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© Lisa Cubbon, 2002

Fall Getaway to WDW
September 2002

Who: Andy and Lisa Cubbon (over 50, retired and no kids at home!)
When: September 19-25
Where: Boardwalk Inn, Standard Room

It was finally TIME to go! I had been anticipating the vacation for months. Almost worrying over it. Andy and I talked about where we wanted to eat and what we might want to do a couple times but mostly the vacation was focused on getting away and enjoying each other and the parks. Yes, I know, we are retired but we still need time away from our activities and worries. Trust me, at WDW we don’t worry. We had no plans other than to be at the Magic Kingdom Saturday night for the only Spectromagic Parade and Fantasy in the Sky Fireworks that week. Otherwise we were open to what ever we fancied that day. Since crowds are usually light this time of year and even lighter due to the economy, we just played it by ear and that worked well most of the time. Overall, this trip was remarkable for the heat, humidity and RAIN, not just WDW’s every afternoon shower either, and I mean real hard rain with thunder and lightening. So on with the trip report!

Thursday, September 19th. The plan was to leave at 9am, pronto. Around 7:45, I was loading the luggage while Andy was working on getting up, when I heard a “noise” from Blanche’s trunk. Oh no…. Not car problems. Well, I could not figure out what it was so I hopped into her and got to the Volvo place before they had even opened. The office manager came out and we both investigated the noise. He was more successful than I. It was Andy’s battery toothbrush! I had somehow bumped it when I was loading the trunk. Well, at least I had a good adrenaline rush and the Volvo place guy had a great laugh! So I got home around 8:10a and Andy didn’t even know I had left. We got out about 5 minutes late but we were on the road. I drove the first leg. Andy’s not at this best this early in the day. We got to the Florida Visitor’s Center a little before 1p and the weather was getting warmer. Not very many people at the Center either. That’s pretty unusual for this spot but maybe because it was a Thursday. For entertainment, we had hit the library and picked up about 10 books on tape. We didn’t expect to listen to them all but we learned to get a lot and not listen to the ones we don’t like. This time we listened to Tuscan Memories. It’s a 6-hour unabridged tape and we finished it all on the way down! We made our usual pit stops (every 1.5 hours) including the Disney Information Center in Ocala. We are so close then. Only an hour and a half left. We arrived at the BoardWalk at 4:30p. Yeah… Andy went to park the car and I went to check in. We got the room I had requested! 5308. I really love this room. It’s a corner room, king bed and with a view of Spaceship Earth off the balcony. There is another window that over looks the BW Convention Center. Not very spectacular but the doors and the windows make the room seem larger. It’s a wonderful space, quiet and private. Andy was watching the double rainbow when the bellhop was up with the luggage pronto. The hotel is not very busy. We unpacked while the first thunder storm of the week raged outside. Lightening, blowing rain and WDW. You gotta love it. Plus our umbrella was in the car, nice and dry. The storm stopped and we headed to Epcot. On the way, bought our new annual passes and entered the park and headed to the Rose and Crown for our ritual first meal at WDW. Afterwards we walked around a bit, bought an umbrella at Mouse Gears, which wasn’t a bad deal for 10 dollars until it sorta stopped wanting to open up later in the week. We didn’t do anything in particular, just walked around, and watched Reflections of Earth from the pier area in Italy. There was a little boy standing next to us who was so excited. He had seen the show before and was so happy with the fire and fireworks. We left Epcot with the crowds, got coffee and headed back to the room to get a good night’s sleep before our first full day.

Friday, September 20th. We did breakfast in our lovely room today and everyday except Sunday. I got Andy up and headed to the Boardwalk Bakery to get two coffees, two low-fat milks, an orange juice and a pastry. $10.64. Every day… except Sunday. It was very hot out. We have been here before in September but never with weather like this. Hot and humid all day, every day. I gave up on makeup and hair after the first day. We headed down to the bus kiosk and decided that we would get on the first bus that came. We went to the Magic Kingdom! The crowds were pretty much non-existent today so we were able to ride Pirates, Jungle Cruise without a wait and I rode Big Thunder Mountain Rail Road with no wait. That never happened before. We headed to Haunted Mansion to discover that it was closed, opening tomorrow! Now, if I had read my notes I would have known that. We got FPs for Peter Pan and went on It’s a Small World (not a favorite of Andy’s. He says it needs laser guns and scoring like Buzz Lightyear!) no line. Then we wandered, which is what we did a lot of this vacation. We did Buzz with no line too. Andy beat me soundly again. He controls the steering joystick and he is very good at this ride. I am still convinced it’s a “guy” thing. Shooting from the hip. It was lunchtime, so we picnicked, Magic Kingdom style. Andy hunted the turkey leg and drinks and I gathered the salad and fries. It was a great lunch and we enjoyed sitting, sweating and eating. It was hot and humid. After lunch and quick clean up (turkey legs are sticky and messy!), we wandered a bit longer. The 100 Years of Magic Parade was at 3p and I wanted to see it so we hung around the Town Square by the Main St. Train Station. The parade was “sprightly” as Andy described it. I would say it was the fastest parade I have ever seen. See, there were these very big black clouds quickly approaching the Magic Kingdom. Normally, the characters on the floats interact with the guests but not this time. There were some dancing princes and princesses in front of the princess’s float who almost got run over by the float. They really had to high step to stay safe! We headed to the bus and back to the BWI before the skies opened. Another afternoon storm. After a short rest-up, we decided to take Blanche for a drive and went to Downtown Disney for the evening. We took our umbrella since the skies continued to threaten to open again. They didn’t but we were prepared. We got a light supper of a small four-cheese pizza and an order of mac’n cheese and a salad at Puck’s Express. All the outside tables stayed full but miraculously, one opened up when we needed one. Good grub. We wandered through Virgin Records, bought nothing and headed towards the Market Place and the World of Disney (WOD) shop and the new Once Upon A Toy (OUAT) shop. This was our initial pass at shopping and I had no intentions of buying since I expected to get back later in the week. Turns out we did not get back to shop this time but I am pretty sure this shop will be here the next time. The WOD was pretty crowded with night shoppers, families who had just arrived and those who were just leaving. They were all spending money, too. Good for stockholders, good for us. OUAT is fantastic! I was in love with the place the minute I walked in the door. A make your own Mr. Potatohead kiosk. All the parts you can fit into the box for 12 bucks! The first room was full of board games, many in Disney versions. Like Haunted Mansion Clue! Two versions of Monopoly, Theme Parks and Resorts, Candyland and lots more. WOW! The second room was full of play sets and a wonderful set up of replicas of various attractions at the Magic Kingdom and Disneyland and Disney’s California Adventure. A monorail encircled all of these models. Well, this is all too much and they had a Lincoln Log set too, just like Mr. Potatohead, a build your own cabin for 12 bucks! The last room had stuffed dolls, Star Wars figures and other action toys. The stuffed dolls included a bunch of Muppet characters, including Beaker but not Bunsen Honeydew, go figure! I bought nothing. But there is always the next time…

Saturday, September 21st. Same breakfast as above. We headed to MGM Disney Studios this morning on the boat. We never did walk this time. It was just too hot and humid. We passed security and headed to the Great Movie Ride. I always enjoy this one. It’s a trip back in movie time with a complete Oz set and other neat stuff to enjoy and it’s sitting down in the AC. I was already melted. No makeup for me the rest of the week. Then we went to Muppets and then to Who Wants To Be A Millionaire, Play It! Andy isn’t a big trivia buff but his general knowledge really pays off. Twice he was Number 2! Ok that may not sound right. He was second to get into the hot seat twice. Never made it. The fastest finger question was to arrange Matthew McConahey’s four films in order. We did not even know who he was! And it turns out neither did the woman who won! She just ramdomly pushed buttons. The show lasts about 30 minutes and it’s a pleasant way to stay cool and test your smarts. I think I would have done better if I hadn’t messed up on the button locations. I was pushing what I thought was D and it was C. My fingers slipped. Arghh…. We lunched at the food court on Sunset Blvd. I was the hunter/gatherer today. Andy was in charge of sodas and seating. We like to vary roles. Of course, I saw a table I liked better under a fan so we did move but that was OK too.

After lunch we headed via bus to The Animal Kingdom. There were a couple of things I really wanted to do. The Primeval Whirl had opened and I wanted to try that and I wanted to see Tarzan. The show closes this week and I wanted to see it once more. They were calling folks into the theater so we were early but got seats under a fan. The show was good. Then we headed to The Primeval Whirl and it was wonderful. It’s a combination of a wild mouse and tilt-a-whirl. It works up some speed too and tossed you about a bit, not brutal but very fun and no line! We then wandered into It’s Tough to be a Bug. No wait there either. We headed out to our favorite attraction in all the parks, Kilamajaro Safari. Even in the heat and humidity, it’s a wonderful attraction. The baby in the row ahead who was only barely restrained by his mother’s arm distracted me. It’s a scary situation. The roads are rutted so it’s a bumpy ride. I kept thinking that she would lose her grip but thankfully she did not. We watched the parade in the shade while I had my popcorn. I love the popcorn at WDW and it’s the only place I eat it, not even the movies. We rode KS once more and I had had enough heat. So we headed to the Magic Kingdom. This was the only night that the Spectromagic Parade and Fantasy in the Sky Fireworks would be performed and I really wanted to see these two events. Getting to the Magic Kingdom proved to be a challenge. Magic Kingdom is the only park that does not have direct transportation between the other parks. You can get directly to the MK from any hotel, there is a bus terminal right at the entry gateway but from the parks you have to go through the Ticket and Transportation Center which can be a colossal pain. Today proved to be a pain. We waited for over 30 minutes for a bus. When it finally came, it was of course packed to the gills with guests and cast members who were going to the TTC to catch the Lynx (the Orlando local bus). Once we were at the TTC, the afternoon rain started. Just a gentle dribble so we carry forth. We did ride the monorail to the MK. Once there, it was a quick check through security and into the park, which was very crowded, the first crowds we ran into since we arrived on Thursday. No way were we getting into any of the sit down restaurants with out Priority Seating arrangements. We decided to go to Pinochios’s Village Haus for supper. We got a chicken salad (a true hidden treasure of the MK) and a cheeseburger and fries to share. Andy waited in line while I hunted for bottled drinks. Nothing in Fantasyland so we got fountain drinks which I don’t much like, a diet coke for me and coke for Andy. We went and got me a FP for Big Thunder Mountain for after the parade. Tiki Birds was closed so we had time to hit the Strawberry Swill ice cream kiosk over by Tomorrowland. We shared a small one and I was happy! We headed back across the hub where folks were already lining up for the 8pm parade. We found a nice place in front of the Diamond Horseshoe Review. The only problem with this place is it’s on the dividing line for the parade music. So you hear it at different times from two directions. It’s distracting but again it’s a good spot otherwise. There was a pair of grandparents who showed up late with two kids and the gal standing next to me felt bad because when the parade started we all stood up and they could not see. Yeah right. We waited and they didn’t, right? When the parade was almost over, I told the gal next to me not to feel to bad and pointed out where they finally got to view the parade from, front row! They ran Spectromagic from Town Square to Adventureland. I am sure that many people leave after the parade and this stages folks at the exit gate. We started heading towards the hub for fireworks and it was packed. Andy led the way, past the closed Crystal Palace and into the shops to shortcut us to the exit. I was just too tired to stay for the fireworks and it was packed. The buses would be overloaded after the display. We got to the bus kiosk and there were a few folks hoping to catch the first bus back. The dispatcher (bless’em) sent a bus and off we went just as the fireworks were starting. We got off the bus at the Swan and walked over to the Boardwalk, got a coffee and headed back to the room for a shower and shut eye.

Sunday, September 22nd. Today is BIG breakfast Day! Spoodles. I had the Moroccan Pancakes and Andy had a ham and cheese omelet. We shared some sausage and each had coffee and juice. It was a yummy breakfast and our only formal breakfast for the stay. When we finished, we headed to Epcot and we rode the new Journey into Imagination. It’s cute and better than the previous version. Figment is featured and it has a more playful feeling. Then we did Honey I Shrunk the Audience. I was remembering what it was like at Disneyland Paris where you used headsets and could chose to hear the show several languages. None of that here. We went to the Land and did the boat ride. This time we did not have the fast talking lady this time and I missed her! She covers a lot of what’s happening in the greenhouses in great detail. We did notice that they were setting up for the winter crops and had some pumpkins growing and some huge squashes too. We also saw Food Rocks. It’s the first time in years that we stopped for that goodie and it’s cute to see. Rock Bands in tribute to the food pyramid. It was lunchtime and I suggested the Coral Reef Restaurant. We were trying to eat in different places this time so this was a good choice and the fish was very nice. Andy had piranha and I had three tail. We shared a salad and each had a glass of wine. It was very good. Andy wondered why we had not eaten there before. I don’t have a good reason. We just never did. I am pretty sure were will be back. The viewing wall of the aquarium is wonderful. The restaurant is in a very quite location, almost a hushed sound. It feels very waterish too. Seemed strange eating fish and watching fish. We skipped dessert even though the dessert menu looked wonderful. Sigh… Then we headed over to the Universe of Energy and I actually fell asleep during the ride. Yes, I did. Explosions and everything. Out like a little light. After my nap, we headed to Test Track for my thrill ride of the day. Andy wandered around the GM display to see if they had any information on fuel cells. He read an article on fuel cells and thought it sounded like a great idea for Disney World. We left Epcot and headed to MGM on the bus. Since we were in the Future World area, it was the fastest way to get to the Studios. The bus for MGM was in the very last bus kiosk area for Epcot. It was a long walk in the heat. Once in MGM we headed for Rock’n Roller Coaster. There was no wait here either and I opened my eyes for more of it this time. I am still not thrilled to be turned upside down. I rode Tower of Terror while Andy waited for me in the shade. There was a small girl who was riding for the first time and I talked with her and her mom about what to expect. She was just tall enough to ride the coasters too so she was a daredevil! I managed to get the seat belt seat. Not that I wanted it but as a single, it was available. The guy sitting next to me was German and pretty unsure about what he had just committed to doing. He huddled over his small son the entire ride. I said, “more?” and he said very definitely, “No!” We headed back to see The Hunchback of Notre Dame. The show was ending on the 28th and I really wanted to see this outstanding show. I will miss it. After HoND, the sprinkles were back but we are brave so we headed towards Star Tours and the Indiana Jones Stunt Show. I wanted to ride Star Tours before we saw the Indy Show. But first we had a pit stop at the ABC Commissary and the skies opened up. This was a BIG storm. We waited it out in the dryness for about 20 minutes and finally decided that the Indy Show would be canceled so we got the Mickey Ponchos out and headed towards the exit. We were soaked by the time we got to the boat dock. We got back to the BWI and dried off and waited for the rain to stop. Around 6p it did and we headed to Epcot. We had supper at the Tangerine Café; Moroccan cuisine served cafeteria style and pretty good too. A light meal was all we needed. We headed to Mexico with a short stop at Norway for rice crème and then to find a spot to see RoE. We like the bridge by Mexico for the most unobstructed view. But since it was Sunday and there were more people there, we did not get there in time for a front row seat. Not a real problem. We ended the night with a coffee from the Boardwalk Bakery and a shower. It was really so miserable out that I just could not get in bed without showering first.

Monday, September 23rd. Today we headed to the MK first. We were actually out and down at the bus kiosk by 9:30a. We headed to the Tiki Birds and the Haunted Mansion. It had just reopened from a rehab but I could not tell that anything was different. I guess it just needed a new coat of cobwebs and dust. Then we rode the Tomorrowland Transit Authority (TTA) and it started sprinkling, early today. We decided to head to MGM after lunch and we tried another new place for lunch, the Plaza Restaurant. Very nice little spot with a view of the old swan boat pond. I had a great Reuben sandwich and Andy had a chicken sandwich. The French fries were even good. I think we will be back to this one. The ice cream treats looked wonderful too. I needed a nap before we went to MGM. The heat got to me so we did not get to MGM until almost 5p. We took the boat over. While I was in Start Tours, Andy got Priority Seating at Prime Time Café for 6:50p. We went into the Indiana Jones Stunt Show and enjoyed that a lot. As the performance was ending the skies opened up! We got to a covered area and just sat for about 15minutes. It stopped in time for us to head over to the restaurant. It’s only a short walk. The dinner was pretty good too. Primes Time Café is themed to be like Mom’s kitchen so all the servers are Mom or Dad or Aunt or Cousin. You are called to the table as the “Cubbon” (substitute your name here) kids. The décor is early 50s with TVs playing a loop of bits from all kinds of out TV line Mickey Mouse Club, Spin and Marty, I love Joan, Topper, Car 54 Where are You? and other oldies but goodies. The food is all 50s type food too. I have fried chicken and Andy had meat loaf, both very good. Of course since we cleaned out plates we were given the viewmaster to look at the desserts. Yep, the dessert menu is on a view master. We opted for the old fashion lemon meringue pie. Andy seemed to really enjoy this one. It was an old recipe for sure. We were heading towards the exit, when the skies opened again. We were in a shop and decided to just tough it out in our trusty yellow Mickey ponchos and head for the exit and the boat dock. Luckily there were only a few souls at the dock and a boat had just left. But we were under cover. As we were waiting the skies opened up again, thunder and lightening and they announced that Fantasmic! was canceled. Seems reasonable to me that they would cancel a show with fireworks, laser water screens and live actors under those conditions. Don’t want Mickey fried! We got back to the Boardwalk and into the room in time to see the Epcot fireworks. They ALWAYS get performed. The only time I can think they did not do them was 9/11/01 and maybe one other time for Hurricane Andrew.

Wednesday, September 25th. It’s up and out this morning. After I get my back working again. I did something and now my lower back is all messed up. I think I have used a fanny pack for the last time. It seems to just be enough weight to twist my lower back. I headed to the bakery for our breakfast staples and for my bakery provisions. I brought back four cinnamon yummies and four chocolate chip muffins. OK, so it’s nuts but they are two wonderful bakery treats and they are in the freezer for cooler days. I had hauled down some of those new disposable containers and the bakery staff cheerfully packed my goodies. We headed home at 9:30a. I think Andy was pretty surprised when he asked where we were heading this morning. Usually we stay and have lunch and don’t leave for home until 1pm or so. To leave earlier gets us home at rush hour but my back just was not up to the walking in the heat. We got home at 5:20p and started laundry. Life goes on.

Next trip is November 10-12th. We have to be in Plant City for a dance event on the 9th and well it’s so close. Not sure where we are staying yet. I have to call the Travel Agent tomorrow to make reservations. Yahoo. I am going to Walt Disney World. It will be Food and Wine Festival time at Epcot too. We were at the Magic Kingdom on Veteran’s Day last year and I would like to be there again this year. The Flag lowering ceremony was very moving. Andy’s a Vet so he got to participate. I want to do that again. I read that they don’t do the dove release anymore. Not since the hawks realized that a steady supply of food was appearing on the horizon every sunset. Can’t have the circle of life appearing on Main St. every evening for the kiddies.

Until then.....Lisa Cubbon, cub reporter.