4 Parks + 5 Staples in the Baby's Head = 9 Magical Days!! (9/17 The Last Hurrah!)

[tinytreasures]

poor little X
love the trip report so far

 

[thecapells]

The phone rang about 6:00 and when I picked it up, Stitch was yelling at me. That definitely puts a smirk on your face!
Mom and I got up and starting packing the double stroller (we brought our own this year after they doubled the prices of renting them.
We figured at $31/day, it would cost $279 for 9 days while we bought a nice MacLaren off Craig’s List for $150
and we can keep it or re-sell it). Getting the kids up was a bit rougher but not too bad once they remembered we were in Disney.
Some last minute things (as always) delayed us but we were at the buses by about 7:30.
We arrived at the Magic Kingdom around 8 (it opened at 9 that morning) and headed for the breakfast entrance.
We had at an 8:05 ADR at Crystal Palace – my favorite trick to get in the parks early is to book an ADR before the park opens!
So we made it down Main Street after the obligatory 1st shots with the castle – it was X’s first visit after all.
I’d post some of them here but I just finished editing our Photopass pics and the CD will take some time before arriving.
Maybe I’ll add the pics when the cd arrives. The best shot that morning on my camera was right after checking in at
the Crystal Palace while we waited for our table:

We were seated quickly and told the waiter about DD’s birthday.
We received a Birthday pin at check-in but DD didn’t want to wear it since it “put a hole in her clothes”.
X got a 1st Visit pin but didn’t wear it much, and DS wore his Jedi pin that came with our lightsabers.
I (the buffet runner) went to get food. The kids were excited and X was a bit groggy due to lack of sleep and pain meds
but Pooh and the gang definitely cheered him up and this was a great way to start a day in the parks!
We dined on eggs, breakfast pizza, fruit, Mickey waffles (of course):

and I orderded some chocolate chip pancakes for the kids as well.
DD even got a birthday card from Pooh and the gang complete with a cupcake:

But, of course, the highlight was the characters.
DD was SOOO excited to show off her pin to each character and give them all hugs (last time we came she was afraid of everyone but Mickey).

I got to bounce with Tigger!

Pooh Bear is DS’ favorite and you can see it from the look on his face.

And Mom lights up whenever Pooh Bear is around. The characters even made little X smile and get into the spirit:

DD finished her cupcake, we had seen Pooh, Tigger, and Piglet, and even participated in the parade,
but Eeyore was just starting his rounds on the opposite side of the restaurant.
It was 9:00 already and the commando in me said we have to get moving.
We explained to the kids that we’d see Eeyore later but the park was opening and we have lots of fun ahead of us so off we went!
It was an overcast day and apparently it rained while we were eating so we put the rain cover over the stroller and got ready for fun!
Our first traditional stop after Breakfast with Pooh? Why, right over the bridge to Adventureland of course! There be pirates awaitin’!!

 

[jmskinner]

Ok, I'm hooked. Saw your pic on the MK photo thread and thought I would check out your TR. Sorry to hear about X's head, but glad he is ok.

 

[thecapells]

Ok, I'm hooked. Saw your pic on the MK photo thread and thought I would check out your TR. Sorry to hear about X's head, but glad he is ok.

Yeah, I loved that pic (the kids were so excited) so I couldn't resist posting in the other pic threads.
As for X, thanks for the concern. As you'll see, he's doing fine and had a great trip!
Back at home he's still pointing out Mickey Mouse everytime he sees him on tv, shirts, toys, etc.

 

[All7OfUs]

Just can't wait to read more. Since we won't be back (we live overseas) for a very long time, I have to live vicariously through my friends on DIS You're family sounds like you love all things Disney just like us!

 

[thecapells]

Hello again everyone!
Sorry about the wait but it's time to rejoin our Adventure!

Our traditional first ride is usually Pirates of the Caribbean so we made our way over to Caribbean Plaza.

I snagged Jungle Cruise fast passes on the way but when we got to Pirates, it was closed.
With a quick turnaround, we began to head back to Aladdin's Magic Carpets...

That is, until I saw the Pirates Photopass photographer. We swung around again and took the Magic Captain Hook pose.
I was intent on getting this one after I saw it on the DIS (thanks guys!)
You stand there with a sword and they put Captain Hook in later fighting against you.
Both DD and I did the pose while Mom started back towards Aladdin.
The pics came out great! When I get the Photopass CD, I'll post them.

We caught up to everyone at Aladdin’s Magic Carpets and X was very intrigued by his first ride.
He kept pointing to the carpets as they flew by and was getting more and more excited.

We all poured into one carpet and X didn’t know what to think.
He was still a bit groggy and you can even see the staples in this one.

But we took off and had a blast – so much that X cried as soon as it stopped because he didn’t want to get off.
I don’t think he understood that he had 9 days of fun rides like this ahead!

DD and DS loved the spitting camel and were careful to avoid getting hit but still managed a cute pic:

Now it was time to change my all-powerful schedule.
With Pirates down, and a Jungle Cruise Fastpass under our belt, the Enchanted Tiki Room should be next but it wasn’t open yet.
So I juggled a bit and decided to hit another prime attraction while it was still early.
We cut through Agrabah to Frontierland and headed towards Haunted Mansion (while explaining to the kids that it’s not really scary).
The change was a good call as we got to meet Frontierland Donald on the way!

The Haunted Mansion had no line this early so we basically got right on.

DS was okay but DD informed me afterwards that she didn’t want to go on this ride next time we come to DisneyWorld.
DS said the same thing last time but don’t remind him.

We cut back through Frontierland to Agrabah and saw that the Enchanted Tiki Room show was just starting so we ran right in.
We missed the pre-show but I don’t like the new one so much anyway.
I’m also much more a fan of the original show than the “Under New Management” version but the kids at least know Iago and Zazu and had fun.
X was even dancing to the songs and pointing at all the birds.
On the way out, I needed my standard picture with my namesake:

Next we headed to the Jungle Cruise and bypassed a significant line with our fastpass.
It still amazes me how so many people don’t use fastpasses.
The kids began referring to the fastpass line as "Dad's Secret Entrances" to the rides.
X was still a bit groggy but he was having fun.

The others wanted to make sure this wasn't scary like Haunted Mansion.

We lucked out and had a great guide with lots of the usual bad puns.
This rhino seems to be getting his point across, and I'm sure that guy on the bottom will get the point in the end!

Here's the backside of Schweitzer Falls named, of course, for the famous African Explorer, Dr. Falls (I really kinda liked this shot):

And we weren't embarrased to see the elephants bathing since they all had their trunks on!

After arriving back in civilization, we headed back to Pirates and it was up and running.
First we stopped off to say “Tick Tock” to the Captain – check out the video clip for Hook and Smee’s reactions…


And then on to the Pirates!

DD was so scared of this ride last time when he was 4 that he was weary of every boat ride in the park afterwards (and remember, it was our 1st ride).
So this time, we prepped the kids by telling them that the “new” ride is more of a game and their job is to find Jack Sparrow hiding throughout the ride.
After seeing the movies, both DS and DD loved the idea of this game and the ride became an instant highlight.
DS also plays Pirates Online! so he loved seeing remnants of the game throughout the ride as well.

By now, it was around 11:15 or so and time to start using that Dining Plan so we headed back to Agrabah and grabbed a Dole Whip Float at Aloha Isle.
This was our first Dole Whip (thanks to recommendations from the DIS) and we have vowed that it will not be our last.
I should’ve taken a picture of the float with a straw and 4 spoons as it made the journey to Fantasyland for lunch DOLE-icious!
But that story is for the next post!

 

[All7OfUs]

Still LOVING your report! I guess you probably have to be a real Disneyphile like me to think those corny jokes on JC are funny! They DO crack me up every time I go on it

Keep 'em coming!!

 

[jmskinner]

Great update. Love the video! I like the pic of your family on the carpets.

Ooh, you tried the Dole Whip Float! I love them. I buy one everytime I am heading out of MK.

 

[thecapells]

Great update. Love the video! I like the pic of your family on the carpets.

Ooh, you tried the Dole Whip Float! I love them. I buy one everytime I am heading out of MK.

Yeah, I was having fun talking to each of the characters although this was the best reaction.
DS had to start asking me to stop getting the villains mad but, when I did, he came up with new ways to get them to act up and wanted me to continue (more on that later)!

Aladdin was a bit sunny (hence the squinting) but it was a blast and a fun first ride for the trip.
Someone in front of us was nice enough to take a picture of all 5 of us but it came out awful.

The Dole Whip Float was soooo good. We even tried to go back and get another one several days later but it didn't work out.
We will definitely get one next time though.

I must say the DIS gave me a great list of new things to see and try!
Thanks again guys!
And I'll try to get the next installment up soon!

 

[burly]

I too saw your picture and you hooked me with the title of your trip report. Loving it so far. Kids are sooooo cute. Keep it going. I'm in!

 

[Emma's Dad]

Following you here from the DIS Dad's link and I'm looking forward to the next installment! Feels like I'm right there in the park with you every step of the way

 

[thecapells]

When we last we left, we had our 4-straw Dole Whip Float in hand.
We cut back through Agrabah to Frontierland en route to Fantasyland!

First stop was to grab fastpasses for DS’s favorite Peter Pan and then onto Pinnochio’s Village Haus for lunch.
I was looking forward to a nice cheesesteak and Mom had her eye on the turkey and bacon panini we had seen on the Allears menus.
Alas, the menu changed and this was now a pizza and chicken nugget joint.
DD ordered the PBJ but barely ate it, DS had pizza, Mom had the Meditteranean salad, and I had nuggets.
X had scraps of pizza and most of the sides – apple sauce, carrots, etc.
More importantly, we snagged a seat with a window view of Small World to keep the kids entertained.
I found this to be the key to enjoying the meals – keep the kids entertained.
I made sure to research all the places where there was something for the kids to do. Sorry the pic is a little dark...

So, after watching and waving to everyone else, it was finally our turn for Small World.
We hit the restrooms (the closest one operational was at the end of the Peter Pan’s Flight building near the Frontierland entrance)
and then got on the fast-moving line for It's a Small World.
We were making good progress until we were informed by DD that ANOTHER restroom stop was necessary.
So we trekked all the way back to the bathroom. When we got back on the line, it was a bit longer but still moved well.
I also tested out the theory of “always use the right queue” and, although it looked longer, we blew past the people next to us on the left side.
Mom couldn’t believe it but chalk another one up to DIS insight.

On line, X was having a blast making faces with me:

And he was very excited to ride in his own seat instead of on a lap:

About 5 minutes into the ride, however, he was asleep:

This was DD’s favorite last time (she was only 15 months old and loved the dolls).
But she was enjoying it just as much today as well:

Here’s some ride shots. I always liked the duckbill platypuses:

And I don’t recall seeing the Tiki guy before:

Mom snapped this one because she's always liked the smiling cactus.

Lastly, the obligatory Winder Wonderland sequence:

When the ride finished, there was a crowd gathered at the exit since it was raining very heavily.
No matter, we were just running across to Peter Pan.
So I grabbed the sleeping X and we ran for “Dad’s Secret Entrance” (otherwise known as fastpass).
The rain woke X up, but there was noone on the fastpass line (still can’t understand why noone else seems to use it).
We quickly boarded two flying ships and were off to Neverland!
By the time we finished Peter Pan's Flight, the rain had stopped.
Several more restroom stops later (recognize a pattern here yet?), and we headed to DD’s favorite - Ariel's Grotto.
She was talking about it for weeks and was just busting to hug Ariel.
We got to the entrance (is that big tent outside new? I don’t remember that being there).
However, there was over a 40 minute wait and we had lots more to do today.
We told DD we would come back and she was very upset but handled it like a big girl.
So, we headed for the exits since the park was starting to fill up and I wanted to introduce the kids to EPCOT anyway.
DD was REALLY looking forward to that.

On the way out, we got a great picture of Daisy hiding in a courtyard next to City Hall.

Then Mom went to get our GAC for the stroller.
X has issues with his ankles and can’t do a lot of walking.
Mom has a hole in her Achilles tendon which tends to act up when walking alot.
Put the two together and we figured we might need the assistance at the end of longer days.
Next stop - The Highway In the Skys!

 

[LGH1946]

You have a great camera and make great pics!

I'm realy enjoying this.

 

[Nicole786]

Im really enjoying this, your kids are so cute! Im headed to Pop next week I cant wait!!

 

[thecapells]

You have a great camera and make great pics!

I'm realy enjoying this.

Thanks - The camera is new. It's a Canon Powershot SD1100IS and does seem to take much better pics than my previous one.

Im really enjoying this, your kids are so cute! Im headed to Pop next week I cant wait!!

Have fun! Believe it or not, I'm jealous that your trip is just starting!

As for my trip, I'll try to post the next segment tomorrow (time for bed now).
Glad everyone's enjoying it so far since I'm having a blast writing (and reliving) it!

 

[overthemoon4mickey]

First, your family is so cute! Poor little X! He looked so sleepy at breakfast. Glad to hear he's a little trooper!

I just LOVE the littel mickey ears your DD has on over her pig tails. So adorable! I want some!

 

[maxie]

Very cute family!!

 

[*DisMom*]

Just found your trip report and I'm hooked! So sorry about your little man's head...I couldn't imagine going through that experience! Can't wait for your next installment!!!!

 

[thecapells]

First, your family is so cute! Poor little X! He looked so sleepy at breakfast. Glad to hear he's a little trooper!

I just LOVE the littel mickey ears your DD has on over her pig tails. So adorable! I want some!

My wife found those on EBAY and I thought they were great with DD's Minnie Mouse outfit.
I believe the seller is handi*candi* originals if you want a set for yourself!

 

[thecapells]

Don’t you just love hearing that phrase?

Well, we grabbed the first monorail over to the TTC to transfer for EPCOT.
Since it was the kids’ first visit to EPCOT, I wanted to ride in the front for the next leg.
Just like the castle in Magic Kingdom, that first view of Spaceship Earth should be magical.
And what better way to see it than rising up over the horizon from the monorail?
Not to mention the cool mini-monorail tour of Future World before the station.
Someone was already waiting, but since we were ahead of schedule and had an easy afternoon ahead, I figured we could wait.
Mom unpacked some snacks (she’s always prepared) and changed X into his EPCOT shirt.
Since only 4 are allowed up front, Mom sacrificed and took the stroller in the 1st car while I went with the trio!
We each got monorail co-pilot licenses (Mom was jealous)

And we had the driver take our picture of course (I forgot to take off X's bib)

We had a blast. DD and DS each took different sides and X kept running between them.
One of his early words is “sit” and he loves to say it and then go do it.
So he would run from DD to DS, yell “sit” and then climb up onto the seat

Before he made it back I snapped a shot of DD

Our driver was really nice and we chatted a bit on how cool it is to be a monorail driver.
She told us we picked a good time to grab the front as TTC to EPCOT is the longest ride in the park (and the best front seat view).
When “the big golf ball” (as DS calls it) came into view, the kids couldn’t believe how big it actually was.
DS and DD were ooohing and aahing. They were more astonished when I told them we’re going INTO the “ball” to ride Spaceship Earth.
X, however, was more interested in the really, really cool parking lot out the left side with lots of cars.
“Vroom, vroom!” Not quite the magic I was expecting but at least he was happy and excited.
I pointed out all the pavilions we would visit as we circled Spaceship Earth and the kids were definitely getting psyched.
Even X began to show an interest once the other kids pointed stuff out to him.
As expected, we had to have a picture with the friendly driver to commemorate our experience!

By now it was around 2:15 or so and everyone was busting.
After several reminders to walk down the ramps and stay off the railings, DS promptly fell down scraping up his arms and legs.
Apparently each child was destined for scars this trip.
Finally we reached the entrance to EPCOT and were delighted by all of the Food and Wine decorations (Mom and I were psyched for our first F&W trip).
We had some really good photopass pics of the entrance, but until I get the CD, you guys get stuck with the ones from my camera.

“Alice in Wonderland” songs played throughout the entrance area as the theme this year was “Cities in Wonderland.”
I made sure the kids saw the movie again before we left so they were at least familiar with them.
This worked out rather well as they recognized the songs and looked forward to them upon entrance and exit.
I even caught them singing and humming some of them here and there. It was really cute.

So off we went to ride the “big golf ball.”
And once again, we were denied. Spaceship Earth was currently down for the count.
A quick backup plan was to keep going and try to find the Disney VISA Meet and Greet.
I found the regular Character Spot with a wait of over 40 minutes before I was able to locate the random curtain in Innventions.
There is basically just a rope in front of a curtain and a line of people waiting. After about 20 minutes, they let us in.
Mickey, Minnie, and Goofy were waiting in a room all to ourselves! It was awesome!
DD & DS instantly became shy while X kept shouting “Mow Mow” (Mickey Mouse) and pointing.
It was a great time – too bad the photopass photographers had the lighting all wrong and messed up most of the shots but that’s for later.
DD finally warmed up and showed off her ears to Minnie Mouse for a big hug:

I only took a couple more shots before I just had to put my camera down and watch the kids have a magical time.
Here’s one that shows the magical expressions on their faces.

After some time, we said good-bye to the mice (and dog) and X found a little house next door and went running.
He was so excited to run around the house for a bit (it was the house from the “Where’s the Fire”).
And he needed to get out some wiggles after waiting in line for Mickey.

After a quick restroom stop, we proceeded to the Imagination pavilion.
This was arguably my favorite EPCOT ride as a kid thanks to that good ol’ purple dragon.
I’ve seen the updated version and still long for Dreamfinder but at least Figment is back.
I was disappointed that they removed his Meet and Greet but at least he’s in the ride.

The ride was fun although the dark, the skunk stink, and the puffs of air really freaked out X and got DD a little unnerved too.
I think the highlight for everyone was Figment’s house upside-down – especially the toilet.

After, we played around in Imageworks. The kids even helped me email a picture back home:

DD and DS had fun conducting and then everyone ran around the squares that lit up.

X even made a new friend:

Once we got out all our wiggles, I figured we’d go watch Honey, I Shrunk the Audience.
I warned the kids that we shrink and then there’s a snake, a lion, and a dog that appear quite big.
After another restroom stop and debating about finding a Food and Wine snack (all the way at the front of the World Showcase),
we gave up and headed to the movie - the CM said the show is starting in 5 minutes.
Wrong. The pre-show TV’s started in about 10 minutes and we watched an annoying screen saver for another 10 minutes.
That was followed by a Kodak commercial and then finally the pre-show.
Then, and only then, after all 3 kids were losing it, did they allow us inside.
After such a build-up, this show was, shall we say, interesting…

X freaked out, DD jumped into my lap at the sight of the first large creature, and DS was unimpressed.
He later informed me that we weren’t the only people to shrink – the entire audience shrunk.
Mom was unhappy with the wiggly and upset X in her lap and I liked it less than last time. I still miss Captain Eo.
After a quick visit to the leaping fountains, I noticed that the boards said Spaceship Earth was open!
Hopefully that would fix all the grumpiness from the movie.
We ran over and walked right on. This time, I had DD and Mom had the boys.

I really like the additions (I told everyone that the guy at the computer in the garage was just like Dad).
The new ending with the cartoon on the way down was a nice touch as well.
The kids had a lot of fun answering the questions and Mom barely noticed going backwards (she didn’t like that part last time).
The cartoon in my car was even funnier than anticipated – the cameras missed DD since she was cuddled up with me the whole ride.
So our cartoon had one person with my face and the other was headless!
News from the other car was that DS answered one of the questions “wrong” (according to him) and X fell asleep.

Despite the mishaps, Spaceship Earth received an “Awesome” from both DD and DS and our new rating system began.
While DD loved just about everything, DS was tough to impress and not many rides received such high a rating.
In fact, Spaceship Earth was only one of two to reach that plateau in EPCOT.
It received so high a rating that DS now referred to it as Spaceship Earth instead of "big golf ball."

After the ride, we headed over to the camera shop right next door to get our free 5x7’s from the Disney VISA Meet and Greet.
It turned out that all of the pictures had really bad shadows over ½ the picture.
They were so bad that the CM called over to them to inform them of how horrible the results were.
Luckily, there was one decent one with the whole family so we had that one printed and I scanned it in.

After getting our 5x7, we headed to the restrooms to change into our dinner clothes (coordinated of course thanks again to Mom).
Tonite was going to be DD’s birthday dinner (even though the actual birthday was a couple weeks ago) but that’s for next time.