Bippity Boppity Brr! My Very Meticulously Crafted Plans don't quite pan out.

[Daddy_of_Princesses]

Thursday, December 16th
Resort – Polynesian
Park(s) – Magic Kingdom - MVMCP
Weather: high of 71 degrees, low of 33 degrees

Today we go back to Magic Kingdom. Here is what I had planned for this day, including a planned DISMeet.
EMH Day, park opens at 8
Breakfast in the Castle at 8:10
Head to Tom Sawyer Island (look for paint brush)
Get FP for Big Thunder Railroad
Head to Adventureland
Ride Magic Carpets of Alladin
Pirates of the Caribbean
Get FP for Jungle Cruise
Check watch, have to get to the Dole Whip meet at 1:00
Head back to resort for short break
Back to MK around 4:00
Go to Monsters Inc Laugh Floor
Dinner at Liberty Tree Tavern at 5:15
Watch Castle Lighting Ceremony at 6:00
MVMCP starts at 7:00

Once again I wake up before the alarm. Get a shower, get some coffee. Captain Hooks is quite a trek from our room. It’s another chilly morning, but it is going to get into the 70’s later so I can’t complain too much.
We take the monorail to the MK. Even with the EMH, we are able to get in the park early since we had dining plans. Today I notice that they didn’t check any kind of registry like they did at AK. I bet if I tried to sneak in without an ADR they would check though.

We make our way to the castle so we can check in for breakfast. It isn’t long before they take us in so we can get our picture with Cinderella. We decide to have just the kids in the picture.

We get seated by the window overlooking FantasyLand.

The kids once again want to sit on the inside, so we explain they have to sit where the Princesses can get to them. This is my first time eating breakfast in the castle, in 2007 we at dinner. I get the stuffed French Toast. This is a fantastic item. If anyone could get me the recipe I would be very grateful. I have searched online and can’t find a recipe.
We get to meet all the princesses, Snow White, Jasmine, Ariel, and Belle.

Breakfast complete, we head out to go to Tom Sawyers Island. I tell Ally to look for paint brushes when we get to the island. She has spotted quite a few hidden mickey’s so she is probably the best person for this job. I didn’t realize the island doesn’t open until 10, so I figure we can get FP’s for Big Thunder Railroad. We get to the ride and I see it’s only a 10 minute wait. Diane doesn’t like Roller Coasters, so I take Ally, and will go on with Olivia right after. I didn’t realize we could fit 3 in a seat. Oops, bad daddy. Ally loves it, so I take her an Olivia on right after we get off. They both love it.

We get off and head towards Tom Sawyers Island. I notice they are loading the first ferry. I quick grab the photo equipment, but it looks like we are going to miss the first ferry. The Vacation Gods smile on us, and they allow us to get on the first ferry. The kids have a lot of fun exploring the island, especially shooting the rifles at the fort.

Ally is getting a bit upset that we haven’t found a paintbrush. I tell her not to let this spoil the fun, there aren’t that many available and our chances of finding them are pretty slim the longer we are here. We do a thorough job of exploring the island, but didn’t find a paint brush. Oh well. Time to head back.

We see a line and see Woody and Jessie. The line is pretty long, but I figure Diane and the kids can wait, and I will run ahead to get FP’s for the Jungle Cruise. I get back, and the line hasn’t moved much. We are told that Woody and Jessie will be taking a break soon. It’s going to be iffy to see them before they take a break. And of course the Vacation Gods have to make up for getting to walk on Thunder Railroad twice, and Woody and Jessie take a break just before our turn. We finally get to meet them, his little excursion has kind of wasted 45 minutes of our day.

We see that Pirates of the Caribbean has a 5 minute wait posted, so we ditch the stroller and head in to ride. After we get off we see Pirate Goofy, so we get in line. The Vacation Gods thought the whole go on break when we are next thing was pretty funny so they pull it again. Ugh. The kids get to meet Pirate Goofy, and they gave him a kiss on the nose.

I tried to find a PhotoPass photographer so I could get a magical pose with Captain Hook , but none are around.

We head up and ride the magic carpet ride. After this our time for the Jungle Cruise is ready, so we head in. Last time we were here would stood in line for 45 minutes for this ride since I didn’t know much about FP’s then. This wait is much better, we are on a boat in a couple of minutes.

After this it is time for the Dole Whip Meet. We head towards the Aloha Isle. When we get there the line is around the corner but not too long. Apparently this place operates at a very, very, very slow pace. It seems like it takes forever for us to get to the front, and the family in front of us is taking forever to decide what they want. Luckily, well it seemed lucky, another register opens and I’m next. Get the ice cream orders for the wife and kids, and ask for a Dole Whip. The CM asks me what I wanted again, so I said a Dole Whip. She looks confused, and I am thinking “HELLO, IT’S THE FIRST ITEM ON YOUR FRIKKEN MENU!!!” She asks what I want again, so I tell her, and she has to ask someone else what to do. UGH! She then has to waste time asking people how to make it. Should have just gotten ice cream. Well, we finally get our order, and can hang out for a little while talking to PRmamiDEdos and Tinkermom76.

We head over to the Grand Floridian to see the GingerBread House. This is something Diane really wanted to see. We check it out, check out the gift shop.

Went out front to check out the older vehicles.

Instead of riding the monorail all the way around again we decide to walk back to the Poly for a quick nap. Big mistake, the walk is longer than you think, especially pushing a double stroller while you are tired. We get back to the room and take a short nap before heading back to the park. Looks like MouseKeeping was playing with the toys again.

We head back to MK. We are a little behind so we go straight to the Liberty Tree Tavern for dinner. I love the way this meal is served family style, but they need bigger tables. It gets quite crowded with all that food. The dessert Apple Crisp and Vanilla Ice Cream is fantastic though. Loved it. By the time we finish the castle has been lit, so looks like we won’t get to watch the ceremony, but we got to watch from the Plaza Restaurant yesterday so I can’t complain.

We head towards the castle anyway, and see Tiana and Prince Naveen. We go to get in line but there is a rope across. The lady says the characters are on break but will be out at 6:35. This seems odd since I can see the characters but we get in line any way. It’s about 6:30. Finally at around 6:45 the characters take their break. This is getting me a bit annoyed. Finally at 6:55 a guy comes out and says Naveen and Tiana will be out in about 10 minutes.

ARE YOU KIDDING ME! The Party I paid a bunch of money for is starting in 5 minutes, so we get out of line. I was not a happy camper at this point. I think the walking is starting to wear me out.

Up next, MVMCP party.

 

[stephielela]

Liberty Tree is another one I have been considering. About how long would you say the meal took?

I'm interested to see how you feel about MVMCP

 

[Daddy_of_Princesses]

Liberty Tree is another one I have been considering. About how long would you say the meal took?

I'm interested to see how you feel about MVMCP

Great, make me rely on memory. I would say it took about 45 minutes to an hour. They bring the food out family style all at once.

I should get the MVMCP entry up today while watching football.

 

[Tinkermom76]

Are you the only one that didn't get a picture of our dismeet?????

You seemed to get a lot acomplished in the morning at MK. MVMCP days are usually pretty light on crowds.

We didn't get to see the castle lighting at all this trip but we saw it lots last trip so that's ok

Can't wait to hear about MVMCP

 

[Daddy_of_Princesses]

Liberty Tree is another one I have been considering. About how long would you say the meal took?

I'm interested to see how you feel about MVMCP

Great, make me rely on memory. I would say it took about 45 minutes to an hour. They bring the food out family style all at once.

I should get the MVMCP entry up today while watching football.

 

[Daddy_of_Princesses]

Are you the only one that didn't get a picture of our dismeet?????

You seemed to get a lot acomplished in the morning at MK. MVMCP days are usually pretty light on crowds.

We didn't get to see the castle lighting at all this trip but we saw it lots last trip so that's ok

Can't wait to hear about MVMCP

If standing in line waiting for a couple characters is an accomplishment, then yes I did. We did get quite a bit done though. I think the cold mornings kept people away. When do you walk onto Thunder Railroad twice in a row?
You are correct, I didn't get a picture of us from our DISMeet. You could always PM me your copy.
We did see the castle lighting, just not the ceremony. I'm sure I could find it on YouTube.

 

[annmarieda]

Looks like a great day!

What is this "looking for a paint brush"? I know that there is a lot to explore on Tom Sawyer's Island...but, I have never heard of that.

71 degree high of the day? Ok, that is good to hear. I wondered how you were going to eat a Dole Whip if it was cold out. brrrr. Speaking of Dole Whip... really?? If someone works at a place you would think they wouldn't be thrown when asked to make like on of the most POPULAR items on their menu. Maybe it was her first day... not just at that stand... but at Disney World. Otherwise, how would she not know what a dole whip was.

Love the pic of the gingerbread house. I will definitely be putting seeing that on my december to do list.

 

[Tinkermom76]

If standing in line waiting for a couple characters is an accomplishment, then yes I did. We did get quite a bit done though. I think the cold mornings kept people away. When do you walk onto Thunder Railroad twice in a row?
You are correct, I didn't get a picture of us from our DISMeet. You could always PM me your copy.
We did see the castle lighting, just not the ceremony. I'm sure I could find it on YouTube.

I emailed it to you

 

[Daddy_of_Princesses]

Looks like a great day!

What is this "looking for a paint brush"? I know that there is a lot to explore on Tom Sawyer's Island...but, I have never heard of that.

71 degree high of the day? Ok, that is good to hear. I wondered how you were going to eat a Dole Whip if it was cold out. brrrr. Speaking of Dole Whip... really?? If someone works at a place you would think they wouldn't be thrown when asked to make like on of the most POPULAR items on their menu. Maybe it was her first day... not just at that stand... but at Disney World. Otherwise, how would she not know what a dole whip was.

Love the pic of the gingerbread house. I will definitely be putting seeing that on my december to do list.

On Tom Sawyers Island the CM's hide up to 5 paint brushes. If you find one you can turn it in and they will give you FP's for everyone in your group. I think it is pretty well known now though. It seemed like everyone on the first raft across set out to find paint brushes. I was looking for them, but I also wanted to see the island so it wasn't a top priority.
The warm weather was a nice change. I chalk the CM not knowing what a Dole Whip up to the Vacation Gods once again messing around with me.
The GingerBread house is pretty cool. My lens must have had some water or something on it though. The pictures I took at the GF that day all have smudges in the same spots.

I emailed it to you

Got it. Thanks.
Here it is for anyone who isn't reading Tinkermom and PRmamiDEdos' TRs.

 

[Tinkermom76]

Got it. Thanks.
Here it is for anyone who isn't reading Tinkermom and PRmamiDEdos' TRs.

Man you are tall... or we are short

 

[annmarieda]

On Tom Sawyers Island the CM's hide up to 5 paint brushes. If you find one you can turn it in and they will give you FP's for everyone in your group. I think it is pretty well known now though. It seemed like everyone on the first raft across set out to find paint brushes. I was looking for them, but I also wanted to see the island so it wasn't a top priority.

See, I learn something new all the time. I can't believe how many times were were there early and just waited around for other people in our party to make it to the park. To think we could have been searching for a paint brush... Oh well...I am sure I will again be taking my dd alone at rope drop and waiting there again while other people get up and get going. Next time...we will make sure and look for a brush!

 

[Daddy_of_Princesses]

Tom Sawyers Island doens't open until 10, so you still have time to do some other stuff before heading over. We rode Big Thunder Railroad twice before heading over.

 

[Daddy_of_Princesses]

When we last left, I was not too happy about waiting for Tiana and Naveen and left. After all, this was the night of our MVMCP and we had been looking forward to this night.

When we first got into the park before dinner we got some pics in front of the tree, and turned around and got shots in front of the castle and MainStreet. I forgot them in the previous post, but added them here.

Magical Pose

After the Tiana and Naveen incident we went to the hub in front of the castle and got a good shot with the lit Castle behind us.

They had the castle blocked off for the shows, so we went back over the bridge and up the side way around the castle. I really wish I would have walked through Frontierland as I would have seen the Dwarves, and that would have been our first stop. My main goal early was to get pictures of characters you normally don’t get. We went towards Toon Town, and saw Pooh and Friends. We had already gotten pictures with them, so we skipped them and ventured down into Toon Town. I wanted to see the Princesses and their Princes. We were in luck, the line wasn’t too long. We got to see Auorora and Prince Phillip, Cinderella (3rd time) and Prince Charming, and Belle and the Beast. I would have preferred Snow White and the Snow Prince, but beggars can’t be choosy.

We decided against the Fairies since we had met some already, in hindsight, we probably should have went in. We might have gotten different ones, maybe even Terrence. We ventured out of Toon Town, and I asked a CM where I could find the Dwarves, and she said they were at the far end of FantasyLand past Peter Pan’s Magic Flight. I looked at my map, and it doesn’t have any indication that there are characters there. By the time we get there the line is very long. Ugh, ok, guess we will have to come back later.

By this time the high level plan I had going in was pretty much shot. I look at the map, and decide we would go to the character Dance party in Frontierland since we are right here. So we head towards it. Of course there is a wall of people because it is 8:00 and the first Parade is going to start in 15 minutes. If we go to the Dance Party we would be stuck over there until after the parade. So we turn around, and head towards TomorrowLand for the other Dance Party. Lots of walking, over an hour into the party and all we have done is seen some Princesses and Princes.

The kids had fun dancing with Pluto and Goofy. We hung out there for probably 15-20 minutes.

We head off to see the special merchandise available only for the party. I must say I was underwhelmed by the selections available. I saw a cool elf hat, too bad it didn’t fit my head. The T-Shirt is ok, but I would rather have a long sleeve t-shirt since it is Christmassy. The long Sleeve shirt was ok, but not really worth the price tag. I think it was $35. We leave the store with a throw that says Happy Holidays, and two brushes for the kids, no MVMCP stuff. I was a bit disappointed in this.

We then continue through TomorrowLand and get some cookies and Hot Cocoa. I don’t know what anybody else thought of them, but the cookies weren’t worth the price, yes I know they were free, and the Hot Cocoa was only luke warm.

I did take a picture of the cup though.

Oh well, it is getting close to 9, so we head to Main Street to find a spot to watch Wishes and the 2nd Parade.

We sat and watched wishes, and for once I actually watched something instead of taking pictures, so I apologize for not having any. The kids love watching the beginning when Tinkerbell flies from the Castle.
After Wishes it looks like half the people in the park leave. We settle in to watch the parade. I love Dinsey Parades, as a matter of fact the only one I ever really watch on tv is the Disney Christmas Parade. I loved this parade, hearing the Toy Soldiers feet stomping in unison is awesome.

I didn't get a good shot of the first float. It's a bit fuzzy. Here are some of the better shots though.

By this time everyone is getting pretty tired, and we are thinking of leaving after the parade. When the parade is over it seems like a second parade goes down Main Street as people head towards the exits. I figure the Monorail and water taxis will be packed so we decide to stick around and see if the line for the Dwarves is any smaller. Along the way we stop for another pic in front of the castle, but a bit to the left.

Ok, we get back to where the Dwarves and the line is just as long as it was before. Amazingly the line for Peter Pan’s ride is still huge too. Not sure why people would wait in line for this for so long during MVMCP.

We head back through FrontierLand to exit, but stop for some pics with the kids in shackles.

We stop on the bridge to watch the show in front of the Castle. After that we head back to the resort since we are all exhausted, it’s been a long day. We never did get back to the character dance party in FrontierLand, and didn't see the show in TomorrowLand. The Party was a lot of fun for us, but since it was Sold Out, it was a bit crowded. Someone else mentioned doing two parties, and this would definitely be a good strategy. My only regret is not knowing in advance where the Dwarves would be. I would have went there at 6:30 instead of waiting for Tiana and Naveen. I would also go to the party earlier in the vacation, or not do anything the day of.

We get back to the room, and it’s after midnight. I set the alarms, the one in the room as well as the cell phone. Tomorrow we go back to EPCOT to tour the Countries.

 

[stephielela]

I completely agree about the party and not having enough time to do everything. I had that same feeling at MNSSHP in Spetember, so I knew it would be even worse for MVMCP since we went on the last day which was also sold out. Jack isn't big into characters yet, and he had already seen Buzz in the morning anyways, so we didn't do any characters at MVMCP, but we still didn't get as much accomplished as I would have liked. Going to 2 parties would be ideal, but paying for 2 is not.

 

[Tinkermom76]

Not doing anything the day of a party is a smart thing to do and one rule I never seem to follow.

Planning has started for next year and I actually have a resort day planned for the day I want to do the Halloween party, so maybe I have learned my lesson

I still have not seen the shows at MVMCP, I will have to get back there at Christmas again one year

 

[Daddy_of_Princesses]

I completely agree about the party and not having enough time to do everything. I had that same feeling at MNSSHP in Spetember, so I knew it would be even worse for MVMCP since we went on the last day which was also sold out. Jack isn't big into characters yet, and he had already seen Buzz in the morning anyways, so we didn't do any characters at MVMCP, but we still didn't get as much accomplished as I would have liked. Going to 2 parties would be ideal, but paying for 2 is not.

I need a buy one get on free deal for MVMCP. Actually, if I had gotten the Dwarves, I probably would hve went to the FrontierLand Dance party, then went back to the Princesses. The line might not have been much different. Oh well, maybe next time, whenever that will be.

 

[stephielela]

Even if it was a 50% discount for the second parties...

 

[jenseib]

So the Dole Whip girl didn't know what a Dole whip was? LOL! I would've made a least a few sarcastics comments to her. How can she not know where she was working.

It seems most peoples MVMCP's were a lot like yours...rushed. It sounds like a lot of them were very crowded this year as well. I still want to give it a try someday.

 

[exwdwcm]

I am laughing too that the dole whip CM was clueless. wow! how frustrating!

I love the girls red shirts at MVMCP- those are so cute. they looked like they were really having a ball with all of the princesses, they have HUGE smiles on their faces.

Okay, your pic of Ariel at CRT-does she have an odd look on her face, or is that just me? lol

on the paint brushes- sorry you guys didn't find one, DH and i tried this on a trip one august when it was just the two of us. we were on the first boat over too and determined to win! we looked all over that stupid island and didn't find a thing. We finally gave up and headed back, but the CM felt bad for us and gave us a free FP we could use at Splash or Thunder anyways! score! I need to take Will over to the island in October, we skipped it this trip. your pics reminded me how much fun it is!

Sorry the MVMCp was so crowded, ours ended up being sold out too. I had read that the dwarves are really popular, it is the only place and time of year you can get them all together apparently? So they say to line up before the party starts even for them!

 

[Daddy_of_Princesses]

Even if it was a 50% discount for the second parties...

That would work for me too. Of course every party would sell out, or they would increase the number of tickets which would make it more crowded.

So the Dole Whip girl didn't know what a Dole whip was? LOL! I would've made a least a few sarcastics comments to her. How can she not know where she was working.

It seems most peoples MVMCP's were a lot like yours...rushed. It sounds like a lot of them were very crowded this year as well. I still want to give it a try someday.

I wasn't a happy camper dealing with the CM, but looking back it does make a funny story.

I think part of the problem with MVMCP's is most people haven't been there, and get overwhelmed by everything. If I went to another one I would probably enjoy it more knowing what I can accomplish and what I can't and plan accordingly instead of trying to see it all, then missing stuff.

I am laughing too that the dole whip CM was clueless. wow! how frustrating!

I love the girls red shirts at MVMCP- those are so cute. they looked like they were really having a ball with all of the princesses, they have HUGE smiles on their faces.

Okay, your pic of Ariel at CRT-does she have an odd look on her face, or is that just me? lol

on the paint brushes- sorry you guys didn't find one, DH and i tried this on a trip one august when it was just the two of us. we were on the first boat over too and determined to win! we looked all over that stupid island and didn't find a thing. We finally gave up and headed back, but the CM felt bad for us and gave us a free FP we could use at Splash or Thunder anyways! score! I need to take Will over to the island in October, we skipped it this trip. your pics reminded me how much fun it is!

Sorry the MVMCp was so crowded, ours ended up being sold out too. I had read that the dwarves are really popular, it is the only place and time of year you can get them all together apparently? So they say to line up before the party starts even for them!

Glad you can laugh at my misfortune.

I loved those shirts too. Those were the shirts that they only had in 1 size at World of Disney, but I found different sizes at the Christmas shop. Go figure.

Once I realized that everyone, ok well probably not everyone, but most of the people on the first boat went with the intention of finding paint brushes, I chalked our chances up to nil, and concentrated on enjoying the island.

My only complaint about the Dwarves is they aren't shown on the Map as a character greeting spot. The only two on the map are at the entrance of Toon Town and in Toon Town itself. So naturally I went there first. I know better for next time, but that won't be for quite some time.