Better Late Than Never: 5/19 thru 5/24

I went to O-Town for a few days to visit my CM sister and to hit stuff again before my AP ran out in June. I figured the crowds wouldn't be too bad since schools weren't out yet. They were hit an miss. I was greeted with moderate temperatures and no rain.

Day One
I arrived Friday night at 11:00. I'm not sure if it's the airport in general or just American, but the bags always seem slow. This time was 45 minutes. People were getting upset. At 11:45, I'm ambled to National which continues to have the best deals in Orlando. Entertainment Passbook rate was $66 including taxes for the entire week. I got what seem was the last car on the Emerald Isle and hightailed it to AS-Music where sister had already checked into the Country building. It was nearing 1:30 am, so it was bed time.

Day Two
In an effort to do stuff I hadn't done in a while (or ever), we decided that Saturday would be spent at the beach or a water park. We chose Typhoon Lagoon, where I hadn't been in 10 years. We arrived in time for the EMH and proceeded straight for the Crush N' Gusher. Very very cool. We tried each of the slides and rode a total of four times. Then knowing it would get hot and crowded, we then did a tour of the other slides, doing each once before the lines got long. It was about 11 and we decided to take it easy the rest of the day by way of the lazy river and the wave pool. The water was a brink 74 degrees all day. Awesome!

Here's two things that we discovered about TL. First, they have these refillable mugs you can buy similiar to the ones you get at the resort. They have the bar codes on them that you scan to turn on the soda fountains throughout the park. No lines ever at the drink stations. Why can't they do this at the theme park. I'd definitely buy a cup for $10 for all day beverages. Second, the ice cream stand sells this sundae. It's made in a huge sand bucket, with soft serve ice cream and all of the toppings they have. They even give you a shovel to eat it with, although a spoon was much more practical. With the demise of the Dolphin Splash, this is quite possibly the best dessert on property.

After a day of fun in the sun, we had to go to our cousin's house for dinner. Then after, we ended up at the never disappointing Jellyrolls at the boardwalk. I did actually pop into the Atlantic Dance Club to see what it was about. It's very nice, but was empty. Seems like that often.

Day Three
We got up early Sunday and went to AK. This would be my first time on Expedition Everest. Made it through the gates just after 9:00 and made a beeline for the Himalayas. Got a fastpass and then got in line. The door said 20 minutes, but it was not even 10. All I can say is Oh My Goodness! The two years wait was worth every minute. Plus, I think Disney design probably the most comfortable roller coaster ever. Keep in mind that I'm 6'4" and usually have to squeeze in. These cars, however, had wide seats and lots of leg room. My knees did not touch the front! USA! USA!

The first time we rode was a blur and was awesome. The second time (45 minute line/15 minute wait) I was able to notice stuff and was awesome. The third time(FP) was just awesome.

Anyway -- it still being early and the majority of the folks at the safari and at EE, we went to Dinoland. Dinosaur was walk on for three straight rides and the Spinny Rollercoaster was a typical 15 minutes.

By this time, it was all of 11:00. So, after a long day we went back to the resort for a nap. This is when my not making PS's before leaving caught up with me. We had planned to go to Ohana or something....anything at the MK resorts for dinner followed by EMH at MK. No reservations to be found anywhere.

We ended up going to the All-Star Cafe at the WWofS. Even better was the 50% cast discount. We then hustled to Epcot (shh, I parked at the Beach Club) for what I thought was the last night of BJ Thomas. Man, that guy can sing.

We then hustled to the MK. It was not super crowded. We were able to do everything we wanted before Wishes. We then re hit the highlights during EMH. There's nothing better than MK at nighttime.

It was then time for our Disney verison of the Amazing Race. Knowing the car was at the Beach Club, sister ditched me for the All-Stars bus. I vowed to beat her back to the room and would have too except for the two wheelchairs they had to load on the bus. Aw Nuts.

More to come...

 

[wilary]

Day Four
Monday brought with it a change of hotels and a much anticipated round of golf. After a dip in the piano pool, I said goodbye to the Country Inn and headed for Eagle Pines.

If you play golf, you can't go wrong on any of the Disney courses. Today was the first day of summer rates and the first day of 10:00 price slice. It's a really good deal. I played early enough so as it was not too hot. Eagle Pines is a Pete Dye design which means lots of water, lots of sand and lots of undulations in the greens. Seemed like the cart GPS stated on every hole that "Par was a great score". The greens were rediculous. But it was a fun day overall.

I then had a late lunch at the Sand Trap restaurant. I've heard that this was one of the hidden gems of Disney dining. Boy, they are right. I had an excellent grilled Talapia sandwich. Plus, they take the Disney Dining Experience.

It was then off to my new digs, the Coronado Springs. I had wanted to try it for a long time and finally it worked out so I could. I was not disappointed. Moving from a value to a moderate really makes you appreicate the little differences. It doesn't have the feel of a Motel 6 on the outside. The room is bigger. The bathroom and shower are bigger. There is a ceiling fan. They give you towels at the pool.

After a nap and a shower, I met up with sister after work at the All-Star Cafe again. She jokingly mentioned that we go back for dinner and I snapped it up. Good food. Check. Yuengling on tap. Check. 50% discount. Sold!

We then went over to Epcot (Shh. I parked at the Boardwalk) to see what I think is the best of the fireworks shows...Illuminations. I hadn't seen it since the Inferno was back. I had forgotten how impressive it was. Very satisfied, we made our way back to the hotel hoping to see the end of Game 7 of Mavericks-Spurs. Note to self. Disney hotels do not carry TNT. Should have stayed at ESPN. Nuts. I spent the next hour staring at the ticker on ESPNews. Good thing the Mavs won, or I'd have been upset.

DAY FIVE
The last full day in Florida began way too early. Sister stayed the night in the hotel and had to get up for work. So much for sleeping in. I ended up going to MGM and made it in time for the rope drop. Fastpassed TOT and went to get in line for RNRC, but it was down -- the plans were ruined. So, got in line for TOT and started talking with this nice family from Baltimore. We ended up going again and then to RNRC which was open finally an hour late. I never have a bad time in the "super-stretch".

I hit the GMR and then realized it was time to meet sister for lunch. On the way out, I stopped at the candy shop and picked up one of those candy encrusted caramel and fudge apples. Best $5 spent in the park. They'll even cut it for you an put it in a box.

I met up with sister back at the Coronado and we went for lunch at the Pepper Market. It's kinda of like a food court at the other places, but they seat you, a waiter gets your drinks and they surcharge you 10%. The food was ok, but pricey. They DO NOT take the DDE card. I probably won't go there again.

Then it was a leisurely afternoon by the pool before dinner that night. After two days of trying, I finally got a dinner reservation at Whispering Canyon Cafe. On the way, we stopped off at WinterSummerland for our annual battle of the putter. I had never been there before. It was fun. The 50% AP discount is a huge plus.

With EMH at Epcot that night, we decided to park there and monorail it to MK, then ferry to WL. It was a enjoyable trip on Bay Lake. Then finally the much anticipated WCC where the BBQ skillet is a great deal. I'm a big fan of this place. All you can eat skillets at breakfast, lunch and dinner are the BOMB.

After dinner, we decided we get on the first bus that would take us to MGM or Epcot. It was MGM. The driver was nice enough to let us out by the friendship boat which was waiting right there. By the time we got into the park, we had about 5 minutes to make it to the last American Adventure show of the night. Can't make a trip without AA. Us and about 10 others enjoyed that 11:15 performance.

Leaving the theater at 11:48, sister had the kooky thought of trying to get to Test Track before they closed. Man, we hoofed it. She was wearing flip flops. But we made it, just at 11:59. We were the last ones into the building. I had never ridden at night before. Very cool. But after, my sister's dogs were barking. I nearly had to carry her out.

DAY FIVE
The last day began way way too early. Knowing I had to check out today, I made the early tee time I could...6:56 at Lake Buena Vista. I was in the first group out. They let me pick the pin placement on the 9th hole and gave me a commemorative certificate. I appologize if anyone was upset with my choice of back left. At least, I made a par.

Lake Buena Vista is a cool little course. It's one of the older ones. It winds through the Old Key West resort, by POR and the old treehouse villas and the constant construction of the Saratoga Springs. The clock at Saratoga, by the way, plays the Call the to Post bugle every hour on the the hour.

After a nice round, I went back to the hotel, dipped in the quiet pool and checked out. With nearly six hours before my flight, I decided to head to Epcot to do things I hadn't yet. I bit the bullet and got in the 60 minute line for Soarin'. It was exactly 60 minutes to wait in line, ride the ride and walk out of the Land.

I then went to Mission Space and noticed they had started the Green Team/Orange Team deal. The line was like 5 minutes. I went traditional at first. Nothing changed and it was great. The was still 5 minutes, so I went back to try Green Team less Intensive training. They edited out some of the preshow, like that little girl who makes an extreme effort to stare on cue. The actual ride was ok. With the tilting of the pod, you still felt some of the Gs. Just not your whole face falling off.

After that it was time to go. It was an uneventful trip back to Big D. I was sad to have to go back to work. Vacation at Disneyworld is much more fun.

Thanks for reading. Hope you enjoyed it.

 

[FanofDinsey1981]

I didn't realize that they changed how the market worked at the Coronado. We stayed there not too long after it opened (in...1999ish?) and at that time you went around to each station to get your food, and they stamped a ticket for you, and as you left you paid for everything on your ticket. I remember it being quite confusing at first, and the food was ok, but I have had better mexican food locally here in IL.

Thanks for the update! It sounded like you had a great time!