An Aussie's Journey. Our final meal before coming home (food porn)....the last post!

[PrincessInOz]

Well don't come to AZ! We seem to be having a ton of problems with them here!

Wow I am so going to do the Kim Possible missions next time! I thought it was going to be cheesy but maybe not so much and besides I go on the hunt for characters so it can't be all bad right??

During the Kim Possible missions, we bumped into Alice, Mary, Jasmine, Ali, Snow White, Pooh, Tigger. Unfortunately, DS didn't want to stop except for Pooh and Tigger. The queues were too long for the others; so it never quite worked out for me.

 

[SoonerGirl]

We haven't done any of the Kim Possible missions yet, but they look like they might be fun. I think my youngest especially would enjoy them

 

[PrincessInOz]

We haven't done any of the Kim Possible missions yet, but they look like they might be fun. I think my youngest especially would enjoy them

I had originally thought that KP had every chance of being lame. And to someone else it might be. But we had a great time with it! Let me know what you think when you get the opportunity to try it out.

 

[PrincessInOz]

The Mountains of Magic Kingdom – in under 2 hours

It was way past 2 pm by the time we completed our Epcot items of Test Track, Soarin’ and Kim Possible/shopping round the World Showcase. These attractions had taken way more time than I had thought and my hopes of completing everything on our list were fast evaporating.

Next on our list was the Mountains of MK – all 3 of them! I had no idea if we were going to be able to achieve this aim; but given that there seemed to be low crowds at Epcot, it was worth a trip out there.

We caught the monorail out and after transferring at the TTC, we got into MK around 3.30 pm. I realized very quickly that MK was not as busy on this day either.

After doing the RnRC several times at HS, DS decided that he was up for the challenge of Space Mountain. And given that this was the one mountain that he hadn’t gotten on all week, DH rushed off to Tomorrowland to pick up fast passes for Space Mountain.

DS and I headed out for Splash Mountain; but it didn’t take much to side-track me.

After turtles, this is my most favourite snack and it just screams Disney Park to me!

Once again, we’ve seriously underdone photographs at MK (non-existent)! It seems to be a consistent theme for us this trip.

We got to the waterfall and the stand-by line was 20 minutes. 20 minutes on a hot, humid afternoon? Either we were dreaming or Pixie dust was working for us today!


DH caught up with us at this point and we got in line. I got completely soaked on this ride and had to walk around in my wet clothes for the rest of the afternoon. Splash Mountain down; 2 to go.

The stand-by line for Big Thunder Mountain was 35 minutes. So, we got in line and we were amazed! Within 40 minutes of getting in line, we had 2 mountains down and 1 to go.

With fast passes in hand, we headed across to Space Mountain. Our window hadn’t opened up but stand-by was 10 minutes. DS loved this ride and we naturally rode it again with our fast passes! For the record, I believe that this ride is much better at DLR. The ride at WDW is a little jerky and I don’t think (but don’t know for sure) it is as long or the curves as tight as the DLR version.

We started to head out and make our way to the next park; but when we walked past the Monsters Inc. Laugh Floor, I knew we had to make a detour in. This had not been on our list to do but it is an attraction that isn’t at DLR and none of us had ever done this attraction before. The comedy routine was great at times and corny at worst. But it was certainly worth our stop because DH ended up being Randall and DS was absolutely thrilled to see his dad up on the big screen!
And I don’t care what Laugh Floor thinks! DH is still a prince to me.

It was nearly 6 pm by the time we came out of the Laugh Floor; and we had achieved what I had thought was impossible - riding the 3 Magic Kingdom mountains in half an afternoon and literally without the use of fast passes! Given our experience last week with the crowds, I certainly didn't think this was possible at all!

But as we still had 2 parks to make and more of our wish list to accomplish, none of us wasted any time thinking about impossible missions!

[Up next – Asia and Bugs at night!]

 

[cdotla]

Wow...I am totally impressed with how fast you guys are cruising the world, and getting so much done!

These crowd levels are more like what we experienced our entire week...only I know this was well after we had left.

And as for that Dismeet...wow! Our Cinco meet was a LOT more tame!

 

[SoonerGirl]

Woo Hoo for getting all 3 mountains done, even while arriving in the late afternoon - that's awesome! Again, I will agree with you that DLRs Space Mountain is better than WDWs. I was really hoping the referb would bring it closer to the DL version, but it's not even close.

 

[TokyoDina]

Your so indulgent! I couldn't bring myself to have all those tasty treats! I love looking at the food porn though!

 

[PrincessInOz]

Wow...I am totally impressed with how fast you guys are cruising the world, and getting so much done!

These crowd levels are more like what we experienced our entire week...only I know this was well after we had left.

And as for that Dismeet...wow! Our Cinco meet was a LOT more tame!

Both DisMeets were great for different reasons! I'm only sorry that I had a major headache at the Cinco meet and didn't interact a lot more with everyone.

Woo Hoo for getting all 3 mountains done, even while arriving in the late afternoon - that's awesome! Again, I will agree with you that DLRs Space Mountain is better than WDWs. I was really hoping the referb would bring it closer to the DL version, but it's not even close.

I keep wondering if I dreamed that afternoon at MK.

I think its nice that the rides are a little different at the different parks - but you're right about Space.

Your so indulgent! I couldn't bring myself to have all those tasty treats! I love looking at the food porn though!

I don't go to Disney all that often; and we're walking soooo much that it doesn't seem to be indulgent at all. But you're right! We like our sweet things!

 

[PrincessInOz]

EMH at AK

The reason that 4 parks in one day was a possibility for us to achieve was due to the fact that today was Wednesday and we had the privilege of evening EMH at Animal Kingdom. The make or break for us came down to one thing. We had to catch a bus from MK over to AK.

And we nearly didn’t make it there!

There was an AK bus waiting at the bus stop but DS had to make a pit stop and we ended up missing that bus. A bus to HS pulled in and with a look at each other, DH and I *almost* got on this bus instead. But given how the day had panned out so far, I decided to chance our luck again.

The next bus came along within 5 minutes and it was heading to AK. Lady Luck and Pixie Magic were still with us!

We headed straight for Everest. In twilight lighting, the Mountain looks gorgeous.

DH decided to sit this one out. So, DS and I headed in together. There was no queue and it was walk straight on only.
If you look carefully at the picture, you might be able to see DS and myself on the coaster.

DS wanted to do it again and managed to persuade DH to get on as well. DS would have gotten on to this ride a third time but I reminded him that it was getting colder and if he left it any later, we would not be getting on Kali.

Kali was also walk straight on and it also ended up being a 2-ride experience. This time, we had decided to ask for extra plastic bags from the Everest photo shop. The bags were strategically ‘worn’ to keep “bits” of us dry.

We then headed for the tree. Again, the twilight lighting makes for a gorgeous shot.

DS had never been keen on 4-D movies; but tonight he had no choice. DH and I made him sit through It’s Tough to be A Bug. It’s one of our favourite movie experiences at a Disney Park. Sadly, I don’t think we convinced DS to become keener on 4-D movies this night. And he particularly didn't enjoy the "end bit" (pun intended) of the experience (which is of course DH and my favourite part). Maybe next time!

I’m glad we took the time out with a PhotoPass photographer for this shot. I’m also particularly thankful that we passed him our camera to take this shot.

Compared to the ones on the Disney PhotoPass (I’ve ordered the DVD and am waiting for it to arrive), this shot is the pick of the bunch!

I have one point of interest to share about our night at AK. I met a really nice elderly gentleman over at Kali and over the course of our conversation; he told me that he was here on a Grand Gathering.
Figuring that we might have something in common, I asked him how many in the party (thinking he might say about 9 or 10). There were 17 of them! And he had paid for his entire family of 17 for their trip! There were about 8 members missing and he’s been doing this every year for the last 4 or 5 years; and planning the trip for next year.

Sir, if you’re out there, please adopt me into your family.

And for anyone else reading this who was traveling with their extended family – image planning a trip for 17 (or 25!).

We had managed to get through our list at AK thanks to EMH! 3 parks down and one to go!

[Up next - The second showing at DHS]

 

[SoonerGirl]

You are just crusing right through that list!

And, no I can't imagine trying to plan a trip for 17 (or 25!) people and being able to make everyone happy - ugggg, no thank you!

 

[TokyoDina]

Wow stunning is more like it! I never got to see the tree so late. But then again I've never gotten to use my EMH for AK. Wow it was just too pretty! I hope someday I can do that as well!

I think I saw you and DS on EE. I love the ride but when you go backwards it makes me motion sick.

Wow 17 people! I can't even imagine traveling with two other people. I horde my Disney trips like no ones business. I'm *almost* but I'm also excited about our trip to DL with my father, FIL, MIL, and DH. But MIL and my Dad don't ride rides.

I love the photos I really do!!

 

[cdotla]

Wow! That sounds like my kinda family!

 

[PrincessInOz]

You are just crusing right through that list!

And, no I can't imagine trying to plan a trip for 17 (or 25!) people and being able to make everyone happy - ugggg, no thank you!

I think if I had this many people on the trip, I'd plan for what I wanted to do as there is NO WAY you could make everyone happy.

Wow stunning is more like it! I never got to see the tree so late. But then again I've never gotten to use my EMH for AK. Wow it was just too pretty! I hope someday I can do that as well!

I think I saw you and DS on EE. I love the ride but when you go backwards it makes me motion sick.

Wow 17 people! I can't even imagine traveling with two other people. I horde my Disney trips like no ones business. I'm *almost* but I'm also excited about our trip to DL with my father, FIL, MIL, and DH. But MIL and my Dad don't ride rides.

I love the photos I really do!!

Thanks! And yes - that is me and DS on EE !

Wow! That sounds like my kinda family!

Yup . The elderly gentleman was having a fantastic time with the family and it seemed like the type of holiday where everyone could go their own way and come back to meet up.

 

[PrincessInOz]

One DHS ride short of a Clean Sweep

It was past 8 pm when we left AK and through the magic of Disney transportation, there were buses at the bus stop waiting and more arriving – all heading to DHS. We were shooting for TSM and Fantasmic at DHS. The park schedule had changed in late April and where there had previously been one show for Fantasmic!, there was now 2. Again, being Wednesday night, our timing for making 4 parks in one day couldn’t have been any better.

We walked in through the gates at DHS around 8.30 pm and I made the boys stop for this shot.

DH thinks that I was very clever to get the angles correct so that it looks like he’s wearing the hat. Don’t anyone tell him – but I don’t remember any such thoughts crossing my mind that night.

We then rushed off to see what the queue was like for TSM. Alas, stand-by was around 75 minutes and the fast pass machines were closed for the night. So much for the thought of a perfect clean sweep of our list!

Given the time, we all decided that dinner was probably more important than riding TSM one last time – even DS! We briefly contemplated substituting TSM with RnRC; but the boys didn’t feel like going upside down.

We ended up at ABC Commissary.

DS ordered the Fish and Chips. Bleh!

DH ordered the Asian Salad. YUM!

The dressing for this salad was pretty good and the reason why the salad was so tasty. It had that nice zing to it and a good balance between acid, sweet and salty.

I also ordered the Asian Salad with extra Chicken! Double YUM!!

We had to wait about 15 minutes for the CMs to complete our order because the Chicken had to be freshly cooked. For me, it was worth the wait because when coupled with the salad, my meal was delicious.

The second showing of Fantasmic!

By this time we finished dinner, it was after 9.30 pm and we needed to work out what the crowd levels were like for the late showing of Fantasmic! The queue was all the way down Sunset Boulevard to the corner of Hollywood Boulevard; or where you could see the Hat!

Whilst we were keen to get in line, we also figured we might not have another photo opportunity at DHS.

I am so glad that we stopped for this one! I am also so glad that we invested in the new camera, as some of the pictures we’d gotten on this trip have been unbelievable.

The CMs were doing a great job at encouraging everyone to get in the Fantasmic line. Even though it looked like a full house to me, we were told that there would still be seating space for everyone standing at the back of the line.

It took us 15 minutes to get into the venue. We found a seat at one of the ends of the stadium; rather than in the middle, about ¾ way up from the stage.

DH had the camera and only took 2 shots in Fantasmic.

I wish he had taken more! Both shots look good to me.

As with 4-D movies, DS had never been keen on Fantasmic; but yet again tonight, he had no choice. DH and I made him sit through 15 minutes of this show with us literally holding him down. But in the end, I relented to leave with him just as Maleficent transformed into the dragon. I knew that DS would be jumping out of his skin if we made him stay any longer; even if there was less than 5 minutes to the end.

I think I’ve seen Fantasmic at DLR twice by myself; whilst DH stayed back with DS. So, I figured it would only be fair to return the favour this time.

DS and I headed out and it turned out to be a good decision – we beat the crowds and there was a Friendship boat waiting for us at the docks to go back to BCV.

We’d pretty much spent the day as commandos – and SAS ones at that – something that I keep saying that we’re not going to do. We’d also achieved the near impossible – nearly all the major attractions that we wanted to get on at every single park. Sometimes, with luck, magic and pixie dust you end up having a nearly perfect day.

4 Parks, One World – One Day!

[Up next – It’s my birthday and our last day so I’ll buy if I want to!]

 

[Luvchefmic]

I still can't get over how you and your family managed to do so much !

The pictures are absolutely awesome! I was finally enticed to try that Butterfinger Cupcake at DHS..... whew way too sweet for me but I agree with you hands down on the Dole Whip Yum! I want you to know that every park I've been too since you left I can picture you all there...must be not only due to your pictures but your running commentary and wicked sense of humor sticks in my head

 

[SoonerGirl]

Fabulous picture!!

I'm so amazed that you hit all 4 parks in one day, sounds like so much fun, but exhausting as well!

 

[PrincessInOz]

I still can't get over how you and your family managed to do so much !

The pictures are absolutely awesome! I was finally enticed to try that Butterfinger Cupcake at DHS..... whew way too sweet for me but I agree with you hands down on the Dole Whip Yum! I want you to know that every park I've been too since you left I can picture you all there...must be not only due to your pictures but your running commentary and wicked sense of humor sticks in my head

I can't get over how me and my family managed to do so much!!

Yes, the butterfinger cupcake is very sweet and it took 3 of us to finish one!

Fabulous picture!!

I'm so amazed that you hit all 4 parks in one day, sounds like so much fun, but exhausting as well!

Thank you; and you are right. It was a fun day and tiring.

 

[manntra]

4 parks in 1 day is a lot of fun isn't it?....tiring but fun!! I love the pictures of the parks at twilight/night....they just have such a different feel

I just love your sense of humor!!! You make me laugh right out loud!!!

Tracy

 

[PrincessInOz]

4 parks in 1 day is a lot of fun isn't it?....tiring but fun!! I love the pictures of the parks at twilight/night....they just have such a different feel

I just love your sense of humor!!! You make me laugh right out loud!!!

Tracy

Thanks Tracy. Hope to be sharing that sense of humour in person in October . I just need to finish this TR before focussing on a new PTR.

 

[PrincessInOz]

Today was the last full day that we would have at the World and it was my birthday.

After we’d pretty much achieved the dream list the day before, we wondered what we would do for the day. DH and I knew that we wanted to spend some time at BCV and SAB enjoying the facilities and we also knew that we would have to return the hire car today and drop it off at the Dolphin. Plus we had something special planned for the night.

It turned out that DS also had a plan of his own for today. For some reason unknown to us, when we were in AK, he had missed out on one stamp in his Kids Discovery Club membership. And he wanted to go to AK to collect the last stamp AND finish the collection with the special Rafiki stamp at the bottom.

So with a little bit of food stamping from DS and after we’d finished all the food we’d been stashing in the fridge for breakfast, we headed out for that final stamp. Turns out we needed to be in Camp Mickey and Minnie.

A brief stop and run in was all we were going to do so that we would have this completed card...We ended up having to listen to the CM for over 30 minutes!

I’d been pretty good up until now in terms of purchasing trinkets and souveniers; but when I was at AK earlier in the trip, I’d seen a bag that I had considered getting. I resisted the urge then; and even the night before, when we’d come back for EMH, I didn’t indulge.
This time, I had over 30 minutes to think about this and third time’s the charm!

This little beauty is now happily hanging out in my closet.

It is now more than acquainted with the Fossil bag that I picked up at the Outlets where the extended family had stayed.

We headed back to BCV after I completed my purchase and within 10 minutes, we were more than chin high in SAB water. It was a perfectly wonderful morning; all the more so because I bumped into TinkerbellinLouisian in the pool and spent a couple of minutes just chatting with her and introducing her to DH and DS.

DH left the pool early to drop the car off at the Dolphin Hotel.

He took the camera with him and obviously came back with a couple of shots of the hotel.

DS and I stayed for a little bit longer and then sadly left the pool for our room. After a quick shower and change, we decided to head for Beaches and Cream.

I know that a lot of people rave about the food at B&C. I’m not going to be one of them. I personally found the burger that I had and the hot dog that DS had disappointing.

DH pitched up after we had finished our meal and took a picture of his vegetarian burger.

It’s the only shot we have of the B&C food and I’m still cannot work out how other people can rave about the meals here. I think I'm going to have to try the ice creams the next time.

On the way back to our room, DS stopped by the arcade and again charmed his way with the older kids on Guitar Hero.

With a little bit of free time on my hands, I took the opportunity to go shopping around the world.

Up next - Shopping around the World