Beth, DH & Friend - October 2007

Cast: Myself (Beth) DH, and his bestfriend Matt who was on leave from his tour in Iraq.
Dates: Wednesday night 10/10- Sunday night 10/14
Where: Shades of Green

Just got home from a great long weekend at WDW. We got in to MCO late Wednesday night and Matt picked us up at the airport and we were off to Shades of Green. It's a very nice resort, but seriously lacking that Disney touch. The rooms are really nice, and the price is good, but I love to be surrounded by the Disney stuff all the time. The staff there isn't nearly as nice or accomodating as Disney either. We didn't have any problems just didn't feel that Disney magic. We got a great rate, which Matt graciously paid for. The transportation there isn't great, but the plus is that you are only a fairly short walk away from the Polynesian. We didn't use the bus system any of the mornings we were there. We either walked to the Poly and used the monorail or Matt drove. The good thing about the buses at SOG are that you know exactly when they are coming. They stick to a very strict schedule. The downside is that the don't come quite as often as the Disney resort buses.

Thursday we got up and headed to Epcot. We got a good part of Future World done before lunch. Spaceship Earth looks great w/ no wand! I was very disappointed that the ride is still closed though. Rode MS, TT, Figment, Soarin, The Land. The new Seas w/ Nemo is cute, but I would like to see more animatronics rather than just movies. Turtle Talk w/ Crush is really good! Very entertaining and well done.

We got hungry, so we headed over to World Showcase. Rode the new ride in Mexico- Gran Fiesta Tour w/ Donald and the 3 Caballeros. Very cute....basically Donald is lost in Mexico and Panchito and Jose Caricoa go looking for him. It's all film, no animatronics though. The end is still the same w/ the "Small World" type room and the fireworks. And the 3 Caballeros song plays throughout. I was a fan of the old El Rio del Tiempo, but this is a fun new addition.

Next went to Norway and rode Maelstrom. Walked over to Germany. We had a 5:30 ADR at Biergarten, but decided to see if we could get in for lunch instead. They sat us immediately. Great meal! The food here is so good. Watched the Oktoberfest band. I just love eating here.

Walked around a bit more, checking out the Food and Wine festival. Left late afternoon to go back to the hotel. Rested for a bit and then went over to the Boardwalk to eat at ESPN Zone. Food was very good, not many choices though. We had to wait quite a while for a table. The guys watched the millions of games on TV and I sat outside by the water while we waited for our table. It was a great day. Weather was warm, but not too hot and relatively low humidity.

Friday we got up early and walked over to the Poly for our breakfast at 'Ohana's. The food was amazing as usual, and the Kona coffee was so yummy! Saw our old waiter friend Michael but we weren't seated in his section. The characters were a bit slow making their rounds, but we got to see all of them- Lilo, Stitch, Mickey and Pluto. I just turned 30 last month and I still love the character meals!

After breakfast, the guys went over to the Magnolia course to golf. I walked around the Poly a bit, then took the monorail over to the Contemporary. The 4th floor is under major construction. Checked out the shops there and then took the monorail over to Epcot.

I wasn't sure how I would like touring the parks by myself, but it was actually really fun. I took my time and walked through every shop, sat by the fountains, just enjoyed the scenery. It was great not having someone waiting on me to finish shopping etc... I rode Figment and Mexico again. Sat by the water in Mexico and had nachos and a Conga drink....YUM! Walked through the other countries. Stopped in France and had some wine from the festival booth and an apple turnover from the Patisserie. Got my picture taken by the fountains by the photo pass people. Met Mary Poppins in the United Kingdom. Saw Alice as well, but the line was kind of long, so I passed.

Finished my tour of the countries and rode the monorail back to the Poly. You can't take a bus to Downtown disney from the parks anymore- you have to go thru a resort. So caught the bus at the Poly to downtown. Went in the Christmas shop and World of Disney and did all my shopping. The guys met me for dinner at the Rainforest and we all had a pile of ribs! So good!

After dinner we drove over to Epcot and tried out different beers as we walked around world showcase. Went back to France for another pastry....that's going to be one of my new traditions. Watched Illuminations from France, which was a new viewpoint for me. Unfortunately the wind was blowing in our direction so we got hit w/ a lot of ashe from the fireworks. Stayed a while for Extra Magic Hours and then went back and crashed.

I really enjoyed touring Epcot by myself. It was really relaxing and peaceful just enjoying the beauty of the park.

Saturday and Sunday report coming soon....