After a 1077 mile auto trip, we hit Pop Century at 10:15 AM June 20th. Don, and everyone else, I highly recommend using the online pre-registration found on the my vacation link at DisneyWorld.com. You can register up to 10 days before your trip. When you get to your resort, there's a special sign you look for, and wait there in a queue. There was only one other guest in front of us, and another clerk quickly called us over. Within three minutes, I had everything I needed, including our room key/park tickets, and all the resort info to boot. Naturally, the room wasn't ready, but she let us know we were in building 1 on the second floor. At 3 o'clock, we came back, and boy was the regular queue filled, but we only had 3 guest in front of us and got our room in 5 minutes.
First on our list of parks, was the Magic Kingdom the next day, since Zachary wanted to go swimming in one of the three pools in the resort that first day. If Disney is having a down year, you couldn't tell it from the rides or shops, which were all filled with paying guest.It may have been from the discounts Disney offered, but suprisingly, not many of the guests I talked to, even knew about them. As suggested, we headed counter-clockwise in the park, and found Jungle Cruise empty(5 minute wait), wonder why? Afterwards, I asked Zachary to rate JC on a 1-10 scale, sorry TH, but he gave it a 3, wonder why?
Next, we headed to POTC, again only a 5 minute wait, wonder why? Guess what James, he gave the guys with guyliner a 7, sorry again TH. Buy the time we got to Splash Mt. and Big Thunder Mt, the lines were forming. By afternoon, they were in the 90-100 minute range. Buzz, Speedway and the other rides were in the 60 minute range. Since we've been coming down to Disney/Universl for the past six years, we only stay until about 4 or 5 in the afternoon and then leave to go swimming. Oh I forgot, the heat index was 114.
Next we hit Animal Kingdom, we hit the Yeti first, 25 minutes, then the safari, a Bugs' Life and the Lion King Show, and then we left. Heat index, 118, boy that pool at Pop Century sure felt good.
The third day of any vacation in Florida is always a down day from the parks for us. We hit Typhoon Lagoon until 1 o'clock, heat index 112, so the crowd came and we left for the movies at Pleasure Island. Transformers is a good 4 out of a 5 stars rating and I plan to buy the DVD when it comes out. After the movies, we went to Disney Quest for a good 3 hours, and yes, I have fun there playing some of my old favorite video games(Space Invaders,Pac-Man, etc)plus the new ones.
We went to Hollywood Studios the next day, and went straight to Toy Story. At 9:08 AM, it had a 40 minute wait, by afternoon, 90-100 minutes. Most of the rides like Star Tours, had a 50-60 minute wait and after getting two new Light Sabres(red & blue) we left, heat index 114, where's the bathing suit? Oh I forgot, I got a fastpass for TS after we got out, return time 2:30-3:30.
Went to Epcot next, by the time we got over to Sorin(9:28 AM) it had a 50 minute wait so we got a fastpass 2:15-3:15. By that time, it went to 100 minutes. We went to Honey and Imagination, short wait times(20 & 5 minutes). We crossed over to Test Track (90 minutes) to look at the new cars(Vette & Camaro), sure would like to get the ZO6 or the Transformer Camaro, but I already have a great car, a Pontiac Firehawk(car #51 out of only 165 made I believe). Mission Space was out of this world if I saw the time right(120 minutes). We've done the back part of Epcot several times in the past, so we skipped it this trip, heat index 112 again, ouch, that concrete is hot, wonder if I can fry an egg it, oh well Zack, lets go back to Pop Century for something to eat.
Down day again, Blizzard Beach was a bust, got a nasty thunderstorm and decided to leave by 11:30. Saw the movie UP (3 out of 5 stars) and then spent 3 more hours at Disney Quest. Went swimming again, heat index 114, Zack pass me a Dole Whip (highly recommended).
Universal Studio got our attention, boy was that place empty for most of the morning. We walked right into the Simpson ride, Zachary liked the ride, it was a bust for me. I thought it was a new ride, not a makeover of Back to the Future. I don't recommend it for older people since it knocks you around a lot more than BTTF. The show itself was entertaining, but it's to rough. We always like Men in Black, so we went on twice, no wait time. Jaws had a 15 minute wait by now, and when we got to Diaster, it had a 30 minute wait. As stated before, the pre-show has changed, but the ride is the same. We skipped ROTM, because the one and only time we rode it. I got hurt from being bounced around sitting above the right rear wheel, and ended up going to the hospital. We hit Shrek and Johnny Neutron, 20 minute waits for both rides. Boy do I remember the 90-120 minute waits not to long ago. We decided to leave and went swimming again.
We hit Islands of Adventure the next day, skipped Hulk because Zachary still hasn't gone upside down yet, and The Hulk's intimidating to a ten year old. Went on Spiderman(50 minute wait) always love to go on Spidey. Dudley was a 30 minute wait when we got in the queue, but was up to 75 by the time we got off. Bluto's Raft was a 15 minute wait, and did that water ever feel good. Jurassic Park was (50 minutes wait), got wet there too, so we changed into dry clothes afterwards. I highly recommend taking dry clothes along, even in hot weather. Nothing like feeling wet underwear the rest of the day, huh!!! Hit Poseidon's Fury after that,(60 minute wait), what happened to the water tunnel? It wasn't on. Went on Cat in the Hat as we were leaving. I always wondered why they have that as a kids ride with the way it whips you around. Swimming, here we come!!!!
Down day again Typhoon, movies, Star Trek(3 of 5 stars), Disney Quest 2 1/2 hours.
Over the next few days we go to Ripleys Believe it or not, Medieval Times and the cruise at Old Town, Hollywood Studio and Epcot.
As July 4th arrives, Zachary is excited about releasing a balloon with his note to Nanny up there. As I looked at it with his permission, I got tears in my eyes, because of what he had written. The Magic Kingdom was very crowded, that's why I go, I love to talk to people from all over the world. It's now 8 o'clock and I sent Zachary to get a balloon for the baggie that held the note. While he was gone, I explained to the people around me what he was going to do. By now, the place was packed in front of the castle. The families closest to me, one was from Canada, one from Japan, one from Ohio,one from Hawaii and one from Spain. The family from Spain couldn't speak any English, so another person translated to them what Zachary was going to do. The wife became upset and began to cry, and explained to the translator that her mother, her childrens' grandmother had just passed away in late April. She thought what Zachary was going to do was so wonderful, as she talked to her two girls in Spanish. Needless to say, the whole crowd around us cheered and clapped as Zachary left the balloon go. And guess what, it floated right over the castle, as I video taped the whole thing. I know Zachary healed a lot that night, so did I. The fireworks were great as always on the 4th, but as you all know, the day ended tragically with the death of Austin. We left the Magic Kingdom at 11:30 PM, just 2 1/2 hours before his death. It sure was a shock to everyone down there, Rest In Peace Austin.
As an ending thought, of all the people I asked if this was their first trip to Disney World, guess what, 3 out of 4 said yes, and I asked over 100 people. So for all you guys and gals out there who are tired of the same old things at Disney World, 75% of those I asked, never saw any of the rides, parades,or shows, it's all new to them. Someone once asked Elvis if he still got butterflies in his stomach before a show. He answered yes, because most of the audience never saw him live and he wanted to put on the best show he could. The same is true about Disney World, it all new to a lot of people too.
Hope this wasn't to long folks, Thanks for reading!!!! :)
Incidentally, if you get a chance, go to Disneyland sometime and ride the original POTC. Zach would give it a 9/10, I'll warrant!
And UP only gets a 3/5 while Transformers gets a 4/5?! Puh-lease!
Very nice stuff with remembering your ex wife (Nana). It sounded like a fantastic idea with the cross and the balloon release. I am almost crying over here ! Did you tell Disney about it? I think you have the most intersting "celebration" while at Disney World. I don't mean to offend, but you truly celebrated her life!
What a powerful story! Good work!
That was a great idea with the balloons. It's funny that you saw "Up" just days before - I'm picturing you and Zachary as Carl Fredricksen and Russell. Hope that doesn't make you feel too old!
What's NOT funny is that Transformers 1-upped Up - really? Really? I saw both, which inspired 2 questions:
1) Can Pixar make a bad film?
2) Can Michael Bay make a good one?
I'd give Up a 4.5 and Transformers a 1.5. But I digress ...
I completely agree with your final paragraph regarding first-timer Orlando visitors. Like critics of any medium, we Insiders enjoy the benefit of constant exposure to high-caliber entertainment. Anton Ego, the food critic antagonist in Ratatouille, summarizes my thoughts quite nicely:
"In many ways, the work of a critic is easy. We risk very little yet enjoy a position over those who offer up their work and their selves to our judgment. We thrive on negative criticism, which is fun to write and to read. But the bitter truth we critics must face, is that in the grand scheme of things, the average piece of junk is probably more meaningful than our criticism designating it so."
Glad to see you had a great time.
Agree with James and Joshua. I can't stand Michael Bay. After the first Transformers, I pretty much decided to never see another of his films again. On the other hand, Up is another tremendous Pixar film that evokes Miyasaki and Fitzcarraldo. Looks great in 3D.
No need to apologize for the weather, James. Unless you can control that too. Will wonders never cease.
Anthony, I'm waiting for a response from Disney after sending them the story two days ago. The Spanish woman was sitting on the curb with her family, daughters aged 8 & 11 years old. If I had not been in a wheelchair, I would have leaned down to hug her and comfort her on her loss.
Tim, thanks for your thoughts, it was a healing experience. Not only is Nanny next to his heart, I told Zachary that the chain was like having Nannys' arms around his neck giving him a great big hug.
Joshua, I made a big mistake with my daughter, trying to cram to much into one vacation. So with Zack, I always plan a third day as a down day for swimming,shopping,movies,playing videos or what ever we like. That's why my trips are always two weeks or longer. Takes a lot of planning and saving money.
Raul, talk about crowds, we weren't in a shop or restaurant that the money or plastic was not flying around and the lines 4 to 6 deep.
And now to the burning question. James,Anthony,
Joshua and Raul. I gave Transformer that rating and Zachary gave UP his rating. I never said I thought Michaels' acting was great. You guys look at a movie one way and I look at it another way. I've been into special effects since I was a kid, many,many,many years ago. And now that CG is the in thing, I've fallen in love with that art form too. The first color movie(yes color, remember my age)the first color movie I fell in love with for special effects was Forbidden Planet. Anyone remember that classic?
Anyway, Zachary agrees with my rating, because the CG work in Transformers is outstanding. With over 300 million in sales already, I guess there's a lot of other CG fans out there too. If it was as bad as you guys make it to be, word of mouth would have killed it after the first weekend. But with 300 million in the registers, others must like it like we both did guys. The last figures I saw, only one other movie has grossed more this early and that was The Dark Knight, good company I'd say. But they say that the latest Potter film might pass both of them out. Oh well, to each his own. Thanks for the kind thoughts. :)
My family too takes breaks when we go down there in which we do not go to a park, but rather the marketplace, a water park, movie, and usually at night: a dinner show or dinner at a resort.
That memorial to Nana in the middle of the MK does remind me of Up and I think Disney should really take note of a new, different, and bittersweet way to celebrate at Disney World.
BTW, I was asked if it was my first time at WDW (of course not), but there was a change in questioning when I was there to spark conversations. I went last week of May and the first week of June. Anyway, in June, they started to ask how the vacation was SO FAR. I found that facinating.
I also, a few years back, did a seminar that Disney put on at a local Community College and they shared some of their statistics they found out about their average guest. Bascially, they said that an average family saves up for Disney world for 5 years and basically return every 8 years!
And when I was down there, it seemed that there was no recession either. Sure, discounts were given, but its still as popular as ever. I think they hit gold with the "What will you celebrate?" because usually its something that is not too expensive to put on or celebrate.
BTW, I celebrated getting a new job (I got the phone call of the Carosel of Progress!)
And what is so bad about Transformers people?
So just remember Don, one mans' treasure is another mans' trash. Right now I'm trying to go through my mothers' pictures. She wasn't able to idenify the people in them before she passed away, so I guess I'll just have to throw them away, unless my daughter wants them. So plan what's going to happen to your collection.
And great reports on your part too Don, boy do vacations ever go by so quickly, huh?
And Eli, I can enjoy your joke, but just remember, the Super Dooper Looper was the second looping coaster in the United States back then(first on the east coast). In it's hay day, people were afraid to ride it because of the fear of falling out of it, on that silly little loop. So joke all you want Eli, but I would have loved to have seen the expression on your face, had you had the nerve to ride it back then. :)
Sounds like you all had a really great time. I know what you mean about being in the parks when it's that hot. The concrete jungle intensifies that heat doesn't it. I remember being at EPCOT in May 2006 and everyone was down to a snail's pace during freakishly hot weather.
Our plan at AK and MK was to do a water ride followed by a coaster........you really cool off that way.
Haven't seen Transfomers 2 but the fact that I fell asleep during the first one says it all. Want to see "Up" though.
Oh...My wife just reminded me that I fell asleep during another movie too......now don't hate me please............Harry Potter's first outing sent me to the land of Zzzzzzzzzzzzz.
It's one of those films that has all the elements to hold my attention but, for some reason, it doesn't. Although I amreally looking forward to IOA's new area .......that's different.
Now I'll sit quietly gripped by a film like Gran Torino ( plot, script and no CGI ). Let's have a Dirty Harry Land at Universal.
A-hem.........sorry Bob. Got carried away there. Back to your thread........it's been a joy reading your trip report and await one from your next visit.
Boy Eli, well over 300 million dollars earned, and people are still taking pot shots at the movie, go figure?
One thing's for sure........I never fall asleep when I'm on TPI.......or on a ride !!
But with movies.......if the film fails to hold my attention in the cosy warmth of a cinema seat then sometimes I'll doze off. I bet there were lots of us snoring our way through the seemingly endless 1st Potter film. ( I only went to the first one ) . Maybe I need to watch HP on DVD in small bite-sized chunks....with my wife bringing me cups of espresso every 20 minutes.
Saw " Public Enemies" last night and 140 mins whooshed by because it was entertaining.
But you make a good point there Eli........maybe you should open a thread :
Have you ever slept through a ride ?
I've never been on a ride and fallen asleep... i've been on a ride TRYING to get to sleep, because of how boring it was (joker's jinx!!!).
Oh, people scared of coasters but are forced on them by their friends (my mom: my brother and I) usually close their eyes. closing your eyes just makes it rougher, scarier, "cooler", etc. When you have your eyes shut, you don't know where you're going (especially if you're scared of it and never been on it). When my friend and I went to SFA the other day, we had MORE fun by closing our eyes throughout superman! then i like it how it's all blue when you open your eyes after the minute and a half... heeheheheh...
