SnowWhiteOz
DIS Veteran
- Joined
- Jun 26, 2015
Thank you. Solo trips are definitely fun - I love being able to do what I want when I want and not have to worry that I'm annoying someone else!
Tan and rested and alone (Almost!) – An August 2015 Solo TR - UPDATE 11/14 WRAP UP - TR COMPLETE
- Thread starter SnowWhiteOz
- Start date
Thank you. Solo trips are definitely fun - I love being able to do what I want when I want and not have to worry that I'm annoying someone else!
pkondz
Brace yourself for immediate disintegration
- Joined
- Mar 9, 2007
I really only stopped to watch as there were too many people to push past.
Ha! I pushed.
I hardly think so. I've seen pictures of you, you know!
Pictures!
SnowWhiteOz
DIS Veteran
- Joined
- Jun 26, 2015
With an hour or so still to go until my ADR I decided to stick around in Fantasyland and experience some of the classics (and the world's best themed bathrooms!)
Which of course meant that the next place on my list was It’s a Small World. Thankfully at this time of night the standby line was only 10 minutes so I got in line and waited to board my vessel. Now this is I ride that I have ridden in every single Disney park across the world and it does not change. The song is of course the same earworm that is a part of the world’s collective conscious at this stage. I had a plan to prevent the song from becoming stuck in my head and that was my trusty media player in my phone and a pair of headphones. I’d read online that it’s a much better experience if you go with completely opposite music like some metal or old school rock. I got on the boat and queued up some Led Zeppelin and we were off. This was an awesome trick and it made the ride much more bearable until it didn’t. Unfortunately I had forgotten how long the ride actually takes so we were only a third of the way through when my song stopped and the torture began. I quickly grabbed my phone and tried to play another song but there was a good 20 seconds or so where I was at the mercy of the children’s choir. I managed to finish of the rest of the ride listening to AC/DC but I learned my lesson – always have a whole playlist ready to go before riding – not just the one song!
Sorry that was a bit of a long winded story for It’s a Small World but I’m hoping my short term misery can be a lesson for others
. After the boat ride ended I walked across to Mickey’s PhilharMagic. It was only a five minute wait so I was seated in the theatre pretty quickly. I quite like this show even if 3D is the most annoying invention in terms of theme park attractions. There are not a lot of rides in the park anymore that celebrate the main five so I’m happy that they (or at least Donald and Mickey) have something. 
After the brief musical interlude it was time to use the FP that I scored earlier in the evening and to meet the two most popular ladies in the park. The standby line was still over 60 minutes even at 9pm so I was glad for the FP which meant I was through to the meeting area in about 10 minutes. First up was Elsa who lived up to her ice queen reputation (if you’re children are here avert their eyes because I’m about to use some grown up language) – she came across as an absolute b***h who didn’t want to be there but hey you can’t win them all.
Then came her much friendlier sister, Anna. She was super cute and lived up to her character’s reputation. She was very friendly and chatty but I did feel that these greets were pretty rushed by their handlers. I understand that there are long lines but you want to feel as though the time you’ve put in is worth it and if I had lined up for 60 minutes I would have felt ripped off.
With this royal visit concluded it was time for the splurge of my trip – dinner at Cinderella’s Royal Table. I managed to score a dinner reservation about a month out from my trip. At first I was a little disappointed that it was so late (9:30) but it ended up being the best possible time to go in my opinion. Before entering we were held up behind the castle with ropes while they set up for Wishes. They let us through at 9:30 so I was checking in right on schedule.
After checking in you move into the reception area where you line up for a photo with your hostess Cinderella. Then you wait to get called for dinner. I probably waited 10 minutes or so which wasn’t too bad but it was one of those annoying waits where people who enter after you are called up and you’re like but I was here first! Finally it was my turn and I was announced and told to go upstairs to be seated.
As I was by myself I was given one of the two seaters right next to the windows which turned out to be the best spot in the house.
After two delicious courses it was time for the magic to begin. Having the dinner so late meant that I was able to watch Wishes from inside the castle. They pipe in the music and you have a spectacular view of the fireworks. It was absolutely incredible and if you can get an ADR at this time I’d seriously suggest splurging to do it. The princesses then made their rounds (the only downside here is that they do not have a handler so there is no one to take your picture – unless you have friendly neighbours) - that night there was Jasmine, Ariel, Snow White and Aurora. After a little dessert it was time to leave the castle behind and to head back out into the night. By this time it was almost 11, and even though the park was open for another hour I decided to call it a night.
As I was by myself I was given one of the two seaters right next to the windows which turned out to be the best spot in the house.
After two delicious courses it was time for the magic to begin. Having the dinner so late meant that I was able to watch Wishes from inside the castle. They pipe in the music and you have a spectacular view of the fireworks. It was absolutely incredible and if you can get an ADR at this time I’d seriously suggest splurging to do it. The princesses then made their rounds (the only downside here is that they do not have a handler so there is no one to take your picture – unless you have friendly neighbours) - that night there was Jasmine, Ariel, Snow White and Aurora. After a little dessert it was time to leave the castle behind and to head back out into the night. By this time it was almost 11, and even though the park was open for another hour I decided to call it a night.
I made my way back out and into the line for the Pop bus. Thankfully a bus arrived within 5 minutes so I was soon on my way home. When I got back I power-walked through Pop back to my room and crashed into bed exhausted. It had been a long but super fun day and I needed the sleep with another rope drop planned for the next day.
Next – You got how much done? And in how long?
Next – You got how much done? And in how long?
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SnowWhiteOz
DIS Veteran
- Joined
- Jun 26, 2015
Day 4 Wrap Up
Parks visited: 2
FPs used: 7
Favourite Ride: Mission: Space
Favourite Show: Wishes
Characters met: 17
Steps taken: 24,775
Miles/Kilometres walked: 18.91km
Calories burned: 2,407
Calories consumed: 2,240
Parks visited: 2
FPs used: 7
Favourite Ride: Mission: Space
Favourite Show: Wishes
Characters met: 17
Steps taken: 24,775
Miles/Kilometres walked: 18.91km
Calories burned: 2,407
Calories consumed: 2,240
pkondz
Brace yourself for immediate disintegration
- Joined
- Mar 9, 2007
You went willingly??
Did the same thing on my solo trip.Uh, oh.
I know where this is going.
Had the same experience, although I managed to get another tune up in under 10 seconds.But during that time, I was sub-vocalizing "LALALALALALALA!" as loudly in my head as I could!
Hey! That's what I listened to!
Long story, small world.
I think that's supposed to be her persona.
I've just heard too many people say similar things.
Well, they may have left out the "B" part. That's new.
Heard that too.Nice!
:laughin: Oh, how you must have suffered!
Seriously though, when that happens, don't you start to worry that they've forgotten about you?
I've never even thought of that.
That must've been an incredible experience.
Not bad! My after park waits were generally around 20 minutes.
Didn't that hurt your ankles?
SnowWhiteOz
DIS Veteran
- Joined
- Jun 26, 2015
I can only blame nostalgia for that decision.
But during that time, I was sub-vocalizing "LALALALALALALA!" as loudly in my head as I could!
I think my issue was I was using spotify and the internet connection in the ride wasn't the greatest so it was struggling.
Great minds hey?
I'll blame the cursing on being Australian - it's just in my blood
That's all I was thinking - I had to restrain myself from getting up and hassling the CMs every time someone other than me was called.
It really was
pkondz
Brace yourself for immediate disintegration
- Joined
- Mar 9, 2007
Take it out and shoot it.
Huh?
(
Kidding!!)I'll blame the cursing on being Australian - it's just in my blood
SnowWhiteOz
DIS Veteran
- Joined
- Jun 26, 2015
It was another early start today – I had a full day in Magic Kingdom planned and it was going to start with breakfast at Be our Guest. I had a 8:00 ADR and the park was set to open at 9am so my goal was to grab a quick breakfast and beat the queues to 7DMT.
But that’s jumping a little far ahead. First I had to get there. I was up by 6:45 and down at the Pop bus stop by 7:00. It wasn’t a long wait for a bus (I think about 5 minutes) and we were soon on our way to the Magic Kingdom. We pulled up to MK at 7:30 and I walked up straight through the bag check station. I was surprised how many people were there already but I guess there are three restaurants for breakfast so that’s quite a few people.
I had my name checked off and joined the ADR line. At 7:45 they started to let us in and I made my way up Main Street towards the castle. I managed to grab one quick shot of the castle with no one else in it before making my way back into New Fantasyland.
I stopped to take more pics here – which I love, how awesome is empty Disney?
I checked in at the little tollhouse at the end of the bridge to Be Our Guest and then made my way up to the castle. We were held behind the gate until 8am and then had to wait to be called by a server to be taken in. I was lucky enough to be the second person in, but obviously that other person hadn’t pre-ordered as I was through the kiosk section before them and was the first into the dining room. I grabbed some empty ballroom photos and then headed into the West Wing as it was the area that I’d heard most people rave about. The theming in here is pretty spectacular. I’d ordered a cronut which came out relatively quickly and I was through with breakfast by 8:35.
I then made my way out towards 7DMT. There were a few people ahead of me but the CMs weren’t really directing people at this stage. Luckily the people there that morning were very civilised so we formed our own line which the CM turned into an official one not long after. After chatting to a lovely family for a little while (fellow Disers it turns out) we were escorted by a CM straight onto 7DMT. I was in the first carriage of the day. Now I really didn’t love the ride – despite the theming I found it super boring (as the ride photo can attest), but when we got to the end and the CM said do you guys just want to stay on a ride again I had to do it. After the second ride finished the first of the RD guests were just making their way into 7DMT so I took my leave to head onto some of the other rides with generally longer wait times to take advantage of my early start.
So I headed across Fantasyland into Peter Pan which at 9:05 was a 10 minute posted wait (it was actually a walk on). I like the theming of the queue here and loved the little touches like getting sprinkled in pixie dust by Tink. The ride itself is fine – I enjoy it for the nostalgia but it’s not something that I’d line up for 90 minutes for (that’s how long the line was when I walked past later in the day!).
By 9:15 I’d decided that I needed to leave Fantasyland for somewhere a bit more rustic – Frontierland - home to my absolute favourite ride in the entire world. But that would wait because I had an FP for that soon enough. Instead I joined the line for Splash Mountain. Even this early in the morning it was still a 15 minute wait. Which wasn’t too bad when I think back on it. I love Splash and managed not to get wet at all this time which is always a bonus – I think sitting in the front seat actually helped.
I had my name checked off and joined the ADR line. At 7:45 they started to let us in and I made my way up Main Street towards the castle. I managed to grab one quick shot of the castle with no one else in it before making my way back into New Fantasyland.
I stopped to take more pics here – which I love, how awesome is empty Disney?
I checked in at the little tollhouse at the end of the bridge to Be Our Guest and then made my way up to the castle. We were held behind the gate until 8am and then had to wait to be called by a server to be taken in. I was lucky enough to be the second person in, but obviously that other person hadn’t pre-ordered as I was through the kiosk section before them and was the first into the dining room. I grabbed some empty ballroom photos and then headed into the West Wing as it was the area that I’d heard most people rave about. The theming in here is pretty spectacular. I’d ordered a cronut which came out relatively quickly and I was through with breakfast by 8:35.
I then made my way out towards 7DMT. There were a few people ahead of me but the CMs weren’t really directing people at this stage. Luckily the people there that morning were very civilised so we formed our own line which the CM turned into an official one not long after. After chatting to a lovely family for a little while (fellow Disers it turns out) we were escorted by a CM straight onto 7DMT. I was in the first carriage of the day. Now I really didn’t love the ride – despite the theming I found it super boring (as the ride photo can attest), but when we got to the end and the CM said do you guys just want to stay on a ride again I had to do it. After the second ride finished the first of the RD guests were just making their way into 7DMT so I took my leave to head onto some of the other rides with generally longer wait times to take advantage of my early start.
So I headed across Fantasyland into Peter Pan which at 9:05 was a 10 minute posted wait (it was actually a walk on). I like the theming of the queue here and loved the little touches like getting sprinkled in pixie dust by Tink. The ride itself is fine – I enjoy it for the nostalgia but it’s not something that I’d line up for 90 minutes for (that’s how long the line was when I walked past later in the day!).
By 9:15 I’d decided that I needed to leave Fantasyland for somewhere a bit more rustic – Frontierland - home to my absolute favourite ride in the entire world. But that would wait because I had an FP for that soon enough. Instead I joined the line for Splash Mountain. Even this early in the morning it was still a 15 minute wait. Which wasn’t too bad when I think back on it. I love Splash and managed not to get wet at all this time which is always a bonus – I think sitting in the front seat actually helped.
I then made my next door to the ride. The one that makes my heart flutter when I think about it. Like I seriously love this ride. Big Thunder Mountain Railroad. I had a 9:30 FP but that the standby line was only 5 minutes. So of course I went standby first and basically walked on. I then used my FP to ride it again! So by 10:00 I’d managed to ride 7DMT twice, Peter Pan, Splash and BTMR twice – proof that being there for rope drop or an early morning ADR can let you get a lot done in the first hour!
I left the Wild West and headed across to the future where my next FP was located.
I still had plenty of time so I decided I needed to check in with some of my favourite monsters. So Monsters Inc Laugh Floor it was. I actually really enjoyed this – it was pretty funny (I was selected to be on the screen at one point, so yes, I’m famous now) and I’d love to go back at night next time to see if it really is more adult like people say.
It was then time for my second FP of the morning – Space Mountain. It was already a 40 minute wait in the standby line so I was glad I had it. Space Mountain is of course awesome but I did fine it a little jerky in comparison to the last time I rode it at one of the other parks. But you really can’t complain when you’re riding a coaster in the dark.
I wandered around for a little exploring Tomorrowland while waiting for my next FP at 11:30. I waited until 11:25 and then made my way into Buzz. I really enjoyed it – being super competitive helps, but didn’t score that well on my first attempt (I improved greatly later on in the trip).
By the time I’d beaten Zorg it was almost time for lunch. I left Tomorrowland and made my way into Liberty Square to grab a bite to eat at the place I’d read was one of the best quick services in Magic Kingdom. I went into Columbia Harbour House and joined the queue – it was already busy at 12:00. I had a table service dinner reservations so I decided to grab just a kids meal – and went as theme-parky as possible – fries and nuggets! It was so busy that it took me about 10 minutes to find a table once I had my food. However the nuggets certainly hit the spot once I’d managed to grab a seat.
Next – I can’t take it anymore. Just let me off the ride already!
I left the Wild West and headed across to the future where my next FP was located.
I still had plenty of time so I decided I needed to check in with some of my favourite monsters. So Monsters Inc Laugh Floor it was. I actually really enjoyed this – it was pretty funny (I was selected to be on the screen at one point, so yes, I’m famous now) and I’d love to go back at night next time to see if it really is more adult like people say.
It was then time for my second FP of the morning – Space Mountain. It was already a 40 minute wait in the standby line so I was glad I had it. Space Mountain is of course awesome but I did fine it a little jerky in comparison to the last time I rode it at one of the other parks. But you really can’t complain when you’re riding a coaster in the dark.
I wandered around for a little exploring Tomorrowland while waiting for my next FP at 11:30. I waited until 11:25 and then made my way into Buzz. I really enjoyed it – being super competitive helps, but didn’t score that well on my first attempt (I improved greatly later on in the trip).
By the time I’d beaten Zorg it was almost time for lunch. I left Tomorrowland and made my way into Liberty Square to grab a bite to eat at the place I’d read was one of the best quick services in Magic Kingdom. I went into Columbia Harbour House and joined the queue – it was already busy at 12:00. I had a table service dinner reservations so I decided to grab just a kids meal – and went as theme-parky as possible – fries and nuggets! It was so busy that it took me about 10 minutes to find a table once I had my food. However the nuggets certainly hit the spot once I’d managed to grab a seat.
Next – I can’t take it anymore. Just let me off the ride already!
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JustCor
DIS Veteran
- Joined
- Mar 7, 2015
7DMT is incredibly smooth and quiet, and I think that kills any of the fun. They've taken any hint of "danger" out of the ride and removed its soul. Like a dummy, I keep trying to ride it because it feels like I'm missing something that everyone else knows and I don't. Space Mountain has gotten rougher. My last ride on it, I managed to be in the very back seat, and while it was tons of fun, it felt like my lower back had been bludgeoned with hammers by the time it was over.
I will continue to holler from all of the hills to let the world know that Friar's Nook, while limited in menu selections (would you like mac and cheese or mac and cheese?) is, by far, the best QS place in Disney, but CHH is always a prime choice as well.
Karin1984
DIS Veteran
- Joined
- Feb 5, 2012
Nice update again. We met the same Elsa and she was very reserved. Not a b*****, but there wasnt much expression. The 2nd Elsa was better, but nervous, probably as a CM with a clipboard was watching her.
However, one of my best pictures of this vacation is of this reserved Elsa.
However, one of my best pictures of this vacation is of this reserved Elsa.
pkondz
Brace yourself for immediate disintegration
- Joined
- Mar 9, 2007
I've never done that. I've done rope drop, but never the "get in the park early for breakfast to beat the crowds" thing.
Huh. I never thought of that.
I think because when I went there a few years ago, there was only one... or possibly none.
Stupid construction walls.
Surreal.
"Which I absolutely refuse to share with you."
Surely you ate something other than just a cronut??
Wow. A civilised line? In Disney?
Stop beating around the bush and tell me what you really think about it.
Actually, I enjoy this ride. I'd never stand in line for it, but otherwise... I kinda like it.
You do look a little bored!Sure. "I am so bored. I will never, ever ride this again!"
"Want to go again?"
"Yes!!!"
They did a really great job. That queue used to be horrid.Ditto. It's one of my favourite rides... but only from a nostalgia perspective.
I love when you "take off" and the soaring over London part...
But there's no way I'm going to line up for it... ever.
90 minutes? I won't do 45.
I might do 30... 30 seems manageable.
Love BTMRR! I won't say it's my fave (sorry, HM gets that spot), but it's definitely in the top three.
I'd heard that the rear seat is usually the driest.
:Oh, wait... you're talking about BTMRR still arent' you?
Sorry. Thought you were talking about me.
Gawd, I love rope drop.
Now if only I could convince my youngest DD of that.
Yes, I know. What I'm wondering is, how do you handle the paparazzi?
I've heard that it's jerkier at WDW, but have nothing to compare it to personally.
Ooohh.... now that sounds like an interesting update coming up!
SnowWhiteOz
DIS Veteran
- Joined
- Jun 26, 2015
I'm definitely not going to be getting up a midnight to secure a FP for 7DMT in the future - and I agree maybe it is the lack of danger that makes it a less thrilling ride.
And ouch for being bludgeoned by the mysterious space mountain hammers!
What a great morning you had
Thanks - it really was a good morning.
I'm glad you got a great pic with Elsa. I just got the feeling that she really didn't want to be there and that I had inconvenienced her by wanting to get a photo as an adult. Hopefully by the time I go back next year the Frozen mania has died of a little bit and the other princesses get their time back in the sun
I swear I'm not ignoring you.
Just got a wee bit behind... everywhere.
Including my own TR!
I'll be back later tonight (unlikely) or in the next day or so to read and comment.
Promise!
Luckily I trust you (and I've seen your next post
)
JustCor
DIS Veteran
- Joined
- Mar 7, 2015
I've had some very cool interactions with Tinkerbell (and the wait has never been more than 10 minutes, so bonus), Alice, and Rapunzel, who was hands down the greatest in the way she interacted with all of the people who were waiting as well as an awkward nerd such as myself. The person in the role of Rapunzel completely changed my mentality on her from vague disinterest to completely invested in her as a Disney princess. Only one Tinkerbell and Cinderella seemed disinterested in doing much interaction so far. I haven't moved up to Anna and Elsa because, honestly, I've never seen Frozen and haven't much of a desire to do so, so I don't have any frame of reference to what personality types they're supposed to embody. Maybe that would be for the better because I don't have any expectations?I'm glad you got a great pic with Elsa. I just got the feeling that she really didn't want to be there and that I had inconvenienced her by wanting to get a photo as an adult. Hopefully by the time I go back next year the Frozen mania has died of a little bit and the other princesses get their time back in the sun
SnowWhiteOz
DIS Veteran
- Joined
- Jun 26, 2015
It's definitely money well spent if you can get an ADR right at restaurant opening. Saves you from having to use FPs on certain attractions (like A&E or 7DMT)
From my understanding there has always been CRT and the Winnie the Pooh breakfast but I think BoG has had a significant impact on the numbers as it holds so many people.
I think I must be one of the only people that is not bothered by construction walls. I'm like I'm still in Disneyworld so I don't really care!
"Which I absolutely refuse to share with you."
I reached my 10 photo limit! But here you go....
I had half the cronut and the small bowl of fruit that came with it. I'm not really a breakfast person. I didn't even touch any of the tray of pastries that came with it (yep, that's right, serve a tray of pastries as a side to a pastry!)
I know right?
To each their own - no wait, actually you should have to agree with everything I say
Offer me bonus rides and I have to say yes (unless it's on a small world - no way am I riding that twice in a row.
I think I must have been a gold miner in a previous life because it definitely calls to me more than any other ride.
I think I was saved by the heavier people seated in the back of the log.
Oh, wait... you're talking about BTMRR still arent' you?
Sorry. Thought you were talking about me..
It really is the best.
Now if only I could convince my youngest DD of that.
Will bribery work?
I wear a lot of sunglasses and have hired a couple of burly bodyguards to accompany me at all times.
You may not like me anymore after the next update......
SnowWhiteOz
DIS Veteran
- Joined
- Jun 26, 2015
I agree that Rapunzel was definitely one of the better ones. My favourites in terms of interactions are coming up in the next post which I hope to have up tomorrow.
Karin1984
DIS Veteran
- Joined
- Feb 5, 2012
I'm glad you got a great pic with Elsa. I just got the feeling that she really didn't want to be there and that I had inconvenienced her by wanting to get a photo as an adult. Hopefully by the time I go back next year the Frozen mania has died of a little bit and the other princesses get their time back in the sun
Of Elsa, not with Elsa ;-) I did get the feeling she wasn't too happy with 2 adults visiting. The only thing I can imagine why she doesn't like adults, is that she is a tall girl. All children are short and have to look up to her anyway, I can imagine she feels self conscious when adults have to look up to her.
But what the strange thing was, we were a new group coming in, so as the first family visited Anna, Elsa was standing alone in the middle of the room watching. She stood there beautiful and regal, truly in character, so I made a picture of her without anyone in the back. And as soon as I took the picture she turned her back to me and studied the book of Snow White that's in between the 2 picture spots. I am convinced she turned because I took the picture, either because she didn't want her picture taken or (seriously wondered this) is there some rule she was following? Disney maybe doesn't want guests taking pictures of characters on their own?
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pkondz
Brace yourself for immediate disintegration
- Joined
- Mar 9, 2007
Luckily I trust you (and I've seen your next post
See????
I'll have to keep that in mind... but like you, I'm not really a brekkie person.
Are you sure about CRT for breakfast?
I really don't know, but I thought it was just lunch and dinner for a while.
It just really stood out in that castle photo.
I reached my 10 photo limit! But here you go....
Well, that was easy.
Thanks!
Pastries as a side for a pastry.
That's.... odd.
To say the least.
To each their own - no wait, actually you should have to agree with everything I say
I'm with you on that!Yes and no.
I couldn't afford the bribe required.
I wear a lot of sunglasses and have hired a couple of burly bodyguards to accompany me at all times.
Good plan.
You may not like me anymore after the next update......
Nah. I strongly doubt that.
SnowWhiteOz
DIS Veteran
- Joined
- Jun 26, 2015
After lunch I made my way over to my next FP - Haunted Mansion. It was a great FP to use as it meant you skipped the outdoor queue but it made no difference once you were inside and it was still a bit of a wait from that point forward. After making it through the magical extending room we entered into the buggy loading area into the most crowded line I’d seen all trip. It was clear that they’d obviously been having issues that were causing delays but that they hadn’t figured out to stop letting people in so it was like being trapped with no way out. If I was slightly claustrophobic it would not have been a fun situation.
Eventually I made it to the front of the line and boarded a buggy which is where the fun began. The ride began normally enough but it didn’t take long for the first ride stop to occur. Apparently it was “playful spooks interrupting our tour” – what can you do when that happens? Eventually we started moving again and managed to make it another 100 feet or so before we were “unavoidably detained by playful spirits”. As we began moving I figured that I could forgive them one more time – they are spirits after all. But it happened again. And again. And again. By the 6th time I was internally screaming to just let us off the stupid ride (I’m pretty sure I didn’t vocalise it but you never know). By the time we picked up our hitchhikers we had stopped at least 8 times! So let’s just say the Haunted Mansion and I were no longer friends after this trip.
However, one thing the Haunted Mansion does have which is pretty cool is an awesome gift shop – Memento Moris. I had seen online the awesome moving picture portraits and had to grab one for Halloween. It took quite a while to grab a CMs attention in there (admittedly they were busy) and then it took another 20 minutes or so to have the photo taken and for it to be developed. I made use of the free shipping to your resort and left my memento behind.
It was now the peak of the afternoon and it was hot. As I was making my way back towards Tomorrowland in the hopes of grabbing an FP in that area I saw the meet and greet location for Merida. There were only two or three people in line so I jumped in. Apparently I’d just missed Merida because it was at least 20 minutes before the line started moving again, and for that 20 minutes we were out in the baking hot sun. But the wait was worth it. Merida was one of the best meets all trip – she was absolutely in character and was super chatty. I definitely recommend leaving time to meet here in your in the Magic Kingdom.
After the meet I went up to the kiosks and grabbed my next FP – the next one available that I hadn’t done yet was Enchanted Tales with Belle so I took it and made my way into New Fantasyland. I thought this attraction was ok – I think it’s definitely one aimed at little kids rather than adults – and I’ll probably skip it next time.
After Belle it was about 25 minutes until the Festival of Fantasy Parade. A lovely CM at Cinderella’s Royal Table the night before had recommended that I stand outside the shooting arcade in Frontierland so that’s where I headed. All the spots on the shady side were gone but there was no one on the river side of the path. Yes it was hot, but I bought myself a drink and claimed my spot right against the rope. It turned out to be a great spot to see the parade even if I got a little more tanned than intended (I’ll say tanned even though it was more of a burn). I thought the parade was great – the performers were really involved with the crowd and even the princesses on the float made an effort to interact – I had a few point at my first visit badge on their way past. My favourite float was the Tangled one (hello Flynn Ryder) and I loved the seven dwarfs too.
After the parade I checked my phone and noticed that Jessie and Woody were due to meet soon in the area (behind Splash Mountain). I made my way over and was the second person in the queue. Unfortunately Woody was unwell so he wasn’t able to make it that afternoon but Jessie and I had a great chat and she loved that we shared a name.
As I was finishing up in Frontierland the rain clouds started to appear. I decided to head into Liberty Square to try and avoid the rain. So I joined a few hundred of my friends and entered the Hall of Presidents. I don’t know what to say about it other than perhaps you need to be an American to truly appreciate it.
As I was leaving I saw the location where Tiana was scheduled to meet – it was on my plan for later in the day but I decided I may as well do it now. Tiana was on a break and the CM on the door was starting to close off the line for the next session but thankfully there was room for little old lonely me. It was about half an hour until I made the front of the line but thankfully it was indoors out of the rain and in the air-conditioning. I was lucky enough to meet both Tiana and Naveen here and they were amazing. They truly inhabited their characters (especially Naveen, he had the accent down pat) and we had a hilarious interaction involving a discussion of beignets and freddo frogs (Tiana’s clearly been to Australia as she brought them up!).
After the parade I had stopped off to grab another FP and the next one I wanted to do was for the Jungle Cruise. And after meeting Tiana it was time to use it. I made my over to Adventureland and lined up for my voyage. Jungle Cruise is super nostalgic for me as it is the only ride I remember from my very first ever visit to a Disney park which was to Tokyo Disney back in 1990. Unfortunately our skipper seemed to be going through the motions and on top of that no one seemed to be laughing at any of the bad puns (I chuckled I swear) so it was an underwhelming cruise this time. Oh well there’s always next time. And thankfully at the end of the cruise there is another FP kiosk so I grabbed FP number 7 for the day and began the trek over there.
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