LimeGreenCheri and family do Disney Days 1-3

[LimeGreenCheri]

Day 1: Thursday July 17th, 2003

I wake up ready to go this morning because I know I will be sleeping at Disney tonight. Both Ken and I had to work today and needless to say, I was ready to go before I even got there! I worked untill 11:00 and because I done so many night shifts and filled in when needed, my fabulous boss did not even hesitate to let me leave before the original plan of 1 pm.

After leaving work, I headed home to pack up the car and had a lunchtime chat with WillCad, Rosebud, MikeS, pixie, Betsyann and a few more. Thanks you guys for making the time pass until Ken came home!

Finally, Ken was home at 1:15. We picked up the kids at Grandma’s and were on the road by 2:15. It was an uneventful drive other than at time I was doing 80 mph and people were passing me like I was standing still!

We arrive at the Dolphin at 9:30, check in and walk around a bit. What a beautiful hotel. The waterfountain in the lobby is a big hit with Ethan. He just loved it! After wandering around for a bit, we decided to turn in for the night.

This hotel has great fluffy beds and 4 pillows per bed! Man, I was in heaven. That is until about midnight. Naomi, my poor daughter got sick all over the place and needless to say it was a mess. I cleaned and cleaned and cleaned. Called for more towels, and decided to go to the desk as I could tell this would not be cleaned up with just towels. The front desk was so understanding and said “these things happen, we have housekeeping and since you are only staying one night, do you want to move your luggage or just sleep in another room?” Since I only had 1 bag for all of us, we just completely moved 2 doors down. I couldn’t believe they offered us this and at no extra charge. Now, that is a classy joint!

Finally settled in, everybody but me went back sound asleep. I couldn’t for fear that Naomi still wasn’t feeling well. This was a one time episode for her though thank goodness.

Tomorrow, check out of the Dolphin and into the Grosvenor!

[FLSharon]

Wow, Cheri.. What a beginning. So sorry that happened but glad to hear DD wasn't sick the whole time. I'll bet you were tired the next day. And I agree, I'm impressed with the Dolphin giving you another room. $10 parking fee? :lol: Wow... I guess, I keep forgetting that it isn't a Disney resort. Sharon

[LimeGreenCheri]

Day 2, Friday July 18th, 2003


The morning started off to sunshine coming thru the window at the Dolphin. We had a great view of the lake, the Swan, and the Boardwalk. We decided to head down to Tubbi’s buffeteria to get some breakfast and decide what our plan for the day was going to be. We had orginally thought we’d hang around the Dolphin and swim, but the more we talked about it, the kids were ready to get to the Magic Kingdom.

After breakfast, we checked out of the Dolphin. The staff at the Dolphin were generous enough to waive the resort fee for us since we arrived late and were leaving early. They did however charge us the $10 to park. I didn’t care and was glad to pay especially since we had the “incident” last night.

Now, on to the Grosvenor to check in. The room is not ready yet, but we were given a great room on the 14th floor room 1411. As we later discovered, the 14th floor is actually the 13th floor and there is not a 13th room either. Creepy, kinda felt like our own tower of terror. LOL

After checking in, we head over to the Magic Kingdom. Since we were staying at a DD hotel, we used our car everywhere we went this trip. The DD hotel busses all share the same bus and we decided it was just easier to drive.

At TTC, we get our annual passes and board the Ferry boat for the Magic Kingdom. This trip was the most crowded I had ever seen Disney. It was hot, and humid, but we decided to take it slow and rent a stroller for Ethan even though he could probably walk. Since it was so hot, we did everything we could to cut down on possible whinning and meltdowns.

As soon as we all entered MK, Ken took off to get fastpasses for Splash Mountain. We would meet him at PoC. This was the recurring theme everytime we went to MK. There was a 10 minute wait for PoC, but as soon as they opened up the left side, it went fairly quickly.

Next, off to Country Bear Jamboree. There was a 4 minute wait for this and the aircondition was a welcome respite from the heat. Naomi and I just love this show and at times were the only ones clapping our hands. I didn’t care, I’m good at being the center of attention. LOL :wink:

Finally, it was time for Splash. This was Ethan’s first time to ride and needless to say, he didn’t really like it. He said he didn’t like getting wet, but he sure doesn’t mind if he’s swimming. :D

We decided to get fastpasses for Pooh. I enjoy this ride but I hate to stand in line for it. It is a slow moving line and very little airflow. While we wait for our fastpass time, we head over to Snow White with a 15 minute wait (posted time was 20 minutes). Ethan loves this ride and he wanted to ride again. But, there were more things to do.

We all agreed to stand in line for Peter Pan. This is another ride I hate to stand in line for because there is very little air flow in the que line. The posted time was 45 minutes, but we waited 1 hour and 15 mintues. Ken finally figured out the girl was not paying attention and was only letting the fast pass folks thru the line. Most places let a certain number of fastpasses, then let in some standby folks. Oh well, finally, “it’s off to Neverland”

It is now time for Pooh. This is Naomi’s favorite fantasyland ride. She loves the part where we bounce like Tigger and float along in the rain. I have to agree that this really is a cute ride. Ken finally saw Mr. Toad handing over the deed to Owl this trip.

Lunch time consisted of Cosmic Rays for myself, Ethan and Naomi. While I stood in line for food, Ken and Ethan headed off to get Ken one of those nasty turkey legs. I was still waiting when he came back so he grabbed a table. There was a very nice young CM who was talking to Ethan and came back a few mintues later with an ice cream for him. This is how the magic happens. Ken didn’t get the young man’s name and even looked around for him, but he was nowhere to be found again.

After lunch we rode Buzz Lightyear which is Ethan’s favorite ride. I got a lucky shot and got 100,000 points right off the bat. Naomi’s gun didn’t work and she was sad that she didn’t get any points. After assuring her that she got lots of points , the gun just didn’t work, she was happy again. Ethan ended up also getting about 200,000 points and Ken got about 35,000. Ethan was diffently the winner this round not bad for a 3 year old!

Next up TTA which is one of my favorite rides. We all had a great time but decided it was so hot we’d head back to the hotel and see if our room was ready. We got right on the monorail and headed back to the inferno of a car.

Our room was indeed ready and man what a view! We could see all of Downtown Disney. We could see Spaceship Earth, the ToT and the Tree of Life in the distance. The room was nice, nothing extravagant, but the view more than made up for that.

After a swim in the pool, we decided to head to Downtown Disney for some dinner. Round 2 of the stomache thing. Yikes! Poor Ethan, I don’t if we did have some kind of bug, or he got dehydrated or his little body couldn’t handle the sulfar water. But, whatever it was, it took us about an hour to get his tummy settled down to head out the door.

We ate at Wolfgang Puck Express and this was the best chesse pizza I’ve ever had. It was really lightening during the dinner and since we walked to DD, and Ethan still didn’t feel well, we decided to head back to the hotel.

While Ken went out to get more meds for Ethan, it came an awful storm. It was cool to watch the lightning and the fireworks from Illuminations from our window. After Ken returned from the store, we all were exhauted and just fell into bed.

Tomorrow: Animal Kingdom!

[LimeGreenCheri]

Day 3, Saturday, July 19th, 2003

Today is Animal Kingdom day and we get there before the gates open. It is already a long line to get in the gates so I decided to try the Rainforest Café gates. However, this didn’t pan out this time, oh well, back to the front gates with the crowds.

When we get in the gates we head to get a stroller for Ethan. In most parks, we go left, but in this park, we go right. We basically have Dinoland all to ourselves. While Ken and Naomi get on Primevil Whirl, Ethan and I do the Triceratops spin then we switch off. I learned my lesson here last year when I nearly fell down inbetween the cars getting off the PW. I asked if they could stop it for me to get out and they said “no problem”. I can get in fine, but because of my bad knees, I have trouble going from something moving sideways to something stationary. Yes, it is a little embarssing having them stop it, but not nearly as embrassing as falling flat on my face! Anyway, we had a great ride.

Ken ran ahead to get fastpasses for the Safari while the kids and I waited outside ITTBAB. I couldn’t believe the kids wanted to do this, they normally freak out. But, Ethan just loved it and neither one of the kids were scared.

Next, it was fastpass time for our Safari. I’ve learned in all my times of this attraction, your “guide” can make or break it. Today, our guide “made it”. He was very knowledgable, did a great job on the breaking bridge and just seemed like he loved his job. Ken and I both agreed that this safari had the most animals we had ever seen. We even got to see the baby elephant and he/she is a real cutie! We all do miss the CM who says “Little red is ok”. That just added so much more to the attraction!

After the safari, we were sweltering so we decided to head to Rainforest Café for lunch. We got special slurpies for the kids because I felt like they just weren’t drinking enough and whatever it took to get some liquids in them I was willing to do. We had a good lunch and got cooled down.

After lunch we walked into the Festival of the Lion King show. This is one of my favorite shows. The talent here is just amazing! Ken, could take it or leave it. He thinks talent comes in the form of a quaterback and a football. LOL.

We head over to Kali River rapids. There are no fastpasses left and the standby line was over 80 minutes, so we decide to head back to the hotel.

After a rest and a shower, we head out to Epcot. There is a thunderstorm coming so we head into Spaceship Earth with a walkon. This is Ethan’s favorite attraction. He calls it the big golf ball. LOL

The storm is over when we exit SE so the kids and I head to Cranium Command and Ken goes to try out Mission: Space. The kids and I love CC and Ken couldn’t stop talking about Mission: Space and tries to get me to go on. I chicken out and we all see Cranium Command one more time.
Next we head over to World Showcase because Future World is now closed. We get fastpasses for the Maelstrom and head over to the American Pavillion for some burgers. After dinner we ride Maelstrom. Ethan did not like this ride at all and said he would never do it again.

We were all exahusted and headed back to the hotel. We made it just in time to see the fireworks from Epcot in our room again. This is a great perk to the Grosvenor, especially if you have kids that just can’t make it that long in the parks!

Tomorrow: MGM Studios!

[pixie]

It seems alot of places are charging to park now. I think it's a way to make money without raising rates.

I think Disney could learn from some of these hotel chains and do something about their pillows.

Poor Naomi, what a bummer!

:tink: Barbara

[SuzyQ]

Love your report so far!

The Dolphin sounded so nice (and it is always great to hear about good service!). Also, the Grosvenor sounded great too!

mmmmh. . . .we will have to see how we can get you on Mission Space! ;)

~Suzy

[MargaretJ]

Glad you guys are having fun & the kids seem to be over the stomach bug. Grosvenor sounds like a nice hotel.

[Sheryl]

Cheri,

I LOVE that Ethan got the high score on Buzz. He must have been so proud of that.

Sheryl :minnie:

[Esmerelda]

I am SO glad that Naomi was only sick for one day. Not a good way to start what was supposed to be a romantic vacation! I'm glad they were so nice about the room though. On to read day 2!

[Esmerelda]

I cannot imagine waiting 1 hour 15 minutes for a ride. I hope that was a fluke-because I will just stay in bed in the resort before I will stand in that line! Was it that bad the whole time?

I'm sorry you are still having problems with sickness, but it sounds like you had a good time anyways. Off to read part 3.

[Esmerelda]

Can you believe the only ride in all four parks I won't ride is Spaceship Earth! I think it is a claustorphobic thing. I am glad everyone is healthy now.

OK-I'm waiting not so patiently for part 4.

[Brer]

Thanks so much, a great Disney fix for the middle of the year

[Brer]

[quote="Esmerelda"]Can you believe the only ride in all four parks I won't ride is Spaceship Earth! I think it is a claustorphobic thing. I am glad everyone is healthy now.

Susan!!!!!!!!!!!!!! You are going on the Spaceship Earth with me next time!! :):)

[Lady]

1 hour and 15 minutes - yikes - that is just plain nuts
thanks for telling us about Mr. Toad handing the Deed over to Owl
that's cool - I'll see if it's on the tape I took last time I rode it as I
don't think I'll be on this ride again - although floating and bouncing
with Tigger was a hoot - it's not that great of a ride

the icecream cone was a nice magical touch
the view sounds awesome from your room
we were at Buena Vista Hotel and had the awesome view
it is so cool waking up and seeing all of that
I agree - who cares much about the room with a view like
that - on to read more : )
Hugs Shell

[Lady]

How come they don't say that anymore at the end of the Safari?
It's great you saw the baby elephant : ) they are so cute!

Loving your report : )
Shell