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Day 3 & 4 - Sept 4th and 5th, 2004
Hello Frances (Hurricane Frances is here)
The next 2 days were pretty uneventful. All parks were closed as were airports. We had to stay in the resort but were not required to
stay in our rooms this day. We had notices slid under our door keeping us updated on the weather and how that would effect us.
Disney suggested we get enough food I our room for 36 hours. I am so glad we had the Villas! There was so much room there we didn't
really feel cramped. The inlaws decided to sleep on the sofa bed Saturday night. If we had lost power over the night we were afraid
they would not allow them back over to the villas (remember they were staying at the lodge) and we had all the food. So they camped
out with us. The girls had beds on the floor beside us. I had bought all sorts of little toys for the girls to open while traveling. I
brought these out. I also let them spend some of their money in the gift shop to purchase some new toys. They played with those lots the
next 2 days. In the main lobby they had entertainers, crafts and a bar. (that really cracked me up. LOL) Most people seemed to be
hanging out there, playing card games, board games or just visiting. We were able to eat at the Whispering Canyon. They were only serving
one meal due to the hurricane. It was ok. I would not go back there again. The schtick was just not for me. Too abusive.
The next 36 hours were spent playing cards, napping and watching the local Channel 9 weather. I really loved that station. They were so
on top of things and they had Disney on their radar map. Not being from the area I really had no idea where we were, it was very nice
to see the little map and say. OK. That cell isn't going to hit us! The girls were allowed to watch as much Disney TV as they could
stand. They were in heaven!
Sunday we were in lock down. We were not allowed to leave our rooms. So more of the same. Hurricane watch on TV, cards, etc. I was very
glad we were in the Villas. We had plenty of food and water and room to roam. One exciting thing happened today. FIL snuck out and went
back to his room (24 hours in a Villa with 2 little girls and Disney movies and no Sports Center was more than he could handle. Grin.) A
while later there was a knock on the door and I answered it thinking it was Grandpa coming back for food. Lo and behold it wasn't. Chip
and Dale were outside! I can only imagine the look on my face. I am surprised they didn't fall over laughing. The girls got to go into
the hallway and hug them. It was so kind of Disney to send those guys out!
By dinner time the restaurants were back open, but just serving a buffet. We ate at Artiste Point. Very good buffet!
I love my in-laws, and were really glad they went back to their room Sunday night. That is a long time to be cooped up together. Grin
Just as a little side note here. Disney staff were fantastic during this whole event. Always the CM's were smiling. Always were they
happy to answer my questions with a great attitude. The CM's volunteer to stay for the whole duration of the storm. I can't rave
enough about the great service we had while we were there! WOW!
Best thing: Chip and Dale visit. Staying in a Villa
Worst Thing: Being stuck in a Villa when you want to be vacationing!
Day 5 - September 6th, Labor Day 200
Good-bye Frances
Well we survived Frances and some of the parks were open today. I decided to jump back into my plans that I had made. Today we went to
Epcot. It was pouring rain this morning. Luckily I had checked the weather before we left Michigan and with the hurricane coming
decided to bring our rain slickers. We also brought a double stroller from home. For me that was the only way to go. There is so
much walking just to and from the parks that it just made more sense for me. I also had a back pack filled with stuff that TGM suggested,
our rain slickers, water bottles and snacks. My oldest never did ride on the back part of the stroller, but all our junk fit there
just fine! So…off to Epcot in the wind and rain. FIL hates to be wet. I mean HATES. He also hates Epcot. (the ol fuddy duddy!) So he
stayed at the lodge and watched Sports Center all day while the rest of us ran off. MIL had a little poncho I had bought for her and put
in a goodie bag when we arrived. With all the wind entering Epcot it shredded right away. We made a bee line to the store under the big
ball. (I can't remember the name of that ride right now.) MIL bought a clear Mickey poncho and off we went. We rode Journey Into
Imagination with Figment. No one else even in the building. Then played around in ImageWorks and sent ourselves morphed photos. Next
on to Honey I shrunk the Audience. Big Mistake. My littlest one had done really well on all the rides at MK. Loved Mikey's Philharmagic.
So I thought this one would be ok. She was TERRIFIED. Poor kid. I felt like such a lousy mommy. DH just took off her glasses and held
her tight. Sigh. I had a terrible time getting her to go on any enclosed ridea for awhile. She kept asking if it was HISTA. We then
went to the World Showcase. Stopped in China for lunch at a counter service restarurant. Did all the Lands and rode El Rio del Tiempo.
Not scary. Rode Maelstrom. DD (3) loved is one. Loved the trolls. Go figure. It has stopped raining by now and was pleasant. In Italy we
got to see the Statue that comes alive. Very good! Got a picture of her tickeling DH chin. LOL. DH was not much on the Lands. A lot of
shopping. So he decided to drink his way around the world. A beer in Germany. Wine in Italy, and a beer in England. He was happy!
BIL and SIL arrived today. There were supposed to arrive on Friday, but the airports closed and had to wait until today to get in. We
met them along with FIL and did the Living Seas and had dinner next door at the Coral Reef. Does anyone find that odd. Go learn about
fish and aquatic life and go eat them next door? It was really yummy though. We saw divers in the big aquarium while eating.
It was a long day so we headed out with a quick stop at Ice Cool Station. Yum. Personally I didn't find Beverly to be yucky. I liked the Japanese Veggie drink the best.
Best thing- No lines or crowds.
Worst thing- my bad decision for Honey, I shrunk the Audience.
Part 1, 2, 3, 4
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