Entries: Intro | Day 1: Friday | Day 2: Saturday | Day 3: Sunday |

SUNDAY, APRIL 16, 2005

Sunday was a free day, but Mike began his day bright and early with another trip to the hotel gym, before Disney escort Aaron arrived at the hotel at 9 a.m. to give him, his friend Andy and two Discovery Channel folks a tour of the Disney theme parks. While Mike, as mentioned, isn't thrilled about thrill rides, he only sat out two — Magic Kingdom's "Splash Mountain" and Animal Kingdom's "Primeval Whirl." He was game for everything else, even riding "Space Mountain" twice.

Then again, it is "Space Mountain."

But the surprise hit of the day? Animal Kingdom's "It's Tough to Be a Bug," a winner despite the wailing, terrified youngster sitting directly behind our group.

After the impressive theme-park tour, the group headed to Downtown Disney for a little souvenir shopping, an experience studded with photographs and autographs for approaching fans. Then, before everyone knew it, it was 4 p.m. — time to go back to the hotel to pack and then head to the airport for a 7:30 p.m. flight. "Magic Kingdom" indeed — a good time was had by all.

Then again, it is Disney World.

Favorite overheard comment: "Has anyone ever told you you look just like that guy on American Chopper?" asked by a male fan who soon realized his mistake.

Rides ridden:

* Animal Kingdom: It's Tough to Be a Bug, Dinosaur
* Disney World: Pirates of the Caribbean, Space Mountain (twice!), Hall of Presidents, Peter Pan's Flight
* Disney-MGM Studios: The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror

Rides passed:

* Animal Kingdom: Primeval Whirl
* Disney World: Splash Mountain