A No Snooze Bar Christmas, Harry & Mickey are Waiting..it is done

[petals]

Fantasyland is my favourite part of Magic Kingdom but then I'm a big baby and won't do roller-coasters so Fantasyland is perfect for me.. Small World is my favourite

 

[momabaarjo]

Our Disney Friends​

It always seems like mom gets to take one for the family, because guess who gets to ride the teacups with the boys. Actually, it turned out to be okay…even though my boys tried their best to get it spinning just as fast as they could.

After the ride, I sent Jeff with the boys to the Speedtrack

while I waited in line with Ab to see…I still am amazed that a teenage girl wants to spend time meeting characters!

While we were in line, I got a text from Lovethattink saying that that they were nearing MK and looking for a place to meet up. I was so excited to meet her and her family; we decided that Peter Pan would be the best place in about 30 minutes! After the boys returned from the speedway and we had finished with Alice it was time to use a fast pass on Mickey’s Philharmagic…

my favorite thing in Fantasyland and it turned out to be one of my family’s favorite things! I was so disappointed with myself, I had bought little gems to drop in the kids lap during the scene with Aladdin for a little extra magic, but in our rush to get out the door this morning I left them laying on the counter! When you exit Philharmagic, there are great big containers to drop your 3D glasses in, but in my excitement for my upcoming DISmeet I accidently dropped my sunglasses in the barrel so I had to track down a CM to help me dump the entire barrel to find my sunglasses.

Apparently, lots of people do the same thing because she just laughed with me as we dumped the big barrel into a container and started digging through! With sunglasses back on my head it was time to find Michele and her family at Peter Pan. With both of us talking to each other on the phone you would think it would have been easy to find each other…but apparently I am still flustered from the sunglasses mishap and then the excitement that even though I am staring at her I do not make the connection that is her standing across the way from me (nor do I remember to take pictures until our meet is over). Of course, Jeff is still thinking all of this DISmeet stuff is weird. Michele and I hug and then go about introducing our families to each other. I knew the boys (her Grumpy & Goofy) and Jeff would hit it off with the fishing talk while we waited in line for Peter Pan.

Goo instantly loved Anakin (what is not to love about this little guy…his smile is incredible), who he still refers to as his Disney friend. After Peter Pan, the boys along with Boo decide to do a fast pass run to Frontierland for BTMRR (and talk fishing)while the rest of us ride ISW again where we get to witness the Giant Coo-Coo clock ring in 12:15 pm.

Making our way into Frontierland and then meeting up with the guys proved to be a challenge, it seemed that all of the sudden MK had exploded in population. Anakin did a great job being our tour guide and telling us about the attractions and places we passed. I loved the sparkle in his eyes when he talked about his experiences. We found the guys on the bridge between BTMRR and Splash Mountain where Jeff and Michele decided to set Splash Out while the rest of us followed Anakin while he lead us to his special entry

and reassured Goo that this ride was a lot of fun (and I was thankful that we had done a Song of the South movie night and read Brer Rabbit stories), which it was and luckily we did not end up very wet. Our group then headed to BTMRR to use our fast passes, while Michele and Anakin decided to set this one out.

BTMRR got mixed reviews from our group and somehow in the line I ended up losing my photo pass card…but, thankfully I remembered to take a picture of the back so I had the card numbers. After the ride, Michele and family gave us some more tips, we smashed a few pennies and had the kids pose for a group picture before parting ways...

smiling and treasuring the time we got to spend with our new “Disney” friends before heading to…

 

[Nalshersmom]

That is such a cute picture of Ab with Alice. I plan on only riding the teacups with anyone who promises not to turn it extra. I may be by myself.
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[momabaarjo]

I can't seem to keep up with dis very well these days. I am so glad you got to your prerope drop ADR at Cp! Too bad your server kinda sucked. I probably would have left a small tip too. I like your ole and enjoy the ride mantra for the day. I think with older kids, you really do have to have hat whole in fantasyland.

I agree...with older kids you just have to force the fun, but they wont admit they loved the fun...

Limit on pages I think is 250... At least in some threAds maybe trip reports as less?

I doubt I even come close...

Small world in MK is not one of my favorites, but it is a must do for dh. Not sure why... I can skip but he can't .. Go figure

How funny that Steve loves it...

Love the scrapbook pages!

Warn your family about photopass and tell them you will be stopping every chance you get!



Yep, touring plan....check!

What a wonderful trip report. I know it may seem like you are doing a "commando" but your aren't. you and your family really enjoyed all of the shops and things that make WDW more than just an amusement park.

Yep we enjoyed it all, but I was barking orders the entire time...

I know that EoS/The World of Disney Store are the opposite end from Disney Quest! That's what I was implying! Was that I could do the Marketplace of DtD without them and only go to the Westside with them for Disney Quest! hehe!





I was picking on her about how many pages in she is already

Fantasyland is my favourite part of Magic Kingdom but then I'm a big baby and won't do roller-coasters so Fantasyland is perfect for me.. Small World is my favourite

We got to get you braver...

That is such a cute picture of Ab with Alice. I plan on only riding the teacups with anyone who promises not to turn it extra. I may be by myself.
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The tea cups did not bother me, which I was really surprised about. And I wont admit it to the boys...but I had fun!

 

[natebenma]

I loved reading about your DISmeet. Glad to hear you all hit it off, but I can totally see how some people might not "get" it.

The picture of Ab with Alice and the White Rabbit is really cute.

You really rocked Fantasyland (with a touch of Tomorrow and Frontier, to boot)

 

[lovethattink]

It was so nice meeting you that day! Did you tell me about your sunglasses? Somewhere I have pictures of you all on Splash Mt. Glad the guys hit it off and I was suprised the conversation wasn't all fish.

My MIL called yesterday and she said she thinks Grumpy is getting all fished out. He and his grandpa, or if not Grandpa then Uncle, have gone fishing every day since he arrived in Ohio on June 6th.

 

[petals]

We got to get you braver...

Last twice I went I said I was going to try Splash Mountain and Big Thunder mountain and then looked at them and went oooh Tiki show starting or oh parade lets go there yeah no time for that

Cool that you got to have a DIS meet as well. Momma thought the DIS meet idea was weird to at first but got into it when I told her we were doing secret Santa and she like the people we met as well.

and how lucky Ab got to meet White Rabbit I really want a pic with him but can never find him.

 

[annmarieda]

I can't seem to keep up with dis very well these days. I am so glad you got to your prerope drop ADR at Cp! Too bad your server kinda sucked. I probably would have left a small tip too. I like your ole and enjoy the ride mantra for the day. I think with older kids, you really do have to have hat whole in fantasyland.

Limit on pages I think is 250... At least in some threAds maybe trip reports as less?

Small world in MK is not one of my favorites, but it is a must do for dh. Not sure why... I can skip but he can't .. Go figure

Love the scrapbook pages!

Can you tell I was trying to catch up using my phone? Autocorrect did some funny things... but it looks like you figured out what I was trying to say.

I love that you got to meet up with Michelle. We were never able to. I can only imagine her little guys smile in person must have been amazing!!!

You must have both been taking pictures. The kids look like they are all looking at different cameras.

I also love the one with Ab and Alice. How cool you got your teen to WANT to do this.

 

[momabaarjo]

Dole Whips for All, Well Almost​

After saying Goodbye to Tink and family the kids were getting a little hungry and we still had about 3 hours before our dinner ADR so we headed into Adventureland (first making a stop to pick up a fast pass for Jungle Cruise later in the evening) and then to Aloha Isles for a special treat that I knew my family was going to love…DOLE WHIP, time!

Ab and Boo’s eyes lite up when they saw the frozen treat that they were about to try, but of course Goo has to be difficult and ended up with just plain ice cream. Everyone enjoyed the treat, especially Ab who loves pineapple and was already plotting to find out when she could get another one! That’s my girl.

After sitting and enjoying our treat, the kids wanted to go to the Haunted Mansion, one of their favorite movies, but first we had to make our way around the parade that was about to happen…again I asked if anyone wanted to watch the parade, but of course I was denied. When we reached HM through the parade crowds the wait time was under 30 minutes and I was excited to see the new queue.

But as my luck was running with my family, when the time came in line to decide graveyard or direct entry Boo makes the call to do direct entry and skip the graveyard, I was so disappointed but made sure that he knew that next time we were taking the graveyard line. Goo by the time we made into the portrait room is getting a little nervous about the whole experience and I promise him that he can sit between me and Ab and it would be all right. Then the doors opened to board the ride, I really hate this part…there has to be a better way to get people in line for the buggies. With a death grip on Goo we join the group of cutting and pushing people all trying to get on board. Seating works out just like planned with Goo in the middle between Ab and myself as we set off for our spooky adventure, which when it was all over Goo declared the whole thing silly, not scary! I decide that now is probably a good time to start heading towards Main Street for easy access out of MK to our dinner ADR, but we have enough time to check out a little of Tomorrowland and of course Goo spots Stitch and before I know it we are experiencing the worst ride in MK.

Someone needed to warn Ab to sit up tall when the harness comes down; because the entire ride she was stuck in a slouching position and uncomfortable. Worst of all I really could not figure out the plot and the smell! YUCK, but my kids loved it, figures! After Stitch we picked up Fast passes for Buzz Lightyear and then decided to check out the Carousel of Progress,

which Boo thought was one of the best things that he had experienced during the day? I was just thankful to sit down because my feet were killing me and my legs were aching.


We then made our way to the monorail

that would transport us to our dinner location for a meal that turns out to be number 1 on our list of meals…

 

[petals]

OMG they dressed Minnie and Mickey hedges after we left. I'm nearly sure they were "naked" in my picture bar the santa hats.

 

[Enchanted88]

haha I'm sorry you got sucked into riding the tea cups!! I love that ride so much, but I can only imagine how one would feel on that ride if they don't enjoy spinning! haha You are a good mom!

That dole whip looks soooo good! I can not wait to try my first one in November!! I love AB's shirt by the way, too cute!

I can't wait to hear about your ADR!!

I hope you are having a great week!

 

[Mom&RN]

Hi!
I haven't posted in a REALLY long time - sorry!! I have been so busy with school and work but I have been reading along. My son LOVES Carousel of Progress - he loved it the first time we did it years ago and now it is tradition and we have to go on it every visit. Thankfully my son hated Stitch the first time we went on so I have been able to avoid it! I hate to admit this but I have never had a Dole Whip I am planning on getting one on our next trip. I meant to ask you this a long time ago but in your first post you said you were on a Disney planning group on Facebook. I am new to Facebook (hardly ever use it, joined so I could friend my teenager...) but a Disney planning group sounds like heaven - how did you find the group/join the group?

 

[annmarieda]

I think I want a dole whip right now!

 

[momabaarjo]

The Princess in Blue & a First Kiss​

The trip to the GF via monorail took no time at all and we all were excited to get to see the gingerbread and tree again before checking in for dinner.

Luckily for us, we had time on the first day to see the GF in all of its Christmas splendor because when we arrived in the lobby everything had already been taken down. I am so glad I did not listen to the CM I had called a few weeks prior who assured me that the decorations would be up till the 1st weekend in January, although I was really bummed that I had planned to pick up a gingerbread shingle today since in the excitement of our first day, did not get a chance to. I checked us in at 1900 Park Fare

while Jeff took the boys to the bathroom to wash up so they would look a little more presentable for the Princess. I was really looking forward to this ADR for a chance with some great interaction with the Step Sisters…I had heard that they were a hoot and of course I had researched the unique food offerings and knew that Strawberry soup and bread pudding were on the menu. After posing with the backdrop (which I chose to ignore because I think it totally silly to take a photograph with a backdrop and then charge out the whazoo for). After our picture we were lead into the dining room and then seated in what appeared to be a second thought addition to the restaurant and used to be a long narrow hallway off the main dining area. I am really surprised where we are seated, as we were one of the first ADRs of the evening and the main dining room was empty because they were seating everyone in this hallway. But worse than where we were seated was the smell coming from the main dining area, the smells were enough to make the meal that we had not even begun to eat really unappetizing and unappealing. We were met at our table my Marco who would be our server…it is apparent that he is a little scatter brained and probably pretty new in this position…plus the fact that this little hallway was now full and then you had the noise of people on the other side of the doorways that had been blocked off by a table and randomly would be opened throughout the meal by curious visitors of the GF wanting to know what was on the other side of the door. Marco takes our drink orders and his a little miffed that we were not going to order any adult beverages, really? He kept trying to convince me through the entire meal that I needed on…what I really needed was some fresh air. When we made our way to the buffet Boo was so excited to see the Strawberry soup, but Goo decides he does not want any and turns up his nose. Too bad, so I get myself a bowl

along with things that he wants and head back to the table as characters are announced and introduced in the main dining room (which of course we cannot see at all what is happening). I do head back to the buffet to search out things that I want to eat, and I really do not find anything that really stands out to me, nor do I really remember what I ate…what I do know is when I get back to the table Goo is eating my Strawberry soup that he told me he did not want. About that time, the characters start arriving near our table and I get excited and hope that the stepsisters put on a good experience for us. But unfortunetly the table before us has some high school aged boys that the sisters decide to give all their attention too and we are left with a rushed visit so they could get the hallway done and go back to the main dining room for the dance.

Stepmother’s visit was also rushed for the same reason, but she did remind the kids to always listen to their mother.

The Royal Ball took place in the main dining room but everyone crowded to the door of the hallway and there was no place that we could go to see what was happening so we finished our main courses and when the show was over went to get dessert and Cinderalla…and guess what they are out of bread pudding and more will not be ready for what appears to be quite a wait and they are also out of strawberry soup. I head back to the table disappointed, because bread pudding is my comfort food and reminds me of my grandmother. So it is now no strawberry soup for me and no bread pudding….UGH! I guess I could have gotten up and checked later in our meal if they had any, but getting down that narrow hallway where we were all seated was such a pain. Prince Charming makes his way to our table before Cindy and quickly poses for a picture with Ab…but he has no personality and leaves the table rather quickly (plus the fact, he is not that cute).

Finally, the princess herself and she is so captivating for Goo that all of our other experiences with the other characters are forgotten. Goo will not even look at her and she does everything she can think of to get him to look at her. She was just what you think Cinderella would be like…sweet, gentle, kind, breathtaking. Finally, she gets a hug and kiss from Goo before posing for a group picture and moving on, making a little boy’s momma’s heart burst.

We flagged Marco done for our bill, while we tell the picture person for the 3rd time that no we did not want to buy the picture. I check the time as we depart, what we consider the WORST meal we had at WDW and is #1 on that list, the only thing that saved the meal from disaster was the princess in blue. Thank goodness we are right on schedule for the event I was most looking forward to on our trip…

 

[natebenma]

on Dole Whips!!!

Wow, you really had some lows and highs at the Park Fare.

So the question is- are you glad you went?

 

[FosterA]

wow, I had lots of updates to catch up on this morning. I loved every single one of them as usual

Dole Whips and Haunted Mansion are probably my two favorite things at MK!
I can't wait to hear what ya'll do next!

 

[Chelley00]

We had almost the exact same experience at 1900 for dinner. We were rushed, the characters said almost nothing to DD (and it was her birthday....there was a cake on our table and everything) and the waitress was ruder than Lady Tremaine. I was so disappointed.

 

[Disneychix]

Oh my what a bad experience at 1900 Park Fair. I do love love the picture with Cindy though <3

Did you mention to anyone about being in that hallway area and how it was difficult to get to the food and characters?

 

[vleeth]

I love your updates!

 

[annmarieda]

I was really excited to read about your experience at PF. I have an ADR there for the fall. I am really sad it turned out so badly. Gotta say though, I LOVE the princess pic with Goo