Yoo Hoo, Disney EchoEars!
Continuing with WDW trip reports from my friend Bruce Metcalf...
Metcalfs @ WDW day 6 w/OT KSC remarks
Another day of largely off-property pursuits, save for meals.
Breakfast was the competent but mostly unremarkable fare at Old Key West's
Olivia's.  Non-character breakfasts offer the same standard fare as the
character breakfasts held Wednesday and Sunday, and it's pretty tough stuff
to mess up.  Do pay particular attention to their sausage--it *is*
exceptional.  While the magic level of the environment is satisfactorilly
high, the food doesn't approach the creativity of a Coral Isle Cafe or a
Tony's Towne Square.  I'll wait for Tigger before I go again.
After a day at the shore, we chose the clambake at Cape May Cafe at the
Beach Club Resort.  It's been moved indoors, so the mosquitos don't get a
feast at the same time.  Clams, mussels, oysters, shrimp, salads,
*wonderful* desserts, and enough landlubber fare to mollify the fish-haters
among us.  Like Captain Jack's yesterday, somewhat less than fully
attentive service.  Must be something in the fish?
        >>> OFF-TOPIC ALERT <<<
Just a brief report on the Kennedy Space Center for those who think they
want something different:  We got a guidebook with the title "Orlando's
Other Theme Parks" since it seemed to be just the supplement we needed to
Rita's recent release.  I hope his other information isn't as dated as his
poop on the KSC--the toll road fares had gone up 28% and tour prices 43%
since the "1997" edition.
If you go, take the bus tour--the view of the launch facilities and VAB are
worth the $10 fee, with the new Saturn V/Apollo museum worth the same
amount again.  If they reinstate the historical tour, I'd probably opt for
that as well.
On the down side, the guided tour of the "rocket garden" and the "launch
briefing" were given by a gal with less charisma and willingness to answer
questions than most Mark I animatronic figures.  If you go there and meet
Cyborg Sue, you'll be well advised to tour yourself--you'll learn more.
The art displays and spaceflight gallery were total duds, IMHO, as were the
displays on the Merrit Island Wildlife Preserve.
Am I being too tough? Probably, but then I grew up with my nose plastered
to the TV for every space shot, manned or unmanned, and even worked on the
Shuttle project for a few years.  Did I learn much? No, but then I'm not
exactly a newcommer to the field.  I suspect those born since man *stopped*
going to the moon would get a lot more new that I.  In all, a mixed bag.
OK, so much for the mid-week OT stuff.  Tomorrow, it's back to the MK!
Bruce Metcalf,
mailto:bmetcalf@cdc3.cdc.net
--- April V1.0+
(1:3828/1.3)
---------------