March 2000 - All Star Movies

<body topmargin=0 leftmargin=0 marginheight=0 marginwidth=0> <table cellpadding=0 cellspacing=0 border=0><tr> <td valign="top" height=82 style=" border-bottom: 1px solid #999980;" BGCOLOR="#FFFFFF" TEXT="#080000" bgproperties="fixed" background="792890903.jpg"> <div> <FONT SIZE="6" COLOR="#333399" FACE="Monotype Corsiva" ><I><B>SuiteDisney</B></I></FONT><FONT SIZE="5" COLOR="#000066" FACE="Walt Disney Script v4.1" ><B> </B></FONT><FONT SIZE="2" COLOR="#000066" FACE="Times New Roman" ><B>  </B></FONT><FONT SIZE="2" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Times New Roman" ><B>  </B></FONT><B>|</B><B>    </B><A HREF="march_1999___boardwalk_studi.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="March 1999 Boardwalk Studio Villa">March 1999 - Boardwalk Studio Villa</A>   |   <A HREF="september_1999___wilderness_.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="September 1999 Wilderness Lodge">September 1999 - Wilderness Lodge</A>   |   March 2000 - All Star Movies   |   <A HREF="december_2000___all_star_spo.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="December 2000 All Star Sports">December 2000 - All Star Sports</A>   |   <A HREF="may_2001___animal_kingdom_lo.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="May 2001 Animal Kingdom Lodge and Disne">May 2001 - Animal Kingdom Lodge and Disney Wonder Cruise</A>   |   <A HREF="october_2001___yacht_club.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="October 2001 Yacht Club">October 2001 - Yacht Club</A>   |   <A HREF="march_2003___old_key_west.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="March 2003 Old Key West">March 2003 - Old Key West</A>   |   <A HREF="junejuly_2003___old_key_west.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="June/July 2003 Old Key West">June/July 2003 - Old Key West</A>   |   <A HREF="october_2003___beach_club_vi.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="October 2003 Beach Club Villas">October 2003 - Beach Club Villas</A>   |   <A HREF="february_2004___old_key_west.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="February 2004 Old Key West">February 2004 - Old Key West</A>   |   <A HREF="december_2004___bcv.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="December 2004 BCV">December 2004 - BCV</A>   |   <A HREF="may_2006___bwv.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="May 2006 BWV">May 2006 - BWV</A>   |   <A HREF="june_2007___old_key_west.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="June 2007 Old Key West">June 2007 - Old Key West</A></div> <div> </div> </td> </tr><tr> <td valign="top" height=398 BGCOLOR="#FFFFFF" TEXT="#080000" background="e8590903.jpg"> <div> <I><B>March 2000 - All Star Movies</B></I></div> <bR> <div>  <script type="text/javascript"></script> <script type="text/javascript" src="http://pagead2.googlesyndication.com/pagead/show_ads.js"> </script>  </div> <div> <A HREF="http://www.suitedisney.com/wdwphotos/" TARGET="_top" TITLE="http://www.suitedisney.com/wdwphotos/"><B>WDW Photos</B></A></div> <div> Yippee, we're here! It's time to check into All Star Movies and it's only 10:00 a.m. There's a whole day of play ahead of us! I'll handle the check-in stuff, I have all the info. Oh, we'll be in Fantasia! Oh goodie, that's just where I've been wanting to stay! </div> <div> The Magic Kingdom bus is here, hop on. That ride wasn't too long. You know what, I left my birthday button back at the resort. I need to stop at City Hall and pick up another one. And she just happens to have one, just let me pin it on. There, that's better. </div> <bR> <div> Gee, look at the crowds, where did all these people come from? Let's follow the people river down Main Street. Say, are you getting hungry? It's been a long time since we woke up at 3:00 a.m. Let's eat lunch before tea so we have plenty of time to socialize later. I've been hearing good things about Tony's Town Square, would you like to try it? Let's go! </div> <bR> <div> Oh, they don't open until noon. They can seat us at 12:15, but we have to be at the Grand Floridian at 1:00 and we don't want to be late. I guess we'd better skip Tony's. Gene has a good idea; let's eat at the Grand Floridian Cafe, we can take our time there and I've always wanted to eat there. </div> <bR> <div> How about a boat ride over to the Grand Floridian? Here comes the boat now. Fresh air, a pleasant ride, and a beautiful view, what a way to travel! It's a short walk to the main building and on the way we spot the Summer House, where we have to be at 1:00. </div> <bR> <div> It's only 11:30 and there's no wait at the Cafe. We're seated right away. Hungry? Thirsty? I'm going to start with vanilla flavored cappuccino. Yummmmm. I wasn't going to get soup, but they have a tomato chicken florentine that sounds too good to pass up. Gene is going to have the French Onion Soup. We're both happy with our soup choices, now it's sandwich time. I get the Rock Shrimp and Pesto Flatbread. It also has tomatoes and is smothered in Monterey Jack Cheese. There's no way I can eat it all, so I eat the yummy stuff and leave most of the bread. </div> <bR> <div> And would you look at Gene's sandwich?! It's called the Earl of Sandwiches. I almost ordered it, but now I'm glad I didn't because it's huge! It's turkey, ham, bacon, and tomato, open-faced on a thick piece of focaccia bread. It's covered with boursin sauce and very thin onion rings. It must be six inches high, it looks like a mountain. And, it comes with steak fries. </div> <bR> <div> Well, that was a tasty lunch. Gene asks for the check, but the waitress hasn't brought it yet. Oh, here she comes...with a chocolate cupcake...with a lit candle...and it's for me! And the rest of you have to sing Happy Birthday to me. I love it! And you have a lovely singing voice. Yummy cupcake. I tell the waitress that it's the 20th anniversary of my 21st birthday:) </div> <bR> <div> We have a few minutes before we have to be outside. Gene wants to relax on one of the sofas in the lobby. Would you like to come up to the gift shop with me? Ooh, scrapbook supplies, I'll buy a couple of these and one of those. Oh look, a cute little Eeyore key ring, gotta have it. See anything you like? Those rings are really nice. Oh look, there's the book that Gene wanted to buy me for my birthday. I told him not to get it because it's too expensive, but isn't it beautiful. Look at the Castle on the front, carved into the leather. hmmmmmm. </div> <div> Let's go get Gene. It's time to head outside, big doin's goin' on. </div> <bR> <div> Magical Millennium Moments...Part 2: Getting Together </div> <bR> <div> Come on outside, we have to go over to the Summer House. We're all meeting out here. We're the first one's here. You're welcome to take a seat and relax, like Gene, or you can walk around and explore with me. Be on the lookout for some Blessing Board Buddies. Oh, oh, here comes Kosmic Karen! I spot her this time so she can't surprise me like she did in Baltimore. She's going back in the lobby to show some other buddies the way. Let's go tell Gene that she's here and then we'll go in and join her. </div> <bR> <div> Hey, there's Jane. Let's see if she recognizes me. Hiya, we'll meet you outside, I'm going to look for some others. Lisa and Dan have joined Karen in the lobby, but she's still waiting for SWAN and Pixie. Come on Spezecklers, I'll show you the way to the Summer House. </div> <bR> <div> And here's Francine, Tim and Mari. We're all slowly congregating. And the fun is just beginning, it's time for tea! </div> <div> <IMG SRC="745b232c0.jpg" border=0 width="547" height="556" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></div> <bR> <div> Magical Millennium Moments...Part 3: Tea Time </div> <bR> <div> Are you ready for tea? We're a couple minutes early, they're not ready for us yet. But that's okay, it gives us a few minutes to look at one another's scrapbooks. It's not long before we head into tea. We're sitting at a row of small tables set for two, but they're all very close together so we can socialize. The tables are set with beautiful, delicate bone china and our pinkies automatically pop out as we look at the teacups. </div> <bR> <div> Grab a seat and get comfy. SWAN shares the second table with Tim. I sit next to SWAN and grab Mari to share the third table with me. Gene is on my left and across from Francine at the fourth table. Pixie is on Gene's left, sharing the fifth table with Lisa. Dan is at the sixth table, across from Kosmic Karen. </div> <bR> <div> Here's the menu, aren't there a lot of choices? Of course, I have to be difficult. I don't really want hot tea; I'm in the mood for some iced cappuccino, but the waitress doesn't mind. I'm not very hungry after just having lunch so I'm just getting dessert. I choose a pretty pastry swan filled with raspberry cream, and eclair, and a chocolate covered strawberry. I'm really glad we ate lunch because I wouldn't have liked the tea sandwiches. </div> <div> <IMG SRC="745c1f120.jpg" border=0 width="543" height="530" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></div> <div> There's a lot of talking and laughing going on but I don't think we're too loud, do you? The waitresses don't seem to mind, they're having fun right along with us. One of them goes to the end of the tables and takes pictures of the group for all of us as we keep passing down our cameras to her. Oh no, you forgot your camera, SWAN? Don't worry, I'll get double prints made and send you copies. </div> <bR> <div> I've been thinking and thinking about that hand-tooled leather photo album. I really want it. Are you sure you want to spend that much, Gene? He says he wants to get it and he's tired of sitting around, so he takes off for the gift shop. While he's gone the rest of us stand up for a group picture. </div> <bR> <div> Well, tea is over, it's time for this happy group to split up. Gene is back, but without the book. The gift shop is sold out of them, but they have a copy over at one of the shops at the Contemporary. Lisa and Dan are coming with us and then we're all going back to All Star Movies to drop off our scrapbooks. Are you ready for our first monorail ride of the trip? Let's say it together: Please stand clear of the doors. Por favor mantenganse allejaro del las puertas. </div> <bR> <div> By the time we reach the Contemporary, Dan isn't feeling well. They're going back to their room to rest. We'll go get my book and then get settled in our room. Then we'll check in on Lis and Dan and hopefully all go to EPCOT. </div> <bR> <div> I sure wish that Gene liked the Contemporary as much as I do. I agree that it's outdated and the outside could use a coat of paint, but this place fascinates me. I really like the tower building, and the way the monorail goes through it, and especially the mosaic in the middle. Don't you just love that?! </div> <bR> <div> Well, let's go to the shop that has my book. Surprise, surprise, they're sold out. This Cast Member thinks that we can find it at the Art of Disney store in MGM. I'm starting to wonder if I should look for a book with a wild goose carved on the cover. We're going to MGM tomorrow, we'll look for it then. So it's back on the monorail to the Magic Kingdom so we can get the bus to All Star Movies. At least Dan has had a chance to rest while we were on our wild goose chase. </div> <bR> <div> We check back at the front desk to find out our room location. We'll be in room 5947. This is so cool! We're in the same building as Lisa and Dan, on the same floor (3rd), just a few doors down the hall. We're in the building based on the original Fantasia movie. It's so cute. On the outside are the brooms from the movie, carrying buckets of water, only they're as tall as the building. Right in front of the main entry is Mickey's sorcerer hat, you can walk through it to go in the building. </div> <bR> <div> Our room feels larger than normal because it has a king bed instead of two doubles. It's a nice room, very bright and cheerful. I know the kids would love it. The room is set up for handicapped, so we have a very large bathroom and shower. We're both happy here. </div> <div> <IMG SRC="745d9b520.jpg" border=0 width="667" height="338" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></div> <div> Now, let's play! </div> <bR> <div> Magical Millennium Moments...Part 4: Parade of Parades </div> <bR> <div> Are you ready to have some more fun? Let's go check up on Lisa and Dan and see if they can join us. Oh good, Dan is feeling better after his rest and is ready to play some more. So let's get on the bus to EPCOT. </div> <div> Ooh, there it is! Look, it's Spaceship Earth! Isn't it gorgeous? They did such a good job decorating it for the millennium celebration. You know we just have to ride it, it's a tradition. And there's no line, it was meant to be. It's just as wonderful as I remembered. How about you, did you have fun? </div> <bR> <div> We want to spend our evening in World Showcase. We're looking forward to checking out Millennium Village. Oh, here we are, come on in. There sure are a lot of people in here. It's too full and time is too short to explore it fully, but it looks like a little show is about to start in Saudi Arabia. Let's stop in for a minute and then we'll look around some more. This place is much bigger than I expected. </div> <bR> <div> Now we're in the back and guess what's here...food. Different samples of tasty things from around the world. Hungry? Go ahead and pick out some things to try, this will be dinner. I'm trying the Lamb Kefta from the Middle East and the Peanut-Coated Chicken from Africa. And a piece of Baklava for dessert. We're drinking good old USA drinks this evening, but if you'd like something a little different we'll be happy to wait here while you run over to Ice Station Cool and get a nice big glass of Beverly :) </div> <bR> <div> The second showing of Tapestry of Nations is about to start, why don't we find a good viewing spot. Don't go too far, we have to come back here to the bridge to meet the others and watch Illuminations. How about if we stand here in front of France? Oh, here comes the parade! </div> <bR> <div> The gateway of time has opened and the spirit of humanity has brought us together. Let us reach out and touch. Peace and goodwill to all who gather here for this earthly celebration. May the spirit of humanity bring us together...may the promise of the new millennium light the child within your heart. And now...as the millennium drums unite and become one heartbeat, let us fly together hand in hand on the wings of joy, kindness, compassion, and love. </div> <div> ~From the opening for Tapestry of Nations </div> <bR> <div> First comes the walking Sage of Time. He is the storyteller, the figure who starts the celebration. His face is the sun and his cloak is covered with timepieces that have been used by different cultures. </div> <div> <IMG SRC="745ed8770.jpg" border=0 width="216" height="375" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></div> <div> The only set pieces are the Millennium Clocks. They also hold the drums which are the base of the music. The music is the soul of the parade and you can't help but dance and rejoice when you hear it.</div> <div> <IMG SRC="745f21180.jpg" border=0 width="289" height="280" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></div> <div> We didn't get here soon enough to be in front so Gene is taking pictures for me. Oh, my! Every costume is more beautiful than the last. </div> <div> <IMG SRC="746040fb0.jpg" border=0 width="320" height="251" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></div> <div> The cast members are singing and dancing down the street.</div> <div> <IMG SRC="7461ce640.jpg" border=0 width="206" height="356" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></div> <div> The music is wonderful, the drumming powerful, and the sound lingers long after the parade is over.</div> <div> <IMG SRC="7462d2770.jpg" border=0 width="210" height="375" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></div> <div> But the parade is over. Didn't you love it?! I know I'll have to see it again. It's time to go back to the bridge. We're waiting for five more people to join us. How will they ever find us with all these people here? Why don't you stand up front with Gene so we have a good spot for Illuminations, I'll walk along the bridge and look for the others. Oh wait, here's Francine, Tim and Mari right now. Tim, I just love your Tapestry of Nations t-shirt. Two more coming; here they are. Hiya, SWAN. Hiya, Pixie. You're just in time, Illuminations is about to start. </div> <bR> <div> Did you like it? I'm not familiar enough to tell the old show from the new, but I sure did enjoy it. The park is closing now, let's walk out together and decide what we're going to do next. We'll leave through International Gateway. Tim, Francine and Mari are leaving for the evening; they're going to the Beach Club and catching a cab back to Old Key West.</div> <div>  </div> <div> Well, I want a hair wrap and so does Lisa. We're making a beeline for the Boardwalk. Sorry, Pixie, we don't dance. I mean, can you just imagine Gene and I dancing together?! Either I would have to wear stilts or Gene would have to dance on his knees. I guess it's no fun to dance alone, huh? Oh, you're going to call home? Tell Sir GaWayne we said hello. </div> <bR> <div> There are a lot of people waiting to get hair wraps. Look how long that girl's hair is, we'll be here all night! I think we'd better try again tomorrow. Looks like we're deserting you, SWANee, the four of us are going to take a cab back to All Star Movies. Please tell Pixie we said goodnight. </div> <bR> <div> Isn't it fun to take cabs around Disney World?! This is so much quicker and easier than waiting for a bus. Dan still isn't feeling quite right and he's going to bed, but Lis is feeling fine and she's going to spend some time with us. This is such a short trip; we want to fit in as much fun as possible. We've only been awake for about twenty hours, we should be able to squeeze in a couple more. </div> <bR> <div> Magical Millennium Moments...Part 5: Dip and Snacks</div> <bR> <div> I hope you brought your swimsuit; we're going to take a dip in the pool. I'm looking forward to this. I haven't been in a pool since our vacation in September. I got a blister on the back of my heel today, I can't wait to get it in the water. Here comes Lisa now, let's go! </div> <bR> <div> Doesn't the water feel great?! 11:00 p.m. is a great time to go swimming, it's not at all crowded. Most of the young kids are asleep for the night. Oh, the water feels great on my feet. Okay, so we're not doing much swimming, just sort of hanging out here in the water, feeling good and talking. I could stay here all night. I might stay here all night, the water is warmer than the air. I think I'll just stay up to my neck in this nice, warm water. Lisa and Gene both had the good sense to bring towels, but I wasn't quite as clever. Let's just stand here and talk some more. </div> <bR> <div> But doesn't all this swimming make you hungry? It's unanimous, we're going to check out the food court, see what kind of nibbles they have this time of night. I'll just stay here until Gene is finished with the towel and then I'll put it over my shoulders. Burrrrrr. </div> <bR> <div> The food court is pretty big, but most of the areas are closed this late at night. The food court menus are projected and have moving pictures of the different selections. The only booth open with hot food has Italian dishes and we're not the only ones in line for a midnight snack. Gene and Lisa both get a meatball sandwich and I get pasta with garlic bread. We'll eat back at our room. </div> <bR> <div> Gene sits on the bed to eat and Lisa and I share the table. We solve the problems of the world as we munch away. Then I point out to Gene how sweet Lis and Dan are. They're always calling each other "Sweetie" and they never yell at each other. They're just like newlyweds. I can't believe they've been together for 10 years. So Gene and I teach Lisa some new terms of endearment to try out with Dan:) </div> <bR> <div> We've been joking and laughing so much that the time has flown by. It's after 12:30 and we have a very busy day tomorrow. Goodnight, Lis, we'll see you tomorrow morning at 7:30. Hope Dan is feeling better. </div> <div> Uh oh, the people next door have a baby. Now that we're quiet and the tv is off, I can hear it crying. Now I'm feeling guilty. If the people next door are reading this, I'm really sorry that we woke up your baby. Night. </div> <bR> <div> Magical Millennium Moments...Part 6: More Birthday Surprises </div> <bR> <div> How did morning get here so soon? I get the shower first. Hey Gene, get the phone...You hung up? You hung up on Mickey Mouse?! What's wrong with you, don't do that! Let me get the phone next time, I won't hang up on Mickey. Why don't you call the front desk and tell them we need a cab at 7:30. They won't call a cab until we get down there? That's okay, let's get Lis and Dan and head out. Good morning, folks. Awww, Dan tried out a new term of endearment, isn't that cute?! Nice job, sweetie, now try it without the giggle:) </div> <bR> <div> Okay, everyone in the cab. Now we have to go next door to All Star Music and pick up SWANee. Anybody see her? I'm looking for mouse ears, but I don't see her. Gene's going inside to look. Here she comes. Come on, Gene, she's here. It's a quick ride to the Boardwalk. </div> <bR> <div> I hope you're hungry, we had a really good breakfast here at Spoodles last March. Karen said not to wait for her if she was late, so let's go in. Ooh, look at those big coffee cups! Now that's a coffee cup! Please fill 'er up. Yep, there are yummy things here, help yourself. Karen just called, she won't be joining us. I'm disappointed, but hopefully we'll see her later. Did you have enough to eat? Is it nap time yet? </div> <bR> <div> Let's get on the boat and go to MGM. I hope we can ride a few things before it gets too crowded. Let's go on the most popular rides first. I'm thinking along the lines of Rock 'n Roller Coaster, but Gene is making a beeline for Tower of Terror and he's not looking back. We'd better catch up to him. </div> <bR> <div> This won't be a long wait at all. We walk right into the library to watch Rod on tv, and then we head for the service elevator. Are you getting nervous? It's our turn to get on and we'll be in the back row. Gene is in the corner and then me, SWAN, Lis, and Dan gets the middle seat with the seat belt. Hold on tight, Dan! </div> <bR> <div> The special effects in here are fantastic. I love it when the ghosts fade away and all the stars come out with the door in the background. And I really enjoy when the car moves forward; it's such an unusual feeling. But you know what that means...we're locking into place...hold on, here we gooooo.....Oh, that was great! I flew up off the seat! Now a little drop and then all the way down and right back up again. Another little drop, two big ones and we're done. I've never come so far off the seat before. Let's go get the picture.</div> <div> <IMG SRC="746356e90.jpg" border=0 width="342" height="233" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></div> <div> Would you like one? We'll have it sent back to the room. The girl gives me a special certificate for my birthday. She's going to put it in with the picture and send it to our room. </div> <bR> <div> Now, let's go on Rock 'n Roller Coaster. It's only a half hour wait, I really want to do it. Come on, let's get in line. The cast member is pulling us out of line right away. Oh goodie, she's giving us an immediate fast pass for my birthday. We can go right in! This is great, I love this ride. I just have to get this picture, too. The cast member is teasing me about my birthday. Tomorrow, when I open the bag with the picture, I'll also find a laminated certificate with a smaller picture of the ride as a birthday present.</div> <div> <IMG SRC="7464f44a0.jpg" border=0 width="244" height="330" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></div> <div> Let's look around the gift shop for a few minutes while SWAN buys her son a t-shirt. Oh, look at these hats with the hair attached. Now I AM a hippie! Am I cool or what?! Hey guys, check this out. Oh Dan, aren't you a cutie with long hair?! Come on, Lis, get in the picture.</div> <div> <IMG SRC="746548e10.jpg" border=0 width="328" height="225" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></div> <div> Little Mermaid is next. No it's not, looks like it's closed for a while. But the Art of Disney store is over here. Gene's going in to look for my book. Hey, he's calling us, they have my book. Yep, that's the one, what a beautiful album. We'd better have it sent back to the room. It's a wonderful birthday present. </div> <bR> <div> The Great Movie Ride is right in front of us, let's go in. I like it, but it's not one of my favorites. </div> <bR> <div> But now we're going to one of my favorites. SWANee, is your motion sickness medicine working? Are you ready to give Star Tours a try? This line's a little longer, but it's worth the wait. WooHoo, what a wild ride! How do you feel, SWAN, okay? </div> <bR> <div> Oh, here comes the director. He's singing a birthday song for me! He's so cute!</div> <div> <IMG SRC="74660b0e0.jpg" border=0 width="267" height="270" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></div> <div> Why don't we check out this shop while we're waiting? Gene will sit here on a bench and be our lookout. There are those rings I saw at the Grand Floridian yesterday. They look sort of like a bridal set, only they fit together to form a hidden Mickey. They're gold and I usually wear silver, but I really like them. SWAN, talk me into buying these rings, wouldn't they make a nice anniversary present? Okay, I'm getting them. I should go and show Gene what he bought me for our anniversary. Here he is now. Hey Gene, look at this jacket, it's the same material as your other jacket. Why don't you get it for your anniversary present? And look what you just bought me:) </div> <bR> <div> Still no sign of Francine and I'm getting tired. We want to go back to the room and rest and so do Lisa and Dan. But there's a small problem; we're supposed to meet Beth and Rudy at 4:00. I don't think I can last that long. Maybe we can use the phone at Guest Relations and leave them a message in their room. I don't want to call, I don't know what to ask the front desk. You do it. Here SWAN, you're good on the phone, you call. </div> <div> Hey, she got through. They're there, they're in their room already! She's talking to Beth. Beth and Rudy are going to spend the afternoon with SWAN. This will work out great for everyone. I'm tuckered out and my blister broke open. Let's go back to the room. </div> <bR> <div> Magical Millennium Moments...Part 7: Dancing Bellies<FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#336699" FACE="Arial" > </FONT></div> <bR> <div> Well, I had a quick lunch, and I got my hair wrap, and then I took a dip in the quiet pool with Lisa and Dan. But Gene might have been the smart one; he took a nap. Let's go to EPCOT! </div> <bR> <div> So we get there and I'm limping along from the bus to the main gate, and Gene asks me if I have the tickets for e-ride. Well, guess what, I forgot them. He thinks I'm teasing at first, but I really forgot them. So he tells me to go ahead to Morocco and he leaves to go back to the room and get the tickets. </div> <bR> <div> I get to Morocco fairly early and find a good spot for us to watch Tapestry of Nations. Everyone starts to gather and finally Gene is here, too. But best of all, Beth and Rudy are here. It's great to see them, now our little group is complete. Now we get to watch the parade again:) It's the early parade and we have a great viewing spot. I gotta get some more pictures. We're in the perfect location to see the parade. The parade is split into three parts, beginning at three different locations. We get to see the it begin and end. If anything, it was even more impressive than last night. </div> <bR> <div> But we have to go now, it's time to go to Marrakesh for diner. Hungry? You just have to try the mint iced tea, it's the best I've ever had. Isn't it great?! Just wait until you taste the food. Why don't you try one of the sampler feasts so you can try different things. </div> <bR> <div> Even though we're on the upper level, we have a great view of the entertainment. Speaking of entertainment, here's the belly dancer now.</div> <div> <IMG SRC="7467d9680.jpg" border=0 width="217" height="360" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></div> <div> Doesn't she put on a good show? She's walking around the restaurant now, who will she pick to dance with? Here she comes. She's pointing......at Gene! He's going down to dance. Oh, Honey, put your shirt back down, people are trying to eat. There he goes!</div> <div> <IMG SRC="746840f60.jpg" border=0 width="320" height="246" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></div> <div> WooHoo, shake it, Baby!</div> <div> <IMG SRC="74695be10.jpg" border=0 width="347" height="225" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></div> <div> I sure am glad I brought my camera. Applause, kudos, encore! </div> <div> Wow, that was better than dessert. The dancer has such good taste in men:) And there's still more fun to be had. </div> <bR> <div> Magical Millennium Moments...Part 8: Limp-a-long E-Rider<FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#336699" FACE="Arial" > </FONT></div> <bR> <div> Well, we really need to get going to the Magic Kingdom. Beth, Rudy, SWAN, Lis, Dan, Gene and I are doing e-ride from 10:00 - 1:00. Our nephew and his wife are here on their honeymoon. They might join up with the group. We have to meet them at Space Mountain at 10:00. </div> <bR> <div> EPCOT is closing and everyone is heading for the exits. Instead of leaving the main exit and taking a monorail, we're going to walk to the Beach Club and take a bus to the Magic Kingdom. Pretty good idea, don't ya think? </div> <bR> <div> Okay, so maybe it wasn't the best idea. But it would have been if the bus hadn't been so late and the baby hadn't screamed the whole way to the Magic Kingdom. We got here too late to meet up with our nephew, but we're here so let's have some fun. Just please walk slowly so I can keep up. My blister has opened up and boy, does it hurt. I'm okay as long as I keep going, but every time I stop for a few minutes I stiffen up. But I'm not going to let it keep me from having fun. </div> <bR> <div> As long as we're here at Space Mountain, we might as well go on. If you don't like it, you can sit out here with Rudy, Beth and SWAN. We'll be right out. Oh, are you coming? Good. Try this; close your eyes for the whole ride. I'm keeping mine closed. It's making me really dizzy, though. I mean, dizzier than usual. No cheating, keep 'em closed. Wasn't that fun? </div> <bR> <div> Buzz Lightyear next. Oh man, I always get a gun that doesn't work. I get to do the driving, you and Gene can shoot. Hey, my gun worked a little bit! </div> <bR> <div> Now let's do Alien Encounter! Come on, Lis, you've done it before. Everyone else wants to do it. You're supposed to pretend to be scared, SWAN, not giggle. I don't think it's scary, either. </div> <div> Ugh, now it's time to limp halfway across the park. The Haunted Mansion is next. You can't go to Disney World without going through the Haunted Mansion, I think it's a law. You know, I notice something new every time I go through the mansion. I never get tired of it. </div> <bR> <div> We just have to go on Splash Mountain. Oh, are we splitting up? Who's going where? Lisa and Dan, Beth and Rudy don't want to get wet and chilly so they're going to Big Thunder Mountain, but SWAN is coming with us. I don't remember all these little hills, do you? Oh, there are the vultures, here comes the big one. Wheeeeeee! Oh yeah, I'm wet. A little chilly, too. But I sure am glad I did it:) </div> <bR> <div> Uncle. I give up. My feet are screaming. Sorry, Gene, but I just can't go to Big Thunder. By the time we get to the exit, the park will be closing. </div> <bR> <div> Will you just look at SWAN!!! She's been on the go all day and now she's dancing down Main St. Hey, SWAN, can I borrow some of your energy...or maybe your feet? Please tap dance for me. That's great! And everyone around us is laughing and clapping. I want to dance down Main St. next time. </div> <bR> <div> A quick bus ride, a short walk to our room, I'm so happy to fall into bed:) </div> <bR> <div> Magical Millennium Moments...Part 9: Getting There From Here </div> <bR> <div> Good morning. I can't believe we woke up before our call from Mickey. As long as we're ahead of schedule, we might as well use Disney transportation instead of calling a cab to go to the Polynesian Resort. Let's just take the first bus to a park and then we'll catch another bus from the park to the Poly. That'll work. </div> <div> Here's the bus for the Animal Kingdom. That'll be a nice ride, not too long, and one step closer to our destination. The bus for the Poly isn't here yet, but there's the bus for the Contemporary. Why don't we go there and ride the monorail to the Poly? Oh, cancel that; the driver tells us that he has to go to All Stars next because they're backed up. </div> <bR> <div> But Gene sees the bus for the Transportation and Ticket Center. That's perfect, we can walk from there. Hop on. </div> <bR> <div> Oh, wait a minute, this isn't right. Where's he going? This is All Stars. We're right back at All Star Movies. We just wasted all of our extra time going around in a big circle. Now we have to get a cab or we'll be late. Let's do this right and get there. </div> <bR> <div> At last we make it. Now let's walk out to Sunset Point for our surprise. We're getting married in Disney World! </div> <bR> <div> Getting Married at Disney World...<FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#336699" FACE="Arial" > </FONT></div> <bR> <div> ...with the help of Jane and the Pixies. </div> <bR> <div> We arrive at our meeting place at the Polynesian Resort to find breakfast all laid out for us: fruit, muffins and pastries in the picnic hamper; champagne, orange juice and champagne glasses in the cooler; a dozen beautiful pink roses, de-thorned; a polaroid camera; and a card and magic wand. </div> <div> The card is for Gene. He opens it to read... </div> <div> <IMG SRC="746a25250.jpg" border=0 width="549" height="549" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></div> <div> He says, "Oooh, Baby," and gives me a naughty wink. Then he opens the card to read... </div> <bR> <div> We break into peals of laughter and after a moment of consideration Gene waves the wand. Jane comes forward to perform the ceremony. We stand in the special spot, the Pixies take our picture and Jane says, "Oh no, you can't get married, you have to prove your love for each other." </div> <bR> <div> Our task is to go to the Magic Kingdom and have out picture taken (kissing) at seven specific locations by 1:00 or I will turn into a pumpkin. But first, breakfast. We save most of the fruit and pastries for later, but we still have a bottle of champagne and it would be a shame to let that go to waste. The Mimosas are yummy and I'm happy to report that the champagne glasses made it all the way home intact. </div> <bR> <div> Then it's off to the Magic Kingdom to accomplish our task.</div> <div> <IMG SRC="746ba41b0.jpg" border=0 width="420" height="539" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></div> <div> Jane meets us at the Swiss Family Treehouse. We show her the proof of our love for each other. Jane gives us our Bride and Groom hats, and with a wave of her magic wand, performs the wedding ceremony. </div> <bR> <div> We say our vows and Jane pronounces us, "Still Married." </div> <div> <IMG SRC="746ca7a40.jpg" border=0 width="423" height="420" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></div> <div> She takes more pictures of us and gives us the roll of film. And we give her a rose. </div> <div> As we were on our quest, we started giving roses to the people who took our picture. This was so much fun that after our event we went looking for people to share the roses. Gene pointed out an elderly gentleman in a wheelchair and I traded him a rose for a kiss on the cheek. Then we found a handicapped little boy who was at WDW through the Make-A-Wish Foundation. We spent a few minutes talking with his parents and then gave them a rose. We left the Magic Kingdom with three roses and gave them away the next day. Both of us got so much joy out of sharing the roses that Gene suggested we buy some flowers on our next trip just so we can give them away. </div> <bR> <div> And they lived happily ever after...</div> <bR> <div> Magical Millennium Moments...Part 11: Together Alone </div> <bR> <div> That was wonderful. Disney World is the perfect place to get married. But we're both tired and ready for an afternoon rest. </div> <bR> <div> We've decided to spend the rest of the day alone rather than joining the group later. Gene makes dinner reservations for Palio at 7:15. He wants to take a dip in the pool and then he'll bring back lunch from the food court, but I fall asleep right away and skip lunch. Gene gets a chance to watch tv and then takes a nap, too. </div> <div> That rest really helped. Now we just have to figure out how to get to the Swan Resort for our ressies at Palio. I think we should take this bus to EPCOT and then take the bus to the Swan. Gene thinks this is a bad idea and I learn the hard way that he's right. You see, busses don't run from EPCOT to the Swan because there is boat access to the EPCOT resorts through International Gateway. So...we have to walk to International Gateway and take a boat. </div> <bR> <div> It's already our reservation time and we learn that the boat is going to the Boardwalk first, and then the Yacht Club before it goes to the Swan and Dolphin, so we're really going to be late. Maybe we just weren't meant to eat at Palios tonight. </div> <bR> <div> Just look at the Boardwalk all lit up! I love this place. Oh look, it's the Flying Fish. I really want to eat there. Can't we just try? They don't save every single seat for reservations, you know, they always have room for a certain amount of walk-ins. Sure, I'll go in and talk to them. </div> <bR> <div> Please, if anything becomes available we'll take it. We don't care where we sit. Oh, great! He thinks he might be able to seat us in half an hour or so. I'm happy to wait. We can walk down the Boardwalk and check out the activities and shops, and this pager will work all along the Boardwalk. I'm sure the time will go by fast. </div> <div> The time sure did fly by! It's only been ten minutes and the pager just went off. Where's Gene? I can't find Gene. GENE... Come on, they're ready for us now. I can't believe they found room for us this early. </div> <div> We're seated at the counter; not in front of the open kitchen, but at the very end that faces the bar. I can understand how some people might not want to sit here, but it's secluded and sort of romantic. It was meant to be. </div> <bR> <div> I'm getting the Peeky-Toe Crab Cakes with Flying Fish Slaw for an appetizer. The crab cakes are excellent and the slaw made with apple cider is the best I've ever had. We're both getting the same entree; the Diver Scallops. Picture this; a creamy risotto with yummy shrimp and clams mixed in. And the risotto is surrounded by five of the most tender scallops I've ever had. Everything is so delicious! Our waiter offers to bring us more risotto when we're finished, but we're both too full to eat any more. We don't even have room for dessert. I'm so glad we came here. It's understandable that this is one of the top seafood restaurants in the state of Florida. </div> <div> We sit for a while on a bench on the Boardwalk, just soaking in the atmosphere and then decide to go back to the room. Gene rests and watches tv. I get everything organized and packed. Tomorrow is our last day and I don't want to spend it packing.</div> </td> </tr></table></body>