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Thursday, July 1, 1999 - Day 6
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Horsing around in the main pool (When we last saw our cast, they were
rockin’ and rollin’ the night away and having a fantasmic time on Disney’s
MGM Studios.)
We decided to have a lazy morning. We went to the main pool and swam. We had a late
lunch priority seating for Marrakesh so, after showering, we headed over to EPCOT. I
rented an ECV again and we took the Friendship over to Morocco, but since it was 3:30 and
we had 3:45 reservations, Seth ran ahead to hold them for us. I had the early bird special
for $14.95 which included soup or salad, a |
combination of Lamb Meshoui,
Chicken Brochetta and Vegetable Cous Cous, plus dessert. Everyone else had the
Vegetable Cous Cous. Marrakesh remains one of my favorite restaurants and one of the best
kept secrets in WDW. Oh, and the belly dancer has nothing to do with that.
After lunch, we went to Riverdance. We got there 30 minutes before show time and were
seated in the first row behind the dinner package area. The one advantage of the package
is you get the front row seats, which are covered. We were in the sun and it was hot
today. But, I’m not convinced the package is necessary, since there were still plenty
of seats 10 minutes before show time. Riverdance is a must see while it’s playing in
EPCOT. |
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After the show, we went back to Japan to pick
up where we left off for Elana’s passport. We were in perfect position as Matsuriza,
the Japanese drummers came out to perform. I was sweating just watching them work. We
then headed back to American Adventure and were disappointed to find out that the Voices
Of Liberty weren’t performing this week, as they were preparing for the Fourth of
July. We saw the American Adventure. I could have gone in with the ECV, but decided to
walk in, since I didn’t want to get stuck in the back row. Elana finally stayed
awake. All the other times we’ve gone (and for the kids, the last time was in 1996),
she fell asleep during the show.
We circled around the world to Italy, Germany and China in rapid succession. |
| We skipped the Wonders of
China. We went to Norway and rode the Maelstrom. This was another ride where
the ECV offered a slight advantage. As we approached the queue inside, we were directed to
a door that brought us to the front of the queue at the boarding area. Quite honestly, the
line was short, so I don’t think we were taking to big an advantage. Had I realized
it, I could have just as easily walked. After Norway, we went to Mexico and rode the Rio
Del Tiempo. I know this is a mild ride, but I hope the rumors are false about changing
it. It reminds me so much of It’s A Small World and I’m nostalgic about
that ride.
Coming out of Mexico, we found a good spot for Illuminations. Judy and Seth went to get
a snack and Judy motioned us to come, since she found a better spot. As I backed up with
horn beeping, I bumped into a woman who was looking the other way. I apologized and
thinking everything was okay, took off. I didn’t get more than 100 feet, when I felt
a rough hand on my shoulder and the women’s companion started to threaten me. After a
heated exchange (I admit it, I let the moment get the better of me and forgot my Disney
spirit for a minute) I told them to have a "Disney Day" and left. I admit that I
was partially to blame, but that’s the danger of the ECVs, with all the crowds,
it’s hard to see over your shoulder when backing up. And people don’t always
look where they’re going. I can’t tell you how many times people walked, no, ran
in front of me, and I had to stop short.
Anyway, we situated ourselves along the fence outside Norway, to the China side of the
Stav Church. We were downwind of the smoke and got one of the best views of Illuminations
that we ever had. After Illuminations we headed out with the rest of crowd. This is where
I noticed how narrower the entrance was with all the work being done for the Millennium
Celebration. It was a real bottleneck at the exit and the crowd moved very slowly.
You’re probably better off dawdling on the way out, or if you have the choice,
leaving through the International Gateway. |
  
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