48 hrs, 4 parks, 2 sisters - update 7/23 Day 3 The Long Awaited Conclusion!

[not_Joanna_eggs]

...Our spectacular festival pageant of nighttime magic and imagination
in thousands of sparkling lights and electro-synthe-magnetic musical sounds.
The Main Street Electrical Parade!

Panic and I started rocking to the old school music- and people started crowding towards the ropes.

At the beginning, this was our view…

We were able to move a bit and get a better - less obstructed - view.

Much better!

We moved a little more, and finally - much much better…

You know, except for the whole crappy camera thing… Oh well…

It was cute. Very much how I remembered it. I loved the turtle - he was always my favorite.

We were a little camera happy can you tell?

Pretty Lights

I kind of like that this parade features some of the older movies that don't get any love anymore.

Shiny objects

Dragon!

Random patriotic-ness

It's kind of like the electrical water pageant…just makes you wonder… why?

 

[Believeinfairytales]

I really enjoyed the parade pics. I can't wait to see this one for myself! You know, funny you should mention the water pageant, because I was thinking the same thing (just based on your pics!)

 

[Panic Attack]

Gee really? That bugged you? Really? Panic complained (loudly) about this. Personally, I like the darker feel of the park at night. It somehow adds to the magic!

It adds to the not-being-able-to-see-ness! >_<

I would like to SEE Disney World, not bumble around in the dark and feel sleepy in Disney World.

 

[not_Joanna_eggs]

I really enjoyed the parade pics. I can't wait to see this one for myself! You know, funny you should mention the water pageant, because I was thinking the same thing (just based on your pics!)

The Parade was so cool. It was kind of funny how the memories came flooding back, I kept telling Panic what was coming next! She's 4 years yonger than me, so the memory wasn't as etched in her brain, so she just thought I was nuts.

It adds to the not-being-able-to-see-ness! >_<

I would like to SEE Disney World, not bumble around in the dark and feel sleepy in Disney World.

It worked though - we were two of the dwarfs - sleepy and dopey

 

[not_Joanna_eggs]

After the parade, we had about 25 minutes until the fireworks, we decided to check out the line at splash and BTMRR. Splash was at 45 and BTMRR was down, so we headed back to find a spot to watch the fireworks.

We grabbed a spot on the dock that runs parallel to Tom Sawyer Island. This was a great spot for these fireworks! Since they're shot from all over - we had like a dead on view of them! Plus watching the reflections of the river.

I didn't take any pictures, because, well, I wanted to enjoy the show. Plus with the crappy camera, it just wasn't worth it.
So here's a link to someone else's video on you tube:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gNT1AatlPZI

I like Wishes as much as the next guy, but this was a really neat show - much more panoramic than Wishes, and very well choreographed.
After the fireworks, we headed back to splash, and now it was only a 15 minute wait, so we headed there.

To the briar patch we go!

We were placed in the very last row, and I assured Panic that you don't get as wet in the back (which you don't) so she agreed to go. Of course, as we're waiting to go up the large hill, another boat was coming down, and totally us soaked us. We didn't get wet at all on our splash!

So now soaked, we headed out towards Fantasyland.

Look at the wetness

Then Some guy offered to take our picture…

Panic "dude take the picture or I'll kiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiill you"
me - "no, dude, she's serious"

One more try...

Somehow Panic made the beautiful castle look really creepy - not sure how she did that…

Must be she was trying to prove her point with the no-lights thing.

The crowds were starting to thin out a bit, but it was still crowded in my book.

First stop was Mickey's PhilharMagic. Panic had never been, and I think it's super cute. I love how this is the one 4-D movie that gives you GOOD smells, not gross ones.

The posters in the queue area are so funny - too bad the line is never long enough to actually spend time looking at them.

Next was Panic's choice - would I regret letting choose?

 

[RachelNinja]

Oy, took me long enough to get here! I wanted to make sure I could devote enough time to catch up and read everything!

Gigantor is my kind of bag! Haha, that's so cool that it still fits as a carry-on. That's one reason why I like duffles more than luggage. It's easier to squeeze things on. Of course, I like that most luggage has wheels! I need me a combo deal, one of those duffles on wheels!

Haha, once the plane was in the air, I would've moved right on over if there was an empty spot! That must've been an odd situation!

I like your explanation of good bad luck! Stinks about the camera! It's true that it would've STUNK if you had had Disney pics on it and THEN lost it! I'd probably be more upset about that.

HAHA, I have to go back to Disney and do the senior portrait pose in honor of you!

Self-portraits are only good if you can see the surrounding environment, so good job with the pic at B&C!

I agree with you that there's not enough time to enjoy the posters at Philharmagic! I was so excited to see them especially since one particular poster was referenced in the 2nd Kingdom Keepers book, but we had to scurry on along. Not enough time to appreciate them! Haha, not that I'm complaining about the shorter wait time though!

 

[wdwgirl03]

Ooh, the MSEP!!!! I am so excited to see that. Thanks for all the pictures! Sounds like a great night at the MK.

 

[not_Joanna_eggs]

Oy, took me long enough to get here! I wanted to make sure I could devote enough time to catch up and read everything!

Gigantor is my kind of bag! Haha, that's so cool that it still fits as a carry-on. That's one reason why I like duffles more than luggage. It's easier to squeeze things on. Of course, I like that most luggage has wheels! I need me a combo deal, one of those duffles on wheels!

Haha, once the plane was in the air, I would've moved right on over if there was an empty spot! That must've been an odd situation!

I like your explanation of good bad luck! Stinks about the camera! It's true that it would've STUNK if you had had Disney pics on it and THEN lost it! I'd probably be more upset about that.

HAHA, I have to go back to Disney and do the senior portrait pose in honor of you!

Self-portraits are only good if you can see the surrounding environment, so good job with the pic at B&C!

I agree with you that there's not enough time to enjoy the posters at Philharmagic! I was so excited to see them especially since one particular poster was referenced in the 2nd Kingdom Keepers book, but we had to scurry on along. Not enough time to appreciate them! Haha, not that I'm complaining about the shorter wait time though!

Welcome! I was wondering when you'd pop by.

I'm trying to get to an update a day.... because... There's a strong possibility DH and I will be going back in September and again in October! Trying to suck every last bit out of our free APs!

I agree, I like duffels better, but gigantor doesn't have wheels, so it's HEAVY. I'm currently looking for a combo deal at TJ Maxx!

The guy on the plane was strange... but at least he eventually moved!

Yeha, I would have been a lot more upset about the camera if I'd lost pictures. The actual camera can be replaced. But no picture for my TR?? That would have been tragic

Yeah self pics are just so weird - no matter how hard you try they're always weird, and if you do get a decent one - you can't tell where you are!

I know, I feel dumb complaining about a short line - but those posters are just neat!

Ooh, the MSEP!!!! I am so excited to see that. Thanks for all the pictures! Sounds like a great night at the MK.

The MSEP was fun. I think it's more fun if you remember it from back in the day... otherwise, it does look kind of dated.

It was a great night at the MK - and we're not done yet! The park isn't even closed yet, plus there's 3 hrs of EMH to go!

* * *​

In other news, as I mentioned above, DH and I are seriously considering September and October weekend trips! We have some left-over DVC points, and our APs, so all we need to is get airfare. And there have been a few sales lately that have really cheap flights... SO... instead of taking our customary weekend trips around the state, we decided to do them in Disney this year!

This means probably no (or, only 1) trip in 2011... but I'm okay with that... I mean get it while it's cheap right?

So.... That's why I'm trying to haul butt on this one... so I can finish it before September!

 

[not_Joanna_eggs]

Next was Panic's choice - and she chose the tea cups.

I hate the tea cups. They give me a headache every time, and if I have my eyes open, I get sick. So not looking forward to this one. But it was her choice, and she's one of the only people I'd actually let convince me to go on them, so that's where we headed.
Panic got really excited.

Me, not so much.

I kindly asked Panic not to spin it too much… This was her response…

I was in trouble!

As the ride started, I closed my eyes grabbed my camera and this is what I got…

Then I turned the camera on myself…

After what seemed like 25 minutes of tortuous spinning, it was over.

We were both a little dizzy and headachy, so we decided to head to the TTA. I don't know why, but I love this ride. It's so relaxing .

Panic thought it was a little too relaxing.

I told her to watch out for the drop!

Then we saw blurry things…

Did I mention I didn't loose the crappy camera?

I took another picture of 1/2 of a sign…

Then Panic took the camera away from me because I take crappy pictures…

So she dazzled me with her skills

Aren't you impressed?

Okay, okay, so she can get a whole sign…. Big deal

 

[RachelNinja]

Haha, love the commentary! I would never ever ever go on the tea cups again. I used to love spinning it as fast as I could, but I'm okay with bypassing those "25 minutes"!

Oh, and who cares about whole signs? We see whole signs all over DIS. Half signs are way more interesting. Showcases your artsy side, haha.

(WOOHOO for another possible trip!!!)

 

[not_Joanna_eggs]

Haha, love the commentary! I would never ever ever go on the tea cups again. I used to love spinning it as fast as I could, but I'm okay with bypassing those "25 minutes"!

Oh, and who cares about whole signs? We see whole signs all over DIS. Half signs are way more interesting. Showcases your artsy side, haha.

(WOOHOO for another possible trip!!!)

Yeah, the teacups are not my idea of a good time. But it made Panic happy, so whatever.

Yeah... Yeah... That's the ticket... "artistic" We'll go with that

 

[not_Joanna_eggs]

After the TTA, it was getting close to official park closing time, and the crowds were definately thinning. We decided to try out the Laugh Floor.

This was a new one for me. It was pretty funny and cute. I already told DH we'll have to go on it next time.

Very funny. They retold the story of Monsters Inc. and asked the guy who "played" Russel if he could dissapear and he ducked down. The monster's reaction was so funny!

It was about midnight now, and the park was officially closing (but we had 3 hrs. of EMH to go!) The crowd was mostly adults, so I think it would be a different experience if during the day - a lot of adults (mostly males) got picked on.

After Monster's Inc. We decided we could finally stomach Space Ranger Spin.

Panic, reporting for duty sir!

The ride started out all normal - then just as we were entering the first room, the ride stopped. We could spin, and shoot - we just weren’t moving forward. We scored a ton of points, but it wasn't the funnest ever. We'll have to go back in Dec. so Panic can experience the real thing.

The park was now officially closed, so the crowds had thinned out quite a bit, but there were still 3 hrs of EMH to be had.

We headed back to fantasy land and rode Winnie the Pooh. I'm sorry to anyone that likes this ride, but It's just not my cup o'tea. I much preferred Mr. Toad.

Then we headed to Peter Pan, and the line posted was 40 minutes. We figured this must be a fluke, since there was hardly anyone around, but it soon became clear that it wasn't so we ditched the ride.

Then we headed back through Frontierland to check is BTMRR was up and running yet - it wasn't. So we kept going to Adventureland, with the intentions of riding Aladdin's Magic Carpets and the Jungle Cruise. We stopped for a dole whip first.

Mmmmm….

After the Dole Whip, we decided that we were really tired (it was just after 2 am at this point - I'd been up for 22 hrs!), and didn't need to do Aladdin or the Jungle Cruise.

On the way out, we took some more pics of the castle. Cuz you can never have enough of those!

So we made our way back to main street, and stopped because the sign made me miss DH

We got on the bus, and headed to the hotel. Since this was our first time staying at the Beach Club, and we weren't paying attention, and the Bus Driver didn't really say anything, we accidently got off at the Yacht Club.

Oops.

At least it was an easy walk to the Beach Club. We got into the room, and we both fell asleep pretty fast.

Next up our first (and only) full day!

 

[Believeinfairytales]

I'm all caught up again! Love how your pictures really tell the story! You're doing great.

 

[Tri-Delta4Life]

I've never done the Tea Cups... and I think I'm with you... it's not on my to do list anytime in the future!

 

[heaven2dc]

You both are have too much fun!! Love the pics on the tea cups

 

[RachelNinja]

Extra Magic Hours at night is something I would really love to experience! Mmm, and a late night Dole Whip Float would make it even better!

Aww, the pic of you with the train sign was cute and sad at the same time! When you and DH go back, you should take a pic again in that same spot!

 

[not_Joanna_eggs]

I'm all caught up again! Love how your pictures really tell the story! You're doing great.

Thanks for reading along!

I've never done the Tea Cups... and I think I'm with you... it's not on my to do list anytime in the future!

Yeah, I'll be passing up the tea cups in the future. DH said he'd go with Panic in December.

You both are have too much fun!! Love the pics on the tea cups

We had a ton of fun! Panic was so excited about the tea cups. I had my eyes closed the whole time I'm amazed I got decent pictures!

Extra Magic Hours at night is something I would really love to experience! Mmm, and a late night Dole Whip Float would make it even better!

Aww, the pic of you with the train sign was cute and sad at the same time! When you and DH go back, you should take a pic again in that same spot!

Usually we go in the off season, so the EMH are until like 7 or 9. 3 am was crazy - but it worked great for us.

When DH saw it, he was like "you can't be sad at the trains" I explained it was because I was missing him - then he got it. Boys

We'll definitely have to do a happy train pic!

 

[not_Joanna_eggs]

The original plan was to make it for EMH at the AK. Since we were out until about 3 the night before, we quickly dismissed that plan.

We woke up around 9, and got dressed and ready by 10.

Panic had brought SPF 100 sun screen with her, so she was ready to face the heat.

I will crush you - you puny UV rays!

Bring on the sunshine!

We waited a while for the bus for a while, and I thought that the reflection of the trees in the water was pretty.

Our first mission? Tonga Toast!

So we hopped on the bus to the MK, and then on the Monorail to the Poly.

I had on my typical park shoes - black Privos. But they were just falling apart and not staying on my feet. It made it difficult to walk. Annoying.

We made our way to Captin Cook's and stopped to do a little hula…

Okay enough… hulas… more breakfast!

We headed to Captain Cook’s and got ourselves an order of Tonga Toast, bacon and potatoes. Mmmm.

I felt bad, after I ordered Panic told me she doesn’t like sourdough bread or warm bananas – oops. But she enjoyed it anyway – and those potatoes are tasty!

 

[wdwgirl03]

Then we saw blurry things. I love it!

Glad you enjoyed the Monsters show. It is pretty entertaining even if it is more geared toward kids. I think we had a guy as Randall (is it Randall or Russell?!) duck down once too.

I would like to do PM EMH sometime but we're always up so early! We'd have to completely change our plans. haha

 

[tksbaskets]

Tonga toast - looks delish!! We've never had it. Perhaps we need to break our fast at the Poly in December