Tiny TR: Drizzle, "Mickey pumpkins," my brave little ones, and lots of characters

[PHXscuba]

We are back from California and three damp days at Disney (last Mon through Wed). All those cute Disney T-shirts -- with sweatshirts over them!

We stayed at the DLH. The first chunk of the reno is moving along and didn't seem too disruptive. The new windows look gorgeous. We fed the koi and wandered through the waterfalls. My kids loved walking through Mickey's giant hat every morning and night.

Saw loads of characters -- many at Goofy's Kitchen (even Minnie!), DS4's favorite Stitch, Jack and Sally on the run, Snow White with a cute little backdrop outside the Animation Building in DCA, the Fab 5 in Halloween costumes, etc. Had a family picture taken with Tigger (DH's fave) that turned out great!

I have ridden the Matterhorn many, many times in my life (starting at age 3), but I have never ridden it in the rain until now! It misted/drizzled on and off most of Tuesday and Wednesday. No GRR (brr!), and Tom Sawyer Island was closed at least on Wednesday when we got back over there. But the weather kept the crowds way down.

We had never been there in October and loved all the Halloween stuff -- NBC at the HM, pumpkin muffins, DS finding "Mickey pumpkins" everywhere. I adored the Halloween Screams fireworks. Space Mountain Ghost Galaxy was really cool -- I liked it even better the second time around. I hadn't seen Fantasmic in about 15 years and the rest of the family never had, and we all enjoyed everything about it but the wait!

Our last visit 2.5 years ago my now-7-year-old was character-phobic -- the only one she let near her was Minnie. This trip she and DS4 couldn't get enough of the characters. DS4 rode EVERYTHING (even SM:GG) he was tall enough for. Some of it was very grudgingly and he hollered during the ride, but after it he just told us what scared him and let us talk him onto something else. Props to DH for helping him conquer his fears.

All in all it was great, in no small part because of Y'ALL!!! I have learned so many little tricks here on DIS that enhanced our vacation. In that spirit I am available to answer any questions for anyone else.

Now when do I get to go back???

PHXscuba

[deejdigsdis]

I think I would love being there on a rainy/drizzly day. It sounds cozy.

So, as far as helpful hints, is there anything in particular that comes to your mind in a "I'm so glad I knew/found out _____ before this trip!!!" kind of way, now that you look back? I just can't think of anything specific to ask at the moment.

[PHXscuba]

I think I'd just reiterate what everyone here says:

1. Get there at opening, use your magic morning, etc.

2. Use FP -- collect all morning, ride all night! Knowing that you can save them for any time later makes all the difference in the system.


** I should probably also add to the TR that my older kids, DS13 and DD10, were with us and rode everything. Their favorites were Screamin' (first time for both) and anything involving a "mountain." I was pleasantly surprised how few meltdowns there were. And how few meltdowns the kids had, too.

PHXscuba

[Disney Dreams]

Glad you had a great time. Sounds like a fun trip overall. YAY!

We LOVE the pumpkin muffins... wait all year for them to return.

- Dreams

[lattemomof3]

Originally Posted by PHXscuba

I was pleasantly surprised how few meltdowns there were. And how few meltdowns the kids had, too.

PHXscuba

I'm hoping for much of the same! Thanks for the TR!

[Dizneydaz]

Glad you had a great time! I love DLR in the fall. Also enjoy it in the rain as it keeps many away.

We are actually leaving shortly to go there for a visit today. Time to get my AP (exp. a month ago while at WDW) and check out the fall decor. Can't wait to ride SM:GG! It'll be our first (and probably 2nd !) stop!