We left CIS a little behind schedule after realizing we needed to pick up a few things left behind. We hit Walgreens, then Wal-Mart and then were on our way. The ride back towards Orlando dragged on and on, but a few minutes after 4 PM we arrived at the Holy Grail:
The parking gates were adorned by these massive pumpkin balloons. Two of Sarahs favorites
balloons and pumpkins (ah, to be two again
life is so simple).
We drove into the lot and were surprised at how empty it was, looks like it had been a very un-crowded day at the Magic Kingdom. We were led straight in to the closest parking lot, Minnie! I was delighted at this good omen- we had not arrived as early as I had liked and right off the bat saving some time by not having to tram up was wonderful.
We scooted across the street and to the TTC, where under immense pressure from the kids, we chose the monorail over the ferry boat. Crowds heading in were light, albeit festive. What fun to observe all of the creative costumes on guests of all ages! We were able to walk right up the ramp and right on a ready-to-depart Monorail Orange. Another good omen! Of course the amazing ease of getting to the MK that we had experienced to this point would end right there. Our monorail was stopped for traffic ahead outside the Contemporary, and we stayed there at least 10-15 minutes. We stopped several more times once we were moving again, and once more for a long spell right outside the MK entrance (another 10 minute pause). The only good thing about the delay was that we got to see a character
.a rare one at that!
Bambi!!!
In any event it was after 4:30 when we finally disembarked the monorail- ugh!- what a frustration to lose ½ hour of valuable park time. There were no lines into the park, we walked right up to the MNSSP entrance line, our e-tickets were scanned and we were given our bracelets. As we proceeded into the park we were given the party map with the special character listings and also the Trick-or-Treat (ToT) stops.
I was supposed to meet fellow cruiser Vikki on Main Street at 4, however due to our setback she was no longer there. We lingered in Town Square for a while anyway enjoying the festive decorations. The foliage and fall accents were beautiful!
After a quick photopass pic at the castle, we headed in the direction of Adventureland. First stop: Dole Whips!
After our tropical snack break we took a spin on the Jungle Cruise, sailed with the Pirates of the Caribbean, took a ride through Thunder Mountain, and plunged down Splash Mountain, riding the latter two rides twice so both Ron and I could go with the kids.
Yes, I know I look like a dork in my poncho. I am the water cannon magnet on Splash Mountain. If you ride with me, you WILL get soaked, guaranteed. This time was no exception, I still ended up with a wet butt.
Lines were virtually non-existant. Waits of 5-10 minutes max, and most were walk-ons. This was still during regular park operating hours. It was terrific with crowds so low.
Dusk over the Rivers of America (is it called that at WDW or just DL?)
The obligatory stockade pics. I love seeing how my kids have grown through the years looking at these photos.
Upon entering Fantasyland, we saw Cinderellas Coach poised near the old Skyway Station. The line was fairly short, about 15 families deep, but we were OK with just this shot:
By now it was almost 7 PM and the park was eerily empty, save for the handful of
MNSSHP partygoers here and there:
We hopped on Small World and when we emerged the first ToT station was open:
The MK at night is so lovely, especially with the festive lighting. Too bad my camera doesnt do it justice.
We did some more Trick or Treating and then a flight on Dumbo.
We soon found why the park was so empty. Everyone (and I mean EVERYONE) was in the massive 7 Dwarves line. It would have been a cute photo, but man that line was hours long, so we skipped it. I decided this would be good enough for us. (I could always photoshop us in, ya know!)
Meanwhile I was playing phone tag with Vikki through several attractions, as we kept missing eacother. We skipped Pan since the line was an unacceptable 20 mins (gah!) and chose instead to ride Snow White. It ended up being a good call, as the Hag was out with virtually no line!
Dont listen to her, she is not directing you to the candy!
We did some more Trick-or-Treating, then it was already time to snag a spot for the parade. It was going so fast!!!
Next up: Boo to YOU!