Maleficent's Dad
08-21-2008, 05:20 PM
Okay, I don't have a lot of time, but I'll do my best to give our trip overview so far...
BASICALLY - Everyone is putting up with the storm (more rain than anything else, some wind) by putting on rain gear and hitting the parks. Crowds are NOT as light as I would've thought... but that's fine. We're still here.
When in the world will FAY leave the state of FL? :confused:
Day 1 - Weds., 8/20
We leave NY area on time and the flight is good; with TS Fay down in FL, we expected a bumpy ride. Captain was on the announcements 1 hour out of Orlando - had everyone buckle up and prepare for a lot of turbulence. We had about three bumps, and a very smooth landing at a rainy MCO.
DME was no quick venture, but we made it to the BWV by noon. Rooms not ready, but get this: I got a room upgrade! (DVC Members on points rarely if ever get such things! So we were pumped!)
We head into EPCOT with ponchos on. Crowds are medium - waits at TT, Soarin', MS are long (all over an hour). Even SSE was 30 minutes. We dined at Les Chefs (on a whim) and had a nice experience. FP for TT, rode Ellen, SSE, and hit Club Cool.
After a break at the resort (and unpacking in our room), we went back to the park. Rode TT and Donald the missing Duck adventure in Mexico. Brats and Beers in Germany sufficed for dinner. Illuminations was not crowded.
Something I've never seen before - Illuminations went off with NO fireworks - "No Pyrotechnics" in CM speak. The GLOBE was operating. The inferno barge was operating, but NO fireworks. It made for a weird show... :unsure:
I hit ESPN enroute home to check scores, had a brew, then met up with the family for bed-time.
Day 2 - Thursday, 8/21
Up early for DHS. We walked there (due to our location, even with rain, it's not a far walk).
Were about 10 back for the rope drop, and we headed for Toy Story Midway Mania. Good ride, barely any wait, FP lines were insane (the lines to GET a FP). By the time we got out of the ride (9:20 AM), FP times were 12:30 and Standby was almost an hour. That is one POPULAR ATTRACTION.
We rode RNR, TOT, and Star Tours. Our neighbors who are here with us were on Star Tours with us. My friend won an incredible WISH that we were part of. To summize, it was called the "Lights Motor Action TAILGATE PARTY." We were treated to lunch, VIP seating, backstage tour, and some free FP's to any attraction in the park (except TSM).
That's it for now. Just wanted people to know that parks are busy to medium, even with TS Fay in town. Raining on and off (and even peaks of sunshine at times!) but everyone seems to don the poncho and head out. Us included!
BASICALLY - Everyone is putting up with the storm (more rain than anything else, some wind) by putting on rain gear and hitting the parks. Crowds are NOT as light as I would've thought... but that's fine. We're still here.
When in the world will FAY leave the state of FL? :confused:
Day 1 - Weds., 8/20
We leave NY area on time and the flight is good; with TS Fay down in FL, we expected a bumpy ride. Captain was on the announcements 1 hour out of Orlando - had everyone buckle up and prepare for a lot of turbulence. We had about three bumps, and a very smooth landing at a rainy MCO.
DME was no quick venture, but we made it to the BWV by noon. Rooms not ready, but get this: I got a room upgrade! (DVC Members on points rarely if ever get such things! So we were pumped!)
We head into EPCOT with ponchos on. Crowds are medium - waits at TT, Soarin', MS are long (all over an hour). Even SSE was 30 minutes. We dined at Les Chefs (on a whim) and had a nice experience. FP for TT, rode Ellen, SSE, and hit Club Cool.
After a break at the resort (and unpacking in our room), we went back to the park. Rode TT and Donald the missing Duck adventure in Mexico. Brats and Beers in Germany sufficed for dinner. Illuminations was not crowded.
Something I've never seen before - Illuminations went off with NO fireworks - "No Pyrotechnics" in CM speak. The GLOBE was operating. The inferno barge was operating, but NO fireworks. It made for a weird show... :unsure:
I hit ESPN enroute home to check scores, had a brew, then met up with the family for bed-time.
Day 2 - Thursday, 8/21
Up early for DHS. We walked there (due to our location, even with rain, it's not a far walk).
Were about 10 back for the rope drop, and we headed for Toy Story Midway Mania. Good ride, barely any wait, FP lines were insane (the lines to GET a FP). By the time we got out of the ride (9:20 AM), FP times were 12:30 and Standby was almost an hour. That is one POPULAR ATTRACTION.
We rode RNR, TOT, and Star Tours. Our neighbors who are here with us were on Star Tours with us. My friend won an incredible WISH that we were part of. To summize, it was called the "Lights Motor Action TAILGATE PARTY." We were treated to lunch, VIP seating, backstage tour, and some free FP's to any attraction in the park (except TSM).
That's it for now. Just wanted people to know that parks are busy to medium, even with TS Fay in town. Raining on and off (and even peaks of sunshine at times!) but everyone seems to don the poncho and head out. Us included!