Uphill on a Flat Tire in the Pouring Rain and it's Still Magic!! *Final Update 7/21*

[ElsasMom]

It was a super last minute trip, I got Discover Disney (3-day)tickets on Tuesday (3/10) because after lots of stalking I got DD & I early breakfast Askerhaus ressies in June. It was only supposed to be a one day girls trip to EP, but I couldn't pass up that deal!

Now of course A&E are supposed to be leaving EP for MK before June and all that work to get into EP early may not matter, but...I'm supposed to be telling you about AK!

So, I call DCousin-in-law who has a Weekday pass and a 2yr old DD to tell her I need to plan 2 more WDW day trips. Turns out she was planning a trip for Thurs 3/13! I was totally in! DD and I had never been to AK

The Girls My DD4- RR & Her DD2- MM:


We planned to get there at 9am , which we thought was opening. It isn't. They open at 8. As a PH she was allowed to use FP+ before we left, but because I'm not a PH I had to do my selections at the park & she wasn't allowed to link me to hers ahead of time. Oh, well! We planned to FP Mickey & Minnie M&G, The Kilimanjaro Safari Ride & The Nemo Show. We also made lunch reservations at Rain Forest Cafe.

Getting There

We were able to leave 20min earlier than we planned (Which was awesome considering the park opened earlier than we thought). The girls did great in the car . I think it helped that it was still dark when we left and that they had breakfast to distract them.

We arrived at AK at 7:55! Go Moms! We had to unload my wheelchair, DCiL's stroller, the bags and the girls so even though we made great time and had excellent parking we got to Will Call shortly after opening. I had to activate my tickets and she needed her renewed AP.

Ticketing Issues

No problems...or so we thought! I handed DD my card and she held it to the mickey head while I pressed my finger on the plate, No green light. CM says try again. Still no. Try the other card, please. Ok, no go on that one either!

So, she gives RR a Timon & Pumba safety tip card (which thrilled her beyond reason) and another CM comes to talk to me. He takes both cards and then reports "This one has no ticket attached and this one...expired." Um, WHAT?!? I informed him they were newly purchased and had been activated moments ago a few feet from where we stood. He looked confused. I was getting anxious about our FP+ selections and poor DCiL & MM are just standing just inside the park waiting and wondering what happened.

Now another CM joins the confused gentleman. He catches her up and they instruct me to wait where I am and disappear into the ticket booth. Cue, my internal panic , but I kept it together by singing along with Disney music while RR danced around & asked me to read her safety tip card 1 million times.

When they come back they hand me my confirmation printout and both cards and assure me "I'm all set." I asked what happened and was told that although FL Resident tickets appear as tickets on MDE and their computers they are only exist as certificates until Residency is verified, it's an extra step in the activation process. I was relieved to hear both that it was fixed and that it wasn't my fault. So just verify when you go to WC for your FL resident tickets that not all CM are aware of the extra step.

Up Next the fun part....

 

[ElsasMom]

Uphill travel

So, we were FINALLY inside AK! When I asked the nearest CM where to go for FP+ his directions were "Um, go straight up the hill and then then to your left at the top"

I had a sinking feeling about this. Here we are with one mom pushing a toddler stroller & one mom in a wheelchair w/a kid in her lap facing a BIG hill to get into the park. It might take some Disney magic

All the obsessing over my checklist had yielded water bottles, snacks, spare clothes, a towel, a fully charged camera with an empty memory card, sunscreen, mouse ears...and so on. I even remembered the hand pump for my tires just in case (you only get to a theme park & realize your wheelchair has TWO flat tires once in a lifetime ), but what I forgot was my wheelchair gloves. Most of you will have NO IDEA what that means. You see, having been lucky enough to have an adult with hands free to give me a push all of my past WDW visits it never mattered, but today I was going to push that chair a few miles and that little bump of a bone where your wrist turns into your thumb is going to rub on the tire as it rotates. Causing tiny friction burns, darn it. Nothing to do but suck it up, there was a hill to be climbed and FP+'s to be obtained! ONWARD! (Knight on Horseback Emoticon/Superhero here)

As, we started up this monster hill of a bridge all I could do was laugh! Adrenaline was helping, but man is that sucker steep! I was hoping I wouldn't lose my grip and mow anyone down as I rolled backwards out of the park.

Everyone talks about Disney Magic and the CM's but not once but several that day (not every time, but a few) a guest insisted on giving me a push up that stupid thing. Thank you, kind people!

Fass Pass Time!

Next, we had...gosh...a minute or so wait to get to the FP+ kiosk. The CM there took my cards and linked our party together right away. Then when DCiL selected our 3 FPs one conflicted with our Lunch Ressie so the CM changed our M&G with Mickey & Minnie and we got the first window starting at 9:05!!

We made a quick potty stop first. That's when DCiL told me about the Baby Centers! Who knew? Clean, quiet places with changing tables and a companion bathroom. We used it later, as for now we were in a super rush after the long car ride. (insert emoticon doing the potty dance here).

Camera test! (I thought the hand washing instructions were funny and as it turns out this is the only picture of me all day)


Mickey& Minnie

RR & MM are HUGE Minnie Mouse fans. Getting to see her right away was a really big deal for them. We probably could have gone home after that (not that we would).

Waiting our turn (two families ahead of us, like 5min) Note: The Timon & Pumbaa safety cards sticking out of her pocket ever so slightly.



Here we go!



RR: "Mom?"
Me: Yes?
RR: Was Minnie happy?
Me: You mean was she happy you came to see her?
RR: Yeah
Me: She was thrilled. She was so glad you came, honey.
RR: Oh, good I want to make Minnie happy.

TBC...

 

[ElsasMom]

Exploring

We checked out the Tree of Life and Pangani Exploration Trail next.


It was a nice walk and since it was chilly the crowd only got bad inside the little heated building where there were some smaller critters. People were very kind about stepping aside so our little ones could see the animals as we made our way on the trail.

Then it was time for our FP for the Kilimanjaro Safari, we didn't have any trouble getting on. The animals habitats are really nice, nothing like our local zoo.




Intermission

Then we stopped at the aforementioned Baby Center for MM's diaper change. After that we bought the girls some new Minnie ears (see the photo in my original post). I had been trying unsuccessfully to use the Here & Now function om MDE App and it kept insisting I wasn't at WDW. It's so frustrating because you don't know if there's an issue until you're in the park ready to use it!



Lunch
Then we were off to lunch at Rainforest Cafe. It was the part of the day (besides Minnie) RR was most looking forward to! She loved the fish tanks and all the animals that came to life. We sat right next to a gorilla with a staff that would turn his head and make noises. You won't want that table if your little one is skittish. MM was a bit freaked out by it at first. RR had dinosaur shaped chicken nuggets & grapes. I had the coconut shrimp. Everything was good. I remembered the sauce being sweeter the last time I had it, but that was years ago at DTD.

Coming out of the restaurant RR pressed her card to the Mickey head no problem, but mine didn't work again! I tried twice, but a second CM took me aside for a minute and then said I was all set. Not sure what happened that time, but I hope it doesn't cause problems when I come back to use my other two days. Also, you're not allowed to bring straws in to the park for the safety of the animals so if you want to keep your kid cup dump it out before you leave. Poor DCiL had to throw out a mostly full cup of milk.

CM is a Grump-a-Saurus

Shortly after lunch MM fell asleep. While she napped we wandered over to Dinoland. RR and I got in line for the Tricatop Spin (it's like Dumbo, but dinosaurs). We waited about 10 mins and then I was informed there was a wheelchair entrance. I left the line and went to where the sign indicated I wait. A CM turned around and looked at me in silence, then went back to watching the ride (her back to us). After a few more minutes she told us she'd be with us in a minute. She seemed distracted, maybe even upset. Then after 5 more minutes she suddenly turned to us and asked if I "had a VIP pass or green card or anything." I was taken aback because I didn't have a clue what she was talking about at first. I said no and she said "you have to wait in the regular line."

I was stunned by how unfriendly she was, but after a few minutes back in regular line (at RR's insistence) I realized she must have been confused about the policy because I read it thoroughly before my visit and it says guests who use a mobility device like a wheelchair don't need a pass to use the disabled entrance. It didn't matter in the end because the ride broke down and they made everyone leave the queue. RR was so upset.

So, I took her to the Boneyard Playground to play.


The Bad Bathroom

After the playground we had to make another potty run. We used the bathroom right outside the Dinoland ride area. It was terrible! It was packed There was a ridiculous amount of people in there so of course the handicapped stall was taken. It smelled awful in there too. RR went as quick as she could and was really upset that there wasn't a sink she could reach. The sinks were so high she had to stand up on my lap to wash her hands. It was awful trying to get out too.

When we came out we jumped in line for Goofy & Pluto. MM woke up in line. I don't know how long we waited, but we missed our FP for the Nemo show. It would have been hit or miss with a 2yrold anyway.




I'll wrap up the trip in the next one (or ten )

 

[ElsasMom]

Parade Time: Part One

This was hands down my FAVORITE part of the day.

After our adorable session with Pluto & Goofy it was back to the lovely Baby Center for MM's diaper change and a minute to re-group. Stupid MDE still insisted I was NOT at WDW. I tried all my tricks (clearing the cache, turning my phone off & on again, switching from wifi to 3G and messing with location settings on my phone) No DICE

This is probably a dumb question, but since Disney is all about Apple devices I just wonder does MDE work more reliably on Iphones?

Then we joined the hoards making their way to spots along the parade route. I found an overwhelmed CM and asked where the wheelchair area was. In true Disney style, his smile returned & he told me he'd be happy to find out. Now if he'd only offered an escort...

In my haste to grab a spot where I could see I turned into the street & met with an unexpected incline & ran right into this poor older gentleman's toe! I was mortified , but the shocked look on his face was almost funny. I said "I'm so sorry, sir" as loud as I could to be heard over the crowd. Then hurried off.

When you're butt level it's soooooo hard to see ahead of you in a crowd! I rushed over to the TINY area they roped off for "special needs guests" First: The rope was only in front not all the way around the area like we encountered in MK & EP over the summer. Second: Cafe tables and chairs behind the area made it a narrow passage to get in Third: The CM in charge of the area was nowhere to be found

All of these factors caused a bunch of entitled, rule-breakers to fill the area with cafe chairs as if the Disabled symbol on the rope didn't exist. Aside from that they were a party of ALL grown ups who could stand a row or two back and still see (or sit in the tall cafe chairs in their original location) GRRR!

An older lady CM showed up after I got in my spot. She was hopping mad You wouldn't believe how many times she had to insist those jerks leave the area. Thank goodness she did because another disabled mom was just approaching and now her party fit. It was shoulder to shoulder...or I guess "wheel to wheel" LOL!

DCiL & MM parked directly behind me lining the stroller up with the gap between my neighbor & I. I killed time by giving the girls snacks & discussing who they thought we'd see in the parade. RR hoped with all her little Disney loving heart to see Baloo. She's her mother's daughter, through and through!

Here's a picture DCiL took of RR & I in our parade spot & MM behind us clapping (Don't you love my oh so faded Rapunzel bag?)

​

After a while some of the ladies from Flights of Wonder came out w/a Tucan

​

It seemed like the parade came through as soon as the Tucan left. You'll never guess which character came down the road first!!

​

Amazing! It was Baloo & Louie I was silently praying Baloo would come down our side. AND DISNEY MAGIC happened! He come down our side and when he saw my sweet RR beaming up at him he came right over and folded her up in the sweetest hug! I almost cried! The moment was so beautiful I was too surprised to get a picture, but I promise it's as adorable as your imagining!

More of the parade:

​

 

[wiigirl]

Following along!

 

[ElsasMom]

Following along!

Yay!

 

[ElsasMom]

Parade Part 2

As I mentioned the girls are Minnie fans HUGE fans, so Minnie's jeep was a big deal. It was the most adorable thing I'd ever seen! I LOVE how Minnie packs for her trip, complete with end table w/vase & a bathtub full of bubbles!

​

Baloo wasn't the only character to interact w/RR either! I told her "Honey you're in a great spot, so smile big & wave and you might get high fives & waves from the characters." She got waves, high fives and hugs! Here's her hug from Timon (We watched The Lion King the Night before we left to get in the AK spirit):

​

All the floats were so great. Did I mention that the parade was my favorite part of the day??

​

After Mickey the parade was done. MM actually cried! She stretched out her little hand and wailed "Mickey! Mickey!" as he disappeared down the road. We needed a distraction...

 

[ElsasMom]

You Put Your Tail In & You Shake it All About!

So, we braved THE WORST crowd of the entire day as everyone left the parade area. Our plan was to go to Rafiki's Planet Watch next, but it was the kind of crowd where you become irritated then confused and then you lose all hope of ever getting out before finally the world rights itself and you leave the slow moving pack behind

We hopped on the "Shoo, shoo" as MM calls it after maybe a 5min wait. I was stunned since I naturally assumed everyone in the mob we had just left was going exactly where we were. So glad I was wrong!

We got off the "shoo shoo" & started slowly down the path to the Affection Section but as we were passing the Conservation Center out came Chip & Dale and 2 CMs who asked "does anyone want to play a game with Chip & Dale?" You didn't have ask RR twice! They did head, shoulders, knees & toes and then the Hokie Pokie.





After those games they played follow the leader (I sang the song from Peter Pan & got it stuck in my head the rest of the day) , Dale was the leader & all the kids filed in behind him. Chip came right up and took MM's hand it was staggeringly adorable:


Then girls got a picture


After that we were off to our original destination sporting huge grins. The ground inside the Affection Section was all sand so I sent the girls in with DCiL & pulled into the shade for a water break. It had warmed up enough for coats to come off and sunscreen to go on somewhere around Dinoland, but it was still a nice day.

RR came out and reported "I love the pig! I petted & petted it. It felt like...straw!" I hear there were goats, a pig and a cow. There may have more, not sure since I didn't go in.

As we passed the Chip & Dale's picture spot RR demanded a picture on the mushroom. I cautioned her not to eat any just in case she shrunk and I'd have to take her home in my pocket.

RR also loves Alice and was Alice for Halloween two years ago. Now that I type that I realize she's always been a Disney character: Tinkerbell, Alice & G'linda (From Oz the Great & Powerful) & she's already declared she'll be Rapunzel this year.

We were heading back to the "shoo shoo" when I turned to call to RR to keep up & heard another Mom say it. She said "Keep up, [DD's Name]" for a minute I thought she heard me talking to RR and was trying to help me, but then I noticed the little blonde wearing a red Minnie shirt she was actually talking to. They stood across from each other going "I'm [DD's Name]" "You are?!? I'm [DD's name]!" Totally adorable. Two slow poke peas in pod those girls!

 

[ElsasMom]

More Cuteness

As we're walking back to get on the train:
RR: Mom, are they lucky?
Me: Who? Chip & Dale?
RR: Yeah
Me: I guess so...
RR: No, I mean are they lucky to get to see us today?
Me: (laughing) Yes, they were lucky you came to dance & visit with them today
RR: (sigh) Yeah, they were lucky.


Wrapping it Up

As I near the end of this TR, I feel as bummed as I always do at the end of a Disney trip. We just felt our exhaustion all at once after we got off the "Shoo Shoo" and decided it was time to get ready to go.

I forgot about it when I was writing the TR earlier, but not all our character M&G's were wonderful. We jumped in the line for Russell & Dug from Up. We waited a good 25min maybe more it's hard to say, but the characters left & we were told they'd return in 20min. That would have been like an over an hour by the time it was our turn & RR was having trouble remembering Up anyway. The problem was, we were stuck. We had to keep waiting to get to a point where we could escape and then try to get the attention of the people on the other side of the rope to let them know we were coming through. I did wish we could have gotten that time back, but it happens.

So, it was back to the Baby Center one more time so everyone could potty/get a fresh diaper. It was particularly nice at that point in the day to be in that calm quiet area for a minute. (Sorry for all the potty talk, but with a 2 & 4yr old I would have wanted to know where the best ones were).

RR was coming unglued at the thought of leaving. She was still upset at not riding the TriceraTop Spin ride. But there was no way I was trekking back to Dinoland after our first experience with that. We were all tired it was time to go.

As we left the park the CM waved to us with their Mickey hands & RR started to accept (not happily) that it was really over. She has no idea that we have 2 more days to use, but I advised her to be nice so I could bring her back to WDW.

When I asked that night which part of WDW we should go to next she thought for awhile & said "Magic King...no! Epcot. Epcot, I really need to see how long Mulan's sleeves are, ok Mom?"

We piled back into the car for the long drive home The protest about leaving didn't even last as long as it took to get out of the parking lot. When I looked back 20min later I saw this:

That looks like the end of a successful Disney day to me!

Goodbye Happy-est Place on Earth, See ya real soon!

 

[ElsasMom]

I liked AK, but is defiantly not the most action packed of the parks.

I would like to go back with DH in the future and try the 40in and over rides like EE & the Dinosaur. I'd love to eat at the Tusker House for breakfast at some point too. I'm very glad to have seen the parade before it ends and I think over all except that CM at the TriceraTop Spin it was a great day.

What's the best way to leave Disney feedback these days? I was selected for a survey last time so they conveniently asked me.

Up Next the same crew will be hitting Epcot for Flower & Garden Festival on 3/20!!

And I'm starting my PTR for my big princess-tatstic bday trip with DD & her BFF (both will be turning 5) My 180 for that trip is Thurs so I'll be making reservations before I head to EP.

 

[MHSweb79]

I've been lurking but have now caught up. I love AK and it looks like your little ones did too!

Those characters sure were lucky to meet her! LOL Very cute.

Had to laugh at your parade story. My DH doesn't care for AK but loves the hot tub at French Quarter (the chemicals burn my skin) so frequently I'll go back to AK for the afternoon while he boils in the box full of chemical water . I can't tell you how many times I've been trapped on the wrong side of that blasted parade!!!! Now, it's a fine parade but I've seen it. Several times. Last time I timed my arrival to be after the parade ended, and I still got stuck. (Who knew the 3:00 parade was actually the 3:45 parade???) Of course I got stuck. Again.

Doesn't look like you took them into It's Tough to be a Bug. One of my all-time favorite Disney attractions, but a 2 yr old and 4 yr old may disagree...

 

[ElsasMom]

I've been lurking but have now caught up. I love AK and it looks like your little ones did too!

Those characters sure were lucky to meet her! LOL Very cute.

Had to laugh at your parade story. My DH doesn't care for AK but loves the hot tub at French Quarter (the chemicals burn my skin) so frequently I'll go back to AK for the afternoon while he boils in the box full of chemical water . I can't tell you how many times I've been trapped on the wrong side of that blasted parade!!!! Now, it's a fine parade but I've seen it. Several times. Last time I timed my arrival to be after the parade ended, and I still got stuck. (Who knew the 3:00 parade was actually the 3:45 parade???) Of course I got stuck. Again.

Doesn't look like you took them into It's Tough to be a Bug. One of my all-time favorite Disney attractions, but a 2 yr old and 4 yr old may disagree...

I'm glad you followed along. I was told It's Tough to be a Bug was pretty scary which would have thrilled my DD (Haunted Mansion is her favorite ride EVER), but her younger cousin wouldn't have been up for it.

I want to see everything I didn't see next time. LOL! Well I'm glad they're retiring the parade for your sake then.

 

[ElsasMom]

We went to Epcot for Flower & Garden Festival on Thurs 3/20 with the same crew.

The Trip

We left at the same time we did last Thursday. How freaking lucky am I to go to Disney 2x 7days apart !! This time I didn't tell DD until I woke her up that morning.

When I told her she needed to get up she complained that it was still dark! I said "Oh, well that's because I thought we'd go to Disney instead of school. Sound good?"

I remembered my wheelchair gloves (PHEW!). I also presented her with the Mulan dress I got her. DD LOVES Mulan & I knew we'd be seeing her again today.

Last Time DD saw Mulan (She's grown up so much since July!):

We got to Epcot (which does actually open at 9) at 7:30! Whoops...As we were taking a leisurely stroll to the restroom I noticed that there were already some serious lines!

Getting In

It was after we lined up that I realized these people were all planning to sprint to Norway for Anna & Elsa. I can't fault them too much, I had the same plan initially. Things changed, I know those ladies will be in MK after 4/20 and I left for this EP trip on the 180 for our Sept Princess-Tastic B-day Trip. Which means I was up at 5am locking down a table at Cinderella's Royal Table. It was a stressful mission. I was booking the birthday girls BBB appts on the drive! Success, but so stressful. So, I told DD we'd "make an appt" to see A&E another time.

The whole point of today was one of my favorite parks, no FPs, no Ressies just go with the flow day. It was nice to wish the runners well & not worry about it. We grabbed coffees & made line friends with the family next to us.

RR in line:

At 8:50 my card turned Mickey green on the first try DCiL told me not to press my finger down too hard and that may have helped as well. We watched all the runners fly by & meandered in the general direction of Nemo.

We're Here:

 

[ElsasMom]

Happily Detoured

So, we were happily giving the runners a wide berth and heading the general direction of Nemo when we noticed one person in the FP line for the character spot and nobody else. The wait time on the sign was zeroed out. We chatted with the CM who said it'd be about 3min.

I was beyond excited! More then MM & RR I'm sure. At about 1min to 9am out came Goofy He was happy to see us and escorted the lady in the FP line inside. When RR was little she would point at Goofy on the TV and yell "Daddy!" Because he's tall and silly too.

And then we played how fast can you navigate the empty queue? Laughing as we herded the girls through the empty maze until we were standing at the rope. First in line what a way to start the day.

When they let us in RR ran to hug Mickey, but MM hung back. Goofy came over and encouraged her, than he wheeled me over too. The next thing I know Mickey , Minnie , Goofy , both girls and I are in the picture! Woah.

After the group shoot (still pinching myself ) we took one of the girls with Mickey. Goofy insisted on pushing me to his spot. He was making a huge fuss over me kissing my hand and such. It was adorable. He even had to be reminded to go back to his spot because another family was waiting!

Unfortunately, I was so distracted by all the extra attention from Goofy I didn't get a good picture of the girls with Minnie. Hoping DCiL has one...

Now, we'd been in the park like 10 whole min and it was already the Best. Day. Ever.

Now to find Nemo...

 

[ElsasMom]

Nemo Time

I really enjoyed Nemo when I rode it with my kids over the summer, but I had realized as we were getting on the ride that I left my cell phone in the bathroom (down side to wearing a dress). So, I was stressed the whole ride and the minute is was over left DH and the kids to do Turtle Talk while I rushed back to the ladies room at the entrance and retrieved it.

This time I could just enjoy the ride. We walked right on.

Grab Shell Dude!!


Nemo didn't disappoint. Unfortunately, I didn't have clue which camera setting was appropriate for inside the ride all my jellyfish pictures are super trippy.

Getting Eaten by a Shark & Chatting with a Turtle

After the ride we ran over to get a picture inside Bruce's mouth, which again I had missed my chance to do the first time. I asked RR & MM and MM wouldn't even enter the room. RR was braver and started over, but got spooked. So, I went in with her and got a couple quick pictures.

I made a joke as I left the area "Well, now that I've traumatized the kids let's go to Turtle Talk."

I had no idea at the time that Riley heard "someone whisper" when she walked over to Bruce and that was weighing on her mind.

They let us into Turtle Talk a minute or two before they opened the doors.

While we were sitting there waiting RR said "Mom, do people become ghosts when they die?" I, of course, had no idea what that was about and replied "sometimes or there won't be anyone in the Haunted Mansion" (RR's favoite thing at Disney) with a big grin on my face.

Then she got all thoughtful and asked "can I be a ghost in the Haunted Mansion" That's when I realized she was worried about something. So, I said "No, sweetie that's all pretend, remember?"

We were cut short as the doors opened and everyone came in for the show. RR & MM refused to sit on the floor with the other kids. RR lost it when Crush banged into the glass. He reassured everyone several times he was Ok because her over-the-top reaction.

 

[ElsasMom]

Now for Figment

I can't believe DCiL (a bi-coastal Disney pass holder) had NEVER been on Journey into Imagination

MM felt like such a big girl going on two rides in a row! It wasn't a walk on, but the wait was so minimal it couldn't have been even 5min.

The girls enjoyed it, but the last part where it gets dark and there's a loud sound before they reveal the many figments really startled MM. Not so much that she didn't enjoy herself though.

They danced & made Figments in the play area afterward.

RR's Figment

Glam Time!

We stopped in the gift shop on the way out b/c MM's grandma had asked DCiL to "pick out something from her." She decided on some pretty headband ears like RR's were in order. RR went crazy over the pointy princess hat with ears attached, but I came prepared.

Before we left I bought RR this amazing Necklace on etsy:


I interrupted the fit that was brewing and stepped out of the gift shop where I explained in a whispered voice that I already had a surprise for her. I told her it was a treasure. Something special you can't buy in the gift shop. She loved it.

Here are the girls with their new accessories:

RR had to show it to each CM we passed along the way too. "Look, it's treasure, etc..."

 

[ElsasMom]

Bumping into the BFF

So, we took a quick potty break and headed towards World Showcase because it was almost time for the Mulan M&G.

As we were walking along we noticed a line for our old friends Chip & Dale. Obviously we danced with them last week and we were on our way to Mulan so I said "Wave hi, Sweetie." RR complied and waved and we kept waking.

That's when I heard someone calling RR. I look over & a little mouse-eared head is popping up over the hedge. It was BB her BFF! Can you imagine bumping into your BFF at Disney? MAGIC

The next time this two girls are together at WDW it'll be their princess-tastic 5th birthday trip. My PTR: http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=3251479

It was a wonderful moment

 

[ElsasMom]

Mulan!

We said goodbye to RR's bestie and started heading for China. We stopped for a few pictures along the way & MM fell asleep. When we got to the Mulan line it was 11:12 & a CM told us the 11:00 line was closed. It took me completely off guard. Was this really happening? Were they really turning away the girl in the Mulan costume & the lady in the wheelchair 12min after 11 for Mulan?

So, I told RR we'd have lunch on the bench outside China and be first in line when she came back in 40min. At that point a teenage girl with mouse ears approached us she told us she saw what happened & wanted to give us her spot in line. I couldn't believe it!

RR hugged her & thanked her as she led us to her spot in the line where her Mom stepped out and RR hugged her too! Disney Magic

Most AMAZING M&G EVER. Look and those pictures! I bought a photo pass closeup of them hugging.
Mulan said "If I knew you were going to wear my dress I would have worn one of yours!"
They compared necklaces, RR told her how much she loves her movie and promised to come see her again.
Then Mulan gave her a great big kiss on the cheek!

Then RR ate her lunch while MM snoozed in the stroller.

 

[ElsasMom]

Seeing More of the World

RR and I finished up the lunches we had packed. DCiL grabbed a couple spring rolls to tide her over while MM slept.

My goal had been ride a few rides, see Mulan and at least one other Princess. Since we only had to met one more princess to complete my goal we decided to just start walking around the world looking for a princess. Ah, Disney

Eventually, we were in France and I saw a line so I booked it to the end of the line with RR & asked DCiL who I was in line for. It was Belle in her blue dress, that would do. The line was long but shady. We waited for a bit while DCiL explored (MM was still asleep).

My cell phone rang, it turned out that Aurora was due out in 10mins and the only one there was DCiL. So, we left Belle's line to go see my favorite princess. We did get slightly side tracked by some ducks walking around a fountain.

First in line for Sleeping Beauty!! Pinch me! it was awesome to be first but it was hot at this point. RR took off her Mulan dress and Minnie ears She made a friend in line and ran around the gazbo and up and down the empty path giggling. MM woke up during the silliness.

And then she arrived (a few minutes late) & she was breath taking (but I'm super biased)

I was tearing up by the end of the M&G. Aurora was glad they were both wearing pink. RR showed Aurora her necklace and she asked if her fairies made it for her. RR said no, but that she knew that her fairies had made her dress. Lovely, by the time we left the line so long it that it went around the corner.

We kept walking with the goal of finding DCiL & MM some lunch.

We happened upon Alice!
Here's RR as Alice last Halloween 2012:

Here's some cuteness :

We hit the M&G jackpot all afternoon. Now I was worried about DCiL & MM being overheated and hungry.

 

[MHSweb79]

Great Alice dress! My DD could be anything she wanted for Halloween as long as I could make it from $4 WalMart sweats. She went out s a Beanie Baby more times than I can count....

I have to tell you that in one of your close-up pictures the glitter on your DD's cheek shows up so well I thought there was something on my computer screen. But when I couldn't clean it off I realized it must be glitter!

We don't have little ones any more (DD's out of college now) but one or two trips ago we went to see Turtle Talk with Crush anyway and it was hilarious. Sorry the little one didn't like it. Give her a year and try again?