We had set our alarms for 3:30 AM but, true to form, I woke up before the alarm went off. The temperature here was 5 degrees but, thankfully, the winds had died down some. I drank some coffee, showered and dressed. While Barb was showering I loaded our luggage into the car.

At about 5:00 we woke up our son, Stephen, and let him splash some water on his face and down some OJ before driving us to the airport. We headed out at 5:10 and made good time, getting to the airport just after 5:30 . We said our goodbyes to Stephen and headed inside to a Southwest kiosk.

It took only a couple of minutes to check our luggage (I had printed our boarding passes yesterday at home) and we headed upstairs. There was a short line at Security and we were through quickly and into McDonald’s for some sustenance. I grabbed a table while Barb got me an Eggamuffin (that’s what I call them, OK?) and a Sausage Biscuit with Egg for herself. She joined me at the table and discovered her Biscuit was a Muffin. We don’t eat at McDonald’s very often, and when we do it’s usually breakfast, but it seems this happens every time. The person taking the order has one thing to do but, for whatever reason, it seems very difficult for them to get it right.

After this nutritious breakfast, we headed to our gate where I am no longer surprised (amazed maybe, but no longer surprised) by the people already in line at the A, B and C gates – a full hour before the flight. There are even people standing by the ‘Pre-Board’ entry!

We sit, chill, read a bit and eventually begin boarding at about 6:40. The Albany airport is one of a very few that offers several gates (maybe it’s just one but it seems like several) with a dual jet way – it allows boarding via the front door as well as the rear one. As most folks head to the front, we almost always head the other way. We zipped through and up the aisle and just missed nailing the exit row seats. We wound up a couple of rows back in a window (Barb) and aisle seat. A young couple (late teens) comes strolling down the aisle, each rolling a large suitcase. The girl is looking for their seat numbers which, since this is Southwest, do not exist. The finally get situated across the aisle from us and spend several minutes hoisting these suitcases into the overhead compartment, crushing anything that may have been there previously. I don’t fly nearly as often as I used to but it seems to me that the size and weight of the ‘carry-on’ luggage is increasing exponentially. This is a direct, non-stop flight. Are folks really afraid of their luggage being mis-directed or are they concerned over the additional 10-minutes in waiting for it on the other end?

The flight’s scheduled to depart at 7:00 AM but, at 7:05 , we’re still sitting at the gate. The pilot informs us that we had a problem with a frozen water line. Once that was thawed, there was another issue with the emergency brake being frozen on the pushback vehicle. We finally push back at 7:15 and are in the air at 7:20 .

We did land a bit early at 9:55 , taxied for some time and got off the plane at 10:05 . Now for the big question: How will Magical Express work for me (given my less than stellar history with anything new at Disney)? Please select from the list, below:

1. Be at the Boardwalk with minimal delays.
2. Reach the Boardwalk after stops at the Wilderness Lodge, Pop Century, Swan, Dolphin and the Grand Floridian.
3. Spend most of the day and night roaming the airport searching for the ME counter or a CM with a 4-fingered glove.
4. Never reach the hotel. Spend 5 nights at the EarPort store eating nothing but food court staple and return home having never set foot on Disney property.

Select your answer now. At the end of this Trip Report, we’ll award a Disney vacation for four to the winner.

OK, where were we? We exit the plane at 10:05 AM and make the obligatory restroom stop. We walk down to and board a monorail to the main terminal, after about a 1-minute wait. We walk toward the ‘A’ baggage claim area and down the escalators. At level 2, a CM gives me a ‘high four’ and directs us to the 1 st level and a left. There we find a Magical Express counter. It’s now 10:15 . Tick, tick, tick…

There are a few people at the counter and one couple waiting. As we walk up, the other couple is brought to the counter and a waiting CM motions us over. We exchange pleasantries and I offer the ME booklet (having been forewarned about not tearing the travel vouchers from the book). He makes a few check marks here and there. I offer the luggage receipts but he informs me that, as long as I placed the luggage tags on our bags (I did), the receipts aren’t needed. He hands the booklet back and directs me to two CMs waiting across the aisle. They’re standing by several separated queues – the corral. It’s now 10:17 . Tick, tick, tick…

The CM at the corral asks for our resort. I say “Boardwalk” and she leads me down one of the roped off queues where we’re behind 2 groups – maybe 8 people. As soon as I drop my carryon to the floor, another CM beckons our group outside and on to a waiting bus. It was sunny and low-70s – a welcome relief from the 5-degrees I left behind. There were a couple of ME buses but ours was a Disney Cruise Line bus, probably doing double duty. We take our seats and I glance at my watch. 10:19. Tick, tick, tick…

Some of the other folks had brought their own luggage so there was a delay while it was loaded below and they boarded. The driver hopped on, apologized for a broken VCR (no movie, just Disney radio for this trip), and informed us we would be stopping at the Caribbean Beach , Boardwalk and Yacht Club. We then departed. It was 10:22 . Tick, tick, tick…

On the trip, we passed a white utility truck on the Greenway. The driver explained that it was a ME baggage truck. We reached the CBR at 10:46 and dropped off about half our load (and their luggage). There was some kind of tie-up at the CBR because the driver couldn’t pull forward and had to back up quite a ways for us to be able to exit. I give him high marks because backing up that behemoth on the tight curving driveway at CBR ’s Custom House was no easy task.

Our next stop was the Boardwalk where Barb and I de-bused. I checked my watch – 10:55 . 50 minutes from setting my foot down at Gate 125 of MCO to stepping into the Boardwalk lobby. Not bad. We were 2 nd in line for check-in but only waited 2-3 minutes. CM Hermie gave me a ‘Welcome Home’ and began the process. Hermie informed us that we would need to be in the room for Magical Express to deliver our luggage. I didn’t agree and everything I’ve been told or read indicated otherwise but I chose to let it go. We’d find out soon enough. She then said that, while we had requested a non-smoking room, she had a smoking room available now. I checked with Barb and she said it was OK so we took it. We made the 1/8-mile walk to room 2131. The 1/8-mile is an approximation based on the number of paces it took to reach it and some math in my head (which means the actual distance could be anywhere from 4 feet to 3 miles). The room is at the far end by the quiet pool and walkway and lagoon to MGM Studios. I say ‘far end’ – Room 2136 is the last room at the end so weren’t far away.

We entered the room and I expected it to reek of smoke but was pleasantly surprised – no odor at all. I assume the last guests didn’t smoke or Disney does a great job of fumigating. In the room, I glance at my watch - 11:15 . One hour and 10 minutes from stepping off the plane to being in our room. That may well be a new record. Magical Express certainly lived up to their name for us. I’m holding off on a final grade until the luggage arrives – if it arrives.

We dropped off our carry-ons and freshened up a bit. The plan was to pick up our APs at the International Gateway (IG) and then hit Epcot for some lunch. I should mention the new camera. I’ve long been one of those guys at Disney with a camera bag permanently attached to his shoulder. I would often carry a camcorder and a film camera (Minolta Maxxum). For some time, I’ve been toying with the idea of a digital camera but haven’t been able to break my bond to film. It seems everyone I know with a digital can never show me a picture – they’re still in the camera, downloaded to the hard drive but not organized, etc. Our daughter, Stephanie, recently purchased a Canon Power Shot SD400 ELPH. It’s 5.0 MP and is the smallest camera I’ve seen. It measures 2x3 inches and is less than an inch thick. Stephanie graciously loaned it to me for the trip so I can try it ‘real world’ and see if I like the camera and digital photography in general. I did purchase a carrying case for it ($4 at Target) so it will hook on to my belt. I’ve never before traveled at WDW so unencumbered – and this would be a real benefit for avoiding the bag checks at park Security. Although, I’m certain I’m going to miss the camera bag for its ‘purse’ features – a place for glasses, ticket media, wallet, ham sandwich, duct tape, etc.

We set out for Epcot, after the 1/8-mile hallway trek, and stopped at the Guest Relations booth at the IG. I dug out the confirmation form from my pocket (it would normally be in my purse…er, camera bag which I left back in the room. See what I mean?) and in 2-3 minutes we had 2 brand-spanking new APs. I carry a leather business card holder, which is the perfect size and vehicle to carry everything Disney (room keys, Ticket media, DDE card, etc.). I tucked the passes into their ‘wallet’ along with the receipt. I assumed the receipt was just a confirmation of the pickup, so I folded it without looking at it. Big mistake – I should have looked.

We walked through Security (it’s such a pleasant feeling being ‘bag-less’) and through the turnstiles into World Showcase (WS). Ahhhh, it’s so nice to be back. I asked Barb if she was ready for lunch and she said she could use a cold drink. It was only 11:45 but I figured, what the hell - we’re on vacation, and suggested the Rose and Crown for a beer. The R&C was almost empty (a far cry from the crowds there during our trip last October) so I ordered Harps for me and a Stella Artois for Barb. The Stella Artois is rapidly becoming a favorite for Barb. I know I’ve said this before but it bears repeating: You know you’re at Disneyworld when you part with $15 plus tip for two draft bears… and it doesn’t ruin your day. We took a table in the R&C and sipped as I broke out the camera and started shooting. The camera’s small size is, at first, a bit disconcerting – particularly when you’re used to the heft and size of an SLR . In time, I think I mastered a grip that would let me shoot with minimal movement and without my fingers being in the photo.

After a bit, I secured some plastic cups for the remains of the beer and we took them out into WS. We walked on through Canada and decided to head toward the Land to check out the situation with Soarin’. It’s absolutely amazing how crowded the Land pavilion has become since Soarin’ arrived. The Standby time was listed at 120 minutes (no thanks) so we picked up FastPasses (FP) for 4:47 – 5:47 . We have a 5:40 reservation at LeCellier so the timing may not work. We’ll see.

Test Track is down for a rehab so we decided to give Spaceship Earth (SE) a try. Future World was fairly crowded (it’s MLK Day) and SE had a posted Standby wait of 10-minutes that proved to be accurate. After the ride, we exited into that still-empty area. With Siemens and Disney hooking up, I was hoping for some signs of construction there. Nothing.

Time for lunch and we were hoping for something quick. We decided to try the Electric Umbrella – a place we haven’t visited in several years. I grabbed a Cheeseburger and Barb had the Chicken Strips – just OK for both. While I was dumping some pickles on my burger at the Toppings Bar, a kid (about 16) was on the other side of the bar. He pointed to the pickles, looked at me and asked “Peekles?” in what sounded like a German accent. I nodded, “Yes, peekles”. I think he was happy.

It was fairly crowded with no seats available inside so we took our tray outside and sat with a view of the fountain. It was now mid-70s, sunny and very pleasant – except for the damned birds.

After lunch, we decided to take a leisurely stroll back through WS to the Boardwalk. As we started out, I noticed Club Cool (the new incarnation of Ice Station Cool) so we had to go in for some Beverly . Barb tried nothing – she wasn’t thirsty and she doesn’t trust me. I had one cup of Beverly , just to prove to myself once again that it’s not as hideous as most people make it out to be. I’m not saying I’m ready to buy a case of this stuff, or even a bottle, but I really don’t find it disgusting at all (how’s that for an endorsement?). Club Cool is a bit different than it’s predecessor. It’s more open and airy, loud music, bar-type tables, and no igloo. It’s nice but I really can’t say it’s an improvement.

I’ve been snapping photos everywhere (the beauty of a 1GB memory card) and took some shots of each of the exteriors in WS – from Mexico through France . We really took our time on this walk and stopped whenever something (or someone) looked interesting. We exited through the IG and walked back to the Boardwalk. I figured a visit to the Screen Door was in order to pick up our sustenance for the week. This consisted of a 6-pack of Bud Lite, a package of English Muffins, butter, and coffee creamer (we brought coffee and instant oatmeal from home). We brought our stuff up to the room and found, at 2:05 PM , our luggage was waiting for us! Magical Express is a fantastic service and I am its biggest proponent – now we’ll see about the trip back to the airport later in the week (am I beginning to sound like Eeyore?).

We unpacked the suitcases and chilled in the room for a bit. We also checked in with the kids. After changing into shorts (Barb stayed with slacks and brought along a sweatshirt), we set out for Epcot at 4:15 . Now here’s question number 2… Has Steve made a mistake changing into shorts and not bringing a jacket to Epcot on a January evening? Select your answer now.

We made it to the Land by 4:40 so we had a brief wait before using our FPs. The Standby time was now 110-minutes and no FPs were available. We were on the ride in less than 15-minutes. I sat next to an older couple (I need to stop saying that as they were probably only 5 years older than me – but I still think I’m 26) and the guy loved the speed portions of the ride. I know this because every time there was the feeling of acceleration, he would shout, “I love the speed”. He also must have loved the ride because as we exited I heard him say, “Now I see why it’s so popular.” I have to admit that it’s becoming my favorite in Epcot.

We now had to hoof it back to Canada for our 5:40 reservation at LeCellier. It was during this walk that I decided to name the various, and annoying, walking styles at WDW. So far:

The Wanderer – This person walks slowly on the right until you’re about to pass. They then alter their course to ‘wander’ in your direction – preventing the pass.

The Bull Rusher – Usually, but not always, is pushing a stroller or wheelchair. They’re coming down the center of a walkway, with traffic moving in both directions, and God help anyone who happens to be in their way. Unlike the Wanderer, they never deviate from a straight-ahead path.

The Dead Stopper – A single or a group that you’re walking behind when, for no apparent reason, they stop dead in their tracks causing a massive pileup of humanity behind them. These people need brake lights or, at the least, hand signals.

The Center Talkers – We’ve all seen this group of 4-12 people that decide to circle and have a conclave in the center of a walkway, aisle or anywhere else it forces others to detour around them.

The Wide Walkers (also called the Rotated Caravan) – A group of 4 or more that insists on walking abreast regardless of the walkway’s width – and they won’t move.

The Sidewinder – The opposite of the Bull Rusher. Never follows a straight path but meanders for no apparent reason. Very difficult to pass and, often, to walk by in the opposite direction.

I’m certain we can add to this list but, on the trip from the Land to Canada , we encountered a Bull Rusher, a Sidewinder and 2 Dead Stoppers.

Once at Canada , I needed to see if I could get the 2 nd and 3 rd Off Kilter CDs for Jim Pertierra, another local Disney fanatic. I’m not that into OK - we’ll stay for a few songs, not a complete set. I think their music is good but I guess I’m not as enthralled by Jamie’s knees as much as some others. Unfortunately, the CDs are named, not numbered, and the CM was little help when I asked if she knew which were the 2 nd and 3 rd. Jim, you’re just going to have to make another trip.

There was no need to worry about timing because we arrived at LeCellier at 5:20 . I went up to the podium and the CM there was telling someone she had no openings for the next 3 days. What is it with LeCellier? It seems it’s become the hottest ticket at Disney. Anyway, she asked us to have a seat and within 5-minutes we were being shown to our table.

I didn’t get our seater’s name, but he was a young guy – maybe 21-22. He asked if we could guess the Province we were being seated in. It’s an island, eastern part of Canada , mussels are named for it… any guesses? We tried New Brunswick , Newfoundland , Oahu , Iceland , Bali , Scotland . Just how far east is it? The answer is P.E.I. or Prince Edward Island (LeCellier has Prince Edward Island Mussels on the menu). Well thanks for making me feel like a 3 rd grade dropout. I’d better eat quickly - the little bus is waiting.

We settled in and were greeted by Sandra, our server. She was very friendly and, after answering the obligatory “So. Where are you guys from?” we chatted a bit about cold weather. Anyone from a cold weather area will top your cold-weather story – it’s human nature. “Once, when I was 7, it was minus 200. I stepped outside and my left foot just fell off.”

We decided to skip appetizers and just chow down on the breadsticks. The pretzel bread was very good but the other two were very hard and almost tasteless. I ordered the Le Cellier Mushroom Filet Mignon - wild mushroom risotto, white truffle and herb beurre blanc, topped with fried parsnips (I didn’t remember all that. I cheated and copied it from the menu at Allearsnet). Barb had the Herb Crusted Prime Rib - roasted Yukon potatoes, finished with a veal demi glace. We each ordered the wine that was suggested with the entrée – a Merlot for me and a Syrah for Barb.

We were seated at the end of the banquette area, next to 3 tables that contained the same group – mom, dad, two children, the grandparents and a couple of others (aunts?). We struck up a conversation with mom and dad. He told us they were DVC members from Philadelphia and just down for the weekend. They arrived Friday night and were leaving Tuesday morning. He related a story of their flight in Friday night. It was very windy in Orlando and their approach just about had the plane turned sideways – lots of fun.

Our meals arrived. Let me preface this by saying that I want very much to like LeCellier. We’ve had lunch there several times, usually the Cheddar Cheese Soup and a sandwich or salad, and always enjoyed it. Our one other dinner here was, in my opinion, not very good. I had the prime rib, which many people rave about, and thought it to be too thin, too fatty and too chewy. My filet was good, not great. Not the worst I’ve had but a long way from the best. Barb’s prime rib was 40% fat, very thin and also difficult to cut with the knife. She also said it was chewy. I know a lot of people consider this to be an excellent steak place but, after two attempts, it’s fallen off the radar for me. There’s an old saying that goes: Once is happenstance, twice is coincidence, and three times is enemy action. I’m not sure I’ll push it that far. On the plus side, the wine and our service were very good. We used the DDE card here for 20% off and the bill came to $56 before tip and after discount.

We left LeCellier and stepped outside where I realized that since the sun had gone down, it was getting colder very rapidly. My shorts and golf shirt weren’t going to make it until Illuminations. We hoofed it back to the Boardwalk where I changed and grabbed a jacket. Back to Epcot via the IG. We were certainly getting our walking in today.

The temperature had now made the transition from chilly to cold so we decided to get a cup of coffee. We headed to France where it took us a few minutes to find the Boulangerie Patisserie. We managed to fight off the urge for one of their pastries and just got 2 decafs to go.

We hadn’t seen Impressions de France in some time, and I’ve been hearing many people rave about it, so we decided to give it a go. The next showing was at 7:30 – about 5-minutes away. I had drained my coffee but Barb was still sipping and didn’t know if we could bring it in. We checked with the CM at the door and she said to just come in with it. We waited in the outer lobby for a few minutes when another CM gave the introductory spiel, including the bit about no eating, drinking, etc. We figured if the first CM gave her OK, she was good to bring in the coffee (it did have a lid). We enjoyed the film although I was not inspired to move to the French countryside any time soon. I guess I’m just not into living in 600-year-old buildings. I actually thought the music was the best part.

We headed back to the UK , hoping to catch some of a British Invasion performance but they were done for the evening. We spent some time browsing the shops before embarking on clockwise trip around WS. It was around 8:30 and too early to stop for Illuminations. We figured we’d just walk around until there was 5-10 minutes to go and then pick a spot.

On our walk around WS (2 Dead Stoppers, a Wanderer and 1 Center Talker), I noticed what has become a real problem – the smokers lighting up everywhere. I’ve mentioned this in past TRs and it doesn’t seem to be a big deal anyplace but World Showcase. They’re lighting up in the middle of the walkway, in courtyards, outside the doors to a shop… everywhere. There are a number of very nice smoking areas in WS but a few people are giving the rest a bad name by not using them. I never once saw a CM approach any of them.

We made our way around to Norway and decided we had time for a trip on Maelstrom. The wait was only 5-minutes (maybe less) and I told Barb about the Viking with the Mickey ears in the mural. As we were boarding, I finally found it and pointed it out to her. Maelstrom was fun and we even stayed for the film.

We continued walking (a Sidewinder and a Wanderer) and, after a brief stop by China , found a pretty good spot in Italy at about 8:55 . Illuminations – Reflections of Earth (IROE) was announced as sponsored by Sylvania , a Siemens company. This is the first sign we saw (heard, actually) of Siemens’ involvement. We both enjoyed IROE but then, we always do. The fire barge is still not being used. Our viewing spot was in one of those side paths by the lagoon with railings front and back. We were leaning against the rear railings and just as IROE started, a young couple came over and leaned against the railing on my right. About mid-show, I looked over and both of them had lit cigarettes. Before the end of the show, a CM came over to them but, she was apparently a friend and they just talked about meeting up later.

It had been a long day so we strolled around WS, out through the IG and back to the Boardwalk. We spent a few minutes watching a magician before heading to the room and calling it a night.

Things I Think I Think - I think I’m doing too much whining about walking styles and smokers – I’ll stop and re-direct my venom toward line cutters. They deserve it. I think I need to brush up on Canadian geography. I think LeCellier will be relegated to a lunch spot for us. I think I really like Soarin’. I think I need to check the weather forecast before venturing out in the evening wearing shorts and a golf shirt. I think I really like being here.

Day 2...

Recommend this page to a friend

Visit our Message Boards