Sorry Gaston, They are MUCH More Interesting Than You! *5/21* The Madame p141

[eandesmom]

And there he is!


















Guess what time it is?



Yep!





Yeah, I cried.





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





Blurry dining table



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







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









These are a little creepy



Continued in next post

[eandesmom]

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







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





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

Okey dokey, we can kill 15 minutes

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



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

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









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



Nope, no line yet



YAY!



Pretty decent stream of folks for a soft opening





Just gorgeous





Heading into the grotto



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











She really isn't attractive is she?





Continued in next post

[eandesmom]

Uh oh



Thank heaven for true love’s kiss.

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



I think she's got an odd expression on this



Beast's castle



More of Eric's as we walked out







Still no popping but signs of life



Lots of life over here



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

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

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

[afwdwfan]

Originally Posted by eandesmom

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

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

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

[MEK]

Originally Posted by eandesmom

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

Yup - that was it!

Originally Posted by Wicket's Mom

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

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

Originally Posted by Wicket's Mom

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

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

Originally Posted by norybell

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

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

Originally Posted by norybell

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

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

Originally Posted by norybell

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

Sent from my iPhone using DISBoards

It's one of my favs as well!

Originally Posted by Poolrat

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

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

Originally Posted by Poolrat

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

That I remembered!

Originally Posted by Poolrat

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

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

Originally Posted by marDgreen88

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

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

Originally Posted by marDgreen88

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

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

Originally Posted by marDgreen88

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

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

Originally Posted by glennbo123

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

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

Originally Posted by glennbo123

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

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

Originally Posted by glennbo123

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

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

[MEK]

Originally Posted by Pinkocto

Congrats to Nick! Let us know what he chooses.

Thanks and I certainly will once the decision is made

Originally Posted by Pinkocto

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

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

Originally Posted by Pinkocto

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

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

Originally Posted by Poolrat

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



Coronado


Yes I see Disney Everywhere.

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

Originally Posted by Poolrat

Disney is the master of the happy ending.

So true!

Originally Posted by petals

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

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

Originally Posted by Mndisneygirl

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

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

Originally Posted by Mndisneygirl

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

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

Originally Posted by Mndisneygirl

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

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

Originally Posted by Captain_Oblivious

That's great! Excellent schools all.

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

Originally Posted by Captain_Oblivious

Not civil? Boo.

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

Originally Posted by Captain_Oblivious

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

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

Originally Posted by Captain_Oblivious

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

Not shabby at all and definitely under 10 minutes.

Originally Posted by Captain_Oblivious

Now we're talking!

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

Originally Posted by Captain_Oblivious

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

She is!

Originally Posted by Captain_Oblivious

Hockey term approved.

Originally Posted by Captain_Oblivious

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

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

Originally Posted by Captain_Oblivious

And beautiful Longwood pictures!

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

Originally Posted by mickeystoontown

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

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

Originally Posted by mickeystoontown

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

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

[FauntleroyFAN07]

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

[Captain_Oblivious]

Originally Posted by eandesmom

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

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

Originally Posted by eandesmom

Yeah, I cried.

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

Originally Posted by eandesmom

These are a little creepy

Got to agree with you there.

Originally Posted by eandesmom

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

If not, I'm sure there will be!

Originally Posted by eandesmom

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

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

[Mndisneygirl]

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

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

[jenseib]

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

[MEK]

Originally Posted by annmarieda

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

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

Originally Posted by annmarieda

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

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

Originally Posted by annmarieda

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

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

Originally Posted by afwdwfan

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

Oh brother!

Originally Posted by afwdwfan

What????

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

Originally Posted by afwdwfan

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

Originally Posted by afwdwfan

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

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

Originally Posted by afwdwfan

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

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

Originally Posted by afwdwfan

Nice!!!

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

Originally Posted by afwdwfan

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

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

Originally Posted by afwdwfan

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

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

Originally Posted by GoofyFan1515

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

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

OK - your totally lost me with that comment!

Originally Posted by englishrose47

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

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

Originally Posted by Captain_Oblivious

CLVII?

You guys are killin' me!

Originally Posted by Captain_Oblivious

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

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

[MEK]

Originally Posted by khertz

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

Thanks!

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

Originally Posted by khertz

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

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

Originally Posted by khertz

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

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

to the Ursula comment!

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

Originally Posted by GoofyFan1515

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

You asking me? Or telling me??

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

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



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

Am I going to have to separate you two?

[eandesmom]

Originally Posted by afwdwfan

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

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

Originally Posted by afwdwfan

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

Me too, plus more will be open!

Originally Posted by Mndisneygirl

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

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

Originally Posted by Mndisneygirl

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

Me too!

Originally Posted by jenseib

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

It is so pretty back there

[eandesmom]

Originally Posted by FauntleroyFAN07

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

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

Originally Posted by Captain_Oblivious

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

It was

Originally Posted by Captain_Oblivious

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

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

Originally Posted by Captain_Oblivious

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

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

[MEK]

Originally Posted by eandesmom

Love that shot!

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

Originally Posted by eandesmom

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

Originally Posted by eandesmom

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

Thanks! I love Longwood.

Originally Posted by MHTeacher

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

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

Originally Posted by MHTeacher

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

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

Originally Posted by MHTeacher

The Longwood Garden pictures were beautiful!

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



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



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

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

Originally Posted by afwdwfan

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

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

Originally Posted by afwdwfan

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

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

Originally Posted by FauntleroyFAN07

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

Couldn't agree more!

Originally Posted by Captain_Oblivious

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


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

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

Originally Posted by Captain_Oblivious

Got to agree with you there.

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

Originally Posted by Captain_Oblivious

If not, I'm sure there will be!

Yeah - that's pretty much a given!

Originally Posted by Captain_Oblivious

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

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