Events of Sunday, January 9, 2011

                Today was our first day in Disney World. After a late bedtime last night, I was expecting a later start. But excitement propelled us into action early. We ate breakfast, packed lunches, and walked over to the shuttle bus station, all by 9:00. We had two buses to take, and there was a long wait between the first and second. We learned later that bus service was interrupted because of the marathon. The Walt Disney World® Marathon Weekend includes a half marathon (13.1 miles) on Saturday and a full marathon (26.2 miles) on Sunday (today).

                We purchased five-day passes to Disney World, so we discussed the best way to schedule our park visits. After much debate and research, we have decided to spend today in Hollywood Studios, then Monday and Tuesday in Epcot Center, and finally Wednesday and Thursday in Magic Kingdom. When we arrived at Hollywood Studios, we saw that the marathon course ran through the park and by the ticket windows. So, as we waited for our bags to be inspected, we watched several hundred marathoners run by us. In their 24th mile, some were running, some walking, some limping, and some doing various combinations of the above. We were delighted to see many participants running in costume, mostly Disney. Our favorites were the Tinkerbells (both female and male), Snow Whites, and Hercules (cape, sword, helmet, and Speedo suit).

                As we visited the attractions, we noticed an unusually large Brazilian contingent. Abby was excited to hear and recognize some of the Portuguese words she has learned for our upcoming visit to Portugal. I asked a Disney employee about the number of Brazilian visitors. She explained that large numbers of Brazilian students come to Disney World during their three month summer break, December through February, and during their winter break in July. Who would have guessed?!

                For those of you who are interested, here are the attractions we attended, and a few comments about each. We began with “The Great Movie Ride,” a gentle cruise through scenes from famous movies. “Twilight Zone Tower of Power” features an unpredictable elevator that goes quickly: but it is pitch-black, and the rider does not know from moment to moment whether the next movement will be up or down. Very fun, but Abby decided to wait for us at the exit. “Journey into Narnia: Prince Caspian” was disappointing; Pam said the multiple choice trivia quiz was the best part. Loud music and head jolting movement convinced me to skip “Rock ‘n Roll Coaster,” but the kids say they enjoyed it. We munched our lunches as we waited for the next event, the musical revue “Beauty and the Beast Line On-Stage.” I enjoyed the excellent voice of the lead character, Belle. The next was a surprise for me: “Toy Story Mania” is a combination of twirling car and shooting arcade. The “Studio Backlot Tour” reminded me of a ride at Universal Studios. It was a narrated train ride through movie sets and staged “surprises”. Most memorable for me was the “Lights, Camera, Action Extreme Stunt Show,” which focused on driving stunts. I am totally impressed by these stunt drivers’ abilities to maneuver their vehicles so precisely. Their movements reminded me of a marching band, weaving in and out, crossing between rows—but transform each marcher into a sportscar going up to 60 mph. Then send them off jumps, through fire, bursting through windows, etc. It was stunning. After that, “Indiana Jones Epic Stunt Spectacular” was tame, if humorous. We ended our visit at the amphitheater, watching “Fantasmic,” an odd conglomeration of boats, fountains, stunts, lasers, movie clips, and fireworks. 

                We returned to the RV after 8:00, so Pam made up a quick but delicious spaghetti dinner. Then we cleaned up and put the kids to bed. Pam and I ventured over to the jacuzzi, where we soaked our weary bodies and endured second-hand smoke. As we returned to bed, we heard music from the Main Street Electrical Parade—not a bad way to end this first magical day!