 After
everything was put away we headed down to the pool , probably about
1:30pm and it was PACKED. Not even a single chair to be found
until a
man took pity on us and gave us one of the chairs his family didn't
really need. We just needed a place to dump towels and our swim
bag,
and then we were in the pool. It’s a hot one today, so the pool
feels
great. We had bought the girls a couple of 'noodles' at Winn
Dixie ($2
bucks each) and they had fun using those. And the pool slide was
busy,
but fun as always. But the pool was a bit busy, so we headed over
to
the quiet pool. Even Hidden Springs pool was hopping pretty
good.
There were just a large number of swimmers today.
 We played in the
Hidden Springs pool for a while and got to take a few
pictures. Then it was back to the room to get a shower and
ready. We
are going to Chef Mickey's tonight, but first we are going to stop by
the Magic Kingdom so I can purchase my Annual Pass. Gotta love
that
$100 DVC AP discount, and soon I had my new ticket in hand!
Yea!
We headed into the park, but only after waiting FOREVER for about 5
people to get through the turnstiles using the two finger scanner
contraption. SO much has to be explained about this. I sure
hope
those new one finger scanners are going to work better!!!! We
just
sort of wandered up Main Street through the nicely air-conditioned
stores. We also swung over to the VMK store, but everything
looked to
be same as before. Brinn wants to do this again so she can
get
another set of cards. I'm sure we can fit it in sometime!
 We were going to hit
a ride or two, but getting over to the
Contemporary for dinner was an even better idea. We all enjoy the
shops in the Contemporary, so it will give us the time we like to look
around. We jumped on the resort Monorail and after a slight delay
we
pulled into the Contemporary. Headed down to the third floor and
hit
some stores before checking in at Chef Mickey's. We have
about a 15
minute wait (we were a bit early anyway) and found a nice spot in the
Outter Rim lounge. Kristen and I ordered a mudslide, and with the
20%
DDE card it was a bit less painful. Our beeper went off JUST as
the
drinks came over, and I stayed to pay while Kristen went to stand in
line and get seated.
They were already gone by the time I arrived at Chef Mickey's but the
CM was able to tell me where they were after quickly glancing at
his.
Guess they keep EVERYTHING in the computer! :-) I
found them no
problem just in time to order drinks. Goofy soon stopped
by, and then
we headed for the buffet line. Lots of really wonderful
choices. I
just grabbed a salad so returned first Then it was a wait for
several
characters in a row so we didn't miss any. Tonight we saw
Goofy,
Chip, Dale, Mickey and Minnie! And in the lobby was Donald Duck!!
We all finished bu t BOY were we stuffed! And the bill
was over $100
but was completely covered (including tax and tip) by the Dining
Plan. THAT was really nice. :-) I think I'm
going to enjoy this
dining plan (unless I explode!) That to start using all our
credits!
We only used 4 table service credits so far. Have to fix that
starting
tomorrow! L)
After our wonderful dinner we decided to head back and hit the pool for
a bit. Took a while to catch the boat so we grabbed a couple
pictures
of the girls while we waited. Once the boat arrived, we had to
hit
Fort Wilderness first and then back to WL. It was getting dark by
now
and I grabbed a couple pics when Kristen ran the girls up to the room
to change into their swim gear. I also changed, and we all
headed to
the pool. We spent a little over 20 minutes in the pool, and then
heard the music from the Electric water parade. We headed to the
beach
to watch and listen and it was good as always.
OK - time for bed. Have to be up early tomorrow for a fun filled
Magic
Kingdom day! Regular park hours so we get to sleep in once
again.
Well, the girls do! I'm sure I'll be up working on the trip
report
while they sleep.
|
|
Everyone slept in
this morning and even *I* slept until 7:30. Worked on the trip
report a bit and then got ready. By 9:00am I couldn't stand it
anymore and woke up the girls. "Don't expect to have THIS luxury
again this trip!". :-) OK - MAYBE one or two days, but
that's IT! 
Right next door is a store called Bargain World.
Its not THAT great a bargain, but they had lots of Disney items at less
than Disney prices. I found a hat I really liked and the girls
both found a shirt they liked as well. I also bought an old style
Mickey and Minnie figurine that should go well in our basement.
Worth the stop since we were already there, but no place I'd go out of
my way to visit.
NOW the car was packed with all the suitcases as well as
all these groceries. Off we headed to the Wilderness Lodge, with
only a SLIGHT detour where I headed the wrong way and had to make a
U-Turn to get back on track. My sense of direction is really
hurting so far this trip. I need to be a bit more careful I
guess! :-) We went the back way (by Eagle Pines Golf
Course) and past Fort Wilderness. We were Welcomed Home at the
guard shack and soon I was pulling up to the unloading area. I
had all the bags out of the car and most of the groceries before the
attendant showed up. They were pretty busy today! He
took all the bags and the Groceries off to the holding area. One
bag contained refrigerated items and he marked those to be placed in
cold storage. We also valet parked the car - I just love
this perk for DVC members and since the attendant took our bags and the
car he got a good tip! 
Off to get that first feeling of awe as we entered the
lobby. I just love the Wilderness Lodge… The beauty - the
music - the atmosphere are just incredible here. AND there was
only one other family in line before us at check in! Does it GET
better than that? The last few check ins (including last
night at Pop always seem to be new CM's earning their Ears. Not
that that is a problem, but today we got Lisa, and you could instantly
tell she was both experienced and good at her job. Friendly,
efficient and helpful.