Sorry Gaston, They are MUCH More Interesting Than You!*6/8* NEW Trip Report Link p154

[eandesmom]

And there he is!

Guess what time it is?

Yep!

Yeah, I cried.

Now it's funny, as I had never done this before I was a bit amazed at the large crowd and the herding through the turnstiles but I made it through and headed straight to SM to grab a FP and go standby. Which I did!
I tried to get a few photos but at first the line was cruising and then, well then, we all got stuck behind a manual wheelchair which honestly on that incline wasn't moving any faster than the moving walkway (understandably) but did slow down the line quite a bit.

Blurry dining table

Finally in the dump shop I began the project of T shirt photos. I'd text them to the E's to weigh in on as to what they wanted for their souvenir. I had a general list of things to look for. These (Space Mountain Tees) were on Eric’s list.

If memory serves this is where it got a little funny. As I was in the store I think I’d gotten a text from Mary Ellen that she was on her way. I headed over to see if Fantasy Land was open, taking the back road.

These are a little creepy

Continued in next post

 

[eandesmom]

Mary Ellen had to maybe be 10 minutes behind me and also went on SM, took the back road and then somehow we missed each other. She was getting a cool shot of ride the dump truck and all I got was this

We and finally connected over in front of the carousel I think and were sad to see this

As Mary Ellen mentioned we asked if and when it might be open. The CM's right there didn't have an answer for us however it seems like we chatted with a PP photographer under the arches who said that while they couldn't confirm or deny anything 10 am might be a good time to swing by.

Okey dokey, we can kill 15 minutes

As we walked by we saw work going on here. We were both out of the loop on this one

I think our plan was to check out the Christmas shop and as Mary Ellen mentioned we grabbed some Peter Pan FP's as we went by. Arriving at the shop though we found it wasn't open. Which made no sense to us at all. It was then, with 5 minutes or so still to kill Mary Ellen mentioned she wouldn't mind having lunch at LTT so I pulled out the trust app and voila! ADR made on the spot. I have to admit, that was pretty darn cool. Lunch set it was back to see if our source was on target and as you already know, they were!

We wandered in and at first, now that it was daylight, just drank in the detail

But, much as we wanted to look more closely, we figured we should keep moving before a line formed…here!

Nope, no line yet

YAY!

Pretty decent stream of folks for a soft opening

Just gorgeous

Heading into the grotto

I’ll try to keep these to a minimum since a lot are duplicates

She really isn't attractive is she?

Continued in next post

 

[eandesmom]

Uh oh

Thank heaven for true love’s kiss.

Ok, so is there a dump shop here? I swear I have read reports of merchandise by this area but for the life of me I missed it. I did get a nice backside view of the mine train

I think she's got an odd expression on this

Beast's castle

More of Eric's as we walked out

Still no popping but signs of life

Lots of life over here

Now here, here was a shop I HAD to go into. I love Beauty and The Beast, and Belle and was dying to see what they had inside. So we did!

I’ll stop here as well. I really liked Under the Sea. It is very well done and well, just awfully darn cute. The area around it is just stunning!

It was just after 10, I’d had my coffee on the verandah, seen the opening show, made rope drop, rode Space Mountain and had gone under the sea. A very very good start to the day in my book!

 

[afwdwfan]

It was just after 10, I’d had my coffee on the verandah, seen the opening show, made rope drop, rode Space Mountain and had gone under the sea. A very very good start to the day in my book!

That is a good morning, right there.
I can't believe that was the first time you'd ever seen the opening show though!!! Now you know what you've been missing!

I'm glad it worked out that you were able to get back into the new Fantasyland. Even though I've seen it myself, I can't wait to go back and explore some more.

 

[MEK]

Or, you were just really relaxed! As Pat has said, horrible!

Yup - that was it!

Congrats to Nick getting all the accepts. My son who went to Montana had Virginia Tech on his short list of schools. They have a good mining engineering course.

Thanks! Nick is very excited to make this decision and the next few weeks should be telling. Nick actually did look briefly at Montana and his guidance counselor encouraged him, but I guess I was the skeptic there thinking it was too far and concerned about transportation costs and rarely seeing him.

A few years ago filming was being done at TTofT. That was interesting as filming was inside at the line queue. Also when on our first cruise which was Carnival, a commercial with Kathy Lee Gifford was being made. They were all over the ship and at the ports of call.

Actually, the filming was outside the queue, although from the pictures you probably can't tell. It is fun when you see the filming and how serious it all is. I was staying at Kidani after it just opened and they were filming everywhere.

Congrats, Nick! How awesome that he has so many options!

Thanks! I am very excited for Nick, although I am finding myself a little obsessed with how he is going to make the decision. I keep googling, reading, and rereading stuff about the colleges at the top of his list.

The Little Mermaid looks great...I'm so glad New Fantasyland includes a traditional type of dark ride, I think they moved away from that too much in the past decade or so.

It's such a cute ride. So enjoyable and very high-tech in appearance. I really enjoyed it and can't wait to ride again.

And LTT just may be my favorite place to eat at WDW. My jealousy continues...

Sent from my iPhone using DISBoards

It's one of my favs as well!

If that is the horrible side effect to having a great trip, not remembering what you did when , join the club.

I LOL'd when I read this the other day. I guess losing your memory IS a horrible side effect to an awesome trip! Just surprised at HOW much of memory I actually DID lose!

I can't help you here - I was on my way home.

That I remembered!

Congrats to Nick!!!! So many choice - another great problem to have. You must be so proud of him!!!

I am proud of him. I like the way he has really tried to be part of this decision and how he is developing a good sense of self worth when he sees the opportunities available to him are tied to his work ethic.

AHHH! Congrats to Nick! You know, I personally think he should go for Virginia Tech! But I'm not biased or anything... I'm not currently wearing a Virginia Tech crew neck or anything...

I think Nick is really considering being a Hokie! We have not visited the school yet, so I am going to arrange that in the next couple weeks. We have a very close friend's son who attends and loves it. Plus, that could be a perk in itself because Nick would be able to get rides with him for school breaks. I would like to attend the Hokey Days, but I will be returning from HHI around that time, so I need to figure out something sooner. I know they are opening a brand new engineering building in Fall 2013, so that's quite an enticement.

I love all the morning park pictures! And I feel like I never see pictures from the inside of Space Mountain so YAY!

It's hard to get pictures on the inside because its dark and you are usually moving, so I am glad I got a few less than stellar ones!

Ah... I had to skip a lot of your last update because I've been trying realllly hard to stay spoiler free until I get to see New Fantasyland for myself! So... skipping... skipping... covering my eyes... AH, okay. Aww, those Christmas display pictures are gorgeous! I miss Christmas.

Well then make sure you keep your eyes covered for Cynthia's update as well because she had posted more spoiler pics. You are going to LOVE it is all I can say!

Congrats to Nick, and good luck in the decision-making process.

Thanks Glenn. I'm sure you know how this feels. With Brian it was easy because he only applied to three schools and Salisbury ended up being a no-brainer. This is a lot more difficult.

I'm glad you folks got to check out the new Fantasyland. Great pictures of Ariel's Grotto.

It was very cool. You are going to love it when you see it. Very well done!

Oooo, and some Longwood pics. Sweet! We went at Christmastime also, but I only took a few iPhone pictures...I guess I was just taking it all in.

We went in January the last weekend of the display. We also decided just to buy the year membership so essentially next year's visit is paid for. I would really like to go during the daytime some year because I can never get good indoor shots of the big room in the entrance. I just love the whole display. It's so festive. I am also looking forward to visiting in the spring!

 

[MEK]

Congrats to Nick! Let us know what he chooses.

Thanks and I certainly will once the decision is made

I thought the Little Mermaid was cute but I wanted it to be longer. How cool you got in for a soft opening.

Maybe because I was taking so many pictures, but I really didn't notice the length of the ride. Although I hate that feeling when a ride just comes up a little short in length. Kali river rapids comes to mind.

I love Longwood Gardens, but missed going last year. Your pictures are beautiful!

Thanks. I really enjoy their Christmas Display. Every year they seem to add a few extra touches to it so it never gets old.

I think these might be similar lights like in La Hacienda and the Coronado.

Coronado

Yes I see Disney Everywhere.

They are the same! Good eye Pat! I love that particular shape - its so eye catching! Yes - I see Disney everywhere, too! It's an affliction!

Disney is the master of the happy ending.

So true!

Love the Fantasyland pics. I can't wait to get over there to see the new Fantasyland for myself whenever that will be

Thank you and you are going to LOVE it! It's really a wonderful new addition. I just wonder how crowded it will be this summer when I am visiting.

I was LOL at your confusion of whether you made rope drop or were with Cynthia!

I really didn't remember going to the park by myself.... Apparently I was in my own little world that morning - literally and figuratively!

I really liked the new Little Mermaid ride too! We were able to see it in soft opening in October - I'm trying to remember if this is the day we bumped into you two by the BOG menu sign. Maybe it's yet to come in your TR. Then again, with your memory issues, you might not remember either!

Wasn't it so cute? Loved it! Yes, that was the day we bumped into you after we bumped into another DISer who is responsible for the name of our TR. But that will be in the next update!

I've never tried LTT. I think I would like it though. One of these days! There's plenty of restaurants left to try.

I really enjoy their lunch menu. I think its a great place for lunch. The atmosphere is really cute and the food is good (mostly - spoiler alert).

That's great! Excellent schools all.

I'm really happy for him and now we have to decide. UD is the obvious choice based on quality of programs and tuition, so it's really a tough decision.

Not civil? Boo.

Honestly, Civil would be my pick. I have always been fascinated with roads and bridges. But clearly my son does not share that love. He knew he didn't want chemical because that's what Denny does and all he sees is the paperwork associated with it.

Just remember, you can't spell GEEK without EE.

And Nick is so NOT a geek, but he loves calculus and physics. Actually, after meeting with a mechanical engineering professor at York I think he is now leaning more towards that direction because it encompasses so many areas of study.

Looks like 10 minutes in the picture. Not too shabby!

Not shabby at all and definitely under 10 minutes.

Now we're talking!

Hey - what kid wouldn't want to ride a bulldozer handing 50 feet in the air?

Yum! Excellent choice. That Cynthia must be pretty smart or something.

She is!

Hockey term approved.

I'm really impressed with all the details in the new Fantasyland. Looks like the Imagineers were really on their game.

The whole area really did have a lot of wonderful details. It was really fun to explore it during such great weather with low crowds.

And beautiful Longwood pictures!

Thanks! Hey, isn't that where you got engaged?

Congratulations to Nick! I'm sure that you're one proud Mom!

Thanks! I am very proud of him. He's a good kid and he's always worked hard at school, so it's nice to see him have so many solid choices.

Man, you really lucked up that morning.....Space Mountain with no wait, changing your ADR and getting to see the new Fantasyland! I can't wait to see it "in person" when we are there in May.

We really had an awesome morning. Everything seemed to roll along really nicely. The last time I was in MK it was June and it was hot and crowded. I barely made it to after lunch, so this was awesome!

 

[FauntleroyFAN07]

see it pays to chat up the CM's good job

 

[Captain_Oblivious]

I was on a mission. The opening show and rope drop at the MK. Neither of which I had ever done!

Wow! I'd say that was a mission worth accepting, then.

Yeah, I cried.

I'm glad you made it. Everyone should see the MK opening show at least once in their life.

These are a little creepy

Got to agree with you there.

Ok, so is there a dump shop here? I swear I have read reports of merchandise by this area but for the life of me I missed it.

If not, I'm sure there will be!

I’ll stop here as well. I really liked Under the Sea. It is very well done and well, just awfully darn cute. The area around it is just stunning!

Glad to hear it! You got a lot accomplished in the morning. Especially impressive after being up for the Halloween party.

 

[Mndisneygirl]

I didn't see the dump shop for LM either, but I'm sure it's being put in soon!

I'm glad you (Cynthia) got to see the opening ceremony! It's pretty cute!

 

[jenseib]

I love seeing the new FL in the daylight. I only got to go back at night and it looks so different in actual light.

 

[MEK]

Congrats to Nick! That is so cool that her got accepted to so many places! Lots of choices is a good thing

Thanks. I am very happy for Nick, although I am starting to feel a little overwhelmed right now. I know I shouldn't, but its a lot of schools to consider and evaluate thoroughly.

Good for you for going on that run after the night before!

I love running, so as long as I don't totally overslept, aren't hungover, or don't have a place to be really early, I just get up and go.

I love all the lm ride photos! I am pretty sure it is a lot like the one in dlr- but I still can't wait to see it on wdw!

It's so well done. Such a beautiful ride. I'm so glad we got to experience it.

As good as the castle and fireworks pictures were, I'm disappointed by the lack of quality KISS pictures.

Oh brother!

What????

I know - hard to believe this was her first trip to Pecos Bill. I think that was probably my first MK and WDW restaurant!

She was really hungry! I love Pecos Bill. It's definitely a "go to" place.

Well, I know there was bus to WL back in 2011... I don't know about during the party hours or not though.

I'm pretty sure there has to be a bus, especially during bad weather. I'm not sure about the party either. I do feel like I was on a bus late at night, but apparently I am delusional.

Congratulations to Nick on his college acceptances. It looks like he'll have a lot of good options to choose from. Take advantage of the time to get in plenty of visits and make a good decision!

Thanks. I am very happy for Nick and right now I am working on a schedule to go back and see the fore-runners. I think there are two we are ready to eliminate right now, so that will leave 6. Out of those 6 if we can get down to three top choices then we are in good shape.

Nice!!!

It was nice that our morning went so smoothly. We had some serious good luck during this trip.

I know what you mean, but great effort anyway! I really love what they've done with the theming around that ride!

The theming is amazing. They did a great job and I can't wait to go back and see it again.

Great pictures of the new Fantasyland. I'm glad you were able to get in there and spend so much time in the area during the preview period!

We had a really nice more in Fantasyland. It's a lovely area and I'm so glad we had such a great day and great weather to enjoy it in.

And you can't spell the 37th prime number without civil.......

(one for the geeks to figure out, EE or not.........)

OK - your totally lost me with that comment!

Congrats to Nick for being accepted to so many universities/ colleges !!!

Thanks Rosie. I'm so proud of Nick and so happy for him!

CLVII?

You guys are killin' me!

I'd work on more math fun, but I have to re-adjust my pocket protector.

We wouldn't want you to have to do that now, would we?

 

[MEK]

Congrats to Nick! It is pretty great that he seems to have his pick of schools. DH went to school for electrical engineering as well, although after school, that's not what he really went into and not what he does on a daily basis. Good luck to him with whatever route he chooses!

Thanks!

I remember you saying that your DH was an EE. I think its amazing all the different ways you can take an engineering degree.

On to the updates...I really love your updates because with the way you take pictures, I just feel like I'm on a walking tour of whatever area you are in! And lucky for me, today you took me to the Fantasyland expansion! After reading about it in MANY MANY trip reports, I really couldn't be more excited to get there and see it for myself finally!

So you guys were never able to see it in October? Did the soft openings close right after I left? That's a bummer for you, but I'm glad you are super excited for your next trip so you can see it.

I have read some not so enthusiastic reactions to the Little Mermaid ride, but I think the expectations for FLE were SO high that "just" a dark ride does not seem all that great. Seeing it for the first time in the context of Disneyland was really great for me, because it didn't necessarily have all that hype around it so I could enjoy it for what it is...a great dark ride! I'm glad you enjoyed it too! And I can't believe you would insult Ursula like that! I thought everyone was trying to copy that "gigantic jowls" look she has going on!

Setting too high expectations is definitely a problem. It's definitely a ride you have to enjoy for what it is. You are so right about that.

to the Ursula comment!

I wish they would use some of the LM technology and revamp Nemo. That would be great.

As Sheldon would reply............

You asking me? Or telling me??

Great job! I guess that makes you King for the Day (of Geekdom)!

Your Carriage awaits............



Be honest.........you had to resort to your slide rule didn't you???

Am I going to have to separate you two?

 

[eandesmom]

That is a good morning, right there.
I can't believe that was the first time you'd ever seen the opening show though!!! Now you know what you've been missing!

Teens and rope drop are not the best combo. We've come close several times but never at MK. It won't be my last time seeing it though even if I have to go solo!

I'm glad it worked out that you were able to get back into the new Fantasyland. Even though I've seen it myself, I can't wait to go back and explore some more.

Me too, plus more will be open!

I didn't see the dump shop for LM either, but I'm sure it's being put in soon!

I've read about an Ariel meet and greet there, in the "enchanted forest" near her grotto but for the life of me have no concept where that is!

I'm glad you (Cynthia) got to see the opening ceremony! It's pretty cute!

Me too!

I love seeing the new FL in the daylight. I only got to go back at night and it looks so different in actual light.

It is so pretty back there

 

[eandesmom]

see it pays to chat up the CM's good job

Yes it does! The odd thing is that I swore we had some pics taken but they aren't to be found. It's really bugging me!

Wow! I'd say that was a mission worth accepting, then.

It was

I'm glad you made it. Everyone should see the MK opening show at least once in their life.

Hopefully more than once but I'm not sure it's on my families list of top 10 things to do. We are perpetually 15 minutes late to everything.

Glad to hear it! You got a lot accomplished in the morning. Especially impressive after being up for the Halloween party.

Well luckily it wasn't EMH so a 9am opening was pretty doable and was about as much sleep, or maybe more, as I'd normally get at home.

 

[MEK]

Love that shot!

Thanks! Me too! It was really cool out that morning.

It does look ...uhm....interesting, does't it?

I'll try to get my update up today. Wonderful garden holiday photo's, so pretty!!!

Thanks! I love Longwood.

Congratulations to Nick! I'm sure he'll make the best choice.

Thanks! I'm very happy for him and I think I will be relieved when the decision is made.

I your pictures of the new Little Mermaid ride. I can't wait to be able to see it myself in June.

You are going to love it. It's a really cool attraction. It's just a very "feel good" place.

The Longwood Garden pictures were beautiful!

Thank you! I love their Christmas display. However, it has gotten SO crowded.

What a gorgeous sky! I am so glad you made the opening show. It really is super cute! It reminds me of my first visit where we lined up at 8:15 am to see the opening show. That would never happen these days.

These ARE really creepy! I never noticed them before. Odd!

Love all the cute T-shirts in the SM dump shop.

That is a good morning, right there.
I can't believe that was the first time you'd ever seen the opening show though!!! Now you know what you've been missing!

See what happens when she leaves her West Coast family at home. So much easier to catch the opening show when you are solo.

I'm glad it worked out that you were able to get back into the new Fantasyland. Even though I've seen it myself, I can't wait to go back and explore some more.

I totally agree. I can't wait to go back again myself!

see it pays to chat up the CM's good job

Couldn't agree more!

Wow! I'd say that was a mission worth accepting, then.


I'm glad you made it. Everyone should see the MK opening show at least once in their life.

I totally agree with this. Seeing the opening show is definitely a "must do".

Got to agree with you there.

Ditto. They are almost as creepy as Todd and Paul ( the creepy chairs at the Boardwalk).

If not, I'm sure there will be!

Yeah - that's pretty much a given!

Glad to hear it! You got a lot accomplished in the morning. Especially impressive after being up for the Halloween party.

I think we both did really well that morning. We just really wanted to see Fantasyland, so it was definitely an incentive!

 

[MEK]

I didn't see the dump shop for LM either, but I'm sure it's being put in soon!

What would a new ride be without a dumb shop? I mean, really......

I'm glad you (Cynthia) got to see the opening ceremony! It's pretty cute!

I'm glad she got to see it as well and I enjoyed looking at her pics!

I love seeing the new FL in the daylight. I only got to go back at night and it looks so different in actual light.

Totally different in the day light. To me it's a very peaceful area. Actually a great area for both day and night!

 

[Mndisneygirl]

Ariel does have a meet and greet in her Grotto - it's a little past the ride. We were able to meet her in her mermaid state. There still needs to be a dump shop though!

 

[MEK]

Ariel does have a meet and greet in her Grotto - it's a little past the ride. We were able to meet her in her mermaid state. There still needs to be a dump shop though!

That sounds cool. In her mermaid state? How did they prop her up? Wait - is that a dumb question? Should I already know the answer?

 

[GoofyFan1515]

Now while Mary Ellen got up and went for a run, I decided to start my day the way well, the way I start most days on vacation.

With coffee on the verandah!

So THAT'S where "Coffee on the Verandah" that so may people joke about comes from!!! Who knew it actually involved real coffee????

Wilderness Lodge looks like a really great resort. Love the elevated walkway through the, uh, wilderness!!! And even though I know it is rather close to MK, it looks really peaceful and relaxing.

So glad you got to see the Opening show at MK! It looks like a lot of fun! And of course, SM has to be the first ride of the day! I'm with you on that one! Nice they provided you with those motorized cars for taking that back road.........oh wait!

Great job on figuring out you would get to tour the New Fantasyland soon instead of just giving up! And a great get on trying LTT and getting that last minute ADR! You got some really great pictures during the "dress rehearsal" too!

for a very busy and productive morning!!!

What would a new ride be without a dumb shop? I mean, really......

That might actually be a better name for it!!!

 

[Mndisneygirl]

That sounds cool. In her mermaid state? How did they prop her up? Wait - is that a dumb question? Should I already know the answer?

Do you remember her old Grotto - She's sort of sitting on a rock-like thing. I probably have pictures somewhere. I bet it's even on our photopass!

No comment on the dumb question.