It's All Fun and Games Until Someone Needs An Eyepatch - A Dec TR Complete 8/31

December 8th - Magic Kingdom Day


So, do you remember how Mom woke us up early on the previous morning when she forgot to put her earphones in and started blaring a video on her laptop? Well… this morning she remembered her earbuds and instead woke us up with the loud “clack clack clack” as I swear she was forcibly typing on her laptop. We were all grumpy and tired and complained about the noise. She wanted to know what we expected her to do since she always woke up so much earlier than the rest of us. I made the, to her, extremely offensive suggestion that she go explore the hotel or if she must be on her laptop take it to one of the cozy lounges or lobby. She could then enjoy the atmosphere of the hotel we were paying $$$ for and it would allow the rest of us to sleep. Well, that remark earned me a mark in her black book for the rest of the day. Oddly enough she was not mad at either of the boys even though they voiced their own complaints and backed me up on my suggestion. She will probably be mad at me for posting this story but I think it is important to know that our Disney vacations are not all sunshine and rainbows and this argument did impact the rest of the day.



Since I was awake and knew I wouldn’t be able to get back to sleep I dragged myself into the shower. It was still too dark out to see any of the animals outside so I spent a bit of time fooling around on my phone checking Facebook and playing candy crush and trying to be quiet since Alek and Erich had managed to fall back asleep. Once some light started to appear on the horizon I went outside to see the animals and the boys woke up and started getting ready for the day.



We once again had lots of animals outside our room. I only took two pictures though since I had taken so many the day before.





We ate breakfast in the room and then walked to the very back of the parking lot to get our car so we could drive over to the Magic Kingdom. We were driving as we had plans to do some resort touring and then visit Fort Wilderness after the park.



We got a good parking spot in the Villains section, nice and close to the TTC, no tram ride needed for us as we just walked over.



I had planned for us to take the monorail but it was shutdown and everybody was being herded to the ferry or to busses that were on standby.



I chose the ferry as it is how Walt originally intended us to arrive at the park and it is much more scenic than a bus.



The ferry ride was scenic but I was freezing as I was wearing a sleeveless dress. I probably should have brought a sweater along but I hadn’t been planning on the ferry and I knew that it was going to be warm enough during the day that I wouldn’t end up wearing it and would just be dragging it around all day. Not worth the hassle.



As we pulled away from the dock we got a good view of the Poly. I don’t like the new bungalows there as I think they ruin the look of the hotel as they block off most of the beach.



Ahhh, the Grand Floridian, we almost stayed here on this trip before I flipped us to the Animal Kingdom Lodge.









We arrived at the Magic Kingdom as the morning show was going on. I was a bit sad that we just missed it but it did mean that we were able to head straight into the park without having to wait around for rope drop.






Since this trip was all about experiencing the new we planned to prioritize New Fantasyland so we made our way there first.



Since we hadn’t been at the front of the rope drop pack we ruled out going on Seven Dwarves Mine Train, the wait was already horrendous and we had a fastpass for later in the day. Instead we made our way to Enchanted Tales with Belle.



We got to walk right in with no wait at all. The cast members waving us in were all wearing fleece sweaters and remarked on how I must be freezing in my short sleeves. I wasn’t though, aside from the ferry ride I thought it was rather pleasant out. I laughed and said I was Canadian and then they totally understood. Inside I was laughing and how “wimpy” people become when they move to Florida and forget what cold really feels like.



I loved the theming of Belle’s house, very well done. For those who do not know, at the start of the show guests are chosen to play roles in the retelling of Belle’s story. Erich was hoping to be chosen as a salt and pepper shaker but instead he won the role of a suit of armor.














The show was very cute and we all enjoyed it. There was a photopass photographer there who took pictures throughout the show which I thought was a really nice touch. At the end of the show all the participants got their picture with Belle and then all the other children in the audience also had an opportunity to get a picture with her. Erich was handed one of the old fashioned photopass cards which included all the pictures that were taken throughout the show.















 
Caught up. I have never been in a line for Tarzan but I did see him go through the park once.

My husband loves Flights of Wonder and I will see it for him but I am terrified of birds. Oddly I love taking pictures of them though so as long as they stay away from me I am happy.

I tend to get up early on vacations for some reason also. My traveling partner doesn't. I go to Disney with a friend I met here on the DIS every couple of years. I perfected a way of not waking her up. I pack all my outfits in Ziploc bags. This way I can reach into my suitcase and grab a bag. I get a shower and then grab my mug, camera and notebook and head out to wander the resort we are staying at. I get all of my pictures and jot down my thoughts of the trip and she gets to sleep in for a bit. It also gives her time to get ready. I don't know what she dies but I know it takes her an hour to do it, (it involves bags of stuff that takes up half of the bathroom). I joke that she is high maintenance and I am NO maintenance.

I agree the bungalows sort of take away from the view. I did stay at the Grand Floridian once, my first trip ever staying on property. It was an amazing experience.

I have never seen Belle in her house, I'll need to get there one trip. One of the best character encounters I ever had was with her and my granddaughter. Ella was all dressed up in one of her costumes and was spinning. Well Belle thought that was fun so she started spinning too. When Ella got to Rapunzel she refused to spin, "Princesses do NOT spin!" Ella said that Belle does and just smiled. Brings back great memories.
 


I'm so far behind!


I love love love Festival of the Lion King. It is one of my favourite things at WDW.
Same same same! ::yes::

This cheeky guy decided to walk right in front of our truck and stand there in the road casually eating. "I do what I want".

Bahaha! "You're not the boss of me!"

Just look at that expression!

So very smug!

IMG_1134.jpg
GORGEOUS! I love this shot so much!

Overall I would say that we were pretty lucky with the animal activity on both of our safaris.
You really REALLY did!!

Wait, I think I love this shot more! :lovestruc

Oh, that is TOO funny!

Claws up! Rawr!

OMG, I didn't even notice that! HOW FUNNY! :santa:

We once again had lots of animals outside our room. I only took two pictures though since I had taken so many the day before.



I love these! So very cool!

I chose the ferry as it is how Walt originally intended us to arrive at the park and it is much more scenic than a bus.
I totally would have made the same choice! :thumbsup2

Ahhh, the Grand Floridian, we almost stayed here on this trip before I flipped us to the Animal Kingdom Lodge.
Where DIDN'T you almost stay on this trip, girl? :rotfl:

For those who do not know, at the start of the show guests are chosen to play roles in the retelling of Belle’s story.
In October, I'm thinking about trying real hard to get cast as the Wardrobe. :rotfl2:
 
You certainly made the character rounds at AK! I love the Tarzan story!

I've always avoided Flights of Wonder and It's Tough to Be a Bug because birds and bugs are the most terrifying things on the planet in my eyes. But I'm glad to know I'm not missing much with the bug part at least!

Great shots on the ferry over to MK! We've never done Enchanted Tales but it's on my list for our next trip. Sounds like a great start to your morning!
 
I understand the struggle - DH is always up earlier than the rest of us. He makes do by having 1st breakfast alone, and then his second hobbit breakfast with the rest of us once we are done our beauty sleep.

Yes, it is hard. I have really started to consider booking a suite next time. Trouble is the Disney suites all seem to have one bed in the bedroom and a pullout in the living room. Doesn't really solve our problem.

I'm looking forward to seeing Belle's Enchanted Tales on my trip, but am hoping not to be picked - shy and awkward apparently doesn't all disappear as you get older, lol!

Yeah, I am shy and awkward as well. I think I would die if I got picked.

I tend to get up early on vacations for some reason also. My traveling partner doesn't.

I also tend to wake up earlier than my normal on vacation but not 5am early like my mom... :scared:

I perfected a way of not waking her up. I pack all my outfits in Ziploc bags. This way I can reach into my suitcase and grab a bag. I get a shower and then grab my mug, camera and notebook and head out to wander the resort we are staying at. I get all of my pictures and jot down my thoughts of the trip and she gets to sleep in for a bit.

That sounds perfect and pretty close to the "offensive" suggestion I directed to my mom. :laughing:

Where DIDN'T you almost stay on this trip, girl? :rotfl:

Touche!

In October, I'm thinking about trying real hard to get cast as the Wardrobe. :rotfl2:

:laughing:

You certainly made the character rounds at AK!

Yep, I wanted to get all the characters in their holiday outfits and it is hard to say no when there are such small lines.
 


Leaving Belle’s house we wandered over towards Gaston’s Tavern and caught a view of Be Our Guest on the way. The park felt deserted, there was hardly anybody else around. We were really hoping it stayed that way!











We checked out the gift shop in Belle’s village and then wandered into the tavern.









I really wanted a cinnamon roll but we had a really early lunch ADR at Be Our Guest so I had to pass on the yummy roll. I did decide to try Lefou’s Brew.





It was okay, don’t think I would buy it again, not worth the calories for me.



We checked the Times Guide to see when Gaston would come out but it wasn’t for almost another hour. Since we had lots of time we continued on with our New Fantasyland exploration.



We ended up at Voyage of the Little Mermaid. I loved the queue and I thought the ride was cute. It is just a dark ride though so I would never stand in a long line for it but I would do it again if the wait was short enough.











I took a picture of Mom and Erich in their seashell, Mom wasn’t looking at me though…













We did a quick hop over to meet Ariel after the ride as she only had a 10 minute wait. This new grotto meet spot didn’t seem much different than her old one. I don’t remember what we talked about with her but I do remember being really awkward!







 
Cute Ariel meet but I totally understand how it can feel awkward, I never know what to say to them :rotfl2:
 
She could then enjoy the atmosphere of the hotel we were paying $$$ for and it would allow the rest of us to sleep. Well, that remark earned me a mark in her black book for the rest of the day.
How dare you slur that lovely ladies good name like that.................. :rolleyes1

Once some light started to appear on the horizon I went outside to see the animals and the boys woke up and started getting ready for the day.
Was wondering why out on the balcony wasn't one of your suggestions for your Mom's early morning laptop key tapping............. :confused:

Erich was hoping to be chosen as a salt and pepper shaker but instead he won the role of a suit of armor.
Now who ever thought we would see Erich in a "suit?" :rotfl:

Not too difficult to find New FantasyLand fairly empty early in the morning............too many other priorities for the masses. Always enjoy Voyage of the Little Mermaid............. and getting to meet Ariel........I'm a BIG fan! :love:
 
OMG me too...every time. Even in NYC where there are a million amazing restaurants I always insist on going there lol.

Like minds! Love the chicken gnocchi soup. I even make my own version of it at home.

This is me with ALL face characters. :rotfl:

:laughing:

It looks like gorgeous weather too! Where was everybody? Then again, you're right - who's complaining?

They were probably all in line for Anna and Elsa and Seven Dwarves Mine Train.

I amuse myself by singing along during the entire ride. I try to limit the dancing in my shell during Under The Sea, if only to not frighten the people who might be able to see me...

:laughing: Sounds like fun!

Lol, I shamelessly used my children to avoid the awkwardness, shoving them up to meet her while holding up the camera, peeking around it, and yelling to them "Tell Ariel I love her!" Now, reading this sentence, I'm pretty sure that it appeared just as awkward to everyone else!

Aww, I am sure it isn't that bad.

How dare you slur that lovely ladies good name like that.................. :rolleyes1

I know, such a bad daughter!

Was wondering why out on the balcony wasn't one of your suggestions for your Mom's early morning laptop key tapping............. :confused:

I do believe it was suggested but she said it was too cold and dark outside that early in the morning.

Not too difficult to find New FantasyLand fairly empty early in the morning.

You are probably right, the masses were in line for Anna and Elsa, and the mountains/mine train.
 
I've never tried LeFou's Brew. I've heard it tastes like apple juice?

I'm glad you enjoyed Under the Sea. The Little Mermaid is my favorite movie so I always love everything about that attraction. And I'm with you on the awkward meets - I have such a hard time with the face characters!
 
So late, but following along now!


I have two younger brothers
Me too! Being the big sister is so great...I like being "the boss" :laughing:


That line moved much faster but we were still in line at 5:45 when our plane started boarding.
:eek:

It was close to the departure time of 6:15 at this point.

Oh my goodness, this ENTIRE situation would have caused me to break out in hives from the sheer anxiety! :scared:


No more "redneck" ride photos for us!
This is one of the best new features I'm looking forward to during our November trip. To not have to choose between purchasing ride photos or missing out on those memories...yay!


I love love love Festival of the Lion King.
One of my favorite shows! It's beautiful. Which is funny because I can't stand the Lion King movie :duck:Go figure :confused3

:scared1: That Tarzan has 100% better legs than me :laughing::sad:
 
I've never tried LeFou's Brew. I've heard it tastes like apple juice?

Yep, that is what it tastes like for the most part.

The Little Mermaid is my favorite movie

One of my favs too. It is the first movie I have memory of seeing in the theatre.

So late, but following along now!

Not late at all, I'm only on our second park day. ;):thumbsup2

:scared1: That Tarzan has 100% better legs than me :laughing::sad:

Tell me about it! :laughing:
 
It was now time to head back and see Gaston. Our timing was just right as the line was cut after us. The line attendant actually had to enforce it quite a few times and people looked very confused as they saw us in line and couldn’t seem to figure out why they couldn’t be also.



We got a good laugh out of the family in front of us. A little girl in the family had a stuffed toy Beast. When Gaston saw it he said “that Beast is not allowed near me”. The little girl who looked about 5 hugged her Beast protectively and ran away to a nearby corner where she then crouched down and glowered at Gaston. It was hilarious. Her family, Gaston and the character attendant all tried to calm her down and get her to come back over but anytime Gaston made a move towards her she would hiss like an angry cat! The family gave up and arranged themselves for their own picture with Gaston. The little girl got up at that point and inched her way towards them. Gaston saw this and then tried to sweet talk her by telling her she could keep her Beast with her and he would even hold its hand in the picture. As soon as he started talking though she stomped her feet, hissed and ran back to her corner. This went on for a few minutes. Eventually she forgave Gaston enough to get his autograph but ran away at any suggestion of standing next to him for a photo. Needless to say we were all dying of laughter and if it wouldn’t have been creepy I would have filmed the whole encounter.



It was our turn next. Alek and Erich had their usual witty encounter with Gaston.





Gaston discussed how I must have planned to match him when I chose my outfit. I told him that of course that was the plan. He said he completely understood wanting to impress him.





Mom did this…





We now had about 45 minutes before our lunch ADR so we went and checked out the circus tent gift shop by Dumbo. I saw a few things I wanted but held off on them. Alas, the one thing that I really wanted was nowhere to be found, still no green Minnie holiday ears.



We rode Barnstormer next. I’m sure it looked very odd, a group of four adults, climbing onto barnstormer.



We then decided to ride Dumbo. The last time any of us rode Dumbo was at Disneyland way back in 1989.





I rode with Alek and Mom and Erich rode together.



As the ride started all the Dumbos went up into the highest position except for the one Alek and I were in. We joked that we must be too fat for the Dumbo to get lifted up. Talk about a self-conscious moment! Eventually as the ride was almost over our Dumbo went up high. So not sure what the problem was. Again I felt a little silly on Dumbo but figured we had just as much right to ride this classic as any family with children does.



We were a few minutes past our ADR time at this point so I was anxious to get there after we unloaded. I didn’t know how much of a window you had now that everything was linked to your Magic Band.


Luckily being a few minutes late did not matter and we were able to check in at Be Our Guest. We had opted to not pre-order our meals for two reasons. The first is that we weren't really sure what we would feel like that day and the second was that Erich told us we would miss out on the talking suits of armour in the line to order.



While in line there was a very angry lady. She kept complaining about having to wait in the line and how long it was taking to order (I think we waited 10 minutes). We encountered this lady again in the dining room...

Ordering was really easy. I tapped my Magic Band and then we all selected what we wanted off the touchscreen. We then proceeded into the dining room. The trick with this restaurant is that you are tracked by your Magic Band or by a "magic rose" if you don't have a band. That means that the band or rose has to be at your table in order for your food to be delivered. So no exploring until after eating.

We grabbed a table in the main dining room, the ballroom. It was so pretty but very crowded.



It was a Christmas miracle, I actually took food porn pictures!

Mom and I both ordered the Croque Monsieur



I also ordered the Master's Cupcake as I just had to try "The Grey Stuff".



Alek and Erich ordered the Braised Pork and also got the Master's Cupcake.



Mom got the Lemon Meringue cupcake



When we went up to the drink station I encountered "angry lady" again. This time she was ranting about one of the soda dispensing machines being down. There was a CM there working on it and was probably feeling pretty harassed hearing this lady complain non-stop. I didn't think it was a big deal... There was another soda machine a few feet away... She then turned to me and made a snide comment about the slowness of the service. It was very uncomfortable.

I retreated back to the table as fast as I could to get away from the scary angry lady.

We all enjoyed our meals and it was nice to have something other than the usual quick service offerings.

I will say though that we all hated the wrapper around the cupcakes. So annoying to take off, made eating them a little difficult.

I loved the food carts that the CM's pushed around to deliver the food to the tables. Fit right in with the theming.

After devouring our delicious meals we took a tour around the castle. I loved each of the rooms and thought the whole restaurant was very well done.






















 
The sky in your pictures is so blue, it looks lovely.

We too enjoyed BOG for lunch, although we did pre-order as it said you could change your mind up to about 10 or 20 minutes before the ADR ( not that we did).

The rides such as Dumbo re classics and I bet you're glad you did them even if you felt a bit self conscious. Not that you should, I always go on them as I'm not a big roller coaster person! You all look like you're having a great time.
 

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