I am really enjoying this itinerary and its only day 3! Its the first sea day with lots of activities and items on the agenda, including such strenuous to-dos as; should I have breakfast in or go up to the buffet? Should I take a nap in the cabin or take my glass of asti out on the balcony? decisions, decisions….

Todays agenda started with an invite from Deb to join her along, with Ann & George another couple from out group, at the Concierge Reception at 10:30 am. We met in the lobby and made our way towards Sessions where cocktails and a nice spread of fruit, breads and other yummies were available for consumption. We spent a while chatting and enjoying the company of friends and halfway through the visiting ritual, a special guest arrived.

Cinderella spent about a half an hour taking photos and chatting with the guests. 

After our encounter with royalty, naturally we went shopping!  We had to check out all the Panama canal specialty items that are on sale to help plan the souvenir budget over the next few days.

Sorry to have to break the news…  but no matter what they say, Disney’s food does indeed have calories.  and the constant offerings of buffets, dinner seatings and yes… the infamous chocolate souflee can take a toll on anyones routine. So I decided I would test my self control and challenge myself to exercise everyday.

To help me on this quest, I decided to sign up for a personal trainer as soon as there was a spot available.  At 3:15 pm I was in work out gear and ready to meet Mathew.  A very fit 20–something with a great personality and a ton of energy. We started on cardio and we though a circuit of machines so I would have a good starting point for the next 2 weeks.  And I have a feeling I will wake up hating him tomorrow. 

Tonight was formal night for dinner, and of you know anything about my vacation habits, that means ‘Beci’s Room Service’ night. I stayed in and enjoyed my dinner watching the latest news and catching up on my email.

I am really enjoying this itinerary and its only day 3! Its the first sea day with lots of activities and items on the agenda, including such strenuous to-dos as; should I have breakfast in or go up to the buffet? Should I take a nap in the cabin or take my glass of asti out on the balcony? decisions, decisions…. < more... >

Monday I was able to attend the AP preview of Toy Story Mania and I have to say I was completely blown away with the attraction!  There is now another ride in Hollywood Studios that will draw you in again and again!  While other AP guests had waited in line for a couple of hours on Sunday, Monday after lunch was a perfect time to go - 15 minute wait!  This is one que line you will really enjoy standing in.  (This is where I give a little about my age)  The games I loved as a kid - Chutes and Ladder, Barrel of Monkeys, MR POTATOE HEAD!  The detail is amazing in this room.  Toys, games, puzzles are on all four walls. 

I didn’t spend a lot of time in front of Mr. Potato Head to get to interact with him, but he really does keep talk to you while in line.  He was quizzing those of us in line on our favorite attractions in WDW.  One guest said he made him tug at his ear when he was in line earlier, so this should make standing in line for this ride more enjoyable.

The ride itself is a 3D attraction where you play carnival type games at every turn.  First you are tossing balls at animals to knock them over, another screen you are at you are popping balloons with darts, then another time you are breaking plates, and then the one I never quite got the hang of, was tossing rings.  The last two screens are a rapid fire round… just when your arm is about ready to fall off from all the shooting!

Now, you are asking yourself why the title?  Because with every shot you make you have to pull a cord at the back of a small cannon looking gun. The cord has to be pulled out to make it shoot and then it has to retract back before you can shoot again!  Sounds easy, but after the first two screens, you are hoping you are ambidextrous because your one arm is very tired from pulling the cord so you could shoot.  You are also hoping that you can aim with the other hand!  So my advise to you is to start training that weaker hand and arm now to get a better score!  Learn to look for the small far away items for a higher score, and above all….. Have fun!  Because after all, you are riding around in Andy’s room and playing with all his toys!

Monday I was able to attend the AP preview of Toy Story Mania and I have to say I was completely blown away with the attraction!  There is now another ride in Hollywood Studios that will draw you in again and again! < more... >