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

[Tink rules]

They gave you the 17 $1 coins because they figured you wouldn't want to have to carry them around so you'd spend them on the way out...

 

[DisneyKid4Life]

What a bummer about the locker situation, especially all those $1 coins!! That's ridiculous. We had an issue with lockers last time we visited Universal/IoA in 2009. Kind of makes me relieved we will have the stroller! No lockers needed. What a pain.

However, I'm SO EXCITED to finally see WWoHP!!! I love the picture of you with the students, that is so cool! I didn't realize they had "character" greets in that area. Gah, I just can't wait!

Looking forward to your MNSSHP updates.

Haha, looking back now it kind of seems a bit funny. 17 coins. Genius!
What's really makes me laugh is for a company that has built some truly amazing and game changing rides, they can't figure out lockers.

Wizarding World is exceptional though. This was my 3rd time there but the first time I saw that particular group. I did get a picture with the Hogwarts Express conductor the year prior.

They gave you the 17 $1 coins because they figured you wouldn't want to have to carry them around so you'd spend them on the way out...

Haha, yup, that was my exact thinking as well. Of course their strategy backfired as we left not too long after and I spent those coins at Disney!!!

 

[DisneyKid4Life]

AIN’T NO PARTY LIKE A MICKEY PARTY ‘CUZ A MICKEY PARTY DON’T STOP!
Day 9 – October 16, 2012 Part 1


After the semi-disastrous day that preceded it, we awoke on Day 9 completely refreshed and really excited.

For this was to be the day of my very first Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party.

We generally lazed around for the morning before heading back out to Downtown Disney to spend the afternoon before heading over to the party.

We arrived at Downtown Disney shortly after noon.
I was looking forward to wandering around in the daylight.

I will do this one day…

We were both fascinated with this butterfly for some reason.

The thing about the DTD area is, no matter how many times you go, you can’t help but take pics of the legos…

Halloween was in full force.

CONTINUED NEXT POST​

 

[DisneyKid4Life]

Day 9 – October 16, 2012 Part 1 Cont.


Of course no visit to DTD would be complete without a stop into…

World of Disney is seriously a theme park unto itself.

I really really really wanted this castle.

I know… I’m five

They had a fair amount of Halloween merch, but I didn’t take a lot of photo evidence.

My absolute biggest regret of the trip was not getting this shirt.
What the hell was I thinking?

I think it might be the Best… Shirt… Ever. Something to look forward to the next time I guess.

I did get this one which I love…

Disney knows its fans.

I still can't believe that something that I loved so much as a kid, and really never considered that others loved it too, is on a T-shirt.

There were some other really nice shirts too.

I’m not a pin collector, but I should have bought this pin.

One thing I did buy was one of these for a buddy back home who loves the Orlando turkey legs.

Seriously, they do really smell like the real thing.

Thankfully, the lovely CM’s ringing me in wrapped it REALLY well or else my suitcase would have stunk severely.

We spent a good deal of time in here, and I really think Disney needs to consider handing out GPS's at the door.

Or maybe guide dogs... that would be cool!

When we left the store, we saw a number of CM's standing around by the steps at one of the entrances.
I wondered if something was wrong as it seemed really odd to me.

Thankfully, there was nothing at all wrong and they were just getting prepared for this…

This adorable little princess parade for the little girls who got made over in the BBB.

So cute!

Disney is just the best!

We basically just wandered a bit after this.
Since I don’t have any specifics, here are some sweets to look at…

I snapped one quick photo of this…

Just because I thought it was cool.

And This...

Because this was the first instance of Marvel I had seen on Disney property since they bought it.

A short time later, we went back to the car and headed over to Magic Kingdom.

We heard there was some party they were putting on that night that we might be interested in.



TO BE CONTINUED… ​

 

[teekathepony]

YAY for MNSSHP DAY!

The thing about the DTD area is, no matter how many times you go, you can’t help but take pics of the legos…

Very true, I have evidence to support this.

My absolute biggest regret of the trip was not getting this shirt.
What the hell was I thinking?

I think it might be the Best… Shirt… Ever. Something to look forward to the next time I guess.

I did get this one which I love…

Disney knows its fans.

That first shirt is awesome! I can't believe you didn't come home with it! At least you did get the other, which, btw, is also awesome. Disney is pretty good at knowing what to put on a t-shirt that's for sure.

[/SIZE][/COLOR]

Oh man! My DH needs the shirt on the right! He absolutely idolizes Walt and loves the quotes, especially this one. We have a print of Magic Kingdom in construction with this quote that DH picked out. I'm on the hunt for this in November!

I’m not a pin collector, but I should have bought this pin.

I'm not a collector either, but DH and I each have this pin! We wear them on our camera straps every trip!

Turkey leg air freshener. I literally gagged.

The little princess parade is way too cute!

Great DTD time, I love it there.

 

[katt789]

Aw man! You tempt me with thoughts of MNSSHP and I only get DTD?! Not the same

DTD is awesome, and they definitely do need like, GPS's or something at the door of WOD, there's no stopping me getting lost in there every time!

 

[Tink rules]

Haha, yup, that was my exact thinking as well. Of course their strategy backfired as we left not too long after and I spent those coins at Disney!!!

Just think if how many of those coins housekeeping at US hotels get...

 

[Carable]

I'm so excited to hear about your MNSSHP experience, it is something I am going to HAVE to do in the next few years with the kids. Was DTD less crowded than the evening hours at that time of day? I love all the random store pics, they make me feel like I am there again.

 

[DisneyKid4Life]

YAY for MNSSHP DAY!

Very true, I have evidence to support this.

That first shirt is awesome! I can't believe you didn't come home with it! At least you did get the other, which, btw, is also awesome. Disney is pretty good at knowing what to put on a t-shirt that's for sure.

Oh man! My DH needs the shirt on the right! He absolutely idolizes Walt and loves the quotes, especially this one. We have a print of Magic Kingdom in construction with this quote that DH picked out. I'm on the hunt for this in November!

I'm not a collector either, but DH and I each have this pin! We wear them on our camera straps every trip!

Turkey leg air freshener. I literally gagged.

The little princess parade is way too cute!

Great DTD time, I love it there.

YAY is right Wendy!! This was something I was so looking forward to.

Haha, outside of the castle these have to be the most photographed thing in WDW.

Hmmm, not saying for sure, but I may have gotten that shirt in April. Maybe...

Aren't those shirts great? One of the things I love is there is stuff for the "tourist", but there's also stuff for the serious Disney fan.

Ah I love that pin. I will have it next time.

Hahaha, they have other, not so stanky ones too like Mickey Ice Cream bars. I actually bought it more as a joke.

I had never seen that little parade before, but it is indeed so cute that they do that. Talk about making a kid's day.

Aw man! You tempt me with thoughts of MNSSHP and I only get DTD?! Not the same

DTD is awesome, and they definitely do need like, GPS's or something at the door of WOD, there's no stopping me getting lost in there every time!

Bahaha, sorry I had to go for the slow build.

It's so strange that I know Disney property so well, all the parks, even DTD itself, yet can't get my bearings in that store. Disney's leaving money on the table by not renting some sort of GPS device...

Just think if how many of those coins housekeeping at US hotels get...

Haha, I don't doubt that for a second.

I'm so excited to hear about your MNSSHP experience, it is something I am going to HAVE to do in the next few years with the kids. Was DTD less crowded than the evening hours at that time of day? I love all the random store pics, they make me feel like I am there again.

Yay, I can't wait to share Cara. It is one of the very best things Disney does. You, and the kids, would love it I think.

DTD is definitely MUCH less crowded that time of day. To use a bad joke, it's a night and day difference.

 

[Tink rules]

I got the original monorail t shirt... the one with the wrong castle!!!

 

[emmysmommy]

I did get this one which I love…

Disney knows its fans.

Hey Rob!

Oh lookey here... You do love this shirt!! Very cool! (Thanks for the link for the shirt at the Disney store a while back but I am still holding out for a proper ladies version in pink with a V neck and soft brushed cotton. Hey, you are the king of merch ideas, we should put your creativity to good use!!

Not creepy at all that I noticed it right away from your recent trip... right?? Ok, but I will say that I am very impressed that you know about the BBB!

Whenever I see the Lego dragon I think vomit. Is it just me? Perhaps but seriously I can't help it.

Bring on the MNSSHP!! I want to hear all about it.

 

[Marsheliz]

Ewwwww. a turkey leg air freshener? OMG!

You have me so excited about us going in October.. The weather just looked perfect. Can't wait to see pictures of the actual party!!

 

[DisneyKid4Life]

I got the original monorail t shirt... the one with the wrong castle!!!

Oh wow, that is just Soooooo Coooooooool.

Hey Rob!

Oh lookey here... You do love this shirt!! Very cool! (Thanks for the link for the shirt at the Disney store a while back but I am still holding out for a proper ladies version in pink with a V neck and soft brushed cotton. Hey, you are the king of merch ideas, we should put your creativity to good use!!

Not creepy at all that I noticed it right away from your recent trip... right?? Ok, but I will say that I am very impressed that you know about the BBB!

Whenever I see the Lego dragon I think vomit. Is it just me? Perhaps but seriously I can't help it.

Bring on the MNSSHP!! I want to hear all about it.

Hey right back Brenda!

I still think you should have bought it for that amazing price, haha. I will get after Disney though to fulfill your request. You know how much pull I have. I'm a pass holder after all. Honestly though, I think that would be a big seller.

Bahaha, therein lies the perils of simultaneous trip reporting. The other newer TR has me wearing the shirt at the beginning, and then months later this TR announces the purchase. It's like watching Pulp Fiction.
Of course I also lamented here not getting the other monorail shirt. Guess what may show up in the other report...
I guess it's good that I already covered off not getting to meet finned Ariel here before the last update on the other TR showing me meeting her. Oy...

And heck no it's not creepy! It shows you're paying attention!!!

Ha, yup I am familiar with the BBB, though I haven't partaken in it myself...

I'm sure there's a reference here I should be getting, but for the life of me I just don't. Help!

MNSSHP will be starting up in the next update.

Ewwwww. a turkey leg air freshener? OMG!

You have me so excited about us going in October.. The weather just looked perfect. Can't wait to see pictures of the actual party!!

Haha, I know, I found that so funny!

YAY!!! Honestly Marcie, other than arrival day (which was wicked hot), the weather was beautiful. Plus we didn't have any rain at all. I hope you have the same luck!

 

[haley'smom44]

I've been a reader for awhile just wanted to POP (haha) in and tell you that I am enjoying your report. I have been reading lots of reports lately so I have decidedto start writing a PTR for my upcoming trip and I am going to incorporate my past trips in so people can help me make decisions because I am running out of time! So thanks for helping motivate me to start writing! My family and I went to Universal last year and we purposely stayed there first because I knew I didn't want to spend time at Disney and then go there and be disappointed. We will probably go back to check out the HP expansion however because I am a huge fan. Well, just wanted to let you know that I was reading and I am excited for the MNSSHP update as we will be headed to our first one in October!

 

[glennbo123]

Ha! I'm caught up! Thanks for the chapter links.

I'm not a big Halloween person, but it sure looked like they had a lot of cast members dressed up to scare/entertain you. That was a pretty good trick by the guy who caught your gaze while his partner-in-crime scared you.

You have basically written the upcoming Universal portion of my TR...it just ain't Disney. And we had the exact same experience (minus the $17 in coins...I told my wife about that, btw ) at the lockers at Forbidden Journey. What a fiasco!

Okay so, yeah, I'm caught up so what're you waiting for? Oh yeah, for me to go over and read your other trip report. Sheesh!

 

[DisneyKid4Life]

I've been a reader for awhile just wanted to POP (haha) in and tell you that I am enjoying your report. I have been reading lots of reports lately so I have decidedto start writing a PTR for my upcoming trip and I am going to incorporate my past trips in so people can help me make decisions because I am running out of time! So thanks for helping motivate me to start writing! My family and I went to Universal last year and we purposely stayed there first because I knew I didn't want to spend time at Disney and then go there and be disappointed. We will probably go back to check out the HP expansion however because I am a huge fan. Well, just wanted to let you know that I was reading and I am excited for the MNSSHP update as we will be headed to our first one in October!

Thank you so much Shannon!!

I agree with your strategy of hitting Universal first, then Disney. As good as Universal is, it just doesn't compare to the magic of Disney. The HP expansion is going to be something though, that's for sure.

MNSSHP is so wonderful and I'm excited to share a bit of my very first one very soon. The party is one of the best things at Disney!

Thanks so much for reading!

Ha! I'm caught up! Thanks for the chapter links.

I'm not a big Halloween person, but it sure looked like they had a lot of cast members dressed up to scare/entertain you. That was a pretty good trick by the guy who caught your gaze while his partner-in-crime scared you.

You have basically written the upcoming Universal portion of my TR...it just ain't Disney. And we had the exact same experience (minus the $17 in coins...I told my wife about that, btw ) at the lockers at Forbidden Journey. What a fiasco!

Okay so, yeah, I'm caught up so what're you waiting for? Oh yeah, for me to go over and read your other trip report. Sheesh!

Ah-ha, you did it! And that's what they're there for.

I am totally a Halloween fan, so this was right up my alley. Oh man, that guy (well, moreso his buddy) got me GOOD! It was awesome!

Haha, feel free to cut & paste. But it's not. Universal has some wonderful pluses and is very well done is most respects... but it's not Disney. Universal (in my own humble opinion) is awesome rides with really good theming. Disney you just feel.
And those lockers need to be fixed... and moved. They're just awful. And really such a shame too since the area in general is so well done.
Really glad I was able to make Judy laugh over the 17 coins. Does that count as 1 Judy sighting??

Hmmm, just for that I'm going to post an update.

 

[DisneyKid4Life]

AIN’T NO PARTY LIKE A MICKEY PARTY ‘CUZ A MICKEY PARTY DON’T STOP!
Day 9 – October 16, 2012 Part 2


We arrived at the Kingdom gates a little after 3 in the afternoon.

FINALLY, we were here for this…

I was excited.

I had originally planned on costuming it, but I just couldn’t justify trotting a costume in my luggage since I was packing for 2 weeks.
I also thought about face paint, but it was so hot that I was sure it would melt right off.

I settled on my traditional Magic Kingdom garb of “I Survived It’s a Small World”, which actually worked out quite well.

We used our regular park tickets to get in since they weren’t yet handing out the MNSSHP bracelets, and walked in and down that beautiful street.

As you can see, it really wasn’t crowded at all.

We still had a few hours before the party officially started, so why not get in a few rides?

Here’s Vanna showcasing Space Mountain…

The wait time for Space Mountain was low, though the time disappeared when I snapped this photo.

After riding our way through space, it was a good time to grab some eats.
We didn’t want to waste valuable party time stopping for food… outside of candy of course.

Once our tummies were filled to our satisfaction, we made our way to the other side of the park.
We had planned on Splash Mountain, but yet again, it was down.

So we headed to the best place to prepare for the ghoulish night ahead… The Haunted Mansion

There was basically no line, so we visited the new queue.

After our visit with 999 happy haunts and having our heads blown up by those hitchhiking ghosts, We ventured over to Fantasyland, dodging the massive crowds as we walked.

Once again, our little NFL dress rehearsal was in full swing!

Since there was virtually no line, we jumped onto the Little Mermaid.

CONTINUED NEXT POST​

 

[DisneyKid4Life]

Day 9 – October 16, 2012 Part 2 Cont.


After enjoying a bit more of New Fantasyland,

While still not wandering just a few feet for a Little Mermaid Fin photo (something I have since corrected),

It was time to prepare to fulfill one of my absolute top Halloween Party priorities.

This was something I’ve wanted for years!

We headed back over to Frontierland to get in line for

All Seven of our Little Dwarf Friends.

I wasn’t sure exactly where they were set up though.

We were both by Big Thunder when I ran to the washrooms outside Splash Mountain,

Which just happened to be near the location of the Dwarf Meet & Greet.

So I texted K8 to just come meet me and I just jumped into the already waiting line.

The problem was she didn’t quite understand my directions which were basically to come towards the Splash entrance, then keep coming.

So she ended up down in front of where the Splash Mountain drop is.

I texted her to walk under where the train comes though (meaning the WDW Railroad), but she thought I meant Big Thunder.

You may remember similar texting woes back when we saw Fantasmic!

It probably would have been quicker to use a Marco... Polo strategy.

After walking for what probably seemed longer than the Nemo queue (though it was for sure no where near that),

She eventually found me.

We had a great and lively conversation with a mother and her son while we waited, but I can’t think of what we talked about at all.

The only part I do remember was he thought I was 25, so I loved him.

Before we knew it, the big moment arrived as the Dwarfs appeared.

This was an absolute dream fulfilled, so it was totally appropriate to have Dreamy right up front…

…Though he did look a little grumpy on this occasion. #OnceUponATime

I still don’t know where Stealthy was. I guess that’s why he’s Stealthy!

I was right beside Sleepy, who promptly fell asleep on my shoulder.

ADORABLE!

And maybe the best part of all…

It was just barely after 7 o’clock, so we wasted very little party time for this.

I snapped a picture of Thunder Mountain all dressed up for the occasion since the party was now on…

Before heading back to The Haunted Mansion, because, well, it’s a Halloween Party!!!!

The Mansion looked extra awesome on this night, plus, it had an extra special guest as well.

If you attend a MNSSHP, make sure you spend some time checking out Madame Carlotta or her sister Madame Renata.

They are about as funny and entertaining as they come.

We were now completely ready for more Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party.



TO BE CONTINUED… ​

 

[emmysmommy]

Marco... Polo.... that's funny! I did hold my breath when I saw the words "washroom" ... just making sure we didn't get another "Tammy" moment! Oh, wait, that's your other TR!

Are the dwarfs ever out other than the MNSSHP? That is a completely awesome experience to see them!

Sounds like a great start to your night!

 

[wiigirl]

Great update!