DAY 20
SUN 16th 2000
We all lie in until
8:30. Well, it's a lie in by WDW standards. By the time
we all get moving and into the Disney MGM Studios it is
10:30.
We get fastpasses for Rock 'n Roller Coaster then visit
the villains shop. I would like to spend a lot of money
in here but my horrible wife will not let me. This is a
pattern for the day with me liking things and Tammy
saying 'no'. All right, so most of the things I like are
along the lines of the $180 Disney Studios jacket but I'm
worth it aren't I? Don't answer that.
Off we go to watch Bear In The Big Blue House for
Georgia. She enjoys it but I can't say that I am riveted.
The best I can say is that he is slightly less annoying
than Barney, although that's not saying much as a
mosquito bite is less annoying than Barney.
On to the Animation Tour, which I always enjoy. Being
Sunday there are no animators working. It is a shame that
they rush you through this, they used to let you take as
long as you wanted and see everything at your leisure. I
suppose I can understand it as they have to move so many
people through.
Tammy, India and I go to use our fastpasses for Rock 'n
Roller Coaster. I can't understand people not using
fastpass. The standby queue is over 45 minutes but we
walk straight on. Wow, I enjoy this even more the second
time. The launch is a blast, as is the rest of the ride.
I also feel less wobbly after I get off and India and I
are grinning at each other like fools.
We go to Starring Roles for multiple pastries and coffee
and we are ready to go again. There are a lot of
characters in front of the Chinese Theatre and the girls
get autographs and pictures with Hercules, Meg, Jasmine
and Alice. Their books are getting pretty full now. I
have got to say that Meg definitely has babe status.
Hercules is one lucky guy. Alice is more... er...
developed than an Alice should be. Cruella is also there
and asks the girls whether they have got any puppies at
home!
The backlot tour is always good. I always see different
props as they change dependant on the films that have
been made recently.
A stop for a beer is required while the girls have a play
in the Honey I Shrunk The Kids playground.
On to watch the Mulan parade. Would you believe that this
is the first time I have ever seen this parade? Well,
you'll have to because it is, so there. It isn't the best
show in WDW but it is entertaining enough. We have a
quick rush across to the Hunchback of Notre Dame for the
4:05 show. We sit in the back tiered seats and quickly
discover that this is a bad idea. People leave in the
middle of the show, children bump around on the metal
seats and it is all generally distracting. At one point
the seats are vibrating so much I feel like I'm on the
old Mission to Mars.
At the ABC Commissary we share a chicken caesar wrap, a
beef sandwich and a grilled chicken sandwich. It goes
without saying by now that we have a beer accompaniment.
I have never eaten here before and the food was fine for
a fast food place and the surroundings are interesting
although I could probably do without the TV's. The
problem with having televisions in public places is that
I am naturally drawn to watch it. People talk to me and I
reply without my eyes once leaving the screen, even if
the adverts are on. A sad condemnation of our society, I
am just an innocent victim.
We wander through a couple of shops on the way over to
Fantasmic!, arriving about an hour before it starts. 15
minutes later it is packed solid with all the seats
taken. I have read that the pre-show entertainment here
is not very good but we all found it amusing and it made
the time go quickly, along with the obligatory beer. I
actually do not see all the pre-show as I am busy writing
up my trip notes. See how I suffer for you people? Oh all
right, person. At least you are faithful to have read
this far. Haven't you got any paint you can watch dry?
This is only the second time that I have seen Fantasmic!
and I have to say that it is excellent. A full theatre
only adds to the atmosphere. My only complaint is the
number of people who get up to leave as soon as the
paddle steamer appears. Hey, you might not want to see
the end of the show but the rest of us do, you ignorant
pigs! I mean this in a kind and loving way, you
understand.
The exit from Fantasmic! is again reasonable, a little
crowded but not too bad.
The bus is waiting and we return to Dixie Landings. We
are hoping for another sing along night but it must be
the piano players night off. We have a pitcher of beer
and a pizza big enough to feed the whole of Alligator
Bayou. It even defeats the amazing stomach of Tammy, but
she does at least prove my theory on TV in public places
as she stares glassy eyed at the screen, making the
occasional grunt as her input into the conversation.
Perhaps I should have asked her if I could buy my $180
jacket, she would probably have mumbled her agreement
while peering mesmerised at the screen.