walkon. We rode twice.
Once in the front in celebration of Smaller's contacts...his first ride where
he could see without wrestling with glasses.
After this I went to use my FP for one more ride on the Tower. I really,
really think John the Smaller would love this ride, but I can't convince him to
go on. Someday. Our next attraction was the Great Movie Ride where we
encountered our only line of the day. Go figure. We had the gangster scene
which is my favorite if only for the Hidden Mickey. Look Way Up at the top
windows in the buildings on the right to see a Profile Mickey. Oh, the line
was long because they were running half capacity in terms of units operating.
Harumph.
Next was Indiana Jones which was, for some reason the edited and shortened
version. Any ideas why they do this?? Not enough Cast for the final scene??
Was a bit of a bummer, but we enjoyed what we did see of it.
Lunch was the next order of business. Is it just me,. or does anyone else glut
at WDW. I knew, that I knew that we had a 4:00 PS for the Candlelight Package
at Germany, yet here I was at noon stuffing myself to the gills at Mama
Melrose. Needless to say, I was not hungry later. More on that. I had a
flatbread with Asiago, Fresh Tomato, and Pesto. Very good. Smaller opted for
the cheese pizza. What an adverturer.
We left and were making our way to what would be our first meet up with some of
my online "Friends." I can take the quotes off now...We walked right onto Star
Tours. Well, Smaller did. This is a puker for me, so I go through the bypass
hall and wait. He had an enjoyable ride, if not a bit green.
It was time to meet up with the group. It was fun putting faces to screen
names, but I found myself several times throughout the weekend asking people,
"Do you have a real name?" One of the funniest things about this meeting was
that there were people from hometown that I could of just as well driven to
see. Oh well, what better place than WDW to meet them. My dear son was a snot
during this meet, but he did improve on Saturday. Methinks he was wiped out.
Wouldn't even join us for a group picture.
Well, the group was off to enjoy some more of MGM, and we were ready to leave
MGM, so we parted.
Our next stop would be a brief rest stop at the hotel. We had to be at
Biergarten by 4:00. OKAY...Gripe Session: Why does Epcot not have an entrance
or two for those without bags? And, would it be appropriate to bypass people
with bags to get in? I didn't but I sure thought about it. End of gripe
session.
We made it to our PS in plenty of time, and enjoyed our tradional Biergarten CP
meal. Our tablemates were very enjoyable(Not always so.) One couple had just
bought DVC, and the other had questions about it. Ah, my element. After
dinner we walked a bit, the made our way to the CP. I always tear up when this
starts. It just wouldn't be Christmas without it. No, the CD won't do. Our
narrator was Rita Moreno. You young folks are sitting there about now going,
"Rita who??" Admit it. She was very much into the performance, but perhaps a
bit too dramatic for my liking. The performance was wonderful as always.
Ahhhh.
We spent a bit more time in World Showcase seeking dark chocolate before moving
to the front for rides on Test Track and Mission Space. We got Single Rider
Passes for Test Track, and were in line with a Cm from Space Mtn. Paris. We
enjoyed visiting with him and sharing park stories. He wanted my Mission Space
AP pin, but no go. He did give us park maps for DLP and Studios Paris.
As we reached the CM who was placing us, guess who had dropped their Single
Rider Pass? Yup, Mr. Smaller. Fortunately he was able to get into the car
right behind me, but it certainly is a good thing his head is attached. Though
he does seem to lose me alot.
Our next journey was to Mars. Now, I had eaten more than my share today, and
was pretty sure this wasn't going to be good. Of course I started feeling
nauseous in line as is my custom...and the line isn't even spinning. But alas,
I had not had Bonine in about 12 hours, and this was my best ride yet. I just
obeyed all the warnings...LOOK STRAIGHT AHEAD, DON"T CLOSE YOUR EYES. I
promise this works....I am a major motion sicker, and Mission Space really
doesn't bother me.
It was time to leave now. We stopped for a snack at the Food Court, and called
it a fairly early night.
We had a wonderful day. It was great walking right onto many of our favorite
rides, and great meeting some new friends. Candlelight Processional never
grows old, and I still say when I grow up I want to be a Voice of Liberty.
Saturday: Animal Kingdom, The Big Meet(If I can Find it), and Illuminations
Cruise with wild people.
Veteran.
The Resort: Port Orleans Riverside Alligator Bayou
The Weather: A bit overcast, and cooling. Still a nice day for a t-shirt, and
could've worn shorts had we packed them.
Okay. Getting in bed at 2:00AM is not conducive to early morning touring. How
I long for my park commando days when all in my presence would be marched to a
bus stop by 6:45AM for early entry. Those days are no more. Surprisingly
though we did make it to MGM by about 9:30. Upon arriving at the gate, I
noticed the get your bags looked through security lines were jammed. We had a
backpack that had only our camera in it. Camera Case has broken belt loop, and
it is a bit tough to pocket things in my jeans, but that's another story.
Looking off to our side I noticed the lockers. Large 4 quarters, Postal size 3
quarters. Well guess what? Yup...I only had 3. Guess what else? A backpack
will fit in a postal size locker. I found out. It wasn't easy, and Smaller
was disgusted that I wouldn't iron his backpack upon retrieving it, but it fit.
Mission accomplished, we bypassed the security lines, and went through the no
bagger. Once in side I promptly found a Mickey Camera bag that would go on my
belt. WHEW!! I felt such relief.
We journeyed down Hollywood Blvd. and made a turn on Sunset to head for Tower
of Terror and Rock n Roller Coaster. I believed with all my being that this
would be the trip that the dear John the Smaller would conquor ToT. Boy was I
wrong. However, this time, being 10 and all, Dad did ride. I got a Fast Pass
or two, went through the standby line, which as has been our experience in the
last 12 hours or so, was a walkon. Now, Smaller had mentioned that he wanted
to see the library. OK. As we walk towards the entrance, I turn around to
find, yet again, a missing child. GRRRRRRRRRRRR!!! I will not have a
teenager...I am sure of this. So, I hightail it in reverse to find him tail
tucked hauling it out of the line. Seems he thought through the door was the
ride, and no way was he getting on. I convinced him that he would be able to
escape pre-ride, and he joined me in line. He took the chicken exit, and I
enjoyed the ride.
We then walked across to RnR Coaster which was also a walkon. We rode twice.
Once in the front in celebration of Smaller's contacts...his first ride where
he could see without wrestling with glasses.
After this I went to use my FP for one more ride on the Tower. I really,
really think John the Smaller would love this ride, but I can't convince him to
go on. Someday. Our next attraction was the Great Movie Ride where we
encountered our only line of the day. Go figure. We had the gangster scene
which is my favorite if only for the Hidden Mickey. Look Way Up at the top
windows in the buildings on the right to see a Profile Mickey. Oh, the line
was long because they were running half capacity in terms of units operating.
Harumph.
Next was Indiana Jones which was, for some reason the edited and shortened
version. Any ideas why they do this?? Not enough Cast for the final scene??
Was a bit of a bummer, but we enjoyed what we did see of it.
Lunch was the next order of business. Is it just me,. or does anyone else glut
at WDW. I knew, that I knew that we had a 4:00 PS for the Candlelight Package
at Germany, yet here I was at noon stuffing myself to the gills at Mama
Melrose. Needless to say, I was not hungry later. More on that. I had a
flatbread with Asiago, Fresh Tomato, and Pesto. Very good. Smaller opted for
the cheese pizza. What an adverturer.
We left and were making our way to what would be our first meet up with some of
my online "Friends." I can take the quotes off now...We walked right onto Star
Tours. Well, Smaller did. This is a puker for me, so I go through the bypass
hall and wait. He had an enjoyable ride, if not a bit green.
It was time to meet up with the group. It was fun putting faces to screen
names, but I found myself several times throughout the weekend asking people,
"Do you have a real name?" One of the funniest things about this meeting was
that there were people from hometown that I could of just as well driven to
see. Oh well, what better place than WDW to meet them. My dear son was a snot
during this meet, but he did improve on Saturday. Methinks he was wiped out.
Wouldn't even join us for a group picture.
Well, the group was off to enjoy some more of MGM, and we were ready to leave
MGM, so we parted.
Our next stop would be a brief rest stop at the hotel. We had to be at
Biergarten by 4:00. OKAY...Gripe Session: Why does Epcot not have an entrance
or two for those without bags? And, would it be appropriate to bypass people
with bags to get in? I didn't but I sure thought about it. End of gripe
session.
We made it to our PS in plenty of time, and enjoyed our tradional Biergarten CP
meal. Our tablemates were very enjoyable(Not always so.) One couple had just
bought DVC, and the other had questions about it. Ah, my element. After
dinner we walked a bit, the made our way to the CP. I always tear up when this
starts. It just wouldn't be Christmas without it. No, the CD won't do. Our
narrator was Rita Moreno. You young folks are sitting there about now going,
"Rita who??" Admit it. She was very much into the performance, but perhaps a
bit too dramatic for my liking. The performance was wonderful as always.
Ahhhh.
We spent a bit more time in World Showcase seeking dark chocolate before moving
to the front for rides on Test Track and Mission Space. We got Single Rider
Passes for Test Track, and were in line with a Cm from Space Mtn. Paris. We
enjoyed visiting with him and sharing park stories. He wanted my Mission Space
AP pin, but no go. He did give us park maps for DLP and Studios Paris.
As we reached the CM who was placing us, guess who had dropped their Single
Rider Pass? Yup, Mr. Smaller. Fortunately he was able to get into the car
right behind me, but it certainly is a good thing his head is attached. Though
he does seem to lose me alot.
Our next journey was to Mars. Now, I had eaten more than my share today, and
was pretty sure this wasn't going to be good. Of course I started feeling
nauseous in line as is my custom...and the line isn't even spinning. But alas,
I had not had Bonine in about 12 hours, and this was my best ride yet. I just
obeyed all the warnings...LOOK STRAIGHT AHEAD, DON"T CLOSE YOUR EYES. I
promise this works....I am a major motion sicker, and Mission Space really
doesn't bother me.
It was time to leave now. We stopped for a snack at the Food Court, and called
it a fairly early night.
We had a wonderful day. It was great walking right onto many of our favorite
rides, and great meeting some new friends. Candlelight Processional never
grows old, and I still say when I grow up I want to be a Voice of Liberty.
Saturday: Animal Kingdom, The Big Meet(If I can Find it), and Illuminations
Cruise with wild people.