27 Years is a Long Time to Wait! PTR & TR

[Dobby]

We got in to the hotel around 2 or 2:30, and since it was gorgeous out (although amazingly hot), I couldn't just sit around. We thought we walk down to see how far it was, and check out Downtown Disney!

We stayed at the Portofino, and the walk wasn't bad at all, I even managed it after spending 14 hours in the park

We checked out a few stores and grabbed a yummy bite to eat at Wetzel's Pretzels.

 

[Dobby]

I was never so excited as when we walked through the esplanade, and I saw these...

Since I was planning on upgrading to an Annual Pass the next day anyway, I decided to stay and check out DLR while everyone else went back to the hotel to swim; it was magic! I took a ride around the railroad first thing, then walked around the whole park, just breathing it all in.

On the way through the castle, I did the walk through; Sleeping Beauty is one of my favorite stories.

 

[Dobby]

So for our first full day, I made DD join me for our only Magic Morning...I wanted her (and me!) to see the park at the most quiet, not too hot, and able to get a bunch of rides in before our princess breakfast! We made it there shortly before 7.

Had to get the obligatory shot, especially since they'll soon be gone...

Followed by a ride on: Peter Pan, Mr. Toad's, Snow White, and Pinnochio, Pirates, Jungle Cruise, and the Haunted Mansion.

Then, we ran into this lovely witch:

All of this was done by almost 9, so we slowly headed toward DCA so I could figure out how to get in early for Ariel's Grotto.

 

[Dobby]

We made our way over to DCA to try and figure out how to get in to Ariel's Grotto at 9 when the park didn't open until 10; we were redirected to the right where a nice CM let us through. On the way, we ran into this guy:

 

[Dobby]

All year, DD has been talking about the characters; she knew and totally believed that they were just people dressed up. When we got to the Grotto and had our picture taken with Ariel, she was giddy.

But when the Royal Page came out and announced, "Her Royal Highness, Belle!" her face lit up, her jaw dropped, and I saw the Disney magic...total belief. I just wish I'd caught it on video.

 

[Dobby]

After we were done, we had a little look around, then headed back to take a ride around the park on the train. Next was Big Thunder! I remember this ride from when I was a kid; I hate drops, but I remember loving this so I was all gung-ho...but I think I'm getting too old for this. Abba loved it though.

After exploring some Main Street shops, we got to our lunch at Carnation Cafe about 20 minutes early, and were seated in about 10 min.

I wasn't starving, so I completely forgot all about the baked potato soup I'm still mad about it...lol!

I surprised Abba with the peanut butter palette, she thought it was the coolest lunch ever!

Afterwards, we made our way back to the hotel to meet the others for a rest and swim. This would be mine and Abba's last one, as I hated sitting around waiting for everyone to be ready to go back