'Is it supposed to be this hot in May 2002?' trip report (YC)
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PS - I LUV WDW · 05-08-2002, 07:28 PM

PS – I Luv WDW’s – "Is is supposed to be this hot in May?" Trip -- May 2002

Cast: Pam, 38, Planner of trip to Disney, 9th trip to WDW
Brian, 43, Husband of the planner, 9th trip to WDW
Mom, 58, Mother of the planner, 6th trip to WDW
Dad, 59, Father of the planner, 6th trip to WDW

Dates: April 30 thru May 5, 2002

Travel Day: Tuesday April 30, 2002

I was up by 5:15 and at work by 6:15. This way I could leave at 12:45. DH had decided to take an extra vacation day as he wasn’t sure how easy it would be for him to leave work early (he is a local truck driver and would need to finish his route). He did lots of things around the house (laundry, changed the bed, some last minute errands). He had a quick snack ready when I got home. We ate, I changed and his father was here to pick us up.

Arrived at the Logan Express station (bus ride to Logan) for the 2:30 bus. Got to Boston before 3:00 – great traffic day! Only about 4 people in front of us at the Delta Counter. When it was our turn I asked if we could be moved to an earlier flight (ours was scheduled to leave at 7:30 pm and arrive at 10:30). I knew from Delta’s web site that the 4:40 flight had tons of empty seats as did the 6:15 flight. The woman said that she could put us on standby for the 4:40 flight but since there were 92 open seats we should have no problem getting on. No line at the security gate. Put our stuff through and they ask to check the camera/junk carry-on as well as have DH take off his sneakers. I have to give the girl credit who went through our bag, she was really very careful and put everything back where she took it out of. She was joking with us as to which one of us had the sweet tooth as a good part of it was filled with candy bars, pretzels, peanuts, Lifesavers, etc. We were at the gate by 3:15 – record breaking time for Logan! Called my father to let him know that we were going to be on the earlier flight.

Once on board we asked if we could move to the exit row. Love that extra room to stretch out! The Captain actually walked down the aisle chatting with many of the passengers before heading back to the cockpit – nice touch. We had a good flight down, a little turbulence but not much, although the Captain kept apologizing that he was trying to find a smoother level to fly at. Landed on time. Got our luggage, then down to the National rental desk, walked across the road and picked out our full-size car. Headed out the south exit to 417. Got off at exit 11 to go to Publix to get water, soda and juice. Decided to eat at Ruby Tuesday’s as we were both hungry since it is around 8:45. [img]graemlins/yuma.gif[/img]

Next onto the Yacht Club. Left the car with valet, the luggage with the bellhop and went inside to register. No line again! This is definitely our lucky day. Got our room keys, American Express pin lanyard, operating hours, etc. and headed off to find our fourth floor room (4233). Get off the elevator and walk, and walk, and walk before finally getting to it. [img]images/icons/confused.gif[/img] We are in the third room from the end of the hotel (the end that is near the Beach Club). Unpack our stuff and hit the bed by 11:00.

Tomorrow: WDW Day One.. Time to celebrate our anniversary

[ 10-24-2002, 08:42 AM: Message edited by: PS - I LUV WDW ]

tikibird · 05-08-2002, 08:17 PM

YIPPEE - a new trip report! [img]images/icons/grin.gif[/img]

Pam, so glad that you are going to share your trip with us! Glad to hear you were able to catch an earlier flight to the World - it's great to get in every moment possible, isn't it? [img]images/icons/smile.gif[/img]

Looking forward to the rest of your report and hearing about your anniversary!

tikibird · 05-08-2002, 08:17 PM

YIPPEE - a new trip report! [img]images/icons/grin.gif[/img]

Pam, so glad that you are going to share your trip with us! Glad to hear you were able to catch an earlier flight to the World - it's great to get in every moment possible, isn't it? [img]images/icons/smile.gif[/img]

Looking forward to the rest of your report and hearing about your anniversary!

Sean · 05-09-2002, 02:28 PM

Hi Pam! [img]graemlins/wavin.gif[/img] Let's have it! We want to read all about it! [img]graemlins/read.gif[/img]

PS - I LUV WDW · 05-09-2002, 04:07 PM

PS – I Luv WDW’s ‘Is it supposed to be this hot in May’ trip report

Cast: Pam, 38, Planner of trip to Disney, 9th trip to WDW
Brian, 43, Husband of the planner, 9th trip to WDW
Barbara, 58, Mother of the planner, 6th trip to WDW
Dick, 59, Father of the planner, 6th trip to WDW

Dates: April 30 thru May 5, 2002

WDW Day One: Wednesday May 1, 2002 Time to celebrate our anniversary

I woke up at 6:30, DH shortly after that. Got up, did the usual morning stuff and headed out for a walk around the lake. Beautiful out - sunny and warm. Once on the Boardwalk we were checking for a place to eat. Finally decided on Spoodles. DH had the All American Breakfast ($8.99) and I had the A la Carte pancakes ($6.99). Food was good but nothing special.

Upon returning to the hotel we stopped at the front desk to inquire about changing our room. I knew that with all of the walking we would be doing that by the end of the day it was going to be a really long walk back to the room especially with my arthritis. The woman was awesome. She was very understanding that it was a long walk and sympathized with me on the arthritis. She moved us to the second floor close, but not next to, the elevator still with a water view. I then asked if she could be sure that my parents’ room (they are coming in later tonight) could be in the same general vicinity. She was able to put them in the room right next to ours! With new room keys in hand, we went to see our new room. WOW! We are right out in front … we can see the lighthouse and the marina and an awesome view of the lake and Boardwalk. My parents’ room is the corner room which also overlooks the Wedding Gazebo. Back to our original room to quickly throw things in the suitcases, call the bellhop to get our bags and go to our new room to unpack.

Decided based on the forecast for the day ---- HOT, HOT, HOT --- maybe as high as 93 (remember we had left New England and we were at 50 degrees!) that we would head to Stormalong Bay. Changed into bathing suits and at the pool by 9:30. Wow, we’ve already done all this and it’s only 9:30 [img]images/icons/grin.gif[/img] The pools don’t open until 10:00 but you are able to walk around the pool area and get your chairs. DH did the Ship’s waterslide twice (in November he was having problems with his back and couldn’t go on it). Spent lots of time in the water, although there was a nice breeze blowing to make it seem not so hot. Decided at 2:00 that we had had enough sun for one day and went up to the room to change.

No decision on where to go… EPCOT!!! Our favorite park. Entered thru the International Gateway and headed toward France. Watched a man who was finding people in the audience to mimic. Really funny to watch. He picked one couple where the husband was reading the park’s guide map so the performer started walking along with them also pretending to be reading something. Then we saw him start walking with another unsuspecting couple and he walked up and put his arm around the woman, quickly moved it, and moved away. Of course she was looking at the male she was with like ‘what are you doing?’ It was entertaining but then we decided to continue on to Morocco. Next to Japan where we took some pictures of the bonsai trees that were on display for the Flower and Garden festival. Then to the American pavilion where we took pictures of Mickey and Minnie, stars and flags topiaries. I also started my shopping for the trip. I bought a tank top that says USA Epcot World Showcase and an American flag [img]graemlins/usa.gif[/img] . Had them send it to the hotel for pickup tomorrow. Love that benefit of staying on site! Wandered further around the showcase taking lots of pictures of the different flower displays and topiaries.

Made our way to Future World and stopped at the Electric Umbrella to share a pizza. Headed out in front of Spaceship Earth to get photos of the topiaries out there. Hopped on Spaceship Earth as there is 0, yes zero, wait. This is always a favorite ride. Headed back to the World Showcase where we caught a bit of ‘Off Kilter’ in Canada. We had never caught the performance before and they were very good. Headed back to the hotel.

Rested for awhile (meaning… I update the day’s journal, DH gets his sports fix on TV) and then started to get ready for dinner. I had made reservations for 7:30 at the Yachtsman Steakhouse [img]graemlins/yuma.gif[/img] as soon as I could for our anniversary dinner. Our anniversary is actually April 23rd but we decided to celebrate it at WDW just so we could do dinner here again. We started to laugh as they seated us, same table we had in November. We started with a Caesar salad and crab cake. Then for the main meal, I had the black Angus NY Strip Sirloin (12 oz) and DH had the T-bone (24 oz). No room for desert but oh did they look good. [img]images/icons/smile.gif[/img]

Changed back into more casual clothes and went for a walk around the lake. Went into the Swan and Dolphin to look around as we have never done that before. Back to the YC to get the car and head to the airport to get my parents. They weren’t able to come down with us on Tuesday because my mother is a teacher and could only take off two personal days. They came in a few minutes behind schedule and soon we were on our way headed back to the hotel. A late night… bed at 11:30.

Tomorrow: WDW Day Two.. Zebras, Giraffes and Horseflies, OH MY!

[ 05-09-2002, 04:10 PM: Message edited by: PS - I LUV WDW ]

allysonh · 05-10-2002, 04:55 PM

Pam!

Great trip report so far!! I (as well as the rest of the readers, I'm sure) eagerly await the next installment!

By the way, I hear you about the walking at YC, that's one of the things I didn't care for at BC!!

PS - I LUV WDW · 05-10-2002, 05:22 PM

PS – I Luv WDW’s ‘Is it supposed to be this hot in May’ trip report

Cast: Pam, 38, Planner of trip to Disney, 9th trip to WDW
Brian, 43, Husband of the planner, 9th trip to WDW
Barbara, 58, Mother of the planner, 6th trip to WDW
Dick, 59, Father of the planner, 6th trip to WDW

Dates: April 30 thru May 5, 2002

WDW Day Two: Thursday May 2, 2002 Zebras, Giraffes and Horseflies, OH MY!

Awoke to a heavy fog, but the weather is predicted to be extra warm again today. Possibly 95 (I think) to break or tie a record. So much for the low 80’s that everyone talks about at this time of year. Met Mom and Dad and headed out for a walk around the grounds of the YC/BC as they have never stayed here before. We have PS at Cape May Character Breakfast for 9:00. We had just done this in November but Mom really wanted to try it after seeing it on the Travel Channel special of the YC/BC. Once again the characters were great with a table of adults only. Everyone enjoyed the food. I was extremely happy once I tasted the fresh cut pineapple as it was Hawaiian! My absolute favorite. The only thing that would have been better if I was eating it in Maui.

Decided to go to the pool. Dad rented a tube for the four of us to share on the section of Stormalong Bay that you can float around in. DH and Dad enjoyed the waterslide a few times. We all spent a lot of time in the water keeping cool. DH and I shared the chicken fingers and fries from Hurricane Hannah’s (the poolside food and beverage place).

After enjoying the sun and pool we decided to go to Downtown Disney and do some shopping! Got there around 3:00 with plans to meet again at 5:00. First stop of course World of Disney. They now have a spot when you enter where there is backdrop with a sign ‘Disney Princesses’ and full-size pictures of two Princesses and a bench to sit in front of them to take pictures. Of course I had to have my photo taken! Did some serious shopping here and then headed to the Gourmet Pantry, Christmas store, Home store and Pooh’s corner. Also wandered around thru the Lego store but was disappointed as they don’t seem to carry any ‘normal’ Legos any more. They were all Star Wars, Harry Potter, and the Bio…??? things.

We all met and headed to Sizzler out on 192 for supper. My Dad’s work has drivers down in this area and he had planned to meet one of the driver supervisors, that he is also friends with, here. We all had a good supper. Said our goodbyes and headed back to Disney.

Next stop… Animal Kingdom Lodge. Since none of us had seen it yet and we weren’t doing any parks today we thought it would be neat to go take a look. What a beautiful place. Once again Disney has outdone themselves with the theme and details. Took pictures inside and then headed out to the Arusha Rock Overlook. Here we saw giraffes, zebras and other animals that I forget the names of. We talked for quite awhile with one of the guides that was out there about the animals and also the lodge. Then we went over to the Sunset Overlook and saw an ostrich and other birds. Can’t wait to stay here in November [img]images/icons/grin.gif[/img]

The next planned adventure was to go to Winter/Summerland for mini golf. DH and I have done both before but not Mom and Dad. Decided to go to the sand side. Started to play and by the second hole realized we were all being attacked by horseflies. [img]images/icons/shocked.gif[/img] We must have been a comical group to watch… two of the us swatting the flies, one taking photos and the fourth attempting to putt. It is a fun course to play.

Back to the YC. I had called earlier and asked for turndown service in our room so when we returned our beds were all turned down. Mmmm.. [img]graemlins/yuma.gif[/img] chocolates. Watched the Illuminations fireworks from our decks. Then time to relax for awhile before calling it a night at 10:00.

Tomorrow: WDW Day Three... A part of MK we’ve never been before!

[ 05-10-2002, 05:25 PM: Message edited by: PS - I LUV WDW ]

Sean · 05-10-2002, 05:46 PM

Loving it! [img]images/icons/smile.gif[/img]

tikibird · 05-10-2002, 06:45 PM

Sounds like a fun, relaxing day (except for the horseflies, of course! [img]images/icons/smile.gif[/img] )

Looking forward to more....

Brant · 05-11-2002, 04:25 PM

Great report! And thanx for the info on the Legos, I was planning on buying some non-tie-in ones, but looks like I may be stiffed. Keep up the good work!

-Jose Carioca

Pjpoohbear · 05-11-2002, 06:42 PM

I am so impressed with all those who actually take the time to write a TR, keep up the great work and will read when I return from my May trip, hope the heat dies down a bit.

[img]graemlins/love.gif[/img] ,

**rescuesk** · 05-11-2002, 09:47 PM

Sounds great so far! Can't wait to read more!

We also loved the Cape May Cafe Character Buffet also, and we were also a group of adults (last May). I think the characters enjoy the adult interaction as well as the kids!

Sue

PS - I LUV WDW · 05-11-2002, 09:51 PM

PS – I Luv WDW’s ‘Is it supposed to be this hot in May’ trip report

Cast: Pam, 38, Planner of trip to Disney, 9th trip to WDW
Brian, 43, Husband of the planner, 9th trip to WDW
Barbara, 58, Mother of the planner, 6th trip to WDW
Dick, 59, Father of the planner, 6th trip to WDW

Dates: April 30 thru May 5, 2002

WDW Day Three: Friday May 3, 2002 A part of MK we’ve never been before!

I woke up at 6:30 and was wide awake. Managed to quietly get dressed, put DH’s hat on my head and grab the camera and extra film and head out before DH woke up. The sun was just coming up and it was beautiful out. I walked around the lake (Swan/Dolphin, Boardwalk, BC and back to YC) stopping to enjoy the scenery and the quiet. There were some other people also out walking and some joggers. Took quite a few photos (I wish I had a scanner so I could share some of them). When I got back to YC Dad was just coming out to jog, so I convinced him to walk around once with me. Then I went back to the room to shower and get ready for the day. DH was awake and watching TV.

Met up with Mom and Dad and decided to go to Bob Evan’s for breakfast. As we were leaving the character caravan was in our lobby. They were from the Jungle Book and the Lion King. We took some pictures with them as there really wasn’t any lines for them. This was their second appearance .. they had been in the lobby when I came in from my morning walk. Watched them for awhile and then headed off. Breakfast was good.

Decided that we could probably use a break from the sun especially since we had a lot we wanted to do in MK, so we got ready to go there. Went out to the bus stop to wait (we always take the bus to MK as it drops you off so close to the entrance). We were the only ones on the bus until we stopped at BW and picked up a few people. Arrived at the park around 11:00. It is very hot today. Had one of the photographers take our picture in front of the castle, then stopped and had more taken a few feet up the street. Mom decided she wanted popcorn so she went and got that while Dad and I took photos of the castle.

Headed out to Splash Mountain to get fast passes for DH and Dad. Return time of 12:00 to 1:00. Next onto Pirates. Barely any wait and at least it is inside and out of the direct sun. We had the front seat and got splashed on the drop. Ooh did that feel good. [img]images/icons/grin.gif[/img] Decided to go to Jungle Cruise. There is about a 20-30 minute wait but again it is in the shade and they do have fans circulating air. Got on the boat and I remarked to DH that it looked like Mom very hot and was never going to make all day in the heat. Little did I know how right I was.

Got to the end of the ride and DH and I got off. Turned around to make sure Mom and Dad were coming and they were still on the boat! Mom had no idea where to get off. [img]images/icons/shocked.gif[/img] DH went back over to take one arm, Dad had the other and they got her off. She was saying that everything was blurry and that she couldn’t really see. I wanted them to sit her down right there where we got off but Dad wanted to walk out a little way where there were tables and chairs. They barely got her there. Once seated she still didn’t really seem to know what was going on so I sent Brian over to ask the CM at the fast pass entrance for help. She went and got some guy who came over and started to ask questions. Meanwhile, I had given Mom her water and was trying to get her to drink some and finally gave up and poured it down her back. He was saying she probably needed air conditioning or first aid and could she walk there. I looked at him and said ‘NO’ (I had many other comments I wanted to make!). Luckily another CM had come along and he went over to the Tiki Bird attraction and came back with a wheelchair for her.

We got her in the wheelchair and headed off to first-aid (near the Crystal Palace). As soon as we walked in one of the women said ‘Oh another heat victim’. They took her out back. Dad came back in a couple of minutes and said that she was lying down and they were making her drink Powerade to replace some electrolytes and he went back to her. Then he came out and said she wanted me to sit with her so the guys could go off and do some rides. Meanwhile the woman we were talking to was chastising me for ‘pink’ shoulders and why didn’t I have on a T-shirt (I had on a tank top) and was after my DH for not having on a hat. She then said that we needed to be drinking 8 0z of fluid (preferably water, Gatorade) to replace the fluids we were losing. The guys headed off and I went to sit with Mom. She was doing much better but was still flushed. She had to drink 24 oz ( or was it 32 oz) of the Powerade. The guys came back after doing Splash and Dad went to sit with Mom. About 15 minutes later they both came out. Mom had strict orders to drink, drink, drink. She wanted to stay at the park. At this point we had decided that the salt in the popcorn must have caused an imbalance in her by quickly dehydrating her so we agreed to try it for awhile, but then again what do we know, none of us is in the medical profession.

Headed slowly to Tomorrowland. The guys ran ahead and got FP for Space Mountain. Mom and I sat in the shade. Then I suggested trying TTA since it is in the shade and none of us had done it for quite awhile. When we came off the guys decided to wait for Alien… 30 minute wait. Mom and I wandered thru the two stores close to there and sat in the shade. By the time they came off the ride we realized we needed to get up to Liberty Square/Frontierland to see the parade. So they guys headed to Space Mountain to use the fast passes and Mom and I made our way up to where we hoped we could see the parade. We ended up getting a great spot, right where the parade turns in Liberty Square. Of course it was directly in the sun as the shady spots when quickly. The guys made it just in time before they shut down the road. Really enjoyed this parade. We had a lot of character intervention as we were so close to them as they turned.

At the end, we quickly made our way over to the Haunted Mansion where we had about a 10 minute wait. Cooled off very nicely during this ride. I finally saw the hidden Mickey in the china plates!!! [img]images/icons/smile.gif[/img] I was sooo excited. After this ride we headed toward the Country Bear Jamboree. Mom and Dad stopped to get a Mickey Bar!!! It worked out great going to CBJ as it was also nice and cool in there.

It is now 4:25 so head up to Liberty Tree Tavern for our 4:30 seating. We were seated right on time and Goofy was already in our area hamming it up. By the time we were done with our salads and rolls, all of the characters except for Minnie had come over. Once again the characters were great with us adults. They have replaced the ham with pork since November. We all really enjoyed this meal. [img]graemlins/yuma.gif[/img] We had seconds on the mashed potatoes, macaroni and cheese (yummy!), rolls, turkey and pork. Minnie came over as we were finishing eating so now all of the character sightings were complete. Our server asked if we were interested in dessert and DH said ‘Sure’. Now a little info here… DH barely ever gets dessert! Once she showed us the selections, we decided on two apple crisp/cobblers with vanilla ice cream to share. Funny how there is always room for dessert! This was by far one of our most enjoyable meals for the whole trip.

Mom was tired so we decided to head back to the YC. Stopped at the Exposition Hall to check out our photos that were taken this morning. One of them was really good so we decided to get two of them. Headed out for the bus and there is one waiting. Back to the hotel and as I enter our room I am laughing. On one of the beds is a stuffed Tigger and a towel-dog friend and they are watching TV. Tigger was compliments of Dad (he ran back to the room this morning saying he forgot something but he really wanted to give the stuffed animal to the Housekeeper). Then she made the dog to keep him company. This is the first time we have ever had anything made for us. More on the Housekeeper in my closing thoughts section of the report, but she was the best we’ve ever had. Now to Mom and Dad’s room and they have a cute little turkey waiting for them on their table.

Down to the pool to cool off and relax. Took some pictures in front of one of the waterfalls. Talked to other people who say they always come this week and they can’t believe the heat. They said normally it is in the 80’s.

Decide to head to EPCOT around 8:00 to see Illuminations. We were going to go to the annual pass area in Italy but I wasn’t sure if 1) it was still happening and 2) if my parents would be able to come in with us, also we would be fighting the parade traffic. So instead we stopped in Morocco where there was a great viewing spot. Afterwards we walked along the Boardwalk where we first hung around the outside of ESPN watching the last minutes of the Celtics/76’ers 5th playoff game. The Celtics were winning big time (YEAH!). [img]images/icons/grin.gif[/img] There were lots of cheers coming from inside the bar whenever the Celtics scored so I guess we weren’t the only New Englanders here. Finally back to the room to watch a little TV and see that, yes, a record temperature was set today.

Tomorrow: WDW Day Four... How would you like to sit … ?

Pjpoohbear · 05-11-2002, 11:31 PM

Hey, with the pace you are writing you may make in to this edition of Our Magic Book. [img]images/icons/grin.gif[/img]

The deadline is the day that Brant gets his final chapter in, it is suppose to be in by Tuesday AM. Would love to read your adventures while winging my way down to the world next week. [img]graemlins/wavin.gif[/img]

Keep up the excellent work, you are an example to all of us who hope to write our own reports. [img]graemlins/love.gif[/img]