Sunday, December 24, 1995 - Day 2 

MGM Studios and Magic Kingdom We were running little late in the morning, so the the gates were already open when we arrived at 8:30. We went straight to the Great Movie Ride, since my son decided he needed to digest breakfast before attempting the Tower of Terror. We sat in the wheelchair row (the last row) which gave me an interesting view of things that went on behind us, and I had fun looking over my shoulder as we passed by each scene. Things like the cast member coming out to reset the door under the jewel after our guide rejoined us. We got the western shootout this time, so now I've seen both the gangster and the western versions. Elana had surprised us that morning with an announcement that she was going to ride the Tower of Terror with us. Sara hadn't made up her mind and I suspect she was just holding off the inevitable - telling me she wasn't going. So, after we got off of the Great Movie Ride, we walked over to TOT, but the wait had grown to an hour and 15 minutes. So we decided to wait until later in the day and do Star Tours instead. The wait was only about 10 minutes. From there, we continued to the left to see Pocahontas. It was cold and blustery at 10:00 in the morning and the metal benches didn't help. We sat in the "solar heated" section as the cast member described it as we entered (the bleachers.) It was a breezy day and the Disney Imagineers couldn't have planned it better when during the "Colors of the Wind" a gust blew up, as if on cue. Another one also enhanced the Chief's monologue at the end, when he says something about the power of the wind. 

From there, Muppet Vision 4-D. It was as great as the first time. We tried to see the Ace Ventura show, but we couldn't get close enough and since I was afraid that my kids wouldn't be able to see (and I didn't feel like standing), we went to find a place for the parade. Only, the schedule had changed and the parade had just finished. Next showing, 3:30. That'll teach you that even though the hotel gives you event information, you should always check at the park itself, when you arrive. The stuff the hotel gives you is printed up days before and the up-to-date stuff is only available at the park. We grabbed a snack at the bakery on Hollywood Boulevard and walked through the shops. The hot chocolate was especially appreciated that day. Then we took in the Special Effects Tour and The Making of Toy Story. 

It was 2:30 by now and we found a bench in front of the Brown Derby and waited for them to lay the tape down for the parade. As soon as the cast members came by, my kids sat down and saved enough room for me, while I sat on the bench (I can't sit cross-legged that long.) I had a nice chat with a lady named Sunday, who is a Tampa resident and has a close friend who is a cast member. She gave me some great hints and the conversation helped pass the time away. Meanwhile, my wife was talking to a family who came from our county and they both went to the same LI high school that I did. It's a Small World. 

The parade ended at around 4:00, and since our reservations at the 50s Prime Time Cafe was at 4:20, we headed on over. I love the restaurants at MGM, because the waiters and waitresses really ham it up. I got the "airplane" treatment, when I treated to get away without eating my string beans (I really didn't care for the way they were prepared. I like string beans, honest!) My kids showed me up by getting clean plate stickers. This time my wife had the Maui Maui, which was grilled and I had the T-bone steak. The kids had the macaroni and cheese and the tuna melt. My only complaint was the way the waitress told us about the milk shakes. The kids meal includes a drink and desert. When the waitress asked the kids if they liked milk shakes, I foolishly thought that they were a drink choice. I didn't say anything about it, because, after all, this *was* a vacation and they each let me have a taste. But, I think that when someone offers you a choice that isn't included in the package, they should let you know that it's extra. My wife and I finished our meals with big pieces of apple pie a la mode. 

It was too late for the Backstage Tour, having ended 20 minutes earlier at 5:00, so we walked slowly over to the Tower of Terror (we had to digest our meals.)  It was a long enough wait to help along that cause, but not too long.  We got on the line at 6:00 and were at the elevator at 6:20.  Two cast members (god, how I wished I had gotten their names for a nice letter) helped convince my wife and Sara to at least go see the pre-show.  They have an exit after the preshow for those who are weak at heart.  Judy was being very skeptical, so it took two cast members to convince her.  I had to remind her that a cast member would never lie to a guest.  For those of you who might have the same problem.  After you exit the preshow, you get on line for the elevators.  Just let the cast member know that you want to exit, and they point you toward a special elevator that takes you out.  The preshow is cute and should not be missed.  I'd just like to know who the actor was who played Rod Serling, he looked just like him.  Elana drove everyone crazy, she was talking non-stop (I would guess nerves :-) about how scary it was, etc.  etc.  We had to buy the picture they took of us right before we dropped.  Oh, and now I understand why we hear screams *before* the doors open :-) By the time we got off, it was getting very cold, so we skipped the lights on resident street and went back to the hotel to get into warmer clothing. 

We got to MK at around 8:30.  We walked through Crystal Palace to AdventureLand.  It's a great shortcut to avoid the crowds waiting for SpectroMagic.  We were heading to Pirates of the Caribbean, but as we passed Jungle Cruise, we saw a boat waiting for customers, so we hopped on board.  Sara got to drive.  Why is it every time I hear the script, I still laugh at the corny jokes?  Pirates of the Caribbean was also a walk on.  I wish someone would wash that pirate sitting overhead's feet :-) As we headed toward FantasyLand, we noticed tape down for the 10:00 showing of SpectroMagic.  We passed a store with four empty rocking chairs.  Not believing our luck, I asked three separate cast members if there really was going to be a 10:00 parade and I was assured there would be.  It was so weird knowing that SpectroMagic would be starting and nobody was running to reserve a spot on the sidewalk.  

It was 9:20. We sat down and chatted with the CMs until the parade got around to us at 10:15.  By that time, only a few people took their places for the show.  It was like we had our own private showing.  It was so strange.  The evening was made when Mary Poppins gave Elana a big hug and kiss.  Wouldn't you know it, Judy, Seth *and* Sara all had cameras but missed it, because they were looking up the street and their backs were to us :-( 

We then did another round of the Haunted Mansion (I said it was Elana's favorite :-) It was getting late and I think everyone was in the holiday spirit.  After all, it *was* Christmas Eve.  As we followed the female cast member to the waiting cars, I swear she had an extra hop in her step and I even detected a smile!  From there, we took one trip on the Carousel.  You could tell it was getting later, since the ride was definitely short.  It was too late to sneak in the Grand Prix Raceway, so we headed home after a long and very exciting day. 

Epilogue: We were  going to go to MK on Monday morning for the televised parade, but we felt that we got so much accomplished in the two days and we would have had to get up so early to get a decent spot, that we decided against it. Instead, we had a lazy day. We let the kids play in the arcade in the Contemporary and took the boat over to Ft. Wilderness to check out the petting zoo. Then we went over to Wilderness Lodge to see what it was like.  They were building it when we last were there. Very nice. Then we headed back for our 3:30 reservations at Chef Mickey's and on to grandma and grandpa that evening.