ClemsonTiggers July Trip

ClemsonTigger · Jul 30, 2005

And we're off

We had a flight scheduled for 9:30 AM out of Philly which unfortunately was delayed over 2 hours, so our pre 12:00 arrival was shot. We had early (5:00) res. for Hoop de do Review, so unfortunately I was unable to catch up with WannabeBelle and KingdomKonsultant who were camped out at Off-Kilter for the afternoon.

At almost 3:00 for checkin, our room wasn't ready, and were told that it would be ready by 5:00 ? I didn't feel like making a fuss, so we bypassed freshining up and headed over to Fort Wilderness. Got there early enough to have a few beers on the porch before heading over to the show. We had our first afternoon downpour just before entering the building (were mostly covered) and were shown to table 12, front and center next to the stage. Show and food were great and all were into the Disney spirit by the end ("even too cool to be seen with us" Princess insisted on her turn with the washboard...and did a great job). Got back to the room and still had to call for the luggage [that is about the end of minor irritations for the trip]. SW wanted to settle in so I took the three angels to MK to at least "be there" on the 17th. Lines were long to do most rides, but did walk around and were there for the fireworks. Music started, shooting star was seen, Tink took off...then the music died [not quite a Don McLean moment...but eerie]. Wishes without the music was just...a nice fireworks show...with long gaps. Ah well, turn in early and get a good start tomorrow.

CAPTAIN HOOK · Jul 30, 2005

A bit disappointing regarding the readiness of your room - a bit of a fuss might have got you something in the way of compensation. Waiting for the rest of the report................

ClemsonTigger · Jul 30, 2005

Monday the 18th

Ok, first surprise planned for today at Epcot. Living sea's Aqua Tour for the three boys. Princess had no interest in voluntarily swimming with sharks and SW didn't have much interest either [I did take care of them on Wed.]. As we were there early got TT and Soarin out of the way (Soarin FP, rode Listen to the Land, then time for FP), back to MS light lunch and it was time to meet our guides for the Tour.

We went backstage from the Customer relations in front of the park gave clothing and shoe sizes, got a nice background about the facility and were led to a briefing room. There we were introduced to the equpt., rules and regs. (we were all now temporary CM's and had to behave)and were sent off to locker rooms where our suits and gear were waiting. Most had short sleeve, short leg wetsuits, (some younger ones had long) and booties. We were led through the public facility to a central entrance. Prince #1 looked great in his suit...I had to suck in the gut to do my best Lloyd Bridges (showing my age I guess) for best public show. We got up to the top of the tank (from the top it's one large cylindrical tank, with a quarter fenced off for the dolphins). We got our masks and fins on as well as our vest and tank. The apparatus is similar to scuba except that there is no BC and the tanks are smaller. There is also a scuba adventure, but as #1 Prince isn't certified and #2 Prince is just shy of 10, they wouldn't be able to do it. Aqua Tour is open to anyone 8 and older). The only distraction is that an additional group of 5 showed up due to a scheduling error, and they were accomodated...it made for a very large class. Well, the 1/2 hour in the 78F water was wonderful, and the boys had a great time. Got to wave at the various people on the other side of the glass and got great interaction with the various fish, the 500lb sea turtle (but no touch!), sharks and everyone. The vests are flotation devices, so you cannot leave the surface...try and you look like a bobber with your feet sticking up in the air). Afterwards, we showered, debriefed and received photo's and a special T shirt.

Truly a wonderful experience that I would suggest to all except those not comfortable in the water or with a real phobia about swimming with fish almost as big as you. (The sharks stay on the bottom, so there are no close encounters with them). They do have a special CP program, so if you are scuba certified, in marine biology or similar, you may want to consider.

We met up with the ladies (did get a good chance to wave to them through the glass and get pictures), went back to the room to get cleaned up for dinner at Chef's de France. We managed to be running late, so had to hussle through the park to get to France, but made it and had a wonderful meal with Michael serving us. Finally convinced Princess to put her three years of French to use and she managed quite well. Michael and the other servers enjoyed the effort and we all enjoyed them as well as the great meal.

[We did run by Canada, I looked quickly for WannabeBelle...but we were running late...drats!]

Enjoyed Illuminations and headed home.

Tuesday July 19

AM MGM...hit the E tickets and Prince #1 and I hoofed it over to Lights...to get show FP (independent of ride FP, thanks to tips recd. here prior to going) and had res. at SciFi for lunch. As soon as we left lunch to go to Lights, the skys opened up (SW reminded me that the backpack with all the raingear was in the room and I had confirmed from AM weather that we wouldn't need them until later :lookaroun

)

The show was cancelled, so we headed back to the room to get ready for 6:00 Cirque du Soleil. Princess was very excited, and all were in awe of the show. I picked seats just above the "ring", so we were right above the clowns for preshow and were right next to the "parade". Dinner at Wolfgang Puck Cafe was just right. SW and young prince headed home, and I took Prince #1 and Princess to Pleasure Island for the first time. We first did Comedy and the show was great, especially for an early one. Prince should have picked up the phone when it rang...but hessitated and it was picked up by the girl in front of him...the bit would have been much better had he not balked. Then off to Adventurers Club for the first time. Took them a while to get into it, but with both Samantha and the maid LaRou paying good attention to Prince #1 it was fun. They were tired however, so we headed out a little early (but not until they took the oath).

Wed the 20th, back to Epcot for surprise #3, DW, Prince #1 and Princess were to to the Segway World Tour. All went well and the experience was really enjoyed (minimum age, 16). I stayed busy with Prince #2 who only complained a little. We did to TT twice and MS, so he was happy. Went back for a swim, then dinner at Yachtsman's (first time for all) [I told you I had the resorts backwards]. Wonderful meal and the butcher kept the interest of Prince #2 while we were finishing.

Got to turn in early, off to the ship tomorrow...

ClemsonTigger · Jul 30, 2005

Cruisin'.....

OK, Cruise day. None of us had done a cruise before so really didn't know what to expect. I would have squeezed in a good three hours in the park before pickup....but had to be the responsible tourguide, so we had a nice breakfast and had a leisurely wait in the Poly lobby for pickup. Wanted to sit in on the kids class on how to make towel animals in the front of the lobby...but my kids wouldn't let me... :lol:

As usual, Quicksilver was there nice and early in the Cadillac Escalade (la de da...but better than a van), so we loaded up our twelve bags and were on our way. Had done our paperwork at the desk in Poly on the previous day, so when we got to the docks, we just had a minor security check, headed on for our entry photo and were on board! Probably best to be there near the 1:00 time when boarding can start.

Headed straight to lunch (a nice buffet) then found our room (8554), so just a floor down from the restaurant checked our dining rotation . I was kind of neat that the room key from the Poly also was our on board room key. Dropped off our bags and I headed out to make res. for Palo (the adults only restaurant on the most casual dining day on our schedule for $10 additional per person). The girls went off to make res. for massages, pedi and manicures. Surprisingly, the room was large enough for the five of us and the bags (not to say that there was a lot of extra room). Couldn't quite figure out where the extra bed was or how the sofa folded out to sleep the five of us. I did figure out that you probably needed a special key but being old enough not to worry about making a fool of myself, called service to ask. They confirmed that there was indeed a special key and that they would take care of it.

Our first dinner was at Animator's Palate. There are very nice effects throughout the meal with changing colors and images and server uniforms. We first met our servers, Marjan from Macedonia and Jan from Czech Republic. Our head server was Remi (Remigijus) from Lithuania...so we had some common heritege to discuss. These folks follow you through the various restaurants, so we got to know them over the three days.

After dinner we got to explore the ship, drop in on various parties and check out the teen and Adventurers lab for 10-12 year olds.

Before leaving the Poly, Prince #1 and I saw the weather report that mentioned a tropical storm that had formed and was moving to the Bahamas...we chose not to mention it to SW. After dinner on the ship, the captain announced that we would have to change course to avoid the storm. It rained all night but stopped just after breakfast. We were three hours late to Nassau, but it made for more time relaxing on board. Our beach excursion was cancelled, but we vegged on deck and then took a short venture out to downtown Nassau. For the kids who haven't been out of the country, it was a bit of a shock being decended upon by at least 30 men offering taxi and tours, and 6 or so women offering to braid hair. Well, we survived the gauntlet and walked downtown. Every other store was a jewelry or duty free liquor/tobacco. Offered to stop at Hard Rock Cafe for Prince #1 to legally order a drink...but he just wanted to get back on the ship. (We'll have to work on the worldly experience thing). Anyway. we had dinner at the Parrot Cay scheduled, so went down with Princess and Prince #2 to get them settled. Then we left for the early show followed by dinner at Palo.

Palo is everything it is promoted to be, service is outstanding and the food superior. Prince #1 was sufficiently impressed at a different level of service, and is still talking about it.

Dinner the third night was at Tritons as was the farewell breakfast on the final morning.

The next day our port of call was Castaway Cay, Disney's private island. Although our reef snorkeling excursion was cancelled (due to the passed storm) the cove was more than enough. I was really surprised at the variety of fish in the snorkelling area, but was glad I brought my own equipment.

OK, break time...I'll finish the cruise a bit later...

ClemsonTigger · Jul 30, 2005

back for round 3...

Castaway Cay was a great day for all. Just walk off of the ship and walk or take a tram to the beach area. There is family, teen and adult only beaches,separate snorkelling and boating area, beverages at the bar or delivered to you on the beach and a fine barbecue for lunch.

SW arranged for a massage in an open cabana out on the adult only beach (those reservations fill up quickly).

Back on the ship we had a nice dinner...except for Palo, dinners were very good. Somewhat limited variety and not outstanding, but just fine for all. Prince #1 and Princess headed out to the teen club...there till 1 the first night, 1:30 the second and closed the place at 2:00 on the third. Prince #2 enjoyed the Oceaneers Lab when we went to dinner.

One final item, there were very nice stage shows each night, Hercules, Golden Mickys and Disney Dreams. Each was very entertaining, glad we caught them all. Fun to see the same cast in various roles over the three nights.

Didn't begin to mention that there were various small food areas along the upper deck with burgers, hot dogs, pizza, ice cream and other items available all day and most of the evening. There was a big pirate party the second night and even fireworks. Giant buffet (but we'd just finished dinner so there was no room. There were also tons of things we didn't do like character breakfasts, many character meets, all kinds of events that we didn't fully explore.

Now, the one down side. The ship arrives back in port early, breakfast was at 6:45 and we began to disembark at 7:30 (especially fun after the two kids didn't get in until 2...). Luckily Quicksilver was there a half hour early and we were on our way back to the parks.

To sum up the cruise...SW who had great reservations of a cruise is now researching the 7 day cruises :sohappy: .

...and on to the final chapter...

ClemsonTigger · Jul 30, 2005

Final chapter (thank goodness)

Ok, so without much sleep we got back to the Beach Club, left our bags and headed out to MGM. Did RnRC and ToT and I zipped off to get Lights FP. Well, we did get in to this show and got to talk with MissionSpace. Hopefully we'll see him next visit on the other side of the show fence. (I'll attach pictures later).

We went back to the rooms, I took little prince to the pool and everyone else caught a nap. Headed back for dinner at 50's Prime Time. Server was attentive but there was no role playing...can't get it every time I guess.
Everyone else turned in early but I headed to the MK for the evening. Fireworks were OK but the air was so still the smoke didn't move, making much of it hard to see. Went on HM and there must be tons of mosquito's waiting at the door...it seemed like forever until that door opened. Also speaking of mosquitos, note to self: avoid jungle cruise at night.

Increasingly hard getting the troops up in the morning, but we managed OK. Off to AK. Got to the safari with FP, also Dinosaur. EE is looking outstanding! Thought the kids would enjoy Tarzan as it will soon be history so we did that...Princess thought it was OK, SW liked the hunky Tarzan and the boys like the music and/or action. Got to see Lucky a good while. The dino is great, the handlers and their shtick have a lot to be desired. Swimming, a nice dinner and the folks turned in early...I headed back to MK...

OK, last full day, July 26, off to MK.
Surprised to find that they hold people back before the tunnels for opening rather than at the end of Main Street. We headed off to Splash and Big Thunder, cut through Adventureland and got stopped by a CM going into Frontierland (wait for the moving opening). We joined that in a minute and surprisingly found ourselves the first riders on Splash. After we got off, a CM gave us a certificate and escorted us over to Big Thunder and we got right on that. We didn't get the picture for free as many have reported. Anyway, we then headed over to SM, walked on that after the CM at the entrance reminded us that the Space Shuttle would be launching right over SM.

Off of Space Mountain before 10:00 so we did all three mountains (without really racing) in less than an hour. Rode transportation and then got in place under rockets to watch for the shuttle. Sure enough it rose right from the center of SM, you could see a long line of orange flame. As it rose arcing to the left the trail became white smoke. I can't really describe the excitement experienced by all. (I'll attach pictures later).

After that we visited all other rides we wanted, and we go to see the famous FigmentMom guarding her teacups. She looked terriffic, was having a great time and wanted me to say hi to everyone. She has been working a lot of hours and hasn't had much computer time. Mary's personality is wonderful...I'm sure she brightens up many CM's day as well as guests.

Had dinner in Cinderella's Castle, stayed for Wishes (worked well) and called it an evening. I could have done a good three hours in the park the next morning, but we took it easy, had an early lunch at Beaches and Cream and headed back to the airport.

SW (and I have to agree) that Beach Club have very comfortable rooms, probably more roomy than Poly. Definitely would visit again.

OK, my fingers are tired...I'm sure you're bored. I'll try to attach some pictures later.

tigsmom · Jul 30, 2005

What a vacation! Can I tag along next time?

ClemsonTigger · Jul 30, 2005

Any time my dear, but ya gotta fly.... :lookaroun

tigsmom · Jul 30, 2005

ClemsonTigger said:
Any time my dear, but ya gotta fly.... :lookaroun

You know how I feel about that :lookaroun

Debbie · Jul 30, 2005

What a wonderful trip!

BonzoAPD · Aug 8, 2005

Sounds like an awesome trip. Are you gonna post pictures?

ClemsonTiggers July Trip

ClemsonTigger

Naturally Grumpy

CAPTAIN HOOK

Well-Known Member

ClemsonTigger

Naturally Grumpy

ClemsonTigger

Naturally Grumpy

ClemsonTigger

Naturally Grumpy

ClemsonTigger

Naturally Grumpy

tigsmom

Well-Known Member

ClemsonTigger

Naturally Grumpy

tigsmom

Well-Known Member

Debbie

Well-Known Member

BonzoAPD

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