“IF THIS IS A DREAM, I DON’T WANT TO WAKE UP!” – POP! Goes The Solo Trip **THE END**

[DisneyKid4Life]

Oh my, I've fallen behind on your TR! Silly real life getting in the way... I've got to catch up now!

I also really love Philharmagic. I love how it combines so many of my favorite classic Disney songs, and adds a little bit of humor too! And lol at the Swiss Family Treehouse "wait"... I'm pretty sure one of my friends has tampered with that sign before in the same way!

Woohoo, a December trip! That's when I'll be visiting again as well! Though our trips will only overlap by one day, so unfortunately I think meeting up will be hard. I'm arriving on December 11th. It will be my first time in Disney at Christmas! And that is incredible about the Illuminations cruise! You will have a fantastic time and I can't wait to see pictures from that

Awww, the characters are so cute in the rain with their umbrellas! I love that they still came out to do meet and greets despite the weather.

Oh, and I just added you on facebook

Haha, real life sucks!

Oh God isn't Philharmagic the best? That's exactly it. Classic stuff but with a new twist. I swear that wait time just stunned me. Haha, I never realized that it was that easy to tamper with.

Ahh, I'm quite excited to see it again at Christmas. I saw your dates and they were so close too. But you never know. We may be roaming around the same area on the 11th depending on how late you arrive and what not.
You're gonna love the Christmas decorations though Becky. Disney at Christmas is truly magical. And YES the Illuminations Cruise. I can't wait!!

I honestly thought that was one of the most adorable things I had ever seen. I expected maybe they would be led by a handler with an umbrella, but the fact that they had their own was so precious.

And I totally accepted!! AND I got a sneak peak at the AoA photoshoot (which looks AMAZING)!

 

[DisneyKid4Life]

"I’M GONNA RIDE THAT PUPPY... AND I’M GONNA GET WEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEET!"
Day 5 – May 1, 2013 Part 8



After my wonderful meets with some familiar circus performers,

It was getting close to Wishes time again, so I headed towards Main Street.

Incidentally, I really think that all WDW watches should have a “Wishes Time” on them.

It can be called “Wishes O’Clock”.

Hire me Disney!! Or at the very least, give me a CM nametag. That's all I really want!

On second thought, I think ALL watches, Disney or otherwise, should feature this time.

The world would be a much better place for it.

“What time is your appointment?” “It’s scheduled for 10 hours to Wishes O’Clock!”

“I have to get up really early tomorrow, so I’m getting to bed at half past Wishes O’Clock.”

I totally think this would catch on.

On my way to Main Street, I stopped to get a photo with the beautifully lit castle,

And then found a spot on the street to wait for the show.

It was beyond amazing to stand in that spot where a scant 24 hours earlier I had my heart torn open and spilled all over Main Street USA.

Celebrate the Magic was up first at a quarter to Wishes O’Clock.

It’s just so appropriate to feature Cindy herself on her castle.

It was all started by a mouse folks…

Finally it was time for the Main Event as the clock struck Wishes O’Clock.

I just didn’t even feel the need to take much in the way of photos, so I came away with exactly one.

I’ve always loved Wishes, and there is simply no way that it will ever be surpassed for me now.

I realized during this showing that the moment I experienced the night prior will always be with me every time I watch.

Shows will come and shows will go, but nothing will ever replace Wishes for me.

I will forever feel that emotion I felt just one night prior, and I am truly grateful for that.

After the shows, the park was still open for another 45 minutes or so.

So, rather than try to exit the park along with everyone else and stand waiting for a Monorail,

I ventured back deep into the park to do something I had not yet done… ever.

Ride Big Thunder… at Night.

I know it’s crazy, but it just has never happened.

So I weaved in and out of the oncoming traffic and made my way over to Frontierland to ride that crazy train.

There was absolutely no line at all, so I quickly made my way through the queue.

When I arrived at the final ramp right before you arrive at the train,

I was greeted by a super friendly CM stationed to direct traffic who commented on how much she loved my shirt.

This led to a conversation that lasted over half an hour.

We talked about Disney and her DCP;
I learned a bit more about the CM cheat sheet I had just been made aware of earlier that day,
And so much more that I can even remember.

People came and went by and rode as we continued to chat away.

In fact, we had talked for so long that it actually arrived at the very final run of the night, so I finally continued on to board the train,

But not before grabbing a photo with my new Disney friend.

Selfies are definitely not my forte, but it still needed to be done, despite the fact that I look hideous.

I simply felt the need to document this for no other reason than for all my awesome readers.

OK, I’ll get this out of the way right now…

I’ve gotten to the point where Big Thunder tends to bore me.

It’s a classic and I enjoy it, but the “thrill” aspect is definitely gone.

But… Big Thunder is an entirely different experience at night and I cannot recommend it more.

I won’t say that it’s scarier or any more intense, far from it, but the fun factor increases substantially.

Excuse the pun, but it truly is a night and day difference in every possible sense.

I didn't even take any pictures because I was just enjoying it too much and had a huge smile the entire time.

When I arrived back at the station, I was so pleased to see my new friend there waving and welcoming me back.

It was very cool.

I posted on Facebook:
"Big thunder is soooooo much better at night especially when it’s the last run of the day. I closed it down I did."

By the time I exited, it was over an hour past Wishes O’Clock, the park was closed, but I took my time walking towards the exit,

Taking in what would probably be my last time in Magic Kingdom this trip.

I slowly made my way down Main Street where I asked a CM (who appeared to be more of a manager) about the Kiss Goodnight.

This was another little something on the bucket list.

Her reply… “Should I know what that is?”

I explained that it was music queues and lighting on the castle and announcements thanking everyone for being there that day, yada yada.

She had no idea what I was talking about…

… or at the very least was very good at pretending she had no idea what I was talking about.

I know it exists because I’ve seen video.

As I was explaining it though, something else caught my eye that I had never seen before,

So I immediately rushed over to Town Square Theater.

Out in front, all the princesses were waving good night to everyone, each with her own distinct wave.

This is probably something that happens regularly, but I had never seen it, and probably won't again with the opening of Princess Fairytale Hall.

I thought it a wonderful, and most importantly, magical way to exit Magic Kingdom for the final time.

With that, I made my way out of the Kingdom and eventually back to POP to rest up for my last full Disney day.

I had a big adventure planned, as I would attempt to accomplish something for the second time...

... Something I pretend to have invented.

UP NEXT… SPHERES, FLOWERS, AND GARDENS… AND A CM IN EVERY PORT!​

 

[natebenma]

Woo-hoo! I actually read an update without having to catch up!



Wishes O'clock is a great idea! The only flaw is that the time changes many nights... I would hate to be late for an ADR. Or maybe it would give me an excuse... "I thought my reservation was at 3 hours to Wishes O'Clock"

Was it Jimmy Buffet who said "It's Wishes O'clock Somewhere"

Your pictures of the castle show were awesome! I loved your location and the pictures were so clear!!! Tripod or freehand?

I love that you had yet another magical interaction! I bet it was really special for her, too.

I have not heard of the Princess wave thing either. Great find!

 

[courtneybelle]

Wishes O'Clock, the best time of the day!

I read somewhere that Walt Disney's favorite bit of animation was Cinderella's torn dress being turned into the iconic blue dress. I definitely think it's fitting to feature her on her castle in Celebrate the Magic.

Sometimes you just have to watch Wishes and not worry about getting pictures, so I won't argue with you there. You just have to stand there and absorb the magic.

I LOVE Big Thunder at night!

That's so awesome you had such a great conversation with a CM! Friends in high places, that's the way to go.

OH MY GOSH the princesses waving goodnight. That is so beyond magical I can't even handle it. The Kiss Goodnight is on my bucket list too! Maybe in July...

 

[Sundancer UK]

Wishes o'clock SHOULD be on every clock and watch, that is a genius idea!!

Can you imagine? Every day at some point you get to look at your watch, no matter where in the world you are, and sigh wistfully, with a special smile on your face...

And yep, I'd give a bit for one of those name tags too!

I love the idea of riding attractions at night, I've only done it once and that was on Astro Orbiter - wow was I *scared*! I'm not the biggest of thrill seekers but I was really clutching on to the sides in that one! Didn't help that I was riding with my smallest son who wasn't yet two!

Shame that you didn't get to see the kiss goodnight, I've put that on my disney list too. Fab to see the princesses out though! I skimmed through he photos before reading (works out quicker on my phone) and was thinking to myself how very different they all are in personality. It's lovely to see because it would be so easy for many people to assume that all the princesses are pretty much the same, but that's so far from the truth!

Still reading along, not always replying but always loving to read and live vicariously!

 

[khaleesi]

Awww! I love the princesses waving goodbye!!

 

[Tiggerrn2]

Great update!!
The Kiss Goodnight does happen!!! I stayed in the park LONG after closing waiting to get a photo of empty Mainstreet and the castle. Lights twinkle over the castle and the announcement is made. In fact, I waited so long, it happened twice.

 

[TheMaxRebo]

Glad you had such a great experience at Big Thunder and that is a great last picture of Wishes

And I too like Wishes O'Clock, but part of me thinks it sounds like Lucky Charms cousin who is a bartender at Raglan Road

 

[Queenofallthings]

BTMR at night....nothing better!!! The one and only time Shan and I did it was during MNSSHP while Hallo - wishes was on....OMG....it still brings chills to me! Such great memories!

The princesses waving goodnight...it DOES NOT get more magical than that....actually made me a little weepy! The way you describe things....feels like we're right there

 

[teekathepony]

I LOVE the projection shows. They're so cool!
But of course nothing beats wishes. I love the idea of having Wishes o'clock. Disney should definitely make that a thing.
I love, love, love BTMRR at night, it really is a different experience! How awesome that you made friends with the cm there
I've never heard the kiss goodnight in person but I have seen videos too. It exists!
Love the princesses waving goodbye to everyone! How sweet is that!?

Sent from my iPad using DISBoards

 

[Tracy161]

Excuse the pun, but it truly is a night and day difference in every possible sense.

HAHAHAHAHAHAHHAH I completely agree though, it really is a different experience at night! I LOVE BTMRR at night!!!

 

[JessM]

I love the Celebrate the Magic pictures, they are wonderful! That show is such a great addition to the MK nighttime entertainment, I just love it!

I can't believe you've never been on BTMRR at night?! Its so much better at night!

I love the pictures of the Princesses saying goodnight, how cute! They look like they are having a blast, which is what its all about

 

[lauren_elizabeth]

WISHES! Everything about it is just amazing, wonderful, fantastic, etc. IT'S PERFECT!

Yeahhhh for doing BTMR at night! It's definitely a cool experience I think it's really neat that you and the CM spent so long talking, too!

OMG! The Princesses waving good-bye?! Mallory would loooooooooove that more than anything! I've never heard of that/seen that before. SO AWESOME!!

 

[DisneyKid4Life]

Woo-hoo! I actually read an update without having to catch up!



Wishes O'clock is a great idea! The only flaw is that the time changes many nights... I would hate to be late for an ADR. Or maybe it would give me an excuse... "I thought my reservation was at 3 hours to Wishes O'Clock"

Was it Jimmy Buffet who said "It's Wishes O'clock Somewhere"

Your pictures of the castle show were awesome! I loved your location and the pictures were so clear!!! Tripod or freehand?

I love that you had yet another magical interaction! I bet it was really special for her, too.

I have not heard of the Princess wave thing either. Great find!

HAHA, YAY!!!!

It is a new goal of mine to make this a real thing!! I actually thought about this potential issue, and I figure it would be handled the same way as Daylight Savings Time where the time changes twice each year. The other issue is during the party seasons, there is often no regular Wishes at all. So everything would have to be adjusted to whenever the next Wishes occurs. So potentially you could have something at 27 hours to Wishes O'Clock, lol. It's a lot of work, but I think sooooooo worth it.

Haha, maybe!!

Aww thank you Dee! Totally free hand. I would love to shoot with a tripod sometime though.

I hope so. I so love talking with CM's and often wonder how often people really stop to talk to them. There is so much to be gained I think.

I really have no idea if this happens ever, but I definitely had never seen it, nor have I ever heard about it. It was really cool to see.

Wishes O'Clock, the best time of the day!

I read somewhere that Walt Disney's favorite bit of animation was Cinderella's torn dress being turned into the iconic blue dress. I definitely think it's fitting to feature her on her castle in Celebrate the Magic.

Sometimes you just have to watch Wishes and not worry about getting pictures, so I won't argue with you there. You just have to stand there and absorb the magic.

I LOVE Big Thunder at night!

That's so awesome you had such a great conversation with a CM! Friends in high places, that's the way to go.

OH MY GOSH the princesses waving goodnight. That is so beyond magical I can't even handle it. The Kiss Goodnight is on my bucket list too! Maybe in July...

ABSOLUTELY Courtney!!! The BEST!!!

Oh without a doubt. It's a beautiful sequence for sure.

Yeah, totally agree. So often I get consumed with picture taking, so it was so nice to just absorb it all without that extra worry.

AHHH ME TOOOOOOO!!!!! It is SO MUCH FUN!!!

I so love those interactions. These are the moments I really take with me. I highly recommend taking the time on occasion to talk with the nearest CM. I have much more of that on the next day.

I was so surprised to see this and it really was magical. And the Kiss Goodnight is still on my bucket list, but that's not necessarily a bad thing. The princess sendoff was pretty special too.

Oh and I had to tell you, The Disney Blog made a mention of the new "I Conquered Small World" shirt. And the funny thing is, everyone seemed to agree that the word "Conquered" was a mistake and that "Survived" would be better. So funny that I thought the exact same thing. So I guess my shirt is still unique (and better) which makes me happy.

Wishes o'clock SHOULD be on every clock and watch, that is a genius idea!!

Can you imagine? Every day at some point you get to look at your watch, no matter where in the world you are, and sigh wistfully, with a special smile on your face...

And yep, I'd give a bit for one of those name tags too!

I love the idea of riding attractions at night, I've only done it once and that was on Astro Orbiter - wow was I *scared*! I'm not the biggest of thrill seekers but I was really clutching on to the sides in that one! Didn't help that I was riding with my smallest son who wasn't yet two!

Shame that you didn't get to see the kiss goodnight, I've put that on my disney list too. Fab to see the princesses out though! I skimmed through he photos before reading (works out quicker on my phone) and was thinking to myself how very different they all are in personality. It's lovely to see because it would be so easy for many people to assume that all the princesses are pretty much the same, but that's so far from the truth!

Still reading along, not always replying but always loving to read and live vicariously!

Ahh thank you Elaine!!! I'm so glad everyone is getting on board. This must become a real thing!!!

Honestly I can't think of anything better.

Haha, YES, I want one of those things SO BAD!!! Seriously, just let me pick up garbage for an hour JUST so I can get a nametag.

I haven't been on Asto Orbiter since I was a little kid and it TERRIFIED me! I remember lifting it up, screaming, then quickly lowering it back down where it remained for the duration.

I was pretty bummed, but it may have still happened, though it's possible they don't do it every night I guess. I will see it one day!! But the Princess finale was pretty great too. And you are so right, every princess is SO different and unique and it really shows when they're side by side like that. It was so fun watching the regal waves of Cindy and Aurora and then Rapunzel in the middle could not be more different.

And i am so grateful for that

 

[DisneyKid4Life]

Awww! I love the princesses waving goodbye!!

OMG it was so amazing!! It totally made up for the lack of Kiss Goodnight. It may have been even better.

Great update!!
The Kiss Goodnight does happen!!! I stayed in the park LONG after closing waiting to get a photo of empty Mainstreet and the castle. Lights twinkle over the castle and the announcement is made. In fact, I waited so long, it happened twice.

Thanks so much!!
See, I KNEW it does and I'm really glad to hear that confirmed. It's probably a situation where you really have to hang around long after closing. It sounds so cool though that I WILL see it, I don't care HOW long I have to wait.

Glad you had such a great experience at Big Thunder and that is a great last picture of Wishes

And I too like Wishes O'Clock, but part of me thinks it sounds like Lucky Charms cousin who is a bartender at Raglan Road

Thanks Phil, it really was great.

Haha, yeah I can see that. But I am going to make Wishes O'Clock a thing!

BTMR at night....nothing better!!! The one and only time Shan and I did it was during MNSSHP while Hallo - wishes was on....OMG....it still brings chills to me! Such great memories!

The princesses waving goodnight...it DOES NOT get more magical than that....actually made me a little weepy! The way you describe things....feels like we're right there

Ah Jacquie, how did I not do this before? It is SO MUCH BETTER. I imagine you can see Hallowishes from it too. That would have been amazing!!!

I so totally agree, it was Magical in every sense of the word. I stood there for a long time too. It was so perfect. And thank you for your sweet words.

 

[DisneyKid4Life]

I LOVE the projection shows. They're so cool!
But of course nothing beats wishes. I love the idea of having Wishes o'clock. Disney should definitely make that a thing.
I love, love, love BTMRR at night, it really is a different experience! How awesome that you made friends with the cm there
I've never heard the kiss goodnight in person but I have seen videos too. It exists!
Love the princesses waving goodbye to everyone! How sweet is that!?

Sent from my iPad using DISBoards

They really are Wendy, they really are.

Nope, absolutely NOTHING beats Wishes. EVER. And as God as my witness, I will make Wishes O'Clock a thing!!

I still can't believe I hadn't done this before, but you better believe I will now. That CM was so nice too. I really loved hearing about her experience.

See, I totally know it exists. I will see it one day for sure.

But the Princess wave finale of the evening may have been even better. It was such a magical thing to see and clearly not all that common. So I certainly have no complaints at all.

HAHAHAHAHAHAHHAH I completely agree though, it really is a different experience at night! I LOVE BTMRR at night!!!

OMG so different. It's so pretty at night and everything about it is just more fun I think. It's a definite must do each trip from now on.

I love the Celebrate the Magic pictures, they are wonderful! That show is such a great addition to the MK nighttime entertainment, I just love it!

I can't believe you've never been on BTMRR at night?! Its so much better at night!

I love the pictures of the Princesses saying goodnight, how cute! They look like they are having a blast, which is what its all about

Thanks Jess. I think it's so great that Disney added this. Such a great warm up for Wishes. PLUS they usually do it twice!!

I know right!?? CRAZY!! And it IS so much better at night. This will not be something I miss anymore.

I really loved it too and was really surprised to see it. And you are absolutely right; they really were having a blast. It was truly magical!!

WISHES! Everything about it is just amazing, wonderful, fantastic, etc. IT'S PERFECT!

Yeahhhh for doing BTMR at night! It's definitely a cool experience I think it's really neat that you and the CM spent so long talking, too!

OMG! The Princesses waving good-bye?! Mallory would loooooooooove that more than anything! I've never heard of that/seen that before. SO AWESOME!!

YES IT SO ABSOLUTELY IS!!!!!!!! I'm so glad that others agree on the perfection that is Wishes.

It was so cool to chat with a CM for that long. It just goes to show that you're never really alone at Disney. And OMG, Big Thunder is such a blast at night. I really want to ride Everest at night, but that's much tougher to do.

I'm so excited that this seems to be a rare occurrence. I know I'd never seen it, but figured somebody must have at some point. It was so amazing and, oh yes, MAGICAL!

 

[TheMaxRebo]

ok, that's it. I am fully on board with Wishes O'Clock ... and as an added bonus it makes it easy to say that Celebrate the Magic starts at a quarter to Wishes O'Clock!

 

[__disneygirl]

I agree that Big Thunder is not the biggest thrill, it's just never been a favorite of mine (even though it was my first rollercoaster ever!) but at night it's so much more fun! I rarely even ride it during the day anymore.

OMG! The princesses waving goodbye to everyone!?!??! I have never heard a thing about this but that is ADORABLE! This is why I love reading TRs. As much as I get to go to Disney and have CM friends, there are still things I don't hear about! And that they did their own signature waves. AHHH I love Disney. I am sad I missed this. Oh well! Thanks for the pictures!

 

[peachmermaid]

Wishes o'clock!! Yes please. I love the castle projection show, it's so perfect. Whenever I see Walt on the castle...oh man, that gets me every single time. Wishes always makes me cry & I'm not a fireworks show kinda girl. It's just so touching & romantic. Sigh...

Ooh yay for friendly CMs! She looks adorable. I love hearing about disney starting friendships! I haven't been on big thunder in a while. Maybe I'm due for a nighttime ride. Good suggestion!

Boo for CMs who don't know anything. I mean, sure, there is a heck of a lot to know at wdw (for example, knowing what time the 3 o'clock parade starts) but if there are things that we lay people know...come on now. Disney, just hire us, ok?

That is sooooo super sweet, the 3 princesses waving goodbye to everyone!! They are adorable. I love Rapunzel's enthusiastic wave. Cinderella & Aurora are so kind with their polite waves. Aaahhhh I love it!

 

[enchantedrosex]

Ughh rain. I have a love/hate with rain in Disney. I don't mind it too much and it's fun to run around in especially with a big group of crazy people...but then it just makes you look awful in pictures haha.

DYING over Donald making you remove your Mickey sticker!!!!!!!!!!
I love Donald so much


HOW PERFECT ARE THE PRINCESSES!!!!!! WHAT???! HOW COME I'VE NEVER SEEN THAT BEFORE?? How lucky for you though to get that on your last night in the MK! All I ever get is being shoved out by a massive and sweaty crowd without even a moment to say a real good bye! (I guess that makes it easier though...you know, like a clean break?? No time for tears/sadness)

P.s. I'm really lovin all your shirts if I haven't said that already