Our Xmas Extravaganza: Day 6 updated!
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wdwlovers · 01-02-2005, 10:02 PM

Great update!! Looking forward to more!

princess wannabe · 04-02-2005, 09:21 PM

I'm back! I've fallen down on my trip reporting duties but I want to complete this so I can have a record of our memories. So on with the show....

Day Three:

We got up early because we had a PS at the Confisco Grille in IOA. We were eating with Spiderman! We arrived at 9:00 and realized we were the first guests at the character breakfast. We got extra attention and Spiderman came and chatted for about 10 minutes. He was cool and, in tell ya, you've got to be in shape to wear that suit

. We ate the buffet and met Wolverine (he remembered us from yesterday!), Popeye, and the Cat in the Hat. It was really a fun experience and not crowded at all. All the characters came around several times. I would recommend it to anyone who likes the Universal characters.

After breakfast we ran to Spiderman since DS told Spidey he would ride his ride first. DS wore the glasses this time and we liked this ride even better the 2nd time around. We moved on to the Lost Continent section of the park which we hadn't seen yesterday. There was the coolest talking fountain outside of the Sinbad show. He would yell to people passing by and carry on a conversation with anyone who was around. He could also shoot water out of his top and make a really impressive shower. He would yell, "Back up" before he did it but people always ended up getting sprayed

. DS walked up to him because he saw another kid getting asked questions. DH went with him and the fountain asked him 3 pretty easy trivia questions. He answered them all correctly so the fountain said he would get a prize. He told him to have his dad stand on a certain crack in the sidewalk and then he sprayed him right in the chest. It was hilarious! DS still talks about it all the time. After playing with the fountain we walked into a tent where they were selling pressed coin necklaces. DS really wanted one so he chose a dragon and good luck design. The guy selling them was really great and totally made a production out the it. He gave DS a free cord to go with it because he was the first customer of the day. There was a huge weight on a pulley and DS got to crank it up and let it go which made the metal design press onto the coin. He drew quite a crowd while he was doing this and everyone admired his necklace. He absolutely loved this and wore it the rest of the trip. It was totally worth the $12.00.

Next we went to the Flying Unicorn, a kiddie coaster, and rode it 3 times back to back. After that we went into Posiden's Fury not really knowing what it was. It turned out to be a cool show where you were "locked" in a cave when the evil spirit put a curse on you. We traveled through several room and even a water tunnel (cool effect!) before the final battle with fire, water and loud explosions. It was pretty neat and DS loved it. We ran to the next Sinbad Stunt show which was also very cool. It had great stunts and was very funny too! And that Sinbad, hubba-hubba

.

We moved on the Seussland where we got in line for Grinchmas. Now, we had no idea what this was but everyone said we had to do it. We thought it was a walk through exhibit or something. Well, once we were in line they announced that the wait was 30 minutes and people started leaving. We figured that meant the wait wasn't 30 minutes anymore so we stayed. We wound through a mock-up of the Grinch's house and finally reached a point where we were being held up by a CM. All of a sudden, BAM, the Grinch's head appears around the corner and we are stunned. He looks just like Jim Carrey in the movie. I mean, that was the best character costume I have ever seen. He yells, "Come on, hurry up!" and pulls DS in. His face was priceless! He gets us in line for a photo with him all the while making fun. He said that DH looked grumpy and put his arm around me saying, "That's ok, hot stuff, you stand by me". He also kept telling DS to smile bigger, bigger, bigger so the picture turned out absolutely hysterical. Of course, we had to buy it. They have quite the racket going on with that but it was worth it, when do you ever get to be harassed by the real Grinch???

DS got a snack of chicken fingers at If I Ran the Zoo. They looked a little pink but I thought I was being paranoid. Note: This will come back to haunt us later!

We left IOA and ran through US to ride Men In Black two more times. Then, as we were leaving, DH talked DS into riding the Mummy promising a souvenir in the shop afterward. We jumped straight on and had an awesome ride. It had absolutely fantastic special effects and a fast dark coaster. Very well done. DS survived, a little shaken but fine and picked a dig your own prize out of a Egyptian pyramid as a toy. We headed back to the hotel to change for MVMCP.

Bundled up complete with hat, gloves, and orange fleece and drove to MK. We were herded into Tomorrowland and given a bracelet. It was packed so we rode the TTA twice to get out of the crowds. After being freed into the rest of the park we ran to Frontierland to catch a ride on Big Thunder Mountain. DS loved this and we ran around to ride again. On this trip through the line we were kind of stuck in the middle of a big party. One of the ladies up ahead told the others in the back to "jump the bars and come up here" to which the older lady replied, "who do you think I am, the Alias???" It cracked us up and we let them through so she didn't have to do any stunts.

We ran to Splash and rode it with a short line and then the crowds really started to grow. We were hungry so we grabbed some burgers at Pecos Bills. After that we stopped for our free cookies and cocoa and people watched for awhile. We waited about 15 minutes to ride the Haunted Mansion which we all absolutely love. We cut through Fantasyland and it was packed. No thank you, don't want to ride anything that bad!

DS wanted to ride the Indy Cars and the wait was 20 minutes so he and DH ran in. I did some shopping and started getting nervous because the fireworks were set to start any minute. I staked out a spot by the cars and watched by myself. I was getting teary eyed (I just love the narrative and soundtrack) and a lady next to me said, "I know, dear" and patted me a little. How sweet! DS and DH came out right as they were ending and didn't even care that they missed it - heathens!!

We headed to the castle for the Xmas show and got a good seat in the grass near the front. Problem? The first few rows of adults would not sit down. We could not figure out why and all the kids behind couldn't see. As it started people started yelling to sit down, etc. and finally most did. However, right in front of us was one lady who just stood with her arms crossed and ignored everyone. Why?? A nice woman asked if DS wanted to sit by her so he could see better so he moved a few feet for a much better view. Some people - sheesh. After the show, which was cute but pretty long for singing and dancing snowmen, etc., we tried to ride Pirates but there was a 30 minutes wait. Nope.

Rode the Carpets and found a parade spot close to Pecos Bills. We actually got to sit on some barrels right under a store awning and had a good view, plus were off our feet. DS and I loved the parade, I think DH fell asleep

.

DS begged for Buzz so we criss-crossed the park once again and rode twice with about a 10 minute wait each time. We noticed that there was a picture spot with a short line (the park was about to close) so we ran in and got our free pic taken. It turned out great even though my hair was a bit frizzy from Splash! We walked slowly down Main Street as it snowed and I tried to burn that picture into my memory. It was so beautiful and I was in a place I love with DS who loves it too. Tears again.

We got in a traffic jam going home and didn't get to the Hard Rock until 1:30. We were dead tired and fell right to sleep. At 4:00 DS woke up and started throwing up. Ick. I'll spare you the details but suffice it to say that the pink chicken fingers made several appearances before morning. Poor DS

. He did feel better in the morning so there was a happy ending.

Next: Sleeping in, Irish Pub, and "I'll be back"

**Caldercup** · 04-03-2005, 05:32 PM

Ugh - the attack of the pink chicken fingers!! Glad to hear DS got it out of his system and felt better!

Great TR - can't wait for more
Eileen

princess wannabe · 04-03-2005, 08:49 PM

After the attack of the pukey chicken fingers we let DS sleep as late as he wanted. That turned out to be close to 9:30. DH and I had been up for awhile just reading and watching the news on TV. We decided to take it easy and make sure DS was 100% so I went downstairs and bought some Sprite and bottled water while DS tentatively ate some cereal we brought from home. After he had a little breakfast and something to drink he decided he was all better.

We hung out in the room until about 11:30 and then decided to head over to Universal for lunch. DH and I wanted to eat at the Irish pub, Finnegans. We rode the water taxi to save DS the walking and went straight into US and Finnegans.
We started by ordering a flight of Irish beers which was 6 different beers in 4 oz. tasting glasses. You got to keep one of the glasses at the end, plus you could order any of the choices as a full beer for 1/2 price. We really enjoyed tasting them all and DH and I chose our favorite and got a 12 oz. for $2.00 a piece. What a bargain! We ordered a Dublin Pie (DH), a chicken and leek pie (me), and mac & cheese for DS. We all loved our meals! DS played another game of pinball as we finished our beer and then we were off.

First stop was the Beetlejuice Graveyard Review. Now, DS really liked this but I think DH and I actually rolled our eyes out of our heads during the show. It was reaaaaaaly corny, definitely for the kiddos. I mean, Frankenstein and Dracula were dancing

.

We headed to Jaws and DS was a little hesitant. We convinced him and used FOL to get on in less than 5 minutes. This was a cute ride but not really scary. Well, DS was scared the first time the shark jumped out but by the end he was shooting an imaginary gun at it and pronouncing the whole thing, "COOL!" We went back to Men In Black for 2 more back to back rides and then to ET for our second go. I just love it! The cute little ET babies, the swooping around on a bike, it's just plain fun! DH is still rolling his eyes as I type this so I guess he doesn't quite agree. I guess "cute" isn't his idea of a good ride

.

We did a ride on Woody's Nuthouse coaster which is basically Goofy's Barnstormer with a substitute driver. After that we went to Curious George's play area. Now, this was cool! A huge enclosure with air guns that shoot foam balls everywhere plus pulleys and vacuums to scoop up the balls so you can do it all again. Add a water play area and you get an hour of fun! We all had a blast. On the way out we stopped at the Terminator 2 show. Now that is some cool 3D. Very, very interesting and combines live action and a movie plus smoke, explosions, and robots. DS said it was "awesome"! I'd highly recommend it, it's really unique.

By this time the park was about to close so we did some shopping. DS got a Mr. Spongebob head which was Mr. Potato head minus the potato, add Spongebob. It came with all sorts of fun accessories. We were starving so we left the park and went to the Hard Rock Cafe. We got a table quickly with out hotel room key, another perk! We ordered various appetizers and enjoyed a drink while DS played with Spongebob. We didn't finish our meal until close to 9:00 and DS was beat from his restless night. We went back to the hotel and went quickly to sleep. I wanted everyone to be fresh and be able to get up bright and early for our check in at ANIMAL KINGDOM LODGE!!!!!! I was so excited

!

Next: An Osborne/Fantasmic evening and "Is this really our room???"

Cinderbrella · 04-03-2005, 09:40 PM

Great update to your report! It sounds like Universal has some really awesome rides. I'm glad that your son is feeling better after eating those nasty chicken fingers.

I can't wait to

about AK. More please!!

zacksmom_1993 · 04-04-2005, 07:25 PM

I'm just catching up with your trip report, and I'm enjoying it so much. I can't wait to hear abour your room at AKL. Thanks for sharing!

Karen

**Colexis Mom** · 04-04-2005, 08:50 PM

More great updates

Sorry your DS got sick, but sounds like he bounced back really fast

Can't wait to hear all about AKL

princess wannabe · 12-09-2005, 11:01 PM

I have decided that I will quit slacking and actually finish this report! We want to go back the first week in January so I want to put this to rest.

We woke up the next morning very early - around 7:00 a.m. We were all excited about moving to Disney property. We drove the rental car to Animal Kingdom Lodge and parked in the guest lot. It was quite a walk to the lobby so DH offered to get the luggage while DS and I ran ahead to check in. Bless him! There was a very short wait and we were talking to a wonderful CM about our new "home". He did a lot of typing into the computer and then the dreaded words - "Your room is not ready"....but!.....I'm sure you will be pleased. Huh? I was optimistic yet baffled. We took our room number and card and promised to call after 4:00 p.m. Ds and I skipped to meet Dh and regaled him with stories of how much the CM liked us and how cool our room was sure to be. To backtrack...the lobby of the AKL was the most beautiful thing I had ever seen. I was awestruck and walked around for awhile before going to the counter. DS and I were practically giddy (when else can you say that but at Disney!!!). DH checked the luggage with bell services and we went to the food court for a breakfast of bagel sandwiches (favorites since our first trip) and pancakes. Then we were off to DS-MGM. We got in an hour or so after opening and ran for a FP to RNR which DS was determined to go on. Since there was a long line we backtracked to Star Tours and rode with only a 10 minute wait. DS loved this as much as he did on his first ride at 4 years old. We walked right in to the Muppets and I tried to find the key under the mat. DH ignored me like I was a crazy woman and DS followed me around asking "What are you doing?". Unfortunately, I was the crazy searching woman who found nothing and looked like a loon! Maybe next time... We love this show as we did last visit and we quickly walked to RNR for our fastpasses. DS was hesitant but determined. I was nervous, as I always am on thrill rides, but trying to act breezy. We had a big discussion about the "wimps" who screan on take off.

Then it's our turn. We board about midway back in the car and wait for the green light. I hold DS's arm (his hand is gripping the handle for dear life) and off we go. I scream like a woman possessed and hold on to DS because, for some reason, I'm sure he's too little and is going to fly out of the restraints. When we "land" he is all smiles and asks me to kindly release his arm. Uh..sure... The picture is hilarious with DS looking totally bored and me screaming my head off. He pronounced the ride fun but a "yawn". Whatever, cool kid. In the giftshop he picked out some RNR drumsticks to commemorate his first high speed looping coaster. He plays with them to this day and they are a cherished part of his Disney trip.

After this we run to the Indiana Jones Stunt Show show and DS loves it. DH and I roll our eyes at each other and comment on how similar it is to the last 2 times we saw it. I think the "shill" thing loses it's appeal after too many viewings. But, DS loved it. We also pulled the rope in the well and it worked! People were looking at us like we're crazy but we got a huge giggle out of it. Fun!

After this we headed for our Fantasmic dinner package at Hollywood and Vine. The food was good but not awesome. DS loved the dessert bar and make you own sundaes. Worth the cost to us! We headed to Fantasmic and got a good seat. DH went and got us a beer and soda and we held out for a good 30 minutes before purchasing a light up toy (yeah, you all know what I mean!) The show was brilliant as always and DS seemed to really grasp the plot and root for Mickey which made DH and I tear up and look like Disney dummies. Hey, I'm used to it but he was taken by surprise. So for the uneducated, Disney bring tears from parents..period. No matter how cool you are. DH found that out.

We headed directly for the Osborne Lights and they were spectacular. We ooh'ed and awww'ed and took zillions of pics. My little black ski cap with the ball on top was especially cute....not. We absolutely loved this display and, despite the temps in the 30s, we lingered over every detail. Brilliant! We walked slowly out of the park, enjoying every light and sound but started hurrying toward the rental after we realized we would be able to see our AKL room soon!

We were assigned room 2183. As DH stayed downstairs to retrieve the luggage from bell services, DS and I raced ahead to check out the room. This could have been the most magical part of our vacation. We walked in and I raced to open the sliding door. We have a balcony!!!! And I see some sort of horned animal...right there! DS and I actually jumped around and did the balcony dance! He wasn't exactly sure why we were excited but, heck, he's always up for a ho-down. Our view was not actually Savanna but overlooked the hot tub. However, a glance to the left and you could see all the animals. Much more than I was expecting!

We finished off the night with a snack at the food court and a walk to the Savannah. We looked through night vision goggles and saw animals lounging..AT OUR HOTEL. DS and I once again did a happy dance. We were in love with AKL.

princess wannabe · 12-10-2005, 12:08 AM

The next day we woke up bright and early (well, 8:00 for us!) and made our way to the food court. The one thing that I was surprised about was that it was so small for a deluxe resort. We decided that only us cheapskates skipped sit down meals so they didn't need a lot of space! We ordered Mickey waffles and more bagel sandwiches which were all awesome.

Before we headed out, DS wanted to do some of the activities that the lodge offered. First up? Flamingo feeding. We went down into the COLD savanna and DS was able to give the flamingos some fish along with 3 or 4 other kids. The CM's spent a lot of time with them telling them about the birds, etc. DS loved it! He also got a bead for a necklace that he could finish if he participated in all the lodges kid's activities. Man, I wish we could afford a 10 day trip so we could spend a few days just hanging out and enjoying AKL!!!

We went back to the room, stopping at each lookout point to see the animals. At one stop there were many giraffes just milling around and DS and I did another AKL dance. So cool! We found a chart in our room where you could check off all the animals that you have seen so DS spent at least 20 minutes looking it over, studying the savanna from our balcony, and checking off his finds. Where else can you do that????

We finally headed to Epcot where we headed first to get a FP for Mission Space. I was very nervous about this and was afraid of getting sick but didn't want to miss out. DS, for some reason, had no fear and was so excited! We went over to Universe of Energy to waste time and DS, once again, thought Ellen was talking about my hair. It cracked me up! We really liked the ride and I'm so embarassed to say that I made fun of my parents on the last trip for not knowing the final jeopardy answer and I got it wrong again. Damn, that beer must really be killing some brain cells!

We went to use our FP's on Mission Space and waited about 10 minutes to get on. We were joined by a 18 year old girl who had done the ride before but said she was still nervous. We sat beside each other with DS beside me and DH on the other end. Upon blast off, the girl and I screamed like crazy. DS looked away from the monitor to ask what the heck was wrong with me and I kept yelling, "Look at the screen...You're gonna puke!" By this time everyone is laughing and it is actually fun. DS emerges totally unaffected and I am queasy and shaky. I think I psyched myself out and was overly excited. Walking out into the cold air snapped me out of it quick!

I sent DH to get a FP for Test Track and...he did. Without looking at the return time. It was 7:30, bleh, but it worked out ok. We wandered the Wonders of Life pavillion and did Body Wars and Cranium Command. Both of these are underrated and downright fun! We laughed so hard on both!

We went to the Imagination pavillion and rode the ride. Funny but not great. DS liked it except for the skunk which he still remembers and says he hates. Weird! We went into the Land and the ride had a 40 minute wait, no thank you. Went over to the Living Seas and there was even a line to board the hydrolators. NO! Crankiness was setting in.

So....off to the World Showcase, our happy place! In Canada we saw Off Kilter was about to play so we got a beer and took a seat. Awesome. They are cute! We walked around the world so we could make our 4:05 PS at the Biergarten. We loved the food again and DS went out onto the dance floor several times. He was in his element! Tears again from me, he was just having such a good time.

Somehow, on the way out, DH forgot his wallet and we got separated when he went back and didn't tell us what he was doing. Fortunately, I'm used to his idiosyncrasies and was sure he would meet up with us in time for CP. So, DS and I headed out to shop! He had a few pins that he had brought from our last trip so I got him a lantern and we picked out a few more pins. We immediately started going cart to cart so he could trade. He loved this!!! What fun. He wasn't really attached to any pin so this was just an adventure. We were laughing and talking to CM's and having a blast. I just have to commend all the CM's for the time they take with the kids and their patience with all the trades and the angst that procedes that trade. No matter...it was so much fun!!!

We got in line for the CP and DH found us. I knew he would, he's pretty darn smart. All I can say is that I cried almost all the way through the show. It was beautiful. An Xmas Eve Service times 100. There are no words to describe, so just go.

After CP, we ran to Test Track for our FP and got on within minutes. I think I like it better in the dark! I made the troops sit with me in front of the fountain and just take it in. With the Xmas tree, fountain, and all the decorations I was on overload. What a wonderful, beautiful, overwhelming, emotional, sight. I will never forget it.

We headed back to our room and saw a beautiful fireworks display from the balcony. Well, I did, the other were crashed. We still argue about which parks display I saw. DH even insinuated that I was drunk from all the Epcot beer and it was all in my mind! Hogwash....I saw something. Well, I can live with the fact that it was Disney magic.