ksaybolt99
Earning My Ears
- Joined
- Mar 2, 2003
- Messages
- 19
Cast:
Me: Trip Planner/Strategist. Disney World lover for 30 years
DH: Easy-going, game for anything but spinning rides
DS 7 and DH 4-1/2: Third trip to Disney!
Mom and Dad: Retired, active 60-somethings
Day 1 Wednesday May 7
Weather a steamy low 90s and Sunny
Planned Itinerary MK hotel break Crystal Palace Dinner
Arrived at CSR at 7:45 AM after driving over from Mom & Dads near Clearwater where wed been since Saturday. Our room wasnt ready no biggie - we took the bus over to MK Arrived in time for opening festivities. Got a stroller this proved to be the one of the longest lines of the day. But well worth it rested kids are happy kids! After DH waited in line to see the characters, we high-tailed it back to our favorite and traditionally first ride, the Haunted Mansion. No wait in fact, the CMs were letting everyone know if they wanted to do the ride again, they could without walking back outside. DD cried despite several attempts to tell her it was all make believe. I cried when I was her age too now its one of my favorites!
I just HAD to buy a DOOM BUGY license plate for the front of my van.
I thought they used to have the black carriage in front of the Mansion. Now they just have a planter. Anyone else miss it? Wonder why it's gone.
Headed to Adventureland to get Jungle Cruise before lines formed. Waited only 15 minutes there then over to Pirates of Carribean and right in. You can get more done in the first hour of park opening than any other time, so weve always made it a point to get there before opening. We passed on the Aladdin ride too much of a Midway carnival-type ride to me. Saw the Country Bears Jamboree, always a classic.
Although crowds were light this day, Fantasyland seemed the most crowded. Got right onto Small World, where theres never a line. There was a 30 min. wait for Peter Pan Got FPs for this, then went over to do Snow White (5 min) in the meantime. Decided to eat lunch at Pinocchio Haus, which was a refreshing break in air conditioning. Saw the noon show of Sorcerer in the Stone. The sorcerer normally gives out a decree and medal to the child removing the sword, but today the he also gave an honorary decree and medal to a very physically challenged man watching in a wheelchair. This man couldnt even move his head or body but when he gave this HUGE smile, it was a touching moment. Its truly the MAGIC Kingdom.
After getting on Peter Pan with our FPs, went over to Tomorrowland and went on TTA (although this will always be the People Mover to me!) Checked out the line at Space Mountain before going in, and lucky enough, the line was short! DH and I went the left side on after a 10 minute wait. Did Buzz, and it was fun, but I stink at it - I swear its fixed! Mom, Dad, DH and DS went on Alien Encounter (20 min wait).
Saw the 3:00 parade on Main Street, and left afterwards to head back to CSR to get in our room before coming back to Crystal Palace for dinner.
CSR is an awesome resort! We had the best location we could ask for. We were in 8A, adjoining rooms 8155 and 8156. When we stepped out the door, the Dig Site (main pool area) was just to the left, and the bus stop was a short walk to the right. Plus, the main building was only a 5 minute walk over the bridge and lake.
After cooling down in the room awhile, we left for character dinner at MK. I was impressed with Crystal Palace, despite reading so-so reviews. It was bright and cheery, a great atmosphere. The food was outstanding for a buffet. Fresh carved turkey and Prime Rib with red wine sauce. Lots of neat dishes, not the usual ordinary stuff. DS and DD loved the kid-sized buffet with chicken nuggets and mac & cheese. The dessert bar was great with many choices of cakes, brownies, and delicious ice cream and toppings. All the characters came around, some of them twice. It was Pooh, Tigger, Piglet and Eeyore. They each spent time at our table without rushing, and of course did the march around the restaurant with the kids! Would eat here again!
With only 15 minutes left til closing (MK closed at 7 tonight, boo hoo!), we chose to head back to Haunted Mansion for one last time. DH waited outside with DD, who couldnt be fooled into going in again! Got right in of course, in fact, it was like we had all of Liberty Square to ourselves! Its nice to be in the park at closing because no ones around!
Slowly ambled over to the bus stop (wish there were benches!) and rested our aching feet in the cool bus.
In all a good day. Did a lot but missed Toontown Fair, Train ride, and some of Frontierland. Next year I vow to spend a second day there.
Tomorrows Agenda: AK hotel swim break MGM Fantasmic!
Me: Trip Planner/Strategist. Disney World lover for 30 years
DH: Easy-going, game for anything but spinning rides
DS 7 and DH 4-1/2: Third trip to Disney!
Mom and Dad: Retired, active 60-somethings
Day 1 Wednesday May 7
Weather a steamy low 90s and Sunny
Planned Itinerary MK hotel break Crystal Palace Dinner
Arrived at CSR at 7:45 AM after driving over from Mom & Dads near Clearwater where wed been since Saturday. Our room wasnt ready no biggie - we took the bus over to MK Arrived in time for opening festivities. Got a stroller this proved to be the one of the longest lines of the day. But well worth it rested kids are happy kids! After DH waited in line to see the characters, we high-tailed it back to our favorite and traditionally first ride, the Haunted Mansion. No wait in fact, the CMs were letting everyone know if they wanted to do the ride again, they could without walking back outside. DD cried despite several attempts to tell her it was all make believe. I cried when I was her age too now its one of my favorites!
I just HAD to buy a DOOM BUGY license plate for the front of my van.
I thought they used to have the black carriage in front of the Mansion. Now they just have a planter. Anyone else miss it? Wonder why it's gone.
Headed to Adventureland to get Jungle Cruise before lines formed. Waited only 15 minutes there then over to Pirates of Carribean and right in. You can get more done in the first hour of park opening than any other time, so weve always made it a point to get there before opening. We passed on the Aladdin ride too much of a Midway carnival-type ride to me. Saw the Country Bears Jamboree, always a classic.
Although crowds were light this day, Fantasyland seemed the most crowded. Got right onto Small World, where theres never a line. There was a 30 min. wait for Peter Pan Got FPs for this, then went over to do Snow White (5 min) in the meantime. Decided to eat lunch at Pinocchio Haus, which was a refreshing break in air conditioning. Saw the noon show of Sorcerer in the Stone. The sorcerer normally gives out a decree and medal to the child removing the sword, but today the he also gave an honorary decree and medal to a very physically challenged man watching in a wheelchair. This man couldnt even move his head or body but when he gave this HUGE smile, it was a touching moment. Its truly the MAGIC Kingdom.
After getting on Peter Pan with our FPs, went over to Tomorrowland and went on TTA (although this will always be the People Mover to me!) Checked out the line at Space Mountain before going in, and lucky enough, the line was short! DH and I went the left side on after a 10 minute wait. Did Buzz, and it was fun, but I stink at it - I swear its fixed! Mom, Dad, DH and DS went on Alien Encounter (20 min wait).
Saw the 3:00 parade on Main Street, and left afterwards to head back to CSR to get in our room before coming back to Crystal Palace for dinner.
CSR is an awesome resort! We had the best location we could ask for. We were in 8A, adjoining rooms 8155 and 8156. When we stepped out the door, the Dig Site (main pool area) was just to the left, and the bus stop was a short walk to the right. Plus, the main building was only a 5 minute walk over the bridge and lake.
After cooling down in the room awhile, we left for character dinner at MK. I was impressed with Crystal Palace, despite reading so-so reviews. It was bright and cheery, a great atmosphere. The food was outstanding for a buffet. Fresh carved turkey and Prime Rib with red wine sauce. Lots of neat dishes, not the usual ordinary stuff. DS and DD loved the kid-sized buffet with chicken nuggets and mac & cheese. The dessert bar was great with many choices of cakes, brownies, and delicious ice cream and toppings. All the characters came around, some of them twice. It was Pooh, Tigger, Piglet and Eeyore. They each spent time at our table without rushing, and of course did the march around the restaurant with the kids! Would eat here again!
With only 15 minutes left til closing (MK closed at 7 tonight, boo hoo!), we chose to head back to Haunted Mansion for one last time. DH waited outside with DD, who couldnt be fooled into going in again! Got right in of course, in fact, it was like we had all of Liberty Square to ourselves! Its nice to be in the park at closing because no ones around!
Slowly ambled over to the bus stop (wish there were benches!) and rested our aching feet in the cool bus.
In all a good day. Did a lot but missed Toontown Fair, Train ride, and some of Frontierland. Next year I vow to spend a second day there.
Tomorrows Agenda: AK hotel swim break MGM Fantasmic!
