Disney Vacation - December 2009

Webcam of Eleictric Parade LIVE ay Magic Kingdom, Walt Disney World

2010-06-25T18:00:00.000-07:00

Parade starts in a couple minutes! Webcam is now live!

Webcam chat at Ustream

We're in the Magic Kingdom!

2010-06-25T16:20:00.001-07:00

John is moving slow but he's here. Thank goodness! I hope we can get a couple rides done before he needs to leave. (I'm trying not to go poastal over people who cut in line at Harbor House!)

Electric Light Parade at 9 and Wishes at 10: I Hope to do a webcam for both!

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Chillin' at Disney's Hollywood Studios!

2010-06-25T06:53:00.001-07:00

Got an iced coffee and a double chocolate muffin & just watching the world go by. John unfortunately threw his back out worse and needed to hang out at the camper. I'm going back in awhile to get him, maybe soak in the hot tub. Hopefully he'll make it to Magic Kingdom tonight. I don't want him to miss Summer Nightastic.

Found out weather at home was hotter than here plus a big storm that put power out for some people. I sent a message to a friend asking how our town was. Guess we picked a good time to be away!

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Headed for Animal Kingdom!

2010-06-24T06:57:00.001-07:00

We're meeting Jack Marshall and Gloria there . I haven't seen Glo in almost a year and Jack since December. I can't wait to get together.

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The new me! Part 1

2010-06-05T14:53:00.001-07:00

The new me! Part 1, originally uploaded by eblackwell.

I got a new hairstyle! Something sassy for summer! Part 2 will come Tues night when I get highlights. Part 3 will be: lose weight!

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downsized_0522001753a.jpg

2010-05-22T14:55:00.001-07:00

downsized_0522001753a.jpg, originally uploaded by eblackwell.

baseball, panzarrotis, and Ford Mustangs: that's America!

Happy Cinco de Mayo!

2010-05-05T05:16:00.001-07:00

Happy Cinco de Mayo!, originally uploaded by eblackwell.

I apologize to the Mexican people for celebrating by putting our chi in a sombrero. I did get in Mexixco in Epcot!

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We're home.

2009-12-20T21:09:00.000-08:00

We got home a long time ago, but they didn't plow our neighborhood at all. We did minimal unpacking; the rest can wait until tomorrow.

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Ugh, traffic

2009-12-20T16:41:00.001-08:00

An accident in Virginia and DC only clearing one lane cost us a lot of time. Knock wood, the little bit of MD we have left and the rest will be fine.

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Headed home!

2009-12-20T06:30:00.001-08:00

We were going to stay put for the day, but the Weather Channel just gave the all clear sign for the highways. Unfortunately for others, the airports are a mess and people could be stranded until Wed. As for us, we're going to be careful; if it gets to be a problem, we'll stop. Otherwise, we'll be home tonight.

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Stopped for the night.

2009-12-19T18:55:00.000-08:00

We stopped 30 miles from North Carolina border over an hour ago. We just decided Florence was a good spot, especially since we got a nice room at Red Roof Inn for only $39 and not one penny extra for the dogs. So we decided to get a room instead of a campground. The night manager also said that if we need to stay tomorrow because of snow at home, that it's no problem. We just have to let them know by 11 am tomorrow. I still worry about what my work will do if I call out on Monday.

I also jinxed us with the whole "Uneventful trip" post. We stopped for gas a little while after that and I walked the dogs. Casey had this small place, so I took Morgan to a larger spot with Elphie, as always, tagging after Morgan (and me). I heard a noise and turned to see the ground give out under Casey; she slid down the bank and disappeared. Literally, disappeared. I saw we were above a drainage ditch and ran around, calling her name, but she wasn't there and with the dark, I couldn't see her, except that where she fell was another hole and it apparently didn't connect to the drainage ditch. Scared that she had fallen so far, we couldn't reach her or that she was hurt, I ran back to the car for a flashlight and put Morgan and Elphie back there. I ran back and still couldn't see her. I had to run around and hang on to this fence that was falling apart, inching over. Luckily, John reached me by then; I tossed him the flashlight so I could have one hand free.

The light showed Casey clawing her way in this hole so we could at least see her, but the ground kept sliding out from underneath her, carrying her back down. I jumped in, holding the fence which at least kept me from going all the way down. I was enough down that I could snag her harness and pull her up. I couldn't get back without both hands, so John inched out far enough to first take Casey and then pull me back.

Wherever that hole went, it ended with cold water because she was soaked. I first wrapped her inside my shirt and then in a blanket when we got to the van. She trembled, probably more from shock than the cold, so I held her and she slowly stopped shaking. She did want to be near John, though, even content that I had her. She wiggled in the blanket, reaching for him, until I sat next to him while he drove. Then she burrowed down in her blanket, the trembling stopped, and she slept.

Elphie came over to make sure she was okay; Morgan gave her a sniff, Casey sniffed back, and then Morgan took advantage of us nursing Casey to get into the lunch trash.

I'm making it sound more dramatic than it was, except for our fear she was gone, hurt, or even just the shock of the fall, trying to escape, and the cold water making our 16 year old dog have a heart attack or something. Instead, she's taken it like a trooper. If the fence had given in on me, the worst that would happen is I fall in the hole or down the drainage ditch; I would have gotten out. It's not like we hang from a cliff by our fingertips.

Anyway, she's fine, I've had a hot bath, and John's thrilled that the young hottie at the reservation desk told him she likes his glasses -- "They're so retro" -- when I keep saying they're the fugliest pair of glasses ever.

We're going to stretch out in front of the TV and relax.

Good night!

South Carolina!

2009-12-19T14:46:00.000-08:00

Uneventful trip; weather and roads still fine, but everyone expected that. I just wanted people who emailed and texted us to know we're doing fine. I hope everyone in the storm is okay too. Stay safe!

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Last Live Broadcast from Webcam

2009-12-19T06:34:00.000-08:00

Now that broadcast went well! In hindsight, the only thing I missed was a shot of a comfort station -- and I didn't go up to the Outpost.

But!

This video shows from the end of Loop 300 to Pioneer Hall with an extended shot there (because I went inside to get coffee ;), then views of the Settlement, the marina, Meadows, a cabin loop with a shot of a cabin and its towel swans in the window, the dog park, the canal dog walk at loop 300, and then stopping at my site of 341. The sun was out, so other than people in long sleeve shirts, it shows a beautiful day.

Quick tour of Disney's Fort Wilderness

We're packing up.

2009-12-19T06:17:00.000-08:00

Sigh....

The storm didn't hit like predicted; temperature has dropped, but that's it. It'll probably turn gorgeous, of course.

I think we'll be behind the storm. We're only going to North Carolina today, so that gives the storm time to clear by tomorrow and road crews to clear things up.

But I want to stay!

Webcam broadcast of Fort Wilderness decorations: Part Deux

2009-12-18T17:59:00.000-08:00

Okay, I still have some kinks to work out. ;)

First, I need a longer laptp battery; second, taking the dog who sits on the keyboard and shuts things off is a pain. Third: if I fix the battery problem, I fix the losing-the-internet-connection problem.

But! I did get some good video.

This one has the site belonging to the Castle Guy, the man who, inspired by other Fort Wilderness regulars and their decorations, made a Cinderella castle with lights and music:

Castle Guy to the end of Loop 700

Finishing loop 700 with a stop over (this is when Elphie inadvertently turned off the recording and I started again) and then went to the marina:

The rest of Loop 700

Fort Wilderness marina at night and then a drive to site 1639's decorations where we end. Sadly, I lost the Internet here because I would have caught Holiday Wishes and the Electric Water Parade.

Marina and Site 1639

I promise to get better. :)

As I update this blog with trip notes, I'll put all the video links from this trip on to the webcam page so people can find them.

Now I have to get ready to sleep because we're up early and packing.

No, I don't wanna go!

Sigh....

Good night. I'm off to bed.

Epcot Fountain Christmas Show

2009-12-18T15:51:00.001-08:00

Epcot Fountain Christmas Show, originally uploaded by eblackwell.

We got lucky; it started just as we got here.

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Gingerbread House in America pavilion

2009-12-18T13:27:00.001-08:00

Gingerbread House in America pavilion, originally uploaded by eblackwell.

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America spread your golden wings

2009-12-18T13:23:00.001-08:00

America spread your golden wings, originally uploaded by eblackwell.

Le Cellier for lunch!

2009-12-18T11:06:00.001-08:00

Le Cellier for lunch!, originally uploaded by eblackwell.

Soarin - 5 minute wait in standby line!

2009-12-18T06:09:00.001-08:00

Soarin - 5 minute wait in standby line!, originally uploaded by eblackwell.

That's a reason to love a rainy forecast: no people! And it's not even raining!

For our last full day here, we're going to Epcot.

2009-12-18T05:16:00.000-08:00

That's a break from tradition; we always go to Magic Kingdom to close a vacation with one last look at the castle to say goodbye. But John wanted Epcot this year, although I forget the reason.

Unfortunately, it's poring here! It's slowed down now, but they say it's pretty much going to be this all day. Not on our last day! Oh well, get the ponchos and don't let it stop us. After all, it's still on vacation!

We're going to Sunshine Seasons for breakfast and Le Cellier for lunch. Look for rainy Epcot photos today!

Going to Jiko at AK Lodge for dinner!

2009-12-17T15:20:00.001-08:00

We've been looking forward to going back there, plus we get to see the beautiful lodge one more time.

Update:

Dinner was very good. Jiko (menu) always is. Our server was originally busy, so another - Ron - came over so that we had prompt service: that's the way to do it! I decided to have a drink, but couldn't find the list. Ron suggested they make a "mystery drink" and I went for the adventure! They made something with a watermelon liqueur that was very refreshing and tasty.

I had the Roasted Kuri Squash Soup, which was as good as I expected, the mixture of cool and heat in both temperatures and tastes. Then I had the Seared Maize Pudding, which was better than I expected, and followed it with the Pistachio Creme Brulee. Plus, the atmosphere is wonderful here and I've always loved its design, especially the lights above being birds in flight. I took a bunch of pictures which I'll post soon.

We went into the gift shop and then came back; John didn't ant to leave the dogs alone too long in case they bothered the neighbors with barking (they hadn't, but had been quiet). I was going to take the golf cart out to do another webcam of decorations, but I couldn't find my annual pass. That led to a "tear up the place and find it" that ate up a bunch of time. So I got ready for tomorrow, and now I'd better get John going to walk the dogs with me one last time tonight before he falls asleep!

Live webcam of our Fort Wilderness side view

2009-12-17T12:06:00.000-08:00

You might see John screwing around with it or the dogs napping or Disney bus go by on the main road. ;)

The music is from Disney's Animal Kingdom soundtrack.... or the dogs moving around. :)

I got up early, watched a little tv, and woke up again at 11! I can't believe it! One of my two last days here and I waste half of it!

I found out about Roy E. Disney (sniff) and blogged about him. Then we had lunch from Meadows to go and played with the dogs at the dog park. We met these 2 great guys, dog and RV people, who also work with Disney. We talked about things we like and things that bothered about us Modern Disney. They were great people, but it started to rain, so now we're back to relaxing. I'm working on photos and trip notes. The rain is real slight and I'm hoping it stops so I can take the webcam out on the cart.

Goodbye, Roy Edward Disney. The last who carried Walt's vision

2009-12-17T09:05:00.000-08:00

I just found out that we lost Roy yesterday, and as soon as I type that, I remember clearly a cast member at the Comedy Warehouse saying it years ago when he stepped down, and all the others fervently repeating it.

The last of a triangle, the last to know, love, and respect what it truly meant to hold that vision of what Disney is supposed to be in working in this company.

I just read his father's biography and learned all his parents went through to have him, how they named him after both of them, and how he looked like both of them even as he was unmistakeably Walt's nephew. How cherished he was and how he traveled with parents, uncle and aunt as well as his cousins.

We all know the story how the movie Pinocchia wasn't working, and then one night, Walt came in to his nephew's room, and acted how the story that would become the movie. How he did every part and weaved the fabric of the atmosphere and the action so well. Roy said, "I think his version was better than the movie!"

When he came to join the company, he found out something that too many CEOs and company presidents don't do with their family: he had to start out at the bottom and work his way up. Both Walt and his father told him that if he ever wanted to be in management, he had to earn it and learn the company from the bottom up. The benefit was: he would have earned it, not been handed it, and he would understand not only company, but the people that Walt insisted were the reason Disney was what it was. Roy E. Disney's first job was in movie inventory for True Life Adventures.

He learned something else as he worked at each level: what his father and uncle knew. Know what you can do and hire great people to do the things you can't. Walt wasn't an artist, Roy O. wasn't a lawyer or accountant. "Walt's Boys" and "Roy's Boys" were the people who so greatly did what they couldn't, and Walt and Roy were the geniuses with the vision. And like his father, Roy E. made the tough decision and fought the hard battle that when the brilliant person you brought in becomes bad for Disney, don't be stubborn and not see that your decision has gone wrong. He also learned the guiding light that his father held: Never hurt Walt. And that meant, not only but what he created: the characters, the movies, the parks, and Mickey Mouse. Oh yes, Mickey had to be held dead because after all, his father said the day Walt Disney World was dedicated:

Roy Disney stood facing the microphone before a crowd of guests ready to deliver the dedication speech at the opening ceremony. He suddenly turned and looked around, and I heard him say quietly, “Somebody go find Mickey for me. We don't have Walt any more, and Mickey is the nearest thing to Walt that we have left.” Mickey appeared and Roy promptly began his speech, with Mickey standing proudly at his side.

He even happily became animated in a House of Mouse cartoon so that he truly was part of Mickey's world. And most importantly, through Mickey and everything else, he held Walt's vision.

One example of all of that is when Chris Saunders came to Roy E, then head of animation in the new Golden Age, and said he wanted to do a movie about a little girl and an alien that lands on Earth. Roy hated the idea, but he remembered what he learned. Chris Saunders was an integral part of the great new great age for Disney with credits like Lion King. He deserved respect and he had proven he was good at what he did: Roy had to give him the chance to show what he believed in. And as he listened, he heard someone with courage of their conviction, like Walt, who respected the great works of what was done before by bringing it forward -- doing the first watercolor Disney picture in 40 years, sitting with those artists and asking them, are we doing this right? -- and at the same time, creating something new with an art style to represent a little, lonely girl's view of the world. Saunders represented the people who could do what a Disney couldn't while at the same time showing he had learned as Roy E had done, starting at the bottom and working up, respecting Walt and doing what he told his people to do. All of that and intrigued by the Hawaiin setting, something new and something Roy E loved, he gave Chris Saunders a chance while at the same time being there when they needed guidance and to ensure Disney quality.

Compare that to when Eisner started restricting the animation department and when Saunders asked Lassiter to believe in him and his vision, and he got driven out of Disney instead, just one of the people that's happened to. Even Mickey has three key pieces of his wiped out just in Florida alone in the past year, thrown aside as not good enough.

I always hoped I'd get to meet Roy Disney because he always went to Animal Kingdom when he visited Florida; they had his first wife's favorite shops. And I always had a secret hope in my heart that he'd return as a strong influence to bringing back the vision and respect for how things should be done.

I feel like the last part of Walt has died.

It's the end of an era and the loss of a wonderful man. I'm so sorry for his family, and for the all the cast members who he guided, led, and protected, summed up in those mournful words they said as a heartful group:

We lost Roy.

Spectromagic

2009-12-16T16:20:00.001-08:00

Spectromagic, originally uploaded by eblackwell.

A taste of it

It was really hard saying goodbye to Magic Kingdom. I might have to go in tomorrow, get some last pictures...

Back of Magic Kingdom train

2009-12-16T16:01:00.001-08:00

back of magic kingdom train, originally uploaded by eblackwell.

I never noticed that the sign on the back lit up. Did they always do that?

Doing the Kingdoms today

2009-12-16T05:52:00.000-08:00

First Animal Kingdom, then lunch at their Lodge, and then Magic Kingdom.
I'm getting that anxious feeling of the days going and so much to do. Plus I just don't want to leave.

I'm going on the Characters of Flight balloon!

2009-12-15T13:11:00.001-08:00

I'm going on the Characters of Flight balloon!, originally uploaded by eblackwell.

What a fantastic experience! I was like a little kid!

We had abut a dozen people at least including one man who kept saying "I hate heights. What am I doing?" He even said it repeatedly as he walked around taking pictures: What am I doing? LOL! A family was up there except the father; one of them leaned down to shout to him, and then noticed he was talking to someone. "He is. He's talking to my husband!" I told them, and when we landed, they all went up and said hi to John. That was really nice of them!

The mother asked: How high are we? Don't tell me until we come down!

I got great photos of Epcot and a few other things from the air, and videod the whole thing. Too soon, we had to come down.

Joey was a great cast member. I would love to do this at night too, and I highly recommend to everyone!

Another beautiful day! We're doing non-park things today!

2009-12-15T11:19:00.000-08:00

We relaxed in Fort Wilderness this morning; I went to Casting. And now we're going to do Christmas shopping and then dinner downtown! Oh knows, maybe even a balloon ride!

Animal Kingdom PhotoWalk

2009-12-14T09:30:00.001-08:00

Animal Kingdom PhotoWalk, originally uploaded by eblackwell.

What a great walk that was! I can't wait to see all the pictures. I took so many, my camera battery died. ;) At one point, I even bounced up and down on the Oasis suspension bridge so people could get action shots. And Barrie and Robbie got these fantastic pictures of a spiderweb where the sun turned it into a prism of colors.

Robbie had a photographer's vest on and people kept thinking she was a photopass photographer! Plus, we all stopped to take pictures of a waterfall, and guests ran over thinking we found a rare animal. And we met Cast Member Bob who let us see the swans and lemur get fed while he chatted with us, and another Cast Member who actually rang up central to get tortoise information. We shared the site of the rainbow web with him, and he thanked us profusely. Dennis and the other half of the group got the DeVine show, so I'll have the surprise of seeing what they got.

The only sad part was: Barrie was leaving, and so was everyone else. More goodbyes had to be said without knowing when we'd see each other again. We plan on being back next year at this time, but who knows if we'll see each other before that.

But it was the best morning, seeking out those trails and all the wonders we saw! I'll post photos soon. Meanwhile, thank you, Dennis, for arranging this and the other Photo Walk. They were two highlights of this trip!

Illuminations globe

2009-12-13T18:53:00.001-08:00

Illuminations globe, originally uploaded by eblackwell.

Wishes finale started as the globe came out. Awesome.

Beverly drinking dare at Club Cool

2009-12-13T11:15:00.001-08:00

Beverly drinking dare at Club Cool, originally uploaded by eblackwell.

I can't believe we did that to ourselves!

Boardwalk Gingerbread and train

2009-12-13T08:54:00.001-08:00

Boardwalk Gingerbread and train, originally uploaded by eblackwell.

Our Grand 1 tour group

2009-12-13T08:12:00.001-08:00

Our Grand 1 tour group, originally uploaded by eblackwell.

A dream come true!

John and Masayo cruising

2009-12-13T06:54:00.001-08:00

John and Masayo cruising, originally uploaded by eblackwell.

on the Grand 1 yacht

The Grand 1

2009-12-13T06:31:00.001-08:00

The Grand 1, originally uploaded by eblackwell.

The Grand Floridian yacht

Breakfast cruise on the Grand Floridian yacht!

2009-12-13T06:04:00.000-08:00

We're headed to their marina now to cruise on the Seven Seas lagoon on the Grand 1. It's a surprise that John set up for us with Fred Block. What a great surprise!

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Raglan Road for dinner

2009-12-12T17:30:00.001-08:00

Raglan Road for dinner, originally uploaded by eblackwell.

Luckily, the nice weather is back so we can sit outside and watch the Pleasure Island crowd.

Osbourne Lights in the wonderment of a baby's eyes

2009-12-12T16:11:00.001-08:00

Osbourne Lights in the wonderment of a baby's eyes, originally uploaded by eblackwell.

A new generation learns the wonder of Christmas lights!

Osbourne lights billboard

2009-12-12T14:28:00.001-08:00

Osbourne lights billboard, originally uploaded by eblackwell.

We're on our way to meet everyone

RIP Snowman

2009-12-12T12:33:00.001-08:00

RIP Snowman, originally uploaded by eblackwell.

John ran over one of our snowman lights. When we came back to the site today, one of our neighbors had this memorial in place. Isn't that a riot?!

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John missed the turn and drove off property!

2009-12-12T10:56:00.001-08:00

The signs are green, they're green! Valkrie's life force is dying! (My friend Kim D will get that joke.)

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All Ears holiday video shoot

2009-12-12T07:07:00.001-08:00

All Ears holiday video shoot, originally uploaded by eblackwell.

We have a group message and then each team member. Note the official AEN microphone.

All Ears meet this morning!

2009-12-12T06:00:00.001-08:00

And Steve Barrett of the Hidden Mickeys guide is giving a tour/scavenger hunt. AND I'm getting my favorite pastry for breakfast at AK. AND We just saw the Disney manure truck! Life doesn't get much better than this.

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Back home at Fort Wilderness!

2009-12-11T17:52:00.001-08:00

Back home at Fort Wilderness!, originally uploaded by eblackwell.

Ot's been a fantastic day! Tomorrow is another one. Now I'm going to look at some decorations here and relax.

New marble in Grand Floridian

2009-12-11T15:47:00.001-08:00

New marble in Grand Floridian, originally uploaded by eblackwell.

Mickey, obviously

Time for my Walt meet!

2009-12-11T13:21:00.001-08:00

Time for my Walt meet!, originally uploaded by eblackwell.

Here's hoping I do right by Walt and Roy. Break a leg to me!

Grand Floridian Gingerbread House

2009-12-11T06:35:00.001-08:00

Grand Floridian Gingerbread House, originally uploaded by eblackwell.

on the PhotoWalk

Very Merry Christmas Party

2009-12-10T20:10:00.001-08:00

Very Merry Christmas Party, originally uploaded by eblackwell.

So beautiful

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Lots of friends reunited

2009-12-10T12:39:00.001-08:00

Lots of friends reunited, originally uploaded by eblackwell.

So good to see them again

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Lunch time at Magic Kingdom!

2009-12-10T09:55:00.001-08:00

Lunch time at Magic Kingdom!, originally uploaded by eblackwell.

Tony's Restaurant! I hope we get the window where Lady and the Tramp are eating.

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Relaxing this morning at our resort.

2009-12-10T07:46:00.000-08:00

We got up when we felt like it, got breakfast from Trails End and brought it back to our site, put up more Christmas lights, and are just hanging out. A rain front came in and has almost passed, so it's a nice hang out kind of day.

Later, all the big events start for the weekend! We'll be headed into Magic Kingdom for Mike Scopa's Dole Whip meet, we have the Christmas party tonight with the Holiday Wishes Meet, the Christmas parade, the TTA Lovers meet, Ride Dumbo for Adults, and more! We're doing lunch at Tony's, and of course, the best part, we're going to see all our friends! The people on the cruise arrive this morning, Barrie's already here, as well as Laura, and a bunch more. The craziness begins!

Actually, the craziness begins in a couple hours. John's looking at video we took, including one that I did of him in Night Vision; he joked that it looks like something from Survivor. And now he's laying down for a nap. ;)

Everest

2009-12-09T15:57:00.001-08:00

Everest, originally uploaded by eblackwell.

Sat in 2nd row, closest I've been

Just finished lunch at Sanaa

2009-12-09T11:47:00.001-08:00

Just finished lunch at Sanaa, originally uploaded by eblackwell.

Here's the view fromthe restaurant. See the zebra?

Vacation!

2009-12-09T07:54:00.001-08:00

Vacation!, originally uploaded by eblackwell.

A happy John on vacation, not at work, on a beautiful day, headed for a Disney park.

headed for Animal Kingdom!

2009-12-09T07:53:00.000-08:00

We're starting late. We slept in a bit, and then John had to make a call for work. So we decided to take the dogs to the park - they had a dozen friends there - then drove around on the cart. Now we're headed for Animal Kingdom and later lunch at Sanaa.

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What a gorgeous day

2009-12-08T11:48:00.001-08:00

What a gorgeous day, originally uploaded by eblackwell.

On the cabana launch back to resort.

Obligatory Castle picture

2009-12-08T06:49:00.001-08:00

Obligatory Castle picture, originally uploaded by eblackwell.

From a different angle

Elphie finds ducks along the canal. She almost did a perfect point! I don't this dog has any more dreams to come true.

On the boat ride over to Magic Kingdom, John started his old trick, and I'm telling you right now that if my beloved husband doesn't stop taking my lovehandles and making them into a puppet mouth with a voice that goes, "Hello, I'm Roley! Thanks for bringing me back here where you eat and make me bigger!"... the gators are going to get a good meal! ;)

Get breakfast at Main Street Bakery. The woman at the register hands us the long receipt with all the blah blah blah on it, and says, "While you're eating your breakfast, read this book." We laughed because it was funny, but John actually followed her advice for the heck of it, and here it had a 20% coupon for the main stores! We had to use it by noon, so we got John a really nice hat. And I got a Christmas mug.

On Main Street, I played around with the PhotoPass photographers as they took family photos and trying to get the people to give a natural smile. I'd come up behind the photographer and without their knowing it, I'd form devil horns. The surprise of it would make the family grin and the photographer snapped the shot. I got a picture of a Main Street car coming my way and then id an overdramatic jump out of the way, like I was in danger of getting hit. The driver, Rebecca, luckily had a sense of humor and cracked up; she said she should take my picture as the car was getting closer and I did a mock "splat" on the windshield. She was great fun!

Unfortunately, the photographer we got, Justin, was a big blah. He had sunglasses on, cutting off personal contact, and was giving off a horrible attitude. Not rude or anything, just uncaring.

We got Space Mountain fast passes, and then rode the PeopleMover (TTA) with its new spiel. We didn't like the new soundtrack; all the futuristic part of it is gone. I did like the character voices going with their rides and that they called it the PeopleMover, but it would have been better to put the 2 parts together.

We rode Buzz Lightyear, and John cheated AGAIN. (snicker) Actually, I took time to get a picture of him. In the end, he pointed out the scores on the sign: I'm a pilot, hon, and you're a piece of--- LOL! I took a photo of the Hidden Stitch on the mural and then saw the photo of Stitch on the ride. Nice!

We took our spin on the Carousel of Progress, especially so I could see the Walt footage first, and for the first time, I found out the 40/50s section was John's favorite. After the modern scene, he complained that they took out the last scene where the apes take over the planet.

John wasn't feeling well, so we gave his fast pass to someone and I went in alone. I liked how they added the games for people to play while in line, and the new graphics. The ride is the same, of course, although I wish they could have added the music. Still, all the changes were good until you walk out. Those rocks are really old, and the black cloth over the monitor section is really lame! They should have upgraded that with everything else.

Next, Laugh Floor. I never noticed it has a "view" of Monsteropolis or whatever the city is called. One of the creatures forms a Hidden Mickey with his shadow during the "mike check", and they had a great interaction going with this woman, Allie from Australia, that shows off how quick thinking the guy on the end of the technology is. They also talked to this guy who I joked with John looked like Gilligan in the later years. A minute later, the monster in the show said, "I'm just glad Gilligan finally got off the island!" A little boy that they talked to had to be coached on his answers which he gave by pressing his mouth against the mike so his voice boomed around the room!

With the time we had left before lunch, we saw the updated Hall of Presidents. I didn't think I'd like some of these changes, but instead, it's the best it's been since it opened! The new movie with the new art and story that focuses on the Presidents is great, and giving Lincoln a solo focus at that moment with the Gettysburg address not only fits the moment perfectly, it harkens back to when it was the original Mr. Lincoln attraction. Washington's small speech and the upgraded animatronics are wonderful.

Then it was time to head for The Wave (menu) in the Contemporary. We grabbed the monorail to there, and by coincidence, Monorail Black pulled up to pick up the Blackwells! It had been really foggy in the morning, but it cleared out pretty fast and turned into a beautiful day. We saw the new large Mickey wreath on the Contemporary; I'm hoping we can get a better picture of it later.

We never ate at the Wave before, and we really liked it. Our waitress, Giselle, had a good sense of humor, the food was delicious, and the place looks good.!

I'm drinking warm, spiced wine in Germany.

2009-12-07T17:08:00.001-08:00

I just want to say: I love you guys! lol!

Of course, after the wine, I was feeling in love with everything which was the perfect time to stumble upon getting into the Candlelight Procession. We practically walked in. Woman next to us sang everything though; look, I'm glad you're enjoying yourself, but we all came to hear the choir!

Then, I don't know if it was the wine or the music, but I went from blissfully mellow to sleepy. John was tired too, so we went back.

Walked the dogs; last night, Elphie chased a rabbit around the dog walk, even jerking the leash from my hand in surprise. I had Casey in my arm and couldn't stop to put her down, because, as John shouted, "Get Elphie before she runs into the brush after the rabbit or we'll never find her!" I got her right before she dove into the bushes. Tonight, we're walking and she flushes out an armadillo. She's having a ball!

As we walked back, John told me to get over to the side because he heard a golf cart coming behind us. A large pickup truck, big enough to haul a full motor home, went by. I turned to John and deadpan said, "Big golf cart." He laughed: "I know my vehicles!"

And then it was sleepy time without the tea!

Just flew to Mars and back.

2009-12-07T07:42:00.001-08:00

Just flew to Mars and back., originally uploaded by eblackwell.

What did you do this morning?

I obviously rode Mission:Space and sat with a family of a dad and 2 kids. I joked that they got stuck with me, but the father said it was the other way around. (And can someone get Gary Sinise a better hair piece? Lieutenant Dan shouldn't have that 3 dollar special. Thank you.)

We went over to Test Track and got in the Single Rider line. When we got to the front, the guy said "You will be separated." John said: "You're going to cut me in half?!: We thought it was funny.

I had to call my sister Terry, but it was a little rough inside the building, so I told her I'd move outside so she can hear me. As I walked out, one of the cars roared over head. So maybe not on the whole hearing me thing! Since I had to wait for John to come outside, I spoke in between cars: "Terry, when you were here" pause/roar "in October, did you get the" pause/roar "Mickey ice cream" pause/roar "atennae topper you wanted?"

We got one of our favorite lunches: nachos at the Mexico cantina, but had a big disapointment: no more black beans. Without that, they were just the boring chips and toppings that a kid makes at home.

But inside my favorite pavilion, Mexico, we rode the updated ride: I love this ride! I fell in love with the 3 Cabilleros on the House of Mouse, and it's the perfect pick up for this place. And I got a 3 Caberello shirt that they had stopped offering after the first few months, but brought it back. John made a face because it's old and distressed looking, but I like it a lot. As we left, 3 women were waiting for the new taquila place to open. John joked: "Something to be said for being first in line for the tequila bar." snicker!

We did the Kim Possible experience, going through Norway first. We headed for Mexico, but since John didn't eat his nachos other than a few bites, we made the World wait to be saved while we enjoyed the new Goat cheese, Vegetable, Potato tort and blood orange custard at the Norway bakery. MMMMMMM!

Then on to Mexico where the main KP villain appears and we got to erupt the volcano. Cool!

We started heading out and caught the new Joy gospel choir. FANTASTIC! I highly recommend this with its traditional music style, plus a variety of others with Christmas classic songs.

We saw Monorail Teal twice; the impact of remembering what it represents -- the 2 monorails from the fatal crash -- was poignant. We'd get quiet as it went by.

Back at Fort Wilderness, we took the dogs to the dog park; we met wonderful people including little girl going through dog withdrawal. All the dogs played and had a great time with each other, and more importantly, tired themselves out! We drove around in the cart for a bit, then back to switch pins, type up notes, relax, and download pictures.

We returned to Epcot where we really miss the Lights of the Season archways. John told me to imagine them as we walked along. I hope they find a way to bring them back.

We finally saw the Legend of the Monkey King holiday piece at China and then met John's friend Gary from high school. We had a lot of laughs together and the food was better than we had before. I got a Coconut Rice Pudding for dessert, and it was dark, like a chocolate color. Apparently they used a black rice; odd to see, but delicious.

Going into Epcot!

2009-12-07T06:35:00.001-08:00

Going into Epcot!, originally uploaded by eblackwell.

And we just saw the Characters of Fight balloon over Downtown!

It rained last night, but it's stopped and is turning very nice. Good temperature, somewhere around low 70s (we hit 78). John, who said it had better get nice, watched the sun come out from behind a cloud and said, "I'm hot." ;)

I met Hilda who has a wonderfully decorated place here in Fort Wilderness when I went to get breakfast from Trails End. She and I talked for a little while, and I found out the guests do a decorated cart parade every Saturday night for the holidays! She also said that a family of otters moved in along our beach, waiting for the fishing boats to do their catch and release, and then swim out. Cast members have seen them swim the entire length of the beach! Unfortunately, they were't out this morning, so hopefully another day.

"The Castle Guy", who so admired the Fort Wilderness decorations in 2007 that he build a 6' replica of Cinderella Castle and does the Wishes show (as well as other music and lights), is coming and will set up on the 14th. He's so in love with being part of this, he's booked for a 2 month seasonal spot next year.

We got ready for Epcot, and it was nice not to need a jacket, but just have a t-shirt. And shorts or jeans too, of course.

On the way there, we saw the American Idol Experience billboard; John wants to try out. He joked: "It's going to be Here's Briety. She's 15! Here's Candy. She's 17! Here's John, he's 54."

We got in the first parking lot -- Parking lot A for something, don't remember -- and in the first couple rows. A guy whose car was right at the end, plainly visible, told his wife to take a picture of their spot number so he'd remember it. Wait - you can't remember A and see your car right there?!

John teased me that he didn't have to go through security since he had no bags to check (everything he'd put a bag, he had me carry). Then they had him go through anyway. HA! A guy across from me had to open a small zippered bag, looking embarrassed. All this makeup spilled out; his wife ran up to explain it was hers. The security guy said, "I know it wasn't his. He looks great without it." You go, boy.

I rode Spaceship Earth, and had forgotten the first scene with the cavemen hunting the mammoth, then having it in cave paintings. All I could think of was, "Get away from Manny!" and wondered how many kids think the same thing after that poignant scene in the popular Ice Age. And I still get choked up when you reach the top and there's Earth. There's just something about it.

On the other hand, I don't know if it's historically accurate, but Guttenberg had some chicken legs. How did they ever hold him up. And a piece of my head was missing my picture. It was pretty funny watching the closing video with my Swiss cheese head pasted on a cartoon body. LOL!

Got 20th anniversary button; looked surprised John didn't want one. I'm celebrating; he's not LOL! (He hates that joke.)

Saw a Santa shirt that I admired on someone last night in MouseGears, so we stopped in. First souvenir! John said we should ask if I could get a Passholder discount; I said no, it wasn't listed in the booklet. He said to ask anyway, and they said they absolutely give a Passholder discount. I'll never live that down.

Live webcam broadcast of Fort Wilderness decorations

2009-12-06T17:02:00.000-08:00

We had a couple abrupt endings! The first one happened when Elphie stepped on the keyboard and stopped the broadcast; the second one came when the laptop battery died. Still, we got to see some good decorations, talked with people who set them up, rescued a couple and got them to their bus, saw the new sleigh ride, the Minnie Mouse cart, and made people happy when they realized they were on a live video broadcast!

Part I: Fort Wilderness decorations - loop 100

Part II: Fort Wilderness decorations - loop 700

Tomorrow we go to Epcot and, amongst other things, have dinner in China at the Nine Dragons (dinner menu) with a friend of John's from high school. They twice had a roller skating competition where, as they freely admit, "We sucked. People came to see us fall down and make idiots out of ourselves. It was a lot of fun."

So the rest of tonight is just hanging out.

I'm really glad we had a day of just being here at the resort. It was nice to relax, decorate, and enjoy Fort Wilderness. We've already been down the canal path to see the castle twice, once during the day and once at night.

And we learned something today: the Electric Water parade, which can be seen at Fort Wilderness, is in the Guiness book of records for the longest running parade in history. It's simple, it's corny, and we like it. We thought of watching Holiday Wishes fireworks and then the water parade from the beach here, but we'll do it another night.

Decorating the golf cart!

2009-12-06T12:37:00.000-08:00

If you missed the webcam when it was live for ths, I put up our Christmas decorations on our golf cart, then a few of the site ones, at Fort Wilderness. A few friends texted me which was great fun, and you get to hear me whack my head a few times. You don't want to miss that.

Video of decorating the golf cart

Afterwards, we had dinner at Trails End restaurant (menu) here at the resort where we had a lot of good food, and called our friend Steve A. to rub it in -- uh, share in the joy of being at one of his favorite restaurants. We even had our waitress say hi to him on the phone; she said she wished he was here too, and then misunderstood us and thought he was our son! He told us that Mom & Dad have to bring him back a t-shirt. LOL!

John and I drove around looking at decorations for awhile and saw the new sleigh rides for the first time; then headed back to walk the dogs. He then settled down to watch TV and I went out with the cart and webcam to catch more decorations (and rescue some people having trouble walking to the bus stop).

Our site

2009-12-06T09:37:00.001-08:00

Our site, originally uploaded by eblackwell.

Site 341 at Disney World's Fort Wilderness - a wide and level updated site. John's very happy.

We had hoped for the canal because that's the dog walk, but we like this site; no one is on top of us, I can open the windows in the back without any neighbors behind us, and it's a nice site.

We started setting up when John got the call that he could pick up our golf cart. I set up a lot -- that's a pat on the back to me because we either do it together with John doing the electric, cable, etc. Of course, I had selfish motivations: I wanted to see WDW Tour TV as well as the Fort Wilderness channel. LOL!

I didn't do it all by myself. I had helpers as you can see here. Gee, I wonder why it took so long to make the bed!

When John got back, we finished the unpacking and settling in. His back was bothering him, so I told him to go rest while I played with decorations. (Frankly, I was ready to kill him, so his going to rest-- did I say that out loud? ).

Actually, we're both so happy we're here at last. We've waited so long and have so many great things ahead of us: good friends, restaurant reservations, great holiday treats like Epcot tomorrow and Holidays Around the World (we've never seen China's!), then the Christmas party; we're doing a breakfast cruise on the Grand 1 yacht!, the new "hot air" balloon that goes over Downtown Disney, and my Walt history event on the 11th... I can't even think of it all!

Who wants to ride into Disney with us?!

2009-12-06T09:07:00.000-08:00

I set up the webcam to show the drive in from World Drive to Fort Wilderness check-in. If you missed it, you can see the recording here:.

We're here! We're here!!!!

Crossing into Florida!

2009-12-06T05:45:00.000-08:00

Hot showers felt so good and dogs enjoying their walk puts us later than when we planned to go. Gettting breakfast soon. John might have a warrant out for his arrest; he didn't go into the office to checkout. He said, "They have our card number. It should be fine." Look for us on COPS.

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Sent from my Verizon Wireless mobile phone

Relaxing for the night!

2009-12-05T17:36:00.000-08:00

We got in an hour ago, and something to eat, and now just relaxing with some TV and potato chip-stealing dogs.
I was going to set up the webcam, but you'd only see our neighbors and we might get arrested for something totally unintentional. :) We're a mile from Florida in a KOA.

We're going to leave around 8 after letting the dogs run around the pet park here. That will give us plenty of time to arrive for check-in and get our electric cart.

I checked the mobile site for WDW webcams showing live weather and traffic. Things look good; it's a little cool here, but I'm guessing it'll warm up now that the sun's out and the rain has left. My sister-in-law, Ann, says it's snowing back home, so having long sleeves on seems pretty good in comparison.

Hello from LImbo!

2009-12-05T14:36:00.001-08:00

The spot on 95 when you left South Carolina but not yet in Georgia either. ..and now we're in Georgia! So nice to have sunshine and good weather, and leave the storm back in NC. We're a bit behind schedule from stopping to sleep for a couple hours, but the good thing about making your own journey is: the schedule is what you make it. :)

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Sent from my Verizon Wireless mobile phone

Guess where we are?!

2009-12-05T10:25:00.001-08:00

Guess where we are?!, originally uploaded by eblackwell.

How did you ever guess?

Stopping for breakfast!

2009-12-05T05:57:00.001-08:00

We're 9 miles outside RIchmond. I slept for awhile and even John took a break. Everyone is getting something to eat now, even the pups.

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Sent from my Verizon Wireless mobile phone

Maybe leaving early

2009-12-04T20:33:00.001-08:00

Do you know that commercial where the family is so excited over their vacation that they can't sleep? That's John; we may be leaving in a little while!

Who's Who and Who's Along for the Ride

2009-11-15T13:35:00.000-08:00

Me -- Erin "RoguePony" - this trip holds special meaning for us. Two weeks away! And I'm holding a special meet event: Walking with Walt's Vision

John - beloved husband, "Johnny Black" on a lot of boards. John and I are celebrating 20 years together. Yes, I said celebrating, no matter what face he makes when someone mentions how long we've been together.

Casey the Little Dog: -- a toy fox terrier and Canine American Princess. Casey just turned 16, another celebration.

Morgan "the Big Dog" -- American mutt, and our hugging dog. We just had our 13th anniversary of when we got Morgan!

Elphie the bug: -- a pug-terrier mix John calls her a lot of names, like the Jug Thug and others that shouldn't be said in mixed company.

We've been planning this trip since March! I can't wait to see our friends, for having time together to enjoy everything Disney has for the holidays, and for all the special meets everyone has planned.