Auto Train to College Program w/24hr at MK & SWW(new!SWW '14 rope drop/sci fi brkfst)

[tatar63]

Ok, I have got to get in on this baseball talk! I wonder if the St. Louis Cardinals ever play there? I have always wanted to go to spring training but if I am in Florida I want to be at Disney!
Monica
P.S. I am loving all the details on your trip!!!

 

[Johnny Quest]

Ok, I have got to get in on this baseball talk! I wonder if the St. Louis Cardinals ever play there? I have always wanted to go to spring training but if I am in Florida I want to be at Disney!
Monica
P.S. I am loving all the details on your trip!!!

Monica,
The Cardinals played at Wide World of Sports on March 12th this year. You will have to check the schedule next spring. It's well worth the visit. The whole complex is huge with endless outdoor fields and facilities. They also have a large indoor arena.

If your hungry there's the ESPN Wide World of Sports Grill next to the stadium, which is a quick service restaurant and accepts the meal plan.

Let the planning begin!

 

[poison ivy]

Ok, I have got to get in on this baseball talk! I wonder if the St. Louis Cardinals ever play there? I have always wanted to go to spring training but if I am in Florida I want to be at Disney!
Monica
P.S. I am loving all the details on your trip!!!

More baseball fans. I love it!!

I always wanted to go to spring training too and really wanted to go when I learned the Braves hosted the Phils for one game every year at WWoS. I finally got my wish this past March. Now I really want to go back.

Looks like the Braves play the Cardinals there at least one game too so you could have the best of both worlds!!
Spring training at Disney is awesome!

Thanks so much for reading!

 

[poison ivy]

Day 3 - 5/24/13

‘24” – Take VII

The Iron Man Returns

7 Chapters on 1 day?!?! I think we’re going for a record.

Here we are at “24” playing “24” when we lose all contact with Iron Man. I’m just about to fill out a missing persons report at Guest Services and all of a sudden he appears out of nowhere.

What are the odds?

No, seriously. “What are the odds?”

This would become our mantra this trip. Perfect.

Of course, I immediately ask him, “where have you been?”

He starts to tell me about the Sorcerers game and how it lead him to a spot in Fantasyland he couldn’t access because of a barricade so he came back to check with the CM's.

Which leads me to my next question, “is that all you’ve been doing for the past 4 hrs?”

Mark says, “No!” and begins to answer when JQ interrupts with, “let’s go”.
(so stay tuned for that reply!)

It was time to move. The crowds were really heavy. More and more guests kept arriving and the area was being roped off for the parade.

It was around 12:55 pm. We all agree to leave the park no later than 2:45 pm for the Studios. That should give us just enough time for one more Land.

We walk about half way up Main St. to watch the parade.



I’m not going to post a ton of parade shots since I want to move this along, but here are a few of my personal favorites.











They really are “characters.” And they do notice. Very clever.

We had stopped lining up to see them a long time ago, when our family grew up. We’ve just recently started to reconnect.

Well look at us now!

It’s very cool to hang out with the characters and communicate on this level compared to years ago. Back then, we concentrated all our efforts on the kids. Now we get to interact as adults. Too bad we didn’t realize this a lot sooner.

After the parade, we watched as everyone flocked to the “New” Fantasyland of tomorrow, but I remained drawn to the vintage Magic Kingdom of Yesteryear



The Haunted Mansion had an unimaginable line, so we kept on moving.

I just love this section of the park.





And look who we ran into!!



Iron Man was in full swing playing both games.



The plan was to visit here:



By way of one of these: (yes, this is the only way on and off the island)



And then finish up with a Jamboree:

That’s right! Forget the “mountains”. Forget all the "popular" rides. Our journey was taking us back in time.

I glance up and see Walt smiling.



What a day!

Ok so I’ve only got room for a few more photos in this segment and then I want to get into where Iron Man was.

Tom Sawyer Island – What an incredible piece of nostalgia! It is the perfect place for a Disney Vet to recover their lost “keys to the kingdom.”

JQ mumbled a little when we first walked up. Yeah, well, that’s because [he] don’t know what I know.

For those unfamiliar, here’s a little history courtesy of Disney’s website:
https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/attractions/magic-kingdom/tom-sawyer-island/

Designed by Walt Disney

The original Tom Sawyer Island opened to the public at Disneyland Resort in 1956. The attraction has the distinction of being the only one designed by Walt Disney.
Sharing a strong affinity for the world Mark Twain created in his novels, Walt found himself unsatisfied with the island’s original design. Days before construction was set to begin, he took the plans home and re-imagined the landscape design, creating the inlets, coves and overall shape that the island is known for today.
Today, in addition to Walt Disney World Resort, a version of this beloved attraction exists at Disneyland Resort and Tokyo Disneyland.


This is a map of the Island.



It’s pretty big and there are some minor hills, inclines and a few stairs depending on where you get dropped off and gravitate toward. (the rafts run between two pick up and drop off points)

Lucky us! Huck arrived to take us to Tom’s Landing. (each raft has its’ own name)





Those with trouble walking may have a bit of a challenge in the beginning. You can see what it looks like to give you some idea. But if you take the raft to Huck’s Landing and just walk to the Fort, this should be a pretty easy path.





Before we did anything, Mark sat and hung out with a family playing checkers while I visited what just may be the Tangled bathrooms strongest competitor and alter-ego. Talk about the coolest experience. It was such a throwback to walk into that ladies' room. It was as if time had stood absolutely still. Amazing!



We were headed to the Fort





You can capture some of the most beautiful photography of Vintage Disney from this vantage point. Here’s a peek at what I saw through a visionary’s lens.







Tom Sawyer Island is a great place to sit, walk and relax.

At one point, we passed a couple of rocking chairs with a little crate table nestled in an alcove that looks across the water at Big Thunder Mountain. It has a view of the suspension bridge - and every so often the Riverboat would sail by. I didn’t photograph it since a family was sitting there enjoying lunch. But man was I jealous! They really got it right!

Oh well, there’s always next time – and we will be back!!!

so where the heck was Iron Man anyway?

to be continued.............
.

 

[Johnny Quest]

Thanks to Christine, I have a new found appreciation for Tom Sawyer Island. It's a nice respite from the busy park areas.

 

[Henlady]

Love Tom Sawyer Island. such a nice place to "get away from it all" when the main part of the park is crowded. Loving the pictures.

 

[crepemyrtle]

I LOVE your trip report. First of all - I am astounded that you can drive through 3 states in an hour . And the train - so cool. You're really bringing MK to life -can't wait for the next chapter.

 

[CopperWife]

We haven't visited Tom Sawyer's Island in forever! In fact, my girls have never been. It's definitely on my to-do list for our upcoming trip. I had almost forgotten about it. It's amazing how the pictures jog your memories

 

[poison ivy]

Day 3 - 5/24/13

24 - Take VIII

Afternoon Close

Where was the Iron Man all morning?

I'll let the photos tell the story
(in order)

8:30 am - apparently he went on a second date. And look at him now!


















9:30 am - he was one step ahead of us here, then jumped on the peoplemover and walked into the Carousel of Progress.







10:20 am - he dropped by for an Enchanted Tale.



11:20 am - he runs into a little competition







And finally -

11:33 am - he was drawn like a magnet right to this place and enjoyed one of his favorite snacks.





Marks last trip to Disney World was May 2011. He has always been the one to "stop and smell the roses" so to speak - notices every little detail - every time we visit. Well this time, the artistic side of his brain went into overdrive with all the new developments.

Once he got to Fantasyland, that was it! He loves this whole area and hangs here a lot during his CP.

It really is great to see that love of Disney transcend to my son in a way I could never imagine. I am so glad.

I told him, "I hope you are assigned to the Magic Kingdom." "After today, you'll know every inch of this place!"

And that concludes how the Iron Man rolls solo at the Kingdom.

I'm going to quickly wrap up with our brief exit from the park this afternoon, to leave for a D-Tech me appt. at the Studios and then return for the rest of the night.

Here is one of my favorite photos as we exit Tom Sawyers Island.

It's 2:00 pm



This is another first. The EMT's came out of nowhere. (I'm not sure why and I pray nobody was hurt - but they weren't in a rush)

JQ photobombed the shot. Very professional.



I had saved the best for a last stop in Frontierland and could not wait to go. Iron Man doesn't remember ever being here - and I knew it had been a very long time since we'd seen one another as well.



Ticket D

The Country Bear Jamboree has been around for over 40yrs. It is one of the very few Walt Disney World Originals - it was even cloned for DL!

This is a true Walt Disney World Animatronic Classic!!

Using cutting edge technology, the performing bears are brought to life to deliver a warm, friendly, fun and very "country" welcoming show. This Americana attraction was hailed as one of the big guns in the 70's which earned it an honorary "D" ticket designation in MK and an "E" ticket in DL.

So "bear" that in mind before deciding to just walk on by next time you have the chance to visit.

My family just loved it growing up!!! Big Al's a personal favorite.

Here's a little discussion about what the Company has done to preserve this legendary attraction.

http://disneyparks.disney.go.com/blog/2012/10/walt-disney-imagineers-talk-the-country-bear-jamboree-reimagining-at-magic-kingdom-park/

The Jamboree lasts about 12 minutes. We went in right behind a show, so we grabbed a bench to sit and wait. Iron Man was starving and devoured my Plaza salad along with a powerade.



When it was over, we moved to exit the park.

Look at that Dole Whip Line!



I snag this little keepsake on the way out. price $ 29.77 time: 14.44. We are right on schedule.



And the Monsters pull up to take us away! Awesome!!



Up next: Iron Man gets D-Tech'd at Darths Mall

 

[java]

Loving your report! The auto train info was so detailed I loved it. Something I would love to do but so far cost has been the issue(there are6 of us) but someday..... As the Mom of. 19 year old son I am giggling at the princess photos he did alone. Seems Sleeping Beauty was a keeper!

 

[jane2073]

Country Bears is a family favorite! We like it a lot!

 

[poison ivy]

I have a new found appreciation for Tom Sawyer Island. It's a nice respite from the busy park areas.

I think we should seriously plan to picnic next time. We'll have to check out Aunt Polly's for a spot too.

Love Tom Sawyer Island. such a nice place to "get away from it all" when the main part of the park is crowded. Loving the pictures.

yes! totally agree. I'm thinking of taking Gus and Edith (my parents to those who don't know) after the Sept. cruise this year. A trip down memory lane should be a lot of fun for them.

We haven't visited Tom Sawyer's Island in forever! In fact, my girls have never been. It's definitely on my to-do list for our upcoming trip. I had almost forgotten about it. It's amazing how the pictures jog your memories

Exactly! I think you not being there in years is the perfect time to revisit the island. Boarding that raft put an immediate smile on my face. Feels like you're going to see an old friend.

I hope your girls enjoy it.

I hear you about the pictures jogging memories. Wait til you see my mini 70's show at the end of this segment.

thanks for reading along.

 

[poison ivy]

Loving your report! The auto train info was so detailed I loved it. Something I would love to do but so far cost has been the issue(there are6 of us) but someday..... As the Mom of. 19 year old son I am giggling at the princess photos he did alone. Seems Sleeping Beauty was a keeper!

Thanks so much!

I hear you on the cost of the train, especially with a family of 6. Even with the just the 3 of us it adds up. But I'll always keep checking from now on. You never know.

Glad you got a kick out of that Princess photo session! I don't know what compelled him to go back but give him a lot of credit for walking in there solo. We couldn't believe how much he'd changed from just a couple hours earlier. It was so funny when we first loaded that photopass card.

Country Bears is a family favorite! We like it a lot!

Same here! Really loved it this last time too. JQ was so relaxed he kept nodding off. It had been close to a 12hr. day at that point. but Mark and I enjoyed every minute.

thanks for posting.

 

[poison ivy]

Day 3 - 5/24/13

A Star Wars D-tour

Around 3 pm we left the Magic Kingdom for a D-Tech Me appt. at the Studios.
This is a first. We've never been to a Star Wars weekend.

So where is "D-Tech Me" anyway? It's located inside the Studios at Darth's Mall.

Take Hollywood to Sunset
And follow the signs by RnRC



Keep walking behind the ride entrance toward that big open area on the right in the background.



Welcome to Darth's Mall!! Your one stop shopping for all the Disney Star Wars Memorabilia you could possibly imagine. Open exclusively to park guests only during Star Wars Weekends. This place has so much to see, do and buy you really need to make time for it.



Iron Man is all set to go as he waits soooo patiently for his parents.
This is a familiar trait with the men in my family - tends to happen anytime they're close to the action.





Love the display that greets you as you walk in.



We're checking in for a "D-Tech Me" appt. For those unfamiliar, this is a program where you make yourself into a Stormtrooper action figure. It's very cool, but not exactly cheap - Mark paid $ 99.99 + tax and shipping. He's totally into this kind of stuff - always has been ever since he was a little kid.





They also have a "carbon freeze me" experience for the same price.

Here's some information provided via Disney's website:
http://disneyparks.disney.go.com/blog/2013/05/star-wars-d-tech-me-experience-returns-to-star-wars-weekends-at-disneys-hollywood-studios-starting-may-17-2013/

Iron Man is told to put on a hairband while he waits, and he and JQ start having way too much fun with it.







"Will you stop touching me!"



Marks chooses his face from a series of mugshots.



He then selects the stormtrooper he wants to be - he picked Han in Stormtooper disguise. (shown in the display with the longer hair)

And here's the finished product!! (with and without a flash to show as much detail as possible) What a work of art. Truly amazing. I've been admiring it for months in his absence.





I'll wrap up here with a better look inside Darths Mall. The place is just awesome and deserves so much more attention!

Merchandise galore!! This photo does not begin to demonstrate how much there is to browse and purchase!



Several excellent collector items (including these awesome figurines!)



Here's a Disney website intro from 2012:
http://disneyparks.disney.go.com/blog/2012/04/shopping-in-darths-mall-for-star-wars-weekends-2012-at-walt-disney-world/

and a great photo rich article I found for 2013:
http://www.orlandoskyradio.com/2013/05/inside-darths-mall-2013-star-wars-weekends-merchandise-review/

Along with all the interactive experiences and vast selection of stuff to buy, they also have:

movie props on display



Photo ops with a variety of Star Wars Guests. Luke and Leia were on hand when we dropped by. The line was HUGE!!



A Mini Refreshment Center





Several special guest appearances and autographs





And even a few games for fun!



We picked up a Mater as Darth Vader car. So cool!!



Wish I was there right now!

Up next: 24 resumes at Liberty Tree Tavern

 

[TheMaxRebo]

wow, what a fun experience with the D-Tech me!

I think your line of "It's very cool, but not exactly cheap" sums up a lot of thing related to Disney

 

[poison ivy]

wow, what a fun experience with the D-Tech me!

I think your line of "It's very cool, but not exactly cheap" sums up a lot of thing related to Disney

Well said! Seems like everything I like is usually a small fortune. I've gotten a lot better at selective purchasing but the temptation is a killer sometimes.

btw - just checked out your dining review from a couple years back! too bad you didn't manage any photos from joe's crab shack. I keep trying to get to that place and never seem to manage it.

Really thought the reviews were great. I know they're dated, but it's amazing how many items are still being offered even at the F&W. Wolfgang Pucks sushi looks amazing. Can't wait to drop by there!

 

[poison ivy]

Day 3 - 5/24/13

‘24” – Take IX

Dinner at Liberty Tree Tavern

We’re back! Well JQ and I were. Iron Man got distracted trying to pull himself away from Stars Wars Weekend and promised to catch up with us at dinner. He was late but made it!

We had an 8 pm dinner reservation at Liberty Tree Tavern.

Knowing it would already have been an exceedingly long day at this point with a very long night ahead, I wanted a restaurant capable of restoring sanity, energy, stamina and durability. There’s no better place within the Magic Kingdom that affords you the ability to sit down, relax and be served a great meal rich with comfort food in peace and harmony than Liberty Tree Tavern.



Inspired by its’ namesake:

The Liberty Tree - a massive Live Southern Oak which has been a Magic Kingdom Landmark since opening day in 1971. This tree plays an integral part in the History and Story of Liberty Square.

Take a moment sit and read the plaque, next time you happen by.

(shown on the left in this photo)



Here’s a great description of the "Tavern" from Disney’s website:

Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of Deliciousness

Tuck into roast turkey and other American favorites in one of 6 historically themed rooms.
Step back in time to the days of Colonial Williamsburg and sup in splendor on the fall harvest bounty proffered by the Sons and Daughters of Liberty Tree Tavern.
Home of the Brave
Rich wood paneling, candelabra chandeliers, large brick fireplaces, and walls lined with period portraits and curios welcome the weary time traveler.

Each of the 6 rooms commemorates a pivotal figure in U.S. history:

• Benjamin Franklin
• Thomas Jefferson
• John Paul Jones
• Paul Revere
• Betsy Ross
• George Washington

Be sure to wander the rooms and see if you can spot the signature artifacts famously associated with each American hero.

I chose this restaurant for a number of reasons –

It’s a traditional dinner
Beautifully themed restaurant
Low key environment
Prix Fixe Menu - $ 31.99/pp
All you can eat
Comfort food
Served family style

An evening at Liberty Tree Tavern removes all the “work” out of dining at Disney. It’s effortless. The menu is set - so there’s absolutely no pressure in deciding what to order. The restaurant is exceptionally designed to provide a beautifully warm and tranquil setting and the service is excellent. The entire atmosphere takes you back to the Colonial Era, and slows you right down from the minute you walk through the door.



This was a perfect solution in preparing to go the distance tonight.

We were seated at a table which was not ideal. It was situated in an unusual spot – which may have originally been an open path connecting two main dining rooms. Looked like they placed three 4 tops one behind the other in this “thruway” to expand capacity. So we felt a bit outside of the ambiance.

This may have been fine for lunch - but we were right under a main A/C duct disguised to look like a beam in the ceiling. This made it too cool to be comfortable. We decided to stay put since the restaurant was unusually busy – probably due to the longer hours they were running to accommodate the late night.

this isn't my photo - but we were seated to the left of where the person is standing to take this shot. Look behind and to the left of the guests walking into this dining room. You can barely make out the back of a chair in the bottom left hand corner.
That was our table.





Next time, I’ll request to be moved.

Take a look at the Menu.



It’s the same courses for everyone, but you can continually request as much or as little of any individual item you wish throughout your meal. (this includes tailoring the patriot’s platter to be whatever meats you’d like)

Bread Service – excellent recipe with a delicate hint of sweetness to the bread. Served with whipped butter.





Declaration Salad – tossed mixed greens with house made dressing



Patriot’s Platter – roasted turkey breast, carved beef and sliced pork with mashed potatoes, seasonal vegetables, herb bread stuffing and macaroni and cheese.

Delicious! JQ and Iron Man love this meal! Make sure you request it to be served hot ahead of time. (especially if you are near the A/C)











Dessert and Beverage Menu





Barq’s Root Beer and Freshly Brewed Iced Tea



Johnny Appleseed’s Cake – Tavern White Cake made with apples and craisins topped with Ice Cream




We took a few minutes to go over the current standings for “24”

Attractions - 14

Main Street Vehicles
Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin
Astro Orbiter
Space Mountain
Tomorrowland Speedway
Mad Tea Party
Monsters Inc. Laugh Floor
Winnie the Pooh
Tom Sawyer Island
Country Bear Jamboree
Sorcerers of the Magic Kingdom
Tomorrowland Transit Authority
Carousel of Progress
Story time with Belle


Characters - 13

Mickey Rapunzel Aurora Cinderella Marie
Alice in Wonderland & White Rabbit
Winnie the Pooh & Tigger
Chip & Dale
Jasmine
Gaston

Food and Beverage items - 22

Coffee & Orange Juice
Coke & Ice Water
Strawberry Chicken Salad
Cheese Steak Sandwich
Fries
Black & White Shake
Apples & Caramel
PowerAde
Bread
Barq’s Root Beet & Fresh Brewed Ice Tea
Declaration Salad
Roasted Turkey Breast Carved Beef Sliced Pork
Herb Bread Stuffing
Seasonal vegetables
Mashed Potatoes
Macaroni & Cheese
Green Beans
Johnny Appleseed Cake & Vanilla Ice Cream


Other Events/Experiences - 17

6am Countdown, welcome show and Rope drop
Commemorative Button
First guests of the day to call and greet Mickey
Main St. Vehicle photo op
Magic Kingdom opening ceremonies
Witness the Train and Trolley Roll out for the day
Main St. Trolley Show
Encounter with the Stepmother and Stepsisters
Dream Along with Mickey Show
Visit from the Mayor
Lost Iron Man magic act at Guest Services
Mike and Sully Arrival
Celebrate a Dream Come True Parade
Hangin’ out playing Checkers on Tom Sawyer Island
EMT photobomb
Commemorative T-Shirt
“Monsterail” ride


We have a long way to go! Now it was getting interesting!

Clock’s ticking.

Where to next?

 

[TheMaxRebo]

Well said! Seems like everything I like is usually a small fortune. I've gotten a lot better at selective purchasing but the temptation is a killer sometimes.

btw - just checked out your dining review from a couple years back! too bad you didn't manage any photos from joe's crab shack. I keep trying to get to that place and never seem to manage it.

Really thought the reviews were great. I know they're dated, but it's amazing how many items are still being offered even at the F&W. Wolfgang Pucks sushi looks amazing. Can't wait to drop by there!

Thanks for the feedback. Trying to decide if I will do a dining review or a full trip report for my upcoming trip

 

[IATink]

I just found your trip report today and got all caught up. It is great! I couldn't put it down. We love the Liberty Tree Tavern. Your pictures make me wish I was there. Can't wait to read more.

 

[Johnny Quest]

I wish I was there too!

I never knew the story about the tree and the themed rooms. Too busy filling up on that great food I guess. I always enjoy eating there...it's comfort food in a comfortable setting...and delicious. Next time I'll stop and enjoy the atmosphere more.