Trip Report 1/11 - 1/18

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Disneynut

New Member
Hi all. Just got back late last night. We still need to unpack but wanted to start the trip report while everything was fresh.

Day One
Up early, we had a 7:00 am flight from Hartford, CT with a connection in Charlotte. Everything was fine, security moved very quickly and we used the new self-service check ins that USAirways provides. (very neat). Had a slight delay leaving Charlotte, seemed to be problems with loading luggage.

Arrived in Orlando and proceeded to Rental Cars (used L&M), more on them later. After a stop at Publix for snacks we arrived at Beach Club. Went to check-in and we ran into a slight problem. Was told by CRO that we could upgrade to package at Front Desk. Turns out this is not true (not really a big deal). CM at front desk explained that CRO, Resorts, and Theme Parks operate as three seperate entities. Seems that they don't communicate to each other very well. Anyway decide to purchase Ultimate Park Hoppers. Again was told by CRO that Disney Club discount could be used. Lo and behold, even though the Disney Club will run through December 2003, you can no longer get discounts on Park Tickets as Front Desk of resorts.

So on to the room. 3rd floor lagon/water view, non-smoking. Opened the door and last guests must have smoked non-stop the room reeked and I immediately felt sick. When luggage arrived, we called front desk, they changed our room to first floor. Not a good a view, but the first floor of Beach Club has just been renovated. They gutted the rooms and they are really nice.

We unpaked rested and they decided to walk to Epcot. Walked around World Showcase. Stopped in Mexico for a Fiesta Margarita (Love those things). Not such a great idea, having woken up at 4:00 am and only eating Airplane snacks. :) Headed back to Beach Club, had a hamburger at Beaches and Cream and went back to room to sleep.

I need to unpack, so the rest will have to wait.

Disneynut
 
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tiggerlover1971

tiggerlover1971

New Member
i hate people who have a NON-SMOKING ROOM and smoke in it anyways cant people read and if you dont want a non smoking room then tell them you want a smoking room people can be so inconsiderate
 
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D

Disneynut

New Member
Original Poster
Originally posted by CAPTAIN HOOK
Hey, don't apologise..............I feel just the same way. Makes me wonder why the housekeeping staff didn't say or do something :mad:
Click to expand...

I don't think housekeeping could have done anything. The smell was really bad.
 
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D

Disneynut

New Member
Original Poster
Day Two - Sunday

Sunday was the day of the Disney Marathon. Those runners are either dedicated or crazy. The temp. was about 40 when they started running, and did not get much warmer. They had to arrive at the starting line by 4:00 am for a 6:00 am start.

We went to Epcot and watched some of the runners. The groups we saw were having a great time. We even saw one person who did the whole race backwards.

After picking up a Magical Moment Pin, since I left my other ones at home, we headed to Spaceship Earth. There was a couple in fromt of us and the woman stopped to read the warning signs. Continued on to the ride. Just as we reached the beginning of the hill, the woman decides to make a jump out of the car, it seemed as if she had a panic attack. Well, the ride of course jerked to a halt and she goes running out the exit. And we sit, and we sit, and we sit for about 20 minutes. Finally the ride started again, I did not mind the screens at the beginning, I don't think they distract that much.

Next went to Test Track, Journey into Your Imagination with Figment (Better than the previous try, but not as good as the original). Next to the Land then onto World Showcase. Did El Rio Tiempo, Malestrom and Wonders of China. Went back to rest in the room and returned to Epcot for dinner in Germany and to watch ToD and RoE. They really need a new parade, it was so sad to see ToN reduced to a parade that only goes from Germany to Morocco. On the other hand RoE was fantastic, all the effects from opening meteor to fire barge worked beautifully.
 
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B

Becky

Active Member
Originally posted by CAPTAIN HOOK
Hey, don't apologise..............I feel just the same way. Makes me wonder why the housekeeping staff didn't say or do something :mad:
Click to expand...

Housekeeping isn't going to say anything to the smokers for the same reason no CM says anything to smokers in lines or to line jumpers etc. When you are making $6-8 an hour you are going to just do the basics of your job. You are not going to confront people.

WDW doesn't seem to be interested in stopping the above either. They want the money. Hence mass line jumping by tour groups.

The smoking rooms were probably booked so the people took the non-smoking and being jerks smoked in the room rather than stepping outside.

By the by, Most of those $6-8 an hour CM's treat guests like royality. I don't think they should have to confront "rude" guests. Let some of the high paid higher ups start to enforce the rules.
 
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Becky

Active Member
Disneynut,

Someone posted on another thread that there was no China movie in December. Is that correct? I know both they and Canada want new movies. :)
 
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orangefan15

orangefan15

New Member
Originally posted by Becky
Disneynut,

Someone posted on another thread that there was no China movie in December. Is that correct? I know both they and Canada want new movies. :)
Click to expand...


I went in early December and the movie in China was showing. They are currently working on filming a new movie, though. I believe I read that its supposed to be updated either this summer or fall.
 
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D

Disneynut

New Member
Original Poster
Day Three - Monday

Off to Animal Kingdom. Arrived just after park opening and headed right for Kilamanjaro Safari. Walked on, and due to the cooler weather it seemed as if there were more animals and they were active. Saw both a lion and lioness and for the first time the warthogs were out in the open. Hopefully, they will work on the storyline, the poaching story is getting old and really has lost something since they took out the jeep that used to "fire" at the ride vehicles. Next off to the Pangani Trail to see the Gorillas. Again the animals esp. the Meerkats and Gorillas were very active.

Then off to Rafaki's Planet Watch (Conservation Station). Nice relaxing train ride but not much happening inside the exhibit.

Returned to Africa and headed for Dinoland. Stopped to watch DeVine, she is awesome, then continued to Dinoland. The new area is certainly different. Sure its tacky and cheap looking but that is what it's suppossed to be. Rode Dinosaur (I thought the ride was much rougher than I remember from our last visit, but I could be wrong.) Next we rode Primeval Whirl, the ride was neat but not my favorite (I don't like rides that spin). Our car did not spin too much so I was ok. Not sure if I will ride again though.

Then had lunch at Flame Tree Barbeque. The restaurants at AK have instituted a new program called "Meal Plus". For $12.00 you get your entree and drink and then two coupons, one for a popcorn or ice cream and another for a soda or bottled water. Did not see this offered at other parks but would like to see Disney expands this program.

After lunch saw Tarzans Rocks!!! Love that show esp. the actor who plays Tarzan :).

Then off to It's Tough to Be a Bug. The Maharajah Jungle Trek (animals esp. Tigers very active, too cold for Komodo Dragon to be out.) Did not ride Kali River Rapids (too chilly). Disney had set up a heat blower at end of the ride for guests to dry off. Then saw Flights of Wonder, neat show. Ended the day by watching Mickey's Jammin' Jungle Parade.

After a stop at the resort we were off to Downtown Disney for some shopping. Ate a Wolfgang's Puck at Westside. Good food, but there was a table of very rude and rowdy young guys who eneded their meal by throwing up right at the table. Thankfully we were already done eating.

After dinner stopped at DisneyQuest and then got a wonderful Candy Apple at Candy Cauldron.
 
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Katherine

Katherine

Well-Known Member
Great Trip Report!! I went in Novmeber and we rode Kilamanjaro Safari's in the morning and we also saw so many more animals I got some great pictures of the elephants.
 
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pepsistar

New Member
:lookaroun :( Oh my----- glad you were done eating--- Did they pay the bill ??

On the smoking--- that is really bad!! We had the same problem, had to change rooms 2 times becuse of the smell-- SHAME ON THEM!! My daughter smokes when she comes with us but ALWAYS goes outside the room to do soo--- tsk tsk!!!!!

Whats next??? :D Any pictures???
 
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D

Disneynut

New Member
Original Poster
Day Four - Tuesday

Disney-MGM Studios

Arrived just a little past opening. Headed right for ToT. What can I say Tower of Terror 4 is awesome. We rode it twice and had two different experiences. First one was with the ghosts at the end, second time was with the breaking window. I don't remember the exact up and downs but it is a wonderful improvement. Next rode RnR. Sat in the second row. I love RnR but I don't think I want to sit in the front car again. You can see the track and that made me a little queasy.

Off to GMR, they were only running one of the two trams, stopping at the gangster scence. Still a great ride. I hope they don't close it, maybe just a rehab.

On to Millionaire. As always great show. At the end of the show I would have been the next person in hot seat.

Rode Star Tours and saw the Muppets. Then lunch at Prime Time Cafe. I love that restaurant.

After lunch went on Backstage Tour. Due to the cold weather the water special effects tanks was not working. Also noticed that on the backside of Catastrophe Canyon they have removed the Air Cannons. (They used to be painted green and the host/hostess would say that a basketball could be shot over the Empire State Building if placed in one.)

Stayed for the Stars and Motorcars Parade, not as good as AK parade but still neat.

Back to room to rest and then off to MK for SpectroMagic. The parade was at 6:15. We got to bus stop at 5:00 and waited and waited and waited. MK bus finally arrived at 5:30. Picks us up and heads to Boardwalk which was fine. But then the driver did something strange. He made a left out of Boardwalk instead of right and drove back past Beach/Yahct Club and Swan/Dolphin then onto highway where he proceeded to drive 10 miles slower then speed limit. We did not arrive at MK bus depot until 6:00. Had to run in order to see parade. SpectroMagic is still awesome.

After the parade we took the Monorail to Epcot. Ate a quick dinner at Tangerine Cafe in Morocco (Awesome food) and saw RoE for a second time.
 
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D

Disneynut

New Member
Original Poster
Day Five - Wednesday

Magic Kingdom
First warm day of our trip. Arrived on the bus right before opening. Character arrive at Main Street on board the train to the song from Dumbo. (Casey Jr.).
Went to tommorwland and rode Buzz Lightyear, I scored 999,999. Next rode Space Mountain and did Alien Encounter. While I like AE for its uniqueness, I kind of am looking forward to the revamp with Stich.
Next off to Fantasyland, rode Pooh, Snow White, Peter Pan and IASW.
Moved on to Liberty Square and rode Haunted Mansion. Love the new tombstone. Noticed on that audio on HM and some other attractions has been updated. Much clearer narration and backround sounds.

Decided to have lunch at Diamond Horseshoe. Suprised to find out that they stopped serving sandwiches. CM told us to go to Columbia House and bring food back from there, which we did. Saw the show and had a nice rest. Next went to check line for BTM. Line was extremely long, due to the cool weather and no one riding Splash Mountain.

Ended the day with a nice romantic meal at San Angel Inn.
 
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D

Disneynut

New Member
Original Poster
Day 6 - Thursday

Finally a nice warm day. I think the high was 75. We drove to Daytona Beach to watch the shuttle launch. Truly awesome, I have seen launches before but my other half has never seen one. He really thought it was amazing. Only downside was that our digital camera went on the fritz on the way there so no pics. :(

After the launch we returned to WDW and rested by the pool. In the evening we went to shop at Downtown Disney. Had dinner at Fulton's and then after a quick trip to DisneyQuest on to PI.

Spent most of the evening at Adventurer's Club. The best club on PI, IMHO. Stayed for "New Year's Eve" and was very disappointed. There was no show leading up to midnight just videos playing with a countdown clock. Then at midnight they set off maybe ten fireworks and no confetti. I hope this was done due to the wind a low crowds.

Went to get the bus back to Beach Club and experienced some Disney Magic. A bus pulled up and asked where we were going, we told the driver where and he said hop on. He also took a couple to Boardwalk and a couple going to Grand Floridian.
 
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D

Disneynut

New Member
Original Poster
Day Seven - Friday

Slept in after staying out late. We had seen everything, only missed out on Typhoon Lagoon, but too cold to go there. Decided to go back to Disney-MGM Studios. Rode TnT again and then Millionaire and once again at the end of the show I would have been the next person in the hot seat. We went back for the next show and I really messed up the questions. Wasn't even the top ten. Oh well always next trip.

Headed to MK, grabbed a hot dog at Casey's and headed to Frointerland to watch the parade. Noticed an increase in the crowd size. Saw the parade. Not as good as the parades at AK or Studios.

Left MK took Monorail to TTC and off to Epcot for dinner at Le Cellier. Had a PS for 6:00 and still had to wait for a table, very crowded. There was a problem with our order and the steaks came out way overcooked. The server was very apologetic and even the manager came over. Ended up getting a 50% discount on our meal.

After dinner headed back to Beach Club.
 
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