Red Hot (Hat) Ladies and a Smoking Goddess **Updated 2/3** COMPLETE - Page 2 - PassPorter - A Community of Walt Disney World, Disneyland, Disney Cruise Line, and General Travel Forums
As of January 1, 2019, we have closed our forums. This is a decision we did not come to lightly, but it is necessary. The software our forums run on is just too out-of-date and it poses a significant security risk. The server software itself must be updated, and it cannot be without removing the forums.
So it is with a heavy heart that we say goodbye to our long-running forums. They came online in 2000 and brought together so many wonderful Disney fans. We had friendships form, careers launch, couples marry, children born ... all because of this amazing community.
Thank you to each of you who were a part of this community. You made it possible.
And a very special thank you to our Guides (moderators), past and present, who kept our forums a happy place to be. You are the glue that held everything together, and we are forever grateful to you. Thank you aliceinwdw, Caldercup, MrsM, WillCAD, Fortissimo, GingerJ, HiddenMickey, CRCrazy, Eeyoresmom, disneyknut, disneydani, Cam22, chezp, WDWfan, Luvsun, KMB733, rescuesk, OhToodles!, Colexis Mom, lfredsbo, HiddenMickey, DrDolphin, DopeyGirl, duck addict, Disneybine, PixieMichele, Sandra Bostwick, Eeyore Tattoo, DyanKJ130, Suzy Q'Disney, LilMarcieMouse, AllisonG, Belle*, Chrissi, Brant, DawnDenise, Crystalloubear, Disneymom9092, FanOfMickey, Goofy4Goofy, GoofyMom, Home4us123, iamgrumpy, ilovedisney247, Jennifer2003, Jenny Pooh, KrisLuvsDisney, Ladyt, Laughaholic88, LauraBelle Hime, Lilianna, LizardCop, Loobyoxlip, lukeandbrooksmom, marisag, michnash, MickeyMAC, OffKilter_Lynn, PamelaK, Poor_Eeyore, ripkensnana, RobDVC, SHEANA1226, Shell of the South, snoozin, Statelady01, Tara O'Hara, tigger22, Tink and Co., Tinkerbelz, WDWJAMBA, wdwlovers, Wendyismyname, whoSEZ, WildforWD, and WvuGrrrl. You made the magic.
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There are other changes as well.
Why? Well, the world has changed. And change with it, we must. The lyrics to "We Go On" for IllumiNations say it best:
We go on to the joy and through the tears
We go on to discover new frontiers
Moving on with the current of the years.
We go on
Moving forward now as one
Moving on with a spirit born to run
Ever on with each rising sun.
To a new day, we go on.
It's time to move on and move forward.
PassPorter is a small business, and for many years it supported our family. But the world changed, print books took a backseat to the Internet, and for a long time now it has been unable to make ends meet. We've had to find new ways to support our family, which means new careers and less and less time available to devote to our first baby, PassPorter.
But eventually, we must move on and move forward. It is the right thing to do.
So we are retiring this newsletter, as we simply cannot keep up with it. Many thanks to Mouse Fan Travel who supported it all these years, to All Ears and MousePlanet who helped us with news, to our many article contributors, and -- most importantly -- to Sara Varney who edited our newsletter so wonderfully for years and years.
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Thank you, thank you, thank you for your amazing support over the years. Without you, there's no way us little guys could have made something like this happen and given the "big guys" a run for their money. PassPorter was consistently the #3 guidebook after the Unofficial and Official guides, which was really unheard of for such a small company to do. We ROCKED it thanks to you and your support and love!
If you miss us, you can still find some of us online. Sara started a new blog at DisneyParkPrincess.com -- I strongly urge you to visit and get on her mailing list. She IS the Disney park princess and knows Disney backward and forward. And I am blogging as well at JenniferMaker.com, which is a little craft blog I started a couple of years ago to make ends meet. You can see and hear me in my craft show at https://www.youtube.com/c/jennifermaker . Many PassPorter readers and fans are on Facebook, in groups they formed like the PassPorter Trip Reports and PassPorter Crafting Challenge (if you join, just let them know you read about it in the newsletter). And some of our most devoted community members started a forum of their own at Pixie Dust Lane and all are invited over.
So we encourage you to stay in touch with us and your fellow community members wherever works best for you!
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Red Hot (Hat) Ladies and a Smoking Goddess updated 2/1
Mousefest day 2 (Friday December 7)
Late to bed and early to rise makes a man healthy and sleepy (coffee please)
Today is Animal Kingdom day. So it must begin with breakfast with my beloved Donald. Of course, continuing with the good luck on this trip, I had company for breakfast. The lovely Carol (ripkensnana) and Jean (songbird) met me at the Animal Kingdom entrance and we had a leisurely stroll to Harambe village to Tusker House. The Donald’s Safari breakfast was so new that they ran a little behind as they ironed out kinks. If my memory is correct, we had to wait about 5 minutes while the reservation computer booted up/got connected. While waiting, I spied an old friend Neal (could be Neil). He had been my server at two previous visits to Donald’s Breakfastasourus, and had moved to Tusker House with the character meal. Of course, I asked for him to be our server! We bypassed the ‘welcome’ photo (and later photo sale), waving to Deb Wills from allearsnet.com and her party as we went by (they were getting their photo taken). You enter the restaurant right in the large room with the buffet. Our server stopped and pointed out some of the special offerings before escorting us to our seats. We paused and got another server to take our group photo (with Neal in the background).PHOTO1 Neal took our beverages orders and returned with our coffee and guava juice. Before we got up to hit the buffet, my beloved Donald showed up. Just before we could get into picture taking mode, music started up. Donald and his handler left us to go to some large basket and invite kids of all ages to join in a conga line with rattles and other instruments. Of course, I jumped up and joined the party PHOTO2. After dancing, the ladies got up and joined me to raid the buffet. Each station had regular favorites as well as African themed choices. The ham was not grilled, but rotisseried and a chef cut you slices as thick or thin as you wanted. There was a wonderful mustard sauce accompanying it. IMHO this is the best tasting character meal I have eaten at WDW. The characters were Donald, Mickey, Goofy, and for the first regular appearance at a character meal I know of Donald’s squeeze Daisy.
We left the meal happily stuffed and headed to the Kilimanjaro Safari Meet. Last year there were about 100 of us. This year they really could not take one photo, but rather several panorama shots. The count was over 250 Mousefesters ready to ride the safari. A big amount of Disney magic occurred. A supervisor came out and led the huge party up the fast pass line without fast passes, and we filled truck after truck. It was extra fun as almost everyone had been on the Safari before, so we all yelled back responses whether or not the driver was ready.
Leaving the safari, the ladies and I separated, and I took the Pagani trail and got to see our friends the Gorillas PHOTO3 I think Disney’s gorilla exhibit is one the finest I have ever seen, and I am a zoo addict.
I next headed to festival of the Lion King. This time I was a warthog, as I enjoyed one of my favorite shows. Next stop in Camp Minnie-Mickey was to get my picture taken with my beloved Donald (yes I got it at breakfast too) PHOTO4 I made my way back to Discovery Island for a slow tour around the tree looking for more of the carved animals (you could spend days and maybe not spot them all). Then into the Tree of life for its tough to be a bug. Leaving there it was on to get a FP for EE and then walk the Maharajah trail. Then to ride the rails to see the Yeti (yes he was working that day) Back to Harambe to watch the dancers then off to Rafiki’s Planet Watch. It was hard to believe, but parade time was approaching. First I stopped and bought zippered bag at Mombasa marketplace that became my daily bag. It has numerous pockets that can hold snacks, camera, cell phone, who knows it. I liked it so much that when I got back to my room my conventional camera bag went into my luggage. I stopped in at Krusifiri Bakery and got a pastry and bottle of water, and parked my behind on a rock right nearby. That gave me a first row seat for the parade, without having to squat lotus style on the sidewalk (the body is getting to old for that).
I followed the crowed out of AK to the buses and returned to my resort. I had a nice roast beef dinner at the food court of POR and then caught the boat to Downtown Disney. All of my other nights were scheduled, so this was my time to get my shopping done. I shopped until about 10 and then caught the bus back to my resort.
Saturday December 8 A leisurely get up today. No early ADR’s so my timing was based upon Epcot’s opening at 9am. I had a cheap mocha (Disney coffee and hot chocolate in my refillable mug) and a Danish to start the day. This was followed by a stroll back to my room to get my new camera bag and head to the buses. On the way I took a photo from the dock at POR for a view of the back side of the Sassagoula Steamboat Company PHOTO1
I arrived at EPCOT about 10 minutes before opening, cleared security and when the rope dropped, I did not : run to Soaring. Instead I stopped and located my photo engraving at Leave a Legacy (with all the rumors of how long the stones will be there floating around) PHOTO2 (In the grayed area of the photo I am the second one in the top row). Then into high gear to Soaring where I joined a group of about 50 From RADP who rode together, followed by getting myself reacquainted with Figment and sending a free e-mail home. Then backwards geographically to enter a clamshell and go under the sea with Nemo and friends. After viewing some of his other friends in the tanks, I exited the Living Seas and looked at my watch. It was already 10:50 and I had volunteered for the Megamousemeet. I needed to walk (and admittedly the boat takes about as much time if you including waiting time) to the Dolphin. (Being diabetic I get a choice… be strict with my diet or walk my legs off and be able to slip in a lot more carbs than I usually have -so I walked!) I arrived at the Dolphin with 15 minutes to spare. Thank goodness this year the room was right near the main lobby. (I think it took me another 10 minutes to go from the entrance to the meeting room in 2006.). I found the lovely Belle* and got my assignment. I joined two others at the information table for the first hour, then was at the drawing band table upstairs the second hour. http://www.passporterboards.com/forums/sharing-adventure-disney-world-trip-reports/144458-ditching-hubbies-mousefest-day-4-part-1-updated-1-29-08-a-19.html Finishing my shift at 1:30 I spent about another hour talking with authors and podcasters before returning to Epcot.
Once at EPCOT I headed left from the international gateway to make it from UK to Mexico. My beloved Donald was now the feature of the Gran Fiesta Tour, and this became a must. The pre-ride theming also featured my beloved Donald PHOTO3. Following a wonderful ride with tons of appearance by Donald and his amigos, I exited to search for the one thing I needed. A three amigos t-shirt was needed badly. I actually had a choice. There was a woven poncho with the Latin Ducks, as well as a t-shirt in blue or red. I love red shirts (maybe that is why I like the red had ladies), so a red shirt was on its way back to my room. Leaving Mexico and turning further into the world showcase was my feathery friend, and only one person in line. PHOTO5 ensued along with a couple of hugs. Off to see ride Maelstrom and view the China film before putting the legs in high gear to get my tail to Canada for dinner LeCellier. I was seated in Alberta this time and had a great time talking hockey with my server before ordering dinner. As always I started with breadsticks and the artery clogging but scrumptious Cheddar Cheese with Moosehead beer soup PHOTO5 This was followed by the 7 oz filet with maple barbecue sauce and cream cheese mashed potatoes. Dessert was chocolate whiskey cake.
Duly filled with enough food to last a couple days, I turned left leaving the restaurant and saw the new version of O’ Canada. Then on to France to see Impressions de France, viewed some of the exhibits in Morrocco and Japan and then to American Adventure. I am enough of a flag waver that I have to see this and usually end tearing up in several parts. Next stop was Italy, where I bought a bag of Italian chocolates, which I then carried to meet Maureen (statelady01). I passed the chocolates out to those arriving for the illuminations key chain exchange. Then I walked in high gear to near Mexico to watch illuminations (sorry I deserted the group), so I could be closer to the exit. I wanted to be able to leave quickly as I had a 7AM ADR for Chef Mickeys in the Morning.
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Sunday December 9
Up bright and early. I have a 7am ADR for Chef Mickeys. I verified the night before, yes the buses start to MK at 6:30 am for the character breakfasts and those who take the Magic Behind the Steam Trains Tour that begins at 7:30. Unlike most MK buses, the ones before 8 plan on stopping at the Contemporary so people with ADR’s there or another monorail resort can catch the monorail to the Polynesian or Grand Floridian, or go upstairs to Mickeys. So I arrived with 10 minutes to spare, in fact they were not seating anyone yet. I skipped the ‘sales’ photo and was seated in the section near the Concourse Steakhouse. The food IMHO at Chef Mickeys is the poorest of the character breakfasts I have attended, but the character interaction was frequent, and that early in the morning the characters were not in a hurry.
Finishing a good hour before opening, I caught the monorail and got off at the Polynesian and Grand Floridian to look at their Christmas decorations. The gingerbread house at the GF is georgeous and smells good too PHOTO1 . Returning to the monorail station I noticed the cab has no passengers. So I asked, and was granted a seat in the front. I had never done that before. Before I boarded, the GF monorail attendant heard me mention I had always wanted to be in the front, so he gave me my monorail pilots license and a complete set of monorail trading cards The next photo is looking out the front of the monorail as we headed to MK. PHOTO2.
Despite my stops to view the hotels, I arrived at the entrance about 5 minutes before the opening train. So I joined the singing and dancing as the welcomed us to the Magic Kingdom PHOTO3.
Since this was my second MK day, I filled in things I did not do on Thursday. Space Mountain, a return to Buzz Lightyear (score improved about 50% but nothing the brag about). A ride on the Carousel of Progress was followed by Monsters Inc. Working my way across the park, I returned to the Haunted Mansion, and took a ride on the Liberty Belle. On for a return to Splash mountain before it was time for a snack. A hot dog at Caseys followed by a Dole Whip Then a return ride on the Jungle Cruise and Pirates was in store. The whole day, and mind you this was Sunday, I don’t think there was a longer than ‘walk to the ride’ wait. Last was a return to Donald's Philharmagic. I decided to make an early return to my room, as a full evening awaited me.
First was a nice lazy visit to the quiet pool in the Alligator Bayous, then I returned and hung up my suit to dry. I packed my bags except for what I was wearing and what I would need Monday morning, as I would have to check my bags in the morning.
As dusk hit POR, I went down to the marina and boarded the meandering boat to Downtown Disney. I headed to the Earl of Sandwich (having heard so much about it). I had the sandwich package that included a beverage, sandwich and a side. I had the [FONT='Verdana','sans-serif']The Scuddeto[/font][FONT='Verdana','sans-serif'] - salami, capicola, ham, mortadella, mozzarella, and Roma tomatoes. Peppers optional, along with a salad and beverage. I have to say I think this is one of the best sandwiches I have ever had , and I used my last counter service credit to pay for it. (Meal credits from the dining plan all used up, Monday would be cash.)[/font]
[FONT='Verdana','sans-serif']I browsed around the Market place until time for the Passporter Adventurers club meet approached. Putting my feet I trekking mode, I made my way to the Adventurers club and found a place in the main room. I think I was the second of MANY Passporters to arrive. Did a session in the main room, followed by a ‘special Christmas’ broadcast in the Library. Returning to the main room, I notice the Passporter group awaiting us leaving the Library had jumped by a dozen. Thus began a long wonderful relaxed evening shooting the b--- with fellow Disney and Passporter fanatics. The highlight of the fellowship was the arrival of our hosts Mark and Cheryl (chezp) from Kent, UK. Per the request of a couple of the regulars, she brought with her a humongous bag of Cadbury chocolates, which started their first of many trips around the room. After a while some separated to go in the Library and many of us stayed put. Not long after their return the maid decided go grace us with a pose on the fireplace. This is one of the printable photos PHOTO4 A few minutes later the Goddess Babylonia on the wall started pouring out smoke. Pointing to the goddess PHOTO5 the lovely Samantha Sterling (having just returned from a safari) and Pamelia Perkins, the club president decided that to placate the Goddess, some male volunteers were need. Much to the delight of many of my fellow Passporters, I was selected among the three ‘volunteers’. We were required to perform three tasks. First bowing before the goddess [/font]http://www.passporterboards.com/forums/window-seat-real-time-photo-trip-report-passporter/145441-babylonia-bodyguard.html , I can’t remember the second (and I can’t blame the adult beverages as I only had one Kungaloosh, and finally we were to dance to the goddess. The dance is a combination of a hula and pelvic thrusts. To my amazement, Ms Sterling thought I did it the best. We were then reminded that Babylonia is the goddess of fertility. As a reward I received a ‘official’ adventurer’s club membership pin. http://www.passporterboards.com/forums/window-seat-real-time-photo-trip-report-passporter/145440-badge-honor.html
So far, only Jennifer has posted photos of me.. but there are some trip reports approaching that time. Who knows what other photos of me may appear
Around midnight I said farewell to my friends and headed back to get some sleep before my last day at WDW.
Monday, December 10
This was my last day at WDW. Today I have from park opening until about 2 to enjoy the now Disney Hollywood Studios. I had a easy wake up, and after dressing and packing my camera bag as a carryon, I left my room, pulling two suitcases behind me and headed to the POR lobby. There I checked my bags, and got my boarding passes for my later flights. Then off to the bus stop for the trip to MGM (it was still named that then). I arrived about 10 minutes before opening, and almost immediately was admitted to make our way to the rope on Hollywood Blvd. I was disappointed that Rosie was not out on the street. Last year she layed a very red kiss on me!PHOTO1 I am not a big thrill rider, and my time was limited. First I made the turn on Sunset Blvd and photographed a hidden Mickey (actually a hidden Mortimer) PHOTO2 then I reversed course and headed to the Great Movie Ride. On the way, who should appear but my beloved Donald and his main squeeze Daisy. I had never seen them in the park together, so a photo was a must PHOTO3. Then on to the ride. Again the gangster guide was the one I drew (I have never gotten the western guide : After seeing lots of movie greats, it was approaching time for Lights Motors Action. On the way out I noticed the imprint of my Donald in the concrete PHOTO4. The hike to the stage of the Action show is a long one, but I arrived about 5 minutes before showtime. A cloud of smoke and ringing eardrums later, I exited the bleachers and returned into the park. Next in line was a stop at the Star Tours shop to look for new Yoda’s for my SIL. I found her a Yoda key chain I new she did not have, then I went around the corner to ride the ride itself. Exiting the already visited shop, I headed to my last meal at WDW at 50’s prime time. There I was joined by Ripkensnana (Carol) again. I have to tell you that she is WONDERFUL company. I had the meat loaf. I was thankful I was paying cash, as a appetizer and dessert, too would have made me explode. I did, however , get a glowing Captain Hook with my drink (we men must have our toys)!. Giving Carol a hug, I departed and headed for my last attraction. Four for a Dollar (aka Return2Zero in the non WDW world) and, oh yes, Beauty and the Beast.
I departed my short day at the studios and headed back to POR to catch the DME Bus. The bus was on time and I arrived at MCO two hours before my flight (normal DME arrival). Knowing I would not get to Sacramento until just before midnight, I searched out Dinner. I went upstairs to Chili’s and got a Cheeseburger etc. Then I headed to security (bags had been checked at POR), and that took only about 5 minutes, then headed to terminal A. I should have read the departure screens first, but I did not, and when I arrived at my gate, it said my flight was running late. At that time it was 15 minutes, so I did not worry. If I had checked before entering security, I could have gotten on an earlier, on time, flight (as one of my Passporters did), but I had tunnel vision. The time extended to 30 minutes then 45….. My plane arrived 1 hr and 15 minutes late (the plane had come in from Dallas where my next stop was). We finally took off 1 hr and 30 minutes late, and I arrived in DFW with exactly 15 minutes until my plane was to leave. Luckily (I thought) the gate attendant at MCO moved me to two rows behind first class, so I could try to run to my flight. Of course, I had to wait for first class to leave, and then out the door I flew, up the walkway, and notice my flight was in the other part of that terminal. So I ran up the escalator, caught the next train and ran down the escalator to my gate. Unfortunately, they had not held up the plane, and the door was closed. There was good news. My delay at MCO was caused by the airline changing to a different plane at DFW, so the airline would put me up for the night (no more flights to Sacramento until Tuesday.) The gave me a voucher for the Rodeway Inn South. I used the courtesy phone and called for their bus. A ½ hour later I reentered the building and called again. Supposedly, the bus had gone by twice. No way. Mind you this was in 40 degree weather and I had no jacket. Finally I flagged down a Super 8 van and asked him if he had seen the Rodeway bus. He said no and he had made three trips by me (round trips) in that time. The good news was that the RI was across the freeway, so he had me hop on, and after delivering his passengers he took me to my lodging for the night (needless to say he got a nice tip). I checked in with just my carryon containing camera, cell phone, and thankfully my medications. Well, the hotel did not have emergency kits, like most airline courtesy hotels, so I entered the room with a razor. No tooth brush, no tooth paste, no deodorant, no comb, and no change of clothes.
So I slept in the raw, hoping that on Tuesday, my clothes worn in the park and all evening on the flight would air out. I brushed my teeth in the morning with a wash cloth, used the razor with face soap, and sort of combed my hair with my fingers. The only good thing at that motel was that they had a decent complimentary breakfast. (I had paid for a night in Sacramento on my return, which went out the window, then again AA did put me up for the night.)
The morning shuttle driver was on time. I was his only passenger, and he told me the night driver was notorious for saying he made runs, and parking and taking a nap instead. He had worked for that hotel for 10 years and was looking for a new jobs, as the lack of toiletries was the beginning of what the new owner had cut back in service (and benefits to the employees). With only a carryon, I breezed through security. First stop to get some mint freshing gum! Then a mocha and the plane arrived and departed on time. The only good news of the return was that my luggage arrived with me, and I was actually home within about an hour of when I expected (since I was going to spend the night at Sacramento anyway.)
Lessons learned:
1. This year I am flying out the morning before the cruise. The red eye was efficient, but I arrived exhausted. (Have a 6AM flight out and a night at the Hyatt at MCO booked this year).
2. Add a day to the schedule. With all the Mousefest events, which I love attending, I need that extra day.
3. With the exception of AK day and breakfast with my beloved Donald, no breakfast ADR’s. Then I can enjoy more late time.
Magic Happens:
Wonderful interaction with my fellow Mousefest attendees, especially my Passporter Friends.
Great food.
And, yes, I got a YOMD prize. I received a lanyard leaving the train and returning the town square.
Don - What a wonderful trip! I'm glad I got to meet you. This was my first Mousefest, but it won't be my last! The night at AC was the best! I do have to add one picture from our dinner at LTT. It just cracks me up every time I look at it!
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Donald. 
Of course, continuing with the good luck on this trip, I had company for breakfast. The lovely Carol (ripkensnana) and Jean (songbird) met me at the Animal Kingdom entrance and we had a leisurely stroll to Harambe village to Tusker House. The Donald’s Safari breakfast was so new that they ran a little behind as they ironed out kinks. If my memory is correct, we had to wait about 5 minutes while the reservation computer booted up/got connected
. While waiting, I spied an old friend Neal (could be Neil)
. He had been my server at two previous visits to Donald’s Breakfastasourus, and had moved to Tusker House with the character meal. Of course, I asked for him to be our server! We bypassed the ‘welcome’ photo
(and later photo sale), waving
to Deb Wills from allearsnet.com and her party as we went by (they were getting their photo taken). You enter the restaurant right in the large room with the buffet. Our server stopped and pointed out some of the special offerings before escorting us to our seats. We paused and got another server to take our group photo (with Neal in the background).PHOTO1 Neal took our beverages orders and returned with our coffee and guava juice. Before we got up to hit the buffet, my beloved Donald
showed up. Just before we could get into picture taking mode, music started up. Donald and his handler left us to go to some large basket and invite kids of all ages to join in a conga line with rattles and other instruments. Of course, I jumped up and joined the party PHOTO2. After dancing, the ladies got up and joined me to raid the buffet. Each station had regular favorites as well as African themed choices. The ham was not grilled, but rotisseried and a chef cut you slices as thick or thin as you wanted. There was a wonderful mustard sauce accompanying it. IMHO this is the best tasting character meal I have eaten at WDW. 
The characters were Donald, Mickey, Goofy, and for the first regular appearance at a character meal I know of Donald’s
. That gave me a first row seat for the parade, without having to squat lotus style on the sidewalk (the body is getting to old for that).
and hot chocolate in my refillable mug) and a Danish to start the day. This was followed by a stroll back to my room to get my new camera bag and head to the buses. On the way I took a photo from the dock at POR for a view of the back side of the Sassagoula Steamboat Company PHOTO1 
: run to Soaring. Instead I stopped and located my photo engraving at Leave a Legacy (with all the rumors of how long the stones will be there floating around) PHOTO2 (In the grayed area of the photo I am the second one in the top row). Then into high gear to Soaring where I joined a group of about 50 From RADP who rode together
and be able to slip in a lot more carbs than I usually have 
version of O’ Canada. Then on to France to see Impressions de France, viewed some of the exhibits in Morrocco and Japan and then to American Adventure. I am enough of a flag waver 
that I have to see this and usually end tearing up in several parts. Next stop was Italy, where I bought a bag of Italian chocolates, which I then carried to 
of the character breakfasts I have attended, but the character interaction was frequent
To my amazement, Ms Sterling thought I did it the best. We were then reminded that Babylonia is the goddess of fertility. 
Then off to the bus stop for the trip to MGM (it was still named that then). I arrived about 10 minutes before opening, and almost immediately was admitted to make our way to the rope on Hollywood Blvd. I was disappointed that Rosie was not out on the street. Last year she layed a very red kiss on me!
I have to tell you that she is WONDERFUL company. I had the meat loaf. I was thankful I was paying cash, as a appetizer and dessert, too would have made me explode. I did, however , get a glowing Captain Hook with my drink (we men must have our toys)!. Giving Carol a hug, I departed and headed for my last attraction. Four for a Dollar (aka Return2Zero in the non WDW world) and, oh yes, Beauty and the Beast. 
minutes late (the plane had come in from Dallas where my next stop was). We finally took off 1 hr and 30 minutes late, and I arrived in DFW with exactly 15 minutes until my plane was to leave. Luckily (I thought) the gate attendant at MCO moved me to two rows behind first class, so I could try to run to my flight. Of course, I had to wait for first class to leave, and then out the door I flew, up the walkway, and notice my flight was in the other part of that terminal. So I ran up the escalator, caught the next train and ran down the escalator to my gate. Unfortunately, they had not held up the plane, and the door was closed. 
There was good news. My delay at MCO was caused by the airline changing to a different plane at DFW, so the airline would put me up for the night (no more flights to Sacramento until Tuesday.) The gave me a voucher for the Rodeway Inn South. I used the courtesy phone and called for their bus. A ½ hour later I reentered the building and called again. Supposedly, the bus had gone by twice. No way. Mind you this was in 40 degree weather and I had no jacket. 
Finally I flagged down a Super 8 van and asked him if he had seen the Rodeway bus. He said no
used the razor with face soap, and sort of combed my hair with my fingers. The only good thing at that motel was that they had a decent complimentary breakfast. (I had paid for a night in Sacramento on my return, which went out the window, then again AA did put me up for the night.)
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