Robin's First Mousefest 11/30 to 12/7 Day 1 Part 2 WL & MGM with Angie & Sheila (update 12/21) About This Page:

[RobinKay6573]

Destination: WALT DISNEY WORLD!!!
Date: November 30 to December 7
Adventurers: Me, Robin (32) and joining my Dsis , Sandy, at some point (34)
Resort/Hotel: Wilderness Lodge (with Angie, Poohgirl), Pop Century 1-3 and my sister's condo 4-7
Celebration:Mousefest 2005!
[b]Meetings:
<font color=" black">Osborne Lights meet: 11/30
Stay with Angie at Wilderness Lodge 11/30
Crystal Palace with Passporters 12/1
Liberty Tree Tavern with Angie 12/1
MVMCP meet 12/1
Adventure Club Meet 12/2<font color="purple">[b]

I have wanted to go to Mousefest since I first heard about the event in 2002. For one reason or another the timing just was not right for me. I decided last Christmas THIS was going to be the year I go to Mousefest. Since I usually stay at my sister’s house in Kissimmee I wanted to make this trip extra special and stay on site for part of it. I LOVE Pop Century so I knew that would be the resort I booked. I called my sister to see if the dates were okay if I stayed with her for a few days, when she said “okay” I e-mailed Angie (Poohsgirl) to find out where she was staying. I thought maybe we could share a room at Pop to save some cash. Sadly she was leaving Pop the day before I got there and moving to Wilderness Lodge, she asked me if I would like to stay with her a Wilderness Lodge the night after I arrive. I didn’t have to thinking twice I accepted her offer. Never in a million years did I think I could ever stay at WL. It is a beautiful resort, especially at Christmas. :thankyou: Angie! For two nights of my vacation I would stay at Pop so I called and booked a package for two nights with the meal plan and a 7-day expiring hopper pass. I ended up having to cancel my package because I could not get my hopper pass until I checked in. Since I was planning on spending my first night at Wilderness Lodge I obviously would not have been able to check into Pop. I would have had to use a hopper pass from a previous trip for the first day and get over to Pop first thing in the morning on December 1 to check in so I could get my tickets. [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/rolleyes.gif[/img] That just wasn't going to happen with a PS at MK scheduled for 8:40 AM! Oh well...maybe next time.

By mid-November there were several Passporter Mousefest events planned. I signed up for almost all of them. Hopefully I will be able to make it for all the events I signed up for. There was a lot of IM.s sent out in the weeks prior so I know for sure some “unofficial” meets will end up happening. Hopefully Sandy will decide to join us for a few of them.

Okay so I am a bit slow in putting this out….so no real pretrip.

On with the show…..

<font color="black">Tuesday, November 29 I Can’t Sit Still<font color="purple">

I almost hate the day before vacation. It is all I can think about NOT to think about leaving! I think my co-workers were getting sick of me telling them I was leaving for Walt Disney World the next day! [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/grin.gif[/img] Did I care? [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/shameonyou.gif[/img] I was going to Walt Disney World! [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/grin.gif[/img]

In the previous days I had gathered everything I needed for the trip so all I had to do was clean up my apartment a bit and pack. Yes I had yet to pack! [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/crazy.gif[/img] My suitcases had been out for quite sometime but the only items they had in them were summer clothes. I had recently purchased a new suitcase because I always end with a suitcase that is either over 50 lbs or close to it. Both suitcases were packed in no time. I packed my carry on with one set of clothes and left the bags for my toiletries out so I could put everything in them the next morning.

I dropped Belle off at my friend Rachelle’s that evening. Saying good-bye is always hard but I knew she would be well taken care of. Rachelle’s dogs love Belle and I know Rachelle and her husband do too. When I went to leave Belle run up next to me as if to say, “Hey what about me.” I almost cried when I had to push her away from the door saying, “You need to stay here mommy will be back before you know it.” Poor dog!

My flight left Flint at 7:00 am so I went to bed around 10 pm so I would not oversleep. I set my alarm for 3:00 am! [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/jawdrop.gif[/img] I needed to be on the road by 4:30 because I didn’t know how long it would take me to drive to Flint.

It was actually cheaper to fly out of Flint then it would have been for me to fly out of Lansing and the parking at Flint was only $24 for a week compared to about $40 in Lansing. My flight from AirTran was $166 and direct on the way and one stopover in Atlanta on the way back (the direct flight on the way home got in too 11:30 pm and that was way to late).

<font color="black">Wednesday, November 30: Are that headlights I see coming toward me???<font color="purple">

I loaded most everything in the car the previous day so I was on the road at 4:25. YIPPIE I was on my way! As I was driving up 127 just before I got on Interstate 69 East I heard “Woosh” then I saw headlights coming toward me. It was pitch dark and cold yet the roads were dry and clear. Before I could react I saw the headlights that were in front of me on a car that was less then 40 feet behind me heading straight for the guardrail which it hit. I could not believe what I just saw. It was like a moment of shock where you don’t really know what to do. I picked up my cell phone and dialed 911. Then I thought “Should I have stopped??” After I told the operator where it happened he asked me a whole bunch of questions I didn’t have the answer to “What kind of car is it?” “Is anyone hurt?” Dude I just told you all I saw was a car and that was it! [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/rolleyes.gif[/img] I hope no one was seriously hurt but the accident didn’t make the paper or the news so I am assuming everyone was fine…well except the car. To me it looks like someone fell asleep behind the wheel…it was 4:30 in the morning! As I drove on I thought “Maybe I should have stopped.” Then I realized there probably wasn’t much I could have done and the police would be there in no time. I still regret not stopping. [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/crazy.gif[/img]

Signs for Bishop International Airport came into view after being on the road just over a half hour. I was parked by quarter to 5! I could not believe how close this airport was to my home. Checking in with AirTran was easy. I had done online check in the night before so I just needed to check my bags. There was NO line for security but they had you wait in a queue. The girl (rudely) told me to take off my coat and shoes. I was about 20 feet away from the x-ray thingy. [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/rolleyes.gif[/img] Did I mention there was NO line? I took my coat and shoes off and put them in a bin. My rolling bag went through the machine and they pulled it aside to check it after asking my permission (what am I going to say no?) My Disney pins were the culprit so the bag was sent through without my pins and was all was okay.

There were very few people in the airport and I had a hour and a half to kill so I found a nice comfortable chair and took a nap. At about 6:00 I went over to were the gate for my flight was. I looked out the window…YES there was a plane (good sign). It started snowing and I was getting a bit concerned. I talked with the lady sitting next to me. She was flying to Florida to spend time with her step mom who was sick. She was a bit concerned about the snow too but the guy across from us assured us we would be able to fly in the snow without a problem.

The flight started boarding at about 6:30. AirTran boards VERY strange so keep this in mind of you ever fly with them. They alternate boarding. First the board first class and anyone needing assistance then they board the back of the plane then they board the front then the back again then the front and finally the middle. They claim it saves time but I don’t see how. Anyway I was in the front on row behind business class so I was second to board in coach.

While we were getting settled one of the flight attendants handed out headphones for XM Satellite Radio. Before too long we had pulled out the gate and were taxing down the runway. The flight was uneventful. The flight was FULL of babies including twins in front of me, a baby next across from me and another one behind me. All I could smell the whole fight was diapers. YUCK! They only cried alittle which is pretty good on a 2 ½ hour flight. The drink service made their way around and I was pleasantly surprised that they had Coke with Lime. [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/yuma.gif[/img] They filled our drinks twice while we were in the air. I thought that was very nice. I still wonder why they don’t just give you the can!

The pilot pointed out landmarks as we went over them. It was very cool to see the Smokey Mountains from the sky. We also saw Cape Canaveral and we flew right over my sister’s condo on landing (the pilot didn’t point Sandy’s condo out my I did…to the guy next to me. He just gave me one of those “that’s nice but I could not care less” smiles). Before I knew it we were on the ground!

Since I was in the front of the plane I got off pretty quickly. Our plane landed right on time. When I turned on my cell phone it was 9:40. I made my way to DME desk and was greeted by a smiling woman with a Mickey glove who kindly pointed me to the desk. The line moved VERY quickly. They had a lot of representatives working that morning. I handed the gentleman my info and he checked me in and reminded me that they didn’t have my return into. I let him know I was renting a car so I would not need DME on return. I got all my info back and found the right bus with alittle help from another gloved CM. Before I knew it I was on board the bus on the way to Wilderness Lodge!

The bus ride was pretty smooth. The driver popped in Land Before Time (it least it could have been a DISNEY video! [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/rolleyes.gif[/img] ) I didn’t watch but looked out the window anticipating seeing the purple arches! Finally we were THERE and made our way through the gates of the Magic Kingdom. I kept saying to myself, “Please go to Wilderness Lodge first.” When we took the turn I could not help but say “YES!”

[MAria R]

Great start, ready for more.

[loobyoxlip]

The FNT airport is nice and easy to get around, huh? I have flown in there a few times when going to Birch Run or Saginaw. Great beginning, Robin.

[poohmaine]

Great start, Robin!

[Grammy Grumpy]

Great start Robin. Wish I had the time to do my TR, looks like it will be January before I get to it!

[DawnDenise]

Love the start Robin!!! Looking forward to more Robin!! [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/grin.gif[/img]

[fairestofthemall]

Let's hear more!

Danielle

[HueyDeweyandLouiesMom]

You are off to a great start Robin! Can't wait to hear the rest!

[DrDolphin]

Great start Robin!!!

[SHEANA1226]

Waiting for more Robin!

[lauren-roxy]

Great start Robin!!!!! Can't wait to read more!!!

[debsta922]

Wonderful start Robin... I can't wait to hear about your impressions of WL

[DopeyGirl]

Great start Robin!!! And since you're there . . . that means we all start showing up soon to your report!!! [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/woot.gif[/img] [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/roflmao.gif[/img]

[wheatenwalker]

Good start, Robin!

[RobinKay6573]

Day 1: Part 2 Wilderness Lodge and MGM with Angie &amp; Sheila<font color="purple">

As I walked up to the building I could feel the tears welling up. I walked in the doors and gasp. The lobby was so beautiful. The first CM to greet me was Park Ranger Stan. He is such a sweet man I just wanted to give him a hug (but I didn’t). He smiled and said, “Welcome home.” He didn’t know how right he was!






Check in was quick and easy. Since Angie had checked in the day before the room was obviously ready. They just handed me my key and then asked if I would like a welcome package, which I took. She directed me to the elevators and I found my way down the hall to our room. When I walked in I could not believe my eyes. We had been upgraded! The room was beautiful and the view as even better. I am not sure what “level” we were upgraded to but we had a view of the pool and Bay Lake. The first thing I did was drop my bags and step out of the veranda. It took me a little while for it to sink in…I was staying at Wilderness Lodge! :thankyou: ANGIE!!

I looked at the clock it was only 11 am. I had no real set plans until 6 that evening so I decided to start the day at MK. It took me about 5 minutes to repack my camera bag. On the way to the boat dock I stopped by Roaring Forks to fill the refillable mug that Kristine (my2girls) had sent me. I know it is kind of cheating but I was planning on buying at refillable mug at Pop the next day and it seemed so silly to purchase another mug for one night. There was a boat waiting at the dock when I got down there. How is that for timing!

To my disbelief I was at MK by 11:30 am! I could not believe it. I had just landed two hours before and I was already at MK. In 2002 and 2004 I was lucky enough to be at WDW during Christmas week. No matter how many times you see the decorations it is still breathtaking to see them again. Since they were doing the parade taping that weekend there was a stage set up near the flagpole. The Christmas tree was not there which I thought was odd. Later on a CM told me that Regis and Kelly didn’t like the tree being there so they wanted it moved. There was a tree in the rose garden but it was smaller then the normal MK tree.

I just wondered around MK for a couple of hours. It was just nice to be at WDW again and I wanted to take it all in. I had not eaten all day so I stopped into Columbia Harbor House and got Fish &amp; Chips. The upstairs was closed off so I went into the back and found a table in the corner. The food was good but nothing to write home about. I wish I would have gotten a tuna sandwich because I know I love those.

I decided to head over to MGM after lunch. I took the monorail to TTC and then got in line for the bus to MGM. The wait was not more then 10 minutes. Before I knew it I was on my way to MGM. When I got to MGM I first headed for Rock and Roller coaster. The line was 10 minutes so I got in line and walked all the way to the preshow. I can not tell you how much I love this ride. It is my favorite at WDW! After R&amp;RC I went to Tower of Terror. This is another of my favorites. After I was able to escaped from the haunted hotel I walked down Hollywood Boulevard then Sunset Boulevard to the Chinese Theater. I stood through three showing of the preshow movie clips before I was able to get on the ride. I love movies and I always have so this ride is always a treat for me. I don’t like the “Alien” part of the ride though. Movies like that scare me (I know I am silly) so I always get the willies when I go through that part. We rode through the gangster skit and were safe and sound in the end. I took a few photos but only one came out. [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/frown.gif[/img]



I then walked up Sunset Boulevard and get my photo taken by a Photopass person. Sadly non of them made it to my card [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/frown.gif[/img] I did get a few photos taken but I didn’t buy any of them while I was at WDW. I took some photos with my own camera as well. When I walked back toward the Hat I saw some Streemasphere characters doing a skit so I watched for a bit. I always enjoy their shows.


<font color="blue">She was posing like Marilyn Monroe [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/questionicon.gif[/img] Whatever!<font color="purple">

There were several characters near the hat so I was able to have my photo taken with Santa Goofy and Chip and Dale.




It was almost 3 so I made my way over to Animation Courtyard and caught the next tour. I had not gone on this tour in a number of years so I made my way into the studio. I enjoyed the tour but it was a lot different then the last time I had gone on it (when they were still doing animation at WDW). What I liked the best was seeing the posters of the upcoming movies. I did take the drawing class. I wish they would show you what you are drawing before you start because I was totally lost. I don’t draw with guidelines! We all did a picture of Stitch. I did show mine to Sheila (Wheatenwalker) and Angie (Poohsgirl) but no one else will ever see that one…the evidence has been destroyed! [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/grin.gif[/img]

I met up with Angie and Sheila at about 4:00 and after a few photos taken my Photopass photographer AJ in front of the hat. I purchased one. I will post it later. On the way to Rock &amp; Roller Coaster we stopped a watched a Streetmasphere Skit. It was very cute. The lady in the chair was a contestant on “The Dating Game”. She ended up picking Stone Granet (with a lot of suggestion from the audience). He is a cutie! [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/grin.gif[/img] Sadly the lady was married…so no date. [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/rofl2.gif[/img]






We then went and rode Rock &amp; Roller Coaster with a very short wait. Angie &amp; I tried to drag Sheila on Tower of Terror but she didn’t want ANYTHING to do with that ride. Silly girl…it is so much fun! We wanted to catch the next showing of Voyage of the Little Mermaid so we went back that way after. On the way up Sunset Boulevard Angie spotted Pooh (I sware this girl had Pooh radar). The line had been cut off by the time we got there. I saw Pluto and friends on the other side and the line had just been cut off for them as well. What a treat it would have been to pose for photos with 6 characters at the same time. I can’t remember exactly who was with Pooh, I think it was Eeyore, Pinocchio, Geppetto but I can’t remember who else…Angie got a photo I waited The show is so cute and my favorite part is the very end when Max the Old English Sheepdog comes out! [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/grin.gif[/img] By the time the show was done it was time for the Passporter Osborne lights meet.



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