"The Space Mountain 30" A Trip Report

[spacemtnfanatic]

Welcome to my first WDW Magic Trip Report.....although it was my 7th trip to the World, and by far the best.

But a little bit of my WDW Background

My first trip to WDW was January 1997 when i was in 5th grade. I am an only child, and go down with my mom and dad. We have yet to miss a January since, and this year I am a junior in high school, and still going strong on WDW visits. WDW is my favorite place in the entire world, and Space Mountain to me is some sort of strange religious expirience that I can't even explain.

I keep track of my SM rides, and always have to ride it at LEAST two more times than I have the previous year.

In 1997 I rode it 10 times, in 1998 12 times, in 1999 it was closed for rehab on our trip, a devistating expirience that I hope never to go through again, in 2000 I got 18 rides, in 2001 20 rides, in 2002 I made a leap to 28 rides. The 2003 trip had two goals for me. Visit AK for the first time since '99, and ride Space Mountain 30 times, hense dubbing this years trip "The Space Mountain 30" Did I make it, or did long lines and the lure other attractions have me fall short of my goal?? Only one way to find out....read the Trip Report!!

 

[spacemtnfanatic]

Day One: Thursday January 16, 2003

Well the typical excitement of going to WDW was lost this week. Between midterm exams, and my best friend getting dumped by his girlfriend (and another one of my friends) of 2½ years (they did get back together while I was down at WDW though, gotta love high school romance) I had become preoccupied and before I knew it, the day to leave had arrived.

Took my last two midterms, went out to lunch with my friends, and headed home. Packed and headed out for the 7:00 flight from Cleveland-Hopkins to Orlando International. Flight took off without a glitch and landed around 9:15 at MCO. Got our bags and got a taxi by 9:45, and were off to the All-Star Sports. Arrived by 10:15 and we were in our prefered room in the Surf's Up section by 10:30. I had to think that had we taken Mears as we have in the past we would have just then been leaving the airport.

Filled up my mug in the food court, walked around the lobby & gift shop, and headed to bed.

 

[spacemtnfanatic]

Day Two: Friday January 17, 2003

Woke up around 7:30...still not super enthused or excited to be there. I was just worried about my friend I think. Showered and went and had breakfast in the food court. Theres something about breakfast in WDW, it's just fun. Knowing you have a full day of park fun ahead of you...theres nothing quite like it.

Got the bus to MK, and arrived at the MK at exactly 9AM. Dashed to Space Mountain to begin the mission of 30 straight rides. I calculated that in order to do this I would need 6 rides per day, and since we were doing Early Entry Sunday morning, I figured if there was a day I only got 4 or 5, I could make it up.

One thing I noticed every day is that they only open Track B/Omega/ Right Side at park open, and open Track A/Alpha/Left side at 10AM (9AM on 8AM Sunday) which I don't understand, because the line stretches outside for that first hour.

Friday January 17, 2003 could go down in my memory as the least crowded I have ever seen The Magic Kingdom. Space Fastpass was even closed, which at first scared me (because I use FP religiously, I like it) but then I realized I didn't need it.

I immediatly proceeded to ride Space Mountain seven consecutive times, already one ahead of where I needed to be. After about the 4th trip a couple CM'S started recognizing me. My parents rode with me a few times, then went off to do there own thing. The coolest CM on SM was Jose, who I would see again later in the trip. Jose if you are reading this....im the one that had on the Indians jacket.

After my crazy SM marathon it was about 10:30. SM had definately pumped me up for the trip, and I was finally excited (although still feeling bad for my friend.) Did Buzz Lightyear and scored pretty badly. My mom does well on this and I have never really mastered it. I always think I have done well until I see her score. My dad does better than me, but my mom is the one who gets like 200,000 when everyone else gets 50,000.

After Buzz we did TTA, which is when I had my Fed Ex thought (see my post Interesting Space Mtn. Observation)

We then walked through Fantasyland and over to the Haunted Mansion....another one of my faves. There was actually about a 15 minute wait to get to the stretch room despite the extremely low crowd. Had a great ride as always. Went over to the 10 minute wait for BTM with only one loading station open. BTM is interesting to me because I want to like it and I do like it, but it just doesn't quite do it for me like other coasters. I think it is because just as it is picking up, it stops for another lift.

I wanted to do Splash because it was closed for rehab last year, but it was just a bit too cold (50's) and I didn't want to get stuck on that one part where you can get sprayed.

After Splash we walked around trying to find something to eat but didn't really find much we wanted. We are always dissapointed in Peco's Bills, and we were planning to eat at San Angel for dinner at Epcot, so we didn't want El Pirata. We rode Pirate's and headed over to MGM.

We took the monorail to the TTC and the bus over to MGM. The whole process takes about 30-45 minutes. I wish t here was a direct bus from MK to the other parks, but I guess that would kind of defeat the purpose of the TTC.

Got to MGM and had some flatbread pizza at Catalina Eddie's. I reccommend the flatbread pizza..it was very good.

Went for our first expirience of Tower 4, but I really wasn't all that impressed by it. Other than the blast of air, I didn't notice much of a difference. No wait.

Went to RnRC, again no real wait, but we did get some "just in case Fastpasses" RnRC is probably my 2nd favorite ride at the World. The time from take off to exiting the first double-inversion is a bigger thrill and more fun than any Six Flags or Cedar Point mega rider, IMHO. Just something about Disney.

After that we did Great Movie Ride...probably my favorite "non RnRC/ToT" (if that makes sense) ride at the Studios. It is always a little different, and very well done. The CM'S are always great. And I love the little montage of clips of classic movies at the end.

Went back and did RnRC and ToT again. This time ToT thrilled me a little more, and I noticed the ride was much different. Yay. But I still wanted to know what this "rare fake ending" was.

After that it was about 4:30PM, and we bussed it over to EPCOT. Went over to WS and immediatly got seated for dinner without a reservation at San Angel. First time that has ever happened. We have tried to get in for dinner before, and it has never happened. I ordered the Plato Mexicano, and I hopped on El Rio Del Tiempo while we waited. I had my own boat. I like El Rio Del Tiempo. Actually, I just like the whole Mexico pavilion. It has a very nice atmosphere, and I always feel welcome.

After a walk on ride on ERDT, I came back and the food had already arrived. What is that, 8-10 minutes max?? The Plato Mexicano at San Angel Inn was the best meal I have ever had on WDW property, and one of the best meals I think I have ever eaten in my life. The steak (I didn't even know there was going to be a steak!! When the waiter asked how I wanted my steak cooked I just thought he meant steak tips in the enchilada) was cooked perfectly, and everything else was perfect. For $19.99 you get the steak, a taco, an enchilada, and something else very similar to an enchilada. Plus the chips. It was the best meal. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED.

After we ate, my parents wanted to ride El Rio Del Tiempo, so I rode that again.

We went back to Future World and got in line for Test Track. Sign said 30 minutes. Just inside the building it broke down and they said it would be at least an hour. Got out of line and went over and did Ellen's Energy Adventure. We do this almost every year. I like it, and my favorite part is the clip of Michael Richards (Kramer from Seinfeld) as the caveman. I am a Seinfeld-aholic, so seeing an actor from my favorite TV show at my favorite place is always cool.

After Ellen, Test Track had already opened back up, so we went and got our ride. I love Test Track, but I wouldn't mind a little more time outside on the high speed area.

After we finished TT we walked over by Mouse Gear. I bought a pair of WDW boxers for myself. Rode Spaceship Earth and called it a night. I really hope they keep Spaceship Earth the way it is. It is such an interesting ride, and it is a classic. I hope it doesn't close down next year.

One interesting thing is that not one AT&T reference is gone yet.

Headed back to All Star Sports by bus. It was about 9:00....a 12 hour day in the parks. Pooped out, I headed down for my nightly tradition of just kind of walking through the gift shop and lobby, and getting my mug filled in the food court. Got back to the room, and crashed. More to come.........

 

[MinnieFan]

Sounds like you are having a great time. Thanks for the report...keep them coming!

 

[spacemtnfanatic]

I know it has been several days since I started this T/R, but I had some family issues come up in the last few days. So I am hoping to finish this up. Enjoy!!!


Saturday January 18, 2003

Woke up around 7:30-7:45ish again. Definately in the full Disney mood now. Went down to the All-Star food court for another big breakfast. God I love All-Star breakfasts for some reason.

Arrived at MK at about 8:55 and walked to the entrance of Tomorrowland, which was still roped off. Waited for the "opening" and then went to ride SM 6 straight times in an hour and a half.

After doing Space, it was obvious today was going to be much more crowded than yesterday, so we decided to hop on TTA, and then go over to Epcot to have lunch at the Biergarten.

Took the monorail to Epcot. I like the Epcot monorail....the ride from MK to the TTC isn't long enough, but the TTC to Epcot ride is a nice long, enjoyable ride that really lets you appreciate Walt Disney World.

Headed into a moderately crowded Epcot around noon, and headed to the Biergarten, stopping for Test Track fastpasses on the way there. We were immediately seated, and began our feast.

The Biergarten is a great way to eat without spending much. I think it was like $11.95 for an all you can eat lunch...and it is so worth it. The food is absolutely INCREDIBLE at the Biergarten, and the atmosphere is one of the friendliest in WDW. In past years we have been there and there was live entertainment, but this year we had just missed it and another show wasn't due to start for a little while.

Tips for Biergarten:
-Don't eat much for breakfast if you plan to go for lunch -OR- eat a big breakfast and don't eat lunch if you plan to go for dinner.

-You MUST try the spatzel, pork, sausage, and chicken. To DIE for.

-By all means, pig out! I know I did.

After Biergarten we walked through World Showcase a little, then went back to Future World, and walked through Innoventions. Went into Wonders of Life, I like the pavilion, although it could use a little bit of a rehab...it's been the same for at least 7 years now. Did Body Wars. B.W. doesn't really do it for me much anymore...BW & Star Tours are great the first time, but they just aren't fun repeat rides.

After that it was time for Test Track FP'S. We got our ride in, and headed off to MGM.

At MGM we headed for ToT and then RnRC. We got another great ToT sequence, this time where you don't drop first...and for ToT vetrans, boy is that a shock the first time you get the sequence where you launch up to begin. Then went to RnRC and did a ride and got some FP'S.

After RnRC, we went and watched my favorite of the 3D movies, Muppet-Vision. I think Honey I shrunk the Audience is stupid, and at the time I had yet to do It's Tough To Be A Bug (although I still think Muppets is the best) The best parts are definately the "Cheap 3D tricks" and the explosions at the end that actually are visable in the theater with the exposed brick. I love it.

After Muppets we took a walk through the Studios, down New York Street, up by Indiana Jones and Star Tours. We decided to pass on Sounds Dangerous...we have done it a few times before. This area of the park feels like it needs something new. Used our RnRC FP'S, did ToT again, and headed to Downtown Disney.....

Arrived at Downtown around 7PM. Got a bite to eat at the Gourmet Pantry. This is a great place to go when you are sick of the heavy park fare. Although it is a bit pricey, it is nice to relax and have a deli sandwich and some potato chips. It was getting pretty chilly outside so we opted to eat at the tables inside, which I swear are new. Went to the Pin Central kiosk and bought myself the River Country pin. I have never been to a Disney water park, but if R.C. is gone for good, it will be nice to have the pin.

The Pin Central kiosk is probably the best place to find the pin you want, as they have EVERY pin avaliable. I even saw some Disneyland pins avaliable to buy here.

And no trip to Downtown is complete without a walk through the big giant Disney store. Great place for everything WDW as well as Disney in general. Never buy anything, but I love going through.

And of course you have to walk by all the Lego architecture. This just amazes me.....I can't even imagine how much time this took.

We were starting to freeze our butts off (and we live in Ohio!!!) so we headed back to the hotel. Took my nightly stroll through the lobby, gift shop, and food court to check things out and look at girls, and called it a day.

More to come...............

 

[spacemtnfanatic]

Sunday January 19, 2003

I was looking forward to today because we had decided to go to AK for the first time since our 1999 trip. We just kind of had been "overlooking" it I guess, but we decided not to put it off any longer, and head there.

But first...you know the drill.

Early Entry @ Magic Kingdom. Arrived at about 8:05, and waited 40 minutes for a SM ride. Thats it! No more Early Entry for me. Personally I think Early Entry just makes the popular attractions crowded.

Fortunately with my parents tickets we got two "sets of FP'S" for me, so that is 6 total FP'S, plus the Stand By ride gave me 7 rides on the day, and 20 so far on the trip. 10 to go!!!

After SM, we did Alien Encounter. I hope they never change it! I love Alien Encounter!!! I love Skippy!! The show itself is great, but there is ALWAYS a parent dragging their crying kid on it, and the kid is always terrified when it is over. PLEASE parents.....Alien Encounter is a SCARY EXPIRIENCE for kids. Don't ruin their trip by dragging them on Alien. But with that said I love Alien Encounter. It's unique, it's exciting, it's fun, and unpredictable.

After Alien we headed over to AK. Hardly remembered it. First stop was lunch at Rainforest. I got the three-cheese pizza and it was GOOD. This Rainforest was much less crowded than the one at Downtown. The Rainforest is a good, but loud place, but the food is better than at an Applebees or Damons (in my opinion)

After lunch we went in the park and went to It's Tough To Be A Bug. WOW, talk about a winding queue. Fortunately we waited 15 minutes max.

This show is probably the most advanced (it's the newest) with the smell and the hornet stinging your butt. But it was "too much" I thought and it was hard to actually enjoy the storyline. I guess nothing will beat Muppets for me.

Afterwards we went over to DinoLand and did Primeval Whirl. What an interesting little contraption. This whole area of the park does NOT feel like Disney to me, and I felt like I was at Six Flags, which kind of freaked me out a little. Primeval was fun, but it just does NOT Feel like Disney at all. Got FP'S for later on, and went to Dinosaur.

I had not ridden since the days of Countdown To Extinction. I wasn't expecting much because I had heard the ride had been toned down...but if anything...I enjoyed the ride more. I think I just didn't remember it much, but I had a great time and I didn't notice any "toning down" at all. Dinosaur was still as great, just with a lame name.

We still had about an hour to kill before Primeval FP'S, so we headed over and did Kilimanjaro. I like Kilimanjaro, but the Big Red story-line is kind of lame, and personally I think that it detracts from the ride. I would like it even more if they just had the safari TOUR

Afterwards we walked through the rest of the park and I basically came to the conclusion that this park is DinoLand, Tough To Be a Bug, and the Safaris. There just really isn't anything else!! I mean I know there is, but really there isn't.

Used our Primeval FP'S, and my mom didn't go so I went twice. Every ride we rode on the right track. I know they are the same but I wanted to go on the left at least once. Oh well.

After that AK was closing up so we headed to EPCOT. Did Test Track Single Riders line (greatest thing in the world...10 minutes tops!) and headed to WS. Had dinner at Lotus Blossum (Chinese counter service) which is very good, and watched Tapestry of Nations....always great.

Afterwards we did another walk through W.S. We stopped at the French bakery and were dissapointed. In past years we remembered the great things they had, but this year it was just reminded me of a picked over grocery store bakery. I was really bummed out.

Did Test Track Single Rider again, and then did Spaceship Earth again. A second ride still showed no evidance of anything gone from AT&T, and that they should NOT TOUCH THIS RIDE. Disney....DON'T TOUCH SPACESHIP EARTH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Another great day. AK left a good impression on me, despite DinoLand feeling like Six Flags on a good day. Dinosaur, Primeval, and the Safaries gave me enough reason to make it a yearly trip.

Only a day and a half left, and 10 more rides on SM still had to be done......

 

[WDWFREAK53]

Keep em coming I'm really enjoying this...the tension is building

Don't keep a Freak in suspense already

 

[castlecake2.0]

It sounds like you had a wicked time! I have not been on Space Mountain since I was 8 or so, and now I am 15, so I will have to go on it again when we go in a couple of weeks. How scary would you rate it, because I cant remeber it much? Less than ToT?

Thanks'
-Tyler:king:





9 days to go!!!!!:drevil:

 

[spacemtnfanatic]

The rest of the TR will come tomorrow.

Space Mountain is more fun than scary really. Actually SM is pretty tame compared to RnRC or ToT, and many people are dissapointed by it.

But for me...theres just SOMEthing about it. I don't know what.

Have fun!!!

 

[castlecake2.0]

Great, thanks! Cant wait for the rest of the trip report!

 

[Just A Big Kid]

Space Mountain isn't as thrilling as some would like it. But what you have to consider, when it was designed and built, it was state of the art. I can't remember any other indoor rollercoaster from that time period. True, when Opryland was still here in Nashville, they had a ride called Chaos! that very similar in feel and rideablity, but used a train that was extremely long, prolly twice the length of RnR. Is it possible to redesign Space Mountain to satisfy the thrill seekers? YES!!! But honestly i don't see Disney changing it given the fact it is still, even though it's OUTDATED as most of the progressive people on this site care to think, it is one of the most popular attractions in MK. And yes, it is entertaining for families as it's not that rough of a ride nor has huge drops that small kids and older people can't do. It's still one of my favorites

 

[cymbaldiva]

I'm enjoying living vicariously through you!

I can't wait for the next segment!

 

[Lee]

"True, when Opryland was still here in Nashville, they had a ride called Chaos!"

Gotta love Chaos:
Move quickly throuth the station! Time is running out!

 

[spacemtnfanatic]

Monday January 20, 2003

3 straight days of 12½-13 hours at the parks were taking a toll on my right foot. I broke my right ankle years and years ago, and ever since my right foot doesn't like me.

Got a bit of a lazy start this morning and didn't get to MK until about 9:15. Went and did SM 6 straight times, seeing my favorite CM, Jose, again. He must have thought I was crazy.

So I was at 26, with 4 to go. What happens.............

After my SM 6, we got in line for Buzz, but it broke down while we were in line, and never reopened the rest of the time we were at the MK. We rode TTA to see a stopped Buzz, and what would be the final day for the Fed-Ex announcement as you enter Space.

Went over to Liberty Square and did Haunted Mansion again. I love H.M. it's so well done, and is just classic Disney fun that never gets old no matter how much you ride!!

Got BTM FP'S (the line was 50 minutes long!) and went and had a pretty good taco lunch at El Pirata (across from Pirate's) I thought I had read somewhere that El Pirata had closed, but it was open and busy. El Pirata is probably my favorite place to eat in Magic Kingdom.

After lunch, we did BTM. Another fun, yet dissapointing ride. It just doesn't do it for me, no matter how much I still like the ride (if that makes sense)

After BTM I finally got my first ride on Splash in 2 years. Splash Mountain is what a water ride should be. The whole ride from start to finish is a fun expirience, and every little detail is there. And you gotta love the little things like the dancing water, and the coaster-like drop. The storyline works perfectly and it is just a well done ride. I would love it just as much even if the drop into the briar patch wasn't there. This is a ride that seperates Disney from a Six Flags or other type of park. Just the amount of detail put into each little nook and cranny of the ride makes it so much better.

After Splash we headed over to MGM for the last time of the trip. We basically just did ToT & RnRC marathons. We did walk around the park one last time.

The last ToT ride was the best one I have ever had. I finally got the "fake ending." Wow. You wont know what hit you when you get this sequence. I can't even really remember how it went, but it is a whole expirience in itself. I can't imagine what this mysterious "5th sequence" must be like....

Did RnRC one last time. It broke down and caused about a 15 minute delay in line, but you gotta love RnRC. Another fabulous ride done right. Disney can take what would be an average run of the mill looping launch coaster, and turn it into one of the most fun, enjoyable, and exciting rides out there. I hope the Aerosmith stays for a while longer, but I wouldn't mind seeing a rehab in a few years to get another band in there. But Aerosmith is still good for a while.

Walked around the Studios one last time, and bid farewell for another year.

We took the bus to EPCOT for our last EPCOT trip. Went to Test Track and used the Singles line. Went into W.S. for one final stroll. We were looking for somewhere to eat. I wanted to go to Japan to get the terryaki chicken strips I had last year, but my parents didn't want to. They really didn't know where they wanted to go. They finally decided on the Norway counter service, which is the last thing I wanted, so I held off on dinner.

After our last walk through WS, I took my last rides on Test Track. 3 back to back to back rides through the Singles line in under a half an hour. The Singles line is quicker than FP, and is the way to go if you have ridden before. But, if it is your first time, I recommend waiting in the regular line so you can look at the queue, which is very well done and interesting. Lots of things to look at that are definately worth seeing in the queue with the auto testing.

One thing I noticed on Test Track on this trip, is that some of the in-car TV'S are no longer working.

After T.T. we walked around Future World. Future World at night is probably my favorite Disney expirience outside of Space Mountain. There is just something magicial about Future World at night. The neon lights, the buildings, the little lights implanted in the ground near Innoventions East, the awesome fountain, all just create an atmosphere I have never expirienced anywhere else.

We went through Mouse Gears one more time, and I bought myself a Haunted Mansion pin.

Rode Spaceship Earth to say goodbye to Epcot for the year. Spaceship Earth is American, Disney, and a tradition. Again I must say, DON'T TOUCH IT!!!!!!!!!

After S.E. the park had closed and Illuminations had started, but we decided to not get caught in the crowd, and headed out.

Epcot is anything but boring or outdated, IMO. It has a feeling like no other, and is a great place to go.

Got back to the All-Star and I had some dinner at the food court. A chili footlong hot dog and fries....it was OK, but I still wanted the food from Japan.

Played Roller Coaster Tycoon pinball in the arcade. I had never played it, but I love RCT and I love pinball, so why not play it? I would have liked it better if it wasn't in a busy arcade, because I can't concentrate enough with all the activity.

Headed back to the room, and crashed. Only a half day left, and only one more park to say goodbye to. And still a goal to achieve.......................

 

[spacemtnfanatic]

Tuesday January 21, 2003

It's not the day to go home already?? is it??? 4½ days at Walt Disney World go by so incredibly fast, it's unbelieveable.

We packed up, checked out, and had our luggage held so we could hit the MK for a few hours. Had our final breakfast of the trip, and I said goodbye to the food court. Again, theres just something about eating breakfast in the All-Star food court..it's like...Im here and I am about to go have a great day of fun.

Got the bus to MK and arrived right at 9AM.

I had 4 rides to go on Space Mountain to reach 30. I didn't want to go beyond 30, because I can't imagine being able to do more than 35 in a trip without it seriously cutting into the rest of my day. And I want to continue slowly getting more and more each trip for a while still.

Rode twice in Standby with a somewhat long standby line. Got FP'S, and headed to Buzz.

As I stated before, I am not that great on Buzz Lightyear. I usually get 50,000 ish. My mom always comes away with 200,000, and I don't know how.

This ride my mom sat out because she wanted to buy something over in Adventureland.

So of course, somehow, I still don't know how, I scored a 446,000.

How??? I don't know!!!!!!! I was shocked, because I really didn't do anything else different than I always do.

After Buzz, it was FP time. I was at 28. It was about 10:30, and we had to be out of the park by 12:45.

FP # 1 was me by myself. Jose was there, and I told him that this was it, and that it had been a great trip. He couldn't believe what I was doing (most people can't) He was headed up to the control center, so he wouldn't be down on load for my 30th, so he congratulated me and wished me a safe trip home. Hi Jose, if you are reading this!!

So I had 29 SM rides in on the year, and had already beaten my previous record.

I got my dad, and we entered SM and I boarded for the 30th time of the trip.

The ride was great, as always, and I actually got a little misty-eyed as we went through the red tunnel and slowed down. Space Mountain is a part of my life, and riding it 5 days out of the year just is not enough.

So I had completed my mission...riding Space 30 times in one visit. I know thats no record though, because I was reading here someone (dixie belle I think) who did 50 in a trip. If we had a week long trip, I would love to do 50 or 60 in a trip. But for a 4½ day trip and 3 parks each day, I say I did damn good.

I bought myself a SM shirt and keychain and browsed the gift shop.

After SM, I did Buzz again, this time with my mom, and of course scored 40,000 while she got her 200,000. Rode TTA one last time, and this is when I noticed the "presented by Federal Express" audio was gone as you enter SM.

Went over and did "it's a small world" (a last day tradition) and took my last ride of the trip on Splash Mountain.

After Splash we walked through the Emporium and the Main Street shops in search of the famous posters. I had to get the Tomorrowland one. Finally found it at the Art Gallery (no one knew where they were and I didn't know) $30 is a bit pricey, but worth it.

Headed to the hotel got our luggage, got a cab, and headed back to where we started the trip, Orlando International Airport. We had lunch at Stinger Rays inside the airport...a great little sitdown restaurant that is very good if you have some time to wait before your flight...but it is before security, so make sure to give yourself enough time if you decide to eat there. It is definately a great restaurant if you have the time though.

After lunch we got to our gate and took the dreaded flight home. The trip was over.

We have been back for a week and a half now, and I still want to go back!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Up next....final thoughts.

 

[spacemtnfanatic]

FINAL THOUGHTS:

I never visited WDW in its "glory days" that everyone talks about. My first trip was in 1997. I have seen the Birthday cake castle (ugly) and the 25th anniversary celebration, the 2000 celebration, the Spaceship Earth mickey hand, and now, 100 years of magic.

And despite what some people say, I think Walt Disney World is doing great and is thriving. Everyone I have ever encountered is always more than helpful, each ride is superb and the highest of quality, each land in each park (with the exception of Dinoland at AK) is unique and has that "Disney" feel.

I have never visited Universal or any of the other Orlando activities because I want to spend every day of my Orlando vacation at Walt Disney World.

The transportation system is the best anywhere. People say it isn't good, but how could it be any better?? It is the best it can be, and they do an incredible job between the monorail system, bus system, and ferry boats.

This whole "Disney World Blues" thing, I have never seen. Sure there have been rehabs and such, but really, the place is as perfect as it can be. It is always clean, everything is always in pristine condition, and every attraction is unique, exciting, entertaining, and fun.

I don't think Epcot is failing. Sure a few more attractions would be wonderful, but Epcot is not about rides, but exibits, and culture.

Sure, in some aspects things like Future World and Tomorrowland are outdated in certain ways...but it still works..and it still draws millions of people.

Everything at Walt Disney World is incredible, and the place is like heaven to me. Maybe it's because I was never there during the "glory days", but I have yet to "not" feel the magic.

Think about it. Theres nothing quite like a trip to Walt Disney World. Whether you go to one park for one day, stay at the All Star for a long weekend, or make a 10-day luxury trip and stay at the Polynesian......you still are treated the same way. You still get the magic, you still get the fun, the expirience that is and always will be Walt Disney World.

 

[orangefan15]

Congrats on reaching your goal of 30!!!:sohappy:

That's pretty impressive.

 

[spacemtnfanatic]

Thank you very much. I enjoyed doing it, and I already have a goal of 32 for next year.

Abusing fastpasses and the low crowds of January are the only way I can do it. You see...my parents will ride once or twice with me, and then I will take their tickets and get 3 FP'S that I use myself. If it weren't for that, I would have nowhere near 30 (or some people would say the standby line would be shorter)

And even though we traditionally go during MLK weekend...the crowds really are very low, and I can't imagine going during Spring Break, Holiday Break, or mid-summer.