tavie.com

Dryblog for Thursday 10/25 & Friday 10/26

My blog is never quite so verbose as when I'm at, or just returning from, a trip to Disney World. This is the stuff I need records of.

We got back to the hotel too late last night after Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween Party; the internet addict didn't even have energy to upload and blog.

By happy accident, we mixed up the date of the "party"; consequently, we found ourselves coming to the Magic Kingdom an extra day later than planned. This was extremely fortunate, for my favorite coaster in the Kingdom, Big Thunder Mountain Railroad, had been closed for renovation from October 1 through October 24. It was ready and waiting for us on Thursday night. That ride is my favorite natural high. I can't not laugh while I'm riding it. That ride is my Laughing Place.

But, backtracking: we spent the entire day Thursday at Epcot, travelling mostly around the World Showcase at our leisure, wining dining way too much. I saw the new "O Canada" film at the Canadian pavilion. I was relieved; the cheesy song was still there, only sung by Canadian Idol winner (I have no idea what her name is.) Most of the old footage was intact, with any obviously 80's-tastic haircuts and fashions edited out. My nemesis, Martin Short, provided the new intro film and narration, damn his eyes. And the film reads a bit more blatantly as a "Come Visit Canada, Pleasepleaseplease" pitch from the Canadian Tourist Board from before. But I was very pleased with the changes.

After dinner at the Rose and Crown (if I have any more rich food ever in my life I think I'll drop dead) we made our way to the monorail for the Halloween Spooktacular. I was way more into this than I ever thought possible. They gave everyone trick-or-treat bags at the entrance and had special trick-or-treat locations set up throughout the park. (Stephanie stole my Twix.) The best rides were all open, and we rode as many as we could. Our first and most important stop was the Haunted Mansion, and, child, speaking of being pleased with the changes: the new-and-improved Haunted Mansion is absolutely fantastic. It was mostly things added, special effects improved and storyline made more coherent (especially concerning the ghost bride.) Almost nothing was taken away - most notably, those stupid, giant spiders which I never though fit in very well. (Gina ought to be pleased about that.) The crowd control was a little lacking in the Mansion, but other than that, I enjoyed it thoroughly. The line-up featured a live actress playing someone called Madame Carlotta (?), who cracked jokes and flirted with the cattle as we shuffled in. There's nothing quite like riding the Haunted Mansion so close to Halloween. If I'd known that before, I'd've tried it years ago.

The historic moment of the trip was my keeping my eyes open during the drop for Splash Mountain, both times we rode. I've finally discovered the secret, and it only took me 15 years: I have to stand up, partially, during the drop - then my stomach doesn't go out of control and it's thrilling, rather than frightening, to keep my eyes open the whole time.

I haven't spoken of Saratoga Springs. It's huge. It's larger than any other resort I've stayed at (except maybe the Caribbean? Not sure.) Our suite was glorious. I don't know how I'll be able to stay in a "studio" after remembering the luxury of the one-bedroom villas. I'm sorry, I just need the giant, bubble-jet tub, or it's not worth it.

Anyway. Today's been rushed. Our plane takes off at 6:30.

--
6:35 pm
OK, our plane takes off at 8 now. Why the delay? I don't know.
We had a miserable, rushed meal at Wolfgang Puck's. They sat us outside, by the flies, and took so long to serve us that we had to take a cab back to Saratoga Springs in order to catch our bus in time. I'm tired.

Labels: and my tummy hurts

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