A Salute to All Orlando Area Theme Parks But Mostly Walt Disney World ***THE END***

[JDUB]

Hi Rob! Great TR so far! I'm gonna steal the CM around the world and make sure to crop out the guys too.... I have to live thru all these awesome TRs since our next trip isn't until June 2014. First trip during the summer month too so gonna be different touring than Oct.
Thanks for my Disney fix!!!!

 

[wiigirl]

Awesome update!

 

[Krista in MA]

I'm really enjoying your TR and photos! I read through it yesterday and today, so I'm going to jump around and comment on a few things...

I live just south of Boston, so I'm familiar with the special friendship between Boston and Halifax Around Christmas time in 2001, there was a billboard put up on 93 (the main highway going through Boston) just as you make your way into Boston proper. It was from the people of Halifax and Nova Scotia. I can't remember exactly what I said, but it was to let the people of Boston and the US know that our Canadian friends were with us Much like now. As someone who has grown up and lives in the Boston area, I just wanted to thank you for your kind and comforting words in your post. We are ALL Boston Strong.

My sister and I traveled with our parents to Disney in 2005 & 2008. We all had such a fun time! All of us well beyond our childhood ages, but still kids at heart We had tees made for our trips (including orange ones for MNSSHP 2008), ate ourselves silly, laughed at the corny Jungle Cruise jokes, had fun with dad screaming on his first EE ride, to laughing with mom on Goofys Barnstormer (I think that's right?) since that's her speed of coaster Have an awesome trip with your parents in the fall!!!!

Lastly - I love love LOVE (yes, that's a lot of love!) K8's white bag with the green eagle! Sorry, just had to mention that

Can't wait to read more!

 

[teekathepony]

Robbed of a Beverly reaction?! I don't believe it!
Love your monorail over Epcot pictures. Very nice!

So here’s a picture of Eric Stonestreet (Cam from Modern family) from my DLR trip in March for no apparent reason other than it ties in with my last picture-less period in this trip report and it was in a Disney park.

Incidentally, this photo was taken when, after filming the final scene of the Disneyland episode, he came over to all of us onlookers to shake hands and thank everyone for their patience.

I thought this was a very classy thing to do. He is so awesome!
That IS a very classy thing to do! I knew I liked him.

[...]

Since I have no photos to document this obviously exciting period, I thought I’d share a brief story from my DLR trip in March 2012.

I was talking to a cast member (highly recommended) in one of the shops when she asked where I was from.

Now, I never know how to answer this since most people are not particularly familiar with my home town in Florida let alone California.

Undaunted, I told her I was from Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada.

Her reply was unexpected and excited, as she proclaimed her excessive knowledge of its location, despite my skepticism.

The reason, you see, for her familiarity was that she was a Titanic nut (in a good way) and had actually been to my fair city because of its affiliation with that tragic ocean liner.

That's really cool that she knew Halifax! And that it was because of the Titanic. Ironically I've never seen the Titanic artifacts or graves despite living in the same province.

[...]

We set ourselves up against the wall in front of Canada and chilled, which if you know Canada at all is appropriate.
Yep, so true!

I had another experience with yet another (possibly) Spanish only speaking family encroaching on my space.

I really only had 2 choices here; trade elbows with a 10 year old or let it go.

Suffice it to say… I’m due in court in 6 months.

HAHAHA!

Nah, of course I let it go as it wasn't THAT big of a deal.

The couple on the other side of us was a hoot though.

This became especially true when something scurried along the rocks in front of us and the lady and Katie both jumped, squealed, and basically freaked out (in an amusingly entertaining way).

Every little while, this cockroach looking bug would scurry around, never failing to elicit an amusing response.

OMG I saw one for the first time last trip. It took every fiber of my self control to not squeal like a little girl.

It wasn’t much, but it helped to kill the time until Illuminations began.

And then… It did.


After Illuminations successfully reinforced my love for it (I mean seriously, that music is epic in how it can excite and move you), and renewed my hope that we as a people can indeed learn to work with, respect, and love each other (a pretty profound thing for a “fireworks display”), we joined the throngs and headed towards the exit.

It is a profound thing for such a show, I think that's why I love it so much.

Goodnight Epcot… and Thank You for being such a great host!



UP NEXT… “OMFG IT’S OPEN!!!!!!!!!!!!”​

 

[DisneyKid4Life]

What? No reaction to the Beverly from Kate? Not even an "ick"? Wow, you were robbed!

Great photos of Illuminations and the Epcot ball after! Totally makes sense that you viewed from Canada land, I mean if you had to pick a country I'm sure it would be "home" Oh my gosh, that family with the 10-year old must be the same family that put their kid in the front of the line to see Buzz when we were there. Uhhhhh yeah... see the other people here? No? well, then ...

That's a great story about the D-Land CM being familiar with your neck of the woods, or rather coast.

Brenda, I seriously felt SOOOOO robbed. No reaction at all. How is that even possible??!! Geez, she could have at least pretended.

Yeah, I've actually found the stairs in Canada to be a great location, but since we arrived early enough, the wall is even better.
Thankfully I've had more good experiences than bad when it involves families with kids. But, boy there are for sure some highly "entitled" types around for sure.

I was so surprised. But it was really cool hearing her story. I love talking to CM's when they have the time. I talked with some for quite a long time on the last trip which I am trying to gear up into a TR. I'm getting there.

Also, a HUGE congratulations on your TR being 9th viewed thread of April. That's outstanding. Not 9th viewed TR, but 9th viewed THREAD. Wonderful. I am so lucky and honored to have you following little ol' me.

Hi Rob! Great TR so far! I'm gonna steal the CM around the world and make sure to crop out the guys too.... I have to live thru all these awesome TRs since our next trip isn't until June 2014. First trip during the summer month too so gonna be different touring than Oct.
Thanks for my Disney fix!!!!

Welcome Welcome

Thank you so much!

Haha, yes please do the CM's around the World. I just did it again last week. It's a lot of fun. I think the last one was even better (AKA... no guys this time at all). I generally got them to take the picture.

Yeah, June will for sure feel different that October, but I was surpised how warm it was in October. I've never been in June. It's probaly better than July anyway! Besides, by that time the Mine Train should be open, and I think it's going to be something really special.

You are so welcome, and thank you for reading! :goodvibes

Awesome update!

Thank you VERY much!

 

[DisneyKid4Life]

I'm really enjoying your TR and photos! I read through it yesterday and today, so I'm going to jump around and comment on a few things...

I live just south of Boston, so I'm familiar with the special friendship between Boston and Halifax Around Christmas time in 2001, there was a billboard put up on 93 (the main highway going through Boston) just as you make your way into Boston proper. It was from the people of Halifax and Nova Scotia. I can't remember exactly what I said, but it was to let the people of Boston and the US know that our Canadian friends were with us Much like now. As someone who has grown up and lives in the Boston area, I just wanted to thank you for your kind and comforting words in your post. We are ALL Boston Strong.

My sister and I traveled with our parents to Disney in 2005 & 2008. We all had such a fun time! All of us well beyond our childhood ages, but still kids at heart We had tees made for our trips (including orange ones for MNSSHP 2008), ate ourselves silly, laughed at the corny Jungle Cruise jokes, had fun with dad screaming on his first EE ride, to laughing with mom on Goofys Barnstormer (I think that's right?) since that's her speed of coaster Have an awesome trip with your parents in the fall!!!!

Lastly - I love love LOVE (yes, that's a lot of love!) K8's white bag with the green eagle! Sorry, just had to mention that

Can't wait to read more!

Krista, thank you so very much!

I'm not sure if I was aware of the billboard, but presumably it was in regards to 9/11. I cannot thank you enough for your kind words. Outside of Orlanda/Tampa and last year L.A./Anaheim, Boston is the only US city I've had the pleasure of visiting. You really made me smile today. Thank you.

It was Walt himself that said that adults are just kids grown up, and I could not agree more. I love the comment about your dad's first EE ride. If you've read everything you know how much I love EE. So much that I rode it 7 times in a row (and 11 overall) on my first full day last week.

Thank you for taking a moment to leave this comment. I truly appreciate it.

I will pass along your comment regarding the bag. She had bought it specifically for the trip so I'm sure she'll be glad to hear that!

 

[DisneyKid4Life]

Robbed of a Beverly reaction?! I don't believe it!
Love your monorail over Epcot pictures. Very nice!

Wendy, I can't seem to reference everything in a quote reply, so I will have to make do.

Thank you so much regarding the monorail photos!

Eric was UNBELIEVABLY gracious. Such a sweet man.

Next time you're in the city, have a look at the Maritime Museum. There are some remarkable artifacts on display. I believe Tuesday nights admission is free.

That was my first cockroach. Thankfully for me it was pure entertainment.

Illuminations is just riveting if you take the time to really listen.

As always, thanks so much for reading... and commenting!

 

[DisneyKid4Life]

Hi everyone!

I just wanted to pass along a quick note to sincerely thank each and every one of you for gracing me with your presence as I recount the details of my October 2012 trip.

And a very special thank you for anyone who has taken a moment to leave a comment.
It truly brings joy to my heart.

I also wanted to let you know that I have started a brand spanking new TR based on the recently completed SOLO trip.

You can find it located HERE...

“IF THIS IS A DREAM, I DON’T WANT TO WAKE UP” – POP! Goes The Solo Trip

Please feel free to click and join in on all the shenanigans if you are so inclined.

This one one will, I'm sure, prove to be very different!

I debated for the past week whether or not to do one since my return home was less than magical (NOT Disney related).

But with the support of friends and family, including a few of you, and after going through some of the photos and reliving in my mind some of the stories and experiences, I decided that I wasn't going to let a brief annoyance cloud what was otherwise a unique and often magical trip.

Including what was and may well forever be the most Magical, Emotional Moment I've ever had in Disney.

So again, for being here, and I hope you decide to ride the Monorail on over to TR #2!

​

 

[emmysmommy]

I had to comment here as well... THANK YOU for doing a TR for your solo trip!! I'm glad that you listened to your fans who requested, no demanded, another WDW addict TR.

Ha, that top thread honor is totally bogus! People only read my TR for my room. (And who can compete with a real life frump - not me apparently!!)

 

[DisneyKid4Life]

I had to comment here as well... THANK YOU for doing a TR for your solo trip!! I'm glad that you listened to your fans who requested, no demanded, another WDW addict TR.

Ha, that top thread honor is totally bogus! People only read my TR for my room. (And who can compete with a real life frump - not me apparently!!)

Thanks Brenda. It's people like you that make doing TR's such a blessing!

But no, that top thread honour is truly deserved and very real and I'm very very happy for you.

Although yes, Jess does seem to have a lock on thread of the year. I don't think anybody is going to beat that, but it is well deserved on her part for sure. She created a phenomenon after all.

 

[DisneyKid4Life]

OMFG IT’S OPEN!!!!!!!!!!!!
Day 5 – October 12, 2012 Part 1

A Very Happy Mother's Day To All You Mothers Out There!

I'm dedicating today's update to Marcie (Marsheliz) who just recently lost her mother.
You are definitively in my thoughts today.




“HERE YOU LEAVE TODAY AND ENTER THE WORLD OF YESTERDAY, TOMORROW, AND FANTASY.”

Is there a better phrase in the Disney vernacular?

If you exclude
“Ladies and gentlemen… the back side of water,”
"Por Favor Manténgase Alejado de las Puertas,”
Or a personal favorite…
”There doesn’t seem to be any track!”

Then no… no there is not.

As you may have guessed, today we are headed to the most magical of places, appropriately named The Magic Kingdom.

And it was bucket list time as well right from the start.

You see, in the many (and many) times I have boarded THAT monorail and walked under THAT archway, I had never, ever, seen the Good Morning show that opens the park.

Never.

Ever.

I did meet the Mayor once.

When I told him where I was from, he proceeded to belt out the entire Canadian National Anthem right in the middle of Main Street (which is what he was doing here).

I absolutely love him... And I want his job!

I came close to seeing the show once before, but Disney changed the opening time at the last minute (by an hour), so while I would have arrived in plenty of time, it was well over when I arrived.

I was not amused.

Today, I would fix that. I knew in advance that today’s opening was 8am.

Prepared with that knowledge, and knowing how important seeing this show was to me, K8 was up and ready and we were out the door by 7am.

I have to say that even though I had paid for the trip, getting up at the crack of dawn while on vacation is not on everyone's must do list.

But she was more than happy to help me fulfill this dream and was always ready and willing to help me fulfill these little things that were so important to me.

I’m actually guessing at the time as I really have no idea when we left, just that it would give us plenty of lead time.

I was taking no chances.

Here is our parking spot for the day. That’s just about as close as you get. It was indeed early.

We arrived here with plenty of time to spare.

Things were looking good.
In fact, since it was an 8am opening and an early close (due to a MNSSHP that night), the crowds were extremely low.
Then… it happened. OMG… OMG… OMG… OMG… OMG…
I’m 5.

I truly believe Mickey is looking directing at me and saying “It’s about time you got here for this... SLACKER!!"

SUCCESS!!!

I was so very happy and now ready to start the day.

Now, you may have noticed my shirt in the last photo, so this would be a good time to point out that I can’t/won’t do Small World.

It’s a classic and all, but I just can’t/won’t do it. Huge props to all who can.
Put me on the tallest, fastest coaster in the world and I’m fine.
Put me on that slow (slow, slow) moving boat, and well, you can call the coroner.

It’s become a tradition for me on Magic Kingdom days to break out my home made “I Survived It’s a Small World” shirt,
Because I’ve survived it before and will not attempt to do so again.

The shirt has become quite popular as I get multiple compliments and comments throughout the day.

I won’t lie, I love the attention.

I have considered mass producing them at home and selling them outside the gates and actually have been encouraged to do so by many CM’s.

Magic Kingdom was closing at 7pm for MNSSHP (which we were not attending on this night as ours was scheduled for the following week).

Because of this, I knew it was going to be a great touring day with relatively low crowds throughout the day.

Plus, we received an extra special unexpected surprise later in the day.

So we ventured into the deserted park en route to our first destination, which may or may not involve water...



TO BE CONTINUED… ​

 

[emmysmommy]

That's so sweet of you to give a shout out to Marcie for a special Mother's Day!

I love the excitement of the park open. I'm one of the folks watching the show and not lining up for the park open stampede!

I will admit that IaSW is not my favorite ride and I will certainly not go out of my way to see it but if I need to sit and chill for a spell and we are near it, I can be coaxed to endure it.

Ahh Mayor Christoper Weaver! He is a character. He says he likes red-heads and I believe him!!! See here.

 

[khertz]

LOVE LOVE LOVE the opening show!!! I too, shamefully, went to WDW many times without seeing it. But now that I have, it's like a drug, and I need my hit every trip! Have to see it once at a minimum, preferably twice.

If you ever start selling your shirts online, let me know. My dad would be very interested!!

 

[Marsheliz]

OMG! Are you trying to make me cry?
How sweet of you Rob!! Yesterday was rather hard but we got through it... I booked a September trip so I have something to look forward to now and looking veryyyyyyy forward to it... )))))

 

[DisneyKid4Life]

That's so sweet of you to give a shout out to Marcie for a special Mother's Day!

I love the excitement of the park open. I'm one of the folks watching the show and not lining up for the park open stampede!

I will admit that IaSW is not my favorite ride and I will certainly not go out of my way to see it but if I need to sit and chill for a spell and we are near it, I can be coaxed to endure it.

Ahh Mayor Christoper Weaver! He is a character. He says he likes red-heads and I believe him!!! See here.

Aww thanks Brenda!

I still can't believe this was my very first. But I so agree. I would never consider getting closer to the gate just so I can get in "first". The show is so much worth getting in a bit behind people. And it's not like the lines are going to skyrocket that early anyway. Of course on this day, the crowds were low so you could pretty much do both...

Haha, you are stronger than I am. I don't think there's anything that could get me back on that ride... other than maybe a Christmas overlay ala D-Land.

Oh my goodness, he REALLY liked you didn't he, !!! Thank you for sharing that. I always wanted to meet him, so I was really happy to have had the opportunity. He was a really sweet man.

LOVE LOVE LOVE the opening show!!! I too, shamefully, went to WDW many times without seeing it. But now that I have, it's like a drug, and I need my hit every trip! Have to see it once at a minimum, preferably twice.

If you ever start selling your shirts online, let me know. My dad would be very interested!!

I agree, it is SOOOO adorable and really the only one left. It's just the perfect intro to Magic Kingdom.

Hahaha, I will for sure, though I think in the case of Small World I might have a copyright issue. I love Disney too much to get sued by them.

OMG! Are you trying to make me cry?
How sweet of you Rob!! Yesterday was rather hard but we got through it... I booked a September trip so I have something to look forward to now and looking veryyyyyyy forward to it... )))))

It was my pleasure Marcie. I knew it would be a tough day.

I am SOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO happy to hear you've booked your trip.
Sept is looking to be pretty popular around here. I'm still working on a fall trip, but with so many people going in Sept, I may just have to go then too. It would be so awesome to meet everyone even if just for a few minutes.
But I'll have to wait and see what works best.

 

[teekathepony]

HA! Love the shirt. I will admit to being a nostalgic iasw lover, but my DH could definitely do with one of those shirts! He... shall we say... puts up with the ride for my sake!
Glad you got to see the opening show, I saw it for the first time last fall and was really blown away. What a fun way to start the day.

 

[katt789]

Oh my gosh seriously?! That Mayor sounds amazing!! But shame on you for not seeing rope drop! It’s so amazing!! AHAHAHAHAHA That FACE of Mickey, with that QUOTE! BAHA! Priceless!

Aw man, that’s all I get!?!? Lawl. But seriously. I’m so pumped to be doing MK on a party night this year, although, we will also be at the party, and it’ll be my second of the trip, but the low crowds are so gonna be wooorrrttthhh it!

I'm also gonna take a stab in the dark and say that you guys got INTO THE EXPANSION!!!!!

 

[Marsheliz]

Aww thanks Brenda!

I still can't believe this was my very first. But I so agree. I would never consider getting closer to the gate just so I can get in "first". The show is so much worth getting in a bit behind people. And it's not like the lines are going to skyrocket that early anyway. Of course on this day, the crowds were low so you could pretty much do both...

Haha, you are stronger than I am. I don't think there's anything that could get me back on that ride... other than maybe a Christmas overlay ala D-Land.

Oh my goodness, he REALLY liked you didn't he, !!! Thank you for sharing that. I always wanted to meet him, so I was really happy to have had the opportunity. He was a really sweet man.



I agree, it is SOOOO adorable and really the only one left. It's just the perfect intro to Magic Kingdom.

Hahaha, I will for sure, though I think in the case of Small World I might have a copyright issue. I love Disney too much to get sued by them.



It was my pleasure Marcie. I knew it would be a tough day.

I am SOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO happy to hear you've booked your trip.
Sept is looking to be pretty popular around here. I'm still working on a fall trip, but with so many people going in Sept, I may just have to go then too. It would be so awesome to meet everyone even if just for a few minutes.
But I'll have to wait and see what works best.

That would be great!! I am staying at CBR but for some reason, I still am torn about my decision.. Too many resorts to pick from.

 

[DisneyKid4Life]

HA! Love the shirt. I will admit to being a nostalgic iasw lover, but my DH could definitely do with one of those shirts! He... shall we say... puts up with the ride for my sake!
Glad you got to see the opening show, I saw it for the first time last fall and was really blown away. What a fun way to start the day.

Thank you!! I love that shirt too! I really wish I could do it since it is an original, but I just can't.

I was so happy to have FINALLY seen the opeing show after all these years. It's just the perfect welcome to the Most Magical Place On Earth.

Oh my gosh seriously?! That Mayor sounds amazing!! But shame on you for not seeing rope drop! It’s so amazing!! AHAHAHAHAHA That FACE of Mickey, with that QUOTE! BAHA! Priceless!

Aw man, that’s all I get!?!? Lawl. But seriously. I’m so pumped to be doing MK on a party night this year, although, we will also be at the party, and it’ll be my second of the trip, but the low crowds are so gonna be wooorrrttthhh it!

I'm also gonna take a stab in the dark and say that you guys got INTO THE EXPANSION!!!!!

The Mayor was insanely awesome... and actually knew all the words too! OMG I want his job!!!!

I know right!? I can't believe I had never seen it before myself. In fact, I can't even understand it since I'm a open the park/close the park type. I can't explain it, but I'm glad I finally did.

Seriously Katt, the crowds during the day of a party are so low (relatively speaking of course. I mean it's still Disney, there's always gonna be people). But it's really enjoyable and relaxed. And in September probably even more so.

I will neither confirm nor deny your guess...

That would be great!! I am staying at CBR but for some reason, I still am torn about my decision.. Too many resorts to pick from.

Don't be torn... It's Disney and you are going to have the absolute best time!
I haven't gotten over to CBR yet, but I bet it's gorgeous!

 

[Krista in MA]

Krista, thank you so very much!

I'm not sure if I was aware of the billboard, but presumably it was in regards to 9/11. I cannot thank you enough for your kind words. Outside of Orlanda/Tampa and last year L.A./Anaheim, Boston is the only US city I've had the pleasure of visiting. You really made me smile today. Thank you.

It was Walt himself that said that adults are just kids grown up, and I could not agree more. I love the comment about your dad's first EE ride. If you've read everything you know how much I love EE. So much that I rode it 7 times in a row (and 11 overall) on my first full day last week.

Thank you for taking a moment to leave this comment. I truly appreciate it.

I will pass along your comment regarding the bag. She had bought it specifically for the trip so I'm sure she'll be glad to hear that!

I have a friend up in Halifax who jokes around that he loves Boston...I keep reminding him that he's never been I've only ever been to Niagara Falls and that was eons ago. I'd love to take one of the cruises up the Canadian coastline sometime.

My dad is such a good sport when it comes to rides! He'll go on anything to make his kids happy I, on the other hand, won't go on it if it has a loop or drops too much (goodbye ToT!). I just rode my first coaster in March that has a small corkscrew - the yellow cheetah thing at Busch Gardens. My sister and I rode that about 7 times in a row - scariest ride i have ever been on! EE and SM scare me, and I usually have a look of panic plastered across my face, but I usually ride those a few times for the scary thrill of it. My favorite coaster that I tend to ride over and over again is the Mummy over at that other park.