Sunday @ Disney

Our Sunday here in the “land of the mouse” was very nice.

We headed out early for Disney’s Animal Kingdom. It was a very good day. We really enjoyed the various “nature trails.”. The safari ride in the “Africa” section was worth the effort.

The gorilla ended up leaning against a tree and eating leaves, but he did not look happy.

How to scratch your ear when you are 18 feet tall.

Gotta love the bats. They just "hang out."

At one point, we came across a crocodile that was lying very still. My brother-in-law and I wondered if it was real of a “fake.” He has the best analysis.

“This is Disney. It’s the only place you can be assured, if it is moving it’s probably fake, but if it’s lying still, it’s probably real.”

Right on.

With some balance still remaining the gift card we received for enduring the time share pitch, we planned all along to eat in the park. Mrs. P had received recommendations for the “Yak and Yetti” in the Asia section of the park. This is a “sit down” restaurant, and between the location (in Disney), and the name I was fully prepared to be fleeced and disappointed. Neither happened. Mrs. P and I split three appetizers, Dim Sum, chili Thai wings and egg rolls. They were goodand there was more than enough for the two of us to split for lunch. With drinks (less tip or any alcohol), the bill came to about $30. Again, not bad at all for resort prices.

We finished up with the Everest Himalayan ride, which was loads of fun.

Oh yeah!

I wasn’t real happy when it started going backwards in the dark, but that’s just me.

The only downside to the day was the crowds. No real surprise there. It was a beautiful Sunday afternoon. Especially annoying were all the strollers. The slow-moving double-wides could block entire walkways. I was somewhat dismayed at the number of children who were clearly old enough to walk on their own – five or six years old — but were still being pushed  around in strollers by their parents.

"What do you mean, this thing doesn't have a DVD player?"

Isn’t it enough that you have to take out a second mortgage on your house to afford to take your little darlings to Mouse Land? Are you also obligated to protect them from the exertion of walking from one amusement to the next? I guess it’s just me, but if the five or six year old is too lazy to walk on his own, I think I’d save the money and aggravation and stay at home

Maybe when we have grandchildren, I’ll change my mind. Maybe not.

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A Saturday at Epcot

Saturday of our Disney weekend was fun, but tiring.

We started off by getting up early to hear the Wyndam time share sales spiel. (Aren’t we on vacation?) This was suggested by my sister-in-law who pointed out that the incentive was a $100 American Express gift card.

The one and a half hour presentation grew into three hours. The “no pressure” sales pitch turned into “won’t take no for an answer.” Actually, Mrs Poolman and I nearly got up, told them to keep their gift card and walked away. We didn’t though, and the gift card has paid for several good meals since then.

Mrs. P and I did cut a deal however. We both agreed that if either of us suggests sitting through a time-share sales presentation in the future, the other party has grounds for divorce.

After we escaped from the clutches of the time-share sales reps, we headed out to Epcot. Although we have been to Disney many times, I don’t believe I have ever been to Epcot. We started the same way you do everything at Disney, standing in line.

Get used to lines.

Epcot

We got a “fast pass” to the “Test Track.”

This isn't us. Duh.

We tried to “fast pass” the “Soaring” ride, which everyone says is outstanding, but we were too late. We did all the usual “stuff”.  We shopped around some of the international pavilions for dinner and ended up at the Moraccan restaurant.

Cafe Tangierine

We had a variety of lamb and chicken combos and sandwiches and were quite happy with it. Their sides of tabouli and cuscus was were really very good. And for Disney, the price was not bad. Mrs. P’s and my total came to just $33.

Tomorrow – no time share sales pitch. We have the Animal Kingdom on the schedule.

Off to Mouseland!

We took a few days off last weekend to join Mrs. Poolman’s older sister and husband in Orlando. They traded with some friends —  a week at their mountain house for a week at the Wyndam Bonnet Creek Resort at Disney World. They had a three bedroom condo and asked us if we could join them for a few days. Of course we said, “Ah, yes!”

Windam Resort Bonnet Creek

Our condo

Mrs. P and I actually spent our honeymoon at Disney World – way back in 1976 when the area around the park was a tiny fraction of the development there now. And the only Disney developments were the Magic Kingdom and a few other small auxiliaries, like “River Country” which no longer exists. Even EPCOT didn’t open until around 1978.

We also lived in Orlando in 1979-80 when I worked for the ABC affiliate there. Poolboy was born in Orlando. So while it’s safe to assume we have some familiarity with the area, the tourist section of the area has change dramatically.

We drove down from Savannah on Friday and met B & D at the condo. It is rather high-end and very nice.

On Friday night, we treated our hosts to dinner at Bahama Breeze. This is a chain restaurant of the Longhorn Steakhouse – Olive Garden family, but it is very good. I wish they had one in Savannah. I had the shrimp and grits off the daily special menu and was very happy. Mrs. Poolman had a grilled chicken with mashed potatoes, a cilantro-cream sauce and cheese.

Grilled checken with cilantro crema

I had to taste it. It was heavenly. We will try to duplicate it at home sometime soon. Both our guests also enjoyed their dishes. I thought my brother-in-law was going to lick the plate, but he restrained himself.  The bill for four adults (without alcohol or tip) came to right-at $75. That’s not bad at all for a tourist area. Two thumbs-up for Bahama Breeze.

Tomorrow, we will be sitting through a time-share demonstration and then off to Epcot.