Day 3: A Prophetic Title (you'll get that one day.)

Day 3; Excerpt from my upcoming "Man's Guide to Doing Disney: Skip Day Three!"

We planned to just sleep in and take our time getting going on Day 3, Tuesday. As many of you know, when you have a little one, you can plan all you want, but don't plan on it working out the way you planned!

For whatever reason, Sean was up at the crack of dawn and wanted to watch tv. And he wasn't taking no for an answer.

And through the adjoining door we could hear activity in the other room. Turns out Abby woke up at 4:30 and would not go back to sleep either. In fact by 9:00, they (Joe, Ashley, and Abby) were already gone on their way to Hollywood Studios. We still took our time. I got coffee and ate a Pop Tart (breakfast of champions, I know) while the others got showered and dressed.

Sadly by time we got our lazy butts to the bus stop the DHS bus line was packed. Including 2 passengers waiting on ECV's (or scooters, as they are sometimes known.) We ended up having to stand the whole way, me with one hand on the folded-up stroller and one on my son who also had to stand due to the lack of seats.

Sidebar: I've been debating even bringing this up as a Disney trip report seems like it should be sunshine and rainbows, but I think I just have to. I was fine standing. I'm a big boy. But I must admit it irked me that none of the able-bodied men offered their seats to my wife and child. Chivalry is clearly lacking in our world.

Call me old school, but I still hold doors and I still give up my seat no matter how tired I am.

I also just wrote a whole paragraph about the legitimacy of some people's need for an ECV but figured that would be inconsiderate and unfair, I guess. So I deleted it.

Anyway, we got to DHS and made it inside very smoothly. I have to say while its not my favorite park by any stretch, I do love walking into Hollywood Studios. Almost as much as walking down Main Street USA. I just get a good feeling. In fact, this is one of those parks where I could almost not even ride a ride and still just love spending a day walking around. Just being there is almost enough. I got a similar feeling at California Adventure last year. And it's clear, at least to me, the latter was inspired in some parts by the former.

Once inside the first order of business was a little shopping while waiting for Joe and Ashley, who'd texted me that they were in The Voyage of the Little Mermaid.

Oh, and don't let me forget to mention a slightly embarrassing story:
As I may have said a few times, it was really hot this week. As soon as I walked out of our room, I'd start sweating. Well, as we were waiting for the bus at Pop, I caught a rancid smell. And it was clearly close. It didn't take long to realize this sour odor was coming from ME! It was my shirt. I had put on a prized Jimmy Buffett shirt from last summer's tour.

But apparently it had been left in the washing machine for a tad too long at some point. You know that smell.

Ugh.
I was not spending the whole day smelling like my dog had lifted its leg on my shirt. Plus, any excuse for another Disney souvenir . . . !

I browsed the shops on the immediate left on Hollywood Blvd (my apologies for not remembering the name.) It was Wendy who made the best score of the day. She found a vinyl Lightning McQueen plush hat on CLEARANCE for $10 bucks! Being a very creative person her wheels began to turn putting together a Halloween costume for Sean. So Sean will be trick or treating as everyone's favorite Piston Cup racer this year! (And he did - hit me up and I'll send you some pics.)

I found a great Mickey T-shirt. It doesn't say Walt Disney World, sadly, but it does look like one of those awesome 1960's concert posters for the Dead, or Jefferson Airplane, but with Mickey in the middle, and it says "The Path to Enlightment, . . . Peace, Love, Mickey Mouse."

I loved it, and surprisingly so did the wife. So shirt was purchased, and away I stole to the bathroom for a quick change.

In the meantime a CM asked my wife if Sean would like to send a message to a Disney character. This was something we'd never been offered in previous trips. It was one of those fun (and free) little extras Disney offers. Wendy filled out a cute little postcard to Sean's very favorite character of all, Lightning McQueen, letting him know he'd be dressing as him for Halloween and telling McQueen how awesome he was 'cuz he "goes fast!"

Kachow!

We got a little certificate stating Sean had sent a message to Lightning. It was pretty cool. Oh, and again, it was free!

By the way, anybody who is going anytime soon, if you spend $20 on merchandise, there's a great Mickey watch you can get for $12.95. I really wanted it, but I have a watch that's considerably more expensive that Wendy gave me a long time ago when we were just dating. Apparently I'm not allowed to buy and/or wear any other watch.

That said, anybody who wants to grab that watch for me, I'll wire you the $13 bucks!

Ok, so after our shopping excursion we walked toward "the Hat" and Sean got to meet Donald and Pluto.

I won't bore you with the details except to tell you that, when I was shirt shopping Sean also got a plastic Monorail car, and he made a point to show it to Pluto, and even let Pluto play with it along the ground.

It was one of those moments, and I'm a little bummed we didn't catch it on video. But again, maybe it's better we didn't. The memory is better.

Afterward we met up with Joe and Ashley.

Here's where things started to, maybe not go south, but definitely veer off and point in a southerly direction.

People in our party were not dealing with A.) the heat, and B.) certain children's cranky, tired behavior in the heat.

I understand that. But meantime, all I wanted to do was ride Tower of Terror, Rock & Roller Coaster, and Toy Story Midway Mania.

Unfortunately I couldn't get anyone else off a park bench! I knew Joe was up for rides, but also that judging by the moods of his party, he didn't dare try to walk away. I bit my lip and waited (and sweated) while they got the kids snacks and water, but couldn't help but, like Captain Hook, hear the ticking of an invisible clock. As though the Croc were creeping up behind me with his jaws wide, while we stood around on a beautfiul day inside an amusement park doing absolutely nothing.

Is it possible I'm the crazy person? Me being me, while I don't like to be confrontational, on the inside I was starting to steam and wanted to scream at these people for just sitting around.

We were at Walt Disney World!!!

That's when it occurred to me; it was day three.

Every time I've gone, it always seems that, by the third day, after two days of walking and adventures, every one is a little tired, and cranky. Little things can boil over into seemingly big things. I decided in that moment that going forward, I must be sure to book enough days that, on Day 3, we can just do nothing. Just sleep in, go to the pool, and simply recoup.

Maybe go mini-golfing in the afternoon. Just a do nothing day, but withenough days left that I don't feel like we wasted one.

Remind me of this the next time I announce we're going, will ya?

After a few minutes of standing around stewing, watching the rest of the guests in the park moving, having fun, I announced I would go check the wait time for Toy Story Midway Mania. Knowing it would likely be long, I offerred to get Fast Passes f or everyone, and along the way I'd check show times for Playhouse Disney Live, which was really our big goal for the day.

I simply wanted to walk. I didn't even care if I rode a ride or saw a attraction. Just needed to move!

I don't stand still very well. Especially in a Disney park. Perhaps I do have ADHD or something.

Fortunately this idea spurred some action within the group. Joe and Wendy decided to follow along with the squirts so Ashley could just chill. I know the early wake up and cranky behavior that followed from Abby was trying her patience. And the nearly 90 degree heat in the late morning hour wasn't helping.

Finally, we were moving again. Checked times for Playhouse Disney Live - pretty much every hour so we were good, as long as they didn’t decide to cancel altogether, as happened to us in California.

Hour wait for Midway Mania. No worries, FP's for every one. The day was getting back on track. I felt my chest loosen again. It was around 11:00 at this point I guess because when we got to Ashley, she told Joe he should go with us to ride Rock & Roller Coaster before they went to see Beauty & the Beast on stage (which I had a feeling I might have to see too.)

Don't get me wrong, I love the movie. I love the story. And the Beast is one of my favorite Disney characters. I see him as a kindred, at least in that form. But, again, the heat, outdoor theater . . . umm, no thanks. Not this year.

Ashley took Abby in search of Air Conditioning and we took the boys, Sean and Joe, and headed down Sunset. Wendy grabbed a child-swap ticket at Rock & Roller Coaster (another great tip some people still don't know about) and Joe and I went on first.

The "10 Min wait" was more like 5, as we practically walked right through and into the "alley." It's been 3 & 1/2 years since I've felt that take-off! What a blast. I giggled through the whole ride, and we caught the live version of Sweet Emotion which for me, being a huge Aerosmith fan, just added to the whole experience!

Joe and I got off and Joe being the excellent guy that he is offered to hang with Sean. I was able to go again with my wife. We got to go through the FP lane with our child-swap ticket but it really wasn't that necessary. The lines were still short. Two great rides on R&RC within a 20 minute period. Those are the moments where I really feel like I'm getting my money's worth!

Afterwards Joe went to join Ashley and Abby at the Baby Care Center where they were cooling off. We said we'd just hook up at the Hollywood & Vine buffet where we were eating lunch in about 45 minutes. Which I realize makes this next sentence sound like great parenting: We stopped and got Sean a bucket of popcorn.

He wanted to see the dinosaur so we took a leisurely stroll around Echo Lake and stopped by to see Gertie. "She" wasn't open yet so thankfully Sean didn't ask for ice cream too.

As we circled around, Wendy saw the American Idol Experience (which I'd hoped to distract her from) was about to begin.

I'd rather shove a meat thermometer in my ear, but we agreed that she could go check it out, as she's loves the t.v. show and I would take Sean on the Great Movie Ride, which I thought while somewhat boring would keep him occupied.

I was mistaken, because he started getting antsy very quickly. He liked the old west set. Sadly, the car that's supposed to drive out and begin the gun fight with Mugsy in the gangster set was apparently not working properly. I was in the front so I could see the car, behind the wall, headlights on and gangsters shooting, but it never came forward, so Mugsy and his boys were essentially fighting an invisible enemy to the last half of our tram.

I will say this is the third time I've ridden it and yet the first time I've ever seen the second alien appearance in the Alien sequence. I've always only seen the one looking down from above. I guess we were always past it by the time she came out of the side.

By time we reached the finale with all the film clips, Sean was ready to climb over the side of the car. And honestly, I was too. I think unless they do a major refurb on that ride, I will probably skip it from now on.

We came out to a text from Wendy saying the show was still going and she'd meet us at H&V. This was our first time eating here. I really wanted to have lunch at the Sci-Fi Dine-In and see what Sean would think of it. It's a restaurant but in typical Disney magic style, you walk in to what looks like an outdoor drive-in movie theater, sarrounded by old cars, that are actually booths. And the major focal point is a large screen that shows old sci-fi movie trailers on a loop. The menu is decent, but the atmosphere is awesome!

And we've eaten at the 50's Prime-Time Cafe and dug that too.

But with the meal plan not covering the kids, a buffet did seem like a logical choice. I was a little worried because I read some not so great reviews. Usually the highest compliment I saw was "fair" or "okay."

Well we all really enjoyed it! Everything I ate was good. I will say this, it's not your typical buffet selection. Here in the Midwest we have a big chain called Old Country Buffet (not sure how far across the country they reach) and its what I would call your standard buffet. Salad bar, fried chicken, mashed potatoes, pastas, some form of roast beast, and desert.

H&V really had an eclectic selection. Grilled flank steak, a chipotle lime chicken, seafood pasta alfredo. Nice selection of different salads and anitpasto, fresh mozzarella & tomato. Cheeses. Breads. I'm not saying it was "gourmet" but it was really good. The only thing I can remember not really enjoying was some kind of chicken that was in kind of a teriyaki meets BBQ sauce (to me anyway) that had a good flavor but they used very fatty thighs. (I don’t think it was the Baked chicken thighs with Pinot Noir and blackberry listed on their menu.)

We all left happy and stuffed to the gills, even the kids.

Plus unbeknown even to me its a character dining, een at lunch. Leo and June from Little Einsteins and JoJo and Goliath from JoJo's Circus were there while we ate.

Now here's a tip/warning: they also have two human performers with headset microphones who seem like they've just slammed 8 cups of espresso and they walk around, leading songs and recruiting dancers of the PA system. It gets loud in there. Every kid in there seemed to love it, but I noticed a nice older couple eating at a two-top who looked like they'd just found themselves launched to Mars! This was clearly not the luncheon experience they'd anticipated.

I walked out with a full tummy just in time for our FP return time on Midway Mania. No better way to let your stomach settle from a big lunch than to do a little spinning!!!

I must admit I wasn't as excited as I should have been for this one. I had the chance to ride it in California but figured Sean was too young and I just wasn't that into a Buzz Lightyear redux that made you look at video screens. Boy was I waaay off!!!

What a great ride! The Imagineers really did it again! The que is so original (sadly when you go through the FP line you don't get to see Mr. Potato Head so if the lines aren't bad I'd go Stand By next time.)

I loved entering into Andy's Room for the boarding area. Sean and I rode together. I just laughed through the whole thing. Sean had a blast pulling the string on his gun. I tried to show him how to aim a few times but realized its a lost cause and he was having the time of his life anyway so why bother?

When we all got off we couldn't wait to go back on. The Stand-By line was still like 40 minutes and honestly, no one really planned on still being here in 40 minutes. We did grab more Fast Passes but would never use them. As it happens, I still have ours sitting in my wallet, over 6 months later. We decided to just head on over to Playhouse Disney Live.

We were inside the theater within about 15 minutes and since we'd been the first ones in line were right up near the front center. Sean made a friend immediately. I won't even bother complaining about sitting on the floor. If you're over the age of 25, you know. That said, it was worth it.

That show was everything we've expected it to be since we first saw the Behind the Ears promos for it last summer! As expected, Sean lost his mind over it. He loved it. He couldn't believe how close he was to Mickey's Clubhouse! The only problem we had was keeping him from running right up the steps to get onstage, which he made it clear was his intention if I let go of his t-shirt. There were moments where he was literally leaning further forward than gravity should allow as I desperately gripped his shirt-tail. I'm sure our little scene was as entertaining for the parents around us as was the show. But he wasn't being bad by any stretch. I just laughed about it.

If you’ve got little ones do not skip Playhouse Disney Live! It’s great, and the puppets are a nice change from animatronics or costumed characters, and very well done. But of course, it is Disney. And I don’t care how cool you are, you can’t help but find yourself singing along, calling for Toodles with the kids, and just plain having a good time.

After PHDL, Joe and Ashley decided to head back to the hotel for a swim and a nap.

We said we’d see them there, debating ourselves if we should stay for the Block Party Parade or just head back as well. Once we got to Hollywood Blvd, Wendy saw everyone lined up and we happened to see a perfect spot to park the stroller so she decided to stay.

I decided that if they were going to watch the parade, I wanted to at least see if I could get a quick ride on Tower of Terror. I asked a nearby CM in a ToT bell hop costume if the tower was running again (as earlier that day it was out of service) and she told me it was up again. I think the combination of the Tower being down for a big part of the day, and the parade about to start worked in my favor.

I had no wait time. I don’t know if this is really a tip, or if I just hit it at the right time, but in the boiler room when the que splits off and you can either go right or keep on straight, I went straight as the group in front of me turned.
There were 4 people in front of me, and none behind. I got the front row of the left side (as your sitting in it) to myself. In fact, I had that whole side of the car to myself. Which almost made it feel even a little creepier.

The others were sitting at the back on the other side so my perspective made it seem like I was all alone. I don’t know if an engineer would agree or dispute, but I think the lack of weight in our elevator made a difference in the ride. I never really felt a major plummet, but what was amazing were the exhilarating lunges upward, that seemed faster and more powerful than I remember in the past (with full elevators.) It was simply amazing. A total rush most of us mortals won't ever feel any where else.
I considered trying to grab a quick second round but figured the parade was probably close to over and Wendy would want to get going. I did make a quick stop in the Villains shop of course, and had a quick debate with myself about buying a really cool Pirates sleeveless black tee. But it was one of those shirts that would look awesome at Walt Disney World, but I probably wouldn’t wear in public back in Chicago, aside from mowing the lawn, so I passed.

Man, growing up is a drag. You get these uncontrollable bouts of responsibility and rationale.

Anyway, I made it back just in time to catch the tail end of the parade, which Wendy said was pretty good, but still not quite as good as the Pixar Play Parade at California Adventure.

We got to our bus stop just as one pulled up and saw Joe and Ashley up ahead of us in line. They had stayed for the parade after all. We got back to the hotel and tried to lay Sean down but he was not into the idea, so to the pool we went. As we walked over to the kid’s pool I pointed out some dark clouds not too far off. We got about a good hour in before the sky turned gray and the rains came down. We all huddled under a table umbrella. It was nearly 5:00 and Wendy ordered pizza from a local place, not Peace Pizza, the resort’s own delivery source.

Wendy’s Stepfather has a sister in Orlando who wanted to see us and meet Sean so she was coming to the hotel that night. I admit I wasn't in the mood to entertain, but she was very sweet and brought us a pallet of water, a couple jugs of Gatorade, and a case of Bud Light (so I how could I not love her???)

The pizza was good. I will get the name from her and post it in here later in case any one ever wants to give it a spin. However we got wings too and they weren’t impressive. Very fatty and greasy and little flavor. Though in their defense, I’m sure my wife ordered Mild and I find you gotta go for Medium at the very least.

While we ate, Renee mentioned a Disney Outlet store not far from the resort. I told Wendy to go ahead and I’d hang out with Sean. I ended up just hanging out in the room, watched Hell’s Kitchen with good ol’ Gordon Ramsey (figured one less thing I’d have to catch up on the DVR at home!)

But after 3 hours in the room I was getting a little stir crazy. Fortunately Wendy got back as I was reaching zero-hour. I took a walk and stopped by Petals bar and called my boss/friend to see how things were going at work. I know, I’m sick like that. I’m the guy who logs on from home on his day off to make sure they don’t need me for anything. Imagine how I’d be if I actually liked my job.
It was a good day overall, with just a shaky start. After my walk, I stopped into the food court and br\ought Wendy a rice crispy flip-flop with chocolate icing, which she said was delicious. I didn’t try it. I had my desert at Petals.

Tomorrow was the day I was really looking forward to. Disney's Animal Kingdom, and my first ride on Expedition Everest. I made it clear, in no uncertain terms, I was walking into the park and straight to Everest. They could follow me or not. I wasn’t diverting from this plan, regardless of heat, crabby kids (or adults), hurricanes, or even animatronic dinosaurs coming to life and rampaging through the park.

I had a date with a Yeti.

Day 2; Part 2

Day 2; Part 2: Take These Broken (Demon) Wings!

So around 6 or so we gathered and caught the bus back to the Magic Kingdom. By time we got through bag-check (again) and the gates (traveling with kids really adds a new dimension!) it was already getting close to 7 and our Liberty Tree reservation. The rest of my caravan were moving particularly slow so I kind of sprinted ahead to check in. I'm a firm believer that if they say be there 15 minutes before your reservation, that you should try to do just that. I say it’s because I am optimistic that if you are there early, you might get to sit early and therefore EAT early, though I also confess I'm just something of a rule-follower. I guess in this day and age that's considered a bad thing.

Sidebar: I was accused of everything from "running", "speedwalking", "rushing", you name it throughout this trip. I take exception. I simply have a long gate, and while in Walt Disney World, an "enthusiastic gate." Besides, they're all sloths! Just kidding guys.

Anyway, I got to Liberty Tree and stood in line to check in. I know they're going for that old world, pre-central air conditioning theme, but my lord it was as warm in the waiting area as it was outside. Not helping the sweating issue! But what really got me to sweating was when I approached the podium, gave my name, and it was quickly apparent that he was having a hard time finding us. Which he then looked up and confirmed.
I explained I had made 2 reservations, one for 6:45 and one for 7, and then cancelled the 6:45. After further research the CM told me he did see a 7:00 reservation in the system for me. Sadly, it was for Thursday the 10^th – four days from now! I told him I was certain it was for this night. I also calmly reiterated that I had 3 hungry adults and 2 impatient toddlers waiting outside. The manager stepped in and asked if I had the email confirmation and I did not but could look with my phone but it would take me a while as I'd made it back in July.

Now mind you they were both very polite and actually came off as genuinely concerned. I was well-aware if this were happening at almost any restaurant in Chicago, I’d have been lucky if they’d have even given me directions to the nearest Burger King. Which is why I stayed completely cordial. It makes me crazy when people flip out over things like this, even though I know what a frustrating situation it can be. I guess I go by "don't sweat the small stuff" especially when you're already sweating.

I pulled out my phone and started looking through my emails. I had barely connected when the manager said "Ok, I've changed your reservation back to tonight. Here's your pager. We'll buzz you when your table is ready."

Ask me again why I love Walt Disney World. This treatment is exactly what you can expect from Disney Cast Members 9 & ¾ times out of 10.

We were paged about ten minutes later. Of course, within those ten minutes I found the confirmation email on my phone. The reservation I had made was in fact for 7:00 . . . on Thursday, Sept. 10th. I'm an idiot! I forgot we were originally debating whether to eat at Liberty on Monday or Thursday. I guess I got my own wires crossed. I felt like a buffoon. But of course, being a man I never admitted the mistake. Not til after we'd eaten anyway!

Well we might as well have waited til Thursday night because it turned out to be a dinner from H@#% with the kids. Neither one was in the mood to sit nicely and eat. Sean wanted to lap the restaurant and was furious that we forced him to sit in a highchair to keep him at the table. He was throwing things, pushing his plate away, screeching, basically being a 2 & 1/2 year old. Abigail finding this a good way to gain attention decided to follow suit. And we were gaining plenty of attention from the other tables around us. Our server was a soldier and never showed a sign of annoyance. We still ate a little faster than we would have liked and the girls took the kids outside while Joe and I settled up, and honestly snuck a few more slices of ham and roast beef. The food is so good at Liberty Tree! Honestly people, if you haven't enjoyed a dinner there yet, do yourself a favor. Imagine the best Thanksgiving dinner you’ve ever had, minus the clean-up! The only thing missing is the cranberry sauce and your uncle sleeping in front of a football game with his belt undone.

We decided to do dinner at 7:00 so that if we played our cards right, we’d be walking out of Liberty Tree in time to claim a good spot for Spectromagic! Specrotmagic is actually the one parade at WDW I not only enjoy but look forward too. The front porch of Liberty Tree and that whole strip of shops, etc, is a perfect location to catch the parade. It’s the last leg of the show.

Despite rushing dinner due to crabby kids, our timing ended up being good. We found a nice spot right behind the rope just outside of the restaurant and had plenty of time before the parade would get to us. Before dinner, I was starting to feel a crick in my neck, which throughout dinner (and I'm not blaming the kids' behavior) it began to creep up into my skull. By this point I had a dull throbbing headache.

It occurred to me I had barely drunk any water all day in the heat and humidity (and yes I'd had that Lava Lamp earlier.) I was probably a little dehydrated so I wandered off for a couple bottles of water.

Another tip: if you go in the really hot months, get a pallet of water for your room and either rent a fridge or keep some on ice to take to the parks. I don't even know the official policy on bringing in beverages, but after Tuesday we got wise and started taking a couple bottles with us each morning and afternoon. And to be honest we never heard a complaint from the bag check guards. We didn't try to hide it either. I think given the heat, if taking your own is normally a no-no, maybe they were just turning their heads. You've got to stay hydrated and bottled water in the park is either $2.75 for Dasani or $3.25 for Smart Water (which apparently has elec . . . electro . . . Eletric-eels or something.)

I received a text while in line for water at the popcorn cart in front of the Liberty Bell replica to get Sean a box of popcorn. My son apparently discovered popcorn on this trip. This was the first of many popcorn purchases I'd make this trip. I will tell you now, another reason to bring store bought water if at all possible is on the dining plan, water counts as a snack. Both couples in our group blew through our snack credits pretty quickly on just bottled water (and popcorn.)

Kind of frustrating when I realized I’d used a snack credit on a $3 bottle of water, when I could have used it later for a $7 bbq turkey leg (which also counts as a snack – and is a delicious snack, at that!)

I returned to our spot and learned I wasn't the only pushover dad in town. Joe had dropped $15 bucks on a light up Minnie Mouse toy that spun around and her dress lit up. Not to be outdone, I reached into Sean's Lightning McQueen backpack and removed his little Lightning McQueen plastic wand with spinning lights inside a ball at the top. Joe asked "Oh cool, where'd you find that?"

I felt almost guilty saying "Target, a couple weeks ago . . . for $3 bucks."

We watched Spectromagic in its entirety. Now that is a cool parade. Imagine a parade of Disney characters on elaborate floats, but at night, and all covered by thousands of lights. Ok, maybe that didn’t quite do it justice, but I do enjoy it, and the kids and wives love it. There’s something a little off about this one, and even maybe a little creepy about parts of it, which I love. Maybe it’s the music. Maybe it’s that it happens later at night. Maybe it’s the float of the demon from Fantasia, Chernabog who spreads open his bat wings in a cloud of hissing smoke and glowing eyes.

There were a couple issues this particular night though. First of all, in the front of the parade, there have always been these weird characters riding around, some playing instruments, moving in robotic unison. They all had the same white, wide-eyed, childlike doll faces and wore these white costumes with led lights all over them. They kind of looked like something you’d expect to see at Neverland ranch. They were creepy and slightly haunting, it was even more bothersome to discover they’d been changed. Now you can see the actual performers’ faces, but slathered in white make-up (whatever's not running down their faces with sweat that is) and each wearing these weird Tin Man like noses and chin pieces. They went from somewhat creepy to downright disturbing. I never thought I'd say this but bring back the creepy Cabbage Patch masks, please!

Other than that, my aforementioned favorite float, the Chernabog demon wasn't working. His wings wouldn't open. So if you didn't know that parade, you'd probably think "Oh, I see, it's a float of a volcano that hisses and steams. Okay . . .?"

But of course I'm being nit-picky. Spectromagic is fantastic. One of the few parades in the universe you'll ever hear me say that about.

When it was over, we powwowed about our next course of action. Originally the wives wanted to stay for Wishes, the grand fireworks finale at the end of every night in the Magic Kingdom.

I know it's great but I've seen it, and we knew we'd be back on Thursday so we could always catch it then. Which I pleaded to the group. They actually all agreed to head out, but we'd cut around through Fantasyland and Tomorrowland to avoid trying to get through the castle mob. As we headed that way I looked up at my beautiful beloved Haunted Mansion in its purple glowing splendor.

I knew it was a long shot but I quietly mentioned there'd been a recent refurb and I'd “sure like to see the new additions.” The response was a resounding "NO!"

As my wife put it, "our son is already asking about monsters in his room. We are not taking him on the Haunted Mansion at 10:00 at night and then expecting him to go to sleep!!!"
Ok, point taken. There was always Thursday!

In Fantasyland we discovered virtually no wait for Winnie the Pooh so it was an instant no-brainer. We all hopped on for a quick ride through the Hundred Acre Wood. I do miss Mr. Toad's Wild Ride, and in fact was so happy to discover it still exists in California last year. That said, Pooh is just fun and whimsical and kind of represents a lot of Disney World in general to me. Plus the design and animatronics are so much more modern and sophisticated than Toad, yet still hold that classic Disney ride feel. It just seems to go by so fast.

Plus my ride was somewhat diminished when I caught a glimpse of my reflection in the mirrored walls of the Heffalump room and saw how badly I need to lose weight! But, anyway, the ride is great. Maybe they could just take the mirrors out.

Once we got off Pooh, the girls decided they did want to watch Wishes after all. They got as far up the walkway between Fantasyland and Tomorrowland that leads toward the hub as they could. I could see that Sonny Eclipse was currently playing inside an almost empty Cosmic Rays. I ducked in to catch a few minutes while they all watched the fireworks. I've never been able to just stand and watch Sonny so it was nice to be able to do it when the place was actually quiet. Cosmic Rays is a very large counter-service and when dead like this, it’s kind of eerie. Almost like being in space. Sonny’s show is actually really cute and funny, in a cornball way. And because Sonny has such a regular guy voice it is possible to forget you're watching an animatronic and think you're actually enjoying an alien lounge singer. I saw the group had gathered outside the glass doors and learned staying for Wishes wasn't the best idea after all. Both kids were completely freaked out by the loud booms.

We made a retreat up and around the patio side of Cosmic Rays to get outta there while the show was still going on.

Sidebar: One of the decks behind Cosmic Rays can be rented for private Dessert and Fireworks Parties. It’s a great idea if you've got a decent sized group. It's positioned so that you have a perfect, unobstructed view of the castle and Wishes.

We timed our exit perfectly as we were cutting through the turn-styles as the grand finale sounded behind us. We got to the bus stop to find only a dozen or so waiting in front of us. By time we boarded, there were what seemed like hundreds waiting behind us.

Back at Pop Century. Wendy took Sean to the room and I ducked into the food court for water and chocolate milk for the morning (a must for a certain little one). It was a long day and I hardly remember getting into bed. Our plan for Tuesday was MGM . . . sorry, Hollywood Studios (old habits) but we’d agreed to just arrive whenever we decided to get there. We just had to get there by noon, because we had a lunch ADR at Hollywood & Vine.

And don't worry, I didn't make this one, so odds were it actually was for that day!

Day 2; Part 1: By Kingdom Come . . .

Day 2; Part 1: By Kingdom come . . .

Monday morning, Labor Day, we had 8:15 AM reservations at The Crystal Palace. It is a very fancy buffet style restaurant, that looks very much like the name suggests. It reminds me of one of those old fashioned bird cages you see, only made of glass. And it is popular because it is a Character Dining experience. Sean's first would be with the crew of the Hundred Acre Woods.

I got up around 6:45 (thinking "aren't I supposed to be on vacation???") and showered and got ready, letting Wendy and Sean sleep a little longer.

We got to the bus stop and there was no Magic Kingdom bus yet so I, being the coffeeholic that I am, decided to make a dash to fill my mug (again let me point out that buying the refillable mugs at the resort is a wise investment.) Let me forewarn any potential Pop-ers that the food court is a hot mess around breakfast time. It gets really really crowded and expect a wait to check out. And using the main beverage lanes can be a nightmare.

Thank God I discovered that when you go into Everything Pop (gift shop) from the outside door and hang a left, there's a coffee filling station set away from the hustle and bustle of the rest of the food court. In fact most mornings there was nobody using it when I'd fill up. What a Godsend. It doesn't have the cream dispenser the others have, which I like, so you have to use little individual creamers (oh, the sacrifice!) Actually that's normally fine with me, except a little more time consuming when you know the bus will be there any second. As I was snapping the lid on my mug, I felt my cell buzzing in my pocket which I knew meant "the bus is here!"

I didn't even bother to look at it, but instead just sprinted out the door and right onto the MK bus. Perfect timing. With a cup of joe for the ride. And I have to say I love the coffee in the resorts at WDW. Ironically, it's just instant coffee essentially. Nescafe, I believe. And I'm normally a coffee snob. I would never drink instant at home, but when I'm there it tastes like Juan Valdez climbed down from the mountain with his burro, dried, roasted, crushed, and brewed a batch of beans just for me. I am well aware its more than likely just the state of mind I'm in. But I long for that instant coffee often during the years between trips. Call me crazy (you wouldn't be the first.)

We got to MK a few minutes after 8:00 and got through bag check really quickly. There is a special stillness and magic, for lack of a better word, about being on Main Street before the park opens. It's quiet, and yet there's a hum of energy you can feel building. It's mystical stuff. Its those moments where I really feel Walt's presence. Doesn't hurt to have a clear view of the Partners statue and the castle behind, without a hundred people in the way. It is a statue of Walt and Mickey holding hands that stands in a courtyard just before the castle. In my mind its as recognizable an icon of the Magic Kingdom as Cinderella's castle itself, but I suppose if you've never been, you might've never seen it. It's pretty important to me. I find myself somewhat emotional every time I stop and stare at it a moment when we first arrive. Walt is, as you can probably guess, pretty important to me.

Wendy went in to the Crystal Palace to check us in and I had to run after Sean who decided the ropes strewn across everything meant nothing and he was going to head over to Liberty Square early. On our home videos, there's a moment where my panning across the park stops as you see Sean taking off under a rope. Suddenly the tape stops and next thing, we're inside the restaurant. That's where I had to shut the camera off and chase my kid!

Breakfast at the Crystal Palace was delicious. And I found it to be a great selection without being completely overwhelming. The only thing I had that I didn't love was their sausage gravy. But I'm partial, my grandmother, while being a born New Englander, became a relocated southerner as a young woman married to my Papaw, and she still makes the finest biscuits and gravy in the world.
I'll drop another tip here: don't overlook the kids buffet just because you're an adult. They had these little pastry puff things called Pooh's puffed french toast, or something to that effect. They tasted like a soft, light donut, covered with sugar and cinnamon and pure deliciousness. Kind of a play on a beneigh. And they make a breakfast pizza for the kids that I was also addicted to, when it was fresh.

Now, as for the character interaction, well, not quite what we'd hoped for initially.

First came Tigger, a friend in our house. Or so I thought. But as my wife held Sean and Tigger tried to shake his hand and give him a hug, I noticed my Son seemed wary. But he dealt with it well enough. Soon after though, Eeyore appeared. This is where things went south. Sean did not like Eeyore. His lip began to quiver and he furrowed his brow. When Eeyore just reached out to pat his back, Sean gave him a light but purposeful shove.

By the time Piglet tried to come over and my wife asked "do you want to meet Piglet?" Sean gave a resounding "NOOOO!"

He never cried, but he was not pleased with meeting the Pooh characters. Abby, our friends' little one did ok with them all, but she stayed in her high chair across the table so there was a safe distance.

As we left I was holding Sean and he kept wanting to know Tigger's location with every turn. I guess the lesson is Tigger is fine as long as he's a few inches tall on the television, or a foot long bath toy. Six-feet tall is another story. For now.

My usual m.o. at the MK is to start in Adventureland and work my way around clockwise. No big strategy or secret. It's just natural to make that initial left. But apparently Abby had been up (and therefore so had her parents) since about 4:30 that morning. So they wanted to head straight to Fantasyland (which many families do, and is another reason I start on the other side) because they planned to leave early for a nap.

Then the girls decided they wanted to get those old-fashioned silhouette portraits done of the kids. So we stopped at the cart near Ye Olde Christmas Shoppe. Actually it provided a perfect opportunity because I wanted to get Sean a set of ears from WDW. He already had ears from Disneyland, which my wife wanted to just bring with us, but I felt he should have a set - one from each coast.
So I power-walked back down Main Street to a hat shop, appropriately named The Chapeau. They had a nice selection, and I :especially liked the Halloween ears. In the end I just went traditional: black cap, black ears with the Mickey logo on the front and his name embroidered on the back. I'm amazed at how quickly they run that operation. I was gone and back before they had paid for the silhouettes. Wendy was so proud of the deal, as it was buy one, get one, and the frames were only $8.00 (remember this for later.) She had gotten two, with frames (including glass obviously) so we could give one to my mother.

Since we were so close to Frontierland, we decided to just check the waits on Splash and Big Thunder Mountain. Both were basically no wait at all. Here would be a test. Sean has ridden a small roller coaster here at a local tiny amusement park called Kiddieland multiple times and loved it.

(Sidebar: legend has it Walt came to Chicago and visited Kiddieland when he was planning DL in the 50's and asked the owner for advice. The story goes the owner told him to go scratch saying he had his own park, why would he help? Interesting to note, Kiddieland closed in the fall of '09 due to years of dwindling revenues and family in-fighting. Nice choice.)

Sean had seen footage of Big Thunder Mountain on television, and freaked out because he loves, LOVES, trains. He kept asking if we'd see the "fast choo-choo." We decided to see what he would do if we took him on this runaway train. This decision would make or break the rest of our day.

Sean is exactly 40 inches tall now so we were ushered in and found a great spot mid-train. I video-taped the entire ride. Sean loved it! Laughed the whole way!

Afterwards, we said what the heck and went right over to Splash Mountain, which Sean had no clue about. If any of you don't either, it's a log flume on Disney steroids. From the outside its a giant mountain with a water fall that boats come careening down. Inside its a relatively calm dark ride telling the story of Brer Rabbit from Song of the South (something else some of you me may be clueless about - but we won't get into that.)

We waited in a very short line and he just kept asking "we go on a boat ride?"

As we left the cue area and took the first turn outside in our log, we got splashed almost immediately by another taking the plunge. Sean wasn't thrilled by that. But as we took each little drop, I would prep him for it so he enjoyed them and would clap and hoot with me. Still, there was that "slight drop" at the end to contend with. I put an arm around him snugly and said "get ready buddy."
His eyes were wide as down we dropped, but as soon as we leveled out, he was clapping and laughing and asking to go again. I was so happy! My kid loves thrill rides and not even 3 yet. In fact we created a monster because he just kept asking to ride both over and over again.

We made our way to Fantasyland and pretty much stepped right on to It's a Small World. I'm not a fan of this one, but both girls are, and I figured Sean would be fascinated. I was disappointed though because I thought with the recent refurb they had slipped in a couple classic characters like they did at Disneyland. Apparently I thought wrong. Same old boring ride as always.

Then we walked right across to Peter Pan and that was also a very quick line. We broke down momentarily, looking straight down at Nana and her doghouse. Which of course Sean got a kick out of.

After brief break on a bench near the carousel for water and popsicles, it was decided Joe and I should take the kids on Dumbo. The girls wanted to dart into a gift shop. I should mention it was around 11 - 11:30 now and it was getting HOT!

The Florida sun was beating down hard.

The wait time for Dumbo said 20 minutes and I think it ended up being even longer. At least it seemed like it, as both kids were not amused. We wrestled two sweaty, crabby little ones throughout the que. By the time we boarded our elephants we were a couple sweaty, crabby fathers. But once Dumbo was flying we were soaring high above Fantasyland creating a wonderful breeze. I found a new appreciation for that ride watching my son laugh and grin through the whole flight. I am so curious to see what they do to Dumbo in the coming Fantasyland overhaul. The plans are to make it bigger and more interactive.

When we got off, air conditioning was an immediate requirement and the 3D musical attraction Mickey's Philharmagic was going to begin in 5 minutes. Just what the doctor ordered. At first Sean wasn't keen on wearing the glasses, but once he figured out the trick, he left them on and loved the show. There is just an inherent joy when you watch your kid reaching out to grab one of Ariel's jewels floating in the water or a dancing pastry. And again, he loves Donald, who features prominently in this one, so it was a definite hit!

It was getting close to 12:30 so we decided to get the kids some grub. Pinocchio's smelled fantastic, but the menu looked kind of limited, at least the one posted outside the door. So we ended up at Cosmic Rays, along with apparently half the guests in the park. It was packed. There wasn't a single seat in the main area where you can watch Sonny Eclipse. Sonny is an alien lounge singer who perfroms throughout the day at Cosmic Rays (go to YouTube and type in Sonny Eclipse to see mutliple fan videos of Sonny performing.) he something of a talking hippopotamous in a tuxedo. It's pretty entertaining, but also easy to ignore if you're just trying to refuel with a burger for the rest of your day. The girls (and Joe) scouted for a table. I had to hang back because Sean found a roped off area full of hula hoops and was fascinated. Obviously he didn't know what they were but loved dropping them around himself like a human ring toss.

Lunch was ok. Counter service fare, but it hit the spot. I followed Joe's suit from the day before and got the chili cheese dog. Wife had the burger. Sean a hot dog. I will say that the single serving Chocolate cake for desert is really good, and I don't like chocolate cake, so that's saying something.

After I ate I slipped off to the lil' buckaroos room and by time I was back, Joe and Ashley were already gone, heading back to Pop for a swim and naps. Sean seemed ok and was satiated so we decided to take a stroll to Toon Town. In the past Wendy and I just kind of breezed through it or skipped it all together, since we didn't have little ones.
We had a great time in there! Sean and I rode the somewhat tame roller coaster, Goofy's Barnstormer which he of course loved. It's an especially short ride given that there's often a wait, but I suppose it has to be since its geared for kids. It's a blast though. We browsed the gift shop for a while. Then decided to take a train ride. We rode the whole lap around the park, where I discovered for the first time that the train passes over/through Splash Mountain. I never noticed it from the boat, but the train looks down over the ferry boat celebration at the end of the ride.

Now to this point, I was disappointed that we hadn't seen Mickey Mouse anywhere. He is kind of the start of the place, after all, not too mention the whole company. Well we rode the train back to Toon Town and decided to pop in to Mickey's house since we'd never gone in before. We wound our way through and for the first time I noticed the tent that said meet Mickey. So we went in and got in line, watching the old cartoons, still not entirely sure what we were waiting for.

Until we were told it was our turn, and were ushered in to another room, then around a corner . . . and there they were. Mickey and Minnie, giving a brief and private audience to each family. Sean gave Mickey multiple high-fives and kissed Minnie right on the nose. He was in his glory. And I think he truly has a crush on Miss Mouse.
His reaction to Mickey and Minnie was the complete opposite of our breakfast encounters. And at the end of the day, this was kind of what it's all about for me. Mickey is an American icon. And more the point, symbolizes the American dream to me. As Walt said, we should never lose sight that the whole Disney empire was started with a mouse. That's what we're all about here. You can make greatness from the smallest of beginings. So, not too sound too off the wall, but Mickey is somewhat sacred to me.

Wendy wanted to catch the afternoon Celebrate a Dream Come True parade (that's a mouthful of title) so after Toon Town we crossed over, back past Cosmic Ray's toward the center hub. We stopped so Sean could chase some bubbles coming from a CM's bubble gun. As he was running around, the talking trash can rolled up to where we were and began to mess with the CM. A small crowd had gathered to watch.

This was one time where I actually got to see behind the Wizard's curtain, so-to speak. I was watching my son and just kind of looking around, as I always do in crowded places (a little paranoia is good for you!) That's when I noticed a guy about my age, wearing a brown t-shirt, shorts, plain ball cap and sunglasses, and he had a shoulder bag.

The thing that caught my eye was his half-closed hand cupped around his mouth as he looked off in the other direction. Call me Sherlock Holmes! It occurred to me that I could just faintly here him talking to himself, at the same time the garbage can was talking in its shrilled martian voice. He was the guy running it, the puppeteer I guess you'd say. He also seemed to have noticed that I'd noticed. He gave me a sly smile but then moved away.

We found a spot in front of the Bakery and camped out for the parade. It was fine. Sean really enjoyed it and my wife loves parades. Personally I can pretty much go the rest of my life outside of Disney without ever seeing another parade, and in Disney there are only a few I will watch. To me, a parade symbolizes the best time to go jump on a few rides while the lines are light. That said, it was nice. I'm kind of jaded after seeing the Pixar Play Parade at California Adventure when we visited Disneylan briefly the year before. That was the best parade I've ever seen and will compare all others to.

When it was over, we fought upstream towards the exit, but not before a ducking into the Confectionery shop! My wife loves the carrot cake cookies. Sadly they didn't have any. They told us to try the bakery, where we just were, so we made our way back, and they were out! Epic fail! But Wendy said it was a sign we didn't actually need any more junk food at the moment, which she was probably right about. So we decided it was time to make our way out.

She wanted to put Sean down for a bit and rest herself. I was just hot and sweaty and wanted to jump into a pool. So we loaded up onto the bus.

Right as we were loading onto the shuttle there was a small tragedy. I started taking things out of the stroller to collapse it and Wendy said "there's not many people waiting, just take it on as is." I reminded her of the sign that said it was against Florida D.O.T. regulations and I was just going to fold it up. She took the few bags we had and Sean and boarded. I tried folding it up but it just wouldn't lock. I didn't know what I was doing wrong, but being a guy, all things can be fixed with a little extra pressure, right? I put my weight into pushing down on this thing as hard as I could. I thought I heard somethign "click" but it still wouldn't catch. Frustrated I just grabbed it and held it together as best I could and got on the bus.

Once I was seated and the bus was en route, Wendy said "oh, did you grab those portraits out from the bottom of the stroller?"
Umm . . . .

Now I knew why the stroller wasn't closing. After a few moments I said sheepishly, "Honey, I have a really bad feeling that when you open the bag with those frames, it might be bad."

She unwrapped the first frame and it was just fine. Thank goodness, I thought with a sigh. Then she simply lifted the second and we could here the melodic tinkling of tiny shards of glass. Oops.

Actually, while the frame was toast, the silhouette was undamaged and she said she wanted to get a different frame for hers anyway. So I wasn't in trouble after all.

We got back and she gave Sean a shower and put him in bed. I headed over to the Computer Pool at the 80's and 90's courtyard. It was smaller but also a little quieter. I just kind of waded for a while like a Jungle Cruise hippo. It was peaceful and refreshing. Then I took a stroll around the campus, checking out the Bowling Pin pool at the 50's side too. And made a stop at Pedals Bar, getting a Lava Lamp to take back to the room. It's actually made with rum, Blue Buracao, Grenadine, and a little Sprite over ice. As i said, I'm not usually one for the froofy drinks, but this one is pretty damn good! And I got Wendy a Pina Co-lava. It's a Pina Colada but with a raspberry flavored rum as well as coconut. I did steal a sip and it was pretty tasty! Wouldn't be caught sucking one down at the local tavern, but poolside in Florida, I'll risk it!

I went back to the room and while my wife was sawing logs, Sean was wide awake and had been the whole time. I grabbed another quick shower and just chilled for a bit watching cartoons and a little Stacey! Stacey J. Aswad is the in-room tour guide throughout Walt Disney World. She's a highly-energetic, cute (shh), and some might say annoying (but not me) young lady whose Top 7 show runs on a constant loop on the parks channel in all resort rooms. It's a whirlwind of highlights and is just one of those things that, as soon as I see her, I know I'm back in Walt Disney World. Even though it doesn't change, I watch at least a few minutes of Stacey's show at the begining and end of each day. Also, did I mention she's pretty cute? You can find her on YouTube as well. She also has her own website, www.staceyjaswad.com, not that I'm some kind of creepy stalker or anything . . .

Ahem, anyway . . . we had a dinner ADR for 7:00 at Liberty Tree Tavern. It's an amazing family style dinner experience that I couldn't wait for. My mouth waters thinking about it. So i was glad I'd made reservations for us to eat there our first night at the Magic Kingdom.

At least, I thought I had . . .

Day One: Leaving Chicago

Prologue: Leaving Chicago, Sept. 6th, 7:00AM via Air Tran - arrive Orlando 10:30AM.

Staying at Pop Century resort - preferred room - 5 nights - we're meeting up with friends who got there today and we're in the 70's building.

Haven't been to WDW since March of ‘06 (far too long!!!) We were in California this past November and were fortunate enough to go to Disneyland for a day. Never thought I'd get there, and it was great. Still, even with 2 parks, DL paled in comparison to the World!

I didn't think we'd be able to afford going back to WDW this year either. But then Free Dining came back, and I managed to persuade my wife that we needed to go. She and I have been down together 3 times now, and have stayed at moderate resorts Port Orleans: Riverside and Coronado Springs as well as the deluxe resort, Beach Club.

This is our first time in a Value resort. I admit I'm a little apprehensive about it, but really what do you need besides a bed and toilet, right? I had to make it as cheap as possible to convince my Vulcan wife! We also decided to forgo park hoppers, since we have our little guy, and our friends have an almost 2 year old. Neither of the mothers thought schlepping the little tykes between multiple parks a day was an enticing prospect.

So much I'm looking forward to as I prepare! There are a lot of new attractions since our last visit. Everest wasn't open. Nemo wasn't open. Midway Mania. And best of all, I get to see my son experience it for the first time!

Anyway, I need to try to sleep as I must be up in 3 & 1/2 hours to get this house moving and drive to Midway Airport (not the finest of Chicago's two, by the way.) Just too excited and figured I'd get this started.

You can probably expect my first installment by Sunday the 13th or Monday the 14th. I love talking (and writing) about Disney!!!

Off we go . . .

Day 1: Leavin' on a jet plane . . . for an evening at World Showcase.

My alarm went off at 3:35 A.M. Sunday morning, and after only one snooze, I got out of bed to throw a cup of coffee in my eyes. Moonlighting as a DJ now and then, I'm used to operating on only a few hours of sleep.
My wife, not so much. But I had everyone up and going by shortly after 4:00.

Uneventful drive to Chicago Midway Airport, where I dropped them off at curbside to check-in while I parked and caught a shuttle back. The driver laughed as I got on saying he almost didn't come around by the stop where I was waiting because there was never anybody there that early on a Sunday!

Security was a breeze, Sean actually behaved, and before we knew it we were at the gate. To be honest with you, I don't even remember any details of the flight to Orlando. Not until we were minutes from landing. I was on the window and looked down at some really nice homes with their turquoise pools. It was a beautiful, sunny morning in Orlando - the exact opposite of what Weather.com was predicting.

We were the first to board the Disney Magical Express, or DMX as I like to call it. Since we were staying at Pop Century, I knew we would be the first drop-off, thank God, as Sean was starting to get antsy (so was his father!) The on-board video helped pacify him somewhat (and his father!) I was on the bus and finally feeling like "I'm here."

I had done the On-Line Check-In the night before and there was only one other family ahead of me in that particular line in the lobby. It went so smoothly I was actually a little concerned. In the past upon checking in the Cast Member at the desk usually goes through the welcome packet, explaining everything, etc. This was "here's your stuff, here's where you are, have a magical stay!" Given I’d been going longer than the sun and just wanted to lay down for a minute, I didn’t mind the brevity. It just seemed odd.

Since our friends had checked-in the night before I basically already knew where to go. We were in the 70's section, building 10, room 144 (ground floor.) Our door was a 5 minute walk (at least for me . . . more to come on that later) from two pools, the lobby, food, shopping, & bus stops.

Here's where I want to address Pop Century. After booking this trip, I had reservations (no pun) about staying in a Value resort. Let me tell you all, those reservations were completely gone within about 10 minutes. Our room was great, a little tiny sure but honestly I saw little difference between this room and the one's I've stayed in at more expensive “Moderate” resorts. My only complaint would be that yes, the beds are not very comfortable, but I guess I'm forgiving of that. I can sleep on a coffee table if it comes to it. In fact, I have.

That aside, I will very likely stay at Pop Century again, unless I find myself in a position to join the Disney Vacation Club at some point. Which in these current economic conditions, seems unlikely any time soon. I love the theme and kitsch of Pop Century. Every day on the way to the pool we'd pass the giant Big Wheel and towering Mickey Mouse phone, and just couldn't help but smile. As my friend Joe put it, this is what you expect from a Disney hotel. You want whimsy!

We loved the Hippie Dippy pool between the 60's buildings, especially the kids zero-depth pool. For those not aware, it’s a large swimming pool shaped like a flower. The décor all around the pool area looked like a recreation of the set of Laugh In. Perhaps my favorite feature of this particular pool was Pedals pool bar a few yards away. While I tend to stick to bourbon and Cuba Libres, I did try and enjoy a Lava Lamp (or 3)! Don’t ask me exactly what was in them, but it was some cold combination of multiple spirits and Technicolor.

Anyway, we were checked in by noon and our room was ready. So we dropped off our carry-ons, and since we hadn't eaten much breakfast, walked back to the food court with our friends who been just about to head to the pool when we arrived. The one mistake we made (I'm saying we, even though I had suggested it the night before) was that we hadn't put swimsuits in our carry-on bags. But we figured if we were lucky by time we ate, our bags would have found their way to the room.

I must confess the food court at Pop is somewhat vast and can be overwhelming. For lunch, I had a meatball sub and salad simply because I was starving and my head was spinning so I just pointed to the first thing I saw. Honestly, the sandwich wasn't bad. Messy, but then, aren't they supposed to be?

Joe had a chili cheese dog and cheese fries, clearly no lactose intolerance there, and they looked pretty good. He said it was passable. We can be somewhat unfairly judgmental of chili dogs, given that we’re from Chicago. We have the best chili dog in the world here at a place called Portillo’s. If you come to visit, you have to try one and you’ll see I’m right so I feel no obligation to defend that statement. I’ll just say no food court dog in the world stands a chance. So to earn even a tentative thumbs up is an achievement.

Sadly I don't even remember what my wife or kid had.

By the time we finished lunch, and I bought myself a refillable mug (which definitely pays for itself), our luggage was already in the room. So on went the bathing suits and to the pool we went. I must admit that I needed maybe 15 minutes at the pool, just to unwind and cool off, and then I was ready to hit our first planned park, Epcot. I had made online reservations for San Angel Inn that evening. San Angel is the restaurant located inside the Mexico pavilion in Epcot’s World Showcase. You dine “al fresco” in on the banks of a Mexican river on a beautiful night in the shadow of an ancient temple. And this, you can do in the middle of the day since you’re inside the whole time.

Unfortunately the rest of the group wanted to float around for a couple hours, which I obliged (although begrudgingly.) I’ve said it before, but I like to hit Walt Disney World commando style. I could step off the plane and not stop going until I had to board it again at the end of the week. My wife will constantly say “aren’t you tired? How can you still be going?” Its Disney magic babe; it keeps me running.

By time we were all done at the pool and the kids each caught a quick catnap, it was already nearly 4:30 and our ADR was for 5:45. I called to try to push it back but there was no availability. I said at lunch there were 2 things I really wanted to do at Epcot, knowing how limited time would be, and that was Nemo & Friends (because we hadn’t been there since its opening) and Spaceship Earth, because of the refurbishment and because prior to this trip, Joe, who has been to WDW with his in-laws now about a half-dozen times, didn’t even know “the big ball had a ride in it.”

We got to Epcot and immediately saw a huge line for Spaceship Earth. I couldn’t believe it. Every other time I’ve come in early September, you could walk right on. They practically begged guests to ride it. Not this time. Not, I later learned, since the rehab.

So, with a shrug I led on towards The Seas, figuring it a better choice for out little ones anyway. I was really excited about this, a new dark ride featuring Nemo, and utilizing a cool effect to make it look like Nemo and friends were in the real aquarium. This was clearly going to be awesome, right? Um, sadly not so much. Total let-down. I mean I guess it is cute, but I was really bored. And I think my 2 & ½ year old was too.

When we exited the Seas pavilion, the Orlando sky had turned very grey, and there were loud thunder claps booming not so distantly away. Halfway to Mexico, I was taken down memory lane with reminders of the original Living Seas attraction, as it began to rain . . . and rain . . . and rain . . .. Ok, maybe that’s a little too inside!

We made it just in time for our reservation, like a pack of wet dogs and just as hungry. We were given a nice corner table. Here was where we had to learn exactly how to work with the “Free” dining plan. We all wanted margaritas (it was our first day of vacation after all, and we were in Mexico!) which of course are not included, and we had 2 kids who were under 3, therefore free to the parks, but not included in the dining. So each couple ended up with two bills. One for our entrees, one for drinks and each child.

I’ve been to Mexico many times and eaten authentic Mexican food, but I must confess all I really wanted that night (and in fact was craving) was a plate of tacos and rice and beans.

Warning: These are not to be found on the dinner menu of San Angel Inn.

However, what I did have, and three out of four of us had, was the Filete Motuleno. Grilled beef tenderloin over black beans and melted cheese, ranchero sauce, Poblano pepper strips and fried plantains. I would never claim to be cultured enough to know if it was authentic, but I do know it was delicious! We all agreed. The ranchero sauce was a little spicy, but I loved every bite. One of those “lick the plate clean” kind of meals.

For dessert I had the Capirotada de Chocolate Blanco: white chocolate and golden raisin bread pudding served with Mexican milk caramel. Wendy had a mousse with berries that I don’t remember the name of, and Ashley had the flan. Of course the kids had ice cream. Dessert was underwhelming. My bread pudding was dry, though I will say once I scooped some of Sean’s ice cream over it, it was a decided improvement. That said I couldn’t have been happier with our first dinner, and every one left satisfied.

I really wanted to eat at Le Cellier but could never find an opening. It is a steakhouse in the Canada pavilion and apparently quite delicious, and therefore quite popular. People make reservations, or ADR in Dis-speak 90 days in advance. Apparently they have a cheese soup that, alone, is worth waiting 90 days for. Makes me salivate thinking about it, and I’ve never even seen a picture. I will get to Le Cellier someday, San Angel Inn was a great choice.

After dinner we hopped on the Gran Fiesta boat tour. I hadn’t been down that river since the 80’s when it was essentially a really boring (and dated) travel film for the Mexican Department of Tourism. The changes and addition of the Three Caballeros is much better. It’s still a bit slow but the music is exciting and the overall vibe is fun, and Sean being a big Donald Duck fan really enjoyed trying to spot him throughout the “show.”

Here’s one negative: This is the second time, in two consecutive visits, where we were waiting on a CM in the Mexico pavilion and she (both times female) turned her back on us because she had friends appear and had to hug them and socialize. It was so weird that my wife and I looked at each other and said “this same thing happened last time.” When she and I went there for lunch 4 years ago we had to wait while two young people in plain clothes jumped ahead of us and the hostess hugged them and they carried on a 5 minute conversation in Spanish. I don’t know if they were from home, or just CM’s on their day off, but it was off-putting.

The exact same thing happened waiting for Gran Fiesta. At least this time the catching up was much quicker and they actually got on a boat. Do you know what would happen if I turned my back on a client to catch up with a buddy who dropped by?

Still, it was a little thing I guess – I would actually expect that were on vacation in Ixtapa. But you just come to expect a little better at Disney. Not like it ruined my day. It’s just weird that it happened twice, four years apart, in the same place.

It rained on and off for a little while after dinner, and once it finally stopped, it got so humid that my shirt couldn’t even finish drying, between rain and my sweating. We tried to jump on the Maelstrom in Norway but there was a 30 minute wait, again a first for me. Maelstrom is a boat ride that takes you on a brief tour of Norway’s history, both real and imagined. There are encounters with Vikings, polar bears, and even a two-headed troll. I have a soft spot in my heart for this pavilion since its troll-heavy, and one of my working projects, as my blog readers know, is a story about trolls. It’s my dream that it gets turned into a Disney animated feature someday and kids can meet my characters at the Norway pavilion. It’s perfect synergy!

Future World was closed at 7, so there was nothing else to do but wander through World Showcase, which is fine with me, even with the heat. My wife and I knew just what to do – we headed straight for the Morocco where we both knew favorite guilty pleasures awaited. There’s a little stand outside the pavilion for liquid refreshment that she and I fell in love with years ago.

Wendy goes for this tangerine daiquiri type thing (the name escapes me now and I can’t find it online) and I always get a Casa Beer. It’s a slightly bitter, slightly citrusy beer and Epcot is the only place I’ve ever seen it. Although that might be because, apparently I’ve never actually looked at the label. I walked up and ordered, as I’ve always thought until this September 6th it was called, a “Casablanca” beer.

The CM knew of course what I meant and chuckled as he asked me if I’d been to Morocco or to Casablanca. I said no, only seen the movie, though one day I would really love to go. That’s when I looked at the label and realized my error. Durr. Guess I’ve just seen the Bogey movie too many times because subconsciously my brain was filling in the “Blanca” part.

We eventually found a nice spot to camp out for Illuminations, just between the U.K. and Canada. This was where I saw something amazing and at the same time spooky. It was dark now, and there were some gray clouds in the black sky. And across the lake, the big, orange, full moon looked like it was literally hovering just above the Mexican temple.

And it was framed by burning torches around the waters edge. I scrambled for the camera and tried to capture it but our Sony Cyber Shot only zooms in so far, and it really didn’t come out that clear. So then I got the video camera out and just started recording. As the display went from STBY to REC, I zoomed in on this beautiful shot, and the narration for Illuminations kicked in (which if you haven’t seen/heard you just can’t get the feel of what I’m talking about . . . and shame on you) and it just made for an awesome scene. I held tight on it until the old man blew the torches out, then panned over to record the rest of the show.

It was just a “you had to be there” moment. The Disney Imagineers couldn’t have created a better effect for Halloween than nature did that night.

Once Illuminations ended, great as always, we began the arduous journey to the front gates along with the rest of the park. A joy, I discovered, that is only enhanced now that I find myself for the first time fighting the throng with a stroller before me.

I was more than a little sad that this would be my only time at Epcot this trip. Didn’t get to see the new ending to Spaceship Earth. No Test Track. No Soarin’. Didn’t get to take Sean on Imagination, though wasn’t really sure how he’d take to it yet anyway. I really love Epcot and it is definitely a whole-day park for me. Had we purchased Park Hopper tickets like we used to, maybe I could’ve come back some morning and caught some of my favorite attractions. Due to our budget, we only had single-day/park tickets this time so the odds of coming back were slim. We had 4 more full days and those days were accounted for, and Epcot was not in the mix again. Or so I thought.

We made our way to the bus, discovering another slight drawback to staying at Pop Century. You are always the last bus stop. And it is usually packed, especially if you do wait til the very end of the night to leave. No matter. I was tired but happy to be in Walt Disney World again. Sean was content in his stroller. And tomorrow morning we were off to the Magic Kingdom. The world was as it should be . . .

Back to Pop, and quickly into bed, after a few minutes of watching my girlfriend Stacey (shh, don’t tell the wife) and her list of Must-Do's! It took me a while to fall asleep, even after only a couple hours of rest the night before. My mind wouldn’t slow down, thinking of the next few days to come. I had to tell myself, as I did often this trip, to stop thinking about tomorrow, or the next day, or the next week. Enjoy the very moment, in a Disney hotel, on Disney property, at Disney World. No better place I know.

Tomorrow, breakfast early at the Crystal Palace with Pooh, and then we storm the Kingdom!