A Salute to All Orlando Area Theme Parks But Mostly Walt Disney World ***THE END***

[DisneyKid4Life]

Day 5  October 12, 2012 Part 3 Cont.


Wait... WHAT!!!!????

New Fantasyland was OPEN!

Friday, October 12, 2012 was the first unofficial, unannounced, soft opening of this brand new land,

and

WE... WERE... THERE!!!!!!!!!!

Id like to say that I had this planned all along, how I KNEW this was going to happen.
But I cant.

I did, however, become very excited.

I just stood there for a bit, trying to reconcile in my mind what I was witnessing.
The biggest expansion in Magic Kingdom history and I was among the very first to see it.
My Disney nerd-ness was off the charts.

I know its not such a big deal now that official opening day has come and gone (save for the Mine Train), but at that time it was a

REALLY BIG DEAL!!

Sorry about using my outdoor voice.

My GAWD it was beautiful!



CONTINUED NEXT POST​

 

[DisneyKid4Life]

Day 5  October 12, 2012 Part 3 Cont.


I initially thought that this would just be a walk through which was certainly good enough for me, but we arrived at the Journey of the Little Mermaid to find it operating.

I would be among the very first to ride this on its first day of operation.
My Disney nerd-ness was in overdrive!

We immediately jumped into the 20 minute queue, which is simply breathtaking.

I don't care what anyone says, this is one of the best animatronics ever made.

I had ridden this at Disneys California Adventure earlier in the year so the ride itself wasnt so new to me.

While they are virtually the same ride, the queue here is head and shoulders above.
Truly spectacular!

A home run, touchdown, slam dunk,

GOOOOOOAAAAAAAAALLLLLLLLLLL!

Certainly the ride isnt a great leap forward technologically, but its a perfectly lovely ride on par or better than its other Fantasyland compatriots.

And those have been entertaining millions for over 40 years (and almost 60 if you count D-Land)!

The only complaint I could possibly have really had nothing to do with the ride itself.
Because it was a soft opening, people ignored the no flash photography rule almost entirely, so there were LOADS of flashes constantly going off.

I found it annoying... K8 was ready to fight.

But I did my best not to let it ruin what was really a very cool and unique experience.
The sequence to get under the sea with the bubble effect is particularly awesome.
K8 even commented how much she loved that.

Heres hoping the Mine Train truly shines when it opens.

[


CONTINUED NEXT POST​

 

[DisneyKid4Life]

Day 5 – October 12, 2012 Part 3 Cont.


It was at this point in all of my excitement that I made a little boo-boo in regards to my bucket list.

You see, one character photo I always wanted was Ariel in her fin.

Heck, I even mentioned to Katie earlier that very day that I wanted this and when New Fantasyland opened she would reappear… finned.

So why, why, WHY, did I not walk the 10 feet the other way where she was in her Grotto and indeed meeting FINNED!!??

To this I have no reply… Other than I’m a big stupid head.

Honestly, I think I was just so overwhelmed that my mind just was not functioning properly.
I was standing in New Fantasyland.

Moving on…

We ventured back from whence we came (instead of going forward the 10 feet the other way... No I will not get over it), eventually leaving New Fantasyland and entering Old Fantasyland.

Gaston was out meeting.

Curious… At what point does the whole area become just Fantasyland again?

I think a summit is in order to get this done.

If East and West Germany can get together;
If Austin Powers and Dr. Evil can become brothers;
If Jim Halpert and Dwight Schrute can become friends,
There’s no reason Old and New Fantasyland can't become one.

Get Peter Pan and Pooh and Cinderella and Prince Charming together with finned Ariel and Gaston and Belle and Beast and let’s hash this thing out, ok?

Just don’t invite those kids from Small World...

They scare me a little.



TO BE CONTINUED… ​

 

[katt789]

That little back path is so perfect, completely uncrowded! Love it!

The Story book Circus area is absolutely adorable and I love the theming in there, so cute!

YAAAAYYY!!! It’s totally awesomethat FLE was open for you guys! And hey, it is a really big deal! It had been in soft openings for a while before I got to it, but I still approached it from Fantasyland, and stopped, took a picture of that arch way, and tweeted it, and took a big breath before actually stepping into New Fantasyland. I mean, my two favorite movies have come to life, big deal!

Hahaha, eventually it’ll all be Fantasyland again, but until everything’s open, and majority of people have seen it, I think it will continue to be “New” Fantasyland

Aw man, so close with Ariel! Hahha! Next time!!

 

[wiigirl]

Awesome update and pics!

 

[DisneyKid4Life]

That little back path is so perfect, completely uncrowded! Love it!

The Story book Circus area is absolutely adorable and I love the theming in there, so cute!

YAAAAYYY!!! It’s totally awesomethat FLE was open for you guys! And hey, it is a really big deal! It had been in soft openings for a while before I got to it, but I still approached it from Fantasyland, and stopped, took a picture of that arch way, and tweeted it, and took a big breath before actually stepping into New Fantasyland. I mean, my two favorite movies have come to life, big deal!

Hahaha, eventually it’ll all be Fantasyland again, but until everything’s open, and majority of people have seen it, I think it will continue to be “New” Fantasyland

Aw man, so close with Ariel! Hahha! Next time!!

I know me too. It's really only true Disney fans that seem to know about it almost like an exclusive.

It is for sure adorable! And wonderful costumes.

Haha, I know you were completely shocked by this and just never saw it coming...

But yes, it felt like a big deal.

Yeah, it has to stay "New" for a while I guess what with all the advertising and what not.

Gawd I couldn't believe I was that stupid. BUT, I may have rectified that last month... maybe...

Awesome update and pics!

Thank you.

 

[khertz]

That's REALLY awesome you got to be there on the first day of soft openings! Unfortunately when we were there later in the month it was only CM previews so we missed out. I guess it just gives us something to look forward to this year instead. Also having ridden the LM attraction at DCA, I am REALLY looking forward to seeing the queue! Looks like WDW did an amazing job with it!

 

[DisneyKid4Life]

I think because it was so unexpected just made it so much more special. And being a party day, the crowds were lower. It was great.

The queue is outstanding. Seeing photos doesn't even spoil it. It needs to be seen in person.

 

[DisneyKid4Life]

OMFG IT’S OPEN!!!!!!!!!!!!
Day 5 – October 12, 2012 Part 4


After leaving the glorious New Fantasyland, we made our way past the castle, passing by Merida and her meet and greet.

Currently, her line is just too long for me.
As was Rapunzel… Once Upon a Time (see what I did there?).

Now, however, Rapunzel had fastpass, which was more my speed.

She was one of the few remaining princesses I had yet to meet, so off we went to collect some fastpasses for later.

After our fastpasses were obtained, we finally decided to eat.

But where?

As I remember it, we were invited by Mickey himself to dine in the Cinderella Castle Suite with all of the Fab Five, the Fairies, The Princesses, Stitch, Robin Hood, Friar Tuck, Scrooge McDuck, and others, but we were forbidden to take pictures, thus explaining the complete lack of photos.

Mystery solved. Phew!

After this once in a lifetime event, we went back to Town Square to use our Princess fastpasses.

Of course it seemed silly at this point having just dined with all of them, but since I needed that Rapunzel photo, we decide to trudge on.

The fastpass line was relatively short, but there was still a little wait time involved.

Behind us was a family with an adorable child somewhere around 2 or 3 years old.
I’m terrible at guessing ages.
She was precious though.

The family commented how shy she was, but I leaned down anyway and asked to give me a low five, which she did.

AND EVERYONE CHEERED!!!

Well not really, but it was sweet, and they did “awwww” a little bit.

A few moments later she waddled over and hugged my leg and looked up at me and exclaimed,

“Will you be my daddy?”

OK, that didn’t happen either, but she did hug my leg and I did completely melt as it was so sweet.

Finally, after transforming myself from my current liquid state back into my regular solid state, we were let in and first up was Cinder-ella-ella-ella herself.

Not surprisingly, she played very coy, pretending not to know us.
She did, however, give us a knowing wink, indicating to us that this was all for the benefit of the others in the room so as not to give away our secret lunch meet.

Or she just had something in her eye.

Either way, she was a lovely young lady.

We then moved over to Sleeping Beauty herself, Aurora, who incidentally, was very much awake, despite the unbelievable amount of food she consumed at lunch.

I thought for sure she would be sleeping that off for weeks.

Ahhh, the life of a Princess.

Then we finally finished up with “she who was the entire reason for this to begin with”, Rapunzel.

Since this was one of my desired and missing photos, I politely asked for a solo picture, which she happily obliged.

And after a rousing game of “which camera am I looking at?” (always a great deal of fun), we finally had a couple of usable photos and were on our way.

CONTINUED NEXT POST​

 

[DisneyKid4Life]

Day 5 – October 12, 2012 Part 4 Cont.


Leaving our new princess friends to spend some time with the other waiting peasants, we headed back towards the hub and continued walking until we were back in front of Big Thunder.

Our goal was Splash Mountain, but as previously mentioned Brer Bear and Brer Fox were causing a constant commotion this trip.

So we settled for Big Thunder again.

After our not so wild ride, we hit up the remaining Fantasyland rides, sans Small World of course.

After riding our Honey Pot with Pooh, taking a flight over London with Peter Pan,
and Philharmagic-ing with Donald (which incidentally is my favorite of all the 3D/4D shows),
we headed off to Tomorrowland to take a flight over, well, Tomorrowland via the PeopleMover.

I know a lot of folks under a certain age don’t understand the significance of the name change from the Tomorrowland Transit Authority (TTA) to the PeopleMover.

The fact is, it was a change back to my childhood and The WEDWay PeopleMover.

So I was mucho excited when I saw “PeopleMover” back on the nameplate.

I was also happy to hear them again paging Mr. Tom Morrow, though I do miss

"Paging Mr. Morrow, Mr. Tom Morrow, your party from Saturn has arrived. Please give them a ring,"

Disney humour is the best!!

After returning to the station, we again took a ride through space with fastpasses before heading back to the hub where “Move It Shake It Celebrate It” was taking place.

Guests were arriving for that night’s MNSSHP, so that signalled our time to exit.

We would be returning in just 4 days to take part in our own party.

In the meantime though, we had some elusive dolphins to see.

UP NEXT… “MY MISTRESS ON THE SIDE”​

 

[teekathepony]

(I'm an update behind! Catching up during a slow hour at work)

Well I have to say, I have been creeping a lot of new Fantasyland pictures and yours are amongst the most comprehensive! Especially around the Little Mermaid ride area outdoors, it's absolutely stunning!
How wonderful and lucky that you got a surprise entry to NFL! And Little Mermaid was running too (although too bad about all the flashes).

Aww Repunzel! She's so cute! Love all the princess meets. I have yet to go in there, I have to next trip.
I love the People Mover!

Hmmm... elusive dolphins? Mistress on the side? Just where are we headed??

 

[wiigirl]

Great update!

 

[DisneyKid4Life]

(I'm an update behind! Catching up during a slow hour at work)

Well I have to say, I have been creeping a lot of new Fantasyland pictures and yours are amongst the most comprehensive! Especially around the Little Mermaid ride area outdoors, it's absolutely stunning!
How wonderful and lucky that you got a surprise entry to NFL! And Little Mermaid was running too (although too bad about all the flashes).

Aww Repunzel! She's so cute! Love all the princess meets. I have yet to go in there, I have to next trip.
I love the People Mover!

Hmmm... elusive dolphins? Mistress on the side? Just where are we headed??

Haha, I totally DIS at work.

Wow, thank you so much! That LM queue is just off the charts. It really is. I for sure felt very lucky and a little overwhelmed since it was unexpected.
The flashes were a bit annoying, but it didn't bother me too much since I never expected to ride it anyway.

She's kinda tom-boyish in a way and dare I say lower maintenance than the others which is why I think I like her.

Haha, coming soon.

Great update!

Thank you!

 

[natebenma]

My apologies for being MIA for so long! I hope you have had a nice month or so- well, since you had a trip to Disney in there, I'm guessing yes.

Before I get on to comments, I want to thank you for your kind words of support to the people of Boston. I know about the connection between Halifax and Boston and appreciate that your fine city continues to thank us with a beautiful Christmas tree every year!

I was not in the city when the bombings took place, but I know several people who were at the finish line. My friends were not hurt, but they saw some very bad things. Other events later in the week took place very near my husband's office building. The lockdown of the city was just unreal!


So I was ALL the way back to your pictures of the condo. I could not believe how big it was!!! Nice. And I didn't know you could get Stacey offsite. Major score- she really sets the right mood for a Disney trip!

Your day in EPCOT and the area was incredible.

Great photos from the picture spot. Great way for Kate to meet the Fab 5!

I agree with you- the Living Seas queue is incredibly long! There are some really cute details, but I have always been weaving my way through there so quickly that I haven't been able to appreciate them. Which is not to say that I want to be stuck in that long queue. I can't even imagine!

That is a pretty cool trip on Soarin' with a side trip to Disneyland. Really nice segue, and I was totally distracted from noticing your lack of current pictures!

Loved your idea of pictures with CMs from around the world. That must have been a fun experience.

Beautiful World Showcase pictures!

I may have to try the schoolbread again. I love coconut. Had my one and only in 2008 after much anticipation, and it didn't blow me away. It was a bit dry and a little too sweet for my taste. But it may just be the time for me to give it a second chance.

I share your adoration for the Mexican plaza. So beautiful!

I haven't tried the Grey Goose Slushie (yet), but the Grand Marnier slushie was very good. And like you said, strong! Like you, it is very difficult for me to pay an arm and a let for a drink.

I really enjoyed your journey over to the EPCOT resort area. As you may know, I manage the FAQ thread for the Beach & Yacht Club thread. I remember when I first saw the Swan and Dolphin, my husband and I both fantasized about how great it would be to stay within walking distance of our favorite park. Our dream was realized with our first stay at the Beach Club in 2009.

Spaceship Earth (presented by Siemens) is definitely a later in the day attraction! I love the picture of the Earth- I have never been able to get a good one. What fun pictures of your future! Did Kate love that???

Finally, a great end to your night with Illuminations. Beautiful!

That's it for now- hope to get totally caught up soon!

 

[DisneyKid4Life]

My apologies for being MIA for so long! I hope you have had a nice month or so- well, since you had a trip to Disney in there, I'm guessing yes.

Before I get on to comments, I want to thank you for your kind words of support to the people of Boston. I know about the connection between Halifax and Boston and appreciate that your fine city continues to thank us with a beautiful Christmas tree every year!

I was not in the city when the bombings took place, but I know several people who were at the finish line. My friends were not hurt, but they saw some very bad things. Other events later in the week took place very near my husband's office building. The lockdown of the city was just unreal!


So I was ALL the way back to your pictures of the condo. I could not believe how big it was!!! Nice. And I didn't know you could get Stacey offsite. Major score- she really sets the right mood for a Disney trip!

Your day in EPCOT and the area was incredible.

Great photos from the picture spot. Great way for Kate to meet the Fab 5!

I agree with you- the Living Seas queue is incredibly long! There are some really cute details, but I have always been weaving my way through there so quickly that I haven't been able to appreciate them. Which is not to say that I want to be stuck in that long queue. I can't even imagine!

That is a pretty cool trip on Soarin' with a side trip to Disneyland. Really nice segue, and I was totally distracted from noticing your lack of current pictures!

Loved your idea of pictures with CMs from around the world. That must have been a fun experience.

Beautiful World Showcase pictures!

I may have to try the schoolbread again. I love coconut. Had my one and only in 2008 after much anticipation, and it didn't blow me away. It was a bit dry and a little too sweet for my taste. But it may just be the time for me to give it a second chance.

I share your adoration for the Mexican plaza. So beautiful!

I haven't tried the Grey Goose Slushie (yet), but the Grand Marnier slushie was very good. And like you said, strong! Like you, it is very difficult for me to pay an arm and a let for a drink.

I really enjoyed your journey over to the EPCOT resort area. As you may know, I manage the FAQ thread for the Beach & Yacht Club thread. I remember when I first saw the Swan and Dolphin, my husband and I both fantasized about how great it would be to stay within walking distance of our favorite park. Our dream was realized with our first stay at the Beach Club in 2009.

Spaceship Earth (presented by Siemens) is definitely a later in the day attraction! I love the picture of the Earth- I have never been able to get a good one. What fun pictures of your future! Did Kate love that???

Finally, a great end to your night with Illuminations. Beautiful!

That's it for now- hope to get totally caught up soon!

There's certainly no need to apologize Dee. And yes, another Disney trip in the books.

Thank you so much for that. Boston Strong.

Oh my goodness, I'm sorry to hear all that. I can't even imagine how difficult all that was.

The place was actually quite nice. I have some more photos coming in later updates. I was so surprised with Stacey on the TV. Kate came out of her room one morning talking about a channel with this REALLY enthusiastic girl talking about Disney. I just said, Oh that's Stacey. She's my future wife.

I was so happy to get the fab 5 without much wait. It's a must do for somebody relatively new.

I think that queue is going to get some use for stand-by now that they're installing Fastpass. Oy.

Haha, I don't think they stop over in Disneyland much anymore.

CM's around the World is a whole bunch of fun. I just did it again last month.

You know, the schoolbread here was good, but the one I had recently was outstanding. I'd give it a second try.

That drink was so good. I was shocked how strong it was.

The Epcot resort area is just to die for. I had wanted to do that for so long, so this just was the perfect time.

I always laugh at people rushing into that upon arrival. But it's an easier Soarin' Fastpass for me so I'm ok with it.

And yes, Illuminations is just spectacular.

 

[Carable]

I've been lurking on both your reports and am thoroughly enjoying them, a little DIS laughter goes a long way when you are back in the throes of the real world. Can't wait to read more.

 

[emmysmommy]

Hi Rob! I'm caught up on this report but I still need to pop over to your POP report!

You are one lucky canuk! (That's not an insult right? ) To be there for the soft opening of new FL!! AWESOME! Disney's imagineers are worth every penny that thay pay them. And I am in complete agreement about the Little Mermaid ride... Disney's CA Adventure version has the most boring queue imaginable. The WDW version is an adventure in itself and so beautifully done.

I know what you mean about dining with all the Disney characters they were totally hanging out with us in our suite last trip. That Mickey actually asked me to go to the CL lounge to get him some midnight moon tillamook.

Where's your huge smile while posing with Rapunzel? To be in the presence of such a lovely lady. Love the photos!

I never miss an opportunity to hop on the People Mover. Thanks for the history with the name... I didn't know. And a bonus vintage photo!

 

[DisneyKid4Life]

I've been lurking on both your reports and am thoroughly enjoying them, a little DIS laughter goes a long way when you are back in the throes of the real world. Can't wait to read more.

Thank you so very much Cara. I truly appreciate that.

Ahh, the real world sucks! Just sayin'.

Hi Rob! I'm caught up on this report but I still need to pop over to your POP report!

You are one lucky canuk! (That's not an insult right? ) To be there for the soft opening of new FL!! AWESOME! Disney's imagineers are worth every penny that thay pay them. And I am in complete agreement about the Little Mermaid ride... Disney's CA Adventure version has the most boring queue imaginable. The WDW version is an adventure in itself and so beautifully done.

I know what you mean about dining with all the Disney characters they were totally hanging out with us in our suite last trip. That Mickey actually asked me to go to the CL lounge to get him some midnight moon tillamook.

Where's your huge smile while posing with Rapunzel? To be in the presence of such a lovely lady. Love the photos!

I never miss an opportunity to hop on the People Mover. Thanks for the history with the name... I didn't know. And a bonus vintage photo!

Haha, it's right there waiting for you.

Nope, not an insult at all.
It was such a surprise Brenda, I was over the moon. It would almost be like getting a room upgrade... but that never really happens.
Honestly, the queue might be the best part, it's so beautiful.
BTW are you saying the Imagineers don't work for free? I would, but then I have no talent.

Yes... see the characters only do that for us special people.

I know, it's awful. I have what I consider "Chandler Bing smile disease". If you watched "Friends", you'll know what that is.

It's so funny that there's usually never a line for it, yet EVERYBODY on here loves it.
Yeah, I was totally confused the first time I saw TTA when I saw that in 2006. I just couldn't figure out what that was. I was so happy when they added PeopleMover back. And yes, that photo took some digging through the folks old photo albums.

 

[DisneyKid4Life]

"... MY MISTRESS ON THE SIDE"
Day 6 October 13, 2012 Part 1


Saturday greeted us with yet another beautiful Central Florida day.

Today we are off to Seaworld to find those elusive dolphins conspicuously absent on our tour of Epcot Sea pavilion.

Once inside, I had one single destination that I had been dreaming about.

No, Justin Bieber wasnt performing in Shamu Stadium.
This was much better (hard to believe I know).

I had a date with a Manta!

Listen, I love Disney. I Love Love Love Love Love Disney.
There is no place on Earth I would rather be at any given moment in time.

But Manta just might be my mistress on the side.

This is without a doubt my favourite ride EVER. Thats all I can say about. I love it.

For those unfamiliar, this coaster is under the track, and you ride it horizontally.

Think Superman.

Where Soarin' simulates flight, this one brings it into glorious reality.
It is absolutely exhilarating, and a great way to start your day.

K8 loved it too, though I think she liked it better the second time since the first time she had her eyes closed.

After a few spins on Manta (which we would be returning to later), we shuttered ahead to The Whale and Dolphin Stadium for Blue Horizons.

Being a huge lover of dolphins (favourite animal yo!) this show leaves me breathless.

I cannot begin to describe the awesomeness of this show with its mix of story, music, a little Cirque...

It is simply spectacular.

The music is world class and well, theres also birds and DOLPHINS!

CONTINUED NEXT POST
​

 

[DisneyKid4Life]

Day 6 – October 13, 2012 Part 1 Cont.

After Blue Horizons, I was a little thirsty but was shocked to come across this...

Denied! Segregation has returned.

I had K8 on watch while I took a drink anyway.

What can I say… I'm a rebel.

We continued on as we now had to conquer the Kraken.

This is also a whole bunch of awesomeness.
Not quite Manta worthy, but awesome nonetheless.
It is a floor-less coaster with 7 inversions, a 144 foot drop, and speeds up to 65 mph!

Or to describe it another way… Big Fun!

Pacific Point Preserve was next for a quick meet and greet with our Sea Lion friends,

Before spinning back around to the front of the park to make up for what we missed in my mad dash to Manta.

First we went to pet some Stingrays at Stingray Lagoon, which is really cool as they are surprisingly gentle,

Watch some turtles at Turtle Point

Then finally over to the underwater Dolphin viewing area because it had been far too long since I last saw some dolphins.
We’re talking like a half an hour or so.

Yeah, I love dolphins. They just always seem so happy and smiling.



TO BE CONTINUED... ​