Photo TR: That Monorail guy goes to WDW, version '08

[BeemerBoy]

Since we weren't able to make it down in December for the birth of my brother's new baby, Calina, we decided to do the next best thing.....pick one of the busiest times of the year and then show up. Okay, obviously we're not really stupid enough to do that purposely, it's just the way it worked out.

 

First things first. We get into town early evening on Wednesday, exchange the usual greetings, and make our way to dinner. Problem? Yeah, by the time I sit down to order, I'm feeling awful. Like "dammit, this is the beginning of strep throat awful." Sure enough, by the time dinner's over, it's obvious I'm in much bigger need of a doctor than a Star Flyer. Oh well, time to suck it up. I didn't come all the way down here to puss out, right?

 

Okay, heights don't bother me. Never have. However,"questionable" safety restraints always have. After seeing the pics from last October's TPR Orlando extravaganza, I was obviously not real psyched about four "flimsy" chains hanging my a$$ 230 feet over I-Drive.

 

The outcome? Well, once we were up there, I simmered down, and realized the ride was actually pretty lame. Case closed.

 

After raiding the CVS for over-the-counters, the next morning arrived and although I needed to stay in bed, I was near WDW, and the concept of resting or seeing a doctor didn't resonate with me. Off to the Magic Kingdom, my friends.

 

I think I remember a thread in here discussing the pros and cons of fast passes, etc. We've always timed our visits to most parks when these weren't needed, so today would be the first time we ever *really* needed 'em. I'll just say this, just knowing the park like the back of my hand wouldn't have made a bit of difference if it wasn't for the fast passes. They are a gift from God. We were able to hit every big attraction we wanted, with plenty of time to stake out a spot for Wishes that evening.

 

As for the pictures, we'll try something a little different. You'll see the usual WDW-type pics, but I'll just throw some in without captions. I just decided to shoot a bunch of filler stuff to appreciate the level of detail in the park....stuff you may take for granted (like I'm guilty of on occasion) after so many visits.

 

Enjoy.

Why don't we see more black and white photos anymore?

 

 

 

Stay tuned. There'll be more to come.

Sadly, this was the closest I'd get to a front seat ride during our visit. Just too many others waiting.

Dude, wake up! Here's your chance to be in a TR.

Time to head to the MK. This part makes me very happy.

"Shannon, side A is Mission: Space casualties. These are all the people who died from a broken heart after Horizons was taken out."

Before heading out, I had to pay my respects to those lost at Epcot.

I really like what they did with the place.

They didn't even use my pic. This; however, was pretty funny.

hehe.

And since the line was small enough, time to ride the newest version.

We were only in the park for about 15 minutes before heading over to the MK. Plenty of time to admire SSE a bit.

Hmmm, I'm actually starting to feel a little better now.

Oh, hello Monorail Orange. I may feel like death, but you certainly brighten my morning.

hehe. Sorry, this was just too funny not to capture the moment. Heck, I don't even know what craptastic group sings it. And I'm probably better off that way.

YOU'RE DOING IT WRONG!!!!

...and this one.

Sorry, no on-ride pics from me. Left the camera with my brother. You'll have to settle for crappy shots like this...

The other needed an encouraging hug. And more Zicam.

One of us was thrilled.

On to the main attraction for the evening.

Okay, that was futile.

It'll be a cold day in hell before I let the "Ferrari killer" outrun me!

It's not everyday you see this in your mirror.

Even saw the lights of the Avicta blimp and it read....

But we're NOT leaving without our free cup of Florida orange juice.

That leaves us about an hour and fifteen minutes to get there, eat, and ride the Star Flyer."

"Thank you. Aww crap! Honey, Florida closes at 5pm now!?!"

Does the Florida Welcome Center really have a ceiling fan theft issue?

"Hey guys, enjoy your trip. I'm just gonna hang out here and eat grass all day. Yeah."

[Scaparri]

"I gotta say it was a good day!"

 

Dude, awesome report so far! You've got some crafty camera skills, fine sir. The 'My Bitch' pic was just awesome. Can't wait for the updates!

[Coaster Palooza]

Dude, you look so sick in that picture with Shannon at Star Flyer. Did you overcome the strep throat enough to enjoy the time down there?

[TheStig]

Christ, Scott, you are a trooper! I would totally bag out if I was sick! Good to hear that despite that you had a good time, even if it involved witnessing a Ferrari Killer. But hey, there is no Williams-Ford competeing with Kimi now is there?! =]

[Erik Johnson]

I bet you are really happy that they got rid of all the fancy crap that marked up the monorails? Is it me, did they put on the retro DisneyWorld logos on the monorail recently, or have they always been there? You know, the letter D with the mickey mouse/globe logo inside.

[coasterdude5]

Being sick in Orlando sucks, but you're right, you gotta stick it out and not go home (or to the hotel). Lots of medicine became my friend when I got sick - made the rides a bit better too. Luckily I got sick towards the end of my trip.

 

Great trip report.

[Meteornotes]

As someone that once visited FL with a horrible cold/flu, I salute you. Being sick at any time sucks, but on a trip it is especially annoying. Especially if your flu is accompanied by Country & Western Day at BGA...

 

dt

[BeemerBoy]

Scott - Thanks for that, Cube.

 

Rick - Yeah, I was feeling pretty bad at that point. For the most part, despite skipping a Typhoon Lagoon visit, I still managed to enjoy my time down there.

 

Colin - Yeah, I'm not the biggest Ford fan, but man, that car actually is pretty sweet. Still, go Ferrari!

 

Erik - Yeah, I was really happy to see the monorail not all wrapped up with crap. And to my knowledge, the retro "D" has always been there.

 

Thanks for the compliments, guys.

 

 

Part 2: The Magic Kingdom

For this segment, I'll leave you with this shot. I don't know why either, so don't ask.

"Hmm, no change on me, but wait....Scott did give me a twenty earlier. Eh, why not? Muahahaha."

Okay, I wish to feel better, to have Toad and 20K back, and to be featured in a more "manly" pic after this.

For the mosaic enthusiasts out there.

And then a walk through the castle.

A carousel ride was in order. Hi Rich.

Because of a nod to the former greatness which occupied this spot.

On our way back over to Fantasyland, this unsuspecting tree was calling our names. Why?

Does this belong in the "abandoned building" thread?

From this angle, Tomorrowland is still awesome.

People Mover pov.

Xavier, Gary, Itamar, and Calina. Gary, did you notice you've already been in the TR several times?

What to do while waiting for a fast pass time? WedWay People Mover, of course.

"Hello, miss. Welcome to the 'Nexus of Suck."

Sure, he can rub it in about living 15 minutes from the park, and even take my 20 bucks, but there's no way the bastard is gonna line jump me today!

On our way over to TomorrowLand, we found a classic.

Calina was stoked.

That is, if we can make our way past the great wall of strollers.

Hi Jahan. Time to check out Philharmagic.

So was it busy today?

The butlers sure are getting stylish these days. At least when she spoke it was in character.

Next up, Haunted Mansion. A fond hello to one of butlers out there.

Okay, maybe it was Columbia Harbor House for some grub first.

We made a mad dash to the Hall of Presidents to beat the crowds.

Down twenty bones, but this sight makes me smile.

"Pay up, fool."

Son of a !@#$*

Since I was away from the poker tables for several days, it was time to up the stakes at "Monorail Casino." After you eliminate which colors you've already seen, you each pick two colors. I'm rolling with black and silver, Gary's got Green and Red......cmon baby, daddy needs a new pair of shoes....

Okay, Gary and I always used to pass the time waiting for monorails by placing "bets" on which color it'd be.....

[ebl]

"Does the Florida Welcome Center really have a ceiling fan theft issue?"

 

Maybe old people steal 'em!

 

Nice TR.

 

Eric

[SharkTums]

 

Scott, you're an awesome guy. Nice, intelligent, attractive...but you look so terrible and sick here I just had to laugh!!

 

What a trooper!

[larrygator]

In case anyone is concerned. Rest assured that the ride ops will allow you to ride the Star Flyer under the influence of alcohol.

[jackskellington101]

A fond hello to one of butlers out there.

 

Howdy do!

 

 

"Shannon, side A is Mission: Space casualties. These are all the people who died from a broken heart after Horizons was taken out."

 

Ashley says "If that is the people who died of a broken heart after Horizons, I'd hate to see the numbers for Imagination".

 

 

People Mover POV

 

You supply the People Mover POV photo, I'll provide the People Mover POV video

 

Great TR. I might have to try Monorail Casino myself sometime.

[ernierocker]

"Aww crap! Honey, Florida closes at 5pm now!?!"

 

I can't help but think of National Lampoon's Vacation with this quote.

 

They didn't use Candace's picture on Spaceship Earth as well.

 

Sorry you got sick on your vacation, but glad you were able to still have a good time. Great TR so far!

[bigstevet07]

A great Cube reference, great pics, and a 20K shout out? AWESOME TR.

[cfc]

When I saw that picture of you and Shannon in front of Star Flyer, I thought, "Poor, sick bastard." You looked like a refugee cast member from Halloween Horror Night. But you still took on Star Flyer, for which I commend you. (I thought the ride was fun, once I got over the teeny little chains that held the seats.)

[mcjaco]

Erik - Yeah, I was really happy to see the monorail not all wrapped up with crap. And to my knowledge, the retro "D" has always been there.

 

You are correct sir!

[stingrock23]

Great TR. It just gets me more excited for my quick trip down there next weekend.

[arrowfanman]

Excellent PTR Scott!

 

 

The sky looks so beautiful in those pictures. I wish our sky was that blue! Oh! And Weezy is one of the two penguins that I'm cool with, so no harm done over here.

 

Thanks for posting!

 

-Jahan

[nay]

Awesome TR! Sorry that you were sick, though.

 

I'll have to try the Monorail Casino next time.

[TheRapidsNerd]

First, bummer that you were sick, but glad you still had fun.

 

Before heading out, I had to pay my respects to those lost at Epcot.

 

Monorail Casino = Awesome! (1 rail STILL > than 2)

 

Agreed on Pooh's sub par, paved over lagoon.

[cfc]

Disney should set up a Web cam at a monorail station and start an online betting pool.

[TheRapidsNerd]

^

[BeemerBoy]

Scott, you're an awesome guy. Nice, intelligent, attractive...

Thanks! You're too kind. I'll make the check out to Elissa Alvey.

 

Again, thanks, everyone for the compliments.

 

I'll tackle a couple things before the next set of pics:

 

* The Star Flyer could've been better, but with the constant angle at which you're swinging, it makes it tough to focus on the great views of the city. Instead, I mostly got familiar with mini golf, alligators and wood plank go-cart tracks from 230 feet up for several minutes.

 

* Monorail Casino is 21 and up. It also works best early in the morning as you arrive to the Transportation and Ticket Center. Keep in mind, there are a total of twelve colors, and each line can run four at once. If you catch someone in your group sneaking a peak across Bay Lake, simply call the bouncer, and have them escorted down the back alley for a good whooping.

 

* Jahan, the sky was a beautiful shade of blue.....until Florida did what it does best in the afternoons. For some reason, the afternoon storms were much more prolonged on this visit. Stupid weather systems.

 

* Indeed, 1 rail is always > 2.

 

Okay, on to the second part of Day 1.

Sure, rub it in a little more. An appropriate way to end a fantastic day at the Kingdom.

 

 

Up next, um, Day 2.....at AK and Epcot.....but mostly Epcot.

Ahh, that's a better way to end the evening.

What do you do when your cute 6 year old nephew asks to see Stitch?

 

No, I didn't say what would you like to do.

Boom. See how realistic that is? It's almost like you just went through it.

Somehow we ended this story in the correct order, because after a non-evac Carousel of Progress ride, it was time to hit up a top ten coaster of mine.

Finally.

Yay redundancy.

Hi Rick!

With that solved, we were on our way back to more adventure.

Ah, see? It's just the flux capacitor. No worries.

The Fast Pass machine broke down, and Disney called in the expert to handle it.

FAILURE from another angle.

FAILURE.

Soon after, in an obvious defiance of my suggestions not to get near the ducks, Shannon is suddenly bitten by one, and we're transported to...........

Suddenly a show broke out in front of the castle, featuring freaky "talking" characters. They will continue to haunt me. Not the live actors you see dancing here, though.

The "Nexus" only looks good from a distance.

The. Nexus. Of. Suck.

After enjoying the Dole Whip, we crossed this bridge back towards....

It happened to be one of the longest waits of the day.

 

(That's actually true.)

....where I magically bought a Dole Whip.

Okay, with that said, I will now construct a completely bogus ending to day one. First, we took out our jetpacks and flew over to this....

I'm gonna use this pic to stop and collect my thoughts. While skimming over the remaining pictures to be used, it's come to my attention that I'm an idiot, and have completely lost track of which order we did anything from this point on.

Why did they ever take these guys out of Pecos Bill? I still miss that.

Oooh, we've still got some time. Let's hit this up. Like Nay said, it needs a little love, but I still enjoy it.

I may have mentioned it, but we're now leaving this place. Sorry, I had to use the pic for something....it was waiting patiently for its time to shine.

Afterwards, I chained up my wench and we headed back towards FrontierLand.

Okay, I'll call this one "Courtyard next to the queue line of Pirates of the Caribbean at Walt Disney World, which is < DisneyLand's, yet still great in it's own way."

We grabbed a FP for BTMR and headed over here. You've all seen the usual POTC entrance pics, so here's a different sign to look at. That's way too many abbreviations btw. I'll work on it.

Mmmmmm.

I miss you.

There's the money shot..albeit a little too dark to really see the awesomeness.

Okay, that guide rail on the floor actually looks pretty ghetto right here, but whatever.

Time to use that Fast Pass. Yes, after Toad was evicted, this became my favorite FantasyLand dark ride. Am I the biggest Peter Pan fan? No. But I just love the ride system so much.

Yes, Donald, I miss the Mickey Mouse Revue too, but there's no need to yell about it. And hey, PhilharMagic is really good anyway.

Shhh, Ripley and crew are still sleeping.

[twistedmickey]

The Ripley picture and the Fastpass "expert" picture are hilarious. They had me in "stitches"... (sorry.... my punishment will be to stand in line for a dole whip and get bitten by a duck).

[larrygator]

Scott - is that Webster riding BTMR with you and the wife?