A Return to the Happiest Place on Earth

[MEK]

Just stopping by to say HI I can't see pics right now, but I will be back to get caught up when I can see your Bugsland pictures.

Glad you had fun at the wedding in Vegas.

 

[annmarieda]

Ann, I have so much catching up to do, basically from the start! So sorry!

No worries! If you want to just read the updates, there should be a working link to the next update at the end of each update.

Just stopping by to say HI I can't see pics right now, but I will be back to get caught up when I can see your Bugsland pictures.

Glad you had fun at the wedding in Vegas.

I didn't take too many pics of bugsland... but I hope you enjoy (believe me...they are not all that great. )

Vegas was definitely fun... maybe a bit scary to me at times.. but while I started the trip saying NEVER again. I now look forward to going back.

 

[swwake]

Mad T Party is in DCA. It is like a giant rave. It really is geared towards Zach's age group. Pre party, they have cms in "wonderland" outfits handing out invitations. I wish I had taken a picture of one of them. They are pretty wild looking. I know that Zach took more pics on the night of the 9th, so maybe there will be one in that bunch. Anyway, it is pretty loud and active. They have some pretty cool "performers" I know in the photos from the 9th there is a picture of this slinky guy. Weirdest thing ever! here is a video of it that I snagged off of youtube They also have some of the coolest merchandise for it. Very bold colors and crazy designs. Ok...so really kinda looks 80's neon to me...but I hate to say that.

That is crazy. Is this something that happens all year?

 

[amandaw]

Your updates are great! I'm loving the pictures and learning all about DLR! They have some neat stuff that I wish WDW could get: Carsland and that Monsters Inc ride.

The Mad Tea Party sounds fun....but not so much for real little ones.

Glad to hear the Vegas trip went well!

 

[oboedm]

Still enjoying the updates! I can't wait to ride RSR. Did the boys think it was worth the wait?

 

[annmarieda]

That is crazy. Is this something that happens all year?

From what I understand, yes.

Your updates are great! I'm loving the pictures and learning all about DLR! They have some neat stuff that I wish WDW could get: Carsland and that Monsters Inc ride.

The Mad Tea Party sounds fun....but not so much for real little ones.

Glad to hear the Vegas trip went well!

It does have some neat stuff and the fact that everything is THERE you can fit so much more into a day. The Mad T Party is not so much for little ones... although despite the drinking, dancing and loud music...it is Disney and for the most part, family friendly.

Still enjoying the updates! I can't wait to ride RSR. Did the boys think it was worth the wait?

The boys did think it was worth it. Would they have waited again like that? I am not sure. Alex waited twice to ride (once with me and once with Zach) So I guess it is worth waiting a couple times.. He did not however wait a third time when Steve went.

 

[KatMark]

Great updates, Ann.

I can't see a lot of the pictures (they aren't showing up )

I'm with you...NOT a fan of Laugh Floor at all; I would love that Monsters attraction.

 

[Aussiesalad]

I'm loving hearing all about your DLR adventures!

Aladdin is my favourite show by far, that's awesome that you guys got to be so close!

Haha I got married in Vegas, it's a crazy, crazy town

 

[annmarieda]

Great updates, Ann.

I can't see a lot of the pictures (they aren't showing up )

I'm with you...NOT a fan of Laugh Floor at all; I would love that Monsters attraction.

Oh no! I am not sure why the pics are not showing

I'm loving hearing all about your DLR adventures!

Aladdin is my favourite show by far, that's awesome that you guys got to be so close!

Haha I got married in Vegas, it's a crazy, crazy town

Glad you are enjoying. I swear... soon, very soon... I will get this trip wrapped up. Then I might just start on a TR from my last WDW trip... oh..and yes, maybe even a mini Vegas tr added into a PTR...IF I end up with a PTR for a possible trip in Feb...

And yes, Vegas is crazy... but it definitely did grow on me. Not in the same way Disney has... but I can see going back. Maybe in the not so distant future...

 

[KatMark]

I can see the pictures now....fabulous. Aladdin looks like so much fun.

 

[annmarieda]

I can see the pictures now....fabulous. Aladdin looks like so much fun.

Aladdin is my #1 favorite show in the Disney Parks (that I have seen) I was so excited to get the seats that we did.

Glad you can see the pictures now.

 

[MEK]

Your TR was bumped up in my queue, so I finally caught up on your pics. I think that Flo's V8 cafe looks so cool at night. The Carsland looks amazing.

I am so curious if there are any difference between the ToT's. I have never seen pics of the inside of the queue. Go Zoe for being brave enough to ride it.

The Monsters Inc attraction looks really cute, too.

Sorry you did not love your dinner.

 

[annmarieda]

Your TR was bumped up in my queue, so I finally caught up on your pics. I think that Flo's V8 cafe looks so cool at night. The Carsland looks amazing.

I am so curious if there are any difference between the ToT's. I have never seen pics of the inside of the queue. Go Zoe for being brave enough to ride it.

The Monsters Inc attraction looks really cute, too.

Sorry you did not love your dinner.

Glad you were able to get caught up

Flos was really neat.

Zoe's all time favorite ride is ToT. I am not sure how different it is from WDW.

Monsters Inc ride is very cute. I would rank it among my favorite dark rides (does it qualify as such?)

 

[annmarieda]

7/9 - Our Last Park - Day Part One


Monday morning Alex woke early with Zoe and I to go to the park. We had a few things that HAD to be done. I was pretty tired and so when we reached space mountain, I agreed to go on it. Having the pp+ card made me happy since it would document the ride. Sadly, it did not get added to the card. It was a nice ride though and I did like it (better than WDWs version that ended up giving me a head ache - maybe it was where I sat in the vehicle?)

At least I have a picture to prove I was at least there.

Next we took a quick ride on Star Tours.

From the pictures, it looks as though we cut across the park to New Orleans square. I took a picture of the outside of haunted mansion.

Did we ride it then? I cant remember. I do know that we decided to ride the train to toontown.

I wanted to ride the train because I knew that there were things along the route you could not see if you just walked between areas. It did take a LONG time for the train to come though, and I remember being a tad frustrated by it.

Just when I was about to get us moving on our feet, the train showed up.

Toon Town opens after the rest of the park for some reason. I wanted to try to ride Roger Rabbits Car Toon Spin and Gadgets Go Coaster.

I believe we started with RRCTS. Funny, I remember that ride being more exciting. We played around in the town a bit. I know it is mean of me, but I may be a bit of a prankster. Asking Zoe to open the door at the electric company made us all laugh (including her) What happens when you open the door? Well, I dont want to give it away. Lets just say it is a shocking experience.

Some random Toontown pics

We toured the various homes - Chip and Dales, Donalds, Goofys and of course Minnie and Mickeys.

The only thing left to do in Toon Town was to ride Gadgets Go Coaster. As we started up the queue, I noticed a PP photographer. I approached him and asked him what he what he was doing since it didnt seem like and actual pp op. He explained he was taking pictures for the castle show and if we sat in the front seat he would make sure to take our picture. I made sure to ask for the front and Zoe and I actually got a very nice shot taken of us. Alex was there too, only in the seat behind us. I got the photographer to load it to my card. I am not sure if the photo was or was not in that nights show. We had plans that could not be changed for the evening so I knew we would not be be able to see it.

Next Chapter: 7/9 - Our Last Park Day - Part 2

Running Tally

 

[dizneeat]

And another great update, Ann! Even though it did take me a second or two to realize that these are pics from DisneyLAND. It looked so different, yet so familiar. Can't wait for 2014 until we see it all again for ourselves.
I admire you for being able to get up early every day ...... this is where we definitely fall short. Being able to get ourselves going early.
And the photo of you and Zoe in the coaster is too cute ...... what a shame you didn't get to see the castle show to find out if you were on or not.

 

[annmarieda]

And another great update, Ann! Even though it did take me a second or two to realize that these are pics from DisneyLAND. It looked so different, yet so familiar. Can't wait for 2014 until we see it all again for ourselves.
I admire you for being able to get up early every day ...... this is where we definitely fall short. Being able to get ourselves going early.
And the photo of you and Zoe in the coaster is too cute ...... what a shame you didn't get to see the castle show to find out if you were on or not.

I think you will really appreciate all the changes. It was amazing to me how much had changed..but how much had stayed the same.

The coaster pics were great... but we had a good reason for not being in the park later that night to view the castle show.

 

[KatMark]

Great update, Ann. Toontown looks so cute in DL (I was never really impressed with the one at DW).

I have to say that Alex looks totally bored on Gadget’s Go Coaster, but the shot of you and Zoe is awesome.

 

[swwake]

I love the pic of Zoe at Star Tours - she has become quite good at posing!

You look about 16 on that first shot from the PP photographer on the train ride!

 

[annmarieda]

Great update, Ann. Toontown looks so cute in DL (I was never really impressed with the one at DW).

I have to say that Alex looks totally bored on Gadget’s Go Coaster, but the shot of you and Zoe is awesome.

Toontown in DL is far more "interactive" than it was in WDW. Things to climb on..things to pull... my kids have all been thrilled by it.

I think Alex was quite bored. Oh well... sucks to be a teenaged boy being drug along by him mom and younger sister.

Thanks, I like the pic of Zoe and I too.

I love the pic of Zoe at Star Tours - she has become quite good at posing!

You look about 16 on that first shot from the PP photographer on the train ride!

Yes, Zoe LOVES to pose. She is actually pretty funny that way.

And me..16? HAAAA only cause in that first one it is far enough away that you can't see my wrinkles.

 

[amandaw]

Love the update!

ToonTown looks so cute at DLR! I would really like to see it.

And the picture of you and Zoe on the Gadget Coaster is really good!