Posted on 12/27/2003 4:51:55 AM PST by Chairman_December_19th_Society
We will not tire, we will not falter, and we will not fail!
Good morning!!
Do not let the victims of the attacks on New York and Washington, nor the brave members of our Nation's military who have given their lives to protect our freedom, die in vain!!
The earthquake that occurred in Iran on Friday is now feared to have killed at least 20,000.
The CIA is building a case the anthrax attacks of two years ago was indeed the work of international terrorists. It is said the evidence is not conclusive, but is rather persuasive.
The Iraq War was voted as the top news story of 2003 by both American editors and World editors.
For AMERICA - The Right Way, I remain yours in the Cause, the Chairman.
Some asked for details about our trip to Disney World.
Here goes...
We left Milwaukee at 7:30 Monday morning on Midwest Express. It was the first flight for my two youngest children. They both loved it, and couldn't take their eyes from the gorgeous scenery out the windows. (Just like their dad...) It was cloudy when we left Milwaukee, but the skies cleared as we flew south.
We got into Orlando at about 11:00 A.M.. The temps were in the low 70's, and the palm trees were wonderful to see. My sister Tracy and the folks at Disney arranged for transportation via a bus to get to Disney World. They were there promptly and took care of our bags. As we traveled to Disney World the driver had Disney music on the loudspeakers. As we entered Disney World the song "When You Wish Upon A Star" started to play. It was truly magical.
We were taken to The Outpost, part of Fort Wilderness, to receive our keys, and Disney passes. (Granny... the prices for the cabins run about $200.00 - 435.00 per day. Depending on the time of year.)The cabins have a log cabin rustic look. They sleep 6 comfortably. They have 1 room with a queen and bunk bed combination. In the living area they have a queen pullout from the wall, and a couch. The kitchens are pretty well complete with silverware, plates, pots, pans, coffee pot, etc. We could have used tongs for our brats that we cooked out on the grill the first day, but we were very pleased with the overall appearance of the cabins.
After getting settled, and gathering for lunch, we all started our quests to see the Kingdoms. We went to the Magic Kingdom the first day. The bus service is incredible. (We never had to wait more than 10 minutes for a bus while we were there.) Our normal route was to take the bus to a place called the Settlement, (5 minute ride) and then take a boat from the Marina (Located at the Settlement) to most places. We got to the Magic Kingdom around 3:00, just in time to see the Christmas parade that runs daily through most of December. We loved it. (Youngest daughter never stopped smiling.) After the parade we hit alot of the rides including The Pirates Of The Carribean, and the Haunted Mansion. The colors shown on the Cinderella Castle are gorgeous in the evening. The night has its own magic. It's a must to see these kingdoms in the evening. It does get more crowded as the evening begins, so be prepared for larger crowds.
We had brunch at Chef Mickey's the following day at the Contemporary Hotel. A character filled dining experience that was an absolute delight. During the next few days we hit the MGM Studios, and Epcott. All were so much fun, that I would be here forever to describe all that was there. Another must see is Fantasmic! light show, held at MGM Studios. 2 evening performances held in a large ampitheater.
Christmas Day we went to the 11:00 Mass at the Contemporary Hotel. It was held in one of the Conference Rooms, and was set up very reverently. That evening we all met for a candlelight festival held in Epcott across from the American Experience. (It is titled, Candlelight Processional and Massed Choir Program.) It was one of the most inspiring things I have ever attended. A large choir, and orchestra regalled us with Christmas music and narration of the birth of Christ. (Robbie Benson had been the narrator earlier in the week.) We saw a celebrity whom I am not familiar with, Gary Sinise, do the narration. It was so inspiring, and perfect for Christmas day. (Songs included: O Holy Night, Il Est, Ne`, Angels from the Realms of Glory, Silent Night, The Hallelujah Chorus, Oh Come All Ye Faithful)You need tickets to this performance, but can see it from outside. We then all went to a restaurant called The Rose and Crown, for Christmas dinner. The restaurant is in the England section of Epcott. While waiting to get in to eat we saw The British Invasion playing down one of the streets in England. (The British Invasion are 4 lads who look and play just like the Beatles. they were excellent, and a wonderful addition to our time there.) Although our reservation was for 7:40, we didn't sit down until 9:00. It was ok though... we all sat in the pub drinking English beer, and gabbing with all there. If you do go to the pub, be sure and visit with the piano player. An older English gal by the name of Tammy. She is an absolute sweetheart, who has a heart of gold. She banged away on the piano and invited the children to come up and sing away. They delighted in the singing, and she beamed with their off key voices. Dinner included prime rib, yorkshire pudding, and Apple Crumble for dessert. (John... we never had a bad meal at Disney. All food was exceptional.)We also had a perfect view of the fireworks, complete with music at 9:30. We finally left around 10:30. It was gorgeous, and most people had gone home, so we had Epcott to ourselves. Truly inspiring.
We left Orlando on Friday afternoon, after an eight hour delay, and finally arrived home at 10:00 P.M.
This was my first time to Disney and truly enjoyed our time there.
I apologize for the long post, but wanted to get this experience out.
Merry Christmas!
Yes... most people were polite, but I was amazed at the complete lack of civility in some. One young woman banged right into me, separating me from my youngest daughter. When I stopped to say if this woman was ok, she just kept going, without any concern for the welfare of those around her, or the fact that she nearly knocked over my daughter.
You shake your head, but continue to do the right thing. My son looked on in amazement... when I mentioned that she probably voted for Gore he cracked up!
I wish we could have spent more time at Fort Wilderness, but oh so little time.
After the Choir Program Christmas day we sat around the French area drinking champagne, and enjoying the night come to life.
BTW... We loved the morning buffet at the Trail's End. The hot chocolate got a 2 thumbs up from our kids.
Oh Jay, Gary Sinise is better known for playing "Sgt. Dan" in Forrest Gump (I hope I got his rank right...). Forrest always looked up to Sgt. Dan, even when he was in a wheel chair. He also was in a wonderful remake of "Of Mice and Men."
Another role he's known for was as Jimmy Striker, the cop turned bad, kidnapping Mel Gibson's son in "Ransom."
Figures I'd know that one, huh?
Eagles have home field thru out the playoffs!!!!!
YES!!!!!!!!!
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