[PhantomBantam]

Saturday 4:00pm, the squeaky call of brake drums filled the air as my Lincoln lurched in syncopation with the only traffic dance of the entire 7 hour trip. We were only 30 miles away from our Disney destination: Fort Wilderness.

East Orlando…ALL OF EAST ORLANDO seemed to be under construction. But the traffic seemed to have no reason for its retarded flow. No traffic could be spotted for termination into the surrounding non-Disney theme parks, and its drastic thinning all at once made no sense. I kept waiting for the police car chase, fire truck, and or ambulance to pass. My daughter’s learned and used the word “annoyed” several times at this strange delay in progress.

Check in to FW was painless and quick. My CM helped me gain a MK ticket for my DD and printed my advance tickets for the HDDR. All my PS’s were re-confirmed. We drove to the 2400 loop where our cabin stood only a couple cabins away from the Disney bus stop. And it was just down and left from the heated pool (not that we used it) off Peacock Pass. The cabins and rooms are well described on line and those descriptions were very accurate, except they did not point out that the bathrooms were large. Perhaps the bathroom only seemed large because the whole cabin had vaulted ceilings that reached up to 12 feet overhead in all the rooms. We were very happy with the accommodations.

Check in time is at 3:00pm for the cabins, so day one was almost spent for us. But we had a great deal fun in store for the evening as we took the FW Water Launch to the Contemporary Hotel to ride the Monorail around the Resort Loop and the EPCOT Loop. The weather was cool the first night but warmed up through out the trip to 72 degrees. The cold air on the water launch did not spoil the excitement for my DD as the views from the water so intrigued her.

There were lots of topiary to see, a revolving door, and lots of escalators to ride. We really don’t have a lot of stuff like that around the house. Especially a Monorail train running through the middle of it! Every moment was an explosion of sensory overload. Glued to the monorail window the questions spewed forth to a point of non-comprehension from my DD. We tried very hard to sort it all out and reconfigure info back into her excited head.

My DD heard a commotion from below the Monorail Platform on our return. And she saw Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse dancing together with folks swinging napkins in the air. She informed me that she was suddenly very hungry. I replied that I hoped she was hungry because that noise was from Chef Mickey’s and we would be eating there as soon as we could get down there. That was probably not a smart thing to do as she wanted to run down the escalators but mom had an Iron grip and a quick slap at me.

We had a PS Time that ran into a 20-minute wait to boot. That was bad. And luckily was the only long wait we had to endure for PS miscalculations. At least there were Characters working both the hostess/waiting area as well as the restaurant tables. The time passed easily and made the price easier to swallow, as we were quite hungry at 7:35pm.

Folks, let me tell you…Chef Mickey’s was awesome. It was the best meal we had, the best value for the experience. I was totally blown away by the place and it will now join Trails End Breakfast on my must eat list. The service was good. Large variety of food and the dessert bar was orgasmic. We didn’t feel nearly as crowded as we did in other restaurants either. Probably because of the Character interaction, but a plus is a plus!

The Character collection seemed quite large. We had Mickey, Minnie, Donald, Daisy, Goofy, Chip and Dale and oddly Timon and Rafiki (for a short while). I thought at the time that was a lot of Characters in one place. But according to the manager it wasn’t that unusual. This became a huge bonus for us as this avoided time spent at the MK standing in line trying meet these Characters individually. And the interaction was extensive as the clock struck 8 o’clock. And I reckon my dancing with Goofy, and introducing Minnie as a “Classic example of American Grace and astounding beauty to which all ladies should strive to embody” and then telling Daisy “But it’s the smart witty girls that all us men really fall for” probably helped make friends fast. Goofy was insane fun. Well done. It was a great experience that would be hard to improve upon. A moon lit cruise back to FW was quiet and pretty.

Next morning we were all still full. Really! For the first time since 1975 I would not be eating the breakfast buffet at the Trails End Restaurant. We decided on fresh Danish and juice and an early visit to the petting zoo and stables before heading to the Magic Kingdom Guest services to exchange our old cardboard World Hoppers for the new electronic versions for the next day’s entry into the parks. I felt a little sad for my daughter who could see the gates into the MK but couldn’t go yet. (Our plan was to end big but it was only day two). We took the water launch again (DD’s favorite transportation) to The Wilderness Lodge to take the hidden Mickey’s Tour view the views and grab a snack. We later caught the bus to Blizzard Beach/Summer Winterland miniature golf facilities.

Summer Winterland was a bit pricey but not too much more than the fancier mini-golfs at Myrtle Beach so we decided to have a go. My DD loves miniature Golf so it was a success of course. It was fun and truly exciting. Great photo ops and loads of special effects were found. I may have found an un-found hidden Mickey and will check with the Hidden Mickey’s website for an official update. I got a photo for proof. Who knows…

The Disney Transportation was ample and we had excellent timing the whole vacation allowing us to easily make time for a pit stop at the Cabin before heading out to the Hoop Dee Doo Revue for the 5 o’clock show. While we waited we treated our DD to a pony ride at the petting zoo. The food was good and the sangria stiff at the HDDR. Super Strawberry Shortcake! The show was excellent. My wife and me have decided the food is better at the Polynesian Luau but the show was better at the Hoop. We sat up front center and thus was “involved” with the show. I was spared the wearing of the tutu and the older gentleman from Virginia on his 30th Wedding anniversary dressed head to toe in red white and blue pseudo-rodeo gear got the job instead. My DD was absolutely mesmerized by the live show. And wished to be on stage. Unfortunately there are no parts for 4-year-old girls. L But…

The Hey Ride was cancelled for inclement weather but the view of the fire works over the MK was great and the Camp Fire S’more Makin’ Sing Along and Movie Watchin’ program was hopping fun and loaded with folks. Even Chip and Dale were there. And when the lady organizer said anyone who wants to get up on stage and sing, “It’s a Small World” with me c’mon. Zoom! My DD took off! Center stage, blowing kisses…I mean where did she get all of that from…sheesh! My old Original Fort Wilderness un-politically correct real coonskin hat was featured when spotted by staff before the Ballad of Davy Crockett was rendered and many kids came over to feel it. Mighty Joe Young was the flick and tuckered out DD required a retirement for day about mid way though.

We awoke early to a bouncy DD who informed us that we were going to the Magic Kingdom this day. We started out at the trails end Buffet and it was fantastic as always. But there have been a couple of changes since we have been there; The waffles are no longer made to order at the buffet but they were still rich and Mickey shaped with loads of things to pile on them. (You could still have them made to order if you wanted them special.) The Omelet maker guy was replaced with pre-made but fresh cheese omelets with an expanded side bar of things to add as mentioned before. Above and beyond the selection of standard fare of grits, bacon, eggs, selected sausages and pastry, They added a selection of gravies for sopping, corned beef hash, incredible skillet potatoes and onion, and a truly remarkable Breakfast Pizza! Sooooo good. Best value on the property.

We took the water launch to the MK for the musical opening and an impossible to describe day of Disney enjoyment. Some highlights included my DD being a guest conductor on the Railroad and bravely insisting to ride Space Mountain up front. I squeezed my humongous bulk into a tea cup spun that sucker with every ounce of my being to prove a point to all the other lame dads what... yeah your right...but my DD loved it! Well…after she regained consciousness anyway. And I highly recommend the Ice Cream Cookie Sandwich at the Sleepy Hollow Bakery. We only did not experience Alien Encounter and the Hall of Presidents. We were able to ride many favorites several times, and the Fast Pass system worked perfectly. We caught the fireworks on the Tomorrowland Bridge (good spot to watch Tinkerbelle) and Made it to O’hanna’s for our 7:30pm PS on time thanks to being able to take a Resort circuit Monorail route out of the MK rush. Fabulous!

O’hanna’s was enjoyable. The place and food features were definitely made for carnivores that are hungry and those who are not distracted children. May not be the best bang for the buck for a family as the variety is narrow. But I loved it. The service was incredible. The view was wonderful; the open fire pit was pure heaven on a caveman level! The appetizers were super; our Specialty drinks were exceptionally good. But that Chef Mickey’s still gets the nod for the trip as best dinner feature. A Mother and 7 kids from the Tea Cup sound barrier incident recognized me! See!!!! Lame dads...humph...Those kids thought I was insane…I think that was good...Wanted to know if I’d be there the next day. Heh.

The trip back to the cabin was a monorail trip to the Contemporary and a water launch to Fort Wilderness for a moon lit trip on a full stomach. And as luck would have it we had to join the electric water parade to Wilderness Lodge and were able to view the water parade presentations via the boat the first time (at point blank range) and then dockside at the FW marina. That was very special.

We got lots of pictures, hugs and kisses and memories for a lifetime. We expect snow tonight in South Carolina. Sigh…How many days till my next visit?

[dab]

PhantomBantam what a delightful report!! I could almost picture your daughters radiantly excited face as I was reading. That's what it's all about. I get all misty eyed recalling my daughters first... aww! I thought I was excited before but now I'm really ready! You had a great show of characters at Chef Mickey's. I've never seen Daisy there, what a treat! So your daughter is 4 and rode Space Mtn.? My DD is 4 also but alas not tall enough to ride only 42 1/2 in. now and I think SM height requirement is 48. Hmmm.... have to look into that. The cabins sound great and after reading your great review of the campground I've put it on my list to stay there. I agree with you about Ohanas being pricy but the food and atmosphere are wonderful. I wouldn't pay that much at home for dinner but at WDW we kind of expect that sort of thing. It helps having the entertainment for the kids too. We are getting vouchers for free mini golf thanks to the Disney Club so we'll be going there next week. You'll have to tell me about that hidden Mickey so I can look for it. Enjoy your memories and don't get too blue wishing you were there. :)

[quartz7]

What a great report Phantom!!! Your daughters must of bursted with all that excitement!! What a great daddy, riding the tea cups!!!! Really glad you had a wonderful time, countdown begins again!!!

Janelle

[goofygal1975]

I enjoyed reading this!! Put me in a better mood and helped me to start picturing our trip again. Been kinda blue lately and have had lots of crazy (bad) things happen that kinda kicked the disney sprirt right out of me. But reading this this morning has helped me think happy thoughts again!! Glad your family had such a great experience. Thanks for sharing!:)

[mattomouseman]

HEY PHANTOM, my wife thinks I'm nuts! I'm already planning our August trip and I gotta tell ya, we ALWAYS do Chef Mickey's for breakfast but never thought of doing it for dinner. You can bet your Unpolitically correct coonskin cap we'll do it this time! Your narrative was wonderful and really put me in the WDW spirit (not that it takes much, just ask my wife!) I've tried to get my wife to go for the cabins in the past but she never wants to. Maybe I'll get her to read your report and she'll change her mind! Sounds like you had a great time. :)

[Willbegone]

Thanks for the report my fellow snowed in South Carolinian! This helped me get the chill out of my bones. :D

[ilvminnie]

Great report PB! I can't wait to have small ones to take again. (Quick, someone tell my DD I really CAN wait awhile anyway!) I'm so glad that you had a good time on the teacups. It's always a must-do for me & DD, but DH has to sit that one out or..... Oh well, we always try to spin our arms off too!

Must be nice being in SC so close to FL & still getting snow. I'm jealous on both accounts.

[Cinderellafifi]

Thanks for such a good trip report! It sounds like you had such a wonderful time!

I am glad to know that the Wilderness Cabins were a good size. Was it just the 3 of you staying there? I have camped out at Fort WIlderness in my younger days. Now I like the idea of the cabins but I have been worried about the space.

The camp fire and movie watchin' sounds especially fun. Your DD sounds like a real social butterfly! :love:

Gosh, you do have a lot of days left on your time clock for next time - just stay positive! You will be going soon! :)

[ilvminnie]

Hey PB (or anyone else), is the campfire/movie thing more kids? Or would just DH & I by ourselves feel right at home, too?

[trishb]

Phantom....I just have to say


I would love to see you dance with Goofy!!!


Awesome trip report. You have truly made my night!

[PhantomBantam]

The movie thing is like going to a drive in (if you ever been to a drive in). Benches and bleachers are there, many folks brought their own seats. There is food to buy, etc...

If its a movie I would like to see, sure I would have liked it without kids. I think weather is a big factor for most.

Free admission, big silver screen...

I liked the improptu children choruses singing unabashed.

[PhantomBantam]

My wife has informed me that we got Daisy because we didn't get Pluto at Chef Mickey's (info from an attendant) and Timon and Rafiki were brought in for a special party or something which is why they (Timon and Rafiki) did not stay.

As I remember, Timon and Rafiki were wandering around with a tour group at at the Agrabah Bazar at the MK...weird. They were definately marching not doing any stops really. In retrospect that's what they did at Chef Mickey's too. So I don't want to inflate the experiance at Chef Mickey's to be a disappointment to others. I do need to add that Donald was stationed for Photos most of the night. He did not move around the resturant as Mickey, Minnie, Daisy and Goofy, Chip and Dale did.

But In my opinion that is still a bunch of Characters. And I still want to claim at least Timon because I got a high five (sorta) when I yelped "Hey Timon, Wanna Dress in drag and Dance the hula?!"

[dab]

Thats the great thing about WDW... you can show up for a character meal and be surprised with an unusual treat. But for some substitutions can mean a huge disappointment. There were probably some die hard Pluto fans that evening just waiting for their turn! With any character meal we make a point to tell my daughter that some special guests will will be there and then let her discover them as they come out. That way she isn't disappointed!

[mattomouseman]

We've been dpwn four times and we've never seen Daisy (Excpet in shows) and we've only seen Donald once I believe. SOunds to me like you made a real COUP!:)